This week’s headline features a story from Asia:

India and Japan have set an ambitious investment goal of ¥5 trillion ($42 billion) by 2027, as announced by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during the Quad ministerial meeting in Tokyo. Jaishankar highlighted significant infrastructure growth and economic progress driven by Japanese companies in India, emphasizing future collaboration in high-tech and green sectors.

Europe: HMD Global strengthens India as its manufacturing hub, and plans smartphone exports to Europe and the US, with a goal to double exports to 4 million units by 2025, driven by supportive government policies and a focus on 5G-enabled devices.

North America:  As part of a $3.1 billion deal for 31 MQ-9B Predator drones, the US proposes consultancy to expedite India's development of indigenous UAVs, with the Defence Acquisition Council set to discuss the proposal, enhancing military capabilities and indigenization under Rajnath Singh.

South America: Thousands protested across Venezuela, alleging fraud in President Nicolas Maduro's contested electoral victory, leading to at least 11 deaths and widespread unrest amid calls for transparency and international scrutiny.

Asia: India and Japan aim for a ¥5 trillion investment by 2027, announced during the Quad ministerial meeting in Tokyo, underscoring deepening economic ties and future collaboration in high-speed rail, semiconductors, AI, EVs, and green energy.

Australia:  Australia and India are strengthening ties with an interim free trade agreement to enhance cooperation in critical minerals, particularly lithium and cobalt, crucial for clean energy technologies, aiming to reduce reliance on China's dominant supply chains.

Africa: The Taplow Group in India is expanding its Philanthropy & Not-for-Profit Practice across Asia and Africa to enhance social impact, focusing on identifying visionary leaders for sustainable development.