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Far and Wide | July 2024 (II)

This week’s headline features a story from Asia: Singapore seeks to establish a trade route with Eurasia through the Chabahar port, managed by India under a 10-year contract. This initiative aims to connect Southeast Asia and Central Asia, enhancing regional trade and transit. Leveraging its FTA with the Eurasian Economic Union and significant investments in Kazakhstan, Singapore plans to boost connectivity. The collaboration promises strengthened trade links and improved supply chain security.
 
Europe: Microsoft's $13 billion investment in OpenAI is under scrutiny by the EU's antitrust regulators, who are investigating the exclusive use of Microsoft’s cloud technology by OpenAI and potential anti-competitive effects. This inquiry follows similar investigations by the US Federal Trade Commission and the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority.

North America:  The U.S. and India are collaborating to hold Russia accountable for its actions in Ukraine, emphasizing shared goals of preventing conflict spread and promoting global stability. Ambassador Eric Garcetti, US Ambassador to India highlighted the strong strategic partnership and India's humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.

South America: India is negotiating with African and Latin American countries to secure critical mineral blocks essential for clean energy technologies. Domestically, India has auctioned its first lithium block in Chhattisgarh, with plans for further exploration and production.
 
Asia: Singapore is pursuing a trade route with Eurasia via the India-managed Chabahar port, aiming to boost connectivity with Central Asia and enhance regional trade. This initiative leverages Singapore's FTA with the Eurasian Economic Union and significant investments in Kazakhstan.
 
Australia:  Philip Green, Australia's High Commissioner to India, has identified India as a promising investment destination, particularly in the green energy sector, highlighting Australia's strategic focus on collaborating with India in the green energy supply chain. This comes as Australian companies increase their investments in India's hydrogen, solar, and wind energy industries.

Africa: Alef Education, KICD, and UNICEF have signed an MOU to integrate climate change education into Kenya’s public-school curriculum, leveraging digital platforms to equip learners with essential knowledge and skills. This partnership aims to foster climate awareness and action, contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 13.Read Now!