COVID-19 cases surpass 500,000 in Myanmar

He highlighted India's role as a "first responder" for the Maldives, emphasising that India's support during critical periods has been fundamental to the stability and security of the island nation.

The vote counting for the March 5 election in Nepal's House of Representatives has concluded late Wednesday, with Nepal's Election Commission (EC) making final preparations for the official announcement of results.

With counting completed in 164 out of the total 165 constituencies, RSP has won 125 seats with Nepali Congress has secured 18 seats while the CPN-UML has won nine constituencies. The Nepali Communist Party has secured seven seats under the FPTP category.

Balen Shah's RSP is heading for a landslide victory in Nepal's parliamentary polls, leading in 98 seats and winning 19. Shah holds a massive lead over veteran KP Sharma Oli, as the RSP nears a simple majority, with party leaders eyeing a two-third majority of 186 seats.

EAM S Jaishankar stated that the era of "big deals" between dominant powers is over, as multipolarity is now an irreversible reality. He argued that the Global South is defined by shared historical experiences, while noting a growing "differentiation" within the previously unified Global West.

The University of Chicago has honoured Professor Krishnamurthy V. Subramanian with the Alumni Award for Professional Achievement. He is the first Indian economist to receive the 85-year-old distinction, recognised for his "landmark" policy work and leadership in India during the COVID-19 crisis and global economic uncertainty.

Opening his remarks, he said, "The subject is quite enriching. There is an old Sanskrit is saying 'Prakriti Rakshit Rakshita' which means nature protects when protected." He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic reinforced this principle, adding, "An example of the same was given by Dr Viva during the covid time and I must say that while framing this session is what exactly right when we talk about how the wetlands the forest catchments close the run up of the floods the mangroves protect it is necessary to understand how such solution can be scaled in a sustainabale mod so that they thrive using the overall public budget."

The pace of growth was highest since 2010, second consecutive year of growth.

The news outlet reported that the vote count was complicated, with various justices joining different parts of the opinion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged global cooperation at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, calling AI a major opportunity for humanity. He stressed "right action" and timely decisions, invoked Lord Buddha's teachings, and cited COVID-19 collaboration as proof that collective efforts can address global challenges effectively.