Morning Digest | Imran Khan loses majority after key partner sides with Opposition; PM Modi moots free trade agreement for BIMSTEC, and more
The Hindu
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Imran Khan loses majority after key partner sides with Opposition
Pakistan’s embattled Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday effectively lost majority in Parliament after a key partner of the ruling coalition joined the ranks of the Opposition, which has tabled a no-confidence motion against his government in the National Assembly. The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), a key ally of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-led coalition government, with its seven members announced that it has parted ways with the government during a joint press conference of the opposition parties here.
PM Modi moots free trade agreement for BIMSTEC
India will be the “security pillar” of the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation), an official of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Wednesday at the conclusion of the grouping’s summit in Colombo. Addressing the meeting virtually, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for strengthening the BIMSTEC and welcomed the unveiling of the Charter of the organisation that connects the littoral countries of the Bay of Bengal.
Blinken calls Jaishankar to discuss worsening humanitarian situation in Ukraine
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday spoke with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to review regional priorities, worsening humanitarian situation in Ukraine and to promote free and open Indo-Pacific, his spokesperson said. The two leaders spoke “to review regional priorities, including the worsening humanitarian situation in Ukraine and our shared efforts to promote a free, open, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, in which the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states is respected,” State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said.
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Israel and allies denounce ICC arrest warrants for Netanyahu, while Turkey and rights groups welcome the move.
Trump nominates Pam Bondi as Attorney General after Matt Gaetz withdraws amid sex trafficking allegations.