11 APRIL 2016

Ø  Alarmed that an increasing number of young people are being radicalised by the Islamic State (IS) through online videos and social media groups, the Union government will come up with a “national social media policy” to counter the cyber-threat.

Ø  Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom arrived here on Sunday on a two-day visit during which he will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on ways to expand cooperation between the two countries, particularly in areas of trade, investment and maritime security. Mr. Gayoom is accompanied by a delegation including Minister of Foreign Affairs Dunya Maumoon, Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture Mohamed Shainee and three members of the Maldivian Parliament. The two sides would also ink a number of agreements to bolster bilateral engagement. Mr. Gayoom will also call on President Pranab Mukherjee. India and the Maldives commemorated 50 years of diplomatic relations last year. President Gayoom’s first state visit after assuming office was to India in January 2014.

Ø  The U.S. is now more open to a larger role for India in Afghanistan, partly due to its frustration over Pakistan’s failure or unwillingness to deliver on the promises it has been making with regard to the peace process. U.S. Defence Secretary Ash Carter’s visit to India emphasises the partnership between the countries, but a less-discussed visit last week to New Delhi, of U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Olson, indicates fresh U.S. thinking on India’s role in Afghanistan, according to diplomatic sources.