Janata Dal (United) leader and former Rajya Sabha MP KC Tyagi on Tuesday announced his decision to quit the party, ANI reported. The development comes a day after JD(U) chief and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was elected to the Rajya Sabha from the state. Kumar
The Uttar Pradesh Board of Secondary Education (UPMSP) is set to commence the evaluation process for the classes 10th and 12th examinations starting tomorrow, March 18. Over 54 lakh students had appeared for the examination this year. After the evaluation of UP Board exam papers is complete
Meta Platforms shares rose nearly 3% on Monday after a Reuters report that the social media giant plans to lay off 20% or more of its workforce to offset heavy spending on artificial intelligence and bet on productivity gains from the technology. If Meta settles on the 20% figure
AB de Villiers has proposed that MS Dhoni should elevate his batting position within the Chennai Super Kings lineup. On another note, Anil Kumble has endorsed the idea of integrating Sanju Samson into the team's leadership structure, praising his stellar form and rapport with supporters
Oncologist explains why women are more likely to get thyroid cancer, shares 5 warning signs: Voice changes, lump in neckHear from an oncologist on why women are more vulnerable to this type of cancer than men, and what are some signs that can help one stay alert. Published on: Mar 17
PM Modi's Historic Ethiopia Visit Paves The Way For India To Host BRICS

Building The Global South: PM Modi's Historic Ethiopia Visit Paves The Way For India To Host BRICS In 2026
India and Ethiopia strengthened bilateral ties as PM Modi met Abiy Ahmed Ali. Know the impact on the Global South, BRICS 2026, and new solar initiatives.
The two-day state visit to Ethiopia by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, on December 16-17, is a pivotal moment in the "Africa Outreach" strategy espoused by the country. Indeed, the Prime Minister's presence in Addis Ababa makes it the first time an Indian Prime Minister has set foot in the country in the past 15 years.
This follows his visits to Jordan and Oman as part of his three-countrytour. This is an indicator of how important Ethiopia is becoming now that it is one of the members of BRICS.
Add Zee News as a Preferred Source
With Ethiopia becoming a formal member of BRICS in January 2024, the dialogue between PM Modi and Ethiopian Premier Abiy Ahmed Ali holds immense multilateral significance.
2026 Presidency: India will take over the presidency of BRICS in 2026. The topics to be covered during this discussion may include reforms within the UN, security at a regional level, and integration of the "Global South" voice on the international platform.
Support for Inclusion: India was one of the most important actors in promoting Ethiopian inclusion in the body, recognizing it as a significant step towards increasing African presence.
India's Ambassador, Anil Kumar Rai, said that "Both countries are important partners in dealing with international issues and regional agendas of Brics level."
One of the major highlights of the visit is the expansion of the International Solar Alliance (ISA). Plans are that several initiatives supported by the ISA will be launched in Ethiopia to address energy poverty.
Solar Projects: Some proposals in this sector are solar rooftops, solar connectivity on a regional level, and solar pumps.
Technology & Cyber: Other topics that will be discussed in the conference will include Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), cybersecurity, and the mining industry.
Agriculture: The fact that 80% of Ethiopians rely on agriculture makes this aspect an integral element in bilateral arrangements. This is underpinned by modern methods and food security.
Today, India is Ethiopia's second-largest trading partner with a strong economic presence in Ethiopia, which is steadily increasing.
Trade Volume: Total trade value for the bilateral relationship during FY 2023-24 stood at $571.52 million. This trade volume consists largely of exports from the Indian
Investment: More than 650 Indian companies have secured investments of over $5 billion, which have generated huge employment in the textile and manufacturing sectors in Ethiopia.
Development Assistance: One of Africa's largest recipients of Indian concessional loans is Ethiopia, with more than $1 billion approved for projects in sugar manufacturing, rail links, and rural electrification schemes.
It is grounded in a diaspora of shared past and a provenance of educational exchange. The Teaching Legacy: For many years, Indian teachers have been a familiar face within the Ethiopian education system, including the remotest provinces. Currently, there are about 150 Indian faculty members employed by Ethiopian universities. Cultural Reception:
A cultural reception organized by the 25,000-member strong Indian diaspora community awaits PM Modi, consisting of songs and poems that commemorate the rich heritage that both countries share.
ALSO READ | Delhi AQI Today: Toxic Smog Engulfs Anand Vihar & AIIMS; Bawana And Mundka Near 'Severe' Levels—See Full Area-Wise List
Source: ZeeNews
Related Posts: Met Gala 2026 theme unveiled ahead of opening of The Met’s new fashion galleries India strengthened democracy through people-centric policies Organisation Must Be Strengthened PM Modi To Visit Bhutan On November 11–12 To Boost Bilateral Ties PM Modi’s Malaysia visit to mark new phase in bilateral ties Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri In Nepal To Boost Bilateral Ties Russian allies Belarus and Iran agree to boost bilateral defense ties From Bilateral Ties To TikTok Deal Border peace crucial for positive momentum in bilateral ties No bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan
New Renault Duster: Renault has launched the all-new Duster in India at a starting price of Rs 10.49 lakh. The top-end variant goes up to Rs 18.49 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi. 2026 Renault Duster: Renault has launched the all-new Duster in India at a starting price of Rs 10.49 lakh
3 hours ago
Sourav Ganguly joins TMC rumours: Sourav Ganguly has officially quashed rumours of his political entry ahead of West Bengal's upcoming Assembly elections. His office stated these claims are entirely baseless. Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India is implementing robust
3 hours ago
Mumbai man says plumber earns ₹18 LPA, owns house and car: 'Contemplating my life choices'The plumber explained how he earns from multiple societies where he regularly handles plumbing work. Updated on: Mar 17, 2026 5:48 PM IST By Bhavya Sukheja Share via Copy link A Reddit post claiming that a
3 hours ago
Former MP KC Tyagi quits JD(U)His exit comes amid shifting political currents within the JD(U) and its alliances, and is being viewed in political circles as an indication of possible churn within the party’s senior leadership Published on: Mar 17, 2026 6:01 PM IST By Sanjeev K Jha
3 hours ago
Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri shared a decades-long friendship and creative partnership, marked by unwavering loyalty, mutual respect, and a shared passion for authentic, groundbreaking cinema. In the memoirs of Indian cinema, few friendships have been as legendary as that of Naseeruddin Shah and
3 hours ago
The controversy surrounding the song ‘Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke’ from the Kannada movie KD: The Devil, featuring Nora Fatehi and Sanjay Dutt, continues to intensify. After the song’s lyrical video went viral on social media, many netizens and celebrities slammed the song’s ‘vulgar’ lyrics
3 hours ago
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will contest from Bhabanipur. She faces BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari in a key electoral battle. The Trinamool Congress has released its candidate list for all 294 seats. The upcoming elections are crucial for Banerjee's political future
3 hours ago
A number of festivals are lined up this week, including Eid-ul-Fitr, Chaitra Navratri and Gudi Padwa. As Muslims and Hindus alike look forward to these auspicious festivals, preparations are in full swing to mark the celebrations this year. This week’s festivities begin with Gudi Padwa and
3 hours ago
Joan Laporta was reelected as the president of FC Barcelona for another five years after winning a leadership vote among members of the Spanish soccer powerhouse. Shortly after midnight in Barcelona, the club announced Laporta had won. His only rival, Víctor Font
3 hours ago
The Odisha Congress on Tuesday suspended three of its MLAs for defying the party whip during the recently held Rajya Sabha elections, in a move aimed at enforcing discipline within the party. The suspended legislators — Ramesh Jena, Sofia Firdous and Dasarathi Gamang — were accused of
3 hours ago
US President Donald Trump was cautioned ahead of military action against Iran that Tehran could retaliate against American allies in the Gulf, according to officials familiar with US intelligence assessments. Sources said pre-war briefings had identified Iranian retaliation as a likely scenario
3 hours ago
Akshay Kumar opens up about spooky incident at home: ‘My son pointed at nothing and asked someone to leave…’As he returns to the horror-comedy genre, Akshay Kumar spoke about an eerie experience that once left him shaken Published on: Mar 17
3 hours ago
“Micro dreaming games" are trending on social media, with many claiming they help anxious minds and people with insomnia fall asleep faster. The idea is gaining popularity largely because of how simple it sounds. For anyone who has spent hours staring at the ceiling
3 hours ago
FM Sitharaman’s remarks come amid broader discussions on financial sector health, where overall MSME NPAs remain lower at around 3.6 per cent as of March 2025, compared to Mudra-specific figures. New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has reaffirmed the transformative role of the Pradhan
3 hours ago
The liver is one of the most vital organs in the human body. From digesting the food we eat to filtering toxins from the blood, it performs hundreds of essential functions that keep the body running smoothly. However, modern lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits have led to a rise in serious
3 hours ago
Vivo T5x 5G Price In India: The smartphone supports 5G, Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi, GPS, BeiDou, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and a USB Type-C port. The phone also includes sensors like an accelerometer, ambient light sensor, e-compass, gyroscope, and proximity sensor
3 hours ago
Mustard oil is one of those kitchen staples you rarely question. It sits on the shelf, gets heated till it smokes, and finds its way into everything from tadkas to pickles. But lately, there’s been a growing unease around what exactly is going into that bottle
3 hours ago
The National Investigation Agency has arrested seven foreign citizens on charges of conspiring to carry out terrorist activities against India, ThePrint reported on Monday. While six of them are Ukrainians, one is from the United States, The Indian Express reported
3 hours ago
As West Bengal gears up for assembly elections, the Trinamool Congress announced its candidate list, a critical exercise to maintain dominance after 15 years. The party focused on balancing experience with youth, analyzing local equations and feedback to counter anti-incumbency and ensure
3 hours ago
Eid is a time of celebration, togetherness, and sharing delicious food with loved ones. This festive season, add a special touch to your Eid table with flavorful and nourishing recipes made with nuts, offering the perfect balance of taste, tradition, and festive indulgence
3 hours ago
China announced emergency humanitarian assistance for Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq, aiming to alleviate the severe humanitarian crisis in the region. The foreign ministry expressed deep sympathy for affected populations, emphasizing the ongoing conflict's devastating impact
3 hours ago
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had arrested seven foreign nationals, six Ukrainians and one American for allegedly providing terrorist training to insurgent groups in Myanmar to carry out attacks in northeast India. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had a major breakthrough on March
3 hours ago
If you love Korean cuisine, these K-dramas are a must-watchIf you love to savour Korean cuisines, these K-dramas featuring food as the main character are definitely a must-watch. Updated on: Mar 17, 2026 5:14 PM IST By Anukriti Srivastava Share via Copy link Korean dramas have taken the world by
3 hours ago
A 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Cuba early on Tuesday (March 17, 2026), the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said. The quake hit at a depth of 11.6 kilometers (7.2 miles) about 49 kilometers south-southwest of Cuba's easternmost municipality of Maisi at 12:28 a.m.
3 hours ago
In the third week of the joint US-Israeli war against Iran, Donald Trump faces decisions that could define the rest of his presidency. But if the American commander-in-chief is grappling with a war of choice that seems in danger of spiralling in ways he can't control
3 hours ago
‘I want Nayanthara’: AIADMK MP remarks while criticising Stalin at women safety rally stokes controversyWhile participating in the party's protest against the DMK dispensation in Villupuram , Shanmugam, a former state minister remarked "I want Nayanthara''. Published on: Mar 17
3 hours ago
All Indian Cine Workers Association demands ban on Nora Fatehi song Sarke Chunar, FIR against producersThe All Indian Cine Workers Association has said that songs such as Sarke Chunar with vulgar and double-meaning content is unacceptable in Indian cinema. Mar 17, 2026
3 hours ago