Australia spent some $24 million directly and diverted hundreds of millions in foreign aid to gain the right to play in the same room with the five permanent members of the Security Council as a backward African nation with about half our population and a reputation for supporting a rebellion in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Since the Delhi International Arts Festival made its debut in December 2007, this multi-art multi-venue annual gala, conceived and organised by the Prasiddha Foundation, has become one of the most accessible, innovative and exciting cultural gatherings in the capital. Over the years, it has taken the shape of an umbrella festival for several short duration events as well. This year’s line-up has artists from all corners of the globe.

The latest weapon in this country’s ideological war with Iran arrived in an armada of jets from California, accompanied by a private security force, dazzling pyrotechnics and a wardrobe that consisted of sequins and not much else.

Japanese Foreign Minister Genba Koichiro set off to visit Britain, France and Germany on Oct. 15, 2012. It is said that he will elaborate on Japan's attitude and stance and seek "understanding" from the international community on the Diaoyu Islands issue during the visit since he believes that the three countries exert great influence on world opinions. This is merely a part of Japan's moves to launch public opinions against China on the Diaoyu Islands issue.

The visit by Russian deputy prime minister Dmitry Rogozin to New Delhi last week rounded off the series of high-level consultations on the substantive issues of cooperation that are expected to figure at the summit. A week earlier, Russian defence minister Anatoly Serdyukov had visited Delhi to discuss the finalisation of multi-billion dollar worth new contracts for purchase of Russian weaponry by India.

Federal Commerce Minister Makhdoom Amin Fahim said on Friday the government was trying for better market access for local businesses in international markets by concluding FTAs and PTAs with a number of countries through active trade diplomacy. He was speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Friday. Issues which came under discussion included: under-invoicing, duty on raw materials from India, decline in leather export ban on export of poultry to Afghanistan.

AN American musician, Leon Mobley says cultural exchange programmes are vital among artistes because they enrich culture. Mobley, who was in the country to hold workshops with Zambian musicians, said sharing experiences helps musicians learn from each other and develop their mind with new ideas.

Viet Nam and Bulgaria will boost their burgeoning friendship with a cultural exchange programme in 2013, which will see each country host culture weeks devoted to the other. Viet Nam‘s culture minister Hoang Tuan Anh confirmed the plans following a meeting with Bulgaria's visiting Deputy Prime Minister, Simeon Djankov, on Thursday.