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The article focuses on speech delivered by U.S. President Donald Trump in Asia using the term "Indo-Pacific" instead of "Asia-Pacific," which has been used most often by previous American administrations. Topics discussed include rationale behind the term "Indo-Pacific" arose from economic and security developments; China's economic rise led to enhanced military power and assertiveness; and China's Belt and Road Initiative expected to contribute to economic integration of Indian Ocean region.

Introduction: Clonidine is used with local anaesthetics to improve analgesia. However, the improvement conferred when clonidine is used together with ropivacaine is controversial. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the improvement in analgesia when clonidine is used together with ropivacaine for supraclavicular brachial plexus block.Methods: This was a prospective, randomised, double-blind controlled study. A total of 75 patients who were scheduled to undergo supraclavicular block were randomly assigned into three groups (i.e. clonidine, lignocaine and control groups) of 25. Patients in all three groups received 20 mL of 0.75% ropivacaine. In addition to that, patients in the clonidine group received 1 mL of clonidine (150 μg) plus 9 mL of saline, patients in the lignocaine group received 10 mL of 2% lignocaine with adrenaline (1:200,000), and patients in the control group received 10 mL of saline. The characteristics of anaesthesia and analgesia for these three groups were assessed.Results: The addition of 2% lignocaine with adrenaline to ropivacaine led to earlier onset of the sensory block (by 4.88 mins), but no increase in the duration of analgesia when compared to analgesia using ropivacaine alone. The addition of clonidine to ropivacaine led to earlier onset of sensory and motor blocks (by 2.88 mins and 3.28 mins, respectively), as well as an increased duration of sensory and motor blocks (by 222.64 mins and 192.92 mins, respectively) when compared to analgesia using ropivacaine alone. The total duration of analgesia was increased by 208.24 mins with clonidine when compared to analgesia using ropivacaine alone. There were no significant differences in sedation score and no side effects in all three groups.Conclusion: When compared to the use of ropivacaine alone, the addition of 150 μg clonidine to ropivacaine for brachial plexus block achieved earlier analgesic onset and improved duration of analgesia, without unwanted side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complex and amorphous threats confront India's security environment in its maritime East. India has very high stakes in the Bay of Bengal and its adjoining seas. The confluence of vital sea lines makes this region one of great strategic relevance to other powers as well. This translates into both challenges and opportunities for India. The Andaman & Nicobar archipelago had long been perceived as India's key vulnerability due to its remote location and a history of some of its islands 'slipping away' from the Indian dominion. Such wariness may be unfounded in the present times. Appropriate measures have been taken to strengthen its defence. The island chain can now play a greater role towards securing India's vital interests in the East beyond merely protecting itself. To achieve this, India needs to adopt a two-fold approach — first, augment its intrinsic capabilities, and second, actively engage its maritime neighbours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proliferation of WMDs is a grave threat to mankind, be it their flow to ‘irresponsible states’ or to terrorists. Charged by its perception of vulnerability, the US has initiated the Proliferation Security Initiative; seeking involvement of ‘key’ states for interdiction of ‘suspect ships’ at sea. In its present form, PSI is contrary to the principle of ‘Freedom of the Seas’. Further, its operational efficacy is doubtful and it has an escalatory potential. However, bilateral arrangements as an extension of PSI may lawfully supplement global non‐proliferation efforts. A ‘larger’ comprehensive solution lies in greater UN involvement and segregation of the threats. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]