#india-pakistan standoff

[wikipediapictures]

2001-2002 India-Pakistan standoff

#2001-2002 india-pakistan standoff #india-pakistan standoff #military standoff #political standoff #wikipedia #wikipedia pictures #standoff #india #pakistan #low earth orbit #iss photography #international space station #indus river valley #karachi

[metamatar]

check this bullshit out lmao

You guys are bringing me like rotten food, like im a baby vulture or something.

I love how India is not forcibly occupying Kashmir bc its perfectly normal to switch off the internet for years and arrest all democratically elected leaders and dissolve parliament when you're not an ovcupying force. I've never seen anyone claim Hinduism is responsible for the rise of Nazism, only point to how much Savarkar admired Hitler and Mussolini and its a pity that Jewish folk are seeing solidarity with a Hindutva movement that is fundamentally unconcerned about that. Do they know the RSS apes Nazi salutes and aesthetics?

I do love the Brahmins don't have any institutional power line and the upper caste/lower caste division is made up by white people stuff, bc it is the most blatant way to be sure this person has no real familiarity with Indian culture or history outside of like propaganda, because like, all Hindu texts enshrine the moral, legal and cultural superiority of Brahminism. Why does Eklavya the archer have this thumb cut off for daring to study archery in the Mahabharata? What does it mean that lower caste children cannot drink or eat at the same tables as upper caste children even in India's best universities exactly? Anti semitism has real roots in the history of Western civilization, from ghettos to the holocaust, permitting its association with the made up logic of Hinduphobia – which doesn't exist in India and outside of India is just plain racism is terrible. Upper caste supremacy is the bread and butter and organizing principle of Indian society for centuries, Hindutva politics dominates every single cultural sphere in India.

I also like that the Israel/Palestine is cast into India/Pakistan despite the fact Pakistan is a soverign nuclear armed state that is rapidly destabilizing at the moment due to US influence that India has very little to do with it. Most Pakistanis are also unaffected by India, in that India does not actually occupy Pakistan and enforce apartheid on its citizens despite right wing fantasies. Pakistan and India gets in standoffs with each other! The most significant amount of Kashmiri organising is for Azad Kashmir. Pakistan occupied Kashmir deserves to be free too.

#cw: zionism #cw: islamophobia #cw: hindutva #hindutva zionism alliances

[swamyworld]

Nuclear War, India-Pakistan, China-America, Israel and Iran... Is the world moving towards nuclear war? Understand the danger - asia and west asia plays with fire as nuclear war safety net frays

Beijing: The standoff between many of the world’s major military powers is creating a significant risk of geopolitical instability throughout West Asia and Asia. On one hand, Israel and Iran are launching missile attacks on each other in the Gulf. On the other hand, India and Pakistan are engaged in a rocket arms race in South Asia. For the first time since the Cold War, the US has deployed…

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[livesanskrit]

Send from Sansgreet Android App. Sanskrit greetings app from team @livesanskrit .

It's the first Android app for sending @sanskrit greetings. Download app from https://livesanskrit.com/sansgreet

Pulwama attack

The 2019 Pulwama attack occurred on 14 February 2019, when a convoy of vehicles carrying Indian security personnel on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway was attacked by a vehicle-borne suicide bomber at Lethapora (near Awantipora) in the Pulwama district of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. The attack killed 40 Indian Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel as well as the perpetrator—Adil Ahmad Dar—who was a local Kashmiri youth from the Pulwama district. The responsibility for the attack was claimed by the Pakistan-based Islamist terrorist group, Jaish-e-Mohammed. India blamed neighbouring Pakistan for the attack, while the latter condemned the attack and denied having any connections to it. The attack dealt a severe blow to India–Pakistan relations, consequently resulting in the 2019 India–Pakistan military standoff.

#sansgreet #sanskritgreetings #greetingsinsanskrit #sanskritquotes #sanskritthoughts #emergingsanskrit #sanskrittrends #trendsinsanskrit #livesanskrit #sanskritlanguage #sanskritlove #sanskritdailyquotes #sanskritdailythoughts #sanskrit #resanskrit #pulwamaattack #pulwama #terroristattack #attack #crpf #Indianarmy #adgpi #crpfjawans #indianforces #suicideattack #carbombing #indianmilitary #martyrs #jaijawan #celebratingsanskrit

#greetingsinsanskrit #sanskritgreetings #sanskrittrends #trendsinsanskrit #livesanskrit #sanskrit #celebratingsanskrit #incredibleindia #kerala #indianarmy

[superbpersonexpert]

INDIAN DEFENCE & NAVY

Name: Sangara vignesh R

Department: B. A Defence studies

Email I'd: [email protected]

Register number: 2121K0037

                       INDIAN DEFENSE 

Indian defense is a multifaceted and critical aspect of the nation's security, encompassing a wide range of military, strategic, and diplomatic efforts to safeguard its sovereignty and protect its interests. In this 1000-word overview, we will delve into the key components of India's defense posture, its historical context, and the contemporary challenges it faces. 

Historical Perspective:

India's defense has evolved over centuries, shaped by its historical experiences, conflicts, and colonial legacy. The country's ancient history includes examples of well-organized military structures and strategies. However, the British colonial rule significantly influenced the formation of modern Indian defense institutions and practices. India gained independence in 1947, and the partition of British India led to the creation of India and Pakistan, setting the stage for a complex regional security environment.

The Armed Forces:

India maintains one of the world's largest and most capable military forces. Its Armed Forces comprise the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force, each with specific roles and responsibilities. The Indian Army is the largest of these, responsible for land-based operations, border defense, and disaster relief. The Indian Navy guards maritime interests and secures sea lanes, while the Indian Air Force provides aerial defense and support.

Nuclear Capabilities:

India is one of the few countries possessing a credible nuclear deterrent. It conducted its first successful nuclear tests in 1998, making it a nuclear-armed state. India adheres to a "no first use" policy, committing not to use nuclear weapons unless first attacked by an adversary.

Border Disputes and Regional Challenges:

India faces multiple border disputes with its neighbors, most notably with Pakistan and China. The Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir is a constant source of tension with Pakistan, while the Line of Actual Control (LAC) delineates the border with China. These disputes have, at times, escalated into military standoffs, such as the 1962 Sino-Indian War and the 1999 Kargil War with Pakistan.

Counterterrorism Efforts:

India has been a victim of terrorism, with various militant and extremist groups operating within and across its borders. The 2008 Mumbai attacks and numerous incidents in Jammu and Kashmir are notable examples. India has adopted a multifaceted approach to counterterrorism, combining security measures, intelligence-sharing, and regional cooperation.

Strategic Partnerships:

India maintains strong defense ties with various countries, including the United States, Russia, and Israel. These partnerships encompass arms trade, joint military exercises, and strategic dialogues. The U.S.-India relationship, in particular, has grown significantly in recent years, with defense cooperation being a pivotal element.

Modernization and Indigenous Defense Industry:

India has been actively modernizing its armed forces, investing in new technologies and platforms. The "Make in India" initiative aims to promote domestic defense production. Projects like the Tejas fighter aircraft and the Arjun main battle tank exemplify India's pursuit of indigenous military capabilities.

Cybersecurity and Information Warfare:

In the digital age, India recognizes the importance of cybersecurity and information warfare. Cyberattacks, espionage, and disinformation campaigns pose significant threats to national security. India is developing cyber capabilities and fostering international cooperation to mitigate these risks.

Nuclear Policy and Non-Proliferation:

India's nuclear policy is rooted in the principles of responsible nuclear stewardship. It is not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) but maintains a commitment to nuclear disarmament and peaceful use of nuclear technology. The Indo-U.S. civil nuclear deal of 2008 marked a significant step in India's engagement with the global nuclear community.

Space Defense and Space Security:

India's space capabilities have grown significantly, with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieving various milestones, including launching missions to the moon and Mars. Space defense and security are increasingly vital, given the militarization of space and the potential for space-based threats.

Challenges and the Way Forward:

India's defense faces a host of challenges, including the modernization of its armed forces, addressing border disputes, countering terrorism, and responding to cyber and space threats. Balancing regional dynamics while building strategic partnerships is essential.

Efforts to foster indigenous defense production and innovation are vital to reduce dependency on foreign arms imports and enhance self-reliance.

In conclusion, India's defense is a multifaceted endeavor, deeply rooted in its historical context and shaped by contemporary challenges. With a commitment to peace, strong strategic partnerships, and ongoing modernization, India strives to safeguard its national security and contribute to regional and global stability.

                        INDIAN NAVY

Introduction:

The Indian Navy has been undergoing a significant expansion and modernization effort in recent years. This expansion is driven by a variety of strategic, geopolitical, and security considerations. India, with a vast coastline and maritime interests, recognizes the importance of a strong and capable navy to protect its national interests and secure its maritime boundaries.

Key Drivers for Expansion:

Geopolitical Concerns: India's strategic location in the Indian Ocean region has made it vital to safeguard its maritime interests and establish a strong presence in the Indo-Pacific. The increasing influence of China in the region has added urgency to this expansion.

Economic Growth: India's growing economy relies heavily on sea-borne trade. Ensuring the security of its sea lanes and ports is essential for sustained economic growth.

Counterterrorism and Piracy: The Indian Navy plays a crucial role in combating piracy in the Indian Ocean, particularly in the Gulf of Aden. It also contributes to counterterrorism efforts by monitoring maritime routes used by terrorists.

Components of Expansion:

Acquisition of Modern Naval Assets: The Indian Navy has been acquiring state-of-the-art naval assets, including aircraft carriers, submarines, frigates, destroyers, and patrol vessels. The acquisition of the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya and the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant is noteworthy.

Submarine Fleet Modernization: The navy has placed a strong emphasis on its submarine fleet by inducting conventional and nuclear-powered submarines, including the Arihant-class ballistic missile submarines.

Coastal Surveillance: Strengthening coastal surveillance capabilities to enhance maritime domain awareness and respond to potential threats.

Maritime Patrol Aircraft: Procuring modern maritime patrol aircraft like the Boeing P-8I to enhance surveillance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

Naval Bases and Infrastructure: Developing naval bases and infrastructure to support the expanded fleet and improve operational readiness.

Indigenous Shipbuilding: Encouraging indigenous shipbuilding through programs like "Make in India" to reduce dependency on foreign suppliers and boost the domestic defense industry.

Challenges and Concerns:

Budget Constraints: Expanding and modernizing the navy comes at a significant cost, and budget constraints can limit the pace of acquisition and development.

Technology Transfer: India often depends on foreign suppliers for advanced naval technology, which can lead to challenges related to technology transfer and delays.

Personnel Training: Expanding the fleet requires a well-trained and skilled workforce, which can be a challenge to develop and maintain.

Geopolitical Tensions: The region's geopolitical dynamics and border disputes can create security concerns, requiring a robust and responsive naval force.

International Collaborations:

India has been engaging in various international collaborations to strengthen its naval capabilities. This includes joint naval exercises with friendly nations and defense partnerships aimed at technology transfer and capacity building.

Conclusion:

The expansion of the Indian Navy is a crucial component of India's overall security and economic strategy. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, India was making sig

#indian military #indian defence #indian navy

[mariacallous]

Russian officials and Kremlin propagandists have been making inflammatory statements about the prospect of a nuclear standoff with the West for more than a year now, and they don’t show any sign of stopping. No sooner had the recent commotion over Russia Today executive Margarita Simonyan’s idea to detonate a nuclear bomb over Siberia abated than Vladimir Putin said at a conference that Russia might start conducting nuclear weapons tests for the first time in its modern history. After Putin’s speech, State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin announced that Russia’s parliament would move to revoke its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) to “mirror” the stand taken by the U.S., which has signed the agreement but not ratified it. The Duma’s International Affairs Committee will finish its review of the treaty on October 19.

To learn what effects these statements could have in the real world and whether Russia is actually planning to resume nuclear weapons tests, Meduza spoke to Maxim Starchak, an expert on Russian nuclear policy and a researcher at the Center for International and Defense Policy at Queen’s University in Canada.

‘Just another sideswipe at Washington’

On October 5, at Russia’s annual Valdai Discussion Club conference, Vladimir Putin made several vague and ominous statements about the prospect of Moscow conducting nuclear weapons tests, which were last performed on the country’s territory by the Soviet government in 1990. After Putin’s comments, State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin reported that Russian lawmakers are considering revoking the country’s ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) — an agreement restricting the detonation of nuclear weapons, adopted by the U.N. General Assembly in 1996.

According to nuclear policy expert Maxim Starchak, these statements, while escalatory, are no reason for panic. First, Russia has observed a moratorium on nuclear testing since 1991, before the CTBT even existed, and its leaders aren’t threatening to lift it. Additionally, even if Moscow withdraws its ratification of the CTBT, its signature will remain on the agreement. This would ostensibly bring Russia’s relationship with the CTBT in line with that of the U.S., which has signed the document but never ratified it. Judging by Volodin’s statements, that would be the whole point: Russia seeks to “mirror” U.S. policy by rescinding its ratification.

“For now, it’s just another sideswipe at the U.S., another step on the escalation ladder,” said Starchak. But in all likelihood, he added, the revocation’s main effect would be to signal to other countries that Russia is an unreliable partner in nuclear non-proliferation. “Moscow’s partners in Asian and African countries will see that Russia doesn’t care about their interests,” he said.

But why is it that Washington, which also has a moratorium on nuclear testing, never ratified the CTBT? According to Starchak, there are several reasons. For one thing, the agreement’s opponents in the U.S. worried that it would threaten the country’s national security by stopping it from performing the tests necessary to develop new weapons. Critics also argued that the CTBT’s monitoring system would fail to detect small explosions, rendering the document ineffective.

Starchak noted that the U.S. is far from the only country that hasn’t ratified the CTBT. For the agreement to come into effect, it must be signed and ratified by 44 specific states. Of these 44, China, Egypt, Iran, Israel, and the U.S. have not ratified the agreement, while India, North Korea, and Pakistan haven’t even signed it. “In other words, many of the U.S.’s geopolitical opponents are also evading formal participation in the CTBT,” he told Meduza. “And the U.S. has no incentive to be holier than the Pope.”

Fine, but what if Russia does resume nuclear testing?

Russia has multiple nuclear testing areas on the Novaya Zemlya archipelago, where it set off numerous explosions between 1954 and 1990. According to Maxim Starchak, in the years since Moscow’s moratorium began in 1991, it has always kept the site ready for testing to resume.

“What kind of tests Russia might conduct, if it resumes them, is a tough question to answer. But it would probably be logical for these to be underground tests,” he told Meduza. “A real explosion with an energy release would quickly be detected by the U.S. If Russia decides to do this, it will likely be announced.”

Mikhail Kovalchuk, the head of Russia’s leading nuclear research institution, is another figure who’s advocated for the resumption of testing at Novaya Zemlya in recent months. In Starchak’s view, Kovalchuk’s interest is primarily a financial one. “Kovalchuk saw a chance to insert himself and is running ahead of the train,” he said.

RT head Margarita Simonyan recently came out with a much bolder proposal: dropping a nuclear bomb on Siberia to send a signal to the West. According to Starchak, this would primarily impact Siberia itself, damaging electronics in the area surrounding the blast, among other consequences. “Why Simonyan wants to damage her own country is a question I can’t answer,” he said.

Of course, not everyone in Russia is calling for renewed testing. According to Starchak, some experts and nuclear engineers are advocating for the moratorium to stay in effect, in part because testing a single nuclear warhead would provide little indication of the reliability of the rest of the country’s 1,600 currently deployed warheads. “Nuclear warheads are constantly being dismantled and gathered during the course of operations,” he said.

Ultimately, Starchak said, Putin is likely hearing arguments both for and against resuming tests. “In the end, his decision will be purely political,” he said.

A nuclear-powered ICBM?

Another claim Putin made at the Valdai Forum is that Russia recently conducted a successful test of the Burevestnik, an experimental nuclear-powered intercontinental cruise missile whose development Moscow first announced in 2018. According to The New York Times, satellite imagery confirms that Russia tested or prepared to test the weapon in recent weeks.

But Maxim Starchak says there’s no way to corroborate Putin’s claim that the test was successful, even if Russia did test the Burevestnik. Starchak notes that Russia did little to advertise the purported tests, unlike past tests of its Bulava and Sarmat missiles.

And while the successful development of the Burevestnik would mean Moscow possesses technology that Washington does not, Starchak said the U.S. has no need for this kind of weapon. “For the U.S., and also for Russia, the existence of a nuclear-powered missile that’s capable of traveling across vast distances and maneuvering to evade anti-missile defense systems is no more valuable than the intercontinental ballistic missiles that they already have, which are more reliable and also capable of evading anti-missile systems,” he said.

[presssection]

“Fact-Checking for Checking Fake News”

Fact-checking is the process of verifying the accuracy and truthfulness of information presented as facts in news articles, social media posts, and other sources. Fact-checkers use various tools and techniques to investigate claims and ensure that the information being presented is accurate.

Fake news is a type of news that is intentionally and often maliciously fabricated to deceive people. It can be spread through various mediums such as social media, news websites, and messaging apps. Fake news can have serious consequences, including inciting violence, damaging reputations, and influencing elections.

One of the most significant ways in which developing countries like Pakistan, has suffered from fake news is in its impact on the country's security. The spread of false information through social media and other online platforms has led to the incitement of violence and sectarianism, which has resulted in numerous deaths and injuries. For example, in 2017, a fake news story circulated on social media, claiming that a mosque in Rawalpindi was being attacked by a Shia group. This false information led to a violent clash between Sunnis and Shias, resulting in several deaths and injuries.

Fake news has also had a detrimental impact on Pakistan's economy. False information spread through social media has led to panic buying and hoarding, resulting in artificial price hikes and shortages of essential goods such as food and medicine. Additionally, fake news has led to a decrease in foreign investment in the country, as investors are reluctant to invest in a country that is perceived to be unstable and unsafe.

The spread of fake news has also had a negative impact on Pakistan's international relations. False information circulated online has led to misunderstandings and mistrust between Pakistan and other countries. For example, in 2019, India circulated a fake news story claiming that Pakistan had attacked Indian military installations. This led to a tense standoff between the two countries, which could have had disastrous consequences if not for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation.

An International Fact-Checking Day is observed annually to counter the challenge of fake news on 2nd April. This day aims to raise awareness about the importance of fact-checking in today's world where fake news and misinformation spread rapidly through social media and other online platforms.

International Fact-Checking Day is an opportunity to promote the importance of fact-checking and to encourage people to be more critical of the information they consume. It also highlights the work of fact-checkers around the world who tirelessly work to combat fake news and misinformation.

Briefly, the impact of fake news on developing countries, facing a lot of challenges, like Pakistan, has been significant and far-reaching. It has led to violence, economic instability, and adversely impacted the country’s international relations. It is essential for individuals, media outlets, and governments to take action to combat the spread of false information and promote fact-checking and critical thinking to prevent the harmful effects of fake news.

Asia Rahman Khan Lodhi [Consul Press at the Consulate General of Pakistan, Hong Kong (SAR) & Macau (SAR)]

[newstfionline]

Monday, May 1, 2023

Guam, where America’s next war may begin (Economist) “Where America’s day begins”, as Guam likes to sell itself, is also where a future American war with China may begin. This westernmost speck of America, just 30 miles (48km) long and with a population of about 170,000, helps it project power across the vast Pacific. As tension over Taiwan worsens, war games often predict early and sustained Chinese missile strikes on Guam. Startlingly, for such a vital military complex, Guam is only thinly defended. Its thaad missile-defence battery is not always switched on. It is in any case intended to parry only a limited attack from North Korea, not an onslaught from China. China makes no secret that Guam is in its cross-hairs. The df-26 missile, with a range of 4,000km, is commonly called the “Guam killer”. In 2020 a Chinese propaganda video depicted an h-6k bomber attacking an undisclosed air base: the satellite image was unmistakably of Andersen Air Force Base in Guam. The vulnerability of Guam is belatedly getting attention in Washington, not least because successive heads of Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii, in charge of any future war with China, keep pleading for better protection.

Greener pastures? 2,500 hopeful sheep cross Idaho highway (AP) Why did 2,500 sheep cross the road? Because the grass was greener on the other side. In Idaho, it’s not unusual to see ranchers moving a bleating herd of sheep up to higher elevation at this time of year. But the sight of 2,500 wooly beasts trotting across a highway earlier this week brought a crowd about 300 people. Curious onlookers lined the road as the animals sheepishly entered the highway, guided by ranchers and steered by sheepdogs. They traveled up the road a little ways, the fluffy white herd obscuring the yellow-painted centerline amid a chorus of “baas” and the lead ewe’s jangling bell. Leaving the open road behind, they will journey through the sagebrush-dotted foothills for a few weeks to their summer home in the Boise National Forest. This trip up to higher elevations is a tradition dating back around 100 years, the Boise-area TV station reported, and having the sheep graze in the forest helps prevent fires and invigorates plant growth.

Key nations sit out U.S. standoff with Russia, China, leaks show (Washington Post) President Biden’s global agenda faces significant challenges as major developing nations seek to evade the intensifying standoff between the United States, Russia and China and, in some cases, exploit that rivalry for their own gain, classified American intelligence assessments show. The documents, among a trove of U.S. secrets leaked online through the Discord messaging platform, provide a rare glimpse into the private calculations by key emerging powers, including India, Brazil, Pakistan and Egypt, as they attempt to straddle allegiances in an era when America is no longer the world’s unchallenged superpower. Matias Spektor, a scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said developing nations are recalibrating at a moment when America faces potent new competition, as China projects new economic and military clout and Russia, though weakened by President Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine, demonstrates its ability to deflect Western pressure. “It’s unclear who will end up in a pole position in 10 years’ time, so they need to diversify their risk and hedge their bets,” Spektor said. The Biden administration has told those countries that it is not asking them to pick sides between the United States on one hand and China and Russia on the other, a message that Secretary of State Antony Blinken has stressed in his travels. But nations including South Africa and Colombia bridle at what they see as an implicit choice.

Details revealed about King Charles III’s coronation service (AP) It will be a coronation of many faiths and many languages. King Charles III, keen to show that he can be a unifying figure for everyone in the United Kingdom, will be crowned in a ceremony that will for the first time include the active participation of faiths other than the Church of England. Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh leaders will take part in various aspects of the coronation, the Archbishop of Canterbury’s office said Saturday, as it revealed details of a service it described as an act of Christian worship that will reflect contemporary society. The ceremony also will include female bishops for the first time, as well as hymns and prayers sung in Welsh, Scottish Gaelic and Irish Gaelic, as well as English.

Spain, Portugal swelter as April temperature records broken (Reuters) Mainland Spain and Portugal have broken temperature records for April, as the Iberian neighbours swelter in an early-season heatwave that has exacerbated a long drought in some regions. Spain’s southern city of Cordoba registered 38.8 Celsius (101.8 Fahrenheit) at its airport on Thursday. In neighbouring Portugal, the temperature in the central town of Mora reached 36.9 C, breaking the record of 36.0 C set in April 1945, its weather agency said. Temperatures started dropping on Friday in Portugal but the heatwave persisted in parts of Spain.

They Refused to Fight for Russia. The Law Did Not Treat Them Kindly. (NYT) An officer in the Federal Guard Service, which is responsible for protecting Russian President Vladimir Putin, decided last fall to avoid fighting in Ukraine by sneaking across the southern border into Kazakhstan. The officer, Maj. Mikhail Zhilin, disguised himself as a mushroom picker, wearing camouflage and carrying a couple of small bottles of cognac so that he could douse himself and then act drunk and disoriented if he encountered the Russian border patrol. In the dark, the lean, fit major navigated across the forested frontier without incident, but he was arrested on the other side. “He had these romantic notions when he first began his military-academic studies,” his wife said, "but everything soured when the war started.” Zhilin is among the hundreds of Russian men who faced criminal charges for becoming war refuseniks since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine last year. In 2022, 1,121 people were convicted of evading mandatory military conscription, according to statistics from Russia’s Supreme Court, compared with an average of around 600 in more recent years. In addition, criminal cases have been initiated against more than 1,000 soldiers, mostly for abandoning their units. In theory, Russian law allows for conscientious objectors performing alternative service, but it is rarely granted.

Tense face-off: Philippines confronts China over sea claims (AP) A Chinese coast guard ship blocked a Philippine patrol vessel steaming into a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, causing a frightening near-collision in the latest act of Beijing’s aggression in the strategic waterway. The high seas face-off April 23 between the larger Chinese ship and the Philippine coast guard’s BRP Malapascua near Second Thomas Shoal was among the tense moments it and another Philippine vessel encountered in a weeklong sovereignty patrol in one of the world’s most hotly contested waterways. The disputed shoal is about 194 kilometers (121 miles) west of the Philippine island province of Palawan.

Sudan crisis risks becoming a nightmare for the world—former PM Hamdok (BBC) Sudan’s former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok has warned that the conflict in his country could become worse than those in Syria and Libya. The fighting between the regular army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) would be a “nightmare for the world” if it continued, he said. “This is a huge country, very diverse ... I think it will be a nightmare for the world,” he said. “This is not a war between an army and small rebellion. It is almost like two armies—well trained and well armed.” Mr Hamdok—who served as prime minister twice between 2019 and 2022—added that the insecurity could become worse than the civil wars in Syria and Libya. Those wars have led to hundreds of thousands of deaths, created millions of refugees and caused instability in the wider regions. Both factions fear losing power in Sudan, partly because on both sides there are men who could end up at the International Criminal Court for war crimes committed in the Darfur region almost 20 years ago.

A listener’s openness reveals a culture of giving (CSM) There’s a prevailing narrative in Western media about much of the African continent. It’s one of instability and perpetual want, of resources awaiting plunder by outsiders, of self-determination only in pockets. That misses a lot. For the Monitor, contributor Nick Roll delivered a counternarrative: a story of generosity and agency. Through an international aid organization, he learned of an effort in the village of Chadakori, Niger, to integrate refugees fleeing political violence in neighboring Nigeria. It isn’t a perfect arrangement, says Nick. “But then at the same time, everyone I talked to, they didn’t regret opening their doors, opening their villages to these refugees,” Nick says. “You know, if you go out looking for stories of death and destruction, you’re going to find them,” he says. “If you go looking for these stories of resilience or generosity amid really harsh conditions, people will recognize what you’re doing. People are aware of how they’ve been portrayed [before] ... and they trust somebody who is looking to do something differently.”

#headlines #news

[news-venue]

LAC situation 'generally stable', take long-term view: Chinese defence minister to Rajnath

China's defence ministry on Friday said the situation at the border is “generally stable” amid border row with India. The two sides should take a long-term view, China's Defence Minister General Li Shangfu told his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh.

A day after India gave a strong response to China saying that the violation of the border pacts has "eroded" the entire basis of bilateral ties, China's defence ministry on Friday said the situation at the border is “generally stable”. Both sides should put the boundary issue in an “appropriate position” and promote its transition to “normalised management”, China's defence ministry said.

China's defence minister told his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh that "it is hoped that the two sides will work together to continuously enhance mutual trust between the two militaries".

The statement of the Chinese defence minister, General Li Shangfu, came a day after he held a meeting with his Indian counterpart, Rajnath Singh, where the latter reiterated that violation of existing agreements has eroded the entire basis of bilateral relations and disengagement at the border would logically be followed with de-escalation.

A Chinese Defence Ministry statement issued on Friday said that during the meeting the two sides exchanged views on militaries and bilateral relations, PTI reported.

On Thursday, General Li Shangfu held a 45-minute long meeting with Rajnath Singh on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) defence ministers' meeting. This is Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu's first visit to Delhi since the Galwan Valley clashes in 2020.

TWO SIDES SHOULD TAKE LONG-TERM VIEW

General Li Shangfu pointed out that “currently, the situation on the China-India border is generally stable and the two sides have maintained communication through military and diplomatic channels”.

“The two sides should take a long-term view, place the border issue in an appropriate position in bilateral relations, and promote the transition of the border situation to normalised management,” he was quoted as saying by the PTI.

“It is hoped that the two sides will work together to continuously enhance mutual trust between the two militaries and make proper contributions to the development of bilateral relations,” Li told his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh.

WHAT DID INDIA SAY AFTER THE MEETING?

Meanwhile, India, in reference to a 3-year-old standoff along with their disputed border in Ladakh, said China had eroded the “entire basis” of ties between the countries by flouting bilateral agreements.

A communique released after the meeting read: "The Raksha Mantri categorically conveyed that development of relations between India and China is premised on the prevalence of peace and tranquillity at the borders".

"He added that all issues at the LAC need to be resolved in accordance with existing bilateral agreements and commitments. He reiterated that violation of existing agreements has eroded the entire basis of bilateral relations and disengagement at the border will logically be followed with de-escalation," the statement added.

Last week, India and China held the 18th round of Corps Commander-level talks at the Chushul-Moldo meeting point in eastern Ladakh. The two sides discussed confidence-building measures and ways to avoid confrontation at the borders in the coming months.

The SCO is an influential economic and security bloc and has emerged as one of the largest trans regional international organisations. The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, the Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became permanent members in 2017.

#China #India

[questlation]

Diplomatic dunk https://questlation.com/little-things/diplomaticdunk/?feed_id=42559&_unique_id=643d2e6ef3b56

[suchananewsblog]

Stream It Or Skip It: ‘Mission Majnu’ on Netflix, a Loosey-Goosey Bollywood Outing That Blends Serious Political Intrigue with Romance, Action, and Comedy

Bollywood produces another weird-to-Westerners but otherwise on-brand genre-mash in Mission Majnu (now on Netflix), a historical-fictional action-adventure domestic-drama romance spy-comedy set during the tense political/military standoff between India and Pakistan during the 1970s. Director Shantanu Bagchi stops just short of launching into musical numbers as deep-cover spies infiltrate foreign…

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#Action Movies #bollywood #comedies #India #movie reviews #politics #romance #shantanu bagchi #thrillers

[postfreeads]

India vs Pakistan

India vs Pakistan Details India vs Pakistan Details India and Pakistan have a long, complicated history that has been an ongoing source of conflict for more than seventy years. From tense border standoffs to full-blown military skirmishes, this rivalry has left a lasting impact on both nations and their citizens. In this article, we will provide an overview of the India-Pakistan dispute and its…

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[kellymarchent242]

Pulwama Attack (Black Day): Know About 14 February Special Day

Pulwama Attack 14 Feb 2019 (the Black Day Of History)

The 2019 Pulwama Attack passed on 14 February 2019, when a convoy of vehicles carrying Indian security help on the Jammu – Srinagar National Highway was attacked by a vehicle-borne self-murder bomber at Lethapora in the Pulwama quarter of the quondam state of Jammu and Kashmir.

The attack killed 40 Indian Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) help as well as the perpetrator – Adil Ahmad Dar – who was an original Kashmiri youth from the Pulwama quarter. The responsibility for the attack was claimed by the Pakistan- grounded Islamist terrorist group, Jaish-e-Mohammed. India criticized neighboring Pakistan for the attack, while the ultimate condemned the attack and denied having any connections to it.

The attack dealt a severe blow to India – Pakistan relations, accordingly performing in the 2019 India – Pakistan military standoff. Latterly, Indian examinations linked 19 indicted. By August 2021, the main indicted along with six others had been killed, and seven had been arrested.

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#today's history

[livesanskrit]

PSend from Sansgreet Android App. Sanskrit greetings app from team @livesanskrit .

It's the first Android app for sending @sanskrit greetings. Download app from https://livesanskrit.com/sansgreet

Abhinandan Varthaman.

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman VrC (born 21 June 1983) is an Indian Air Force fighter pilot who, during the 2019 India–Pakistan standoff, was held captive in Pakistan for 60 hours after his aircraft was shot down in an aerial dogfight. He was awarded a medal by the Indian government for shooting down of a PAF F-16 with his MiG-21 Bison.

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Wednesday, October 26, 2022

California (Bloomberg) California’s economy has been growing steadily while the global economy has at times faltered, and as a result it’s poised to surpass Germany to become the fourth-largest economy on the planet, despite their total inability to produce fast trains, a decent bagel, or a public toilet for less than $1.7 million. It jumped seventh-place Brazil and sixth-place France in 2015, and in 2017 it passed the United Kingdom, and has been in fifth place since.

Medical Debt (Vox) This Election Day the state of Arizona will vote on Proposition 209, a clever ballot initiative that would take on pervasive medical debt in the state. If approved, the proposition would cap interest rates on medical debt at 3 percent and limit the ability of debt collectors to seize a home, automobile, or possessions or garnish wages in the event of medical debt. The initiative is the brainchild of Healthcare Rising Arizona, which is betting that a plebiscite will allow the popular debt relief measures to get around a state government where allies of large business interests oppose it as legislation. About 41 percent of all adults have medical debt, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. If the measure passes, the blueprint could go national; right now only 14 states cap interest rates for medical debt.

St. Louis School Shooting (1440) At least two people were killed and seven others injured after a gunman opened fire at a high school in south St. Louis yesterday morning. Police said the suspect also died at an area hospital after a standoff. Shots were reported just after school began at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School—the oldest public high school west of the Mississippi River—with police arriving quickly to confront the shooter. Clad in black and appearing to be in his early 20s, the shooter carried a long gun into the reportedly locked school where seven security guards were on-site. Officials have not yet said how he was able to enter the building. The two unnamed victims were a woman and a teenage girl.

Biden targets Nicaragua’s gold industry in new move against Ortega (AP) The Biden administration is ratcheting up pressure on President Daniel Ortega’s authoritarian rule in Nicaragua, threatening a ban on Americans from doing business in the nation’s gold industry, raising the possibility of trade restrictions and stripping the U.S. visas of some 500 government insiders. The actions, stemming from an executive order signed by President Joe Biden on Monday, are the latest and perhaps most aggressive attempt by the U.S. to hold the former Sandinista guerrilla leader accountable for his continued attacks on human rights and democracy in the Central American country as well his continued security cooperation with Russia.

Rishi Sunak’s rise and the arc of history (Washington Post) On the day of Diwali, a major Hindu festival, it became clear Britain will get its first Indian-origin prime minister. Europe is no stranger to Indian-origin prime ministers. Portugal counts two premiers of Goan ancestry, including current Prime Minister António Costa. Leo Varadkar, whose father is from Mumbai, served as Ireland’s prime minister from 2017 to 2020. But Sunak coming to power in Britain seems more poignant, given the obvious symbolism it carries. For the better part of two centuries, Britain lorded over the Indian subcontinent. While much has changed over 75 years of independence and Indians find themselves in positions of clout and authority all over the world, it may have seemed outlandish even a decade ago to imagine an Indian-origin politician leading the government of the former colonial power. Far away in India, as much of the country celebrated Diwali and basked in the afterglow of a major cricket victory over Pakistan, the sense of jubilation was undeniable. “India son rises over the empire,” touted a banner headline on NDTV, a major English-language news channel. “History comes full circle in Britain.”

Where Russians Retreated, Ukrainians Find Devastation (NYT) Little moved in the village of Kamianka, except for a cat bolting from under the rubble of a destroyed house and metal roofing banging in the wind. Serhii, a livestock farmer, sat slumped beside the burned ruins of his home. “I came here in case I could find anything and to clear up a bit,” he said. “But there is nothing,” he said, gesturing with a sweep of his arm at the wreckage. The scale of the destruction is staggering across hundreds of towns and villages recently vacated by Russian troops in the Kharkiv region of eastern Ukraine. The few residents who have traveled back into the war zone to check on their property, like Serhii and his wife, Iryna, often stand speechless with dismay before the devastation. Throughout Ukraine, the war had destroyed or damaged about 120,000 houses and 16,000 apartment buildings by the end of September, according to the Kyiv School of Economics, which estimated overall physical damage at $127 billion. The World Bank, European Union and Ukrainian government have estimated recovery costs at about $350 billion.

Germany’s president, in Kyiv, pledges more military, financial support for Ukraine (Reuters) German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier vowed further support to Ukraine, especially in the area of air defence, during a surprise visit to Kyiv on Tuesday, his first since Russia invaded the country on Feb. 24. Steinmeier had originally planned to visit Ukraine in April but Kyiv refused to welcome him then amid disquiet over his past support for a Western rapprochement with Russia. Kyiv and Berlin later patched up their disagreement. “My message to the Ukrainians is: ‘Not only do we stand by your side, but we will continue to support Ukraine economically, politically and also militarily,” Steinmeier told reporters on his arrival by train in Kyiv. “What matters now is that we help to protect the Ukrainians from air attacks as much as possible,” he added, noting that Germany had become one of the largest suppliers of air defence equipment to Ukraine in recent months.

Syrian refugees cling on in Turkey, Lebanon as fears over coerced returns grow (Reuters) The first Syrian refugees in Lebanon to return home under a new repatriation scheme will leave on Wednesday, but few in worn-down camps in the central Bekaa Valley said they would sign up. Rights groups fear the programme may not be as voluntary as it purports to be, at a time when concerns are growing about a policy of coercion they say is already in force in Turkey, where 3.6 million Syrians who have fled their country are registered. This year, both host countries have ramped up pressure on refugees to leave. In Lebanon, which is hosting hundreds of thousands of Syrians, President Michel Aoun—whose term ends on Oct. 31—said its General Security agency would facilitate voluntary returns. In Turkey, meanwhile, advocacy group Human Rights Watch on Monday accused authorities of arbitrarily detaining and deporting hundreds of Syrian refugees this year, in violation of the non-refoulement principle of not forcing asylum seekers back to a country where they may be persecuted. It said Turkish authorities had arrested Syrians in streets, homes and workplaces, then beaten them, pushed them to sign documents claiming they were voluntarily returning, and forced them into Syria at gunpoint.

Iran protests, dissent in the ranks: interview with a mole inside the Revolutionary Guard (Worldcrunch) A member of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards tells Kayhan-London that while they must stay hidden, “many” policemen, soldiers and officials sympathize with the mass protests against the Islamist regime. Interview excerpts: You said you and your brother oppose the Islamic Republic. Why haven’t you left the Revolutionary Guard? “It is not as easy as you think. We are engaged in this from a young age. It might be easy to leave the Sepah after a two-year service, but after 10 to 12 years, it is extremely difficult and dangerous. So like the other protesters, we try to help the overthrow. I myself am in charge of a group of plainclothes agents (used to put down the protests). I’ve told them, ‘if you catch any protesters don’t harm them, just take them to a side street a bit further on and let them go.’” What do you know about reported desertions among Revolutionary Guard forces? “Yes, there has been a lot. They’re so short of forces that they’re now officially using minors.... If the Islamic Republic doesn’t pay the wages of these remaining forces, there will be more dissent... If people want (regime change), this is the best time.

Japan steps up push to get public buy-in to digital IDs (AP) Japan has stepped up its push to catch up on digitization by telling a reluctant public they have to sign up for digital IDs or possibly lose access to their public health insurance. As the naming implies, the initiative is about assigning numbers to people, similar to Social Security numbers in the U.S. Many Japanese worry the information might be misused or that their personal information might be stolen. Some view the My Number effort as a violation of their right to privacy. So the system that kicked off in 2016 has never fully caught on. Fax machines are still commonplace, and many Japanese conduct much of their business in person, with cash. Some bureaucratic procedures can be done online, but many Japanese offices still require “inkan,” or seals for stamping, for identification, and insist on people bringing paper forms to offices. Now the government is asking people to apply for plastic My Number cards equipped with microchips and photos, to be linked to drivers licenses and the public health insurance plans. Health insurance cards now in use, which lack photos, will be discontinued in late 2024. People will be required to use My Number cards instead.

Singapore’s Otters (Guardian) Singapore is officially lousy with otters, with 170 of the creatures from 17 different families causing mild mayhem on the island city. The otter population has more than doubled since just 2019, and it’s caused roving bands of the aquatic weasels raiding koi ponds, eating tilapia in waterways, and occasionally having a brush with the human residents or their pets. There have been over 300 complaints about otters in Singapore this year as of August, up from 305 in all of 2021 and 208 complaints in 2020. The population began recovering when Singapore cleaned its waterways starting in the 1980s and fish populations increased. They face no predators, as the crocodiles that otherwise hunt them are in the wetlands to the city’s northwest.

Migrants feel inflation’s squeeze twice—at home and abroad (AP) In nearly every corner of the globe, people are spending more on food and fuel, rent and transportation. But inflation isn’t affecting people equally. For migrants with relatives relying on money they send back, higher prices are pinching families twice: at home and abroad. Migrant workers who send cash to loved ones overseas are often saving less because they’re forced to spend more as prices rise. For some, the only option is hustling harder, working weekends and nights, taking on second jobs. For others, it means cutting back on once-basic things like meat and fruit so they can send what’s left of their savings to family back home, some of whom are struggling with hunger or conflict. “I used to save something, about $200 weekly. Now, I can barely save $100 per week. I live by the day,” said Carlos Huerta, a 45-year-old from Mexico working as a driver in New York City.

#headlines #news