The two countries have entered a period of deep suspicion and tension that marks a low point in their relations, even as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Beijing earlier this month in an effort to stabilise ties…reports Asian Lite News
China has unveiled a sweeping foreign relations law enshrining its right to impose ‘countermeasures’ against actions that it deems a threat — in Beijing’s latest bid to bolster its position amid strained relations with the West, according to a media report.
The law, coming into force from July 1, comes as China’s authoritarian government pushes back against what it sees as American efforts to suppress its development, following US export controls on some high-tech goods and efforts to reduce reliance on Chinese suppliers in the sensitive sectors, CNN reported.
The two countries have entered a period of deep suspicion and tension that marks a low point in their relations, even as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Beijing earlier this month in an effort to stabilise ties.
The new law stresses its right “to take corresponding countermeasures and restrictive measures” against acts that violate international law and norms and that “endanger China’s sovereignty, security and development interests”, CNN reported.
It is China’s first foreign policy legislation of this scope and lands as Xi Jinping — the country’s most powerful leader in decades — has seen his drive to amplify China’s power and influence on the world stage clash with concern from the US and other nations over Beijing’s ambitions and increasingly assertive foreign policy.
The legislation was approved by a top decision-making body within China’s rubber-stamp parliament on Wednesday. Its chairman Zhao Leji hailed the law as having “great significance” for safeguarding the country and supporting “national rejuvenation” — a nod to Xi’s vision for a powerful, modern China, CNN reported.
The release comes “amid new challenges in foreign relations, especially when China has been facing frequent external interference in its internal affairs under the Western hegemony with unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction”, China’s state-run tabloid Global Times said.
The Swedish government decided to seek NATO membership in May 2022…reports Asian Lite News
Sweden will increase its defence budget by 20 per cent next year, in order to meet the NATO target of 2 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Minister for Defense Pal Jonson said.
The defence budget will be upped by 20 billion kronor ($1.86 billion) to reach 117 billion kronor in 2024, reports Xinhua news agency citing Swedish Television (SVT) as saying.
For 2025, the government plans to increase the budget by a further 12 billion kronor, SVT reported.
“We will reach 2.1 per cent (of the GDP) according to NATO’s definition,” Jonson told SVT.
“This is absolutely necessary as the Armed Forces are facing higher costs due to increasing fuel costs and inflation,” the Minister added.
The Swedish government decided to seek NATO membership in May 2022.
So far, NATO member states Turkey and Hungary have yet to ratify Sweden as a member.
The All Party Parliamentary Group on Indian Traditional Sciences and Secretariat Amarjeet Singh Bhamra celebrated International Yoga Day at the House of Commons recently. Several key dignitaries have spoken at the event, both in person and virtually. Virendra Sharma MP rendered opening words and stressed the importance of Yoga as a continuous activity. Lord Ranger highlighted how Yoga transcends politics and religion and is a tool to control the body and mind.
Baroness Verma speaking at the Yoga Day celebrations
Ms. Ovessa Iqbal, First Secretary- Political representing the High Commission of India reiterated Yoga as a mental, physical & spiritual practice, and highlighted the initiatives surrounding Yoga. Neuroscientist and leader of the Transcendental Meditation movement Dr. Tony Nader joined via video and shared his thoughts on the aspects of Yoga for happiness, prosperity & wellness, and bringing nourishment to life. He further elucidated the stress indicators for which Yoga is a solution.
Mata Amrutanandamayi’s video message
Humanitarian Guru Mata Amritanandamayi Devi’s video message was played which highlighted how Yoga was a priceless boon given by sages of India to the world, which channels praana shakti in the right direction and increases mental strength & focus. Baroness Verma, one of the founding members of APPG Indian Traditional Sciences underscored how it took one effective leadership to bring centuries-old Yoga to come to the fore, and added that instead of depending on a small group of people to deliver massive projects, each must try and make all 365 days the Yoga days.
Dr Tony Nader joins the Yoga Day celebrations via video
A beautiful classical dance presentation by Ragasudha Vinjamuri covered the yogic aspects of Lord Shiva on a research composition from the time of the Tanjavur Maratha Kingdom.
Nitya Jagannadhan joined from India, and spoke on Yoga-based interventions, holistic context in healing and its strength of integrated approach with other systems such as Ayurveda. Dr. Sanjay Jadhav from Dubai related Yoga as expansion of one’s own consciousness, and reiterated that Yoga is not working out, but is working in. Kamu Palan demonstrated important mudras that would help in Blood Pressure control, hearing, memory and cell rejuvenation. Ayurveda Ratan Dr Polishetty Ravi shared some key inputs and emphasised on generating data for further scientific research.
Amarjeet Singh Bhamra speaking at the Yoga Day celebrations
The event concluded with Swami Anubhavananda’s message, who through his hilarious anecdotes explained how Yoga is happiness and how people should learn from every experience in life. On the occasion, some of the Ayurvedic practitioners were conferred recognition for their fervent services to the field.
Swami Anubhavananda speaking at the Yoga Day celebrationsKamu Palan demonstrating useful mudrasLord Ranger speaking at the Yoga Day celebrations
In Paris, the demonstrators targeted police stations with fireworks despite the presence of 2,000 additional security personnel…reports Asian Lite News
At least 150 people have been arrested in France amid violent nationwide protests that erupted over the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old driver by the police at a traffic stop, authorities said on Thursday.
Taking to Twitter on Thursday, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said that “town halls, schools and police stations were set on fire or attacked” during a second straight night of “intolerable violence” on Wednesday, reports CNN.
On Tuesday, Nahel M was shot at point-blank range as he refused a traffic stop and drove away.
Videos circulating on social media showed protesters setting cars ablaze and ransacking shops on Wednesday night.
In Nanterre, the suburb from where Nahel came from, the police were forced to partially withdraw, the BBC quoted French newspaper Le Monde as saying.
In Paris, the demonstrators targeted police stations with fireworks despite the presence of 2,000 additional security personnel.
On Tuesday night, 24 police officers were injured and 40 cars were set ablaze in the capital city.
Meanwhile, in the northern city of Lille, clashes broke out between the protesters and police.
Also on Wednesday, about 300 people gathered in the town of Renne to pay tribute to the teenager were dispersed by police, reports the BBC.
The officer who allegedly shot the teenager was taken into custody on Tuesday and will undergo questioning by prosecutors, Nanterre prosecutor’s office told CNN.
On Thursday morning, President Emmanuel Macron chaired a meeting of the interministerial crisis unit over the incident and subsequent protests, according to the Interior Ministry.
“We have seen scenes of violences against the police stations but also schools, city halls, therefore against institutions and against the republic,” Macron told reporters before the meeting.
“These actions are completely unjustifiable.”
Macron’s earlier reaction to the shooting, which he termed “unforgivable”, drew criticisms from police unions, who accused him of rushing to judge the officers involved.
The Alliance Police union called for them to be presumed innocent until found guilty, while the rival Unite SGP Police also spoke of political interventions that encouraged “anti-cop hatred”.
Darmanin said he would be taking legal action against another group, France Police, after it published what he called an “unacceptable and abject” tweet seeking to justify the teenager’s killing.
The officer accused of killing Nahel, who said he had fired because he felt his life was in danger, is in custody on charges of voluntary manslaughter, reports the BBC.
Nahel is the second person this year in France to have been killed in a police shooting during a traffic stop.
Stressing the need for a responsive global order, he said, “The Philippines appreciates India’s advocacy for a reformed multilateral system that promotes inclusivity, transparency and accountability…reports Asian Lite News
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Wednesday held talks with visiting Philippines Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and both the leaders underlined their commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations and people-to-people ties.”Hon’ble Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, Mr. Enrique A. Manalo, called on the Hon’ble Vice-President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar at the Upa-Rashtrapati Nivas today,” according to a tweet by the Vice President’s official Twitter handle on Wednesday. “Discussions focused on the shared values and complementarities that form the foundation of the two nations.
Both leaders underlined their commitment towards imparting a renewed impetus to the India-Philippines bilateral relations, and further strengthening of people-to-people ties,” it said.Enrique Manalo arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday for a four-day visit to India.The Philippines Secretary for Foreign Affairs on Wednesday said India and the Philippines are working together to amplify their voices for the developing world in the global discourse, adding that Manila supports New Delhi’s endeavours to enhance not only the effectiveness but also the accountability of the United Nations.”To this day, we (India and the Philippines) are working together to amplify their voices and perspectives of the developing world in all important global discourses,” he said while addressing a Lecture on ‘Shared values and common outlook: The journey of Philippines-India Cooperation.The lecture was hosted by the Indian Council of World Affairs(ICWA).
Philippines foreign minister calls on Indian Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar in Delhi pic.twitter.com/ln9tp4BpaY
Stressing the need for a responsive global order, he said, “The Philippines appreciates India’s advocacy for a reformed multilateral system that promotes inclusivity, transparency and accountability. Through collaboration and constructive engagement, we help shape a more equitable and responsive global order.” (ANI)
Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi said that the unprecedented violence that has devastated the lives of people in Manipur has “left a deep wound in the conscience of our nation” while appealing for peace and harmony in the state…reports Asian Lite News
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi arrived in Manipur’s capital Imphal on Thursday for a two-day visit to the violence-hit state.
He was received by former Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh and President of Manipur Pradesh Congress Keisham Meghachandra Singh at the Imphal airport. Rahul Gandhi on Thursday morning left from Delhi airport for Imphal.
The Congress leader will be in Manipur on June 29 and 30 during which he is scheduled to visit relief camps and interact with civil society representatives in Imphal and Churachandpur.”Rahul Gandhi will visit relief camps and meet people displaced by the ethnic clashes and also interact with representatives of civil society in Imphal and Churachandpur during the visit,” Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal said in a tweet.
Ethnic clashes broke out in the State nearly two months ago on May 3 after clashes erupted during a rally organised by the All Tribal Students Union (ATSU) to protest against the demand for the inclusion of Meiteis in the list of Scheduled Tribes (STs). “Rahul Gandhi ji will be visiting Manipur on 29-30 June. He will visit relief camps and interact with civil society representatives in Imphal and Churachandpur during his visit. Manipur has been burning for nearly two months and desperately needs a healing touch so that society can move from conflict to peace. This is a humanitarian tragedy and it is our responsibility to be a force of love, not hate,” said KC Venugopal in a tweet.
Further, speaking about the same, Kh Debabrata, Working President MPCC said, “Rahul Gandhi will be visiting Churachandpur to meet people staying in the relief camps and stay with the affected families. Later he will visit Moirang and will interact with the affected families and Civil Society Organisations. Tomorrow he will meet important people in Imphal and also visit two more relief camps.” Congress has been vocal on Manipur since the outbreak of violence started in the BJP-ruled state.
Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi said that the unprecedented violence that has devastated the lives of people in Manipur has “left a deep wound in the conscience of our nation” while appealing for peace and harmony in the state.
Ajoy Kumar, AICC Incharge North East on Thursday said that there is total law and order “failure” in the state right now. “Rahul Gandhi and Congress party has always been raising the Manipur issue. Rahul Gandhi believes that the country needs to know the situation of Manipur. There is total law and order failure in the state right now. The double-engine government has become the triple problem government. Rahul Gandhi will be meeting the people of the state and I think the government should take a lesson, after this visit,” Kumar said while speaking to ANI.
Notably, the BJP is under fire from the Opposition and other quarters over the continuing violence in Manipur. The Congress has been making scathing attacks against the BJP governments, both at the Centre and in the state of Manipur, over their handling of the violence. The party has already demanded the removal of Chief Minister N Biren Singh. Earlier on June 24, Home Minister Shah held an all-party meeting in Delhi and gave an assurance of restoring peace in the state, while the opposition parties questioned PM Narendra Modi’s ‘silence’ on the matter at the all-party meeting on the violence in Manipur. BJP national president JP Nadda, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, and CPI (M) MP John Brittas, among other leaders, were present in the meeting. (ANI)
Convoy stoped by police
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s convoy which was on its way to Manipur’s Churachandpur was on Thursday stopped by local police at a check post near Bishnupur, which is about 20 kilometres from the State capital Imphal.
Gandhi who had landed in Imphal earlier today for a two-day visit was on his way to Churachandpur where he planned to meet people, displaced by the recent clashes, at the relief camps. Congress General Secretary K C Venugopal while speaking to ANI said that the police said that they are not in a “position” to allow the leaders to head forward.
“Rahul Gandhi’s convoy has been stopped by police near Bishnupur. Police say that they are not in a position to allow us. People are standing on both sides of the road to wave to Rahul Gandhi. We are not able to understand why have they stopped us” Venugopal told ANI. Venugopal had earlier had confirmed that during his stay, Rahul Gandhi will engage with civil society representatives and visit relief camps in Imphal and Churachandpur, two of the worst affected places in the State due to violence.
Meanwhile, the All Manipur Students Union’ issued a statement today condemning the successive governments in the state and said that the Congress Party has a big role to play in it. “.. We believe that the present communal crisis in Manipur is a result of the political blunders that have been committed by the successive governments that have ruled Manipur over time and Congress has a big role to play,” the union said. Addressing a press conference here, the All Manipur Students Union Secretary-General said “In 2012, the Congress party deleted four Gram Panchayats and one Zila Parishad constituency which were part of the Imphal West district from the Manipur Panchayati Raj system and they were allotted to come under the autonomous district council of Kangopi district. It had further enhanced the dreamland of Kuki nation state.” Ethnic clashes broke out in the State nearly two months ago on May 3 after clashes erupted during a rally organised by the All Tribal Students Union (ATSU) to protest against the demand for the inclusion of Meiteis in the list of Scheduled Tribes (STs).(ANI)
Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and General Alvaro Lopez Miera.
Russian defence minster told the Cuban military leader that the northern Caribbean nation has been and remains the “most important ally” of Russia in the region, reports Ateet Sharma
As the United States goes ahead with NATO expansion to the borders of Russia, the Kremlin is making some sharp moves right at America’s doorstep by displaying renewed energy and vigour in rebuilding relations with Cuba for the first time since the breakup of the Soviet Union.
Washington has already raised concerns over increased Chinese military and intelligence activities in Cuba after recent reports suggested that Beijing is setting up a spy base on the island.
On Tuesday, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and General Alvaro Lopez Miera, the head of Cuba’s Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (MINFAR), held some intense discussions at Moscow’s National Centre for Defence Control of the Russian Federation.
Shoigu told the Cuban military leader that the northern Caribbean nation has been and remains the “most important ally” of Russia in the region. He also emphasised that the composition of a large travelling delegation testifies to the mood of the Cuban side to discuss a wide range of issues in the military and military-technical field.
“General of the Army Sergei Shoigu stressed that in the conditions when the United States has been carrying out an illegal and illegitimate trade and economic blockade of Cuba for many decades, we are ready to help the Island of Freedom, lend a shoulder to our Cuban friends,” said a statement from the Russian Defence Ministry after the meeting.
Interestingly, Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Mappero has just returned home from an 11-day trip to Russia, during which he also met Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin. During their meeting, Putin acknowledged that relations between Moscow and Havana are expanding despite difficulties.
Russian President Vladimir Putin with President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez, in Moscow last November (Image courtesy: Kremlin.ru)
Last November, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez undertook an official visit to Moscow and in April this year, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov visited Cuba.
Citing Mappero’s visit, Shoigu said that Russian-Cuban relations are on the rise and a “high rate of development of the political dialogue” between both countries has been achieved.
“Cuba, of course, has been and remains the most important ally of Russia in the region. Our Cuban friends reaffirmed their attitude towards our country, including demonstrating a full understanding of the reasons for the start of a special military operation in Ukraine,” the Russian defence chief mentioned.
Labelling them as contrary to the UN Charter, Cuba has opposed unilateral anti-Russian sanctions and credited Russia for playing a leading role in the “fight against fascism” that it believes is spreading across Europe.
“The United States and some of its allies have repeatedly invaded sovereign countries in pursuit of their interests. Cuba is against such a policy of hypocrisy and double standards. History will require the United States to be held accountable for the consequences of its aggressive military doctrine beyond NATO’s borders, which threatens peace, security and international stability,” said Alvaro Lopez Miera.
The Cuban PM, who was in Russia between June 6-17, participated in the meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council at Sochi, attended the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum and held several bilateral meetings, including with Putin and the Vice President of the Russian Security Council Dmitri Medvedev.
(Kremlin Photo)
Besides increasing economic, military, energy and food security cooperation, the two strategic allies also vowed to renew efforts to boost the tourism sector with Russian airline Aeroflot resuming its commercial flights to Havana on July 1.
Russia continues to participate in the international campaign of humanitarian aid to Cuba, providing assistance to Havana both bilaterally and through specialized UN programmes.
In March 2022, 19.5 thousand tonnes of Russian wheat arrived in Havana, followed by 187 tonnes of sunflower oil as well as about 700 tonnes of shelled peas delivered through the United Nations.
In February 2023, Moscow shipped another humanitarian cargo carrying 25 thousand tonnes of wheat.
He added that efforts are being made to achieve a target of attracting up to half a million tourists to Pakistan annually…reports Asian Lite News
Pakistan will hold a three-day international conference in July to promote tourism in the country, local media reported on Wednesday.
Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Task Force on Gandhara Tourism, Ramesh Kuma said that a national tourism policy has been finalised and would be announced at the conference starting from July 11 in order to attract tourists from abroad, reports Xinhua news agency citing local media.
“Several participants from different countries will also attend the event, and a draft of Memorandums of Understanding on tourism has been finalised and it would be signed with several future partners on the occasion,” said the official.
According to Kuma, a roundtable meeting will also be convened on July 5, which would be attended by diplomats of different countries to discuss opportunities for tourism in Pakistan.
“Pakistan is full of cultural heritage. The government is determined to promote tourism, especially historical sites and natural scenic beauties,” said the official, adding that tourists can get a 10-day e-visa through Gandhara Portal within seven working days.
He added that efforts are being made to achieve a target of attracting up to half a million tourists to Pakistan annually.
It is unknown whether the bodies are those of migrants…reports Asian Lite News
At least 17 people have died from heat-related illnesses as a severe heat wave continued in Texas while spreading into other parts of the southern US.
In Webb County, southern Texas, medical examiner Corinne Stern said that 11 residents over the age of 60 have died due to the abnormal heat, reports Xinhua news agency.
“This is heat like we’ve not seen here before,” said Stern,
“Deaths due to heat stroke are ruled as accidents, and accidents, by definition, are preventable deaths. All these deaths could have been prevented.”
A 14-year-old boy from Florida died of heat-related fatigue in Big Bend National Park in Texas, when temperatures there rose to 48 degrees Celsius, the second-highest mark ever recorded in the state.
Also among the confirmed victims were a 17-year-old hiker, a utility lineman, a postal worker all from Texas and two residents in the coastal state of Louisiana, local media reported.
A Texas Tribune report said that since the heat wave gripped the state, at least nine inmates, including two men in their 30s, have died of heart attacks or unknown causes in prisons lacking air conditioning.
It has been 11 years since the state’s prison system last classified a death as heat-related.
According to Stern, the number of heat-related deaths also rose near the US-Mexico border in the past few weeks.
Five bodies have been found since last week in a desert close to the Mexican border and near human smuggling zones in the Sunland Park area, New Mexico, the El Paso Times reported.
It is unknown whether the bodies are those of migrants.
The US National Weather Service forecast temperatures will likely reach 43 to 46 degrees on Thursday and Friday in Texas as the heat spreads into Arkansas, Louisiana, Kansas and Oklahoma.
More than 150 heat records could be broken during the next six days.
Power use in Texas hit an all-time high on Tuesday and is expected to set a new record in the coming days, said the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which is in charge of the state’s grid.
More than 120 million people in the US were under various heat safety alerts on Wednesday, according to heat.gov, the web portal for the country’s National Integrated Heat Health Information System.
Climate change is widely blamed for causing heat waves to be more intense, longer-lasting and more frequent.
Altman, CEO of ChatGPT developer OpenAI, said that they see this expansion as an opportunity to attract world-class talent and drive innovation in AGI development and policy…reports Asian Lite News
Sam Altman-run OpenAI is expanding beyond the US with opening a new office in London as part of its global expansion plans.
London is the home base of DeepMind, Google’s largest AI research division.
The first international office in London, said OpenAI, signifies a milestone in OpenAI’s growth, “showcasing our commitment to broaden the scope of our operations, bring in diverse perspectives, and accelerate our mission of ensuring that artificial general intelligence (AGI) benefits all of humanity”.
Altman, CEO of ChatGPT developer OpenAI, said that they see this expansion as an opportunity to attract world-class talent and drive innovation in AGI development and policy.
“We’re excited about what the future holds and to see the contributions our London office will make towards building and deploying safe AI,” he said in a statement.
The teams in London will focus on advancing OpenAI’s leading-edge research and engineering capabilities while collaborating on its mission with local communities and policy makers.
“We are eager to build dynamic teams in Research, Engineering, and Go-to-Market functions, as well as other areas, to reinforce our efforts in creating and promoting safe AGI,” said Diane Yoon, OpenAI’s VP of People.
More than 1,300 AI companies are based in London and the city was the top-funded in the UK in terms of venture capital invested, reports said recently.
