Month: July 2024

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India News Kerala Politics

MEA slams Kerala for appointing Secretary for ‘External Cooperation’

Ernakulam, Jun 14 (ANI): Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan speaks to the media on the victims who lost their lives in the Kuwait fire incident, at the Cochin International Airport, in Ernakulam on Friday. (ANI Photo)

The order by the Kerala government dated July 15, stated that the secretary (labour and skills) K Vasuki “will hold the additional charge of the matters connected with external cooperation.”…reports Asian Lite News

Reacting to Kerala government appointing a Secretary for External Cooperation, the Ministry of External Affairs said that foreign affairs are the “sole prerogative” of the Union Government and not concurrent or state subject, adding that the state governments should not intrude into matters that are beyond their constitutional jurisdiction.

This comes after Kerala government ‘appointed’ senior IAS officer, K Vasuki, as a secretary in charge of “matters concerning external cooperation”.

“The Constitution of India, under the 7th Schedule list 1–Union list, item 10, clearly specifies that foreign affairs and all matters which bring the Union into relation with any foreign country, are the sole prerogative of the Union Government,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in the weekly press briefing on Thursday.

“Foreign affairs is not a concurrent subject and definitely not a state subject. Our position is that State governments should not intrude into matters that are beyond their constitutional jurisdiction,” he added.

The order by the Kerala government dated July 15, stated that the secretary (labour and skills) K Vasuki “will hold the additional charge of the matters connected with external cooperation.”

It also mentioned that the Resident Commissioner at Kerala House in the national capital will be supporting Vasuki in matters concerning external cooperation and will liaise with the Ministry of External Affairs, Missions, and Embassies.

This announcement attracted strong criticism from the Centre as well as the Bharatiya Janata Party.

BJP State President K Surendran slammed the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Kerala government, saying that it is a “blatant overreach” and a violation of the Union List of the Constitution.

“The appointment of an IAS officer as ‘Foreign Secretary’ in Kerala by CM Pinarayi Vijayan is a blatant overreach and a violation of the Union list of our Constitution. The LDF government has no mandate for foreign affairs. This unconstitutional move sets a dangerous precedent. Is CM Pinarayi Vijayan trying to establish Kerala as a separate nation?” Surendran said on X.

Reacting to the criticism, Kerala Chief Secretary, Dr V Venu, clarified, saying the appointment was part of an effort to establish new relations for the development of the state. He further said the move was not meant to engage in diplomatic relations, which was under the central government’s jurisdiction.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor also reacted to the appointment and said that there was nothing unusual and that the appointment of the young officer was a focal point of responsibility within the government. (ANI)

ALSO READ-Kerala CM slams Budget, calls it discriminatory

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-Top News India News

‘India set to triple installed N-power capacity’

India operates 24 nuclear power reactors. The Nuclear Power Corporation India Limited (NPCIL) is progressing on 21 additional reactors, totaling 15,300 MW, at various stages of implementation…reports Asian Lite News

India is set to significantly expand its nuclear power capacity, with a plan to increase the current installed capacity from 8,180 MW to 22,480 MW by 2031-32. This ambitious growth plan was announced by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and other key departments, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on July 25, 2024.

Dr. Singh outlined the country’s strategy to transition towards a Net Zero energy future by 2070, noting that studies suggest a national nuclear capacity of 100,000 MW by 2047. He emphasized that these recommendations are being considered for future adoption to align with India’s long-term energy goals.

Over the past decade, India has made significant strides in nuclear energy, with its capacity increasing by over 70 percent. The installed nuclear power capacity rose from 4,780 MW in 2013-14 to the current 8,180 MW. Correspondingly, annual electricity generation from nuclear power has surged from 34,228 million units in 2013-14 to 47,971 million units in 2023-24.

Currently, India operates 24 nuclear power reactors. The Nuclear Power Corporation India Limited (NPCIL) is progressing on 21 additional reactors, totaling 15,300 MW, at various stages of implementation. Among these, nine reactors with a combined capacity of 7,300 MW are under construction, including the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidhyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI). Additionally, twelve reactors with a total capacity of 8,000 MW, including two Fast Breeder Reactors (FBR) by BHAVINI, are in pre-project activities.

The expansion of nuclear power capacity is a critical component of India’s energy transition strategy, contributing to both energy security and sustainability goals.

ALSO READ-India to Partner with Private Sector on Small Nuclear Reactors

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-Top News India News

Durbar Hall, Ashok Hall in Rashtrapati Bhavan renamed  

The release said that concept of ‘Ganatantra’ is deeply rooted in Indian society since ancient times, making ‘Ganatantra Mandap’ an apt name for the venue…reports Asian Lite News

President Droupadi Murmu has renamed two important halls of Rashtrapati Bhavan, namely, Durbar Hall and Ashok Hall, as Ganatantra Mandap and Ashok Mandap, respectively.

A President’s Secretariat release said that there has been a consistent endeavour to make the ambience of the Rashtrapati Bhavan reflective of Indian cultural values and ethos.

It said that Rashtrapati Bhavan, the office and residence of the President of India, is a symbol of the nation, and an invaluable heritage of the people and continuous efforts are being made to make it more accessible to people.

Durbar Hall is the venue of important ceremonies and celebrations, such as the presentation of the National Awards. The term ‘Durbar’ refers to courts and assemblies of Indian rulers and the British and it lost relevance after India became a Republic, that is, ‘Ganatantra’.

The release said that concept of ‘Ganatantra’ is deeply rooted in Indian society since ancient times, making ‘Ganatantra Mandap’ an apt name for the venue.

“Ashok Hall was originally a ballroom. The word ‘Ashok’ connotes someone who is “free from all sufferings” or “bereft of any sorrow”. Also, ‘Ashoka’ refers to Emperor Ashok, a symbol of unity and peaceful coexistence. The National Emblem of the Republic of India is the lion capital of Ashok from Sarnath. The word also refers to the Ashok tree, which has deep significance in Indian religious traditions as well as arts and culture,” it said.

Renaming ‘Ashok Hall’ as ‘Ashok Mandap’ brings uniformity in language and removes the traces of anglicisation while upholding the key values associated with the word ‘Ashok’, it added. (ANI)

Priyanka takes a dig at govt over renaming

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi took a dig at the renaming of the Durbar and Ashok Halls of Rashtrapati Bhavan on Thursday.

“There is no concept of Durbar but there is a concept of Shahenshah,” Priyanka Gandhi said.

Earlier in the day, President Droupadi Murmu announced that two of the important halls of Rashtrapati Bhavan, namely, Durbar Hall and Ashok Hall, have been renamed as Ganatantra Mandap and Ashok Mandap, respectively.

A release issued by the President’s Secretariat mentioned that the renaming was part of a “consistent endeavour to make the ambience of the Rashtrapati Bhavan reflective of Indian cultural values and ethos.”

Durbar Hall, the venue of important ceremonies and celebrations, such as the presentation of the National Awards has been renamed as Ganatantra Mandap going by the concept of ‘Ganatantra’ being deeply rooted in Indian society since ancient times, the release mentioned.

Erstwhile known as the Throne Room, it is also where C. Rajagopalachari took oath as the Governor-General of India in the year 1948, the Durbar Hall, now called Ganatantra Mandap is used to host Civil and Defence Investiture Ceremonies wherein the Hon’ble President of India confers the prestigious honours to the recipients.

Swearing-in ceremonies of incoming governments, additions to the Council of Ministers and the swearing-in of the Chief Justices of India are all conducted here. This ceremonial hall that is right under the central Dome of Rashtrapati Bhavan can be accessed from three sides, through the front forecourt steps via the six meters tall teak door and through the twin ash grey marble stairways on either side.

Renaming ‘Ashok Hall’ as ‘Ashok Mandap’ brings uniformity in language and removes the traces of anglicisation while upholding the key values associated with the word ‘Ashok’, the statement from the President House said.

The Ashok Hall, now called Ashok Mandap, is used for the presentation of credentials by Heads of Missions of foreign countries and as a formal place of introductions for the visiting and Indian delegations before the commencement of the State Banquets hosted by the President. While the floor is wooden and has springs beneath its surface, the ceilings of Ashok Hall are decorated with oil paintings. (ANI)

ALSO READ-China pushes for more talks with India

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-Top News China India News

China pushes for more talks with India

Jaishankar met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, with the two leaders highlighting the need to resolve the four-year-old military stand-off at the LAC with “purpose and urgency”…reports Asian Lite News

For the second time this month, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, with the two leaders highlighting the need to resolve the four-year-old military stand-off at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with “purpose and urgency”.

The meeting was among the first few bilateral meetings the External Affairs Minister had after landing in Vientiane, Laos for a number of ASEAN-related meetings (July 25-27), and comes three weeks after the two Ministers held talks on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Kazakhstan, in a signal that New Delhi and Beijing are fast-tracking their efforts to resolve the LAC issue.

“Their talks focused on finding an early resolution of the remaining issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) to stabilise and rebuild bilateral relations,” the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement.

Stressing the “exceptional significance” of India and China as the “two most populous nations and among the two key economies of the world”, Mr. Jaishankar said stable bilateral ties were necessary between them.

“Our ability to ensure that they are stable and forward-looking is essential both for the prospects of Asia and that of the multipolar world. There are also issues on which our interests converge,” Jaishankar told Wang in preliminary comments before their talks.

Both sides decided that an “early meeting” of the Working Mechanism on Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) that includes External Affairs Ministry, border, and military officials would take discussions forward, the External Affairs Ministry said in its statement.

The two Ministers met for the fourth time in the past 12 months, and have been making a concerted push for complete disengagement of troops.

While the two sides had earlier achieved disengagement on several flashpoints from 2020-2022, several rounds of WMCC and border commander talks have yielded no further breakthrough, which hinges on the PLA withdrawing from positions at the Demchok and Depsang sectors. In March, the WMCC grouping held its 29th meeting in Beijing.

Jaishankar said he hoped the meeting on Thursday would allow them to “give stronger guidance” to officials to complete the disengagement process which had “cast a shadow” over India-China ties.

He also said that both sides must ensure respect for the LAC and for past agreements, indicating that agreements from the 1990s on managing the boundaries are still relevant for India in resolving the military stand-off that began in April 2020, when the Chinese PLA transgressed along the LAC, leading to deadly clashes in Galwan.

The talks came amid speculation that the government is considering relaxing some of its economic restrictions on Chinese companies, fuelled by the Economic Survey released before the Budget this week that specifically favoured encouraging more Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from China.

On Thursday, the Chinese Embassy in Delhi also posted a video on its social media handles calling for India to take steps towards easing economic and business ties, citing falling FDI numbers, tourist footfall, as well as the lack of direct flights between the two countries.

Jaishankar meets counterparts from Norway, Cambodia

Earlier, Jaishankar held meetings with counterparts from Norway and Cambodia on the sidelines of ASEAN meetings in Laos.

During the meeting, Jaishankar and Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide spoke about the geopolitical situation. The two leaders expressed commitment to implementing European Free Trade Association (EFTA) to the betterment of India and Norway.

In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, “Good to meet Foreign Minister @EspenBarthEide of Norway today. The India – Nordic partnership in clean energy and trade continues to deliver. Committed to implementing EFTA to the better advantage of both countries. Also spoke about the geopolitical situation.”

Jaishankar also met Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sok Chenda Sophea and noted the progress in bilateral ties.

Taking to X, Jaishankar stated, “Glad to meet DPM & FM Sok Chenda Sophea of Cambodia. Noted the progress in our bilateral ties, including air connectivity, defence and heritage conservation. Looking forward to further building on it.”

Jaishankar, who arrived in Vientiane, Laos earlier in the day, held a meeting with Philippines Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo on Thursday and discussed strengthening the collaboration between the two nations and partnership in the Indo-Pacific.

In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, “Delighted to meet my friend @SecManalo of Philippines today in Vientiane. Discussed the strengthening collaboration between our two democracies and partnership in the Indo-Pacific, especially in upholding the rule of law and ASEAN centrality.”

Jaishankar also held a meeting with Timor Leste counterpart, Bendito Freitas, on the sidelines of ASEAN meetings. The two leaders exchanged views on shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific.

ALSO READ-China’s strategic maneuver: BRICS counters NATO in disinformation war

Categories
Asia News Bangladesh Politics

Who is Behind Bangladesh’s Student Protests?

The nature of the conspiracy is beginning to reveal a dark connivance aimed at disgracing the Bangladesh ‘s Awami League (AL) government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has to her credit back-to-back election victories, writes Hafiz Aamir Hassan

There are ample indications that the so-called quota reform movement allegedly led by students over July 18-19 causing large scale unrest in Bangladesh is being fomented and egged on by a Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) intrigue.  The nature of the conspiracy is beginning to reveal a dark connivance aimed at disgracing the Awami League (AL) government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has to her credit back-to-back election victories. Dhaka Police have hinted that the Chattra Shibir, the student wing of the outlawed Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) backed by Pakistan’s ISI, has played a major role instigating violence and transforming student protests into a political movement in Bangladesh that has impacted the routine of millions.

Every few years, the opposition  BNP, which has lost the support and sympathy of the people, tries to undermine the validity of the government by staging and orchestrating violent protests over some cause or the other. It has become adept at organising nationwide strikes and blockades often bringing Bangladesh to a grinding halt. This latest student protests were openly backed by the backed by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, with Razakars who aided the Pakistani military’s genocide of locals in erstwhile East Pakistan prior to the creation of Bangladesh among its ranks. The motive of Pakistan’s army and ISI is to destabilise the Shiekh Hasina government and bring the opposition BNP back in power.

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

The BNP itself is a master of engaging in  disinformation campaigns.  A diverse combination of actors including BNP hired trolls, bots, its leading politicians, highly partisan media outlets, the mainstream media, and its allied  foreign governments are all playing overlapping roles in producing and amplifying disinformation with regards to the quota reform movement in the media.

In Bangladesh, the “fake news” tool has been used more effectively by the BNP and its allied Islamist parties to stoke tensions and disseminate fundamentalist propaganda. This time the BNP supporters attacked the High Court decision of reviving the old quota system wherein 30% were reserved for the descendants of freedom fighters. The BNP and its allies have systematically tried to undermine the Bangladeshi people’s struggle for accountability regarding the Genocide perpetrated against its people by the Pakistani military authorities. This genocide, organised in tandem with Islamic fanatic organisations from both West and East Pakistan, was meant to destroy the Bengali identity by murdering elites, destroying religious diversity, and raping women.

BNP chief Khaleda Zia

After the  Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) raided BNP’s Nayapaltan central office on July 23, more than 100 cocktails, 5-6 bottles of petrol, a large number of sticks and 60 local and foreign weapons were recovered from the BNP office.Seven members of BNP’s associate bodies, including Chhatra Dal, were arrested in this connection. Among them is former president of Chhatra Dal Kazi Rownakul Islam (Srabon).

The BNP head office is where the conspiracies and violent politics centering the quota reform movement was being instigated and abetted by the leaders of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) and its associate bodies.

Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has said that the BNP-Jamaat is using the movement as a tool to loot political benefits.

The Bangladesh Supreme Court was forced to scale back the quota system, offering a major victory to the BNP led protesters. The 30% quota for families of the fighters of the Liberation war  has now been brought down to 5%.

In the past steady negative propaganda by BNP leaders in exile resulted in the Biden Administration distinguishing Pakistan as a democracy and Bangladesh as a non-democracy, coupling this stamp with a set of sanctions in 2021. During every election sensing its poor chances of winning on the merits of its performance, the BNP leaders  are engaged in creating a narrative about the supposedly faulty conditions of the elections. Take for instance how the BNP and its Islamist allies like the Jamaat used the plight of the fire victims  in the Kutupalong Rohingya refugee camp on 25 March 2023,  to criticise the Awami League and portray a picture of Rohingya persecution in Bangladesh, in order to create discord.

The large majority obtained by the Awami League since 2009 has allowed Sheikh Hasina to lead the country with a steadiness never experienced before in its history. In 2014 a rattled BNP unleashed the worst election violence in Bangladesh’s history. In every election cycle the BNP threatens to trigger a wave of protests similar to those of 2014.  The political instability brings to the fore the risk of adverse fallout on the economic situation; the current student unrest will also prove to be a setback for the AL government which has been consistently working towards the economic upliftment of the country, deftly navigating the nation from the worst impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. Because of Islamist ideology and historical connections the BNP has always focused on better relations with Pakistan and by extension, the military establishment in Islamabad has always sought a BNP led government in Dhaka.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen

The Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh,Yao Wen has described the  protests as Bangladesh’s internal matter, adding that the people & government of Bangladesh were fully capable of maintaining peace in the country. However, prior to the protests that erupted on July 18, specifically on July 17, the Chinese Ambassador held a meeting with senior BNP leaders, including Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Altaf Hossain Chowdhury, BNP Vice Chairman & former Home Minister and Shama Obaid, Organising Secretary, at the Chinese Embassy.  Interestingly, Pakistan High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Syed Ahmed Maroof also visited the Chinese Embassy while the BNP leaders were meeting the Chinese Ambassador.

What cannot be ignored is the role of China, during Bangladesh’s war of independence against Pakistan in 1971. China, being Pakistan’s key ally, opposed the emergence of Bangladesh as an independent state. Although China claims to have a cooperative relationship with the Awami League (AL) which has been historically closer to India, it prefers that the BNP return to power. The role of the ISI to undermine the Hasina government which has cracked down against radicals is nothing new, but now, what started as a student protest against quotas in jobs has been transformed into a political movement through infiltration of cadres of opposition parties into the protesting groups.

Meanwhile the Hasina government has responded to the quota movement with patience and tolerance.

ALSO READ: UN Chief Concerned Over Bangladesh Using UN Vehicles in Riots

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-Top News Canada India News

India Calls Out Canada’s Double Standards

With another Hindu temple in Alberta’s capital Edmonton vandalised with hateful graffiti on Tuesday, New Delhi has slammed Ottawa for its inability to rein in the extremists…reports Asian Lite News

India on Thursday reiterated that it expects Canada to take action against anti-India elements otherwise “the rule of law and respect for pluralism” in the country will continue to be “severely undermined”.

“When a democracy adopts different yardsticks to measure or implement the rule of law and freedom of expression, it only exposes its double standards. We expect Canada to take action against anti-India elements who have repeatedly threatened Indian leaders, institutions, airlines, and diplomats with violence,” Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during the weekly media briefing on Thursday.

“We would like to see stronger action at the same level of seriousness on the threats posed to us as well,” he added.

With another Hindu temple in Alberta’s capital Edmonton vandalised with hateful graffiti on Tuesday, New Delhi has slammed Ottawa for its inability to rein in the extremists.

The MEA stated that it has “strongly” taken up the matter with the Canadian authorities, both in New Delhi and in the Canadian capital.

“We condemn the vandalisation. We expect the local authorities to take swift and strong action against those responsible. These attacks against temples have become a recurring occurrence and are done with a purpose, which is not very difficult to fathom,” said Jaiswal.

“We have seen a number of such incidents in recent times in Canada. Lack of action against the perpetrators has further emboldened such criminal elements. Those advocating and responsible for extremism and violence need to be brought to justice, or else the rule of law and respect for pluralism in Canada will continue to be severely undermined,” he added.

Tuesday’s incident added to the series of attacks targeting Hindu establishments in Canada.

“During the last few years, Hindu temples in the Greater Toronto Area, British Columbia, and other places in Canada have been vandalised with hateful graffiti. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun of ‘Sikhs for Justice’ last year publicly called for Hindus to go back to India,” Canadian Member of Parliament Chandra Arya wrote on X on July 23.

“Khalistan supporters publicly celebrated in Brampton and Vancouver the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and brandished images of deadly weapons. As I have always been saying, Khalistani extremists seem to get away with ease with their public rhetoric of hate and violence.

“Again, let me put on record. Hindu-Canadians are legitimately concerned. Like a broken record, I again call on Canadian law enforcement agencies to take this issue seriously before these rhetorics get translated into physical action against Hindu-Canadians,” Arya detailed.

The Indian government has repeatedly expressed its deep concern and strong protest at the disturbing actions being allowed to continue unchecked in Canada, saying it illustrates the political space that has been given in the country to separatism, extremism, and violence.

In May, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar targeted the Justin Trudeau government for giving refuge to pro-Khalistani elements, asserting that further deterioration in bilateral ties would eventually result in a big loss for Canada.

“Freedom of speech cannot be freedom to advocate violence, freedom of speech cannot be freedom to support separatism and terrorism in a foreign country. It cannot be… A group of Khalistanis have been misusing Canada’s freedom laws for years.

“But when the Canadian government has any political compulsions, they accommodate these people who are also their vote bank,” Jaishankar said while speaking at the ‘Vishwabandhu Bharat’ interaction in Nashik.

ALSO READ: Another Hindu Temple Vandalised in Canada

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-Top News Arab News Australia

Australia Sanctions Israel Amid West Bank Tensions

Israel to go ahead with 3000 new homes in West Bank

Wong said Canberra has been firm and consistent that Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories are illegal under international law….reports Asian Lite News

The Australian government on Thursday announced sanctions on some Israelis involved in settler violence in the West Bank, the first time the country has imposed such punishment against Israelis over settlement activity.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong announced financial sanctions and travel bans for seven Israelis and a youth group for participating in violent attacks against Palestinians, Xinhua news agency reported.

“This includes beatings, sexual assault, and torture of Palestinians resulting in serious injury and in some cases, death. The entity sanctioned is a youth group that is responsible for inciting and perpetrating violence against Palestinian communities,” Wong said in a statement.

Wong said Canberra has been firm and consistent that Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories are illegal under international law.

“We call on Israel to hold perpetrators of settler violence to account and to cease its ongoing settlement activity, which only inflames tensions and further undermines stability and prospects for a two-state solution,” she said.

Speaking on Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) radio, Wong said Australians should recognize the sanctions as a very substantial penalty.

ALSO READ: Russian, Chinese bombers intercepted near Alaska

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-Top News China Europe

Russian, Chinese bombers intercepted near Alaska

The incident underscores evolving dynamics in Arctic security, where traditional players like Russia are joined by newer entrants such as China…reports Asian Lite News

The North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) intercepted a group of bombers near Alaska, marking the first instance of joint Russian and Chinese operations prompting such a response from the United States, CNN reported, citing, a US defence official.

NORAD confirmed that the aircraft, comprising two Russian TU-95 Bear bombers and two Chinese H-6 bombers, were flying within the Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) over Alaska, strictly in international airspace and were “not seen as a threat”.

The intercept, carried out by US F-16 and F-35 fighters alongside Canadian CF-18 jets, remained focused on ensuring the aircraft did not breach US or Canadian sovereign airspace. NORAD emphasised that such encounters are not uncommon with Russian TU-95s, which have made routine flights into Alaska’s ADIZ, as witnessed in a previous incident involving four Russian aircraft in May.

However, the inclusion of Chinese bombers in this scenario represents a notable development. The H-6 bombers, modernised versions of older Soviet models, were identified entering Alaska’s ADIZ for the first time during this event, according to CNN.

The Chinese have shown increasing interest in expanding their presence into the Arctic region, said Gen Gregory Guillot of US Northern Command during a Senate hearing earlier this year. He had anticipated such developments, citing China’s strategic moves northward and their growing involvement in Arctic affairs, often under the guise of scientific or technical missions but with clear military implications.

“What I have seen is a willingness and a desire by the Chinese to act up there,” Guillot told a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “We have seen them in the maritime. We have seen them under the cloud of a technical or scientific research, but we think it is certainly multi-mission, to include military. And then I expect to see air activity in the Alaska part of the Arctic as soon as this year, potentially.”

“It is a very big concern of mine,” he said.

The incident underscores evolving dynamics in Arctic security, where traditional players like Russia are joined by newer entrants such as China, whose strategic ambitions extend beyond maritime activities into aerial operations.

While NORAD reiterated that the recent intercept did not escalate into a security breach, it highlights ongoing vigilance in monitoring international airspace near sensitive zones, CNN reported. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Biden Quits Re-election Campaign to “Pass the Torch”

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-Top News Europe USA

Estonia, US defence chiefs discuss NATO and Ukraine support

Secretary Austin and Minister Pevkur discussed the importance of continuing NATO Alliance unity and countering Russian aggression…reports Asian Lite News

United States Secretary of Defence Lloyd J. Austin III met with Estonian Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur at the Pentagon on Tuesday to discuss regional and bilateral issues.

Their discussions included enhancing NATO’s defence capabilities and the need for continued joint exercises to boost efficiency between the military forces of both nations.

Secretary Austin and Minister Pevkur discussed the importance of continuing NATO Alliance unity and countering Russian aggression in Ukraine, according to a press release from the US Department of Defence.

Austin shared on X, “Superb meeting with steadfast Baltic Ally, @MoD_Estonia @Hanno Pevkur and I reaffirmed our ironclad commitment to NATO’s credible deterrence and defence and our continued support for Ukraine. #WeAreNATO.”

The two leaders discussed several key topics, including strengthening NATO’s credible deterrence and defence, the need for continued joint exercises to increase interoperability and efficiencies between military forces, the US continued persistent rotational presence in the Baltics, increased defence production to support Ukraine and replenish Allied munitions and equipment stocks, and outcomes from the Washington NATO Summit.

Defence Minister Pevkur also highlighted his nation’s commitment to defence spending with more than three per cent of Estonia’s GDP dedicated to defence and host nation support for Allied forces, the release added.

The US Secretary of Defence praised Estonia’s steadfast commitment and many contributions to the Alliance and continued support for Ukraine.

Both leaders committed to continuing to work closely together to ensure the continued defence credibility and security of NATO’s Eastern Flank. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Biden Quits Re-election Campaign to “Pass the Torch”

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-Top News Arab News USA

Protests in Washington as Netanyahu defends war

Some groups of demonstrators attempted to barricade Netanyahu’s potential routes to the Capitol…reports Asian Lite News

As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began speaking to a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday, more than 5,000 protesters massed on the streets near Capitol Hill, waving Palestinian flags and chanting for United States to stop arming Israel.

During his address, the Israeli Prime Minister also urged the American leaders to provide bipartisan support to the war-ridden country, amid its ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza.

Some groups of demonstrators attempted to barricade Netanyahu’s potential routes to the Capitol, with one group handing out an effigy of the prime minister in handcuffs and the other group even burning the American flag.

During his address to Congress, Netanyahu called out Iran for funding and promoting anti-Israel protests in America. Netanyahu went on to call protesters “Iran useful idiots.”

“Our enemies are your enemies. Our fight is your fight, and our victory will be your victory,” Netanyahu strongly emphasised the strategic role of Israel in countering Iran.

Netanyahu did not mention a ceasefire by name or discuss the status of the deal that Israel and Hamas have been negotiating for weeks, something the Biden administration desperately wants to get done.

However, he did say that the war could end if Hamas surrendered its arms and returned hostages.

During his remarks, the Israeli prime minister called the Hamas terror attack on October “a day that will forever live in infamy, comparing it to the attacks on Pearl Harbour and 911.”

The Israeli PM praised US President Joe Biden for his efforts to free hostages held by Hamas.

“I think Biden and I have known each other for 40 years,” Netanyahu said, adding, “I want to thank him for half a century of friendship with Israel.”

Moreover, Biden and Netanyahu are scheduled to meet at the White House on Thursday.

Netanyahu did not shy away from praising former US president and Republican candidate Donald Trump for his support of Israel. Netanyahu also said he was happy that the former president emerged safe and sound from the shooting in Pennsylvania.

Meanwhile, more than 30 members of Congress did not attend Netanyahu’s address, in protest of the Israeli Prime Minister’s approach to the Israel-Hamas war.

Elon Musk attended the Netanyahu address in Washington as one of the Israeli Prime Minister’s special guests. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Biden Quits Re-election Campaign to “Pass the Torch”