Minister Joshi said that India looks forward to leveraging Denmark’s expertise and experience in the renewable sector….reports Asian Lite News
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said that he met Morten Bodskov, Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs of Denmark.
Jaishankar said that the two discussed about taking forward the Green Strategic Partnership.
In a post on X, he said, “Pleased to meet today Mr. Morten Bodskov, Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs of Denmark. Discussed taking forward our Green Strategic Partnership.”
Earlier on September 16, Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi held a bilateral meeting with Danish Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs Morten Bodskov during the ongoing Re-Invest 2024 being held in Gandhinagar.
Minister Joshi said that India looks forward to leveraging Denmark’s expertise and experience in the renewable sector. He also invited Danish companies to invest in India as it rises on the global renewable energy horizon.
“India has made substantial strides in expanding its renewable energy capacity, setting ambitious targets and creating an environment conducive to the sustainable development,” Joshi said in his remarks.
At COP26 held in 2021, India committed to an ambitious five-part “Panchamrit” pledge. They included reaching 500 GW of non-fossil electricity capacity, generating half of all energy requirements from renewables, and reducing emissions by 1 billion tonnes by 2030. India as a whole also aims to reduce the emissions intensity of GDP by 45 per cent. Finally, India commits to net-zero emissions by 2070.
India meets a sizable portion of its energy needs through fossil fuels, and various renewable energy sources, are seen as an avenue to reduce the dependence on conventional sources of power.
“The country has become a leading force in the solar and wind energy, positioning itself as a key contributor to the global clean energy transition. Our commitment to integrating the green energy solutions into India’s growth strategy has not only propelled the nation forward but also demonstrated his dedication to combating the climate change and promoting environmental sustainability on the world stage,” he added. (ANI)
The influence of Pakistan on the Afghan political scenario has always far exceeded that of any other foreign power. The massive role that Pakistan has played throughout in ensuring a constant state of chaos and disruption to fill its coffers is well evident through its (again, not so) coveted action of arranging funding for the Taliban, writes Dr Sakariya Kareem
Over the last many decades, Pakistan has been involved in managing a two-face where it is bound to join the international coalition against terrorism, but at the same time (not so) covertly supports the terrorist activities and wars in its neighborhood. Moreover, Pakistan has not used wars only to support its political agenda but has also shown vicious rent-seeking behavior to benefit its economy by supporting the war. A clear and unfortunate example of the same is Afghanistan, where Pakistan has been fuelling its economy at the cost of the war-torn nation.
The influence of Pakistan on the Afghan political scenario has always far exceeded that of any other foreign power. The massive role that Pakistan has played throughout in ensuring a constant state of chaos and disruption to fill its coffers is well evident through its (again, not so) coveted action of arranging funding for the Taliban. It has also been financially supporting the Taliban’s activities in Afghanistan, along with diplomatic assistance to their missions. The support has not just been financial but also extended to the capacity-building of the militia. Pakistan has been involved in providing training and recruitment of resources to the Taliban to inflict terror and perpetuate war in the region.
Pakistani military has been a major beneficiary of the conflict in the region. For long, the smuggling business between the two has worked as a symbiotic economic relationship between the Taliban and the Pakistan army, characterized by smuggling of goods from Pakistan to Afghanistan. Moreover, there has been evidence produced by Human Rights Watch that how Pakistan military advisers have been involved in ensuring the effectiveness of the military operations of the Taliban on the battlefield.
Historically, it has been of interest for Pakistan to ensure a state of chaos in Afghanistan for several reasons. One reason stems from the colonial past, with the conflict about the Durand Line, resulting in the erstwhile Afghan governments’ refusal to accept the border and demand for Pashtun territories. Secondly, the rise of the Taliban was unacceptable to India, eliminating the chances of amicability between formal Afghan governments and India, which added to the reasons for Pakistan to support the Taliban for its border security, again at the cost of the Afghani population.
Pakistan has been preying on Afghanistan for procuring resources for running its own economy for decades. During the Cold War era, Pakistan’s economy was faltering due to oil price shock, crop failure, floods, and curtailment of aid from the West. At that time, Pakistan found avenues through its involvement in the war in Afghanistan to earn revenues. In 1979, it got involved in a proxy war against the USSR invasion of Afghanistan, reaping economic support from the USA and Saudi Arabia. Thus, the assembly-line production of mujahideens became an important economic activity for Pakistan, for which it was well-compensated, eventually helping Islamabad to pull the economy out of a slump.
The terrorist production factory of Pakistan got further impetus during the 1979 Islamic revolution in Iran. In order to ensure a stronger disposition for Sunni Muslims in Pakistan in the wake of Iran’s revolution, Saudi Arabia gave massive funding to Islamabad. This led to a cultural change as well in Pakistan, through increased radicalization via education, ensuring continuous supply, and a “reserve army of terrorists.”
Cut to the 2000s, in the backdrop of 9/11 and the US’s global war on terror, Pakistan received massive compensation of US$62.2 billion from the US for providing bases and transit facilities for Afghanistan operations till 2010. However, in late 2018, under the Trump administration, there was a slackening of the relations and funding to Islamabad.
Currently, Pakistan’s economy is staggering and facing its worst economic crisis since independence. The economy, over the last two years, has faced massive floods and has been hard hit by inflation, along with the burden of a pandemic. The IMF, with many stringent conditions, has agreed to provide a $7 billion bailout package to Pakistan. However, many experts fear that the bailout package will not ensure sustainable growth of the economy if measures are not taken to stabilize the economy. Moreover, given the exceptional record of Pakistan, of maintaining a parasitic relationship with its poor neighbour, experts opine that Islamabad is looking for yet another sadistic-strategic move into Afghanistan with the re-rise of Taliban after 2021. However, the IMF funding, fear of FATF and global opposition to the Afghan Taliban are major barriers to Islamabad’s possible intentions to unscrupulously support its crumbling economy.
The recent Pakistan airstrikes in Afghanistan are a result of months of tensions between the two states. The blame game is on where Pakistan warns Afghanistan to limit the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan’s (TTP) activities, and Afghan Taliban, in return, asks Pak to address their grievances. The strikes backfired against Pakistan. As they alleged, the strikes did not kill any TTP leader, but rather, civilians were murdered.
(Str/Xinhua/IANS)
However, despite the TTP, which threatens Pakistan’s safety, there is no apparent strong motivation in Pakistan to vehemently oppose the Taliban. This may be due to its expectations to limit India’s influence on the Taliban in the future and use the Taliban again as prey for the extraction of quick-fix economic benefits. It is yet to see when and how Pakistan, yet again executes its economic parasitic policies towards Afghanistan.
The court questioned the West Bengal Government notification that barred women for doing night duties and women doctors cannot working beyond a 12-hour-shift….reports Asian Lite News
The Supreme Court on Tuesday said that the West Bengal Government cannot stop women doctors from working on night shifts.
A bench led by Chief Justice of DY Chandrachud and also comprising justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra made these remarks when it was informed about the West Government decision to prevent women on working night shifts and beyond 12 hours.
The court made these remarks when it was hearing on suo motu petition on the rape and murder of a doctor in state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal
The court questioned the West Bengal Government notification that barred women for doing night duties and women doctors cannot working beyond a 12-hour-shift.
However Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for WB Govt, said that they will remove it. Senior Advocate Sibal for WB also said that it was temporarily and a part of recent security measures.
The top court said women do not want concessions, but equal opportunities and women doctors are willing to work in all conditions.
The top court also said that it is state duty to provide safety to women doctors.
Meanwhile, the top court was apprised by the Senior Advocate Sibal that Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee has assured that no punitive or adverse action will be taken against the doctors who will return to the works.
The Supreme Court expressed unhappiness with a lawyer and his application seeking the resignation of West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and said this is not a political forum.
When the lawyer continued his submission, the top court warned he would remove him from the court.
“This is not a political forum alright,” the court said and further added that one has to abide by rules of legal discipline. “We are not here to see what you feel about a political functionary,” the top court said.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed Supreme Court that the victim name and photograph is present in wikipedia platform. The top court directed wikipedia to comply with previous direction and remove the identity of the victim from its platform.
SC said in the interest of maintaining the dignity of the victim, the governing principle is that the identity of rape of the victim should not be disclosed. (ANI)
A bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan issued the order while hearing a series of petitions challenging the practice of bulldozing properties….reports Asian Lite News
The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered that, across the country, no demolition of property should occur without court permission until October 1, the next hearing date. However, the court clarified that this order will not apply to unauthorised constructions on public roads, footpaths, and similar areas.
A bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan issued the order while hearing a series of petitions challenging the practice of bulldozing properties.
The court stated that if unauthorised constructions–whether temples, mosques, or other religious structures–exist on public roads, footpaths, or railway lines, the stay on demolitions will not apply.
The bench also noted that it would first lay down guidelines, similar to those in the Vishaka case, before considering individual cases.
Several petitions were filed in the Supreme Court against the bulldozing of houses belonging to individuals accused in various cases.
Senior advocate CU Singh argued that demolitions are taking place daily. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, however, countered this by citing an example from Madhya Pradesh, where many shops belonging to Hindus were demolished in accordance with legal procedures.
In a previous hearing, the court had expressed its intent to resolve the matter.
The Supreme Court is hearing multiple petitions related to the bulldozing of immovable properties. One of the petitions highlighted the growing culture of illegal demolitions in the country, where such actions are increasingly being used as a form of extra-legal punishment, particularly against minorities and marginalised communities.
The petitioner requested that the court direct no punitive actions against residential or commercial properties of accused individuals in criminal proceedings, stressing that all demolition activities must strictly comply with the law. The plea also demanded strict action against officials involved in illegal demolitions without following due process.
Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday thanked the Supreme Court for halting bulldozer demolition across India until October 1 without its permission and said that bulldozers can’t be justice.
Akhilesh Yadav criticised BJP for “glorifying bulldozers as if this were justice” and further alleged that they wanted to ‘scare people’.
“Bulldozer can’t be justice. Bulldozer was unconstitutional, It was to scare people. Bulldozer was to deliberately suppress the voice of opposition. I thank Supreme Court for this direction that has stopped bulldozers. CM, UP government and people of the BJP glorified ‘bulldozer’ as if this is justice. They; used to bring it in their rally to create fear,” Yadav said.
Yadav further described bulldozers as the ‘symbol of injustice’.
“Now, when the Supreme Court has given a direction, I think bulldozer will stop and justice will come through court. Bulldozer can be a symbol of injustice, not justice,” Yadav said. (ANI)
Apulia [Italy], June 15 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets United States President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, in Apulia on Friday. (ANI Photo)
Modi will take part in the fourth Quad Leaders’ Summit in Wilmington, Delaware, which is being hosted by US President Joe Biden on September 21….reports Asian Lite News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the United States from September 21 to 23 during which he will take part in the Quad Summit and address the ‘Summit of the Future’ at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Modi will take part in the fourth Quad Leaders’ Summit in Wilmington, Delaware, which is being hosted by US President Joe Biden on September 21.
Following the request of the US side to host the Quad Summit this year, India has agreed to host the next Quad Summit in 2025.
At the Quad Summit, the leaders will review the progress achieved by the Quad over the last one year and set the agenda for the year ahead to assist the countries of the Indo-Pacific region in meeting their development goals and aspirations, a Ministry of External Affairs release said.
Modi will address ‘Summit of the Future’ at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 23. The theme of the Summit is ‘Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow’.
A large number of global leaders are expected to participate in the Summit. On the sidelines of the Summit, the Prime Minister would be holding bilateral meetings with several world leaders and discuss issues of mutual interest.
The Prime Minister will address a gathering of the Indian community on September 22 in New York.
The Prime Minister would also be interacting with CEOs of leading US-based companies to foster greater collaborations between the two countries in the cutting-edge areas of AI, quantum computing, semiconductors and biotechnology, the release said.
He is also expected to interact with thought leaders and other stakeholders active in the India-US bilateral landscape.
A White House statement earlier said that the Biden-Harris Administration has made elevating and institutionalizing the Quad a top priority, from the first-ever Quad Leaders Summit at the White House in 2021, to annual Summits since then. In recent years, Quad Foreign Ministers have met eight times, and Quad governments continue to meet and coordinate at all levels.
“The Quad Leaders Summit will focus on bolstering the strategic convergence among our countries, advancing our shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and delivering concrete benefits for partners in the Indo-Pacific in key areas. These include health security, natural disaster response, maritime security, high-quality infrastructure, critical and emerging technology, climate and clean energy, and cybersecurity,” it said. (ANI)
Trump says will meet Modi during US visit
Former US President Donald Trump stated during a campaign event on Tuesday that that he will meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the United States next week as per the Reuters news agency.
The Republican presidential candidate made the announcement while campaigning in Michigan on Tuesday,
“He happens to be coming to meet me next week,” Trump said, terming Modi as a “fantastic” leader.
“So when India, which is a very big abuser, he happens to be coming to meet me next week. And Modi, he is fantastic. I mean, fantastic man. These are a lot of these leaders are fantastic. You have to understand one thing. They’re dealing, there are 100 per cent,” Trump was cited as saying by the Reuters.
“These people are the sharpest people. They’re not a little bit backward. They are at the top. You know the expression? They’re at the top of their game and they use it against us. But India’s very tough,” Trump said.
It did not mention meeting with Trump but said, “On the sidelines of the Summit, the Prime Minister would be holding bilateral meetings with several world leaders and discuss issues of mutual interest.” Trump’s campaign calendar shows him in North Carolina on Saturday and in Pennsylvania on Monday evening, with nothing pencilled in for Sunday.
The former president mentioned the meeting with Modi while talking about trade imbalances and how he would hike duties on imports from India through a Trump Reciprocal Tax Act.
He called India “a very big abuser” of the tariffs system because of the high duties it imposes on some imports from the US and said New Delhi “is very tough” in negotiations.
“If anybody charges us 10 cents, if they charge us $2, if they charge us 100 per cent 250, we charge them the same,” he said.
Listing India among them, he said that countries the US was trading with are “the sharpest people. They’re not a little bit backward … they’re at the top of their game, and they use it against us”.
He added, “China is the toughest of all, but we were taking care of China with the tariffs, so we’re going to do a reciprocal trade.”
While in office Trump tangled with India over tariffs, putting a spotlight on the duties on Harley-Davidson motorcycles and whiskey.
He hiked duties on steel and aluminium imports and eliminated the Generalised Scheme of Preferences that provided for concessional tariffs for some Indian exports and New Delhi retaliated by raising duties mostly on agricultural exports like apples and almonds.
Though they had differences on trade, Modi and Trump developed strong personal ties.
With elections about five weeks away and Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris in almost a tie, Modi has a tightrope walk ahead — not appearing to favour either party but also having to keep his lines of communication open to both.
Before the 2020 election that Trump lost, Modi appeared alongside him at a community event billed as “Howdy Modi”, in Houston in 2019 and, in a play of his own election slogan, cheered him, “Abki baar, Trump sarkar” (This time, Trump’s government”).
Both Modi and Donald Trump last met in February 2020, when the then US President visited India. Trump was weleomed with a ‘Namaste Trump’ event in Ahmedabad, which also marked the opening of the world’s largest cricket stadium. During Modi’s visit to the US in 2019 he participated in a “Howdy, Modi!” rally in Texas. (ANI)
The US officials, Assistant Secretary Lu and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Royal, reiterated the United States’ commitment to deepening the existing partnerships with India…reports Asian Lite News
US and Indian officials gathered in New Delhi on Monday for the eighth US-India 2+2 Intersessional Dialogue, focusing on opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
The US delegation was co-chaired by Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Jedidiah P Royal, an official press release by the US Department of State relayed.
On the Indian side, Joint Secretary for the Americas Nagaraj Naidu from the Ministry of External Affairs and Joint Secretary for International Cooperation Vishwesh Negi from the Ministry of Defence led the discussions.
“India and the U.S. held the 2+2 Intersessional today with officials from India’s Ministry of External Affairs and Defence, and the U.S. State and Defense Departments. Key discussions covered bilateral strategic and defense priorities, alongside regional and global issues,” the MEA said in a post on X
During the meeting, both sides advanced key priorities, including defence cooperation, collaboration in space and civil aviation, and industrial and logistics coordination. Clean energy cooperation was also high on the agenda as the two countries aim to tackle global challenges together.
Discussions also addressed broader issues affecting the Indo-Pacific region and beyond, such as support for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and a ceasefire and humanitarian assistance for Gaza.
The US officials, Assistant Secretary Lu and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Royal, reiterated the United States’ commitment to deepening the existing partnerships with India.
They also emphasized the importance of expanding people-to-people ties to further strengthen the relationship between the two countries, the press release stated.
This Intersessional Dialogue laid the groundwork for the upcoming US-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, a key platform that enables both nations to advance their Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership.
Through such discussions, the US and India aim to enhance cooperation in various sectors and address regional and global security concerns. (ANI)
The first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections will see 24 constituencies across seven districts voting for the first time in 10 years…reports Asian Lite News
Voting in the first phase of the historic three-phase election in Jammu and Kashmir is currently underway under stringent security measures. Twenty-four Assembly constituencies, spread across seven districts on either side of the Pir Panjal mountain range, are voting today for the first time in 10 years.
This is also the first Assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir after the Centre abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution in 2019, stripping the then-state’s special status and reorganising it into Union Territories.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged first-time voters to exercise their franchise in an effort to “strengthen the festival of democracy”.
“As the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections begins, I urge all those in constituencies going to the polls today to vote in large numbers and strengthen the festival of democracy. I particularly call upon young and first-time voters to exercise their franchise,” he tweeted.
The polls are being held in an apparently transformed atmosphere in the region following the Article 370 abrogation, as key regional parties – Farooq Abdullah’s National Conference and Mehbooba Mufti’s PDP – and national parties – Congress and BJP – aim for bigger gains in this crucial election.
Players like Engineer Rashid’s Kashmir Awami Ittehad Party, which struck an alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami, and Sajjad Lone’s People’s Conference are also in the fray. Additionally, some separatist outfits are contesting as independents in many seats.
Key faces in this round include CPI(M)’s Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami from Kulgam, AICC General Secretary Ghulam Ahmad Mir in Dooru, National Conference’s Sakina Itoo from Damhal Hajipora, PDP’s Sartaj Madni from Devsar, Iltija Mufti in Srigufwara-Bijbehara, and Abdul Rehman Veeri in Shangus-Anantnag.
The focus is on Pulwama and Srigufwara-Bijbehara, where PDP’s Waheed Para and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti’s daughter Iltija Mufti are contesting, respectively.
In the Jammu region, prominent figures include former ministers Sajjad Kitchloo (NC), Khalid Najid Suharwardy (NC), Vikar Rasool Wani (Congress), Abdul Majid Wani (DPAP), Sunil Sharma (BJP), Shakti Raj Parihar (Doda West), and Ghulam Mohammad Saroori.
Though NC and Congress are in an alliance, both parties have fielded candidates in Banihal, Bhaderwah, and Doda for a ‘friendly contest.’
In the first phase, over 23 lakh voters will decide the fate of 219 candidates, including 90 independents. Of the 24 Assembly seats, eight are in the Jammu region and four in the Kashmir Valley.
According to the Election Commission (EC), a total of 23,27,580 electors are eligible to vote in Phase 1, comprising 11,76,462 male, 11,51,058 female, and 60 third-gender electors. A total of 14,000 polling staff will oversee the process at 3,276 polling stations, ensuring the smooth conduct of the polls.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police have made elaborate security arrangements for the Assembly polls to ensure maximum voter turnout, said senior officer VK Birdi. The measures include multi-tier security from the Central Armed Paramilitary Forces (CAPF), Jammu and Kashmir Armed Police, and J&K Police.
People Democratic Party (PDP) leader and spokesperson Mohit Ban said that queues formed during the polls are the testimony of the decisions that Delhi took on August 5, 2019, and the way they have been inhumane to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Polling for the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections began at 7 am today amid tight security arrangements. The voting will conclude at 6 pm. Long queue of voters were seen at polling stations from the morning. The second phase of voting will take place on September 25, and the third on October 1 and vote counting will be held on October 8.
Kharge appeals to voters
Meanwhi’e, Indian National Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday appealed to people in Jammu and Kashmir to participate in “crucial election and be the catalysts for change” as the first phase of polling began in the region.
In a post on X, Kharge said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are eager to safeguard their rights and embark on a new era of true development and full statehood.
“As the first phase of voting in 24 Assembly constituencies commences, we urge everyone to exercise their democratic right and vote in large numbers. Every single vote holds the power to shape the future and bring about an era of peace, stability, justice, progress, and economic empowerment. We appeal to all, especially first-time voters, to participate in this crucial election and be the catalysts for change,” Kharge said in the post.
“For the first time ever, a state was downgraded to a Union Territory, when you cast your vote, do remember who is responsible for this travesty. Let us unite and shape a brighter future for Jammu and Kashmir, where voices of all citizens are heard,” he added.
PM Modi will be in the US from Saturday to Monday…reports Arul Louis
Former President Donald Trump has said he will meet “fantastic man” Prime Minister Narendra Modi next week when he visits the US.
“He happens to be coming to meet me next week, and Modi, he’s fantastic. I mean, fantastic, man,” Trump said on Tuesday at a town hall meeting in Flint, Michigan.
PM Modi will be in the US from Saturday to Monday, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.
The Ministry’s programme listed only PM Modi’s participation in the Quad Summit in Delaware on Saturday, his speech to the Indian diaspora on Long Island on Sunday, and his address to the United Nations Summit of the Future on Monday.
It did not mention meeting with Trump but said, “On the sidelines of the Summit, the Prime Minister would be holding bilateral meetings with several world leaders and discuss issues of mutual interest.”
Trump’s campaign calendar shows him in North Carolina on Saturday and in Pennsylvania on Monday evening, with nothing pencilled in for Sunday.
The former president mentioned the meeting with PM Modi while talking about trade imbalances and how he would hike duties on imports from India through a Trump Reciprocal Tax Act.
He called India “a very big abuser” of the tariffs system because of the high duties it imposes on some imports from the US and said New Delhi “is very tough” in negotiations.
“If anybody charges us 10 cents, if they charge us $2, if they charge us 100 per cent 250, we charge them the same,” he said.
Listing India among them, he said that countries the US was trading with are “the sharpest people. They’re not a little bit backward … they’re at the top of their game, and they use it against us”.
He added, “China is the toughest of all, but we were taking care of China with the tariffs, so we’re going to do a reciprocal trade.”
While in office Trump tangled with India over tariffs, putting a spotlight on the duties on Harley-Davidson motorcycles and whiskey.
He hiked duties on steel and aluminium imports and eliminated the Generalised Scheme of Preferences that provided for concessional tariffs for some Indian exports and New Delhi retaliated by raising duties mostly on agricultural exports like apples and almonds.
Even though they had differences on trade, PM Modi and Trump developed strong personal ties.
With elections about five weeks away and Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris in almost a tie, PM Modi has a tightrope walk ahead — not appearing to favour either party but also having to keep his lines of communication open to both.
Before the 2020 election that Trump lost, PM Modi appeared alongside him at a community event billed as “Howdy Modi”, in Houston in 2019 and, in a play of his own election slogan, cheered him, “Abki baar, Trump sarkar” (This time, Trump’s government”).
That and a spectacle for Trump with over 1,00,000 people in Ahmedabad in 2020 became an embarrassment when Biden defeated him.
But Biden and PM Modi brushed it aside and further developed ties between their nations.
(Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in and followed at @arulouis)
A small number of American military personnel remain to guard the U.S. Embassy in the West African country….reports Asian Lite News
The U.S. has completed the withdrawal of its troops from Niger, according to a statement on Monday by Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh.
A small number of American military personnel remain to guard the U.S. Embassy in the West African country.
The withdrawal follows Niger’s ruling junta’s decision earlier this year to terminate an agreement allowing U.S. troops to operate within its borders.
The last American military bases were handed over to Nigerien authorities last month, but around two dozen U.S. soldiers stayed behind to manage administrative tasks related to the withdrawal.
This move comes after Niger’s coup last year, forcing the U.S. to abandon key counterterrorism bases in the Sahel region, where groups affiliated with al-Qaida and the Islamic State operate.
Niger had been a crucial partner for Western nations, including the U.S. and France, in combating growing jihadi insurgencies in the region.
Over 2,500 Western military personnel had been stationed there, alongside substantial investments in military aid and training.
However, Niger has shifted away from Western alliances, turning to Russia for security. Russian military trainers arrived in April to strengthen Niger’s air defenses.
India’s Consulate General in New York has raised the matter with US law enforcement authorities…reports Asian Lite News
The Consulate General of India in New York has condemned the vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, labelling it “unacceptable.”
India’s Consulate General in New York has raised the matter with US law enforcement authorities and urged them to take prompt action against perpetrators of this act.
In a post on X, the Consulate General of India in New York stated, “The vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York, is unacceptable ; The Consulate @IndiainNewYork is in touch with the community and has raised the matter with U.S. law enforcement authorities for prompt action against the perpetrators of this heinous act.”
Meanwhile, the Hindu American Foundation has urged the US Justice Department to investigate the attack on BAPS Hindu Temple in New York.
In a post X, the Hindu American Foundation stated, “Hindu temple in Melville, NY shared by OnTheNewsBeat after recent threats to Hindu institutions as a large Indian community gathering is planned in nearby Nassau County this weekend.”
It also mentioned that Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun had recently shared a video threatening Hindu and Indian institutions. It said that the vandalism incident in New York is similar to attacks on temples that happened in California and Canada.
“Gurpatwant Pannun, of “Sikhs for Justice,” recently posted a video threatening Hindu and Indian institutions, including HAF, as the community event approaches. The vandalism is similar to that seen in attacks on temples in New York, California and Canada & called out by @CongressmanRaja @RoKhanna @ShriThanedar @PramilaJayapal @BeraForCongress @shuvmajumdar and other political leaders,” Hindu American Foundation posted on X.
Earlier in July, the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir was vandalised in Canada’s Edmonton. Canadian MP Chandra Arya voiced deep concern over the escalating incidents of hate-fuelled violence directed at Hindu-Canadian communities.
In a post on X, Chandra Arya stated, “The Hindu temple BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Edmonton is vandalised again. During the last few years, Hindu temples in the Greater Toronto Area, British Columbia, and other places in Canada are being vandalised with hateful graffiti.” (ANI)
