China Building New Road In Occupied Kashmir Near Siachen: Satellite Images

Satellite images captured by the European Space Agency and reviewed by Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) team reveal that the basic trail of the road was laid between June and August last year

The new road is part of the Chinese drive to ramp up infrastructure development in occupied Kashmir north of Siachen

In a development that could have security implications for India, China is building a road in a part of illegally occupied Kashmir close to the Siachen Glacier – touted as the world’s highest battlefield, satellite pictures show, reported India Today's OSINT.

The road in Shaksgam Valley, a part of Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) ceded to China in 1963, branches out from an extension of Highway G219 in China’s Xinjiang and disappears into mountains at a place (coordinate: 36.114783°, 76.671051°) approximately 50 km north of India’s northernmost point, Indira Col in Siachen Glacier – a forward area visited by Defence Minister Rajnath two times since March.

Satellite images captured by the European Space Agency and reviewed by India Today’s Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) team reveal that the basic trail of the road was laid between June and August last year.

Road in China-Occupied Kashmir

The Chinese road (pictured) passes through Aghil Pass, which served as India's frontier with Tibet before 1947.

“This road is totally illegal and India must register its diplomatic protest with the Chinese,” says Lt Gen Rakesh Sharma, the former commander of Indian Army’s Fire and Fury Corps that is responsible for manning Kargil, Siachin Glacier, and Eastern Ladakh.

#Exclusive

Thread:

In a significant development, 🇨🇳 road has breached the border at Aghil Pass (4805 m) and entered the lower Shaksgam valley of Kashmir, 🇮🇳 with the road-head now less than 30 miles from 🇮🇳 Siachen

This permanently answers the question of Shaksgam for 🇮🇳

1/4 pic.twitter.com/TyjMcUqz2S

— Nature Desai (@NatureDesai) April 21, 2024

Why It Matters

The road lies in the Trans-Karakoram Tract – a region historically part of Kashmir and claimed by India. The latest official map published by the Union government after the abrogation of Article 370, continues to show this region as Indian territory.

The tract, spread over about 5,300 square kilometers, was captured by Pakistan in the 1947 war and handed over to China as part of their bilateral boundary agreement signed in 1963 – which is not recognised by India.

Indian defence experts have long argued that any change in the status quo in this part of occupied Kashmir amounts to a violation of India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. There are also concerns that more such infrastructure projects could threaten the existing security scenario in this mountainous region.

India’s concerns are also driven by reports of greater military cooperation in the region. In 2021, Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan province announced plans for a new road connecting Muzaffarabad to Mustagh Pass which sits on the Pakistan border with Shaksgam Valley. As per the report, it would be linked to Yarkand in Xinjiang – indicating that the road might pass through the Shaksgam Valley to connect with China’s national highway G219.

New Road In China-Occupied Kashmir

The Shaksgam Valley is situated at an elevation of about 4,500 meters.

Many observers like Lt Gen Sharma, however, believe that the Chinese roads in Shaksgam Valley could primarily be meant for transporting minerals, especially Uranium, allegedly mined from Gilgit Baltistan – to Xinjiang. Nonetheless, he advises constant vigil against the potential use of these roads for “military manoeuvres” by the armies of Pakistan and China.

The road enters the contested region at Aghil Pass, which has historically served as a frontier of Kashmir with Tibet – something that Chinese rulers had recognised in the past.

Aghil Pass and the Shaksgam Valley repeatedly appear in the text presented by the Indian side in support of its claim during border negotiations with China before the 1962 war.

“The official maps of the Government of India, including the one attached to the 1907 edition of the Imperial Gazetteer of India and the political maps published by the Survey of India showed this area in Indian territory,” the Indian side led by then MEA director for China affairs, JS Mehta told China’s foreign office in Beijing in June 1960.

“Official Chinese maps published in 1917, 1919, and 1923 also showed this area as a part of India,” reads the archive of the Ministry of External Affairs uploaded on the website of renowned Tibetologist Claude Arpi.

Government's Stance

In parliament, the government has repeatedly reiterated India’s commitment to take back all areas of Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK), which India considers Shaksgam Valley a part of.

“I want to put this on record that whenever I say the state of Jammu & Kashmir in the House, then both PoK and Aksai Chin are part of it. The boundaries of Jammu and Kashmir decided in our Constitution, and also in the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir, include PoK and Aksai Chin,” Home Minister Amit Shah told parliamentarians in 2019. “I am ready to give my life for this,” he had roared.

Bilateral Understanding On Border Areas

Despite decades-long control, the Chinse occupation of the area lacks political legitimacy. Article 6 of the 1963 Boundary Agreement between China and Pakistan gives China only temporary control of the area – until the Kashmir issue is resolved.

“The two Parties have agreed that after the settlement of the Kashmir dispute between Pakistan and India, the sovereign authority concerned will reopen negotiations with the Government of the People's Republic of China, on the boundary so as to sign a formal Boundary Treaty to replace the present agreement,” it reads.

While India’s engagement with Pakistan on the Line of Control (LoC) is governed by the 1972 Shimla Agreement, there is no such agreement with Chinese authorities about the Shaksgam Valley.

Indian Protests

China built a metalled road between 2017 and 2018 in lower Shaksgam Valley, west of strategic Karakoram Pass. Reports also talk of the presence of Chinese military infrastructure in the Valley, which was reportedly protested by Indian military officials during border talks in 2022 that were held following the deadly Galwan Valley clashes in 2020.

Last year, India also lodged strong diplomatic protests with Beijing for showing Aksai Chin plateau as its official territory. In 2015, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said the country had protested the Chinese plans to invest $46 billion into a China-Pakistan economic corridor.

(With Reporting by OSINT)

Comments

Continue Reading

India Seeks Overseas Help For Lithium Processing To Avoid Relying On China

India is in talks with several countries seeking partnerships for technical help on lithium processing, said four sources familiar with the matter, to bolster its nascent lithium mining and electric vehicle industries and avoid relying on China.

India’s Ministry of Mines began discussions with Australia and the United States last year, said the four sources, two from India’s government and two industry participants. The Indian government and some private companies have also sought help from Bolivia, Britain, Japan and South Korea, said the sources, who did not wish to be identified as the discussions were not public.

Executives from Russia’s TENEX, part of state-owned nuclear energy company Rosatom, approached the Indian government and have held at least two meetings with Indian officials this year, offering lithium processing technology and the possibility of collaborating with Indian companies, said one of the sources, a senior government official with direct knowledge of the plans.

The discussions illustrate efforts by India, the world’s third-largest carbon emitter and oil importer, to develop a lithium mining industry that could provide the chemical feedstocks for batteries for its domestic electric vehicle (EV) industry which could help cut its greenhouse gas emissions and oil dependence.

“India needs technology to process lithium and we are looking to collaborate with other countries which have some experience,” said the senior government official. “We are aiming to be self-reliant and one of the ways is through partnerships.”

TENEX, Russia’s Ministry of Industry and Trade and India’s Ministry of Mines did not respond to emails from Reuters seeking comments. Russia’s Rosatom declined to comment.

New Delhi is in the process of auctioning its first mining rights to lithium blocks, which were discovered last year in the Jammu and Kashmir region and the states of Chhattisgarh.

Companies including SoftBank-backed e-scooter maker Ola Electric, Shree Cement, state-run Coal India, miner Vedanta Ltd and Jindal Power are among those bidding for critical minerals blocks, which include lithium, with a shortlist expected by July.

Winners will receive licences to explore and mine lithium, and will also be responsible for processing it as lithium concentrates or lithium chemicals for the battery industry.

Some of the companies that have bid for the lithium mining rights have sought technical help from companies in other countries to set up refining plants, the sources said.

Shree Cement is in talks with an Australian firm seeking technical assistance for a lithium refinery that would cost between $600 million and $700 million, a company source said, without giving the name.

‘Long And Bumpy’

Even with outside help, it will take a few years before India is ready to convert lithium ores into material for battery manufacturing, analysts said.

“The path to commercialization is likely to be long and bumpy, especially given that it typically takes anywhere between four to seven years from discovery to commercial production for lithium mines,” said Ritabrata Ghosh, vice-president and sector head of corporate ratings at ICRA Ltd.

India needs technical help in ore processing steps such as beneficiation to separate waste rock from ore, and hydrometallurgy, leaching, and pyrometallurgy for separating the metal from the ore, Ghosh said.

In the absence of processing plants, Indian companies would likely ship lithium ores to China and bring the processed metal back to India, said Ganesh Sivamani, research associate at the Centre for Social and Economic Progress, a New Delhi-based think tank.

Neighbour and rival China accounts for almost two-thirds of the world’s lithium processing capacity.

The government’s top policy think-tank NITI Aayog has recommended incentives for setting up lithium processing plants. India’s battery industry will require an annual 56,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate by 2030, according to NITI Aayog.

(With Agency Inputs)

Comments

Continue Reading

NSA Ajit Doval Meets Russian Counterpart; Review Progress In Bilateral Cooperation

Moscow: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval held a bilateral meeting with Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev and both sides reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation and discussed important issues of mutual interest.

NSA Ajit Doval held the meeting on the sidelines of the XII International Meeting of High Ranking Officials Responsible for Security Matters in St Petersburg in Russia.

"On the sidelines of the XII International Meeting of High Ranking Officials Responsible for Security Matters in St Petersburg, NSA Ajit Doval had a bilateral meeting with His Excellency Mr. Nikolai Patrushev, Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation. Both sides reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation and discussed important issues of mutual interest," the Indian embassy in Moscow said in a post shared on X.

Moreover, NSA Doval also held a bilateral meeting with the Chief Advisor to the Brazilian president, Celso Amorim and discussed bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest.

"On the sidelines of the XII International Meeting of High Ranking Officials Responsible for Security Matters in St Petersburg, NSA Shri Ajit Doval had a bilateral meeting with His Excellency Celso Amorim, Chief Advisor to the President of Brazil. Bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest were discussed," the embassy said in another post.

Earlier in the day, NSA Ajit Doval participated in the luncheon meeting of BRICS NSAs hosted by the Russian Security Council's Secretary.

During the meeting, he called for closer cooperation in the fight against terrorism and concrete actions to prevent transborder planning, funding and execution of terrorist acts.

In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Russia stated, "NSA Shri Ajit Doval spoke at the luncheon meeting of BRICS NSAs hosted by the Secretary of the Russian Federation's Security Council and called for closer cooperation in the fight against terrorism and concrete actions to prevent trans-border planning, funding and execution of terrorist acts."

This report is auto-generated from a syndicated feed

Comments

Continue Reading

'Have Taken Up Matter With Iranian Side,' Says India After Kashmir Issue Mentioned In Pak-Iran Joint Statement

New Delhi: After the Kashmir issue was mentioned in the joint statement issued at the conclusion of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's visit to Pakistan, India said that they have taken up this matter with the Iranian authorities, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Thursday.

"We have taken up the matter with Iranian authorities," Spox Jaiswal said on being asked how MEA sees the joint statement on Kashmir issue.

Earlier, Pakistan and Iran agreed that the Kashmir issue should be resolved through "peaceful means based on the will of the people" of the region, said a joint statement issued by the two countries after Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's maiden visit.

President Raisi paid an official visit to Pakistan from April 22-24 at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He was accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising the Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian, as well as other members of the cabinet and senior officials.

It stated that taking note of developments at regional and global levels, both sides stressed the importance of peaceful settlement of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy to find mutually acceptable solutions to common challenges.

"Both sides highlighted the need to resolve the issue of Kashmir through dialogue and peaceful means based on the will of the people of that region, and in accordance with international law," it stated.

During a joint press conference after their talks on Monday, Prime Minister Sharif raked up the Kashmir issue and thanked Iran for its stance. However, Iranian President Raisi refrained from mentioning Kashmir and instead talked about Iran's support for those fighting against oppression especially in Palestine, creating an impression that he had snubbed the desire of the Pakistani leader to say something on the issue.

This report is auto-generated from a syndicated feed

Comments

Continue Reading

'Deeply Biased': India Dismisses U.S. Report On Alleged Human Rights Abuses In Manipur

New Delhi: India on Thursday firmly rejected the US State Department report on Human Rights in India, which mentioned “significant human rights abuses” during the violence that broke out in Manipur last year and said that the report is “deeply biased” and “reflects a poor understanding of India.”

"This report is deeply biased and reflects a poor understanding of India. We attach no value to it and urge you to do the same," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal responded to the question asked during the MEA's press briefing on Thursday.

The US State Department’s report, “2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: India” alleged that the ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur resulted in "significant human rights abuses."

It also said that at least 175 people were killed and more than 60,000 were displaced amid violence.

“The outbreak of ethnic conflict between the Kuki and Meitei ethnic groups during the year in India’s northeastern state of Manipur resulted in significant human rights abuses. Media reported at least 175 persons were killed and more than 60,000 displaced between May 3 and November 15. Activists and journalists reported armed conflict, rapes, and assaults in addition to the destruction of homes, businesses, and places of worship,” the Executive Summary of the US report read.

“The government deployed security forces, implemented daily curfews, and internet shutdowns in response to the violence. The Supreme Court criticized the failure of the central government and the Manipur state government to halt the violence and appointed officials to investigate incidents of violence and to ensure the delivery of humanitarian assistance and the rebuilding of homes and places of worship,” it added.

Additionally, on being asked regarding the progress in the ongoing investigation into the foiled assassination plot against India designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, Spox Jaiswal echoes the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and said that the issue equally impact both countries national security and the high-level committee is looking into the matter.

"We have set up a high-level committee. The high-level committee is looking into several information that was shared by the American side with us because they also equally impact our national security. The high-level committee is looking into those aspects, and that is where it is right now," he said.

Earlier, in the daily press briefing of the US State Department, when being asked if the US received a report of India's internal investigation in the case, US Department of State official spokesperson, Mathew Miller, denied sharing any details and asserted that they are looking forward to the results of the investigation on the Indian side.

"So I'm not going to speak to media reports. I will just say that we have made clear to the Government of India that we want to see them conduct a full investigation, and we continue to look forward to the results of that investigation, but I don't have any updates to offer," Miller said.

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun is an India-designated terrorist who holds American and Canadian citizenship. He has repeatedly issued threats against India.

As per the US Justice Department indictment, an Indian national, Nikhil Gupta, who is currently in custody, has been charged with the murder-for-hire of Pannun. The US Justice Department had claimed that an Indian government employee, who was not identified in the indictment filed, had recruited Gupta to hire a hitman to allegedly assassinate Pannun, which was foiled by US authorities.

This report is auto-generated from a syndicated feed

Comments

Continue Reading

'Received The Invitation, Matter Under Consideration...': MEA On India's Participation In G7 Summit

New Delhi: India has received the invitation to attend the G7 Summit set to be held in Italy and the matter is under consideration, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a media briefing on Thursday.

Asked whether India received an invitation to attend the G7 Summit, Jaiswal stated, "We know that the G7 meeting is to be held in Italy. We have received the invitation. But, at this point in time, it's a matter which is under consideration and we will come to know of details. As and when we have more details to share with you, we will bring it up to you."

The G7 Summit will be held in Borgo Egnazia, in Italy Apulia, on June 13-15, 2024. The event will bring together the Leaders of the seven-member States, the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission representing the European Union.

On January 1, 2024, Italy assumed, for the seventh time, the Presidency of the G7. The Italian Presidency will last until December 31, 2024, and will feature a dense programme of technical meetings and institutional events throughout the country.

The Group of Seven (G7) is an informal forum that brings together Italy, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. The European Union also participates in the Group and is represented at the summits by the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission.

A key focus of the Italian Presidency will be the defence of the rules-based international system. The statement released on the official website of the Italian Presidency reads, "A key focus of the Italian Presidency will be the defence of the rules-based international system. Russia's war of aggression on Ukraine has undermined its principles and triggered growing instability, with multiple crises unfolding worldwide. The G7 will give equal importance to the conflict in the Middle East, with its consequences for the global agenda."

"The relationship with developing Nations and emerging economies will be central. The engagement with Africa will be a key priority. We will work to build a cooperation model based on mutually beneficial partnerships, away from paternalistic or predatory logics. Particular attention will also be paid to the Indo-Pacific region," it added.

According to the statement, Italy will pay attention to migration along with some of the other challenges including the climate-energy nexus and food security.

This report is auto-generated from a syndicated feed

Comments

Continue Reading

Congratulate Maldives On Parliamentary Elections, Hope To Continue Exchanges With New Majlis: MEA

New Delhi: India has congratulated Maldives for the successful conduct of parliamentary elections and expressed hope that the two nations will continue their exchanges at parliamentary level in the coming days, the Ministry of External Affairs said.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that New Delhi and Male have had historical ties and India has a development cooperation program with Maldives.

Addressing the weekly media briefing, Jaiswal said, "We have old historical ties with Maldives. We have a development cooperation programme with the Maldives and one programme is ongoing. Recently, Maldives held parliamentary/ Majlis elections. We congratulate Maldives on its successful parliamentary elections. We (India) and Maldives have many exchanges with each other at the parliament level. We hope to continue these exchanges with the new Majlis in the coming days."

In response to another query about Bangladesh, China planning to hold joint military exercise in May, he said, "You have heard me speak about this several times from this podium. We keep a close watch on all developments that happen in our neighbourhood and beyond, which impact our economic and security interests and we take appropriate measures accordingly."

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu's ruling People's National Congress (PNC) has won a supermajority in the Maldives Parliament. His party won 60 seats in the parliamentary elections held on Sunday, Maldives-based Sun Online reported.

Over 2,00,000 people voted in the parliamentary elections, in which 326 candidates were in the fray for 93 seats in the next parliamentary assembly, including six new seats. Maldives ruling party's candidates contested 90 seats.

The candidates who contested the elections also included 89 candidates from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP); 39 candidates from the Democrats; 10 candidates from the Jumhoory Party (JP); four candidates from the Maldives Development Alliance (MDA); four from the Adhaalath Party (AP); two from the Maldives National Party (MNP); and 130 independent candidates.

According to preliminary results, President Mohamed Muizzu's PNC secured the win in more than 60 seats, which is roughly two-thirds of the total seats. It does not include the independent candidates who contested with the party's support and candidates from the MNP and MDA. MNP and MDA are two parties allied with the ruling coalition.

Notably, ties between India and the Maldives had become strained since Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu assumed office.He criticised India during and after the presidential polls and his government also formally requested India to withdraw its troops from Male. However, in March, Muizzu requested New Delhi for debt relief measures, while stating that India would continue to remain the Maldives' "closest ally," local media reported.

He further claimed that he has "not taken any action nor made any statements" that may strain the relationship between the two countries. In an interview with local media 'Mihaaru', Muizzu said that he hopes India will accommodate debt relief measures for the Maldives' in the repayment of the hefty loans taken from the country over consecutive governments, Adhadhu reported.

He said, "The conditions we have inherited are such that there are very large loans taken from India. Hence, we are holding discussions to explore leniencies in the repayment structure of these loans. Instead of halting any ongoing projects, proceed with them at speed. So I see no reason for any adverse effects [on Maldives-India relations]."

This report is auto-generated from a syndicated feed

Comments

Continue Reading

Indians Aboard Ship Seized By Iran To Be Released When Contractual Obligations Are Accomplished: MEA

New Delhi: In the case regarding Indian crew aboard an Israeli-linked cargo ship seized by Iran, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday that one of the 17 Indian crew members has safely returned to India and others are safe, adding that they will be released once their contractual obligations are accomplished.

"One girl who was there has returned. We had asked for consular access for these 16 people and we received that and our officers met them. Their health is good and there is no problem of any kind on the ship. Concerning their return, there are some technicalities and contractual obligations. Once they are done, it will decide their return," MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal said in a weekly press briefing on Thursday.

This comes as the Iranian envoy to India, Iraj Elahi, has said that the Indian nationals, crew members of MSC Aries, are not detained and that they are free to go.

He said after a woman cadet named Ann Tessa Joseph landed at the Cochin International airport, who was among the 17 Indians onboard the container vessel MSC Aries.

"All of them are free to go. They are not detained. They can return India. They are under command of the captain," said envoy Elahi in response to ANI.

The Indian deck cadet landed at Cochin International Airport afternoon and was received by the Regional Passport Officer of Cochin.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also added that the Indian mission in Tehran is in touch with the remaining 16 Indian crew members of the container vessel.

"The crew members are in good health and in contact with their family members in India. Indian Mission is also in touch with the Iranian authorities in ensuring the well being of the remaining crew members of MSC Aries," it added. Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had spoken to his Iranian counterpart Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian on the matter.

Lauding the efforts of the Indian embassy in Iran, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, "#ModiKiGuarantee always delivers"."Great work, @India_in_Iran. Glad that Ms. Ann Tessa Joseph has reached home. #ModiKiGuarantee always delivers, at home or abroad," Jaishankar posted on X.

Notably, the cadet was released after EAM Jaishankar earlier spoke with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in the wake of Iran's direct attack on Israel on Saturday with missiles and drones that has stirred up tensions in West Asia.

The two leaders discussed the prevailing situation in West Asia, stressing that it is important to exercise restraint and return to diplomacy.

"Spoke to Iranian FM @Amirabdolahian this evening. Took up the release of 17 Indian crew members of MSC Aries. Discussed the current situation in the region. Stressed the importance of avoiding escalation, exercising restraint and returning to diplomacy. Agreed to remain in touch," Jaishankar posted from his official X handle.

The cargo ship was seized by Iran on April 13, with 17 Indian nationals onboardIran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy seized the container ship near the Strait of Hormuz, The Times of Israel reported, citing an Iranian news agency.

The MSC Aries was last seen on April 12, sailing towards the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Dubai, according to The Times of Israel.

This report is auto-generated from a syndicated feed

Comments

Continue Reading

Protesters Block Karakoram Highway, Demanding Compensation For Diamer Bhasha Dam As Promised

Islamabad: The people affected by the Gilgit-Baltistan's Diamer Bhasha Dam blocked the Karakoram Highway (KKH) on Wednesday in protest against Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) for failure to pay compensation promised to them for leaving their lands for the dam's construction, reported Dawn.

The protesters were demanding pending payments which entitles them to financial assistance before departure from their houses acquired for the Dasu hydropower project.

Following which, the action committee of the Diamer Bhasha Dam called the sit-in protest and blocked the KKH, stranding hundreds of vehicles on both sides of the road at the Gechi area of Chilas in GB's Diamer district.

Diamer Deputy Commissioner (DC) Captain (retd) Muhammad Arif said that the protesters blocked the road and demanded their compensation payments pending with Wapda, Dawn reported.

He further said that he held negotiations with the demonstrators and told them that he would convey their message to the Wapda chairman and other relevant officials, adding that the chairman's visit was also expected next week but the protesters did not agree.

DC Arif added that the road was opened for half an hour and stranded vehicles crossed the blockade but was blocked again as the protesters demanded the Wapda chairman to meet them at the sit-in site.

Atiullah and Muhammad Iqbal, who led the sit-in, said that they would not leave the road until their demands were met and will continue their protest.

Iqbal said those affeced were demanding Chula payments for a long time but the administration and Wapda officials "paid no heed" to their demands.

Moreover, he said that the affectees had sacrificed their lands and in return, the government did not bother to provide the Chula payments to over 800 affectees which were promised to them in written, according to Dawn.

As they continued to protest, the tourists travelling to and from Gilgit Baltistan-Islamabad were stranded on both sides of the blocked road.

Muhammad Jamil, a passenger travelling to Hunza Gilgit, said that his children and families were stranded on the road for six hours.

Jamil added that they were able to leave after the roads were opened by the protesters, who were asked to leave immediately as the road had to be blocked again.

This report is auto-generated from a syndicated feed

Comments

Continue Reading

India, US Spearhead Global Disaster Resilience Efforts Through Coalition For Disaster Resilient Infrastructure

New Delhi: As co-chairs of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)'s Governing Council and Executive Committee from 2022 to 2024, India and the United States have collaborated to establish disaster-resilient infrastructure around the world in partnership with CDRI's growing membership.

On April 23, the United States transitioned the co-chairship to France and will remain actively engaged in the organisation in support of its goals, according to a press release.

Formed by India in 2019, CDRI is a unique global climate initiative that brings together governments, multilateral agencies, the private sector, and academic institutions to strengthen the climate resilience of key infrastructure, including roads, airports, and power grids.

India is the permanent co-chair of the CDRI Governing Council and Executive Committee, represented by PK Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister and Kamal Kishore, Member of, the National Disaster Management Authority and Head of Department, the press release stated.

Over the last two years, the United States, represented by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), has held the rotating co-chair positions for a two-year term.

Under the strategic guidance of its co-chairs, CDRI has witnessed remarkable growth over the last two years, unveiling a new strategic roadmap for 2023 to 2026 and expanding its membership by more than 25 per cent.

CDRI's 46 members include 39 countries, 6 multilateral organizations, and a private-sector association representing more than 400 companies, forging partnerships that will strengthen infrastructure resilience worldwide. Through this platform, members focus on transforming new and existing infrastructure systems to mitigate climate and disaster risks, sharing knowledge, best practices, and proven tools.

As global leaders in climate action, India and the United States have promoted financing for infrastructure that fortifies the resilience of communities worldwide in the face of increasing disasters.

During this tenure, CDRI has released the world's first Global Infrastructure Risk Model and Resilience Index, which will enable countries to predict the risk and estimate economic impacts, allowing for more strategic preparation and resilience efforts.

In addition to catalysing financial investments for infrastructure, CDRI has also launched initiatives to invest in a future-ready workforce.

Together, the countries have spearheaded transformative initiatives to equip students and professionals to facilitate innovative solutions to infrastructure challenges through initiatives such as the Infrastructure Resilience Academic Exchange and the Higher Education Partnership for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.

A tangible example of CDRI's impact can be witnessed at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, where CDRI Fellows are pioneering advancements in flood management. Through the Infrastructure Resilience Academic Exchange initiative, students are leveraging advanced technology and public participation to develop tools that predict and respond to floods more effectively.

By combining community observations with satellite data, they are equipping local communities to mitigate the impacts of flooding, ensuring more efficient planning and a safer future for all. CDRI has also awarded 11 projects across 13 Small Island Developing States as part of its commitment to help the most vulnerable by making infrastructure systems disaster and climate-resilient.

Kamal Kishore, Member Secretary, National Disaster Management Authority, India and CDRI Executive Committee India Co-Chair, said, "Achieving CDRI's mission of strengthening infrastructure systems around the world is vital if we are to protect lives and livelihoods from the impacts of disasters.

During the last two years Administrator Samantha Power and her team at USAID, in Washington DC and New Delhi, have provided unparalleled leadership and support that has resulted in several innovative initiatives over the last two years."

"Thanks to their efforts, CDRI is stronger: we held our first regional conference in Washington DC, work is being taken forward on critical infrastructure sectors, and we are developing a unique academic exchange. It has been a great example of India-US collaboration. I look forward to our continued collaboration and USA's exemplary engagement and support for CDRI," Kishore added.

USAID/India Mission Director Veena Reddy and CDRI Executive Committee US Co-Chair, said, "As the world confronts escalating climate uncertainties, CDRI stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in advancing global resilience efforts.

The US government remains deeply committed to CDRI's mission and promoting disaster- and climate-resilient infrastructure to support countries, communities, and people around the world for a safer and more productive future."

This week's International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure will underscore the need for enhanced financing and investments in infrastructure resilience.

As the climate crisis intensifies, CDRI calls upon governments, multilateral agencies, private sector entities, and investors to prioritise funding for projects that strengthen infrastructure resilience and mitigate the impacts of disasters and climate change.

This report is auto-generated from a syndicated feed

Comments

Continue Reading

'We Are All Judged By What We Do At Home, Not What We Say Abroad': MEA On Pro-Palestine Protests At U.S. Universities

New Delhi: On the pro-Palestine protests at Columbia University and other Universities in the US, the Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said that there should be a right balance between freedom of expression and sense of responsibility, adding that the democratic country is judged by what we do at home and not what we say abroad."

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We have seen reports on the matter and have been following related events. In every democracy, there has to be the right balance between freedom of expression, a sense of responsibility and public safety and order. Democracies in particular should display this understanding in regard to other fellow democracies. After all, we are all judged by what we do at home and not what we say abroad."

Asked whether it is a concern for India as Indian students study in US universities, he said, "As far as your question regarding Indian students is concerned, we are always in touch with Indian students and as and when there are issues which have to be resolved, we will look into it."

Colleges across the United States are grappling with escalating unrest as pro-Palestinian protests sweep through their campuses, prompting administrators to implement unprecedented measures to address the intensifying situation, CNN reported.

Protesters at Columbia University, where demonstrations ignited last week, demand the severance of ties with Israeli academic institutions and complete divestment from entities linked to Israel amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

At the University of Texas in Austin, over 30 arrests were made during protests, while around 50 protesters were arrested at the University of Southern California following a dispersal order from the police.

Negotiations between Columbia University officials and protesters regarding the clearance of encampments on campus have been described as "unstable" by Esha Karam, managing director of Columbia Daily Spectator, citing student organisers. Talks have been extended for 48 hours, but the outcome remains uncertain.

"We're about halfway through that extended deadline of 48 hours and we heard from organizers on the student front earlier today in a press conference who told us that the negotiations are ongoing so unstable at the moment," Karam told CNN.

There's still around another 24 hours to go until the extended deadline "but really after that, we don't really know where things are going," Karam added.

The California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt campus, faces continued closure as protesters, including unidentified non-students, occupy two buildings. School officials have expressed concerns over safety hazards and property damage, with plans to keep the campus closed for an extended period.

With the surge in protests, US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson called for the resignation of Columbia University's president amid ongoing demonstrations sparked by pro-Palestinian sentiments at major American universities, CNN reported.

House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasised the need for order on campus, stating that if the university president cannot restore calm, she should resign, CNN reported. However, students have expressed varied viewpoints on this call for resignation, with some expressing willingness to continue working with her.

This report is auto-generated from a syndicated feed

Comments

Continue Reading

Indian Air Force Remotely Piloted Aircraft Crashes Near Jaisalmer; No Casualties Reported

Rajasthan: A remotely Piloted Aircraft of the Indian Air Force met with an accident near Jaisalmer today during a routine training sortie.

As per the reports by Indian Air Force, no damage to any personnel or property has been reported

A court of inquiry has been constituted to find out the cause of the accident, IAF said.

More details awaited.

(With Agency Inputs)

Comments

Continue Reading

Iran Sentences Rapper Toomaj Salehi To Death On Speech-Related Charges

Tehran: Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi, known for his outspoken criticism of the government, has been sentenced to death by an Iranian court on speech-related charges, sparking outrage from human rights organisations, an international non-governmental organisation, Human Rights Watch said in a press statement.

The verdict was issued by Branch 1 of Isfahan's Revolutionary Court, which found Salehi guilty of "corruption on earth," a charge that can carry the death penalty. Salehi's lawyer, Amir Raeesian, revealed the sentence to the media outlet Shargh on April 24, 2024. Raeesian denounced the ruling, highlighting significant legal errors and stating that they would appeal the verdict.

Human Rights Watch condemned the decision, with senior Iran researcher at Human Rights Watch, Tara Sepehri Far denouncing the Iranian judicial system's assault on fundamental freedoms and the right to a fair trial. "Iran's revolutionary court judges act like they are empowered to assault citizens' basic rights and make a mockery of any existing legal safeguards. Toumaj Salehi's outrageous verdict is just the latest manifestation of Iran's brutal justice system. He should be released immediately," she stated, calling for Salehi's immediate release.

According to the Human Rights Watch statement released on Wednesday, Salehi's legal ordeal began when he was violently arrested on October 30, 2022, amidst protests following the death of Kurdish-Iranian woman Mahsa Jina Amini in morality police custody. He was held in solitary confinement and faced multiple charges, including "corruption on earth."

Despite a previous six-year prison sentence being struck down by Iran's Supreme Court in November 2023, Salehi was rearrested by security forces just 12 days later.

In a previous trial, Branch 1 of Isfahan's Revolutionary Court had ruled that the threshold for the "corruption on earth" charge had not been met, instead sentencing Salehi to six years in prison under article 286 of the Islamic Penal Code. However, he was later released on bail after the sentence was overturned. Yet, upon his rearrest, new charges were brought against him, resulting in a one-year prison sentence and a two-year travel ban.

Despite these legal battles, Salehi faced a new trial on April 18, 2024, where additional charges were added, ultimately leading to the death sentence. Raeesian highlighted the legal inconsistencies in the ruling, including contradictions with the supreme court verdict.

The case of Toomaj Salehi is not an isolated incident. Human Rights Watch highlighted a pattern of Iranian authorities using vaguely defined national security charges against protesters, resulting in death sentences. The organisation revealed that as of April 2024, 25 death sentences had been issued in connection to protests, with eight executions carried out and 11 death penalty convictions overturned by the Supreme Court, the release said.

Another rapper, Saman Seyedi, also known as "Yasin," was among those arrested during the protests. While initially sentenced to death on charges of "enmity against the state," his sentence was struck down by the Supreme Court. However, he was later sentenced to five years in prison by Branch 15 of Tehran's Revolutionary Court.

Sepehri Far condemned the Iranian government's use of unfair courts to suppress dissent, describing it as a cornerstone of their repression tactics.

"The Iranian government has made unfair courts a cornerstone of its vicious repression of popular dissent," Sepehri Far said.

This report is auto-generated from a syndicated feed

Comments

Continue Reading

Israeli Aircraft Strike More Than 30 Hamas Targets, 2 Reserve Brigades Mobilised

Tel Aviv: Israeli aircraft struck more than 30 Hamas targets across Gaza in the last day, including terror squads, weapons storage facilities, military structures, and other terror infrastructure, the Israel Defence Forces said on Thursday morning.

During one of the strikes, troops identified two terrorists attempting to launch rockets toward Israeli territory. In response, fighter jets struck the terrorists and destroyed the launch pit, as well as the weapons storage facility in which one of the terrorists was located following the launch attempt.

An additional Hamas squad was eliminated in the central Gaza area of Nuseirat. A separate airstrike eliminated a Hamas sniper team.

In addition, IAF fighter jets struck terrorist infrastructure in the northern Gaza area of Shati, from where Hamas terrorists were firing rockets at troops.

Meanwhile, Hamas released a video of hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, a dual US-Israeli citizen abducted from the Nova Music Festival on October 7. The three-minute video was not dated, but Goldberg-Polin, 23, said he had been held hostage for "nearly 200 days." He also referred to a festival, presumably Passover, which began on Monday night.

One of his hands was missing.

IDF Spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari called the video "psychological terror" in response.

"Until Hamas releases our hostages," Hagari said, "the IDF will continue to chase after Hamas everywhere in Gaza. This is an urgent call to action. No stone will be left unturned in our efforts to locate our abductees."

He added, "This psychological terror video is not only a reminder of what Hamas did on October 7th. It is a reminder of how sick this terror group is, terrorizing the hostages and their families too."

The video may have been a response to the IDF's announcement earlier in the day that it is mobilizing two reserve brigades. It is widely believed that an invasion of Rafah, Hamas's last stronghold, will take place sometime after Passover. The week-long holiday ends at sundown on Monday.

At least 1,200 people were killed and 240 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in Hamas's attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. Around 30 of the remaining 133 hostages are believed dead.

This report is auto-generated from a syndicated feed

Comments

Continue Reading

Jeay Sindh Holds Massive Pro-Freedom Rallies In Sindh On GM Syed's Death Anniversary

Sann: On the death anniversary of Sindhi nationalist leader GM Syed, massive pro-freedom rallies were held in Sann City of Pakistan's Sindh province.

Organised under the banner of Jeay Sindh Muttahida Mahaz (JSMM), the rallies saw Chairman Shafi Burfat deliver a virtual speech on pressing issues of global peace and security.

Burfat emphasised the importance of honouring the freedom of historical nations, asserting its vital role in maintaining global peace.

He condemned religious and ethnic extremism as threats to democratic values and secularism.

In his address, Burfat warned of the growing risk of world conflict amidst major powers' competition for control over resources. He labelled Pakistan as a recognised terrorist state, holding accountable nations and providing it with political, economic, and military support for regional extremism.

"Pakistan is a recognised and proven terrorist state," emphasised Burfat. "The international powers and countries supporting Pakistan are also complicit in the extremist terrorism it perpetrates in the region."

Burfat criticised Pakistan's governance, describing it as a failed and unnatural state that has subjugated Sindh through religious manipulation.

He highlighted Sindh's suffering under Pakistan's state terrorism, political oppression, fascism, and economic exploitation since 1947.

Advocating for Sindhi freedom, Burfat appealed for international support, citing the risks to human rights and the existential threat faced by historical nations within Pakistan.

He urged for Pakistan's dissolution to liberate captive nations and prevent extremists from accessing its weapons.

The statement underscored Pakistan's destabilising influence and called for its abolition to ensure the liberation of historical nations and safeguard global security.

This report is auto-generated from a syndicated feed

Comments

Continue Reading