News Analysis India

Tag: United States

  • Could China’s Growing Nuclear Arsenal Become a Concern for Other Countries? ,

    SOLNA: The Chinese nuclear arsenal has increased from 410 warheads to 500 warheads within a year, claimed The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) in its 55th yearbook 2024. SIPRI, an independent international institute dedicated to research into conflict, armaments, arms control, and disarmament in its report stated that “the estimated size of China’s nuclear arsenal increased from 410 warheads in January 2023 to 500 in January 2024, and it is expected to keep growing.”

    It further mentioned that for the first time, China may also now be deploying a small number of warheads on missiles during peacetime. Depending on how it decides to structure its forces, China could potentially have at least as many intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) as either Russia or the USA by the turn of the decade.

    ‘China is expanding its nuclear arsenal faster than any other country, but in nearly all of the nuclear-armed states there are either plans or a significant push to increase nuclear forces.” stated, Associate Senior Fellow with SIPRI, Hans M. Kristensen.

    China is likely to have a significantly smaller total nuclear weapons arsenal than either the United States or Russia, but due to its rapid deployment, it may eventually catch up to them in terms of active armament in the years to come, according to SIPRI.

    According to SIPRI, there are over 2,100 nuclear missiles that are thought to be in use and under control at any given time, practically all of which are possessed by the United States or Russia.

    China is increasing its weapons at a time when tensions across the world are rising due to the hostilities in Taiwan and the ongoing wars in Gaza and Ukraine. China has been holding more military exercises close to Taiwan in the past year, which some observers interpret as preparation for an invasion of the disputed territory, The Hill reported.

    According to SIPRI, the majority of nations are expanding or modernising their stockpiles at the same time as the nuclear buildup. According to the institute, Israel, which does not formally recognise that it possesses nuclear weapons, is said to have moved to modernise its stockpile, while North Korea, France, and India have taken steps to increase their armaments in the past year.

  • US Weather Update: Storms, Tornadoes Leave Texas Reeling With Power Outage, Damaged Cars, Homes |

    Texas Tornadoes Update: Some parts of the United States are experiencing extreme weather conditions with people being forced to leave without electricity due to power outages caused due to damaged lines. Several cars and homes have been damaged in Dallas and Texas by tornadoes and storms. According to US weather reports, storms battered the Texa and plains after passing through the Dallas area.

    The tornadoes and storm brought strong winds, and baseball-sized hailstorms disrupting the public. As per reports, strong storms with damaging winds, hail, and rain caused heavy damage in Texas. The United States is recovering from severe weather conditions as a total of 23 people have died during Memorial Day weekend due to tornadoes and storms. Seven people were killed in Cooke County, Texas, from a tornado that tore through a mobile home park Saturday, and an additional seven deaths were reported across Arkansas.

    Strong storms with damaging winds, hail, and rain pummeled Texas Tuesday morning. This comes as much of the US is recovering from severe weather, including tornadoes, that killed at least 23 people during Memorial Day weekend. https://t.co/HT9K8XSqtS pic.twitter.com/Dba0NdejjY — ABC7 News (@abc7newsbayarea) May 28, 2024

    One man died in Texas while about 1 million businesses and homes were without power. Before the storms, heat waves had added to the misery of the people. Social media posts – on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) showed winds pushing one American Airlines plane away from a gate at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.

    Security cameras at the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport captured an unoccupied American Airlines 737-800 jet being pushed away from a gate by the wind gusts Tuesday morning — via @ABC News https://t.co/CwcX9FvY49 pic.twitter.com/Hz4rQ5Sw25 — Bill Hutchinson (@bill_hutchinson) May 28, 2024

    Roughly 150,000 homes and businesses lacked electricity midday Tuesday in Louisiana, Kentucky, Arkansas, West Virginia and Missouri. This month has been marked by devastating tornadoes and severe weather across the nation’s midsection.

    SEVERE WEATHER | Four north Texas counties have been added to a recent disaster declaration after severe storms across North Texas. READ MORE: https://t.co/mQFgM7d8m6 pic.twitter.com/JKrUdWsXM6 — News 4 San Antonio (@News4SA) May 29, 2024

    Last week, tornadoes in Iowa resulted in at least five deaths and dozens of injuries. Additionally, storms in Houston this month claimed the lives of eight people. April saw the second-highest number of tornadoes on record in the United States. These severe weather events are occurring against the backdrop of climate change, which is generally intensifying storms worldwide.

  • ‘Israel Will Decide How To Respond To Iran’: PM Benjamin Netanyahu Tells West Amid Calls For Restraint | world news

    Tel Aviv: Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has affirmed his nation’s commitment to defending itself autonomously, regardless of advice from allies, amid escalating tensions with Iran. Netanyahu’s assertion came during a cabinet meeting following discussions with UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who had arrived in Israel in the wake of Tehran’s recent attack. Germany and the UK, while urging restraint from Israel, warned of the potential for broader conflict in the Middle East. However, Israel remains steadfast in its determination to retaliate against Iran, emphasizing the need for consequences following the attack.

    Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s prerogative to make independent decisions for its defense, regardless of external counsel. While appreciating the suggestions from allies, he reiterated Israel’s commitment to taking necessary measures to ensure its security. In his remarks at the cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said that the two leaders had “all kinds of suggestions and advice.” He noted that while it was appreciated, Israel would nevertheless “make our own decisions, and Israel will do everything necessary to defend itself.”

    Cameron acknowledged the likelihood of retaliation against Israel but expressed hope for a measured response to prevent further escalation. Baerbock voiced opposition to Israel’s retaliatory plans, advocating for prudence and emphasizing the need to prevent further fueling of the conflict.

    Amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, Netanyahu’s office underlined Israel’s right to self-defense during discussions with foreign counterparts. Talks between Cameron, Baerbock, and Israeli leaders centered on the potential for Israeli retaliation.

    Baerbock and Cameron are slated to participate in a G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in Italy, where discussions will include considerations for imposing sanctions on Iran. Baerbock reiterated calls for Israel to exercise restraint, stressing the importance of responsible action.

    Cameron urged a refocus on addressing the situation in Gaza, where Israel’s counter-offensive against Hamas continues. The escalation between Israel and Iran follows Tehran’s retaliatory strikes for an alleged Israeli airstrike in Syria.

    Israel’s Defense Forces reported a high interception rate of projectiles launched by Iran, underscoring Israel’s military capabilities. The attack, comprising drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles, was largely intercepted, with support from allies including the US, Jordan, and the UK.

  • Another Indian Student Dies In Ohio; Probe Underway, Says Indian Consulate world news

    OHIO: Another Indian student has tragically passed away in the state of Ohio, United States, with the Indian Consulate in New York confirming the incident on Friday. Identified as Uma Satya Sai Gadde, the circumstances surrounding his death remain shrouded in mystery as police delve into the investigation. Expressing deep sorrow over the loss, the Indian Consulate in New York conveyed its condolences to the bereaved family, highlighting its efforts to provide comprehensive support during this difficult time. This includes facilitating the repatriation of Gadde’s mortal remains to India promptly.

    Deeply saddened by the unfortunate demise of Mr. Uma Satya Sai Gadde, an Indian student in Cleveland, Ohio.

    Police investigation is underway. @IndiainNewYork continues to remain in touch with the family in India.

    All possible assistance is being extended including to transport… — India in New York (@IndiainNewYork) April 5, 2024

    Police Investigation Underway

    Authorities are currently engaged in a thorough investigation to ascertain the cause of Gadde’s untimely demise. The Consulate assured continued coordination with the family in India and pledged unwavering assistance throughout the investigative process. This unfortunate incident unfolds against a backdrop of increasing concerns surrounding the welfare and safety of Indian students residing in the United States.

    Rising Concerns Over Safety

    In a distressing trend, incidents involving Indian students in the US have garnered attention in recent times, prompting calls for heightened vigilance and security measures. In March, the disappearance of 25-year-old Mohammed Abdul Arafat, a student from Hyderabad, sparked alarm among his family members. After receiving a ransom call following Arafat’s disappearance, his family sought urgent intervention from the External Affairs Ministry.

    Previous Incidents Highlight Vulnerability

    This recent tragedy follows a series of distressing events involving Indian students abroad. Earlier this year, Syed Mazahir Ali, a student from Hyderabad, fell victim to a brutal attack in Chicago, underscoring the vulnerability faced by students studying overseas.

    Similarly, the harrowing accounts of Neel Acharya and Vivek Saini serve as grim reminders of the dangers encountered by Indian students abroad. Acharya, a student at Purdue University, was found deceased after days of being reported missing, while Saini tragically succumbed to a violent assault in Georgia.

    As investigations into these incidents continue, concerns over the safety and security of Indian students studying abroad persist. The Indian government and diplomatic missions remain steadfast in their commitment to providing assistance and support to affected individuals and their families.

    Since the beginning of 2024, there have been at least 10 deaths involving Indian or Indian-origin students in the US.

  • US ‘Outraged’ By Israeli Airstrike Killing Aid Workers In Gaza, UK Summons Envoy | world news

    Washington: The Joe Biden Administration is outraged and has expressed deep dismay over an Israeli airstrike that resulted in the tragic deaths of seven aid workers in Gaza, a White House official said on Tuesday. President Joe Biden also spoke with Jose Andres, the founder of the affected organization and conveyed his condolences. “We were outraged to learn of an IDF strike that killed a number of civilian humanitarian workers yesterday from the World Central Kitchen, which has been tirelessly working to get food to those who are hungry in Gaza, and quite frankly, around the world,” White House national security spokesman John Kirby said at a news briefing Tuesday, adding, “We send our deepest condolences to their families and loved ones.”

    Kirby emphasized that both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli Defense Forces have pledged to conduct an investigation “in a swift and comprehensive manner.” “We hope that those findings will be made public and that there is appropriate accountability held,” Kirby said. He noted that an initial inquiry had already been completed. Furthermore, Kirby highlighted that one of the victims was a dual-national United States citizen.

    President Biden, in a post on Incidents like yesterday’s simply should not happen…”


    US President Joe Biden tweets, “I am outraged and heartbroken by the deaths of seven humanitarian workers from World Central Kitchen, including one American, in Gaza yesterday. Incidents like yesterday’s simply should not happen…” pic.twitter.com/WoWT0BtLt1 — ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2024


    An Israeli military strike on Monday night resulted in the tragic deaths of seven aid workers from the non-profit organization World Central Kitchen as they were delivering food to starving civilians in Gaza. The workers were traveling in two armored cars marked with the charity’s logo and another vehicle, CNN reported. Among those killed were three British nationals, a dual US-Canadian citizen, individuals from Australia and Poland, and a Palestinian.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the incident, stating that “innocent people” were “unintentionally struck” by the military. The Israel Defense Forces pledged to “at the highest levels.”

    Meanwhile, World Central Kitchen founder Jose Andres slammed the Israeli government, saying it “needs to stop this indiscriminate killing.” Israeli President Isaac Herzog apologized to Andres and expressed condolences to the families of the aid workers. He assured a thorough investigation into the tragedy.

    Herzog “expressed his deep sorrow and sincere apologies over the tragic loss of life of WCK staff in the Gaza Strip last night, and sent his condolences to their families and loved ones,” according to a post on X from the presidency. “The President reiterated Israel’s commitment to ensuring a thorough investigation of the tragedy,” the post read.

    UK Summons Israeli Ambassador

    Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has taken a firm stance following the tragic killing of World Central Kitchen aid workers in Gaza, including three British nationals, summoning the Israeli ambassador to London for a decisive discussion, CNN reported. British Minister for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, summoned Israel’s ambassador to set out the government’s “unequivocal condemnation of the appalling killing of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers, including three British nationals,” he said in a Foreign Office press release.

    Israel-Hamas Conflict

    The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has proven particularly deadly for aid workers, with this incident marking one of the deadliest in over two decades, according to the Aid Worker Security Database. In less than six months, nearly 200 aid workers have been killed in Gaza, surpassing casualties in other conflicts such as Afghanistan, Syria, and South Sudan over the past 20 years, as reported by CNN.

    The Aid Worker Security data encompasses workers from various humanitarian organizations, including the United Nations. Since October 7, more than 170 UN staff members have been reported killed, marking the highest number of casualties among UN personnel in history.

    Additionally, fifteen Palestine Red Crescent Society workers and volunteers have lost their lives, as reported by the UN on March 29, CNN reported.

  • New York Judge To Begin Donald Trump ‘Hush Money’ Case Trial From April 15 | world news

    New York: A New York judge has announced that the trial of former US President Donald Trump’s hush money case will commence on April 15, marking the initiation of his first criminal trial this spring. Despite Trump’s attempts to delay all four of his criminal cases beyond the election, Judge Juan Merchan rejected his requests during a recent hearing, ruling in favor of proceeding with the trial as planned.

    Trump sought to have his case dismissed or delayed further, citing newly turned-over documents and accusing Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg of misconduct. However, Merchan dismissed these requests, emphasizing the prosecution’s compliance with discovery obligations. The trial’s jury selection is set to begin on April 15, as per the judge’s ruling.

    The trial was originally slated to commence on Monday but faced a last-minute delay due to a disagreement over newly disclosed documents. The US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York provided over 100,000 pages of records in recent weeks, leading to disputes between the involved parties regarding the timing of their disclosure.

    During the hearing, Trump was accompanied by several lawyers, maintaining a composed demeanor while occasionally engaging in whispered discussions. Despite the delay, Trump reiterated his belief that the case was politically motivated, suggesting it was an attempt to hinder his involvement in the upcoming elections.

    Charges Against Trump

    Trump faces 34 counts of falsifying business records related to reimbursements to his former attorney, Michael Cohen, who paid adult film star Stormy Daniels $130,000 before the 2016 election to keep silent about an alleged affair with Trump. While Trump has admitted to the reimbursements, he denies the affair and has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    In court, Trump’s defense team and prosecutors clashed over the significance of the newly disclosed documents. Trump’s attorney claimed there were “thousands and thousands” of relevant records, while prosecutors estimated around 300. The defense argued that the prosecution should have provided these documents earlier to allow for adequate preparation, a point contested by the judge.

    Judge Merchan expressed frustration with the defense’s accusations of prosecutorial misconduct, demanding evidence to support their claims. He emphasized the seriousness of such allegations and criticized the defense for lacking precedent to substantiate their position, highlighting the gravity of the accusations against the Manhattan DA’s office.

  • ‘Misplaced, Misinformed And Unwarranted’: MEA Rejects US Remarks On CAA |

    NEW DELHI: The Government of India (GoI) on Friday categorically rejected the remarks made by the US State Department that it will ”closely monitor” the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act across the country. Registering strong objections to the remarks made by the US State Department, the Ministry Of External Affairs called it “misplaced, misinformed, and unwarranted”.  

    Addressing a press conference on a wide range of issues including the CAA, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “The CAA is about giving citizenship, not about taking away citizenship. It addresses the issue of statelessness, provides human dignity and supports human rights.” Calling the Citizenship Amendment Act an ”internal matter”, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson said the law is in line with India’s inclusive traditions and long-standing commitment to human rights. 

    ”The CAA grants safe haven to persecuted minorities belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, and Christian communities from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, who have entered India on or before December 31 2014,” he added.

     

    #WATCH | On CAA, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, “As you are well aware, the Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 is an internal matter of India and is in keeping with India’s inclusive traditions and a long-standing commitment to human rights. The act grants a safe haven to… pic.twitter.com/cJBiDvI7JU


    — ANI (@ANI) March 15, 2024

     

    The MEA official further stated, “As regards the US State Department’s statement on the implementation of the CAA, we are of the view that it is misplaced, misinformed, and unwarranted,” 

    The response from the MEA came shortly after the US State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, said, “We are concerned… we are closely monitoring this law (and) how it will be implemented.”  Miller made these remarks when asked how the CAA could affect religious freedom in India. 

    “Respect for religious freedom and equal treatment under the law for all communities are fundamental democratic principles,” Miller added.

    The Centre implemented the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019 on Monday, reducing the qualification period of application for citizenship from 11 to 5 years for eligible migrants who came to India before December 31, 2014.

    The government also came out with a press statement to say that Indian Muslims need not worry as the CAA will not impact their citizenship and has nothing to do with the community which enjoys equal rights as their Hindu counterparts.

  • United States: Joe Biden To Call In State Of Union For Business Tax Hikes, Middle Class Tax Cuts | world news

    By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device and the processing of information obtained via those cookies (including about your preferences, device and online activity) by us and our commercial partners to enhance site navigation, personalize ads, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. More information can be found in our Cookies and Privacy Policy. You can amend your cookie settings to reject non-essential cookies by clicking Cookie Settings below.

    Accept All Cookies

    Manage Consent Preferences

  • US President Joe Biden Says Vladimir Putin Responsible For Navalny’s Death world news

    WASHINGTON: US President Joe Biden said that he is “outraged” by the reported death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. He blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin for Navalny’s death. In his remarks on Navalny’s death, Biden said, “Reports of his death if they’re true and I have no reasons to believe that they’re not – Russian authorities are going to tell their own story but make no mistake Putin is responsible for Navalny’s death. Putin is responsible. What has happened to Navalny is yet more proof of Putin’s brutality no one should be fooled not in Russia not at home not anywhere in the world.

    Outspoken Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny, Putin’s most formidable domestic opponent, fell unconscious and died on Friday, according to state media reports. “Putin does not only target citizens of other countries as we’ve seen what’s going on Ukraine right now he also inflicts terrible crimes on his people and as people across Russia and around the world are mourning Navalny today because he was so many things that Putin Wasn’t,” he added. He said Navalny “bravely stood up to the corruption the violence and all the bad things that the Putin government was doing.”

    Biden stated that Navalny could have lived safely in exile. However, he returned to Russia knowing that he would likely be imprisoned or even killed if he continued to work. Putin praised Navalny for being the powerful voice for the truth even in prison. Biden said that like millions of people around the world, “I’m literally both not surprised and outraged by the reported death of Alexei Navalny. He bravely stood up to the corruption the violence and all the bad things that the Putin government was doing. In response, Putin had him poisoned, he had him arrested. He had him prosecuted for fabricated crimes. He sentenced him to prison he was held in isolation. Even all that didn’t stop him from calling out Putin’s lies.”

    The US President said that Navalny was a powerful voice for the truth even in prison and did not fear returning to Russia. “Even in prison, he was a powerful voice for the truth which is kind of amazing when you think about it and he could have lived safely in exile after the assassination attempt on him in 2020which nearly killed him I might add and but he was traveling outside the country at the time. Instead, he returned to Russia knowing he’d likely be imprisoned or even killed if he continued his work but he did it anyway because he believed so deeply in his country, in Russia,” he added.

    Calling him “brave, principled and dedicated to building a Russia where the rule of law existed and where it applied to everybody,” Biden said Navalny believed in Russia, a cause worth fighting for. In his remarks, he offered condolences to Navalny’s family. Biden called for providing funding for Ukraine so that it can defend itself “against Putin’s vicious onslaughts and war crimes.” He stressed the need to reject the statements made by former US President Donald Trump that he said invited Russia to invade NATO allies if they were not paying.

    He said, “Now as I’ve said before and I mean this in a literal sense history is watching the House of Representatives the failure to support Ukraine at this critical moment will never be forgotten it’s going to go down on the pages of history. ” “It is, it’s consequential and the clock is ticking and this has to happen. We have to help now you know we have to realize what we’re dealing with with Putin all of us should reject the dangerous statements made by the previous president that invited Russia to invade our NATO allies if they weren’t paying,” Biden added.

    Asked whether Navalny was assassinated, Biden said, “We don’t know exactly what happened, but there’s no doubt that the death of Navalny was the consequence of something that Putin and his thugs did.” Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has died in prison, Al Jazeera reported on Friday, citing state media. The death of the jailed Russian opposition leader, 47, has been reported by state media which further cited the prison service of the Yamalo-Nenets region where he had been serving his sentence.

    Al Jazeera cited a statement put out by state media quoting the prison service of the Yamalo-Nenets region which said that Navalny “felt bad” after a walk and lost consciousness “almost immediately.”

  • US Destroys Three Houthi Missiles In Red Sea; Biden dials Netanyahu world news

    As the Houthi militants continue to attack cargo ships in the Red Sea, the United States forces have also been carrying out retaliatory actions. In a fresh round of attack against the Houthis, the US destroyed three anti-ship missiles in the Red Sea. It was the fourth preemptive action taken by the US military. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden also dialed Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu.

    US Destroys Houthi Missiles

    The US Central Command informed that the attack was carried out at around 6:45 pm (Sanaa time). “As part of ongoing efforts to protect freedom of navigation and prevent attacks on maritime vessels, US Navy ships are present in the Red Sea. On Jan. 19 at approximately 6:45 pm (Sanaa time), US Central Command forces conducted strikes against three Houthi anti-ship missiles that were aimed into the Southern Red Sea and were prepared to launch,” the US Central Command posted on X.

    It added that the US forces identified the missiles in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and determined that they presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and the US Navy ships in the region. “US forces subsequently struck and destroyed the missiles in self-defense. This action will make international waters safe and secure for US Navy vessels and merchant vessels,” it added.

    US CENTCOM Destroys Three Houthi Terrorists’ Anti-Ship Missiles

    As part of ongoing efforts to protect freedom of navigation and prevent attacks on maritime vessels, US Navy ships are present in the Red Sea. On Jan. 19 at approximately 6:45 pm (Sanaa time), US Central… pic.twitter.com/vPYUaIvvA5 — US Central Command (@CENTCOM) January 19, 2024

    Before this incident, US forces had conducted airstrikes targeting 14 Houthi missiles that were poised for launch in areas controlled by the Houthis in Yemen on Thursday. The Houthi group had previously been reclassified by the US as a “terrorist” organization. The Houthis, aligned with the Palestinian armed group Hamas, initiated their attacks in retaliation to Israel’s military actions in Gaza.

    Biden Calls Netanyahu

    Biden called Netanyahu after nearly a month and reiterated his vision of a ‘two-state solution’ while guaranteeing Israel’s security. The US President also addressed the current initiatives to secure the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas and assessed the situation in Gaza.

    The White House also issued a statement in this regard saying, “The President and Prime Minister discussed ongoing efforts to secure the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas. The President and the Prime Minister reviewed the situation in Gaza and the shift to targeted operations.” that will enable the flow of increasing amounts of humanitarian assistance while keeping the military pressure on Hamas and its leaders.”

    President Biden also emphasized Israel’s responsibility to reduce civilian harm and protect the innocent. “The President discussed Israel’s responsibility even as it maintains military pressure on Hamas and its leaders to reduce civilian harm and protect the innocent. The President also discussed his vision for a more durable peace and security for Israel fully integrated within the region and a two- state solution with Israel’s security guaranteed,” the statement added.