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We Did Nothing Wrong: Donald Trump On Arrest In US Election Conspiracy Case

2023-08-24T22:50:00.001-07:00

Former United States President Donald Trump, who was arrested for Georgia election racketeering, and conspiracy charges, termed his arrest a "travesty of justice". “We did nothing wrong at all,” he was quoted as saying by British daily The Guardian. Trump also claimed that the election was “stolen”. In an interview to Newsmax, Trump stated that he was “treated very nicely” at the jail. He disparaged the prosecutors in his cases as “radical left” lawyers, and called them “vicious animals” and “maniacs”. "In my whole life, I didn't know anything about indictment, and now I've been indicted like four times," Newsmax quoted Trump as saying. Trump was released on bond bail of USD 2,00,000, as per CNN. It added that jail records showed his booking number was P01135809. His height was measured at 6 foot 3 inches and he weighed 215 pounds. Notably, Trump's surrender in Georgia marks the fourth time this year the former president has turned himself in over criminal charges brought against him, a development that was never witnessed in the US before 2023, the CNN report added. Trump is facing serious criminal charges and a criminal indictment at a time when he is running again for the US President and is the leading GOP candidate for the same. Donald Trump was booked in New York on state charges related to a hush money scheme in April. Then in June, he surrendered at a Miami federal courthouse to face charges of mishandling classified documents that he was accused of having taken to his Mar-a-Lago residence after emitting office. Then, earlier this month, Trump was placed under arrest in Washington, DC, and arraigned on charges of attempts to overturn the 2020 election. Meanwhile, after being released from jail, Trump went back to the airport and briefly spoke to reporters without taking questions. Trump said. "I’ve never had such support and that goes with the other ones too. What they’re doing is election interference," the former President was quoted as saying. <h3>Trump Returns To X After 2 Years</h3> Donald Trump posted a tweet on X (formerly Twitter), the first time since 2021 when his account was suspended. Trump shared his mugshot photo with date- August 24, 2023. "Election Interference, Never Surrender," the text followed the photograph. Tesla CEO and X owner Elon Must took to the social media platform and reacted to Trump's post. Musk wrote, "Next-level". <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Next-level <a href="https://ift.tt/9jFqZ3K> — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1694903930981884041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2023</a></blockquote> <script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" async="" charset="utf-8"></script>

US To Begin Training Ukraine F-16 Pilots Next Month In War Against Russia, Says Pentagon

2023-08-24T21:49:00.001-07:00

The United States will start training Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16 fighter jets starting in September so they can use the advanced aircraft against Russian forces, the Department of Defence Pentagon announced on Thursday. The announcement came as US President Joe Biden spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to commemorate Ukraine’s Independence Day. Biden also reiterated support for the effort in Ukraine’s fight against Russia. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> The Pentagon says it will begin training Ukrainian F-16 pilots in the United States starting next month so they can use the advanced aircraft against Russian forces<a href="https://ift.tt/oerxSb0> <a href="https://t.co/fK9ysoSTkE">pic.twitter.com/fK9ysoSTkE</a> — AFP News Agency (@AFP) <a href="https://twitter.com/AFP/status/1694887803996520572?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2023</a></blockquote> <script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" async="" charset="utf-8"></script> The White House said that the two leaders discussed F-16 training, and Biden also assured Zelenskyy of an expedited approval for other countries to transfer F-16s to Ukraine after the completion of the training, as reported by AP. <h3>Freedom And Independence Are Worth Fighting For: Zelenskyy  </h3> Zelenskyy took to X, formerly Twitter, and thanked Biden for his Independence Day greetings. He also expressed his gratitude towards the United States and said that the US took a leading role in consolidating global support for Ukraine, and together the two countries proved that freedom and independence are worth fighting for. ALSO READ: <a title="Modi Talks To Xi, Both Agree On ‘Expeditious Disengagement & De-escalation’ Of Troops At LAC" href="https://ift.tt/x835VmJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Modi Talks To Xi, Both Agree On ‘Expeditious Disengagement & De-escalation’ Of Troops At LAC</a> "Had talks with US President Joseph Biden @POTUS and thanked him for his Independence Day greetings. The United States took a leading role in consolidating global support for Ukraine. This decisive leadership made our struggle possible and directed the arc of history in the direction of good. Together we prove that freedom and independence are worth fighting for. I thank President Biden, the US Congress, and all Americans for this. You can count on Ukraine to protect our common values," Zelenskyy said on X. <h3>This Is About Long-Term Support To Ukraine, Says Pentagon</h3> Pentagon spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, said that the training is part of long-term support for Ukraine. The training will take place at Morris Air National Guard base in Tucson, Arizona. "This is about the long-term support to Ukraine," the Pentagon spokesman, Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, told reporters in Washington, as quoted by the AP. "This is not about the counteroffensive that they’re conducting right now," he added. Speaking further about the training, Ryder said that the pilots will first undergo English instruction at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, with the aim of increasing their fluency to the level needed to operate the aircraft. ALSO READ: <a title="Donald Trump Arrested On Election Racketeering Charge, Becomes 1st US Ex-President To Have Criminal Mugshot" href="https://ift.tt/5R1PeQl" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Donald Trump Arrested On Election Racketeering Charge, Becomes 1st US Ex-President To Have Criminal Mugshot</a>

Breaking News Live: Earthquake Of Magnitude 3.6 Strikes Telangana's Warangal

2023-08-24T19:49:00.003-07:00

Breaking News Live: Hello and welcome to Breaking News Live Blog. Please follow this space for all the breaking news and latest updates from India and around the world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Greece on Friday, first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 40 years. Modi's visit to Greece comes on the invitation of his Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis. On Friday, NCP chief Sharad Pawar will hold a rally in Maharashtra's Kolhapur, reported news agency PTI. <h3>PM Modi's Visit To Greece </h3> Following his three-day visit to South Africa to attend the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reached the ancient city of Athens in Greece. PM visited the European country on the invitation of his Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis, marking it as a first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 40 years. During his visit, Modi will meet Greece President Katerina Sakellaropoulou. “Contacts between our two civilizations stretch back over two millennia. In modern times, our ties have been strengthened by shared values of democracy, rule of law and pluralism. Cooperation in diverse sectors such as trade and investment, defence, and cultural and people-to-people contacts have been bringing our two countries closer,” Modi said in his departure statement on Tuesday.  “I look forward to my visit to Greece opening a new chapter in our multifacted relationship,” he added.  India’s Ambassador to Greece, Rudrendra Tandon also looked forward to Modi’s visit saying it will give a new “impetus” to their close bilateral relationship.  "I cannot pre-judge the discussions between the two prime ministers, but certainly the fact that this visit is taking place is the result of a thinking at the highest political levels to bring a new lens to an otherwise very good relationship,” Tandon told PTI in an interview.  <h3>Sharad Pawar To Hold Rally In Kolhapur</h3> Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar on Friday will hold a public rally in Maharashtra's Kolhapur, a week ahead of the meeting of Opposition's INDIA alliance in Mumbai, reported PTI. The NCP patriarch has been holding rallies in different parts of the state after his nephew, Ajit Pawar turned rebel against the party, resulting in a vertical solit, and joined hands with the Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party government last month, swearing-in as the Deputy Chief Minister. On August 17, the senior Pawar held a rally in Beed district, the home turf of NCP (Ajit Pawar group) leader and cabinet minister Dhananjay Munde. Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) chief spokesperson Mahesh Tapase said, “Sharad Pawar will address his next public rally in Kolhapur on Friday (August 25). He will also address rallies in Jalgaon and Pune districts.” He, however, did not provide the dates for rallies in Jalgaon and Pune districts.

Trump Arrested On Election Racketeering Charge, Becomes 1st US Ex-President To Have Criminal Mugshot

2023-08-24T19:49:00.001-07:00

Former US President Donald Trump has been arrested for Georgia election racketeering, and conspiracy charges, and spent around 20 minutes in jail. Fulton County jail also released his mugshot making Trump the first ex-US president to have one. According to CNN, Trump surrendered at the jail on over a dozen charges in his efforts to reverse Georgia’s 2020 election results, the fourth time this year the former president has faced criminal charges. Trump was released on bond bail of USD 2,00,000, as per CNN. It added that jail records showed his booking number was P01135809. His height was measured at 6 foot 3 inches and he weighed 215 pounds. His mug shot was released soon after he left the jail. Notably, Trump's surrender in Georgia marks the fourth time this year the former president has turned himself in over criminal charges brought against him, a development that was never witnessed in the US before 2023, the CNN report added. Trump is facing serious criminal charges and a criminal indictment at a time when he is running again for the US President and is the leading GOP candidate for the same. Donald Trump was booked in New York on state charges related to a hush money scheme in April. Then in June, he surrendered at a Miami federal courthouse to face charges of mishandling classified documents that he was accused of having taken to his Mar-a-Lago residence after emitting office. Then, earlier this month, Trump was placed under arrest in Washington, DC, and arraigned on charges of attempts to overturn the 2020 election.  Meanwhile, after being released from jail, Trump went back to the airport and briefly spoke to reporters without taking questions. "What has taken place here is a travesty of justice. We did nothing wrong. I did nothing wrong and everybody knows it," Trump said. "I’ve never had such support and that goes with the other ones too. What they’re doing is election interference," the former President was quoted as saying.

Who Is Yevgeny Prigozhin? 10 Facts About Wagner Chief Who Rebelled Against Putin

2023-08-24T00:49:00.001-07:00

Yevgeny Prigozhin profile: Russian mercenary group Wagner's chief Yevgeny Prigozhin was reported dead on Wednesday in a plane crash in Russia. He was said to be among the ten people on board a jet flying from Moscow to St Petersburg. All seven passengers and three crew members were reported killed in the crash. Earlier, Wagner-linked Telegram channel Grey Zone reported the Embraer aircraft was shot down by air defences in the Tver region, north of Moscow, as reported by BBC. Prigozhin was in news earlier this year after he rebelled against Russia, after supporting in its invasion of Ukraine. He had vowed to "go to the end" to topple the Russian military leadership. President Putin had called the armed rebellion a ‘stab in the back’ and threatened punishment for the ‘traitors’.  Responding to this, Prigozhin had said Putin was "deeply mistaken" in calling rebelling Wagner fighters "traitors", and ruled out surrender. After the failed mutiny on June 24, it was reported that Prigozhin was headed to Belarus. According to reports in BBC and other international media, however, Wagnor was said to be active in Africa too later. Here are ten facts about Prigozhin, a close aide of Putin against whom he rebelled.  <h3>Yevgeny Prigozhin: From A Hotdog Seller To Mercenary Group Boss</h3> 1. Prigozhin was a hotdog seller from a modest background and a native of Putin's hometown, Saint Petersburg, according to news reports. During the Soviet-era, he had reportedly been jailed for nearly a decade after being convicted of fraud and theft.  2. In 1990s, he started a moderately successful fast-food company and opened a luxury location in Saint Petersburg. It has been widely reported that his customers included Putin.  3. Prigozhin was known as "Putin's chef" because his catering business hosted dinners for the Russian preisdent and fed the Kremlin's armed forces.  4. The 61-year-old ex-convict was believed to be behind the Internet Research Agency (IRA), a troll farm that was accused of meddling in the 2016 US presidential election.  5. He is said to have hired fighters for Wagner from Russian prisons promising them pardons If they survive half-year tour of front-line duty with Wagner. 6. For years, Prigozhin had reportedly denied his links to Wagner. But he later said he founded Wagner to support Russian-backed separatists in the Donbas conflict.  7. Prigozhin had a history of suing Russian and Western news outlets that alleged his ties to the group. He earlier claimed that his secretive stance was to protect the Wagner soldiers.  8. Since founding the Wagner mercenary group in 2014, Prigozhin had become a key instrument in Putin's ambition to restore Russian influence globally, as repirted by BBC.  9. The United States and the European Union had sanctioned Prigozhin for his activities and he was under investigation by the US Department of Justice for possible criminal charges.   10. “I cleaned the old weapons myself, sorted out the bulletproof vests myself and found specialists who could help me with this,” a report in The Independent quoted Prigozhin to have said, adding: “From that moment, on 1 May 2014, a group of patriots was born, which later came to be called the Wagner Battalion.”

Japan Releases Treated Radioactive Water From Fukushima Nuclear Plant Into Ocean, China Criticises

2023-08-23T23:51:00.003-07:00

Despite China calling it a "selfish and irresponsible" move, Japan on Thursday started releasing radioactive water from the damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean. The release was approved by the Japanese government and the UN nuclear watchdog two years back, Reuters reported. Even as Japan assured that the discharge was safe, adding that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN nuclear watchdog, okayed the plan in July, some neighbouring countries raised doubts over the safety of the plan, with Beijing emerging as the biggest critic. China’s foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin in July said that Japan had shown selfishness and arrogance, adding that it had not fully consulted the international community about the water release.  However, Japan said the agencies said the water met international standards and that the impact it would have on people and the environment was "negligible".  <div class="section uk-padding-small uk-flex uk-flex-center uk-flex-middle"> <div class="uk-text-center"> <div id="div-gpt-ad-6601185-5" class="ad-slot" data-google-query-id="CLTblNTI9IADFY1RnQkdHB8Fsw"> </div> </div> </div>

'We Are Already Living On Moon', 'Our Leg Goes Higher At Wagah Border': Pak Reacts To Chandrayaan-3's Landing

2023-08-23T23:51:00.001-07:00

Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) Chandrayaan-3 made history by landing smoothly on the Moon's south pole following which the world congratulated India on its achievement. Citizens from our neighbouring country Pakistan have also praised India for its success and said that they're 100 years ahead of us. One of the Pakistani citizens while hitting out at the Pakistani government sarcastically said that India is spending money to go on the Moon and we are already there for free. When asked what he meant, he responded by saying, "Is there water present on the Moon? Here also we don't have it. Is there gas (cooking fuel) there? Here also we don't have it. Is there electricity present on Moon? Here also we don't have electricity." <iframe title="CHANDRAYAAN-3 LIVE BROADCAST ON PAKISTANI CHANNELS | REACTION ON CHANDRAYAAN-3 REAL ENTERTAINMENT TV" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1OuzTCXDFp8" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Another Pakistani while reacting to this feat said, "What's special in India reaching the Moon? Our (Pakistani soldier's) leg still lifts higher than the Indian soldiers at Wagah Border." However, he then added, "Forget about the Moon, we won't even be able to go to a Jaljeera store if we are stuck with this attitude of ours." He said that Pakistan competes with India in cricket where they might barely win sometimes but in terms of every other aspect be it technology, be it health or any other thing, India is way ahead of Pakistan. He then said, "They are number one globally in of medicine. Every single product that India manufactures is at the top worldwide. How will we compete with them?"<iframe title="CHANDRAYAAN-3 MAKE WORLD RECORD, ISRO'S LIVE BREAK RECORD |PAKISTAN PUBLIC REACTION ON CHANDRAYAAN-3" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eU8_U2i6wIs" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> People were earlier asked whether Pakistan should broadcast Chandrayaan-3's landing or not to which a person replied by saying, "If any other nation would have done this be it China then we would have broadcast it for sure. Then why such hatred against India? Learn from them. See how much they've developed. Their economy now ranks at the fifth position in the world. We used to criticize Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and used to say that he has no vision. Now look at how far he has taken India." Another Pakistani national while talking about the poor condition of their country said, "Majority of the educated people here have left for foreign nations. Passport offices even gave permission to them. Even I will think that there is not enough employment here so even I might go. Our basic and foundational needs aren't being fulfilled." While India has made such historic advancement, Pakistan on the other hand is struggling to meet its basic needs as the country is battling possibly one of its worst economic crises ever. Pakistan faces a shortage of dollars which is clubbed with a lack of sufficient export capacity and high imports. These problems together have led to the current state of economic collapse. The economic crisis of our neighbouring nation is a long-standing and multifaceted one. According to the Economic and Political Weekly, the country has had 13 International Monetary Fund (IMF) programmes since 1950. It relies on IMF significantly which can be seen in its pattern of taking one loan to pay off the previous one. This has led the nation into a vicious cycle of debt trap. EPW cited the State Bank of Pakistan while reporting that the total public debt of Pakistan stood at `45.7 trillion ($275.7 billion) as of June 2021.  The nation continuously tries to get a bailout of the loans that it has taken from international monetary bodies. The World Bank gave a shock to Pakistan in January this year when it delayed the approval of two loans worth $1.1 billion until the next year. On the other hand, the World Bank in April said that various economic shocks have resulted in nearly four million Pakistanis getting pushed into poverty this fiscal year. According to the Mint, the World Bank also urged Pakistan to immediately arrange for new foreign loans in order to avoid a "public debt crisis." Apart from the economic crisis, Pakistan is also facing a major political crisis with one of its former Prime Minister <a title="Imran Khan" href="https://ift.tt/ckm4qIL" data-type="interlinkingkeywords">Imran Khan</a> being in jail after getting convicted in the Toshakhana case. Khan lost the chair of the Prime Minister following a no-confidence vote which ended his tenure. He lost support inside the Parliament and it seemed like he also lost support from the military due to which his fallout became easier, however, both his party and the military have refuted these claims. The General elections in Pakistan were supposed to be held by October this year, after the completion of the current government's tenure. However, the Pakistan Election Commission recently announced that it will draw new boundaries for hundreds of constituencies ahead of the upcoming elections. This recent development makes it almost certain that polls will be delayed, reported Al Jazeera.

6 Indian Pilgrims Among 7 Dead In Road Accident In Nepal's Bara District

2023-08-23T22:49:00.003-07:00

At least seven pilgrims, including six Indian pilgrims, died and 19 sustained injuries in a road accident in the Bara district of the southern plains of Nepal, news agency ANI reported citing Nepal Police. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> 7 including 6 Indian pilgrims died and 19 injured in a road accident in the Bara district of Southern plains of Nepal: Nepal Police — ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1694569152894386649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2023</a></blockquote> <script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" async="" charset="utf-8"></script>

Drone Captures Chilling Moment When 8 People Were Trapped Inside Cable Car In Pakistan. WATCH

2023-08-23T22:49:00.001-07:00

A cable car carrying eight people, including six school children, dangled hundreds of feet above the ground after its wires snapped on Tuesday morning in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Battagram district. A drone footage captured the harrowing moments of people trapped inside the broken cable car were captured. All the people were rescued after 15 hours. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Drone video shows the harrowing moments 8 people were trapped inside a broken cable car in Pakistan. It took 15 hours to rescue them <a href="https://t.co/xVGm7nMiRV">pic.twitter.com/xVGm7nMiRV</a> — BNO News Live (@BNODesk) <a href="https://twitter.com/BNODesk/status/1694507178856472709?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2023</a></blockquote> <script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" async="" charset="utf-8"></script>

Breaking News Live: Man Feared Drowned In River Tawi In J&K's Udhampur

2023-08-23T20:50:00.001-07:00

Breaking News Live: Hello and welcome to Breaking News Live Blog. Please follow this space for all the breaking news and latest developments from India and around the world. On Thursday, the Election Commission of India is likely to visit Chhattisgarh for two days, reported PTI quoting sources. The Japanese government on Tuesday announced it will begin releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater into the ocean on Thursday. Former US President Donald Trump is likely to turn in on Thursday in Georgia election case.  <h3>Election Commission To Visit Chhattisgarh</h3> Gearing up its preparations for elections in five states this year, the Election Commission of India is likely to visit Chhattisgarh for two days starting Thursday, reported PTI quoting sources. The Commission, led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, is likely to visit Mizoram next, most likely at the end of this month, they said. It is usual for the Commission, comprising the CEC and two election commissioners, to visit poll-bound states before announcing the election schedule. <h3>Japan To Release Nuclear Wastewater </h3> The Japanese government on Tuesday announced that it will start releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the ocean on Thursday, weather conditions permitting, reported IANS. Despite raging opposition both at home and abroad, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced the controversial decision following a ministerial meeting held on Tuesday morning, reports Xinhua news agency. Last month, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) also gave its final approval to the discharge, saying Japan's release plan met international standards. <h3>Donald Trump To Turn In In Georgia Election Case</h3> Former United States President Donald Trump said he will turn in on Thursday to a court in Georgia state to face charges of election interference, reported BBC. A judge in Atlanta who is overseeing the former president's case has set bail at $200,000 (£157,000). The agreement says Mr Trump can remain free pending trial so long as he does not attempt to threaten or intimidate witnesses.

S African Prez Ramaphosa quotes Rabindranath Tagore to laud Chandrayaan-3 success

2023-08-23T14:49:00.001-07:00

Johannesburg, Aug 24 (PTI): South African President Cyril Ramaphosa Wednesday lauded India for the successful moon landing of Chandrayaan-3, saying it is something to rejoice about for all BRICS partners.The Chandrayaan mission remained the focal point of Ramaphosa's welcoming remarks as he hosted a cultural performance and state banquet in Midrand on Wednesday evening BRICS nation leaders.Also present at the occasion were a host of other leaders from across Africa and Global South who have been invited to participate in the all-day BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue on Thursday.Ramaphosa quoted Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, "We are in a palace which has no end, but which we have reached. By exploring it and extending our relationship with it, we are ever making it more and more our own." "This and many other achievements enable us to move forward to prosperity, to progress and to peace," he said.At the banquet, Ramaphosa said,"Tonight is a night when we have even more reason to celebrate as BRICS partners. A few hours ago this afternoon, India made history as the first country to successfully land a lunar module on the south pole of the Moon." "We congratulate Prime Minister Modi, the government and people of India and the Indian Space Research Organisation on the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission," he added.Ramaphosa said that pushing forward the frontiers of scientific endeavour was integral to human progress."In anticipation of this great achievement, Prime Minister Modi proposed at our BRICS Summit this afternoon that BRICS should set up a Space Exploration Commission where, as BRICS countries, we can share knowledge and experiences. The more we learn about this world we live in and beyond, the greater our capacity to improve it and to elevate the human condition," the President said.He said the BRICS group of countries incorporates the peoples, cultures and traditions of more than three billion people. "We are united by our common vision and common goals," Ramaphosa said."Our diversity is our greatest strength, and tonight you will get to experience the rich tapestry of cultures, traditions and food of South Africa," the president said as he explained that the cuisine on offer was prepared by head chef Wandile Mabaso, a world class chef who pairs classical French techniques with the flavours of South Africa."He is joined by Xolani Mancotywa, a qualified beverage steward and chef who has reimagined traditional African cuisine and authentic African fine dining. Your culinary journey of South Africa follows a cultural journey across our nation's diverse cultures," he said.Ramaphosa likened South Africa's interweaving of many different cultures, traditions and languages as the foundation of an inclusive nation to be reflective of the nature and purpose of BRICS, which, he said, values partnership and cooperation in a spirit of openness and solidarity.Ramaphosa concluded with his expectation of the dialogue to follow."As BRICS and all of Your Excellencies who have joined us tonight from many countries - we will all tomorrow articulate how we will foster change in the world for the benefit of all the peoples of the world," he said. (PTI) TIR TIR(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)

Who Was Yevgeny Prigozhin? 10 Facts About Wagner Chief Who Rebelled Against Putin

2023-08-23T12:49:00.001-07:00

Russian mercenary group Wagner's chief Yevgeny Prigozhin was reported dead on Wednesday in a plane crash in Russia. He was among the ten members, all killed, on board a jet which was flying from Moscow to St Petersburg including seven passengers and three crew. Earlier, Wagner-linked Telegram channel Grey Zone reported the Embraer aircraft was shot down by air defences in the Tver region, north of Moscow, as per a BBC report. Prigozhin recently converged attention after he turned rebel against Russia, whom it was supporting in its invasion in Ukraine. He had vowed to "go to the end" to topple the Russian military leadership. President Putin called the armed rebellion a ‘stab in the back’ and threatened punishment for the ‘traitors’.  Responding to this, Prigozhin said that Putin was "deeply mistaken" in calling rebelling Wagner fighters "traitors" and ruled out surrender. Here are ten facts about Prigozhin, a close aide of Putin against whom he rebelled.  <ol> <li>He was a hotdog seller from a modest background and a native of Putin's hometown, Saint Petersburg. During the Soviet-era, he was jailed for nearly a decade after being convicted of fraud and theft. </li> <li>In 1990s, he started a moderately successful fast-food company and opened a luxury location in Saint Petersburg, whose customers included Putin. </li> <li>Prigozhin was known as "Putin's chef" because his catering business hosted dinners for the Russian preisdent and fed the Kremlin's armed forces. </li> <li>The 61-year-old ex-convict was believed to be behind the Internet Research Agency (IRA), a troll farm that was accused of meddling in the 2016 US presidential election, as per a Times of India report. </li> <li>He is said to have hired fighters for Wagner from Russian prisons promising them pardons If they survive half-year tour of front-line duty with Wagner.</li> <li>After denying for years about his relationship with Wagner, he said that he founded Wagner to support Russian-backed separatists in the Donbas conflict. </li> <li>Prigozhin had a history of suing Russian and Western news outlets that alleged his ties to the group. He earlier claimed that his secretive stance was to protect the Wagner soldiers. </li> <li>Since founding the Wagner mercenary group in 2014, Prigozhin had become a key instrument in Putin's ambition to restore Russian influence globally, as per a BBC report. </li> <li>The United States and the European Union had sanctioned Prigozhin for his activities and he was under investigation by the US Department of Justice for possible criminal charges, the TOI report said.  </li> <li>“I cleaned the old weapons myself, sorted out the bulletproof vests myself and found specialists who could help me with this,” Prigozhin said, as quoted by Independent “From that moment, on 1 May 2014, a group of patriots was born, which later came to be called the Wagner Battalion.”</li> </ol>

'Historic Moment': Ex-Pak Minister Heaps Praise On Chandrayaan-3 Mission In Major U-Turn

2023-08-23T00:51:00.001-07:00

Years after he flayed India's Chandrayaan-2 mission, former Pakistan minister Fawad Chaudhury heaped praises on India's Chandrayaan-3 mission which is all set to land on the lunar surface this evening. Chaudhury, who was a minister in the cabinet of former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan hailed the mission, dubbing it a "historic moment for human kind". He tweeted, "Pak media should show #Chandrayan moon landing live tomorrow at 6:15 PM… historic moment for Human kind specially for the people, scientists and Space community of India…. Many Congratulations." <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Pak media should show <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chandrayan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chandrayan</a> moon landing live tomorrow at 6:15 PM… historic moment for Human kind specially for the people, scientists and Space community of India…. Many Congratulations — Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) <a href="https://twitter.com/fawadchaudhry/status/1693959315584172473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2023</a></blockquote> <script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" async="" charset="utf-8"></script> However, as the internet never forgets, netizens promptly reminded him of his earlier tweets criticising the country and the Chandrayaan-2 mission. Some also pointed out the changed tone of the minister after the <a title="Imran Khan" href="https://ift.tt/r5LlU4u" data-type="interlinkingkeywords">Imran Khan</a> government was overthrown in the country. Meanwhile, India is awaiting the soft landing with bated breath and prayers. Wishes poured in from all parts and leaders cutting across party lines ahead of the most-awaited moment. If the Chandrayaan-3 mission succeeds in its attempt to make a touchdown on Moon and in landing a robotic lunar rover in ISRO's second attempt in four years, India will become the fourth country to master the technology of soft-landing on the lunar surface after the US, China and the erstwhile Soviet Union. Chandrayaan-3 is a follow-on mission to Chandrayaan-2 and its objectives are to demonstrate safe and soft-landing on the lunar surface, roving on the Moon, and to conduct in-situ scientific experiments. Chandrayaan-2 had failed in its lunar phase after its lander 'Vikram' crashed into the surface of the Moon following anomalies in the braking system in the lander while attempting a touch down on September 7, 2019. Chandrayaan's maiden mission was in 2008. The Rs 600 crore Chandrayaan-3 mission was launched on July 14 onboard Launch Vehicle Mark-III (LVM-3) rocket, for a 41-day voyage to reach near the lunar south pole. The soft-landing is being attempted days after Russia's Luna-25 spacecraft crashed into the Moon after spinning out of control.

Jailed Former PM Of Thailand Thaksin Shinawatra Hospitalised After Return From Exile

2023-08-22T21:49:00.001-07:00

Thailand's former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was hospitalised after spending a night in jail post his historic return from self-exile. The 74-year-old was moved to the hospital over concerns about his heart and high blood pressure, news agency Reuters reported. The Corrections Department issued a statement saying Thaksin felt tightness in his chest and high blood pressure, after which he was referred to Bangkok's police hospital at around 2 am on Wednesday, as reported by the news agency. Police said Thaksin had to be moved as the prison lacked doctors and adequate medical equipment to take care of the former prime minister. "The prison has assessed the situation and saw that it lacks doctors and medical equipment that can take care of the patient," Assistant National Police Chief Lieutenant General Prachuab Wongsuk told Reuters.

Breaking News Live — Russia Air Defences Down 2 Drones In Moscow: Mayor

2023-08-22T20:50:00.003-07:00

Breaking News Live: Hello and welcome to Breaking News Live Blog. Please follow this space for all the breaking news and latest updates from India and around the world. On Wednesday, the fourth meeting of the G20 Culture Working Group will be held in Varanasi, said the officials, according to a PTI report. The meeting will be held by G20 member nations, invitee counties, and various international organisations. On Wednesday, the Supreme Court will hear a plea by SP leader Azam Khan in the 2007 hate speech case.  <h3> G20 Culture Working Group Meeting In Varanasi </h3> The fourth meeting of G20 Culture Working Group will be held in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi on Wednesday with an aim to arrive at "actionable outcomes" while positioning culture at the heart of policy-making. Besides, a performance by the G20 Global Orchestra, titled 'Sur Vasudha', celebrating the rich musical knowledge and heritage of the member nations of the bloc and invitee countries will be presented in the temple town, said the officials according to a PTI report. "The fourth G20 Culture Working Group (CWG) Meeting will begin tomorrow in Varanasi culminating with the Culture Ministers' Meeting (CMM) on August 26. Delegates from G20 member nations, invitee countries, and various international organisations will attend the meeting," the culture ministry said in a statement on Tuesday. <h3>Supreme Court To Hear Azam Khan's Plea In 2007 Hate Speech Case </h3> The Supreme Court has agreed to hear on Wednesday a plea filed by Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan challenging an order passed by a trial court to give voice sample in a case for allegedly delivering a hate speech and using derogatory language against former chief minister Mayawati in 2007, reported PTI. The voice sample has been sought to ascertain a match with Khan's speech which was recorded on a CD that he made during a public meeting in Rampur's Tanda in 2007.  A bench of Justices A S Bopanna and S V N Bhatti took note of the submission by senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Khan, seeking urgent hearing.

PM Modi Deliberates On Global Developments At BRICS Leaders' Retreat In South Africa

2023-08-22T20:50:00.001-07:00

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday attended the BRICS Leaders Retreat in South Africa and deliberated on global developments with other leaders of the five-member bloc. PM Modi, who arrived in Johannesburg on Tuesday on a four-day visit to South Africa and Greece, is set to attend the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg from August 22-24 at the invitation of the country's President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa. This is the first in-person BRICS Summit after three consecutive years of virtual meetings because of the Covid-19 pandemic. "Reinforcing the intra-BRICS bonds! PM @narendramodi arrives at the Summer Place to participate in the BRICS Leaders Retreat. Warmly greeted by the host, President @CyrilRamaphosa of South Africa," Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Arindam Bagchi said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. "PM, along with other BRICS leaders will deliberate on global developments and leveraging the BRICS platform to find solutions to global challenges," he said. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Reinforcing the intra-BRICS bonds! PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> arrives at the Summer Place to participate in the BRICS Leaders Retreat. Warmly greeted by the host, President <a href="https://twitter.com/CyrilRamaphosa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CyrilRamaphosa</a> of 🇿🇦. PM, alongwith other BRICS leaders will deliberate on global developments and leveraging the… <a href="https://t.co/vybp9IvJaY">pic.twitter.com/vybp9IvJaY</a> — Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1694048304986800356?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2023</a></blockquote> <script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" async="" charset="utf-8"></script>

Chandrayaan-3 Moon Landing's '15 Minutes Of Terror' To Involve Critical Manoeuvres. All About The Phases Of Descent

2023-08-21T22:50:00.001-07:00

Chandrayaan-3 is expected to make a historic touchdown on the Moon on August 23, 2023, at around 6:04 pm IST, making India the first country to softly land a spacecraft on the lunar south pole. The period before touchdown is critical, and involves complex manoeuvres. The last 15 minutes before Chandrayaan-3's Moon landing are known as the '15 minutes of terror'. The phases of descent are initial preparation, velocity reduction, orientation change, attitude hold phase, fine braking, final descent, and touchdown, a former scientist at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) told ABP Live. After Chandrayaan-3's Vikram lander and Pragyan rover land on the Moon, images captured by the cameras onboard the spacecraft will be shared with Earth. "The crucial moments during the last 15 minutes before touchdown encapsulate intricate manoeuvres, intense calculations, and an unwavering commitment to exploring the Moon's mysteries," said Manish Purohit, a former ISRO scientist who was involved in the Chandrayaan-2 and Mangalyaan projects.  <h3>Chandrayaan-3’s ‘15 minutes of terror’ before lunar touchdown</h3> The initial preparation phase comprises the final 1,139 seconds of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, and it is during this stage that the most critical operations will be performed.  "When the final descent begins, the Vikram lander will be positioned about 750 kilometres from the landing site, will soar 25 to 30 kilometres above the lunar surface, and race at a velocity of about 1,600 metres per second horizontally," said Purohit.  The next phase, which is velocity reduction, will last 690 seconds, and thrusters will be fired to reduce Vikram's velocity to one-fourth of its initial speed, said Purohit. "With this controlled slowdown and the Moon's gravitational pull, the Vikram lander will start descending vertically at around 60 metres per second." The orientation change phase will take place simultaneously with the velocity reduction stage. During the orientation change phase, the lander will be slightly rotated, and a crucial calibration will be conducted 32 kilometres from the landing site, and 7.5 kilometres above the ground, Purohit explained.  The attitude hold phase is a sensitive stage, and will last 10 seconds, said Purohit. "It will check the terrain and confirm the landing spot, avoiding the complications that caused Chandrayaan-2 to crash on the Moon." During the critical fine braking phase, Vikram will be aligned vertically, and will hover at a height of 800 to 1,300 metres above the landing site, said Purohit. "Cameras and sensors will be activated, the computer onboard the spacecraft will process information, and decisions about landing will be finalised." The final descent phase is the one in which the Vikram lander will hover above the lunar surface at a distance of around 150 metres. "The hazard detection camera's 'Go/No-Go' checks will guide the final decision. If all is well, Vikram will commit to the 73-second descent that will mark its historic touchdown," Purohit explained. <h3>The historic touchdown</h3> Once the Vikram lander successfully lands on the lunar south pole, the sensors will signal the computer onboard the spacecraft. After this, the lander will be powered up completely, and Vikram will unfurl the rover ramp so that the Pragyan rover can embark on its lunar journey.  The enhanced communication network, facilitated by the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter, the Chandrayaan-3 propulsion module, and ISRO's Deep Space Network Antenna will allow the images captured by cameras onboard Vikram and Pragyan to be shared with Earth, and other data to be transmitted to mission control stations.  "Following successful health checks, ISRO will carry out experiments to study lunar soil and plasma, offering insights on lunar mysteries to the global scientific community. These endeavours pave the way for future lunar exploration and potential human habitation," Purohit concluded. <h3>Chandrayaan-3's lunar landing may be delayed: ISRO scientist</h3> While Chandrayaan-3 is expected to touch down on the lunar surface on August 23, the landing may be delayed by “three to four days” if conditions are unfavourable, a senior scientist at ISRO told ABP Live. If the landing is delayed, the scientist added, Chandrayaan-3 may operate on the Moon for about 10 days, instead of 14 Earth days. This means that if Chandrayaan-3's landing is delayed, the spacecraft may touch down on the lunar south pole on August 26 or 27. He explained that Chandrayaan-3 carries sufficient fuel to allow delays in landing in case conditions are not favourable. "Landing on the designated date is not the priority, safe landing is. What happened to Luna 25? That's the best example. If you have safe manoeuvre and landing, the world will still be yours," said K. Siddhartha, Earth Scientist at ISRO and a strategic thinker. MUST READ | <a title="Chandrayaan-3 Landing Could Be Delayed By '3-4 Days' If Conditions Are Unfavourable" href="https://ift.tt/zB9C7Jf" target="_self">Chandrayaan-3 Landing Could Be Delayed By '3-4 Days' If Conditions Are Unfavourable</a> However, he said that a very complex manoeuvre will be involved during the landing of Chandrayaan-3. “The manoeuvring will become very complex with any delay.” Siddhartha explained that the tilt and the thrust are important. "So, if you apply a force greater than the amount required, Chandrayaan-3 might get toppled. If you apply a small amount of force, there is a danger of Chandrayaan-3 hitting the lunar surface at the wrong place. Chandrayaan-3 will be landing somewhere between Manzinus C and Simpelius N craters.” <div class="article-data _thumbBrk uk-text-break"> ALSO READ | <a title="Why Chandrayaan-2's Vikram Lander Crashed, And What Changes ISRO Has Made To Ensure Chandrayaan-3's Success" href="https://ift.tt/nFGUje2" target="_self">Why Chandrayaan-2's Vikram Lander Crashed, And What Changes ISRO Has Made To Ensure Chandrayaan-3's Success</a> </div> Not only will a successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the lunar south pole mark a historic moment for India, but will also allow the spacecraft to perform experiments on the ice and explore how these reserves could be used to extract water, oxygen and fuel for future crewed missions to the Moon. Since the lunar south pole is similar to Earth’s diversity, exploring it will allow scientists to obtain insights into how the Earth was billions of years ago, and if it will be possible to colonise the Moon in the future. MUST READ | <a title="Why Is Chandrayaan-3 Aiming To Land On Moon's South Pole? It Represents Earth's Diversity, Say Experts" href="https://ift.tt/PgsW59b" target="_self">Why Is Chandrayaan-3 Aiming To Land On Moon's South Pole? It Represents Earth's Diversity, Say Experts</a>

Trump Plans To Surrender On Thursday Over Georgia Indictment For Efforts To Overturn 2020 Polls: Report

2023-08-21T21:51:00.001-07:00

Former US President Donald Trump is planning to surrender on Thursday in connection with his indictment in Georgia over efforts to overturn his defeat in the 2020 elections, as reported by Reuters. Taking to social media, he said, "I'll be going to Atlanta, Georgia, on Thursday to be ARRESTED."  Trump is running for the post of US President again in 2024 and called his indictment a politically motivated campaign to sabotage his reelection campaign.

'Confident That Russia Will Lose This War': Ukrainian Prez After Being Promised F-16 Jets

2023-08-21T20:49:00.003-07:00

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelesnky addressed a crowd in Denmark on Monday where he told that the promised deliveries of US-made F-16 fighter jets made him confident that Russia will lose. He said that with these jets, Ukraine could end Russia's invasion. Denmark and Netherlands on Sunday announced that they would supply the first F-16s to Ukraine, six jets of this consignment are expected to be delivered by New Year. Washington approved the delivery of jets ahead of the Ukrainian President's trip to Copenhagen, reported news agency Reuters.  Zelesnky while speaking outside the Danish parliament said, "Today we are confident that Russia will lose this war." Danish Defence Minister Jakob Ellemann-Jensen on Monday said that Ukraine may only use the donated F-16s within the proximity of its own territory. He said, "We donate weapons under the condition that they are used to drive the enemy out of the territory of Ukraine. And no further than that. Those are the conditions, whether it's tanks, fighter planes or something else," reported Reuters. Russia on the other hand had warned earlier that supplying jets to Ukraine would only escalate the war which has already been dragged on for around 18 months now. Russian ambassador Vladimir Barbin in a statement said, "The fact that Denmark has now decided to donate 19 F-16 aircraft to Ukraine leads to an escalation of the conflict. By hiding behind a premise that Ukraine itself must determine the conditions for peace, Denmark seeks with its actions and words to leave Ukraine with no other choice but to continue the military confrontation with Russia." Ukraine's military has said that the jet was crucial to the success of its counteroffensive as it would prevent Russian fighter jets from attacking advancing forces. Ukrainian media quoted Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ihnat as saying, "Superiority in the air is key to success on the ground." Denmark has promised to deliver 19 jets in total. Netherlands has 42 F-16s available but it has yet to decide whether it will donate all of them or not.  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has termed this decision as a 'breakthrough agreement'. Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said on Saturday that the Ukrainian pilots have started their training but it would take them at least six months and possibly longer to train engineers and mechanics as well, reported Reuters.

Ukrainian Drone Destroys Long-Range Tu-22 Bomber That Moscow Had Used To Attack Kyiv: Report

2023-08-21T20:49:00.001-07:00

A Ukrainian drone attack has destroyed Russia’s long-range supersonic bomber in yet another drone strike, reported BBC citing various media reports. BBC added that images on social media showed a Tupolev Tu-22 on fire at Soltsy-2 airbase, south of St Petersburg. While there has been no statement from Ukraine, Russia has acknowledged that a drone was hit by small-arms fire but managed to "damage" a plane.   Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said, as quoted by BBC, that Russian air defence downed two attack drones over the region. The two other drones were intercepted over the Bryansk region, north-east of the Ukrainian border, defence officials said, as per BBC.  The Russian Tu-22 bomber can travel at twice the speed of sound and has been used massively by Russia to attack cities in Ukraine, BBC stated in its report.  Meanwhile, after the attack, flights were suspended at Moscow's three biggest airports, according to state media. However, two main international airports at Sheremetyevo and Domodedovo later reopened.  According to BBC, Moscow's defence ministry said that an attack by a "copter-type UAV" took place at around 10:00 Moscow time (08:00 BST) on Saturday, adding that the location is "a military airfield in the Novgorod region", where Soltsy-2 is situated.  "The UAV was detected by the airfield's observation outpost and was hit with small-arms fire...One airplane was damaged; there were no casualties as a result of the terrorist act," the ministry said.  The statement added that a fire which broke out in the airfield parking lot was quickly doused.   The attack is one of many that Kyiv has been pursuing showing its strength of targeting Russian cities, Notably, Soltsy-2, where the present attack took place, is around 400 miles (650km) from the Ukraine border.  However, the Russian defence ministry described the drone as a "copter-type UAV" suggesting a cheap, commercially available device launched at short range.    <h3>Tupolev Tu-22 Bomber </h3> According to BBC, the Tu-22 is a Cold War-era, swing-wing supersonic bomber which was codenamed "Backfire" by Nato.  Its modern versions like the Tu-22M3 can reach speeds of Mach 2 (2,300km/h or 1,430mp/h) and can carry up to 24,000kg of weapons, including "dumb bombs" and homing missiles, BBC added. It stated that these have been used during conflicts in Syria, Chechnya, and Georgia and most recently in Ukraine.  According to prosecutors in Kyiv, stated BBC, at least 30 people were killed when a missile launched by Tu-22 hit a block of flats in Dnipro in January. They added that the attack was carried out by Russia's 52nd Guards Bomber Aviation Regiment which is based at Soltsy-2.  ALSO READ | <a style="color: #e03e2d;" href="https://ift.tt/qwvi1Xy To Ukraine Will Lead To ‘Escalation Of Conflict’, Says Russia. Kyiv Says It’ll Help End Invasion</a>

Breaking News Live: Japan PM Calls On North Korea To Call Off Planned Satellite Launch

2023-08-21T19:51:00.003-07:00

Breaking News Live: Hello and welcome to Breaking News Live blog. Please follow this space for all the breaking news and latest development in India and around the world. On Tuesday, President Droupadi Murmu will embark on a three-day visit to Goa, said the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge will visit poll-bound Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday where he will address a public rally. From across the border, the Islamabad High Court will take up on Tuesday a petition filed by Pakistan's jailed former prime minister Imran Khan against his conviction and sentence in the Toshakhana corruption case.  <h3>President Murmu To Visit Goa</h3> President Droupadi Murmu will be on a three-day visit to Goa starting Tuesday where she will attend host of events, said the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday, as per a PTI report. She will attend a civic reception, to be hosted by the Goa government in her honour at the Raj Bhavan where she will distribute 'Sanad' under the Forest Rights Act to select beneficiaries. She will also grace the 34th convocation of Goa University during her visit and interact with members of tribal groups in the state. She will also address the Goa Legislative Assembly at Porvorim. <h3>Kharge To Address Public Meeting In MP</h3> Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge will on Tuesday address a public meeting in Madhya Pradesh's Sagar in the Bundelkhand region. "He will reach Bhopal in the morning and then proceed to Sagar by road along with MP Congress president Kamal Nath," MP Congress media cell chairperson KK Mishra told PTI. As per the report quoting sources, Kharge was earlier scheduled to address public meeting in Sagar on August 12 but the visit was called off.  <h3>Islamabad High Court To Take Up Imran Khan's Plea</h3> The Islamabad High Court will on Tuesday take up the plea by jailed former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan against his conviction and sentence in the Toshakhana corruption case. A division bench, comprising IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri, will take up Khan's petition on Tuesday. The defence lawyers are expected to press for immediate relief in the form of suspension of the conviction until the adjudication of the petition, stated a PTI report.

BRICS Summit: PM Modi Departs For Johannesburg — Check Schedule, Programme Details

2023-08-21T19:51:00.001-07:00

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday embarked on a visit to the South African city of Johannesburg to attend the 15th BRICS summit at the invitation of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. It will be the first in-person summit of BRICS comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, since 2019. After attending the BRICS Summit from August 22 to 24, PM Modi will travel to Greece to hold wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on enhancing overall ties between the two countries. Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be traveling to Johannesburg for the summit while speculation of PM Modi holding a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping remains unconfirmed. <h3>BRICS Summit 2023: PM Modi's Tentative Schedule Today & 3-Day Programme Details</h3> Here is PM Modi's schedule for the opening day of the BRICS Summit 2023: 13:45 hrs - Arrive at Waterkloof Air Force Base (IST around 5:15 PM) 16:00 hrs - BRICS Business Forum Leaders' Dialogue (IST around 7:30 PM) 18:00 hrs - BRICS Leaders' Retreat (IST around 9:30 PM) On Tuesday, PM Modi is slated to participate in the BRICS Business Forum leaders' dialogue and the BRICS leaders' retreat. The main summit will take place on August 23 (Wednesday) and it will consist of two sessions — the first session is on Cooperation within the grouping, reform of the multilateral system, and counter-terrorism; and the second will be on global economic recovery, sustainable development goals (SDGs), and priorities of the Global South. The Prime Minister will also participate in the BRICS-Africa outreach session and the BRICS-plus dialogue on August 24. The BRICS grouping consists of five of the largest developing countries in the world, representing 41 per cent of the global population, 24 per cent of the global GDP, and 16 per cent of the global trade. <h3>India Has 'Positive Intent' And 'Open Mind': Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra On BRICS Summit</h3> Ahead of the BRICS summit, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra on Monday said that India has a "positive intent" and an "open mind" for the expansion of the five-nation grouping. "We have a positive intent and an open mind when it comes to BRICS expansion," he said, as quoted by PTI. When asked about of PM Modi will hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, Kwatra said that the schedule of the prime minister's bilateral meetings is being finalised.  He also informed that the modalities for the inclusion of new members into the grouping are being discussed among the Sherpas. "I would not want to prejudge the outcome of the discussions," he added, as per PTI. According to the Foreign Secretary, 23 countries have submitted their applications to join the BRICS, and Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Argentina have emerged as major contenders for the membership. Following the BRICS Summit, PM Modi's visit to Athens assumed significance as it will be the first prime ministerial visit from India after then PM Indira Gandhi visited Greece in September 1983. Then Greek Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou visited India thrice — in November 1984 for Indira Gandhi's funeral, in January 1985 to attend a summit on nuclear disarmament, and in January 1986 on a bilateral state visit as the chief guest for the Republic Day function. Kwatra said that during PM Modi's visit to Athens, both sides will aim to expand and diversify trade and investment cooperation as well as explore possibilities to deepen defence and security partnership.

North Korea's Kim Jong Un Oversees Cruise Missile Test As South Korea-US Annual Military Drill Begins

2023-08-20T22:51:00.003-07:00

North Korean supreme leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a test launch of strategic cruise missiles as South Korea and the United States began annual military drills, reported Reuters citing North Korea’s state media KCNA. It added that the missile test comes as Pyongyang sees the annual drills as a rehearsal for war. According to the KCNA, Kim visited a navy fleet stationed on the east coast to oversee the test aboard a warship, the report added. However, there is no clarification as to when the development took place.   KCNA said that the launch was aimed at verifying the "combat function of the ship and the feature of its missile system," while improving the sailors' capability to carry out an "attack mission in actual war". It said that the ship's missile hit its target.  The state media reported that Kim said maintaining the ship for "high mobility and mighty striking power and constant preparedness for combat to cope with sudden situations," a Reuters report said.  Aboard the ship, he vowed to reinforce the navy with "improved combat efficiency and full modern means of surface and underwater offensive and defensive" capabilities, KCNA said.  "We would put spurs to the modernisation of naval weapons and equipment, including the building of powerful warships and the development of shipboard and underwater weapon systems," he was quoted by KCNA as saying, reported Reuters.   <h3>South Korea Reacts To Development </h3> Meanwhile, reacting to the launch, South Koran defence ministry termed Kim’s claims as "exaggerated" and "different from the facts".  The launch comes at a time when South Korea and the United States kicked off the Ulchi Freedom Shield summer exercises on Monday. The drill is aimed to enhance their joint responses to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats.   On the other hand, Pyongyang has denounced the US-South Korea military drills as a rehearsal for nuclear war.   On the military drill, South Korea said this year's exercises will be held on the "largest-scale ever". It said that tens of thousands of troops from both sides, as well as some member states of the UN Command will be mobilised.  According to Reuters, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said the drills would be conducted under several contingency scenarios. This includes cyber, terror and drone attacks, and a disinformation campaign from the North.   "True peace is preserved only by overwhelming force, not by one-sided begging or goodwill," Yoon told a meeting of the National Security Council., as quoted by Reuters.   "North Korea talks about preemptive nuclear strikes and preparations for an offensive war, but we will immediately and overwhelmingly retaliate for any provocations," he added.  ALSO READ | <a style="color: #e03e2d;" href="https://ift.tt/5ktBihl, Japan, South Korea Expand Security Ties At Key Summit Noting Threat Posed By China, North Korea</a>

Vehicles Submerged, Normal Life Disrupted As Storm Hilary Hits California — In Pics

2023-08-20T22:51:00.001-07:00

Justin Trudeau Announces Deployment Of Canadian Forces In British Columbia To Battle Ravaging Wildfires

2023-08-20T21:51:00.001-07:00

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that the country's armed forces will be deployed to tackle the ravaging wildfires in British Columbia. The Canadian PM took to X (formerly Twitter) to confirm the deployment as the western province, as per Reuters, deals with flames that have led to evacuation orders for more than 35,000 people.  "We’ve received and approved British Columbia’s request for federal assistance. We’re deploying @CanadianForces assets and providing resources to help with evacuations, staging, and other logistical tasks. We’ll continue to be here with whatever support is needed," the PM tweeted.  <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Update: We’ve received and approved British Columbia’s request for federal assistance. We’re deploying <a href="https://twitter.com/CanadianForces?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CanadianForces</a> assets and providing resources to help with evacuations, staging, and other logistical tasks. We’ll continue to be here with whatever support is needed. — Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinTrudeau/status/1693313588906074445?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2023</a></blockquote> <script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" async="" charset="utf-8"></script> Defence Miniter Bill Blair earlier informed that two Canadian forces' evacuation flights departed for Yellowknife. He also tweeted on Monday that around 400 members of Canadian forces are assisting in buildings firebreaks around Hay River and Yellowknife to keep communities safe. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> 📍 Northwest Territories: Today, we deployed another company of <a href="https://twitter.com/CanadianArmy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CanadianArmy</a> soldiers to Hay River. Approximately 400 <a href="https://twitter.com/CanadianForces?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CanadianForces</a> members are now assisting the territory. Our personnel continue to build firebreaks around Hay River and Yellowknife to keep communities safe. <a href="https://t.co/pUVhAWZXmt">pic.twitter.com/pUVhAWZXmt</a> — Bill Blair (@BillBlair) <a href="https://twitter.com/BillBlair/status/1693403849002746228?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2023</a></blockquote> <script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" async="" charset="utf-8"></script> Notably, British Columbia declared a state of emergency imposing a ban on non-essential travel to free up accommodations for evacuees and firefighters, Reuters stated in a report. The state also urged drone operators and others capturing images of the fires to stay clear of rescue workers.  West Kelowna Fire Chief Jason Brolund hinted at some positive developments after battling "epic" fires for the past four days. As per Reuters, Brolund said that conditions have improved.  "Things are looking better. We are finally feeling like we are moving forward rather than moving backwards, and that's a great feeling," Brolund told the Canadian Broadcasting Corp, quoted Reuters.  It is important to note that forest fires are not uncommon in Canada, but the intensity of the same has been only increasing recently, for which experts blame climate change.  Several fires, reported Reuters, fuelled by severe drought, have been reported closer to the US border and in the US Pacific Northwest.  In Washington state, firefighters battled two major blazes, the Gray Fire and the Oregon Road Fire, which together destroyed over 20,000 acres of forest and more than 100 structures. Reuters added that government officials in Canada have urged residents in evacuation order zones to leave immediately to save their lives.  So far, the report added, there has been no official confirmation on any estimates of the total number of buildings destroyed.   According to Reuters, since 2009, Canada has been spending more on fighting and containing wildfires than on maintaining its firefighting personnel and program.