Violence and atrocities

Sunday, November 27, 2022

President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan quits as head of the governing Democratic Progressive Party after loss in election

The vote in Taiwan has drawn global attention because the loss of President Tsai Ing-wen could become a bigger geopolitical flashpoint between China and the United States. Tsai Ing-wen resigned as head of the governing Democratic Progressive Party after its poor performance in local elections. The opposition Kuomintang (KMT) won major races including the capital Taipei. Prior to the election, President Tsai had described the election as a vote for democracy amid rising tensions with China. After the results came out, she admitted that - "the election results were not as expected... I should shoulder all the responsibility and I resign as DPP chairwoman immediately.” However, she will continue as president of the self-ruled island. These elections for local councils and city mayors theoretically have a domestic agenda and focused on local issues such as crime, housing and social welfare. Those elected will not have a direct say on Taiwan's policy regarding China. However, Ms Tsai and government officials had urged voters to use the elections to send a message about standing up for democracy, as Beijing increases pressure on the island. Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen quits as party chair after local elections. The Chinese government perceives Taiwan as a breakaway province that will, in due course of time, be part of the country.

A large section of Taiwanese people considers their self-ruled island to be distinct. It has its own form of government and a democratic system. However, tensions peaked in August when Beijing staged huge military drills around Taiwan. It was in a protest against the visit by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to the island. The US has long walked a tightrope over Taiwan. Officially, it does not have any formal ties with Taiwan. In spite of that, it has also pledged to supply the island with defensive weapons and stressed that any attack by China would cause "grave concern." Taiwan has two major political parties. Their views differ on China. One of these is the Kuomintang (KMT). It consists of conservative business champions and traditionally seen as pro-China "doves." They advocate economic engagement with China and appear to favor unification while denying being pro-China. Their main rival is Ms Tsai's governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). She had won a landslide victory in the 2020 national election. Her stand is Beijing needs to show respect to Taiwan. She also said Taipei would not bow to pressure.

Saturday, November 26, 2022

Kim Jong-un seen in public with his daughter, speculations are rife on her future

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is believed to have as many as three children, one of them is a girl who appeared alongside Kim and he referred to her as his "beloved daughter." Her name is Ju Ae and she appears to be aged 12 to 13, although some think she could be as young as nine. She appeared in public twice in a matter of days. Her father dropped hints that she could be a successor in the making or could be trained for a leadership position. The father-daughter duo posed for photos with soldiers, scientists and others involved in this month's Hwasong-17 missile launch. On this occasion the leader reportedly said - "It is the truth taught by history that only when we become the strongest - not the weak - in the present world where the strength in showdown just decides victory, can we defend the present and future of the country and nation." Kim Jong Un's daughter appears in public for second time - raising speculation of a successor in the making. The leader added – “scientists and technicians should "make a do-or-die struggle... and thus expand and bolster up the nuclear war deterrent of the country at an exceptionally rapid speed."

The photos released by the North Korean government did not indicate any date. Moreover, independent journalists did not have any access to the event. The KCNA described it as a "photo session." Incidentally, the Hwasong-17 is North Korea's most powerful intercontinental ballistic missile, and it underwent tests earlier this month. In the opinion of some experts, the weapon had the potential to strike anywhere on the US mainland. Kim Jong-un boasted that the ICBM was a "reliable and maximum-capacity" weapon to contain US military threats. The second appearance of Kim’s daughter has raised speculation that she could be a successor in the making. Analysts believe it would be an unprecedented uphill struggle for her in the male-dominated dynasty of North Korea.

Monday, November 14, 2022

Police arrest a student of University of Virginia suspected of shooting dead three football players of the school

In another of incident of gun violence in a school, a student of University of Virginia is suspected of shooting down three of the school's football players. The authorities have identified the suspect as well as the victims. UVA President Jim Ryan announced this during a press conference. The shooting incident injured two other students and one of them is in critical condition. It happened late Sunday night near a campus-parking garage on a bus "full of students." They were returning from a play in Washington, D.C. "This is a sad, shocking and tragic day for our UVA community," Ryan told reporters. Police took the 22-year-old suspect into custody from Henrico County, Virginia and charged him with three counts of second-degree murder and three counts of using a handgun in the commission of a felony. UVA shooting: 3 football players killed, 2 students wounded and suspect in custody. It seems the suspect was involved in a criminal incident involving a concealed weapon violation outside Charlottesville in February 2021.

The suspect was listed as a member of the UVA football team in 2018, when he was a freshman. He had not been on the football team for over a year. First-year head football coach Tony Elliott said the victims "were all good kids" and that he would talk more about them "when the time is right." Warnings were given to students and staff to shelter in place late Sunday night after the shooting. It was later lifted. Elected leaders of Virginia reacted to the shooting on social media. Gov. Glenn Youngkin went to Twitter and said - "This morning, Suzanne and I are praying for the UVA community." Suzanne Youngkin was his wife. Sen. Tim Kaine added in a tweet - "Heartbroken to hear of another Virginia community devastated by gun violence. Praying for the UVA community and closely monitoring the situation."

An explosion in central Istanbul killed eight people wounded 81; the authorities suspect the involvement of a woman

Istanbul police have arrested 46 people in connection with the explosion in the busy Istiklal Avenue of Turkey’s largest city. At least eight people died in the blast while 81 others suffered injuries. Interior minister Suleyman Soylu revealed that the suspects included the “person who left the bomb that caused the explosion.” The authorities suspect the involvement of a woman. She admitted being trained by Kurdish militants in Syria and had gained entry into Turkey through northwest Syria’s Afrin region. Security sources say two other Syrian nationals were involved in the attack. The police captured the woman, in her late 20s or early 30s, from the place where she was staying. Istanbul police checked the security cameras near the site of the explosion. They have also conducted raids at different addresses where the female suspect had links. Turkish police arrest 46 people over Istanbul explosion.

Kurdish separatists, ISIL (ISIS), and other groups have targeted Istanbul and other Turkish cities in the past. These included a series of attacks in 2015 and 2016. In December 2016, twin bombings outside an Istanbul football stadium killed 38 people and wounded 155. Countries like Azerbaijan, Egypt, France, Greece, Italy, Pakistan, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States condemned the latest attack. Greece “unequivocally” denounced the blast and expressed condolences, while the US said it stood “shoulder-to-shoulder with our NATO ally in countering terrorism.” French President Emmanuel Macron said - “We share your pain. We stand with you in the fight against terrorism.” President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine tweeted - “The pain of the friendly Turkish people is our pain.” European Council President Charles Michel tweeted - “My thoughts are with the victims and their families.”

Sunday, November 13, 2022

Midair collision between two WWII-era planes near Dallas kills at least two

The WW-II vintage planes were a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress and a P-63 Kingcobra fighter aircraft. Both were participating in a commemorative air show near Dallas. They involved in a mid-air collision during an air show in Texas. At least two lost their lives in the tragedy. Video footage shows the aircraft striking each other at a low altitude as one of the aircraft breaks in half and a fireball hit the ground. There was no confirmation on the occupants of the two aircraft. The Allied Pilots Association represents American Airlines pilots. It identified two of the victims as those who died in the collision. A media report suggests as many as six people may have lost their lives in the collision. A group of between 4,000 and 6,000 had gathered to watch the Wings Over Dallas Airshow. One of the aircraft involved in the midair collision were a B-17 bomber that played a major role in winning the air war against Germany in WW2. The second plane was a P-63 Kingcobra fighter aircraft used in the same war, but in combat only by the Soviet Air Force. Dallas air show crash: Two World War Two planes collide in mid-air. Eric Johnson, Mayor of Dallas, described it as a "terrible tragedy."

The Federal Aviation Administration will investigate the crash at the three-day event. This event is the US's premiere WW2 air show and the occasion was Veterans Day. The authorities could not confirm the number of casualties but said there is no report of injuries to anybody on the ground. The B-17 usually has a crew of about four to five people, while the P-63 has a single pilot.

Friday, November 11, 2022

During his trip to Asia, President Joe Biden will meet leaders of Japan and South Korea to discuss the nuclear program of North Korea

White House informs that US President Joe Biden will meet Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan and South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol during his forth coming trip to Asia. The meeting would be in Cambodia on Sunday, Nov. 13. This is when the US President will attend the ASEAN and the Group of 20 industrialized nations. Adrienne Watson, spokesperson for the White House said - "The three leaders would work to continue enhancing trilateral cooperation throughout the Indo-Pacific, particularly in regard to our joint efforts to address the ongoing threat posed by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs.” Biden to discuss North Korea nuclear threat with Japan, South Korea leaders. In October, North Korea test-fired a ballistic missile. It went soaring over Japan for the first time in five years. There was a warning for residents to take cover. It also prompted Biden to assure the Prime Minister of Japan about the "ironclad" commitment of America to the defense of Japan.

In view of these developments, warplanes of South Korean and the U.S. practiced bombing a target in the Yellow Sea. In addition, fighter jets from the United States and Japan conducted joint drills over the Sea of Japan. Recently, a U.S. official told a media outlet that China and Russia could use their influence with North Korea to ensure that it abandons its testing of nuclear bomb. Biden last visited Asia in May. At the time, administration officials said they were in the final stages of a policy review on North Korea. It was also keen to encourage greater trilateral cooperation with Seoul and Tokyo on that issue. Incidentally, there is a U.N. Security Council ban on North Korea from conducting nuclear tests and ballistic missile launches. There are also sanctions on Pyongyang with the objective of cutting off funding for such programs.

Wednesday, November 9, 2022

Fresh row erupts between China and Taiwan over visit of Greg Hands, British Trade Policy Minister to Taiwan

There are indications that China has plans to make use of the massive civilian maritime fleet it has in order to transport military equipment to seize Taiwan. This appears to be the result of the visit of Greg Hands, the British Trade Policy Minister, to Taiwan. Photos in the social media reveal a massive military convoy of trucks, main battle tanks (MBT), and armored fighting vehicles (AFV) at civilian ports. These are moving in between passenger ships and car carriers. Chinese defense enthusiasts claim the design of the concept has a Taiwan operation in mind. China has its own fleet of roll-on-roll-over (RoRo) ships and dedicated car carriers. These can double up as amphibious transport vessels when required. In short, China wants to assert its claims over Taiwan and use every possible means. Photos in the media do not identify the port and the date of the military exercises. China had conducted such exercises in the past. Civilian Ship Armed With Tanks — Scary Images Reveal China’s ‘Notorious Plan’ To Invade & Annex Taiwan.

It seems, the civilian fleet can be commandeered under China’s January 2017 National Defense Transportation Law, which treats basic infrastructure and transport systems as “civil-military fusion assets”. This is as informed by Ian Easton, Senior Director of the Project 2049 Institute. On August 31 this year, seven dual-use amphibious ferries landing craft came to a Chinese beach near the Taiwan Strait. This is according to a defense analyst Tom Shugart. One of the RoRo ferries was the Bo Hai Heng Tong, a 15,000-ton multipurpose cargo ship. As Tom Shugart explains – “The ferry’s internal parking ‘lane’ is 1.6 miles long and three meters wide, spread across three decks. It translates into a vehicle cargo capacity almost three times that of a San Antonio-class amphibious warship (LPD-17).” Obviously, the plans of China appear to have a single agenda – Taiwan. Whether these weapons of warfare are actually used is anybody’s guess.

Tuesday, November 8, 2022

Canine diplomacy between North and South Korea

There was a period in 2018 when the relation between the two Koreas had improved. It was during the tenure of US President Donald Trump. At that time, there were hopes of a peaceful settlement to the denuclearization of the Peninsula. Kim Jong-un, leader of North Korea had gifted a pair of dogs to Moon Jae-in, the then President of South Korea. These were a pair of white Pungsan dogs - Gomi and Songgang. The canines carried the legal categorization as state property and belonged to the presidential archives. Accordingly, they continued to remain under the care of Moon Jae-in even after he left office in May. However, it has to now go back to the state and South Korea's former President Moon Jae-in says he plans to give them up. It seems his decision is a fallout of differences between him and the current government over funds for looking after the dogs. South Korea's Moon Jae-in to give up dogs gifted by Kim Jong-un.

In an unprecedented move, Mr. Moon's office indicated that he was able to continue as their caretaker even after he left his post. An agreement with the interior ministry reportedly stated that there could be a state budgetary provision for payment towards supplies and expenses for looking after the pets. The local media puts the expenses at about $1,800; £1,560 every month.

Monday, November 7, 2022

Japan rearming itself to deter China in East Asia

In order to boost its defense setup, Japan has recently signed a security pact with Australia. Its purpose is to boost practical defense cooperation between the two nations. Japan wants to re-arm itself in the next five years to deter China in East Asia. This partnership has come soon after Xi Jinping took charge as the leader of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for the third term. In October, Japanese PM Fumio Kishida and Australian PM Anthony Albanese confirmed the significance of a "free and open Indo-Pacific.” This is in conformity with the vision advocated by late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The agreement between Japan and Australia came with the concern mounting that China may intensify its military provocations against Taiwan following an unprecedented third term by Xi Jinping. Incidentally, after World War II, the defense policies of Japan have always been governed by pacifism. That concept is changing as Japan steps up its efforts to build its arms and ammunition to counter modernization of China's military. Japan Likely To Rearm By 2027 As China-Taiwan Tensions Heighten: Reports. Beijing appears rattled by Japan's newly developed bonding with Taiwan and it has described such bonding as dangerous.

A media report quotes Yoji Koda, a former commander of Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force fleet, saying that Tokyo's trust in Beijing is vanishing. He attributes this to the rapid military build-up by Beijing and its flouting of an international court ruling that rejected China's claim over the South China Sea. Moreover, tensions have increased between Japan and China over the territory known as the Senkaku Islands in Japan. Another factor is the disturbance in key shipping lanes that might arise if China takes over Taiwan. These shipping lanes supply nearly all of Japan's oil and many other materials it uses for manufacturing.

Saturday, November 5, 2022

Fifteen killed in a fire at a popular bar in the Russian city of Kostroma

The news agency TASS mentions about a fire the broke out at the popular bar in the Russian city of Kostroma. A drunk man could have started it after he fired a "flare gun" on the dance floor. It led to the death of at least 15 people at the bar. State television showed images of the bar. Its name is "Poligon" and it is located in a single-storey logistical center. It was engulfed in flames. According to the authorities, the fire started at around 2:00 am local time and was put out at around 7:30 am. Governor Sergei Sitnikov initially said 13 pmoscoweople were killed. However, emergency services subsequently recovered the remains of two other people. The TASS news agency issued a correction accordingly. It seems around 250 people were evacuated from the building when it caught fire. The city is located around 180 miles northeast of Moscow. 15 Killed, 250 Evacuated In Russian Cafe Fire: Report.

The TASS news agency said a drunk man with a "flare gun" was likely to have caused the fire. It seems he was in the bar with a woman and ordered her flowers. He had a flare gun in his hands and he went to the dance floor and fired it. According to the local emergency services, the blaze had spread out over 3,500 square meters. Poligon on its website says it acts as an evening and nighttime "place for recreation and entertainment." During the day, it is just a typical Russian "stolovaya." This is nothing but a casual restaurant serving traditional food. The website adds the food outlet is housed in a "distribution centre" and is popular with traffic police. One fire fighter revealed to the regional state television that it took 50 people to extinguish the fire using 20 fire engines. He added that the fire was especially difficult to put out because of the risk of the building collapsing. Incidental, Kostroma is a city on the Volga River of around 230,000 people. It is one of Russia's oldest cities and is famous for its medieval architecture and monasteries.

Friday, November 4, 2022

Tension mounts in the Korean Peninsula as South Korea scrambles 80 of its stealth jets

The military of South Korea detected mobilization of 180 North Korean warplanes. Immediately, it took action to counter any attack by scrambling its stealth jets. The Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea reported that it scrambled 80 aircraft, including F-35A stealth fighters after spotting North Korean aircraft at multiple locations north of the "tactical action line." There were no immediate reports of clashes. According to an official of South Korea, the virtual line drawn north of the physical border serves as the basis for air defence operations in South Korea. None of the aircraft crossed the "tactical action line." Incidentally, more than 240 planes are participating in the Vigilant Storm air drills with the United States. There was no stoppage of these drills. South Korea scrambles jets after detecting North Korean warplanes.

Pyongyang had earlier launched roughly 80 artillery rounds in retaliation for Seoul's joint military exercises with the United States. These came after the North launched dozens of missiles this week. The United States, Japan and South Korea condemned such actions of North Korea. It seems it test fired at least 23 missiles, and later launched three more into the Sea of Japan. These included an intercontinental ballistic missile that triggered evacuation warnings in Japan. As a result, South Korea and the United States prolonged their Vigilant Storm exercises. This infuriated Pyongyang. It had threatened reprisals over extension of the drills. The actions and reactions of North Korea, the hermit kingdom, are difficult to explain. It is possible that it wants to send out some sort of a message to the global community.

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

Missiles fired by North Korea leads to evacuation warning in parts of Japan

North Korea has fired a number of missiles, among these one was an intercontinental ballistic missile. It prompted Japan to issue an evacuation warning for parts of Japan. One of these missiles reached an altitude of 1,200 miles and travelled about 460 miles. Japan's defence minister Yasukazu Hamada said the flight pattern was "lofted trajectory." It means the missile flew high into space to avoid flying over neighboring countries. The Japanese military lost track of the suspected ICBM over the water between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. The minister corrected an earlier report that mentioned it had flown over Japan. In the opinion of South Korea, it might have failed mid-flight. According to officials in Seoul, the launching of the first missile was from some location near Pyongyang. Subsequent ones were from Kaechon, north of Pyongyang. Evacuation alert in parts of Japan and bullet trains halted after North Korea fires missiles. After the first launch, the office of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida broadcast alerts through different devices to residents in three prefectures. These were Miyagi, Yamagata and Niigata. The alerts were for people to get inside strong buildings or to head underground. Simultaneously, there was suspension of bullet train services in these regions.

Prime Minister Kishida described the repeated missile launches of North Korea as an “outrage and absolutely cannot be forgiven." South Korea's Vice Foreign Minister Cho Hyun-dong and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman described these as "deplorable, immoral." The action of the North came a day after it fired at least 23 missiles. One of these landed just 40 miles off the coast of South Korea. It prompted the South to issue its own air raid warnings and launch its own missiles. Pyongyang has also been calling for the U.S. and South Korea to stop large military exercises. It says - "military rashness and provocation (which) can be no longer tolerated." Incidentally, nuclear negotiations between the United States and North Korea remain in a limbo since early 2019.

North Korea fires at least 10 missiles, one lands close to the territorial waters of the South for the first time since the 1945

The latest missile launch by North Korea was its 29th this year, according to a punt maintained by a section of the media. It consisted of at least 10 missiles. One of these landed close to the territorial waters of South Korea. It was the first incident since the division of the peninsula in 1945. There was also an air raid warning on an island located about 120 kilometers east of the peninsula. It was later lifted. The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) in Seoul said one short-range ballistic missile landed in international waters 167 kilometers northwest of South Korea’s Ulleung Island. This is about 26 kilometers south of the Northern Limit Line (NLL) that is the de facto inter-Korean maritime border. North Korea does not recognize it. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol described the North Korean test as an “effective territorial encroachment.” In an immediate response, South Korea launched three air-to-surface missiles from F-15K and KF-16 fighter jets according to JCS. North Korean missile lands close to South Korean waters for first time in decades. JCS explained that the South Korean Air Force targeted international waters north of the NLL at an equal distance to that which the North Korean missile had earlier landed south of the line. He added - “Our military’s precise strike showed our will to firmly respond to any North Korean provocations including short-range ballistic missile, and our capability and readiness to precisely target the enemy.”

This sort of aggressive accelerating in weapons testing by Pyongyang has sparked alarm in the region. The United States, South Korea and Japan responded with missile launches and joint military exercises. The United States and South Korea began previously scheduled large-scale military exercises called “Vigilant Storm.” These involve 240 aircraft and “thousands of service members” from both countries. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin would meet with his South Korean counterpart Lee Jong-sup at the Pentagon. In the opinion of experts, Kim Jong-un could be sending across a message of sorts. The United Nations’ nuclear watchdog warned last week that Pyongyang could be preparing for a nuclear test – its first since 2017. This was because satellite imagery showed activity at its underground nuclear test site. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. He called for a National Security Council meeting on priority in view of rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

Sunday, October 30, 2022

Two explosions rocked the capital of Somalia and left at least 100 dead and 300 injured

Target of the attack appears to be the country's education ministry. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia confirmed the death toll when he visited the site of the blasts outside the education ministry in Mogadishu. He said - "Our people who were massacred... included mothers with their children in their arms, fathers who had medical conditions, students who were sent to study, businessmen who were struggling with the lives of their families.” The location of the attack was a busy area where a number of key government offices are located. It was also a day when the nation's president, prime minister and other senior officials were meeting to discuss violent extremism. The leaders were meeting to discuss a known extremist group with affiliations to al-Shabaab that has links to Qaeda. Nobody has yet claimed responsibility for the explosions involving car bombs at Zobe junction. At least 100 killed and 300 injured as Somalia's capital hit by two explosions. The first explosion struck the education ministry near a busy junction in Mogadishu. The next one occurred as ambulances came to the scene and people gathered to help the victims.

State news agency, SONNA, said the blasts had caused "scores of civilian casualties, including independent journalist Mohamed Isse Kona." A media outlet reported about windows blown out of nearby buildings, and burnt out ambulances. A local resident said - "Two car bombs targeted the education ministry building along K5 street. Abdikadir Abdirahman, founder of the Aamin Ambulance Service, added – “The second blast burnt our ambulance as we came to transport the casualty from the first blast." Al Shabaab had stormed the education ministry in 2015, and the latest attack occurred at the scene of a massive al Shabaab blast in 2017, which killed more than 500 people. The UK views Al Shabaab as a terrorist organization.

Saturday, October 29, 2022

Horror at Halloween in Seoul – stampede takes more than 150 lives

It was a day of sorrow in Seoul as more than 151 people died and more than 150 suffered injuries during Halloween celebrations. The venue was the Itaewon neighborhood famous for its crowded narrow streets. Dozens of people had cardiac arrests. An official of the fire brigade mentioned about dispatching more than 140 ambulances to the scene of the tragedy. 19 foreigners from Iran, Uzbekistan, China and Norway lost their lives in the stampede. Incidentally, Itaewon is a popular destination for people to celebrate Halloween in the South Korean capital. The incident apparently occurred because of a crush that resulted from the size of the crowd. Yoon Suk-yeol, the President of South Korea ordered officials to dispatch first aid teams and for hospital beds to be immediately available. South Korea declares national mourning after 151 killed in Halloween stampede. Media photographs showed many people lying prone on a street cordoned off by authorities as rescue workers tended to them. They carried out emergency first aid on several victims

Video footage showed yellow-jacketed policemen cordoning off the area around the site of the crush as rescue officials loaded the victims into ambulances. Blankets covered some of them. Nearly two dozen people were entirely covered by makeshift blankets on the roadside. South Korea's President Yoon Suk-yeol ordered a thorough investigation. He said such a deadly stampede at the Halloween event "should not have happened." In his national address he said - "In the centre of Seoul, a tragedy and disaster occurred that should not have happened." He also announced a period of national mourning and ordered the lowering of flags. In his words - “The government will designate the period from today until the accident is brought under control as a period of national mourning and will place top priority in administrative affairs in recovery and follow-up measures.”

Health of Tuan Tuan, a male panda gifted by China to Taiwan, deteriorating

China had gifted a panda to Taiwan when the relation between them was better. However, relations between them have been on ice since 2016. Beijing severed official communications and government visits between the two sides. In spite of that, Taiwan has invited Chinese veterinary experts to come and have a look at the male panda Tuan Tuan who is not well. China had gifted the male panda to the island in 2008, but it fell ill in recent weeks and looks to be entering his twilight days. Hence, the Chinese vets will come, stay for seven days and observe, rather than conduct, health checks. As an official of the Taipei City Zoo explained to a section of the media - "The main purpose is to visit Tuan Tuan and see his present condition. They expressed their desire to come in person to visit Tuan Tuan. I also think it will be a very meaningful trip.” Taiwan invites Chinese veterinary experts as beloved panda nears death. Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council confirmed they were processing the visa applications of the vets.

Beijing had gifted Tuan Tuan and his breeding mate Yuan Yuan to Taiwan when the relations between the two neighbors were more cordial. The pair of pandas became huge stars in Taiwan and Yuan Yuan subsequently gave birth to two female cubs. China loans pandas to foreign zoos and they must usually return any offspring within a few years of their birth to join the country's breeding program. China made an exception for Taiwan as part of a brief charm offensive China launched in the late 2000s. It fully gifted both Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan and any offspring they had to Taiwan. Vets first noticed Tuan Tuan (18) was ill in August when he began suffering seizures and appeared increasingly unsteady and lethargic. Subsequently other symptoms emerged and he was moved into palliative care. The gift of the pandas happened during the presidency of then Beijing-friendly leader Ma Ying-jeou. However, relations soured with new presidents in both the countries.

Friday, October 28, 2022

Tata and Airbus joint venture to make C-295 transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force

India's Tata group poised to make military aircraft in the country. It will be a joint venture between Tata and Airbus and the first such project by a local private company. They would undertake manufacture of the C-295 transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force. The location of the project would be in Gujarat. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate it. A statement of the defence ministry said - "This is the first project of its kind in which a military aircraft will be manufactured in India by a private company.” Right now, only state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics makes aircraft for the armed forces. India is among the world's largest importers of defence items. The country has depended on Russia for decades for military equipment. However, over the years, the government has made efforts to reduce the country's dependency on international imports and shift to boost domestic output. Gujarat: Tata to make military aircraft with Airbus in India.

In the opinion of experts, this project is a step towards bolstering the Made in India campaign. Its success would mean India becoming a global manufacturing hub. The defence ministry views the deal as a "unique opportunity for the Indian private sector to enter into technology intensive and highly competitive aviation industry." In September 2021, the government approved the procurement of 56 C-295 military transport aircraft from Airbus Defense and the Spain-based Space SA. These would replace the aging fleet of the Avro aircraft of the Indian Air Force and meet the needs of the civilian sector. As per the contract, Airbus will deliver 16 aircraft in flyaway condition between September 2023 and August 2025. Subsequently, the Gujarat facility by the Tata group will take over and the first Made in India aircraft could roll out by September 2026.

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

The United States, Japan and South Korea warn North Korea about serious consequences of any nuclear test

The United States and its allies Japan and South Korea spoke in one voice and warned North Korea against any further nuclear test. They said any violation would warrant an "unprecedentedly strong response." The three vowed unity following launch of a number of missiles from the hermit kingdom. Foreign ministers of the three nations held talks in Tokyo and believe they could boost their deterrence in the region. South Korea's Cho Hyun-dong said - "We agreed to further strengthen cooperation ... so that North Korea can immediately stop its illegal activities and return to denuclearization talks.” He went on to explain to members of the media - "The three countries agreed on the need for an unprecedentedly strong response if North Korea proceeds with its seventh nuclear test." Seoul and Washington have repeatedly warned that Pyongyang could be close to testing an atomic bomb for the first time since 2017. This came after a number of launch of ballistic missiles. One of these flew over Japan last month. The North has separately claimed that it had carried out tactical nuclear drills. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman says – “All of this behavior is reckless and deeply destabilizing." She urged North Korea to "refrain from further provocations." North Korea put on notice: Nuclear test would draw "unprecedentedly strong" response.

According to a section of the media, Sherman laid stress on the fact that the commitment of the U.S. to the security of South Korea and Japan is "ironclad.” She went on to add that the U.S. would "use the full range of U.S. defense capabilities to defend our allies, including nuclear, conventional and missile defense capabilities." Incidentally, last month Kim Jong-un, the leader of North Korea had declared the country an "irreversible" nuclear power, effectively ending negotiations over his banned arms programs. He had met three times with President Biden's predecessor Donald Trump. It did reduce tensions but did not result in any lasting agreement. The country has also shown little interest in taking up President Biden's offer of working-level talks.

Tuesday, October 25, 2022

Elevator breakdown in the Grand Canyon Caverns trapped a group of tourists 210ft below the ground

The Grand Canyon Caverns offer an exciting experience of touring 210 ft underground. However, the unexpected can happen at any time. A team of five were stuck for more than 24 hours after they completed a 30-minute tour of the caverns. The group consisted of a man, his wife with two young children and at least two elderly persons in their 70s. They were 21 storeys below ground level and preparing to return when they discovered the lift was not working. It was Sunday night local time and panic set in. The arrangement allows the tourists to tour an ancient cave and stay in an underground hotel 120 miles southwest of Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. Obviously, it was a tricky situation. Fortunately, one member of the group climbed the emergency staircase to the surface. He was thus able to notify the authorities who took necessary measures to rescue the trapped tourists. Five tourists hoisted to safety after lift stops working... 210ft under Grand Canyon Caverns.

According to the Police, five members of the stranded party were "not capable of self-evacuating using the emergency staircase." They had to remain in a hotel suite at the bottom of the cavern overnight. That was after the authorities took a decision that they should stay there while the elevator was repaired. This action ensured their safety and access to food as they awaited rescue. The rescue workers arranged to secure each of the tourists in a harness and lift them one by one up the shaft. Each rescue operation took approximately 15 minutes and no one was injured. The complete process had a touch of professionalism.