China has launched a campaign to suppress minorities in Tibet, Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more about the world's biggest anti-minority crackdown.

Gravitas: China has launched a campaign to suppress minorities

The Director of the Tibet Action Institute told Palki Sharma Upadhyay that China is running a campaign to destroy the Free Tibet movement. Here is an exclusive conversation.

Gravitas: Lhadon Tethong: China is running a campaign to destroy 'Free Tibet'

<p>Kandahar has never seen anything like this. A gym only for women has opened in the Afghanistan capital. This is something first of its kind in the country. At least 50 women come here everyday. They exercise their right to life, their right to be healthy.</p>

<p>"Undoubtedly, (coming here) is not without fear and everyone knows that in such a situation, women are more afraid. But if we look at it from another angle, exercise is beneficial to our health and thus brings happiness, that is why we focus more on our goals and ignore our fears," says Fatima Hashimi</p>

<p>The gym has meant financial independence and security for Sana Jan, an instructor at the gym.</p>

<p>"I'm so delighted to work here because I can help women and get exercise for myself too. After all, exercise is good for my health. The money I earn from here is a great financial help to my family," she says.</p>

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<p>Talking about women's rights in Afghanistan is like talking about gun laws in USA.</p>

<p>Maryam Durani, founder of Gym Malika Suraya says the reaction from ladies was positive but men had reservations.</p>

<p>"The reaction of the ladies was very positive because they needed it, but unfortunately, what bothered me was the reaction of the men, especially the men who were educated and thought they were intellectuals. These men were the ones who reacted negatively to our club and even insulted me because they thought our club was in opposition to the Sharia," said Durani.</p>

<p>Maryam is used to such opposition. She has been a women's rights campaigner for a while now. Apart from this gym, Maryam runs a radio station for women. She has also served on the provincial council. It was last year that she started the gym. Fringe threats do not scare her.</p>

<p>"Not only sports but all sectors in which women work at are of concern. Our concern is that if the Taliban return and reunite with the government, what will be the restrictions they will impose? Because given what I have been following on the news, I think the Taliban's mindsets and ideas have not changed much," says Maryam.</p>

<p>Taliban banned women from even leaving their houses during their rule in Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001. Women could only step outside their homes if they were accompanied by a male family member. Education and sports too were out of bounds for women.</p>

<p>It took 19 years of bloody war for women of Afghanistan to fight for their rights.</p>

<p>Today, Afgh women power-lift. They also master jabs. Afghan women are finally chasing their dreams. They aren't confined only to kitchens.</p>

<p>But all this can take a U-turn if the Taliban returns. The terror group has already signed a deal with the US. Washington wants to withdraw their troops from Afghanistan. And the Taliban want to rule the country once again.</p>


Kandahar has never seen anything like this. A gym only for women has opened in the Afghanistan capital. This is something first of its kind in the country. At least 50 women come here everyday.

Kandahar has never seen anything like this. A gym only for women has opened in the Afghanistan capital. This is something first of its kind in the country. At least 50 women come here everyday. They exercise their right to life, their right to be healthy. "Undoubtedly, (coming here) is not without fear and everyone knows that in such a situation, women are more afraid. But if we look at it from another angle, exercise is beneficial to our health and thus brings happiness, that is why we focus more on our goals and ignore our fears," says Fatima Hashimi The gym has meant financial independence and security for Sana Jan, an instructor at the gym. "I'm so delighted to work here because I can help women and get exercise for myself too. After all, exercise is good for my health. The money I earn from here is a great financial help to my family," she says. × Talking about women's rights in Afghanistan is like talking about gun laws in USA. Maryam Durani, founder of Gym Malika Suraya says the reaction from ladies was positive but men had reservations. "The reaction of the ladies was very positive because they needed it, but unfortunately, what bothered me was the reaction of the men, especially the men who were educated and thought they were intellectuals. These men were the ones who reacted negatively to our club and even insulted me because they thought our club was in opposition to the Sharia," said Durani. Maryam is used to such opposition. She has been a women's rights campaigner for a while now. Apart from this gym, Maryam runs a radio station for women. She has also served on the provincial council. It was last year that she started the gym. Fringe threats do not scare her. "Not only sports but all sectors in which women work at are of concern. Our concern is that if the Taliban return and reunite with the government, what will be the restrictions they will impose? Because given what I have been following on the news, I think the Taliban's mindsets and ideas have not changed much," says Maryam. Taliban banned women from even leaving their houses during their rule in Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001. Women could only step outside their homes if they were accompanied by a male family member. Education and sports too were out of bounds for women. It took 19 years of bloody war for women of Afghanistan to fight for their rights. Today, Afgh women power-lift. They also master jabs. Afghan women are finally chasing their dreams. They aren't confined only to kitchens. But all this can take a U-turn if the Taliban returns. The terror group has already signed a deal with the US. Washington wants to withdraw their troops from Afghanistan. And the Taliban want to rule the country once again.

In conservative Afghanistan, ladies are pursuing health goals in this women-only gym

Why does Imran Khan want to make Gilgit-Baltistan Pakistan's 5th province? 1: It will give him an edge in an upcoming election. 2: It will give him control of a crucial region. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: Pakistan's game-plan in Gilgit-Baltistan

A diplomatic crisis has erupted between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia. The tussle involves the Rohingyas, 2 state airlines and migrant workers. Palki Sharma Upadhyay has a report.

Gravitas: Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh are caught in a diplomatic row

China has changed the definition of a journalist in Hong Kong. You will be called a journalist only if you are recognised and registered with the Chinese state. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you how Beijing's grip on Hong Kong is growing more firm.

Gravitas: China changes definition of 'Journalist'

In Afghanistan's Kandahar, women are exercising their right to a healthy life in the region's first all-female gym. They are working out in Burqas and without any fear. Palki Sharma Upadhyay has a report.

Gravitas: Gymming in a Burqa

Did Joe Biden's son Hunter do business with Chinese nationals linked to the PLA? Palki Sharma Upadhyay analyses a new explosive report released by a Republican Senate committee.

Gravitas: Hunter Biden's business links with China

The international rulebook bans bioweapons. But, at least six countries in the world are believed to have active bioweapon programmes. What is the world doing to tackle the threat of killer pathogens? Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you a report.

Gravitas: Killer Pathogens: A new threat

In an exclusive interview with Palki Sharma Upadhyay, Professor Giuseppe Tritto - a global biomedical expert - claimed that a top official from the Chinese military was leading the study on bat coronaviruses and bioweapons. Take a look. Speaking to Palki Sharma Upadhyay, Professor Giuseppe Tritto claimed that the possibility of a 'virus leak' in Wuhan cannot be ruled out. Here is a slice from that exclusive conversation.

Gravitas: Global biomedical expert: Virus could have leaked in Wuhan

<p>This is Gundam, a robot from Japanese fiction. Till about a few months ago, Gundam was only confined to Manga, films, merchandise and plastic models. Gundam has now come to life in Yokohama. It can walk, bend a knee. point at the sky and do a host of other things.</p>

<p>But what's Gundam's job? This life-size robot is the centrepiece of the brand's Yokohama factory. It's 18 metres tall. It was supposed to be opened to public on October 1. But the plans were changed and now Gundam fans will have to wait for sometime before they can meet their hero in real-time.</p>

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<p>The giant above is a showpiece. But there are robots half its size that are fighting real-life enemies. Robots are fighting the Wuhan virus at one of London's biggest train stations. Their weapon of choice is UV light.</p>

<p>The robots work by moving into a room. They automatically map out a room and take a route around the room that is most effective in cleaning and disinfecting that room or a particular room.</p>

<p>The same type of robot is lending a helping hand to Wuhan virus patients in Egypt.</p>

<p>Halfway across the world. Mitra too is doing a fine job. It is helping Wuhan virus patients in India speak to their loved ones. Mitra means friend in Hindi.</p>

<p>Another robot, or rather a dog robot is helping humans avoid high-risk areas. It can be a dangerous terrain or mines, the robot Scar can go anywhere. Scar has 5 camera modules. The robot can observe the environment, take measurements, and even map an area.</p>

<p>Fantasy and reality can easily be fused in the amusing world we live in. It took a pandemic for us to shed our fear of these robots. Not all of them are here to steal our jobs. Some of them are here just to make our lives a little easier.</p>


This is Gundam, a robot from Japanese fiction. Till about a few months ago, Gundam was only confined to Manga, films, merchandise and plastic models. Gundam has now come to life in Yokohama.

This is Gundam, a robot from Japanese fiction. Till about a few months ago, Gundam was only confined to Manga, films, merchandise and plastic models. Gundam has now come to life in Yokohama. It can walk, bend a knee. point at the sky and do a host of other things. But what's Gundam's job? This life-size robot is the centrepiece of the brand's Yokohama factory. It's 18 metres tall. It was supposed to be opened to public on October 1. But the plans were changed and now Gundam fans will have to wait for sometime before they can meet their hero in real-time. Life-sized Gundam in Yokohama is now in testing mode.pic.twitter.com/51HVoraPb7 — Catsuka (@catsuka) September 21, 2020 × The giant above is a showpiece. But there are robots half its size that are fighting real-life enemies. Robots are fighting the Wuhan virus at one of London's biggest train stations. Their weapon of choice is UV light. The robots work by moving into a room. They automatically map out a room and take a route around the room that is most effective in cleaning and disinfecting that room or a particular room. The same type of robot is lending a helping hand to Wuhan virus patients in Egypt. Halfway across the world. Mitra too is doing a fine job. It is helping Wuhan virus patients in India speak to their loved ones. Mitra means friend in Hindi. Another robot, or rather a dog robot is helping humans avoid high-risk areas. It can be a dangerous terrain or mines, the robot Scar can go anywhere. Scar has 5 camera modules. The robot can observe the environment, take measurements, and even map an area. Fantasy and reality can easily be fused in the amusing world we live in. It took a pandemic for us to shed our fear of these robots. Not all of them are here to steal our jobs. Some of them are here just to make our lives a little easier.

Fantasy and reality fuse, with robots in tow

For the longest time, the world has focused on Xinjiang. But Beijing began its campaign of repression against the minorities in Tibet. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you why Tibet is China's original laboratory of repression.

Gravitas: Why Tibet is China's original laboratory of repression

The 75th UNGA session will go down in history as the most unconventional one. Every world leader seems to be targeting their domestic audience by sparring on a global platform. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you who said what.

Gravitas: The most unconventional UNGA session

Xi Jinping told the UNGA that China doesn't seek expansion. But the Chinese have a land dispute with 18 countries. President Xi said the pandemic shouldn't be politicised. But, China's lapses have led to the deaths of nearly 1 million people. Palki Sharma Upadhyay fact checks Xi Jinping's claims.

Gravitas: Fact-Checking Xi Jinping speech at the UN General Assembly

China has grabbed Nepal's land. It has built 11 buildings on Nepalese territory. Wasn't Kathmandu supposed to be Beijing's friend? Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: China grabs Nepal's land

In an exclusive interview with Palki Sharma Upadhyay- Aung San Suu Kyi's challenger Dr. Thet Thet Khine has said that the Myanmar govt failed to co-operate with UN fact-finding mission on the Rohingya crisis. Here are some excerpts from the conversation.

Gravitas: Has Myanmar become an autocracy?

41 days to go for U.S. Election and US President Donald Trump has two questions to ask: 1: Will Joe Biden wear a mask in the Presidential debates? 2: Is he wearing the mask to hide his plastic surgery? Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you the updates from the US election race.

Gravitas: Trump mocks Biden for wearing a mask

Malaysia's opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim says he has the majority in parliament and he can topple the government. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more about the latest political crisis in Malaysia.

Gravitas: Opposition claims majority in Malaysia

Thousands in Egypt are protesting against President Al-Sisi. There is violence on the streets of Cairo. 9 years since the Arab Spring, is democracy still a far-fetched dream for Egypt? Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you the report.

Gravitas: Democracy a far-fetched dream for Egypt?

According to a report, China has tweaked its foreign exchange rules to allow them to invest directly into Chinese bonds. Is the Chinese state short on cash? Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more about China's troubles with debt.

Gravitas: China opens its bond market for foreign investors

In the last 70 years, Beijing has tried to maintain a strong grip over Tibet. Why is this region so crucial for China?

Gravitas: Why is Tibet crucial for China?

Sweden's state-owned space agency has forbidden China from using its satellite stations.

Gravitas: China stands isolated in global space race

China is implementing its Xinjiang playbook in Tibet. According to a report, Tibetans are being forced into 'military styled' indoctrination camps.

Gravitas: After the Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang, China targets Tibetans

Dr Li-Meng Yan - the virologist who claimed that Covid-19 was made in a Wuhan lab has made a major claim. She says that the WHO was part of China's cover-up.

Gravitas: Chinese virologist: WHO part of China's covid-19 cover-up

The Chinese President has called China a peace-loving country in his UNGA address. He said that China has no intention to fight either a cold war or a hot war with any country.

Gravitas: Xi Jinping calls China 'peace-loving'

A week before the U.S. Presidential debates, Donald Trump has sarcastically stated that Joe Biden could beat him due to his experience. What do American voters think?

Gravitas: Who will win the 2020 Presidential debates?

The ban on an anti-India textbook in Nepal has exposed the widening divide between the camps of PM K.P. Sharma Oli and Ex-PM Prachanda.

Gravitas: Nepal anti-India textbook

The govt of PM Mahinda Rajapaksa has tabled a bill that gives President Gotabaya Rajapaksa more power. Would this turn the democratic Sri Lanka into a 'constitutional dictatorship'?

Gravitas: Is Sri Lanka staring at Constitutional dictatorship?

Hundreds of pilot whales are stranded on a sandbar in Tasmania. What explains the mass whale stranding? Whales have tight family bonds - and they tend to stick together.

Gravitas: Hundreds of whales stranded on sandbar in Australia

The Wuhan Virus Pandemic has brought the world closer to their family and friends. In Iraq, the crisis has also brought its people closer to faith.

Gravitas: Pandemic brings Iraq closer to faith

After the 6th round of military talks, India-China have agreed to stop sending more troops to the frontline in a joint statement.

Gravitas: Border standoff: India-China issue joint statement

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