In the latest,&nbsp;up to six people are believed to have played a role in the security breach at the Indian Parliament on December 13. The disturbance occurred with two individuals causing a commotion within the lower house (Lok Sabha), two stationed outside near Transport Bhavan, and an additional two currently evading authorities, allegedly providing shelter to the four and conspiring in the plan. In other news, in anticipation of Pakistan's upcoming national elections set for February 2024, former PM Imran Khan faced charges on Wednesday (Dec 13) related to the unauthorised disclosure of state secrets.

Click on the headlines to read more.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/parliament-security-breach-all-6-suspects-knew-each-other-stayed-in-gurugram-together-669333">India Parliament security breach: All 6 suspects knew each other, stayed in Gurugram together</a>

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As many as six people are said to have been involved in the Indian Parliament security breach on Wednesday (Dec 13), multiple reports have claimed. The two men who caused the commotion inside the well of the lower house (Lok Sabha), two outside the parliament near Transport Bhavan and two others who are currently on the run but supposedly gave shelter to the four and hatched the plan.&nbsp;

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Ahead of Pakistan's national elections scheduled for February 2024, former Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday (Dec 13) was indicted on the charges of leaking state secrets. The cricketer-turned-politician&nbsp;is already&nbsp;imprisoned since August after being convicted of selling state gifts when he was prime minister.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trudeaus-canada-sees-hinduphobia-petition-amid-row-with-india-over-nijjars-killing-669343">Trudeau's Canada sees Hinduphobia petition amid row with India over Nijjar's killing</a>

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The government of Canada, in its official response to a Hinduphobia petition before the House of Commons, said it “rejects all forms of hate and discrimination and believes all Canadians must stand up against it where and whenever it is encountered.”

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The Israeli military has initiated the flooding of Hamas's extensive tunnel network in Gaza by pumping seawater into the underground infrastructure, as confirmed by US officials briefed on Israeli military operations, reported The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).&nbsp;

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Warning bells have been ringing in the White House for quite some time now, and per the administration’s own officials, Donald Trump is to be blamed for this.

Last week, the former US president said he wanted to be a “dictator for one day” if re-elected to a second term. In response, White House officials declared him the biggest threat to American democracy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadian-pm-justin-trudeau-claims-he-made-allegations-over-nijjar-killing-public-to-put-a-chill-on-india-669334">Canadian PM Justin Trudeau claims he made allegations over Nijjar killing public to 'put a chill' on India</a>

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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in a recent interview, has claimed that the allegations he levelled against India over its involvement in the killing of pro-Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar were intended to "put a chill" on New Delhi amid strained diplomatic ties between the two countries.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thai-woman-mp-handed-six-year-jail-sentence-for-insult-to-monarchy-669336">Thai woman MP handed six-year jail sentence for 'insult' to monarchy&nbsp;</a>

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A Thai Member of Parliament was sentenced for six years in jail, before she was released on a USD 14,000 bail, under the country's harsh lese-majeste laws which punish people heavily for what is perceived as criticism of the Thai monarchy. Rukchanok "Ice" Srinork (28) has pleaded not guilty to posting tweets which were perceived to be critical of the monarchy. When she was granted bail, she was warned that she should not repeat the offence.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/body-belongs-to-master-former-assistant-accuses-tech-ceo-of-turning-her-into-sex-slave-669320">'Body belongs to master': Former assistant accuses tech CEO of turning her into 'sex slave'</a>

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Christian Lanng, the CEO of San Francisco-based tech company Tradeshift, is facing shocking accusations in a lawsuit filed by a former employee, referred to as Jane Doe. The suit alleges Lanng coerced her into signing a sex slavery contract and subjected her to years of sexual abuse.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/incoming-bbc-chair-says-linekers-posts-on-tory-mps-broke-social-media-rules-669371">Incoming BBC chair says Lineker's posts on Tory MPs broke social media rules</a>

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Samir Shah, the incoming chair of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) told British Members of Parliament on Wednesday (Dec 13) that the tweets made by sports presenter Gary Lineker mocking Conservative Party MPs broke the news corporation's social media guidelines. Shah told the committee of MPs that the tweets appeared to be breaching the rules “on the face of it”.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/tesla-recalls-two-million-vehicles-in-us-over-autopilot-issue-669303">Tesla recalls two million vehicles in US over Autopilot issue</a>

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Tesla, the electric car giant, is recalling more than 2 million vehicles following an investigation into its autopilot functionality found that it can be fooled and a misuse was possible. The two-year investigation was carried out by the National Highway Traffc Safety Administration (NHTSA), the US auto safety regulator. The watchdog looked into the autopilot system after series of crashes involving the system. Some of the crashes were deadly.

In the latest, up to six people are believed to have played a role in the security breach at the Indian Parliament on December 13. The disturbance occurred with two individuals causing a commotion within the lower house (Lok Sabha), two stationed outside near Transport Bhavan, and an additional two currently evading authorities, allegedly providing shelter to the four and conspiring in the plan.

In the latest, up to six people are believed to have played a role in the security breach at the Indian Parliament on December 13. The disturbance occurred with two individuals causing a commotion within the lower house (Lok Sabha), two stationed outside near Transport Bhavan, and an additional two currently evading authorities, allegedly providing shelter to the four and conspiring in the plan. In other news, in anticipation of Pakistan's upcoming national elections set for February 2024, former PM Imran Khan faced charges on Wednesday (Dec 13) related to the unauthorised disclosure of state secrets. Click on the headlines to read more. India Parliament security breach: All 6 suspects knew each other, stayed in Gurugram together As many as six people are said to have been involved in the Indian Parliament security breach on Wednesday (Dec 13), multiple reports have claimed. The two men who caused the commotion inside the well of the lower house (Lok Sabha), two outside the parliament near Transport Bhavan and two others who are currently on the run but supposedly gave shelter to the four and hatched the plan. No election for jailed Imran Khan? Former Pakistan PM indicted in cypher case Ahead of Pakistan's national elections scheduled for February 2024, former Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday (Dec 13) was indicted on the charges of leaking state secrets. The cricketer-turned-politician is already imprisoned since August after being convicted of selling state gifts when he was prime minister. Trudeau's Canada sees Hinduphobia petition amid row with India over Nijjar's killing The government of Canada, in its official response to a Hinduphobia petition before the House of Commons, said it “rejects all forms of hate and discrimination and believes all Canadians must stand up against it where and whenever it is encountered.” Israel starts flooding seawater in Gaza tunnels to dismantle Hamas network: Report The Israeli military has initiated the flooding of Hamas's extensive tunnel network in Gaza by pumping seawater into the underground infrastructure, as confirmed by US officials briefed on Israeli military operations, reported The Wall Street Journal (WSJ). Explained | Four reasons why Donald Trump might win 2024 presidential elections Warning bells have been ringing in the White House for quite some time now, and per the administration’s own officials, Donald Trump is to be blamed for this. Last week, the former US president said he wanted to be a “dictator for one day” if re-elected to a second term. In response, White House officials declared him the biggest threat to American democracy. Canadian PM Justin Trudeau claims he made allegations over Nijjar killing public to 'put a chill' on India Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in a recent interview, has claimed that the allegations he levelled against India over its involvement in the killing of pro-Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar were intended to "put a chill" on New Delhi amid strained diplomatic ties between the two countries. Thai woman MP handed six-year jail sentence for 'insult' to monarchy A Thai Member of Parliament was sentenced for six years in jail, before she was released on a USD 14,000 bail, under the country's harsh lese-majeste laws which punish people heavily for what is perceived as criticism of the Thai monarchy. Rukchanok "Ice" Srinork (28) has pleaded not guilty to posting tweets which were perceived to be critical of the monarchy. When she was granted bail, she was warned that she should not repeat the offence. 'Body belongs to master': Former assistant accuses tech CEO of turning her into 'sex slave' Christian Lanng, the CEO of San Francisco-based tech company Tradeshift, is facing shocking accusations in a lawsuit filed by a former employee, referred to as Jane Doe. The suit alleges Lanng coerced her into signing a sex slavery contract and subjected her to years of sexual abuse. Incoming BBC chair says Lineker's posts on Tory MPs broke social media rules Samir Shah, the incoming chair of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) told British Members of Parliament on Wednesday (Dec 13) that the tweets made by sports presenter Gary Lineker mocking Conservative Party MPs broke the news corporation's social media guidelines. Shah told the committee of MPs that the tweets appeared to be breaching the rules “on the face of it”. Tesla recalls two million vehicles in US over Autopilot issue Tesla, the electric car giant, is recalling more than 2 million vehicles following an investigation into its autopilot functionality found that it can be fooled and a misuse was possible. The two-year investigation was carried out by the National Highway Traffc Safety Administration (NHTSA), the US auto safety regulator. The watchdog looked into the autopilot system after series of crashes involving the system. Some of the crashes were deadly.

Top 10 world news: Security breach at Indian Parliament, Nijjar killing row, and more

In a significant turn of events, Khawar Farid Maneka, the ex-husband of Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan's wife, Bushra Bibi, filed a case on Saturday (Nov 25), accusing the former first couple of fornication and fraudulent marriage.

The complaint was submitted in the court of Islamabad East Senior Civil Judge Qudratullah, citing sections 34, 496, and 496-B of the Pakistan Penal Code.

Khawar Maneka, recently granted bail in a graft case, reiterated in his statement under section 200 of the Code of Criminal Procedure that Imran Khan was responsible for ruining his married life.

The court issued notices to three witnesses mentioned in the case, including Istekham-i-Pakistan Party member Awn Chaudhry, Mufti Muhammad Saeed who officiated the nikah, and Maneka's house employee Latif. They are directed to appear before the court on November 28, as reported by PTI.

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<h2>Imran Khan's visits and late-night calls</h2>

In the complaint, Khawar Maneka alleged that Imran Khan frequently visited his house for extended hours under the guise of spiritual healing, a situation he deemed "undesirable and unethical."

He also claimed that Khan would call Bushra Bibi at late hours, with separate contact numbers and mobile phones provided for communication.

Maneka stated that he divorced Bushra Bibi on November 14, 2017. According to him, the alleged offense of fornication occurred between Imran and Bushra, followed by a staged marriage on January 1, 2018.

Also watch |&nbsp;Political dynamics change in Pakistan change ahead of 2024 general elections

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/political-dynamics-change-in-pakistan-change-ahead-of-2024-general-elections-wion-662376/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Khawar Maneka urged the court to summon and punish Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi strictly in accordance with the law. The legal development occurred after strong criticism from Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party leaders, questioning the moral necessity of Maneka's interview. Meanwhile, PML-N adversaries seized the opportunity to criticise the former premier.

The recent filing comes a day after a petitioner withdrew a similar case, citing technical reasons, adding to the unfolding drama surrounding the personal life of Imran Khan and the accusations leveled against him.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

In a significant turn of events, Khawar Farid Maneka, the ex-husband of Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan's wife, Bushra Bibi, filed a case on Saturday (Nov 25), accusing the former first couple of fornication and fraudulent marriage.

In a significant turn of events, Khawar Farid Maneka, the ex-husband of Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan's wife, Bushra Bibi, filed a case on Saturday (Nov 25), accusing the former first couple of fornication and fraudulent marriage. The complaint was submitted in the court of Islamabad East Senior Civil Judge Qudratullah, citing sections 34, 496, and 496-B of the Pakistan Penal Code. Khawar Maneka, recently granted bail in a graft case, reiterated in his statement under section 200 of the Code of Criminal Procedure that Imran Khan was responsible for ruining his married life. The court issued notices to three witnesses mentioned in the case, including Istekham-i-Pakistan Party member Awn Chaudhry, Mufti Muhammad Saeed who officiated the nikah, and Maneka's house employee Latif. They are directed to appear before the court on November 28, as reported by PTI. Also read | Revered Hindu temple demolished in Pakistan, another destroyed for building coffee house: Report Imran Khan's visits and late-night calls In the complaint, Khawar Maneka alleged that Imran Khan frequently visited his house for extended hours under the guise of spiritual healing, a situation he deemed "undesirable and unethical." He also claimed that Khan would call Bushra Bibi at late hours, with separate contact numbers and mobile phones provided for communication. Maneka stated that he divorced Bushra Bibi on November 14, 2017. According to him, the alleged offense of fornication occurred between Imran and Bushra, followed by a staged marriage on January 1, 2018. Also watch | Political dynamics change in Pakistan change ahead of 2024 general elections Khawar Maneka urged the court to summon and punish Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi strictly in accordance with the law. The legal development occurred after strong criticism from Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party leaders, questioning the moral necessity of Maneka's interview. Meanwhile, PML-N adversaries seized the opportunity to criticise the former premier. The recent filing comes a day after a petitioner withdrew a similar case, citing technical reasons, adding to the unfolding drama surrounding the personal life of Imran Khan and the accusations leveled against him. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan: Ex-husband of Imran Khan's wife accuses the couple of 'fornication' and 'fraudulent marriage'

A powerful earthquake of magnitude 6.2 struck Sri Lanka on Tuesday (Nov 14)&nbsp;afternoon, according to the National Center for Seismology. The seismic event occurred at 12:31:10 IST, with coordinates at -2.96 latitude and 86.54 longitude, and a depth of 10 km.

The epicentre&nbsp;was located 1326 km southeast of Colombo, Sri Lanka. While there are no immediate reports of casualties, the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau affirmed that there is no danger to Sri Lanka, stating&nbsp;that the earthquake took place 800 km southeast of the country in the Indian Ocean.

Additionally, on Monday, the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) reported a magnitude 4.9 earthquake in the border region between South Sudan and Uganda, with a depth of 8 km.

Meanwhile, Tajikistan experienced a magnitude 4.9 earthquake on Monday (Nov 13) evening, as confirmed by the National Center for Seismology. The tremors, felt at approximately 5:46 pm, originated at a depth of 194 km, with coordinates at 38.73 latitude and 72.49 longitude. The NCS provided detailed information, stating, "Earthquake of Magnitude:4.9, Occurred on 13-11-2023, 17:46:37 IST, Lat: 38.73 &amp; Long: 72.49, Depth: 194 Km, Location: Tajikistan."

(With inputs from agencies)

A powerful earthquake of magnitude 6.2 struck Sri Lanka on Tuesday (Nov 14) afternoon, according to the National Center for Seismology. The seismic event occurred at 12:31:10 IST, with coordinates at -2.

A powerful earthquake of magnitude 6.2 struck Sri Lanka on Tuesday (Nov 14) afternoon, according to the National Center for Seismology. The seismic event occurred at 12:31:10 IST, with coordinates at -2.96 latitude and 86.54 longitude, and a depth of 10 km. The epicentre was located 1326 km southeast of Colombo, Sri Lanka. While there are no immediate reports of casualties, the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau affirmed that there is no danger to Sri Lanka, stating that the earthquake took place 800 km southeast of the country in the Indian Ocean. Additionally, on Monday, the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) reported a magnitude 4.9 earthquake in the border region between South Sudan and Uganda, with a depth of 8 km. Meanwhile, Tajikistan experienced a magnitude 4.9 earthquake on Monday (Nov 13) evening, as confirmed by the National Center for Seismology. The tremors, felt at approximately 5:46 pm, originated at a depth of 194 km, with coordinates at 38.73 latitude and 72.49 longitude. The NCS provided detailed information, stating, "Earthquake of Magnitude:4.9, Occurred on 13-11-2023, 17:46:37 IST, Lat: 38.73 & Long: 72.49, Depth: 194 Km, Location: Tajikistan." (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka jolted by powerful 6.2 magnitude earthquake

Nearly 350 million children are struggling with “high or extremely high water scarcity” in South Asia, the highest number among all regions in the world, according to a report by the United Nations children’s agency, on Monday (Nov 13). Severe water scarcity has also worsened due to the impacts of climate change.&nbsp;

The report also noted how water scarcity affects a child’s well-being and growth and causes food insecurity, malnutrition, and a number of other diseases.&nbsp;

<h2>Millions of children in South Asia affected</h2>

“A staggering 347 million children under 18 are exposed to high or extremely high water scarcity in South Asia, the highest number among all regions in the world,” said UNICEF in its recent report.&nbsp;

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While the eight-nation region – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka – is&nbsp;home to more than one-quarter of the world’s children, it also has only four per cent of global renewable water.&nbsp;

<h2>Climate change to worsen situation</h2>

According to the report, climate change is adding to the stress by disrupting weather patterns and rainfall, which leads to unpredictable water availability, and further exacerbates conditions caused by the over-extraction of groundwater.&nbsp;

Across South Asia, 70 million children live in drought-prone regions where aquifers are severely over-pumped, according to the report based on analysis by UNICEF.&nbsp;

The report also attributed poor water quality, lack of water and mismanagement such as over-pumping of aquifers as some of the reasons for water scarcity in South Asia.

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The Indo-Gangetic Basin which covers countries like Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Nepal is the “most heavily exploited aquifer in the world,” the UN report noted.&nbsp;

“Safe water is a basic human right, yet millions of children in South Asia don’t have enough to drink in a region plagued by floods, droughts and other extreme weather events, triggered increasingly by climate change,” said Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia, in a statement.&nbsp;

It added, “When village wells go dry, homes, health centres and schools are all affected. With an increasingly unpredictable climate, water scarcity is expected to become worse for children in South Asia.”

“At current rates of progress, South Asia will more than halve the children who do not have basic drinking water from 45 million to 18 million,” said the UNICEF report.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/punjab-may-become-water-deficit-desert-due-to-climate-change-study-618822">India's Punjab may become 'water deficit desert' due to climate change: Study</a>

In 2022, UNICEF’s analysis also showed that the eight-nation region had the highest number of children – 169 million children – under 18 years exposed to extreme water vulnerability among all regions across the world.&nbsp;

Last year, 45 million children lacked access to basic drinking water services in South Asia, more than any other region in the world.&nbsp;

South Asia, according to the recent report, was followed by Eastern and Southern Africa and West and Central Africa where 130 million and 102 million children, respectively, are at risk from severe water scarcity. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Nearly 350 million children are struggling with “high or extremely high water scarcity” in South Asia, the highest number among all regions in the world, according to a report by the United Nations children’s agency, on Monday (Nov 13).

Nearly 350 million children are struggling with “high or extremely high water scarcity” in South Asia, the highest number among all regions in the world, according to a report by the United Nations children’s agency, on Monday (Nov 13). Severe water scarcity has also worsened due to the impacts of climate change. The report also noted how water scarcity affects a child’s well-being and growth and causes food insecurity, malnutrition, and a number of other diseases. Millions of children in South Asia affected “A staggering 347 million children under 18 are exposed to high or extremely high water scarcity in South Asia, the highest number among all regions in the world,” said UNICEF in its recent report. ALSO READ | Israel-Hamas war: At least 14 Israeli civilians injured in Hezbollah missile strikes from Lebanon While the eight-nation region – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka – is home to more than one-quarter of the world’s children, it also has only four per cent of global renewable water. Climate change to worsen situation According to the report, climate change is adding to the stress by disrupting weather patterns and rainfall, which leads to unpredictable water availability, and further exacerbates conditions caused by the over-extraction of groundwater. Across South Asia, 70 million children live in drought-prone regions where aquifers are severely over-pumped, according to the report based on analysis by UNICEF. The report also attributed poor water quality, lack of water and mismanagement such as over-pumping of aquifers as some of the reasons for water scarcity in South Asia. ALSO READ | France commits a billion Euros to polar research amid ice caps, glaciers' melting concerns The Indo-Gangetic Basin which covers countries like Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Nepal is the “most heavily exploited aquifer in the world,” the UN report noted. “Safe water is a basic human right, yet millions of children in South Asia don’t have enough to drink in a region plagued by floods, droughts and other extreme weather events, triggered increasingly by climate change,” said Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia, in a statement. It added, “When village wells go dry, homes, health centres and schools are all affected. With an increasingly unpredictable climate, water scarcity is expected to become worse for children in South Asia.” “At current rates of progress, South Asia will more than halve the children who do not have basic drinking water from 45 million to 18 million,” said the UNICEF report. ALSO READ | India's Punjab may become 'water deficit desert' due to climate change: Study In 2022, UNICEF’s analysis also showed that the eight-nation region had the highest number of children – 169 million children – under 18 years exposed to extreme water vulnerability among all regions across the world. Last year, 45 million children lacked access to basic drinking water services in South Asia, more than any other region in the world. South Asia, according to the recent report, was followed by Eastern and Southern Africa and West and Central Africa where 130 million and 102 million children, respectively, are at risk from severe water scarcity. (With inputs from agencies)

South Asia has highest number of children struggling with severe water scarcity: UN

Pakistan's caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar&nbsp;issued directives to authorities to provide maximum facilities to Sikh pilgrims who plan to attend their religious festivals in the country.

The Prime Minister presided over a meeting to assess the visa services offered to Sikh pilgrims visiting Pakistan and received a briefing on the various Sikh festivals held throughout the year, as well as the visa issuance procedures for pilgrims.

Kakar stressed on&nbsp;the significance of Sikh pilgrims visiting Pakistan, stating that they are considered guests in the country.

He instructed relevant authorities to extend comprehensive support to Sikh Yatrees, allowing them to perform their religious rituals and visit their holy sites with ease.

Additionally, he stressed the importance of expediting the visa issuance process while maintaining transparency in the system.

According to an official statement, Kakar said that "the Sikh pilgrims coming to the country to visit their holy places are the guests in Pakistan."&nbsp;

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<h2>International standards for Kartarpur corridor</h2>

Kakar highlighted the importance of ensuring that Sikh pilgrims entering Pakistan through the Kartarpur Corridor are provided with facilities of international standards.

This corridor holds immense importance for Sikh pilgrims, and the Prime Minister aimed to enhance their experience.

During the meeting, the interior ministry provided insights into visa facilities for Sikhs, the time required for visa processing, administrative aspects of the Kartarpur Corridor, and the annual festivals observed by Sikhs, as reported by PTI.&nbsp;

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Prime Minister Kakar directed authorities to develop a comprehensive strategy for facilitating Sikh pilgrims who arrive via the Kartarpur Corridor or from other countries. This strategy aims to streamline and optimize the experience for all Sikh visitors, ensuring their religious and pilgrimage needs are met efficiently.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Pakistan's caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar issued directives to authorities to provide maximum facilities to Sikh pilgrims who plan to attend their religious festivals in the country.

Pakistan's caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar issued directives to authorities to provide maximum facilities to Sikh pilgrims who plan to attend their religious festivals in the country. The Prime Minister presided over a meeting to assess the visa services offered to Sikh pilgrims visiting Pakistan and received a briefing on the various Sikh festivals held throughout the year, as well as the visa issuance procedures for pilgrims. Kakar stressed on the significance of Sikh pilgrims visiting Pakistan, stating that they are considered guests in the country. He instructed relevant authorities to extend comprehensive support to Sikh Yatrees, allowing them to perform their religious rituals and visit their holy sites with ease. Additionally, he stressed the importance of expediting the visa issuance process while maintaining transparency in the system. According to an official statement, Kakar said that "the Sikh pilgrims coming to the country to visit their holy places are the guests in Pakistan." Also read | Thousands protest at Pak-Afghan border against decision to restrict border crossings International standards for Kartarpur corridor Kakar highlighted the importance of ensuring that Sikh pilgrims entering Pakistan through the Kartarpur Corridor are provided with facilities of international standards. This corridor holds immense importance for Sikh pilgrims, and the Prime Minister aimed to enhance their experience. During the meeting, the interior ministry provided insights into visa facilities for Sikhs, the time required for visa processing, administrative aspects of the Kartarpur Corridor, and the annual festivals observed by Sikhs, as reported by PTI. Also read | Tehreek-e-Jihad Pakistan: The latest 'armed jihad' challenge for India's terror exporting neighbour Prime Minister Kakar directed authorities to develop a comprehensive strategy for facilitating Sikh pilgrims who arrive via the Kartarpur Corridor or from other countries. This strategy aims to streamline and optimize the experience for all Sikh visitors, ensuring their religious and pilgrimage needs are met efficiently. (With inputs from agencies)

Pak acting PM instructs authorities to extend full facilities to Sikh pilgrims

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Kabaddi, South Asia's traditional warriors' sport that dates back thousands of years has evolved hugely to become a part of modern-day global sporting events. From matches played on soft mud that exuded a raw earthiness, Kabaddi is now played on state-of-the-art mats at world-class sporting arenas. South Asian national kabaddi teams are in preparation mode for kabaddi events at the upcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

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Bhutan just reported the presence of 134 snow leopards. The national snow leopard survey 2022-2023,stated that there is a 39.5% increase from the country’s first survey in 2016, when 96 individuals were counted. Watch the next report.

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On Inside South Asia with Dasuni Athauda: -'Democracy, Demography, Diversity': 76 years of independent India -Pakistan at 76: Political turmoil in the country continues -Second anniversary of Taliban 2.0: Afghanistan pushed back into an abyss -North India Monsoon Horrors continue -Snake boat race - an iconic Kerala event

India and Pak 76: Two nations, two contrasting journeys

In February 1999, India's then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee noticed too big a diplomatic slight to be left unnoticed at a helipad near Governor's House in Pakistan's Lahore. Pakistani army chief General Pervez Musharraf, while receiving the visiting Indian prime minister, was wearing his official military uniform and not a ceremonial one as he was supposed to according to the established protocol.&nbsp;

On the Indian side, this was interpreted as the Pakistani deep state's boorish show of disagreement against Vajpayee's unprecedented peace overtures; the Pakistani army's implicit act of resistance to peace with India that it concluded by occupying Indian military posts in Jammu and Kashmir.

A month later in March 1999, Vajpayee called Niaz Naik — Islamabad's emissary for peace talks with New Delhi that were finalised as part of Vajpayee's Lahore visit — and told him to send a message to the Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The message was clear. Come summer and Pakistani armed forces would stop giving cover fire to the terrorists crossing over the Line of Control into India's Jammu and Kashmir. But to everyone's surprise in New Delhi, the summer was going to be different from previous summers of decades of prolonged India-Pakistan conflict.&nbsp;

The above two incidents are mentioned in two of Vajpayee's biographies, 'Vajpayee: the years that changed India', authored by his former personal secretary Shakti Sinha, and 'Atal Bihari Vajpayee: A man of all seasons' authored by Kingshuk Nag.

On 3 May 1999, two weeks after the resignation of the second Vajpayee government, a Buddhist shepherd in Kargil —barely a few kilometres from the Line of Control or LoC, the de facto boundary between India and Pakistan — chanced upon a number of Pakistani soldiers in camouflage.

Soldiers who went to investigate were ambushed, and an ammunition dump was blown up.

Vajpayee, now a ‘caretaker’ prime minister after losing a parliamentary no-trust vote, was informally briefed. He immediately called a cabinet meeting to discuss ‘some urgent matter’.

Around 1,500 to 2,400 Pakistani military men and irregular fighters had entrenched themselves along a 150-odd kilometre stretch on the Indian side of the LoC at heights of 16,000&nbsp;feet. Pakistan kept on claiming that it was the so-called Mujahideen who were on the heights and not its army men. They were firing down below at the Srinagar–Leh highway, the lifeline for civilian and military supplies to northern Kashmir.&nbsp;

<h2>Vajpayee's strategic showpiece</h2>

While the Indian army was raining conventional fire to dislodge the Pakistanis, Vajpayee pulled off a remarkable strategic showpiece that catapulted previously pro-Pakistan US-led West to the Indian side. The caretaker prime minister explicitly ordered Indian Air Force planes to not cross the Line of Control, a signal to the international community that India, unlike Pakistan, respected the de-facto international boundary. "We knew we will fiercely defend ourselves not invade," Vajpayee said of his unconventional decision in New Delhi months later during his Independence Day address.&nbsp;

Meanwhile on 12 June&nbsp;1999, in the thick of the fighting in Kargil, the then Pakistani foreign minister Sartaj Aziz visited New Delhi.&nbsp;

Aziz, without agreeing to go back to the LoC status quo in Kargil, called for a ceasefire in a manner that occupied Indian posts would fall on the Pakistani side.&nbsp;

Aziz used the excuse that since the LoC was ‘unclear’, some inadvertent transgression might well have taken place.

"If the Pakistan Army was not involved in the intrusion and it was the Mujahideen, then why were they asking for a ceasefire?," Shakti Sinha writes of Sartaj Aziz-Jaswat Singh talks.&nbsp;

"And since when were the Mujahideen bound by the India–Pakistan agreement? Their stupidity was breathtaking and audacious."

After Sartaj Aziz's Delhi visit, when the Pakistan Army and the country’s political leadership both requested the US to intervene and help bring about a ceasefire, Vajpayee, in his telephonic conversations with the then US President Bill Clinton, made it clear that 'either Pakistanis could vacate Indian territory on their own, or India would throw them out the way it deemed best', Sinha writes further.

Clinton publicly rebuked Pakistan and called upon it to withdraw its troops back to the LoC at the earliest and respect the 'sanctity of the Line of Control.'&nbsp;

<h2>How Vajpayee delegated India's intense diplomacy during the war in Kargil?</h2>

Clinton's rebuke of Sharif was not a surprise in New Delhi's power corridors. India's intense diplomatic effort for weeks had built up to that moment.

Full-page advertisements rebuking Pakistan had made their way to the international press.

Vajpayee sent out extensive tours of the United States which were led by senior leaders Sushma Swaraj and Narendra Modi, the latter was to become India's Prime Minister fifteen years later while the former served in his cabinet as foreign minister.&nbsp;

As a result of the lobbying, what followed was the US imposing sanctions on Pakistan, which included blocking all assistance from international institutions like the IMF and World Bank. In fact, the House of Representatives subcommittee, led by Congressman Jim McDermott, had agreed on a far lower level of sanctions, but the thousands of fax messages that his office, and those of the other members, received —ensured an enhanced level of sanctions against Pakistan.

The war was technically over on 4 July&nbsp;1999, when Clinton dressed down Sharif.&nbsp;

But again, if the Pakistani leadership was withdrawing and conceding at the diplomatic level, the reality on the ground differed. There were fierce counter-attacks still taking place as the retreating Pakistani soldiers would withdraw from some posts but occupy others.

They left behind anti-personnel mines at&nbsp;locations they were vacating.

Even the dead bodies of Pakistani soldiers were booby-trapped to inflict last-minute casualties on the Indian side. Thus the actual conflict with the retreating Pakistan Army ended only on 26 July, which India now celebrates as the Kargil Vijay Diwas.

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In February 1999, India's then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee noticed too big a diplomatic slight to be left unnoticed at a helipad near Governor's House in Pakistan's Lahore.

In February 1999, India's then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee noticed too big a diplomatic slight to be left unnoticed at a helipad near Governor's House in Pakistan's Lahore. Pakistani army chief General Pervez Musharraf, while receiving the visiting Indian prime minister, was wearing his official military uniform and not a ceremonial one as he was supposed to according to the established protocol. On the Indian side, this was interpreted as the Pakistani deep state's boorish show of disagreement against Vajpayee's unprecedented peace overtures; the Pakistani army's implicit act of resistance to peace with India that it concluded by occupying Indian military posts in Jammu and Kashmir. A month later in March 1999, Vajpayee called Niaz Naik — Islamabad's emissary for peace talks with New Delhi that were finalised as part of Vajpayee's Lahore visit — and told him to send a message to the Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The message was clear. Come summer and Pakistani armed forces would stop giving cover fire to the terrorists crossing over the Line of Control into India's Jammu and Kashmir. But to everyone's surprise in New Delhi, the summer was going to be different from previous summers of decades of prolonged India-Pakistan conflict. The above two incidents are mentioned in two of Vajpayee's biographies, 'Vajpayee: the years that changed India', authored by his former personal secretary Shakti Sinha, and 'Atal Bihari Vajpayee: A man of all seasons' authored by Kingshuk Nag. On 3 May 1999, two weeks after the resignation of the second Vajpayee government, a Buddhist shepherd in Kargil —barely a few kilometres from the Line of Control or LoC, the de facto boundary between India and Pakistan — chanced upon a number of Pakistani soldiers in camouflage. Soldiers who went to investigate were ambushed, and an ammunition dump was blown up. Vajpayee, now a ‘caretaker’ prime minister after losing a parliamentary no-trust vote, was informally briefed. He immediately called a cabinet meeting to discuss ‘some urgent matter’. Around 1,500 to 2,400 Pakistani military men and irregular fighters had entrenched themselves along a 150-odd kilometre stretch on the Indian side of the LoC at heights of 16,000 feet. Pakistan kept on claiming that it was the so-called Mujahideen who were on the heights and not its army men. They were firing down below at the Srinagar–Leh highway, the lifeline for civilian and military supplies to northern Kashmir. Vajpayee's strategic showpiece While the Indian army was raining conventional fire to dislodge the Pakistanis, Vajpayee pulled off a remarkable strategic showpiece that catapulted previously pro-Pakistan US-led West to the Indian side. The caretaker prime minister explicitly ordered Indian Air Force planes to not cross the Line of Control, a signal to the international community that India, unlike Pakistan, respected the de-facto international boundary. "We knew we will fiercely defend ourselves not invade," Vajpayee said of his unconventional decision in New Delhi months later during his Independence Day address. Meanwhile on 12 June 1999, in the thick of the fighting in Kargil, the then Pakistani foreign minister Sartaj Aziz visited New Delhi. Aziz, without agreeing to go back to the LoC status quo in Kargil, called for a ceasefire in a manner that occupied Indian posts would fall on the Pakistani side. Aziz used the excuse that since the LoC was ‘unclear’, some inadvertent transgression might well have taken place. "If the Pakistan Army was not involved in the intrusion and it was the Mujahideen, then why were they asking for a ceasefire?," Shakti Sinha writes of Sartaj Aziz-Jaswat Singh talks. "And since when were the Mujahideen bound by the India–Pakistan agreement? Their stupidity was breathtaking and audacious." After Sartaj Aziz's Delhi visit, when the Pakistan Army and the country’s political leadership both requested the US to intervene and help bring about a ceasefire, Vajpayee, in his telephonic conversations with the then US President Bill Clinton, made it clear that 'either Pakistanis could vacate Indian territory on their own, or India would throw them out the way it deemed best', Sinha writes further. Clinton publicly rebuked Pakistan and called upon it to withdraw its troops back to the LoC at the earliest and respect the 'sanctity of the Line of Control.' How Vajpayee delegated India's intense diplomacy during the war in Kargil? Clinton's rebuke of Sharif was not a surprise in New Delhi's power corridors. India's intense diplomatic effort for weeks had built up to that moment. Full-page advertisements rebuking Pakistan had made their way to the international press. Vajpayee sent out extensive tours of the United States which were led by senior leaders Sushma Swaraj and Narendra Modi, the latter was to become India's Prime Minister fifteen years later while the former served in his cabinet as foreign minister. As a result of the lobbying, what followed was the US imposing sanctions on Pakistan, which included blocking all assistance from international institutions like the IMF and World Bank. In fact, the House of Representatives subcommittee, led by Congressman Jim McDermott, had agreed on a far lower level of sanctions, but the thousands of fax messages that his office, and those of the other members, received —ensured an enhanced level of sanctions against Pakistan. The war was technically over on 4 July 1999, when Clinton dressed down Sharif. But again, if the Pakistani leadership was withdrawing and conceding at the diplomatic level, the reality on the ground differed. There were fierce counter-attacks still taking place as the retreating Pakistani soldiers would withdraw from some posts but occupy others. They left behind anti-personnel mines at locations they were vacating. Even the dead bodies of Pakistani soldiers were booby-trapped to inflict last-minute casualties on the Indian side. Thus the actual conflict with the retreating Pakistan Army ended only on 26 July, which India now celebrates as the Kargil Vijay Diwas. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Cast from the Past: How India's 'most loved' prime minister stunned Pakistan in Kargil

Washington is looking at establishing naval logistics hubs in India. These logistics centres will resupply and maintain naval ships and aircraft in the South Asia region and further strengthen US-India deep water ties.

Washington plans naval logistics hubs in India

Bangladesh is among 20 countries that have applied for membership in the BRICS grouping of countries, with the applications likely to be taken up at the summit meeting in August. Bangladesh sees BRICS membership as a vehicle to further strengthen its export market as well as boost investment in infrastructure. Over the years the BRICS nations collectively have taken on the identity of a strong voice of the global south against Western and American hegemony.

Will Bangladesh benefit from BRICS?

Pakistan is currently facing an unprecedented financial crisis and expects a loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to revive the economy. On Wednesday (June 28), Dawn newspaper reported citing people with knowledge of the matter that Islamabad is in talks with the international financial institution for a new $2.5 billion quick standby assistance as the existing programme expires on June 30.&nbsp;

According to the Pakistan-based newspaper, the short-term proposed arrangement, which is for six to nine months, includes an upfront disbursement of $1.1 billion within the next 15 days. It is followed by two or three more reviews for as much as $500 million each.&nbsp;

Pakistan is struggling to finalise an agreement with the lender as its IMF programme runs out. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also held a meeting with the ambassadors of key countries to get support for the revival of the deal. So far, there's nothing concrete.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-new-law-paves-way-for-former-pm-nawaz-sharifs-return-report-609308">Pakistan passes new law, paves way for former PM Nawaz Sharif’s return: Report</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Economic crisis in Pakistan&nbsp;</h2>

The economy of the nation has been stricken by a balance-of-payments crisis as it attempts to service crippling external debt. Months of political chaos have worsened the situation.&nbsp;

The cost of living crisis is also troubling the common people as inflation has rocketed, the Pakistan rupee has plummeted and the country can no longer afford imports. This has led to a severe decline in industrial output.&nbsp;

Pakistan remained in a difficult phase as it attempted to regain access to a $6.7 billion bailout programme. However, it has been delayed for more than six months. The South Asian nation drafted its annual budget keeping the crisis in mind.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indias-amara-raja-group-secures-130-million-solar-power-project-in-bangladesh-609215">India's Amara Raja Group secures $130 million solar power project in Bangladesh</a>&nbsp;

Ishaq Dar told reporters after releasing the budget for the 2023-24 financial year that "we'll see how things go" as he referred to whether to restructure or reprofile debt. Dar added, "In either case, we will talk to bilateral creditors."&nbsp;

To tackle the situation, Pakistan has taken decisive changes to the annual budget, such as hiked taxes and energy prices to win the lender's support. However, these tweaks would impact the common people.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Civilians in Pakistan may face military trial for vandalising army building&nbsp;

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<h2>Pakistan to hand over Karachi port to UAE&nbsp;</h2>

Pakistan is apparently planning to hand over the Karachi port terminals to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a move which appears to be the first intergovernmental transaction under a law enacted last year to raise emergency funds.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Inter-Governmental Commercial Transactions was chaired by the finance minister to discuss the details of the deal.&nbsp;

In the meeting, it was decided to set up a committee to negotiate a commercial agreement between the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and the UAE government.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Pakistan is currently facing an unprecedented financial crisis and expects a loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to revive the economy. On Wednesday (June 28), Dawn newspaper reported citing people with knowledge of the matter that Islamabad is in talks with the international financial institution for a new $2.

Pakistan is currently facing an unprecedented financial crisis and expects a loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to revive the economy. On Wednesday (June 28), Dawn newspaper reported citing people with knowledge of the matter that Islamabad is in talks with the international financial institution for a new $2.5 billion quick standby assistance as the existing programme expires on June 30. According to the Pakistan-based newspaper, the short-term proposed arrangement, which is for six to nine months, includes an upfront disbursement of $1.1 billion within the next 15 days. It is followed by two or three more reviews for as much as $500 million each. Pakistan is struggling to finalise an agreement with the lender as its IMF programme runs out. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also held a meeting with the ambassadors of key countries to get support for the revival of the deal. So far, there's nothing concrete. Also read: Pakistan passes new law, paves way for former PM Nawaz Sharif’s return: Report Economic crisis in Pakistan The economy of the nation has been stricken by a balance-of-payments crisis as it attempts to service crippling external debt. Months of political chaos have worsened the situation. The cost of living crisis is also troubling the common people as inflation has rocketed, the Pakistan rupee has plummeted and the country can no longer afford imports. This has led to a severe decline in industrial output. Pakistan remained in a difficult phase as it attempted to regain access to a $6.7 billion bailout programme. However, it has been delayed for more than six months. The South Asian nation drafted its annual budget keeping the crisis in mind. Also read: India's Amara Raja Group secures $130 million solar power project in Bangladesh Ishaq Dar told reporters after releasing the budget for the 2023-24 financial year that "we'll see how things go" as he referred to whether to restructure or reprofile debt. Dar added, "In either case, we will talk to bilateral creditors." To tackle the situation, Pakistan has taken decisive changes to the annual budget, such as hiked taxes and energy prices to win the lender's support. However, these tweaks would impact the common people. Watch: Civilians in Pakistan may face military trial for vandalising army building × Pakistan to hand over Karachi port to UAE Pakistan is apparently planning to hand over the Karachi port terminals to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a move which appears to be the first intergovernmental transaction under a law enacted last year to raise emergency funds. Earlier this month, a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Inter-Governmental Commercial Transactions was chaired by the finance minister to discuss the details of the deal. In the meeting, it was decided to set up a committee to negotiate a commercial agreement between the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and the UAE government. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pakistan in talks with IMF for new $2.5 billion quick standby assistance: Report

The Panama Papers controversy is back in the news almost eight years after the shocking disclosures they revealed rocked Pakistan's political establishment.

On June 9, the Supreme Court is anticipated to hear a plea from Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) asking for instructions about 436 people who are accused of hiding their assets in offshore corporations.

The two-judge panel, which also includes Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan, will be presided over by Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, as reported by the Dawn

It may be recalled that a final decision in the Panama Papers leak case is already in the field.

JI reminded the court of its unresolved appeal, which was submitted by party emir Sirajul Haq in August 2016, through an application on November 3, 2017.

However, this case was segregated&nbsp;because the reasons established in it were too broad by a five-judge panel presided over by Justice Asif Saeed Khosa, who was considering petitions against then-prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his family members for making investments in offshore firms.

However, the court guaranteed that its petition will be heard at a suitable time to the Jamaat-i-Islami.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-releases-200-indian-fishermen-languishing-in-karachi-jail-599846">Pakistan releases 200 Indian fishermen languishing in Karachi jail</a>

The petitioner contended that the court's attention was being sought in the greater national interest to save public money in the motion submitted by Advocate Muhammad Ishtiaq Ahmed Raja on behalf of Haq under Order 33 Rule 6 of the Supreme Court Rules 1980.

The owner of offshore firms would be able to further conceal their sources of income and money thanks to the delay in the case's fixation, he noted.

<h2>The initial petition</h2>

In his initial petition, Haq asked the court to issue an order compelling the five respondents, the federal government through the ministry of parliamentary affairs, the secretaries of law and justice, the finance and cabinet division, and the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), to detain all of the criminals who had invested stolen money in foreign corporations and return the public funds that had been improperly transferred to those corporations to the nation.

The JI had argued that despite Pakistan's tremendous sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, civilians, officeholders in government organisations, and government employees were funding offshore businesses through unethical and corrupt practises.

Large quantities of money had been unlawfully moved, laundered, and parked in some offshore entities, posing problems for the state.

The petition contended that these investments in offshore firms had really been made with public funds through dishonest and unlawful methods.

Also watch |&nbsp;Parvez Khattak: Took decision to quit after lot of thought&nbsp;

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It claimed that many people in public service had been investing in offshore firms while lying about it in the declaration of assets they provided to the relevant authorities.

The petition highlighted that all such public office holders should be penalised and should be disqualified from their positions. 
&nbsp;

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The Panama Papers controversy is back in the news almost eight years after the shocking disclosures they revealed rocked Pakistan's political establishment. On June 9, the Supreme Court is anticipated to hear a plea from Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) asking for instructions about 436 people who are accused of hiding their assets in offshore corporations.

The Panama Papers controversy is back in the news almost eight years after the shocking disclosures they revealed rocked Pakistan's political establishment. On June 9, the Supreme Court is anticipated to hear a plea from Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) asking for instructions about 436 people who are accused of hiding their assets in offshore corporations. The two-judge panel, which also includes Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan, will be presided over by Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, as reported by the Dawn It may be recalled that a final decision in the Panama Papers leak case is already in the field. JI reminded the court of its unresolved appeal, which was submitted by party emir Sirajul Haq in August 2016, through an application on November 3, 2017. However, this case was segregated because the reasons established in it were too broad by a five-judge panel presided over by Justice Asif Saeed Khosa, who was considering petitions against then-prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his family members for making investments in offshore firms. However, the court guaranteed that its petition will be heard at a suitable time to the Jamaat-i-Islami. Also read | Pakistan releases 200 Indian fishermen languishing in Karachi jail The petitioner contended that the court's attention was being sought in the greater national interest to save public money in the motion submitted by Advocate Muhammad Ishtiaq Ahmed Raja on behalf of Haq under Order 33 Rule 6 of the Supreme Court Rules 1980. The owner of offshore firms would be able to further conceal their sources of income and money thanks to the delay in the case's fixation, he noted. The initial petition In his initial petition, Haq asked the court to issue an order compelling the five respondents, the federal government through the ministry of parliamentary affairs, the secretaries of law and justice, the finance and cabinet division, and the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), to detain all of the criminals who had invested stolen money in foreign corporations and return the public funds that had been improperly transferred to those corporations to the nation. The JI had argued that despite Pakistan's tremendous sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, civilians, officeholders in government organisations, and government employees were funding offshore businesses through unethical and corrupt practises. Large quantities of money had been unlawfully moved, laundered, and parked in some offshore entities, posing problems for the state. The petition contended that these investments in offshore firms had really been made with public funds through dishonest and unlawful methods. Also watch | Parvez Khattak: Took decision to quit after lot of thought It claimed that many people in public service had been investing in offshore firms while lying about it in the declaration of assets they provided to the relevant authorities. The petition highlighted that all such public office holders should be penalised and should be disqualified from their positions. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Pak court revives call for legal action against everyone named in Panama Papers

Satellite images have revealed China’s intelligence facility being set up in the Great Coco Island. This is barely 50km from India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands – making it yet another location where Indian and Chinese forces will come face to face.&nbsp;

For years, China has been attempting to carve out a circle of threats around India. But today's India is different from the one China faced in 1962 and it is prepared for all possibilities. "If you want peace, you must prepare for war," said the Indian Navy Chief Adm Hari Kumar at the Chanakya Dialogues, and that is exactly what India is doing.&nbsp;

Here’s how India is checking and preparing to shred China’s threat circle.

China's ring of fire in South Asia&nbsp;

From Galwan Valley in Ladakh to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh or Doklam in Bhutan, China has made it clear it does not understand or follow the status quo with India. But the inflated dragon balloon has sprouted up at more venues to create a fringe around India.&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Chittagong port, Bangladesh:&nbsp;China has been pressuring Bangladesh to permit a naval facility close to Chittagong, giving it direct access to the Bay of Bengal.</li>
	<li>Great coco, Myanmar:&nbsp;In Myanmar’s coco islands, reports suggest that China has been preparing ground ever since 1994. Satellite images show China’s 2,300-metre runway and radar station on the island. It's just 50 km from India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands.</li>
	<li>Kyaukpyu, Myanmar:&nbsp;China also has access to a commercial maritime facility in Myanmar’s Kyaukpyu just across from India that can double up as a military facility.</li>
	<li>Hambantota port, Sri Lanka:&nbsp;In the south of India, Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port has been leased to China for 99 years and China berthed its ship Yuan Wang-5. China said it's a research and survey vessel but experts say it was at the port to spy on India.</li>
	<li>The Maldives:&nbsp;In neighbouring Maldives, China has been investing heavily to gain control. It has propped up an opposition leader there as well. Reports suggest that the Maldives already owes China $1.4 billion.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Watch this report:&nbsp;

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India’s counter: A great shield of armour

Be it the Indo-Pacific, Indian Ocean Region or the LAC, India is expanding its security network to cut off China wherever they attempt to expand itself or overstay its welcome:&nbsp;

S-400 missile defence system: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has deployed its first S-400 squadron near Pathankot, from where any air attack from China on Ladakh, Himachal and Uttarakhand can be thwarted. Another S-400 squadron has been deployed at India’s Chicken neck in the Northeast to counter China.&nbsp;

Airbase at LAC:&nbsp;India is also upgrading its Nyoma airfield in Eastern Ladakh for fighter jet operations. With this, India will have its jets parked less than 50 kilometres away from the LAC.&nbsp;

Indian Arms at LAC:&nbsp;India’s Akash missile system has been deployed facing China. Army has deployed medium-range artillery guns, long-range rockets, around 75 Ultra Light Howitzer M-777, K-9 Vajra Tracked Self-Propelled Howitzers, Pinaka rocket systems and Dhanush gun systems.&nbsp;

Indian Army is procuring anti-drone systems, rough terrain vehicles and loitering munitions to hit the high-value targets from across the LAC.&nbsp;

Garud Elite Commandos:&nbsp;India has deployed its Garud Special Forces of the IAF along the LAC from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh. They are India’s elite commandos equipped with cutting-edge weapons. They’ve been deployed for carrying out "specialist operations".&nbsp;

Boots on ground:&nbsp;India has sanctioned 9,400 fresh troops for seven new border battalions. They will be utilised for manning 47 new border posts in Arunachal Pradesh.&nbsp;

Helipads:&nbsp;Almost all forward posts along the LAC in Arunachal Pradesh will have a large helipad each.&nbsp;

India’s Tri-service command:&nbsp;India has a tri-service theatre command located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The command comprises the Indian Navy, Army and Air Force. It is India’s biggest strategic asset to counter China. It can directly cut off China from the Strait of Malacca which is the heartbeat of China's operation as 80 per cent of its oil supplies pass through the strait.&nbsp;

Maldives Connect:&nbsp;While China invests in Maldives, India has forged deep ties with Maldives to cut off China here as well. Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently visited Maldives, gifting them a fast patrol vessel and a landing craft.&nbsp;

Apart from its readiness, India has also forged military partnerships and diplomatic ties with the US, France, Germany, Japan, Australia, Bangladesh, Nepal, Maldives, Bhutan and Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

That pretty much leaves China with only one real ally in the South Asian region: Pakistan. Do you agree India will be able to checkmate China in case of a conflict in the South Asian region?&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

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Satellite images have revealed China’s intelligence facility being set up in the Great Coco Island. This is barely 50km from India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands – making it yet another location where Indian and Chinese forces will come face to face.

Satellite images have revealed China’s intelligence facility being set up in the Great Coco Island. This is barely 50km from India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands – making it yet another location where Indian and Chinese forces will come face to face. For years, China has been attempting to carve out a circle of threats around India. But today's India is different from the one China faced in 1962 and it is prepared for all possibilities. "If you want peace, you must prepare for war," said the Indian Navy Chief Adm Hari Kumar at the Chanakya Dialogues, and that is exactly what India is doing. Here’s how India is checking and preparing to shred China’s threat circle. China's ring of fire in South Asia From Galwan Valley in Ladakh to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh or Doklam in Bhutan, China has made it clear it does not understand or follow the status quo with India. But the inflated dragon balloon has sprouted up at more venues to create a fringe around India. Chittagong port, Bangladesh: China has been pressuring Bangladesh to permit a naval facility close to Chittagong, giving it direct access to the Bay of Bengal. Great coco, Myanmar: In Myanmar’s coco islands, reports suggest that China has been preparing ground ever since 1994. Satellite images show China’s 2,300-metre runway and radar station on the island. It's just 50 km from India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Kyaukpyu, Myanmar: China also has access to a commercial maritime facility in Myanmar’s Kyaukpyu just across from India that can double up as a military facility. Hambantota port, Sri Lanka: In the south of India, Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port has been leased to China for 99 years and China berthed its ship Yuan Wang-5. China said it's a research and survey vessel but experts say it was at the port to spy on India. The Maldives: In neighbouring Maldives, China has been investing heavily to gain control. It has propped up an opposition leader there as well. Reports suggest that the Maldives already owes China $1.4 billion. Watch this report: × India’s counter: A great shield of armour Be it the Indo-Pacific, Indian Ocean Region or the LAC, India is expanding its security network to cut off China wherever they attempt to expand itself or overstay its welcome: S-400 missile defence system: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has deployed its first S-400 squadron near Pathankot, from where any air attack from China on Ladakh, Himachal and Uttarakhand can be thwarted. Another S-400 squadron has been deployed at India’s Chicken neck in the Northeast to counter China. Airbase at LAC: India is also upgrading its Nyoma airfield in Eastern Ladakh for fighter jet operations. With this, India will have its jets parked less than 50 kilometres away from the LAC. Indian Arms at LAC: India’s Akash missile system has been deployed facing China. Army has deployed medium-range artillery guns, long-range rockets, around 75 Ultra Light Howitzer M-777, K-9 Vajra Tracked Self-Propelled Howitzers, Pinaka rocket systems and Dhanush gun systems. Indian Army is procuring anti-drone systems, rough terrain vehicles and loitering munitions to hit the high-value targets from across the LAC. Garud Elite Commandos: India has deployed its Garud Special Forces of the IAF along the LAC from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh. They are India’s elite commandos equipped with cutting-edge weapons. They’ve been deployed for carrying out "specialist operations". Boots on ground: India has sanctioned 9,400 fresh troops for seven new border battalions. They will be utilised for manning 47 new border posts in Arunachal Pradesh. Helipads: Almost all forward posts along the LAC in Arunachal Pradesh will have a large helipad each. India’s Tri-service command: India has a tri-service theatre command located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The command comprises the Indian Navy, Army and Air Force. It is India’s biggest strategic asset to counter China. It can directly cut off China from the Strait of Malacca which is the heartbeat of China's operation as 80 per cent of its oil supplies pass through the strait. Maldives Connect: While China invests in Maldives, India has forged deep ties with Maldives to cut off China here as well. Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently visited Maldives, gifting them a fast patrol vessel and a landing craft. Apart from its readiness, India has also forged military partnerships and diplomatic ties with the US, France, Germany, Japan, Australia, Bangladesh, Nepal, Maldives, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. That pretty much leaves China with only one real ally in the South Asian region: Pakistan. Do you agree India will be able to checkmate China in case of a conflict in the South Asian region? (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

How India checkmates China's circle of threat in South Asian region

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Just months ago, Bangladesh was grabbing headlines as an economic miracle. Then all of a sudden, its growth story took a hit. Economists have talked of Bangladesh going the Sri Lanka-Pakistan way, stressing though that the situation is not irreversible. Why is Bangladesh's Economy in a nosedive mode? Watch this report.

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Former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan, who has been sent to an eight-day custody of the National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB), informed a court during a hearing that he fears for his life and that&nbsp;the current Shehbaz Sharif government in the country was trying to take his life inside the jail.

Khan told the court that he was afraid of meeting the same fate as Maqsood Çhaprasi', a key witness in the money laundering case against Shehbaz Sharif, who died last year.&nbsp;

As per a death certificate issued by Emirati authorities, Maqsood ‘Chaprasi’ died of cardiac arrest in June 2022&nbsp;in the UAE. However, Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has expressed doubts about the nature of his death and called for an autonomous&nbsp;investigation into it.&nbsp;

As per Pakistani media reports, Imran Khan claimed in court that he was being heavily tortured and wasn't being&nbsp;allowed to use the washroom for 24 hours. He also said&nbsp;that the authorities will try to kill him because of his stand&nbsp;against the current regime, as reported by DNA.&nbsp;

Imran Khan said in court, “I have not been to the washroom in 24 hours.” He further added, “They give [you] an injection, and [you] slowly die."

As per AFP reports, Imran Khan’s lawyer Afzal Marwat said that the Khan&nbsp;was in “good spirits” but had complained of being struck&nbsp;on the back of the head and leg by paramilitary forces who arrested him earlier this week.

<h2>Al-Qadir case</h2>

Imran Khan is accused of a number of violations across Pakistan, including corruption while serving as Pakistan's prime minister.&nbsp;Khan has been arrested in connection with the Al-Qadir Trust case, the Islamabad Police announced on Tuesday.

The matter is linked to the founding of&nbsp;Al-Qadir University. Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi, and other PTI party leaders are alleged to have committed wrongdoing with regard to the Al-Qadir Trust, formed to back the university. The issue concerns an alleged agreement between his government and a real estate magnate that cost Pakistan's struggling economy $50 billion.

In order to establish the Al-Qadir University and provide "quality education" in the Sohawa Tehsil of Punjab's Jhelum area, Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi, and his close aides Zulfiqar Bukhari and Babar Awan established the Al-Qadir Project Trust, reported India Today.&nbsp;

Later, in 2019, Bushra Bibi signed a memorandum with the private real estate firm Bahria Town in order to accept donations from them. The trust later acquired land measuring 458 kanals, 4 marlas, and 58 square feet from Bahria Town as part of their agreement.

However, according to Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, Imran Khan worked out the division of the land and transferred 240 kanals of the donated land in the name of Farah Gogi, a close friend of Bushra Bibi.

According to Sanaullah, the value of this land had been underestimated and Khan obtained his part in the name of the institution. He further said that the previous PM sought to cover up the matter.&nbsp;

The scam was brought to light when the Pakistani media noted that the trust received 180 million Pakistani rupees even though the documents showed expenses of just 8.52 million Pakistani rupees. Additionally, they questioned why the institution was charging students if it was recognised as a trust.

Imran Khan&nbsp;and a few other ministers are said to have "adjusted" the $50 billion that the British National Crime Agency (NCA) gave to the government, according to a GeoNews report.

Additionally, it is alleged that the PTI leaders received illicit advantages in the form of more than 458 kanals of land in Mouza Bakrala, Sohawa, for the construction of Al Qadir University.

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Former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan, who has been sent to an eight-day custody of the National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB), informed a court during a hearing that he fears for his life and that the current Shehbaz Sharif government in the country was trying to take his life inside the jail.

Former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan, who has been sent to an eight-day custody of the National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB), informed a court during a hearing that he fears for his life and that the current Shehbaz Sharif government in the country was trying to take his life inside the jail. Khan told the court that he was afraid of meeting the same fate as Maqsood Çhaprasi', a key witness in the money laundering case against Shehbaz Sharif, who died last year. As per a death certificate issued by Emirati authorities, Maqsood ‘Chaprasi’ died of cardiac arrest in June 2022 in the UAE. However, Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has expressed doubts about the nature of his death and called for an autonomous investigation into it. As per Pakistani media reports, Imran Khan claimed in court that he was being heavily tortured and wasn't being allowed to use the washroom for 24 hours. He also said that the authorities will try to kill him because of his stand against the current regime, as reported by DNA. Imran Khan said in court, “I have not been to the washroom in 24 hours.” He further added, “They give [you] an injection, and [you] slowly die." As per AFP reports, Imran Khan’s lawyer Afzal Marwat said that the Khan was in “good spirits” but had complained of being struck on the back of the head and leg by paramilitary forces who arrested him earlier this week. Al-Qadir case Imran Khan is accused of a number of violations across Pakistan, including corruption while serving as Pakistan's prime minister. Khan has been arrested in connection with the Al-Qadir Trust case, the Islamabad Police announced on Tuesday. The matter is linked to the founding of Al-Qadir University. Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi, and other PTI party leaders are alleged to have committed wrongdoing with regard to the Al-Qadir Trust, formed to back the university. The issue concerns an alleged agreement between his government and a real estate magnate that cost Pakistan's struggling economy $50 billion. In order to establish the Al-Qadir University and provide "quality education" in the Sohawa Tehsil of Punjab's Jhelum area, Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi, and his close aides Zulfiqar Bukhari and Babar Awan established the Al-Qadir Project Trust, reported India Today. Later, in 2019, Bushra Bibi signed a memorandum with the private real estate firm Bahria Town in order to accept donations from them. The trust later acquired land measuring 458 kanals, 4 marlas, and 58 square feet from Bahria Town as part of their agreement. However, according to Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, Imran Khan worked out the division of the land and transferred 240 kanals of the donated land in the name of Farah Gogi, a close friend of Bushra Bibi. According to Sanaullah, the value of this land had been underestimated and Khan obtained his part in the name of the institution. He further said that the previous PM sought to cover up the matter. The scam was brought to light when the Pakistani media noted that the trust received 180 million Pakistani rupees even though the documents showed expenses of just 8.52 million Pakistani rupees. Additionally, they questioned why the institution was charging students if it was recognised as a trust. Imran Khan and a few other ministers are said to have "adjusted" the $50 billion that the British National Crime Agency (NCA) gave to the government, according to a GeoNews report. Additionally, it is alleged that the PTI leaders received illicit advantages in the form of more than 458 kanals of land in Mouza Bakrala, Sohawa, for the construction of Al Qadir University. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Given injection to kill me slowly, no bathroom access': Imran Khan alleges torture by authorities

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Bangladesh Panel: Fire at Rohingya camp, a sabotage | Inside South Asia

South and Southeast Asia are home to many beautiful hill stations that offer breathtaking views, pleasant weather, and a peaceful atmosphere. South and Southeast Asia are known for its hill stations that attract tourists from all over the world.

South and Southeast Asia are home to many beautiful hill stations that offer breathtaking views, pleasant weather, and a peaceful atmosphere. South and Southeast Asia are known for its hill stations that attract tourists from all over the world. There are several reasons why these hill stations are famous: Scenic Beauty: Hill stations in South and Southeast Asia are known for their breathtaking natural beauty. They are often situated in the midst of lush green forests, rolling hills, and snow-capped mountains. This picturesque landscape makes them a popular destination for nature lovers and photographers. Pleasant Weather: The climate in South and Southeast Asia's hill stations is much cooler and more comfortable than the hot and humid weather in the plains. This makes them an ideal escape from the scorching summer heat. Adventure Activities: Hill stations in South and Southeast Asia offer several adventure activities such as trekking, camping, paragliding, rafting, and skiing. These activities attract adventure enthusiasts from all over the world. Cultural Attractions: Many of South and Southeast Asia's hill stations are steeped in culture and history. They are home to ancient temples, monasteries, and colonial-era architecture, which adds to their charm and appeal. Relaxing Atmosphere: Hill stations in South and Southeast Asia are known for their peaceful and serene atmosphere. They offer a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of city life, making them an ideal destination for those looking to unwind and relax. Here are the top hidden and beautiful hill stations in South and Southeast Asia which could be your next holiday vacation: Maratua Island, Indonesia - Located in the remote Derawan Islands of Indonesia, Maratua Island is a hidden hill station that offers breathtaking views of the turquoise sea, white sand beaches, and lush green forests. Khao Kho, Thailand - Khao Kho is a lesser-known hill station in Thailand that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and waterfalls, as well as a chance to experience traditional Thai culture and cuisine. Ha Giang, Vietnam - A remote and mountainous province in northern Vietnam, Ha Giang offers breathtaking views of the rice terraces and traditional hill tribe villages. Kalaw, Myanmar - A former British colonial hill station, Kalaw is known for its scenic beauty, hiking trails, and traditional Shan culture. Baguio, Philippines - Known as the "City of Pines," Baguio is a charming hill station in the northern Philippines that offers a cooler climate, stunning mountain views, and a chance to experience Filipino culture. Pelling, India - A lesser-known hill station in the state of Sikkim, Pelling offers stunning views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range and a chance to experience traditional Sikkimese culture. Kohima, India - The capital of Nagaland, Kohima is a lesser-known hill station that offers stunning views of the surrounding hills, traditional Naga culture, and a chance to experience the Hornbill Festival, a celebration of Naga culture and heritage.

Your next holiday destination could be this Southeast Asian hill station! Check out these HIDDEN treasures

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Another horrific terror attack in Pakistan, leaving over 100 policemen dead. The economy is in free fall. Pakistan is living a nightmare. The cauldron of Islamist terror, political instability and economic meltdown now threaten the very existence of the country.

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