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Elon Musk calls for restructuring in UN bodies, says India not having permanent UNSC seat is ‘absurd’

OpIndia Staff
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Elon Musk calls for restructuring in UN bodies, says India not having permanent UNSC seat is ‘absurd’

On 21st January, tech billionaire Elon Musk criticised the current structure of the United Nations bodies and called for the need for reform. His remarks reignited the debate on the representations in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as he specifically highlighted the absence of India, the world’s most populous country, from the permanent membership of the UNSC. Calling this omission “absurd”, Musk also advocated for the inclusion of representation from African countries.

He wrote, “At some point, there needs to be a revision of the UN bodies. The problem is that those with excess power don’t want to give it up. India not having a permanent seat on the Security Council, despite being the most populous country on Earth, is absurd. Africa collectively should also have a permanent seat in.”

Musk’s supporting India’s inclusion in the UNSC resonates with the country’s long-standing campaign for a permanent seat in the UN body. Notably, President Joe Biden has repeatedly called for giving India a permanent seat in the UNSC. In September 2023, when President Biden was in India for a G20 meeting, he supported India’s permanent representation in the UNSC. In 2021 as well, President Biden reiterated US support for India’s permanent seat at the UNSC. Apart from the US, the UK has also reiterated its support for India’s permanent representation at the UN body.

The Tesla and Space X CEO also advocated for Africa’s representation at the highest level and suggested that the continent should have a permanent seat collectively in the Council. His statement resonated with the wider criticism that the current composition of the UNSC does not reflect the geopolitical realities of the 21st century. Notably, in January 2023, during his visit to India, United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) President Csaba Korosi said that the UN Security Council needs to be reformed. Korosi stressed the need for reform in the council’s size, composition, and regulations.

At present, the US, the UK, France, Russia and China hold permanent seats at the United Nations Security Council and it has remained unchanged since the end of World War II. The geopolitical realities have changed extensively since then, especially in terms of India’s influence on global platforms.

Though Musk’s statements do not directly influence the policies of the United Nations, they add a prominent voice to the ongoing discourse about the need for reform in the structures of the UN bodies. The comments from business community leaders like Musk draw attention and possibly catalyse further dialogue among global leaders and the international community.

India overtakes Hong Kong to become fourth-largest stock market, Sensex up 500 points

OpIndia Staff
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India overtakes Hong Kong to become fourth-largest stock market, Sensex up 500 points

The Indian stock market has pipped Hong Kong to become the fourth-highest equity market globally, Bloomberg reported.

The combined value of shares listed on Indian exchanges reached USD 4.33 trillion as of Monday’s close, versus USD 4.29 trillion for Hong Kong, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

India’s stock market capitalization crossed USD 4 trillion for the first time on December 5, 2023, with about half of that reportedly coming in the past four years.

The top three stock markets are the US, China, and Japan.

Cumulatively, the past 12 months have been stellar for investors who parked their money in Indian stocks. Though there has been some turbulence, the calendar year 2023 gave handsome monetary dividends to stock market investors. In 2023 itself, Sensex and Nifty gained 17-18 per cent, on a cumulative basis. They gained a mere 3-4 per cent each in 2022.

Hong Kong’s benchmark Hang Seng Index cumulatively declined 32-33 per cent over the past year, data showed.

Firm GDP growth forecast, inflation at manageable levels, political stability at the central government level, and signs that the central banks the world over are done with their monetary policy tightening have painted a bright picture for India – which many agencies have termed to be the fastest-growing major economy.

The strong inflow of funds from foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) lately also supported the stocks to march towards all-time highs. Notably, foreign portfolio investors have again trained their sight towards India, becoming net buyers in the country’s stock market. In the process, it helped Indian benchmark stock indices taste their all-time highs recently.

India, which last year became the most populous country has positioned itself as an alternative to China, attracting fresh capital from global investors and companies alike, thanks to its stable political setup and a consumption-driven economy that remains among the fastest-growing of major nations, the Bloomberg report said.

As Indian stocks rallied, it coincided with a historic slump in Hong Kong, where some of China’s most influential and innovative firms are listed.

According to the news report, stringent anti-COVID-19 curbs, regulatory crackdowns on corporations, a property-sector crisis and geopolitical tensions with the West have all combined to erode China’s appeal as the world’s growth engine.

According to the news report, new listings have dried up in Hong Kong, with the Asian financial hub losing its status as one of the world’s busiest venues for initial public offerings (IPOs).

Moreover, Indian stock indices traded sharply higher Tuesday at the opening bell and were just shy of their all-time highs.

Benchmark indices–Sensex and Nifty–were 0.7-0.8 per cent higher from the Saturday closing. Among the widely-tracked Nifty 50 stocks, 39 advanced and the rest 11 declined at the opening bell. (ANI)

(With inputs from ANI)

Taliban imposes Sharia restrictions on single Afghan women, bars access to employment, travel, healthcare if unmarried or have no male guardian

OpIndia Staff
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Taliban imposes Sharia restrictions on single Afghan women, bars access to employment, travel, healthcare if unmarried or have no male guardian

A United Nations report released on Monday (22nd January) asserts that Afghan women who are single or lack a male guardian are having their access to employment, travel, and healthcare restricted by the Taliban.

In one case, officials from the Vice and Virtue Ministry encouraged a woman to marry if she wanted to keep her employment at a healthcare facility, claiming it was unsuitable for an unmarried woman to work.

Despite initially pledging more moderate leadership, the Taliban restricted women from most spheres of public life and prevented females from attending school beyond sixth grade as part of harsh restrictions adopted after gaining power in 2021.

They have also closed beauty salons and begun enforcing a dress code, arresting women who do not adhere to their version of hijab, or Islamic headscarf. In May 2022, the Taliban issued an order requiring women to only expose their eyes and advising them to wear the head-to-toe burqa, similar to restrictions imposed under the Taliban’s previous administration from 1996 to 2001.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric commented on the recent UN report. He stated that women in Afghanistan are facing horror and that it is unimaginable to have a life there.

According to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan’s most recent quarterly report, which covers the period from October to December of last year, the Taliban are tightening down on Afghan women who are single or do not have a male guardian, or mahram, with them.

There are no official rules in Afghanistan governing male guardianship, although the Taliban have stated that women cannot move or go beyond a certain distance without the presence of a man connected to them by blood or marriage.

Last October, three female healthcare workers were jailed for going to work without a mahram. According to the report, they were released after their families signed a written agreement promising not to repeat the conduct.

Since December, the Vice and Virtue Ministry in Paktia province has prohibited women without ‘mahrams’ (male guardian) from accessing healthcare facilities. It inspects health establishments around the province to guarantee compliance.

The ministry, which acts as the Taliban’s morality police, also enforces hijab and mahram rules for women who visit public areas, offices, and educational institutions via checkpoints and inspections.

“In December, in Kandahar province, ministry officials visited a bus terminal to ensure women were not traveling long distances without mahrams and instructed bus drivers not to permit women to board without one,” the UN said.

Women have also been imprisoned for purchasing contraception, something the Taliban does not officially prohibit.

Meanwhile, the Taliban’s chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid refuted the UN report and claimed that the report has been crafted based on misunderstanding. He also accused the UN mission of ignoring or criticizing Islamic law, or Shariah.

“With an Islamic government in power in Afghanistan, it must “fully implement all aspects of Shariah for both men and women. This means enforcing rules for the hijab, male guardianship, and gender segregation for women in education and employment,” Mujahid said in a statement.

“If UNAMA criticizes these cases or considers explicit Islamic rulings as an act against human rights, then it is an insult to the beliefs of a people,” he added.

Republic Day: Dorniers in IAF’s Tangail formation to reenact airdrop of Indian Air Force personnel in 1971 India-Pakistan war

ANI
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Republic Day: Dorniers in IAF’s Tangail formation to reenact airdrop of Indian Air Force personnel in 1971 India-Pakistan war

The ‘Tangail’ formation that will be flown during the Republic Day flypast will include the heritage aircraft Dakota flanked by two Dornier Do-228 aircraft which will be flying using a blended mixture of Aviation Turbine Fuel and Biofuel, the Indian Air Force (IAF) said on Tuesday.

The ‘Tangail’ formation will reenact the successful airdrop in which Indian Air Force personnel were dropped in parachutes on December 11, 1971, which marked the first airdrop of Indian security forces on hostile territory during the India-Pakistan war.

In addition to this, made-in-India weapon systems and platforms would also be among the main attractions in this year’s Republic Day parade from the Indian Army including the LCH Prachand chopper, Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers and Nag anti-tank missiles.

The LCH Prachand is the first indigenous Multi-Role Combat Helicopter designed and manufactured by HAL. It has potent ground attack and aerial combat capability. The helicopter possesses modern stealth characteristics, robust armour protection and formidable night attack capability. Onboard advanced navigation system, guns tailored for close combat and potent air to air missiles make the LCH especially suited for the modern battlefield.

NAG has been developed by DRDO to engage highly fortified enemy tanks in day and night conditions. The missile has “Fire & Forget” “Top Attack” capabilities with passive homing guidance to defeat all MBTs equipped with composite and reactive armour.

The NAG missile carrier NAMICA is a BMP II based system with amphibious capability. The latest armoured vehicles and specialist vehicles produced by the Indian industry indigenously are also going to be showcased at the parade where French President Emmanuel Macron will be the chief guest, Army officials said.

The Quick Fighting Reaction Vehicle, Light Specialist Vehicle and the All-Terrain Vehicle would be marching on the Kartavya Path this year. The weapon systems would also include the T-90 tank, BMP-2 infantry combat vehicle, c, Drone jammers, Advanced Sarvatra bridge, Medium Range Surface to Air Missile launcher and multi-function radar, they said.

Swathi Weapon Locating Radar, is an indigenously designed WLR which is capable of locating guns, mortars and rockets firing own troops, thereby facilitating their destruction through Counter Bombardment by own firepower resources. This will enable troops to carry out their operational tasks without any interference from the enemy and also provide them safety against enemy fire.

Along with the Light Combat Helicopter, the Indian Army would also be showcasing the weaponised version of the ALH Dhruv choppers which is also known as the Rudra. The weapon systems to be showcased at the parade also include the Pinaka and the Swathi radar which have been successfully exported to foreign customers by Indian entities. Both have been developed by the DRDO.

The enhanced range version of Pinaka Rocket System can destroy targets at distances up to 45 kms. The rocket system has been developed jointly by Pune based Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) and High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL).

The Army is also going to showcase the growing role of women in defence forces as 60 of its women soldiers are going to be part of the tri-services all-women marching contingent which would include women from the Air Force and Navy too. (ANI)

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Uttar Pradesh: Pilibhit man arrested for derogatory comments against Lord Ram, another arrested for walking dog with Shri Ram tag on the animal’s neck

OpIndia Staff
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Uttar Pradesh: Pilibhit man arrested for derogatory comments against Lord Ram, another arrested for walking dog with Shri Ram tag on the animal’s neck

On 22nd January, a man named Divya Yashasvi was arrested by Pilibhit Police for using derogatory language against Bhagwan Ram and Mata Sita on social media. Yashasvi, who calls himself “a brutal atheist” published multiple derogatory posts on the social media platform X (formerly) Twitter leading to outrage. Notably, both incidents happened on the day of Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha.

Several social media users tagged UP Police and Pilibhit Police under his posts after which police swung into action and traced his location. Interestingly, in one of the posts, he published his address and in another one, he challenged everyone to tag Pilibhit Police.

Divya published his address openly challenging social media users. Source: X
Divya urged social media users to tag UP Police expecting no action would be taken against him. Source: X

Responding on social media, Pilibhit Police confirmed that Yashasvi was arrested and an FIR was registered against him at Sunghadi Police Station under relevant Sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Some of his posts were marked by X as a violation of the Rules but the posts were not removed by the time this report was published. Further investigation into the matter is underway.

In a similar matter, a man from a “particular community” was arrested in Ghaziabad for walking a dog with a tag of Shri Ram on the animal’s neck. Reports suggest that Kaushambi Police received a complaint that a person from the Muslim community was walking a dog with a tag of Shri Ram on the animal’s neck.

When police reached the area, they found the complaint to be true. The culprit was immediately arrested by the Police and further investigation into the matter was underway.

Heavy rush of devotees outside Ram Temple in Ayodhya to offer prayers

ANI
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Heavy rush of devotees outside Ram Temple in Ayodhya to offer prayers

After the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony of Ram Lalla that concluded in Ayodhya on Monday, a heavy rush of devotees throng at the main gate of Shri Ram Temple to offer prayers on Tuesday.

Devotees have gathered in large numbers since 3 a.m. to offer prayers and have Darshan of Shri Ram Lalla on the first morning after the Pran Pratishtha ceremony.

The grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya has been made open to the public from today.

The ‘Pran Pratishtha’ of Shri Ram Lalla in Ayodhya was held amid unbridled celebrations, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi performing the main rituals officiated by a select complement of priests.

Celebrations were also held across the country to mark Lord Ram’s return to this throne.

Meanwhile, ‘Ram Nagri’ Ayodhya also grabbed global eyeballs, with earthen lamps or diyas lit up on a massive scale and crackers going up and dazzling the night sky in different parts of the city.

Visuals also showed celebrations unfolding at the famous Saryu Ghat, with beaming locals expressing their devotion to Ram Lalla.

The ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony of Lord Ram was held at 12.29 pm on Monday, with the main rituals performed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The ceremonial journey leading up to the Pran Pratishtha included a seven-day ritual that commenced on January 16.

The ceremony was attended by representatives of all major spiritual and religious sects in the country. People from all walks of life, including representatives of various tribal communities, also attended the ceremony.

The idol of Ram Lalla was unveiled after the ‘Pran Pratistha’ rituals were performed.

Built-in the traditional Nagara style, Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir has a length (east-west) of 380 feet and a width of 250 feet. It stands 161 feet above the ground and is supported by a total of 392 pillars and 44 doors. The pillars and walls of the temple showcase intricately sculpted depictions of Hindu deities, Gods, and Goddesses.

In the sanctum sanctorum on the ground floor, the childhood form of Bhagwan Shri Ram (the idol of Shri Ramlalla) is enthroned. (ANI)

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

US shooting: Man kills 7 people in two different homes in Illinois, cops launch manhunt to nab the absconding culprit

OpIndia Staff
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US shooting: Man kills 7 people in two different homes in Illinois, cops launch manhunt to nab the absconding culprit

On Monday (22nd January), a man named Romeo Nance went on a shooting spree at two different homes in Joliet city in Illinois in the United States.

As per reports, the home invasion resulted in the deaths of 7 people. The 23-year-old shooter lived in the neighbourhood of 2200 block of West Acres Road in Joliet where the mass shooting took place.

While speaking about the matter, local police chief Bill Evans said, “A total of seven people were found shot to death…”I’ve been a policeman 29 years. This is probably the worst crime scene I’ve ever been associated with.”

In a tweet, the Joliet Police Department said, “At this moment, Detectives and Officers are conducting an active homicide investigation after Officers located multiple deceased individuals who had sustained gunshot wounds in two homes in the 2200 block of West Acres Road.”

Romeo Nance has been on the run from law enforcement authorities. He is believed to be driving a red Toyota Camry. The police warned the public that the accused should be regarded as ‘armed and dangerous.’

They have now sought information about the whereabouts of Romeo Nance. Reportedly, the police recovered 5 bodies from one residence in West Acres Road and two bodies from another home in the vicinity.

Dan Jungles, Deputy Chief of Special Operations for the Will County, informed, “They knew that the house across the street was related to the individuals that resided at that house. “They walked over there, and that’s when they discovered the blood and made entry into the house to look for injured individuals.”

‘Collected stones in advance, wielding swords’: 32 persons booked, 15 arrested for pelting stones on Shri Ram’s Shobha Yatra in Kheralu, Mehsana

OpIndia Staff
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‘Collected stones in advance, wielding swords’: 32 persons booked, 15 arrested for pelting stones on Shri Ram’s Shobha Yatra in Kheralu, Mehsana

Gujarat Police have initiated stern action on the stone pelting incident on Shri Ram’s Shobha Yatra that took place in Kheralu, Mehsana district on Sunday (21st January). The Kheralu Police has filed an FIR in this case and booked 32 individuals from the Muslim community. Earlier, 15 accused were arrested in a combing operation following the stone pelting incident in the night. 

The complainant has been filed by PSI J.K. Gadvi of Kheralu Town police station. According to media reports, the complaint states that the accused hatched a planned conspiracy and pelted stones at the Shobha Yatra of Lord Shri Ram in Kheralu. For this, stones were collected on the rooftops of the houses of Belim Vas, which is a Muslim locality. Additionally, carrying swords and other weapons in hand, they attacked the devotees involved in the Shobha Yatra.

According to the complaint, the accused, armed with weapons, ran after those involved in the Shobha Yatra and damaged the tractors involved in the yatra. They also hit some devotees involved in the yatra with swords, one of whom sustained serious injuries. While PSI Gadvi was also injured due to stone pelting. 

A case has been registered against 32 persons belonging to the Muslim community under sections 143, 147, 148, 149, 307, 332, 323, 337, 506(2), 120B, 427 of the IPC and sections 135 of the Gujarat Police Act. The police are conducting further investigation in the case.  

The police conducted a combing operation on Sunday night (January 21, 2024) and arrested 15 accused. The search for the rest of the accused is currently underway. 

Informing about the action, Kheralu Police PSI SG Shripal told OpIndia that a case has been registered against 32 persons in this regard at night and 15 of them have been arrested while the search for the rest is currently underway. They too will be nabbed soon. According to him, as soon as the yatra reached the spot, stones were pelted on the yatra. It is also suspected to be a premeditated conspiracy which is the subject of investigation.

The incident took place on Sunday (January 21, 2024) a procession of Lord Ram was taken out in Kheralu of Mehsana ahead of the grand consecration ceremony in Ayodhya at Shri Ram’s birthplace. A large number of Ram devotees including women and children had joined the Shobha yatra. Meanwhile, the Kheralu police also joined the Yatra to ensure that no untoward incident took place.

But when the Shobha Yatra reached the mosque in the Hatadiya area, stone pelting was reported with people throwing stones from their rooftops in the Muslim neighbourhood.

Hindu organisations involved in the yatra told OPIndia that stones pelting on the Yatra was started when it reached near the mosque in a Muslim-dominated area. Due to this, there was a stampede and some people were also injured.

Stone pelting on Shri Ram’s procession at Bhoj village in Vadodara, women among injured: Second incident in Gujarat in 24 hours

OpIndia Staff
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Stone pelting on Shri Ram’s procession at Bhoj village in Vadodara, women among injured: Second incident in Gujarat in 24 hours

After the attack on Shri Ram’s procession in Kheralu of Mehsana, another such incident occurred in Bhoj village of Padra district of Vadodara. While the Yatra of Shri Ram was passing here, there was sudden stone pelting, in which some people including some women were injured.

After the Pran Pratishtha of Shri Ram Lalla in the grand Ram Mandir of Ayodhya, processions have been organised from village to village to celebrate this auspicious occasion. One such procession was also held at Padra’s Bhoj when suddenly, during the yatra, stones started raining on the devotees.

Some videos have also surfaced on social media, in which a chaotic atmosphere is visible. A mosque is also seen nearby. Police are seen at the scene.

According to media reports, police were present during the yatra but security was minimal. But the fleet has been scrapped after the incident. Currently, high-ranking officials have also reached the spot and are trying to control the situation.

Regarding the incident, PI Tadvi of Padra police station said that the rally was organized by Hindu Ekta Sangathan. They went through one village after another and reached Bhoj, where the stoning was done. The rally was to end by going to Padra’s Bhathuji temple. Some women were injured in stone pelting. At present, police arrangements have been made and the situation is calm.

24 hours ago stone pelting took place at Ram Yatra in Kheralu too

A similar incident took place in Kheralu of Mehsana just 24 hours ago, where stones were pelted near a mosque on a Hindu procession passing through a Muslim area. An FIR has been registered against a total of 32 persons in this matter, while 15 have been arrested.

In the FIR, it was stated that the accused had formed a pre-planned conspiracy and pelted stones on the procession of Shri Ram leaving for Kheralu and over this, stones were collected on the roof of Belim Vasan houses. Also, armed with sword-edged weapons etc., they attacked the people joining the procession.

Mumbai: 13 arrested after Hindu procession was attacked by Islamists in Mira Road, Devendra Fadnavis reiterates ‘zero tolerance’ policy

OpIndia Staff
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Mumbai: 13 arrested after Hindu procession was attacked by Islamists in Mira Road, Devendra Fadnavis reiterates ‘zero tolerance’ policy

Following Police action on the accused who had attacked a Hindu procession in Mumbai, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reiterated the government’s firm commitment to “zero tolerance” against those who disturb law and order in the state. So far, 13 accused have been arrested in this case.

Informing about the Police action, Deputy CM Fadnavis stated that he had taken detailed information about the incident that took place in NayaNagar in Mira Bhayender last night itself.

He added that Police were instructed to take strictest action against the culprits who were involved in yesterday’s attack. 

The Deputy CM stated that 13 accused have been arrested so far and a detailed analysis of CCTV footage is underway to identify and arrest the rest of the accused who were involved in the attack. 

In his post, he asserted, “There will be zero tolerance against anyone who tries to take the law into their own hands and attempts to disturb the law & order situation in Maharashtra.”

Islamists had attacked a Hindu procession celebrating the arrival of Ram Lalla at his birthplace

Notably, yesterday, on 21st January, amidst the celebrations of Ram Mandir Pran Prathishtha in Ayodhya, Hindus carrying out a procession were attacked by an Islamist mob at Mira Road in Mumbai.

While the members of the Hindu community were taking out a procession via Mira Road with flags of Bhagwan Ram and Bhagwan Hanuman on their vehicles and chanting, “Jai Shri Ram”, an Islamist mob attacked the procession. The Islamists reportedly attacked the Hindus with sticks and rods, attacked the members of the Hindu community, damaged the vehicles, and desecrated the religious flags.

The mob did not even spare women who were part of the procession. In videos of the incident, people can be seen throwing away flags, attacking vehicles, and hurling abusive words at participants of the procession.

Mira Road comes under a predominantly Muslim area. Following the incident, the Police also conducted a flag march on Mira Road and appealed to everyone to maintain peace. 

Meanwhile, a similar case of Islamist attack on Hindu procession was reported on 21st January in Gujarat’s Mehsana. In that incident, police have booked around 32 accused who belong to the Muslim community. As per reports, the attackers had hatched conspiracy and attacked the Hindu procession with sharp weapons and pelted stones as well. Around 15 accused have been arrested while search for the rest of the accused is still underway. 

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