ConflictWatch India Feed Archiver

Go Back:30 Days | 7 Days | 2 Days | 1 Day

ConflictWatch India Feed Today.

Go Forward:1 Day | 2 Days | 7 Days | 30 Days

ConflictWatch India Feed was generated at Central Asia ConflictWatch.

Saturday, 15 July

01:38

US could stop Ukraine conflict instantly Hungary "IndyWatch Feed War"

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban at the NATO summit in Lithuania Beata Zawrzel / NurPhoto via Getty Images
RT | July 14, 2023

The US wants the conflict in Ukraine to continue and has failed to explain its reasons to NATO allies, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has said.

Orban told national broadcaster Kossuth Radio that if Washington wished, it could stop the fighting at a moments notice, as Kiev is fully dependent on the West in the fight against Russia.

The Hungarian leader was speaking on Friday morning, after returning from the NATO summit in the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius. During the event, the US-led military bloc declined to extend to Kiev a roadmap for membership. Hungary has stood out among members of the alliance by consistently criticizing Western policies on the Ukraine crisis.

If the Americans wanted it, peace would come the next morning. Why Americans dont want that is a question that puzzles the entire world, Orban said. We didnt get an answer at the NATO summit.

At this point, Ukraine has lost any real sovereignty, Orban claimed, citing Kievs devastated economy, and heavy depende...

00:41

Turkey insists on demilitarization of Greece s islands "IndyWatch Feed Europe"

Omer Celik, the spokesperson for Turkeys ruling AK Party, has reiterated Ankaras demand for Greece to demilitarize its eastern Aegean islands. He issued a bellicose warning, stating that there would be consequences if Greece fails to comply. In an interview with Turkish broadcaster Haberturk following the meeting between the leaders of Turkey and Greece in

The post Turkey insists on demilitarization of Greece s islands appeared first on Keep Talking Greece.

Go Back:30 Days | 7 Days | 2 Days | 1 Day

ConflictWatch India Feed Today.

Go Forward:1 Day | 2 Days | 7 Days | 30 Days

Friday, 14 July

23:05

Syrians condemn UN aid deliveries in 'coordination' with Assad government "IndyWatch Feed War"

Syrians condemn UN aid deliveries in 'coordination' with Assad government

UN aid will be allowed to pass from Turkey only under 'full cooperation' with Syrian authorities
Nadda Osman Fri, 07/14/2023 - 14:05
Workers unload bags of aid at a warehouse near the Syrian Bab al-Hawa border crossing with Turkey, on 10 July 2023 (AFP)

Humanitarian deliveries will be allowed to be sent through a key crossing point from Turkey into northwest Syria, but only under the condition that they must be made in "full cooperation and coordination with the Syrian government".  

The decision by Syria, which was sent in a letter to the United Nations Security Council by Syria's ambassador to the UN, Bassam Sabbagh, on Thursday, will allow the Bab al-Hawa border crossing to be used for another six months, after Russia blocked a proposed nine-month extension at the Security Council.

Both the short extension and the condition to fully cooperate with the Syrian government have raised concerns amongst people in Syria and aid organisations.

Sherine Ibrahim, the Turkey country director for Care, an international humanitarian organisation, said the non-renewal of the previously operating cross-border aid mechanism could have serious implications. 

"Bilateral agreements put power and control in the hands of a few parties, making such agreements inherently subject to far more influence by competing political interests and often come with little transparency, she said in a statement to Middle East Eye. 

12:50

The BBC Falls for Murdochs Bait "IndyWatch Feed War"

It should be called for what it is.  The recent apoplectic, lurid coverage of what was, at best, a matter for a corporations human resources department dominating several news cycles even as drownings continued in the Mediterranean, war continued being waged in Ukraine and climate change continued issuing ominous reminders of its existence.

The issue at hand?  Allegations that a BBC presenter, said to be a household name, had paid 35,000 to a youth over a period of several years in return for sexually explicit photos.  The payments are said to have started when the young person in question was 17, leading to questions about whether a crime had taken place in the making, sharing or possessing of incident images.

The story made its debut in that king of rags, The Sun.  The howls followed.  As an article headline read: Top BBC star who paid child for sex pictures could be charged by cops and face years in prison, expert says.

Within a few days, three issues started to thump and pulsate in the mediascape: whether the as yet unnamed presenter had solicited the images in the first place; whether the BBC had shown indifference in ignoring the complaints of that behaviour by a concerned family member; and whether the entire matter was, according to the lawyer representing the young person, rubbish.

The whole affair led to various episodes of sheer terror within the BBC itself, with Jeremy Vine, a colleague of the still unnamed presenter, demanding the identity be revealed in order to stop yet more vitriol being thrown about at perfectly innocent colleagues at his, placing the broadcaster on its knees.

The BBC found itself in a bizarre, masochistic bind of constantly covering itself, repeatedly running stories on the matter, including a report on July 11 that a second young individual had supposedly received abusive messages from the presenter via a dating app. Much of this was put down to journalistic integrity, not wishing to sweep such matters under the carpet.

More details emerged, even as the NATO summit in Vilnius continued.  The unnamed person was outed as BBC anchor Huw Edwards.  On July 12, it was revealed by his wife, Vicky Flind, that he had been hospitalised, suffering a mental breakdown the handiwork, it was claimed, of The Suns lurid coverage.  But what also emerged was that the police had found no evidence or grounds to suggest that a crime had been committed.  The whole matter had been an issue of outing the private life of a public figure.

The excuses and apologias are thickening over the reasons for the coverage, fed by platoons of analysts, journalists, and pundits.  The BBC, reasons...

09:36

New Meatless Burger From Burger King Has 20 Slices of Cheese "IndyWatch Feed World"

Burger King, a global fast-food giant, has recently stirred up a buzz in Thailand with its innovative menu addition. The new item on the menu is a burger that swaps out the traditional meat patty for an astonishing quantity of cheese.

Earlier this week, the Thai division of Burger King unveiled what theyve dubbed the real cheeseburger. This unique creation is a bun packed with up to 20 slices of American cheese. The introduction of this item to Thai menus on Sunday, at a discounted price of 109 Thai baht ($3.10), compared to its regular price of 380 baht ($10.90), quickly became a sensation on social media platforms in Thailand. Numerous TikTok users posted videos of their first encounters with this new sandwich.

Burger King confirmed the authenticity of this unusual offering in a social media post on Sunday, stating, This is no joke. This is for real. The popularity of the cheese-loaded burger was so immense that one Burger King outlet in Bangkok had to halt delivery orders to ensure sufficient stock for walk-in customers.

This new menu item is an example of how fast-food franchises worldwide are striving to create unique and eye-catching menu options that will gain traction on social media.

Fast-food chains continuously adapt their offerings to cater to local tastes in different countries. In Thailand, cheese is particularly popular among younger customers, and its not uncommon to find it sprinkled on a variety of dishes. Burger Kings Thai menu also features salmon katsu burgers, reflecting consumers preference for healthier alternatives to beef.

The Burger King chain in Thailand is owned by Minor International, a local hospitality group that is one of Asias largest restaurant owners.

The trend of introducing unique and sometimes outrageous food items is not just a marketing strategy but also a response to changing consumer preferences. With the rise of social media, consumers are always on the lookout for unique and Instagrammable food items. The real cheeseburger is a perfect example of a product that caters to this trend.

This strategy is not only limited to Thailand but is a global phenomenon. For instance, in India, Burger King offers a range of vegetarian burgers to cater to the large vegetarian population. In Japan, Burger King introduced a black burger, wh...

06:52

Saudi imports of Russian fuel soared tenfold in June "IndyWatch Feed War"

The Cradle | July 13, 2023

Saudi Arabia imported record levels of Russian fuel oil in June, bringing in 910,000 metric tons, a nearly tenfold increase from the same period last year, to meet summer power generation needs.

Since the start of 2023, Saudi imports of Russian fuel have nearly doubled from last year. As of June, the kingdom imported 2.86 million metric tons of fuel oil, exceeding the 1.63 million metric tons imported for all of 2022.

Alongside many countries in the Global South, the kingdom has been ramping up its purchases of discounted Russian fuel over the past several months, allowing Moscow to negate much of the effects of western sanctions and a G7 price cap imposed on their energy sector.

The news comes just over a month after Saudi officials announced plans to cut oil production levels by an extra one million barrels per day (bpd) in July a cut that came on top of a massive reduction in oil output implemented since last October by OPEC+ member states, including Russia.

In May, Bloomberg reported, Saudi Arabia is snapping up millions of barrels of Russian diesel that Europe no longer allows, while simultaneously sending its own supplies back to buyers in the EU.

Traders and analysts believe the kingdom has been conducting this scheme to generate higher profits by taking advantage of western sanctions.

India and China are two other nations taking advantage of the situation, buying as much as 80 percent of the oil that Moscow exported in May.

In May 2023, India and China accounted for almost 80 percent of Russian crude oil exports, the Paris-based International Energy Agency (IEA) said in a report.

Russian fuel exports to Africa have also skyrocketed over the past year, increasing nearly 14-fold since the start of the war in Ukraine. Before March 2022, Moscow exported 33,000 bpd of refined products to African nations; by March 2023, exports soared to 420,000 bpd.

04:28

China evacuates 40,000 people from floods - 11.8 inches of rain in 14 hours - more rain expected "IndyWatch Feed World"

More than 40,000 people in China's Sichuan province have been evacuated because of floods, state media reported on Wednesday, as cloudbursts dropped huge amounts of precipitation over several parts of the country. Bursts of unusually heavy rain have saturated different areas over the past few weeks, causing flooding and mudslides that have destroyed homes, damaged infrastructure and killed several people. China's rain and floods come as several other parts of the world have been seeing similar disastrous downpours, raising new fears about the pace of climate change. State broadcaster CCTV reported that 300.7 mm (11.8 inches) of rain had fallen over Yaan city in Sichuan province over about 14 hours, causing flash floods and mudslides that destroyed homes.

04:03

86 killed, 151 injured in Pakistan rain fury: Report "IndyWatch Feed World"

As many as 86 people have been killed and 151 others injured in the recent monsoon rains since June 25, Pakistan-based ARY News reported citing the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). The NDMA, in its report, stated that six people died and nine others were wounded in the heavy rains across Pakistan in the past 24 hours, according to ARY News. According to NDMA data, so far, 86 deaths and 151 injuries have been reported, which includes 16 women and 37 children.

02:29

Germany creates equity in Western Ukraine "IndyWatch Feed War"

BY M. K. BHADRAKUMAR | INDIAN PUNCHLINE | JULY 13, 2023 

The hypothesis that the Anglo-Saxon axis is pivotal to the proxy war in Ukraine against Russia is only partly true. Germany is actually Ukraines second largest arms supplier, after the United States. Chancellor Olaf Scholz pledged a new arms package worth 700 million euros, including additional tanks, munitions and Patriot air defence systems at the NATO summit in Vilnius, putting Berlin, as he said, at the very forefront of military support for Ukraine. 

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius stressed, By doing this, were making a significant contribution to strengthening Ukraines staying power. However, the pantomime playing out may have multiple motives. 

Fundamentally, Germanys motivation is traceable to the crushing defeat by the Red Army and has little to do with Ukraine as such. The Ukraine crisis has provided the context for accelerating Germanys militarisation. Meanwhile, revanchist feelings are rearing their head and there is a bipartisan consensus between Germanys leading centrist parties CDU, SPD and Green Party in this regard. 

In an interview in the weekend, the CDUs leading foreign and defence expert Roderich Kiesewetter (an ex-colonel who headed the Association of Reservists of the Bundeswehr from 2011 to 2016) suggested that if conditions warrant in the Ukraine situation, NATO should consider to cut off Kaliningrad from Russian supply lines. We see how Putin reacts when he is under pressure. Berlin is still smarting under the surrender of the ancient Prussian city of Knigsberg in April 1945. 

Stalin ordered 1.5 million Soviet troops supported by several thousand tanks and aircraft to attack the crack Nazi Panzer divisions deeply entrenched in Knigsberg. The capture of the heavily fortified stronghold of  Knigsberg by the Soviet army was celebrated in Moscow with an artillery salvo by 324 cannons firing 24 shells each.  

Evidently, Kiesewetters remarks show that nothing is forgotten or forgiven in Berlin even after 8 decades. Thus, Germany is the Biden Administrations closest ally in the war against Russia. The German government has stated its understanding for the Biden administrations controver...

00:10

Irelands News Media. RT TV Fully Complicit in Endorsing the Pandemic Narrative "IndyWatch Feed Nthamerica"

All Global Research articles can be read in 51 languages by activating the Translate Website button below the authors name.

To receive Global Researchs Daily Newsletter (selected articles), click here.

Click the share button above to email/forward this article

The post Irelands News Media. RT TV Fully Complicit in Endorsing the Pandemic Narrative appeared first on Global Research.

Go Back:30 Days | 7 Days | 2 Days | 1 Day

ConflictWatch India Feed Today.

Go Forward:1 Day | 2 Days | 7 Days | 30 Days

Thursday, 13 July

22:57

The Transformative Impact of Sports Betting on the Sporting Landscape "IndyWatch Feed World"

In recent years, the relationship between sports and sports betting has undergone a transformative shift, reshaping the sporting landscape. The convergence of technology, changing regulatory environments, and shifting societal attitudes has propelled sports betting into the mainstream. This article delves into the multifaceted impact of sports betting on sports, exploring its influence on fan engagement, team dynamics, media coverage, and the emergence of new sporting formats.

Fan Engagement and Interactivity

Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com

Sports betting has revolutionized fan engagement, taking it beyond mere spectatorship. The integration of live betting options, fantasy sports leagues, and prediction games has transformed how fans experience sports. Betting platforms provide real-time odds and allow fans to place bets during matches, heightening the thrill and emotional investment in the outcome. Additionally, there are platforms such as Stakepromocode that provide promo codes that incentivize fan participation by offering exclusive benefits and rewards for their participation. The rise of fantasy sports leagues enables fans to create their teams, compete against friends, and analyze player performances, fostering a deeper connection with the sport and players.

Team Performance and Player Monitoring

The advent of sports betting has brought a data-driven approach to team management and player performance analysis. Teams and coaches utilize advanced analytics and sports betting data, often obtained through Promo Codes, to gain insights into opponent strategies, player statistics, and performance trends. This information enables them to make informed decisions regarding game strategies, player substitutions, and training regimens, ultimately enhancing team performance and optimizing player potential.

Media Coverage and Broadcasting

...

22:27

Flawed IPEF Wont Solve Global Supply Chain Issues "IndyWatch Feed War"

Ever since May 2023, when the 14-member Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) reached an agreement on strengthening the resilience of supply chains a crucial aspect of the frameworks second pillar an intense debate has been ignited within academia and media regarding its feasibility. For obvious reasons, scholars and commentators have delved into the potential ramifications and explored various perspectives on the matter. Some have scrutinized the practicality of implementing the agreement, while others have examined the potential economic and geopolitical implications it may entail. While the final text of the IPEF Supply Chain Agreement is yet to be unveiled to the media, initial indications have partially revealed its main features, suggesting the creation of comprehensive regulations and institutional mechanisms. The success of this agreement hinges on its implementation, with a particular focus on delineating tangible measures and possibly establishing specialized projects to propel further advancements.

Launched by US President Joe Biden in May 2022 during a Quad Summit in Tokyo, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) is a coalition of 14 member countries including India, Australia, Brunei, Fiji, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. The IPEFs declared objective is to establish a shared framework based on four key pillars: connectivity and digital trade, resilient supply chains, clean energy, and corruption-free fair trade. But the IPEF is generally viewed as the United States strategic response to its perceived retreat from the Asia-Pacific region during the Trump era, symbolized by the withdrawal from the ambitious Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), now known as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Evidently, the IPEF is an assertive move by the Biden administration to counter Chinas increasing sway in the Indo-Pacific region. With the IPEF, the United States aims to expand its economic leadership in the region while advancing its foreign policy and economic interests. Through strategic partnerships with member countries, Washington seeks to enhance the development of supply chains and promote regional connectivity in both physical and digital realms. In doing so, the United States hopes to solidify its position as a dominant economic force in the Indo-Pacific region, asserting its influence and securing its long-term economic and strategic objectives.

As per media reports, the proposed agreement has suggested the establishment of three bodies: a Supply Chain Council, a Supply Chain Crisis Response Network, and a Labor Rights Advisory Board. Additionally, the United States has pledged to initiate technical assistance and capacity-building programs, such as digital shipping pilot projects and an IPEF STEM Exchange Program. Nevertheless, the global response from th...

21:53

100 people killed as rains continue to batter north India (UPDATE) "IndyWatch Feed World"

At least 61 more people were reported dead across North India following incessant rains, flashfloods and lightning strikes on Monday, 34 of them in Uttar Pradesh and 17 in Himachal Pradesh, which is the worst affected state so far. More than 300 tourists are stranded in Himachal's Lahaul-Spiti district amid snowfall. Efforts are on to rescue them. Rains hampered the clearing of massive landslides that snapped road links. The tourists have been put up in hotels and government accommodations by the local administration. Besides, tourists and locals in two state roadways buses have been stuck following a flash flood in the Pagal nullah near Sissu village in the Lahaul Valley as it blocked the Manali-Leh highway.

20:31

The media's bizarre Sound of Freedom freakout "IndyWatch Feed World"

Jim Caviezel's madcap views are a reason to dismiss his film's success. Yet Tom Cruise's aren't? A small studio-produced film managed to best a big-budget iconic action hero franchise from Disney on the July 4 box office. You would think that would make for the media an interesting story, both with the success of that small film and the failure of the iconic Indiana Jones franchise. But that is not the tale being told about Angel Studios' Sound of Freedom, an action-thriller dramatization of the life and career of Tim Ballard, the former DHS agent who founded the OUR (Operation Underground Railroad), an organization dedicated to fighting child trafficking globally. Sound of Freedom has largely been a crowdsourced word-of-mouth success. Our national media has therefore decided to make it their latest target in their attempt to paint all things successful out of their purview as another right-wing moral panic and conspiracy, honing in on the film and the film's star Jim Caviezel (The...

20:27

Two-year-old mauled to death by stray dog in Gujarat, India "IndyWatch Feed World"

In yet another case of death due to stray dog bite, a child in Gujarat lost his life after he was fatally attacked by a dog. The incident happened at a ceramic factory on Matel Road in Morbi city of the state. According to the details, on July 11, a two-and-a-half-year-old boy, belonging to a family working at the factory, was attacked by a stray dog while he was playing on the premises. The child received serious injuries and was rushed to a hospital in Wankaner, where he was declared dead.

19:20

Lightning strike kills 85 sheep in Uttar Pradesh, India "IndyWatch Feed World"

In a tragic incident, 85 sheep died on Tuesday after being struck by lightning in UP's Chandauli district, officials said on Wednesday. Taking cognizance of the incident, chief minister Yogi Adityanath instructed officials to provide financial assistance to three affected farmers at the rate of 4,000 per sheep. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of thunderstorms accompanied with lightning at isolated places in the state while heavy showers were likely at isolated places over western and eastern parts of UP. Thunderstorms with lightning were likely in over 40 districts of UP, including Lucknow, Kanpur, Pratapgarh, Jaunpur, Gorakhpur, Lakhimpur Kheri, Sitapur, Unnao, Rae Bareli, Agra, and adjoining areas. According to the Met office, rainfall in the state will continue till July 15.

10:00

Indias Foreign Policy Dilemma: Counter or Cooperate with China? "IndyWatch Feed War"

F.M. Shakil New Delhis inclination towards the Atlanticist core contradicts its position as a self-reliant economic and military force, and hinders its aspirations for Eurasian integration through collaboration with China and Russia. In an era marked by shifting geopolitical dynamics and strategic realignments, Indias evolving role as a supplying and maintenance agent for the US...

07:24

Joe Rogan and Elon Musk mock MSNBC for claiming that working out is a 'far right' obsession "IndyWatch Feed World"

Podcaster Joe Rogan and Tesla CEO Elon Musk roasted MSNBC for a Monday tweet highlighting an article about the "far right's obsession with fitness" that linked fitness and nutrition efforts to Adolf Hitler and White supremacist ideology. The column, originally from 2022, was revived online after MSNBC's official Twitter account reposted it on Monday. "The far right's obsession with fitness is going digital," MSNBC tweeted. MSNBC thinks you're a nazi if you work out lmaooo," Musk wrote in a viral tweet Monday with over 5 million views.

06:39

Market Talk July 12, 2023 "IndyWatch Feed World"

ASIA:

 

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a $3 billion bailout program for Pakistan, which will last for nine months. This decision follows a staff level agreement reached between Pakistan and the IMF in the previous month. The financial support is crucial for Pakistan, which is facing economic challenges. Additionally, the United Arab Emirates has deposited $1 billion with Pakistans central bank to assist in boosting the countrys foreign exchange reserves. Pakistans Finance Minister, Ishaq Dar, made this announcement on Wednesday.

 

The major Asian stock markets had a mixed day today:

  • NIKKEI 225 decreased 259.64 points or -0.81% to 31,943.93
  • Shanghai decreased 25.23 points or -0.78% to 3,196.13
  • Hang Seng increased 201.12 points or 1.08% to 18,860.95
  • ASX 200 increased 26.80 points or 0.38% to 7,135.70
  • Kospi increased 12.23 points or 0.48% to 2,574.72
  • SENSEX decreased 223.94 points or -0.34% to 65,393.90
  • Nifty50 decreased 55.10 points or -0.28% to 19,384.30

 

 

The major Asian currency markets had a mixed day today:

  • AUDUSD increased 0.01010 or 1.50% to 0.67865
  • NZDUSD increased 0.01040 or 1.67% to 0.62996
  • USDJPY decreased 2.071 or -1.48% to 138.299
  • USDCNY decreased 0.04830 or -0.67% to 7.16438

 

Precious Metals:

  • Gold increased 25.70 USD/t oz. or 1.33% to 1,957.69
  • Silver increased 0.989 USD/t. oz or 4.28% to 24.092

 

Some economic news from last night:

New Zealand:

RBNZ Interest Rate Decision remain the same at 5.50%

 

Some economic news from today:

India:

CPI (YoY) (Jun) increased from 4.31% to 4.81%

 

 

EUROPE/EMEA:

 

Inflation in Russia increased in June, according to data from the state statistics service. This comes ahead of an expected interest rate hike by the central bank, the first in over a year. The central bank had previously lowered rates to 7.5% but has become more hawkish recently due to inflationary pressure caused by a weaker rouble, labor shortages, and high lending. In June, annual inflation reached 3.25%...

04:20

Saudi Arabia, UAE send Pakistan billions of dollars as it secures IMF deal "IndyWatch Feed War"

Saudi Arabia, UAE send Pakistan billions of dollars as it secures IMF deal

Riyadh and Abu Dhabi deliver $3bn to Islamabad, as IMF announces another $3bn bailout
MEE staff Wed, 07/12/2023 - 19:20
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (R) and Pakistan's Finance Minister Ishaq Dar (L) address a press conference in Lahore on 30 June 2023.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (R) and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar at a press conference in Lahore, on 30 June 2023 (AFP)

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have sent Pakistan a total of $3bn in financial support this week, as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a standby agreement for a bailout of another $3bn.

Saudi Arabia had pledged $2bn in funds to Islamabad back in April but had held off delivering the money until after it was clear an IMF bailout was coming. On Tuesday, it delivered the funds to Pakistan's central bank.

Then, on Wednesday, the UAE provided another billion dollars to the South Asian country, boosting its foreign reserves which had been left with just barely enough to cover a month's worth of imports.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif tweeted his deep gratitude to the leadership and brotherly people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the funds.

On Wednesday, the IMF also announced the finalisation of its bailout package for Pakistan, which will immediately disburse about $1.2bn and then stagger the rest of the disbursements over a nine-month period.

...

01:23

Israeli esports team sings national anthem and lifts flag in Saudi Arabia "IndyWatch Feed War"

Israeli esports team sings national anthem and lifts flag in Saudi Arabia

Israelis in Riyadh to participate in competition of the world's best players of the FIFA 23 football video game
MEE staff Wed, 07/12/2023 - 16:23
The Israeli team travelled on Friday to the United Arab Emirates and then to Riyadh using Israeli passports (Screengrab)
The Israeli team travelled on Friday to the United Arab Emirates and then to Riyadh using Israeli passports (Screengrab)

An Israeli esports team played the national anthem and lifted the Israeli flag in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh on Tuesday at a videogame tournament organised by FIFA and EA Sports.

Israel's Kan broadcaster reported that singing the anthem was part of the dress rehearsal for the opening ceremony for the FIFAe World Cup finals, a competition drawing the world's best players of the FIFA 23 football video game, being held in the Saudi capital.

Israel and Saudi Arabia have no official ties, though relations have warmed considerably in recent years.

The official FIFA account published a video on Tuesday during which the Israeli players appear for a short moment along with their country's flag.

The Israeli team travelled on Friday to the United Arab Emirates and then to Riyadh using Israeli passports, and FIFA officials coordinated the visit, Kan reported.

00:56

Israel-Lebanon: Hezbollah members 'wounded' in explosion at border "IndyWatch Feed War"

Israel-Lebanon: Hezbollah members 'wounded' in explosion at border

Israeli media claims three members of Hezbollah had set a fire at the border, setting off landmines
MEE staff Wed, 07/12/2023 - 15:56
An artillery vehicle is photographed on the outskirts of Kiryat Shmona near Israel's border with Lebanon on 6 July 2023 (AFP)

Members of Lebanon's Hezbollah movement were wounded on Wednesday in an explosion on the southern border with Israel, according to media reports. 

Sources told Reuters the men were wounded in an "attack" and a security source told AFP the injuries were from "Israeli fire". 

Initial reports from local media state that three members of Hezbollah were wounded in the incident. 

The Israeli army said it foiled an attempt by Lebanese men to damage the border fence. 

However, the Israeli news site Ynet said that Israeli troops had used "non-lethal" means to drive the men away.

There was no immediate comment from Hezbollah. 

According to Al Jazeera, the group is now conducting an investigation with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) to determine the source of the blast.  

Israel's public broadcaster Kan said earlier that a group of Hezbollah men had set a fire at the border, setting off landmines, and that Israeli troops had fired warning shots during the incident. 

An Israeli army spokesperson said in a statement that several individuals holding Hezbollah flags were seen firing flares towards Israel, and that the army pushed them...

Go Back:30 Days | 7 Days | 2 Days | 1 Day

ConflictWatch India Feed Today.

Go Forward:1 Day | 2 Days | 7 Days | 30 Days

Wednesday, 12 July

22:03

4 feet of summer snow on road to Chandratal lake hindering evacuation of 293 stranded tourists in Himachal Pradesh, India "IndyWatch Feed World"

Heavy snow on the way to Chandratal Lake from Losar in Himachal Pradesh's Lahaul and Spiti district has proved a major deterrent for the district administration to evacuate the 293 stranded tourists out of the area safely for the past four days. The tourists were stranded at Chandratal since Saturday due to blockade of road in the region. On Tuesday, a rescue team comprising the Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Border Roads Organisation (BRO) personnel, local youths and officials led by Kaza ADC Rahul Jain moved towards Chandratal from Losar, but heavy snow on the Losar-Chandratal road disrupted their access to the site. The BRO started the snow clearing operation on the road on Tuesday and were able to restore only 12km of road from Losar towards Chandratal. According to officials, 25-km-long road is still covered under thick blanket of snow upto Chandratal, where up to 4 feet of snow has been reported.

14:27

Two stern warnings must be given to the arrogant NATO "IndyWatch Feed War"

 Two stern warnings must be given to the arrogant NATO: Global Times editorial

Global Times Editorial

July 12, 2023: Information Clearing House -- The NATO summit is being held in Vilnius, Lithuania, from Tuesday to Thursday. The meeting focuses on plans to "counter the threat" from Russia, including discussions on NATO's expansion and Ukraine's future membership to NATO. Meanwhile, NATO's strategic impulse to meddle in the Asia-Pacific region is also imminent at this summit. Expanding cooperation with the four "Asia-Pacific partners" - Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand - is another major topic of the summit. In this regard, the US media boldly stated that NATO is trying to "deter China's strategic ambitions."

This is the second year that Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand have been invited to the NATO summit. In order to firmly rope in these four countries, NATO imitated the "Quad" mechanism of the US, Japan, India and Australia at last year's summit, and specially created a new name for these four countries called "Asia-Pacific Four (AP4)." This aims to institutionalize the cooperation between these four countries and NATO, and make them de facto new allies of "NATO+" in the Asia-Pacific region. According to sources, the joint statement to be issued in Vilnius will change the name of AP4 to "Indo-Pacific Four (IP4)," which is undoubtedly more in line with Washington's tone.

There are 31 NATO members, but they have never been monolithic and have different views on many international issues. However, they are in general dominated by the will of the US. Now they have been kidnapped by the panic and tension instigated by the US, becoming "Washington's axe, spears and shovels." Wherever NATO goes, wars are likely to break out. These are not only the subjective impressions left by NATO, but also objective facts to a large extent. This situation is actually more worthy of the high vigilance of those member states within NATO that have no intention of being pa...

07:11

Market Talk July 11, 2023 "IndyWatch Feed World"

ASIA:

 

Walt Disney is considering various strategic options for its Star India business, such as a joint venture or a sale, according to sources familiar with the matter. The company has engaged in discussions with at least one bank to explore opportunities for growth and cost-sharing for the India business. However, the talks are in the early stages, and it is uncertain which options, if any, Disney will ultimately pursue.

 

The major Asian stock markets had a green day today:

  • NIKKEI 225 increased 13.84 points or 0.04% to 32,203.57
  • Shanghai increased 17.67 points or 0.55% to 3,221.37
  • Hang Seng increased 180.11 points or 0.97% to 18,659.83
  • ASX 200 increased 104.90 points or 1.50% to 7,108.90
  • Kospi increased 41.79 points or 1.66% to 2,562.49
  • SENSEX increased 273.67 points or 0.42% to 65,617.84
  • Nifty50 increased 83.50 points or 0.43% to 19,439.40

 

 

The major Asian currency markets had a negative day today:

  • AUDUSD decreased 0.00098 or -0.15% to 0.66652
  • NZDUSD decreased 0.00269 or -0.43% to 0.61821
  • USDJPY decreased 0.806 or -0.57% to 140.504
  • USDCNY decreased 0.00861 or -0.12% to 7.21969

 

Precious Metals:

  • Gold increased 6.23 USD/t oz. or 0.32% to 1,931.22
  • Silver decreased 0.065 USD/t. oz or -0.28% to 23.050

 

Some economic news from last night:

Australia:

NAB Business Confidence (Jun) increased from -3 to 0

 

Some economic news from today:

China:

New Loans (Jun) increased from 1,360.0B to 3,050.0B

 

 

EUROPE/EMEA:

 

national currency, the rouble, with consumers starting from August. The country has been actively working on developing digital currency in order to modernize its financial system and counter the rise of cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin. The central bank of Russia has confirmed these plans, highlighting the countrys efforts to keep pace with global digital currency trends.

 

The major Europe stock markets had a green day today:

  • CAC 40 increased 76.32...

06:14

Majority of Finns don't want NATO's nukes - poll "IndyWatch Feed World"

Less than half the population supports the establishment of a permanent NATO base despite joining the bloc... Significant majorities of the Finnish population oppose the transportation and storage of NATO's nuclear weapons in the country, despite having joined the bloc last year, according to the results of a University of Helsinki survey published on Thursday. More than three-quarters (77%) of respondents opposed the storage of nuclear weapons in Finland, where they are illegal, while just 14% supported it. Even transporting NATO's nuclear arsenal through Finnish territory was opposed by 61% of respondents, with just 27% in favor. University of Helsinki professor Hanna Wass, one of the researchers who conducted the survey, told Finnish broadcaster Yle: "Finland is protected by NATO's nuclear umbrella, but the shared responsibility does not extend to a willingness to transport weapons here. This might be a reflection of a not-in-my-backyard mentality, but above all, it is...

05:49

61 more people killed as rains continue to batter north India "IndyWatch Feed World"

At least 61 more people were reported dead across North India following incessant rains, flashfloods and lightning strikes on Monday, 34 of them in Uttar Pradesh and 17 in Himachal Pradesh, which is the worst affected state so far. More than 300 tourists are stranded in Himachal's Lahaul-Spiti district amid snowfall. Efforts are on to rescue them. Rains hampered the clearing of massive landslides that snapped road links. The tourists have been put up in hotels and government accommodations by the local administration. Besides, tourists and locals in two state roadways buses have been stuck following a flash flood in the Pagal nullah near Sissu village in the Lahaul Valley as it blocked the Manali-Leh highway.

04:50

Is the United States Pursuing a Permanent Cold War with Russia? "IndyWatch Feed War"

By Ted Galen Carpenter | The Libertarian Institute | July 11, 2023

There is growing speculation about how the Russia-Ukraine war might eventually end. Three competing scenarios are strong possibilities. The most likely outcome is a definitive Russian victory after a grinding, bloody struggle lasting several more years. As time drags on, Russias larger population and military will confer greater and greater advantages in the fighting, despite the lumbering, inefficient nature of the Kremlins forces.

The second most likely outcome is a frozen conflict roughly along the current battle lines. Fighting would end with an armistice rather than a formal peace treaty and reflect exhaustion on the part of both Ukraine and Russia. Such frozen conflicts already exist in places such as Kashmir, Cyprus, and most notably, Korea.

The least likely outcome would be a definitive victory by Ukraine, given Russias long-term logistical advantages. Unfortunately, both Washington and NATO have embraced that unrealistic objective, pledging continued Western military support and encouraging Kiev to stay the course, regardless of the mounting costs in blood and treasure to the Ukrainian people.

No matter how the war finally ends, the Biden administration and its NATO partners appear to have given surprisingly little consideration to what the Wests postwar relationship with Moscow willor shouldlook like. Robert E. Hunter, a former U.S. Ambassador to NATO, touched on one important aspect in his recent article in Responsible Statecraft. He contended that there are more important issues than Ukraines NATO membership aspirations that need to be discussed at the 2023 NATO summit. More consequential for the long term is an issue that wont arise at Vilnius: what role Russia can play in European security after the war is over.

Hunter points out the crucial reality that unless Russia disintegrates, at some point in the future it will have to be dealt with as a revived great power, which under any leader will pursue what Russia considers to be its legitimate interests. (Already, a weakened Russia is challenging Western interests in the Middle East and elsewhere.) Russias European interests include not havin...

02:24

Five Reasons Why India Could Mediate A Russian-Ukrainian Ceasefire "IndyWatch Feed War"

BY ANDREW KORYBKO | JULY 11, 2023

Theres a growing consensus that the failure of Kievs NATObacked counteroffensive and Moscows edge over NATO in their race of logistics/war of attrition will result in the resumption of Russian-Ukrainian talks in some form by the end of the year as was explained here. This will at the very least be aimed at reaching a ceasefire, but Zelensky is prohibited by the Rada from conducting talks with Russia, ergo the need for a mediator. Here are five reasons why India could play this role:

-

1. The US Wants To De-Sinify The Peace Process

China has the diplomatic power to implement its plan for freezing the NATO-Russian proxy war, but only if the US allows Kiev to participate in talks under its aegis, which is unlikely to be approved. Theres no way that Washington would let its systemic rival go down in history as the country that helped end the most geostrategically significant conflict since World War II, with it instead preferring to de-Sinify the peace process by having someone else play this role in order to deprive Beijing of that diplomatic victory.

2. Russia Might Not Trust Turkiye To Mediate Again

Turkish President Erdogans violation of the Azovstal deal that he reached last year with his Russian counterpart might have irreparably damaged trust between them to the point where President Putin no longer feels comfortable with Turkiye mediating between it and Kiev e...

Go Back:30 Days | 7 Days | 2 Days | 1 Day

ConflictWatch India Feed Today.

Go Forward:1 Day | 2 Days | 7 Days | 30 Days

Tuesday, 11 July

00:22

Extremist Ideology in Europe: Leave Everyone Behind (Except Us) "IndyWatch Feed War"

Human Wrongs Watch

MADRID, Jul 10 2023 (IPS)* A quick glance at the current European political map would clearly show how far the extremist ideology has been installed in European countries those who still wave the French Revolutions flag of Libert, Egalit, Fraternit.

Credit: United Nations

According to the Napoleonic French Revolutions three pillars, Liberty means freedom for an individual to do what he/she wants to do without harming others Liberty. Equality means equal opportunity to all the citizens irrespective of their caste, religion, race, gender.

Fraternity means an environment of brotherhood among the citizens of a nation.

Not true that all humans are equal

These concepts have also been clearly reflected in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the actual umbrella of all the other international laws and agreements, such as the 2030 Agenda, which was adopted in 2015 by all countries -including the richest ones, those who now violate their own principles.

Instead, the extremist ideology promoted by Europes right and far-right politicians is pushing either openly or surreptitiously for the suppression of many of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established in the worldwide adopted 2030 Agenda under the principle:Leave No One Behind.

A...

Go Back:30 Days | 7 Days | 2 Days | 1 Day

ConflictWatch India Feed Today.

Go Forward:1 Day | 2 Days | 7 Days | 30 Days

Monday, 10 July

21:46

Sri Lanka: Tamil Tigers Making a Comeback? "IndyWatch Feed War"

As 2023 unfolds, Sri Lanka is wrestling with a series of political and economic crises, with growing fears of insecurity for the island. A narcotics and arms bust by Indias National Investigation Agency (NIA) in April identified a Pakistani criminal network associated with the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the terrorist outfit Lakshar-e-Taiba (LeT) as responsible for an uptick in shipments between India and Sri Lanka. Further investigative details on the case also indicated a desire by the criminal group to revive the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), the prominent militant group that engaged in a decades-long civil war with the Sri Lankan government until its defeat in 2009.

In addition to the NIAs bust, a sensational claim in February 2023 by a Tamil nationalist suggested that the LTTEs founder and former leader, Velupillai Prabhakaran, long believed to be deceased, was still alive. Though still unproven, this claim and the NIA bust has renewed debate over a potential revival of the LTTE. Compounding these concerns is an economic recovery effort in Sri Lanka that continues to lag.

 

Historical context

The LTTE emerged in the context of deep-seated ethnic tensions between the majority Sinhalese and minority Tamils, becoming the most prominent group advocating for Tamil rights and, eventually, for a separate state known as Tamil Eelam. The Tamil Tigers distinguished themselves with a high degree of efficacy and sophistication in their attacks, proving their capability as a formidable non-state military force with naval and air power at its peak.

The post Sri Lanka: Tamil Tigers Making a Comeback? appeared first on Geopolitical Monitor.

Saturday, 08 July

14:00

Somethings Gotta Give: Imran Khan versus the Pakistan Military "IndyWatch Feed War"

The internet was flooded with alarming images, showcasing an unprecedented backlash against the military establishment. Supporters of Imran from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, known as PTI supporters, engaged in destructive activities such as storming the General Headquarters and causing havoc at the Lahore Corps Commanders residence. They also defaced military monuments and properties across the country. These actions were a stark contrast to the peaceful protests conducted by Mr. Khan and his party in the past, despite facing significant political harassment for over a year. In response, the military crackdown, fueled by anger, was equally brutal. Internet services were suspended, resulting in widespread blackouts and significant financial losses for telecommunication and other industries. Restrictions on public gatherings were imposed, and the military was deployed in Islamabad, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to restore order. 

Various conspiracy theories surfaced, suggesting that the destruction of national property, including the Lahore Corps Commanders residence, was orchestrated by collusion between the establishment and the government to discredit the PTI. However, proving these claims is challenging amidst the constant propaganda from both sides. Nevertheless, there is evidence that PTI members themselves were directly involved in the riots, as confirmed by arrested party members. Regardless of the circumstances, the events of that day represented a dark moment for Pakistan, and it is possible that everyone shares some responsibility for this tragic turn of events. Although Imran Khan was subsequently released by the Islamabad High Court, the distressing events of May 9th have strengthened the heavy-handedness of both the establishment and the incumbent Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government. 

Wha...

07:01

The Greenland Threat Escalates "IndyWatch Feed War"

Will the worlds major coastal cities, such as NYC, survive escalating global heat conditions in Greenland? And what if both Greenland and Antarctica follow the recent very disturbing pattern of the worlds oceans? For the first time that scientists can recall, sea surface temperatures that always recede from annual peaks are failing to do so, staying high.

Climate change is getting dangerously worse, which is becoming a more common statement among scientists. Ecosystems are starting to fail right before our eyes. For example, in 2022 Europe experienced a big scare with temporary loss of full service for navigable commercial waterways, like the Rhine, and loss of potable water in regions of France and Italy, necessitating water delivery by truck to over 100 communities, with much of Asia experiencing similar issues, especially China and India.

Suddenly, the world is a different place, a description that fits Greenland, especially August 14, 2021, when it rained at Summit Station, 10,551 feet elevation. Theres no previous record of rainfall at the 2-mile summit. It was one more unprecedented climate event. More on Greenland and coastal cities follows herein.

According to the IPCC 6th Assessment Report: There is high confidence that climate change has already caused irreversible losses in terrestrial, freshwater and coastal and open ocean marine ecosystems. Still, climate scientists continue pumping out reports about those same irreversible losses, but frustration mounts as reports pile on top of reports in the face of negligible efforts by the 195 signatories to Paris 15.

Its not surprising that climate scientists are becoming street protestors.

Scientists Rebel

In December 2021 an offbeat science article called for scientists to stop feeding research into a bottomless pit of inaction: The science-society contract is broken. The climate is changing The tragedy of climate change science is that at the same time as compelling evidence is gathered, fresh warnings issued, and novel methodologies developed, indicators of adverse global change rise year upon year.1

Furthermore: We therefore call for a halt to further IPCC assessments. We call for a moratorium on climate change research until governments are willing to fulfil their responsibilities in good faith and urgently mobilize coordinated action from the local to global levels. This third option is the only effective way to arrest the tragedy of climate change science....

ConflictWatch India Feed Archiver

Go Back:30 Days | 7 Days | 2 Days | 1 Day

ConflictWatch India Feed Today.

Go Forward:1 Day | 2 Days | 7 Days | 30 Days

ConflictWatch India Feed was generated at Central Asia ConflictWatch.

Resource generated at ConflictWatch using aliasfeed and rawdog