World

East Asia Summit: Bangladesh calls for urgent action on Myanmar crisis

admin 0

Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin has called for urgent action from the international community to act on an urgent basis to find a durable solution to the Rohingya crisis

Published Date – 03:00 PM, Thu – 7 September 23


East Asia Summit: Bangladesh calls for urgent action on Myanmar crisis

ANI Photo

Jakarta: Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin has called for urgent action from the international community to act on an urgent basis to find a durable solution to the Rohingya crisis stating that it has pushed Bangladesh to its limits.

“It is the collective responsibility of the international community to find a durable solution to this crisis in its place of origin in Myanmar. Further delay to commence safe, voluntary and sustainable reparation and shortage of humanitarian support may put the entire region at risk,” he said.

The Bangladesh president said this in his address at the inauguration ceremony of the 18th East Asia Summit at the Jakarta Convention Centre in the Indonesian Capital.

“Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina sheltered 1.2 million forcibly displaced people from Myanmar on humanitarian grounds. Even in the seventh year of the crisis, there is no solution in sight where Bangladesh is pushed to the limits,” he said.

The Bangladesh president also underscored the significance of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and said Bangladesh wishes to enhance its relations with ASEAN.

“I believe that IORA engagement in the Indo-Pacific region would ensure a fair, equitable and sustainable trade and investment environment that would enhance economic growth and cooperation while building resilient regional and global values chains,” said Shahabuddin.

Indonesia is the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year.

East Asia Summit is the foremost of the ASEAN-centered mechanisms in the Indo-Pacific. Since its inception in 2005, it has played a significant role in providing a platform for dialogue and discussion on matters of strategic importance to the region.

The EAS is held annually by leaders of 18 countries of the Asia-Pacific region formed to further the objectives of regional peace, security and prosperity. The membership of EAS consists of 10 ASEAN Member States (i.e. Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam), Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation and the USA.

The first East Asia Summit was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on December 14, 2005.

On Thursday Prime Minister Modi attended the 20th ASEAN-India Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit at the invitation of Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo. The Prime Minister’s visit to Indonesia comes ahead of the G20 Summit to be held in New Delhi on September 9-10 under India’s Presidency this year.

World

Turkey carries out airstrikes against PKK targets in Iraq

admin 0

The Turkish military carried out two airstrikes against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) targets in northern Iraq

Published Date – 08:25 AM, Sun – 17 September 23


Turkey carries out airstrikes against PKK targets in Iraq

IANS Photo

Ankara: The Turkish military carried out two airstrikes against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) targets in northern Iraq, Turkey’s Defence Ministry said.

The air operations, conducted on Wednesday and Friday, targeted PKK hideouts in the Gara region, destroying a total of 31 targets, and “neutralising” senior group members, according to a statement from the Ministry released on Saturday. The targets included caves, shelters, and caches used by the PKK members, the Ministry said.

Turkish authorities often use the term “neutralised” in their statements to imply the “terrorists” in question surrendered or were killed or captured, Xinhua news agency reported. The Turkish security forces often conduct cross-border operations in northern Iraq, a region holding hideouts and bases of PKK militants, from where they carry out attacks against Turkey.

The PKK, listed as a terrorist organisation by Turkey, the US, and the European Union, has rebelled against the Turkish government for more than three decades.

World

Turkey may part ways with European Union if necessary: Erdogan

admin 0

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that Turkey may “part ways with the EU,” suggesting that his country may end the bid to join the European bloc

Published Date – 08:30 AM, Sun – 17 September 23


Turkey may part ways with European Union if necessary: Erdogan



Istanbul: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that Turkey may “part ways with the EU,” suggesting that his country may end the bid to join the European bloc.

“The European Union is trying to break away from Turkey,” Erdogan told journalists on Saturday in Istanbul before leaving for New York to attend the annual UN General Assembly meetings. Turkey would make its own assessment on a recent report adopted by the European Parliament, in which the EU criticised Ankara for failing to make progress in several areas to revive its membership talks, the Turkish President added.

“After these evaluations, we may part ways with the EU if necessary,” Erdogan warned. Turkey has pursued membership in the 27-nation bloc for over two decades, yet the accession process has experienced limited advancement owing to numerous disparities between Ankara and Brussels. Since 2018, the accession negotiation process has been frozen, Xinhua news agency reported.

Regarding Sweden’s application to join NATO, Erdogan said that he would align with the decision made by the Turkish Parliament. “The West keeps saying Sweden, Sweden. We say that it’s not possible for us to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ unless our Parliament makes a decision,” he added.

The Turkish leader called on the Nordic country to do its part as Ankara accuses Stockholm of failure to address Turkey’s security-related concerns. “It’s not enough to just draft laws. They should be implemented,” Erdogan said.

World

Hungary extends Ukrainian agricultural import ban

admin 0

The Hungarian government has extended and expanded a ban on Ukrainian agricultural imports

Published Date – 08:20 AM, Sun – 17 September 23


Hungary extends Ukrainian agricultural import ban



Budapest: The Hungarian government has extended and expanded a ban on Ukrainian agricultural imports. The decision was announced by Hungarian Agriculture Minister Istvan Nagy on Saturday.

Nagy highlighted the termination of the European Union’s import restrictions on Ukrainian agricultural products on Friday night, emphasising the necessity of maintaining the moratorium to address market disruptions, Xinhua news agency reported.

The government also proposed the establishment of a transit support fund to facilitate the distribution of Ukrainian agricultural products to destinations beyond Europe, thereby averting famine and potential migration waves. Other Central European countries like Poland and Slovakia have rallied behind Hungary’s stance, echoing the need to protect their farmers’ interests.

Romania, however, remains cautiously observant, awaiting Ukraine’s action plan before deciding on its course of action.

Meanwhile, Bulgaria on Thursday agreed to resume import measures for Ukrainian agricultural products. In May, the European Commission imposed a ban on grain exports from Ukraine to five European countries, namely Poland, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary.

The restrictions are due to expire on Friday. Earlier this week, officials from Poland and Hungary said their countries plan to extend the embargo on Ukrainian grain imports.

World

Italian air force aircraft crashes during an acrobatic exercise, 5-year-old girl dies

admin 0

The crash reportedly happened after takeoff from the Turin Caselle airport, near the industrial northern city

Published Date – 07:40 AM, Sun – 17 September 23


Italian air force aircraft crashes during an acrobatic exercise, 5-year-old girl dies

Photo: AP

Milan: An aircraft of the Italian acrobatic air team the Frecce Tricolori crashed on Saturday during a practice run outside the northern city of Turin, killing a child on the ground, Italian media reported.

The plane or parts of the plane reportedly struck a car carrying a family, killing a 5-year-old girl. A 9-year-old and the parents were being treated for burns, according to Italian news agency ANSA. The pilot ejected and also reportedly suffered burns.

Video of the crash shows nine aircraft in two tight V-formations, before one of the aircraft drops below the others and crashes, sending a fireball into the air. In the video, the pilot can be seen ejecting with a parachute shortly before impact.

The crash reportedly happened after takeoff from the Turin Caselle airport, near the industrial northern city. There was no immediate word on the pilot’s condition or the reason for the crash.

The Frecce Tricolori is Italy‘s premier team of acrobatic pilots, part of the Italian air force. They typically perform dramatic flybys at events of national importance, leaving streaks of red, green and white smoke for the colours of the Italian flag. They perform more intricate acrobatics during air shows.

The squad was preparing for a show on Sunday.

In 1988, three aircraft of the Frecce Tricolori collided and crashed to the ground during an air show at Ramstein Air Base in Germany attended by around 300,000 people. The three pilots and 67 people on the ground died. Hundreds more suffered injuries.

World

Russian officials say five drones shot down, including one targeting capital

admin 0

Five drones were shot down over three Russian regions overnight, with one targeting the capital, officials said Thursday. There were reports of no casualties

Published Date – 03:07 PM, Thu – 7 September 23


Russian officials say five drones shot down, including one targeting capital

Five drones were shot down over three Russian regions overnight, with one targeting the capital, officials said Thursday. There were reports of no casualties

Moscow: Five drones were shot down over three Russian regions overnight, with one targeting the capital, officials said Thursday. There were reports of no casualties.

Meanwhile, Russia launched a fourth day of air attacks on the Ukrainian port city of Izmail, located on the Danube river. Oleh Kiper, regional Governor of Odesa, said infrastructure was damaged in the attack, including grain silos, and one person was injured.

The attack came one day after a Russian missile struck a busy market in the eastern city of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk, killing 17 and wounding at least 32. The attack overshadowed a two-day visit by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, aimed at assessing Ukraine’s 3-month-old counteroffensive and signalling continued US support for the fight.

One drone targeted Moscow, but was shot down southeast of the city without causing any damage or injuries, Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said.

Two more drones were shot down over the southern region of Rostov, which borders Ukraine, said regional Governor Vasily Golubev. The debris fell in the centre of Rostov-on-Don, the region’s capital, damaging several cars and shattering windows in three buildings, Golubev said. One person sought medical assistance.

Two other drones were shot down over the Bryansk region, which also borders Ukraine, Governor Alexander Bogomaz reported. Drone debris damaged a railway station and several cars, he said.

Russia’s Defence Ministry blamed the attacks on Ukraine. Ukraine usually does not take credit for strikes inside Russia.

Drone attacks on Crimea and Russian regions have become increasingly common in recent months. Fuel depots and air fields have been hit in drone attacks that Russian officials blamed on Kyiv. In recent weeks drones have repeatedly targeted Moscow, with some hitting buildings in the city centre, while others being shot down on the outskirts of the city.

World

Japan joins India, other nations to protest against 2023 edition of China’s ‘standard map’

admin 0

China has been questioned by various countries with many of them lodging protests against the nation. Japan is the latest country to join the others in rejecting Beijing’s map

Published Date – 03:52 PM, Thu – 7 September 23


Japan joins India, other nations to protest against 2023 edition of China’s ‘standard map’



Tokyo: Since the release of its so-called “standard map,” China has been questioned by various countries with many of them lodging protests against the nation. Japan is the latest country to join the others in rejecting Beijing’s map.

According to Matsuno Hirokazu, chief cabinet secretary of Japan, the map’s description of the Senkaku Islands is based on Beijing’s claims.

Hirokazu said the islands are unquestionably an “inherent part” of Japan’s territory, in terms of both history and international law, according to Japanese public broadcaster, NHK World.

He said that Japan has lodged a strong protest with Beijing via diplomatic channels and has demanded an immediate retraction of the description on the map.
However, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson dismissed the Japanese government’s protest over a description of Japan’s Senkaku Islands in a new map released by Beijing, according to NHK. Notably, Japan controls the islands. They are disputed by China and Taiwan.

Apart from India, it is the United States, Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Taiwan that have lodged strong protests against China so far.

Indonesia said “Comply with UNCLOS”, whereas Taiwan said the map “can’t change our country’s existence”. Nepal too reacted to it and asked Beijing to “respect” its 2020 Map.

On August 31, the Indonesian foreign minister Retno Marsudi emphasized that the drawing of territorial lines, including the 2023 Edition of the Standard Map of China, must be in accordance with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 the Indonesian News Agency Antara reported.

Regarding the release of the so-called “Standard Map” by China, the Russian envoy to India, Denis Alipov had recently said it “doesn’t change anything on the ground..” China, on August 28, released the 2023 edition of its “standard map”, incorporating the country’s claims over the nine-dash line, thereby laying claim to a large part of the South China Sea. Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei have all claims over the South China Sea areas.

India lodged a strong protest against China, rejecting claims made by Beijing in the so-called “standard map” and saying they have no basis to claim India’s territory.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said such steps from the Chinese side would only complicate the resolution of the boundary question.Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said it is an “old habit” of China to stake claim on territories that do not belong to them. He dismissed Beijing’s ‘absurd claims’ and said ‘putting out a map does not mean anything.’ “China has put out maps with territories (that are) not theirs.

(It is an) old habit. Just by putting out maps with parts of India… this doesn’t change in anything, Jaishankar said, adding, ‘Our government is very clear about what our territories are. Making absurd claims does not make other people’s territories yours,” Jaishankar said.

However, in an attempt to appear unfazed, Beijing termed its publication of the so-called ‘standard map’ as a ‘routine practice’ and asked the concerned nations to view it in an “objective and rational light”.

World

Australia embarks on maiden lunar mission with rover deployment

admin 0

With international cooperation, Australia is poised to play a critical role in advancing humanity’s exploration of the Moon and beyond.

Published Date – 05:30 PM, Thu – 7 September 23


Australia embarks on maiden lunar mission with rover deployment

Australia

Hyderabad: The Australian Space Agency, collaborating hand in hand with NASA, has embarked on an ambitious endeavor within the Moon to Mars initiative – the creation of an Australian-built rover, an important part of the Trailblazer program.

Leveraging Australia’s unrivaled proficiency in remote operations, this rover is tasked with the collection of lunar regolith, the precious lunar soil.

NASA’s audacious goal is to extract oxygen from these samples, marking a significant stride toward establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon. The rover could touch down on the lunar surface as early as 2026.

In a remarkable fusion of cutting-edge technology and international cooperation, Australia is poised to play a critical role in advancing humanity’s exploration of the Moon and beyond.

World

New ransomware group takes responsibility for Sabre data breach

admin 0

The ransomware group posted a portion of the allegedly stolen files, claiming that the entire cache would be made “available soon”

Published Date – 06:14 PM, Thu – 7 September 23


New ransomware group takes responsibility for Sabre data breach

Representational Image

San Francisco: A new ransomware group known as Dunghill Leak has claimed that it is the one that hacked the systems of global travel booking giant Sabre.

According to TechCrunch, in a listing on its dark web leak site, the group claimed responsibility for the apparent cyberattack, alleging it took about 1.3 terabytes of data, including databases on ticket sales and passenger turnover, employees’ personal data, and corporate financial information. “Sabre is aware of the claims of a data exfiltration made by the threat group and we are currently investigating to determine their validity,” Sabre spokesperson Heidi Castle was quoted as saying.

The group posted a portion of the allegedly stolen files, claiming that the entire cache would be made “available soon”. According to the report, some screenshots showed several database names relating to booking details and billing containing tens of millions of records have been discovered, though it is unknown whether the hackers had access to the databases themselves.

Some other screenshots showed employee records, such as email addresses and work locations. One screenshot included employee names, nationalities, passport numbers, and visa numbers. However, it is unknown when the alleged breach occurred, but screenshots posted by the extortion group show data as recent as July 2022, the report said. Till now, Dunghill Leak has claimed responsibility for targeting American designer and manufacturer of coin-operated video games Incredible Technologies, food giant Sysco, and Gentex, a manufacturer of automotive products.

Sabre is a travel reservation system used to power bookings and check-ins for airlines and hotels in the US. Last month, the notorious ransomware gang BlackCat also known as ALPHV, claimed responsibility for the cyber-attack disclosed by the Japanese watchmaker Seiko firm.

The company on August 10, issued a data breach notification, stating that an unauthorised third party gained access to at least a portion of its IT infrastructure and accessed or exfiltrated data, reports Bleeping Computer.

World

Netflix techie who went missing after taking Uber ride in San Francisco found dead

admin 0

According to police officials, 22-year-old Yohannes Kidane’s remains were pulled from waters on Tuesday morning after a boat spotted a body floating and notified the Coast Guard, reports the New York Post.

Updated On – 09:33 PM, Thu – 7 September 23


Netflix techie who went missing after taking Uber ride in San Francisco found dead



San Francisco: A Netflix software engineer, who mysteriously disappeared after taking an Uber ride in the US, has died by suicide at the San Francisco Bay last week, media reports said.

According to police officials, 22-year-old Yohannes Kidane’s remains were pulled from waters on Tuesday morning after a boat spotted a body floating and notified the Coast Guard, reports the New York Post.

After graduating from college, Kidane began working for Netflix as a software engineer. He was last captured on a security camera leaving his apartment building in San Jose on August 14 before he got into a vehicle that had an Uber sticker.

Kidane’s brother Yousef posted a missing person poster on Instagram, claiming that his brother’s valuables, including his phone and backpack, had been recovered near the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center in San Francisco.

He also stated that Kidane’s wallet contained $30 and that his ID card and phone were unharmed.

Kidane’s friend Austin had told Fox News that he had an experience similar to Kidane’s before in which an Uber driver stated he was taking him to Oakland rather than Kidane’s actual destination, the report mentioned.

After Kidane’s disappearance, his mother was inconsolable, and all she wanted was her son back.

“We want to take him home. I need my son. I need my son. He’s a good man who has a bright future, very loving to his family,” Mehret Hana Beyene was quoted as saying.

A group of Kidane’s friends and family had also formed a task force to look for him, contacted San Jose Police, and set up a GoFundMe page.