NORTH SOUTH DIVIDE
South Korea to deploy 'StarWars' lasers against North's drones
South Korea is set to deploy laser weapons to combat North Korean drones, costing $1.45 per shot and developed by Hanwha Aerospace. The weapons have a 100 per cent successful shoot-down rate in tests and potential future capabilities to counter aircraft and missiles. Some analysts caution on practical use and operational range. Tensions remain high between the two Koreas, with South Korea suspending military deals and resuming drills amid while North Korean has increased its weapons testing.
NATO to set up new command in Germany to train Ukraine forces; appoint representative in Kyiv
NATO will appoint a senior representative in Kyiv to strengthen Ukraine's ties with the alliance and establish a new military command in Germany for training Ukrainian troops, according to US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. This announcement was made at the NATO Summit Defense Industry Forum, where Sullivan also highlighted new joint projects with Indo-Pacific partners and emphasised the importance of cooperation in addressing global challenges.
China watches cautiously as Russia and North Korea strengthen ties
China is closely watching as Russia and North Korea strengthen their relationship through a new defense pact, raising concerns about power dynamics. China faces a strategic dilemma, aiming to maintain peace on the Korean Peninsula while countering US influence. Its restrained response indicates uncertainty about how to navigate the situation. Experts suggest internal disagreements or difficulty assessing the situation may be hindering China's response. While some in China may see the pact as balancing US dominance, there is discomfort over potential outcomes.
Russia-North Korea pact could dent China's influence, but Beijing still holds sway over both
China appears concerned as Russia and North Korea strengthen ties through a new defence pact, potentially challenging China's influence over North Korea. Experts suggest China is struggling to respond due to conflicting goals of maintaining peace in Korea while countering the US. China's weak public response may indicate uncertainty on how to proceed. Concerns include Russia aiding North Korea's weapons program and the potential for a new Cold War alliance.
How did North Korean soldiers wander across the world's most heavily guarded border?
The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea is an intensely fortified strip of land, 248 kilometers long and 4 kilometers wide, possibly the most heavily armed place on Earth. It features two million mines, barbed wire fences, tank traps, and tens of thousands of troops from both sides. Despite this, recent incidents of North Korean soldiers crossing into South Korea have been attributed to overgrown foliage obscuring the demarcation line markings.
How did North Korean soldiers wander across the world's most heavily guarded border?
On Friday, South Korea's military said it had fired warnings shots the previous day to repel several North Korean soldiers who briefly crossed the military demarcation line that divides the countries while engaging in unspecified construction work.
North Korea's trash balloons deepen tensions with the South. Here's what's happening between rivals
Tensions rise between North and South Korea as North Korea sends balloons carrying trash to South Korea, prompting retaliatory steps from the South. The North's actions threaten to escalate the conflict along the border.
North Korea flies trash balloons over the South as leader Kim doubles down on satellite ambitions
North Korea launched hundreds of trash-filled balloons into South Korea, prompting chemical and explosive response teams to recover the debris. This act follows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's push to overcome a failed satellite launch and develop reconnaissance capabilities. Kim criticized South Korea's military exercises and warned of "stern" actions.
What is 'Friendly Father'? Why has South Korea banned North's TikTok hit song praising Kim Jong Un?
South Korea has banned a song from North Korea terming it as an attempt to wage psychological warfare. The song has already garnered millions of views.
Lok Sabha Elections: In India's political landscape, tensions among states are most dangerous divide
India's weeks-long election is reaching its conclusion as the remaining 164 of 543 constituencies in the lower house of parliament vote by June 1. The focus has been on religious and caste divides, but tensions between Indian states are prominent. Regional parties are leading opposition to the BJP, with concerns of power imbalances and federalism threats. The next government faces challenges in managing growing regional tensions and maintaining national unity. The BJP's dominance and regional alliances will shape India's political landscape in the coming years.
It's Sena vs Sena battle in three out of six Lok Sabha seats in Mumbai
Battle lines have been drawn in six parliamentary constituencies in Mumbai, where Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the Uddhav Thackeray led outfit will battle it out in three seats. While two seats will witness fights between the traditional rivals - the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress, in one seat the Shiv Sena (UBT) and BJP will fight it out.
Sam Pitroda ignites fire, says Indians in the East look like the Chinese & South look like Africans
Sam Pitroda, Chairman of Indian Overseas Congress, spoke about India's democratic values and diversity in an interview with The Statesman. He highlighted India's 75 years of peaceful coexistence, despite occasional conflicts, and emphasized the country's ability to unite people from diverse backgrounds. Pitroda noted the physical diversity across regions, mentioning that people in the East resemble Chinese, while those in the South resemble Africans.
Enlightened leadership needed to resolve north-south divide on distribution of tax pool: Ex-RBI Guv Duvvuri Subbarao
Former RBI Governor Duvvuri Subbarao has argued that enlightened leadership at both the Centre and State levels is necessary to resolve the north-south divide in determining the distribution of the tax pool among states. He cited the fact that richer states like Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra receive less than a rupee for every rupee they contribute to the Centre's taxes, while poorer states like Bihar and Jharkhand receive more than a rupee.
S. Korea slams 'irresponsible' Russian veto ending UN N. Korea sanctions monitoring
South Korea "clearly points out that the Russian Federation, despite its status as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, has made an irresponsible decision", Seoul's foreign ministry said in a statement.
Joined by the Vindhyas: Contrary to belief, India’s not cloven by a yawning north-south divide
Consider per-capita GDP in the top half of states. The richest are the mini-states of Goa and Sikkim. Among major states, toppers are Telangana and Karnataka, but Haryana, a northern state, is a close third. Tamil Nadu comes lower. Next are Gujarat, Kerala and Maharashtra. The West is India's industrial powerhouse. Mumbai is India's commercial capital.
Demanding constitutional rights, not creating north-south divide: Yechury
CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for accusing the opposition of creating a north-south divide in India. Yechury argued that the opposition is not trying to divide the country, but rather converting India's secular, democratic republic character into a fascistic, rabidly intolerant Hindutva rashtra. He argued that the Centre needs to understand India's geography and that the chief ministers of Delhi and Punjab joining a protest staged by Kerala government leaders show that there is no such division.
PM Modi slams 'North-South divide'; says nation one body in Rajya Sabha address
Prime Minister Narendra Modi refuted claims of a north-south divide propagated by the Congress, emphasizing the nation's unity in his Rajya Sabha address. Modi denounced divisive narratives, urging focus on collective progress. He criticized the Congress for historical shortcomings and pledged support for state development, underscoring the importance of unity for national growth.
The global future is north-south integration
As climate change reshapes our planet, the traditional global axis shifts. The South faces severe environmental challenges, prompting mass migrations. The North, ironically, gains livable land. Addressing this disparity requires innovative diplomacy to mitigate conflict and foster sustainable solutions. The future demands collective action and inclusive partnerships to navigate the impending geopolitical upheaval.
DMK MP Senthil Kumar expresses regret for north-south divide remark
DMK MP D N V Senthil Kumar on Wednesday expressed regret in the Lok Sabha over his controversial 'north-south divide' remark which had sparked a backlash. Kumar had on Tuesday used a pejorative to describe Hindi heartland states while attacking the ruling BJP. His comments led to ruckus and adjournment in the House, and were expunged by Speaker Om Birla later.
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