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26 October - 1 November 2020 Vol - 30 No. 39 Email : [email protected] Founder : Dr. Govind Narain Srivastava ISSN -2349-1221 Pakistan cradles Acting hastily terror in Azerbaijan- could lead to the wrong path Armenia war For most of us, in fact every one of us, life is a busy In the very first week of Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh affair, making it easy for the days to run together. enclave, Pakistani leadership had informed the world community about taking For things getting so busy these days, there is hardly part in the conflict from the side of Azerbaijan. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran any time to take a step back and ask ourselves Khan boasted having sent troops to the disputed territory to fight alongside the questions about life and its purposes. But taking out Turkish military and Azerbaijan army in Agdam for fellow Muslims... time to think about these important... By Dr. Ankit Srivastava Page 3 By Dr. Pramila Srivastava Page 24

By NDT Special Bureau Page 2 Dark Energy and its mystic China cited as Pakistan’s Will Russia intervene to defend existence prisoners released Armenia?

Energy can neither be created nor destroyed, it is On September 02, 2020, Imran Khan, Pakistan’s Prime With no end in sight to the military conflict between converted from one form to another according to First Minister who has always had a reputation of being “one Azerbaijan and the Armenian-populated enclave of Law of Thermodynamics. It is a well proven fact that... for the ladies” took a bold decision and released... Nagorno Karabakh that lies within Azeri... By Sujay Dhawan Page 20 By Himanshu Sharma Page 5 By Tarek Fatah Page 2 For critical insights One Year* Five Year* Subscribe Rs. 350 Rs. 1500 For more information Contact : +91-9999 337 800 To Subscribe E-Paper Whatsapp +91 9999 478 735 * Details on Page 21

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Opinion NEW DELHI TIMES Democracy: The Lone Savior of Pakistan representatives and the Army, and with eventually made the religious fundamentalist from national security towards larger issues ◆ By NDT Special Bureau time the religious fundamentalists also groups and their leaders too powerful among of social and economic welfare. For a so- @NewDelhiTimes came into the power play. The presence of the domestic populace. Another problem called positive image to become tenable, multiple players at the domestic level and with this defense centric approach is that the the Military does need to step back and [email protected] the tussle/inter-play among them can be country’s precious resources are drained in loosen up its control. It needs to allow the held responsible for the problems Pakistan keeping up with its anti-India foreign policy country to emerge with all its complexity he outlook that Pakistan lacks credibility is facing as a state. and little to no concern is shown to the piling and range of opinions. T within the international community is a debt and engulfing economic crisis. However, that alone wouldn’t be enough, but common perception among the global states Pakistan faces enormous challenges, ranging it would certainly help Pakistan to rise with all and its image continues to get battered on from an unbalanced economy, fragile Since 1985, till 2019, Pakistan has received its domestic complexities as a nation-state and account of a number of issues ranging from governance and security to rampant terrorism. 13 financial bailout packages from the not as a military state. It is high time for ‘the terrorism to financial bailouts to support its But perhaps its greatest challenge is to restore International Monetary Fund (IMF). With Islamic State of dwindling economy. its credibility in the eyes of the world. aggressive curbs on imports and massive devaluation, the country managed to reduce Pakistan’ to The problem is that, since its inception the The establishment’s efforts to project a the current account deficit (CAD) by over 70 transform center of authoritative positive image of the country have had percent in the first seven months of Financial into a real power has always little impact. The question arises whether Year (FY) 2019-20. However, this came at democracy oscillated between Pakistan’s establishment understands the the expense of economic growth, which fell and purify the democratic root cause of the problem. It is no secret from 5.6 percent in 2018 to 3.3 percent in the peaceful that the security establishment, led by the 2019. In 2020, it was being projected to fall image of Islam it Military, are principally the ones involved further to 2.4 percent, without accounting for has maligned with projecting the security narrative the pandemic. These issues are compounded since its internationally, with focus on the questions by Pakistan’s growing public debt, the inception. of national sovereignty. servicing of which constitutes a substantial part of the government expenditure. The Military establishment has always presented India as a threat to the existence of However, this behavior of relying on bailout Pakistan for whose safety necessary action packages from the IMF or aid assistance from must be taken. This mono-dimensional Saudi Arabia and Islamic Development Bank outlook has been the cause behind cannot go forever. The elected representatives need Pakistan’s establishment’s support and to act in accordance to law and should work on linkage with religious extremist groups curbing the corruption, which can also be expedited which have been the root cause in only when the Army would realize that internally tarnishing the image of the country. meddling with the domestic politics creates an In the wake of keeping the breeding atmosphere of political uncertainty as well as grounds for extremists active in low accountability. The understanding of Pakistan the establishment has national interest needs to realigned Will Russia intervene to defend Armenia? of internationally recognized lands of Azerbaijan” and withdraw from the occupied ◆ By Tarek Fatah territories immediately and unconditionally.” Author & Columnist, Canada According to the statement, “During the @TarekFatah Soviet Union collapse, Armenia used that [email protected] opportunity to occupy 20% of Azerbaijan’s lands. Karabakh has been under the ith no end in sight to the military Armenian occupation for almost 30 years.” W conflict between Azerbaijan and the Armenian-populated enclave of Nagorno I asked the organizers of the pro-Azerbaijan Karabakh that lies within Azeri territorial protestors if they acknowledged that Karabakh borders, one Moscow parliamentarian has has an almost 100% Armenian population and raised the stakes to a dangerous level. that as a landlocked enclave it is surrounded PC : Getty Images on all sides by Azerbaijan. Did Nagorno Konstantin Zatulin, the Deputy Chairman of its independence utilizing the same legal as evidenced by the enormous military Karabakh not declare itself an independent the Duma’s Eurasian Integration Committee framework for self-determination as build-up of Azerbaijan assisted with Turkish country after the collapse of the USSR? has called for Russian intervention to save Armenia, Azerbaijan and a host of other made weapons and deployment of jihadist the landlocked Armenians who have declared To broaden the debate, I asked “If Kosovo, republics such as Kazakhstan, Kirghizia, foreign fighters. themselves as an independent country — the Eritrea and East Timur can become Georgia and Tajikistan did. Republic of Artsakh or Nagorno-Karabakh. independent countries, why not Nagorno On its part, Turkey is actively engaged in Karabakh? If Croatia and Slovenia can However, Azerbaijan categorically rejected deploying its entire political and military Zatulin’s words should be read in context of emerge as independent nations, why the Nagorno-Karabakh peoples’ legitimate arsenal to undermine the efforts of the the Armenia-Russia deal extending Russia’s not other countries such as Karabakh, right to self-determination and adopted international community and the Minsk military presence in Armenia in exchange for Balochistan, Kurdistan or Western Sahara?” security guarantees. The deal would see the actions that culminated in a bloody war Group co-chairs to help the parties to lease on a Russian military base in Armenia from 1992-94. The war that caused return to the negotiating table. Turkey I didn’t get a response to the questions I extended from 2020 to 2044. It also calls enormous damage and long-term instability sees the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh as raised. for Russia to provide modern weapons and in the region ended with a trilateral ceasefire an opportunity to exercise its power and equipment to Armenia’s military. between Armenia, Nagorno-Karabakh, and influence to fulfil its neo-Ottoman agenda. Did the Turkish Azeris marching in Toronto Azerbaijan agreed in 1994 and 1995. realize that the memory of the Turkish Azerbaijan’s association with Nagorno While Armenian Canadians have voiced Genocide of Armenians’ forefathers one Karabakh is a result of a Stalinist era Supporters of Nagorno-Karabakh therefore their support of Ottawa’s stand in the hundred years ago is etched in the soul of decision in 1923 that seized the territory insist the clash is not about disputed conflict, Azeri Canadians have come out on every Armenian? from its indigenous people, annexing it to territory, but rather about the issue of self- the streets to express their anger. On Oct. 18, the Azerbaijani Soviet Republic. The fact determination, which they say is an integral about 2,000 pro-Azerbaijan demonstrators Meanwhile, a look at a map of the region is, prior to the establishment of the Soviet- part of basic Human Rights and Fundamental took to the streets in downtown Toronto, to illustrates why Turkey is trying to link up Union, nor after its collapse, Azerbaijan has Freedoms. voice their support for their homeland. with its Turkish brethren in Azerbaijan with never had control over this territory. an eye on uniting with the Turkic lands of Unfortunately, lasting peace does not seem In a statement, the Canadian Azerbaijanis central Asia and a return to the empire of the Artsakh or Nagorno-Karabakh declared to be on either Baku’s or Ankara’s agenda, demanded Armenia to stop the “occupation Ottoman Caliphate. www.NewDelhiTimes.com India’s only International Newspaper

26 October - 1 November 2020 3

Editor’s Desk NEW DELHI TIMES Pakistan cradles terror in Azerbaijan-Armenia war nation. A section of liberal media was not and terrorists from Turkey, Pakistan and Pakistan could be trying to invite them happy with Pakistani action. Syria, Azerbaijani forces have adopted all to Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir to fight ◆ Dr. Ankit Srivastava the cruellest methods possible to secure India. Otherwise how does one explain the Chief Editor All these forced Pakistan to correct its stand important gains along the Armenia’s frontier presence of Pakistani Army Chief General @AnkitNDT diplomatically and develop a defensive over the last three weeks. Bajwa in Azerbaijan? Aligning with the [email protected] narrative. However, that actually did not Islamist cause enhances Pakistan’s mojo wash with the international community. Led among the Islamic nations. n the very first week of Azerbaijan- Azerbaijani forces have been repeatedly by arrogant Turkey, Pakistan leadership also I Armenia conflict over Nagorno- shelling the ethnic Armenian inhabited became arrogant, steadfastly refusing to Karabakh enclave, Pakistani leadership region’s capital Stepanakert. Armenians Pakistan is just acting as a stooge of Turkey. withdraw from Azerbaijan’s fight to occupy had informed the world community about who have been living in Karabakh for Therefore, it is not a matter of surprise that Nagorno-Karabakh. taking part in the conflict from the side of centuries are defending their land. It is Pakistan even denies that a heinous crime Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan who is the aggressor here. like the Armenian genocide did not occur. “Special forces of the Pakistani army are A nation non-observing the human rights of also involved in the hostilities,” Pashinyan Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan The seeming tit-for-tat attacks further own people is definitely not able to respect said. That the defeated Armenian soldiers boasted having sent troops to the disputed undermine international efforts to calm a other’s as well. are being beheaded - a horrendous practice territory to fight alongside the Turkish resurgence of fighting between Christian adopted by Pakistani commandos across Armenians and Muslim Azerbaijanis before military and Azerbaijan army in Agdam for So, no wonder that even such an awful Kashmir border - confirms Pashinyan’s it drew in regional powers Russia and fellow Muslims. & inhumane crime as 1915 Armenian assertion. In fact, Pakistani military, army, Turkey. commandos and terrorists are fighting Genocide, is still not subject to proper Reports followed subsequently that even unitedly against Armenia. condemnation in Pakistan. Pakistan, itself, Pakistani terrorists had also flocked to Turkey, Pakistan and China may lie through commits such genocidal crimes on its Azerbaijan to fight against Armenia. All their teeth to deny their involvement but Pakistan even pressurized Azerbaijani minorties day in and day out. these are clear cut confirmations that the whole world knows the truth and won’t President Aliyev to state that Azerbaijani “foreign mercenaries and terrorists” were believe the manufactured lies of identified forces were “strong enough to defend their fighting on the Azerbaijani side. aggressors. Forget India, even the international community homeland” and did not need the help of does not believe in Pakistan’s dirty foreign forces! Truth is just the reverse. propaganda on Armenia. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan Coming to Pakistan’s denial, there can be blamed in mid-October that Pakistani In addition to providing terrorists to fight no smoke without fire. Past 72 years has Special Forces were fighting alongside the on Azeri soil, Pakistan has also consistently rendered India familiar with Pakistan’s Pakistan, alongside Turkey, is promoting Azerbaijani army in the Nagorno-Karabakh extended diplomatic, moral and political duplicity on promotion of terror. It is known Islamism and political Islam in Azerbaijan region. In an interview with Russian news support to the Islamic nation of Azerbaijan to all Indians though the world came to that threatens to snowball into polarisation agency Rossiya Segodnya on October 15, and has been supporting its fights of know of Pakistan duplicity only during the across religious lines to engulf the entire Pashinyan stated that Pakistani forces, aggression. last legs of USA-Taliban conflict in 2021 Middle East, nay, the whole world. alongside Turkish troops, were taking part when ten thousand soldiers of Pakistani in the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. The long-term peace and normalisation of Army were exposed while fighting in Kabul relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia alongside the Taliban against USA!!! Following disapproval and huge criticism of can be possible only after a complete and its actions, Pakistan hurriedly backtracked comprehensive withdrawal of Azerbaijan Pakistan is in Azerbaijan for many reasons. and resorted to customary denial like forces from Armenian territories. First of all, it wants to keep Turkey happy times beyond number in the past. But so that in future, Islamabad could force such denial notwithstanding, Armenian The decades-long Nagorno-Karabakh conflict Turkey to repay the obligations through PM’s allegations about Pakistani forces’ that re-erupted on September 27, has so military support to Pakistan in Kashmir. involvement in Karabakh conflict confirms far killed more than 55,000 people in 23- Azerbaijan today is a huge meeting place Pakistan complicity on the matter. After all, days. The mountainous region, inhabited for innumerable terrorists from Syria and Pakistan is a specialist in promoting Islamic by ethnic Armenians, has remained under the Middle-East. fundamentalism and is now taking those old Armenian control since tricks to Karabakh. a 1994 ceasefire after a brutal war There are many reasons for Pakistan that killed 30,000. becoming defensive. Islamabad received Backed by lots of flak from arch rival India. Other Turkey, Pakistan countries also heaped criticism. Moreover, Pakistan needed to pose as a responsible

India’s only International Newspaper www.NewDelhiTimes.com 4 26 October - 1 November 2020

International NEW DELHI TIMES A new Era of EU-NATO Cooperation bridge between the EU and NATO. As long security framework on NATO. This was also The second major challenge, capability as the EU remained an organisation without helped by the fact that most EU states have development, has been at the focus of ◆ By Ryszard Czarnecki a defence component to support its common also been NATO member states – currently EU-NATO cooperation ever since the EU lawmaker security policy, and NATO an organisation 22 are members of both. creation of the EU’s Common Security and focused strictly on collective defence of its Defence Policy, but with few results. New @r_czarnecki members, the EU had little need to develop EU initatives are being developed which military ties with NATO. However, as can potentially make an important positive ATO was created in 1949, with the some EU member states started to consider contribution also to NATO. N dual aim of keeping the peace among an autonomous EU defence and security EU and NATO Member States are slowly the Allies and providing a security alliance instrument towards the end of the 1990s, this waking up tp the new reality that there will against the Soviet Union, there has been relationship became unavoidable. be no bussiness as usual. It is hard to dispute a tension between whether or not NATO the extensive progress the EU and NATO should drive the security agenda in Europe. After a 1998 joint summit between the UK and France at Saint Malo, the formal process have made in deeping their cooperaiton. Since 1949, a number of European-wide began towards creating the EU’s Security A new Era of EU-NATO Cooperation However, the direction in which the organisations have tried to coordinate and Defence Policy (ESDP – now termed relationship should head is far from being European defence policy – from the failed CSDP). Attention started to focus on an EU-NATO relations facing new challenges decided. Some argues that there is a need attempt at a French proposal for an integrated alternative arrangement to the WEU as the and these are confronting both the European for NATO to Europeanise as a result of European Defence Community in 1954, to bridge between the two institutions. Union NATO today are severe and complex, the EU’s increasing strategic autonomy. its alternative, Western European Union including terrorism, refugee and migration The argument goes that if the EU were (WEU), former association (1955–2011) of Once the EU formally adopted the WEU’s crises, hybrid threats, disinformation. The progressibely phase put its defence related 10 countries (Belgium, France, Germany, “Petersberg Tasks”, which set out the importance of EU-NATO cooperation, based dependence on the US, NATO could become Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, conditions under which militaries could on shared values and interests, has become primarily European. In contrasts, others Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom) be deployed, the relationship between more critical than ever. see the feasibility of division of labour that operated as a forum for the coordination the EU and NATO changed from one of between the two, one that could eventually Both organizations need to pay growing of matters of European security and defense. informal meetings to something more be conducive to an EU-US alliance in lieu attention to hybrid threats. A shared institutionalised. Formal committees and of NATO as such. Others meanwhile argue The precursor to the EU, the European understanding is gradually emerging structures began to be mapped out by 1999. for a US withdrawal form NATO and for Community, didn’t really put security about the need for active countermeasures leaving European security to the Europeans. matters on its agenda. So it was in the mid- However, cultural and institutional and improved resillence to malicious 1990s following the Maastrict Treaty that the differences between the EU and NATO influence by external actors seeking to As Members of the European Parliament we newly-formed EU began to develop its own still had to be reduced before any official undermine Western democracies and current will have to take important decisions that common foreign and security policy and the arrangements could be finalised. NATO international order. The EU in particular has will make one or the other of these options relationship with NATO began to shift. retained a very strict security regime dating an important role to play in strengthening a reality. NATO had already developed a good back to its Cold War years, while in contrast, Europe’s resillence, but has yet to buil Ryszard Czarnecki: working relationship with the WEU, but the EU was designed as an open and a coherent response including shared Politician from Poland, Former Vice-President this really became relevant in 1996 with transparent organisation. In order to adapt to analysis drawing on relevant EU policies of European Parliament, Minister of European attempts to use the WEU as an institutional a stricter security policy, the EU modelled its and improved crisis-response mechanisms. Affairs and Minister in Prime Minister Office International Political Scenario of the Week want our future,” Macron said. “They will ◆ By NDT Bureau never have it.” “Our fellow citizens expect @NewDelhiTimes actions,” Macron said and promised that the government will intensify a crackdown on [email protected] radical Islam.

France Mexico

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin Teachers and teaching students known said that he has asked local authorities as normalistas have blocked railroads in to put mosques in the cities of Bordeaux Michoacán in recent weeks to demand the and Béziers in southwestern France under payment of bonuses and scholarships and police protection following threats or acts the automatic allocation of jobs to graduates. of violence. “Such actions are unacceptable The blockades have resulted in severe on the soil of the Republic,” the Minister disruption of business activities. tweeted. This comes after reports in France Bleu radio that leaders of the Ar-Rahma Oscar del Cueto, President of the Mexican mosque in Beziers had filed a complaint Association of Railways (AMF) stated with police following hate messages on “the blockades on the train tracks in the and exempt them from tax audits throughout changes to policing and an end to corruption. Facebook, including a call to set the mosque municipalities of Uruapan and Morelia, 2021. The farmers have now called for a Violent escalations on October 20, in Lagos on fire. in Michoacán, have been maintained for mass protest in the capital Chișinău. resulted in multiple deaths and caused many 20 days, which translates into a cost for injuries. These threats have come after the murder the railway industry of approximately 240 Nigeria of Samuel Paty, a French middle-school million pesos (mp), not counting the effects At least 12 protesters were shot dead by teacher, took place on October 16, 2020 in to companies that depend on this means to Nigeria has been engulfed by two weeks of Nigerian Security Forces at an upscale Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, a suburb of Paris. transport their goods”. massive protests against the government’s district in Lagos, the country’s largest city The perpetrator, Abdoullakh Abouyedovich Special Anti-Robbery Squad, commonly and financial hub. Nigeria’s military has Anzorov, an 18-year-old Muslim Russian- Moldova known as SARS, which were sparked by denied responsibility for the shootings near born refugee of Chechen descent, killed and video allegedly depicting a man being the Lekki toll gates but eyewitnesses say beheaded Paty with a 30-centimetre (12 in) On October 19, farmers in Moldova resumed beaten by SARS officers. that soldiers pulled into the plaza and after knife. Anzorov was shot and killed by police their protests and held rallies in major the lights were turned off at the plaza began minutes later. Moldovan districts. Farmers demand a VAT The unit has long been accused of carrying shooting. refund over the next two years, insisting that out harassment, kidnappings, extortion, The French President Emmanuel Macron the tax should total 8 percent. torture and murder. The demonstrations, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari gave France’s highest civilian award, the conducted under the banner #EndSARS, has urged protesters to not be used by Legion of Honour, to Paty and said he had Farmers are also asking the authorities to led the Nigerian government to disband ‘subversive elements seeking to create chaos been killed by “cowards” for representing cover the losses they suffered due to the the controversial police unit. But the with the aim of truncating the country’s the secular, democratic values of the French adverse weather conditions, restructure demonstrations have persisted and turned democracy.’ However, the protests will Republic. “He was killed because Islamists loans, compensate excise taxes on diesel fuel violent as protesters demand broader continue and intensify. www.NewDelhiTimes.com India’s only International Newspaper

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International NEW DELHI TIMES China cited as Pakistan’s prisoners released care system has been phenomenally high; ignored laws designed to protect women in prison often lack essential health care, ◆ By Himanshu Sharma no respite is within sight; isolation and prisoners. The report includes a detailed leaving both the women and the children @_Himansh_ dispersions of individuals are the suggested analysis of significant gaps to which at risk of contracting infections. One defences.” Pakistan’s national and provincial laws do prisoner reported that her child, who had a [email protected] not comply. These laws, known as the UN developmental disability, was not offered Bangkok Rules, are international regulations any support services or medical care despite n September 02, 2020, Imran Khan, for the treatment of women prisoners and the prisoner’s repeated requests during her O Pakistan’s Prime Minister who has non-custodial measures for women offenders. six years of incarceration. always had a reputation of being “one for Of the 1,121 women in prison as of mid- the ladies” took a bold decision and released 2020, 66 percent had not been convicted of A November 2019 government report found women prisoners in the country to reduce any offence and were detained while awaiting that 77,275 inmates were held in 114 prisons prison congestion and to limit the spread of conclusion of their trial. More than 300 women with a total capacity of just 57,742. The the COVID-19 pandemic. were detained in facilities outside the districts majority of people detained were awaiting where they lived, making family visits nearly trial and had not been convicted. Widespread Actually, Prime Minister Khan was impossible. The prisoners included 46 women problems in Pakistani prisons were also supposed to consider releasing the women over the age of 60 and 10 girls under the age previously highlighted in a January 2020 prisoners, as well as other categories of PC : Getty Images of 18. Only 24 female health workers are Human Rights Ministry report submitted to vulnerable prisoners following a Supreme available to provide full-time care to women the Islamabad High Court that found that the Court decision in April this year. It was this justification, that a deadly virus and girls in prisons across the country. women’s jails are rife with poor conditions spread from China was now a risk to prison and failed to protect female inmates. Ironically, whilst the Chinese Communist inmates, that “various High Courts in the Additionally, the committee found that 134 Overcrowding remains a major problem. Party has attempted to silence the world country, Islamabad High Court being on the women had children with them in prison, from exposing the origin of the COVID-19 top, passed omnibus orders for the release some as old as 9 and 10, despite the legal It is Pakistan’s weak and lethargic judicial pandemic, the Islamabad High Court papers of accused/convicts, lodged in different limit of 5 years. At least 195 children were process and an ill resourced prison system of April 07, 2020, highlight that “A severe/ prisons”, including women prisoners housed in prisons as of 2020. Under the that has led to these inhumane conditions acute respiratory syndrome is modern day committed for minor offences. Bangkok Rules, non-custodial alternatives to for women, and sadly some children, in reminder of past calamities, endured by custody should be preferred where possible Pakistan’s prison service. Rather than the mankind; identified as Corona Virus The question now exists as to whether if someone facing imprisonment is pregnant dealing with the systematic and long-term disease 2019 (COVID-19), erupted in Pakistan’s Prime Minister was belatedly or has sole child-caring responsibilities. problems in his country’s jails, Imran Khan December 2019 in the Chinese City of following the orders of the Supreme Court sought to free some prisoners to attract Wuhan, Metropolis of Hubei Province; it or was it the publication of the “Plight of Children accompanying their mothers the headlines. As is always the case with took humanity by surprise across the globe Women in Pakistan’s Prisons”, submitted on must receive suitable health care, at Pakistan, the problems run much deeper through human movement with no available August 26, 2020, that triggered the release least equivalent to that available in the than the headline gestures. treatment; the World Health Organization of the female prisoners? The report, “Plight community. Children in prison with their swiftly declared the disease as “Pandemic”; of Women in Pakistan’s Prisons”, which was mother should never be treated as prisoners, Without doubt large-scale prison reform highly infectious, it attacks respiratory the work of the Pakistan’s Human Rights and their environment must be as close as is desperately needed, but in a debt-ridden system with fallouts on vital organs; inbuilt Ministry under Khan’s instruction, found that possible to that of a child outside prison. country with a severe economic downturn, immune system is the only defence against Pakistan’s laws relating to prison detentions A critical lack of funding in Pakistan’s Pakistan will have to look inwards to address the disease with toll of the vulnerable, did not meet international standards and prison healthcare system has meant that its responsibilities, as well as outwards to even in countries equipped with best health that government and prison officials often mothers whose children are with them hold the Chinese accountable for its woes. Increasing the Minimum Marriage Age: A milestone towards Women Empowerment Mulk of 11th Century Egypt, Melike Mama today compares with that of the Arab However, many women have broken the ◆ By NDT Bureau Hatun of 12th Century Turkey, Razia Sultana nations. When compared to the large stereotype and set an example for other @NewDelhiTimes of 13th Century India and many more. economies like the USA, China, etc., India Muslim women to follow. Those deserving lags way behind in percentage of women special mention includes Shaishta Amber- [email protected] The present era also called the modern era who are working or looking for work by President, All India Muslim Women Personal standing at 23% which is less than half of Law Board, Shahnaz Sidra- President, ndia is a patriarchal society. Since time presents a contrasting picture in comparison global average of 48% and closer to that Bazm-e-Khwatin Lucknow and Noorjahan I immemorial, women were awarded to the medieval world especially when of the Arab world average of 21%. All Safia Niaz- Co-founder, Bhartiya Muslim the secondary status in our social hierarchy. confined to the Indian subcontinent. As per these figures further fall drastically when Mahila Andolan. Shaishta Amber while Encompassing all religions, women have the 2011 census, the literacy rate among filtered for the Muslims women only. welcoming the announcement regarding suffered in the male dominant society. But the females was 65.5 per cent whereas the increasing minimum marriage age said that contributions as well as existence of nearly literacy rate among males was 82.1 per it is a good step towards gender equality, 50% of the population cannot be ignored cent- a glaring gap of 16%. Despite rapid What led to this drastic fall in the condition three more years (21 from 18) would enable especially when the women are getting economic growth, less than a quarter (23.6%) of women in the modern era in developing girl to attain more maturity which might empowered with every single passing day. of women aged 15 and above participated in countries like India? Out of several possible reduce instances of religious conversion and If one looks closely, it can easily be found the labour force in 2018 compared to 78.6% explanations, early marriage accompanied elopement. Shahnaz Sidra welcomed the that for thousands of years, women have left of men. 35 per cent of females in India are by family burden, weak body and social proposal and said that girls would now get their marks on their societies, changing the married before the age of 18 years. stigma may be attributed as one of the main more time to get educated. course of history at times, and influencing reasons. Increasing the marriage age will significant spheres of life at others. A closer look on maternal deaths in India push the mean marriage age higher which will lead to scores of benefits including Noorjahan Safia Niaz welcomed the shows that the maximum proportion of proposal and said that more women would During the medieval periods, extraordinary increase in the percentage of females doing maternal deaths occur in the lower age now get the opportunity to be economically women from different societal strata and graduation and hence improving the female bracket resulting in Maternal Mortality independent. backgrounds worked alongside men to Ratio (MMR) of 113 which is far below the labour force participation ratio, lowering advance their communities. Women like United Nations Sustainable Development Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) as well It’s the human nature to resist change. Fatima al-Fihri excelled in educational and Goals target of 70 per that is 1,00,000 live as improvement of nutrition levels, opening However, those who resist too long becomes cultural fields while Sutayta al-Mahamili births. One of the major reasons of MMR up of opportunities for women to pursue obsolete and lose their importance in the made her mark in the medical field, as well as various diseases can be attributed higher education and become financially fast-changing modern world. administration, management, philosophy and to anaemia which is present amongst 51.4 empowered thereby helping women to arts. Then there were those who played key per cent of women in reproductive age, as decide their own future, etc. Onus is upon the women especially Muslim political roles and ruled important territories against the world average of 32.8 per cent. women to come out of the shadow of males in the medieval Muslim civilisation. While India has become the world’s fifth Women especially Muslim women are with the opportunity being provided by the Prominent amongst them included Labana largest economy, its workforce participation generally perceived as conservative, backward government and make a mark on this world of Cordoba of 10th Century Spain, Sitt al- rate of women has sharply declined and and unaffected by the fast-changing world. by claiming the lost space.

India’s only International Newspaper www.NewDelhiTimes.com 6 26 October - 1 November 2020

International NEW DELHI TIMES Implications of Ersin Tatar’s win in Turkish Cypriot elections Tatar’s win and his closeness with Ankara also implies that Turkey will continue carrying its activities in the Mediterranean waters and that tensions will flare up in the waters of the vote compared to 48.26 percent for elections. These gained ground as Turkey ◆ By NDT Bureau Akinci. Ersin Tatar strongly favours fully opened to the public a beach in uninhabited @NewDelhiTimes aligning Turkish Cypriot policies with Varosha, a Famagusta suburb that has those of Turkey, the region’s patron. This remained off-limits since 1974 when its [email protected] is in sharp contrast to the policies pursued Greek Cypriot residents fled advancing by Mustafa Akinci who opposes Turkey’s Turkish troops. “We see the Varosha n 1974, the Mediterranean island nation complete domination of their affairs. issue as a national cause, which is above I of Cyprus was split in when Turkey politics,” Tatar said, speaking at a joint press invaded after a coup by supporters of union After his win, Tatar said that any peace conference with President Recep Tayyip with Greece. Only Turkey recognizes a accord should take into account the Erdogan at the Presidential Complex in breakaway Turkish Cypriot state in the north “realities” in and around the war-divided Ankara, as the beach reopened. Erdogan that is economically and militarily dependent east Mediterranean island. “It won’t also supported the Turkish Cypriot leader’s on Ankara. The island’s internationally be difficult to reach a settlement at the statements. “It is a fact that Varosha is a recognized government has its seat in negotiating table if our friends, the Greeks territory of the Turkish Republic of Northern PC : Getty Images the Greek Cypriot south and is part of the and Greek Cypriots, properly analyse the Cyprus (TRNC). We support the TRNC’s 27-nation European Union (EU). Ever since strategic, economic and social balances in move to open up the beach of Varosha to use then, Turkish Cypriot has been involved our region,” Tatar told supporters during by Cypriots,” he said. in a debate regarding how they should be a victory speech in the Turkish Cypriot of tiny islands in the southeast Aegean Sea governed and what role should Turkey play half of the Cypriot capital Nicosia. “They Many Turkish Cypriots voiced opposition and prepare for potential hostile action from in the region’s affairs. This North Cyprus has held should know that if they to the move that they saw as a ploy to Turkey, after Turkish research vessel Oruç issue has always dominated continue these intransigent boost support for Tatar, and Greek Cypriots Reis was spotted. “The armed forces continue the leadership races in the democratic elections attitudes, we won’t give up expressed anger at the beachfront’s to be on high alert. The Armed Forces have region’s elections and once since it unilaterally our rights.” Tatar also urged reopening. The United Nations Security not stopped for a second to closely monitor again at the fore recently. declared independence the European Union and the Council also expressed “deep concern” the movements of both Oruç Reis and the Nearly five decades of the United Nations to be “fair” in 1983, but only Turkey over the beach reopening and called for Turkish fleet. The military personnel have United States facilitated and change tack on how to its reversal while cautioning against “any once again been put on high alert, with our attempts at achieving recognises it as an assist negotiations because unilateral actions that could raise tensions warships having been deployed in the area of reunification based on a independent country. their previous approach has on the island.” Turkish provocations, taking key positions, federal framework have failed. “You will no longer ready to react,” an official from the Greece failed. North Cyprus has held democratic ignore the rights of the Turkish Cypriot Tatar’s win and his closeness with Ankara Ministry of National Defence said. elections since it unilaterally declared people,” Tatar said. The Turkish President also implies that Turkey will continue independence in 1983, but only Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan sent a congratulatory carrying its activities in the Mediterranean In a move that is likely to further escalate recognises it as an independent country. message to Tatar. Erdogan tweeted, “I waters and that tensions will flare up in tensions between Turkey and Greece, congratulate Mr. Ersin Tatar, who was the waters. Turkey recently redeployed a Turkey has said that it has extended until On October 18, 2020, Turkish Cypriot in elected the President of the Turkish Republic research vessel near the Greek island of October 27, the stay of its Oruc Reis survey Northern Cyprus, officially the Turkish of Northern Cyprus, on behalf of myself and Kastellorizo and has insisted that it has vessel and two other ships in a disputed area Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), voted the Turkish Nation. Turkey, Cyprus and the every legal right to search for hydrocarbons of the eastern Mediterranean, that had earlier to elect their first new President in more than rights of the Turkish people will continue to in waters where Greece and Cyprus been scheduled to work until October 22. In a 20 years. Turkish Cypriot conservative Ersin make every effort to show the need for the claim exclusive economic rights. Greece maritime notice, Turkey’s Navy announced, Tatar of the centre-right National Unity protection of the law”. and Turkey have long been at odds over “Two other vessels, the Ataman and Cengiz Party (UBP) defeated left-wing rival and conflicting oil and sea rights. On October 21, Han, along with Oruc Reis will continue incumbent Mustafa Akinci. The contest was There were allegations also before the the Greek Navy issued a code orange alert, working in an area southeast of the Greek a close one and Tatar gained 51.74 percent elections that Turkey was influencing the advising battleships to surround a cluster island of Rhodes until October 27.” US condemns attacks on Kurdistan Democratic Party office in Baghdad by pro-Iran militias of the KDP as well as the murder of eight ◆ By NDT Bureau Sunni Arabs in Salahuddin province. Pompeo @NewDelhiTimes also suggested that the Iraqi government has responded to the strong warnings that he has [email protected] recently issued about the need to bring the Iranian-backed militias under control and n October 16, the headquarters of the end their violence. “We in the international O Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), community support Prime Minister Kadhimi which runs the Kurdish Autonomous Region and the Iraqi Government’s growing efforts in northern Iraq, was attacked by supporter to hold accountable Iran-supported arms of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), groups that are undermining Iraq’s stability the country’s most powerful Shia militia and its sovereignty,” Pompeo added. umbrella group, also known in Arabic as the Hashd al Shaabi. The PMF supporters crossed a security checkpoint and attacked The United Nations Assistance Mission for the KDP office in the Iraqi capital’s Karada Iraq (UNAMI) expressed grave concerns over the burning of the Kurdish flag and neighbourhood. They set fire to the building PC : Getty Images and burned the Kurdistan flag. the attack on the KDP office in Baghdad. green zone, which is the international zone, inflaming ethnic and sectarian tensions and “Acts of violence and intimidation must The attack on the KDP office in Baghdad from the outlaw forces within the Popular undermining democracy. We strongly urge be condemned and are not a solution to the followed critical remarks made in an Mobilization Forces.” Since then the PMF all parties to behave responsibly during dispute at all,” it asserted in a statement, interview by the KDP official and former supporters have been leading an online this critical period in which Iraq is already stressing that Iraq needs unity, stability and Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zibari. In campaign against the KDP. dealing with a pandemic, an economic dialogue to address its many problems. an interview with Alhurra news, Zebari crisis, and the continued threat of ISIS,” the accused the Iran-backed militia of launching The United States has condemned the recent US State Department Spokesperson Morgan In a similar vein, the United Kingdom (UK) a rocket attack on Erbil late in September, attack on the KDP office in Baghdad and held Ortagus said in a press statement. Embassy in Iraq issued an online statement 2020 and said that to avoid the risks of a the PMF responsible. “The destabilizing mentioning that “addressing political difference US withdrawal of its Baghdad Embassy, activities of Iran-backed militias operating The US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, through dialogue not violence is a fundamental the federal government should “clean the outside of Government of Iraq control are condemned the attack on the Baghdad office element of a functioning democracy”. www.NewDelhiTimes.com India’s only International Newspaper

26 October - 1 November 2020 7

International NEW DELHI TIMES Australian officials express concerns at growing right-wing extremism in the country According to Mark Burgess, the Head of In September 2020, the ASIO Deputy ◆ By NDT Bureau Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Director, Heather Cook, confirmed that @NewDelhiTimes (ASIO), who had warned in February 2020 the right-wing violence now occupies that far-right groups were now more organised between 30 to 40 per cent of the intelligence [email protected] and aware of security risks compared to organisation’s counter-terrorism cases, more just a few years ago, such groups have than a third of the agency’s workload, up n October 20, the Australian Federal also mushroomed taking advantage of the from 10 to 15 per cent prior to 2016. “Not O Police (AFP) Commissioner Ian COVID-19 conspiracy theories. Coronavirus dissimilar to the way ISIL [IS] used its McCartney appeared before a Senate has reinforced conspiracy theories at the core propaganda and its ability to manipulate that is difficult to monitor for potential Committee in Canberra and stated that the of their ideologies. “They see the pandemic social media to recruit the young and the offline violence and is highly successful right-wing extremism continues to present a as proof of the failure of globalisation, vulnerable, I think we are seeing a similar in radicalising at-risk individuals and “real” and “ongoing” threat that can target multiculturalism and democracy, and phenomenon being used by some in that introducing hateful and extreme rhetoric young people in the country. “We’re dealing confirmation that societal collapse and a ‘race extreme right-wing milieu to good effect,” into Australian political discussions. The with people who are either radicalised war’ are inevitable,” he told the committee. Cook told a Parliamentary inquiry into study also highlighted the strong influence in the real world or radicalised online.” The ASIO also remained concerned at the counter-terrorism legislation. “Some of the of American populist politics. Across “We’re finding now that in terms of right- threat of Islamic terrorism. “We know groups circumstances of COVID have contributed social media platforms Twitter, Facebook, wing extremism, that the concern for us is such as ISIL and Al-Qaeda continue to call on to an increase in radicalisation, in particular, Gab, Reddit, 4chan, and 8chan/kun, the young person’s being radicalised online - their supporters to conduct terrorist attacks, because of the amount of time individuals are researchers found complex and dynamic very aggressively in relation to right-wing in some instances with Australia specifically spending in isolation, or working from home, communities that unite around shared extremism,” he said. McCartney said that identified as a target,” Burgess said. or not in school ... and the amount of time narratives of threats to ‘white identity’. the Islamic-inspired terrorism continued individuals are spending online,” she said. to be the biggest threat, with Sydney and The Australian Human Rights Commission Melbourne the centres of that activity and (AHRC) has also expressed concerns at Apart from the pronouncements by the These highly social spaces become ‘echo the threat remained across the country, due the growing extremism. According to the Australian officials, a seminal study titled, chambers’ where like-minded individuals to the tendency for right-wing extremism to AHRC, the growth of right-wing extremism “Mapping Networks and Narratives of reaffirm their extremist world views, spread online. “What we see with right-wing is intertwined with the growth in racism. Online Right-Wing Extremists in New South socialise and develop their identities. extremism, particularly with the effect and Race Discrimination Commissioner Chin Wales (NSW)”, conducted by researchers Common narratives used to recruit and the power of the internet in terms of those Tan said that a new strategy was critical from Macquarie and Victoria Universities engage users included anti-Semitic and anti- sites, it’s apparent that it is more spread in responding to a “substantial rise in race found the presence of a network of highly Islamic messaging, and far-right conspiracy throughout Australia,” he said. activities” and right-wing extremism. active, social, and complex communities theories such as QAnon. Is Germany-Russia relations turning for worse? Now the questions arise: Has Germany ◆ By NDT Bureau decided to move away from its long-held @NewDelhiTimes approach? Is the current antagonism just a passing phase? Has Germany decided to [email protected] move on?

nna Sauerbrey, an opinion writer and In 2008, Walter Steinmeier – the then A editor of a German daily newspaper, Foreign Minister and now the President in her op-ed article dated October 14 in the of Germany -heralded a “Modernization New York Times titled, “Is Germany Turning Partnership” for promoting the “great goal”

Against Russia?” provides an interesting of a “European peace order stretching PC : Getty Images perspective on worsening Germany-Russian from the Atlantic to Vladivostok.” This relations. was meant “for the common benefit of the people in Russia, Germany and the whole For five-six decades, Germany has followed eastern Germany, among German businesses Stream 2.” Chancellor Merkel didn’t oppose of Europe.” But in recent years, Russian an approach known as “Wandel durch catering to the Eastern European and the comment! But Germany can’t afford to President Putin has turned to revisionist Annäherung” (“change through rapprochement”). Central Asian markets, and within the more withdraw. Stopping Nord Stream 2 project nationalism, systematically tightening his This policy was developed in the 1960s to business-focused sections of the Christian would pose substantial risks: a retaliatory authoritarian grip. Russia invaded Crimea ease the Cold War tensions. In pursuance of Democratic Union. These sections profess and costly lawsuit, and political tensions. in 2014, executed a cyber-attack on German that Berlin has goaded Russia into a fruitful continuance of longstanding foreign policy Moreover, it would give a clear, unequivocal Parliament in 2015, spread disinformation relationship. Germany helped to improve traditions by practising good relations with signal that Germany had turned against across Europe, intervened in Syria and flared Russia’s economy and the civil society, Russia. That divides Germany over how Russia. up conflict in Libya! modernized it, and helped it become more to handle the Russia bear. Some hawkish democratic and cooperative with the hope With each act, the mantra of “change through voices have taken the lead but rupturing So, Germany is channelling its anger to that close economic ties would lessen the rapprochement” sound increasingly hollow, relationship with Russia is not indicated yet. another line. It is seeking the support of its risk of armed conflict and give Germany the long-held policy looks jaded and the European partners. The European Union’s some political leverage. proposition seem too ideological. Germany’s The Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline - the $11 Foreign Ministers have just approved the politicians are getting disillusioned and billion project stretching from the Russian proposal put forth by Germany and France The strategy held for decades, but probably coast near St. Petersburg to Germany - is a to impose sanctions on Russian officials no more. Now Berlin’s patience seems to be angry. Even German Chancellor Merkel’s visit to Navalny’s hospital bed was an monument of the Russian-German special blamed of poisoning Navalny. That smart wearing thin. Germany is no longer playing relationship, even though it is roundly move has turned the conflict into a European nice with Russia. uncharacteristically bold demonstration of her feelings. These developments have opposed internationally. The United States issue. It could be Europe’s tit-for-tat for Recently, Germany helped Russia’s main deeply impacted bilateral relations. and most of the European countries view Putin’s persistent attempts to split the opposition leader, Aleksei Navalny, recover this as another Russian effort to expand European Union. from poisoning amidst widely-held belief The current confrontational style of Germany influence. Ukraine and Germany’s eastern that Moscow tried to poison him. Germany is not a one-off affair but culmination of European neighbours regard this as Russia’s Germany might have travelled too far, even welcomed Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, the many happenings. Navalny’s poisoning dangerous ploy to exert control over the to a point of no return, in its acrimony with Belarusian opposition leader who planned to proved to be the last straw and the much- region’s energy supply. Russia. Putin can’t forget, nor forgive, the topple the Russia- supported regime. Berlin needed catalyst in transforming Germany- actions of recent weeks. Inside Germany, scepticism about the project also accused Russia of state-orchestrated Russia relations. It exposed how hollow the had been building for some time. Navalny’s Once Russia gets over the coronavirus crisis murder on the German territory. Now, relationship has become. poisoning brought it to the surface. Even at home and Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict in Germany mulls sanctions on Russian Of course, the change-through-rapprochement German Foreign Minister questioned the neighbourhood, Germany could be the next officials. approach still has it takers in some pockets: project and hoped that “Russia won’t force thing in Russia’s to-do list. Germany must All these point to some form of confrontation. within the Social Democratic Party, in Germany to rethink its stance toward Nord prepare its response.

India’s only International Newspaper www.NewDelhiTimes.com 8 26 October - 1 November 2020

International NEW DELHI TIMES Communist Party of the Philippines calls for attacking Chinese companies in the West Philippine Sea, in violation of announced that it would not sever relations ◆ By NDT Bureau Philippine sovereignty.” “Some of these with Chinese firms, which have invested @NewDelhiTimes same Chinese companies are involved in billions of dollars in the country. In a some big-ticket infrastructure projects for statement, the Presidential Spokesman Harry [email protected] the construction of mining roads and dams Roque said Duterte told Cabinet officials that that are encroaching deeper and deeper into the US government can enforce its blacklists he Communist Party of the Philippines the ancestral lands of the national minorities of Chinese companies in American territory, T (CPP; Filipino: Partido Komunista ng and forests in various parts of the country,” but “he would not follow the directives of Pilipinas) is a revolutionary organization the CPP said. “These infrastructure projects the Americans because we are a free and and communist party in the Philippines. On not only displace thousands of peasants independent nation and we need investors August 9, 2002, the United States declared and minorities from their lands, they also from China”. “We are not a vassal state of the CCP as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation wreak havoc [on] the natural ecosystem of any foreign power and we will pursue our (FTO). The military wing of the CPP) - the the country’s remaining forests,” the CCP national interest,” he added. This implies New People’s Army (NPA) - is a Maoist statement added. that the P500-billion Sangley international group formed in March 1969 with the aim airport project involving China Airport countries. “Chinese companies have made of overthrowing the government through On the same day the CCP statement was Construction Corporation (CACC) will important contributions in this endeavour.” protracted guerrilla warfare. The Philippines issued, Marco Valbuena, the group’s push through. “So Sangley [project] and all Huang said, “I believe that any attempt to government estimates that the CPP/NPA Spokesperson gave an interview to Radio other projects, regardless of which Chinese undermine the normal economic cooperation has about 4,000 members. The group also Free Asia and said that the Chinese contractor is involved, will continue because between China and the Philippines will never retains a significant amount of support owned businesses and the armed forces the national interest is to ensure the flagship succeed.” In July, the US. Secretary of State from communities in rural areas of the were the targets. Valbuena said that the projects under Build, Build, Build will be Mike Pompeo accused China of “bullying” Philippines. The NPA’s founder, Jose Maria Philippine communist leadership hoped finished,” said Roque. and announced that the U.S. would not Sison, reportedly directs CPP/NPA activity to “put a spotlight” on what he described recognize nearly all of China’s maritime from the Netherlands, where he lives in self- as widespread destruction wrought by Roque’s statement also virtually cleared the claims to South China Sea areas contested by imposed exile. Chinese firms on the country’s environment. way for other Chinese-bankrolled projects smaller neighbours, including the Philippines, CPP founder Jose Maria Sison, who lives worth P301.26 billion. Huang Xilian, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. The On October 14, 2020, the CPP asked its in exile in the Netherlands, warned that Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Chinese government cannot be allowed to use armed wing NPA to carry out attacks on these Chinese firms were “vulnerable to lauded the stand of Duterte government. the China Communications Construction Co. “Chinese companies” in the Philippines, guerrilla operations.” Sison confirmed this “We believe that the pursuit of an or other state-owned businesses “as weapons targeting, among others, firms blacklisted and declared that the CPP was setting the independent foreign policy is in line with to impose an expansionist agenda,” Pompeo by the US State Department. The CCP goal of staging “more tactical offensives the fundamental interests of the Philippines said. “The United States will act until we see did not name the Chinese firms, but said nationwide”. and its people,” Huang said as he noted Beijing discontinue its coercive behaviour in they were involved in the construction of that the synergy between China’s Belt and the South China Sea, and we will continue to Chinese installations and “in the plunder and The CCP statement comes a month after Road Initiative and Duterte’s Build, Build, stand with allies and partners in resisting this destruction of Philippine marine resources the government led by President Duterte Build program has been fruitful for both destabilizing activity,” he said. US Election: The event the world is waiting for China - Pakistan’s big brother, mentor, Tibet border. The US has so far stood with used fraudulently to favour Biden. ◆ By NDT Bureau guide and everything. Biden has nominated India. All the US support – moral, diplomatic Opposition fears that Trump could declare @NewDelhiTimes Kamal Harris, of Indian descent, to run and military - is dependent on Trump’s win. himself the winner on polling day even for Vice President. Since Pakistanis abhor More so, since Biden has openly come in [email protected] before full-counting of postal votes. And everything Indian, Kamala’s nomination favour of Pakistan on Kashmir. he may not accept the result if he loses! Both could irk Islamists and resultantly harm he salience of United States Presidential All the above make November 2020 the parties are questioning election’s integrity Biden’s prospects. Recently, Pakistani media T elections of November 3, 2020 elections one of the most consequential and credibility as their legal teams challenge entreated Paki diaspora that their hatred for cannot be overstated as the international elections in America’s recent history. The election rules. Many legal cases are continuing Kamala should not hamper Biden’s chances community, in its entirety, is eagerly looking axis of evil is happy with prediction of in battleground states. Trump acknowledged as Indian connections apart, she is also of for its outcome. Some of them are looking Trump’s defeat but apprehensive that Trump cuts in federal funding for the US Postal African descent. with hope, while others look with trepidation may resort to legal challenges to voting Service. That restricts mail-in votes and but there can be no denying the fact that this China would not like to see Trump is back. procedures. They are concerned that there Democrats accuse him of voter suppression. is the most eagerly awaited event of the year So will Russia. That also explains why both may not be smooth transfer of power after The election outcome might be disputed. that is about to run to a close. the countries are doing what they can to election with long drawn legal battles, strife A decisive victory for any candidate ensure Trump’s defeat. Russia had interfered and violence that will undermine American China is interested to know whether would minimise such challenges but a in the US election of 2016 to defeat democratic institutions. American society is President Trump is coming back. Given his narrow victory will trigger legal battles Democratic candidate Hilary Clinton and deeply polarised at present. and push election to a limbo. A significant pompous bravado that can be rivalled by facilitate Trump’s win. This time the script none other than Beijing itself, Trump is the Currently, Democrat Joe Biden is leading disconnect between the popular and the is reverse: Trump’s defeat is what Russians Electoral College vote risks delegitimising most feared character in China that would fervently desire and working for. in all the national polls but swing states desperately like Biden to win. Taiwan has which have greater political weight due to the election for supporters of losing parties. tagged its security and sovereignty with The axis of evil-China, Pakistan, Turkey America’s Electoral College method of Such phenomena are not new but explosive the US Elections to such an extent that its and Iran-for their specific own reasons, are electing the President renders competition in prevailing climate. existence and power balance vis-a-vis China happy with popular polls which puts Biden intense. A candidate can secure more Trump called for ‘election squads’ to is contingent upon Trump’s win. clearly ahead of Trump by around eleven Electoral College votes and win despite monitor the vote to “watch all the thieving, percent points. They would like the same less popular vote. This happened to Hilary stealing and robbing” and sought a far-right Iran will heave a sigh of relief if Trump trend to hold over next three weeks leading Clinton in 2016; she won the popular vote group to prevent ballot fraud. That creates is defeated and deflated in the election. up to elections. but Trump garnered the requisite Electoral space for right-wing vigilantes and white Extensions of the US sanctions on Tehran College votes and won! supremacy groups while making the job of and killing of Iranian Commander Soleimani Europe is not too happy with Trump for his security agencies difficult. The FBI director has angered Iran beyond limit. Pakistan pressure on NATO members to increase With the coronavirus pandemic impacting has predicated “racially motivated violent is not happy with Trump’s proximity with their military expenditure so as to reduce voter turnout, postal ballots rather than extremism,” from white supremacists. India, camaraderie with Modi, “Howdy pressure on the US subsidy. Withdrawal in-person votes will be decisive. But the Modi” and his support to India on Indo- from the Paris Climate deal, and Iran election infrastructure in many states lacks Despite predictions to the contrary, Trump Tibet border stand-off at Ladakh. Biden Nuclear deal (JCPOA) has peeved many the capacity and resources to deal with is likely to win the election riding on pro- chants “Insa Allah” to garner Muslim European nations. millions of mail-in votes. That would delay American and pro-white narratives. Trust votes and Islamabad is totally bowled over India is locked in a conflict with China the verdict by a month. Trump distrusts American civil society, intellectuals, the by the Islamist. Pakistan loathes Trump’s at Ladakh where the latter invaded and postal ballots as a “corrupt disaster” that Supreme Court and the military to contain unequivocal support to India to deflate occupied the Indian Territory across India- would benefit the Democrats and could be post-election conflicts to acceptable levels. www.NewDelhiTimes.com India’s only International Newspaper

26 October - 1 November 2020 9

International NEW DELHI TIMES UN Report shows Al-Shabaab’s Erdogan confirms Russian S-400 infiltration in Somalia’s finance system tests despite US ◆ By NDT Bureau objections @NewDelhiTimes urkey’s President confirmed the [email protected] T country tested its Russian-made S-400 missile defense system, despite objections arakat al-Shabaab al-Mujahideen, more from the United States. H commonly known as Al-Shabaab, is a terrorist, jihadist fundamentalist group President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said based in East Africa. Established in the late Turkey had every right to test its equipment. 1990s, the Somalia-based terror group seeks “They were tested, they’re being tested,” he announced. to establish a fundamentalist Islamic State PC : Getty Images in the country that it hopes will ultimately expand to encompass the whole Horn of “America’s stance is absolutely not binding Africa. Al-Shabaab controls much of the for us,” he said. “We aren’t going to ask southern Somalia region and small pockets America.” in Kenya and Ethiopia along the Somalia 2020. The report states that “Al Shabaab paid up, citing threats and violence if they Washington has strongly objected to NATO border. remains in a strong financial position and is refused.” member Turkey’s acquisition of the Russian generating a significant budgetary surplus, According to extremism monitoring The UN report has observed that the anti-aircraft system and suspended Turkey some of which is invested in property portal counterextremism.org, “Al-Shabaab’s militants have been storing and transferring from its F-35 fighter jet program, saying the purchases and businesses in Mogadishu”. ideology is typically described as a brand money through accounts ran in local banks S-400s are a threat to the stealth fighter jets The U.N. report says that the group had of Salafism and Wahhabism that supports in the country. The money, the report adds, and wouldn’t be interoperable with NATO funded various small- and medium-sized takfir, the excommunication of apostates is used in investing in the real estate within systems. businesses, including in Mogadishu’s main or unbelievers. Though it has stated many and outside the country. “Al-Shabaab’s Bakara market which sells everything from It has also warned Ankara that it risks U.S. goals in the past, the group fights first and use of formal banking systems enables the guns to food. The report includes details on sanctions under the Countering America’s foremost to create a fundamentalist Islamic immediate transfer and distribution of large two bank accounts held at Salaam Somali Adversaries Through Sanctions Act if the State in the Horn of Africa that would amounts, including in areas it no longer Bank, founded in 2009 as part of the S-400 system is activated. include not only Somalia but also Djibouti, directly controls, eliminating the risk of Hormuud group of companies. Kenya, and Ethiopia”. The portal also notes physically transporting cash across hostile that Al-Shabaab has had several sources of territory.” Over a 48-hour period in May, The report also documents how Al Shabaab income throughout its history, including more than $322,000 was transferred from maintains its finances through extortion varying degrees of support from the Somali these two accounts to a third bank account, of civilians. In the government-controlled diaspora, locals, sponsors, and sustained the report said, showing “an institutional southern port of Kismayo, businesses are dawa (proselytizing). link between the accounts and an organized forced to pay the insurgency between $300- approach to the distribution of funds”. A new report released by the United Nations $600 monthly depending on their size, which Sanctions Panel on Somalia has documented could earn them nearly $6 million a year The findings of the reports not only show that Al- Shabaab remains financially strong from Kismayo alone, the report says. “The the deep infiltration of Al-Shabaab in the in Somalia through a deep infiltration Shabaab also have penetrated Mogadishu’s banking and financial sector of Somalia network in Somalia’s financial system. Al port, blackmailing importers to pay a levy but also raises concerns over the efficiency Shabaab generated about $13 million (Sh1.3 on goods, the report said. In all the cases of policies and measures designed to curb billion) between December 2019 and August the report documented, business owners terror-financing in the country. Iraq discovers remains of more their missing loved ones. “It’s possible that peshmerga remains are among those found in the mass grave,” than 50 IS victims in mass grave General Mohammed Regr, a Kurdish raqi officials say they have found a new Thousands of Iraqis have gone missing commander in Kirkuk, told VOA. I mass grave that contains the remains of since 2014 when IS took control of Mosul, More mass graves

several dozen people who appear to have Iraq’s second-largest city, along with a large Photo AP PC : been executed on the spot by Islamic State swath of territory in other parts of Iraq and Those desperate for news about the fate of in the disputed northern province of Kirkuk. neighboring Syria. their loved ones in Iraq may never know Missing peshmerga soldiers what happened to them, according to human Ankara insists it was forced to purchase the rights groups that have criticized the way Russian system after Washington refused to Among the missing in Kirkuk are several Iraqi authorities handle exhumations. “In my sell it the U.S. Patriot system. It also argues dozen Kurdish peshmerga fighters who were experience over the last few years in Iraq, that it’s Ankara’s sovereign right to buy the last seen in an IS propaganda video in 2015. the government has failed in most instances system it wants. The footage showed the soldiers in orange when they discover mass graves to properly jumpsuits atop the beds of pickup trucks manage the site by marking it off and then in a parade through the streets of Kirkuk’s Erdogan also suggested a double standard, proceeding with exhumations — carrying Hawijah district. saying NATO member Greece was using its out the forensic work needed to identify the S-300 missile defense system. He asked: “Is Months after the video’s release, Kurdish remains and returning the remains to family America telling them anything?” authorities requested U.S. assistance for a members,” Belkis Wille, a senior crisis joint commando raid on an IS prison where and conflict researcher at New York-based Russia delivered the Russian defense system Yehia Rasool, military spokesperson the peshmerga fighters were believed to be Human Rights Watch, told VOA. last year. Turkey had initially said the S-400 for Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, held. would be operational in April, but it has In November 2018, the United Nations announced on Twitter that Iraqi forces since delayed activating the system. Turkish Though they didn’t find any of the published a report that documented the found the corpses of more than 50 people media reported last week the military test- peshmerga fighters in that facility, the existence of 202 mass graves containing by chance as they were pursuing the IS fired the Russian S-400 air defense system rare joint operation freed dozens of Iraqi as many as 12,000 victims in IS territories remnants in the Dawud Aluka village in in the Black Sea province of Sinop. army soldiers and civilians. A 39-year-old across the provinces of Nineveh, Kirkuk, Riyadh subdistrict. American officer, Joshua L. Wheeler, was Salahuddin and Anbar. The report cited killed in the operation after he voluntarily “This means that the gentlemen are “They were executed by Daesh terror myriad challenges facing the Iraqi assisted his Iraqi partners who had come disturbed especially because this is a weapon gangs during their rein over the village,” government’s attempts to dig up mass graves, under enemy fire, according to the Pentagon. belonging to Russia,” Erdogan said. “We are he said, using an Arabic acronym for IS. including a lack of resources, security issues and a lack of technical expertise. determined, we will continue on our path.” Rasool didn’t provide further details on the Kurds are now looking to see if any of the identities of the victims. newly found remains match the identities of Credit : Voice of America (VOA) Credit : Associated Press (AP)

India’s only International Newspaper www.NewDelhiTimes.com 10 26 October - 1 November 2020

International NEW DELHI TIMES Libyan factions sign countrywide UN-brokered cease-fire he rival sides in Libya’s conflict signed Foreign mercenaries will depart “from all as he expressed hope that all parties would array of fractious militias, though the T a permanent cease-fire, a deal the Libyan territories land, air and sea” within stick to it. “Time will show how long it administrations often struggle to control United Nations billed as historic after years three months, she added, referring to the will last,” he added, questioning the list of them. Ali Abushahma, a field commander of fighting that has split the North African thousands of Syrian fighters deployed by delegates and whether it would be “correct” for the administration in Tripoli and the head country in two. But skepticism over whether Turkey and Russia on opposite sides of for mercenaries to leave so quickly. of its delegation, said: “We have had enough the agreement would hold began emerging the war. The agreement also involves the suffering, enough bloodshed.” almost immediately. formation of a joint military force and a way to monitor violations, Williams said. “I appeal to all Libya: Be one hand,” he The breakthrough, which among other The deal will be sent to the U.N. Security added, warning of polarization by factions. things orders foreign mercenaries out of the Council. country, sets the stage for political talks in The agreement was welcomed by Egypt’s November to find a lasting solution to the U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres foreign minister as well as German Foreign chaos unleashed after a 2011 NATO-backed hailed the cease-fire as a “critical step,” Minister Heiko Maas, whose country hosted uprising toppled and killed longtime dictator but said at a press conference at U.N. a major international conference on Libya Moammar Gadhafi. headquarters in New York that “there is this year that sought to curb foreign powers’ much hard work ahead.” interference in the country. Previous diplomatic initiatives to end the conflict have repeatedly collapsed — but He urged regional actors to respect the The U.S. Embassy in Libya called it “a the U.N.-brokered deal aims to cement a cease-fire provisions and the international major step forward toward realizing the monthslong lull in fighting and gives a boost community to support Libyans in shared interests of all Libyans.” to the political process. implementing them, including by upholding the widely flouted U.N. arms embargo. The meetings this week mark the fourth “I am honored to be among you today to round of talks involving the Joint Military witness a moment that will go down in The U.S. State Department welcomed the Commission under Williams’ watch. Next history,” Stephanie Turco Williams, the top agreement, calling it “positive news.” month, the sides will go to Tunisia for

U.N. envoy for Libya who led mediation Photo AP PC : political talks, with the goal of eventually talks this week, said at the signing in “We understand that this agreement was holding elections. Geneva. She did, however, express some reached by Libyans alone, on both sides of Following Libya’s descent into chaos, a caution, noting that a “long and difficult” the conflict, who are taking decisive steps to U.N.-recognized government holds sway in Despite some skepticism, analysts say there road remains ahead. reassert their sovereignty over Libya,” the the capital, Tripoli, in western Libya, while is an opening now for a deal to bring an end to statement said. “As reported, the agreement the forces of military commander Khalifa Libya’s long-running war, as Prime Minister It’s not clear how the cease-fire will be demands that all foreign mercenaries and Hifter run most of the east and south. Turkey Fayez Sarraj of the Tripoli government plans enforced — given the patchwork of militias militaries must withdraw from Libya.” is the main patron of the Tripoli government, to step down next month and the U.N. works in Libya — but Williams said armed groups while the United Arab Emirates, Russia and to form a new, shared system of governance and military units had agreed to return “to Shortly after the announcement of the deal, Egypt back Hifter. that spans the divided country. their camps” and that the deal would take Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan effect immediately. said it did not appear to be credible — even Both sides are also supported by an Credit : Associated Press (AP)

has said that the conditions are not yet Trump: Sudan to join UAE, Donors pledge conducive on the ground for the Rohingya to return in a dignified, safe and voluntary manner. The Myanmar government has Bahrain in recognizing Israel $600 million not addressed root causes of the exodus, including discrimination and violence P resident Donald Trump announced that against the Rohingya, or allowing their Sudan will start to normalize ties with for displaced free movement in Myanmar. There has also Israel, making it the third Arab state to do so been no accountability for atrocity crimes as part of U.S.-brokered deals in the run-up committed against them. to Election Day. Rohingya In addition to the 860,000 Rohingya being The announcement came after the North I nternational donors raised nearly hosted by Bangladesh, another 150,000 African nation agreed to put $335 million in $600 million to help alleviate the refugees are in Malaysia, Indonesia and an escrow account to be used to compensate humanitarian suffering of the 860,000 ethnic India. Some 600,000 Rohingya remain in American victims of terror attacks. The Rohingya Muslims who fled Myanmar three Myanmar’s Rakhine State, of whom 140,000 attacks include the 1998 bombings of the years ago to Bangladesh, as that country are internally displaced. U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania warned it cannot host them indefinitely. by the al-Qaida network while its leader, PC : AP Photo AP PC : “The problem was created by Myanmar, and Osama bin Laden, was living in Sudan. In its solution must be found by Myanmar,” exchange, Trump notified Congress of his condemned and rejected the agreement, Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign intent to remove Sudan from the U.S. list of saying a lasting peace in the region Affairs Shahriar Alam told the virtual state sponsors of terrorism. depends on ending the Israeli occupation donor’s conference. “Bangladesh is not in and creating a Palestinian state. Wasel Abu It was foreign policy achievement for Trump a position to continue to take the burden Yousef, a senior Palestinian official, called just 11 days before Election Day. Previously, anymore. The Rohingya must return to their the agreement a “stab in the back” of the the Trump administration engineered country of origin as soon as possible.” Palestinian people and their cause. The diplomatic pacts between Israel and the Islamic militant group Hamas, which rules Bangladesh has hosted the Rohingya since

United Arab Emirates and Bahrain — the PC : Getty Images Gaza, also condemned the agreement. they fled Myanmar’s northern Rakhine first since Jordan recognized Israel in the state in August and September 2017, after 1990s and Egypt in the 1970s. Israel said the recognitions signal that the attacks by Rohingya militants against The donor conference was co-hosted by the Palestinians have lost their “veto” over state security forces led to brutal military UNHCR, the United States, the European Trump said at least five other countries want regional peace efforts. to come into the deal, which is collectively “clearance operations” that the U.N. said Union and Britain. called the Abraham Accords. Trump invited reporters to the Oval Office was tantamount to “ethnic cleansing.” The United States made the largest while still on the phone with Israeli and The United Nations Refugee Chief Filippo contribution, announcing nearly $200 The new recognitions of Israel unify Arab Sudanese leaders. Trump said Sudan had Grandi reiterated that the ultimate goal is million in new funding, bringing its total nations around their common enemy, Iran. demonstrated its commitment in battling for the Rohingya to return to Myanmar, but 2020 contributions to more than $437 million They also upend the traditional Arab strategy terrorism. of refusing to normalize relations with Israel under the right conditions. for the Rohingya, and over $1.2 billion before an independent Palestinian state is “This is one of the great days in the history since 2017. Several other governments “We must not lose sight of solutions, and created. of Sudan,” Trump said, adding that Israel also announced new pledges, with a focus and Sudan have been in a state of hostilities the key solution remains return — return on education, COVID-19 response and The Palestinians say the recognitions for decades, even if they had not been in home,” Grandi said. “Responsibility for this prevention, protection, food and health amount to betrayal. direct conflict. lies chiefly with Myanmar.” assistance. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Credit : Associated Press (AP) The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) Credit : Voice of America (VOA) www.NewDelhiTimes.com India’s only International Newspaper

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International NEW DELHI TIMES

of China’s army,” he said, adding that the Pope’s civil union words spark Putin: Russia- future could see even closer military ties between the two countries. China military “The time will show how it will develop,” reactions around the globe the Russian president said, adding that “we cross the globe, Pope Francis’ comments Pope Francis’ comments go against all won’t exclude it.” A endorsing same-sex civil unions were of the teaching from Pope John Paul II alliance can’t be received by some as encouragement for and Pope Benedict XVI and “that is what an advancing struggle and condemned by is disconcerting,” Valdemar said. “Even ruled out others as an earth-shaking departure from though it is not an official document it is an ussian President Vladimir Putin said church doctrine. opinion that the pope can’t allow himself R that there is no need for a Russia-China because he is not a monarch with absolute military alliance now, but noted it could be In the Philippines, officials saw the potential authority, he must act within the framework forged in the future. for political change in the wake of the of church doctrine.” pope’s words. In Zimbabwe, activists for Putin’s statement signaled deepening ties Photo AP PC : equal rights applauded the move, but doubt Valdemar said the comments would deepen between Moscow and Beijing amid growing it would quickly bring change in a country the schism already dividing the church. tensions in their relations with the United where discrimination against the LGBT “This is going to give all of the pope’s States. The Russian leader also made a community continues to be widespread. enemies the weapons to attack him,” he said. strong call for extending the last remaining Russia has sought to develop stronger ties arms control pact between Moscow and with China as its relations with the West Nowhere was reaction more divided than in At the liberal end of the church spectrum in Washington. sank to post-Cold War lows over Moscow’s Latin America, where the Roman Catholic Mexico, Saltillo Bishop Raúl Vera celebrated annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea, accusations Church remains influential — and where the pope’s comments like a breath of fresh Asked during a video conference with of Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. some countries have legalized same-sex air. international foreign policy experts whether presidential election and other rifts. marriage in recent years over objections of a military union between Moscow and Beijing was possible, Putin replied that “we the church. “It makes me very happy that a new door is Putin emphasized the importance of don’t need it, but, theoretically, it’s quite opening in the church for people who still extending the New START treaty that possible to imagine it.” Earlier this year, Costa Rica became the sixth don’t have a place in it because God is going expires in February, Russia’s last arms country in Latin America to allow same-sex to ask about them,” the 75-year-old Vera Putin pointed to the war games that the control pact with the United States. marriage. Ecuador legalized it last year, and said, adding that those who suggest Francis’ armed forces of China and Russia held as a Panama is in the midst of a heated debate on comments were misinterpreted just don’t signal of the countries’ burgeoning military Earlier this week, the United States and the subject now. It is also permitted in some want to hear the message. cooperation. Russia signaled their readiness to accept parts of Mexico as well as Brazil, Argentina, compromises to salvage the New START Colombia and Uruguay. “It is very important that we initiate a new Putin also noted that Russia has shared treaty just two weeks ahead of the U.S. stage in the relationship of the Catholic sensitive military technologies that helped presidential election in which President Church with the LGBT family in the world,” significantly boost China’s military Donald Trump faces a strong challenge from Vera said. potential, but didn’t mention any specifics, former Vice President Joe Biden, whose saying the information was sensitive. campaign has accused Trump of being soft That was what Aldo Dávila, an openly gay “Without any doubt, our cooperation with on Russia. lawmaker in Guatemala, where same-sex China is bolstering the defense capability Credit : Associated Press (AP) unions are banned, heard in Francis’ words.

“This demonstration of tolerance, love and respect toward people is important, EU slaps sanctions on 2 Russians especially now that we see various Central American countries evolving,” Dávila said. over Germany cyberattack “Panama is talking about the issue, Mexico and Costa Rica have passed laws, maybe T he European Union imposed sanctions commonly by monikers like APT28, Fancy PC : AP Photo AP PC : this can help.” on two Russian officials and part of Bear, Pawn Storm and Strontium. The EU Russia’s GRU military intelligence agency said it “is responsible for cyber-attacks with But some reactions made clear change will over a cyberattack against the German a significant effect constituting an external The latest push has been propelled in part parliament in 2015. threat to the Union or its Member States.” by an opinion issued in January 2018 by not come easily in parts of the region. the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. Monsignor Daniel Fernández Torres, bishop EU headquarters said in a statement that The same unit stands accused of trying It said the 25 countries that signed the of Arecibo in Puerto Rico, rejected Pope travel bans and asset freezes have been to hack into the Wi-Fi network of the American Convention on Human Rights Francis’ comments, saying “they can’t imposed on the two men: Igor Kostyukov, Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical had to guarantee that all rights available to change the Catholic Church’s doctrine or head of the Main Directorate of the General Weapons, based in the Netherlands, in 2018. heterosexual couples were also extended to go against it.” He said he would continue to Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, and homosexual couples. The sanctions were imposed under a follow the texts published under Pope John Dmitry Badin, a military intelligence officer. set of measures designed to “prevent, Paul II that said the church’s respect for The Catholic Church, however, has fought discourage, deter and respond to continuing homosexuals cannot in any way lead to the against these changes. When Francis was and increasing malicious behavior in approval of homosexual behavior. serving as archbishop of Buenos Aires, he cyberspace.” EU citizens and organizations endorsed civil unions for gay couples as an In La Paz, Bolivia, gay rights activist David are banned from making funds available to alternative to same-sex marriages. Aruquipa, who has been fighting in court those listed. for 11 years for legal recognition of his Francis apparently made the newly released A total of eight people and four organizations relationship with his partner, took heart in comments in a 2019 interview, a portion now appear on the list. the pope’s words. of which was not aired publicly until the Russian officials have repeatedly denied documentary “Francesco” premiered. “For those of us seeking recognition, I any involvement by Moscow in the hacking PC : AP Photo AP PC : believe it has been very pertinent to the attack. They have similarly dismissed The mixed reaction was on display in legalization of civil unions so that any Mexico, where the pontiff’s comments were charges of Russian meddling in the 2016 couple and family of people of the same sex The EU said that Badin, who is also being U.S. presidential election and alleged condemned by conservative sectors and have civil rights,” Aruquipa said. sought by U.S. authorities, was part of a team praised by more liberal church leaders. cyberattacks on other Western nations and that launched the attacks on the Bundestag. institutions. In Zimbabwe, home to more than 1 million “The Episcopal conferences have Catholics, those pushing for equal treatment “This cyber-attack targeted the parliament’s Diplomatic ties between Germany and been stunned,” said Hugo Valdemar, a of homosexuals saw the pope’s comments as information system and affected its operation Russia are already tense, following the former spokesman for the Mexico City a step forward, but said it would change little for several days. A significant amount of brazen killing of a Georgian man on the archdiocese who is close to Cardinal in a country where same-sex relationships data was stolen and the email accounts of streets of Berlin last year. Prosecutors Emeritus Norberto Rivera, one of are frowned upon and often attract public several MPs as well as of Chancellor Angela have suggested the hit was ordered either Mexico’s most conservative church ridicule, and where same-sex marriages are Merkel were affected,” it said. by Moscow or authorities in the Russian leaders. “I believe there is going to be an banned. republic of Chechnya. ominous silence from some and applause The part of the intelligence agency targeted from the most liberal.” Credit : Associated Press (AP) is known as “military unit 26165,” or more Credit : Associated Press (AP)

India’s only International Newspaper www.NewDelhiTimes.com 12 26 October - 1 November 2020

Interational NEW DELHI TIMES China’s Xi takes jabs at US in Korean War commemoration hinese leader Xi Jinping condemned human rights, allegations of spying and world,” Zhao said at a daily briefing. Trump a “dotard” among other crude insults, C “unilateralism, protectionism and Chinese policies regarding Hong Kong, but halted such rhetoric after Kim entered extreme egoism” in a jab at the United Taiwan and the South China Sea. U.S. relations with North Korea featured talks with Trump in 2018 on the fate of his States made during a rally to mark the 70th briefly in the presidential debate, with advancing nuclear arsenal. anniversary of China’s entry into the 1950- Beijing, meanwhile, remains North Korea’s President Donald Trump saying the Obama 53 Korean War. most important diplomatic ally and trading administration left him a “mess” to deal with Despite the impasse, Kim has not partner, and has pushed back at U.S. efforts in terms of tempering relations with North resumed testing major weapons such as China refers to the conflict, in which it sent to bring economic pressure on Pyongyang Korea. intercontinental ballistic missiles in an troops to aid North Korean forces against a to prompt it to end its nuclear weapons and apparent effort to keep diplomacy with the United Nations coalition led by America, as missile programs. Trump said he had warded off a war that U.S. alive. the “War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid could have threatened millions of lives, and Korea.” that former President Barack Obama had The North’s state media reported that Kim told him he viewed potential danger from paid his respects to Chinese soldiers at a Although fighting ended in a stalemate, the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as among cemetery north of Pyongyang, accompanied war established China as a major player on the greatest national security threats. by top deputies. Kim said that “every part the world stage and the commemorations of our country is closely associated with closely fit with Xi’s drive to promote Democratic nominee Joe Biden said Trump the red blood shed by the service personnel patriotism and the unquestioned leadership had “legitimized” a “thug” by meeting and of the Chinese People’s Volunteers” and of the ruling Communist Party. forging a relationship with Kim. that his government would never forget “their noble soul and lofty self-sacrificing “In today’s world, the pursuit of Trump countered that Kim “didn’t like spirit.” unilateralism, protectionism and extreme Obama” and insisted, “Having a good egoism leads nowhere,” Xi told an audience relationship with other countries is a good The visit was Kim’s first to the cemetery on of government and party leaders, veterans thing.” the October anniversary of China’s entry and family members of those who served into the war, adding to speculation that he in what China calls the Chinese People’s North Korea didn’t immediately react to the wishes to strengthen ties with Beijing while Volunteers. Photo AP PC : U.S. presidential debate. preparing for new dealings with the U.S. after the November 3 elections. “Arrogance, always doing as one pleases, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Many North Korea watchers say Kim would acts of hegemony, overbearance or bullying Zhao Lijian reinforced the importance of prefer for Trump be reelected to get a chance Since taking power in late 2011, Kim has will lead nowhere,” Xi said, according to the anniversary, saying the war’s outcome to restart stalled nuclear negotiations in visited the cemetery on only two occasions, comments released by the official Xinhua proved that “justice will prevail and peaceful exchange for badly needed sanctions relief. in 2013 and 2018, both on the July 27 News Agency. development is an irresistible historical anniversary of the signing of the 1953 trend.” Last year, the North’s state media called armistice, according to Seoul’s Unification The anniversary comes as China’s relations Biden a “rabid dog” that “must be beaten to Ministry. with the U.S. have sunk to their lowest level “The great victory ... is of great and far- death with a stick,” after he described Kim in decades as the sides feud over trade, reaching significance to China and the as a tyrant. North Korea had once called Credit : Associated Press (AP)

said. The court’s decision came in response UN chief says G20 leaders must Poland’s top to a motion from right-wing lawmakers who argued that terminating a pregnancy due to fetal defects — the most common coordinate to fight COVID-19 court rules out reason cited for legal abortions in Poland — he U.N. chief finds it “very frustrating” and households in developing countries violates a constitutional provision that calls T that leaders of the 20 major trying to tackle the pandemic and “a task abortions due to for protecting the life of every individual. industrialized nations didn’t come together force to have a combined effort to defeat the in March and establish a coordinated virus.” fetal defects response to suppress the coronavirus in all At the virtual G20 summit on November countries as he proposed. oland’s top court ruled that a law 21-22, he said, the United Nations will be P allowing abortion of fetuses with “strongly advocating” for the need for better congenital defects is unconstitutional, coordination and also seeking a “guarantee” shutting a major loophole in the that any coronavirus vaccine is treated as “a predominantly Catholic country’s abortion global public good” and be made “available laws that are among the strictest in Europe. and affordable for everyone, everywhere.” Two judges in the 13-member Constitutional Guterres said the international initiative to Court did not back the majority ruling. distribute coronavirus vaccines to countries Activists deplored the decision, and

worldwide, known as COVAX, now the Council of Europe’s human rights Photo AP PC : has 156 countries participating “but it is commissioner wrote on Twitter that it was a underfunded.” “sad day for women’s rights.”

PC : AP Photo AP PC : Hours later, hundreds of mostly young The U.N. leader said all countries need to be The court argued that terminating pregnancy protesters defied a pandemic-related ban on brought together to understand the need “to due to defects of the fetus amounted to Instead, they went their own ways as gatherings and staged a protest before the adopt a vaccine with a common strategy” and eugenics — a 19th century notion of genetic infections moved “every way, everywhere,” court with signs saying “You Have Blood on “to advocate for a much stronger solidarity selection that was later applied by the Nazis Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said. with the developing countries.” Your Gowns” and “Shame.” The result is that every country is taking its in their pseudo-scientific experiments. The demonstrators then walked to the offices own sometimes “contradictory” actions, and There was “a massive mobilization of It agreed with the plaintiffs that it was a form of the main ruling conservative party, Law the virus is moving “from east to west, north resources and a huge increase of liquidity in of banned discrimination when the decision and Justice, and to the house of the party to south,” with second waves of COVID-19 the developed world, and that was positive about an unborn child’s life was conditioned leader and deputy prime minister, Jaroslaw now affecting many nations. to avoid the worst in the economies of the on its health. global north,” he said, “but not the same has Kaczynski, who is the driving force behind With a Group of 20 summit coming next happened in the global south.” the government’s policies. Police cordoned The challenged law was introduced by month, Guterres said in an interview with the house off from the noisy protesters who Poland’s young post-communist democracy the Associated Press that he hopes the In developing countries in the south, there is were calling for the government to step in 1993 as a hard-won compromise between international community now understands “a dramatic lack of liquidity” and problems down. Officers briefly tussled with some the influential Catholic Church and the “they need to be much more coordinated in of debt payments that have become more people, took their banners and sprayed state authorities. It allows abortions when fighting the virus.” serious with “the risk of defaults that could pepper gas to disperse the crowd. a pregnancy endangers a woman’s health or be then in a cascade, and these would have life, or results from rape or other illegal act, He recalled the March meeting of the G20 The ruling party will soon propose new devastating impacts in relation to the global and also in case of congenital defects. Only where he urged adoption of a “wartime” legislation to better support women and economy,” he said. the last provision was challenged. plan, including a stimulus package “in the their children that will be born as a result of trillions of dollars” for businesses, workers Credit : Associated Press (AP) the court’s ruling, the party’s spokeswoman Credit : Associated Press (AP) www.NewDelhiTimes.com India’s only International Newspaper

26 October - 1 November 2020 13

THIS DAY | THAT YEAR | NEW DELHI TIMES

October 26, 2017 Jacinda Ardern was sworn in as the Prime Minister of New Zealand, becoming the world’s youngest female head of the Government on this day that year. PC : Getty Images

October 27, 2017

The Catalan Parliament met and unilaterally declared independence from Spain on this day that year. PC : Getty Images

October 28, 1948 The Flag of Israel was adopted on this day that year. PC : Getty Images

October 29, 1998 Legendary astronaut, John Glenn, aged 77, returned into orbit and became the oldest man in space, on this day that year.

October 30, 1973 The Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey, connecting the continents of Europe and Asia over the Bosporus for the first time was completed on this day that year. PC : Getty Images

October 31, 1984

Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by two of her bodyguards on this day that year. PC : Getty Images

November 1, 1911 The first aerial bomb was dropped by an Italian pilot on Turkish troops in Libya during the Italo-Turkish War on this day that year.

India’s only International Newspaper www.NewDelhiTimes.com 14 26 October - 1 November 2020

Delhi/NCR NEW DELHI TIMES Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in ‘Red light on, Gaadi off’ campaign begins Delhi recognised as one of the safest airports in Delhi globally on COVID-19 safety protocols ◆ By NDT Bureau @NewDelhiTimes ◆ By NDT Bureau [email protected] @NewDelhiTimes he ‘Red light on, Gaadi off’ campaign [email protected] T by the Delhi Government began on October 21. The campaign was kicked off by he Indira Gandhi International (IGI) the Environment Minister Gopal Rai from T Airport in Delhi has been recognised the ITO traffic signal. as the second safest aerodrome globally for effective implementation of coronavirus- “The campaign is an attempt to reduce related health and safety protocols. vehicular pollution. Delhi has around one crore registered vehicles. Altogether, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), vehicles burn fuel at traffic signals for a GMR-led consortium, in an official release around 15-20 minutes every day. This

said the Safe Travel Barometer has certified PC : Getty Images campaign aims to stop fuel-burning at the Delhi Airport as the second safest airport signals. If the city’s two crore population for effective implementation of coronavirus traveller health and safety measures the landside and airside areas. These include joins this campaign and does its bit, then we health and safety protocols. announced by airports. The Safe Travel sensor-based check-in kiosks and biometric- can reduce around 15-20 per cent pollution Score is an indicator of the preparedness based immigration systems to eliminate from vehicles. This campaign is voluntary. “Close on the heels of Singapore Changi of the travel industry as part of the ‘new fingerprint scanning. I appeal to the people of Delhi to make it a Airport, which scored 4.7 out of 5, Delhi’s normal’. success,” he said. IGI Airport has bagged the second position Close at the heels of Changi Airport is in the Safe Travel Barometer’s list by According to the Safe Travel Barometer, Frankfurt Airport, Chengdu Shuangliu The campaign will last till November 15. scoring 4.6 along with Frankfurt Airport and Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) emerged International Airport (CTU) and Delhi’s More than 2500 civil defence volunteers Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport.” as the world’s ‘safest’ airport with a Safe Indira Gandhi International Airport, each will stand with placards at approximately Travel Score of 4.7 out of 5. The airport has tied at a Safe Travel Score of 4.6 out of 5. 100 traffic signals in the National Capital to The Safe Travel Score is an industry-first taken several proactive measures, including The UAE’s Abu Dhabi International Airport spread awareness and ask the commuters to rating initiative, based on an independent the implementation of touchless initiatives, (AUH) and Dubai International Airport switch off the engines of vehicles at these audit of more than 200 airports and 20 to enhance the passenger experience across (DXB) are tied at 4.5 each. signals in case of red light. Delhi police appeals for deferring any protests or rallies till October 31 Dr. Eish Singhal said. The appeal by the ◆ By NDT Bureau Delhi police also cited the September 30 @NewDelhiTimes order issued by the DDMA, according to which, it had decided to maintain status quo [email protected] in respect of prohibited activities in as far as it relates to gathering and large congregations at elhi police has appealed for deferring public places up to October 31. D any protests or planned rallies in the National Capital till October 31, the date till which the prohibitory orders issued by the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) are in force. The police said that those violating these prohibitory orders are liable for punishment under the law.

“All individuals and groups are requested to PC : Getty Images defer any plans for organising any protests, dharnas, rallies till such time the DDMA Therefore, all social, academic, sports, prohibitory orders are in force. Violations entertainment, cultural, religious, political of the prohibitory orders of the DDMA functions, other gatherings and large would invite action as per law,” Deputy congregations shall continue to be prohibited Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) throughout Delhi till October 31, it stated. Delhi High Court raps Delhi Government for not providing funds to District Courts direct the Delhi High Court to release the ◆ By NDT Bureau required sum of Rs. 2,52,10,178/- from its @NewDelhiTimes budget to the district courts without any delay with a condition that the said amount [email protected] shall be returned to the Delhi High Court immediately on funds being made available he Delhi High Court has slammed the by the Delhi Government to the district T Delhi Government for not providing courts, which exercise shall be completed on funds to the District Courts in the National or before 31.12.2020,” the Court said. Capital. “Keeping in mind the request made on behalf of the Delhi High Court The High Court observed that the judiciary that no further delay can be brooked as 150 was not doing anything in this regard Judicial Officers are due to be posted in as it was patiently waiting for the Delhi the next couple of months and their courts Government to release the funds. “You cannot be made functional without adequate (Delhi Government) did not do anything. support staff, it is deemed appropriate to Probably you took it as a weakness,” it said. www.NewDelhiTimes.com India’s only International Newspaper

26 October - 1 November 2020 15

National NEW DELHI TIMES Popular Front of India: The modern day Kharijites, successors of Yazid The Holy Prophet (may peace be upon him) said: “The government is the guardian of those who have no guardian.” (Sahih Muslim Book:20) against Yazid’s evil rule. Whilst Yazid, the always will be to grab political power by Usman but also Ali to establish their own ◆ By NDT Bureau successor of Umayyad Khilafah, was feared creating turmoil amongst the Muslims. ruler ship. @NewDelhiTimes and hated for his ruthlessness, Hussain was loved and respected by society. Yazid History is adept with examples which show [email protected] realised this, and understood that if he could that bad leaders endangered many Muslim convince Hussain to support him, the people kingdoms and empires. It can be traced slam is a prosperous religion that does would too. And when he failed to convince from the Ottoman Empire to the Mughal I not root in all the countries but is Hussain, he killed him with treachery and Sultanate. In fact, the greatest damage to nurtured in heart of millions in the world. deceit. Hussain represented the fight for Islam was always done by the enemies Islam commenced in Mecca with few reformation, war for eradicating evils from within rather than external forces. people but in few years, it expanded from the society, exploring the truth and for Medina to Egypt. After the death of Prophet Present day Muslims need to learn from establishing peaceful Islamic Empire. This Muhammad (PBUH) the wolves in sheep’s the assassination of Ali and Usman (R.A) again proves that whenever there is a call for clothes came out in the open and threatened by the Kharijites. They must identify the peace and harmony, the hate mongers have the very existence of Islam. Some selfish present day Kharijites and successors of always resisted it and dealt it with violence. Murtad and traitors claimed themselves to Yazid represented by the Popular Front A similar approach is being used by the be the next Prophet and torch bearers of of India leadership. Their hidden violent The last of the rightly guided Caliphs, Ali, present-day successors of Yazid and flag true Islam but Abu Bakr (1st Caliph) fought agenda must be exposed so that the future was assassinated by a Kharijite in 661 CE. bearers of Khawarij- The Popular Front of bravely to root out all the Murtaddin and of Muslims in India doesn’t suffer the fate of Although radical Kharijites were eventually India (PFI). In the name of representing established a stable government in Medina. the last of its rightly guided Caliphs. defeated by the Caliph forces and virtually the true Islam they are creating turmoil in This episode in Islamic history is a reminder disappeared in urban areas, some moderate the peaceful Muslim society. The ultimate that a good leader is always required for Forbidding evil is obligatory for the one Kharijite groups survived, particularly in agenda being to grab the political power leading the Muslims to prosperity and Islam who is able to do it, and is safe from harm rural and tribal areas. Khawarij since time by removing just rulers and imposing their has always been stabbed by the enemies to himself or the Muslims. But if he fears immemorial have spoiled the true picture of version of violent Islam amongst the masses. within which lie hidden awaiting opportune (harm) then he may denounce it in his heart Islam by undertaking activities which are Be it Bengaluru violence or the hand moment. and shun the doer of evil and not mix with utterly prohibited in Islam. They have been chopping incident of Kerala professor, PFI him. Hussain, the son of Ali and the grandson doing a lot of propagandas in the name of has time and again proved that they are the of Prophet Muhammad took a stand helping Islam. Their real intention was and successors of Kharijites who not only killed …Tafseer al-Qurtubi (6/253). Rote within the Madrassa Education System prevalent in India The madrassa institutions must understand the social fragmentation and the economic backwardness of the Muslims community as a whole Century onwards under the patronage of of alteration and replacement of such allegedly planning for terror plot in Delhi and ◆ By NDT Bureau several Muslim rulers. Most significantly indigenous systems with English schools. UP. Madrassas were critically disapproved for @NewDelhiTimes under the Mughal rule, these became major Until then, madrassas were the only places the radicalised teaching of Islam. The point to literary centres and received direct financial of learning and education. Over time, the expedite here is that madrassa system needs to [email protected] grants from the state treasury. The British, madrassa system confined its role in dealing assume its traditional role by incorporating in in their initial years, drew scholars from the mainly with religious education. In due its curriculum diverse subjects ranging from ebates over the madrassa education madrassas to understand the Islamic law and course, the attitudinal change within the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, D system and its conventional approach for the deliverance of the administration. Indian Muslim community became visible, etc., at least up to graduate levels, so that its of teaching flaunt opinionated viewpoints. though gradually, as more people preferred students get to choose their future courses and Some prescribe a complete overhaul of modern schools than the religious ones. In get expertise in Islam. the system; some view the whole system the post-independent India, the madrassa as flawed and other stress on inclusion system faced further neglect because the The madrassa institutions must understand of modern sciences in their curriculum. community faced economic deprivation, the social fragmentation and the economic The word ‘madrassa’ sometimes is used developmental neglect and social backwardness of the Muslims community for the stereotyping and stigmatisation, discrimination. One of the central aspects as a whole. Instead of becoming agents invoking likes of parochial, fundamentalist, which must get a mention is the student of sectarian fragmentation by preparing conservative and anti-modern perceptions demographics of these madrassas, that is, the the students along with these sectarian about those studying in these institutions. In PC : Getty Images composition of students gradually changed theocratic principles, the focus must be on India, madrassa institutions somehow face as most of them belonged to economically crafting them as agents of social harmony severe stigmatisation as these are doubted for However, the introduction of modern weaker fragment. The only affluent could and peace. However, one cannot neglect invocation of fundamentalist Islam, which education with English as the instructions afford modern education and for deprived, the contribution of madrassa institutions to some see as a threat to Indian pluralistic medium, Muslim clerics resented the move madrassas remained the only option. Muslim educational empowerment as there culture. However, here the purpose is not to and perceived it as an intervention in their are hundreds of students who cross over to go into any kind intricacies rather the main belief system. Therefore, a new wave Furthermore, its contribution to economic institutions of higher learning from these focus shall remain on locating reasons for of establishing such institutions spread empowerment is very minimal because the madrassas. the decay within the madrassa system. throughout the northern India, particularly majority of its students are not accustomed Uttar Pradesh. The tussle ingrained a to job markets instead of religion-related Without neglecting its contributions, the Madrassa system of education primarily distinctive and compartmentalising approach works like Imams for mosques or teaching madrassa system needs to undergo necessary focuses on imparting knowledge such as separating religious education from worldly Quran to young adults. Only a section of structural changes and think beyond Islamic jurisprudence, the commentaries education. Madrassas took deliverance of students from these madrassas switch to sectarian, sectional, religious and worldly on the religious scriptures and the study religious education as a fundamental for the modern educational institutions and prepare binaries by following a pragmatic approach th of the Prophet’s life journey. In the 11 protection of their religious identity. The for the job market. Besides, the madrassa to the problems arising out of changing Century, madrassas flourished throughout stringency and un-changeability introduced face criticism for the lack of scientific social circumstances. The structural changes the Muslim world as primary centres of in madrassa curriculum became its long- methods to teaching and isolation from in the madrassa must encourage students to spiritual learning and incorporated in the term features, with which they grapple even contemporary technology. be well versed in Islamic law i.e., to be a other branches like sciences, arithmetic, today. The orthodox approach in madrassa theologian yet simultaneously pursue other astronomy and medicine. In India, system stemmed from the existential Madrassas came under the radar of the professions such as a scientist, an economist madrassas also flourished from theth 12 threat perceived after the British attempts government post the arrest of five youth for and a thinker.

India’s only International Newspaper www.NewDelhiTimes.com 16 26 October - 1 November 2020

Neighbourhood NEW DELHI TIMES ILO says Global Terror- garment industry Funding Watchdog should do more keeps Pakistan on to help workers ‘Gray List’ n international agency fighting illicit he Coronavirus pandemic has slammed A financing has urged Pakistan to deliver T the apparel industry, leaving many on its remaining commitments by February of the 65 million Asian garment factory 2021 to curb money laundering and funding workers struggling as factories close or cut sources to terrorist groups. back on wages, and the International Labour Organization (ILO) is urging the industry to The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) do more to protect them. met at its headquarters in Paris and reviewed Islamabad’s progress under an The ILO issued a report noting that imports internationally agreed upon action plan. from major garment-exporting countries in Asia plunged by up to 70% in the first Photo AP PC : “The plenary recognized that Pakistan has half of 2020 and are still well below levels made progress. The government has now before the crisis hit, costing many workers “All these things are on the table and there are facing smaller paychecks or delays in completed 21 of 27 items of its action plan,” their jobs as factories closed or cut back on are some discussions about this,” Viegelahn getting their wages, said Viegelahn. Marcus Pleyer, the FATF president, told a post- said in an online briefing. “It is too early to production. He and other ILO experts said it was nearly meeting online news conference. “Pakistan say in which direction the industry will go.” remains on our increased monitoring list, the While that has had dire consequences for impossible to provide exact statistics on the so-called gray list.” those working in the industry, most of them The ILO report assessed conditions in 10 current, fast-changing situation. women, the pandemic is an opportunity for major garment exporting countries in the The ILO study was carried out by Cornell The gray list comprises nations that have fashion brands to make their supply chains Asia-Pacific region: Bangladesh, Cambodia, University and an ILO team including experts weak mechanisms to counter the financing more resilient, sustainable and “human China, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Pakistan, from groups such as Better Work, which aim of terrorism but agree to work with FATF to centered,” said Christian Viegelahn, a senior Philippines, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. The to improve conditions in the industry. address their deficiencies. economist at the ILO’s regional office in region accounts for three-quarters of all Bangkok. garment factory jobs, it said. The pandemic has revealed vulnerabilities and weaknesses in the entire fashion supply A full recovery for the industry will likely Almost half of all jobs related to apparel chain, which can “crash so easily with no depend on overcoming the pandemic and making in the region depend on exports safety net,” said Tara Rangarajan, head of may not come until 2022, he said. to wealthy countries in the West, where communications, buyer engagement and the Ensuring a better safety net for garment outbreaks of the coronavirus led to Americas for Better Work, which cooperates factory workers who have scant support to lockdowns that may once again disrupt with governments, global brands, factory fall back on when they lose their jobs in shopping and trade as caseloads rise. owners, unions and workers to improve countries like Bangladesh, Cambodia and working conditions in the garment industry The survey, conducted in the spring, found Myanmar is vital, the ILO researchers said. and make the sector more competitive. that workers lost an average of two to four But the industry needs to do more to improve weeks of work. Only about three in five “It is so important for the brands to take their basic things such as power supplies, logistics workers were called back to work after responsibility . . . so that it does not become the race to the bottom,” she said. and communication and should also try to their factories reopened from shutdowns to Pakistan was placed on the watch list in become more environmentally friendly. fight COVID-19. Even those still employed Credit : Associated Press (AP) 2018, making foreign firms more cautious about investing in the South Asian nation, strengthening Rajapaksa family’s hold which is dealing with a struggling economy Sri Lanka Parliament votes to on Sri Lanka’s political power. Currently, and a balance-of-payment crisis. Rajapaksa’s older brother, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, is prime minister. ‘Very serious deficiencies’ Another older brother and three nephews are strengthen Presidential power “It definitely means the world has become also lawmakers - three of them ministers. ri Lanka’s Parliament by a large voting in favour. Sixty-five lawmakers voted safer. But the six outstanding items are very S majority has approved a Constitutional against. Rajapaksa renounced his U.S citizenship serious deficiencies that still have to be amendment concentrating powers under last year to run for President. repaired,” Pleyer acknowledged when asked President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and reversing With the change, Rajapaksa will be able to if Pakistan still faces the risk of being moved reforms a previous government had made to hold Ministries, as well as appoint and sack The amendment was passed with several to the FATF’s so-called black list. curb authoritarianism. ministers. He will also be the appointing changes because the Supreme Court had authority of the elections, public service, earlier determined certain clauses in the The black list comprises countries police, human rights, bribery or corruption original proposals were against people’s considered noncooperative and supportive investigation commissions. sovereignty and they needed approval in a of terror financing as well as money public referendum to become law. laundering activities. Placement on that list These Commissions were perceived as triggers international economic sanctions independent with a Constitutional Council Accordingly, the government brought back and restriction in the nations’ dealings with comprising of lawmakers from different clauses enabling citizens to challenge a foreign lending institutions. political parties and civil personalities President’s actions in court, subjecting Iran and North Korea are the only two making the appointments. With the the President’s office to financial audit currently blacklisted countries. amendment, the Constitutional Council and making the President answerable to is abolished for a Parliamentary Council Parliament. Also, a proposal that allowed the Pleyer said that the FATF members had whose observations the President is not President to dissolve Parliament after year decided “by consensus” that Pakistan needed bound to implement. of the Legislature’s election was changed to to work on the six outstanding items before two years and six months. PC : AP Photo AP PC : The President can also dissolve Parliament his agency would consider sending its team for an “on-site visit” to review progress and after two years and six months of the Sri Lanka has been ruled under a powerful Legislature being elected instead of the determine whether to remove the country After the August elections gave him the executive Presidential system since 1978 previous law that prohibited him from from the gray list. parliamentary votes to change the charter, but a reformist government in 2015 clipped dissolving Parliament until six months Rajapaksa had said the amendment would much of the President’s powers and gave “As long as we see that the country is before its five-year term ends. be his government’s priority because the them over to the Parliament and independent progressing with the action items — and commissions, saying successive Presidents we have seen progress with Pakistan — we reduced Presidential powers hindered his Rajapaksa also overcame internal opposition had been more authoritarian. give them a chance to repair the outstanding work. to a clause that lifted a ban on dual citizens issues,” Pleyer said when asked whether holding political office. However, Rajapaksa said reduced powers th FATF has set a deadline for the country to The 20 Amendment to the Constitution has deterred him from performing his duties. was passed with a 91-vote majority with 156 This will pave the way for a sibling who is comply with all the commitments. lawmakers in the 225-member Parliament a U.S. citizen to enter Parliament, further Credit : Associated Press (AP) Credit : Voice of America (VOA) www.NewDelhiTimes.com India’s only International Newspaper

26 October - 1 November 2020 17

North America NEW DELHI TIMES Michigan Governor kidnapping plot reveals the threat of home-grown extremism in US to the kidnapping plot, saying he condemned ◆ By NDT Bureau all forms of “extreme violence” and calling @NewDelhiTimes for her to reopen her state.

[email protected] The kidnapping plot has been revealed after the Department of Homeland Security n October 8, Federal Bureau of (DHS) concluded in its “Homeland Threat O Investigation (FBI) in the United Assessment” that racially and ethnically States announced the disruption of a plot to motivated violent extremists-specifically kidnap the Governor of Michigan, Gretchen white supremacist extremists (WSEs)-will Whitmer. The six arrested anti-government remain the most persistent and lethal threat extremists apparently were enraged over the in the US ahead of the 2020 Presidential Democratic politician’s lockdown measures Elections. during the coronavirus pandemic. Seven others were arrested on state terror charges. PC : Getty Images According to the DHS, these violent extremists, sometimes influenced by According to the FBI, the accused kidnapped for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. anarchist ideology, have been associated The six were charged in federal court with the Michigan Governor due to the measures Whitmer later urged in a tweet that the with multiple plots and attacks, which conspiring to abduct Democratic Gov. implemented by her to slow the coronavirus suspects be called domestic terrorists and included a significant uptick in violence Gretchen Whitmer from her vacation pandemic. not members of any militia organization. home and take her to a secluded Wisconsin against law enforcement and government symbols in 2020. location to try her for treason. Working with The FBI also revealed that the accused In an October 11 interview, she said security members of an unidentified militia group in also discussed about abducting Virginia’s threats against her still existed and that This ideology is also exploited by hostile Michigan, the men - five from Michigan and Governor Ralph Northam. According to extremists like the Wolverine Watchmen are nation-states, which seek to promote it one from Delaware - spent months plotting, the testimony of an FBI agent, “They (the “finding comfort and support in the rhetoric through disinformation campaigns and training and conducting surveillance of accused) discussed possible targets, taking a coming out of Republican leadership from sow additional chaos and discord across Whitmer’s Michigan summer residence, sitting governor, specifically issues with the the White House to our state House .” “I American society. most recently last month, prosecutors said. Governor of Michigan and Virginia based on do believe that there are still serious threats the lockdown orders.” that groups like this group, these domestic The DHS report also expressed concerns Separately, seven others linked to a terrorists, are finding comfort and support about the impacts of COVID-19 where paramilitary group called the Wolverine Whitmer spoke out during a livestream in the rhetoric coming out of Republican anti-government and anti-authority violent Watchmen were charged in state court for held after the thwarted plot was revealed by leadership from the White House to our extremists could be motivated to conduct allegedly seeking to storm the Michigan the FBI. She thanked the law enforcement state House. And so, I remain concerned attacks in response to perceived infringement Capitol and seek a “civil war”. The two agencies involved in the investigation, called about safety and integrity going up to this of liberties and government overreach as groups trained together and planned the plotters “sick and depraved men”, and election”, she remarked. In an October all levels of government seek to limit the “various acts of violence,” according to the cast blame on President Trump for refusing 8 interview, President Trump criticized spread of the coronavirus that has caused a state police. to explicitly condemn far-right groups and Whitmer for her rebuke of him in response worldwide pandemic. Cuba says US sanctions have A decade after deadly cholera caused nearly $5.6B in losses epidemic, Haiti awaits help en years after a cholera epidemic Cholera was introduced to Haiti’s largest river T swept through Haiti and killed nearly in October 2010 by sewage from a nearby 10,000 people, families of victims still base of U.N. peacekeepers from Nepal. Six struggle financially and await compensation years later, the U.N. acknowledged it played from the United Nations as many continue to a role in the epidemic and had not done drink from and bathe in a river that became enough to help fight cholera in Haiti, but ground zero for the waterborne disease. the organization has not specifically said it introduced the disease. It was one of the world’s worst outbreaks of the preventable disease in recent history, sickening more than 850,000 people in a country of 11 million that had not reported a cholera outbreak PC : AP Photo AP PC : for more than a century. The last confirmed case uba said that the island has lost nearly growing shortage of food and occasional in Haiti was reported in January 2019, but the C $5.6 billion in one year as a result fuel scarcity on the island. epidemic’s aftermath is still felt across much of the country, most acutely in places like Meille, of economic sanctions imposed by U.S. “It’s cynical to express supposed concern where Haitians remain exposed to unsanitary President Donald Trump. that this policy affects only some Cubans, conditions and are often unable to make up for

but it’s even more cynical to try and justify Photo AP PC : Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez the loss of income after the main breadwinners of it,” Rodríguez said. decried what he said was a growing number their family died. of sanctions suffocating the island, a topic Trump recently added to the sanctions by The disease spread quickly in a country that that is on the agenda for next year’s U.N. barring U.S. travelers to Cuba from bringing “We’re not getting support from anyone,” just nine months before the epidemic began General Assembly session. back Cuban cigars and rum or staying in said Lizette Paul, a 48-year-old mother of had been devastated by the January 2010 four children whose brother died in 2012 earthquake. Cases spiked given that more The blockade “is an increasingly cruel government-owned hotels here as he courts from the disease. They had to borrow than a third of the population lacks basic attempt to deprive our people of basic goods the Cuban-American vote in Florida ahead hundreds of dollars from a neighbor with drinking water services and two-thirds have for their survival,” Rodríguez said. He said of the election. interest to bury him, and since then, Paul limited or no sanitation services, according the political hostility has reached “feverish Trump said the sanctions would remain has resorted to washing clothes for people to the Pan American Health Organization. levels.” in place until Cuba releases all political in the same river that became contaminated, In a letter sent to senior staff when he left the prisoners, legalizes political parties, holds charging $12 a month, not enough to care for The $5.6 billion loss occurred between April U.N. in December, former U.N. Assistant free elections and respects the rights to free her loved ones. Her brother had earned more 2019 and March 2020, compared with $4.3 Secretary-General Andrew Gilmour called it assembly and expression. by providing informal public transportation billion the previous year. an “avoidable tragedy” that “may rank as the Cuba has rejected any interference into the aboard a colorful bus known as a tap-tap. The sanctions, coupled with a sluggish single greatest example of hypocrisy in our country’s affairs. economy, the pandemic and increasingly “He was the backbone of the family,” Paul 75-year history.” active hurricane seasons, has led to a Credit : Associated Press (AP) said. Credit : Associated Press (AP)

India’s only International Newspaper www.NewDelhiTimes.com 18 26 October - 1 November 2020

Africa NEW DELHI TIMES Islamic extremists in Mali looking to exploit the political instability The decision of the African Union ◆ By NDT Bureau came three days after the ECOWAS @NewDelhiTimes announcement. The African Union’s Peace and Security Council (PSC) tweeted, “The [email protected] Peace and Security Council, in view of recent positive political developments, has n October 15, two separate attacks took decided to lift the suspension it had imposed O place against peacekeepers serving the against Mali”. The Chairman of the African United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). has welcomed the PSC decision to lift the In Kidal region, an explosive device hit suspension and assured Mali of the “AU’s a Mission vehicle killing one Egyptian full support to the transitional government peacekeeper and seriously injuring another. and people of Mali towards constitutional In Timbuktu, an indirect fire attack against order, peace and stability”. the Mission’s integrated camp resulted in at least one Burkinabe peacekeeper being Despite these developments, the risk of attacks wounded. These incidents occurred three from the Islamic extremists remains high in days after 12 civilians and at least 11 soldiers the country. Recently, the Mali administration of the Malian Defence and Security Forces helped to secure the release of four hostages, had been killed in attacks in central Mali. including Malian politician Soumaila Cisse In a statement, the MINUSMA strongly and three westerners, in exchange for the condemned “the attacks which strike release of nearly 200 jailed jihadists. PC : Getty Images indiscriminately on United Nations personnel, Malian and international whenever and by whomsoever committed,” government to lead the country through an However, the release of these prisoners has forces, and above all innocent civilians”. they said, underlining that the involvement 18-month transition period to new elections. allayed security related concerns that freeing “MINUSMA will not be intimidated by in planning, directing, sponsoring or On September 28, Mali’s Interim President a large number of “presumed terrorists” could these attacks, and remains committed to conducting attacks against the MINUSMA Ba N’dou named former Malian Foreign pose a further threat to Mali’s stability and supporting the people and the government peacekeepers constitutes a basis for Minister Moctar Ouane as the Prime undermine the country’s judicial system. of Mali in their efforts to bring lasting peace sanctions designations pursuant to the Minister of the country. This led to the lifting to the country,” Special Representative of Security Council resolutions. These heinous of sanctions by the Economic Community This release “means that the fundamental the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head acts will not undermine their determination of West African States (ECOWAS) and the rights of those murdered by jihadists in Mali of MINUSMA, Mahamat Saleh Annadif to continue to support the peace and ending of suspension by the African Union. have been violated, while (their relatives) were said. The United Nations Secretary-General reconciliation process in Mali, added the waiting for justice to take its course,” said Antonio Guterres said that the attacks Security Council members. In a communique, the ECOWAS cited Aguibou Bouare, President of the National targeting the United Nations peacekeepers “significant advances” toward a return to Human Rights Commission in Mali. may constitute war crimes under the Security experts suspect that the suspected democracy in Mali, noting the selection of a international law. He called on the Malian Islamic extremists are behind the recent civilian President and Prime Minister to head Some analysts say the release of these authorities to take urgent steps to apprehend attacks and these terrorist groups are taking the process. “Taking into consideration these jihadists could be a sign for a negotiated and swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice. advantage of the political upheavals and important decisions for the normalization of political process between the central uncertainty in the country. On August 18, Constitutional order in Mali, the ECOWAS government in Bamako and jihadist groups. The members of the UN Security Council 2020, mutinous soldiers arrested Mali has decided to lift the sanctions,” the Others, however, contend that jihadist also denounced the attack. “Any acts of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and Prime communique signed by ECOWAS Chairman militants are not prone to come on the terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, Minister Boubou Cissé. Under international and Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa dialogue table and will seek to exploit the regardless of their motivation, wherever, pressure, the junta appointed a civilian-led Akufo-Addo said. political instability in the country. Opposition leaders call for election boycott in Ivory Coast as President Alassane Ouattara seeks third term President Laurent Gbagbo and former the Independent Electoral Commission, The risk of violence runs high before the ◆ By NDT Bureau President Henri Konan Bédié of the PDCI- believing that these institutions are flawed. October 31 vote. On October 17, the home @NewDelhiTimes RDA party also filed their candidacy. “We ask all our activists to refrain from of Prime Minister Pascal Affi Nguessan participating in both the operation of was burned down in his hometown of [email protected] On September 14, the Constitutional distribution of voter cards and the election Bongouanou. Nguessan said, “People were campaign,” N’Guessan said in Abidjan, transported from Abidjan. he Presidential election will be held Council approved four candidates: Ouattara, reading the statement with Bedie at his side. T in Ivory Coast on October 31, 2020. former President Henri Konan Bédié from This implies that the election could be a two- President Alassane Ouattara of the Rally of the PDCI, former Prime Minister Pascal Affi way contest between President Alassane Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace N’Guessan and Kouadio Konan Bertin, a Ouattara and Henri Konan Bedie. (RHDP), who first came to power after the dissident from the PDCI. Former President 2010 disputed election whose aftermath left Laurent Gbagbo and former Prime Minister more than 3,000 people dead, is now seeking Guillaume Soro were barred as they were There are reports that Ouattara is misusing a third term in office. In August 2020, facing criminal charges. The ruling led to the state security apparatus to target political Alassane Ouattara was formally nominated violent protests. dissent. Amnesty International mentions that by the ruling party to stand for a third term in since 2019, peaceful assemblies organised the October election despite charges by the On October 15, Henri Konan Bedie and by civil society organizations and opposition opposition that the run is unconstitutional. Pascal Affi N’Guessan said that they would groups have been regularly banned and boycott the vote on October 31 and invited dispersed with excessive force by the police

“Nothing prevents me from being a their supporters across the West African and gendarmerie. On June 26, 2019, the PC : Getty Images candidate,” said Ouattara speaking to his nation to do the same. The opposition country adopted a new Criminal Code which supporters at the main stadium in Abidjan candidates want the “ruling party to agree further undermines the rights to freedom of They targeted the property of opposition after his formal nomination. He said that to meet with all political forces” to discuss expression and peaceful assembly. leaders. An office belonging to his opposition parties are “fearful” and assured their concerns about the election. They opposition Ivorian Popular Front party was his followers that he will emerge victorious argue that Ouattara’s running for a third term The code deems as “unlawful assembly” also attacked in the commercial capital of in the October 31 election. After Ouattara is illegal. They have also been calling for any public and non-armed gathering “that Abidjan.” On October 21, officials said that filed his nominations, Pascal Affi N’Guessan the Constitutional Council, which validated may affect public order”, overly a broad that pre-election violence has left at least of the Ivorian Popular Front party of ex- his candidacy, to be dissolved along with description with high potential for abuse. seven people dead and 40 others injured. www.NewDelhiTimes.com India’s only International Newspaper

26 October - 1 November 2020 19

South America NEW DELHI TIMES

who journeyed to the capital in brightly Brazil’s Bolsonaro rejects Protesters in colored buses and pickup trucks demanding to meet with Duque on issues like mining Colombia decry concessions and escalating violence amid coronavirus vaccine from China setbacks in the implementation of the 2016 razilian President Jair Bolsonaro deaths from COVID-19, the second most government peace accord. B rejected the announced purchase in the world, behind only the U.S. The of 46 million doses of a potential vaccine South American nation has also reported pandemic response against the coronavirus being developed 5.2 million confirmed cases of coronavirus by a Chinese company and tested in a state infections, the world’s third highest tally. rotesters filled a historic square in governed by a political rival, prompting P Colombia’s capital to demonstrate some to question if he was allowing politics “It isn’t ideology, it isn’t politics, and it isn’t against the government’s handling of a to steer public health decisions. the electoral process that saves. It is the wide range of issues including the economic vaccine,” Doria told reporters in the national fallout of the pandemic and implementation “The Brazilian people will not be anyone’s capital, Brasilia. of the peace accord. guinea pig,” Bolsonaro said on his social media channels, adding that the vaccine has During a brief news conference in the Sao Indigenous leaders, students and union not yet completed testing, which is the case Paulo countryside, Bolsonaro shot back members gathered at the Plaza Bolivar with all potential vaccines for the virus. “My at Doria, accusing the governor of playing waving flags and banners decrying the decision is to not purchase such a vaccine.” politics by hurrying out a vaccine in an effort government nearly one year after massive to buoy his popularity. The president also protests rocked the country only to fizzle Photo AP PC : Health Minister Eduardo Pazuello had accused his adversaries, including Doria, of with little to show by way of reform. announced the purchase in a meeting with Sao “promoting a narrative of terrorism since the The agreement with the former Revolutionary Paulo Gov. João Doria, a foe of Bolsonaro’s start of the pandemic.” The COVID-19 pandemic had largely Armed Forces of Colombia to end Latin whose state is participating in the vaccine’s put a halt to demonstrations this year, but America’s longest running conflict remains development through its Butantan Institute. Brazil has a long tradition of immunization organizers were hoping to renew momentum a source of contention in the nation. Duque The cost of the acquisition was estimated at programs. The South American country has after the government lifted six months and his allies are critical of the agreement, 2 billion reais ($360 million). a struggling, but universal public health of strict quarantine measures aimed at which they contend offers too many care system, that has been key to stopping containing the virus. concessions to ex-guerrillas, who are largely outbreaks of measles, yellow fever and other able to avoid any jail time. diseases. “There are lot of people going to sleep hungry and waking up hungry,” union organizer Critics contend his government has stymied Bolsonaro has said no one will be forced to Julio Roberto Gómez told Colombia’s BLU the deal’s progress, resulting in a renewal get a coronavirus vaccine. But his comments Radio. of violence in areas still ripe with drug reflected particular skepticism of the vaccine trafficking. being developed by Chinese pharmaceutical Colombia is on track to reach 1 million company Sinovac. confirmed virus cases this week and is Indigenous protesters participated in the one of the hardest hit nations in Latin gathering, joining a chorus of complaints He has often expressed mistrust of the Asian America. Millions of jobs have been lost and requests that Duque set up power, which is Brazil’s biggest trading and unemployment reached nearly 17% in negotiations. Thus far, he has refused to partner, particularly on the campaign trail in August. Though President Iván Duque’s meet, angering organizers, though he has 2018. He called China “heartless” and said approval rating has improved during the sent intermediaries. that under his watch it wouldn’t be allowed pandemic, the country remains divided on a to buy up Brazil. host of issues. Gómez said Duque needed to step down from “a pedestal of arrogance.” He added PC : AP Photo AP PC : “THE CHINESE VACCINE OF JOÃO “It’s very difficult for President Duque that protesters want better solutions for those DORIA,” Bolsonaro wrote on social media. to carve a path forward without further who have lost jobs and discuss proposals “For my government, any vaccine, before it “Butantan’s vaccine will be Brazil’s dividing society,” said Sergio Guzman, like a universal basic income to help the is made available to the population, must be vaccine,” Pazuello said. director of Colombia Risk Analysis. The vulnerable. PROVEN SCIENTIFICALLY.” protest follows a demonstration earlier in A Brazilian Health Ministry document issued the week by thousands of Indigenous people Credit : Associated Press (AP) and shared by Sao Paulo’s government Despite that nod to scientific rigor, confirmed that the ministry had put in Bolsonaro for months touted the healing writing its intention to buy the doses of the powers of hydroxychloroquine even as Officials: ‘Minimal’ risk “Butantan Vaccine-Sinovac/Covid-19” for studies indicated the anti-malarial drug an estimated price of $10.30 each. was ineffective against the coronavirus and caused harmful side effects. Venezuela oil tanker will sink The document made explicit the purchase poses a minimum risk of any oil spills at this was contingent upon the health regulator’s In June, Brazil’s government announced time,” Khan said. He said Venezuela had approval. Bolsonaro told journalists that a deal with Oxford University and started the slow process of unloading oil to protocol will be canceled. pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca to further avoid disaster, an operation expected purchase 100 million doses of its potential to take up to 35 days. Claudio Couto, a political science professor coronavirus vaccine. at Getulio Vargas Foundation, a university, “The team confirm that major maintenance is felt the president’s move had little to do with It has become common practice for ongoing,” Khan said. “Pumps and electrical the virus and was more a way to hurt Doria, governments to purchase doses of promising motors are being repaired and replaced as who is widely cited as a likely challenger to coronavirus vaccines, to build a stockpile needed.” Bolsonaro’s 2022 reelection bid. in case they are proven effective. That investment is usually not refundable if the Trinidad officials said they will continue PC : AP Photo AP PC : “His concern is to be a strong candidate shot fails. to monitor the effort, and have applied for for reelection, and that often means giving damaged Venezuelan oil tanker permission from Venezuela for a follow-up trouble to his adversaries,” Couto said. Earlier, the executive secretary of Brazil’s A recently tilting to one side in the inspection in a month. Health Ministry said in a televised statement Caribbean after taking on water poses no International outcry arose in early September Bolsonaro and Doria have had an adversarial that there had been a misunderstanding in the significant risk of spilling and causing an over the Venezuelan-flagged Nabarima, a relationship since the start of the pandemic, announcement about buying the CoronaVac environmental catastrophe, officials of 264-meter (866-foot) long ship believed to with each taking opposite stances regarding vaccines. Trinidad & Tobago said. be almost filled to its capacity of 1.4 million stay-at-home recommendations and barrels of crude — about five times the restrictions on activity. The governor, whose Minister of Energy and Energy Industries “There is no intention to buy vaccines amount the Exxon Valdez spilled in 1989. state is Brazil’s most populous, heeded the from China,” said Antonio Elcio Franco, Franklin Khan said a team of experts from his country inspected the FSO Nabarima, counsel of public health experts and adopted who added there will be only “a Brazilian It was used as a stationary platform anchored allaying previous fears it was on the brink such measures, which the president blasted, vaccine” made at the Butantan Institute in in the Gulf of Paria designed to help export of sinking and spewing 1.3 million barrels arguing the economic fallout could kill more Sao Paulo. Those shots, however, would still Venezuela’s oil, anchored permanently in of oil. than the disease. be based upon Sinovac’s research. waters between Venezuela and Trinidad.

Brazil has confirmed more than 153,000 Credit : Associated Press (AP) The double-hulled tanker is “intact and Credit : Associated Press (AP)

India’s only International Newspaper www.NewDelhiTimes.com 20 26 October - 1 November 2020

Opinion NEW DELHI TIMES Enhanced social protection an opportunity Asia Pacific must grasp packages rolled out and investment increased. ever more urgent. Investing in a basic move to higher levels of protection through ◆ By Armida Salsiah This recent appreciation for social protection level of social protection for everyone – a individual contributions. Alisjahbana & is welcome. It must be maintained, because social protection floor - would immediately Chihoko Asada Miyakawa the most effective responses to COVID-19 New approaches to funding participation have been from countries which had robust can extend social protection to workers in social protection systems in the first place. the informal economy. Schemes that reward n the fight against COVID-19, success The logistics of taking measures during an unpaid care work and are complemented I has so far been defined by responses in unfolding crisis are complicated; setbacks by subsidized childcare services can form Asia and the Pacific. Many countries in our and delays inevitable. Well-resourced social a decisive step towards more inclusive region have been hailed as reference points protection systems built over time are just improve livelihoods. United Nations’ and gender equal societies. And new in containing the virus. Yet if the region is to better placed to deal with the unexpected. simulations across thirteen developing technologies, including phone-based build back better, the success of immediate However, these systems still do not exist in countries in the region show that universal platforms, can accelerate delivery across responses should not distract from the many of parts of our region. coverage of basic child benefits, disability populations. weaknesses COVID-19 has laid bare. Too benefits and old-age pensions would slash many people in our region are left to fend for A recent report by the International Labour the proportion of recipient households living As we focus on building back better in the themselves in times of need. This pandemic Organization (ILO) and the United Nations in poverty by up to eighteen percentage points. aftermath of the pandemic, our region has was no exception. Comprehensive social Economic and Social Commission for Asia The decrease in poverty would be greatest in an opportunity to make universal social protection systems could right this wrong. and the Pacific (ESCAP), The Protection We Indonesia, followed by Sri Lanka and Georgia. protection a reality. In so doing, we could Building these systems must be central to Want, finds that more than half the region’s Purchasing power would surge in recipient bring an end to the great injustice that leaves our long-term recovery strategy. population has no coverage whatsoever. Only households supporting increases in per capita the vulnerable in our societies most exposed. a handful of countries have comprehensive consumption in the lowest income groups. In Governments from across Asia-Pacific will social protection systems and public spending nine out of 13 countries analysed, more than convene later this month at ESCAP’s Sixth in this area remains well below global average. a third of the population currently living in Committee on Social Development to In many countries in South Asia and the poverty would no longer be impoverished. strengthen regional cooperation in this area. Pacific, public expenditure on social protection Let us seize the opportunity to accelerate is as low as 2 per cent of GDP. These phenomenal development gains are progress towards universal social protection, within reach for most countries in Asia and and reduce poverty and inequality in Asia Where social protection systems do exist, the Pacific. Establishing basic schemes for and the Pacific. PC : Getty Images their coverage is riddled with gaps. The children, older persons and persons with youngest, least educated and poorest are disabilities would cost between two and six Illness or unemployment, pregnancy or frequently left uncovered by health care per cent of GDP. It is a significant investment, old age, disability or injury should never in the region. Many poverty targeted but affordable if we make universal social be allowed to push people into poverty. schemes never reach families most in need. protection systems a fundamental part of During a pandemic, social protection Maternity, unemployment, sickness and broader national development strategies. schemes facilitate access to health care and disability benefits are the preserve of a provide lifelines when jobs are lost, rescuing minority of workers in the formal economy, Yet it is not only the level of funding that households and stabilizing economies. This leaving 70 per cent of workers locked out matters, but the way the funds are spent. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana is the United has been recognized by governments in the of contributory schemes. Lower labour force To achieve universal coverage, we need Nations Under-Secretary-General and face of COVID-19. Over three hundred new participation among women accentuates a pragmatic mix of contributory and non- Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social social protection measures have been taken gaps in coverage. Population ageing, contributory schemes. This would deliver a Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). across forty countries in the region. Existing migration, urbanization and increasing vital minimum level of protection regardless Chihoko Asada Miyakawa is the ILO Regional schemes have been strengthened, ad hoc natural disasters make social protection of previous income and support a gradual Director for Asia and the Pacific. Dark Energy and its mystic existence There might be forces of nature or dark energy trying to connect with us, but we are yet to develop a source of connection ◆ By Sujay Dhawan which is constantly guiding us, forcing us or helping us to do something for which we Editor were actually created. @SujayDhawan [email protected] Every living person is said have a soul. What is this soul in general and we don’t see nergy can neither be created nor it, can’t touch it but still believe it exists? E destroyed, it is converted from one Could we find answer to the theory of Dark form to another according to First Law of Energy? Perhaps, we are yet to learn how Thermodynamics. It is a well proven fact to connect or understand this soul or dark that energy is always there, in some or the energy. other form; either in the form of kinetic or potential energy. We all know these laws For instance, just assume that it’s the year and have studied the same briefly during 1900 instead of 2020. If someone wants to secondary or senior secondary education. call you on your mobile, will they be able And this will be the premise of the article. to connect with you? Could you send email pointed out that nothing in the space us sometimes. How Dark Energy works in messages, or will you be able to watch Only five percent of the Universe consist of actually consist of particles disappearing vacuum of space, we can’t think of, but we Television? If someone wants to connect matter, which we can observer or touch. Then and forming every now and could understand it in more with you in 1900, how will they be able to do there is dark matter which amounts to 25% then. He was not believed Dark matter realistic manner here on the so? Exactly, this is the problem we humans in our Universe; we can’t see it, can’t feel it, when he submitted a paper on objects don’t emit Earth. Of course, you must are facing right now. There might be forces in fact can’t even understand it but we know black holes, neither his theory have felt once or twice in of nature or dark energy trying to connect it’s very much there. Dark matter objects of relativity nor gravitational light but absorb it your lifetime that when you with us, but we are yet to develop a source don’t emit light but absorb it and generally waves was considered sane. and generally can are alone at home or some of connection. can be detected with electromagnetic be detected with other place, you are actually radiation only. Still scientists have a long But today, we have the real not alone. Could we teach an animal to speak, read and way to understand what dark matter actually picture of a black hole and electromagnetic write? The answer is, absolutely NO. Same is and how is it useful or harmful and yes, gravitational waves theory is radiation only. Someone is there sitting right is happening with us. We are yet to evolve gravity is interlinked to it and how? today proved with real time next to you and reading all as much that we can understand what Dark data. Hopefully in future, Dark Energy this as well. If not sitting on your right or left Energy actually is. The strange and spooky Let’s come back to our main point of theories by several scientists across the side, that energy might be overlooking your experiences we have might be a soul trying discussion, Dark Energy. Around 70% of world might also be proven true someday. shoulder. We hear lot of stories of ghosts, to connect with us instead of a poltergeist. the Universe consists of Dark Energy and Dark Energy theory could also be related spirits, etc., but could we in true sense say Questions are unending but one day we will this is what we are yet to figure out. Einstein to strange phenomena taking place around that there is actually some energy among us get answers for sure. Until then, Godspeed! www.NewDelhiTimes.com India’s only International Newspaper

26 October - 1 November 2020 21

Sports NEW DELHI TIMES England going Football Association (FA) in England to South Africa next month for launches an ambitious Women’s and 3 ODIS, 3 T20s Girls’ football strategy ngland will travel to South Africa next The four-year strategy, titled Inspiring Positive Change, pledges to create a E month to play six limited-overs games against the Proteas after the South African sustainable future for women’s and girls’ football government agreed to exempt the touring FA Cup as major events in the global sports The FA Asian Women in Football Advisory team from its Coronavirus travel restrictions. ◆ By Dr. Pawan Mathur calendar. Group and The FA Refugees and Asylum- @PawanMathur Seekers in Football Network. The seventh South Africa currently doesn’t allow anyone The fifth objective of the strategy is objective of the strategy is ensuring high [email protected] to travel in from what it terms “high-risk” providing a ‘Blueprint for Success’ for the standards of coaching practice throughout countries, with Britain on the list of 22 England girls and women players from the women’s game underpinned by a thirst nations. s part of its commitment to promote U-14s through to the senior team. The for ongoing learning, critical thinking and A the development of football among targets are winning the England-staged knowledge sharing. This entails raising the But South Africa eased the rules for the women and girls, the Football Association UEFA Women’s EURO Championships profile of female coaches across all levels, England squad, which will be based in Cape (FA), the governing body of association 2022 or the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, championing case studies and encouraging Town throughout the three-week tour. The football in England, has unveiled a new more women from diverse communities to teams will play three Twenty20 games and strategy “Inspiring Positive Change: The take up coaching. three one-day internationals. FA Strategy for Women’ and Girls’ Football: 2020-2024”. The strategy pledges to create The eighth objective of the strategy commits Four games will be at Newlands in Cape a sustainable future for women’s and girls’ to create a new generation of female referees Town with the other two in the nearby city football in England. specialising in the women’s game. The FA of Paarl, meaning England can stay in a aims to ensure that every female referee is bio-bubble at the same hotel for the entire ‘Inspiring Positive Change’ has outlined afforded high-quality bespoke learning and tour. South Africa has more than 700,000 eight transformational objectives to be development opportunities from grassroots confirmed cases of the virus. achieved by 2024. The first objective is through to the elite game. ‘Early Participation’. This aims to ensure England will travel on a chartered flight and that every primary school-aged girl will Integrated marketing, commercial and depart for South Africa on Nov. 16. The T20s have equal access to football in school and communications support across all levels will are on November 27,29 and December 1. The in club. As part of this objective, the FA play a critical role in delivering the strategy, ODIs will be played December 4, 6 and 9. will launch strong campaigns, to ensure supporting the ‘if you can’t see her, you No fans will attend the games. girls – and their parents/carers – realise can’t be her’ approach. On the significance that getting into football is easy, and its The England players and staff are expected of the strategy, Baroness Sue Campbell, the benefits are profound. The second objective to be in quarantine for at least a week FA Director of women’s football remarks, is ‘Development Participation’ in the age after arriving but will be allowed to attend PC : Getty Images “Our new four-year strategy is based on group 11-14. According to the FA, football training during that time. understanding an individual’s motivation can play a really important role in developing to be held in Australia and New Zealand. to play – for learning, for recreation, for vital life skills such as resilience and self- Commendably, this objective also supports competition and for excellence. We want confidence, as well as improving emotional the development of opportunities for female to ensure there is access and opportunity and physical fitness during this key life para-footballers. As part of this, the FA, over for every girl and woman to play, coach, phase. The FA will roll out teenage-specific the next three years, will support the Deaf spectate, officiate, manage or administer football programmes to grassroots clubs and England Women’s squad to attend the 2021 if they so wish and the game to be truly other football providers in the community World Deaf Championship and the Great representative of our society across all to ensure that all girls have access to an Britain squad at the 2022 Deaflympics; characteristics and social background”. inclusive club with a suitable competitive host the 2021 Women’s Blind workshop pathway, mirroring the provision that boys via The FA Para Football Unit, supported The strategy has been unveiled at a juncture enjoy today. by International Blind Sports Federation when football governing bodies like (IBSA) and the UEFA, and work with the the FIFA and the UEFA have called the The third objective is ‘Club Player Pathway’, British Blind Sport to support its bid to member associations to ensure a greater which aims to provide a well-signposted, host the 2023 IBSA Women’s Blind World involvement of women in the ‘beautiful inclusive and accessible club player Football Championships. game’. In accordance with these, the FA’s pathway that supports the talented girls and ‘Inspiring Positive Change’ is a commitment young women who aspire to play in the FA PC : Getty Images The sixth objective is “Football for All”, to further develop women’s football on a Women’s National League, the FA Women’s which aims to provide football for all those sustainable basis whilst simultaneously “We owe it to the sport that we do everything Championship and the Barclays FA Women’s who want to play for fun and recreation pushing it forward into the mainstream. we can to keep international competition Super League. This objective aims for a by developing local leaders from every Although the strategy is country-specific, progressing during this pandemic,” ECB greater engagement of female players at the community to motivate and organise yet it can serve as an example for other chief executive Tom Harrison said. entry point, through the community clubs. opportunities to play for fitness and FIFA member associations to formulate A focus will also be on ensuring that more friendship. As part of this objective, the FA an inclusive framework for the growth of England has had a reasonably busy schedule players from ethnically diverse backgrounds will draw upon the insight and guidance of women’s football at the grassroot, club and during the pandemic having played West and socio-economically-deprived areas national inclusion advisory groups, such as the country level. Indies, Ireland, Pakistan and Australia — all are accessing the player pathways and that at home — since July. South Africa hasn’t more coaches and club support staff from played international cricket since early ethnically diverse backgrounds. March. The fourth objective is the FA being at the The England tour comes at a time of crisis global forefront of women’s professional for South African cricket, which has been sport and developing the best women sports rocked by revelations of misconduct by leagues and competitions in the world. As senior executives and was severely criticized part of this strategy, the FA will work on by the government last week. South Africa’s three elements, namely to attract and develop sports minister said he intends to intervene world-class players, maximise and engage and take over the running of the national audiences through targeted marketing and cricket body after the under-fire board communications campaigns and grow refused to step down. commercial revenues. This objective aims to make the Barclays FA Women’s Soccer Credit : Associated Press (AP) League (WSL) and the Vitality Women’s

India’s only International Newspaper www.NewDelhiTimes.com 22 26 October - 1 November 2020

Technology & Health NEW DELHI TIMES Witnessing food habits from the lens of Gender Food and gender have been, and continue to be, closely intertwined. It’s less ‘you are what you eat’ than ‘you eat what you are’ reason why men eat meat: it makes them feel In fact, the English bragged about how they With better education man is dawning a more like “real” men. And “real” men are entitled were able to colonize India because their authentic understanding of masculinity. A ◆ By Smt. Maneka to eat whatever they want, whenever they soldiers ate red meat unlike the native men. recent study found that men who had more Sanjay Gandhi want, and wherever they want. Damn the education generally consumed less meat. consequences. What is it that deters men from turning Those subjects, who subscribed to new @ManekaGandhiBJP vegetarian? Social anxiety. Paradoxically, or more progressive ideas of masculinity, The last vestige of prehistoric man as these so-called “real men” are actually had a positive relation with less meat hen I was growing up in Army “hunter” is his consumption of meat. afraid to quit meat for fear of being dubbed attachment, more willingness to reduce W cantonments, meat was on our table The man today may be a lazy, paunchy feminine. In a Twitter poll directed at men, meat consumption, and a more positive every day. It was taken for granted that shopkeeper selling plastic toys, and the 45 percent of respondents reported their perspective on vegetarians. Military men ate meat because they were meat cheap, supermarket sanitized slabs, biggest barrier to leading a vegan diet was “real” men. In my grandfather’s house all the but in his own mind he is the ultimate male social stigma, the fear of being called ‘beta women were vegetarian, but he had to have proving his masculinity by stabbing his fork males with limited options in the outside his meat at both meals and the vegetarian into a fatty steak. world’, with ‘way low testosterone levels’, ‘x/y organisms who don’t eat meat, not men’, women cooked it for him. When I became The idea is so ingrained that according to ‘pushovers, controlled by women, who have vegetarian, I had to listen to any number of research by the University of Hawaii, men feminine characteristics’, people who ‘aren’t men yapping on about how they avoided often eat more meat in situations where capable of hunting and gathering’ and ‘soy “ghasphoos”. I’ve never heard this nonsense they feel their masculinity is under threat. boy, low testosterone feminists’. from a woman. Which is why for years, until I stopped it, live animals used to be dropped by plane to On a visit to Jaipur, I had lunch with Dr. Mehta, The good news is that there’s a growing new border areas of the army so that they could the ex-Head of SEBI and founder of the sensibility that strongly challenges these get fresh meat.

Jaipur Foot Movement. I drew back in horror outdated stereotypes. PC : Getty Images when I dipped into the curry. It tasted like So, why is eating meat still seen as a symbol Most famously, the documentary, ‘The Game meat. My host explained the origins of the of manliness? Changers’, follows elite special forces trainer This is further evidenced by another paper, dish and why they had prepared it specially James Wilks as he showcases the world’s published in the journal Appetite, which for me. Two centuries ago, a sage turned the In her book, ‘The Sexual Politics of Meat’, top athletes in sports as rigorous as cross- examined the compelling link between women of the royal families of Rajasthan Carol Adams explores how the media has country running, boxing, wrestling, football meat, gender and class status. Part of the vegetarian. But since the men were adamant marketed meat as a sign of masculinity and Formula 1 racing, including former research involved offering participants a about hunting, fighting and eating meat, the to boost sales. We’ve all seen the overtly bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger, all of “beast burger” presented as either meat- women secretly created a recipe out of wheat sexualized commercials selling that idea. whom credit their health and performance to based or vegetarian. The highest demand for and ghee which tasted exactly like meat. The their vegan diets. the meat option came “from those who rated only problem is that the preparation takes In addition to clever marketing it has themselves lower in socioeconomic status.” hours so it has now become very rare. been the misleading medical theories When asked about his relationship with Meat, to the extent that it’s associated with emphasizing meat as the primary source of masculinity and powerlifting after he power, becomes “substitutable for the status Food and gender have been, and continue to protein, which is linked to strength, which is adopted a vegan lifestyle, Nick Squires, they lack.” The lower you are on the totem be, closely intertwined. It’s less ‘you are what seen as masculine. a champion powerlifter and vegan of five pole, the more likely you are to cling to the you eat’ than ‘you eat what you are’. Women years said, “There’s so much in the way of old-fashioned symbols of masculinity like There is also the misbelief that masculinity are expected to be compassionate and traditional gender roles that I think cause meat. virtuous, so veganism and vegetarianism are requires risk taking (dangerous driving, men to be reluctant about veganism. Putting seen as feminine. Men are defined as rough excessive drinking) hence the association aside the misinformed conception that you Unravelling the strong cultural association and tough, so eating meat is masculine. between unhealthy eating and masculinity: need animal proteins to build muscle, there’s between men and meat is critical to the if you’re a real man, you shouldn’t be so an idea that men need to be muscular, and to prospects of global sustainability. So, Everyone knows that eating meat is bad for concerned about your health. Numerous most people this is tied to the consumption come on out all you closet male vegans health and humanity, the environment, the studies have found that larger portions of animal products.” and vegetarians. The Earth is even more economy and animals. The ongoing COVID and unhealthy food are perceived as more threatened than your fragile male egos. pandemic is an extreme reminder of all of He is living proof that it isn’t. In fact, masculine, while healthy food and smaller Admit it: Real men do eat “ghasphoos” and the above, and meat eating has definitely another study found that a plant-based diet portions are considered more feminine. are loving it. dipped. But rationally it should have ended. leaves man feeling more satiated than a diet The trouble is that simply making an There is also the class angle that, in the past, including meat and dairy, because they had To join the animal welfare movement information-based appeal about the benefits it was the rich or masters who ate meat which increased levels of healthy bacteria in the contact [email protected], of a vegetarian diet ignores the primary is prepared but not partaken by the slaves. gut. www.peopleforanimalsindia.org Common cold could colds.” The question, he added, is “whether having a previous infection with common cold NASA spacecraft sent asteroid protect against COVID-19, Coronaviruses leads to any type of protection research shows against SARS-CoV-2.” rubble flying in sample grab aving a cold might protect sufferers Common colds and COVID-19 H from a severe case of COVID-19, new ASA’s Osiris-Rex spacecraft crushed research shows. N rocks and sent rubble flying as it briefly touched an asteroid, a strong indication that COVID-19 patients who had recently samples were collected for return to Earth, been infected with a common cold virus officials said. were less likely to die or require intensive care compared with those who did not Scientists won’t know until next week how have a recent cold, according to the study much was gathered at asteroid Bennu — published recently in the Journal of Clinical PC : Getty Images they want at least a handful of the cosmic Investigation. rubble. But close-up pictures and video of After recovering from a viral infection, the the touch-and-go operation raised hopes that But researchers caution that it is too early body retains a small force of antibodies and goal was achieved. to say for sure whether past exposure to germ-fighting T cells that help protect against common colds helps or hinders the immune a second infection from the same virus. “We really did kind of make a mess on system to fight COVID-19. Photo AP PC : Researchers were “kind of shocked” to find the surface of this asteroid, but it’s a good mess, the kind of mess we were hoping for,” COVID-19 is caused by a new Coronavirus T cells that recognize SARS-CoV-2 in the has taken asteroid samples twice. The blood of patients who had not been exposed said lead scientist Dante Lauretta of the carbon-rich Bennu is a time capsule believed called SARS-CoV-2. But “humans have University of Arizona at Tucson. been infected with [other] Coronaviruses for to the virus, said study author Sydney to contain the original building blocks of the a long, long, long time,” said study author Ramirez, immunologist and infectious- It was the first asteroid-sampling effort solar system 4.5 billion years ago and, as Manish Sagar, professor of medicine at Boston disease researcher at the La Jolla Institute by the U.S., coming four years after the such, can help scientists better understand University. “We have four ... Coronaviruses for Immunology. spacecraft rocketed from Cape Canaveral the origins of Earth and life as we know it. currently that are seasonal and cause common Credit : Voice of America (VOA) and two years after it reached Bennu. Japan Credit : Associated Press (AP) www.NewDelhiTimes.com India’s only International Newspaper

26 October - 1 November 2020 23

Entertainment & Lifestyle NEW DELHI TIMES Bad Bunny, Daddy Yankee top Sanjay Dutt announces Billboard Latin Music Awards his victorious battle ad Bunny and Daddy Yankee triumphed B at the Billboard Latin Music Awards, against cancer claiming seven trophies apiece at the pandemic-delayed show. ollywood star Sanjay Dutt has recently announced that he has come out “victorious” Bad Bunny won artist of the year, the night’s B from his cancer fight and expressed gratitude toward fans and well-wishers for top honor, as well as top Latin album for “X their relentless support. 100PRE” and songwriter of the year. He did not attend the ceremony. The 61-year-old entertainer shared the news in an announcement on Twitter on his children’s birthday, Shaahran and Iqra, who turned ten on October 21.

He twitted, “The last few weeks were a very difficult time for my family and me. But like they say, God gives the hardest battles to his strongest soldiers.

And today, on the occasion of my kids’ birthday, I am happy to come out victorious from this battle and be able to give them the best gift I can. The health and wellbeing of our family.”

PC : AP Photo AP PC : “This wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering faith and support from all of you. I am eternally grateful to my family, friends Daddy Yankee won six of his awards for and all the fans who have stood by me and been my source of strength his hit “Con Calma,” which featured the through this trying time. Thank you for the love, kindness and the 1990s artist Snow. His honors included the countless blessings that you have sent my way,” he added. hot Latin song aware, and song of the year honors for streaming and airplay and digital The “Sadak” Actor, who was undergoing treatment at Kokilaben Hospital platforms. Mumbai, also extended his appreciation and gratitude to the team of doctors and medical staff. The reggaeton star dedicated the first of his awards to those who had lost loved ones due “I am especially grateful to Dr. Sewanti and her team of doctors, nurses and the to COVID-19, the disease caused by the medical staff at Kokilaben Hospital who have taken such good care of me in the last coronavirus. “Music remains medicine,” he few weeks. Humbled and grateful,” he wrote. said. Actress Gaby Espino hosted the ceremony, Regarding his work, Sanjay wrapped up the shoot of the YRF film “Shamshera” which aired live on Telemundo from the during his cancer treatment. He likewise has many projects lined up: BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida. The event “KGF: Chapter 2”, “Bhuj: The Pride of India”, “Prithviraj” and “Torbaaz”. had a red carpet, but no audience.

By NDT Bureau PC : Getty Images Credit : Associated Press (AP) Netflix reports a Motion poster of “Radhe summer slump in subscriber growth etflix’s subscriber growth slowed Shyam” released on N dramatically during the summer months after surging in the spring fueled by pandemic lockdowns that corralled millions Prabhas’s birthday of people in their homes. he motion picture of Prabhas’ upcoming film titled “Beats of Radhe Shyam” was released on the T birthday of the star on October 23.

The film is a romantic comedy and Pooja Hegde will be the lead actress of the movie. Sachin Khedekar, Priyadarsi Pulikonda, Bhagyashree, Murli Sharma, Kunaal Roy Kapoor, Riddhi Kumar, Sasha Chettri and Sathyan make up the supporting cast of the movie. PC : AP Photo AP PC : The film is reportedly a romantic drama set in 1970’s Europe. Shot simultaneously in Telugu and Hindi, the film is presented by Krishnam Raju The summer slump came as more people under Gopi Krishna Movies in Telugu with Bhushan Kumar under T-Series sought distraction from the pandemic in Hindi. The film is produced by UV Creations. outdoors and major U.S. professional sports resumed play, offering other entertainment The film was launched on September 5, 2018, tentatively titled as alternatives to the world’s most popular “#Prabhas20”. Principal photography commenced on October 6, 2018. video streaming service. The drop-off disclosed in Netflix’s latest Filming took place in Hyderabad, Italy and Georgia, after which it was earnings report was more dramatic than suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. management had warned it might be. Filming resumed in Italy in October 2020. After picking up 2.2 million customers in the July- September period, Netflix finished the quarter The original Telugu movie will release in theatres in 2021 in Tamil, with 195.2 million worldwide subscribers. Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi. Earlier, company had forecast an addition of 2.5 million subscribers during the quarter.

PC : Getty Images By NDT Bureau Credit : Associated Press (AP)

India’s only International Newspaper www.NewDelhiTimes.com 24 26 October - 1 November 2020

Think - Tanks NEW DELHI TIMES Acting hastily could lead to the wrong path A right path will lead us to all the goods and successes while the wrong path will look much easier than the right one but would never take us to success ◆ By Dr. Pramila successes while the wrong path will look fast-changing world and evolution, the race the last it is only we who will be the choice Srivastava much easier than the right one but would to be successful brings in us the thirst to be maker of our own paths. Be passionate about @PramilaBK never take us to success. Thus, choosing the successful with less challenges and a smoother something because that will genuinely take right path becomes one of the major things road. But unfortunately, not all smoother roads us to the success roads but losing all the [email protected] to get on to the roads of success. take us to the successes we would have drawn other things just to be fast enough to achieve out of the right but slower speed. it, is not a rational decision. or most of us, in fact every one of us, F life is a busy affair, making it easy for Thus, it is okay to be slow and careful but Every path has its own risks, uncertainties the days to run together. For things getting so being in the right direction than being fast and diversions but it is our own choice about busy these days, there is hardly any time to and careless on the wrong path. Going faster which one we choose to move on. Using the take a step back and ask ourselves questions and doing more and then further, hustling lifetime of our experiences and know how about life and its purposes. But taking more. This is nothing but working on the we should not make rash decisions and take out time to think about these important quantity rather than the quality of the work. on the odd roads but should be quite rational questions is what is quite essential because It is similar to giving our lifetime of efforts and use the given time to create a balance that serves the actual purpose of our life and on a wrong path and most of all those efforts and pop out the rationalities and logicalities also ensures that we are on the right path. do not even yield mindfulness. of the path we choose. No matter where we are, where we stand and what we do, success is what every single Successes are not something to be defined Note that most of the wrong paths will individual seeks for and makes efforts for. by us losing our family time, the fun of our attract us towards them but will never show lives, family and friends but it does have a lot us the failures involved in it and the right One thing that we will always come to blows PC : Getty Images to do with our time and our behaviour with path will always seem to be a difficult one with, in the practice of gaining a mindful our loved ones. Moving away from them in and time taking to achieve but will always living, is whether to do what is the right thing Now as said, right path will be full of order to strive for success not only leads to ensure that we get succeeded. Thus, never to do or whether to do what other people do uncertainties and troubles and a lot of risks exhaustion but also it does not guarantee hustle and make a right choice and believe around us. This is a difficult choice to make while the wrong path will attract us toward success at any point. Working less hours and me that does not mean to settle with what we and it is also true that it does not get any itself with its tempting false promises of winning the race like a tortoise, is far worthy have. No, never settle with what we have, easier for anyone of us. This is a choice that successes but will never lead us on to them. of than running and getting exhausted like always strive to achieve what we deserve. It everyone has to make at different points of The world has always been one of change the rabbit and losing the race forever. is actually the efforts we make and not the time in their lives and this is something that and as technology is rapidly evolving and time in which they are made. So, let it be a can lead us to a right or the wrong path. A speeding up our lives, the changes we tend There will be people around us who will slower and a smoother run than a fast and a right path will lead us to all the goods and to face seem quite different. And with this be advising us on which path to take but at roller coaster ride. National Oceans Policy of Papua New Guinea 2020-2030 as in fisheries, forestry, agriculture, and domestic partners and stakeholders. 4) Sustainable Development and Management ◆ By International Institute transportation, business and finance, human of the use of the ocean and its resources and for Non - Aligned Studies 2) Support the implementation of the Fourth settlement and infrastructure development, @iinsNAM Goal of the National Constitution relating 5) Promoting and enhancing the peaceful socio-economic livelihoods along the to the wise use and management of PNG’s use of the oceans. [email protected] coasts and on islands, tourism, education environment and natural resources. and traditional knowledge, health, national on-Aligned Movement has laid stress security and international relations. 3) Strengthen cooperation and collaboration on the protection of the environment. N between different stakeholders in the At the 2019 Baku Summit of NAM, the During the 75th session of the United Nations implementation of the NOP. Heads of States and Government of NAM General Assembly, James Marape, Prime Member States emphasized that oceans Minister of Papua New Guinea, stressed that 4) Support the implementation of overarching and coasts provide valuable resources and as a maritime nation, the country gives high national policies namely; the Papua New services to support human kind and that the priority to the protection of the maritime and Guinea Vision 2050 and the National sustainable use of marine ecosystems will fisheries sector, which represents a quarter Strategy for Responsible Sustainable enhance global food security and increase of the annual budget and employs 80 per Development for Papua New Guinea (Stars). resilience to climate change for present and cent women. 5) Provide strategic directions upon which future generations, They further emphasized In support of this sector, the PNG sub policies dealing with the ocean space the need to develop comprehensive adaption Government launched in July 2020 its very can be standardized to enable a coherent Through the NOP, PNG will also participate measure to address climate related impacts first National Oceans Policy (NOP) 2020- integrated management system. in the UN Decade of Ocean Science for on oceans and coasts, including through 2030, to ensure that the oceans, seas and Sustainable Development. greater capacity building, enhanced 6) Facilitate capacity building, the transfer their resources are correctly and sustainably The Ocean Decade represents a possibility scientific monitoring activities and to of marine technology, and ocean literacy, coordinated, managed, protected, governed to build scientific capacity and deliver us promote environmentally sound policies for and promote tools and approaches that and used. The NOP framework has been of the potential of the ocean to achieve the integrated coastal and ocean management. transform ocean knowledge into actions on devised in accordance with the Goal 14 of goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable ocean sustainability. Papua New Guinea (PNG), a NAM Member the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Development, specifically SDG14. and a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), which is to conserve and sustainably use The implementation of the NOP is based on (in arrangement with is an archipelagic state in the Pacific Ocean the oceans, seas and marine resources for the following five principles: News from Non-Aligned World) and recognizes that the ocean is the major sustainable development. 1) Shared responsibility of the governance and driver of all natural and physical systems www.iins.org The primary purpose of the NOP is to management of the oceans, that impact on the country’s natural develop and establish an Integrated Ocean through transparency, environments or ecosystems (whether on Management System within PNG’s national inclusiveness and Contact New Delhi Times land or in the seas), which in turn impacts jurisdiction and at the same time establish accountability; the socio-economic livelihoods of the a Framework for Regional and International For Complaints & Suggestions people and their aspirations for sustainable 2) Improving the Cooperation and Collaboration in Areas development. understanding of our +91-9999331600 Beyond its National Jurisdiction. ocean through Science, These resources include food, water, A-2/59, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi-110029 The supporting objectives of the NOP are to: Research, Knowledge and medicines, and various components of Innovation; biological diversity, minerals, hydrocarbons 1) Strengthen the implementation of UNCLOS Visit us at : twitter@NewDelhiTimes and energy. The oceans also hold opportunities and the MZA through mutual cooperation 3) Environment Protection facebook.com/newdelhitimes for industrial and service sectors such and collaboration with international, regional and Conservation; Printer and Publisher: Dr. (Mrs.) Pramila Srivastava, on behalf of Dr. Ankur Srivastava, Printed at Sudhir Printers, 151, Desh Bandhu Gupta Market, Karol Bagh, Delhi - 110005, Published at A-2/59 Safdarjung Enclave New Delhi-110029. Ph.: 26102520, 26105846 Fax: 26196294 Email: [email protected], Vol. 30, No. 39 Editor : Dr. Ankit Srivastava www.NewDelhiTimes.com India’s only International Newspaper