Washington: United States President Joe Biden said on Monday that Washington is ready to get involved militarily to defend Taiwan in the event of invasion. Biden met with Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan on Monday to advance cooperation on a range of bilateral, regional, and global issues.During a joint press conference with the Japanese PM, Biden reaffirmed Washington's commitment to ensuring the security of the Taiwan Strait and preventing any change in the status quo unilaterally. When asked whether the US is ready to get involved militarily to defend Taiwan, he replied in the affirmative, adding that this is the commitment that the US has taken on. "We remain committed to supporting peace and stability in Taiwan Strait. The US stands firmly with Japan and other nations not to let that happen (China taking over Taiwan)," he said."After this, US and Japan together with 11 other nations will be launching the Indo-Pacific economic framework. This framework is a commitment to working with our close friends and partners in the region and challenges that matter most to ensuring economic competitiveness," he added.According to the White House statement, Biden commended Prime Minister Kishida's leadership in responding to Russia's war against Ukraine, and his determination to strengthen Japan's defence capabilities, noting that a strong US-Japan alliance is the cornerstone of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.The two leaders committed to work closely together to address security challenges, including North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs and China's increasingly coercive behaviour that runs counter to international law. They agreed to deepen cooperation in areas such as emerging technologies, supply chain security, and clean energy. Addressing a press conference, the Japanese PM said the two leaders discussed the impact of the Ukraine situation on the Indo-Pacific. "For China, we concurred to monitor recent activities of Chinese Navy and joint military exercise of China and strongly oppose the changes caused by force." Ahead of the Quad summit on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi slammed the United States' Indo-Pacific strategy on Sunday, charging that the four-nation grouping was formed in the guise of freedom and openness but with the purpose to contain China.He made these comments while addressing a press conference after talks with visiting Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in Guangzhou,&nbsp;Xinhua&nbsp;news agency reported.When asked about the 'Indo-Pacific Strategy', Wang said: "The US' Indo-Pacific Strategy is causing more and more vigilance and concern in the international community, especially in the Asia-Pacific region."—ANI

United States President Joe Biden said on Monday that Washington is ready to get involved militarily to defend Taiwan in the event of invasion.

US ready to send troops if China invades Taiwan

Madrid, Spain (The Hawk): On Thursday, Gerard Pique, a defender for Barcelona and a former Spain international, announced his retirement from club football.
"This Saturday will be my last game at Camp Nou," Pique announced on social media.
"This stage of my life must come to an end at this time. I have always stated that there will be no other clubs after Barcelona, and that is exactly what will happen, according to Pique.
Pique will play against Almeria on Saturday for the final time at Camp Nou, according to Xinhua.
Pique, a three-time Champions League champion with the Spanish team, has appeared in 615 games and scored 52 goals with Barcelona.
The 35-year-old also assisted Barcelona in winning seven Copa del Rey trophies and eight Spanish league wins in addition to the Champions League victories.
Having played for Spain in the past, he assisted his nation in winning the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championship.
(Inputs from Agencies)

On Thursday, Gerard Pique, a defender for Barcelona and a former Spain international, announced his retirement from club football.

Barcelona defender Pique has announced his retirement in La Liga

New Delhi (The Hawk): The first charge sheet in the Delhi excise policy scam, in which Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia is one of the defendants, was filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday.
Sisodia is now the primary suspect in the FIR filed by the CBI. Sections 120-B (Criminal Conspiracy) and 477-A (Falsification of Accounts) of the IPC are the subject of the FIR filed by the CBI.
Sisodia is accused of giving liquor industry executives an exemption worth Rs 30 crore. The licence holders allegedly received extensions at their discretion. By breaking the excise rules, the policy regulations were created.
Additionally, it claimed that Sisodia and a few other liquor barons were actively involved in managing and transferring the ill-gotten gains obtained from the holders of liquor licences to the public employees named as defendants in the lawsuit.
The FIR, which IANS has access to, stated that Manish Sisodia, the deputy chief minister of Delhi, Arva Gopi Krishna, the then-commissioner (excise), Anand Tiwari, the then-deputy commissioner (excise), and Pankaj Bhatnagar, the assistant commissioner (excise), "were instrumental in recommending and taking decisions pertaining to excise policy for the year 2021–22 without approval of competent authority with an
The CBI has so far detained two people in relation to the case.
(Inputs from Agencies)

The first charge sheet in the Delhi excise policy scam, in which Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia is one of the defendants, was filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday.

CBI has filed the first charge sheet in the Delhi excise policy scandal

Mumbai (The Hawk): Amruta Fadnavis, a singer and the wife of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, rushed to the rescue of Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari on Friday amid a clamour to fire him.
She claimed that Koshyari's recent comments about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj were misunderstood since he is a "Marathi manoos" (Marathi man) at heart.
According to Amruta, who directly knows the governor, he sincerely cares about the Marathis in the state.
"I can personally attest to this. Even if it has frequently happened that what he said was misunderstood "Amruta asserted in a statement to the media.
Her defence of Koshyari came the day after the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition said the Governor has "stepped all lines" after he made words about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on November 19.
All political parties, with the exception of Bharatiya Janata Party, the government's ally, have denounced the Governor and demanded his immediate removal from the important position, including Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena, the opposition Congress, Nationalist Congress Party, and Shiv Sena (UBT).
The governor, according to Sena (UBT) President and former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, insulted the people of Maharashtra as well as the state's principles and icons, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, and Saviti Phule.
"After the "Minde" government (referring to Shinde) took office in the state, it has been subjected to constant abuse and insults, and the governor has been disparaging "Shivraya." He should be immediately recalled by the Center. People who don't belong anywhere, not even in nursing homes, are selected as governors "Thackeray reacted angrily.
Koshyari has "now crossed all lines," according to NCP President Sharad Pawar, who urged President Draupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to decide what to do about him on Thursday.
"The position of Governor denotes an organisation. We held back from criticising the Governor in the past out of respect for his dignity, but now he has gone too far. Such individuals are unworthy of important positions like governor "Pawar spoke firmly.
The removal of the Governor for his insult against Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has also been urged by the state Congress president Nana Patole and other party figures.
The Governor has come under heavy fire for his remarks on Chhatrapati Udayanraje Bhosale and Chhatrapati Sambhajiraje, direct descendants of the renowned Maratha warrior king.
Bhosale referred to Koshyari as "third-class," and he sent letters to the President, Prime Minister, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah requesting that he be removed while threatening to incite a riot in the state.
The Governor attempted to atone for his actions by honouring Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at an event a few days ago, but the state leaders are unconvinced and are steadfast in their call for his resignation.
(Inputs from Agencies)

Amruta Fadnavis, a singer and the wife of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, rushed to the rescue of Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari on Friday amid a clamour to fire him.

Amruta Fadnavis intervenes to defend the Governor despite calls for his removal

New Delhi (The Hawk): According to sources, a Delhi court has granted bail to eight people who were detained during the inquiry into the case involving the Popular Front of India (PFI) ban.
The PFI and its allies and affiliates were outlawed by the central government on September 28 of this year for a period of five years.
After the PFI was outlawed, the eight people were detained. On September 29, a FIR was filed as a result of suspicions around some actions allegedly taken by PFI members.
Further Sessions On Monday, Judge Sanjay Khanagwal stated that data showed the accused were already in preventive prison when the PFI ban went into force.
According to him, the accused were taken into custody shortly after their release from Tihar jail in the first week of October.
The court order stated, "The investigating officer has not been able to demonstrate sufficient incriminating material against the accused persons collected during the investigation that as to when accused persons were in custody from September 27 and remained in Tihar Jail until October 4 or October 3, then how the accused persons have carried out such an activities which are aimed at advocating, abetting or inciting/assisting any unlawful activity of unlawful organisation."
The investigating officer, however, informed the court that PFI's bank information had been found and that the investigation was still ongoing to determine the accused's connection to the funds.
Following that, the court stated that "the information gathered during the investigation is silent as to the participation of accused persons in financial operations or in advocating the activities of unlawful organisation after its ban being it members."
The court said that there was "no allegation of accused people' involvement in any terrorist operations" and that the charges against them did not carry a sentence of more than seven years.
The accused's attorney, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, even contended in court that the police had wrongfully arrested and detained the defendants.
The court stated in its judgement, "It is further submitted that they were in fact picked up from the jail itself and were not caught from the spot as is alleged against them.
The eight suspects were all detained after they allegedly displayed the sign "PFI Zindabad."
According to the police, Mohammad Shoaib, Abdul Rab, Habeeb Asghar Jamali, and Mohammad Waris Khan were detained on October 3 after receiving information that some people were yelling "PFI Zindabad" chants.
Six PFI flags, according to the police, were also recovered from them.
Also detained on October 5 were Abdullah, Sheikh Gulfam Hussain, Mohammad Shoeb, and Mohsin Waqar, according to the police, who also discovered some PFI flags and booklets that stated "PFI Zindabad" in their possession.
(Inputs from Agencies)

According to sources, a Delhi court has granted bail to eight people who were detained during the inquiry into the case involving the Popular Front of India (PFI) ban.

Court grants bail to eight defendants in PFI ban case

Bangkok [Thailand]: On the second day of the World Hindu Congress, which kicked off in the Thai capital, Bangkok, on Friday drawing over 2000 delegates from 61 countries, a significant declaration was adopted advocating the term 'Hindu-ness' over 'Hinduism' when referring to the faith in English. The Congress adopted the declaration asserting that 'Hinduism' misrepresents the global Hindu community and their inherent goodness.
The declaration specifies that in the words 'Hindu Dharma', the first word, 'Hindu', is 'unbounded', signifying all that his 'Sanatan', meaning eternal. "The word 'Hindu' is followed by 'Dharma', which means that which sustains," the declaration adds. "Hindu Dharma, thus, signifies all that which eternally upholds everything; an individual, a family, a community, a society, and even nature--both animate and inanimate," it states further. "In contrast, Hinduism is totally different because it is suffixed with an 'ism'. The term 'ism' is defined as an oppressive and discriminatory attitude or belief. In the mid-nineteenth century, in the United States of America, the phrase 'the isms' was used to collectively refer to radical social reform movements and various non-mainstream spiritual or religious movements in a derogatory manner. The term 'Hinduism' should be understood in such a context," the declaration specifies.  "One should also note that the term 'Hinduism' was introduced in the popular lexicon by Sir Monier-Monier Willimas via his handbook 'Hinduism'. The handbook was published in 1877 by the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge. This intellectually dishonest terminology is the seed behind the vicious anti-Hindu narratives over the last 150 years," it notes, adding, "It is for these reasons that many of our elders preferred the term 'Hindutva' over Hinduism, as the former is a more accurate term since it includes the gamut (spectrum) of all that the word 'Hindu' implies. We agree with them and should do the same." Hindutva is not a complicated word, it states, adding that it simply means 'Hindu-ness'. "Others have used the alternative 'Sanatan Dharma', often abbreviated as 'Sanatan'," it notes, adding, "However, in the present public discourse, many academicians and intellectuals regularly portray Hindutva as the antithesis of Hindu Dharma, i.e., extremely negatively. Some of them argue like that because of their ignorance. But most are anti-Hindutva because of their visceral hatred and biases against Hindu Dharma. Many politicians driven by political agendas and personal prejudices have also joined that group and are criticising Sanatan Dharma, or Sanatan, with increasing regularity and vitriol."  The statement assumes significance as DMK leader and Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, addressing a seminar in Chennai, had ranted against 'Sanatana' or Sanatan Dharma, equating it with "fever, malaria, dengue, and corona" and asking for it to be abolished. The remark evoked outrage from the BJP and seers, who demanded that the DMK leader take back his words and issue an unconditional apology. "On behalf of the global Hindu community, the World Hindu Congress declares that such malicious criticism of Hindutva, or Sanatan Dharma, or Sanatan, or Hindu Dharma actually targets Hindu society and all that is beautiful, just, good, and noble in it," the declaration adds. "In reality, these are attacks against goodness itself. The World Hindu Congress strongly condemns such attacks and urges Hindus worldwide for manifestation of Hindutva through organised global efforts and overcoming those who are engaging in such anti-Hindu attacks and bigotry so that we are victorious," it states further.
—ANI

On the second day of the World Hindu Congress, which kicked off in the Thai capital, Bangkok, on Friday drawing over 2000 delegates from 61 countries

Call it Hindu-ness, not Hinduism, says declaration adopted by World Hindu Congress

Kyiv: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Tuesday that four people had been killed and at least 92 injured in a massive Russian missile and drone attack on Ukraine.
He said Russia had launched about 170 "Shahed" attack drones and dozens of different missiles at Ukraine since Dec. 31.  "For the third day already, our air defenders are doing incredible work," Zelenskyy said on Telegram messenger.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.thehawk.in/posts/russian-air-strikes-on-kyiv-and-kharkiv-kill-two-wound-dozens:-ukrainian-officials" target="_self">https://www.thehawk.in/posts/russian-air-strikes-on-kyiv-and-kharkiv-kill-two-wound-dozens:-ukrainian-officials</a>&nbsp;
"I thank all partners who help to strengthen our air shield. And it's obvious it helps save hundreds of lives every day and every night that would have been taken by Russian terror if it weren't for Patriots and other defence systems."
—Reuters

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Tuesday that four people had been killed and at least 92 injured in a massive Russian missile and drone attack

Zelenskyy says four killed, 92 injured in Russian air attack

Bengaluru: Congress Party M Mallikarjun Kharge accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being controlled by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) alleging that both the BJP and RSS are working together to distort the Constitution. Kharge, who currently serves as the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha called upon Congress members to come in order to protect the Constitution and democracy amidst the approaching Lok Sabha elections.  Speaking at the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee headquarters after raising the flag Kharge emphasized how crucial it is for our democracy to uphold constitutional principles and cautioned against any efforts by RSS and BJP to undermine them. He highlighted values such as equality, fraternity, secularism and justice that are enshrined within our Constitution.
 Also Read: <a href="https://www.thehawk.in/posts/'bjp-bjd-alliance':-congress-stages-symbolic-'wedding'-ceremony-in-odisha" target="_self">https://www.thehawk.in/posts/'bjp-bjd-alliance':-congress-stages-symbolic-'wedding'-ceremony-in-odisha</a>&nbsp;
 Kharge argued that under RSS influence the BJP is systematically weakening bodies which poses a threat to both judiciary and secularism. Expressing concern over BJPs narrative of being solely responsible for saving our nation Kharge reminded his audience about Congresss role in Indias fight for independence.  In response to mounting challenges such as inflation and unemployment Kharge urged his party members to scrutinize new recruits while emphasizing unity as a crucial factor, in upcoming elections. He emphasized the importance of bolstering the party with individuals who share the values and principles of the Congress.  The President of Congress made these comments during a time of political events, including the recent return of Jagadish Shettar, former Chief Minister of Karnataka to the BJP just one day, before Kharges speech. Kharge urged members of Congress to stay united and expressed his belief that the partys unity will triumph in the elections.
—Input from Agencies

Congress President Kharge's Republic Day address exposing PM Modi's alleged puppetry to RSS, urging unity for Constitution protection ahead of Lok Sabha polls.

Congress President Kharge Accuses PM Modi of Puppetry to RSS Agenda

Sambalpur (Odisha): During a speech at a rally held in Sambalpur, Odisha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the remarkable contributions of BJP veteran L K Advani. He emphasized Advanis efforts in challenging dynasty politics and upholding Indias democracy through inclusive and patriotic principles.  In his address Modi highlighted the significance of honoring Advani with the Bharat Ratna award. He described it as a recognition of Advanis commitment to prioritize the nations interests above all else. The Prime Minister acknowledged that Advani consistently provided guidance to all and played a role in breaking the monopoly of one political party over democracy.  "Advani tirelessly fought to liberate democracy from being controlled by a party and established strong connections between Indias democratic values and inclusive nationalist ideologies " Modi passionately declared to the enthusiastic crowd.  Shifting his focus towards the presented Union Budget in Parliament Modi stressed that its primary objective is to empower marginalized populations across the country. He assured the public that his government is fully committed, to continuing their development initiatives declaring, "My guarantee as Prime Minister begins where all hopes may seem lost."
 —Input from Agencies

Explore PM Modi's praise for L K Advani's tireless fight against dynasty politics, connecting India's democracy to inclusive, nationalist ideologies in Sambalpur rally.

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US ready to send troops if China invades Taiwan

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US ready to send troops if China invades Taiwan

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