Morning Digest | India backs Iran, cites its position on terrorism; Kejriwal likely to skip 4th ED summons in Delhi excise case, and more
The Hindu
The Hindu Morning Digest gives a select list of stories to start the day. Read the top news today on January 18, 2024
India defends Iran, cites its position against terrorism
India backed Iran on its strikes on alleged terror camps in Pakistan’s Balochistan Province, calling it an act of “self-defence”. In a statement late on January 17, a day after Iranian Revolutionary Guards (IRGC)) fired missiles at what it said were two “important” bases of the Jaish al-Adl terror group in Balochistan Province, that triggered a strong diplomatic protest from Islamabad, the Ministry of External Affairs said that while the issue was a bilateral one between Iran and Pakistan, India has an “uncompromising” position on terrorism. Significantly, the MEA did not comment on Iran’s strikes against Kurdish areas in Iraq, as well as in Syria, all of which took place on the same day.
India ‘deeply concerned’ over West Asia crisis
India on Wednesday said it was “deeply concerned” at the current Israel-Palestinian crisis, highlighting the spillover effect of the violence for the West Asian region. In a speech delivered at the NAM Ministerial Meeting on Palestine in the Ugandan capital Kampala, Minister of State for External Affairs Rajkumar Ranjan Singh reiterated the Indian position on the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas as well as the subsequent Israeli military campaign on Gaza. His speech, however, remained silent on the issue of ceasefire in Gaza.
Silver idol of Ram Lalla taken in procession at Ayodhya temple
A silver idol of Ram Lalla was taken in a procession around the premises of the Ram Temple complex in Ayodhya on Wednesday in continuation of the rituals performed in the run-up to the January 22 consecration ceremony. However, it is not the idol that will be placed in the sanctum sanctorum on January 22. This silver idol was placed inside a palanquin decorated with flowers, with a priest walking with a kalash (pot) on his head in front of it. The real idol, which was very heavy, was brought to the temple late on Wednesday evening.
Disproportionate act: CPR on FCRA licence cancellation
Human Rights Watch report details Saudi Crown Prince using wealth fund for rights abuses, including Khashoggi murder.
Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan granted bail in graft case, but remains in prison with multiple charges pending.
Australia’s communications minister introduced a world-first law into Parliament to ban children younger than 16 from social media.
Florida man arrested for plotting to bomb New York Stock Exchange to "reboot" U.S. government, detained for trial.
Apple asked a federal judge to dismiss the U.S. Department of Justice’s antitrust case against the iPhone maker.
The Sri Lankan parliamentary elections have, more or less, cleansed the 225-member Parliament, purging the country’s arrogant old guard
Trump appoints Whitaker as NATO ambassador despite lack of foreign policy experience, raising concerns about U.S. representation within alliance.
Trump appoints Whitaker as NATO ambassador despite lack of foreign policy experience, raising concerns about U.S. representation within alliance.
U.N. Security Council votes 14-1 for ceasefire resolution, U.S. veto prevents adoption due to hostage release demand.
Bangladesh interim government cancels passports of 22 security officials under investigation for abductions during previous presidency.
U.S. policy shift allowing Kyiv to use ATACMS missiles sparks furious response from Moscow, risking major war.