“Challenges” in region discussed, FS Kwatra on whether China was part of PM Modi, Albanese talks



International Desk
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The challenges to the peace, stability and prosperity in the region were discussed between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said on whether China was a part of their talks.

“The challenges to the peace and stability and prosperity in the region were also discussed and how India and Australia, being strategic partners, can work together not just to accentuate and amplify and harness the opportunities but also take active steps to mitigate the challenges that arise in the region,” Kwatra said during the special briefing on PM Modi’s third-day in Australia.

Talking about other issues that were discussed between the two PMs, Kwatra said, “The discussions between the two prime ministers there were also areas of regional significance that came up for discussion, Quad (comprising of Australia, India, Japan and US), where they spoke about free, open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific, and discussions in the QUAD and the Indo-Pacific and discussions in the quad realm and indo-pacific realm and how India and Australia can work together to shape a positive agenda in Quad and indo-pacific was discussed naturally.”

China’s military expansion in the South China Sea and the East China Sea has become a major concern for everyone.

Even in the Quad joint statement, the member countries reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific that is inclusive and resilient.

“As Indo-Pacific countries, Quad partners are deeply invested in our region’s success. Harnessing our collective strengths and resources, we are supporting the region’s development, stability, and prosperity through the Quad’s positive, practical agenda. Our work is guided by regional countries’ priorities and responds to the region’s needs. We are and will continue to be transparent in what we do. Respect for the leadership of regional institutions, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), is and will remain at the centre of the Quad’s efforts,” read the statement.

“Today we reaffirm our consistent and unwavering support for ASEAN centrality and unity. We are committed to ensuring the Quad’s work is aligned with ASEAN’s principles and priorities and continues to support the implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). We underscore ASEAN’s regional leadership role, including in the East Asia Summit, the region’s premier leader-led forum for strategic dialogue, and the ASEAN Regional Forum. We strongly support Indonesia’s 2023 ASEAN Chairmanship and its Chair theme “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth”. We will continue to strengthen our respective relationships with ASEAN and seek opportunities for greater Quad collaboration in support of the AOIP,” read the statement. (ANI)

Israeli attacks on Gaza: death toll rises to 39,175



International Desk, Barta24.com
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In the past 24 hours, 21 more people were killed in Israeli military strikes in the besieged Palestinian Gaza Strip. 39175 people have lost their lives so far.

This information was revealed in a report by Al-Jazeera, a Qatar-based media outlet, on Thursday (July 26).

At least 18 people were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Khan Yunis, south of Gaza, according to reports. Two more deaths were reported in northern Gaza City and one in Nuseirat refugee camp. 21 Palestinian citizens have been killed in the last 24 hours.

Since October 7 of last year, 39175 people have been killed by Israeli military attacks. Another 90703 people were injured. Besides, several lakhs of people have been displaced. Most of the dead and injured are children and women.

On the other hand, 1139 Israelis were killed in Hamas attacks.

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South Africa gets first woman Chief Justice



International Desk, Barta24.com, Dhaka
South Africa gets first woman Chief Justice

South Africa gets first woman Chief Justice

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A woman has been appointed as the Chief Justice for the first time in South Africa. Her name is Mandisa Maya. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced May's name on Thursday (July 25).

This information was published in a report of ABC News. According to reports, President Cyril Ramaphosa has named current Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa Maya as the country's new senior-most judge. Her tenure as Chief Justice will take effect from September 1. He will replace the current Chief Justice Raymond Zondo. Zondo is retiring.

Maya (60) served as Chief Justice of South Africa's second highest court, the Supreme Court of Appeal, before her elevation to the Constitutional Court.

Ramaphosa nominated Maya for Chief Justice in February and was interviewed by the Judicial Service Commission in May.

Ramaphosa said in a statement that the commission recommended her and appointing her to the post is a significant milestone for the country. 

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Indian media apologized for misleading news about the Prime Minister



International Desk, Barta24.com, Dhaka
Indian media apologized for misleading news about the Prime Minister

Indian media apologized for misleading news about the Prime Minister

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An Indian media has apologized for publishing misleading news about Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

During the violent agitation over the quota in Bangladesh, India Today NE, a media outlet based in the northeastern state of India, reported that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had been airlifted out. After the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi protested the report, the outlet's website read: 'India Today NE- sincerely apologizes for this unintentional mistake and regrets any confusion or tension it may have caused in our neighboring country.'

It added, "As a respected news publication, we are committed to both factual and ethical journalism."

The Bangladesh High Commission in India has denied the accuracy of a report published in India Today NE on July 21, titled 'Indian students leave Dhaka due to violent clashes, PM Sheikh Hasina airlifted out', reports India Today NE ' is also shared on social media platforms.

At a critical moment, such news as reported by the High Commission of Bangladesh can confuse the common people and even inflame tension.

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The US is monitoring what is happening in the quota movement: Miller



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The US Embassy in Dhaka and Washington are keeping a close watch on what is happening in Bangladesh in the student quota reform movement, the State Department said. In addition, spokesperson Matthew Miller commented that the United States continues to convey its concerns on the Bangladesh issue from the podium of the State Department.

This spokesperson said that there can be no direct talk about listing the organization as a banned organization due to the torture and violence that the Chhatra League has been carrying out on students for the past one and a half decades.

Participating in the briefing, State Department Correspondent Mushfiqul Fazal Ansari raised the issue of violence conducted by Chhatra League and law enforcement forces in the ongoing movement of students and wanted to know, 'The ruling government has continued to attack the movement of students in Bangladesh. At least 6 students have lost their lives so far at the hands of government-backed law and order forces. Bangladesh Chhatra League, the student body of the ruling government, is brutally torturing students, especially female students. This organization has been doing such activities for the past decade and a half. Will you list BCL as a terrorist organization?'

In response, Miller said, 'I'm not going to say anything about the issue you mentioned (banning Bangladesh Chhatra League). We have observed the violence that has spread during the student protests in Dhaka. I am once again calling for the movement to be peaceful. At the same time condemn any form of violence in peaceful protests.'

In another question, this reporter wants to know, 'Abu Sayed, a student of the English department of Begum Rokeya University, stood with his chest in front of the police gun during the protest for the safety of his classmates. The police did not hesitate to shoot him. He himself could not understand that the police would shoot him like this while protecting his classmates. After the fraudulent election, Sheikh Hasina has held on to her power by torturing her like this. Foreign Minister Anthony  Blinken said, 'The whole world's eyes are on the Bangladesh elections. The United States will take whatever steps are necessary for this election.' But the moment the people's rights are taken away, you become completely silent. Why did this happen?'

In response, Miller said, 'First of all, what you said is not true. We are not silent. You've seen me speak over and over throughout the week. As I said last Monday and I say again today, we condemn any form of violence against peaceful protests.'

He said, 'The US Embassy in Dhaka and our officials from Washington are closely monitoring what is happening in Bangladesh. Students are being killed in protests, people are dying, it is under our watch.'

"We call on the government to respect a citizen's right to peaceful protest," Miller said.

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