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K-pop Sounding in North Korea, Series of Unusual Moves

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K-pop Sounding in North Korea, Series of Unusual Moves

K-pop stars landed on North Korea. The 120-member group including popular girlband Red Velvet arrived in Pyongyang for cross-border cultural performances, under the theme title “Spring is Coming”.

This is not the first time that K-pop is ever heard in North Korea.

In 2015 when the tension between two Koreas was increasing, South Korea adopted a strategy against North Korea by playing famous K-pop songs through loudspeakers along the border of South and North Korea.

However on 1 April, 2018, the purpose for the sound of K-pop was different from 3 years back. Not for psychological warfare but for peace, the performance is reply from South Korea only after two weeks that North Korea’s arts group finished their last performance at Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in South Korea.

K-pop Sounding in North Korea, Series of Unusual MovesThe world is paying attention to the change of atmosphere between South and North Korea after Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.  North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un, has sent high ranking officials of his government body to South Korea during the Olympics.

Among the special envoys, he included his younger sister, Kim Yo-jong, who is director of the Propaganda and Agitation Department of the Workers’ Party of Korea. Kim Yong-nam, President of the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly of North Korea, went along with her.

During Ms. Kim’s visit in South Korea, she delivered a personally handwritten letter from Kim Jong Un to South Korean President, Moon Jae-in and invited President Moon to North Korea. Answering this exceptional willingness of North Korea for mutual exchange, South Korea rapidly carried out the procedure not to miss this opportunity to have Kim present in the place of conversation.

On 5th of March, President Moon sent his delegation of 5 people to North Korea including Chung Eui-yong, the Director of the National Security Office, and Chun Hae-sung, vice unification minister.

After two days of stay in North Korea, they returned with more than hoped-for message from Mr. Kim which is the willingness of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. The 3rd inter-Korean summit, planned to be held on 27 April, is another achievement from this meeting.

Soon after, President Moon sent special envoy led by Kang Kyung-wha, Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Korea, to the US. Kim’s invitation was delivered to the US President, Mr. Donald Trump. As President Trump accepted Kim’s offer to meet, the two leaders’ landmark talk is likely to take place at the end of May.

India welcomed the first historical meeting between US and North Korea. At the same time, India emphasised that the proliferation linkages of North Korea’s nuclear and missile programme needs to be dealt with care.

On 9 March, Indian foreign ministry spokesman, Raveesh Kumar said: “We welcome these developments. India supports all the efforts to bring about peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula through dialogue and diplomacy. We hope that such engagement will help in reducing tensions and pave the way for lasting peace and reconciliation in the Korean peninsula.”

“As we have said before, we also believe that any solution to the issues in Korean Peninsula must also take into account and address concerns about the proliferation linkages of DPRK’s (North Korea’s) nuclear and missile programme,” Kumar said.

Even though not directly mentioned, Kumar’s word are seen as India’s suspicions and concerns over possible conjunction between North Korea and Pakistan for nuclear and missile program. Since February 2013, India has insisted that North Korea has imported highly enriched uranium from Pakistan for its nuclear and missile programme.

The international society is welcoming the sudden change of North Korea but remains in the standpoint of sanctions against the provocation from North Korea with its nuclear missile.

Reuters reported on 30 March that the UN Security Council has added a great number of shipping and trading companies which seems to have violated sanctions against North Korea to their blacklist. The numbers are highest ever totalling 47 including 27 ships related with North Korea, 21 shipping and trading companies, and 1 personal vessel.

These are on the list of those who helped North Korea with oil and coal smuggling through the sea. While North Korea is actively engaging in diplomacy regarding denuclearization, it is noted that the United Nations has raised its bar for sanctions against North Korea.

The place for the summit meeting between North and South Korea and between the US and North Korea is becoming an issue. The North and South Korea summit will occur at the House of Peace located towards south of the Panmunjum(the Joint Security Area of Panmunjeom).

The two summits that are held previously between North and South Korea was different from the one that was held in Pyeongyang. South Korea will suggest North Korea representatives to come into the meeting room by their feet.

The meeting place for The US and North Korea is undecided. As far as need for a neutral place is concerned, Beijng, Vladivostok, and Ulaanbaatar are strong candidates.

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India calls out Canada’s move to ban Australia Today for airing S Jaishankar’s press conference

The MEA said that these actions yet again highlight the hypocrisy of Canada towards freedom of speech.

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India calls out Canada’s move to ban Australia Today for airing S Jaishankar's press conference

A few hours after Australia Today aired External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s press conference in Australia, Canada banned the outlet. The External Affairs Minister gave remarks on the India-Canada diplomatic standoff. 

Reacting to this, India on Thursday said it was surprised by Canada’s move to ban the outlet and emphasized that it highlighted Ottawa’s hypocrisy towards freedom of speech. Australia Today, which is an important outlet for the Indian community in the country, had aired the joint press conference of S Jaishankar and his Australian counterpart Penny Wong in Canberra.

In a weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that they understand that the social media handles, pages of this particular outlet, which is an important diaspora outlet, have been blocked and are not available for viewers in Canada. He continued that this happened just an hour or a few hours after this particular handle carried the press conference of S Jaishankar with Penny Wong. He called out the incident, mentioning that they are surprised, and the matter looks strange to them.

He further underlined that these are the actions which yet again highlight the hypocrisy of Canada towards freedom of speech. He noted that the External Affairs Minister spoke about three things: Canada making allegations and a pattern had developed without any specific evidence, surveillance of Indian diplomats in Canada, which he termed as unacceptable, and  the political space which has been given in Canada to anti-India elements. 

With this one can draw conclusions, why Australia Today channel was blocked by Canada, the spokesperson said. Australia Today focuses on news and analytical pieces related to the Indian community in Australia and elsewhere across the world.

This incident follows days after devotees were attacked by pro-Khalistani at a Hindu temple in Canada’s Brampton, with S Jaishankar calling it deeply concerning. Furthermore, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condemned the attack and said that there were cowardly attempts to intimidate Indian diplomats.

The diplomatic standoff between India and Canada began in September last year when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that Indian government agents might have been involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a claim outrightly rejected by New Delhi.

Later in October 2024, ties between both the countries nosedived when Canada termed the Indian High Commissioner a person of interest in its investigation into Nijjar’s murder. Issuing a strongly worded statement, India dismissed the fresh charge and recalled the envoy and some diplomats, while expelling six Canadian officials, including Canada’s acting High Commissioner.

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PM Modi congratulates Donald Trump on winning US President election

The Prime Minister urged Trump to work for the betterment of the people and to promote global peace, stability and prosperity.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday congratulated Donald Trump on winning the 2024 US Presidential election and said he is looking forward to renewing their collaboration to further strengthen the India-US partnership.

The Prime Minister urged Trump to work for the betterment of the people and to promote global peace, stability and prosperity.

“Heartiest congratulations my friend @realDonaldTrump on your historic election victory. As you build on the successes of your previous term, I look forward to renewing our collaboration to further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership. Together, let’s work for the betterment of our people and to promote global peace, stability and prosperity,” PM Modi posted on his X handle.

With the results being announced for the 2024 US election on November 6, Trump became the 47th President of the United States.

Former US President Trump appeared to be on track for a remarkable political comeback in the White House race. Projections suggested that he was poised to secure the necessary 270 electoral college votes, effectively blocking Democratic candidate Kamala Harris from winning the election.

The relationship between Trump and Modi has been characterised by robust diplomatic ties, strategic collaboration, and a noticeable personal rapport. Their friendship was prominently displayed during major events such as “Howdy, Modi” in Houston in 2019 and “Namaste Trump” in Ahmedabad in 2020, where they addressed large audiences and expressed their mutual respect.

On a strategic level, Trump and Modi found common ground in matters of defense and security, both adopting a strong stance against terrorism, which reinforced their alliance, particularly concerning threats from Pakistan.

As he approaches a notable victory in the US election, Republican Presidential candidate Trump expressed gratitude to his supporters today, calling it a magnificent victory for the American people. He also referenced the assassination attempt on July 13, stating, “God spared my life for a reason.”

The 78-year-old candidate is currently projected to secure 267 electoral college votes, just three shy of the decisive 270, while his opponent, incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris, holds 224 electoral votes.

Trump described the Republican campaign as the greatest political movement of all time, asserting, “We are going to help our country heal, secure our borders, and we made history for a reason tonight. This is an incredible political victory. I want to thank the American people. I will fight for you and your family with every breath I have.”

He noted that Democrats are now looking at a projected total of 315 electoral votes.

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Trump wins tight contest with simple majority, Kamala wilts in battleground states

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Donald Trump winning Speech

America’s 45th President will also be its 47th. Donald Trump won 279 electoral college votes compared to Kamala Harris’ 223.

Earlier in his victory speech, Trump declared his win as a historic occasion. He promised to work for every citizen and protect the future of their children.

Trump however didn’t wait. He spoke warmly of his allies, including Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who supported the Republican nominee through the campaign in the seven swing states.

Pennsylvania, Arizona, Michigan, Wisconsin, Nevada, Georgia, and North Carolina were pivotal, with each holding substantial electoral college votes.

The victory confirms his aggressive political style. He attacked his Democratic rival, Kamala Harris, in personal terms while portraying a nation overwhelmed by violent migrants.

Republican Presidential candidate Trump expressed gratitude to his supporters today, calling it a magnificent victory for the American people. He also referenced the assassination attempt on July 13, stating, “God spared my life for a reason.”

The first one to congratulate Trump was none other than the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.  

“Congratulations on history’s greatest comeback! Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America,” said Netanyahu. “This is a huge victory!” he added. 

UK PM Keir Starmer also extended his congratulations to Trump on winning US elections. “I look forward to working with you in the years ahead. As the closest of allies, we stand shoulder to shoulder in defence of our shared values of freedom, democracy and enterprise. From growth and security to innovation and tech, I know that the UK-US special relationship will continue to prosper on both sides of the Atlantic for years to come,” he said. 

French President Emmanuel Macron, in a post on X, said: “Ready to work together as we were able to do during four years. With your convictions and mine. In respect and ambition. For more peace and prosperity.” 

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy too congratulated Trump on his historic election victory in the recently held United States Presidential elections. He recalled their meeting in September earlier where they both discussed the Ukraine-US strategic partnership to end Russian aggression.

“I appreciate President Trump’s commitment to the “peace through strength” approach in global affairs. This is exactly the principle that can practically bring just peace in Ukraine closer. I am hopeful that we will put it into action together. We look forward to an era of a strong United States of America under President Trump’s decisive leadership. We rely on continued strong bipartisan support for Ukraine in the United States,” the Ukraine President said in a post on X.

In Pennsylvania, with its 19 electoral college votes, Trump currently holds a three-point lead after 94% of ballots have been counted. His advantage in states like Michigan, Wisconsin, and Nevada has sparked discussions of a possible upset, especially given that Democrats claimed six of these seven states in the previous election cycle.

Swing states have long been the crux of US presidential elections due to their balanced support for both major parties. Their outcomes often tip the scales in favor of one candidate, with this year’s fierce competition highlighting the importance of every vote. If Trump succeeds in claiming all seven, it would mark a significant shift, signaling a strong Republican mandate and a departure from the Democratic victories in these regions four years ago.

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