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Masood Azhar declared global terrorist after China relents to international pressure

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Masood Azhar

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar was listed as a designated terrorist by the UN Security Council 1267 Committee yesterday (Wednesday, May 1) after China yielded to mounting international pressure and the proposal for listing was tweaked to remove mention of Pulwama attack for which JeM had claimed responsibility.

The Pulwama attack of February 14 was mentioned in the February 27 listing request for Azhar.

On Thursday, China said that it agreed to allow the UN Security Council to declare Masood Azhar as a “global terrorist” only after it was satisfied with the “revised evidence” made available to it. It was referring to the exhaustive report showing Azhar as a terrorist which was provided by foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale during his recent visit to Beijing between April 25 and 27.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1556793435498{border-top-width: 10px !important;border-right-width: 10px !important;border-bottom-width: 10px !important;border-left-width: 10px !important;padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #c1c1c1 !important;border-radius: 10px !important;}”]Undoubtedly a major success for India, Masood Azhar’s listing as global terrorist is not unprecedented by any account. As former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh pointed out, “Within 14 days of the Mumbai attack, we got China to agree to declare Hafiz Saeed as a global terrorist under the 1267 Sanctions Committee of UN.”

Saeed, despite the listing, continues to freely move and operate in Pakistan.

Azhar’s outfit JeM, already listed as a global terrorist outfit, also continues to operate and mount attacks against India.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The listing comes after India’s efforts for over a decade with the support of its friends at the UNSC.

Azhar being listed as global terrorist means a travel ban, arms embargo and asset freeze on Azhar. An assets freeze under the Sanctions Committee requires that all states freeze without delay the funds and other financial assets or economic resources of designated individuals and entities.

The travel ban entails preventing the entry into or transit by all states through their territories by designated individuals.

Also Read: Wikilieaks founder Julian Assange gets 50 weeks in jail by UK court for jumping bail

Under the arms embargo, all states are required to prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale and transfer from their territories or by their nationals outside their territories, or using their flag vessels or aircraft, of arms and related materiel of all types, spare parts, and technical advice, assistance, or training related to military activities, to designated individuals and entities.

The P-3 or group of three permanent UNSC members, the US, the UK and France, had co-sponsored a listing request at the Committee on February 27, weeks after the Pulwama attack that killed over 40 security personnel. That request, reported The Hindu, mentioned: “…JeM claimed responsibility for a suicide attack in Pulwama”.

However, China placed a hold on the request — which normally lasts for three months — on March 13 for the fourth time in a decade.

At the end of March, the US circulated a draft resolution (to sanction Azhar) among the UNSC members, i.e., outside the 1267 Committee. The move made by US, along with France and the UK, was designed to pressure China into either supporting the listing or having to take a stand in open proceedings and risk being seen as supporting terror, being publicly isolated and forced to state the reasons for opposing the ban.

Earlier this week, China had said “some progress” had been made and indicated it was willing to change its decade-long position.

After the April 23 meeting to list Azhar at the UN, a time-period for raising objections to the move followed. The period ended on May 1 and following no objections from China this time, it went through.

The reasons for designating Azhar as a terrorist as per Wednesday’s listing included his support for the JeM since its founding, being associated with the al-Qaeda by recruiting for them and “participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing, or perpetrating of acts or activities or supplying, selling or transferring arms and related material”. It also pointed to his role in recruiting fighters in Afghanistan. The JeM itself was sanctioned by the 1267 Committee in 2001.

Also Read: 15 Security personnel killed in Maoist attack in Maharashtra

Welcoming the decision, India called it a “step in the right direction”, which demonstrated the international community’s resolve to fight against terrorism and “its enablers”.

“This is in accordance with India’s position and in line with the information that India has shared with the members of the Sanctions Committee regarding terrorist activities of Masood Azhar and the JeM. India will continue with its efforts through international forums to ensure that terrorist organisations and their leaders who cause harm to our citizens are brought to justice” said Raveesh Kumar, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson.

Pakistan’s statement on the dropping of Pulwama references as “mischievous”, and an attempt to “The objective has been the designation of “salvage something out of this huge diplomatic setback for them by diverting the narrative,” said The Hindu, quoting government sources.

“Pulwama happened to be the latest act of terror but the designation was not based on a specific incident but on the basis of evidence shared with members of the 1267 Sanctions Committee linking Masood Azhar to terrorism,” sources told The Hindu.

The listing was a result of diplomacy by many partners and took concerns from all countries on board, reported The Hindu quoting a western diplomat who said the US was key to pushing it through, aided by the UK and France, while Indonesia played an important role as the Chairperson of the UN Security Council.

The French government was the first to issue an official reaction to the listing, calling it the “successful realisation” of its efforts of several years.

Syed Akbaruddin, India’s Permanent Representative at the UN, said the listing was a significant outcome for India. “This is, for us, a significant outcome because we have been at it for several years. The first effort that we have made in this regard was in 2009. More recently, we have been persistent, diligent and in a subterranean manner, making all our efforts towards this goal. Today, that goal stands achieved.”

About dropping the reference to Pulwama attack, Akbaruddin said: “That is a settled issue following the Security Council statement of February 21.” The Security Council had condemned the Pulwama attack and asked all states, without naming any, to cooperate with India and combat threats to international peace.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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YouTuber Zara Dar clarifies misconceptions, denies being Pakistani, and explains decision to quit PhD for OnlyFans

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Zara Dar clarifies her background and career change in a social media post

YouTuber Zara Dar, who sparked significant attention after revealing she was leaving her PhD studies to pursue a full-time career on OnlyFans, has addressed a series of misconceptions circulating about her. In a series of posts on social media platform X, Dar clarified the misinformation and took the opportunity to set the record straight on several points, particularly regarding her background and career shift.

The controversy began when Zara posted a video explaining her decision to quit her PhD in engineering and focus on adult content creation. The video quickly went viral, with some viewers misinterpreting or distorting the details of her story. One of the most prevalent rumors was that Zara Dar was of Pakistani origin.

In her clarification, Zara stated, “With all due respect, I am not Pakistani. I am American, born and raised, with a mixed background: American, Persian, Southern European, Middle Eastern, and Indian.” She explained that her name, “Darcy,” which she shortens to “Dar,” led to confusion, as it resembled that of a different Pakistani influencer, Zara Dar.

Zara also addressed the emergence of fake content under her name, including deepfake videos, and vehemently denied any associations with such material. She emphasized that, despite the false claims, she had not given any exclusive interviews and had only used social media to share her story.

Regarding her decision to leave academia, Zara shared that her shift to OnlyFans, while financially rewarding, also provided her with the freedom she felt was missing in her academic career. “It has given me the freedom to learn and share new content,” she stated, adding that while she had stepped away from her PhD, she would still continue to create educational content on her YouTube channel.

The announcement sent shockwaves across her fanbase, as many were surprised by her drastic career change. However, Zara explained that the decision was motivated not only by financial viability but also by her desire for personal autonomy outside the rigid structures of academia.

As Zara Dar continues to navigate the shift from academia to content creation, she remains committed to building her brand while tackling the misinformation surrounding her. Through her candid social media posts, she aims to keep her followers informed and provide clarity on her personal and professional choices.

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Festivals

Where is Santa this Christmas Eve? Track his journey with NORAD and Google Santa Tracker

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Santa tracking on Christmas Eve with NORAD and Google Santa Tracker

As Christmas Eve arrives, excitement fills the air for families worldwide, eager to track Santa’s magical journey across the globe. Thanks to modern technology, families can now follow Santa’s global trek in real time, a cherished tradition that has been made even more special by NORAD and Google Santa Tracker. These two platforms bring the joy of the season to life with live updates, interactive features, and educational content.

NORAD tracks Santa: A legacy of tracking Santa Claus

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has been tracking Santa Claus since 1955, starting from a simple mix-up. A Sears department store advertisement listed the wrong phone number for Santa, leading a child to call the military command. When Air Force Commander Harry Shoup answered, he reassured the child, and thus, a global tradition was born. NORAD has since embraced cutting-edge radar and satellite technology to track Santa’s journey, with Rudolph’s glowing red nose marking his path through the night sky.

This year, NORAD’s Santa Tracker goes live on Christmas Eve at 6 a.m. ET, offering real-time updates on Santa’s location until 2 a.m. ET on Christmas Day. Families can access the official NORAD Tracks Santa website, download the Santa Tracker app (available on both iOS and Android), or follow NORAD on social media. For a more personal touch, NORAD’s hotline (1-877-HI-NORAD) is available from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. ET on Christmas Day, offering families a chance to speak with volunteers about Santa’s journey.

Google Santa Tracker: Interactive fun for the whole family

Google’s Santa Tracker also offers a way to follow Santa’s travels in real time, but with a twist. In addition to tracking Santa, the platform features a variety of interactive experiences, including holiday games, videos, and educational content about Christmas traditions around the world. Google’s Santa Tracker provides a countdown to Christmas Eve and a chance to explore Santa’s Village, where families can engage in festive activities before tracking his journey.

How to track Santa this Christmas Eve

  • NORAD Tracks Santa: Visit noradsanta.org for live updates, videos, and interactive features. The website includes a countdown to Santa’s departure and real-time tracking of his global journey.
  • Google Santa Tracker: Head to santatracker.google.com to play games, watch videos, and track Santa in real time.

The tradition of tracking Santa

Tracking Santa has become a beloved holiday tradition, bringing joy and excitement to children and families around the world. Whether through NORAD’s precise tracking or Google’s interactive features, these services offer a unique way to experience the magic of Christmas. For over 65 years, NORAD’s Santa Tracker has allowed kids to track Santa as he makes his way across the globe, adding an extra layer of excitement to Christmas Eve. According to NORAD, its fighter jets have “intercepted Santa many, many times,” with pilots even tipping their wings to say, “Hello Santa. NORAD is tracking you again this year.”

How does Santa travel so Fast?

One of the most intriguing aspects of tracking Santa is how he manages to deliver presents to every corner of the globe in just one night. According to NORAD, Santa operates in a time-space continuum of his own. While it appears that Santa completes his journey in 24 hours, NORAD suggests that he experiences time differently. “Santa does not experience time the way we do,” says the agency. In Santa’s world, his trip could span days, weeks, or even months, making his speed and efficiency even more magical.

A global tradition of Christmas magic

This Christmas Eve, families can once again join in the holiday fun by tracking Santa’s extraordinary journey. Whether using NORAD’s detailed tracking system or exploring Google’s interactive features, the Christmas spirit comes alive in real-time. So, as you prepare for Christmas Day, don’t forget to check in and see where Santa is — it’s a joyful part of the holiday season!

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India News

Bangladesh requests India’s assistance for Sheikh Hasina’s return amid turmoil

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Bangladesh requests India to facilitate Sheikh Hasina's return amid political crisis

Bangladesh has formally requested India to facilitate the return of Sheikh Hasina, the deposed Prime Minister of the country, who has been residing in India since August 5, 2024. The interim government in Dhaka has sent a diplomatic note to the Indian government, urging the extradition of the 77-year-old leader, who fled Bangladesh following mass protests that led to the downfall of her 16-year-long regime.

Sheikh Hasina, leader of the Awami League, has been living in exile in India since she was forced to leave amid growing political unrest in Bangladesh. In the wake of her departure, the Dhaka-based International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) issued arrest warrants against Hasina, her ministers, advisors, and former military and civil officials, accusing them of “crimes against humanity and genocide.”

Touhid Hossain, the foreign affairs adviser in Bangladesh’s interim government, confirmed the diplomatic communication, saying, “We have sent a note verbale to the Indian government requesting her return for the judicial process in Bangladesh.”

In addition to the note, Jahangir Alam, the Home Advisor, revealed that the government has also sent a formal letter to India’s External Affairs Ministry, emphasizing the need for Hasina’s extradition. He mentioned that there is an existing extradition treaty between the two countries, which could be invoked to facilitate her return.

The diplomatic request comes in the wake of a visit by India’s Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, to Bangladesh. During his visit, Misri engaged in candid and constructive discussions with Nobel laureate and Chief Advisor of Bangladesh’s interim government, Muhammad Yunus. Misri also raised concerns over the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh, particularly Hindus, and discussed the increasing tensions between the two countries. According to reports, the issue of Hasina’s stay in India was one of the topics of discussion during Misri’s visit. Yunus reportedly expressed concern over the political statements made by Hasina from her location in India, which have reportedly been exacerbating tensions.

Sheikh Hasina, speaking in a virtual address to Awami League supporters in London, criticized the interim government of Bangladesh and accused Yunus of running a “fascist regime.” She alleged that the new regime under Yunus’s leadership had led to increased attacks on religious minorities and accused the interim government of undermining Bangladesh’s democratic progress. Hasina also lamented the reversal of her administration’s achievements in poverty alleviation, infrastructure development, and the strengthening of democracy.

The political climate in Bangladesh remains fraught with tension as the interim government faces mounting pressure, both domestically and internationally, over its treatment of opposition leaders and political dissent. The unfolding situation continues to capture attention both within Bangladesh and abroad, particularly with regard to the potential return of Sheikh Hasina.

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