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US Asks India to Assist Save Afghan Borders

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]India likely to send troops to Kabul, say experts

By: Abu Turab

The India-US ties have been growing rapidly in the post Modi-Trump recent summit at White House. A powerful US Congressional committee has recommended that India, a regional major defense partner, is well suited to assist Kabul in its border security and New Delhi can work on trilateral basis.

The report attached with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) 2018, the all powerful Senate Armed Service Committee said, “The committee also believes that timely actions by the Indian government to fill identified needs in Afghanistan would significantly benefit the short- and long-term security and stability of the region.”

According to reports from Washington, the Senate Committee headed by Senator John McCain said that US should leverage the capabilities of allies and partners to more effectively secure regional stability and security. “The committee believes that the US needs to recommit to the fight in Afghanistan and that India, as a major defense partner of the US and a contributor to regional security, has a critical role to play in this effort,” it said.

On last Friday, the US House of Representatives had passed a 621.5 billion dollar defense expenditure bill to advance cooperation with India. On the other hand, the House voted three legislative amendments to impose tougher conditions for reimbursement of 400 million dollars defense funding to Pakistan and made it conditional for “satisfactory progress” in fight against terrorism.

The Trump Administration and Pentagon has praised India’s present role in Afghanistan.

In February this year, General John W Nicholson, Commander of US Forces in Afghanistan had testified before the committee and appreciated India’s current role in that country. He said, “With over USD 2.0 billion development aid executed since 2002, and another USD 1.0 billion pledged in 2016, India’s significant investments in Afghan infrastructure, engineering, training, and humanitarian issues will help develop Afghan human capital and long-term stability”.

The Senate committee noted that General Nicholson highlighted the significant short-term material and training needs within the Afghan Air Force (AAF), and has personally urged India for its urgent support.

“This assistance could include logistical support; joint training; combined military planning; threat analysis; intelligence, materiel, and maintenance support for Afghan National Defense and Security Forces for humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, security assistance, and any other areas deemed appropriate,”  the Senate committee said.

On June 25, Business Line, quoted top official source in New Delhi saying, “The US is keen to see India playing a greater role in its commitment towards counter-terrorism and as a result it may be asked to play a more meaningful role in stabilizing Afghanistan by sending its men to fight the elements of terrorism there.”

The daily further quoted Nandan Unnikrishnan, the Vice President of New Delhi based Observer Research Foundation (ORF), a foreign policy think-tank saying, “Trump may tell India to put the boots on the ground now in Afghanistan. With India’s usual complaints of cross-border terrorism, US may like to see India contributing more militarily. The rise of Taliban in Afghanistan in today’s world is more of a concern for India than the US.”

India and Afghanistan had signed Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) in 2011. In December 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Kabul and inaugurated the newly built Afghan Parliament with Indian assistance. He also gifted four Mi25 Attack helicopters to AAF. In year 2014-15 bilateral trade between the two countries stood at $ 684 million.

About two weeks ago, there were media reports emanating from Washington, Kabul and Islamabad that New Delhi may send 15,000 troops to Afghanistan.

This is not the first time when US is recommending more active role for Indian forces in US led operations overseas. In 2003, US had asked India to send its troops after the fall of Saddam Hussein regime in Iraq for stabilizing the situation. At that time Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government had politely turned down the request.

Afghanistan has been witnessing trouble on its border with Pakistan. Tora Bora Mountains, where Osama bin Laden had reportedly remained absconding for years is situated in the same region. It is locally known as Spin Ghar which constitutes a cave complex, used by Al-Qaeda and Taliban for shelter.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Mohanlal’s Stephen returns in fearsome form in L2: Empuraan Teaser

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Mohanlal as Stephen Nedumpally in the teaser of L2: Empuraan

The much-anticipated teaser for L2: Empuraan, the second chapter of the planned trilogy directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, has been unveiled, offering a glimpse of a darker, more brutal narrative. Starring Malayalam cinema legend Mohanlal, the film continues the story of Stephen Nedumpally, also known as Khureshi Ab’raam, a character that mesmerized audiences in Lucifer.

The teaser debuted at a grand event attended by the film’s key players, including Mohanlal, Prithviraj, and Mammootty, who released the teaser in style. Clocking in at 143 seconds, the preview immediately sets a grim tone, beginning in Qaraqosh, a war-torn town in Iraq. The atmosphere is tense, underscored by the chilling phrase, “Death to the Evil.”

One of the standout moments in the teaser recalls PK Ramdas (Sachin Khedekar) advising Priyadarshini (Manju Warrier) in the first film: “If one day you feel everything is falling apart and I’m not around, the only person you can turn to is Stephen.” This sentiment reverberates through the teaser as it shifts to Stephen’s iconic black Ambassador car, now layered with dust—an ominous sign of his long absence.

The suspense builds as a voice declares, “He leads the most powerful mercenary group in Asia,” introducing audiences to Stephen’s transformation into a figure commanding immense influence and fear. The teaser’s climactic moments highlight Mohanlal’s commanding return as Khureshi Ab’raam, warning of the perils of dealing with the devil.

Star-Studded Cast and Stellar Crew

Joining Mohanlal in this cinematic spectacle are Manju Warrier, Indrajith Sukumaran, Tovino Thomas, and others reprising their roles from Lucifer. The film also features Saniya Iyappan, Saikumar, Baiju Santhosh, Fazil, and Sachin Khedekar in key roles.

The story, penned by Murali Gopy, is brought to life with the expertise of cinematographer Sujith Vaassudev, editor Akhilesh Mohan, and composer Deepak Dev, whose score amplifies the teaser’s intensity.

As the teaser hints at power struggles, deceit, and vengeance, L2: Empuraan sets the stage for an explosive continuation of this gripping saga, leaving fans eagerly awaiting its release.

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MSBTE Result 2025 declared: Maharashtra diploma winter exam results now available online

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MSBTE Result 2025 announcement for Winter Diploma exams

The Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education (MSBTE) has officially announced the results for the Winter 2024 diploma exams. Students who appeared for these exams, held in December 2024, can now access their results on MSBTE’s official website, msbte.org.in.

To check the MSBTE Winter Exam Result 2025, candidates must have their enrollment or seat numbers ready. The results are accessible via a direct link available on the website.

Steps to check MSBTE 2025 results:

  1. Visit the official MSBTE website: msbte.org.in.
  2. Navigate to the “Examination” section and click on “Winter 2024 Exam Result.”
  3. Enter your enrollment number or seat number in the required fields.
  4. Click on the “Show Result” button to view your marksheet.
  5. Download and save the PDF for future reference.

Details mentioned on the MSBTE Winter Diploma results:

The MSBTE Winter Diploma Marksheet 2025 includes the following information:

  • Student’s name
  • Register number
  • Course name
  • Marks obtained in each subject
  • Subject codes and names
  • Total marks
  • Maximum marks
  • Result status (Pass/Fail)

The announcement is crucial for diploma students across Maharashtra as it determines their academic progress and eligibility for future courses or career opportunities.

Students are advised to verify all details on their marksheets and contact the board in case of discrepancies. For further updates, visit the official MSBTE website.

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JPC clears Waqf Amendment Bill with 14 changes, Opposition cries foul

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The Waqf Amendment Bill is poised for a final vote on January 29 in the Joint Parliamentary Committee. The committee had been tasked with reviewing the bill by November 29, which was then extended to February 13, approved 14 changes to the draft. The 44 amendments proposed by the Opposition were rejected by its chairman BJP MP Jagadambika Pal.

The Opposition had accused the BJP of bias in several sittings of the committee leading to the suspension of several MPs, including Kalyan Banerjee of Trinamool Congress and Asaduddin Owaisi of the AIMIM, both vocal critics of the Bill.

The Opposition MPs had also written to Speaker Om Birla against Pal, saying he was rushing the Bill to gain political mileage ahead of the Delhi Assembly election due to be held on February 5.

Earlier, reports had said Banerjee had broken a glass during a verbal altercation while in deliberations with BJP MP and former Calcutta HC judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay.

The Bill aims to reform Waqf Board administration, mandating the inclusion of non-Muslim and women members. The Central Waqf Council’s composition would also change, incorporating a Union minister, MPs, ex-judges, and individuals of national repute, regardless of religious affiliation. Crucially, the Council’s land acquisition powers would be removed. A controversial clause restricts donations to Muslims practicing their faith for at least five years, prompting concerns about religious freedom.

While proponents claim the bill empowers Muslim women and children, critics, including the Congress and the DMK, allege it infringes upon Articles 15 and 30 of the Constitution, which guarantee freedom of religion and the right of minorities to administer educational institutions. The final report is expected by January 31.

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