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US: Contradictory reports on impact of anti-Iran sanctions on India

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US: Contradictory reports on impact of anti-Iran sanctions on India

Indian and Pakistani media quote same US official with different vesrions

The US administration has been given contradictory signals on the future course of implementing anti-Iran sanctions while dealing India. An Indian media outlet  reports that US has not taken any decision on sanctioning India for importing oil from Iran and investing in the Chabahar port, or buying the S-400 air defence missile system from Russia.

However, another report say that Washington is not offering waiver to any country from curbs on commercial deals with Iran so far, the restriction applies to India as well, which is a major importer of oil from Iran.

Elizabeth Roche, a well known writer associated with Livemint, quoting Alice G. Wells, the principal deputy assistant secretary of State for South and Central Asia, reported that US has not taken any decision on sanctioning India for importing Oil from Iran, investing in Chabahar seaport or buying S-400 air defence missile system from Russia.

Read More: India, US Sign Key Defense Agreement

Wells was in New Delhi last week as part of the delegation accompanying US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for the India-US 2+2 dialogues. Livemint reports that Wells said that the dialogue was aimed at laying the foundation of the US-India relationship for the next decade.

The Indian media outlet reports that Wells said the sanctions that come into force on 4 November were designed to bring Tehran to book and non penalize India, which meets 83% of its crude oil requirements from outside. Of this, close to 25% comes from Iran.

US: Contradictory reports on impact of anti-Iran sanctions on IndiaThe report further said that Wells added that Washington’s aim was also not to penalize India for buying the missile defence the missile defence systems or sourcing spares from Russia, reports Livemint.

She said the sanctions on Iran that come into force on Nov 4 are not specific to India, which imports 25 per cent of its oil from Tehran. Iran is India’s third largest supplier of oil, after Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Between April 2017 and January 2018, Iran supplied 18.4 million tonnes of crude oil to India.

The report, however, incorporated Wells quote saying there was no “blanket waiver or country-specific waiver” from US sanctions on trading with or investing in Iran or buying arms from Russia.

Read More: Trump: India Called Us Wanting Trade Deal despite Tough Talks

On the contrary, Anwar Iqbal, Washington based journalist working for Dawn, quoted the same official from State Department, saying that Washington is not offering waiver to any country from curbs on commercial deals with Iran and so far, the restriction applies to India as well. Alice G. Wells reportedly said that the restrictions also apply to investments in Iran’s Chabahar port, a project built with India’s cooperation.

Alice G. Wells, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, said in a conference call with journalists on Monday that restrictions also apply to investments in Iran’s Chahbahar port, a project built with India’s cooperation.

Wells, who was briefing journalists on the two-plus-two talks between the US and India, held in New Delhi on Sep 6- said there was no “blanket waiver or country-specific waiver” from US sanctions on trading or investing in Iran.

Read More: Russia expect inking S-400 missile contract with India in 2018

Dawn reports further that while answering a question on whether US restrictions on trade with Iran were discussed at the US-India talks, she said that there was a discussion in general over the sanctions and on Trump administration’s goal to hold Iran accountable for its alleged ‘maligned behaviour.’

She further said that the two sides also talked about how US expects other countries to bring their oil imports from Iran “down to zero as quickly as possible” and on US efforts to ensure that the restrictions do not disrupt the market, she said. The US has assured the Indians that adequate supplies are readily available that could be easily substituted for Iranian oil, the US official added.

Wells said, “With respect to Chahbahar, we have heard the Indian government’s assertion for Chahbahar both as a means of route to Afghanistan, a means for delivering wheat supplies, for instance, and of opening-up trade to Central Asia.”

“The US officials were clear that we were still in process of reviewing the implementation of sanctions and that we were taking this under advisement. So it was an informational conversation between the parties,” she said.

The US secretary said that, in New Delhi, the Indian and American leaders committed themselves to resolving trade issues and reaching an agreement to promote bilateral trade. US was now India’s top market for exports and the US-Indian bilateral trade expanded by $12 billion in 2017 totalling to $126bn, whereas two-way investment expanded almost $57bn.

She also said that, so far, the US had not taken any decision on giving a waiver to India to purchase S-400 Triumf missile system from Russia. “We continue to have conversations with the Indian leadership. We are working to hold Russia accountable for its behaviour and Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said these sanctions are not intended to adversely impact countries like India. They are designed to impact Russia”, she said.

India and US had signed an agreement known as Communications, Compatibility, Security Agreement (Comcasa) at the end of the “2+2” talks between the external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj and defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman with their US counterparts Micheal Pompeo and James Mattis in New Delhi on September 6.

Russia is also facing US sanctions. President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order on Wednesday that would authorise sanctions against countries or foreigners who try to interfere in American elections. Investigations are continuing against the alleged Russian meddling in the US presidential elections held in 2016.

A report from Washington say that US intelligence agencies now believe that Russians would again try to interfere the mid-term polls this year and also 2020 presidential elections.

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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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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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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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