eznews.in
China has officially approved the construction of the world's largest hydropower dam on the Yarlung Zangbo River, located on the eastern edge of the Tibetan plateau. This ambitious project aims to produce an estimated 300 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, significantly surpassing the Three Gorges Dam's current capacity of 88.2 billion kWh. The dam is expected to support China's carbon neutrality goals, stimulate local industries, and create jobs, although the financial outlay is projected to exceed the Three Gorges Dam's cost of $34.83 billion. Concerns have been raised by India and Bangladesh regarding potential impacts on the local ecosystem and water flow downstream, as the Yarlung Zangbo becomes the Brahmaputra River upon leaving Tibet. While Chinese officials assert that the project will not severely affect the environment, the actual displacement of local populations and ecological consequences remain unclear. 
Published: Dec 26 2024, 10 ameznews.inIndia is mourning the death of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away at the age of 92 due to age-related health issues. Admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Delhi, Dr. Singh experienced a sudden loss of consciousness at home on December 26, 2024. He is survived by his wife, Gurcharan Singh, and their three daughters. Renowned for his economic acumen, Dr. Singh's tenure from 2004 to 2014 was marked by transformative reforms that significantly reduced poverty and expanded access to education and healthcare. Former US President Barack Obama praised Dr. Singh's leadership in his memoir, noting his integrity and commitment to the Indian populace. Despite facing criticism, Dr. Singh remained optimistic about his legacy, believing history would judge him more kindly than contemporary critics. His contributions to India's economic landscape will continue to inspire future leaders and policymakers.
Published: Dec 27 2024, 1 ameznews.inPakistan's nuclear ambitions have once again raised alarms in Washington, particularly as it reportedly develops the Shaheen-III missile, capable of reaching the United States. Initially designed to target Indian naval facilities, the missile's range extension efforts, supported by China, signal a shift in focus that has jolted US officials. Deputy National Security Adviser Jonathan Finer described Pakistan's advancements as an emerging threat, not only to the US but also to Israel, given the potential to strike US assets in East Africa and beyond. In response, the US recently sanctioned four Pakistani entities, including the National Development Complex, for their roles in the ballistic missile program. This situation underscores longstanding concerns about Pakistan's nuclear proliferation history, particularly its collaboration with China, which has facilitated its missile technology despite international sanctions. The potential for these capabilities to fall into the hands of terrorist groups further complicates the geopolitical landscape.
Published: Dec 26 2024, 9 pmeznews.inPakistan confirmed on Thursday that it conducted airstrikes targeting militant hideouts in Afghanistan's Paktika province, a move that has sparked outrage from Afghan officials, who condemned the strikes as a "brutal act" and a violation of Afghanistan's sovereignty. The strikes, which reportedly killed at least 46 people, including women and children, were described by Pakistan's Foreign Office as an intelligence-based operation aimed at addressing security threats to its citizens. Despite the military action, spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch emphasized Pakistan's commitment to dialogue with Afghanistan and the careful planning of such operations. The Afghan Taliban regime responded with a strong protest, warning of potential retaliation, while former Afghan leaders criticized Pakistan's actions as exacerbating regional tensions. The situation underscores the ongoing strain in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, particularly following the Taliban's rise to power in 2021 and the subsequent increase in terrorist activities affecting Pakistan.
Published: Dec 26 2024, 9 pmeznews.inChina's construction of the world's largest dam in Tibet raises significant concerns for India regarding potential environmental impacts. The dam, designed to harness the Yarlung Tsangpo River, could result in flash floods and water scarcity for downstream regions, particularly in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. Experts warn that alterations to the river's flow may disrupt local ecosystems and agricultural practices, exacerbating existing tensions between the two nations. India's apprehensions are heightened by China's increasing control over transboundary water resources, which could affect millions of people reliant on the river for their livelihoods. As the dam progresses, India is urged to bolster its water management strategies and engage in diplomatic discussions to mitigate potential conflicts and ensure sustainable water usage in the region. The situation highlights the complexities of water resource management in South Asia amid growing geopolitical rivalries.
Published: Dec 26 2024, 9 pmeznews.inSurvivors and families of victims gathered across Southeast and South Asia on Thursday to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Indian Ocean tsunami, which claimed approximately 230,000 lives. The disaster, triggered by a 9.1 magnitude earthquake off Indonesia's Aceh province on December 26, 2004, unleashed waves reaching 57 feet, devastating coastlines in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, India, and beyond. In Indonesia, hundreds visited a mass grave in Ulee Lheue, with many mourning unidentified loved ones. Nurkhalis, who lost his entire family, expressed the enduring pain of that day. Memorials were also held in Sri Lanka, where a moment of silence was observed, and in India’s Tamil Nadu, where candles were lit. Thailand marked the occasion with religious rites, reflecting on the loss of 5,400 lives, including many tourists, in Phang Nga province, where local resident Urai Sirisuk mourned her daughter, vowing to stay away from the sea that took her.
Published: Dec 26 2024, 7 pmeznews.inA touching story of community support and cryptocurrency emerged from California, where Siqui Chen, co-founder of Runway Financial, made an emotional appeal on social media for donations to fund treatment for his daughter Mira's rare brain tumour. Inspired by Chen's plight, a blockchain enthusiast created the $MIRA meme coin to raise funds for her treatment. Within hours, donations surged, and the coin's value soared to an impressive $400,000, prompting Chen to pledge that all proceeds would go towards Mira’s care at the Hankinson Lab, where clinical trials are underway. Expressing profound gratitude, Chen stated that the overwhelming support had brought warmth and hope to his family during a challenging time. "Merry Christmas from all of us at the Chen family," he wrote, highlighting the kindness that emerged amid their struggle.
Published: Dec 26 2024, 8 pmeznews.inIn a landmark diplomatic year, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded 2023 with a historic visit to Kuwait, marking the first trip by an Indian leader in 43 years, where he was awarded 'The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer.' This visit strengthened ties between India and Kuwait, establishing a strategic partnership across various sectors amid a complex Middle Eastern landscape. Simultaneously, India made strides in its relationship with China, resolving tensions from the 2020 Galwan crisis and agreeing on border patrols, though challenges persist due to China's regional ambitions. Modi's government has maintained a delicate balance in its foreign relations, cultivating ties with the US and Russia despite their geopolitical tensions. Domestically, India's relations with Bangladesh faced turbulence following the ousting of Sheikh Hasina, while ties with other regional players stabilized. As India's global influence expands, it aims to amplify the voice of the Global South in international affairs.
Published: Dec 26 2024, 6 pmeznews.inElon Musk, the world's richest man, is set to establish his own company town in Texas as he relocates SpaceX's headquarters from California to Starbase, citing dissatisfaction with state laws regarding parental notification on children's name and pronoun changes. This decision follows Musk's earlier criticisms of California's "woke" policies and his move to Texas, which has become a hub for his ventures. The burgeoning Starbase community, home to around 500 residents, primarily SpaceX employees, is currently petitioning for municipal status, aiming to streamline local governance and amenities. Local officials, including Starbase's general manager, emphasize the need for infrastructure to support the growing workforce. However, the expansion has faced opposition, with environmental groups alleging SpaceX has violated regulations. If successful, SpaceX security manager Gunnar Milburn is expected to become the town's first mayor, marking another milestone in Musk's ambitious plans.
Published: Dec 26 2024, 6 pmeznews.inIn a festive twist in Fort Collins, Colorado, a stolen Baby Jesus statue from the Old Town Square nativity scene made a surprising return to a local fire station, just in time for Christmas. The statue had been missing since December 17, prompting the Fort Collins Police Department to release a photo of a blonde-haired suspect believed to be involved in the theft. However, the ceramic figure was returned days later, accompanied by an apology note from the anonymous thief expressing remorse for their "dumb mistake." While the statue was found with some fingers broken off, it remains uncertain when the damage occurred. The police have yet to identify the thief, despite the heartfelt gesture and community relief at the statue's return, which was celebrated by local firemen who shared a photo of the recovered figure on social media.
Published: Dec 26 2024, 5 pmeznews.inBangladesh has launched a commission to investigate the 2009 army mutiny, which resulted in a violent crackdown and numerous deaths, amid allegations of foreign involvement. The uprising, which began at the Bangladesh Rifles headquarters, saw soldiers seize weapons and kill fellow troops before being suppressed by the army. Previous investigations attributed the mutiny to long-standing grievances among soldiers regarding pay and treatment, but families of the deceased soldiers have since called for a reopening of the inquiry, accusing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of using the incident to undermine military power. They have also implicated India, which has yet to respond to these claims. Commission chief A.L.M. Fazlur Rahman stated the investigation aims to explore potential foreign conspiracies. Meanwhile, tensions between Bangladesh and India have escalated, with Dhaka requesting India's assistance in returning Hasina to face charges related to the violence.
Published: Dec 26 2024, 5 pm
For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
India
World
Economy
Science
Health
Showbiz
Contact