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Nine years of calm before icy storm

Kashmir turns crimson with blood of Pandits

AN UN-ISLAMIC KIDNAPPING AND CHAOS IN THE VALLEY

The illusion of azaadi and Kashmir’s historic deception

How Pak's terror policy evolved in Kashmir

Birth of social media jihadists, death of Article-370

Operation Sindoor: When Indian missiles rained on Pak terror parade

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<b>War of nerves <br><br><p>While the world holds its collective breath over the continuing Iranian stalemate, the question that really forms the crux of the crisis is - what exactly will the Soviets do if the hostages are tried and the US opts for military intervention? According to the latest intelligence reports, the Soviet and Warsaw Pact military machine is being fine-tuned to a high degree of preparedness. Late last month, the Soviets reportedly put an estimated 100,000 reservists on alert, while a further 50,000 were put on stand-by. Recent reports have also revealed excessive troop movements in the Soviet Georgia, Armenia and Uzbekistan-the three regions which re-present the launching pad for any Soviet troops deployed to the Middle East. Civilian airfields in these areas have been closed to all but military traffic.<br><br>The reports indicate that the gearing up has encompassed almost the entire Warsaw Pact military machine. Reservists in Bulgaria, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Poland, and East Germany have been put on the alert, and some East German divisions have allegedly been moved to Hungary and Bulgaria. Western satellite surveillance has also detected unusually heavy military traffic in major highways in the Warsaw Pact countries. The Soviets were undoubtedly aware that troop movements of such magnitude could not be concealed. This is probably what prompted East German Prime Minister Willi Stoph to issue a statement recently denying that Warsaw Pact armies had been put on alert because of the Iranian situation. In fact, western intelligence sources claim that Stoph visited Moscow in late December along with the East German defence minister, though officially Stoph was reported to be ill and in bed.<br><br>Though the recent Soviet military moves can be construed as preparedness to launch a counter-attack in case the Americans invade Iran, most observers are convinced that the Soviets would stop short of taking such a drastic step, specially now that world opinion has turned against them, following their naked aggression in neighbouring Afghanistan. Almost all the Muslim countries have ranged behind the Afghan rebels, whether openly or privately. In that situation, it seems more than likely that the Soviet military build-up is nothing more than an elaborate eyewash intended to deter the US from taking any military action over the Iranian crisis.<br><br><b>Reds see the green signal</b><br><br></p><div class="itg-mosimage"><amp-img src="https://ancillary-proxy.atarimworker.dev?url=https%3A%2F%2Fakm-img-a-in.tosshub.com%2Fsites%2Fmedia2%2Findiatoday%2Fimages%2Fstories%2F1980JANUARY%2Ffashion_650_122214123244.jpg" alt="" height="425" width="650" class="" layout="responsive"></amp-img></div></p><p>With the start of a new decade, China watchers are convinced that Peking's "Great Leap Outwards" will continue to gather momentum in the "Year of the Monkey" that has just unfolded in the Chinese calendar. The new foreign policy course started by Mao's successors has received a welcome response from foreign investors and collaborators. Observers also see a strengthening of the triangular relationship between Peking, Washington and Tokyo, which has recently been strengthened by Japan's initial 50 billion yen low-interest loan to China. The loan, though Japan has denied it, is almost certain to help in Peking's plans to refurbish its armed forces.<br><br>Indications are, however, that China will launch another probe into Vietnam during the coming months, if only to "save face" over the latter's ruthless stamping out of Khmer Rouge forces in Kampuchea.This move, if it takes place, could also lead to a closer alliance between China and the Asean grouping. But the biggest leap outwards is certain to be in foreign investment and technology. Peking's overtures have met with a massive response from Western companies, and the middle ground for all business deals with Peking has become Hong Kong.<br><br>The Chinese Government has recently allowed local authorities in Canton to carry out negotiations with foreign companies in Hong Kong, without waiting for a green signal from Peking as was the case earlier.The final strands of the bamboo curtain are rapidly being stripped away.<br><br><b>Behind the Saudi curtain</b><br><br>With the trial of the fanatical gunmen who invaded the Great Mosque in Mecca a great deal of light has now been shed on the motives behind the suicide mission. Though Saudi Arabian authorities have succeeded in shrouding the trials in secrecy, reports indicate that the basic aim behind the attack on the mosque was the overthrow of King Khalid and Crown Prince Fahd. The 170 prisoners on trial included members of the national guards and Wahabi fanatics, who advocate a drastic cut in oil supply to the West, and the snapping of all relations with the US.<br><br>However, there still remains a shroud of mystery surrounding the crash of a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Boeing near Taif in Saudi Arabia on November 26. Initially, the Saudis stated that the Boeing carrying 151 pilgrims had crashed in a "remote area". But later it was discovered that the crash 'had taken place only 25 miles outside Taif. The inquiry commission that was allowed to sift through the wreckage found a lot of pieces of the aircraft missing. Further, the bodies of the Pakistani pilgrims were removed almost immediately after the crash, and buried in a secret grave which nobody, not even the Pakistani authorities, have been allowed to visit. Observers are convinced that the PIA Boeing was shot down by Saudi Arabian forces following a blanket order issued by King Khalid to shoot down any unidentified aircraft flying over the area-Khalid was expected to visit Taif that day, but changed his mind at the last minute. Khalid's order came on the heels of the attack on the Great Mosque, and was meant to forestall any signs of a coup attempt backed by outside forces, mainly from Yemen.<br></p><div id="tab-link-wrapper-plugin"><div class="authors__container"><div class="authors__by"><div class="authlable">Published By: </div><div class="authdetaisl">AtMigration </div></div><div class="published__on"><div class="authlable">Published On: </div><div class="authdetaisl">Dec 19, 2014</div></div></div><div class="sendros">--- ENDS ---</div></div></b>

international

International

<b>War of nerves <br><br><p>While the world holds its collective breath over the continuing Iranian stalemate, the question that really forms the crux of the crisis is - what exactly will the Soviets do if the hostages are tried and the US opts for military intervention? According to the latest intelligence reports, the Soviet and Warsaw Pact military machine is being fine-tuned to a high degree of preparedness. Late last month, the Soviets reportedly put an estimated 100,000 reservists on alert, while a further 50,000 were put on stand-by. Recent reports have also revealed excessive troop movements in the Soviet Georgia, Armenia and Uzbekistan-the three regions which re-present the launching pad for any Soviet troops deployed to the Middle East. Civilian airfields in these areas have been closed to all but military traffic.<br><br>The reports indicate that the gearing up has encompassed almost the entire Warsaw Pact military machine. Reservists in Bulgaria, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Poland, and East Germany have been put on the alert, and some East German divisions have allegedly been moved to Hungary and Bulgaria. Western satellite surveillance has also detected unusually heavy military traffic in major highways in the Warsaw Pact countries. The Soviets were undoubtedly aware that troop movements of such magnitude could not be concealed. This is probably what prompted East German Prime Minister Willi Stoph to issue a statement recently denying that Warsaw Pact armies had been put on alert because of the Iranian situation. In fact, western intelligence sources claim that Stoph visited Moscow in late December along with the East German defence minister, though officially Stoph was reported to be ill and in bed.<br><br>Though the recent Soviet military moves can be construed as preparedness to launch a counter-attack in case the Americans invade Iran, most observers are convinced that the Soviets would stop short of taking such a drastic step, specially now that world opinion has turned against them, following their naked aggression in neighbouring Afghanistan. Almost all the Muslim countries have ranged behind the Afghan rebels, whether openly or privately. In that situation, it seems more than likely that the Soviet military build-up is nothing more than an elaborate eyewash intended to deter the US from taking any military action over the Iranian crisis.<br><br><b>Reds see the green signal</b><br><br></p><div class="itg-mosimage"><div class="itgimage"><img  title=""  class="" alt="" src="https://ancillary-proxy.atarimworker.dev?url=https%3A%2F%2Fakm-img-a-in.tosshub.com%2Fsites%2Fmedia2%2Findiatoday%2Fimages%2Fstories%2F1980JANUARY%2Ffashion_650_122214123244.jpg" loading="lazy" /></div></div></p><p>With the start of a new decade, China watchers are convinced that Peking's "Great Leap Outwards" will continue to gather momentum in the "Year of the Monkey" that has just unfolded in the Chinese calendar. The new foreign policy course started by Mao's successors has received a welcome response from foreign investors and collaborators. Observers also see a strengthening of the triangular relationship between Peking, Washington and Tokyo, which has recently been strengthened by Japan's initial 50 billion yen low-interest loan to China. The loan, though Japan has denied it, is almost certain to help in Peking's plans to refurbish its armed forces.<br><br>Indications are, however, that China will launch another probe into Vietnam during the coming months, if only to "save face" over the latter's ruthless stamping out of Khmer Rouge forces in Kampuchea.This move, if it takes place, could also lead to a closer alliance between China and the Asean grouping. But the biggest leap outwards is certain to be in foreign investment and technology. Peking's overtures have met with a massive response from Western companies, and the middle ground for all business deals with Peking has become Hong Kong.<br><br>The Chinese Government has recently allowed local authorities in Canton to carry out negotiations with foreign companies in Hong Kong, without waiting for a green signal from Peking as was the case earlier.The final strands of the bamboo curtain are rapidly being stripped away.<br><br><b>Behind the Saudi curtain</b><br><br>With the trial of the fanatical gunmen who invaded the Great Mosque in Mecca a great deal of light has now been shed on the motives behind the suicide mission. Though Saudi Arabian authorities have succeeded in shrouding the trials in secrecy, reports indicate that the basic aim behind the attack on the mosque was the overthrow of King Khalid and Crown Prince Fahd. The 170 prisoners on trial included members of the national guards and Wahabi fanatics, who advocate a drastic cut in oil supply to the West, and the snapping of all relations with the US.<br><br>However, there still remains a shroud of mystery surrounding the crash of a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Boeing near Taif in Saudi Arabia on November 26. Initially, the Saudis stated that the Boeing carrying 151 pilgrims had crashed in a "remote area". But later it was discovered that the crash 'had taken place only 25 miles outside Taif. The inquiry commission that was allowed to sift through the wreckage found a lot of pieces of the aircraft missing. Further, the bodies of the Pakistani pilgrims were removed almost immediately after the crash, and buried in a secret grave which nobody, not even the Pakistani authorities, have been allowed to visit. Observers are convinced that the PIA Boeing was shot down by Saudi Arabian forces following a blanket order issued by King Khalid to shoot down any unidentified aircraft flying over the area-Khalid was expected to visit Taif that day, but changed his mind at the last minute. Khalid's order came on the heels of the attack on the Great Mosque, and was meant to forestall any signs of a coup attempt backed by outside forces, mainly from Yemen.<br></p><div id="tab-link-wrapper-plugin"><div class="authors__container"><div class="authors__by"><div class="authlable">Published By: </div><div class="authdetaisl">AtMigration </div></div><div class="published__on"><div class="authlable">Published On: </div><div class="authdetaisl">Dec 19, 2014</div></div></div><div class="sendros">--- ENDS ---</div></div></b>

With the trial of the fanatical gunmen who invaded the Great Mosque in Mecca a great deal of light has now been shed on the motives behind the suicide mission.

India Today

With the trial of the fanatical gunmen who invaded the Great Mosque in Mecca a great deal of light has now been shed on the motives behind the suicide mission. Though Saudi Arabian authorities have succeeded in shrouding the trials in secrecy, reports indicate that the basic aim behind the attack on the mosque was the overthrow of King Khalid and Crown Prince Fahd.

International intelligence - India Today

Grand Mosque seizure in Mecca: Removal of King Khalid, Crown Prince Fahd aim behind attack

International intelligence

WPL 2026, UPW vs GGW: Ash Gardner’s Gujarat Giants went to second in the table after beating Meg Lanning’s UP Warriorz by 45 runs on Thursday in Vadodara. Rajeshwari Gayakwad won the Player of the Match award for her three-wicket haul. 

Gujarat Giants

Gujarat Giants end losing streak as sloppy UP Warriorz implode

When Basant Panchami and Friday prayers coincide, heavy police arrangement has been made after Supreme court's order at Bhojshala complex in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar. The site has remained in controversy for decades. What is the dispute all about? Read here..

Bhojshala Kamal maula mosque

Supreme Court allows Hindus, Muslims to pray at Bhojshala: What's the dispute?

In Beijing, they call him Chuan Jianguo: China's nation builder. It's a joke, but one with uncomfortable truth. As Trump alienates allies with tariffs and threats, they're quietly hedging towards Beijing.

donald-trump-and-xi-jinping-125826200-16x9.jpg

How Trump became China's accidental nation builder

The trailer of Tu Yaa Main shows Adarsh Gourav and Shanaya Kapoor trapped in a pool with a bloodthirsty crocodile. The film is set for a theatrical release on February 13, 2026.

Tu Ya Main trailer: Adarsh Gourav, Shanaya Kapoor try to escape a deadly crocodile

Tu Ya Main trailer

India is strategically positioned to engage with the United States under a potential second Trump presidency, maintaining strength without compromising global institutions. Political risk expert Ian Bremmer highlights India's unique partnership with Washington and its capacity to navigate complex international dynamics confidently.

Ian Bremmer said India remains a “partner and friend” of the United States.

Ian Bremmer said India remains a “partner and friend” of the United States.Ian Bremmer said India remains a “partner and friend” of the United States.

India needn't lock itself into Trump’s Board of Peace: Ian Bremmer

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Jaipur Literature Festival

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Twenty people, including women and children, were left stranded 75 feet above the ground after an amusement ride malfunctioned at an exhibition held at Codissia Grounds in Tamil Nadu’s Coimbatore. The incident occurred on Tuesday night when around 20 visitors, including three children, were stuck on the ride, prompting police and the Fire and Rescue Department to respond. Using a sky lift vehicle, the rescue team worked for roughly 45 minutes to safely bring everyone down. The incident has raised safety concerns, following a similar case in Chennai last year where visitors were left stranded on an amusement ride, highlighting the need for periodic inspections and strict safety checks of such attractions.

The incident occurred on Tuesday night when around 20 visitors, including three children, were stuck on the ride, prompting police and the Fire and Rescue Department to respond.

Video: Ride malfunction leaves women, children hanging 75 feet above ground

This report examines the tragic death of Yuvraj Mehta, a Noida-based techie who drowned after his car sank into a flooded basement. The bulletin features harrowing footage showing the victim using his mobile phone light to signal rescuers for over two hours. The transcript highlights a 'completely botched up rescue operation' where workers were heard asking the victim to 'hang on' and 'try harder' despite lacking essential equipment like boats or steamers. The discussion points out that the basement was allegedly dug illegally, leading to a fresh FIR against the builder by the Noida Police. Criticism is directed at the delayed response, noting that the District Magistrate, Medha Rupam, visited the site four days later and the vehicle was recovered only after three days. The segment questions the professional standards of the fire department and police during the crisis, emphasizing the plight of a man aware of his impending drowning while rescuers remained ill-equipped on the sidelines.

Noida Techie Death: Final Moments Of Yuvraj Mehta Caught On Camera

Noida techie death: Video shows Yuvraj Mehta's final moments before drowning

On this Special Report, India Today’s Ashraf Wani provides details on a tragic road accident in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district. An army vehicle carrying approximately 20 soldiers skidded off a treacherous mountain road and plunged into a 200-foot deep gorge near the Bhaderwah-Chamba link road. The reporter confirms the heavy toll, stating, '10 army jawans have lost their lives' in the mishap. The soldiers were reportedly en route to join an ongoing anti-terror operation in the nearby Kishtwar district when the accident occurred. While 10 personnel were declared dead at the Doda hospital, seven others sustained serious injuries and are being airlifted to the Army Hospital in Udhampur for advanced treatment. Local authorities and the army have launched a probe to determine if a mechanical failure, such as a brake issue, caused the driver to lose control on the curvy, hilly terrain. Top army and police officials have reached the spot to oversee the evacuation and rescue efforts.

10 Soldiers Killed In Doda Road Accident

Doda tragedy: 10 soldiers dead after Army vehicle skids into 200-foot gorge

Gita Gopinath, Indian-American economist and Professor of Economics at Harvard University, shares her insights on Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's remarks on shifting global economic order during the World Economic Forum in Davos and dealing with tariffs. 

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Grand Mosque seizure in Mecca: Removal of King Khalid, Crown Prince Fahd aim behind attack

With the trial of the fanatical gunmen who invaded the Great Mosque in Mecca a great deal of light has now been shed on the motives behind the suicide mission.

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