Israeli Forces Will Keep a Buffer Zone within Syria, Asserts Benjamin Netanyahu

 

Israeli Forces Will Keep a Buffer Zone within Syria, Asserts Benjamin Netanyahu

Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed these views on Tuesday during a conference at the peak of Mount Hermon, situated on the Syrian side of the border. 

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israeli troops will persist in maintaining a buffer zone along the Syrian frontier, particularly on the mount, "until an alternative arrangement is developed that guarantees Israel's safety." 

These remarks were made by Netanyahu from the snow-capped summit of Mount Hermon—the highest point in the region—located on Syria's side of the border. This seemed to mark the first occasion a sitting Israeli leader has ventured into Syrian territory. 

Netanyahu reflected that he had scaled the summit of Mount Hermon 53 years prior as a soldier, noting that the site’s significance regarding Israel's security has grown considerably due to recent developments. 

After the ousting of Syrian President Bashar Assad by rebels, Israel took control of a section of southern Syria adjacent to the Israeli-claimed Golan Heights, designating it a buffer zone. This acquisition has drawn sharp criticism as opponents accuse Israel of breaching a 1974 ceasefire agreement and potentially capitalizing on the turmoil in Syria to seize land. 

Netanyahu toured the buffer zone alongside Defense Minister Israel Katz, who mentioned that he had directed the Israeli military to promptly set up a presence, including defensive structures, in preparation for what might become a prolonged deployment in the region. 

“The top of Hermon serves as the eyes of the State of Israel to detect our adversaries, whether they are near or far,” Katz remarked.

Why Ukraine is the Key

 Zelensky said the Russians are firing at “military installations”. How broad is that term?

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In Manipur, the Army confiscates a Starlink device created by Elon Musk’s SpaceX

 

In Manipur, the Army confiscates a Starlink device created by Elon Musk’s SpaceX

The confiscation of a Starlink device triggers concern as it implies that militant organizations and criminal groups in the Northeast, particularly in conflict-affected Manipur, are capable of bypassing traditional internet limitations. In a noteworthy operation, the Army along with the Assam Rifles has obtained a Starlink satellite internet apparatus—produced by American tycoon Elon Musk’s SpaceX—from the troubled region of Manipur. 

The Spear Corps, in a communication on ‘X’, stated that following specific intelligence, soldiers conducted coordinated search missions in the hilly and valley regions across the districts of Churachandpur, Chandel, Imphal East, and Kangpokpi in Manipur, working closely with the local police forces. 

Images showcasing the recovery were published, displaying 29 armaments including sniper rifles, automatic firearms, conventional rifles, handguns, locally manufactured mortars, single-barrel rifles, grenades, and various types of ammunition. However, among the captured items, one was particularly notable—a Starlink device complete with the receiver and router.

Although military sources declined to disclose which faction the Starlink device was confiscated from, it bore markings of RPF/PLA. 

It was noted that the recovery took place on December 13, and the device is now in the custody of the Manipur police.

Starlink has not yet received approval for a satellite broadband license in India, and it is supposed to be geotagged to inhibit any device from functioning within Indian territory. Sources indicated that law enforcement agencies are investigating to ascertain how the device arrived in Manipur. 

The confiscation is described as troubling since it implies that militant factions and criminal organizations can evade conventional internet barriers. It is suspected that the device might have been smuggled into India from Myanmar, where it is seemingly utilized by various groups.

While traditional mobile service providers utilize telecom towers to deliver voice and internet services, Starlink operates through a network of satellites.

This marks the second occasion in less than a month that Indian security forces have recovered a Starlink device. In late November, the Andaman and Nicobar police seized over 6,000 kilograms of methamphetamine from a boat coming from Myanmar, alongside a Starlink mini internet apparatus.

Currently, Starlink is pursuing the necessary security approvals to obtain authorization for providing satellite broadband services in India and is anticipated to receive a license if it complies with the stipulations set forth by authorities.

Starlink has been attempting to enter the Indian market for several years. Meanwhile, the government has clarified that the allocation of satellite spectrum will not be conducted through an auction process but will occur administratively, and not on a first-come, first-served basis. While Indian telecom magnates, including Mukesh Ambani and Sunil Bharti Mittal, supported an auction, Musk opposed the idea.

"54-Year-Old 'Young' Leader...": Amit Shah's Constitutional Remarks Aimed at Rahul Gandhi

 

"54-Year-Old 'Young' Leader...": Amit Shah's Constitutional Remarks Aimed at Rahul Gandhi 

In a pointed critique directed at the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and prominent Congress figure Rahul Gandhi, Union Minister Amit Shah remarked that a "54-year-old posing as a young leader" is claiming that there are efforts to modify the Constitution, failing to recognize that mechanisms for such changes are embedded within the document itself. 

While addressing the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday during a discussion commemorating 75 years of the Constitution, Mr. Shah referenced Rahul Gandhi and the Congress's accusations that the BJP intends to amend the Constitution and alter its essence—a narrative that proved beneficial for both the BJP and the opposition INDIA bloc during the Lok Sabha elections. 

"Our Constitution has never been regarded as unchangeable. Article 368 includes a mechanism for amending the Constitution. A 54-year-old leader, who refers to himself as 'yuva' (youth), travels around with the Constitution, asserting that we plan to amend it. I would like to emphasize that the means to amend the Constitution is already established," stated Mr. Shah. 

He emphasized that the Congress Party has executed significantly more alterations to the Constitution compared to the BJP. 

"The Congress governed for 55 years and enacted 77 amendments to the Constitution. Meanwhile, the BJP has been in power for 16 years and implemented 22 amendments. However, what has been the outcome? What objectives were pursued by these amendments? Were they intended to fortify democracy, or to maintain power?" he queried, hinting at Indira Gandhi. 

Rahul Gandhi, the MP representing Raebareli, has been seen carrying a copy of the Constitution to various functions since before the Lok Sabha elections, and he also took his oath as a Member of Parliament on this fundamental document. 

Nevertheless, Mr. Shah contended that the version of the Constitution that Mr. Gandhi possesses has been revealed to be "fake" and "blank." 

"The blank version of the Constitution is the most significant deception ever," he claimed, describing the assertions about the "Constitution being in peril" as nothing more than a political stunt.

One nation, one election bills presented in Lok Sabha

One nation, one election bills presented in Lok Sabha
One nation, one election bills presented in Lok Sabha

 

One nation, one election bills presented in Lok Sabha, 269 MPs support

The presentation of the bills triggered strong criticisms from MPs representing the Congress, Samajwadi Party, and Trinamool Congress. 

On Tuesday, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal presented the constitutional amendment bills aimed at conducting Lok Sabha and assembly elections concurrently within the Lok Sabha. 

Following an initial discussion, the Opposition requested a division of votes as the law minister proposed the introduction of the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, along with the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha. A total of 269 members voted in support, while 198 opposed it.

One nation, one election bill

According to a copy of the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, which was distributed on the evening of December 13, if the Lok Sabha or any regional assembly is disbanded prior to the conclusion of its full term, mid-term elections will be conducted solely for that legislative body to fulfill the remainder of its five-year duration.

The bill proposes the addition of Article 82(A) (concurrent elections for the House of the People and all Legislative Assemblies) and seeks to amend Articles 83 (term length of Houses of Parliament), 172, and 327 (authority of Parliament to establish provisions regarding elections to Legislatures).

The document specifies that the provisions contained in the amendment will come into force on an "appointed date," which will be announced by the President during the first sitting of the Lok Sabha following a general election.

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December 17, 2024 at 04:05PM
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December 17, 2024 at 04:13PM

All About Dominic LeBlanc, Justin Trudeau's Selection For Canada's New Finance Minister

 

All About Dominic LeBlanc, Justin Trudeau's Selection For Canada's New Finance Minister

Dominic LeBlanc, perceived as a reliable advisor to Justin Trudeau, accompanied the Canadian Prime Minister on a trip to Florida last month for discussions with US President-elect Donald Trump, highlighting his significant involvement in global negotiations. 

Following Chrystia Freeland's abrupt resignation, Dominic LeBlanc, a fellow cabinet member, was officially appointed as Canada’s new Finance Minister. Mr. LeBlanc, a long-standing supporter of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, previously held the position of Public Safety Minister within the cabinet. This appointment comes at a critical juncture when Canada is confronting a Can$62 billion deficit—approximately Can$22 billion higher than the initial estimates—attributable to "unforeseen expenses."

In his new position, LeBlanc, who is 57 years old, will be at the helm of addressing the current economic hurdles, which include managing the imminent risk of US tariffs. The United States serves as Canada's primary trading partner, with 75 percent of its yearly exports directed to its southern neighbor.

About Dominic LeBlanc

The Prime Minister acted promptly to fill the vacancy left by Ms. Freeland, ensuring that Mr. LeBlanc was sworn in as finance minister during a ceremony held at Rideau Hall late on Monday.

Since the Liberal Party's triumph in 2015, Mr. LeBlanc has occupied various critical cabinet roles, recently playing a vital part in the formation of Canada’s billion-dollar border initiative in his capacity as the government’s public safety leader and senior cabinet member. The plan was aimed at resolving US concerns related to immigration and drug trafficking.

One nation, one election bills presented in Lok Sabha

One nation, one election bills presented in Lok Sabha

 

One nation, one election bills presented in Lok Sabha, 269 MPs support

The presentation of the bills triggered strong criticisms from MPs representing the Congress, Samajwadi Party, and Trinamool Congress. 

On Tuesday, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal presented the constitutional amendment bills aimed at conducting Lok Sabha and assembly elections concurrently within the Lok Sabha. 

Following an initial discussion, the Opposition requested a division of votes as the law minister proposed the introduction of the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, along with the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha. A total of 269 members voted in support, while 198 opposed it.

One nation, one election bill

According to a copy of the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, which was distributed on the evening of December 13, if the Lok Sabha or any regional assembly is disbanded prior to the conclusion of its full term, mid-term elections will be conducted solely for that legislative body to fulfill the remainder of its five-year duration.

The bill proposes the addition of Article 82(A) (concurrent elections for the House of the People and all Legislative Assemblies) and seeks to amend Articles 83 (term length of Houses of Parliament), 172, and 327 (authority of Parliament to establish provisions regarding elections to Legislatures).

The document specifies that the provisions contained in the amendment will come into force on an "appointed date," which will be announced by the President during the first sitting of the Lok Sabha following a general election.

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December 17, 2024 at 04:05PM