As tensions rise in the West Asia region, 40 countries, including India, have condemned the recent Israeli attacks on UNIFIL peacekeepers in Lebanon. In a recorded video, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for the withdrawal of UNIFIL troops from Hezbollah strongholds to prevent them from being used as human shields. India, along with other nations, has expressed concern for the safety of UN personnel and urged for the inviolability of UN premises to be respected.
Tensions between Lebanon and Israel have escalated once again, this time involving the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Here's a comprehensive overview of the situation:
UNIFIL has been present in southern Lebanon since 1978, following the Israeli invasion of the country. The mission's primary mandate is to maintain peace and security along the border between Lebanon and Israel, and to support the Lebanese government in restoring authority in the south.
Hezbollah, a Lebanese political and military organization designated as a terrorist group by several countries, has a strong presence in southern Lebanon. Israel has repeatedly accused Hezbollah of using UNIFIL personnel and facilities as human shields.
On July 28, 2022, Israel launched airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon. Some of the attacks reportedly occurred near UNIFIL positions, resulting in damage to vehicles and injuries to peacekeepers.
The attacks on UNIFIL have drawn widespread condemnation from the international community. Over 40 countries, including India, have censured Israel's actions and emphasized the need to respect the safety of UN personnel.
The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting to discuss the situation and called for an investigation into the attacks. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his concern and urged both sides to exercise restraint.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended Israel's actions, claiming that Hezbollah had been using UNIFIL as cover for its operations. He called for the withdrawal of UNIFIL troops from Hezbollah strongholds to prevent similar incidents in the future.
1. What is UNIFIL's role in Lebanon? UNIFIL is responsible for maintaining peace and security along the Lebanon-Israel border and supporting the Lebanese government in restoring authority in the south.
2. Why has Hezbollah been targeted by Israel? Israel has accused Hezbollah of using UNIFIL personnel and facilities as human shields and of launching attacks from within civilian areas.
3. What is India's position on the recent attacks? India has condemned the attacks on UNIFIL and expressed concern for the safety of UN personnel.
4. Has UNIFIL been accused of bias in the past? Hezbollah and some Lebanese officials have accused UNIFIL of being biased towards Israel. The UN has denied these allegations and maintains that its mission is impartial.
5. What is the future of UNIFIL in Lebanon? The future of UNIFIL is uncertain, as tensions between Lebanon and Israel continue. The Security Council will likely continue to monitor the situation and consider whether UNIFIL's mandate should be renewed.
In a historic event, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the Global Maritime Leaders Conclave and chaired the Global Maritime CEO Forum at India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, welcoming participants from over 85 countries. With major shipping giants, startups, policymakers, and innovators in attendance, the summit showcased India's advancements in the maritime sector, such as the replacement of outdated colonial laws with modern ones and the recognition of large ships as infrastructure assets. Amidst global tensions, India stands as a symbol of strategic autonomy and inclusive growth, ready to take on a leading role in the world's rough seas.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared that the next generation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms will begin on the first day of the Navratri festival. This major economic overhaul aims to streamline the current GST system and support businesses, especially small and medium enterprises. In other news, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) are collaborating to organize a six-day program in New Delhi to strengthen executive capacity for International Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC). Lastly, the upcoming BIRC 2025 conference will take place at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address the Global Maritime CEO Forum and Maritime Leaders Conclave at India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025 in Mumbai on Wednesday. The event will bring together global maritime leaders, investors, policymakers, and innovators to discuss sustainable growth and inclusive blue economy strategies, showcasing India's efforts towards becoming a leading maritime power. With the theme 'Uniting Oceans, One Maritime Vision' and participation from over 85 countries, the event will highlight India's commitment towards maritime sustainability and climate responsibility.
Cyclone Montha has intensified into a 'severe' cyclonic storm and is expected to make landfall in Andhra Pradesh this evening. The storm, which may cross the coast near the Kakinada area, is likely to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to several districts in Andhra Pradesh. Meanwhile, the Odisha government has evacuated people from vulnerable areas and issued warnings for heavy rainfall in several districts. Commuters in the Waltair region have also been affected as train services have been cancelled, diverted, or terminated.
The India Meteorological Department has warned of an impending severe cyclonic storm, named 'Montha', that is expected to make landfall near Kakinada on the Andhra Pradesh coast. The storm has already caused heavy rain and strong winds along India's east coast and will continue to do so until Tuesday. States like Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and more have been placed on high alert and the government has declared holidays for schools in several districts as a precautionary measure. The Union Minister and BJP Chief has also directed party units to assist in rescue and relief operations.
While conducting routine operations on Sunday, two separate crashes involving US Navy aircraft occurred over the South China Sea, coinciding with President Trump's visit to Asia. The first involved a MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter from the USS Nimitz, and the second involved a Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet. Luckily, all personnel involved were rescued without any injuries reported.
In a strong statement, President Asif Ali Zardari reiterates Pakistan's unwavering stance on the Kashmir dispute, calling India's claims on the territory illegal and in violation of international law and UN resolutions. He criticizes the recent remarks by Afghan leadership, highlighting the documented fact of terrorist attacks targeting Pakistani civilians and urging Kabul to take action against these militant elements. Zardari stresses that the fight against terrorism is a collective responsibility and Pakistan will not compromise its sovereignty or national security.
A tragic bus accident in Andhra Pradesh, India, which claimed the lives of 19 passengers, has been linked to a drunken biker, B Shiva Shankar. According to forensic reports and police investigations, the biker's reckless and intoxicated driving caused the initial crash that led to the bus fire. The bus was also carrying a consignment of smartphones and electric batteries, intensifying the fire and explosion. The second bus driver, who was reportedly sober, is cooperating with the investigation as police continue to file cases based on evidence and eyewitness accounts.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that the year 2026 will be marked as the "ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation" during the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit. This announcement highlights India's growing alignment with the ASEAN bloc, with Modi emphasizing the importance of the partnership in terms of strategic and economic cooperation. The Summit's theme of "Inclusivity and Sustainability" also reflects the shared priorities of both India and ASEAN, with joint efforts in areas such as digital inclusion, food security, and resilient supply chains. In addition to strategic cooperation, Modi also highlighted the expansion of collaboration in other areas such as education, tourism, and cybersecurity, while acknowledging the new member Timor-Leste and extending condolences to Thailand. Looking ahead, Modi expressed confidence in the long-term vision of ASEAN and India's development goals, stating that the 21st century belongs to both India and ASEAN.
During his virtual address to the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the shared cultural and historical ties between the two regions and stressed the importance of ASEAN in India's Act East Policy. He reaffirmed India's commitment to ASEAN centrality and hailed the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as a foundation for regional growth and global stability. With Malaysia as the current ASEAN chair and the Philippines set to take over in 2026, discussions at the upcoming East Asia Summit will focus on Indo-Pacific security and regional stability.