A deadly attack on the headquarters of the state-run Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS) near Ankara resulted in four deaths and 14 injuries. Two assailants were killed at the scene, and eyewitnesses reported a loud explosion followed by gunfire. The identity of the attackers has not yet been confirmed, but various militant groups have carried out attacks in Turkey in the past. NATO has expressed solidarity with its ally, Turkey, and condemned the act of terrorism.
The Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, and Tiruvannamalai districts of Tamil Nadu have been placed on a flood alert due to heavy rainfall in the catchment areas of the Thenpennai River. As a precautionary measure, local authorities have released 2,000 cusecs of water from the Krishnagiri Reservoir Project (KRP) dam, leading to additional flood warnings for specific areas. Fire and rescue services, along with the State Disaster Response Force, are on standby to assist if needed, as water levels continue to rise.
A deadly terror attack targeted the Turkish Aerospace Industries Inc. (TUSAŞ) in the capital Ankara. Two terrorists were neutralized in the attack and an investigation has been launched. The attack coincided with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit to Russia for the BRICS Summit and occurred while a major trade fair for the defence and space industries was underway in Istanbul. Several videos on social media showed the attackers storming the company's headquarters, leaving three dead and 14 injured.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held their first bilateral meeting in five years at the Kazan BRICS Summit in Russia to discuss the ongoing border tensions between the two countries. The leaders highlighted the need for mutual trust and respect in guiding their relations and agreed to work towards resolving differences and disputes in order to maintain peace and stability in the region. The two sides also expressed a desire to strengthen strategic communication and explore cooperation to address developmental challenges.
During the plenary session of the BRICS summit in Kazan, PM Modi underscored the urgent need for international cooperation in combating terrorism and its financing. He called for a unified approach against terrorism and urged for the UN's Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism to be taken up urgently. Modi's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the summit takes on significance as the two countries recently agreed to disengage and begin patrolling along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh.
In a press conference in Rome, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that there is evidence of North Korean troops in Russia, known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. This comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cited intelligence suggesting the presence of up to 12,000 North Korean troops in Russia, who would support Russian forces in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. South Korean lawmakers have also reported that North Korea has recently sent 3,000 troops to Russia, doubling previous estimates. This revelation raises concerns about the potential involvement of North Korea in the Ukraine crisis and adds further tension to the already volatile situation.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met to discuss the Green Partnership between the two countries and the strengthening of their global strategic partnerships. The two leaders also highlighted the importance of renewable energy cooperation and the need for a free and open Indo-Pacific region. This was further emphasized at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference, where Chancellor Scholz expressed his support for India's sustainable development initiatives. The leaders reaffirmed the strong trust and friendship between India and Germany, paving the way for a long-lasting and fruitful partnership.
In a concerning move, 12,000 North Korean soldiers are set to arrive in the Kursk region of Russia today to support Vladimir Putin's forces. The region has been partially occupied by Ukrainian forces since August, and the arrival of these troops has raised tensions even higher. Ukraine's military intelligence has confirmed the deployment, but the exact number of troops and their weapons is still unknown. President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on allies to take action against this move, stating that it is not just a war in Europe, but an invasion that must be stopped.
The BRICS Summit continues in Kazan, Russia on October 23, 2024 with an anticipated bilateral meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping. This follows a successful first day where PM Modi met with Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian. The summit has also seen discussion on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis, with over 30 countries expressing interest in joining the BRICS alliance. Follow live updates for more.
After days of negotiations, India announced Monday that an agreement had been reached with China on patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control. However, China did not mention this in a media briefing in Beijing the following day, raising questions about the implementation of the pact. In New Delhi, Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi emphasized the need for trust-building measures between the two countries in order for the agreement to be successful.