Rajnath Singh Refuses To Sign SCO Statement Over Pahalgam Snub, Balochistan Mention
In a bold move at the SCO Defence Ministers' meeting in Qingdao, China, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh refused to sign the joint statement after it failed to mention the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians and included a reference to Balochistan. India strongly objected, seeing this as a veiled accusation pushed by Pakistan and China. Singh reaffirmed India's zero tolerance towards terrorism and emphasized that peace cannot coexist with cross-border terror. He cited the Pahalgam massacre by Lashkar proxy The Resistance Front and defended India's right to act decisively through actions like Operation Sindoor. This diplomatic stand underlines New Delhi's growing assertiveness on global platforms. Watch the full report for exclusive updates, sharp statements, and why this could reshape the SCO's anti-terror approach.#zohranmamdani #nycmayor #indianmuslimleader #newyorkelections #aoc #bernie2025 #socialistmayor #cuomodefeated #trumpreaction #bdsmovement #toi #toibharat #bharat #breakingnews #indianews
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India.com
an hour ago
- India.com
T Raja Singh Resigns As BJP MLA, Cites Leadership Concerns In Telangana Unit
New Delhi: BJP MLA T. Raja Singh has tendered his resignation from primary membership of the Bharatiya Janata Party, citing concerns over the appointment of Ramchander Rao as the new Telangana BJP state president. In a strongly worded letter addressed to Union Minister Kishan Reddy, Singh expressed the discontent of 'lakhs of Karyakartas, leaders, and voters' who he believes are being ignored as the party prepares for its first opportunity to form a government in the state. Singh, elected thrice consecutively from Goshamahal, stated that his decision was motivated not by personal ambition but by the collective pain and frustration of grassroots workers who feel "sidelined and unheard", a sentiment he claims is being driven by individuals with 'personal interests' clouding the central leadership's judgment. 'At a time when BJP stands at the threshold of forming its first government in Telangana, such a choice raises serious doubts about the direction we are heading,' Singh wrote, warning that the party risks 'avoidable setbacks' by overlooking seasoned local leaders. Over media reports of the possibility of party leader Ramchander Rao being appointed as Telangana BJP chief, BJP MLA T. Raja Singh resigns from the party's primary membership, citing shock and disappointment — ANI (@ANI) June 30, 2025 N Ramchander Rao, a seasoned criminal lawyer and veteran leader of the Telangana BJP, is well-known for his long-term commitment to the party. A trusted associate of the late Arun Jaitley, Rao has also held the position of member of the Bar Council of India. According to an India Today report, the party sources said that the BJP leadership reached out to Ramchander Rao on Sunday evening, first with a call from organisation secretary Chandrasekhar to confirm how many years he had been with the party. This was followed by another call asking him to file his nomination for the state president post on Monday. The leadership ensured he was the sole contender. T Raja observed that the Telangana BJP possessed capable senior MLAs and MPs with strong credibility and local connections, yet these were overlooked. Instead, he accused some centralized figures of influencing decisions behind closed doors. In his letter, Singh requested Kishan Reddy to inform the Speaker of the Telangana Legislative Assembly that he was no longer a BJP member. Despite resigning from the party, he reaffirmed his commitment to the ideology of Hindutva and pledged to continue supporting the Hindu community in Goshamahal. 'While I may be stepping away from the party, I remain fully committed to the ideology of Hindutva and the service of our Dharma and the people of Gosharmahal,' he said. Calling it a difficult but necessary decision, he said, 'The silence of many should not be mistaken for agreement. I speak not just for myself, but for countless karyakartas and voters who today feel let down.' Singh also appealed directly to the BJP's national leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party president J.P. Nadda, Amit Shah, and B.L. Santhosh—urging them to reconsider the appointment for the state leadership. Raja Singh signed off the letter with 'Jai Hind. Jai Shri Ram.' Singh's resignation adds momentum to growing criticism over top-down decisions within party ranks in Telangana. With the BJP aiming to significantly expand its presence in the state legislature, discontent from senior MLAs may impact its electoral calculus. Party officials have not yet issued a public response. It remains to be seen whether Singh's resignation prompts further internal discussion or sparks similar moves among other disillusioned members.
India.com
an hour ago
- India.com
Asim Munir Courts Fresh Remark, Labels What India Calls Terrorism As Legitimate Struggle
Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir has said that Pakistan will continue to provide diplomatic, political, and moral support to the people of Kashmir, and also stated that what India terms as terrorism is the "legitimate struggle". His statement comes over a month after New Delhi and Islamabad reached a ceasefire agreement after exchanging several airstrikes for multiple days. According to a report by the Hindustan Times, Munir made the controversial statement as he was addressing a passing out parade at the Pakistan Naval Academy on Saturday. The Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Munir said, 'What India tends to term as terrorism is in fact the legitimate struggle as per the international conventions." "Those who endeavoured to subdue the will of Kashmiri people and sought conflict elimination instead of resolution have made it more relevant and pronounced through their own actions,' he added. In his apparent support for the people of Kashmir, Munir said, 'We stand firm with the Kashmiri people for their right of self-determination for the resolution of the internationally recognised long-standing dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the people of Kashmir." As per HT, Munir said, "Pakistan will always continue to provide political, diplomatic, and moral support to the valiant people of... Jammu and Kashmir." Munir On Indian Attacks The Pakistan Army Chief also said that India has 'twice undertaken acts of unprovoked aggression against Pakistan', under the 'pretext of counter terrorism'. Praising his own country, Munir also stated that 'Pakistan, despite grave provocations, acted with restraint and maturity and demonstrated its commitment to regional peace and stability...' He also added, "The assumption that Pakistan would have any constraints in the face of any future violation of its sovereignty reflects a dangerous misreading of strategic fundamentals…" The speech echoed Munir's fiery address at the Overseas Pakistanis Convention in Islamabad on April 16, just days before the Pahalgam terror attack, where he provocatively declared Kashmir as Pakistan's 'jugular vein.' Operation Sindoor The Indian Armed Forces, on May 7, launched 'Operation Sindoor' targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. This action was taken to avenge the brutal Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 individuals were killed. Following the launch of Operation Sindoor, tensions between India and Pakistan escalated, and both nations exchanged a series of attacks. However, a ceasefire agreement was reached after the Pakistan Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) contacted his Indian counterpart.
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First Post
an hour ago
- First Post
How did Pakistan get picked to lead the UN Security Council?
In July 2025, Pakistan assumes the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council, a position it takes on as part of its two-year term as a non-permanent member. The presidency rotates monthly among the Council's 15 members based on English alphabetical order. Pakistan last held UNSC membership in 2012–13, and has served seven times since 1952 read more Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, speaks during a meeting of the United Nations Security Council at UN headquarters in New York City, US, June 20, 2025. File Image/Reuters The Islamic Republic of Pakistan will take over the presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the month of July 2025. This role falls within Pakistan's current two-year tenure as a non-permanent member of the Council, which commenced on at the start of this year. Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, will lead the Council throughout the month. He recently met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres to outline the Security Council's agenda during Pakistan's presidency. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This marks the eighth time Pakistan has served on the Security Council, having previously held non-permanent membership in 1952–53, 1968–69, 1976–77, 1983–84, 1993–94, 2003–04, and 2012–13. The presidency offers Islamabad a platform to steer discussions and spotlight key international issues. Pakistan is expected to convene at least two open meetings during its presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in July, with indications that it may bring up topics such as Operation Sindoor and the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. According to a source speaking to The Print, there is a prevailing view within the Indian establishment that Islamabad could use its current seat on the UNSC — where India is not presently represented — to spotlight regional South Asian matters on the global stage, particularly in the context of recent developments following Operation Sindoor. During its presidency, Pakistan will also reportedly convene two major high-level signature events. One will focus on multilateralism and the peaceful settlement of disputes, while the second will examine cooperation between the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). How is the UNSC presidency determined? The presidency of the Security Council rotates monthly among its 15 members, according to Rule 18 of the Security Council's Provisional Rules of Procedure, which states: 'The presidency of the Security Council shall be held in turn by the members of the Security Council in the English alphabetical order of their names. Each President shall hold office for one calendar month.' This rotation includes both permanent and non-permanent members and follows a fixed alphabetical order to ensure equity. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In 2025, Pakistan's presidency follows Guyana (June) and precedes Panama (August). Earlier in the year, Algeria (January), China (February), Denmark (March), France (April), and Greece (May) held the presidency. Later months will see the Republic of Korea (September), the Russian Federation (October), Sierra Leone (November), and Slovenia (December) take on the rotating role. The monthly presidency allows each Council member, regardless of permanent or elected status, to chair meetings, steer the Council's agenda, and represent the body publicly. Although largely procedural in nature, it grants the presiding country notable visibility and agenda-setting influence. How are UNSC members chosen? The UNSC is composed of 15 member states: five permanent members (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. These non-permanent members are chosen by the General Assembly and must secure a two-thirds majority in a secret ballot, in accordance with Rule 83 of the Assembly's rules of procedure. Notably, there are no formal nominations, and retiring members are ineligible for immediate re-election as per Rule 144. The criteria for election to the Security Council include a country's contribution to the maintenance of international peace and security — often demonstrated through leadership in regional peace initiatives, troop contributions to peacekeeping missions or financial support — as well as equitable geographical distribution, which was formalised through a 1963 amendment to Article 23 of the UN Charter. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD That amendment came into force in August 1965 and expanded the number of non-permanent members from six to ten. As per the General Assembly's Resolution 1991 A (XVIII), the distribution of non-permanent seats follows this pattern: Five from African and Asian states One from Eastern European states Two from Latin American states Two from Western European and other states An informal agreement ensures that one of the Asian or African seats is always held by an Arab country, alternating between the two regions. What does the Security Council do? The Security Council is the UN's chief organ for international peace and security. It is empowered to make decisions that are binding on all 193 UN member states. It can impose sanctions, authorise peacekeeping missions and even permit the use of military force to address conflicts. The Council's authority stems from Chapter VI and Chapter VII of the UN Charter. Chapter VI encourages peaceful resolution through dialogue, arbitration or mediation, while Chapter VII provides for stronger measures — including coercive sanctions or military intervention — if peaceful means fail. Over the decades, the Council has dealt with a wide spectrum of global crises: civil wars, nuclear proliferation, humanitarian disasters, terrorism, and more. Yet its effectiveness has increasingly come under scrutiny, particularly when the interests of its five permanent members diverge. The permanent members, collectively known as the P5, hold veto power — any one of them can block the adoption of any substantive resolution. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This has repeatedly led to stalemates, especially on high-profile matters such as Syria, Ukraine and Palestine. For instance: Russia (including during the Soviet era) has used the veto 158 times, making it the most frequent user. The United States has used the veto 92 times, including to block a resolution in April 2024 supporting Palestinian statehood. China has increasingly exercised its veto rights, often aligning with Russia—more than three-quarters of China's vetoes have had Russian support. France and the UK have not used the veto since 1989 and have called for restraint in its usage. Despite structural limitations, the Council remains central to multilateral diplomacy. It oversees 11 peacekeeping operations as of 2024, with nearly 100,000 uniformed personnel deployed across three continents. These missions range from traditional peacekeeping to more robust interventions that include civilian protection, electoral assistance and legal institution-building. Why aren't other global powers involved actively in the UNSC? Criticism of the UNSC's composition and effectiveness has grown louder in recent years. While the last structural reform occurred in 1965, many argue that the Council no longer reflects today's geopolitical realities. Global powers like India, Brazil, Germany, Japan, Nigeria and South Africa have long pushed for a more inclusive Security Council — either through permanent seats or an expansion in elected membership. There have also been suggestions that France could relinquish its seat in favour of the European Union, particularly after Brexit. In 2019, France and Germany took the unprecedented step of jointly presiding over the Council for two months. In 2021, the UK publicly supported Germany's bid for permanent membership. More recently, in January last year, UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed hope that Africa would receive permanent representation, citing support from each of the five permanent members. Despite such advocacy, progress remains slow. With every structural change requiring the approval of the current P5 — who are unlikely to dilute their power — UNSC reform continues to be one of the most contentious and unresolved issues in international governance. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Also Watch: With inputs from agencies
