Latest news with #11
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Tata Plans ₹500cr Trust for Families of Crash Victims
Tata Sons , the holding company of the Tata Group, has sought board approvals to set up a trust that will extend financial support to the families of the victims of the Air India crash in Ahmedabad. At an interim board meeting Thursday, chairman N Chandrasekaran apprised the board of the proposed trust structure, multiple sources told ET. Approvals have been sought for an estimated ₹500-crore allocation to the entity, said one of the sources cited above. Tata Sons had earlier considered setting up separate trusts — one for families of Indians and the other for foreign nationals who died in the crash. According to sources, the funds will be used for compensation payouts to the families of the 271 victims, medical care, and renovation of the affected medical school, where several facilities were gutted by the smouldering fuselage of the ill-fated aircraft that fell from the skies moments after take-off. The rest of the corpus will be earmarked for the long-term needs of the affected families. The trust, which is expected to be registered soon, will support both Indian citizens and foreign nationals, including several British passengers on board the flight. The initiative is being led by PB Balaji, group CFO of Tata Motors, who brings extensive experience in regulatory, financial, and corporate governance matters. The trust will also include individuals from outside the Tata Group to ensure robust governance and compliance, sources said. Tata Trusts is also likely to contribute to the fund. The board meeting was attended by Tata Trust nominees Noel Tata, Venu Srinivasan, and Vijay Singh. There are significant legal complexities related to claims from the crash, sources added. Tata Sons did not comment. PB Balaji is overseeing the framework and implementation of the trusts to ensure they remain compliant, transparent, and sensitive to the specific legal and cultural contexts of the affected families. The trust will be structured to provide sustained financial support to immediate family members, covering essentials such as children's education, healthcare, and daily living expenses. This goes beyond a one-time ex-gratia payment. The approach echoes the Tata Group's response to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks in 2008, when a trust was set up to offer long-term financial and emotional support to employees and their families of the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, operated by the Tata-owned Indian Hotels Company Ltd.
DW
5 days ago
- Politics
- DW
Iran: What are the chances for regime change? – DW – 06/23/2025
The longer Israel's attack on Iran goes on, the greater the speculation about the possibility of overthrowing the government in Tehran. But regime change has historically had disastrous consequences in the region. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu openly told the US broadcaster Fox News on Sunday that regime change in Iran "could certainly be the result" of Israel's operation there, because, he said, the Iranian government was "very weak." US President Donald Trump has meanwhile sent out contradictory signals. "We know exactly where the so-called 'Supreme Leader' is hiding," he wrote on his personal social network, Truth Social on June 17, singling out Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. "He is an easy target, but is safe there — We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now." In the night between Saturday and Sunday, the US flew strikes against Iran's three main nuclear sites, and Trump has threatened more attacks should Tehran not return to the negotiation table. "There will be either peace, or there will be tragedy for Iran," the US president said Saturday, adding that the US "will go for other targets" should that not be the case. On Sunday, Trump again posted on Truth Social, saying: "It's not politically correct to use the term, 'Regime Change,' but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn't there be a Regime change?? MIGA!!!" The longer the conflict with Iran goes on, the more tempting it might appear to Israel and the United States to get rid not just of the Iranian nuclear program, but of the Islamic Republic as well. "It's extremely doubtful that it would be possible to bring about a regime change like that from the outside, with the push of a button," said Eckart Woertz, the head of the German Institute of Global and Area Studies in Hamburg. "If it did come to that, whether things would then go in the right direction is a whole other question." Foreign-imposed "regime change" is a highly controversial concept. Under international law, it is a clear violation of the sovereignty of the affected state. Often, the move is not democratically legitimized, and it frequently leads to a power vacuum or violence and instability. Newly installed governments often find themselves unable to cope with the challenge of resolving the country's problems, and this results in further crises and conflicts. That's what happened in Afghanistan. After the terrorist attacks on New York on September 11, 2001, NATO invoked the mutual defense guarantee contained in Article 5 of the NATO Treaty for the first and (so far) only time. A Western military alliance led by the United States resolved to topple Afghanistan's Islamist Taliban regime, and fight the terrorist organization al-Qaeda. Initially, the operation was quite successful, and by the end of 2001 the Taliban had been driven out of Kabul. But various parties to the alliance disagreed on a number of things, including how military, political and development aid should cooperate. And so, for 20 years, the security situation remained extremely precarious. The country was devastated by attacks as the Taliban launched repeated counteroffensives. Between 2001 and 2021, around 3,600 Western soldiers and almost 50,000 Afghan civilians were killed. The Afghanistan mission cost a total of almost $1 billion (€868 million). After the chaotic withdrawal of the US and its allies in the summer of 2021, the Taliban returned to power. Since then, they have rolled back almost all the progress made over the past 20 years. Afghanistan is isolated and desperately poor, with 23 million people dependent on humanitarian aid. The US once supplies weapons to Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, who was in power for more than two decades. In 2003, however, it decided to overthrow Hussein with help of a "coalition of the willing," but without a mandate from the UN Security Council. Washington justified the decision with the assertion that Hussein was supporting al-Qaeda and was in possession of weapons of mass destruction — claims later proven to be false. "Saddam Hussein was overthrown not because he possessed weapons of mass destruction, but because he did not possess them," said Woertz. And, at the time, Iran took note. Once Hussein had been toppled, the Americans installed a transitional government, which was later heavily criticized for mismanagement and lack of knowledge of the country. Existing enmities between Iraq's different religious groups deteriorated into a situation akin to civil war between Sunni and Shia Muslims. Deadly attacks were an almost daily occurrence. Soldiers discharged from the Iraqi army started fighting the US troops who had previously toppled Hussein. Twenty years after the American invasion and the attempted regime change in Iraq, the situation has improved. Violence has died down, and the next round of parliamentary elections is due to take place in November. Nonetheless, Iraq remains a country in the process of change. Libya is also still suffering the consequences of an attempted regime change, which came from within and was flanked from abroad. In the wake of the Arab Spring, a civil war began in 2011 with protests against the rule of longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi. When Gadhafi attempted to put down the uprisings with bloodshed, NATO intervened militarily in the form of a no-fly zone to protect the civilian population. The regime held on for a few months. Then on October 20, 2011, Gadhafi was killed. But a government acceptable to the entire country was never established. Instead, there have been years of further conflict between rival militias. The state has virtually disintegrated, with two different governments fighting for control since March 2022. The human rights situation remains extremely precarious. Aside from these cautionary examples from recent history, Woertz sees another problem: Ultimately, ground force would be required to force a change of government in Iran. "I don't see a massively strong rebel movement within Iran that could topple the current regime," he said. "While there was a successful regime change in Germany once, at the end of World War II, that required a ground invasion," said Woertz. "And then you need a transition backed by local people. It helps if there is a common external enemy — like the Soviet bloc after 1945 — which glosses over the differences. But regime change has never happened with aerial bombardment alone, and I don't think Iran will be an exception now."
United News of India
20-06-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
Under Modi's leadership J&K moved from instability to integration, from neglect to nation-building: Chugh
Jammu, June 20 (UNI) BJP National General Secretary and J&K Prabhari Tarun Chugh on Friday said that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reshaped India's destiny through Sewa, Sushasan and Gareeb Kalyan. Addressing a programme organised as part of the BJP's nationwide campaign 'Viksit Bharat Ka Amritkaal – Sewa, Sushasan, Gareeb Kalyan Ke 11 Saal', a grand Choupal programme was organised here at Dharp, Jeevan Nagar under Jammu South District, Chugh said, 'in the last 11 years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not merely governed, he has reshaped the destiny of India. From the remotest border villages to bustling metros, every citizen today feels the pulse of development, dignity, and empowerment." This is not just governance, it is a movement of national resurgence. Under Modi's leadership, Jammu and Kashmir has moved from instability to integration, from neglect to nation-building, he said. The BJP stands as a symbol of transparent governance, fearless leadership, and unwavering service to the poor and the marginalised, said Chugh. Senior BJP leaders were also present on the occasion. He added, 'The 'Viksit Bharat Ka Amritkaal' campaign is not about celebration, it is about renewed commitment—to the farmers, youth, women, and every last person in the queue. We are here to connect directly with the people, to listen, to serve, and to ensure that Modi's vision of a developed, strong, and inclusive India becomes a ground reality in every home of Jammu & Kashmir.' MLA Dr. Narinder Singh, while interacting with the locals, said that the Modi government has delivered on its promise of inclusive development. From free ration to health insurance under Ayushman Bharat, every policy has reached the last person in the queue. Jammu and Kashmir has directly benefited from multiple central welfare schemes, he stressed. MLA Ramgarh Dr. Devinder Kumar Manyal emphasized the revolutionary changes in healthcare, infrastructure, and social welfare. He said that the Modi era has witnessed a systematic upliftment of the rural and underprivileged. Schemes like PM Awas Yojana, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, and Digital India have brought tangible changes on the ground. MLA Bahu Ch. Vikram Randhawa reiterated the commitment of BJP workers to act as a bridge between the government and the people. He said that the BJP's strength lies in its grassroots connect. Our mission is to ensure that the benefits of every scheme are fully utilized by the common man, he asserted. UNI VBH GNK
Time Out
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
NYC legend Robert De Niro is getting his own immersive exhibition at Mercer Labs
New York is about to enter its De Niro era—again. But this time, it's not just on screen. It's around you. Opening today, June 19 at Mercer Labs, Museum of Art and Technology in Lower Manhattan, De Niro, New York is a first-of-its-kind immersive film installation that reimagines the legendary actor's career through 360-degree projection, spatial audio and mind-bending scale. The 20-minute experience is part of Summer Nights at Mercer Labs with Tribeca, running Thursday through Sunday evenings through July 13. Originally premiering in the Hexadome at the 2024 Tribeca Festival in honor of De Niro's 80th birthday, this new iteration of the film pulls audiences into the heart of De Niro's cinematic world. Directed by Sam Gill and Luke Neher and produced by Tribeca Studios and Little Cinema, the piece condenses scenes from more than 40 of De Niro's films into one continuous visual and emotional journey. For Roy Nachum, co-founder and creative director of Mercer Labs, the project was personal. 'Working with such an incredible talent—an icon—was a dream come true,' Nachum told Time Out exclusively. 'I've been admiring De Niro for a long, long time, and it was a great moment to work with Tribeca on that because that can open people's eyes to see how we can create a film in 360.' Mercer Labs, already known for pushing boundaries in experiential art and tech, had never hosted a fully immersive film until now. 'I think what's surprising is the mistakes,' Nachum said. 'We have 26 projectors and directional sound—that's equal to 26 cinema rooms. When you see things in different scales and the conversation between one wall and how it would react with the floor, the magic happens in the space. It's like something you've never seen in your life.' Tribeca CEO Pete Torres echoed that sentiment. 'You could experience it from different sides at all times. I've seen the piece probably 700 times, and every time it's impressive,' he said. Beyond the tech and artistry, the experience is a love letter to New York—and to De Niro's role in its post-9/11 cultural revival. 'There's this moment in the film when De Niro moves downtown and people are asking, 'Where is Tribeca?'' said Torres. 'Now look at it. This project carries that same spirit—bringing people back downtown, inviting them to explore something new.' (De Niro co-founded the Tribeca Festival with producer Jane Rosenthal in 2002, helping to restore the cultural vibrancy of Lower Manhattan in the wake of the September 11 attacks.) The biggest challenge? Editing down decades of cinematic brilliance into a tight 20 minutes. 'You could do four, five, even 10 hours of this,' said Torres. 'But we had to get it down to 20 minutes. The team from Little Cinema and the Tribeca Studios side did so much work to bring it down to a reasonable time. It just shows how impactful his career has been.' Tickets are $70 and include a drink and a souvenir. (Guests under 21 will receive a non-alcoholic beverage.) Mercer Labs and Tribeca Fest also hinted that this may be just the beginning, with plans already in motion to expand immersive collaborations. But for now, catch De Niro, New York only in New York—and only for a few short weeks.
Express Tribune
15-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Realism and shifting tides of international relations
The writer is a former Secretary to Government, Home and Tribal Affairs Department and a retired IGP. He can be reached at syed_shah94@ Listen to article In the ever-evolving arena of international politics, the concept of permanent alliances or perpetual hostilities often proves to be a myth. As Lord Palmerston had put it long ago, "We have no eternal allies, and we have no perpetual enemies. Our interests are eternal and perpetual, and those interests it is our duty to follow." This preposition remains central to realist thought in foreign policy, where national interest overrides ideological consistency or historical ties. Recent geopolitical developments — from the US President Donald Trump's unconventional diplomacy to shifting alliances in South Asia -— demonstrate these powerful illustrations of this timeless truth. Trump recently visited the Middle East and had diplomatic engagements amid scenes of pomp and show. He had interactions with Saudi Arabia - which is poles apart from the US from an ideological perspective. One espouses democratic values and the other Sharia law with a dynastic rule. However, overridding considerations of lucrative arms deals and mutual economic benefits set all those ideals to naught. Trump even declared Saudi Arabia as a model for a reimagined Middle East, emphasising the promise of economic prosperity over instability in a region reeling from multiple wars. Similarly, Trump's brief chat with President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria, though on the sidelines of his diplomatic initiatives, was widely speculated and analysed. He also announced easing sanctions on Syria to give the country "a chance at peace". Trump's remarks and subsequent actions, however melodramatic in presentation, reflect the primacy of interest over principle. In the complex chessboard of international relations, strategic considerations often overshadow moral judgments. Perhaps one of the most glaring examples of realist foreign policy was observed during the US-Taliban talks culminating in the 2020 Doha Agreement between the two. After nearly two decades of warfare that claimed thousands of lives and cost billions of dollars, the US opted to negotiate directly with its once-archenemy. The very group that had been the target of a massive military campaign post-9/11 was now being recognised as a legitimate stakeholder in Afghanistan's future. This position from combat to the negotiating table, sidelining Ashraf Ghani and finally abandoning his government, was not a reflection of ideological transformation but rather a calculated move to pull out the US troops from a protracted and unwinnable conflict. It was a textbook case of interest-based diplomacy. This trend is not unique to the United States. China's recent diplomatic initiatives further portray the realist approach. The trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of China, Pakistan and Afghanistan in Beijing marked a strategic reevaluation in the region. Expressing unanimity of views, the three states agreed to shore up diplomatic and economic engagement, assuring a cooperative stance on counterterrorism. From a Chinese perspective this move would further enhance security along its western borders, ensuring the success of the Belt and Road Initiative, and countering the influence of rival powers in a geopolitically sensitive area. Pakistan's participation in this meeting also reflects a realist recalibration. Once a frontline ally in the US-led War on Terror, Pakistan is increasingly leaning towards regional partnerships that align more closely with its evolving strategic and economic interests. The re-engagement with Afghanistan, under Taliban leadership no less, is a nod to regional stability over ideological divergence. It's a pragmatic choice aimed at containing security threats and fostering economic integration. The meeting has also provided a fair chance to the de facto rulers of Afghanistan to gain legitimacy and economic lifelines. By engaging with regional powers like China and Pakistan, the Taliban seek to break out of international isolation and gain access to trade routes, infrastructure investments and diplomatic recognition. Once again, national interest overrides historical enmities or ideological moorings. All those aforementioned events, underscore the relevance and utility of realism in international politics. Realism postulates that the international system is anarchic and that states primarily follow the law of self-preservation and prosperity. In such a system, moral principles, while not entirely absent, are often subordinated to strategic calculations. Ideological allies may quickly turn into enemies and former foes may transform into partners as dictated by the circumstances. Critics of realism often decry its perceived cynicism and lack of moral compass. However, proponents argue that it is a sober and necessary lens through which to view global affairs. Idealism may inspire, but it is realism that governs the actions of states when stakes are high and options are limited. Moreover, the real-world consequences of deviating from realism can be severe. History is replete with examples where ideological rigidity led to strategic blunders — from the Vietnam War to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Conversely, moments of pragmatic diplomacy — such as Nixon's visit to China or the Iran nuclear deal — have often yielded more sustainable outcomes.
