Author: Pratham Kumar

Hi, I'm Pratham Kumar, an undergraduate at IIIT Delhi. My profound interest lies in geopolitics, international affairs, and defence intricacies. Join me in exploring these spheres of global significance.

China's Stern Warning: Military Drills Near Taiwan

China’s Eastern Theatre Command initiated joint air and sea patrols and military exercises involving its navy and air force around Taiwan. The official Chinese news agency, Xinhua, reported that the drills aim to enhance the coordination between military vessels and aircraft and test their combat readiness in realistic scenarios. Responding to a Provocative Stopover China’s latest military manoeuvres near Taiwan have raised regional tensions, signalling a “stern warning” to those advocating for the island’s independence. The provocative exercises come in response to Taiwan’s vice president, William Lai, making a high-profile stopover in the United States, a move that Beijing views…

Read More
Arijit Singh Surpasses Taylor Swift on Spotify Rankings

Renowned Indian singer Arijit Singh has achieved a remarkable milestone in his musical journey. He now holds the esteemed position of being the third most-followed artist on the popular music streaming platform, Spotify. This feat is especially significant, placing him ahead of globally acclaimed artists such as Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and Eminem. Arijit Singh’s remarkable achievement underscores his exceptional talent and the unwavering support and love he has garnered from his vast fanbase. A Journey of Musical Enchantment Arijit Singh’s journey from obscurity to superstardom is a tale woven with melodies that resonate with the hearts of millions. From…

Read More
Niger Crisis: ECOWAS Prepared for Military Intervention

In a high-stakes move, West African military leaders are convening to finalise plans for a potential intervention in Niger. The two-day meeting, culminating in a closing ceremony around 1600 GMT, has been dedicated to strategic discussions encompassing logistics and operational aspects of a potential deployment. The meeting in Ghana signifies the seriousness with which the West African bloc, ECOWAS, regards the situation in Niger. ECOWAS Stands Ready for Action With the situation in Niger deteriorating following the deposition of President Mohamed Bazoum by military officers on July 26, ECOWAS has been resolute in its commitment to maintaining constitutional order. Despite…

Read More
New Passport Rules DigiLocker Streamlines Verification Process

In a pioneering move set to redefine the landscape of passport application processes, the Indian Government has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative mandating the integration of DigiLocker for passport verification. With its potential to revolutionise the way essential documents are managed, this transformative step promises to streamline processes, enhance security, and provide a seamless experience for passport applicants. Embracing Digital Evolution The essence of these new passport rules lies in their ability to leverage cutting-edge technology to simplify and expedite what was once a cumbersome and time-consuming process. By necessitating the creation of a DigiLocker account during the passport application, particularly…

Read More
Reclaiming Stolen Arms: Crucial Step for Manipur's Peace

The northeastern state of Manipur is grappling with a deepening crisis that threatens to undermine its fragile peace. At the heart of this crisis lies the theft of 6,000 sophisticated arms and 6 lakh rounds of ammunition from security forces, a heist with dire implications for the region’s security and stability. Deputy leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, asserts that recovering these stolen weapons is not just a matter of law enforcement but a crucial prerequisite for establishing lasting peace and normalcy in Manipur. Tensions and Stolen Arms Since May 3, Manipur has been impaired by persistent…

Read More
Manipur's 'Uri' Screening: 20-Year Cinematic Revival Bridges Divides - Asiana Times

After over two decades, the recent Bollywood film “Uri: The Surgical Strike” screening in Manipur has brought the region joy and unity. Organised by the Hmar Students Association (HSA), the event symbolises the triumph of cultural expression over bans, showcasing the resilience and patriotism of the Kuki-Zo-Chin tribes in Manipur. A Land of Diversity and Resilience Manipur, nestled in northeastern India, boasts a rich cultural heritage but has also faced periods of ethnic tensions and conflict. Home to diverse communities like the Meiteis and the Kuki-Zo-Chin tribes, the state’s history is a tapestry woven with various cultural identities and challenges.…

Read More
Ukraine Firmly Rejects Land Concession for NATO

The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, which began in 2014, has not only been a test of strength and resilience for the Ukrainian people but has also raised critical questions about the country’s future alliances. As Ukraine strives to secure its sovereignty and territorial integrity, a recent suggestion by a senior NATO official has ignited a firestorm of controversy. The proposition that Ukraine could potentially cede territory to Russia in exchange for NATO membership has been met with strong resistance from Ukrainian officials, underscoring the country’s unwavering commitment to its territorial boundaries and its path towards full NATO integration.…

Read More
Threads See 79% Drop in Usage Within a Month - Asiana Times

In the ever-evolving landscape of social media platforms, user engagement stands as a critical metric that reflects a platform’s success and appeal. Threads, an app introduced by Instagram as an alternative to Twitter, initially witnessed a surge in popularity, amassing an impressive 100 million sign-ups within a few days of its launch. However, recent data from a Similarweb report paints a different picture, revealing a substantial setback for Threads – a staggering 79 per cent drop in traffic within just one month. This rapid decline underscores the challenges faced by the platform in maintaining user interest and interaction. The Rise…

Read More
UAE Astronaut Captures Breathtaking View of Himalayas

On August 12, 2024, Sultan Al Neyadi, a United Arab Emirates (UAE) astronaut currently on a six-month mission to the International Space Station (ISS), shared captivating images of the Himalayas from space. The awe-inspiring pictures depict the snow-clad peaks of the Himalayas enveloped in clouds, offering a stunning view of one of the planet’s most iconic landmarks from a perspective few have the privilege to witness. The Magnificence of the Himalayas Sultan Al Neyadi’s tweet featured two breathtaking images of the Himalayas, capturing the grandeur and beauty of these towering mountains. The images showcase the Himalayas in all their glory,…

Read More
Air India's Iconic Maharaja Embraces Transformation

In a move that has captured the attention of aviation enthusiasts and the general public alike, Air India, the country’s flag carrier, has bid farewell to its iconic Maharaja logo and embraced a new visual identity, dubbed “The Vista.” The change, more than just cosmetic, has triggered a flurry of reactions from netizens, sparking discussions on creativity, design, and the airline’s future. Let’s delve into the details of this transformation and explore its implications. The Departure of the Maharaja For decades, the Maharaja, with his regal turban and moustache, has been synonymous with Air India, representing the airline’s rich heritage…

Read More