Beijing adopts ethnic unity law that 'erodes' minority rights and cements assimilation

CHINA ADOPTED a sweeping law Thursday to promote what it calls "ethnic unity," a measure that critics say would further erode the rights of some minority groups as authorities cement a push toward assimilation.

The law, approved by the country's ceremonial legislature, is designed to foster "a stronger sense of community among all ethnic groups in the Chinese nation," said Lou Qinjian, a delegate to the National People's Congress who introduced the proposal to the -whole body.

Strait of Hormuz to remain closed, shut US bases or attacks continue: Iran leader

IRAN WILL fight on and keep the Strait of Hormuz shut, new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said on Thursday in a statement read out on state television, the first remarks at-tributed to him since he succeeded his slain father.

Strait of Hormuz to remain closed, shut US bases or attacks continue: Iran leader

IRAN WILL fight on and keep the Strait of Hormuz shut, new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said on Thursday in a statement read out on state television, the first remarks at-tributed to him since he succeeded his slain father.

India co-sponsors resolution at UNSC condemning Iran attacks on Gulf nations

AS THE conflict in West Asia rages, India and Pakistan have been found to be on opposite sides of the divide, but there was an exception.

New Delhi co-sponsored a resolution (Resolution 2817) at the UN Security Council that condemned the "egregious" at-tacks by Iran against Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Jordan and demanded immediate cessation of all attacks by Tehran while denouncing its threats of closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The 15-nation UN Security Council, currently under the presidency of the United States, adopted the resolution on Wednesday with 13 votes in favour, none against and abstentions by veto-wielding permanent members China and Russia.      

Birla: Rules apply to all, no MP can speak any time on any thing

RETURNING TO the House a day after the motion to remove him from office was defeated, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday sought to emphasise that freedom of speech in Parliament is guaranteed, but subject to the Constitution, rules and standing orders regulating its procedure. Birla said it was incumbent on everyone from the Prime Minister and his Cabi-net colleagues to Members of the Opposition to follow these rules.

Birla: Rules apply to all, no MP can speak any time on any thing

RETURNING TO the House a day after the motion to remove him from office was defeated, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday sought to emphasise that freedom of speech in Parliament is guaranteed, but subject to the Constitution, rules and standing orders regulating its procedure. Birla said it was incumbent on everyone from the Prime Minister and his Cabi-net colleagues to Members of the Opposition to follow these rules.

Feb inflation rises to 3.21%, Iran war impact yet to be felt

INDIA'S HEADLINE retail inflation rate rose to 3.21% in February from 2.74% in January, data released on Thursday by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI) showed.

The prices faced by consumers rose at a faster rate even before the US and Israel at-tacked Iran at the end of the month and the subsequent retaliation by Tehran that has seen energy prices surge.       

China's 'border defence' villages and the challenges they pose

China has been constructing 628 such Xiaokang or 'well-off villages' along India's borders with the Tibet Autonomous Region for over five years now.

Almost 72% of these 628 villages are located across India's northeastern states. And out of these, almost 90% are opposite Arunachal Pradesh.