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India.com
14 hours ago
- Politics
- India.com
China launches new plan to trouble India, Pakistan already a part of it, now wants this country to join hands, the country is..., not Afghanistan
New Delhi: China has recently invited Nepal to join the newly formed International Mediation Organization (IOMed). By including Nepal, China aims to expand its influence in South Asia. In recent years, China has established a deep presence in Pakistan. Advancing this, Beijing also wants a strong presence in other neighbouring countries. On one hand, this will increase China's diplomatic presence in South Asia; on the other hand, India could find itself isolated in the region. Thus, this new step by China could raise concerns for India. According to a report by Firstpost, IOMed was officially launched on Friday, May 30 in Hong Kong. Its aim is to enhance China's global influence through multilateral dialogue and conflict resolution mechanisms. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has urged Nepal's Foreign Minister Arju Rana Deuba to join IOMed as soon as possible. Deuba attended the IOMed launch ceremony, but Nepal has not yet given strong indications of joining the organization. Pakistan signs up for IOMed Pakistan, a special friend of China, has signed up for IOMed. Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar himself participated in the signing ceremony. China's state news agency Xinhua reported that during the launch programme of IOMed, 33 countries signed the convention, thereby becoming the founding members of this new entity. However, the list of member countries has not yet been made public. China invited Nepal to join IOMed and stated that both countries have traditionally been friendly neighbours. China has always given Nepal an important place in its neighbourhood diplomacy. Nepalese Foreign Minister Deuba congratulated China on the successful signing ceremony of IOMed and said that having the IOMed headquarters in Hong Kong is an ideal choice. Objective of IOMed Chinese Foreign Minister Wang has stated that through this new body, China, Pakistan, and other countries will provide voluntary and efficient new options for resolving disputes among all countries. This will create a new platform for maintaining peace, stability, fairness, and justice in the Global South. China's invitation to Nepal in this body is a significant step towards increasing its influence in South Asia. This organization aims to enhance China's global influence through multilateral dialogue and conflict resolution mechanisms. Nepal's participation will strengthen China's position in the region. If Nepal joins, it could be a major success for China's foreign policy. India's concerns will increase China's move could pose a challenge for India. There have already been concerns in India about China's growing influence in South Asia. The establishment of IOMed could strengthen China's position in the region even further. In this context, India will need to rethink its strategy to face this challenge on a new level.
First Post
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- First Post
Did Brigitte Macron Just Slap Emmanuel Macron? Viral Video Sparks Debate
Did Brigitte Macron Just Slap Emmanuel Macron? Viral Video Sparks Debate | Vantage with Palki Sharma Did Brigitte Macron Just Slap Emmanuel Macron? Viral Video Sparks Debate | Vantage with Palki Sharma French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Hanoi on Sunday (May 25) evening. However, before the leader disembarked from the plane, he seemed to have been pushed sharply in the face by someone. The incident was captured just after the door of the French presidency jet was opened and Macron was seen standing beyond it. At some point, a hand appeared from the left and pushed his face away. Macron appeared startled but quickly recovered to wave through the door. The person who pushed Macron remained hidden by the body of the plane. Moments later, Macron and his wife Brigitte, 72, dressed in red stepped out of the plane and descended the steps of the air stairs to be officially welcomed by Vietnamese officials. Also on Vantage Shots: - In China, humanoid robots pack punches in the boxing ring. - Hawaii's volcano fires a lava fountain into the air in its latest eruption episode. - This Day in 1896: Czar Nicholas the second was crowned. He was the last czar of Russia. Emmanuel Macron | France | Southeast Asia | Vietnam | Hanoi | US | China | Firstpost | World News | News Live | Vantage | Palki Sharma | News #france #macron #southeastasia #vietnam #hanoi #usa #china #firstpost #vantageonfirstpost #palkisharma #worldnews Vantage is a ground-breaking news, opinions, and current affairs show from Firstpost. Catering to a global audience, Vantage covers the biggest news stories from a 360-degree perspective, giving viewers a chance to assess the impact of world events through a uniquely Indian lens. The show is anchored by Palki Sharma, Managing Editor, Firstpost. By breaking stereotypes, Vantage aims to challenge conventional wisdom and present an alternative view on global affairs, defying the norm and opening the door to new perspectives. The show goes beyond the headlines to uncover the hidden stories – making Vantage a destination for thought-provoking ideas. Vantage airs Monday to Friday at 9 PM IST on Firstpost across all leading platforms. Subscribe to Firstpost channel and press the bell icon to get notified when we go live. Follow Firstpost on Instagram: Follow Firstpost on Facebook: Follow Firstpost on Twitter: Follow Firstpost on WhatsApp: See More
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First Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- First Post
‘Fighting India is in Pakistan's DNA, only deterrence is increasing costs for terror': Pak expert Tilak Devasher
The anti-India sentiment is in the DNA of Pakistan, which means that the only way to ensure deterrence is imposing increasing costs for every act of terror, said Tilak Devasher, a former Special Secretary at Cabinet Secretariat, in an interview with Firstpost. read more Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, along with Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of Pakistan Asim Munir, reviews the parade at the passing out ceremony of 151st Long Course at the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Kakul, Abbottabad, Pakistan, April 26, 2025. Press Information Department of Pakistan via Reuters With Operation Sindoor, India entered a new age in the war on terrorism. Unlike 2016 when India conducted cross-border surgical strikes or 2019 when India conducted airstrike on a terrorist facility, India this time struck at the heart of terrorism as it struck headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed among other sites. In an interview with Firstpost's Madhur Sharma, Pakistan expert Tilak Devasher said that Indian actions, both kinetic actions like airstrikes and non-kinetic actions like holding the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, took Pakistan by surprise. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD ALSO READ: Operation Sindoor: With battlefield edge, India cornered Pakistan to seek peace & that's new normal 'They had not anticipated being attacked in Punjab — both the terror headquarters and airbases. So, yes, Asim Munir has lost face and hence his elevation to Field Marshal is an act of damage control, tell the people falsely that they won even though they suffered a major defeat,' said Devasher, a former Special Secretary at Cabinet Secretariat. As for the India-Pakistan relationship, Devasher said that the anti-India sentiment is in the DNA of Pakistan and the only way to ensure deterrence is imposing increasing costs for every act of terror, said Devasher, the author of 'Pakistan: Courting the Abyss', 'Pakistan: At the Helm', 'Pakistan: The Balochistan Conundrum', and 'The Pashtuns: A Contested History'. Read the full interview: With Operation Sindoor and the accompanying messaging from the government, do you believe that we now have a new 'Modi Doctrine' of national security? Yes, we do have a Modi Doctrine now. Its key components are that if there is a terrorist attack on India, there will be a fitting response; the nuclear blackmail will no longer work and India will strike precisely and decisively; and that there will be no distinction between terrorists and their sponsors. It had been said that the weak position of the Pakistani Army was one of the reasons behind approving the Pahalgam attack — the idea being that a confrontation with India would rally people around the flag and restore the Army's primacy. Do you believe in this line of thought? If yes, do you believe that Field Marshal Asim Munir miscalculated and has now lost face? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This has been Pakistan's template when faced with serious domestic issues. They divert the issue and externalise the problem to manufacture a crisis. Nothing unites the population behind the Army more than a confrontation with India. However, in this case, the Indian reaction, both kinetic and non-kinetic, took Pakistan by surprise. They had not anticipated being attacked in Punjab — both the terror headquarters and airbases. So, yes, Munir has lost face and hence his elevation to Field Marshal is an act of damage control and tell the people falsely that they won even though they suffered a major defeat. As Pakistani military stands weaker after being battered by India, do you believe that various insurgent groups in Pakistan are now going to ramp up their operations to make the most of the situation? Yes, it is a strong signal to the Baloch and the Pashtuns — and even Sindhis. They could well ramp up their operations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In your book, 'Pakistan: Courting the Abyss', you have mentioned that being in a state of confrontation with India is a must for the Pakistani Army and hatred of India is quite integral to it. With such anti-India fundamentals, do you believe there is a possibility of Pakistan being deterred in the long-term? To retain its primacy in Pakistan, a confrontation with India is expected from the Pakistani Army. Any peace or normal relations with India will make the Army lose that primacy. So, the only way to deter Pakistan is to keep increasing the cost of confrontation. Given their economic situation, they will find it difficult to recoup their losses after every confrontation with India. For many years, it was said that the age of conventional warfare between India and Pakistan was over. Do you believe that India really called out Pakistan's nuclear bluff? Or did India keep the attacks well below the threshold to rattle Pakistan? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD I think India did call Pakistan's nuclear bluff. Pakistan is the only nuclear weapons country that treats nuclear weapons as war-fighting weapons. For other countries, nuclear weapons are deterrents. Despite their bluster, when it came to the crunch, India tested this and called out the nuclear bluff. Several of Pakistan's so-called red-lines were crossed when their air bases were targeted but they did not or could not react. Do you believe that internal troubles in Pakistan, such as insurgencies, financial troubles, or political chaos, can ever put a check on its anti-India campaign? I don't think so since being anti-India is in Pakistan's DNA. The whole philosophy of eating grass for a thousand years stems from this deep-rooted anti-India hatred.
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First Post
2 days ago
- Health
- First Post
Doctor explains: Smoking doesn't relieve stress — here's what really happens
Tobacco use may provide temporary stress relief by triggering dopamine release in the brain, but over time it leads to dependence, ultimately worsening anxiety and stress. Effective quitting methods include nicotine replacement therapies, medications, and behavioral support. Firstpost brings out expert insights on understanding and overcoming tobacco addiction. read more Tobacco use continues to be a leading cause of preventable diseases and death in India, with rising concerns over its impact on both physical and mental health. Beyond its well-known link to cancer and heart disease, tobacco use is deeply tied to issues like stress, infertility, skin damage and even silent heart conditions. To raise awareness and dispel common myths, Dr. Vikas Mittal, Director - Pulmonologist, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi talked to Firstpost to shed light on the often-overlooked dangers of tobacco and how individuals can effectively quit the habit. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How does tobacco use affect the brain, especially to stress and anxiety? Tobacco contains nicotine, which, upon reaching the brain, triggers the release of dopamine, a chemical associated with pleasure and stress relief. This creates a temporary sense of relaxation. However, over time, the brain becomes dependent on nicotine to maintain this effect. When nicotine levels drop, withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and stress emerge. This leads to a vicious cycle where smoking appears to relieve stress, but actually contributes to and intensifies it over time. What are some scientifically proven ways to manage tobacco cravings effectively? There are effective medical treatments for managing tobacco addiction. Pharmacological therapies like Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)—including nicotine gums, patches, and lozenges—are widely used. Medications such as bupropion and varenicline can also reduce cravings and ease withdrawal. Behavioral interventions, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and lifestyle modifications play a crucial role in increasing the chances of quitting successfully. Why is early exposure to tobacco particularly dangerous for adolescents, and how quickly can dependence develop in youth? The adolescent brain is still developing, making it highly vulnerable to nicotine. Exposure during teenage years can lead to addiction quickly—sometimes within weeks. Early use not only increases the risk of lifelong dependence but also makes the brain more susceptible to other addictions, including illicit substances. What are some of the underestimated short-term health improvements people often experience within weeks of quitting tobacco? Health improvements begin almost immediately after quitting. Within 20 minutes, heart rate and blood pressure drop. In 48 to 72 hours, taste and smell begin to improve, and carbon monoxide levels normalise. Lung function can improve within two to three weeks, reducing coughing and breathlessness. These early benefits are encouraging and crucial in motivating continued cessation. What impact does smoking have on skin health and sexual well-being? Smoking causes premature aging and wrinkles due to reduced blood flow. It impairs wound healing, especially post-surgery. In men, smoking can lead to impotence and erectile dysfunction. In women, it reduces fertility, affects egg quality, and can cause early menopause. Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of preterm delivery, low birth weight, and complications for both mother and baby. Can diet play a role in helping someone quit tobacco? If so, which foods are most beneficial? Yes, a healthy diet supports quitting efforts. Foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals—like fruits and vegetables—can curb cravings. Dairy products may make cigarettes taste unpleasant. Fruits high in vitamin C, such as oranges and guavas, help reduce oxidative damage. Caffeine and alcohol should be avoided as they can intensify nicotine cravings. What are the most common triggers for relapse, and how can they be avoided? Common relapse triggers include peer pressure, stress, emotional instability, and alcohol. Avoiding smoking environments and individuals who encourage the habit is crucial. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle—adequate sleep, exercise, and a balanced diet—can improve emotional resilience. Identifying personal triggers and replacing them with alternatives like chewing gum, walking, or hobbies is key. Support from family, peers, or cessation groups also greatly helps. How dangerous are silent symptoms of tobacco-induced heart conditions, and what should people watch for? Silent symptoms like shortness of breath, chest tightness, fatigue, and persistent coughing are often ignored. These signs may indicate serious damage to the heart and lungs. Smokers should be alert to these symptoms and undergo regular heart and lung screenings to detect conditions early and manage them effectively. How do nicotine replacement therapies compare to natural cessation strategies like lifestyle changes and dietary support? Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is proven to reduce withdrawal symptoms and increase cessation success rates. While lifestyle changes and dietary adjustments can support quitting, they usually lack the effectiveness of medical therapies. For best results, a combination of both approaches is recommended under medical supervision. Are e-cigarettes a safer alternative to regular cigarettes, or do they pose their health risks? E-cigarettes eliminate many harmful toxins found in traditional cigarettes, making them relatively less harmful. However, they still contain nicotine and harmful vapors that can cause acute lung injury. Severe cases have involved mechanical ventilation and life-threatening complications. The long-term health effects remain uncertain, and early evidence raises serious concerns.
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First Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- First Post
Hong Kong pro-democracy and gay rights activist Jimmy Sham released after 4 years in prison
Hong Kong's pro-democracy and LGBTQ+ activist Jimmy Sham was released after over four years in prison. He had been arrested under the new national security law. read more Hong Kong's pro-democracy activist Jimmy Sham poses for photos after being released from prison in Hong Kong, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Kanis Leung) Hong Kong's prominent pro-democracy and LGBTQ+ activist Jimmy Sham was released from prison on Friday after serving over four years in the city's biggest national security case under a Beijing-imposed law. Sham's activism made headlines during 2019 anti-government protests, when he was the convenor of a now-disbanded pro-democracy group that organized some of the biggest peaceful marches that year, including one that drew an estimated 2 million people. Sham was among 47 activists arrested in 2021 for their roles in an unofficial primary election. He was sentenced with 44 other activists last year after judges ruled that their plans to effect change through the primary would have undermined the government's authority and create a constitutional crisis. Only two of the original defendants were acquitted. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Even behind bars, Sham continued to fight for recognition of his same-sex marriage registered overseas at the city's top court, which later ruled the government should provide a framework for recognizing same-sex partnerships. It was a landmark decision for the city's LGBTQ+ community. 'I feel happy. No matter whether there's a change in (my) freedom, I am definitely freer compared to yesterday,' Sham told reporters Friday after he was reunited with his family. 'But I also know many people are suffering. This makes me feel I shouldn't be too happy.' Asked if police had warned him not to talk to anyone, he said he censored himself on some sensitive questions. Sham also sounded unsure whether he was a free man. 'Maybe tomorrow, you still can see me, I am free. Maybe tomorrow, I will go back to the jail. I don't know,' he said. The activist said he has no plans to leave Hong Kong for now. 'So what I can do in the future and what I should, and where the red line lies, I still have to figure it out again.' Sham and three other activists freed on Friday — Kinda Li, Roy Tam and Henry Wong — are the second batch to be reunited with their families, following the release of four pro-democracy lawmakers last month. The years of separation have pained the activists and their relatives. The case involved democracy advocates across the spectrum. They include legal scholar Benny Tai, who got a 10-year prison term, and former student leader Joshua Wong, who has to serve four years and eight months. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Critics said the national security law has effectively crushed the city's pro-democracy movement, but Beijing and Hong Kong governments insist it brought back stability to the city. (Except headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff)
