Latest news with #LatinAmerican
News18
38 minutes ago
- Business
- News18
PM Modi's Strategic Push For Energy And Resources: Key Deals In Ghana, Trinidad, And Namibia
With MoUs inked in Ghana and strategic talks lined up in Trinidad and Namibia, India is pursuing long-term energy and resource partnerships Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a five-country visit. His first stop was Ghana, where he signed major agreements. Some key deals to watch include LNG contracts from Trinidad and Tobago, uranium and critical mineral deals from Namibia, and positioning Indian fintech and services to enter West Africa through Ghana. The tour will then move to Argentina and Brazil, but more on that later. The Ghana leg of the trip has already concluded, and the Prime Minister is now en route to Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean. Each nation, before landing on the Latin American mainland, holds significant importance. Prime Minister Modi's visit to Ghana, the first by an Indian premier in over three decades, represents a calculated move to establish a strategic beachhead in West Africa. The agreements inked in Accra are foundational, aiming to position India not merely as a trading partner but as an indispensable force in the region's digital and developmental future. Ghana is being cultivated as a crucial launchpad for Indian commercial and technological influence into the wider Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The immediate deliverables are clear. Four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering culture, standards, traditional medicine, and a Joint Commission lay the institutional groundwork for deeper engagement. More significantly, however, is the stated ambition to double bilateral trade from its current level of approximately USD 3 billion within five years. At the heart of this push is India's readiness to share its UPI technology. It represents the vanguard of India's Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) diplomacy, which has been offered to Ghana — a powerful tool to embed Indian systems into the core of emerging economies and create long-term dependencies and partnerships. Beyond the immediate trade and tech push, the visit laid the groundwork for deeper strategic cooperation. Discussions on establishing a vaccine manufacturing hub, with support from Indian entrepreneurs, signal an intent to make Ghana a centre for regional health security, backed by India's formidable pharmaceutical capacity. Similarly, commitments to cooperate in the exploration of critical minerals and enhance defence ties underscore a comprehensive strategy. India is positioning itself as a provider of capital, technology, and security — a holistic partnership designed to supplant other global players and solidify its role as a leading partner for the Global South. Trinidad And Tobago: Securing Long-Term Energy As India's economy expands, energy demand becomes increasingly acute, rendering its security intrinsically linked to stable, diversified sources. The visit to Trinidad and Tobago must be viewed through this lens of strategic necessity. While current bilateral trade is a modest USD 341 million, the true objective transcends this figure. As a significant producer of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and a stable democracy in the Americas, Trinidad and Tobago represents a vital opportunity for India to de-risk its energy portfolio. The primary strategic prize on the table is a long-term LNG supply agreement. Securing such a contract would provide a reliable energy corridor, reducing India's over-exposure to supply chains from more geopolitically volatile regions. For a nation that imports the vast majority of its energy, locking in supplies from a partner located far from traditional flashpoints is a critical component of national security. The talks on energy cooperation are therefore not routine diplomatic dialogue; they are central to fuelling India's continued economic ascent. Profound soft power advantages buttress this hard-nosed strategic pursuit. The visit, coinciding with the 180th anniversary of the arrival of Indian indentured labourers, carries immense symbolic weight as well. The island nation's population is 40–45 per cent of Indian origin, with its President and Prime Minister both proudly acknowledging their Indian heritage. There is a deep, historical connection that provides a foundation of trust and cultural affinity, facilitating complex commercial negotiations. Namibia: A Critical Minerals And Uranium Nexus The final leg of this initial tour, Namibia, is arguably the most critical from a resource security perspective. The agenda here is direct and unambiguous: securing access to the building blocks of both the nuclear and green energy revolutions. With bilateral trade of USD 650 million already driven by diamonds, the aim is to move beyond existing commerce into a strategic partnership that will power India's industrial and technological future for decades to come. The primary focus is on uranium. As a major global producer, Namibia is a natural partner for India's civilian nuclear energy programme. Efforts to finalise a long-term uranium supply agreement are paramount. This would provide the fuel needed to expand India's nuclear power generation — a key pillar of its strategy to meet climate goals while ensuring baseload energy stability. Securing this supply is a non-negotiable requirement for India's long-term energy planning. Equally important is Namibia's untapped potential in critical minerals. The country holds significant reserves of cobalt, lithium, and rare earth elements — essential inputs for batteries, electric vehicles, and high-technology manufacturing. Gaining preferential access to these resources is central to the success of India's 'Make in India' initiative and its ambition to become a global manufacturing hub in new-age industries. Furthermore, the push to establish direct sourcing routes for Namibian diamonds would disrupt the traditional trade flows through Antwerp and London, capturing significantly more value for India's world-leading diamond processing industry. The parallel agreement to expand UPI in Namibia demonstrates a multi-pronged approach — using digital integration to cement a strategic resource partnership that is vital for India's future. About the Author Sohil Sinha Sohil Sinha is a Sub Editor at News18. He writes on foreign affairs, geopolitics along with domestic policy and infrastructure projects. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. 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Los Angeles Times
an hour ago
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
Journalists and human rights leaders flee El Salvador as Bukele jails dissidents
MEXICO CITY — They have fled to Guatemala, Mexico, Costa Rica and Spain. Most left in a hurry with few possessions, unsure of when — or whether — they would be able to return home. As El Salvador cracks down on dissent, jailing critics of President Nayib Bukele, droves of human rights activists, journalists and other members of civil society are leaving the country out of fear. More than 100 people have fled in recent months — the biggest exodus of political exiles since the country's bloody civil war. That puts El Salvador in the company of other authoritarian Latin American nations, including Nicaragua and Venezuela, where dissent has been criminalized and critics choose between prison and exile. On Thursday, one of El Salvador's most prominent human rights groups joined the flight. Cristosal, founded in 2000 by leaders of the Episcopal Church, announced that it had suspended its operations in the country, and that nearly two dozen of its staffers had left. Cristosal has been a thorn in the side of Bukele, a charismatic populist who has embraced strongman tactics — and who has been emboldened by his close alliance with President Trump. The group slammed Bukele's unconstitutional run for a second presidential term last year. It has criticized El Salvador's ongoing suspension of civil liberties as part of Bukele's sweeping crackdown on gangs, and provided legal representation to hundreds of people it says were wrongly imprisoned in the country's notorious jails. Cristosal's leaders have for years faced surveillance, police harassment and attacks by Bukele on social media. But this year, authorities passed a new law that would impose a 30% tax on donations to nongovernmental organizations like Cristosal. And in May, police arrested Ruth Eleonora López, the leader of the group's anti-corruption program, alleging she stole public funds during a stint working for the government years earlier. International rights organizations, including Amnesty International, say the charges are spurious and politically motivated and that López is being denied the right to a fair trial. Her detention and the recent jailing of other outspoken Bukele critics, including constitutional lawyer Enrique Anaya, environmental activist Alejandro Henríquez and pastor José Ángel Pérez, prompted Cristosal to shutter its offices and remove its employees from the country, said the group's director, Noah Bullock. 'There is no impartial institution where we can plead our case if and when the government decides to continue to persecute us and our staff,' Bullock said. 'We can't help anybody if we're all in prison.' Bukele's Nuevas Ideas party controls Congress and has purged the judiciary, replacing independent judges with loyalists. Amid that concentration of power, independent journalism and civic groups 'were the only pillar of democracy that remained,' Bullock said. He said the recent arrests send a clear message: 'Democracy is over.' 'El Salvador is on a dark path,' said Ivania Cruz, an attorney who heads another nonprofit, the Unidad de Defensa de los Derechos Humanos y Comunitarios. She has been living in Spain with her son since February, when her group's office was raided and one of her colleagues was arrested. Cruz, too, had represented inmates swept up in Bukele's mass imprisonment campaign, under which more than 85,000 people, or nearly 2% of El Salvador's population, were locked up. 'Bukele has criminalized us for defending the rights of the people,' she said. Indefinite exile in a new country has not been easy, she said. 'I came with only a small suitcase,' she said. 'It's hard knowing you can't go home and you have no choice but to start a new life.' Bukele has also waged a campaign against journalists. An analysis by the University of Toronto's Citizen Lab and digital rights group Access Now found that more than two dozen journalists were surveilled for more than a year with the spyware Pegasus, whose Israeli developer sells exclusively to governments. At least 40 journalists have fled the country, according to the organization that represents them in El Salvador. They include the reporters who documented the Bukele government's negotiations with gangs, corruption in the awarding of public contracts during the COVID-19 pandemic and the fact that Bukele and his family purchased 34 properties valued at more than $9 million during his first presidential term. El Faro, the investigative news site that first exposed the gang negotiations, pulled its reporters out of the country after government sources warned that they were about to be arrested. 'We know what's coming: exile or prison,' editor-in-chief Oscar Martínez said in an interview published by the Committee to Protect Journalists earlier this year. 'As long as we have time, we'll keep reporting.'
Express Tribune
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
‘The Night Manager' returns with steamy Colombia-set sequel and fresh Latin cast
After vanishing for nearly a decade, The Night Manager is back, and it's hotter, darker, and deadlier than ever. Season 2 of the acclaimed spy saga has ditched cold European glamour for the tropical intensity of Colombia, with six brand-new episodes soaked in local colour, corruption, and blood-soaked intrigue. The BBC and Prime Video series has shifted gears both visually and narratively, plunging Jonathan Pine, played again by Tom Hiddleston, into a gritty new operation against the backdrop of Colombia's fraught post-conflict reality. Production insiders say the country isn't just a setting, it's the pulse of the new story. From drug money to military scars, the region's raw political past heavily informs the plot, adding a brutal edge to the sleek espionage world viewers once knew. Behind the camera, director Georgi Banks-Davies and creator David Farr pushed for authenticity. The team embedded themselves in Colombia, filming in sweltering heat across Medellín, Cartagena, and the lush valleys around Girardot. Local festivals, cultural landmarks, and street-level chaos all made the cut. The cast and crew braved 50°C heat and 100% humidity, sweating through long days to capture the tension onscreen. Aside from returning leads Tom Hiddleston and Olivia Colman, Season 2 also introduces new blood. Diego Calva and Camila Morrone join the espionage mayhem, bringing a Latin American presence that feels not just timely but necessary. And though Hugh Laurie's villainous Roper is still missing from the trailer, rumours swirl about a surprise return. The Night Manager returns to BBC One in the UK and drops globally on Prime Video in 2026. With Colombia's grit front and centre, this sequel is going to be a reawakening.
IOL News
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Lenore Goss-Matjie: a passionate advocate who wears authenticity like a designer dress
Lenore Goss-Matjie is a Durban entrepreneur passionate about the arts and fibromyalgia awareness. Image: Supplied Lenore Goss-Matjie, a dynamic entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Lenore Inc., is not just a name in the business world; she is a beacon of inspiration for many. At 46, she has seamlessly blended her roles as a mother of three, a wife, and a passionate advocate for those living with chronic pain, particularly fibromyalgia. Her journey is a testament to resilience and the power of creative expression, which she has showcased through her appearance on "The Mommy Club: Sugar & Spice", a reality show that offers a glimpse into the lives of affluent mothers in Durban's Indian community. Goss-Matjie's foray into the arts began in her childhood, ignited by her mother's decision to enrol her in ballet. 'I was a bit too rough around the edges,' she recalls. This early introduction to dance paved the way for her to explore ballroom and Latin American dance, as well as theatre, where her love for fashion blossomed. 'The arts provided me with a platform to express myself, not just through movement, but also through fashion and personal style,' she explains. This foundation instilled in her the values of discipline, commitment and resilience. At the age of 18, Goss-Matjie co-founded a dance school with her husband, who was her dance partner at the time. Their venture grew to become one of the largest dance schools in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), all while she pursued a Bachelor of Primary Education degree. 'Coming from an academic household but being creative at heart, I've always believed in integrating traditional academics with the arts,' she shares. This belief has guided her throughout her career, allowing her to help others discover the transformative power of creative expression. Among her proudest achievements is her advocacy for fibromyalgia awareness. Living with this often misunderstood condition herself, Goss-Matjie has made it her mission to educate and empower others. 'I've used my television appearances to bring visibility to fibromyalgia, sharing not just medical facts but also my lived experience,' she says. Her efforts extend beyond the screen; she has initiated and supported awareness programmes that promote engagement around chronic pain, mental health and wellness. 'It's about ensuring that people living with fibromyalgia have access to the right knowledge, compassion and care,' she emphasises. Goss-Matjie's outreach programmes are another source of pride. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Lenore Goss-Matjie with her husband and three kids. Image: Supplied Self-funded and deeply personal, these initiatives allow her to connect with individuals, hear their stories, and foster a sense of community. 'It's not just about giving back; it's about growing together,' she explains. The impact of her work, no matter how small, holds immense significance for her. Taking creative risks has also been a hallmark of Goss-Matjie's journey. At 45, she ventured into reality television and launched her self-funded fashion accessories range. 'Stepping into such public and vulnerable spaces wasn't easy, but when you're driven by purpose and passion, success becomes a natural outcome,' she reflects. Her fashion range has since gained international recognition, and through reality TV, she has been able to raise awareness around invisible chronic illnesses and advocate for authenticity. What fuels her each day is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. 'My husband and children are my greatest blessings and supporters,' she shares. The diversity of her work keeps her motivated, as she thrives on the challenges it presents. 'It's incredibly motivating to know that what I do contributes to something bigger than myself,' she adds. Despite her accomplishments, Goss-Matjie remains grounded. 'People often think I have everything figured out, but I'm still learning every day,' she admits. She holds herself to high standards but acknowledges that mistakes and moments of doubt are part of the journey. 'I think people sometimes mistake confidence for perfection, but I'm human, and I grow the most through challenges,' she explains. Living in Durban has been a blessing for Goss-Matjie and her family. 'It's an amazing place to raise children, offering a laid-back coastal lifestyle and an incredible blend of cultures,' she says. The city's vibrant atmosphere, stunning scenery, and delicious food, particularly the iconic bunny chow, make it feel like home. Two fashion icons: South African designer, David Tlale, spotted with fashion designer and entrepreneur, Lenore Goss-Matjie. Image: Supplied 'Durban is waiting to welcome you to our vibrant, majestic city,' she encourages potential visitors, highlighting the warmth of the local community and the rich cultural diversity. When it comes to travel, Goss-Matjie's favourite destinations reflect her love for culture and beauty. Paris, Egypt, and Italy top her list for their unique offerings. 'Paris inspires me with its art and fashion; Egypt captivates me with its rich history; and Italy is my go-to for peace and nature,' she shares. Locally, she enjoys the Drakensberg for its breathtaking mountains and tranquillity, as well as Cape Town for its stunning ocean and mountain views. Goss-Matjie's admiration for local talent is evident in her appreciation for David Tlale, a renowned South African designer. 'His work reflects our identity and creativity, blending traditional elements with modern design,' she says. 'David Tlale is an absolute icon, and his success inspires me to embrace and celebrate local talent.' Looking ahead, Goss-Matjie is excited about the projects she will be working on in 2025. She plans to explore further business opportunities and collaborations, launch her fashion range across South Africa and the African continent, and expand her outreach programmes. 'I'm honoured to be speaking on various national and global platforms this year, including the G20,' she reveals. 'It's a privilege to contribute to meaningful conversations and inspire change.' For those aspiring to enter the arts and entertainment industry, Goss-Matjie offers heartfelt encouragement: 'Don't let fear or doubt hold you back. This path isn't always easy, but if your passion for creating and connecting with others is real, let that be your fuel.' She emphasises the importance of staying true to oneself and surrounding oneself with supportive people. 'Success doesn't happen overnight, but consistency, perseverance, and authenticity always stand out. The world needs your story, so don't be afraid to tell it!' Goss-Matjie's journey is a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have through passion, advocacy, and authenticity. Her story continues to inspire many, proving that with determination and a commitment to one's purpose, anything is possible.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Fentanyl terror: There's a Khalistan-China connection
While it's a known fact that Khalistan is a geopolitical project of Pakistan which has been arming and harbouring Khalistani terrorists for decades in India and other countries such as Canada, Australia, the UK and the US, a China link is also emerging in this plot to break India. That link is Fentanyl, an opioid drug which has become a major cause of death in the US. Right after his swearing-in in February, US President Donald Trump had declared eight Latin American drug cartels as terrorist organisations, which included the Sinaloa cartel . The terror designation enables possible US military action in the region against these cartels. Trump also imposed tariffs on China and Canada for smuggling of fentanyl into the US. In recent years, the nexus between Khalistanis and Latin-American drug cartels, especially in Canada and the US, has strengthened, but now China is also getting into the picture. A recent arrest by the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) in Arizona has revealed a Chinese-Khalistani connection. The China link of Opinder Singh Sian aka Thanos The DEA has busted an ISI-China-Canada drug cartel and arrested a notorious Indo-Canadian gangster, Opinder Singh Sian aka Thanos, running a global fentanyl and methamphetamine trafficking ring from British Columbia in Canada, TOI has reported. According to court documents reviewed by TOI, Sian was arrested in Arizona on June 27 after his role in smuggling methamphetamine to Australia and chemicals for fentanyl into the US via Canada was established. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Most Beautiful Female Athletes Right Now Undo The investigation, which kicked off in 2022, and a recently unsealed affidavit in a US court, have revealed that Sian had operational ties with chemical suppliers linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) besides the Sinaloa cartel in Mexico. The DEA had mounted an undercover operation to trap Sian after his dubious ties came to fore in 2021-2022 in the aftermath of a preliminary inquiry conducted regarding a tip from a Turkish intelligence agency. Singh was at the time a known senior member of the notorious ISI-backed 'Brothers Keepers' gang which mostly has foot soldiers from Punjab in India, many of whom are Canadian citizens. The gang, which has lent its support to the cause of Khalistan on many occasions, was also seen active in commemoration rallies in support of Air India bombing mastermind Talwinder Singh Parmar of Babbar Khalsa International and others, sources told TOI. According to Canadian police, the group deals in bulk trafficking of cocaine, MDMA, heroin, fentanyl and methamphetamine besides arms trafficking, murder, extortion and armed robbery. Sian had arranged for a meeting between a confidential US undercover source, known as "Queen", and a Chinese cartel man named Peter Peng Zhou in Vancouver in 2023. Zhou, ran a trucking company with an Indo-Canadian associate, revealed that he could "receive fentanyl precursor chemicals from China into Vancouver and "send 100 kilos of chemicals per month to Los Angeles" using his trucking company. Sian and Queen, the DEA said, held multiple meetings and were in contact through chat application Threema to coordinate multiple deliveries. Specifically, Sian made four drops of methamphetamine (over 500 pounds) in southern California before the DEA moved for his arrest. Live Events Agencies Opinder Singh Sian aka Thanos The emerging China-Khalistan links While there is no substantial known cooperation between China and Khalistani terrorists, many reports have revealed that China has been trying to promote Khalistan separatism in recent years. During the India-China military standoff in Ladakh in 2020, the Sikhs For Justice, a US-based separatist Sikh body designated as a terror group by India, approached Beijing to support its secessionist campaign. SFJ's Gurpatwant Singh Pannun shot off a letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping , justifying China's position against India and extending support of pro-Khalistani Sikhs. "We consider China's counter military action against India as legitimate and justified to protect its territorial integrity under international laws," Pannun wrote to Xi. He also urged the Chinese president to take up before the UN Security Council the issue of Sikh right to "self determination and secession" of Punjab from India through referendum. In the letter, Pannun also said that a delegation of SFJ's referendum campaigners would visit Beijing. A few months before, in 2019, an intelligence report prepared by security agencies, said that Pannun had also written a letter to Yao Jing, then ambassador of China to Pakistan, informing him about alleged role of an Indian intelligence agency in attack on Chinese consulate in Karachi, Pakistan, in 2018, TOI had reported. Last year, Pannu said in a video, addressing Chinese President Xi, that 'now is the time to order the Chinese army to take Arunachal Pradesh back' while claiming that 'Arunachal Pradesh is the territory of China'. Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, had revealed last year that a network in China targeted the Sikh community worldwide with fictitious posts and manipulated images about the 'Khalistan independence movement'. 'These groups appeared to have created a fictitious activist movement called 'Operation K', which called for pro-Sikh protests," Meta said in its report. India had snubbed China last year for its comments on the alleged plot to assassinate Pannun for which the US agencies had arrested one Nikhil Gupta who claimed he was paid by an Indian official to kill Pannun. Responding to China's call for observance of 'international law' in the Pannun case, the Ministry Of External Affairs said, 'India and the US, as two countries adhering to the rule of law, are capable of dealing with any issues between them. There is no role for speculative comments and gratuitous advice by unrelated third parties.' (With TOI inputs)
