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Time of India
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Trump vs Putin: When a reality star meet a real dictator
Aditi Prasad is the Editor (Videos) at The Times of India and a certified geopolitics junkie. This blog is her escape hatch from studio chaos and the tyranny of breaking news. Flashback 2024 – Donald Trump repeatedly claimed that he alone could end the devastating Ukraine War, and that too in just 24 hours. Now six months later, Trump is facing an embarrassing reality, that Vladimir Putin is simply not willing to play ball. Trump's bluster has met its match in Putin's iron fist – and guess who's winning? TRUMP-PUTIN GEOPOLITICAL CIRCUS With Donald Trump around, geo-politics is no longer a matter of gravitas; it has become a circus where no one seems to know who the ringmaster is or for that matter, even who the clown is. The only predictable trait that Trump displays is unpredictability and a penchant to announce he is going to punish a nation… or its leader. And his latest target is Vladimir Putin who has been helming Russia for about 25 years. When campaigning in 2024, Trump would insist Putin is a 'great guy' and that he will bring an end to the wars around the world. Trump publicly even humiliated the Ukraine president Vladimir Zelenskyy at the White House and bullied him into re-starting peace talks with Putin's Russia. Back then, there were conspiracy theorists in Washington who pronounced that Trump is somehow beholden to Putin. Some wondered if he is genuinely obsessed with getting the Nobel Peace prize. But there are only a limited number of stunts that you can perform in a circus. Trump eventually realised that he and his team have spectacularly failed to stop the two conflicts that really matter: the war between Israel and Iran-backed Hamas and the big one between Russia and Ukraine that is on since February 2022. HOW PUTIN TURNED THE TABLES A few months ago, Trump blamed Zelenskyy for the prolonged war and virtually hailed Putin as a leader who seeks peace. Predictably, it took a few weeks for the tables to turn. Now, Putin is the arch villain and Trump has thunderingly vowed all sorts of punishments against Putin and Russia. The latest bouquet of threat from Washington is two fold: the United States will impose even more punitive sanctions against Russia. And it will also impose a further 100% tariff on Russian goods. Suddenly, the neocons in Washington who were in hibernation since November 2024 when Trump won the elections are back in action, guns blazing and regime change delusions unfolding. The primary target is Putin and Russia. But this avatar of Trump is also going after China, India and Brazil. Why? Because, Trump aides say that the three countries are strengthening Putin by maintaining trade and other ties with Russia. In their fantasy world, these neocons think such backyard bullying will bring Putin down to his knees. And then who knows? Putin could sue for peace and then Zelenskyy would nominate Trump for yet another Nobel Peace prize. The problem is: it is fantasy and Trump is engaging in childish games. For one, the United States has already imposed every possible sanction against Russia since February 2022 when it invaded Ukraine. Virtually all economic and financial assets of Russia and Russian entities have been frozen and or seized. The country has been locked out of the dollar designated global financial system. Trade is more or less frozen. According to the US chamber of commerce, trade between US and Russia amounted to a paltry $3.5 billion in 2024. What difference will it make to Putin if Trump imposes another 100% tariffs? Perhaps the Trump Team is aware of this. So why not go after China, India and Brazil to checkmate Putin? TRUMP'S MODI, XI LULA 'FANTASY' But again, it is a fantasy that will remain one. Take the case of India. Since February 2022, it has ignored sustained pressure from G-7 countries and 'increased' oil purchases at bargain prices from Russia. Does anyone think India will cave in now? For that matter, does anyone seriously think that Brazil will cave in? The very thought of Xi Jinping caving in is laughable. Together, the three countries have a GDP that almost equals that of the US. Not to mention Europe that is still very dependent on gas imports from Russia. Geo-politically speaking, the post Cold War era of a unipolar world is long gone. It is a multipolar world. Trump can bluff and bluster and perform for the gallery. He can threaten Putin with all manner of punishments. But the man in Kremlin will keep doing what he does. Rule Russia with an iron fist and engage with the rest of the world as he pleases. Meanwhile, the circus in Washington could move elsewhere. And don't be surprised in a few weeks time if Trump shifts focus and announces he is resuming efforts to take over Greenland. Or making Canada the 51st state of the US. Mere mortals like us can only watch and applaud the performance. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
Hans India
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Anupam Kher on Tanvi The Great: 'I wanted to tell an inspirational story'
Mumbai: A special premiere of Anupam Kher's "Tanvi The Great" was held in Delhi with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta in attendance. Kher used social media to drop a sneak peek of the special evening. The video dropped by him on IG featured Kher sharing his motive behind making the movie. He was heard saying, "I want to give you a little background about this film- why is this film so important in our time? I used to think about what kind of inspirational story I should tell that might change people a little. Ironically, in today's time, only an autistic girl can introduce us to goodness." "The curtains rose, and so did the hearts that had come to witness the magic of #TanviTheGreat. The capital gathered, moved, and stood in silent awe. With the honourable Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi, Shekhar Kapur, Ravi Shankar Prasad and Sanjay Jaju in the audience, this story of resilience was met with respect, love, and the kind of pride that can't be put into words. #TanviTheGreat arriving in cinemas this Friday," Kher captioned the post. All those present during the screening gave "Tanvi The Great" a standing ovation. Lauding the drama, the CM called the movie a must-watch for every child. Addressing the media, she shared, "I congratulate Anupam Kher for bringing this movie with a special theme for special children. Every moment of this movie was so heart-touching that I cannot describe it. The theme is so beautiful that today it is very important for every child of the country, and every child of the world, to watch this movie. On behalf of the Delhi government, we would like to show this movie to as many children as possible, which is an inspiration, which is heart-touching, which also has patriotism." Featuring Shubhangi Dutt, Jackie Shroff, Arvind Swami, Boman Irani, Pallavi Joshi, Karan Tacker, and Nasser in prominent roles, along with Kher, and Iain Glen, "Tanvi The Great" will be released on July 18.
The South African
10-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Date confirmed for 2025 Nedbank South African Charity Golf Day in London
The next edition of the Nedbank South African Charity Golf Day will take place on Friday, 5 September 2025 at Foxhills Club and Resort, Stonehill Road, Ottershaw, Surrey KT16 0EL. This annual event has a rich history dating back to 1994, the year South Africa held the first democratic elections. It began simply as a day for South African golf enthusiasts getting together for a mildly competitive round of golf followed by the normal Saffer banter over drinks and a meal. But then in 1997, Geoff Johnson who had initiated the day, invited two longstanding friends Francois Pienaar and the late Clive Rice, former South African rugby and cricket captains, to participate. It was actually Pienaar who suggested to Johnson that future days be held to raise funds for development rugby and cricket in the townships of South Africa. Rice agreed and so a charity was formed and registered in the UK in 1998 called South Africans In Need Trust or S.A.I.N.T. The day really took off in 2001 when President FW de Klerk, former Nobel Peace prize winner alongside President Nelson Mandela in 1993, agreed to attend. This attracted 428 golfers including Raymond Ackerman and a host of South African sporting stars plying their skills on the rugby and cricket fields of Britain. And so the annual Nedbank South African Charity Golf Day became the biggest golf day in Europe and some say, even the entire world! But the emphasis has always been, and still very much is, the need to raise as much as possible to support vulnerable children in South Africa through educations, health, housing, sporting facilities as well as the disabled. The golf day helps support three charities – Africa Humane Nyosi Project in the Eastern Cape (formerly Community Conservation Fund Africa foundered by Adrian Gardiner), the FW de Klerk Foundation who support four charities for the disabled, and Masicorp who look after the schools in Masiphumelele outside Cape Town. Over the years, the annual Nedbank South African Charity Golf Day has raised close to £4 million supporting these and many other charities. The event began at Mentmore Country Club near Leighton Buzzard, then moved to Moor Park, Stoke Park, Foxhills Club and Resort for 10 years, then Burhill Golf Club for another 10 years. Essendon Country Club in 2023 and then this year, we are back at Foxhills Club and Resort near to Woking in Surrey. Organsiers are expecting a full field of 130 golfers to participate with 180 attending the gala dinner the night before. Registration will open at 09:30 on the day, with a golfers briefing at 11:15 and a Shot Gun start at 12:00 promptly. Entry is £1 600 per fourball. To be part of the golf and / or gala dinner, contact Geoff Johnson or visit the official website. Email: geoffwjohnson@ +44 (0) 7850 752 433 WhatsApp: +44 (0) 7850 752 433
CNN
08-07-2025
- Politics
- CNN
Analysis: How could America arm Ukraine?
Analysis: How could America arm Ukraine? President Trump said on Monday that the US will send additional defensive weapons to Ukraine after previous shipments were paused last week. CNN's Nick Paton Walsh analyzes which weapons Ukraine most needs right now. 01:27 - Source: CNN Vertical World News 16 videos Analysis: How could America arm Ukraine? President Trump said on Monday that the US will send additional defensive weapons to Ukraine after previous shipments were paused last week. CNN's Nick Paton Walsh analyzes which weapons Ukraine most needs right now. 01:27 - Source: CNN Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki volcano erupts Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki erupted in Indonesia, sending a column of ash as high as 11 miles into the sky. 00:38 - Source: CNN Pet lion escapes and attacks woman and her children The owners of a pet lion that attacked three people after escaping from a farmhouse have been arrested. 00:34 - Source: CNN Dalai Lama hopes to live beyond 130 years Thousands gathered to celebrate the spiritual leader and Nobel Peace laureate's birthday in Dharamshala, which has served as the seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile and home of the Dalai Lama since he fled Tibet during a failed 1959 uprising against Chinese communist rule. 01:13 - Source: CNN Kyiv hit by record drone attack as US aid stalls An unprecedented drone attack on Kyiv came just moments after Trump and Putin spoke on the phone. Among the wreckage, remnants of a Chinese-made combat drone were found at the scene, according to Ukrainian officials. CNN's Nick Paton Walsh reports. 01:45 - Source: CNN Chinese aircraft carrier in Hong Kong for five-day visit China's first domestically-built aircraft carrier, the Shandong, and its three escort vessels are visiting Hong Kong from July 3 to 7, offering public tours for the first time to the city's residents. CNN's Ivan Watson breaks down how one of China's largest military ships fits into its growing navy. 01:28 - Source: CNN CNN tries tsunami simulator in Japan CNN's Hanako Montgomery tries a tsunami simulator in Tokyo amid unfounded panic surrounding a July 5 megaquake that spawns from a 2021 manga. 00:46 - Source: CNN Japanese manga 'predicts' July megaquake Japan gets earthquakes every day – but viral predictions of a July 5 megaquake, from psychics to feng shui masters, have spooked some travelers into canceling their trips. Could it be true? CNN's Hanako Montgomery reports. 01:01 - Source: CNN Officials report Israeli strike on Gaza cafe More than 40 people were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a cafe in Gaza, according to hospital officials. The cafe, located near the port in Gaza City, is popular with journalists and students. Israel's military tells CNN it struck several Hamas operatives in the northern Gaza Strip on Monday and that the incident is under review. 01:34 - Source: CNN France bids 'au revoir' to outdoor smoking France has become the first European country to ban smoking in all outdoor areas frequented by children. The ban came into effect on July 1st as President Emmanuel Macron bids to foster 'the first tobacco-free generation' by 2032. 01:09 - Source: CNN Smoke billows after Ukrainian drone strike in Russia Ukraine struck a Russian missile factory inside Russia - authorities said the attack killed three people and injured at least 35 more. 01:04 - Source: CNN Severe heatwave hits Europe Heatwaves have pushed temperatures above 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) in countries across Europe, including Spain, Greece, Portugal and Italy. Firefighters battled a wildfire near Athens late last week, and regions of Portugal were under high alert on Sunday. According to experts, the extreme weather is linked to climate change. 00:57 - Source: CNN See swarms of 'lovebugs' invade South Korea Video posted on social media shows thousands of 'lovebugs' blanketing hiking trails on the Gyeyangsan mountain. South Korea is wrestling with an outbreak of the insects, which have been driven into warmer urban areas like Seoul due to climate change, according to a 2022 study. 00:42 - Source: CNN Colombians celebrate Pride in defiance against LGBTQ violence Thousands of Colombians take to the streets of Bogota in celebration of Pride, as well as an act of defiance against violence in the country towards community members. 00:41 - Source: CNN Why Thailand U-turned its cannabis policy Three years since Thailand became the first country in Asia to decriminalize cannabis, the government this week imposed new rules designed to rein in the country's 'green rush.' 01:31 - Source: CNN
Hans India
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Dalai Lama's birthday shows Beijing that people care for Tibetans
The 90th birthday celebration of a Nobel Peace laureate becoming an international controversy is highly unlikely, but then the Dalai Lama is not just another spiritual leader. He is the embodiment of the cultural identity and aspirations of the Tibetan people, who have suffered heavily under successive oppressive regimes of the Chinese Communist Party. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X to convey his wishes, saying he joined 1.4 billion Indians in extending 'our warmest wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday.' The Prime Minister praised the Dalai Lama as 'an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience, and moral discipline', adding that his message has inspired respect and admiration across all faiths. Global leaders, including those from the United States, also extended greetings. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a formal message, reaffirmed America's unwavering support for the Tibetan cause. 'The United States remains firmly committed to promoting respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Tibetans,' he said. He underscored Washington's support for efforts to preserve Tibetans' distinct linguistic, cultural, and religious identity, emphasising the importance of allowing Tibetans to freely choose and venerate their religious leaders without external interference. The Dalai Lama, who has been living in exile in Dharamshala since 1959, following a failed uprising against Chinese rule in Tibet, has repeatedly said that his reincarnation will take place outside Chinese influence, in the 'free world.' Unsurprisingly, this stance has long irked Beijing, which insists it holds the final authority over the reincarnation process. China's Foreign Ministry reiterated its hardline position, declaring that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama must follow Chinese laws and traditions. Their spokesperson Mao Ning stated that Tibetan Buddhism is a religion 'with Chinese characteristics' and that the selection of the next Dalai Lama must include the centuries-old ritual of drawing lots from a Golden Urn—a process tightly controlled by the Chinese state. Mao went further to claim, 'Tibetan Buddhism was born in China,' a historically disputed assertion. India, however, has carefully navigated this sensitive issue. Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh made it clear that India considers the succession of the Dalai Lama to be strictly a religious matter. 'India's stand is very clear. We will not interfere in any religious activity. We will never interfere in such things,' he said. Earlier, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, who has publicly expressed his devotion to the Dalai Lama, remarked that the selection of the Dalai Lama's successor should be left to His Holiness alone. Beijing quickly objected to Rijiju's comments, warning India to exercise caution on Tibet-related issues to prevent harming the fragile China-India relationship. Mao Ning urged New Delhi to 'be clear about the anti-China separatist nature of the 14th Dalai Lama' and to honour its commitments concerning Tibet, which China refers to as Xizang. Rijiju, however, remained steadfast. Speaking at the Dalai Lama's birthday celebrations, he emphasised, 'This is a religious matter, not a political issue.' But, refusing to escalate tensions, he said that he didn't 'want to react to China's statements.' Delhi and Washington have done well to extend full support to the Dalai Lama and his cause without fretting about the CCP too much. This will send a message to Beijing that the world has not turned its back on the plight of Tibetans.
