Latest news with #UNSC
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
As UNSC president, Pakistan steps up quiet push on Kashmir
As it nears the end of its month-long presidency of the UN Security Council, Pakistan is preparing a diplomatic push aimed at internationalising the Kashmir issue , though not by name. Islamabad is planning to hold an open debate on July 22 on the peaceful settlement of global disputes, followed by a draft resolution that calls on countries to use existing UN mechanisms for conflict resolution, as per TOI. Pakistani deputy prime minister and foreign minister Ishaq Dar will chair the session, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expected to brief the Council. The resolution will urge member states to invoke Chapter VI of the UN Charter, particularly Article 33, which encourages mediation, arbitration and other peaceful methods of resolving disputes. But the resolution is likely to avoid any direct reference to Jammu & Kashmir. 'The generic resolution which will most likely be conceptual in nature will focus on general principles not specific issues to avoid any objections,' said Syed Akbaruddin, former Indian ambassador to the UN. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Moose Approaches Girl At Bus Stop In Rajshahi - Watch What Happens Happy in Shape Undo That's partly because any mention of Kashmir risks a veto. Resolutions at the UNSC require at least nine affirmative votes and no veto from any of the five permanent members. Apart from China, the other P5 countries continue to view Kashmir as a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan, something India has consistently reinforced, citing the Simla and Lahore Declarations. Islamabad's move comes after it called closed-door consultations on May 5 following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Now, it's turning to more public forums, hoping to keep the issue alive diplomatically without triggering procedural blocks. Live Events Pakistan is also using its final stretch at the helm of the UNSC to host another signature event aimed at strengthening ties between the UN and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The meeting, listed under the UN's agenda on cooperation with regional and subregional organisations, will bring together OIC members, including Algeria, Somalia, Sierra Leone, and Guyana—four current non-permanent members of the UNSC. That event, too, is expected to feature messaging supportive of Pakistan's Kashmir position. But tensions between the Council and the OIC, especially over issues like Israel's actions in Gaza or US strikes on Iran, could complicate any united messaging. India has repeatedly accused the OIC of being used by Pakistan to push its narrative while turning a blind eye to Islamabad's support for cross-border terrorism. Any mention of Kashmir during the OIC session is likely to be met with a sharp response from New Delhi. With inputs from TOI
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First Post
13 hours ago
- Politics
- First Post
Pakistan's dirty trick at UNSC, attempts back-door push for Kashmir issue as panel chair
As its month-long presidency of the UN Security Council comes to an end, Pakistan is set to hold an open debate on global disputes, with hopes of drawing attention to the Kashmir issue, though without naming it directly. read more As Pakistan's month-long presidency of the UN Security Council (UNSC) nears its end, Islamabad is preparing to hold an open debate on unresolved global disputes, indirectly aiming to highlight the Kashmir issue, according to a report from The Times of India. Pakistan plans to follow this with a resolution urging member states to use peaceful means to settle conflicts. Although Pakistan's main goal is to draw attention to Kashmir, it is unlikely to mention Jammu and Kashmir directly in the resolution, fearing a possible veto. For a UNSC resolution to pass, it requires at least nine votes and no veto from any of the five permanent members. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, will travel to New York to chair the debate on 22 July. UN Secretary-General António Guterres is also expected to brief the meeting. According to the Security Council Report, Pakistan hopes to pass a resolution encouraging the full use of all mechanisms under Chapter VI of the UN Charter. Article 33 of this chapter urges parties in a dispute that threatens international peace to seek solutions through mediation, arbitration, or other peaceful means of their choosing. 'This will likely be a broad, conceptual resolution focused on general principles rather than specific issues, to avoid objections,' says Syed Akbaruddin, former Indian Ambassador to the UN. Pakistan also knows that, apart from China, the other permanent UNSC members continue to view Kashmir as a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan. While member states recognise the UNSC's role in maintaining peace and security, many stress that any efforts must respect a country's sovereignty and cannot impose settlement terms without the consent of all involved parties. This open debate follows earlier closed-door discussions Pakistan initiated on 5 May to address India-Pakistan tensions after the Pahalgam terrorist attack. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Pakistan is also planning another significant event during its presidency to promote cooperation between the UN and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), a 57-member group that has often supported Pakistan's stance on Kashmir.
Time of India
19 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
As UNSC president, Pakistan looks to up ante on Kashmir issue
File photo: Pakistani deputy PM and foreign minister Ishaq Dar (Picture credit: AP, ANI) NEW DELHI: As the month-long Pakistan presidency of the UNSC nears its business end, Islamabad is gearing up to organise an open debate on unresolved disputes around the world, looking to follow it up with a resolution urging member-states to use mechanisms available to them for pacific settlement of disputes. While the motive behind convening this signature event under the UN's maintenance of international peace and security agenda is to highlight the Kashmir issue, it's unlikely Pakistan will name J&K for fear of getting the resolution vetoed. UNSC resolutions need nine votes to pass, including concurrence of all five permanent members. Pakistani deputy PM & foreign minister Ishaq Dar will travel to New York to chair the event on July 22, which will likely be briefed by secretary general Antonio Guterres too. According to the Security Council Report, Pakistan aims to adopt the resolution urging full use of all Chapter VI mechanisms. Article 33 of the Chapter states that the parties to any dispute, the continuance of which is likely to endanger the maintenance of international peace and security, shall seek a solution by, among other things, mediation and arbitration. However, the same Article also says the parties can seek a solution through "other peaceful means of their own choice". by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Monster Hunter Wilds – Exclusive Discounts! Shop Now Undo "Generic resolution which will most likely be conceptual in nature will focus on general principles not specific issues to avoid any objections," says Syed Akbaruddin, former Indian ambassador to the UN. Pakistan also knows that, except China, all other permanent members continue to maintain that Kashmir is a bilateral issue. While underlining the Council's role in maintaining peace and security, many member-states stress any such attempt can't undermine a State's sovereignty or invoke settlement agreements without the consent of both parties. The open debate follows closed consultations called by Pakistan on May 5 to discuss India-Pakistan tensions after Pahalgam terrorist attack. Pakistan will also convene another signature event under its presidency, hoping to strengthen cooperation between the UN and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), a 57-member body that has repeatedly expressed support for Islamabad's Kashmir agenda.
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First Post
a day ago
- Business
- First Post
How UNSC blew its credibility in the fight against terrorism
The UN Security Council's decision to appoint Pakistan, the very nation that nurtured, protected, and empowered the Taliban, as chair of the Taliban Sanctions Committee is not merely ill-advised, but it is an act of self-sabotage read more Adding to this deeply troubling picture is the latest report from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global watchdog for anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing. Despite Pakistan's efforts to avoid being blacklisted in recent years, FATF's findings continue to expose the country's complicity in terror financing. The recent report on the terror financing risks clearly outlines that banned terrorist organisations such as Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) are still raising funds inside Pakistan through a network of front organisations and non-profit entities (NPOs). These so-called charitable trusts and NGOs serve as fundraising arms, operating under names like Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (associated with LeT) and Al-Rehmat Trust (linked to JeM), similar to the Aal Rashid Trust and the Al Furqan Trust. These entities solicit donations under the guise of humanitarian relief, only to funnel the money into terror training camps, arms purchases, and operational logistics. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Even more alarming is the FATF's emphasis on the global connectivity of these groups. Jaish and Lashkar are not isolated regional actors. They have documented ties to Al-Qaeda, sharing training infrastructure, ideological resources, and intelligence networks. This collaboration has implications far beyond South Asia. It means that funds raised in Pakistan are potentially being used to finance global jihadist operations, from East Africa to West Asia to Western Europe, as per the latest FATF report on terror financing. FATF's conclusion has always remained unequivocal that Pakistan has failed to dismantle the core infrastructure of these groups. While some superficial arrests and organisational bans have been carried out under international pressure, the ecosystem enabling terrorism from ideological indoctrination to financial support remains intact and thriving under the protection of the Pakistani state. The appointment of Pakistan as the chair of the UNSC's Taliban Sanctions Committee has thus set a deeply dangerous precedent. It undermines the very principles on which the committee was founded. Instead of holding terror sponsors accountable, the UNSC has now entrusted one with regulatory powers. This is not just an oversight, but in fact it is a systemic failure of the international security architecture. By granting Pakistan this position, the UNSC sends a troubling message to victims of terrorism around the world that political expediency trumps justice and that the global fight against terrorism is negotiable. It also emboldens other state sponsors of terror, who may now seek similar legitimisation under the cloak of multilateralism. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Moreover, this move disincentivises genuine global cooperation on counterterrorism. Countries that have borne the brunt of terror attacks will rightfully question the credibility of a system that rewards terror enablers instead of punishing them. It risks turning the UN from a global custodian of peace into a bureaucratic farce unable to live up to its own charter. The UNSC's decision to appoint Pakistan, the very nation that nurtured, protected, and empowered the Taliban, as chair of the Taliban Sanctions Committee is not merely ill-advised, but it is an act of self-sabotage. It has severely diminished the credibility of one of the most critical counterterrorism mechanisms in the international system. Rather than deterring terrorism, this appointment legitimises it; rather than isolating sponsors of extremism, it empowers them; and rather than safeguarding global security, it has in turn endangered it. In doing so, the UNSC has inadvertently become a global joke, its seriousness questioned, its impartiality compromised, and its effectiveness dismantled. With the appointment of Pakistan as a chair, the message from the UNSC to terrorists is clear: if your sponsor plays their cards right, not only will they evade sanctions, but they'll be put in charge of enforcing them. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Raja Muneeb is an independent journalist and columnist. He tweets @rajamuneeb. The views expressed in this article are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of Firstpost.
Mint
2 days ago
- Science
- Mint
Buying spacetech stocks? Don't get carried away by space wars
A couple of decades back, the term Space Wars could only mean a sequel to a sci-fi movie series. But today, new age global military conflicts could be dubbed as Space Wars. In April 2024, the US and Japan introduced a resolution to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) seeking to prohibit the deployment of nuclear weapons in outer space. This resolution underscored the obligations of the 115 states that are parties to the Outer Space Treaty, including the permanent members of the Security Council, to avoid placing any objects carrying nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction in Earth's orbit. The US has maintained a significant technological edge in space, relying on satellite infrastructure for vital military operations, such as communication, navigation, and intelligence. The establishment of the US Space Force in December 2019 marked a major milestone. It played a vital role in monitoring approximately 15 missile launches daily from various global hotspots, managing satellite deployments, and tracking space debris. The Space Force also oversees two newly launched robotic space planes In 2021, Russia conducted a controversial anti-satellite missile test, resulting in the destruction of a Soviet-era satellite, and generating a significant amount of hazardous space debris. The Ukraine-Russia conflict, which began in February 2022, further underscored reliance on space assets for military operations. Shortly before Russia attacked Ukraine, malware spread through part of the KA-SAT network, resulting in disruptions to the satellite internet modems of 50,000 European users, including Ukrainian military units. Over the past decade, China has rapidly expanded its satellite networks and launch capabilities, making it a significant player in space. In 2022, China achieved a new record for space launches, becoming the world's second most active space launch provider after the US. Both the US and Chinese missions are shrouded in secrecy when it comes to spacetech. Yet both involve spacecraft that have the capability to conduct prolonged missions, transport and retrieve payloads, and return to Earth for refuelling, potentially making them potent weapons. India's burgeoning spacetech sector is often hailed as the next frontier for economic growth, with ambitious projections for its market size in the coming decade. While government reforms and a vibrant startup ecosystem are propelling this vision, the journey is not without its significant challenges. Understanding the key risks for private players, the government's investment in R&D, and persistent policy bottlenecks is crucial for charting a sustainable course. First, space ventures are inherently capital-intensive and have long gestation periods. Despite growing interest, attracting sufficient seed-stage and long-term venture capital remains a significant hurdle. IN-SPACe is a single-window, independent, nodal agency that operates as an autonomous body in the Department of Space (DOS). It aims to facilitate technology access to private companies that still heavily rely on ISRO's testing facilities, launch pads, and ground stations. This dependency, at times, leads to bottlenecks, and increases operational costs due to limited availability or high charges. Despite indigenous advancements, India's spacetech sector still depends on imports for certain high-technology components and advanced electronic systems. This reliance impacts costs, supply chain security, and the pace of innovation. Second, the specialised nature of space technology demands a highly skilled workforce in areas like aerospace engineering, astrophysics, and satellite technology. While India has a large talent pool, finding and retaining professionals with niche expertise can be challenging. Indian private players also face stiff competition not only from a growing number of domestic startups but also from established global giants and well-funded international new-space companies. Maintaining competitiveness in terms of cost, quality, and innovation is a continuous challenge. As space assets become increasingly critical for national security and economic activities, they become prime targets for cyberattacks. Ensuring the robust security of satellite data and communication links is a growing and complex concern. The Indian government, primarily through the Department of Space (DoS) and ISRO, has been the traditional backbone of space R&D. A significant portion of this budget supports ISRO's ambitious missions, including deep space exploration and human spaceflight programs like Gaganyaan, as well as the development of advanced launch vehicles and satellite technologies. While India has made commendable strides in opening up its space sector, addressing these risks and policy bottlenecks through a comprehensive legal framework, streamlined regulations, and sustained investment in both R&D and infrastructure will be critical. This will not only empower India's private spacetech companies to innovate and compete globally but also solidify India's position as a formidable player in the evolving global space economy. India' mapping primarily has only two listed companies in the core business of geospatial, CE Info Systems (commonly known by the name of its app MapmyIndia) and Genesys International. CE Info Systems offers location-based IoT technologies and AI-based solutions. These can be integrated with satellite data to provide enhanced services for fleet management, logistics optimisation, smart city initiatives, and more. CE Info Systems is a crucial downstream player in the Indian space ecosystem. It takes the data and capabilities provided by ISRO's infrastructure (like satellite imagery and NavIC signals) and transforms them into practical, marketable applications. The company's expertise in geospatial technology makes it a key enabler for the widespread adoption and commercialisation of India's growing space capabilities. A risk factor that has recently impacted investor sentiment is the decision to hive off the B2C (consumer-facing) business (Mappls) into a separate entity, managed by the founder's son. This move raised governance concerns among investors and proxy advisory firms, with questions about potential conflicts of interest and whether the terms of separation are fair to minority shareholders. The concern is that the new B2C entity, even if funded by promoters' personal funds, might benefit from the parent company's resources and incubation without the public shareholders participating in its potential upside. Investors worry that this restructuring could reduce MapmyIndia's overall growth potential, as the high-growth consumer segment is no longer fully consolidated. The new consumer-facing entity is expected to have significant cash burn in its initial stages, which, even if funded personally, can create an overhang or perception of risk related to the broader promoter group's financial strategy. The second company – Genesys International – specialises in photogrammetry, remote sensing, cartography, data conversion, and state-of-the-art terrestrial and 3D geo-content. While Genesys has a healthy order book, the project-based nature of its revenue leads to significant lumpiness in the business. Delays in project execution or billing can significantly hurt revenue as the company has a very concentrated client base. While both C.E Info Systems and Genesys have healthy operating margins, their net margins and return ratios need to find some stability. Investing in Indian spacetech companies holds immense long-term potential given government support and burgeoning private participation. Nevertheless, this requires a high degree of patience and diligent monitoring of evolving margins and return ratios. This is because the sector is still nascent, characterised by high R&D costs, long gestation periods, and significant upfront capital expenditure. Until these companies achieve sufficient scale, consistent commercialisation of their technologies, and demonstrate a clear path to sustainable revenue generation and efficient capital deployment, their valuations may remain volatile. Happy Investing. Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only. It is not a stock recommendation and should not be treated as such. This article is syndicated from
