ThePrint

China has long criticised the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, or NATO, for drawing Indo-Pacific countries—Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand—into its orbit. From Beijing’s perspective, this marks a troubling effort to export Western military influence to Asia and to contain China’s rise. Among Chinese observers, the prospect of Japan aligning more closely with NATO has sparked particular concern. A commentary published on Baidu Baijiahao pointed to NATO’s evolution from a regional defence bloc into what is now seen as an overstretched force projecting power far beyond the North Atlantic. Japan’s increasing proximity to NATO and its willingness to speak on China’s internal affairs are cast as foreign interference with potentially destabilising consequences. On the Chinese microblogging site, Weibo, a post framed Japan’s engagement with NATO as part of an inflated narrative of China's threat.----more----Read full article here: https://theprint.in/opinion/eye-on-china/japan-nato-not-indo-pacific-ties-china-us/2669010/

The recent NATO Summit marked a historic agreement for member nations to boost defense spending to 5% amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The podcast delves into NATO's origins and the complexities of its expansion, especially in relation to Russia's influence. It also discusses the impact of leadership on NATO's global role and examines perspectives on U.S.-Russia relations through the lens of historical agreements. Listeners will discover the intricate dynamics of national alliances and the evolving security landscape.

The discussion dives into the ongoing investigation of the Air India plane crash, emphasizing the critical analysis of data from the recovered black boxes. A multidisciplinary team, including international experts, is collaborating to uncover key insights. The focus is on enhancing aviation safety and understanding what went wrong in this tragic incident.

The discussion begins with hair loss treatments, revealing surprising advancements tailored for individual needs. It then shifts to the high-stakes geopolitics surrounding nuclear arms, particularly in Iran, highlighting its vulnerability without nuclear weapons. The conversation critiques the hypocrisy of nuclear armament, especially contrasting Iran's treaty compliance with Israel's secretive activities. The podcast makes a compelling case about how nuclear confidence influences military actions and international relations.

Dive into the intricacies of the Axiom-4 mission as the Dragon capsule prepares for its docking with the International Space Station. Learn about the significance of an Indian Air Force officer joining the crew. Discover the automated docking process and the unique challenges faced before launch, making this space mission a thrilling endeavor.

Fifty years after Indira Gandhi's nationwide Emergency, its consequences continue to shape Indian politics. The discussion reveals how this pivotal moment challenged Congress's dominance and sparked the rise of coalition governments and regional parties. It highlights the unintended legacies that may have reinforced democratic institutions. The relationship between media and public life, altered by censorship during this era, is also examined, contrasting India's evolution with political changes in the U.S. during the same period.

The discussion dives into the significant legacy of the Emergency in India, revealing how concentrated executive power has reshaped democratic checks and balances. It highlights inherent structural issues within the constitutional framework that allow such power to thrive. The podcast also explores the evolution of executive authority in relation to constitutional provisions, focusing on how this impacts civil liberties and creates tensions between state control and individual rights.

A recent Lancet report reveals that India ranks second after Nigeria in the number of zero-dose children, with 14.4 lakh kids missing vital immunizations this year. The discussion highlights the alarming gaps in the country's vaccination program and the urgent need for better delivery systems in under-served areas. Experts emphasize the serious risks these unvaccinated children face from life-threatening diseases and the potential global repercussions of immunization neglect.

Tensions are rising within the Karnataka Congress as legislators express frustrations over financial constraints and allegations of corruption. Members are voicing their concerns about Chief Minister Siddharamaya’s governance, leading to challenges in party unity. Analysts dive into the complexities of leadership effectiveness and the impact of factionalism, painting a vivid picture of the political landscape in Karnataka.