Jaishankar Tears Into Pak
India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has once again strongly criticized Pakistan for its support of terrorism. Speaking at the United Nations, Jaishankar called on the international community to unite against terrorism, emphasizing that terrorists should not be given impunity or used as proxies. He stated that there should be "no yielding to nuclear blackmail". Jaishankar highlighted India's firm stance of zero tolerance towards terrorism, particularly referencing India's response to the recent deadly Pahalgam terror attack. He described the Pahalgam attack as "an act of economic warfare, meant to destroy tourism in Kashmir and provoke religious violence". Jaishankar revealed that Indian forces have targeted "terrorist organizations that have corporate headquarters in populated towns of Pakistan". He also reminded listeners that "within a few months of Independence, terrorists were sent to Kashmir," underscoring the historical roots of Pakistan's cross-border militancy. Jaishankar has emphasized India's desire for a stable relationship with China based on fairness and mutual respect. He acknowledged the trade imbalance between the two countries and stressed the need for it to be addressed.
Musk Threatens New Party
Elon Musk has threatened to launch a third political party, tentatively named the "America Party," if President Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" passes. Musk has been critical of the bill, calling it fiscally irresponsible due to its large debt ceiling increase. He argues that the United States needs an alternative to the current Democrat-Republican system. Musk has pledged to fund primary challengers against Republicans who support the bill. He has accused them of hypocrisy, particularly members of the House Freedom Caucus. Musk's opposition to the bill stems from his concern that it will add trillions to the national debt and cripple the renewable energy industry. If Musk establishes a new party, he would be ineligible to run for president himself.
India-US Trade Deal
India and the United States are reportedly close to finalizing an interim trade deal. The White House has reaffirmed India's importance as a key strategic ally in the Indo-Pacific region. The interim deal is viewed as a preliminary step towards a comprehensive trade partnership between the two countries. Negotiations have been ongoing, with Indian officials extending their stay in Washington to continue discussions. Key sticking points include market access for agriculture, genetically modified (GM) crops, and dairy products. India is holding firm on protecting the interests of its farmers and has stated that there are "red lines that will not be crossed". The US is seeking greater market access for its agricultural products, including GM crops and cattle feed. Both countries aim to finalize the initial phase of the agreement before July 9, when reciprocal tariffs are set to take effect. The deal could potentially double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.
Mamdani Racist Attack
Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, has seen stunning success in the race for New York City mayor. His rise has exposed divisions within the Democratic Party. Mamdani's political rhetoric and policies have faced scrutiny. He has been critical of Israel's actions in the Gaza conflict, using the term "genocide". Some critics have accused him of antisemitism, which he denies. His campaign has become part of the national debate, with some viewing it as a sign of the Democratic Party moving too far to the left. Former Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers has expressed alarm about the future of the Democratic Party due to Mamdani's success. President Donald Trump has attacked Mamdani, calling him a "100% Communist Lunatic". Mamdani's background and identity have also been targeted, with some highlighting his Black and Indian heritage, as well as his Muslim faith. His parents, Mahmood Mamdani and Mira Nair, have also faced attacks due to their views on Israel and their political activism. Mahmood Mamdani is a major figure in post-colonial studies. His work has focused on the legacy of colonialism in Africa and the impact of racial and tribal discrimination.