Dua Lipa’s Instagram post triggers engagement speculations. Photo Courtesy: Dua Lipa Instagram page
After dating for a year, popular singer Dua Lipa and actor Callum Turner have reportedly got engaged.
Sources told The Sun that the couple is planning to celebrate their engagement with friends and family members on New Year’s eve.
According to media reports, they have been dating each other since the beginning of the year.
A source told The Sun: “Dua and Callum are so in love and know this is forever.
“They are engaged and couldn’t be happier,” the source added.
“Dua has had one of the best years of her career professionally and this is the cherry on the cake,” the source told the tabloid.
“Callum is such a solid support for Dua and they make a wonderful couple. Their family and friends are so happy. It’s been an amazing Christmas for them,” the source said.
Speculations over Dua Lipa’s engagement started when she posted an image on Instagram where she could be seen wearing red reindeer antlers with a large diamond ring on her left ring finger.
Seeing the picture, one Instagram user wrote in the comment section: “THE RINGGGGG? TRAINING SEASONS DEFINITELY OVER!!!”
Another wrote: “DUA DID U GET MARRIED.”
Dua gained international fame by singing hit numbers like “Be the One”, “IDGAF” and “New Rules”.
Who is Callum Turner?
Callum Turner is a British actor.
After beginning a career as a fashion model, he began working in film and television.
He had played lead roles in the drama film Queen and Country (2014) and the mystery miniseries Glue (2014), and played Theseus, the brother of Newt Scamander, in the fantasy films Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018) and Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022).
US issued over 1 million nonimmigrant visas to Indians for second straight year. Photo Courtesy: Unsplash
The US Mission in India on Friday said it issued more than one million nonimmigrant visas for the second year in a row, including a record number of visitor visas, underscoring the huge demand of Indians for travel to the United States.
In the past four years, visitor numbers from India have increased by five times, and more than two million Indians travelled to the United States in the first eleven months of 2024, a 26 percent increase over the same period in 2023, read a statement issued by the US Embassy in India.
“Over five million Indians already have a nonimmigrant visa to visit the United States and each day the Mission issues thousands more,” the statement said.
The embassy said the US Department of State completed a successful pilot program to renew H-1B visas in the United States this year.
This allowed many speciality occupation workers from India to renew their visas without leaving the United States.
“This pilot program streamlined the renewal process for thousands of applicants, and the Department of State is working to formally establish a US-based renewal program in 2025,” the statement said.
The US Mission to India issued tens of thousands of immigrant visas, facilitating legal family reunification and the migration of skilled professionals.
“These immigrant visa holders became permanent residents upon their arrival, adding to the already rich and sizable Indian diaspora community in the United States,” the statement said.
The US Mission to India also provided more than 24,000 passports and other consular services to American citizens living and travelling in India.
The embassy said a new version of the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) debuted in 2024, making it easier for the embassy and consulates to contact American citizens during emergencies and send them safety and security alerts.
“Increased processing of thousands of interview waiver-eligible nonimmigrant visa applications each week made it quicker and easier than ever for Indians to renew their nonimmigrant visas,” the statement said.
By streamlining operations and utilising global consular resources, the U.S. Mission has been able to redirect its own resources to focus on in-person interviews, reducing wait times for all applicants.
More Indian students than ever before now have US student visas.
In 2024, India became the top sender of international students for the first time since the 2008/2009 academic year with more than 331,000 students overall studying in the United States, the embassy said in the statement.
India also remained the largest sender of international graduate students in the United States for the second year; Indian graduate student numbers increased by 19 percent to reach almost 200,000 students, it said.
“Many exchange visitors will now be able to remain in the United States and not need to return home for two years after completing their programs in the United States, offering them more opportunities to further their careers and education,” the statement said.
“The removal of India from the Exchange Visitors Skills List has provided greater flexibility for these Indian J-1 nonimmigrant visa holders,” the statement said.
The Port of Singapore broke the record, set in 2023, of handling shipping containers. Last year, the port handled 39.01 million TEUs or twenty-foot equivalent units.
Port of Singapore. Photo courtesy: www.facebook.com/hongtat.chee
In the current year, PSA Singapore, the country’s largest transhipment hub, reported handling over 40 million TEUs.
Hailing the feat, Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat wrote on Facebook, “This means that for the full year of 2024, the Port of Singapore (i.e. PSA plus Jurong Port) will surpass our previous record in 2023 of 39.01 million TEUs.”
He also said Singapore is also on track to achieving new highs for total cargo throughput and bunker sales in 2024.
“These achievements are the result of our strong tripartite partnership and pro-business approach in Maritime Singapore, with all stakeholders working closely together to keep our port running and connecting Singapore’s economy to customers and suppliers from around the world,” the Minister said.
“My colleagues and I will press on with our efforts to continue growing our maritime industry in 2025 and beyond, to attract more investments, facilitate more business expansions and create more good jobs for our people,” he added.
Talking about PSA’s achievement, Ong Kim Pong, Group CEO, PSA International, said, “This record throughput for PSA’s flagship terminal in Singapore is a remarkable milestone and exemplifies our commitment to keep global trade flowing.”
PSA Singapore celebrating the milestone. Photo courtesy: www.singaporepsa.com
“Our success is founded on the trust and partnership we share with our management, staff, unions, customers and partners, for which I am profoundly grateful. Building on this positive momentum, we will strive to strengthen the synergies between our port operations and port-adjacent services, connecting our strategic nodes to create a more cohesive and integrated port ecosystem in line with PSA’s Node to Network strategy.
“We remain dedicated to integrating advanced technology with our operational expertise, while working to reinforce our role as a reliable global port operator and a trusted partner for cargo stakeholders,” the executive said.
Nelson Quek, Regional CEO Southeast Asia, PSA International, said, “In what has been an eventful year for the industry, this achievement cements PSA Singapore’s position as the world’s transhipment hub of choice.”
“I am deeply thankful to our customers and stakeholders for their trust and support in PSA Singapore as their go-to partner and provider of hub solutions to support the growth and resilience of their networks. I would also like to extend my deepest appreciation to our staff and unions, whose tenacity and teamwork made this accomplishment possible.
“As the global maritime landscape evolves, PSA will continue to work closely with public and private sector partners to deliver new capacity and capabilities that strengthen Singapore’s standing as a critical node in global trade, and as a leading international maritime hub of choice,” Quek added.
South Korean Parliament votes to impeach acting President Han Duck-soo Photo Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
Less than two weeks after the South Korean Parliament stripped President Yoon Suk Yeol of his power over his short-lived martial law, the country’s lawmakers on Friday voted to impeach prime minister and acting president Han Duck-soo, plunging the nation into a political crisis.
A motion to impeach Han passed unanimously in a 192-0 vote, marking the first time an acting president was impeached by parliament, reported South Korean Yonhap news agency.
According to CNN, Han said in a statement that he respected the decision and “will suspend my duties under relevant laws to avoid further confusion and uncertainty”.
According to reports, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok is now the acting President.
It was assumed that Han Duck-soo would guide South Korea out of the political crisis after President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached over his attempt to impose martial law, which lasted for a short time, on December 3, a step that drove the country towards chaos.
Opposition leaders criticised Han Duck-soo and argued that he was refusing demands to complete Yoon’s impeachment process.
At the time of voting on Friday, chaotic scenes prevailed in the Parliament.
Lawmakers of the ruling People Power Party reportedly protested after the National Assembly speaker Woo Won-shik announced that only 151 votes would be needed to pass the impeachment bill.
The ruling party members chanted ‘abuse of power’ and demanded the Speaker to step down.
Most of them boycotted the vote.
On December 3, Yoon surprised the country by declaring martial law, and cited the need to protect South Korea from “anti-state” forces as the reason behind his decision.
He later reversed the order after 190 MPs voted it down.
A few days from now, the Earth would have completed its yearly revolution, and to usher in the new year, Singapore’s largest content creator and national media network, Mediacorp, would host Let’s Celebrate 2025 on 31 December at the Singapore Sports Hub.
The countdown show will feature a 15-minute-long fireworks sequence. Representative image. Photo courtesy: Unsplash
According to the organisers, the celebration comprises fun-filled activities for all ages and a dynamic mix of live music performed by homegrown talents. At midnight, the evening will culminate in Singapore’s longest single countdown fireworks display this year that will illuminate the sky to usher in 2025! According to reports, the event will feature a 15-minute fireworks sequence.
Angeline Poh. Photo courtesy: www.mediacorp.sg
Speaking to Connected to India’s Sudipto Maity, Angeline Poh, Chief Customer and Corporate Development Officer, Mediacorp, said, “Let’s Celebrate 2025 is more than a countdown show — it’s a showcase of Singapore talent, a platform to bring different communities together and the start of Mediacorp’s celebrations for SG60.”
“Through our partnership with Singapore Sports Hub, this event takes on added significance, with our first-ever staging at this landmark venue. Whether you are joining us in person or tuning in from home, we invite everyone to be part of the celebrations as we usher in the new year together,” Angeline said.
Let’s Celebrate is Mediacorp’s flagship year-end countdown event which features a lineup of vibrant performances and on-ground activities, aimed at bringing different communities together to usher in the New Year.
Performers of the countdown show each year also include local artistes, reflecting Mediacorp’s commitment to nurturing talent and providing them with a platform to shine on a national stage.
CtoI also reached out to four of the several artistes who will feature in the upcoming edition.
“My best New Year Countdown memory in Singapore was at Chinese Gardens when I was a kid in the 1990s. We used to go and see fireworks near Jurong Lake Gardens as an extended family with my cousins, picnic till 12 midnight with gentle music in the background and playing board games whilst waiting for the countdown! A low-key but memorable countdown for us as children growing up in the grassroots of Singapore!” singer Kaushik Iyer told CtoI.
Kaushik Iyer. Photo courtesy: www.mediacorp.sg
A seasoned artiste with over 15 years of experience in Indian classical and contemporary music, Kaushik first gained recognition as the winner of Yaar Antha Star, a Tamil singing competition.
“I am thrilled to be part of this year’s show as it’s my first time performing at the Mediacorp Let’s Celebrate 2025 countdown show. The electric atmosphere and experience will certainly be a core memory,” Kaushik added.
Mista B, who is making waves as a multi discipline artiste in the city-state, will also be performing in the countdown show for the first time. Sharing his expectations, he said, “It’s definitely going to be special and vibrant.”
Also known as Baha, the actor, singer, songwriter, composer, host, dancer, and choreographer will be performing a mash up along with Tosh Rock. “It’s going to be an exciting collaboration no one expected coming,” he told CtoI.
Popular singer, composer, actor, and host Vishnu Balaji, who is one of the regular faces in Mediacorp events, said featuring in the upcoming programme means a great deal to him as he always wanted to perform for this show. Vishnu, who will be performing a medley alongside many renowned homegrown artistes, stated that this is also an opportunity to showcase a different side of him.
Asked about his frequent collaboration with Mediacorp and if he enjoys this privilege, he said, “I should say they’re definitely fond of my craft. I am grateful for every opportunity given, and Mediacorp is like a second home to me and many other artistes out there.”
Pavithra Nair, who rose to fame as a finalist in Vasantham Star in 2011, said she’s thrilled about her upcoming performance.
Recalling her association with the countdown show, she told CtoI, “The first countdown show I remember being part of was the countdown show back in 2012 on Vasantham! It was my first time celebrating countdown without my family but with my newfound media family. I was part of countdown shows for so many years that it only feels right to celebrate it the exact way with that exact amount of enthusiasm and enlivenment.”
“It is truly one of the most exhilarating and fulfilling experiences being part of something huge, with that many artistes, people, and grandeur, welcoming the new year. Everyone will be in such high spirits throughout the day and showtime as well! Being part of such a show tends to remind me of my purpose as well,” she added.
Apart from countdowns, one integral part of the new year is a ‘resolution’, whether one keeps up or not. Naturally, CtoI put out the question to all four artistes.
“It’s always hard to believe in it just because I know how hard it is to stick to them and to fulfil them year-round or at some point, but I still create them with lots and lots of hope,” Pavithra said.
Mista B showed ‘consistency’ with his resolution. “My new year resolutions have always been the same since day one. To make my passion and hobby full-time!” he said.
Kaushik said, “My new year’s resolution is to practice more mindfulness and make Indian Carnatic Music more accessible through our band — ReinKarnation. Living amidst uncertain times, I wish to find solace in meditation and music.”
When asked about his resolution, Vishnu kept it short. “To be a better human than I was last year,” he said.
Virginia Lim. Photo courtesy: www.mediacorp.sg
Let’s Celebrate 2025 will kick off with family-friendly activities at 5pm, followed by a live DJ set at 7.30pm, leading into the countdown show at 10pm at the OCBC Square at Singapore Sports Hub.
“Join us for an unforgettable experience at the Mediacorp Let’s Celebrate 2025 countdown show! Featuring a stunning combination of live performances, cutting-edge stage visuals, and spectacular fireworks — the longest single display of all parties across the island — the celebration will deliver an immersive sensory feast like no other, setting the tone for a spectacular milestone year ahead,” Virginia Lim, Chief Content Officer, Mediacorp, told CtoI.
Beyond the on-site experience, Let’s Celebrate 2025 will be available live across multiple platforms, including mewatch, Mediacorp Entertainment on YouTube, Mediacorp TikTok, and Channel 5.
2008 Mumbai attacks plotter Hafiz Abdul Rahman Makki dies in Pakistan. Photo Courtesy: X page video grab
Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) deputy chief Hafiz Abdul Rahman Makki, who is considered the mastermind in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, died due to a heart attack in Pakistan on Friday, media reports said.
Makki had been ill for the past few days and was undergoing treatment for high sugar levels at a private hospital in Lahore, reported India Today.
On November 4, 2010, the US Department of the Treasury designated Makki as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist pursuant to Executive Order 13224, as amended.
According to the United Nations website, Makki was involved in raising funds, recruiting and radicalising youth to violence and planning attacks in India, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
He served as the head of Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT)’s political affairs.
He also served as head of LeT’s foreign relations department.
“He is (was) also a member of JUD’s Markazi (Central) Team and Daawati (proselytization) team,” read the UN website.
He was the brother-in-law of LeT Chief Hafiz Muhammad Saeed.
Abdul Rehman Makki was wanted by the Indian Government.
During Makki’s leadership role, LeT was responsible for several terror attacks:
Red Fort Attack: Six LeT terrorists had stormed Red Fort on 22 December 2000 and had opened indiscriminate fire on the security forces guarding the Fort.
Rampur Attack: Five LeT terrorists had attacked a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp in Rampur on 01 January 2008 in which seven CRPF personnel and a rickshaw puller were killed.
26/11 Mumbai attack (26-29 November 2008): Most audacious attack by LeT in India. Ten LeT terrorists from Pakistan entered via Arabian Sea in Mumbai with pre-decided targets out of which Amir Ajmal Kasab was caught alive, rest were killed.
Karan Nagar, Srinagar attack (12-13 February 2018): LeT fidayeen (suicide squad) stormed into CRPF (23 Battalion) camp at Karan Nagar area of Srinagar in which one CRPF trooper was killed, and one policeman was injured.
Khanpora, Baramulla attack (30 May 2018): Three civilians were shot dead by LeT militants.
Srinagar attack (14 June 2018): Senior journalist and Editor in Chief of Rising Kashmir, Shujaat Bukhari, and his two Personal Security Officers (PSOs) were shot by LeT terrorists.
Gurez/ Bandipora attack (7 August 2018): Four Army soldiers, including a Major, were killed as Army foiled a major infiltration bid by heavily armed LeT militants along the Line of Control (LoC) in Gurez Sector of Bandipora District, Jammu and Kashmir.
The Pakistani government had arrested him on 15 May 2019.
He was kept under house arrest in Lahore.
As per US Reward for Justice website, a Pakistani anti-terrorism court convicted Makki in 2020 on one count of terrorism financing and sentenced him to prison.
About 26/11
The 2008 Mumbai attacks, also referred to as 26/11, were a series of terrorist attacks that took place in November 2008, when 10 members of Lashkar-e-Taiba, an Islamic terrorist organisation based in Pakistan, carried out 12 coordinated shooting and bombing attacks, lasting four days across Mumbai.
The attacks, which drew widespread global condemnation, began on Wednesday, 26 November, and lasted until November 29, 2008. At least 174 people died, including nine attackers, and more than 300 were wounded.
Eight of the attacks occurred in South Mumbai at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai Chabad House, The Oberoi Trident, The Taj Palace & Tower, Leopold Cafe, Cama Hospital, The Nariman House, the Metro Cinema, and in a lane behind the Times of India building and St. Xavier’s College.
There was also an explosion at Mazagaon, in Mumbai’s port area, and a taxi at Vile Parle.
By the early morning of November 28, all sites except for the Taj Hotel had been secured by the Mumbai Police and security forces.
On November 29, India’s National Security Guards (NSG) conducted Operation Black Tornado to flush out the remaining attackers; it culminated in the death of the remaining attackers at the Taj Hotel and ended the attacks.
Every city has that one landmark that takes over its reputation in the world, putting it on the global tourism map, but at the same time overshadowing everything else it has to offer. Therefore, before setting foot in the capital of Taiwan, our imagination was full only of the promised dazzling city views from the top of Taipei 101. However, what we also got from the capital of Taiwan was a fast-track introduction to thousands of years of Chinese history and a glimpse into the power play of its more recent decades.
Santa Claus in Taipei. Photo: Sanchita GuhaTaipei 101 with Christmas lights. Photo: Sanchita Guha
It was the very impressive High-Speed Rail (HSR) of Taiwan that transported us from the elegant Taichung city to the capital Taipei in a matter of 70 minutes. Upon arrival in Taipei, we discovered that while it was not as perfectly aesthetic as Taichung, it had fun and character in spades.
Passengers waiting for the HSR train to go from Taichung to Taipei. Photo: Sanchita Guha
To begin with, there was Santa Claus everywhere — and this was festive fervour with a shot of humour, as Father Christmas was not just standing still with his jolly beard but actively climbing walls around the city.
What’s more, the city was practically bursting with Christmas trees and Christmas scenes, including a full-fledged mini-village festooned with “Merry Christmas” set up inside Taipei 101. Stunningly slender Chinese girls posed with Instagram-friendly reindeer and Santa’s elves, surrounded by designer storefronts dripping with luxury.
Christmas, in particular, showcases the American tilt in Taiwan that many older Chinese observe with a degree of discomfort. But the island nation, which constantly feels the gravitational tug of Mainland China, is open and welcoming to all cultures and lifestyles.
Chinese children perform at the Christmas village set up inside Taipei 101. Photo courtesy: Instagram/taipei101mall_official
Anytime anyone needs a reminder of what it means to be Chinese and what this vast and ancient culture has contributed to human civilisation, they only need to spend a few hours at the National Palace Museum in Taipei. With 700,000 exhibits, this museum is one of the largest in the world, up there with the British Museum in London; the Louvre in Paris; and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
Statue of a Chinese lady. Photo: Sanchita GuhaStatue of Lokapala. Photo: Sanchita Guha
The secrets of the famed Chinese art of ceramic painting were revealed by our museum guide, who also pointed out a particular 8th century guardian figure from the Tang dynasty named ‘Lokapala’, a Sanskrit word that indicated cross-cultural mingling via the Silk Road.
Unpeeling more layers of Chinese history — this time, of Taiwanese history — required a morning visit to the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, a monument to honour the former leader of undivided China who took refuge in Taiwan following the civil war of 1949 with Mao Zedong.
Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, built in 1976 in Taipei as a monument to General Chiang Kai-Shek, the former leader of China who died in Taiwan in 1975. While he lived, his military headquarters stood at this location. Photo: Sanchita Guha
The Change of Guard ceremony at the memorial hall’s courtyard was the highlight of the morning; the extreme co-ordination and precision of the soldiers’ movements breathtaking, to say the least.
Change of Guard ceremony at the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall complex. Photo: Sanchita Guha
Inside, a majestic bronze statue of a smiling Chiang Kai-Shek lorded over the visitors, while galleries displayed photographs from his political and military career; his armoured vehicles; and even his completely preserved office. General Chiang Kai-Shek died in 1975, still dreaming of the reunification of China. Modern Taiwan is set on charting its own course in the world, retaining its independent identity.
A part of the Brahmaputra river, called Yarlung Tsangpo in China. Photo courtesy: Pinterest/Siku Vodka
China, a country whose penchant for mega-structures is well-known, has reportedly approved the construction of the world’s largest dam — stated to be the planet’s biggest infrastructure project costing USD 137 billion — on the river Brahmaputra in Tibet, close to the Sino-Indian border. The news has raised concerns in the riparian nations of India and Bangladesh, according to the Press Trust of India.
This Brahmaputra river dam project, if executed, is likely to surpass the famed Three Gorges Dam on the river Yangtze in China.
The Brahmaputra, one of the most important river systems in South-East Asia, originates in the Tibetan plateau and flows through several geographical regions. The waters of the Brahmaputra sustain millions of people and large swathes of biodiversity zones, such as the Kaziranga National Park in Assam, northeastern India.
Once the Brahmaputra enters Bangladesh, its name changes to Jamuna, and then it eventually meets the ocean at the Bay of Bengal.
In this context, the news of the Chinese dam project on the Brahmaputra is bound to raise concerns. Any unilateral restriction on the Brahmaputra waters by China will severely affect life in India and Bangladesh.
The Chinese government has approved the construction of a hydropower project in the lower reaches of the “Yarlung Zangbo (or Tsangpo)” river, the Tibetan name for the Brahmaputra, according to an official statement quoted by state-run Xinhua news agency on Wednesday.
The dam is to be built at a huge gorge in the Himalayan reaches where the Brahmaputra river makes a huge U-turn to flow into Arunachal Pradesh and then to Bangladesh.
Ship lift at the famed Three Gorges Dam, on the Yangtze river in China. Photo courtesy: yangtze-river-cruises.com
The total investment in the dam could exceed 1 trillion yuan (USD 137 billion), which would dwarf any other single infrastructure project on the planet, including China’s own Three Gorges Dam, regarded as the largest in the world, the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported on Thursday.
China has already operationalised the USD 1.5 billion Zam Hydropower Station, the largest in Tibet, in 2015.
The Brahmaputra dam was part of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) and ‘National Economic and Social Development and the Long-Range Objectives through the Year 2035’ adopted by Plenum, a key policy body of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) in 2020.
Water release by the world-famous Three Gorges Dam in China. Photo courtesy: yangtze-river-cruises.com
Concerns arose in India as the size and scale of the dam, besides empowering China to control the water flow, could also enable Beijing to release large amounts of water, flooding border areas in times of hostilities.
India, too, is building a dam over the Brahmaputra in Arunachal Pradesh. India and China established the Expert Level Mechanism (ELM) in 2006 to discuss various issues related to trans-border rivers. Under this ELM, China provides India with hydrological information on the Brahmaputra river and Sutlej river during the flood seasons.
Data sharing of trans-border rivers figured in the talks between the Indian and Chinese Special Representatives (SRs) for border question, NSA Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, held in Beijing on December 18.
The SRs “provided positive directions for cross-border cooperation and exchanges”, including data sharing on trans-border rivers, said a statement by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.
The Brahmaputra dam project presents enormous engineering challenges, as the project site is located along a tectonic plate boundary where earthquakes occur. The Tibetan plateau, regarded as the roof of the world, frequently experiences earthquakes as it is located over the tectonic plates.
The official Chinese statement on Wednesday sought to allay concerns about earthquakes, saying that the hydropower project was safe and prioritised ecological protection.
Through extensive geological explorations and technical advancements, a solid foundation had been laid for the science-based, secure, and high-quality development of the project, it said.
The Brahmaputra flows across the Tibetan Plateau, carving out the deepest canyon on Earth and covering a staggering vertical difference of 25,154 feet before reaching India, said the South China Morning Post report.
The dam will be built in one of the rainiest parts of mainland China, bringing bountiful flows of water.
According to a 2023 report, the hydropower station is expected to generate more than 300 billion kWh of electricity each year, enough to meet the annual needs of over 300 million people.
In 2020, Yan Zhiyong, then chairman of the state-owned Power Construction Corporation of China, was quoted in the media as saying the location on the Yarlung Tsangpo was one of the most hydropower-rich areas in the world.
“The lower reaches area features a vertical drop of 2,000 metres over a 50km distance, representing nearly 70 million kilowatts of resources that could be developed — that is more than three Three Gorges Dams with an installed capacity of 22.5 million kilowatts,” the Post quoted him as saying.
To harness the hydropower potential of the Brahmaputra, four to six 20km-long tunnels must be drilled through the Namcha Barwa mountain to divert half of the river’s flow at about 2,000 cubic metres per second, according to the report.
Yan said that the hydropower exploitation of the Yarlung Tsangpo river downstream was more than a hydropower project; it was also meaningful for the environment, national security, living standards, energy and international cooperation.
“It is a project for [Chinese] national security, including water resources and domestic security,” he said, noting that the project would also smoothen cooperation with South Asia.
The hydropower station could generate income of 20 billion yuan (USD 3 billion) annually for the Tibet Autonomous Region, he said.
An official statement on Wednesday defended the Brahmaputra dam project, saying it would play a positive role in accelerating the country’s efforts to create a new development pattern and pursue high-quality development.
It was also of great importance to advancing the Chinese strategy for carbon peaking and carbon neutrality and to coping with global climate change, it said.
The hydropower project, as China claimed, was a green project aimed at promoting low-carbon development. By harnessing the abundant hydropower resources of the Yarlung Tsangpo river, the project would also spur the development of solar and wind energy resources in surrounding areas, thus creating a clean energy base, featuring a complementary mix of hydro, wind and solar power, it said.
World leaders pay tribute to former Indian PM Manmohan Singh. Photo Courtesy: PIB
Several world leaders, including American Secretary of State Antony Blinken, remembered former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who died at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi on Thursday.
In his condolence message, Blinken wrote: “The United States offers our sincere condolences to the people of India for the passing of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.”
Blinken said Singh was one of the ‘greatest champions’ of the US-India strategic partnership.
Blinken said: “His leadership in advancing the US-India Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement signified a major investment in the potential of the US-India relationship.”
Former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai said India had lost one of its ‘illustrious sons’ with the death of Singh, who is also considered as the economic architect of the country in the 90s.
“#Dr_Manmohan_Singh was an unwavering ally and friend to the people of #Afghanistan. I profoundly mourn his passing and extend my deepest condolences to his family, the government, and the people of India. May his soul find eternal peace,” the former Afghanistan President wrote on X.
It is moment of poignant sorrow and grief for India and for Russia. Dr Manmohan Singh‘s contribution to our bilateral ties was immeasurable. His suave demeanor was always endearing as unquestionable was his expertise as an economist and his commitment to the progress of India. pic.twitter.com/rxjUQsFgj5
Condoling Singh’s death, Former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed said: “So sad to hear Manmohan Singh has passed. I always found him a delight to work with, and like a benevolent father figure. He was a good friend of the Maldives. @HCIMaldives.”
Russian envoy to India Denis Alipov said: “It is a moment of poignant sorrow and grief for India and for Russia. Dr Manmohan Singh‘s contribution to our bilateral ties was immeasurable. His suave demeanor was always endearing, as unquestionable was his expertise as an economist and his commitment to the progress of India.”
Singh, who served as the Prime Minister of India for two terms, died at the age of 92.
Manmohan Singh rose to prominence as the country’s finance minister during the Congress regime headed by PV Narasimha Rao during 1991-96, for bringing sweeping reforms that transformed the economy.
As the two-term UPA Prime Minister, he stayed at the top post from 2004 to 2014 and served as a member of the Rajya Sabha till early this year.
He retired from the Rajya Sabha in April.
The Indian government on Friday announced the country will observe a state mourning for seven days from 26.12.2024 to 01.01.2025.
“During this period the National flag will be flown at half-mast throughout India where it is regularly flown and there will be no official entertainment during the period of state mourning. It has also been decided that the state funeral will be accorded to late Dr. Manmohan Singh,” the Indian government said in a statement.
In the same period, the National flag shall also fly half-mast on the day of funeral in all Indian Missions or High Commissions of India abroad.
Celebrated novelist and pioneer of South Asian literature, Bapsi Sidhwa, best known for her iconic novel Ice Candy Man, passed away on Wednesday, December 25, at the age of 86 in Houston, US, her family confirmed.
Her brother, Feroze Bhandara, announced that memorial ceremonies would be held over three days, followed by her last rites in Houston.
Born on August 11, 1938, in Karachi to a prominent Parsi family, Sidhwa moved to Lahore shortly after her birth, where she spent much of her life.
She is regarded as one of Pakistan’s most influential writers, with her works gaining global acclaim for their vivid depictions of history and culture.
Her novel Ice Candy Man — later adapted into the critically acclaimed film Earth by Indian-Canadian filmmaker Deepa Mehta — captured the horrors of the 1947 partition, a period Sidhwa personally witnessed as a child.
The story, featuring a polio-stricken young girl observing the chaos, mirrors Sidhwa’s own childhood experiences. The novel was included in the BBC’s list of 100 most influential novels.
Sidhwa’s literary debut, The Crow Eaters, also earned her widespread recognition for its portrayal of Parsi life and history.
She is also the author of several renowned novels, including cracking India, An American Brat, The Pakistani Bride, and Water.
Her contributions to literature were recognised with Pakistan’s prestigious Sitara-e-Imtiaz.
Sidhwa leaves behind a legacy that shaped South Asian literature and resonated with readers worldwide.
“Her departure marks a profound loss for the literary world, Pakistan, India and the Zoroastrian community worldwide,” Pakistani newspaper Dawn said.
