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In a revelation that has sent shockwaves across the United States, top security officials have uncovered an intricate and long-standing Iranian cyber-espionage operation aimed at disrupting the 2024 presidential campaign of Republican frontrunner Donald Trump. The indictment of three Iranian hackers, believed to be working on behalf of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has brought to light the growing threat of foreign interference in US elections. The charges, filed by US federal prosecutors, underscore the seriousness of this cyberwarfare, which also involves key actors from Russia and China.

The indictment details a broad hacking operation that has allegedly spanned several years, with the suspects using advanced techniques like spear-phishing and social engineering to compromise key accounts of US officials and Trump campaign members. While the level of success in these hacking attempts remains unclear, the scope of the operation highlights the lengths foreign powers are willing to go to influence the outcome of the US elections.

Years of Planning, Aimed at Disruption

According to US Attorney General Merrick Garland, the hackers conspired to steal critical information related to Trump’s campaign and send it to media outlets and Biden campaign affiliates in an attempt to sway the electorate. Their efforts have been framed as part of a larger plan to undermine Trump’s 2024 presidential bid, possibly driven by Iran’s desire for revenge over the 2020 assassination of General Qasem Suleimani, a towering figure in Iranian politics.

The hackers’ operations began as early as 2020, with court documents showing increased activity in May 2024. The documents also confirm a strategic focus on individuals directly involved in US campaigns, revealing the far-reaching influence of the IRGC’s cyber espionage unit.

Global Interference: A Growing Concern

Iran isn’t the only country accused of meddling in US politics. Both Russia and China have been implicated in various efforts to influence the election. Reports from Microsoft and Google’s cybersecurity units have also indicated hacking attempts targeting both the Trump and Biden campaigns. While Russia has been accused of supporting Kamala Harris based on public comments by Vladimir Putin, China is alleged to be leveraging its influence to push its global agenda by polarizing American voters.

However, Iran’s actions stand out for their boldness and the clear motive behind them—revenge for Suleimani’s assassination. As Garland noted, “There are few actors in this world that pose as grave a threat to the national security of the United States as does Iran.”

Broader Implications for National Security

This case is just one of many indictments against foreign hackers targeting US institutions, and the scale of the threat continues to grow. The US Treasury Department has taken further steps by sanctioning seven Iranians, including those involved in these attacks, as part of a broader strategy to counter election interference. Iran’s cybersecurity firm, Emennet Pasargad, was also sanctioned for running an online operation that sought to manipulate American voters during the 2020 election.

As the US approaches its next election, this wave of foreign cyber interference raises serious concerns about the security of democratic institutions and the resilience of US infrastructure against external threats. With China and Russia also implicated, it’s clear that global powers are increasingly using cyberwarfare to gain a foothold in the political landscape of the US.

The Battle Ahead

While the full impact of these attacks is still being assessed, the message from the US government remains firm: “The American people, not a foreign power, decide the outcome of our country’s elections,” as Garland emphasized. This case serves as a chilling reminder of the lengths to which hostile actors will go to disrupt the democratic process. As the world watches the lead-up to the 2024 US presidential election, the ongoing battle between cybersecurity forces and foreign hackers is set to be a critical factor shaping the future of American politics.

In a time where cyber threats can alter the course of history, the vigilance of democratic nations will determine how secure the future of elections will be.

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In a significant diplomatic engagement, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar met in Vientiane on July 25, 2024. The high-level talks underscored the importance of China and India, two neighboring giants with ancient civilizations, in navigating the complex international landscape and addressing global challenges together.

Wang Yi emphasized the need for China and India to enhance dialogue, foster mutual understanding, and build trust. He highlighted that both nations, as major developing countries and emerging economies, should responsibly handle differences and focus on mutually beneficial cooperation. This, he said, would not only promote stable and sustainable bilateral relations but also serve broader global interests.

“China-India relations have a significant impact beyond the bilateral scope,” Wang Yi remarked. “Improving our relations should reflect the strategic vision of our nations as major emerging economies. We must handle our differences with political wisdom and tackle global challenges with solidarity and cooperation.”

Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar echoed these sentiments, noting the shared history and interests of the two countries. He stressed that maintaining stable and predictable bilateral relations is crucial for regional peace and the promotion of a multipolar world. “India and China, with our vast populations and rich histories, have broad converging interests despite the challenges posed by the situation in the border areas. We are committed to taking a strategic and open perspective to find solutions and return our relations to a positive track,” Jaishankar said.

Both sides agreed on the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility in the border areas and pledged to make progress in consultations on border affairs. They also expressed their readiness to enhance communication within various multilateral frameworks, including the East Asia cooperation platform, SCO, G20, and BRICS, to jointly practice multilateralism and uphold the rights and interests of developing countries.

This meeting marks a significant step in fostering cooperation between China and India, two pivotal players on the global stage, as they navigate through shared challenges and work towards a more stable and prosperous future.

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New Delhi : External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday emphasised on the “common interest” in “stabilisation and progress” in India-China relations during a meeting with Chinese ambassador Xu Feihong, amid the lingering border row in eastern Ladakh.

Jaishankar also separately met envoys of New Zealand, Kuwait and Sri Lanka.

“Received Ambassador of China Xu Feihong this evening. Discussed our bilateral relationship and our common interest in its stabilization and progress. Wished him a successful tenure,” the external affairs minister said on ‘X’.

Source: PTI

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Human Rights Watch Report Reveals Widespread Forced Relocation of Tibetans Violating International Law

Chinese authorities have forcibly relocated over 140,000 Tibetans from 500 villages in the Tibet Autonomous Region since 2016, according to a damning report by Human Rights Watch (HRW). The report, released on Tuesday, details how the Chinese government has applied “extreme forms of pressure” to displace entire communities, amounting to significant violations of international law.

Massive Scale of Relocation

HRW’s 70-page report, titled “Educate the Masses to Change Their Minds: China’s Coercive Relocation of Rural Tibetans,” highlights the scale and speed of these relocations. Citing official statistics and over 1,000 state-run media reports, HRW estimates that by 2025, more than 930,000 rural Tibetans will have been relocated since the year 2000. Remarkably, over 76% of these relocations have occurred in the past eight years alone.

Coercion and Misleading Promises

Chinese officials claim that these relocations are intended to improve employment opportunities, increase incomes, and protect the ecological environment. However, HRW contends that these justifications are misleading. The report reveals that relocated individuals are required by law to demolish their former homes, effectively preventing any return to their original villages. This has been a key strategy in both whole-village relocations and individual-household relocations.

Among the 709,000 Tibetans relocated since 2016, 140,000 were part of whole-village relocations, while 567,000 were moved individually. Entire villages have been moved hundreds of kilometers away, and the pace of these relocations has dramatically accelerated.

International and Local Backlash

Rights groups and the Central Tibetan Administration, the government-in-exile based in Dharamsala, India, have long accused Chinese authorities of a range of repressive measures. These include the forcible separation of children from their parents for admission into state-run boarding schools, extensive surveillance, and transnational harassment of Tibetan activists.

HRW asserts that the whole-village relocation programs amount to forced evictions, which are prohibited under international law. The report argues that the demolitions required by Chinese law further violate international norms, as they prevent relocated individuals from returning to their former homes.

Human Rights Watch’s Recommendations

HRW has called on the Chinese government to halt all relocations in Tibet until an independent review can assess their compliance with both Chinese and international law. The organization emphasizes the need for relocations to adhere to international human rights standards, which include exploring all feasible alternatives before eviction, providing fair compensation, and ensuring legal remedies for those affected.

The report also urges an end to coercive tactics used to gain consent for relocations. It highlights that official Chinese media reports contradict the government’s claims that relocations are voluntary. In one documented instance, 200 out of 262 households in a village in Nagchu municipality initially refused to move to a new site nearly 1,000 kilometers away. Officials reportedly made intrusive home visits and threatened to cut off essential services if residents did not comply.

Cultural and Social Impact

The forced relocations are part of a broader strategy by the Chinese government to assimilate Tibetan culture, schooling, and religion into the dominant Chinese culture. These efforts, HRW warns, are eroding Tibetan cultural identity and traditional ways of life. The report underscores the significant cultural damage being inflicted on Tibetan communities as a result of these policies.

Global Implications

The HRW report has sparked a global outcry, with calls for international pressure on China to respect Tibetan human rights. The findings underscore the urgent need for international intervention and support for Tibetan communities facing these drastic measures. As the world watches, the plight of Tibetans continues to highlight the broader issues of human rights and cultural preservation in the face of state-driven assimilation policies.

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New Delhi : China has finally sent his envoy Xu Feihong to India after a gap of 18 months amid the Ladakh border stand-off between the two countries since May 2020.

Feihong has reportedly arrived in New Delhi on Friday with his wife Tan Yuxiu. Welcome by all delegates.

According to The Indian Express report, Xu said, “China is ready to work with India to accommodate each other’s concerns and find a mutually acceptable solution to specific issues through dialogue at an early date.”

Earlier, 60 year-old Xu was appointed as the 17th Chinese Ambassador to India by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

“China is ready to work with India to accommodate each other’s concerns, find a mutually acceptable solution to specific issues through dialogue at an early date, and turn the page as soon as possible,” Xu was quoted as saying.

He added: “I noted Prime Minister Modi’s comments on the importance of China-India ties, and the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson responded to that right afterwards.”

“The Chinese side always believes that China-India ties should not be defined by any single issue or area; the boundary question is not the entirety of the relationship. Speaking at the Indian Council of World Affairs in September 2014, President Xi Jinping said that we must not focus our attention only on differences and forget about our friendship and cooperation,” Xu said as per the report.

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Baidu, the Chinese tech giant, has unveiled remarkable statistics for its AI-powered chatbot, “Ernie Bot,” showcasing its escalating popularity and market penetration. CEO Robin Li disclosed that Ernie Bot has now amassed over 200 million users, doubling its user base from just a few months ago.

Li further highlighted the staggering usage rate of Ernie Bot’s application programming interface (API), which is being leveraged a whopping 200 million times daily. This indicates the substantial demand for the chatbot’s services, with users frequently relying on it to accomplish various tasks. Additionally, Ernie Bot has secured a significant presence in the enterprise sector, boasting 85,000 enterprise clients.

The announcement comes amidst Baidu’s strategic initiatives to monetize Ernie Bot, with revenue generation efforts already underway. In the fourth quarter alone, Baidu capitalized on AI-driven advancements to enhance its advertising solutions, resulting in substantial earnings amounting to several hundred million yuan. Moreover, the company has extended support to other enterprises in building their AI models, further consolidating Ernie Bot’s position in the market.

Ernie Bot, introduced last March as one of China’s pioneering generative AI chatbots, received official approval for public release in August. Notably, China mandates regulatory approval for the deployment of generative AI services, distinguishing it from many other jurisdictions.

Despite Ernie Bot’s impressive growth, it faces competition from domestic rivals, particularly Moonshot AI’s “Kimi” chatbot, backed by Alibaba. Kimi has exhibited rapid expansion, narrowing the gap with Ernie Bot. Recent data indicates a surge in Kimi’s user visits, with a remarkable 321.6 percent increase in March compared to the previous month.

However, on a global scale, Chinese generative AI services still trail behind their Western counterparts. OpenAI’s ChatGPT remains the world leader in this domain, with a staggering total traffic of 1.86 billion views last month.

China’s intensified focus on AI innovation is evident in its accelerated approvals for AI services, underlining its commitment to compete with the United States in the tech sphere. With 117 large AI models receiving approvals thus far, China continues to position itself as a formidable contender in the global AI landscape.

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Beijing, China: Xiaomi, the renowned Chinese electronics manufacturer, is gearing up to disrupt the automotive industry with the imminent launch of its highly anticipated electric vehicle, the SU7. Promising to deliver unparalleled performance, cutting-edge technology, and competitive pricing, Xiaomi aims to establish itself as a formidable player in the global automotive market.

Competitive Pricing and Advanced Features

The SU7, unveiled by Xiaomi in December, is poised to offer consumers a compelling alternative to established electric car brands. With a commitment to affordability, Xiaomi’s CEO revealed that the SU7 will be priced below 500,000 yuan (approximately $70,000), marking a significant milestone for the company. The official price range will be announced on Thursday evening, coinciding with the commencement of orders for the vehicle.

Superior Technology and Performance

Touted as “faster than a Tesla,” the SU7 boasts advanced technology capable of rivaling renowned electric vehicle manufacturers. With two versions offering impressive driving ranges of up to 668km (415 miles) and 800km on a single charge, respectively, Xiaomi’s electric car surpasses the capabilities of Tesla’s Model S, which offers a maximum range of up to 650km.

Strategic Investment and Production Partnership

Xiaomi’s foray into the electric vehicle market is backed by a strategic investment pledge of $10 billion over a decade. As one of the few new entrants in China’s burgeoning EV market, Xiaomi has gained approval from authorities and secured a production partnership with a unit of the state-owned automaker BAIC Group. The manufacturing facility in Beijing boasts an annual capacity of 200,000 vehicles, ensuring efficient production of the SU7 to meet growing demand.

Anticipation and Reception

Since its unveiling, the SU7 has garnered significant attention from prospective customers and automotive enthusiasts alike. Displayed in Xiaomi stores across China, the “ocean blue” version of the vehicle has captivated audiences, generating excitement for its imminent release. Additionally, Xiaomi has introduced its “Xiaomi Car” app to Chinese app stores, enhancing the vehicle’s connectivity and user experience.

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Solapur’s Compassionate Son: Early Years and Inspirations

In the vibrant city of Solapur, Maharashtra, on October 10, 1910, a compassionate soul named Dwarkanath Kotnis was born. His early years, shaped by the cultural richness and community spirit of Solapur, laid the foundation for a remarkable journey. Driven by an inquisitive mind and profound empathy, young Dwarkanath ventured into the field of medicine, inspired by the diverse influences of his hometown.

Dreams Beyond Borders: From Solapur to War-Torn China

The dusty streets of Solapur witnessed the nascent dreams of a young boy whose aspirations would transcend borders, making him a symbol of humanity’s finest attributes. Little did the city know that the seeds of altruism sown in its soil would blossom into a life of service that spanned continents and cultures. Dwarkanath Kotnis’s odyssey from Solapur’s charming lanes to the war-torn landscapes of China bore witness to the universality of compassion and the boundless reach of a caring heart. Today, on the 81st anniversary of his passing, we pay tribute to a man whose legacy serves as a beacon of cross-cultural cooperation and humanitarian service between India and China.

Medical Maverick: Contributions During the Second Sino-Japanese War

Dwarkanath Kotnis, a distinguished Indian physician, gained prominence for his selfless service during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945). Motivated by the plight of the Chinese people, he volunteered for a medical mission to China, working tirelessly in war-torn regions to provide medical assistance to soldiers and civilians. His unwavering commitment and compassionate efforts earned him immense respect in China, where he became a national hero. On December 9, 1942, at the tender age of 32, Dwarkanath Kotnis succumbed to illness, leaving behind a legacy of international solidarity and medical altruism.

Kong Xianhua
Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Mumbai

Journey to China: A Cross-Cultural Medical Mission

Completing his medical studies at Grant Medical College in Mumbai and specializing in ophthalmology, Kotnis embarked on his journey to China in 1938 as part of a medical mission led by Dr. M. Atal. Working under challenging conditions, he not only treated the wounded but also embraced the local culture, learning Chinese and adapting to customs. His dedication to the Chinese people led to his appointment as the Director of Medical Services in the Chinese army.

Enduring Legacy: Posthumous Honors and International Recognition

Dwarkanath Kotnis’s impact extended beyond his lifetime, etching his contributions into history as a symbol of selflessness and international collaboration. The Indian government posthumously honored him with the prestigious Padma Bhushan in 1951 for his exceptional service. His story became widely known through books, documentaries, and films, including the acclaimed Hindi movie “Dr. Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani.”

Chinese Gratitude: Memorial in Shijiazhuang and Continuing Friendship

In China, Dwarkanath Kotnis is remembered with deep gratitude. The city of Shijiazhuang in Hebei Province, where he served, houses a memorial hall showcasing his belongings and serving as a testament to the enduring friendship between India and China.

Dr. Rajendra Jadhav
Dr Dwarkanath Kotnis Memorial Committee, Mumbai Chairman
One decade completed The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence Friendship Award for Dr. Rajendra Jadhav

Reflecting on a Life of Compassion: The 81st Death Anniversary Commemoration

As we commemorate the 81st death anniversary of Dr. Dwarkanath Kotnis, we reflect on a life that exemplifies the universal values of compassion and service, transcending borders and cultures. His story remains a powerful narrative of solidarity between nations in times of adversity, inspiring generations to come.

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Meta Cleanup Mission

Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram, recently shared that they got rid of about 4,800 fake accounts. These accounts were part of a plan coming from China to mess with what people think about US politics, especially the 2024 presidential election.

China’s Double-Sided Game

In this game, the fake accounts didn’t pick sides. They criticized both the Democrats and Republicans using words copied from other sources. It’s like they were trying to stir up trouble without taking a specific side.

Meta’s Confusion and Response

Meta, the Big tech boss admitted they weren’t sure why this was happening. The fake accounts shared stuff from both sides of the political fence, making it tricky to figure out their real goal. Meta doesn’t know if they wanted to make people fight more, gain followers for certain politicians, or just look more real by sharing actual stuff.

China and Russia in the Spotlight

This year Meta has stopped five such tricky campaigns from China, more than any other country. They also shut down a group from Russia. This Russian gang spread stories about Russia invading Ukraine and made up fake media brands.

2024 Elections and Tech Trouble

As the 2024 elections get closer, people worry that tech platforms, like Facebook and others, could be used to cause problems. The US Department of Homeland Security warned that other countries might use fancy tech, like artificial intelligence, to mess with how much people trust the government and make things confusing.

Learning from the Past

This isn’t the first time. In the 2016 presidential election, Russia played with social media to make people fight. So, Meta is trying hard to stop this from happening again as the 2024 elections roll in. It’s a big job to make sure what you see online is real and not just someone trying to trick you.

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The world’s largest bank, Industrial & Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), was hit by a ransomware attack on Thursday, disrupting some systems at its ICBC Financial Services unit and forcing it to send settlement details for US Treasury trades via USB stick. The attack is the latest to snarl parts of the global financial system and emphasizes the need for central clearing in the $26 trillion US Treasury market.

The attack caused instantaneous disturbance as market-makers, brokerages and banks were forced to redirect trades, with many uncertain when access would resume. The Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (Sifma) held calls with members about the stuff on Thursday.

ICBC FS offers fixed-income payment, Treasuries buy-back lending and some equities securities lending. The unit had about $23.5 billion of assets at the end of 2022. It is unsure to what extent the disruption affected the US Treasury market, but liquidity was apparently affected.

The attack is a reminder of the growing threat of cyberattacks to the global financial system. In August, ION Trading UK, a little-known company that serves derivatives traders worldwide, was hit by a ransomware attack that paralyzed markets and forced trading shops that clear hundreds of billions of dollars of transactions a day to process deals manually.

The ICBC attack also features the benefits of central clearing in the US Treasury market. Central clearing platforms are intermediaries between buyers and sellers that assume accountability for completing transactions and therefore prevent a default of one counterparty from causing extensive problems in the marketplace.

Stanford University finance professor Darrell Duffie said that the ICBC incident is “one example of why central clearing in the US Treasuries market is a very good idea.” He added that “had a similar problem occurred in a not-clearing firm, it’s not clear how the default risk that might result would propagate through the market.”

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is currently working to reduce risks in the financial system with a raft of proposals that include mandating central clearing of all US Treasuries. The SEC’s proposals are expected to be finalized in the coming months.

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