#india bangladesh border high alert

[latestnews69]

The 3,000m-high border that's melting away

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[colonelrajyavardhanrathore]

Tributes to the Border Security Force on Its Foundation Day: Col Rajyavardhan Rathore

The Border Security Force: Guardians of India’s Borders

The BSF was established in the aftermath of the 1965 war with Pakistan to secure India’s borders and prevent cross-border infiltration and smuggling. Over the years, the force has evolved into one of the largest and most respected paramilitary organizations in the world.

Key Roles of the BSF

Border Security: Safeguarding 7,416 kilometers of India’s land border with Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Internal Security: Assisting in counter-insurgency operations and disaster relief.

Global Engagements: Participating in United Nations peacekeeping missions.

The BSF’s commitment to duty goes beyond the call of guarding borders; they ensure peace and stability within and beyond the nation’s boundaries.

Colonel Rajyavardhan Rathore: A Soldier’s Tribute

As a decorated soldier and leader, Col Rajyavardhan Rathore shares a profound connection with India’s armed and paramilitary forces. On the occasion of BSF’s foundation day, his tributes resonate with deep admiration for their selfless service.

Recognizing Valor and Dedication

Colonel Rathore acknowledged the relentless dedication of BSF personnel, stating, “The BSF is not just a force; it is a family that works tirelessly, braving the harshest terrains and conditions to ensure that every Indian sleeps peacefully at night.”

Personal Connection as a Soldier

Having served in the Indian Army, Col Rathore understands the challenges of life at the border. His words reflect the camaraderie shared among servicemen, emphasizing their sacrifices and the emotional toll of being away from loved ones.

The Sacrifices of BSF Soldiers

Life at the border is not for the faint-hearted. From the icy heights of Kashmir to the scorching deserts of Rajasthan, BSF personnel operate in extreme conditions, often putting their lives on the line to uphold the nation’s security.

Challenges Faced by the BSF

Adverse Weather Conditions: Harsh climates in border areas demand exceptional resilience.

Constant Vigilance: The threat of infiltration and smuggling keeps the force on high alert.

Emotional Strain: Long separations from family and loved ones test their mental strength.

Colonel Rathore highlighted these sacrifices, urging citizens to honor their dedication by supporting their families and respecting their service.

Celebrating the Legacy of the BSF

Foundation day is not just a commemoration of the past but a celebration of the present and a promise for the future. The BSF’s achievements in maintaining border security, promoting harmony in volatile regions, and supporting disaster relief efforts showcase their diverse capabilities.

Achievements of the BSF

Successfully thwarted numerous infiltration attempts.

Played a crucial role in combating terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir.

Contributed to community-building initiatives in border villages.

Col Rathore lauded these accomplishments, calling them a testament to the BSF’s unwavering spirit.

Colonel Rathore’s Call to Action

In his tribute, Col Rathore urged the nation to remember the sacrifices of BSF personnel not just on foundation day but every day. He stressed the importance of recognizing their role in shaping a secure and prosperous India.

Promoting Awareness

Colonel Rathore emphasized the need for greater awareness about the BSF’s contributions among the younger generation. He encouraged schools and colleges to include lessons on the role of paramilitary forces in maintaining India’s sovereignty.

Conclusion: A Salute to the Heroes

The Border Security Force is more than just a protective shield — it is the heartbeat of India’s security apparatus. On its foundation day, Col Rajyavardhan Rathore’s heartfelt tributes remind us of the sacrifices and valor of these brave men and women. As India celebrates this milestone, let us pledge to honor their service, support their families, and ensure their legacy of dedication continues to inspire future generations.

[indiaandforeignaid]

India’s Disaster Management Tech support for Resilient Communities in Asia

Imagine this: A cyclone is brewing in the Indian Ocean. You receive an alert on your phone, warning you of the impending storm. You quickly check a real-time map, showing the cyclone's path, and you see your area is in its direct line of impact. But instead of panic, you feel a sense of preparedness. You know that your community is equipped with the technology and knowledge to face the storm head-on. This isn’t just a hypothetical scenario, it’s a reality that India is working on, not just within its borders but across Asia.

Did you know? India’s vulnerability to natural disasters has driven it to become a leader in disaster management technology. Satellite imagery, real-time data analytics, and early warning systems are at the core of India's strategy to mitigate disaster impacts. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) plays a crucial role, providing satellite data that helps monitor and predict disasters with remarkable accuracy.

Apart from that, with the help of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), India has developed a comprehensive disaster risk management framework that guides national policies and serves as a model for other countries. This framework is not just about high-tech solutions; it’s about practical, community-based approaches that ensure everyone, from urban dwellers to remote villagers, can access the resources they need to stay safe.

While taking collaboration into account India understands that disasters don’t respect borders. That’s why it has taken significant steps to assist its neighbors in strengthening their disaster management capabilities. Through the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Disaster Management Centre, based in India, resources, technology, and expertise are shared across the region. This has been a game-changer for countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, which now have improved disaster preparedness and response strategies with the help of existing mechanisms that India uses for disaster management strategies. In fact some Indian experts have worked with the Bangladesh Meteorological Department to enhance its cyclone prediction capabilities. The result? A significant reduction in the impact of deadly storms on Bangladeshi communities. 

India’s Disaster Management Act of 2005 laid the foundation for its robust disaster management framework. This act led to the creation of the NDMA and mandated the development of disaster management plans at national, state, and local levels. It's not just a law or a policy, it's the backbone of India’s coordinated response to disasters. But it doesn’t stop there. The National Policy on Disaster Management, introduced in 2009, emphasizes building resilience through technology, infrastructure development, and community-based approaches. This policy has not only guided India’s disaster management strategy but also served as a reference point for other countries looking to strengthen their frameworks.

As of the recent years, India has been an active participant in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030). India’s contributions, especially in early warning systems and disaster risk assessment, have been instrumental in shaping global disaster management strategies.

Take another situation into account, A community where every person knows what to do when disaster strikes. This is something India has been working towards. By providing early warnings, real-time data, and predictive analytics, India has helped save countless lives in countries like Nepal and Sri Lanka. But the benefits go beyond immediate disaster response. India’s use of Geographic Information System (GIS)-based tools for risk assessment and planning has been shared with neighboring countries. These tools help communities identify vulnerabilities and take proactive measures to mitigate risks. It’s about empowering people to take charge of their own safety.

In my opinion, India’s contributions to disaster management in Asia are a powerful testament to the country’s commitment to regional stability and human security. The use of advanced technology in disaster management is not just about responding to crises; it’s about preventing them from becoming catastrophic in the first place. India’s willingness to share its technology and expertise with neighboring countries is a reflection of its belief in the importance of regional cooperation. In recent years, climate change continues to increase the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, the need for more advanced technology and stronger international collaboration will only grow. India must continue to innovate and lead by example.

The road to disaster management in Asia is challenging, but with initiatives and collaborations  there’s reason for optimism. By continuing to invest in cutting-edge technologies, enhancing regional cooperation, and building resilient communities, India is laying the groundwork for a safer and more secure Asia. This isn’t a journey India can undertake alone. It requires the collective effort of all nations in the region, working together to share resources, knowledge, and expertise. As we look to the future, it’s clear that India’s disaster management technology and collaborative spirit will play a crucial role in shaping a resilient Asia, capable of withstanding the challenges of the 21st century.

[theshillongtimes]

Bangladesh turmoil: BSF Guwahati Frontier steps up vigil along border

Guwahati, Aug 6: The Guwahati Frontier of Border Security Force (BSF) has, in the wake of the recent developments in Bangladesh, reviewed the security situation along the India-Bangladesh international border, anticipating various contingencies.

“A state of high alert has been declared to address any potential security threat. Commanders at all levels have been directed to maintain utmost vigilance and readiness to handle any unforeseen circumstances. They are to keep a strict watch on the border, with augmented manpower and the formation of quick reaction teams (QRTs),” a statement issued on Tuesday by the PRO, BSF Guwahati Frontier, said.

Notably, the India-Bangladesh international border spans 4096 kilometres, of which 509 km is under the jurisdiction of the BSF Guwahati Frontier, stretching from Cooch Behar district in West Bengal to South Salmara-Mankachar district in Assam.

[bhaskarlive]

Bangladesh crisis: BSF on high alert in Bengal, DG visits forward posts

The Border Security Force (BSF) has been put on high alert along the India-Bangladesh international borders in West Bengal given the crisis in the neighbouring country.

The newly-appointed Director General (DG) of BSF, Daljit Singh Chaudhury, who had already reached Kolkata on Monday, has reviewed the situation and spoken to the top officials of the force in its Eastern Command.

Source: bhaskarlive.in

[indochinanews]

China Occupies and builds on occupied Indian territory: Sparks talk of eastern front as neighbors face off

The construction of a new Chinese village near the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh has New Delhi considering its next moves in the region.

Some analysts fear the discovery of the village built secretly could lead to another military stand-off between the two countries, in addition to the current one in Ladakh.

China is currently engaged in an All-Out war against the Indian subcontinent and is currently trying to Bully into submission after launching the first round of the war using the Corona Virus.

A report by Indian media that Chinese authorities had recently constructed a village near the eastern stretch of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) separating both countries has cast a spotlight on a potential new front emerging in the eight-month border stand-off between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

China is trying to keep India Occupied, as it builds up her Naval fleet, to be stationed in the Arabian ocean from the Gwadar Port and making India spend on the Army. In contrast, the real threat will be from the Sea. India Needs more submarines and Surface ships to deal with the growing Chinese threat in the Indian Ocean Sphere.

On Tuesday, New Delhi-based news channel NDTV said that based on satellite imagery, a village containing 101 homes in Arunachal Pradesh‘s Upper Subansiri district was constructed between August 2019 and November 2020.

The report said that the “full-fledged village that can house thousands” was 4.5km within “Indian territory” – about an unresolved territorial dispute over the area that India administers. Still, China claims is part of her occupied South Tibet.

China has since 2017 built villages in border areas in the Occupied Tibet region, which borders Arunachal Pradesh, as part of a US$4.6 billion plan to ensure political stability in the area.

The report comes after Beijing announced last month that it planned to build a “super dam” on one of the world’s largest rivers, which China calls the Yarlung Zangbo and India refers to as the Brahmaputra. China’s water warfare on India and Bangladesh to starve India of Water and blackmail Bangladesh to subservience.

The river flows downstream from Chinese Occupied Tibet into Arunachal Pradesh, with the proposed dam just kilometers away from the river entering India. Experts have warned that the dam could negatively impact India’s water and food security and cause disasters like floods in the regions that it flows through – primarily Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in India.

Months earlier in September, amid thousands of Indian and Chinese troops facing off in the western Himalayan region of Ladakh, India sent troops to Anjaw in Arunachal Pradesh in what the military said was part of a regular rotation of troops but which analysts claimed could raise the prospect of another looming face-off.

India recently renovated and upgraded its existing Advanced Landing Grounds (ALGs) in Arunachal Pradesh and plans to build two more. In early January, the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi also awarded contracts to build six new roads in the border areas of Arunachal Pradesh. This month alone, India’s chief of defense staff, General Bipin Rawat, and chief of air staff, Marshall R.K.S. Bhaduria has visited forward bases and ALGs in Arunachal Pradesh. India is also planning to build a railway to connect Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh with Bhalukpong, a small town in the same region.

In December, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, a paramilitary unit posted in forwarding areas along the India-China border, said its troops in Arunachal Pradesh were on “very high” alertness levels and that “no one” could surprise them.

On Tuesday, after the NDTV report was released, India’s External Affairs Ministry issued a statement saying it kept “constant watch” on developments. It added that India was also stepping up border infrastructure projects, including roads and bridges, to provide “much-needed connectivity to the local population.”

Kiren Rijuju, a minister for youth affairs and sports in the Modi government and member of parliament from Arunachal Pradesh, tweeted that the locations have been controlled by China “since it is occupied by Hegemonic China” while slamming allegations by opposition parties that this was on Indian-administered land.

However, Sameer Patil, a fellow with the international security studies program at the Mumbai-based think tank Gateway House, said it was “evident” that Arunachal Pradesh could be the next flashpoint for tensions between the two countries, after Ladakh.

“The longer-term Chinese strategy seems to be around enslaving the Indian sub-continent and this region because the construction of the village has been done over a year. India’s response to this construction – to upgrade construction in the region – also indicates this.”

HISTORY OF HOSTILITIES

The dispute over the hilly, forested region of Arunachal Pradesh is centuries old. It stems from a 1914 agreement between Tibetan authorities and British-ruled India to determine the boundaries between them. The exercise resulted in the “McMahon Line” – named after the British administrator who proposed it – but Beijing’s rejection of the demarcation line, which forms part of the 3,488km LAC, has led to clashes marked by violence and bloodshed.

Indian and Chinese troops fought in Arunachal Pradesh during the 1962 war between the two countries, and troops faced off again in 1986 on the banks of the Sumdorong Chu, a small river in the state, in a squabble that lasted several years.

Last week, the head of the Indian Army, General M.M. Naravane, referred to the Sumdorong Chu confrontation when he said that India was “ready to hold its ground” if the current stand-off lasted as long.

The spot where the new Chinese village now stands in Upper Subansiri district was the site of a clash between troops of two countries in 1959, said retired Lieutenant General J.S. Bajwa, who served as the chief of staff in India’s Eastern Command from 2010 until 2012, under which Arunachal Pradesh falls.

“Indian troops used to man this post called Longju, but the Chinese overran this post and established their presence here,” Bajwa said. “Since that day, the area has been controlled by the People’s Liberation Army.”

Bajwa said the construction of the Chinese village was unlikely to have been a surprise for the Indian government and military, pointing out that an Indian base was nearby. So the construction would have been known to Indian authorities.

But Ninong Erring, a former member of the Indian parliament from Arunachal Pradesh, who served as a minister for minority affairs in the Congress-led Indian government from 2012 to 2014, said China’s continued construction activity was indeed a threat to Indian security.

“All along the LAC in Arunachal Pradesh, the Chinese have built so many buildings and homes. In fact, in areas like Anini, the Chinese are building roads right up to the Indian border, less than 100km from our military bases,” he told This Week in Asia.

While infrastructure construction by India in the Ladakh region was a key factor that sparked the current military crisis between the countries – beginning with a brutal fist-fight between troops last May – Bajwa said it was unlikely India would counter the construction of the new village with any kind of infrastructural build-up of its own in Arunachal Pradesh.

“The Chinese objection to Indian infrastructure [in Ladakh] was because it was military infrastructure, whereas here, the Chinese can claim that this is meant for civilian use,” Bajwa said. However, he added that such infrastructure would “ultimately” be used by the Chinese for military purposes.

India, however, is continuing to make strategic moves in Ladakh and recently procured a dozen fast patrol boats for surveillance in water bodies along the India-China border in the region, especially on Pangong lake, one of the major flashpoints in the current stand-off. It is also building 83 military jets worth US$656 million, which are expected to be put into operation within the next five years.

India needs to stand up to the Chinese bully with extreme aggression as if India does not stand up now, it will find itself enslaved.

Modified from source: South China Morning Post

[wisepowderposts]

Steel mesh to replace border fences

The ‘rickety’ barbed wires along the Pakistan and Bangladesh border are being replaced with meshed fence made of steel and coated with anti-rust paint, a senior government official said on Friday.To get more news about metal screen panels, you can visit boegger.net official website.

India shares 4,096.7 km border with Bangladesh and 3,323 km with Pakistan. The cost of around 1 km of fence is approximately ₹1.99 crore. The Border Security Force (BSF) that is deployed along the Pakistan and Bangladesh borders has been tasked to ensure that the fence is installed in a time-bound manner. Currently a pilot project has been sanctioned at a cost of ₹14.3 crore at Lathitila in Assam’s Silchar district. The clearance was first given in 2016. “This will be a complete overhaul of the security system. The unique quality of the new fence is that it cannot be snipped,” the official said. He added that nobody can climb it.

“There are many pockets along the border where the old barbed wires are so fragile that they can be destroyed with a mild push,” the official said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the functioning of the BSF on December 14 where various technological solutions to plug the porous stretches of the border was discussed. The official said a comprehensive review was done and all the vulnerable spots along the eastern and western borders have been mapped and identified. The Central Public Works Department (CPWD) is implementing the project and the contract has been given to a firm called AON Fencing & Gates, headquartered in Ireland. The official said the border guarding forces have been asked to be on high alert as there are inputs of infiltration attempts from Pakistan once the winter subsides.

[futuremarket]

Global Perimeter Protection Market 2025 - An Understanding of the Market Divergences and its Trends

Global Perimeter Protection Market

The global perimeter protection market is expected to cross USD 276.46 billion by 2025 at an impressive CAGR of 13.46%.

Segmentation

By Component: The largest market within the component segment is the perimeter protection systems market. A vast category, perimeter protection encapsulates perimeter intrusion detection systems, video surveillance systems, access control systems, alarm & notification systems, and others. Perimeter intrusion detection systems excel in detecting a breach in the perimeter and their quick response time allows for effective countermeasures to be deployed. Video surveillance systems are affordable and can easily plug the gaps within a security perimeter. They can be monitored remotely, can store image and video data for long periods, and can be deployed in all manners of environment. Access control systems are reliable, relatively cheap, and offer significant deterrence to intruders. They can be remotely operated, passcode operated, passkey operated, or operated using retinal scans as well as thumbprints. Alarms and notifications play a huge role in perimeter protection. Effective alarms ensure security personnel can be alerted to a perimeter breach or that the intruders themselves can be made aware that their activities have been noticed. The perimeter services segment is further subdivided into two categories, professional services and managed services. Professional perimeter protection services provide perimeter protection solutions as well as training for their clientele with limited interaction thereafter save for maintenance and upgradation. Managed perimeter protection services provide the actual perimeter protection service for their clients.

By End User: By end user, the largest market is the commercial perimeter protection services market. Commercial enterprises need to safeguard sensitive information and prevent corporate espionage. Commercial enterprises also deter theft with the implementation of perimeter protection. The government and military market for perimeter protection is growing due to an increase in global terrorism, cross-border infiltration, and illegal immigration. The US-Mexico border is an example of how perimeter protection is being used to safeguard more than 3000 km. The defense of government and military installations is also a critical aspect of this market segment. Industrial plants and warehouses are usually situated in remote locations and cover vast areas, making manned protection difficult, costly, and time-consuming. The use of perimeter protection in these areas significantly reduces infiltration and lessens the manpower burden to oversee security for such large areas. Residential perimeter protection is a growing market largely due to an increase in urbanization and a subsequent increase in urban crimes. The employment of perimeter protection for residential buildings and houses also has a marked deterrent effect.

Regional Analysis

North America: The North American perimeter protection market is currently the largest regional market. North America faces a high degree of threat from terrorism and is trying to combat a growing illegal immigration problem. It also is the world’s largest economy with many commercial and industrial enterprises. These are factors which are driving the growth of the perimeter protection market in the region.

US: The US has the largest perimeter protection market globally. A porous border with Mexico sees over 350 million border crossings a year, the vast majority of which are illegal. These routes are also responsible for the ingress of contraband into the US. Commercial and industrial enterprises in the country have a demand for perimeter protection to safeguard sensitive information and to reduce instances of product theft and pilferage. A highly urbanized society, the deployment of perimeter protection is seeing a reduction in urban crime rates due to its marked deterrent effect. These factors serve to drive the US perimeter protection market.

Europe: Europe is a highly urbanized society with a need to monitor its urban environs to detect and deter criminal activity. Its industries and commercial enterprises also generate a demand for perimeter protection.

UK: The UK has a high demand for perimeter protection for its commercial and industrial enterprises as well as for its residential areas. A spate of terrorist activities has highlighted the gaps in its perimeter security, something the country is actively trying to overcome.

Russia: Russia has a need to safeguard its military installations, oversee its vast land borders, enhance urban security, and provide security for its commercial and industrial enterprises.

Asia-Pacific: The fastest-growing regional market for perimeter protection is Asia-pacific. Geopolitical considerations, the need to safeguard industrial, commercial, and residential spaces, and increase in urbanization are all factors driving this market.

India: India has sensitive borders with China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, which need to be protected. In addition, a growing economy and efforts to combat urban crime are causing the growth of the market in the region.

China: As the world’s largest manufacturing hub and having some of the world’s largest metropolitan areas, China is increasingly looking to perimeter protection services to enhance its security abilities. The Chinese perimeter protection market is growing at a fast rate due to the advantages perimeter protection offers over traditional protection methods.

Key Players

Honeywell International Inc.

Schneider Electric

Hikvision Digital Technology Co., Ltd.

FLIR Systems

More Information@ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/perimeter-protection-market-8292

About Market Research Future: At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Reports (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research and Consulting Services. Contact: Market Research Future +1 646 845 9312 Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com

[mitchbattros]

India: Heat Wave Continues As Fani Threatens Eastern Areas With Flooding, Damaging Wind

Residents along India's eastern coast are being warned about potential impacts from Cyclonic Storm Fani this week, while no relief will come from the dangerous heat in the nation's northern and western regions.

Fani strengthened into a cyclonic storm on Saturday, local time. The strength of a cyclonic storm equates to a tropical storm in the Atlantic or northern Pacific basins. Further strengthening can cause the system to intensify into the equivalent of a hurricane and be called a severe cyclonic storm or a very severe cyclonic storm by Tuesday with further strengthening expected later this week. Seas will build and become dangerous for boaters and swimmers around the southern Bay of Bengal as the storm intensifies. Residents along the eastern coast of India are being alerted to potential other hazards. "The main threats from this storm will be heavy rain, flooding and damaging wind gusts," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Jason Nicholls said, "but the exact amount of rain and strength of the winds will be dependent on how close it tracks to the coast." Latest indications spare Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu in India from the brunt of the cyclone's rain and wind. Even if the storm bypasses Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu, areas to the north may not be as fortunate. One scenario for the storm is to threaten the coast from northern Andhra Pradesh to Odisha and West Bengal with heavy rain and wind later this week into the weekend. Landfall as a dangerous tropical cyclone may occur in this scenario putting millions of people at risk for damaging winds, inundating storm surge, and flooding rainfall. Locations from Visakhapatnam northward to the border with Bangladesh are at risk for landfall at this time. Beyond West Bengal, flooding rain and strong winds may accompany the storm as it slams into Bangladesh with an eventual track into northeastern India later in the weekend or early next week. A second scenario would keep the worst impacts from Fani offshore from India as the storm tracks northward across the Bay of Bengal this week. Coastal locations may see brief downpours and gusty winds; however, damaging winds and widespread flooding would not be expected. A direct hit on Bangladesh or northern Myanmar would be possible in this scenario bringing life-threatening impacts to the region from this weekend into early next week. Download the free AccuWeather app to remain aware of the latest projected path of the cyclone and any threats for your community. Regardless of the storm's exact track, it will not press far enough inland to bring any heat relief to northern and western India. Thursday marked the hottest day so far this year in the National Capital Region (NCR), when temperatures soared to 43.2 C (109.8 F) at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. Similar temperatures were felt across the city and surrounding NCR from Saturday into Monday. Temperatures will remain dangerously high each day this week across the NCR and much of central and northern India. "India endures lengthy heat waves each year prior to the arrival of monsoonal rainfall; however, this heat has arrived earlier than normal in recent years, putting more people at risk for heat-related illnesses," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Eric Leister said. Residents will have to continue to take the necessary precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses. Drinking plenty of water, spending time in the shade and wearing light clothing will be necessary. When possible, strenuous outdoor activity should be avoided during the hottest part of the day. Stagnant conditions contributing to the high heat are also resulting in dangerously poor air quality conditions. Face masks should be worn by anyone spending time outdoors. Children, the elderly and those with respiratory or cardiovascular health conditions should avoid spending time outside as much as possible. Read the full article

[totravelistoliveco]

National Geographic judges have made their decision and this year’s National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year has been named!

The results of the of the Year Contest are now in, with grand-prize winner Sergio Tapiro Velasco set to receive a 10-day trip for two to the Galápagos Archipelago with National Geographic Expeditions, for his incredible shot of lightning striking the erupting Colima Volcano in Mexico. You can check the winners and honorable mentions here, from three categories: Nature, Cities, and People.

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Under the Wave – 3rd Place, People. I recently traveled to Tavarua, Fiji to do some surf photography with pro surfer Donavon Frankenreiter at Cloudbreak. I’m always looking for new angles and perspectives. The usual surf shots have all been done so we decided to get a little creative. Makes you look twice. # © Rodney Bursiel / National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest

The Power of Nature – Grand Prize and 1st Prize Nature Category. Powerful eruption of Colima Volcano in Mexico on December 13th, 2015. That night, the weather was dry and cold, friction of ash particles generated a big lightning rod of about 600 meters that connected ash and volcano, illuminating the dark scene. In last part of 2015, this volcano showed a lot of eruptive activity with ash explosions that raised 2-3 km above the crater. Most of the night explosions produced incandescent rock falls and lightning not bigger than 100 meters in average. # © Sergio Tapiro Velasco / National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest

Al Ain – Honorable mention, Cities. New city on the desert. # © Andrzej Bochenski / National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest

Marble Caves – Honorable mention, Nature. The marble caves of Patagonia. # © Clane Gessel / National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest

Bridging Generation – Honorable mention, People. A father and son sitting in white traditional attire with beautiful blue sky on the day of Eid al-Fitr in a mosque in New Delhi, India. The photo shows the beautiful bond that these two generations have been building in a very simple and lovable manner. # © Jobit George / National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest

Crocodiles at Rio Tarcoles – 3rd Place, Nature. This image was captured in Costa Rica when I was travelling from Monteverde to Playa Hermosa. As you cross over this river, you can stop and peer over the edge of the bridge. Below, reside over 35 gigantic crocodiles, relaxing on the muddy banks of the river. I wanted to capture the stark difference between the crocodiles on land and in the water. In the murky waters, the body contours of these beasts remain hidden, and one can only truly see their girth as they emerge from the river. # © Tarun Sinha / National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest

Interesting Moment – 2nd Place, People. Museum visitors curiously watching Rembrandt’s painting “Syndics of the Drapers’ Guild” where it gave the illusion that the people on the paintings too are curiously watching the visitors. # © Julius Y. / National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest

Levels of Reading – 1st Place, Cities. This photo depicts the modern interior of the city library in Stuttgart. With its wide-open space in the center, where natural light comes through the windows on the top, it has a very unique atmosphere, where you can broaden your knowledge. # © Norbet Fritz / National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest

Forest of the Fairy – Honorable mention, Nature. This photograph was taken in the evening hours of a humid early summer day in the forest of a small remote village in the Tamba area of Japan. It beautifully captures the magical atmosphere of princess fireflies carpeting a stairway leading to a small shrine revered by the local people. # © Yutaka Takafuji / National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest

Henningsvær Football Field – 3rd Place, Cities. This football field in Henningsvær in the Lofoten Islands is considered one of the most amazing fields in Europe, and maybe even in the world. The photo was taken during a 10-day sailing trip in Norway in June 2017. We arrived to Henningsvær after a week of sailing through the cold and rainy weather. Upon our arrival, the weather cleared up. I was really lucky that the conditions were suitable for flying my drone, and I managed to capture this shot from a height of 120 meters. # © Misha De-Stroyev / National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest

The Man’s Stare – Honorable mention, People. The photo was taken on July 23rd 2016 at Tongi Railway Station in Gazipur, Bangladesh. I was there taking photos and waiting for a moment. A train from Dhaka toward another district stopped at the platform for 5 minutes for lifting passengers. It was raining a lot. Suddenly I found a pair of curious eyes looking at me through the window and on his left an umbrella has been put to protect from the rain. I got the moment. # © Moin Ahmed / National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest

To Live – 2nd PLace, Nature. Swans who live vigorously even in mud. # © Hiromi Kano / National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest

Walled City #08 – 2nd Place, Cities. The Kowloon Walled City was the densest place on Earth. Hundreds of houses stacked on top of each other enclosed in the center of the structure. Many didn’t have access to open space.This notorious city was finally demolished in the 1990s. However, if you look hard enough, you will notice that the city is not dead. Part of it still exists in many of the current high-density housing apartments. I hope this series can get people to think about claustrophobic living in Hong Kong from a new perspective. # © Andy Yeung / National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest

Mt. Bromo – Honorable mention, Nature. Mount Bromo volcano is a small, but active volcanic cinder cone in Java, Indonesia. In early 2016, I happened to be in Mt. Bromo during the increase of seismic activity and triggered the alert status to the second highest. # © Reynold Riksa Dewantara / National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest

In Your Face – Honorable mention, Nature. Caribbean reef sharks are usually shy so I placed my camera on a rock where I know they frequent and used a remote trigger to click away as they came in and bumped my camera around. # © Shane Gross / National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest

Colorful apartment – Honorable mention, Cities. This building is an apartment complex in Gifu Prefecture of Japan. It is very colorful, but it is an ordinary housing collective where ordinary people can live. # © Tetsuya Hashimoto / National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest

Blessings at Besakih – Honorable mention, People. Besakih Temple has been known as Bali’s ‘Mother Temple’ for over 1000 years and is perched 1,000 meters high on the southwestern slopes of Mount Agung. Here Balinese often come to offer up prayer and take blessings from the temple priests or “Pemangku” who reside there. # © Michael Dean Morgan / National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest

Explore the prize-winning National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year photos and download stunning wallpapers for all your devices. Share your favorite pictures with your friends and see the judge’s top picks.

Winners of the 2017 National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest National Geographic judges have made their decision and this year's National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year…

[newstfionline]

Headlines

270 Bodies Recovered From Sierra Leone Mudslide: Mayor (Reuters) Rescue workers have recovered 270 bodies so far from a mudslide in the outskirts of Sierra Leone’s capital Freetown and the search continues for more, the mayor said on Tuesday.

Roadside Bomb Blast Kills Eight Soldiers in Southwest Pakistan (Reuters) A roadside bomb killed eight soldiers in a remote district in Pakistan’s southwestern province of Baluchistan, a government official said on Tuesday, the second attack within days in the troubled region.

Flooding Kills More Than 160 People Across South Asia (Reuters) Heavy monsoon rains in Nepal, Bangladesh and India have killed more than 160 people in the last week, officials said on Tuesday, as authorities rushed to rescue those missing or stranded in flooded areas.

Venezuela’s Maduro Calls for Military Exercises After Trump Threat (Reuters) Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Monday called for military exercises after U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of a possible armed intervention in the country, but Maduro insisted he still wanted to hold talks with the U.S. leader.

Iraq Starts Bombing IS-Held Tal Afar, West of Mosul: Sumariya (Reuters) Iraq has begun an aerial bombardment of Tal Afar, a town under Islamic State control west of Mosul, Baghdad-based al-Sumariya TV said on Tuesday, citing an Iraqi Defence Ministry spokesman.

North Korea’s Kim Holds Off on Guam Missile Plan (Reuters) North Korea’s leader has delayed a decision on firing missiles towards Guam while he waits to see what the United States does next, the North’s state media said on Tuesday, as South Korea’s president said Seoul would seek to prevent war by all means.

Taiwan Says on High Alert After Recent Chinese Air Force Drills (Reuters) Taiwan’s military is on a high state of alert following three straight days of drills by the Chinese air force near to the self-ruled island which Beijing claims as its own, Taiwan’s Defence Ministry said on Tuesday.

Car Ploughs Into Pizzeria Near Paris, Killing 12-Year-Old Girl (Reuters) A car ploughed into the outdoor terrace of a pizzeria in the small town of Sept-Sorts east of Paris on Monday, killing a 12-year-old girl and seriously injuring several other people.

Thai PM to Visit White House in October, Trade, Security on Agenda (Reuters) Thailand’s prime minister and junta chief Prayuth Chan-ocha will visit the White House in October, Thailand’s foreign minister said on Tuesday, adding trade and security would be on the agenda, the latest sign of warming ties between Bangkok and Washington.

UK Says It May Seek ‘Temporary’ Customs Union With EU (AP) Britain says it might seek to remain in a customs union with the European Union for a time to avoid border chaos after leaving the bloc.

Taliban ‘Open Letter’ to Trump Urges US to Leave Afghanistan (AP) The Taliban have sent an “open letter” to President Donald Trump, reiterating their calls for America to leave Afghanistan after 16 years of war.

Philippines: 21 Alleged Drug Offenders Killed in Single Day (AP) Simultaneous anti-drug operations in a northern province have left 21 alleged drug offenders dead, police said Tuesday. They called it the highest death toll in a single day since President Rodrigo Duterte launched his ‘war on drugs’ in July last year.

[ebenpink]

World News Briefs -- March 29, 2019 https://ift.tt/2JPw9ut

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May speaks in the Parliament in London, Britain, March 29, 2019 in this screen grab taken from video. Reuters TV via REUTERS

Reuters: Parliament sinks May's Brexit deal again, EU braces for no-deal exit LONDON (Reuters) - Lawmakers rejected Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit deal for a third time on Friday, sounding its probable death knell and leaving Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union in turmoil on the very day it was supposed to leave the bloc. The decision to reject a stripped-down version of May’s divorce deal has left it totally unclear how, when or even whether Britain will leave the EU, and plunges the three-year Brexit crisis to a deeper level of uncertainty. Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Saudi Arabia says Syrian opposition must unite before any dialogue with government. A 'tragic life' for the displaced in Syria's Al-Hol camp. Turkey rejects US pressure over Russian S-400 missile deal. Erdogan fights to hold Turkey's cities in bitter election battle. US calls for probe into Yemen hospital bombing. Hamas backs Egypt proposal for calm on Israel border: officials. Palestinians urge large turnout for Great March of Return year anniversary.

ASIA

Two weeks before India starts voting, Modi predicts easy victory. Pakistan PM's remarks on Afghan peace process stir diplomatic row. South Korea's Moon to meet Trump over stalled North Korea talks. China thanks Kazakhstan for 'support' of Xinjiang crackdown. Vietnam GDP growth hit by swine flu, weakened exports. 20,000 attend memorial for victims of New Zealand mosque attack. Bangladesh fire in high-rise office building kills 25 people.

AFRICA

Loyalist calls for president to quit fail to end Algeria protests. Tunisia detains UN Libya arms embargo official. Congo president allows senators to take office, ending feud with predecessor's camp. Nigeria court revokes bail for missing separatist leader. Cyclone-hit Mozambique fears cholera epidemic. Trump to host Egypt's Sisi on April 9. Egyptian activist Alaa Abdel Fattah released from jail after five years.

EUROPE

MPs reject May's EU withdrawal agreement. The Latest: UK lawmakers vote “No” on May’s Brexit deal. EU Commission says no-deal Brexit on April 12 'likely'. Ukraine minister: President and rival both bribing voters. Separatist conflict in eastern Ukraine divides young voters. Italy coalition in bitter row over sexual violence law. Germany declines to recognize Juan Guaido's Berlin emissary. Berlin police carry out massive raids against organized crime. Kosovo bans ALL gambling for a decade after two casino workers were murdered in a week.

AMERICAS

Fired-up Trump pushes ‘no collusion’ angle in Russia report. Trump blasts ongoing Dem investigations: 'Ridiculous bulls---'. Mexico braces for new caravan of Central American migrants. Bolton: Russia, others sending troops to Venezuela is 'direct threat' to region's security. Venezuela crisis: Guaidó banned from office for 15 years. Google is an unlikely messenger between Trump and Cuba, insider says. Homelessness rises in Argentina’s capital amid crisis. Mexico raises alert level after Popocatepetl volcano eruption.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

US-led coalition: 1,257 civilians killed in airstrikes against ISIS. UN Security Council binding resolution makes terror financing a serious crime. 'Life was better under ISIS': Inside the terror group's devastated former stronghold of Mosul where conditions are so bad some desperate locals want the extremists to RETURN.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

US, China set to resume 'candid' trade talks in Washington. Huawei sales top $100bn despite US-led pressure. Investigators 'believe Ethiopian 737 Max's anti-stall system activated'. Boeing Ethiopia crash probe 'finds anti-stall device activated'. GOP senator demands info on Google's work in China. Oil prices on track to see one of best quarters in decade. from War News Updates https://ift.tt/2I0aWeQ via IFTTT

[freedomcollaborative]

Love Justice International's new data strategy helps in apprehension of trafficker

At Love Justice International, we are one of several anti-trafficking organizations with great success in using data to make our work more effective and to prevent lives from being trafficked into potential slavery. To date, we’ve intercepted over 16,000 individuals and prevented them from becoming potential victims of modern-day slavery. By placing highly trained border monitors at high-trafficking hubs, our approach is unique in that we intervene at the most strategic moment—while trafficking is in the process of occurring but before the point of exploitation or enslavement.

This type of anti-trafficking strategy, called transit monitoring, provides the data that is otherwise altogether missing about human trafficking. During each interception, our border monitors interview potential victims and collect dozens of data points that enable us to better understand trafficking trends and networks. This process of collecting and analyzing data is crucial in helping to improve our operations, prosecute traffickers, and identify targets for investigations.

In November of 2017, our data entry team developed a new “trafficker match” browser and uploaded the feature on to all of our border station tablets. The trafficker match resource uses a search bar where staff can enter either a suspected trafficker’s name or phone number to cross-check the database to see if there are any matches from previous interceptions.

Recently, our staff monitoring a border in South Asia used this newly developed tool during the interception of a young woman named Gausara* in order to apprehend her suspected trafficker. The attention of our staff was initially drawn to Gausara because she appeared to be extremely nervous and fearful in the company of her companion. This is just one of many red flags used by our interception teams to determine if a trafficking situation is taking place.

Our staff approached her and began asking her a few questions. Gausara told them that she was on her way to a country in the Persian Gulf. This instantly put our staff on alert. The local government has made it illegal for its citizens to travel to a Gulf country by any means other than the country's international airport. This law was created in an attempt to reduce exploitation of citizens overseas by giving the government more oversight; however, due to the open border, it seems to have increased the number of people migrating without basic legal protections. Due to this law, our team immediately knew that Gausara was either being trafficked or at high risk of being trafficked or exploited upon her arrival at her destination.

In this case of Gausara’s interception, our staff entered her suspected trafficker’s name into the “trafficker match,” and his name matched contact information that had been provided in an interception four months earlier at the same station. This connection established enough evidence to believe the individual was involved in the trafficking of many victims. The police were immediately brought in to help, and they ended up taking the trafficker into custody. The arrest resulted in Gausara filing a human trafficking case against the trafficker.

To date, Love Justice has 44 different transit monitoring stations located where trafficking occurs—near important border crossings or transit hubs in Nepal, Bangladesh, India, Mongolia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Uganda, Kenya, Benin, and South Africa.

*Name has been changed to protect the potential victim’s privacy and security.

Learn more about Love Justice International’s anti-trafficking work and the impact they are having across the globe, or reach out directly to their Director of Strategic Partnerships, Andrew Fennig. 

[hinditracklyrics]

BSF forces raise alert for human trafficking, issues high surveillance at India Bangladesh border

BSF forces raise alert for human trafficking, issues high surveillance at India Bangladesh border

BSF forces raise alert for human trafficking, issues high surveillance at India Bangladesh border

After the incident of Border Security Force (BSF) personnel being attacked by human traffickers along the India-Bangladesh border, BSF has alerted units along the 4,096km stretch to cross-check and stay alert to all these human trafficking instances. The attack, which took place earlier this morning…

[rightsinexile]

News on Countries of Asylum

Global

Ten European countries offer to host migrants stranded in the Mediterranean off Malta

An in-depth report on the individuals risking everything for a new life in a safe place

Africa

ETHIOPIA:

As conflict drags on in South Sudan, families finding refuge in neighboring Ethiopia struggle to integrate amid ethnic tensions

Ethiopia introduces new legislation granting important rights to its approximately 900,000 refugees

Ethiopia allows almost 1 million refugees to leave camps and work

KENYA:

LGBT refugees in Kenya accuse UN of failing on protection, shelte

Somali refugees in Kenya’s Dadaab Camp face uncertainty and increasing trafficker exploitation

Kenya must activate its endorsement of the UN Global Compact on Refugees, end violations and halt refoulement

UGANDA:

Donor threats to halt funding Uganda’s highly corrupt refugee operations to affect more than 1 million refugees

Americas

BRAZIL: 

Venezuelan migrant children entering Brazil unaccompanied or without documents are vulnerable to human trafficking, cannot access services

CANADA:

Fleeing Saudi teen granted refugee status from United Nations Agency in Canada

Canada to allow more than 1 million immigrants and refugees by 2021 to help offset aging population and low birth rates

USA:

Thousands more migrant children separated under Trump than previously known

Trump administration to start sending certain asylum seekers back to Mexico

Government’s own data contradicts Trump’s border “crisis” claim, activists point instead to asylum crisis

Border patrol agents turn away asylum seekers on US soil, probably violating the law

Justice: An inside look at immigration courts - cases pile up and “things go awry”

Asia

BANGLADESH/INDIA:

 Bangladesh closes border to Rohingya Muslims fleeing India, leaving men, women and children stranded in no-man’s land

THAILAND:

Thailand pledges to align its refugee policy with international norms after Rahaf Mohammed case, but inconsistencies remain

Too scared to return home, Myanmar refugees in Thai camps face an uncertain future

Europe

GREECE: 

Oxfam condemns EU over “inhumane” Lesbos refugee camp

ITALY:

New law leaves asylum seekers in limbo, short film shows

Italian mayors rebel against interior minister over asylum seeker law

With 47 migrants stranded at sea, Italy’s interior minister vows to sue Dutch rescue vessel

Hundreds evicted as Italy closes its second largest migrant centre after scrapping residency rights previously offered to asylum seekers

MALTA: 

Malta disembarks 49 migrants stranded at sea for two weeks, sparks row with Italy

SPAIN: 

Barcelona’s alternative community rally to offer shelter and hope to refugees

UNITED KINGDOM:

Royal Navy patrol ship heads for Channel to prevent migrant crossings

UK border police on high alert after 40 refugees make Christmas Day Channel crossing

Forty-eight refugees explain why they want to reach Britain

UK Home Office tracks debit card use to “spy” on asylum seekers

VATICAN CITY: 

Pope enters migrant ships dispute with appeal for safe ports

Middle East

ISRAEL: 

Israel seeks friendly relations with African states but remains hostile to African migrants in its midst  

LEBANON: 

Winter storm batters makeshift camp housing tens of thousands of Syrian refugees

[glancenews]

Monsoon threatens over a million Rohingyas in Bangla camp; India fears mass influx

By Rajnish Singh

IANS (13:08)

Dhaka (Bangladesh), April 25 (IANS) With only two months to go for the monsoon rains to arrive, relocating Rohingya refugees to a safe place has emerged as a serious concern for the Bangladesh government. It has also created a sense or worry for India's Border Security Force (BSF) as intelligence inputs hint at mass infiltration when floods overwhelm the grounds where they are housed in refugee camps. Over 1.15 million registered Rohingyas have been residing in the south-eastern part of Bangladesh, known as the Cox's Bazar region, after they fled Myanmar to escape a military crackdown on their villages in Rakhine State on the night of August 24-25, last year. Bangladesh is looking at options like repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar or their transfer to a safer location. It is also looking at safeguarding the existing shacks of the refugees and steps to prevent an epidemic when the rains hit. The BSF, on its part, has put its troops along the 4,096 km India-Bangladesh border on alert to intercept any infiltration by the refugees into India. The Indian government has taken the position that they will not allow entry of illegal migrants as some Rohingyas had been found to have links with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence for delivering fake Indian currency into the country. They were also said to be trying to illegally obtain Indian identification. The BSF says it will have to follow the government's order to the tee. "We have intelligence inputs that Rohingyas would try to enter India when the rains come and we are putting in place plans to stop them," a BSF official told IANS on condition of anonymity. "All the Integrated Check Post commanders along the border have been instructed to be vigilant and stop any illegal entry," he said. Although the nearest Indian border is about 100 km away, the ability of refugess to face hardships and traverse long distances in search of a safe haven is known. Most of refugees live in flimsy, bamboo-and-plastic structures perched on what were once forested hills, as a visit by a group of 15 Indian and Bangladeshi journalists to Cox's Bazar camp showed. It would lead to a disaster if they remain in the area when Bangladesh gets lashed by cyclones, at the peak of rainy season in July. The visit of journalists was facilitated by the BSF and hosted by Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB). According to Bangladesh's meteorological department, the highest incidence of rainfall is recorded in the south-eastern part of the country where the biggest makeshift camps of Rohingyas' are located -- in Kutupalong and Balukhali -- an area of around 144 square kilometres. Computer modelling by the United Nations High Commissioner of Refugess (UNHCR) shows that hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees would be threatened by floods and landslides during the monsoon. "Up to a third of the land could be flooded, leaving lakhs of refugees living in the plains homeless... Refugee population living on slopes will also be at risk of landslide," said an UNHCR report. To cope with the situation the government is seeking relocation of the refugees back to their homeland. "The Bangladesh government is in a hurry to repatriate the refugees as per an agreement signed between it and the Myanmar government in November last year," Brigadier General S.M. Rakibullah of BGB told IANS. "We recently sent a list of around 100,000 Rohingyas to Myanmar for their identification and repatriation, but only a few of them were considered as nationals by their government," said Rakibullah, Additional Director General and Regional Commander of Adhoc Region Headquarters in Cox's Bazar, adding that "the repatriation of refugees is considerably delayed". Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has also expressed concern for the Rohingyas in view of the coming monsoons and has ordered new homes to be built for them on a nearby island called Bhasan Char, according to an official in Bangladesh's Ministry of Information. But it would be impossible to do that for all the 1.15 million refugees. Cox's Bazar Assistant Director, Rubel told IANS: "As water swallows the whole area south of Naff river during the monsoon season, evacuation of Rohingyas would become very difficult then." However, relocation to another area may not be easy as most of the places are populated by local Bangladeshis who are unlikely to take the presence of hundreds of thousands of refugees very kindly. Officials point out that as it may not be possible to relocate a large number of refugees before monsoons, interim measures need to be taken. And they are doing that. These include using bulldozers to improve roads, stabilise the slopes and level the land in the Kutupalong-Balukhali camp. The bamboo shacks on the hills are being strenghtened by sandbags, but officials point out that when rains become extremely heavy, this measure may not help much. Also, emergency medical centres to tackle cholera or mosquito-borne disease are being set up, and so are search and rescue and first aid teams, according to an official. Several international agencies, including UNHCR, are working alongside Bangladesh personnel to prepare for the coming rains. But Nur Hussain, 40, whose brother was killed in the military crackdown in Myanmar, is not convinced. "My mud house and other makeshift shacks are not built to withstand storms, heavy rains or floods," he said, looking at the skies with foreboding eyes. "Only Allah can help me and my people." (Rajnish Singh was in Bangladesh on invitation of the BSF. He can be contacted at rajnish.s@ians.in)