50 years of Emergency: EAM Jaishankar blames 1974 deal for fishermen arrests by Sri Lanka; says consequences still visible in Tamil Nadu

South China Sea Breaking: Taiwan Deploys HIMARS Unit To Target Deep Into China | Xi Vows Retaliation

South China Sea Breaking: In a significant escalation of defensive capabilities, Taiwan has officially formed its first combat-ready HIMARS rocket unit. This move is designed to strengthen deterrence against increasing threats and military pressure from China. Taiwan's Defense Minister, Wellington Koo, lauded the new unit as a "significant boost" to the island's defensive power, underscoring the strategic importance of this deployment. The soldiers operating these advanced systems have completed specialized training in the United States, highlighting the close military cooperation between Washington and Taipei. The M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) is a game-changer for Taiwan's military. It can fire six 227mm rockets or a single Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missile, the latter boasting a range of up to 300 kilometers. This impressive range means that key military and strategic targets deep within mainland China's coastal provinces are now potentially within Taiwan's strike capability. Reports suggest that Taiwan may have already acquired these long-range ATACMS missiles, a detail that is sure to alarm military planners in Beijing. This deployment is part of a larger arms deal with the U.S., with 11 of a total 29 HIMARS systems already delivered. The move aligns with America's broader strategy to build a strong coalition in the Indo-Pacific to counter China's growing military and economic dominance. While the HIMARS system has proven its devastating effectiveness in the Ukraine conflict, analysts note that China's more advanced air defense systems could pose a greater challenge. The activation of this unit comes as Chinese military aircraft and vessels continue to cross the sensitive median line of the Taiwan Strait, prompting regular intrusion warnings from Taipei and keeping the region on high alert. #Taiwan #China #HIMARS #USChinaRelations #BreakingNews #WorldNews #Geopolitics #OneindiaNews #IndoPacific #ATACMS Also Read Pakistan at China’s Command: Proxy War on India, Debt Trap at Home—Sri Lanka 2.0 :: https://www.oneindia.com/international/pakistan-at-china-s-command-proxy-war-on-india-debt-trap-at-home-sri-lanka-2-0-7791359.html?ref=DMDesc Iran To Buy Chinese J-10C Fighter Jets :: https://www.oneindia.com/international/iran-to-buy-chinese-j-10c-fighter-jets-7788123.html?ref=DMDesc China Halts Exports Of Specialty Fertilisers To India Amid Rising Tensions, Raising Supply Concerns :: https://www.oneindia.com/india/china-halts-exports-of-specialty-fertilisers-to-india-amid-rising-tensions-raising-supply-concerns-7783941.html?ref=DMDesc ~HT.410~

Reform UK will not support lowering voting age to 16

When asked whether his party would support lowering the voting age to 16, Reform UK leader said ''No, even though we'd get lots of votes''. Mr Farage also added 16 years olds should only be allowed to vote when they are allowed to stand for Parliament. The next general election will see 16-year-olds able to vote for the first time, ministers have confirmed in wide-ranging plans to “modernise our democracy”. Report by Gluszczykm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn