Towards Viksit Bharat: Redefining India's Foreign Policy Landscape
Technology is a great leveller, says Murthy
A ceasefire deal that could end more than a year of cross-border fighting between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah militant group won backing from Israeli leaders Tuesday, raising hopes and renewing difficult questions in a region gripped by conflict. Hezbollah leaders also signaled tentative backing for the U.S.-brokered deal, which offers both sides an off-ramp from hostilities that have driven more than 1.2 million Lebanese and 50,000 Israelis from their homes. An intense bombing campaign by Israel has killed more than 3,700 people, many of them civilians, Lebanese officials say. But while the deal, set to take effect early Wednesday, could significantly calm the tensions that have inflamed the region, it does little directly to resolve the much deadlier war that has raged in Gaza since the Hamas attack on southern Israel in October 2023 that killed 1,200 people. Hezbollah, which began firing scores of rockets into Israel the following day in support of Hamas, has previously said it would keep fighting until there was a stop to the fighting in Gaza. Here’s what to know about the tentative ceasefire agreement and its potential implications: The agreement reportedly calls for a 60-day halt in fighting that would see Israeli troops retreat to their side of the border while requiring Hezbollah to end its armed presence in a broad swath of southern Lebanon. President Joe Biden said Tuesday that the deal is set to take effect at 4 a.m. local time on Wednesday (9 p.m. EST Tuesday). Under the deal, thousands of Lebanese troops and U.N. peacekeepers are to deploy to the region south of the Litani River. An international panel lead by the U.S. would monitor compliance by all sides. Biden said the deal “was designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities.” Israel has demanded the right to act should Hezbollah violate its obligations. Lebanese officials have rejected writing that into the proposal. Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz insisted Tuesday that the military would strike Hezbollah if the U.N. peacekeeping force, known as UNIFIL , does not provide “effective enforcement” of the deal. A Hezbollah leader said the group's support for the deal hinged on clarity that Israel would not renew its attacks. “After reviewing the agreement signed by the enemy government, we will see if there is a match between what we stated and what was agreed upon by the Lebanese officials,” Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollah’s political council, told the Qatari satellite news network Al Jazeera. “We want an end to the aggression, of course, but not at the expense of the sovereignty of the state” of Lebanon, he said. The European Union’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, said Tuesday that Israel’s security concerns had been addressed in the deal also brokered by France. After months of cross-border bombings, Israel can claim major victories, including the killing of Hezbollah’s top leader, Hassan Nasrallah, most of his senior commanders and the destruction of extensive militant infrastructure. A complex attack in September involving the explosion of hundreds of walkie-talkies and pagers used by Hezbollah was widely attributed to Israel, signaling a remarkable penetration of the militant group. The damage inflicted on Hezbollah has come not only in its ranks, but to the reputation it built by fighting Israel to a stalemate in the 2006 war. Still, its fighters managed to put up heavy resistance on the ground, slowing Israel’s advance while continuing to fire scores of rockets, missiles and drones across the border each day. The ceasefire offers relief to both sides, giving Israel’s overstretched army a break and allowing Hezbollah leaders to tout the group’s effectiveness in holding their ground despite Israel’s massive advantage in weaponry. But the group is likely to face a reckoning, with many Lebanese accusing it of tying their country’s fate to Gaza’s at the service of key ally Iran, inflicting great damage on a Lebanese economy that was already in grave condition. Until now, Hezbollah has insisted that it would only halt its attacks on Israel when it agreed to stop fighting in Gaza. Some in the region are likely to view a deal between the Lebanon-based group and Israel as a capitulation. In Gaza, where officials say the war has killed more than 44,000 Palestinians, Israel’s attacks have inflicted a heavy toll on Hamas, including the killing of the group’s top leaders. But Hamas fighters continue to hold scores of Israeli hostages, giving the militant group a bargaining chip if indirect ceasefire negotiations resume. Hamas is likely to continue to demand a lasting truce and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in any such deal. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas offered a pointed reminder Tuesday of the intractability of the war, demanding urgent international intervention. “The only way to halt the dangerous escalation we are witnessing in the region, and maintain regional and international stability, security and peace, is to resolve the question of Palestine,” he said in a speech to the U.N. read by his ambassador.
The Denver Gazette sports business insider is a reader’s guide to understanding the influence of money, politics and power behind their favorite leagues, teams and players: Sports business insider: The ticket price for Senior Day games played on Friday is much higher for Colorado vs. Oklahoma State compared to Colorado State vs. Utah State. Short version: The bowl-eligible Buffaloes (8-3) and Rams (7-4) conclude the regular college football season on Friday at their respective home venues. Here’s a breakdown of what a seat costs as of late Tuesday. —CU vs. OSU, 10 a.m. at Folsom Field Least expensive ticket: $87 (section 214, Ticketmaster) Most expensive ticket: $2,421 (section 105, Ticketmaster) —CSU vs. USU, 1:30 p.m. at Canvas Stadium Least expensive ticket: $22 (section 215, Ticketmaster) Most expensive ticket: $300 (outdoor club, CSU) Folsom Field beer sales nearly double with CU football coach Deion Sanders | Sports Business Insider Long version: The Buffaloes have sold out of season tickets in consecutive seasons under coach Deion Sanders. CU has a limited supply of premium tickets against OSU on its website, but the majority are available on verified secondary markets. Demand is high considering it will be the final home game for star quarterback Shedeur Sanders and cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter. Ticket price does not reflect the quality of opponent with OSU struggling at 3-8 this season. CU still has a narrow path to the Big 12 title game with a win and multiple losses by conference frontrunners. The Rams still have tickets available on their website, however, the cheapest seats are listed on verified secondary markets. CSU’s on-field success has been reflected in attendance this season with sellouts in four of its past six home games. The Rams set a program and stadium record with 40,099 fans for the Rocky Mountain Showdown earlier this season. But filling up Canvas Stadium for lesser opponents — like USU (4-7) — on a weekday afternoon remains a challenge. That’s good news for Rams faithful on a budget. Not so much for the crowd atmosphere in Fort Collins to honor senior players. Key context: The cost of in-state college football tickets is a relative bargain compared to other places. Imagine being a University of Texas or Texas A&M fan. They play on Saturday with the winner advancing to the SEC championship game against Georgia. Tickets for UT vs. TAMU are being sold for an average of $1,072 per seat — according to online marketplace TickPick — as the most expensive college football game ever. The cheapest ticket at A&M’s Kyle Field is reportedly still more than $700. Looking ahead: The Rams and Buffaloes are college football relevant at the same time, finally, after both programs endured dark times in recent years. CU will contend for Big 12 titles so long as Sanders remains in Boulder. CSU is finding success in year three with Jay Norvell at the helm. Will it continue into 2025? Stick with The Denver Gazette sports business insider for a unique perspective on what unfolds.Gemini – (21st May to 20th June) Daily Horoscope Prediction says, Do not let emotions rule you Despite minor friction in the love affair, you will be happy. Take up new tasks that will test your potential at the workplace. Financial also prosperity exists today. Your job proficiency will help you make crucial professional decisions. Have a great day in terms of love. Today is good for major investments and health will also be good today. Gemini Love Horoscope Today Consider the preferences of the lover which can bring in surprises in the relationship. Be accommodative today and ensure that there is proper communication. Try not to get into arguments or fights. Your partner may prefer spending time with you and a romantic dinner is a good idea to take a call in the future. Married people should also avoid all sorts of romantic affairs outside the wedding relationship as this can seriously impact your married life. Some single natives will find new love today. Gemini Career Horoscope Today Reach the office to take up new tasks that may also keep you busy. Your senior or co-worker may criticize you or may even point out the mistakes publicly at a meeting. This may annoy you but do not get into a ruckus today at the workplace that may impact your profile. Those who are planning a job change can keep the updated resume ready as interview calls from some good places will arrive today. Some businessmen will have troubles with the local administration today and this needs to be resolved before things go out of control. Gemini Money Horoscope Today Prosperity will knock on the door and you may utilize the wealth to pay off debts or buy necessary items including home appliances or gadgets. The second part of the day is good to donate money to charity or even to invest in the stock market. Businessmen may consider expansion of business to new territories which also means a good inflow of revenue today. Gemini Health Horoscope Today Start the day with a light exercise and practice yoga for some time. Some seniors will have throat infections or coughing issues in the morning. It is important to make exercise a part of your routine. Try to avoid eating oily food and food from outside. Girls may have issues related to skin today. Gemini Sign Attributes Strength: Insightful, Wise, Smart, Pleasant, Quick-witted, Charming Weakness: Inconsistent, Gossipy, Lazy Symbol: Twins Element: Air Body Part: Arms & Lungs Sign Ruler: Mercury Lucky Day: Wednesday Lucky Color: Silver Lucky Number: 7 Lucky Stone: Emerald Gemini Sign Compatibility Chart Natural affinity: Aries, Leo, Libra, Aquarius Good compatibility: Gemini, Sagittarius Fair compatibility: Taurus, Cancer, Scorpio, Capricorn Less compatibility: Virgo, Pisces By: Dr. J. N. Pandey Vedic Astrology & Vastu Expert Website: www.astrologerjnpandey.com E-mail: djnpandey@gmail.com Phone: 91-9811107060 (WhatsApp Only)