China's PLA appears to have instigated' clash to grab Indian territory: US Senate Majority Leader
Washington: For the sake of grabbing Indian territory, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China appears to have instigated the most violent clash between the two Asian giants, a top American Senator has said.
At least 20 Indian Army personnel were killed in the clashes with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on Monday night. China's official media has acknowledged casualties on the Chinese side without mentioning numbers.
In a major foreign policy speech on the floor of the House, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Thursday said that on land, for the sake of grabbing territory, the PLA appears to have instigated the most violent clash between China and India since those nations went to war in 1962 .
In his speech, China topped the list of countries, threatening the interests of the US and its allies.
Needless to say, the rest of the world has watched with grave concern this violent exchange between two nuclear states. We are encouraging de-escalation and hoping for peace.
But the world could not have received a clearer reminder that the PRC (People's Republic of China) is dead-set on brutalizing people within their own borders, challenging and remaking the international order anew in their image to include literally redrawing the world map, McConnell said.
He said that the Communist Party of China has used the COVID-19 pandemic as a smokescreen for ratcheting up their oppression of Hong Kong and advancing their control and influence throughout the region.
At sea, they have stepped up their menacing of Japan near the Senkaku Islands. In the skies, Chinese jets have intruded into Taiwanese airspace four separate times in a matter of days, the top Republican Senator said in his speech.
Meanwhile, Congressman Jim Banks welcomed India's decision to ban Huawei and ZTE from its telecom network. Always best to push back against Chinese Communist Party thugs. India will not be intimidated. A strong, wise decision! Banks said.
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Prasoon Joshi appointed chairman of Prasar Bharati
New Delhi (PTI): Noted lyricist, writer and communications expert Prasoon Joshi has been appointed as the chairman of Prasar Bharati, India's public service broadcaster.
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting appointed Joshi to the key post, according to an official statement on Saturday.
Joshi, a distinguished creative professional with wide-ranging contributions across literature, advertising, cinema, and public communication, and known for his impactful writing and deep cultural sensibility, has played a significant role in shaping contemporary Indian media narratives, the statement said.
Joshi's body of work spans acclaimed film lyrics, advertising campaigns, and socially resonant storytelling that connects with diverse audiences across the country.
On his appointment, Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw said, "My heartfelt congratulations to Shri Prasoon Joshi ji on his appointment as chairman of the Prasar Bharati Board. Prasoon ji is a rare creative spirit celebrated across the world in advertising, literature, art and cinema, yet his heart beats unmistakably for India."
Vaishnaw said Joshi's words carry the fragrance of the country's soil, and his vision reflects the timeless essence of Indian culture.
"Under his stewardship, Prasar Bharati will discover renewed energy, deeper purpose, and a fresh creative voice. My very best wishes to him for a memorable and meaningful tenure ahead," the minister said.
Before this appointment, Joshi has served as chairperson, Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), Mumbai since August 2017.
He contributed to strengthening film certification processes while engaging with stakeholders across the film industry and his tenure at CBFC reflected a balanced approach towards creative expression and regulatory responsibility, the statement said.
Earlier, he had also served as CEO, McCann World Group India and Chairman, McCann World Group Asia Pacific (a subsidiary of McCann Erickson). Joshi is also one of the Trustees of Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts since 2016.
With his extensive experience in creative industries and public communication, Joshi is expected to bring a unique perspective to the leadership of Prasar Bharati at a time when public broadcasting is navigating rapid technological transformation and evolving audience expectations, it said.
Established under the Prasar Bharati (Broadcasting Corporation of India) Act, 1990, and operational since 1997, Prasar Bharati is India's statutory autonomous public service broadcaster.
It comprises two major divisions: All India Radio (AIR)-- one of the largest radio networks in the world, reaching millions across urban and rural India in multiple languages and dialects; and Doordarshan (DD) -- India's national television broadcaster, offering a wide range of programming including news, education, entertainment, and cultural content.
