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Analysis by Retired US Army Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges Russian President’s Warning:In response to recent statements from Russian President Vladimir Putin cautioning the West against deploying troops to support Ukraine, retired Lieutenant General Ben Hodges provides insights into the implications of Putin’s warning. Nuclear War Risk:Putin’s warning highlights the possibility of nuclear conflict if Western nations intervene militarily in Ukraine. This underscores the seriousness of the situation and the potential for catastrophic consequences. Moscow’s Weapon Capabilities:Hodges points out that Moscow possesses advanced weaponry capable of striking Western targets. This serves as a reminder of Russia’s military capabilities and its willingness to employ them if provoked. Implications for Western Policy:The warning from Putin presents a significant challenge for Western policymakers, who must carefully consider their options in light of the potential risks involved. Any decision to intervene militarily in Ukraine must be weighed against the potential escalation of hostilities and the threat of nuclear war. Conclusion:Hodges’ analysis underscores the gravity of Putin’s warning and the complex geopolitical dynamics at play. It emphasizes the importance of cautious and strategic decision-making by Western leaders in response to the evolving situation in Ukraine. Source: https://edition.cnn.com/videos/world/2024/03/02/putin-nuclear-weapons-threat-hodges-sot-ebof-vpx.cnn

Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/3/2/israels-war-on-gaza-live-un-medics-say-many-gaza-aid-attack-victims-shot

Karachi on Friday received light to heavy drizzle as the Pakistan Meteorological Department’s (PMD) predictions turned true with the weather witnessing a visible shift with more rains expected over the weekend. The city’s I. I. Chundrigar Road, Saddar, Sarjani Town, Malir, North Karachi, Korangi Industrial Area, Orangi Town, Baldia Town and Manghopir Northern Bypass are among the areas that witnessed rainfall so far on Friday. To ensure that the city’s residents do not face any inconvenience amid the downpour, the city’s Mayor Murtaza Wahab posted about the step being taken by the Karachi Municipal Corporation (KMC). “Apart from pumps, 53 of these suction vehicles have been moved to various locations for clearing rainwater as and when required,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter. The city’s mayor added that apart from traffic police, wardens have also been placed on major arteries to help ease the flow of traffic. It should be noted that the Sindh government, on Thursday, declared a rain emergency in the province and decided that offices in Karachi would be open for half a day today, viewing the forecast of heavy rains in the megalopolis. The provincial government also cancelled evening classes in schools today. The Sindh School Education and Literacy Department, in a notification, said all private and public evening shift schools would remain closed. Karachi mayor said the decision for the half-day was taken as an “abundant precaution”. He also requested citizens to avoid travelling unnecessarily to stave off any inconvenience. According to Pakistan Meteorological Department Chief Meteorologist Sardar Sarfraz, heavy rain is likely in Karachi’s Gadap, Sarjani and Malir. Light rain is recorded in some areas of Karachi, he added. “There is light rain in Gwadar today. Heavy spell of rain has left the city,” Sarfaraz said. The weather expert maintained that the spell of rain across Pakistan is likely to last till March 3. The expert said there is a possibility of heavy rain and snowfall in the upper regions for the next two days, while he warned the fishermen of Balochistan to avoid going into the deep sea till this evening. Source: https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1163137-light-to-heavy-drizzle-hits-karachi-as-city-braces-for-more-rainfall

A massive blaze in a six-storey shopping mall in the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka, has killed at least 45 people and wounded dozens. The fire, which struck Green Cozy Cottage Shopping Mall late on Thursday, started in a biryani restaurant on the first floor, with 13 units of firefighters battling for two hours to douse the flames. Doctors said most of the dead suffocated, with others dying as they jumped off the building. Dozens of people are being treated for burn wounds in two state-run hospitals. Brigadier General Main Uddin, a top fire service official, said that the fire could have originated from a gas leak or stove. “It was a dangerous building with gas cylinders on every floor, even on the staircases,” he told reporters. Relatives gathered at the hospital early on Friday to receive the bodies of the dead, with some mourning outside the emergency department. Health Minister Samanta Lal Sen told reporters that he expected the death toll to rise. Survivor Mohammad Altaf recounted his narrow escape. “I went to the kitchen, broke a window and jumped to save myself,” he told reporters, adding that a cashier and server who urged people to leave during the first moments had died later. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed shock and sorrow over the incident, ordering officials to provide swift treatment for the injured. The government has set up a five-member panel to investigate the incident. Inadequate safety measures Fires are common in densely populated Dhaka, where many new buildings have sprung up, many without adequate safety measures. Fires and explosions have resulted from faulty gas cylinders, air conditioners and poor electrical wiring. In July 2021, many children were among 54 people killed at a food processing factory outside Dhaka, while at least 70 were killed in a February 2019 fire that engulfed a centuries-old precinct. The garment sector has been subject to intense scrutiny since a fire in 2012 and a building collapse in 2013 that together killed more than 1,200 workers. Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/1/at-least-45-people-killed-in-bangladesh-after-fire-starts-at-shopping-mall

Security forces killed six terrorists in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s North Waziristan district, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said Wednesday. On the reported presence of terrorists, the security forces swung into action and conducted an operation in the tribal district, the military’s media wing said. During the conduct of operation, intense fire exchange took place between the troops, and the terrorists, as a result of which six terrorists were killed, whereas, one soldier also sustained injuries, it added. “Weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered from the killed terrorists, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities including target killing as well as extortion and abduction of innocent civilians,” the ISPR said. The forces were conducting a sanitisation operation to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area, the ISPR said, adding that locals of the area appreciated the operation and expressed their full support to eliminate the menace of terrorism. Earlier this month, a soldier embraced martyrdom and nine terrorists were killed by security forces in two separate operations in the province. The IBO was conducted by the security forces in Tank District, according to the ISPR. During the IBO, two terrorists, including a high-value target (HVT) Rehmat Ullah alias Badar Mansur, were killed. “In another operation conducted in South Waziristan District, after intense fire exchange, seven terrorists were sent to hell.” However, during the operation, Sepoy Shahzeb Aslam, 29, having fought gallantly, embraced martyrdom. Pakistan witnessed a spike in terrorist attacks in Balochistan and KP provinces in the last few months which also marred the pre-election phase in some provincial pockets. In response, the security forces also intensified actions in the terrorism-hit areas and achieved success by restoring peace in the affected parts, especially in areas bordering Afghanistan. Source:https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1162525-security-forces-kill-six-terrorists-in-north-waziristan-ibo-ispr

Firefighters are battling several wildfires in the Texas Panhandle. The largest, the Smokehouse Creek Fire, is raging out of control, burning homes and forcing residents to evacuate. The fast-moving blaze, fueled by gusty winds and dry, unseasonably warm conditions, has exploded in size, scorching at least 850,000 acres with 3% containment, making it the second-largest wildfire in Texas history, according to Texas A&M Forest Service. As of Wednesday morning, no injuries or deaths have been reported. Hemphill County Emergency Management Coordinator Bill Kendall described the aftermath to the Associated Press as being “like a moonscape… It’s just all gone.” Kendall reported that 40 homes were burned on the outskirts of the town of Canadian but no buildings inside the town were lost. “Thirty-eight years of memories, that’s what you were thinking,” Canadian resident Tresea Rankin said while watching flames destroy her house. “Two of my kids were married there … But you know, it’s OK, the memories won’t go away.”Town of Canadian largely spared by massive wildfire Storm chaser Jordan Hall reported live from the scene of the Smokehouse Creek Fire on Feb. 27, where intense wind gusts caused extreme fire behavior. County Emergency Management issued evacuation orders Tuesday afternoon, with Sheriff Brent Clapp “strongly” suggesting that people evacuate Canadian. Later in the evening, according to ABC 7 News, as the wildfire forced road closures, Clapp recommended Canadian residents shelter in place. Canadian Independent School District canceled all classes on Wednesday due to the fire. ABC 7 also reported that structures in Canadian have burned. In addition to Canadian, evacuation orders were issued for Glazier and Higgins. Roberts County Judge Mitchell Locke also issued a county-wide mandatory evacuation.Evacuee describes chaotic escape from wildfire Wildfire evacuee Brooke McQuiddy describes her harrowing escape from her hometown of Canadian, Texas, as an out-of-control wildfire spread quickly in the area on Feb. 27. “The Smokehouse Creek fire is being fueled by southwesterly winds to 60 mph and is rapidly spreading east-northeast towards the Texas town of Canadian,” AccuWeather severe weather expert Guy Pearson said, explaining that winds on Tuesday afternoon shifted behind a strong cold front, quickly changing the direction the fire was spreading. Courtney Kirksey, a children’s pastor helping people shelter from wildfires at Celebration Family Church in Fritch, Texas, told CNN on Tuesday that most of the people who come in have lost everything. “The fire is so unpredictable. Starting out the day, the wind was blowing out of the southwest and probably about four o’clock, it switched to the north and that sent the fire in another direction.” In a social media livestream, Hutchinson County Emergency Management spokesperson Deidra Thomas compared the fire aftermath in Fritch to a tornado and said people are probably not “prepared for what they’re going to see if they pull into town.” Authorities have not said what ignited the fires. The Texas Division of Emergency Management is encouraging Texas residents at risk to keep a close eye on the weather and be prepared to evacuate. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has issued a disaster declaration for 60 counties and urged Texans “to limit activities that could create sparks and take precautions to keep their loved ones safe.” Source:https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/2/29/israels-war-on-gaza-live-mass-killing-of-children-in-slow-motion-ngo

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The Balochistan Assembly will convene its maiden session on Wednesday (today) with the newly-elected members of the provincial legislature set to take oath when the House meets at 3pm. The authorities have barred the entry of guests in light of the expected protests and the prevailing law and order situation in the province. Moreover, as per the assembly’s secretariat, Zamrak Khan Achakzai has been appointed as the presiding officer for the session. The 51 members, elected on general seats, who will be taking their oath today include members of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) lawmakers. The members of these two major parties, who are expected to form a coalition government in the centre, emerged victorious in the 65-member House which includes 11 reserved seats for women and three for minorities. The Bilawal-led party has 11 seats in the assembly and PML-N has 10 seats. Meanwhile, the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) and Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) have 10 and five seats, respectively. Furthermore, as many as six independent candidates have also made it to the Balochistan Assembly along with the National Party (NP) and Balochistan National Party (BNP) who have secured three and one seats, respectively. Following their oaths, the legislators, in the session that will continue in the coming days, will vote for the election of the House’s speaker and deputy speaker followed by the election of the chief minister. With a divided provincial assembly where no political party managed to secure a simple majority in the February 8 polls, the PPP and the PML-N might join hands to form their government as they already have agreed to form a coalition government in the Centre. Balochistan Assembly’s inaugural session comes as newly-elected members of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly will also be taking their oath today. Sindh and Punjab Assemblies have already administered the oath of their members who have elected their speakers, deputy speakers and chief ministers. Source:https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1162402-newly-elected-members-of-balochistan-assembly-to-take-oath-today

Ukraine says it destroyed 10 Russia drones launched overnight. Ukraine’s president is co-hosting a summit in Albania with the stated goals of “peace, security, cooperation”. G20 finance ministers are meeting in Brazil on Wednesday with the Russia-Ukraine war expected to take centre stage. Yulia Navalnaya, wife of activist Alexey Navalny who died earlier this month, will address the European Parliament on Wednesday. Fishy business: After Russia invaded Ukraine, its seafood industry thrived Regin Winther Poulsen Agostino Petroni Dominika Perlínová After Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the West’s reaction was swift and decisive, with unanimous decisions by the EU and the US to support Ukraine and punish Russia with economic sanctions. Two years on, the war continues while Russia’s economy remains resilient. While parts of the Russian industry were sanctioned immediately, some important industries were not. The Russian fishing industry was only partially blocked by Washington and marginally by the European bloc, which continues to import about $1bn worth of seafood from its aggressive neighbour. Read the full article here. Russian salmon are displayed at a fish store amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, in Nemuro on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido, April 11, 2022 [Daniel Leussink/Reuters] Click here to share on China lauds relations with Russia, calls for strengthened Asia Pacific role China has heralded historically strong relations with Russia as it called for the pair to coordinate on security, stability and development in the Asia Pacific region. China and Russia should play a “better role as an anchor of stability in the changing circumstances of the century”, the Foreign Ministry in Beijing said in a statement issued on Wednesday following a visit to Moscow by Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong. Although wary of damaging ties with the West, Beijing has refused to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and relations between the two BRICS members have remained warm amid the war. Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, gestures while speaking to Russian President Vladimir Putin during their meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, on March 20, 2023 [Sergei Karpukhin/Sputnik via AP] Click here to share on Russia jails Ukrainian man for attempting to buy secret missile parts Russian news agencies are reporting that a court in southern Russia has jailed a Ukrainian man for more than 11 years after convicting him of espionage for trying to procure secret missile components for Ukraine. The agencies cited Russia’s internal security and intelligence agency FSB as saying that the man, who it named as 57-year-old Sergei Krivitsky, was an agent for Ukrainian military intelligence. They did not say whether he pleaded guilty or not. The FSB said Krivitsky was a resident of Melitopol, a Ukrainian city taken by Russian forces in early 2022. In 2023, Russia opened 31 espionage cases and 98 treason cases, the highest number since the 1991 fall of the Soviet Union. Cars drive past the headquarters of the Federal Security Service (FSB) in central Moscow, Russia [Sergei Karpukhin/Reuters] Click here to share on social ‘EU should consider using profits from frozen Russian assets to buy supplies for Ukraine’ We can now bring you more from the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. She tells the European Parliament that it was “time to start a conversation about using the windfall profits of frozen Russian assets to jointly purchase military equipment for Ukraine”. “There could be no stronger and no greater use for that money than to make Ukraine and all of Europe a safer place to live.” Ursula von der Leyen gestures as she arrives at the European Parliament [Jean-Francois Badias/AP Photo] Click here to share on Europe will support Ukraine for as long as it takes: Von der Leyen European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is speaking at the European Parliament. “Over the last two years, Europe has shown and proven that it will support Ukraine for as long as it takes,” she says. “The threat of war may not be imminent, but it is not impossible”. In preparing for such an eventuality, it means “turbocharging our defence industrial capacity in the next five years”, she says. Source:https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/2/28/russia-ukraine-war-live-navalny-widow-address-eu-parliament