分类： world

A 73-year-old Sikh grandmother, Harjit Kaur, who had lived in the United States for over three decades, has been deported to India. Kaur, who had unsuccessfully applied for asylum in the US, was arrested by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials on September 8, causing widespread shock and sympathy within the Sikh community. Kaur moved to California in 1991 with her two young sons to escape political turmoil in Punjab. Despite living and working in the US for years, her asylum attempts were repeatedly denied. Her lawyer, Deepak Ahluwalia, has criticized ICE’s treatment of Kaur, describing it as ‘unacceptable.’ He alleged that Kaur, who has no criminal record, was forced to sleep on the floor for 60-70 hours despite having undergone double knee replacements. She was also reportedly given ice to take medication and denied appropriate food. Kaur was moved to a holding facility in Georgia on September 19 and deported to India on September 22, without the opportunity to bid farewell to her family and friends. Her deportation has sparked outrage in the Sikh community, with protests held in California. Kaur’s case highlights the broader crackdown on immigration under the Trump administration, which has targeted both undocumented immigrants and asylum seekers. Critics argue that even individuals without criminal records, who follow due process, have been affected. Kaur’s story underscores the challenges faced by long-term residents caught in the complexities of US immigration policy.

The MiG-21, once the backbone of the Indian Air Force (IAF), is set to take its final flight, marking the end of an era for one of the most iconic fighter jets in aviation history. For decades, the MiG-21 dominated the skies, comprising two-thirds of the IAF’s fighter fleet at its peak. Pilots who flew the aircraft recall its blistering speed and versatility, but also its grim reputation as a ‘flying coffin’ due to a series of fatal crashes in its later years.

Designed by the Soviet Union and first inducted into the IAF in 1963, the MiG-21 was renowned for its needle-nose design, supersonic speed, and ability to climb rapidly. It became a cornerstone of India’s defense strategy, playing pivotal roles in conflicts such as the 1971 war with Pakistan. Pilots adapted the aircraft for close combat and ground attacks, pushing it beyond its original design limitations.

However, the MiG-21’s legacy is marred by tragedy. Between 1971 and 2012, 482 crashes were recorded, resulting in the deaths of 171 pilots, 39 civilians, and others. Analysts attribute these accidents to aging airframes, high landing speeds, and stretched maintenance cycles. Despite its flaws, the MiG-21 remained in service far longer than expected due to delays in developing replacements.

For retired Air Marshal Prithvi Singh Brar, who flew the MiG-21 for 26 years, the aircraft was more than a machine—it was a trusted partner in the sky. ‘I loved flying the MiG-21 the way a bird loves the sky,’ he recalls. Yet, as India retires its last two MiG-21 squadrons, the IAF faces a significant gap, with only 29 fighter units operational against a sanctioned 42.

The MiG-21’s retirement symbolizes the end of a chapter in India’s aviation history, leaving behind a legacy of both admiration and caution. As the skies grow quieter, the memories of those who flew this legendary jet will endure, a testament to its enduring impact on India’s defense and aerospace industry.

In the midst of Israel’s intensified military campaign in Gaza City, Palestinian journalist Ahmed Dremly faces an agonizing decision: to stay in his lifelong home or flee to uncertain safety. His friend Youssef’s advice to sell his furniture as firewood underscores the dire reality. “Who would buy them?” Dremly retorts, his voice heavy with bitterness. The conversation, reminiscent of a dystopian narrative, reflects the plight of Gaza’s one million residents, forced to choose between survival and the loss of their homes and memories. Since mid-August, Israel’s relentless bombing campaign, coupled with the deployment of explosive-laden robots, has aimed to depopulate the city, described by many as ethnic cleansing. The goal is clear: drive residents south, leaving Gaza City a ghost town. Estimates suggest between 300,000 to 600,000 have already fled, though many remain, unable to afford transportation or face the fear of permanent displacement. For Dremly, the thought of abandoning his home is unbearable. “I look at the walls of my house, even the lamp, and it breaks my heart,” he laments. Award-winning journalist Maha Hussaini shares his anguish, having delayed her departure until the last possible moment. “The last time you leave the house and shut the door—that’s the last time you’ll close that door,” she says. Despite her determination to stay “until the last gasp,” Hussaini was ultimately forced to flee south, leaving behind a city that once teemed with life. The streets, now eerily empty, serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of this conflict. As Gaza’s residents grapple with impossible choices, their stories highlight the devastating toll of war on identity, memory, and home.

In a landmark announcement, China, the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, has pledged to reduce its emissions by 7-10% by 2035, marking its first absolute target for emissions reduction. President Xi Jinping made the commitment in a video statement to the United Nations in New York, emphasizing China’s dedication to surpassing these goals. This announcement comes at a critical juncture as the US, under President Donald Trump, has scaled back its climate commitments, with Trump dismissing climate change as a ‘con job’. However, environmental experts argue that China’s targets, while significant, fall short of what is necessary to meet global climate objectives. ‘Even for those with tempered expectations, what’s presented today still falls short,’ said Yao Zhe, global policy adviser at Greenpeace East Asia. The urgency of these pledges is underscored by the looming deadline for countries to submit their updated climate plans under the Paris Agreement, originally due in February but now expected by the end of September. UN Secretary-General António Guterres stressed the importance of these commitments in limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C, a goal set in the Paris Agreement. ‘We absolutely need countries to come with climate action plans that are fully aligned with 1.5 degrees,’ he said. China’s new targets cover all greenhouse gases and include ambitious plans to expand wind and solar power capacity, increase forest stocks, and promote new energy vehicles. Despite these efforts, analysts like Lauri Myllyvirta of the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air argue that a 30% reduction is necessary to align with the 1.5°C target. China’s reliance on coal remains a significant challenge, although recent data suggests a plateau in emissions. Observers remain hopeful, citing China’s history of exceeding its climate commitments, such as achieving its 2030 renewable energy target six years early. ‘The targets should be seen as a floor rather than a ceiling,’ said Li Shuo of the Asia Society Policy Institute. As the world grapples with the climate crisis, China’s actions will be pivotal in determining the trajectory of global emissions.