Mysterious Sonic Boom Rattles Corsica
Corsica, known from the comic book character Asterix and the film “Tamasha,” made headlines due to a recent sonic boom on June 20. Authorities initially mistook it for an earthquake, but experts now suggest it may have been caused by a meteorite. The boom was heard in both Corsica and Italy’s Tuscany, startling holidaymakers and locals.
India Condemns Canada’s Honoring of Nijjar
India denounced the Canadian parliament’s moment of silence for pro-Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, killed in Surrey on June 18, 2023. “We oppose moves giving political space to extremism and advocacy of violence,” said External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. This follows India’s formal protest over pro-Khalistani elements burning PM Modi’s effigy outside the Indian consulate in Vancouver.
West ‘Provoked’ Russia-Ukraine War: Nigel Farage
British politician Nigel Farage claimed that while the Ukraine conflict is Putin’s fault, the West “provoked this war.” Speaking on BBC Panorama, the Reform UK leader stated he had warned about a potential conflict with Russia since 2014. He argued that NATO and EU expansion gave Putin an “excuse” to invade Ukraine on February 24, 2022, reshaping global geopolitics.
South Korea Fires Warning Shots as North Korean Soldiers Cross Border Again
On June 21, South Korea’s military fired warning shots after dozens of North Korean soldiers crossed the fortified border on June 20, marking the third incursion this month. This incident followed Putin’s visit to North Korea. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that the soldiers breached the Military Demarcation Line around 11:00 am, prompting warnings and shots, causing their retreat.
Japan Joins US in Sanctioning China for Backing Russia’s War
Japan imposed trade restrictions on firms from China, India, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan for allegedly aiding Russia’s Ukraine war efforts. This includes sanctions on Hong Kong-based Asia Pacific Links Ltd. and China’s Yilufa Electronics Limited for supplying microchips to Russian drones. These actions parallel US sanctions, barring Japanese exports to these entities amid concerns over China’s support for Russia in the conflict and potential financial repercussions.
