While addressing a press conference in Paris, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken rejected President Trump's idea of seizing Greenland as "not a good one" and "not going to happen." He reiterated the Biden administration's belief in the strength of alliances, stating that working closely with allies is more effective than alienating them. France's Foreign Minister also downplayed the possibility of US forces being deployed against Denmark, but cautioned about a return to the "law of the strongest" in the international arena. Trump's nominee for national security adviser, Congressman Mike Waltz, has emphasized the importance of securing Greenland for US national security, but both Denmark and Greenland have consistently rejected any notion of the island being for sale.
Greenland: A Strategic Jewel at the Center of Geopolitical Rivalry
Greenland, the world's largest island, has emerged as a focal point of geopolitical attention in recent years due to its strategic location, natural resources, and potential economic significance.
History of US Interest in Greenland
The United States has long held an interest in Greenland, dating back to the 19th century. In 1946, the US negotiated a deal with Denmark to establish military bases in Greenland, including Thule Air Base, which remains a key strategic asset for the US Air Force.
Trump's Bid to Purchase Greenland
In 2019, then-US President Donald Trump sparked controversy by proposing to purchase Greenland from Denmark. The offer was met with swift rejection from both Denmark and Greenland, who viewed it as an affront to their sovereignty.
Biden Administration's Stance
The Biden administration has distanced itself from Trump's Greenland proposal, emphasizing the importance of cooperation with allies. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has stated that seizing Greenland is "not a good idea" and "not going to happen."
Strategic Significance
Greenland's strategic significance lies in its vast natural resources, including minerals, rare earth elements, and offshore oil and gas reserves. The island also provides access to the Arctic, an increasingly contested region due to its geopolitical importance and potential economic benefits.
Top 5 FAQs
Why is the US interested in Greenland? Answer: Greenland's strategic location, natural resources, and potential economic value make it a valuable asset for the US.
Did the US ever purchase Greenland? Answer: No, Greenland remains a self-governing part of Denmark.
What is the Biden administration's stance on Greenland? Answer: The Biden administration has rejected the idea of seizing Greenland and emphasizes cooperation with allies.
What is the importance of Thule Air Base? Answer: Thule Air Base is a key strategic asset for the US Air Force, providing early warning and defense capabilities in the Arctic region.
What is the significance of the Arctic? Answer: The Arctic is becoming increasingly important due to its geopolitical significance, potential economic benefits, and environmental challenges.
YouTuber Elvish Yadav, who was arrested earlier in connection to the supply of snake venom at a rave party, failed to appear in court for his scheduled hearing. The YouTuber, along with five others, was charged under various acts and mentioned in a First Information Report. Later, the Noida police submitted a 1,200-page chargesheet against him and seven others, including statements from 24 witnesses. In other news, Elvish recently faced backlash for his reaction to a roast video by fellow YouTubers, Gautami Kawale and Abhyudaya Mohan, in which they allegedly dragged his mother into their jokes. After severe criticism, they deleted the controversial part.
In her inspiring call, Sadhvi Bhagwati Saraswati urges people worldwide to join the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. She emphasizes that faith and devotion are all it takes to be a part of this grand spiritual gathering. The event, which began today, has already seen massive crowds and is praised for its extensive preparations by leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. With millions of participants, the Maha Kumbh is off to a successful start and is set to conclude on February 26.
During his visit to Sri City, secretary of DPIIT, Amardeep Singh Bhatia, praised the industrial park's world-class infrastructure and ideal business environment. He hailed Sri City as a prime example of India's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, being the only major green industrial hub in the country. Bhatia also appreciated Sri City's eco-friendly policies that prioritize economic and environmental sustainability.Furthermore, Bhatia observed the bustling operations at Daikin India's production unit and noted the significance of the partnership with Taiwan's Rechi in reducing India's reliance on imports for critical components. Dr. Ravindra Sannareddy, founder managing director of Sri City, expressed that Bhatia's visit is valuable to the growth of the industrial park, especially in the air conditioning manufacturing sector.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, a sacred religious gathering held every four years in India, has begun in the city of Prayagraj. With an expected attendance of 35 crore pilgrims, the Maha Kumbh Mela is the largest public gathering in the world. The event will feature five "Shahi Snans" (royal baths) on different auspicious dates, and is believed to have originated from the teachings of the 8th-century philosopher Shankara. The Kumbh Mela is organised based on the position of the Sun and Jupiter, and takes place every four years in four different Indian cities.
American billionaire Laurene Powell Jobs, wife of late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, recently visited the Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi and was given the Hindu name 'Kamala' by Swami Kailashanand Giri. Due to restrictions on non-Hindus, Ms. Jobs was not allowed to touch the Shivling in the sanctum sanctorum, but she was able to participate in other spiritual activities and rituals. She is currently staying at the Niranjini Akhara camp in Prayagraj and is expected to take part in the Maha Kumbh 2025 in India.
Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Ji suggests that those who cannot attend the grand Mahakumbh can still receive the same spiritual benefits through the sacred water. This year's Mahakumbh, held once every 12 years, has an added significance due to a rare celestial alignment. People can also use Gangajal for their holy bath and perform charitable deeds for full spiritual rewards. Special services and initiatives, like the Triveni Sangam Water Delivery Service, are available for those who cannot attend the event.
Laurene Powell Jobs, the wife of late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, has garnered attention as she prepares to participate in the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj. Touted as the largest gathering of humanity on the planet, the event will see Laurene taking on a new identity, Kamala, after being given the Gotra of her guru Swami Kailashananda. Her deep interest in Sanatan Dharma and her fatherly relationship with the seer have earned her a warm welcome, as she joins the ranks of VIPs and seers expected to participate in the festival. Among the many preparations for the event, UP Police has introduced advanced security measures, while the state budget for the 45-day-long fair comes at a whopping Rs 7,000 crore.
A group of unidentified individuals threw a stone at the Tapti Ganga Express train carrying passengers to the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj near Jalgaon railway station in Maharashtra. While no injuries were reported, a windowpane of coach B6 was shattered, causing panic among the passengers. The incident has sparked outrage on social media, with passengers demanding strict action against the perpetrators. The Railway Police has registered a case and is currently investigating the matter.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, a millennia-old religious festival, has commenced in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, with an estimated 40 crore people expected to attend. Government estimates predict that the event may generate up to Rs 2 lakh crore in economic growth for the state, which has allocated a budget of Rs 7,000 crore for the 45-day festival. With an average expenditure of Rs 5,000 per person, the economic impact could potentially reach Rs 4 lakh crore and boost both nominal and real GDP by over 1%. The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh has lauded the previous version of the festival in 2019, stating it contributed Rs 1.2 lakh crore to the state's economy.
The world's largest spiritual and cultural gathering, the Mahakumbh Mela, began on Monday in the holy city of Prayagraj, India. More than 40 lakh people from different backgrounds came together to take a holy dip at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed the significance of this ancient tradition in a modern world and welcomed devotees and saints to the event.