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New Delhi/Agartala, Feb 15 (IANS) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Saturday met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi and discussed various affairs relating to the state including the post-flood-related situation, the official said here.

An official of the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said in Agartala that Saha discussed with Amit Shah the development roadmap and reviewed relief efforts of the post-flood situation in the state.

The Chief Minister in a post on the X said: “Had a productive meeting with Hon'ble Union Minister of and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah ji in New Delhi. We discussed Tripura’s development roadmap and reviewed relief efforts post-Tripura flood. I appreciate his valuable inputs & continued support.”

Meanwhile, Tripura Chief Minister earlier this week said that he is in touch with the Central government for post-flood relief and the Centre would release the funds after completion of official procedures.

While addressing the Flood Relief and Management Programme at Rabindra Bhavan here, Saha had said that in last year’s (in August) catastrophic flood about 17 lakh people were affected and around four lakh people were shifted to safe shelters and 889 relief camps were set up by the government.

At least 38 people lost their lives in the flood and landslides while a total of 58,687 houses were damaged. Due to the devastating flood, the state caused damages of around Rs 15,000 crore, he informed.

Noting that people of all sections helped a lot to deal with natural disasters and contributed generously to the Chief Minister’s relief fund, Saha emphasised the importance of extending a helping hand to people in difficult times. The people of Tripura never experienced such a disaster in the state before.

The Chief Minister also acknowledged and appreciated the efforts made by various voluntary organisations and other groups during this time of crisis. The Chief Minister also mentioned that ‘Abhoy Mission’ (an NGO) and its affiliated organisations have helped about 5,600 flood-affected families.

“The Central government has also provided all possible assistance to deal with the flood situation. Various organisations, including the Air Force, NDRF, SDRF, and others, worked together to manage the crisis. During this time of hardship, everyone contributed to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. This would serve as an example in the future too. People from all walks of life, including small children, students, employees, pensioners, businessmen, clubs, and social organisations, extended helping hands,” he had said.

The Chief Minister further stated that in this flood, six major rivers of the state, except for the Juri River, had crossed the danger mark.

“Among the eight districts in the state, Gomati, South, and Sepahijala districts were the most affected. Other districts also suffered more or less damages,” he had said, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah helped a lot to deal with the crisis.

The Inter-Ministerial Central Team visited Tripura and inspected the situation and damages in various districts. The Chief Minister added that an amount of Rs 564 crore, including funds from state exchequer, was allocated to address the disaster.

--IANS

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Phnom Penh, Feb 15 (IANS) Cambodia has required users to declare their Unmanned Aerial Vehicles or drones at local police stations after a drone attack plot on the residence of Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen has been foiled.

An Inter-Ministerial Prakas (edict), signed by the ministers of interior, agriculture, and civil aviation on Friday and publicized on Saturday, said the measure aims to manage the use of drones to ensure security, public order, and social safety in the Southeast Asian country.

The drones that can carry a weight of two kilogrammes or more, must be registered with local police stations, the edict said, adding that the users are required to give details of drone information such as manufacturer, model, serial number, maximum flight speed and load weight.

Drone users must be 18 years old or older, the edict said, adding that drones are allowed to be flown between 6 am and 6 pm only, and a permit is required for a night flight.

Flying a group of five drones or more is prohibited without permission, the edict said, adding that drones are restricted in some important areas.

Drones are not allowed to fly within a radius of three kilometers of the civil and military airports, the edict said, Xinhua news agency reported.

"Any individual who manages, occupies and uses drones without complying with the provisions of this Inter-Ministerial Prakas shall be subject to penalties in accordance with applicable laws and regulations," the edict said.

The edict came after Hun Sen, 72, said on Tuesday that security personnel have recently thwarted a plot to launch a drone attack on his residence in southern Kandal province's Ta Khmau City.

Hun Sen released a sound clip showing a secret conversation among a group of alleged extremists, who plotted to pour gasoline from an agricultural drone onto his house and set it alight.

--IANS

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Addis Ababa, Feb 15 (IANS) African countries have been urged to expedite concerted efforts in developing the continent's human capital in space science and technology to harness its vast opportunities.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the ongoing 38th African Union (AU) summit at its headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital, President of the African Space Council of the African Space Agency Tidiane Ouattara said the African continent lacks the critical mass of expertise needed to fully leverage space science and technology.

Ouattara said the African Space Agency, a newly established independent organ of the AU, is tasked by African leaders with promoting the use of space science and technology by fostering continental collaboration and advancing relevant knowledge and skills.

"Creating local capacity is one of our strategic objectives. Since space science is relatively new in Africa, we have realized that we need to create a critical mass and increase the number of young people who are knowledgeable about space science," Ouattara said.

Noting the crucial need to coordinate space programs, Ouattara said African countries can be classified into three groups based on their experience and engagement in the sector.

He said countries such as Nigeria, Algeria, Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco are the pioneers in Africa's space sector, while a number of newcomers are exerting efforts in the sector, including Ethiopia, Gabon, Rwanda, and Kenya, Xinhua news agency reported.

He, however, said the majority of African countries do not even have dedicated space policies and institutions.

"More than 60 per cent of Africa's population is young, and they are our opportunities. If we train them well, we have the opportunity to use their capabilities for many kinds of space science applications, such as disaster risk reductions, climate change adaptation and mitigation, rural development, urban development, and others," Ouattara said.

Acknowledging the absence of robust data-sharing practices and policy frameworks in Africa's space sector, he stressed the need for enhanced coordination and cooperation to enable countries to benefit from data exchange mechanisms.

"We cannot develop the space without the partnership, both intra-African partnerships and partnerships with abroad," he said.

--IANS

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Jerusalem/Gaza, Feb 15 (IANS) The Palestinian militant groups on Saturday released three more Israeli hostages held in Gaza, while Israeli authorities freed 369 Palestinian prisoners and detainees in exchange.

The freed Israeli hostages are Alexandre Sasha Troufanov, a 29-year-old Israeli-Russian citizen; Sagui Dekel-Chen, a 36-year-old Israeli-American citizen; and Iair Horn, a 46-year-old Israeli-Argentine citizen. They were kidnapped during the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.

Troufanov was kidnapped along with his mother, grandmother, and partner, and the three women were released in a previous hostage deal in November 2023. His father was killed on the day of the kidnapping.

Dekel-Chen, a father of three, had a daughter born after his abduction. Horn's brother, Eitan, remains in captivity in Gaza.

Shortly after they arrived in Israel, the first bus carrying freed Palestinian prisoners and detainees departed Israel's Ofer jail in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Among the 369 Palestinians released Saturday from the Israeli jail were 36 serving life sentences, and 333 detainees arrested by Israel from the Gaza Strip following the October 7 attack.

One of the most prominent prisoners freed was Ahmed Barghouti, 48, a close aide to Marwan Barghouti, a leader of the First and Second Intifadas.

This was the sixth such exchange following days of tense negotiations that threatened to undo the precarious ceasefire.

Hamas had initially intended to delay the scheduled hostage release, citing Israeli violations of the agreement. In response, Israel threatened to resume its onslaught on Gaza if hostages were not released by Saturday noon, Xinhua news agency reported.

On Thursday Hamas said it would move ahead with the release of more hostages after talks with Egyptian and Qatari officials. The group said the mediators had pledged to "remove all hurdles" to ensure Israel would allow more tents, medical supplies and other essentials into Gaza.

Under the first phase of the ceasefire agreement, effective since Jan. 19 and spanning six weeks, 33 Israeli hostages are expected to be released in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinians. So far, 19 Israeli hostages, along with five Thais, have been released from Gaza, while Israeli authorities have released over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners.

In a statement immediately after the handover, Hamas described the release of the hostages as "a confirmation that there is no way to release them except through negotiations and by adhering to the requirements of the ceasefire agreement."

The office of the Israeli Prime Minister said in a statement that Hamas had backed down and the hostage release continued "thanks to the concentration of our forces in and around the Gaza Strip, and thanks to the clear and unequivocal statement of US President Donald Trump."

Trump warned on Monday that if the hostages in Gaza were not freed by noon on Saturday, the truce would be called off, and he would "let hell break out."

--IANS

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Beirut, Feb 15 (IANS) Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Saturday strongly condemned the attack on a United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) convoy, which occurred a day earlier on the airport road in Beirut, along with other security incidents in the capital, calling them "unacceptable" and "deplorable."

In a statement from the Lebanese presidency, Aoun stressed that such acts must not be repeated, warning that security forces will not tolerate any attempts to undermine stability and civil peace.

He directed the army and security forces to restore order, reopen blocked roads, remove obstacles, and pursue those responsible for the unrest. Authorities have already launched field investigations and begun making arrests, he added.

Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar said on Saturday that more than 25 individuals are in now custody with the Lebanese Army Intelligence for investigation, with another detainee held by the Information Division of the Internal Security Forces.

"This does not mean these detainees carried out the attack... but the investigations will show who is responsible," he added.

Violence broke out Friday evening when a group of young men attacked a UN-marked vehicle, assaulted its occupants, and torched three UNIFIL cars. A high-ranking UNIFIL officer was injured, Xinhua news agency reported.

The incidents come in the wake of protests held a day earlier over the refusal to allow an Iranian plane carrying Lebanese passengers to land in Beirut.

Lebanese aviation authorities barred on Thursday an Iranian passenger flight from landing at Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport, the only operational international airport in Lebanon, following an Israeli claim that Iran had been using the airport to "smuggle funds to Hezbollah."

--IANS

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Munich, Feb 14 (IANS) The 61st Munich Security Conference (MSC) kicked off here on Friday, bringing together policymakers and experts to discuss pressing global security challenges amid the accelerating rise of multipolarity and a complex geopolitical landscape.

This year's MSC comes at a critical moment, marked by the inauguration of a new US administration, the appointment of a new European Commission, and the upcoming German federal elections, said the organisers. These could have far-reaching implications for international relations.

At the opening ceremony, Christoph Heusgen, Chairman of the MSC, stressed the importance of a global response and dialogue to tackle global security threats in areas like climate change, cyber and artificial intelligence, and to achieve stability.

"We need dialogue today more than ever," Heusgen said, highlighting a record number of ongoing conflicts, including those in Ukraine and Sudan.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, in his address, reaffirmed Germany's commitment to multilateral foreign and security policies, while expressing concerns about changes in international relations over the next four years.

Steinmeier noted that the new US administration holds a worldview that disregards established rules, partnerships and trust. While this reality cannot be changed, it has to be acknowledged and addressed, he said. "However, I am convinced that it is not in the interest of the international community to become the sole dominant paradigm."

A report unveiled ahead of the MSC, titled Multipolarization, highlighted the ongoing transformation of the international system into a more multipolar world - a shift that presents both promises and challenges, Xinhua news agency reported.

While the extent of multipolarity remains a subject of debate, the report affirms that this trend is a fact and suggests it may accelerate following the return of US President Donald Trump to the White House. However, it also warns that increasing divisions and the risk of disorder could undermine collective efforts to address global crises and security threats.

The report identifies Global South nations as potential drivers in shaping a more inclusive multipolar order. According to MSC organisers, over 30 per cent of speakers at this year's conference will represent these countries, ensuring their voices are heard in discussions on the evolving multipolar order.

The three-day event gathers around 60 heads of state and government, 150 ministers, and leaders of major international organisations. Key topics on the agenda include global governance, climate security, and regional conflicts and crises. The future of transatlantic relationship, particularly in light of the return of Trump, will also be discussed.

--IANS

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Tehran, Feb 14 (IANS) Iran's Permanent Mission to the United Nations (UN) in New York has rejected the US accusation that Tehran is providing the Yemen-based Houthis with financial resources, arms support, and military training.

Speaking at a UN Security Council briefing on Yemen, Dorothy Shea, acting US Ambassador to the UN, said, "Iran's continued and unprecedented provision of weapons components, financial support, and training and technical assistance to the Houthis over more than a decade violates the arms embargo this council imposed on the group," calling on the Security Council members to press Iran "to stop arming, funding, and training the Houthis."

In response to Shea's remarks, Iran's UN mission submitted a letter on Thursday to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Fu Cong, rotating president of the UN Security Council for February, Iran's official news agency IRNA reported.

In the letter, the Iranian mission denounced the US accusation as "unfounded," stressing Iran's principled policy has always been based on supporting peace and stability in Yemen and a political solution to the Arab state's crisis.

It added that Washington could not conceal its complicity in Israel's "crimes" by hurling accusations at Iran, noting that Iran "has always been and will remain committed to the fundamental principles of international law and the UN Charter, as well as the Security Council resolutions", Xinhua news agency reported.

The mission denied Tehran's involvement in the conflict in Yemen, saying Iran maintained that Yemen's crisis should be resolved through a comprehensive political process that guarantees Yemen's independence, national sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

--IANS

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Jerusalem/Gaza, Feb 14 (IANS) Israel confirmed Friday that it has received a list of three hostages set to be released on Saturday from Hamas captivity in the Gaza Strip.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office initially stated that the list was "acceptable by Israel," but a spokesman for Netanyahu later backtracked, clarifying that Israel had only received the list. "This is a purely factual description and does not reflect any Israeli position on the matter," the spokesman said.

The list was delivered to Israel via Qatari and Egyptian mediators.

According to a statement from Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, the hostages are Alexander (Sasha) Troufanov, a 29-year-old Israeli-Russian civilian; Sagui Dekel-Chen, a 36-year-old Israeli-American civilian; and Yair Horn, a 46-year-old Israeli.

Meanwhile, Israeli army radio reported that 369 Palestinian prisoners will be released on Saturday. Among them, 333 will be returned to Gaza, with 10 others sent back to their homes in the West Bank and one released in East Jerusalem, while the remaining 25 of the prisoners sentenced for life will either be deported to Gaza or sent abroad via Egypt, Xinhua news agency quoted the report as saying.

This will mark the sixth batch of prisoner-for-hostage exchanges between Israel and Hamas under the ceasefire agreement that took effect on January 19.

The anticipated release comes amid heightened tensions after US President Donald Trump warned that if "all of the hostages" in Gaza were not freed by Saturday at noon, the truce would be canceled, and he would "let hell break out." Netanyahu and Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz echoed the warning, saying Israel would resume its onslaught on Gaza.

Hamas announced on Monday that it would delay the hostage release scheduled for Saturday, citing Israeli violations of the agreement and demanding Israel reaffirm its commitment to maintaining the ceasefire. On Thursday, the movement confirmed that it would continue implementing the ceasefire agreement, including the exchange of Palestinian prisoners and Israeli hostages as initially scheduled.

--IANS

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Johannesburg, Feb 14 (IANS) With just two weeks left for food-handling businesses to register in an effort to curb food-borne illnesses, the South African government has tightened enforcement to root out illegal operations, raising concerns about "fronting" practices by undocumented foreigners, allegedly aided by local citizens.

The deaths of dozens of people - mainly children - and the hospitalization of thousands due to food-borne illnesses prompted the South African government in 2024 to make business registration mandatory for all food selling and handling establishments.

National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure spokesperson Mava Scott said that locals registering businesses on behalf of foreign nationals was a criminal offence, Xinhua news agency reported.

"We have received some calls and some concerns from other people. It is a concern that we have noted from the feedback that we are getting from communities and other whistleblowers," Scott noted. "It looks like there are people that are fronting for others around. That is why we warn against that kind of offence, that is a punishable offence."

In December 2024, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa set February 28, 2025 as the deadline for all spaza shops and other food-handling outlets to complete their registration. Scott said work was being done to double - and triple -check that those registering were bona fide businesspeople with relevant documentation.

"The first implication is that you are committing the crime, because in terms of the Immigration Act, you may not abet an illegal foreigner to do anything in the country, including registering a business on their behalf. So you will be prosecuted in terms of that act," Scott said.

"But secondly, from an economic point of view, if you are trying to make money, then that will compromise you and the business that you are trying to build. Because when you are found to be in contravention, you will be prosecuted and you may not continue the business that you wanted to do, both yourself and the person you are trying to assist," he said.

Scott further noted that law enforcement was working hand-in-hand with environmental health practitioners to ensure that food being sold meets all health regulations and standards.

Businesses that have failed to meet health, environmental and food handling regulations and other requirements would not be allowed to trade after this deadline.

--IANS

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Vientiane, Feb 14 (IANS) Laos' Ministry of Technology and Communications has issued strict regulations regarding the use of telecommunication and internet services in the country, aiming to ensure secure and efficient operations while protecting against fraud.

Individuals, legal entities, and telecommunications and internet service providers are strictly prohibited from connecting Laos' telecommunication and internet systems to foreign networks without prior authorisation from the Lao Ministry of Technology and Communications, Xinhua news agency reported quoting the Laos National Radio on Friday.

This measure aims to curb fraudulent activities, including scams operated by criminal groups and call-centre fraud.

The ministry has also established a committee to oversee telecommunications and internet connections and ensure compliance with national laws. This body will monitor and enforce regulations to maintain secure and reliable digital communications in Laos.

The notice, issued on Wednesday, reaffirms the Laos government's commitment to promoting the safe and efficient use of telecommunications and internet services, supporting the country's digital transformation goals.

The government's initiatives to combat cyber fraud have gone beyond merely regulating telecommunications. Recently, Electricite du Laos (EDL) implemented a reduction in electricity supply to the Tachileik district in Myanmar's Shan State, an area recognised for its involvement in call-centre scams.

The move follows a similar action by Thailand, which cut power supply to disrupt criminal operations in the area. EDL confirmed that electricity restrictions aim to prevent misuse by illegal groups while minimising the impact on local residents.

The state enterprise emphasised that the Lao government does not supply power to unlawful entities, ensuring that energy exports are directed towards supporting public infrastructure, businesses, and essential services.

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programmes from digital attacks. These cyberattacks are usually aimed at accessing, changing, or destroying sensitive information; extorting money from users through ransomware; or interrupting normal business processes.

Implementing effective cybersecurity measures is particularly challenging today because there are more devices than people, and attackers are becoming more innovative.

--IANS

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