Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) skipper Rishabh Pant will play his team's match against Punjab Kings (PBKS), thus allaying injury fears ahead of the important match. During LSG's match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on 15 April, Rishabh Pant was hit on his left arm after facing a short length
Who is Kajal Meena? Rajasthan SDM and RAS topper arrested for accepting bribeKajal Meena, an IIT graduate, was held by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on April 16, along with two others. Updated on: Apr 19, 2026 5:10 PM IST By Arya Mishra Share via Copy link A sub-divisional magistrate in
It’s one thing to reach the summit. Staying there is the real test. And right now, Jannik Sinner isn’t backing down from either. Fresh off his Monte Carlo triumph, the newly crowned World No. 1 has confirmed his participation at the Madrid Open
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday extended greetings to devotees as the Char Dham Yatra 2026 commenced, urging pilgrims to follow guidelines and contribute to environmental conservation during the sacred journey. In a post on X, Dhami said
Govt okays ₹12,980-crore maritime insurance poolThe decision will help lower costs for Indian vessels as global underwriters have hiked risk-mitigation charges to historic highs due to the war in West Asia. Published on: Apr 19, 2026 1:44 PM IST By Zia Haq
Milk sits quietly at the centre of Indian households, poured into morning tea, stirred into children’s routines, and trusted almost instinctively as a source of nutrition. But that trust, increasingly, is being questioned. According to Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
Odisha gets India’s first 3D glass chip packaging plantThe facility set up by US-based 3D Glass Solutions Inc. (3DGS) at Info Valley in Bhubaneswar is worth ₹1,943 crore Published on: Apr 19, 2026 4:51 PM IST By Debabrata Mohanty, Bhubaneswar Share via Copy link Odisha chief minister Mohan
Pune dermatologist explains how to decide what hair loss treatment is right for you: Hair transplant, PRP or GFCDr Chavan says hair restoration choices depend on follicle health – PRP and GFC work on existing follicles, while transplants are for advanced baldness. Published on: Apr 19
How to survive abandonment by America
SEEN FROM East Asia, America is a partner with a commitment problem, demanding ever more of Asian allies while promising ever less. That leaves governments in the region wondering how to hedge against their worst fear: Trumpian abandonment. Alas, today's America is both fickle and jealous. The Telegram was recently in Seoul and heard about the one-sided demands being made by America of its decades-old ally, South Korea.
President Donald Trump's envoys have told Asian governments to take more responsibility for their own security, because American troops, warplanes and naval ships will not stay and guard them for ever. In the next breath, those envoys warn partners against forging deeper ties with America's rival, China. Some demands are commercial. To avoid Mr Trump's wrath (and punitive tariffs), Asian allies must declare America their trade and technology partner of choice, and back that with investments designed to generate jobs and profits for Americans. Earlier this year Japan pledged to invest $550bn in America over several years. South Korea has agreed to invest $350bn in all, a sum equivalent to nearly 19% of the country's entire gross domestic product in 2024. Other American demands involve blood as well as treasure. South Korean officials have been informed that, if American and Chinese forces ever clash over economically important places, from the island of Taiwan to shipping lanes in the South China Sea, they will not be allowed to sit out the fight.
South Korea is a horribly divided country. It is still recovering from a failed coup attempt a year ago by the country's then president, Yoon Suk Yeol, a conservative now facing trial on insurrection charges. For all that, there are glimpses of an emerging consensus among moderates of the right and left, including about the relative riskiness of different hedging gambits.
When it comes to China there is agreement that South Korea cannot afford to alienate its giant neighbour. At the same time, greater closeness to China is seen as increasingly high-risk and low-reward. In polls, South Koreans have strongly negative views of China. That follows commercial boycotts imposed by leaders in Beijing to punish South Korea for hosting American missile-defence systems that China's armed forces call a threat. Continuing Chinese bullying over disputed fishing grounds near the Koreas has stoked more anger. Public opinion helps to explain why the centre-left president, Lee Jae Myung, has toned down his pro-China rhetoric. Instead, Mr Lee has surprised observers with his pragmatism, striking trade deals with Mr Trump and agreeing to spend more on defence. The enthusiasm of South Korean big business for the China market has been tempered by fierce competition from cheaper, often highly advanced Chinese rivals. Whenever Mr Trump's tariff wars have this year obliged South Korean carmakers and other giant firms to choose between Chinese and American markets, they chose America. For all that, a former diplomat and adviser to the conservative Yoon administration says that if the Trump administration declares South Korea to be outside America's “defence perimeter” in Asia, then “we will have no choice but to get closer to China.” A prominent progressive scholar agrees, asking: “Why the hell would you antagonise China?”
A foreign diplomat frets about South Korean progressives who naively want to hug Russia, in hopes of loosening the ties between that country and North Korea that were forged when the north sent troops and arms to help Russia in its war with Ukraine. In reality, the diplomat argues, Russia is a wrecker with no intention of making the Korean peninsula safer. Meanwhile, North Korea is in its best strategic position for 35 years. Almost friendless a few years ago, today it plays China and Russia against one another.
South Korea's centre-left and centre-right are remarkably united in enthusiasm for a project to build nuclear-powered attack submarines with America that was agreed upon by Mr Lee and Mr Trump at a summit in October (though important details remain fuzzy). A long-running debate about acquiring nuclear weapons has moved from the political fringes to the mainstream in South Korea. Officials and foreign diplomats in Seoul report that Trumpworld is surprisingly receptive to “friendly nuclear proliferation” by allies, if it would make those same partners less annoyingly needy. That marks a big break with America's long-held stance of opposing the emergence of new nuclear powers.
The prominent progressive scholar believes that the Trump administration is miscalculating America's interests. Why does America imagine that a nuclear-armed South Korea would meekly take orders from Washington, he asks? Worse, a South Korean bomb could trigger an unstoppable Asian arms race, with Japan and perhaps Taiwan feeling the need to follow suit. Meanwhile, China, North Korea and Russia would enlarge their own arsenals.
In Seoul, ghastly scenarios are described in which America withdraws its forces and removes its nuclear umbrella from South Korea; Mr Trump signs a “peace deal” that allows North Korea's despot, Kim Jong Un, to keep and expand his nuclear arsenal; and an emboldened China tests South Korea's sovereignty. Even if worst-case scenarios are avoided, South Korea has to reckon for the first time in its history with an America that is not there to pick up the phone when needed, says a former Korean ambassador. He urges his country to seek closer ties with like-minded partners, starting with Japan. In his telling, if Japan and South Korea can overcome bitter memories of Japanese invasion and colonial rule, they share a long list of common problems, from ageing populations to brittle supply chains, fear of China and disappointment at America. That is shrewd and constructive advice for bleak times. If South Korea must go alone, better to do it in good company.
Get 360° coverage—from daily headlines
to 100 year archives.
Source: HindustanTimes
Related Posts: Neurosurgeon explains why wearing earplugs at concerts can prevent dementia Ahmedabad-Mumbai Vande Bharat Express gets extra coaches as travel demand peaks – know full route Trump to discuss about Dem agencies ‘cut’ with OMB chief Vought Senator warns Trump’s call to ‘nationalise’ US polls could undermine democracy PM Modi underscores 'shared commitment to global progress and prosperity' GST Reforms Reaffirm India’s Commitment To Empower Youth Reaffirmed Commitment To Rules-Based Trading Framework A Testament To Commitment India, Jordan Reaffirm Commitment To Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation Reflects govt's true commitment to Paris Agreement
A Delhi-based entrepreneur has sparked online debate after sharing a raw and honest look at what startup life is really like behind the scenes. Nikhil Gaur, founder of Hypeschool, shared a video on Instagram showing himself arriving at his office at 5 am
1 days ago
For many years, liver disease has been closely associated with alcohol consumption. However, this is no longer the full picture. Today, doctors are increasingly diagnosing liver disease in people who rarely or never consume alcohol. This condition
1 days ago
Like everyone else, I cannot wait for Sunday's massive game between Manchester City and Arsenal. From a manager's perspective, both teams have many strengths and very few weaknesses. The same applies to the two men who are in charge of them.Like everyone else
1 days ago
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan underwent surgery on Saturday evening following a health complication, leaving his fans concerned. Now, megastar Chiranjeevi has shared a health update on his brother, Pawan Kalyan, confirming that he is safe, stable
1 days ago
Gold, silver prices on Akshaya Tritiya 2026: Check latest rates in Delhi, Mumbai, other citiesIf you’re planning to buy jewellery, keep in mind that the final price may be higher, as jewellers typically add making charges and GST to the base rate. Updated on: Apr 19
1 days ago
The self-enumeration portal for the ongoing Census had been showing Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh as a Chinese town named Medog, a retired Indian Air Force officer pointed out on Saturday. Hours later, census officials said the error had been resolved
1 days ago
Iran's Parliament Speaker claimed its forces neutralized 180 drones and targeted a US F-35 stealth fighter, signaling advanced defense capabilities. He linked these military developments to ongoing indirect talks with Washington, stating that while some consensus exists, major differences persist
1 days ago
‘Extraordinary’ security measures in Pakistan ahead of potential second round of US-Iran talksAuthorities have announced that from Sunday midnight, several sensitive areas surrounding Nur Khan Airbase and Islamabad International Airport will be sealed. Published on: Apr 19
1 days ago
The poll body noted that over 11,000 violative social media posts have been addressed since March 15, while 3,10,393 complaints were resolved via the C-Vigil app, highlighting a 96.01% resolution rate within 100 minutes. New Delhii: The (ECI) on Saturday reiterated strict compliance with legal
1 days ago
To understand why India’s China deficit keeps growing, you have to go back further than last year’s trade data. You have to go back 35 years — to 1990, when India and China were, by most measures, economic equals. New Delhi: There is a number buried inside India’s FY26 trade data that
1 days ago
Blinkit vs Instamart vs roadside vendor: Gurgaon woman reveals cheapest grocery optionA Gurgaon woman compared grocery prices and found roadside vendors were cheaper than Blinkit and Instamart. Published on: Apr 19, 2026 4:08 PM IST By Mahipal Singh Chouhan Share via Copy link A Gurgaon woman has
1 days ago
Who was Liv Perrotto? Elon Musk fulfils cancer-struck teen's last wish in heartfelt gestureElon Musk responded to 15-year-old cancer patient Liv Perrotto's questions, revealing he won't develop his own phone and sharing his love for anime. Published on: Apr 19
1 days ago
SSLC grading row: K'taka government files review petition in HCSSLC grading row: K'taka government files review petition in HC Published on: Apr 18, 2026 11:10 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Bengaluru, The Karnataka government has filed a review petition in the High Court against a single judge
1 days ago
Kamal Haasan urges Centre to implement women's reservation bill without linking it to delimitationKamal Haasan said that if we are serious about women’s empowerment, 33% reservation must be implemented immediately. Apr 19, 2026, 17:12:50 IST By Santanu Das Share via Copy link Actor and Makkal
1 days ago
Northeast woman shares how gifting a jhaadu to Delhi landlord changed their relationship: 'United by jhaadu'A Northeast woman shared how gifting a jhaadu transformed her relationship with her landlord in Delhi. Updated on: Apr 19, 2026 4:25 PM IST By Bhavya Sukheja Share via Copy link A
1 days ago
TCS case: Kin of accused call him ‘high-performer’; blame office politics, jealousy for allegationsTCS case: Kin of accused call him ‘high-performer’; blame office politics, jealousy for allegations Published on: Apr 19, 2026 4:49 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Nashik
1 days ago
Beer Price India: The ongoing conflict in West Asia has intensified pressure on the Indian beer sector, triggering a sharp rise in input costs, supply disruptions and continued pricing restrictions. Vivek Gupta, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of United Breweries Ltd
1 days ago
Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that the West Bengal assembly election is a fight to preserve the state's identity, accusing the Mamata Banerjee government of favoring "infiltrators" over native populations. He alleged the TMC aims to form a "government of infiltrators and for infiltrators
1 days ago
New Delhi, Apr 19 (PTI) Delhi Traffic Police has booked 269 people for drunk driving during a special integrated night checking across the national capital, officials said on Sunday. The three-hour operation was conducted between 9 pm and midnight on Saturday in coordination with local police and
1 days ago
New Delhi:The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced that multiple state governments will raise a total of Rs 16,900 crore through the revised auction of State Government Securities (SGS), scheduled to be conducted on April 21. According to the Central Bank release
1 days ago
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned a US decision to extend the period during which Russia is allowed to sell oil despite Western sanctions. The move means countries can purchase Russian oil and petroleum products already loaded on vessels at sea until 16 May
1 days ago
The Trinamool Congress on Sunday refuted a news report claiming that political consultancy Indian Political Action Committee has paused its operations in West Bengal ahead of the Assembly elections, calling it “completely baseless”. In a statement
1 days ago
BCCI set to extend chief selector Ajit Agarkar’s contract to June 2027 after multiple ICC titles, seeking continuity before next ODI World Cup amid major team transition Ajit Agarkar, chairman of India’s senior selection committee, is set to receive a one-year contract extension when his
1 days ago
Kalki Koechlin says heartbreak caused months of insomnia, left her confused: ‘I just could not sleep'Kalki Koechlin opens up about a challenging period marked by insomnia due to heartbreak, affecting her mental clarity and daily functioning. Apr 19, 2026
1 days ago
Ajit Agarkar will continue as chairman of the senior selection committee. The BCCI renewed his contract for one more year. This decision focuses on the 2027 ODI World Cup. Under Agarkar, Indian teams reached four ICC tournament finals, winning three. Continuity is a key factor for the board
1 days ago
With Deepika Padukone recently announcing that she is expecting her second child with Ranveer Singh, conversations around pregnancy, nutrition, and maternal well-being are once again in the spotlight. The couple shared the news through a heartfelt post
1 days ago
Lenskart has publicly rolled out a revised in-store style guide after facing backlash over an alleged internal dress code and a separate Pongal-themed campaign. The eyewear company said it wants to make its position on cultural and religious expression clear
1 days ago
