South Korea fires warning shots at Russian military aircraft - CNN

In a statement, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said that the Russian military aircraft twice violated South Korean airspace off the country's eastern coast on Tuesday morning.

The South Korean military said they flew above islands claimed by both South Korea and Japan, first at 9.09 a.m. local time and then again at 9.33 a.m., each time for just a matter of minutes.

The two, small disputed islands are known to the Koreans as Dokdo and to the Japanese as Takeshima. They're situated about halfway between both countries.

In response, South Korea deployed F-15F and KF-16 fighter jets, the statement said, and fired warning shots both times the Russian aircraft entered their airspace.

The shots were fired using 20mm weapon, according to the Ministry of Defense. It is the first time a foreign country has violated South Korean airspace, according to the ministry.

Carl Schuster, a former director of operations at the United States' Pacific Command's Joint Intelligence Center, said that shooting a warning shot in the air was "very very serious" and "very, very rare."

Schuster said that the fact shots were fired meant Seoul had viewed the violation as a serious and deliberate act, adding he couldn't explain why the Russian plane would come back again after the first warning.

"Penetrating to a point of requiring warning shots to turn away is normally the result of a deliberate decision to penetrate that airspace," he said.

It was one of two incidents involving South Korea, Tuesday. According to the country's Joint Chiefs of Staff, two Chinese aircraft entered South Korea's Air Defense Identification Zone (KADIZ) earlier on Tuesday.

Airspace is defined as the area 12 nautical miles from a country's borders, which falls entirely under its control. An ADIZ is an area in which the controlling country demands identification, location and control of aircraft's direction, but doesn't necessarily have any rights of engagement under international law.

South Korea's KADIZ was first established in 1950 and most recently adjusted by Seoul in 2013.

The two Chinese planes entered the KADIZ at 6.44 a.m. local time and then 7.49 a.m., after which they met up with the two Russian aircraft. The four planes then entered the KADIZ together at about 8.40 a.m. and remained there for 24 minutes, according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

It is immediately whether the Russian plane intentionally violated South Korean airspace.

The incident is unusual. Though East Asia is riven by numerous, long-standing territorial disputes, Russia and South Korea rarely come into conflict.

Top Russian and South Korean leaders at the G20 in Osaka, Japan, in June, where they praised their warming bilateral relations. Russian President Vladimir Putin said South Korea was "one of our key partners" in Asia.

It is the second tense incident involving the Russian military in East Asia in less than two months. On June 8 two vessels from the US and Russia almost collided in the Pacific, coming within 50 feet of each other.

The exact location of the standoff wasn't clear but it was believed to take place in the waters off the coast of China.

Relations between Beijing and Moscow have reached an "unprecedented" peak in the epast year, according to Russia's Putin, including growing cooperation between their two militaries.

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https://www.cnn.com/2019/07/23/asia/south-korea-russia-military-intl-hnk/index.html

2019-07-23 06:02:00Z
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India's Chandrayaan-2 Blasts Toward The Moon - NPR

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Through a webcast, a man at New Delhi's Nehru Planetarium takes pictures of the liftoff of the Indian Space Research Organization's unmanned spacecraft, launched Monday on a mission to the far side of the moon. Manish Swarup/AP hide caption

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Manish Swarup/AP

India is celebrating the successful launch of its Chandrayaan-2 rocket, which has now started its journey to the moon. It's India's second attempt to launch the unmanned lunar mission and to further its dreams of space exploration.

Chandrayaan-2, which means "moon craft" in ancient Sanskrit, launched as planned at 2:43 p.m. from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre on India's southeastern coast. It is expected to make a soft landing in the moon's south pole region in early September — a feat that would make India the fourth country to make a controlled landing on the moon's surface, after the United States, Russia and China.

After the landing, a moon rover will explore water deposits India discovered on a previous moon mission, 11 years ago. That first lunar spacecraft, Chandrayaan-1, used radar to map the moon's surface but did not touch down on the moon.

The new mission could help scientists chart potential sources of water and learn more about how the solar system formed billions of years ago.

Monday's launch marked India's second attempt to launch the Chandrayaan-2 mission. Last week, the Indian Space Research Organization called off the event less than an hour before liftoff, citing a "technical snag."

The launch of Chandrayaan-2 comes on the heels of the 50th anniversary of the first humans setting foot on the moon, with Neil Armstrong's historic moon walk.

For years, India's space agency has been known for operating on a shoestring budget. The current lunar mission costs about $140 million dollars — less than Hollywood's budget for the film Gravity, as NPR's Lauren Frayer reports.

But frugality hasn't stopped the agency from achieving success. In 2014, India became the first country to reach Mars on its first attempt, catapulting the nation to a new place among elite space explorers.

In March, as tensions with neighboring Pakistan flared up, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the country had successfully tested an anti-satellite weapon, shooting down one of its own low-orbiting satellites with a ballistic missile interceptor.

After Monday's blast-off, Modi channeled Indian nationalism. "Special moments that will be etched in the annals of our glorious history!" he tweeted. The launch of Chandrayaan-2 was "a fully indigenous mission," he added.

Last year, Modi pledged during his Independence Day speech to send India's first manned flight into space by 2022.

India's space agency recently signed an agreement with Russia to train its astronauts for the mission, according to the Times of India. "I think it's logical to go with Russia as it has been tried," said Rakesh Sharma, according to the Times. Sharma is the first and only Indian citizen to enter space, having traveled aboard a Soviet rocket in 1984.

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2019-07-22 14:20:00Z
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Hong Kong protests grow violent as masked assailants attack demonstrators, passengers at subway station - Fox News

Dozens of people were injured at a subway station in Hong Kong on Sunday when a mob of masked assailants attacked protesters and passengers in a dramatic escalation of violence amid ongoing protests in the Chinese territory.

The sudden assault came after police fired tear gas at those who failed to disband after a massive march by demonstrators still fighting a proposed extradition bill and calling for electoral reforms in Hong Kong.

Dozens of men stormed the Yuen Long MTR station around midnight, forcing open closed entrances before hurling objects and assaulting protesters, in addition to passengers, at the subway station.

HONG KONG MARCHERS PELT BEIJING LIAISON OFFICE WITH EGGS IN LATEST PROTEST

Hong Kong media released video showing masked assailants attacking commuters -- and protesters clad in their trademark black clothing and yellow hard hats -- in a subway station.

The attackers, meanwhile, were dressed in white and had black masks pulled over their heads. On Saturday, demonstrators had worn white at a counter-rally in support of police.

Footage from Apple Daily showed some of the attackers using umbrellas to beat people in the station and inside a subway car.

The South China Morning Post reported some people tried to fight back by hurling their helmets, and the Hospital Authority told the news outlet at least 45 people had been sent to nearby hospitals after the attacks.

Subway passengers, including one lawmaker, castigated police officers for allegedly failing to intervene.

This Sunday, July 21, 2019, image taken from a video, shows confrontation between masked assailants and protesters at Yuen Long MTR train station in Hong Kong. (Lam Cheuk-ting via AP)

Democratic lawmaker Lam Cheuk-ting told Reuters the men appeared to target black-shirted passengers who had been at an anti-government march. Lam, who was wounded in the face and hospitalized, told the news agency police officers on the scene ignored his pleas to step in and help stop the attacks.

Protesters trying to return home in Hong Kong were attacked inside a train station by assailants who appeared to target the pro-democracy demonstrators. (Lam Cheuk-ting via AP)

“They deliberately turned a blind eye to these attacks by triads on regular citizens,” he told Reuters, saying the floors of the station were streaked with blood. “I won’t speculate on why they didn’t help immediately."

CLASHES ERUPT AS THOUSANDS MARCH IN HONG KONG AGAINST CHINESE TRADERS

The Hong Kong government said in a statement shortly after midnight that commuters were attacked at a subway station in the city's Yuen Long neighborhood, leading to "confrontations and injuries." The statement also said some "radical protesters initiated a series of violent acts...despite repeated warnings" by police. They said the acts included hurling petrol bombs, setting fires and throwing bricks.

This Sunday, July 21, 2019, image made from a video, shows fighting inside a train car in Hong Kong. Protesters trying to return home were attacked inside a train station by assailants who appeared to target the pro-democracy demonstrators. (Lam Cheuk-ting via AP)

"This is absolutely unacceptable to Hong Kong as a society that observes the rule of law," the statement said, referring to the acts of the subway attackers -- as well as the protesters.

Embattled Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam condemned the "shocking" violence, adding police will fully investigate the incident.

“Violence is not a solution to any problem. Violence will only breed more violence,” Lam said. “We absolutely do not tolerate such violence.”

Protesters react to tear gas during a confrontation with riot police in Hong Kong Sunday, July 21, 2019. (Eric Tsang/HK01 via AP)

Lam has declared the contentious extradition bill dead, but protesters are dissatisfied with her refusal to formally withdraw the legislation. Some are also calling for her to resign amid growing concerns about the steady erosion of civil rights in the city.

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The march on Sunday had been peaceful when it reached its police-designated endpoint in Hong Kong's Wan Chai district in the late afternoon, but thousands continued onward, at various points occupying key government and business districts. Organizers said 430,000 people participated in Sunday's march, while police said there were 138,000 during the procession's "peak period."

Hong Kong police launched tear gas at protesters Sunday after a massive pro-democracy march continued late into the evening. (Andy Lo/HK01 via AP)

The group then headed for the Liaison Office, which represents China's Communist Party-led central government within the city, where some protesters threw eggs at the building and spray-painted its surrounding surveillance cameras. China's national emblem, which adorns the front of the Liaison Office, was splattered with black ink. The Liaison Office said in comments published on Chinese state media that the acts "openly challenged the authority of the central government and touched the bottom line of the 'one country, two systems' principle."

A protestor kicks a tear gas canister during confrontation in Hong Kong Sunday, July 21, 2019. (Ming Ko/HK01 via AP)

Hong Kong, a former British colony, was handed back to China in 1997 and was promised certain democratic freedoms under the framework of "one country, two systems." Fueled by anger at Lam and an enduring distrust of the Communist Party-ruled central government in Beijing, the current demonstrations have ballooned into calls for electoral reform and an investigation into alleged police brutality at the protests.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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2019-07-22 13:40:53Z
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India launches 'historic' flight bound for the moon - USA TODAY

John Bacon USA TODAY

Published 9:10 AM EDT Jul 22, 2019

Days after the U.S. celebrated the 50th anniversary of the first human steps on the moon, India on Monday launched an unmanned flight bound for the far side of the moon.

If Chandrayaan2's lander Vikram successfully touches down as scheduled on Sept. 7, India will join the U.S., Russia and China as nations to successfully land on the moon. India hopes to complete a manned mission to the moon within three years.

Indian Space Research Organization's mission control center in the southern city of Sriharikota burst into applause after the launch.

"It is the beginning of a historical journey of India toward the moon," said K Sivan, head of the agency. "It is my duty to salute all the people who have done the work."

The launch helped wash away the disappointment felt across the nation just one week ago, when the launch was scrubbed less than an hour before ignition because of a "technical snag," according to the space agency.

Indian media later reported that a helium leak was to blame.

On Monday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reflected the nation's ride on Twitter in a series of tweets.

"Indian at heart, Indian in spirit!" he tweeted. "Efforts such as #Chandrayaan2 will further encourage our bright youngsters towards science, top quality research and innovation."

U.S. flights took just a few days to arrive at the moon. In order to save fuel, India is using a circuitous route relying on the slingshot effect of the Earth's gravity. For more than three weeks, Chandrayaan – which translates to mooncraft in Sanskrit, an ancient Indian language – will first orbit the Earth before making its way to a lunar orbit.

The lander Vikram will separate from the orbiter and perform a series of complex maneuvers aimed at slowing its approach. Imaging of the landing area will be used to find a "hazard-free zone" for a soft landing in a high plain between two craters, the space agency said.

The lander's 14-day mission focus on the search for water and minerals and will attempt to measure moonquakes. 

India's first lunar mission, more than a decade ago with Chandrayaan1, did not land on the moon but conducted a search for water using radar.

Contributing: The Associated Press

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2019-07-22 13:10:00Z
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India's Chandrayaan2 successfully blasts off for moon mission on second try - The Washington Post

NEW DELHI — Varunavi Sreejith, 13, gaped at the screen in front of her, inching to the edge of her seat as the clock ticked down to 2:43 p.m. When Chandrayaan-2, India’s second lunar mission, took off, she jumped up, clapping, a bright smile lighting up her face. 

“I am very proud and relieved,” Varunavi said. A student at JBM Global, one of India’s only high schools offering a curriculum dedicated to space exploration, she had stayed back after school to watch the live-streamed launch in the auditorium. 

She wasn’t alone. Hundreds of thousands of Indians across the country went online to watch the nation’s most ambitious space mission to date. On Facebook, the live launch had over 650,000 viewers. Over 7,500 people registered to travel to Satish Dhawan Space Center off the country’s southeastern coast to witness it in person. 

After a “technical snag” aborted the first launch attempt a week ago, the Indian space agency known as ISRO successfully sent Chandrayaan-2 on its journey to the moon Monday afternoon in a testament to the country’s burgeoning capabilities in space. Its lander will attempt to descend onto the moon in the first week of September to collect information on topography and look for water.

The agency had “bounced back with flying colors,” said K. Sivan, the chief of ISRO, after the launch. “It is the beginning of a historical journey for India.” 

Experts say the successful second attempt so soon after the aborted launch highlights ISRO’s confidence in its technological capabilities, which have not been hamstrung by its paltry $1.8 billion budget. In comparison, NASA received $21.5 billion in funds this year.  

Chaitanya Giri, a fellow at the space and ocean studies program at Gateway House, a Mumbai-based think tank, said, “We are in the big leagues now.” He added that the rapt public attention is a sign that India’s space exploration program should now grow quickly. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a tweet, “The launch of Chandrayaan-2 illustrates the prowess of our scientists and the determination of [1.3 billion] Indians to scale new frontiers of science.”

With Chandrayaan-2, India is attempting a soft landing on the moon — a feat only accomplished by three other countries: the United States, Russia and China. It also hopes to be the first to land in the uncharted south pole region. In its first moon outing with Chandrayaan-1, India had been instrumental in the discovery of water molecules on its surface. 

India’s low-cost, homegrown technology that has powered its space program is a source of national pride and inspiration. 

[New Delhi, we have a problem: India calls off lunar mission an hour before launch]

JBM Global, a top school in a Delhi suburb, has instituted astronomy and space studies classes for all age-groups. “The response from the students is tremendous,” said Uma Negi, a teacher from educational company Space India, which conducts classes at the school. “Showing them the launch encourages their curiosity.”

Earlier in the day, Negi showed the students models of Chandrayaan-2, which they attempted to replicate. Varunavi, who had been disappointed by the aborted launch, spoke excitedly about the possible discoveries of the new mission.

“Space is a large unknown area so we [India] have the chance to make a mark,” she said. 

While ISRO spokesman Vivek Singh refused to divulge details about the problem that delayed the launch, he said, “in space science, even if there is a small observation, you cannot overlook that.” 

At a modest price tag of $141 million, Chandrayaan-2 is made up of an orbiter, a lander and a rover. It was sent into space by the country’s most powerful launcher, known as Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III, whose complete design and fabrication has been done within the country. The orbiter will observe the lunar surface and communicate with the lander, Vikram, named after ISRO’s founder.

The rover, Pragyan, which means wisdom in Sanskrit, is a six-wheeled robotic vehicle powered by solar energy.

The launch comes at the heels of the 50th anniversary of the historic Apollo 11, when man first landed on the moon. India has also announced its intention of sending a manned space mission by 2022.  

                     

Read more    

India’s Moon mission signals country’s growing space ambitions

India shoots down satellite in test of space defense, Modi announces  

India just launched a record-breaking 104 satellites into space atop one rocket  

 Today’s coverage from Post correspondents around the world            

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2019-07-22 12:33:45Z
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Iran claims it arrested 17 citizens accused of spying for US - Washington Examiner

Iran claimed Monday it had arrested 17 Iranian citizens, alleging they had spied on behalf of the U.S., and some of them have already been executed.

An official who said he was the director of counterespionage in the Intelligence Ministry said at a news conference in Tehran that the arrested Iranians had been trained by the CIA, but provided few details to defend the allegations.

The official would not give his name or say how many of those arrested had been executed.

Iran made similar announcements in April and June.

The claims come during a standoff between Tehran and Washington following President Trump’s decision to pull out of the nuclear deal and impose sanctions on Iran. Iran responded to the U.S. actions by threatening to prevent tankers from passing through the Strait of Hormuz. It also shot down a U.S. naval surveillance drone.

Tensions further escalated last week when the Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps seized a British-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz.

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2019-07-22 11:50:00Z
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Iran claims it has arrested 17 members of a CIA spy ring - CBS This Morning

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2019-07-22 11:27:48Z
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