News India Times

www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know News India Times (January 24, 2026 - January 30, 2026) January 30, 2026 6 US Affairs Pakistan Has Divisive Mindset, India Accuses At The UN General Assembly -UNITED NATIONS I ndia accused Pakistan of having a di- visive strategy disrupting the hitherto work and future goals of the United Nations. India’s Diplomat Eldos Pun- noose said Pakistan follows a divisive agenda at a time when the United Nation’s call of the moment is for member states to be united. “At a time when member states have to rise beyond their narrow considerations, Pakistan continues to misuse all platforms and processes in the UN to drive their divisive agenda,” Punnoose said. Punnoose was speaking to the UN Gen- eral Assembly January 15, 2026 which was debating over the report of the Secretary General António Guterres on the work of the UN. Pointing out the need of the hour which the Secretary General had been emphasizing, Punnoose said, “Member states need to work together with a joint sense of purpose towards achieving re- formed multilateralism.” Presenting his report, Guterres had said, “That is the paradox of our era: at a time when we need international coop- eration the most, we seem to be the least inclined to use it and invest in it.” India also strongly criticized Pakistan for misusing the forum with an uncalled for reference to Kashmir. Punnoose point- ed out that Pakistan misses no opportu- nity to bring up reference to Kashmir in any forum. Pakistan had brought up an out of context reference to Jammu and Kashmir during a discussion on self determination, and had said the region is not an integral part of India. Registering India’s strong objection, Punnoose reiterated that the Union Ter- ritory of Jammu and Kashmir has always been an integral and inalienable part of India. In its statement, Pakistan had placed Jammu and Kashmir, along with Palestine, facing continued denial of self determi- nation, and had described the region as “Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir”. Emphasizing that India is a democ- racy, Punnoose reminded the General Assembly of India’s pluralistic nature. He cautioned, however, against the abuse by any state of the right to secession harming its territorial integrity. “The right to self-determination is a fundamental principle enshrined in the UN Charter. However, this right must not be abused to encourage secession in pluralistic and democratic states,” Pun- noose stated firmly and called attention to the inappropriateness and misinforma- tion propagated by Pakistan regarding Kashmir. While mentioning self-determination, Pakistan had avoided reference to the 2024 democratic elections in Jammu and Kashmir in which people exercised their right to elect their representatives. Criticizing this discrepancy in firm words, India stated, “Though habituated, Pakistan would do well if they do not re- sort to baseless allegations and falsehoods and portray a picture that is completely detached from reality.” Earlier, in a separate discussion on Iran, Pakistan had made a statement quite contrary to such attempted interference in India’s territorial integrity. Pakistan had said, “The UN Charter prohibits threat or use of force against other States’ territorial integrity or independence, or to interfere in matters essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of states. Any external inter- ference in the domestic affairs of states is inconsistent with international law and principles of the UN Charter.” Responding to the issues mentioned in the Secretary General’s report, India dwelt on its views on (1) expanding of the Secu- rity Council membership in both perma- nent and non-permanent categories, (2) maintaining of international peace and security, and (3) sustainable development, its financing and human rights. Guterres had narrowed down these three points for the UN to focus in future. He had said, “Let me boil it down to three principles that must be at the foundation of all our actions – not just for this year, but for our times.” India extended a firm assurance to the Security Council and the Secretary Gen- eral of its full cooperation and support in the UN’s three-pronged agenda for future. By Archana Adalja PHOTO:UN Photo Indian Diplomat Eldos Punnoose addresses the UN General Assembly January 15, 2026. N eil Khot, a community activist and business owner running for the US Congress from the 8th District, recently released a wideranging ad to gain visibility in a crowded race. The District 8 seat is being vacated by long time, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi who is making a bid for the US Senate seat from Illinois. Since he declared his run a few months ago, Khot has presented himself as “not a career politician,” and hopes that message will resonate with constituents. At least 8 Democratic candidates are running in the March 17, 2026, primaries for this District 8 seat, among them, an- other Indian American Sanjyot Dunung, and other South Asian-origin hopefuls. A first-generation American, Khot’s campaign web- site says, “Neil is running for Congress because he’s fed up with watching the people who built this country get squeezed by high costs and ignored by politicians in Washington. He’s not looking for a title; he’s looking to take his experience as a fighter for this community to Congress and finally deliver the results our community deserves.” The Federal Election Commission website shows Khot has total receipts of $750,792 of which his individual con- tributions equal more than half at $374,845. His ‘operat- ing expenditures total $247,459, and his cash on hand as of September 30, 2025, were at $495, 606. Khot has a big challenge ahead of him going into the primaries. His life experience shows he picks himself up from his bootstraps and could rise to that challenge. On Jan. 14, 2026, he announced the launch of a six- figure paid media campaign anchored by broadcast tele- vision advertising across the Chicago media market, with additional placements on cable, streaming, and digital video platforms. The campaign’s first television ad is now airing and can be viewed online on YouTube. The ad introduces Khot as a first-generation immigrant, small business owner, and community advocate “who has spent his life giving back to the community that gave him everything.” The spot highlights Khot’s personal connection to the issues facing families in the district, including caring for seniors, the rising cost of living, and ensuring communities are treated with dignity and respect. “This campaign is about making sure voters know who I am and what I’ll fight for,” Khot says. “I’ve seen first- hand how hard it is for seniors to navigate our healthcare system, how working families are being squeezed by rising costs, and how immigrant communities are being targeted instead of supported. I’m running to be a voice for people who feel likeWashington isn’t listening.” In mid-December, Santita Jackson, the daughter of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, endorsed Khot. Born in Belgaum, India, into a lower-middle-class family, Khot lost his father at a young age and was raised by a single, widowed mother “whose unwavering courage became the foundation of his life.” He arrived in the US in December 1997 with $300 in his pocket, the campaign website says. “He knows what it means to start from the bottom and chase a dream with nothing but grit. Through hard work, he built successful socially responsible businesses that created hundreds of jobs across Illinois,” his campaign website says. His mother’s health care needs as she became a senior familiarized him with the complexities of the Medicare system and high cost of care. “For Neil, giving back isn’t a campaign slogan – it’s a way of life,” his campaign says. Plus, it emphasizes his op- position to use of security federal forces in cities and ICE members on the streets. He accuses Republicans in the House of Representatives of surrendering their powers to the President, and he hopes to become a bulwark against that. PHOTO:NEIL KHOT Community Activist, Business Owner Neil Khot Releases First Ad In His Bid For Congress From Illinois’ 8th District By a StaffWriter