Friday, April 25

Tension between India and Pakistan is beginning to rise after Pakistani terrorists conducted an attack on tourists in Kashmir, a region of northern India, several days ago.

At least 26 people were killed and many others were injured in an attack on a group of tourists in Kashmir's Baisaran Valley on Wednesday. Most of the victims were Indian, although authorities have stated that two of them were foreign tourists. Afterwards, it was confirmed that the culprits were Pakistani terrorists, drawing fury from millions of Indian citizens. Other countries like Ukraine, Afghanistan, China, and Bangladesh also condemned the attack. Read more into the initial attack here.

While Pakistan strongly denies any involvement with the terrorists, India has already begun to take action against them. Visas issued to Pakistani nationals have been revoked, diplomatic ties have been downgraded, and a crucial water treaty has been suspended.

The latter of them is extremely important: the Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960, and it is a critical resource for Pakistan. Several rivers run through northern India before flowing into the Indus River to form one large water system, which travels through Pakistan. Since the treaty has been suspended by India, they could begin to block the flow of the rivers that travel into Pakistan, decimating their economy-- 80% of Pakistan's agriculture depends on the Indus River Valley, and around 25% of their entire economy is based on agriculture.

The Pakistani government responded to their actions, banning Indian aircraft from traveling through their airspace and halting all forms of trade with India. They have also clearly stated that they consider blocking or stopping the water "an act of war," threatening to take further action.

However, others around the world are pleased with how India has handled the crisis so far, keeping the threats nonviolent. Unfortunately, if the tension continues to build, it could escalate into armed conflict, which would be yet another war in this world-- how both countries will handle the conflict from here is extremely important in preventing a war.

Fact of the Day (Today): Buzz Lightyear’s original name was actually Lunar Larry.

Quote of the Day (Gracious Quotes): We write our names in the sand: and then the waves roll in and wash them away. (Augustus)

Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Ostensible (adj, ah-STEN-suh-bul) - Ostensible is used to describe something that seems or is said to be true or real, but is possibly not true or real. In other words, it is plausible rather than demonstrably true or real.

In a Sentence: The ostensible purpose of a filibuster is to extend debate, but in reality it is used to delay or prevent action.