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Russia Deploys Kalibr-Armed Warship to Mediterranean Amid Rising Tensions

On July 13, 2025, Russia deployed three warships to the Mediterranean Sea, one of which is armed with Kalibr cruise missiles , according to a report from the Ukrainian Navy. The missile carrier is capable of launching up to four Kalibr missiles , adding a new layer of strategic presence in the region. At the same time, Ukrainian officials confirmed that no Russian naval vessels  were detected in the Black Sea or the Sea of Azov  ,marking a shift in maritime focus. Over the past 24 hours, six vessels transited the Kerch Strai t toward the Black Sea, with three continuing toward the Bosphorus Strait , while five ships entered the Sea of Azov. This deployment comes amid ongoing hostilities in Ukraine, where Russian forces reportedly suffered significant losses in recent combat engagements. Analysts suggest the move may be part of a broader effort by Moscow to project power beyond its immediate borders , especially as tensions remain high across multiple fronts. The presence of Ka...
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Unexpected Oasis: The Buddha Statue in New Jersey Unites Faiths

 

Just off a bustling state highway in Franklin Township, New Jersey, stands one of the largest Buddha statues in the United States. Rising 30 feet high from the woods near Princeton, this statue has become an unexpected interfaith hub and spiritual home for many.

Built a decade ago under the leadership of a Sri Lankan monk ordained in Theravada Buddhism, the statue is part of the New Jersey Buddhist Vihara and Meditation Center. The monk's dream was to unite people of all faiths, and today, that vision is a reality.

The center has become a gathering place for practicing Buddhists, Hindus, and Christians, reflecting New Jersey's diverse religious landscape. Among the regular visitors is Daniel Choi, a Princeton University professor who grew up in a Korean Christian church and now follows Tibetan Buddhism. He has been meditating in front of the Buddha statue since 2015 and describes it as a "public shrine" where people from various backgrounds come together.

The center also hosts interfaith gatherings and maintains a peace garden, tended to by a leader of the local Nepali community. Visitors often find themselves surrounded by colorful Tibetan prayer flags and an interfaith peace mural painted by local students.

"It's uniquely New Jersey," Choi said, noting the mix of people and the untraditional location of such a shrine. "You hear traffic, you hear people chatting, and yet, there's a sense of peace and connection here."

The New Jersey Buddhist Vihara follows Theravada Buddhism but welcomes all Buddhist traditions and other faiths. This inclusive approach has made it a beloved spot for curious tourists and passersby who come to sit in front of the statue, take in the moment, and soak in the vibe.

In a world where finding common ground can be challenging, this unexpected oasis in New Jersey offers a place for people of different faiths to come together, find peace, and connect.



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