DailyWorld News - The First International Newspaper From India https://dailyworld.in/ Fri, 31 Oct 2025 12:53:58 +0530 en https://dailyworld.in/international/hopeful-my-wife-usha-becomes-christian-us-vp-vance--645696.html New York Oct 30 US Vice President JD Vance says that he hopes his wife Usha a Hindu would become a Christian like him but if she doesnt it wont be a problem for him because God has given everybody freewill In a candid discussion of family matters and faith on Wednesday Vance asked Ill say now in front of 10000 of my closest friends do I hope eventually that she is somehow moved by the same thing that I was moved by ChurchYeah I honestly do wish that because I believe in the Christian gospel and I hope eventually my wife comes to see it the same way but if she doesnt then God says everybody has free will and so that doesnt cause a problem for me he saidVance was speaking at a rally of the Turning Point movement in Oxford Mississippi when a woman of Indian origin asked him about the familys interreligious dynamicsTurning Point was founded by Charles Kirk a conservative Christian activist who was assassinated last monthHe said that reconciling religious differences also mattered in marriages between people of different Christian sects or between atheists and believersEverybody has to come to their own arrangement here he said The way that weve come to our arrangement is shes my best friend We talked to each other about this stuff So we decided to raise our kids ChristianHe added The only advice I can give is you just got to talk to the person that God has put you with and youve got to make those decisions as a family unitVance said that when he met Usha at Yale University he was an agnostic or atheistHis wife he said thats what I think she would have considered herself as wellShe grew up in a Hindu family but not a particularly religious family in either direction he saidVance gradually returned to his Christian roots in the Protestantism he grew up in but in a move away from the sects that dominate President Donald Trumps he converted to the Catholic sect three years ago and is an ardent observer of that churchSome Christian fundamentalists have expressed reservations about his membership in the Catholic Church and his marriage to a HinduVance said that his wife comes to church on Sundays with the rest of the family and Usha is closer to the priests who baptised me than maybe I amThey talk about this religious stuff he addedOn religious freedom and diversity he said The most one of the most important Christian principles is that you respect free willEarlier he stressed that real Christianity believes in freedom of religion because of the Godgiven everyone the freedom to choose whatever path they wantHe said that the moves by Republican states and leaders to introduce prayers and discussions of Christianity did not violate the Constitution because they did not force everyone to pray and the constitutional ban was only creating an official government church as some states had at Independence IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/hopeful-my-wife-usha-becomes-christian-us-vp-vance--645696.html Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/caribbean-reels-from-hurricane-melissas-destruction-as-death-toll-rises-645699.html Washington Oct 31 Parts of the Caribbean are assessing the extensive damage left by Hurricane Melissa after the powerful storm swept across the region killing dozens and leaving widespread devastation in its wake Hurricane Melissa one of the most intense Atlantic hurricanes on record made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday as a Category 5 storm before weakening as it moved across Cuba and the Bahamas By Thursday morning the hurricane was moving toward Bermuda according to the US National Hurricane Center NHCThe NHC warned that catastrophic flash flooding and landslides would continue across parts of the Caribbean even as the storm weakened The hardesthit areas include Jamaica Cuba and Haiti where severe flooding and destructive winds have damaged infrastructure uprooted trees and torn down power linesLocal authorities said recovery and rescue operations were underway though widespread power outages communications failures and blocked roads continued to hamper efforts Officials reported more than 30 deaths across Jamaica Haiti and the Dominican Republic and said the toll was expected to rise as more information comes in from isolated areasIn Jamaica floodwaters washed up four bodies in the southern parish of St Elizabeth where communities sustained some of the heaviest damage I am saddened to announce that four persons three men and one woman have been confirmed dead by the police in St Elizabeth They were discovered after being washed up by the flood waters generated by the hurricane said Desmond McKenzie Jamaicas Minister for Local Government and Community Development in a statementEmergency relief flights began arriving at Jamaicas main international airport which reopened late Wednesday Crews were distributing food water and medical supplies as helicopters delivered aid to remote communities cut off by collapsed bridges and impassable roadsThe devastation prompted international offers of assistance In the wake of Hurricane Melissas devastation of eastern Cuba the Trump Administration stands with the brave Cuban people who continue to struggle to meet basic needs said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio He added that the United States was prepared to provide humanitarian assistance directly and via local partnersCountries across the region and beyond have pledged support in the form of cash food aid and rescue teams as the Caribbean begins the difficult process of recovery IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/caribbean-reels-from-hurricane-melissas-destruction-as-death-toll-rises-645699.html Fri, 31 Oct 2025 06:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/new-york-declares-state-of-emergency-ahead-of-suspension-of-federal-food-aid-645701.html New York Oct 31 The US state of New York declared a state of emergency ahead of the suspension of federal food aid caused by the ongoing government shutdown At a news conference Governor Kathy Hochul announced 65 million in new state funds for emergency food assistance and promised to provide 40 million meals to New Yorkers Xinhua news agency reportedThe prolonged US federal government shutdown is putting millions of people at risk of missing their food stamp benefits or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program SNAP a vital lifeline for lowincome householdsEarlier this month the US Department of Agriculture USDA told state agencies to hold off distributing November benefits until further notice because of insufficient fundsAs the GOP federal government shutdown continues the Trump administration has refused to release billions in statutorily approved federal contingency funding that would address this crisis in states across the nation Hochul saidIn recent days several states have stepped up efforts to ensure SNAP recipients can afford food in NovemberLouisiana Governor Jeff Landry signed an emergency declaration last week to fund SNAP benefits for recipients who rely on the program while Vermont lawmakers on Wednesday approved a plan to fund food stamp benefits for state residents through November 15In New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced Wednesday that her state will provide 30 million in emergency food assistance to residents through EBT cards backfilling SNAP benefits temporarilyDemocratic governors and attorneys general from 25 US states filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on Tuesday challenging its conclusion that it lacks the authority to use emergency funds to maintain food assistance for millions of Americans next monthThey called on the court to compel the USDA to use contingency funds appropriated by Congress to keep the program runningSNAP is the nations largest antihunger program serving approximately 42 million people Most SNAP recipients live at or below the federal poverty line IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/new-york-declares-state-of-emergency-ahead-of-suspension-of-federal-food-aid-645701.html Fri, 31 Oct 2025 07:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/un-security-council-voices-grave-concern-over-escalating-violence-in-sudan-645702.html United Nations Oct 31 The UN Security Council voiced grave concern over escalating violence in and around El Fasher in Sudans North Darfur state In a press statement on Thursday the members of the council condemned the assault by the Rapid Support Forces RSF on El Fasher and its devastating impact on the civilian population Xinhua news agnecy reportedThey also condemned reported atrocities being perpetrated by the RSF against the civilian population including summary executions and arbitrary detentions They expressed grave concern at the heightened risk of largescale atrocities including ethnically motivated atrocitiesThe council members called for all perpetrators of violations to be held accountable They demanded that all parties to the conflict protect civilians and abide by their obligations under international law including international humanitarian law and to allow and facilitate safe and unhindered humanitarian accessThe council members reiterated that the priority is for the parties to resume talks to reach a lasting ceasefire and a comprehensive inclusive and Sudaneseowned political processThey urged all UN member states to refrain from external interference that seeks to foment conflict and instability to support efforts for durable peace to abide by their obligations under international law and to implement relevant Security Council resolutionsThe council members unequivocally reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to the sovereignty independence unity and territorial integrity of Sudan In this regard the Security Council reaffirmed its rejection of the establishment of a parallel governing authority in areas controlled by the RSF IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/un-security-council-voices-grave-concern-over-escalating-violence-in-sudan-645702.html Fri, 31 Oct 2025 07:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/stripped-of-title-by-brother-king-charles-ousted-from-windsor-home-prince-andrew-to-move-to-private-estate-645713.html New Delhi Oct 31 In one of the harshest decisions made in the history of modern monarchy against a family member Britains King Charles has stripped his younger brother Andrew of his title of prince and forced him out of his Windsor home over links to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal Now the maverick former prince will move to a private accommodation on the Sandringham estate in eastern England According to a statement put out by Buckingham Palace a formal notice had been served on Andrew to surrender the lease of his Royal Lodge mansion on the Windsor Estate west of LondonThe move is being seen as a bid by the British royals led by the ailing King to distance themselves from Charles younger brother Andrew over the repeated infractions and embarrassments he has caused to the familyThe second son of the late Queen Elizabeth the 65yearold has come under mounting pressure over his irresponsible behaviour and his ties to the late sex offender Epstein Earlier in October he was forced to stop using his title of Duke of YorkKing Charles in a drastic move has now taken firm action against Andrew by stripping him of all his titles leaving him to be known as Andrew Mountbatten WindsorThe Buckingham Palace stated These censures are deemed necessary notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been and will remain with the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuseAndrew who once served as a naval officer during the Falklands War with Argentina in the early 1980s was forced to step down from a roving UK trade ambassador role in 2011 before quitting all royal duties in 2019 He was then stripped of his military links and royal patronages in 2022 amid allegations of sexual misconduct that he has always denied IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/stripped-of-title-by-brother-king-charles-ousted-from-windsor-home-prince-andrew-to-move-to-private-estate-645713.html Fri, 31 Oct 2025 09:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/isi-trains-over-1-000-iskp-terrorists-to-target-afghan-taliban-raising-fears-of-spillover-into-india-645773.html New Delhi Oct 31 Pakistan has set up four dedicated camps to train terrorists of the Islamic State in large numbers and then send them into Afghanistan to carry out attacks Experts say that Pakistan could gradually divert some of the ISKP terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir Since tensions with the Afghan Taliban escalated Pakistan and the Islamic State Khorasan Province ISKP have come closer as they are fighting a common enemyThe Afghan Taliban and Pakistan have had a falling out over issues over the Durand Line and since then tensions have soaredPakistan has even carried out air strikes in Afghanistan and the Taliban too have responded fiercelyTraining camps in Pakistan specially to train members of the ISKP have been mushrooming in recent monthIntelligence Bureau officials say that the ISI plans to train over a 1000 terrorists of the ISKP with the specific intention that they carry out attacks on the Afghan TalibanVarious forms of training are being imparted the Indian agencies sayTerrorists are being trained to fight on the land so that they can take on the Taliban fighters There are training camps for suicide strikers as well officials sayIt is also learnt that many officers of the Pakistan Army both current and former are involved in the training processThe ISKP since its inception has been in a battle with the Taliban and seeks to overthrow the Taliban regime and rule AfghanistanHowever the ISKP has been no match for the Taliban and hence grabbed the opportunity that Pakistan offered itOfficials say that many ISKP members are being taken into Pakistan from Afghanistan and then are sent to camps in Balochistan and the tribal areas of Khyber PakhtunkhwaThe arrest of one Mohammad by the Afghan security officials also confirmed the claims that Pakistan had become a training ground for ISKP terroristsThe terrorist detained told the security officials that he had undergone ideological and combat training in Pakistans Quetta region He said that when he entered Afghanistan with a fake ID card his name was Mohammad He also said that the ISI had made significant efforts to indoctrinate himWhile the terror camps set up by Pakistan to train ISKP terrorists are solely focussed on Afghanistan officials warn that in the future this could have ramifications for the entire regionIndia is a country of interest for the ISKP and over the next couple of months it could expand its area of operations away from Afghanistan as wellWhen the ISKP was set up its primary focus was on defeating the Taliban The terror group had however made it clear that it was interested in setting up a Caliphate that included IndiaThe terror group has also shown keen interest in fighting in Jammu and KashmirExperts say that Pakistan could gradually divert some of the ISKP terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir The ISI feels that having another terror group in the Valley in addition to the JaisheMohammad and LashkareTayiba would make the battle stronger for themAnother worry for the Indian agencies is that apart from sending in trained fighters of the ISKP there is every chance of a recruitment drive being launchedThe ISKP has in the past hired Indians and trained them in Pakistan Now the ISI would look to recruit from India and then train them in camps in PakistanAt the last count at least 21 people from Kerala left the country and joined the ISKP in Afghanistan They were being trained so that they could be later sent back to India and carry out terror strikes IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/isi-trains-over-1-000-iskp-terrorists-to-target-afghan-taliban-raising-fears-of-spillover-into-india-645773.html Fri, 31 Oct 2025 12:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/salma-dam-perfect-example-of-india-afghan-cooperation-on-water-matters-mea-645633.html New Delhi Oct 30 India on Thursday highlighted its ongoing cooperation with Afghanistan on water matters calling the Salma Dam as a perfect example of this longlasting partnership between the two nations Addressing a weekly media briefing in New Delhi on Thursday Ministry of External Affairs MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal recalled Afghanistan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqis recent visit to India stating that the joint statement mentioned Indias readiness to support Afghanistans efforts towards sustainable management of water resources including hydroelectric projectsWe had the Foreign Minister of Afghanistan He visited India recently as part of the visit we had issued a joint statement between both countries This particular joint statement clearly emphasises that India stands ready to support all efforts of Afghanistan that are directed towards sustainable management of water resources including hydroelectric projects Jaiswal said in response to a question on whether India will consider funding construction of a dam in the Kunar provinceYou also would know that between the two countries there has been a long history of cooperation on water matters The Salma Dam for example is a perfect example of this cooperation which is today called IndiaAfghanistan friendship dam he addedJaiswals statement comes after Kabul recently announced its plans to build dams on the Kunar river as soon as possible a move which is likely to create unease in IslamabadIn a statement shared on X Talibans Deputy Information Minister Muhajer Farahi stated His Eminence Amir alMumineen referring to Taliban Supreme Leader Mawlawi Hibatullah Akhundzada has instructed the Ministry of Water and Energy to begin construction of dams on the Kunar River as soon as possible and to sign contracts with domestic companies and not wait for foreign companiesThe Chitral River also known in Afghanistan as the Kunar River is a 480kilometrelong river in northern Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan It originates from the Chiantar glacier located at the border of Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral in Pakistan At Arandu it enters Afghanistan where it is called the Kunar River It later merges with the Kabul River in Nangahar Province of Afghanistan The river system is fed by melting glaciers and snow of the Hindu Kush mountainsOn October 10 India and Afghanistan underscored the importance of sustainable water management and agreed to cooperate on hydroelectric projects with a view to addressing energy needs of KabulThe joint statement released following talks between External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar and his Afghan counterpart Muttaqi stated Appreciating Indias assistance in construction and maintenance of IndiaAfghanistan Friendship Dam Salma Dam in Herat both sides also underscored the importance of sustainable water management and agreed to cooperate on hydroelectric projects with a view to addressing Afghanistans energy needs and support its agricultural development IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/salma-dam-perfect-example-of-india-afghan-cooperation-on-water-matters-mea-645633.html Thu, 30 Oct 2025 18:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-australia-discuss-ways-to-enhance-cooperation-in-countering-terrorism-radicalisation-645647.html Canberra Oct 30 India and Australia held the 15th meeting of the Joint Working Group JWG on Counter Terrorism in Canberra discussing ways to enhance cooperation in countering terrorism radicalisation and violent extremism conducive to terrorism the Ministry of External Affairs MEA stated on Thursday During the meeting the two nations held discussion on emerging domestic regional and international terrorism landscape and exchanged views on various areas of cooperation in counter terrorism law enforcement judicial cooperation and maritime security The meeting was cochaired by MEA Joint Secretary Counter Terrorism Vinod Bahade and Australias Ambassador for CounterTerrorism Gemma HugginsBoth sides condemned the heinous terrorist attack on 22 April 2025 in Pahalgam and the Australian side reiterated its support and solidarity with India Recognising the need for enhancing cooperation for effectively countering the challenges in countering terrorism the two sides underlined strengthening cooperation in timely information sharing and concerted actions to counter the use of new and emerging technology for terrorist purposes and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in countering radicalization and violent extremism conducive to terrorism read a statement issued by the MEAThe officials of two nations reaffirmed commitment to strengthen cooperation in the multilateral fora including the United Nations Global Counterterrorism Forum GCTF Financial Action Task Force FATF ASEAN Regional Forum ARF Indian Ocean Rim Association IORA No Money for Terror NMFT and Quad partners to combat global terrorismThe Indian delegation also met officials of the Australian Federal Police Counter Terrorism Unit National Emergency Management Agency and Maritime Border Command and visited the Australian Watch Office and the Crisis Centre the statement addedBoth sides agreed to hold the next meeting of the Joint Working Group in Delhi on a mutually convenient dateEarlier this week External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar met Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on the sidelines of 20th East Asia Summit EAS in Malaysias Kuala LumpurIn a post on X EAM Jaishankar wrote Nice to meet PM Anthony Albanese of Australia on the sidelines of 20th East Asia SummitOn October 9 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Australias Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong held a meeting in Canberra discussing ways to strengthen growing Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Penny Wong called India and Australia joint custodians of the Indian OceanHad a good meeting with Australias Foreign Minister Penny Wong in Canberra Rajnath Singh posted on XSharing details on the meeting the Ministry of Defence stated Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh met Australias Foreign Minister Penny Wong in Canberra The leaders discussed ways to strengthen the growing IndiaAustralia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and deepen cooperation across key sectors including trade technology connectivity and regional security IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-australia-discuss-ways-to-enhance-cooperation-in-countering-terrorism-radicalisation-645647.html Thu, 30 Oct 2025 19:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pak-afg-trade-accusations-while-ignoring-isis-k-threat-raising-global-alarm-645657.html New Delhi Oct 30 The presence of Islamic State ISISK fighters along the volatile Durand Line between Afghanistan and Pakistan posing a grave threat to the neighbourhood including India has been accepted by the respective administrations but with a narrative that suits individual purposes The recent killings of ISISK members and socalled commanders in the region have once again raised international concerns while both countries are claiming to be the target of such elements The global community including the United Nations has been raising its concerns over the existence of such elements along the porous border across some inhospitable mountainous terrains Recent spurt in hostility with sporadic armed skirmishes and frequent raids coupled with renewed debate over the Durand Line itself has further worsened the situation A longterm truce effort brokered by regional players failed after Islamabad and Kabul continued to stick to their stand of no compromise on their respective demands Thus instead of a combined coordinated operation on terror elements along the border the neighbours are targeting issues at a local level while adopting a narrative suited to their own political ends Quoting security sources Afghanistans news agency reported on October 29 that Nusrat also known as Pahlawan Musa and Abu Zar one of the key figures in ISISK was killed in Peshawar The report claimed that he reportedly played a role in planning attacks in Kabul during 2022 and 2023 and led the groups Pahlawan centre in Pakistan It is alleged that while Islamabad consistently claim that no groups such as ISIS operate within their territory recent developments suggest that ISISKhorasan still maintains safe havens and active networks in Pakistan Meanwhile Pakistan highlighted the killing of Asim Baloch a senior ISISK commander along with a Tajik associate in Khuzdar Balochistan alleging the terror groups connection with the Baloch uprising Such reports also emphasised foreign connections of the ISISK especially with recruits from countries in Central Asia trying to spread terror in Pakistan allegedly with Afghan Taliban support Reportage has added that areas within Pakistani territory like Peshawar Karachi and Balochistan are being covertly used as transit or operational hubs for ISISK activities Asim Baloch was reported to be from the Mastung district in Balochistan who fled after Pakistani security operations targeted ISIS hideouts in the district Reports added that he was killed by unidentified gunmen in Khuzdar along with a Tajik national who had recently joined ISISK and was living with him Kabul outlets said that the report of Asim Balochs death in early October came a day after another senior ISIS official known as Hasan was also killed in Karachi emphasising the groups deep roots in Pakistan These claimed that Hasan originally from Peshawar was known as a facilitator of the groups attacks inside Afghanistan Focusing on the regional lawandorder and counterterrorism angle reports quoting Pakistani sources suggested these killings were part of a broader crackdown on ISISK operatives Afghan media presented the killings as confirmation that ISISK leadership and foreign fighters remain active and mobile in Pakistan stressing the crossborder threat These dispatches often quote military analysts and experts warning about Pakistans role or inaction while Pakistani stories place more on local security sources and investigative reporting Differing national narratives complicate bilateral cooperation and intelligence sharing when both sides need to adopt a common framework for investigation and counterterrorism response Continued presence of ISIS K leadership or facilitators inside Pakistan suggests a persistent crossborder threat to not only Afghanistan but also poses a grave challenge to regional stability Additionally the reported involvement of foreign recruits underscores ISIS Ks transnational recruitment and operational reach in Central and South Asia IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pak-afg-trade-accusations-while-ignoring-isis-k-threat-raising-global-alarm-645657.html Thu, 30 Oct 2025 20:15:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/madrassa-education-in-pakistan-deepens-inequality-nurtures-extremism-report-645682.html Islamabad Oct 30 Pakistans madrassa education embodies a troubling paradox offering refuge and religious instruction to the poor while simultaneously nurturing radicalism deepening inequality and allowing abuse a report said on Thursday It added that although madrassa education remains an internal policy matter the international community has a deep concern in ensuring that Pakistan upholds its obligations in the education sector and dismantles institutions that act as breeding grounds for extremismIn a nation as complex and divided as Pakistan the schism between its two educational systems mainstream secular institutions and religious seminaries known as madrassas has evolved into a deeply contentious issue This divide transcends curriculum and pedagogy it reflects broader social economic and political fault lines that shape the countrys future a report in European Times detailedAccording to the report madrassas have often been accused of fostering extremist ideologies that run counter to Pakistans national interests and global principles of peace and toleranceThe 2005 Red Mosque siege in Islamabad brought these concerns into sharp focus A madrassa affiliated with the mosque declared war on the state took hostages and demanded the imposition of Sharia law The military response left over 100 people dead and marked a turning point in Pakistans relationship with religious schools Critics began referring to madrassas as jihad factories and even former President Pervez Musharraf faced death threats for his role in the crackdown it stressedThe report highlighted a recent statement by Pakistani Defence Minister Khwaja Asif stating that As far as Madrassas or Madrassa students are concerned theres no doubt they are our second line of defence the youngsters who are studying there When the time comes they will be used as needed 100 per cent was widely viewed as an acknowledgement of Pakistans complicity in promoting radicalismSuch rhetoric it said strengthens the perception that madrassas function not merely as centres of learning institutions but as ideological pipelines for extremismThe report stressed that madrassas not only contribute to radicalisation but also perpetuate socioeconomic inequality Their curriculum remains heavily centred on religious instruction with minimal attention to secular subjects including mathematics science or technologyDisturbingly madrassas have also come under scrutiny for widespread abuse particularly sexual violence Numerous reports have surfaced in recent years detailing cases of exploitation often involving vulnerable children from financially struggling families These children placed in madrassas by parents who view them as safe havens are sometimes subjected to horrific abuse by individuals in positions of authority Many madrassas have been accused of shielding abusers and societal silence has allowed the problem to persist the report noted IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/madrassa-education-in-pakistan-deepens-inequality-nurtures-extremism-report-645682.html Thu, 30 Oct 2025 23:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-fed-cuts-interest-rates-as-govt-shutdown-clouds-economic-outlook-645473.html Washington Oct 30 The US Federal Reserve on Wednesday lowered its benchmark lending rate by a quarter percentage point bringing the target range to 375 per cent to 4 per cent as policymakers grapple with limited economic data due to a federal government shutdown The rate cut marks the second reduction in borrowing costs this yearThe decision approved by a 102 vote comes as the US governments funding lapse stretches into its fifth week The shutdown has forced agencies including the Bureau of Labour Statistics to suspend the collection and publication of key economic indicators leaving the central bank with a partial view of the economys performanceWednesdays rate cut brought borrowing costs below 4 per cent for the first time since late 2022 Policymakers cited uncertainty in the outlook compounded by the lack of data on employment inflation consumer spending and other economic measures as a factor in the decision to reduce ratesThe Feds move comes amid mixed signals from the broader economy including steady job growth reported before the shutdown and inflation readings that have moderated from last years peaksEconomists note that with government data delayed the central bank is relying on alternative sources including private sector surveys and financial market indicators to gauge the economys strengthInvestors have closely watched the Feds policy stance for signs of its approach to balancing economic growth and inflation pressuresThe decision follows a quarterpoint rate reduction in July as the Fed sought to provide support to the economy in the face of slowing growth and financial market volatility The central bank has raised its benchmark rate several times since 2022 to combat inflationWednesdays actions underscore the Feds continuing effort to calibrate monetary policy amid uncertainty while signalling a willingness to adjust rates as conditions evolve even in the absence of complete economic data IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-fed-cuts-interest-rates-as-govt-shutdown-clouds-economic-outlook-645473.html Thu, 30 Oct 2025 14:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/another-two-baloch-students-forcibly-disappeared-by-pakistani-forces-645514.html Quetta Oct 30 Two more Baloch students were forcibly disappeared by Pakistani security forces in Balochistan amid an escalating wave of enforced disappearances across the province said a leading human rights organisation on Thursday Paank the Baloch National Movements Human Rights Department mentioned that on October 28 two students Bezan aged 17 years and Jahanzaib aged 19 years both residents of Washuk district became the latest victims of enforced disappearanceCiting local sources the rights body stated that personnel affiliated with Pakistans Counter Terrorism Department CTD and InterServices Intelligence ISI conducted coordinated raids during which the two students were forcibly disappeared from their homes Their whereabouts remain unknown since their disappearanceHighlighting the growing atrocities in Balochistan another human rights body Baloch Voice for Justice BVJ on Wednesday strongly condemned the enforced disappearances of four young Baloch studentsAccording to BVJ on October 23 Pakistans Frontier Corps and Military Intelligence personnel abducted Hamood Baloch Haroon Baloch and Fahad Baloch from the Mand region in Kech district Additionally on October 17 another student Asim Nawaz was forcibly disappeared from Panjgur districtThese abductions reflect a deeply troubling continuation of statebacked repression and collective punishment against the Baloch population The targeting of minors and students underscores the systematic nature of these crimes the rights body statedThe BVJ urged international human rights organisations and the United Nations to take urgent notice of these cases and pressure Pakistan to end its policy of enforced disappearancesMeanwhile as families and residents of Mand held a sitin protest demanding the recovery of their loved ones subjected to enforced disappearance Paank said The persistent denial of justice and accountability in cases of abduction and secret detention in Balochistan remains a grave violation of fundamental human rights and international lawWe stand with the affected families in their demand for truth justice and the immediate release of all disappeared persons including Fahad son of Usman Hamood son of Muhammad Jan and Haroon son of Muhammad who were reportedly taken by Pakistani security forces on 23 October Promises of recovery without transparent action have repeatedly failed the victims deepening mistrust and trauma within the community the rights body stressedPaank called on the Pakistani authorities to end the practice of enforced disappearances ensure the safe return of all missing persons and hold those responsible accountable IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/another-two-baloch-students-forcibly-disappeared-by-pakistani-forces-645514.html Thu, 30 Oct 2025 14:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/d-syndicate-looking-to-expand-narco-trade-into-southern-and-northeastern-routes-warns-intelligence-agencies-645543.html New Delhi Oct 30 In recent months the Narcotics Control Bureau NCB has been cracking down heavily on the Dawood Ibrahimlinked drug network in India The arrests of Danish Chikna and Mohammed Salim Sheikh have dealt major blows to the Dawood network and this has prompted the syndicate to look for newer avenuesAs Intelligence agencies continue to focus heavily on the networks in Maharashtra and neighbouring states the DSyndicate is looking to expand its networks in the northeastern and southern states of IndiaAction would be taken similarly in these parts of the country However it is necessary to bust the networks in states such as Maharashtra and Gujarat which have been the traditional playground of the syndicate for a longWhile Dawood Ibrahim has diversified his business in various parts of the country the command centre remains in MaharashtraThe people working for the network in this sector control the businesses across the country and hence breaking their backs first is important This would eventually lead to the weakening of the networks in other parts of the countryOperations in the northeastern and southern states are currently overseen by Haji Salim an ISI stooge and a member of the Dawood networkSalim has been playing a big part in the DSyndicate after Dawoods righthand man Chhota Shakeel has gone mysteriously quietWith Dawoods brother Anees Ibrahim put in charge of the International wing which does business mostly in African nations the onus of the Indian markets has largely fallen upon SalimAccording to Intelligence agencies the ISI and syndicate have now instructed Salim to focus entirely on the southern and northeastern sector as they feel that there is a major potentialThe syndicate sees potential in the northeast owing to the existing routes from Myanmar With Bangladesh opening up completely to the ISI the syndicate sees further potential in this sectorIn the South the syndicates network exists However this network has largely focused on smuggling drugs out of the country The narcotics would first be smuggled into the southern states especially Kerala and Tamil Nadu and later to the international markets such as Thailand through the Sri Lanka routeAn Intelligence Bureau official says that the syndicate is also looking to bring in more drugs through Sri Lanka before distributing it in the Indian marketWhile the international market is huge for the syndicate it is not ready to let go of India as demand is hugeThe syndicate not just wants to cover its losses in Maharashtra but also the ones it is incurring in PunjabSeveral attempts to bring in drugs through the Punjab route using both couriers and drones are failing owing to heavy scrutiny and security Hence the Dawood network wants to take maximum advantage of the southern route so that it can smuggle drugs in huge quantities and then distribute them to the Indian marketTo bring in drugs from the international market the syndicate would use the route from Sri Lanka The network would look to smuggle the consignment into Tamil Nadu and Kerala before supplying it into the Indian marketAccording to officials the network feels that this would be an easier route as most of the consignments in the Indian market will be transported via land routeThe scrutiny at the southern international borders is relatively less when compared to the borders along Punjab or Jammu and Kashmir Further using the land route to smuggle drugs into India would also attract less scrutiny and the syndicate hopes there would be more hits than missesAnother official also pointed out that the DSyndicate is also tapping into the illegal immigrants who have settled in South India in huge numbers They could be used as carriers to supply the drugs into the Indian markets officials also warned IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/d-syndicate-looking-to-expand-narco-trade-into-southern-and-northeastern-routes-warns-intelligence-agencies-645543.html Thu, 30 Oct 2025 15:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/d-syndicate-looking-to-expand-narco-trade-into-southern-and-northeastern-routes-warn-intelligence-agencies-645544.html New Delhi Oct 30 In recent months the Narcotics Control Bureau NCB has been cracking down heavily on the Dawood Ibrahimlinked drug network in India The arrests of Danish Chikna and Mohammed Salim Sheikh have dealt major blows to the Dawood network and this has prompted the syndicate to look for newer avenuesAs Intelligence agencies continue to focus heavily on the networks in Maharashtra and neighbouring states the DSyndicate is looking to expand its networks in the northeastern and southern states of IndiaAction would be taken similarly in these parts of the country However it is necessary to bust the networks in states such as Maharashtra and Gujarat which have been the traditional playground of the syndicate for a longWhile Dawood Ibrahim has diversified his business in various parts of the country the command centre remains in MaharashtraThe people working for the network in this sector control the businesses across the country and hence breaking their backs first is important This would eventually lead to the weakening of the networks in other parts of the countryOperations in the northeastern and southern states are currently overseen by Haji Salim an ISI stooge and a member of the Dawood networkSalim has been playing a big part in the DSyndicate after Dawoods righthand man Chhota Shakeel has gone mysteriously quietWith Dawoods brother Anees Ibrahim put in charge of the International wing which does business mostly in African nations the onus of the Indian markets has largely fallen upon SalimAccording to Intelligence agencies the ISI and syndicate have now instructed Salim to focus entirely on the southern and northeastern sector as they feel that there is a major potentialThe syndicate sees potential in the northeast owing to the existing routes from Myanmar With Bangladesh opening up completely to the ISI the syndicate sees further potential in this sectorIn the South the syndicates network exists However this network has largely focused on smuggling drugs out of the country The narcotics would first be smuggled into the southern states especially Kerala and Tamil Nadu and later to the international markets such as Thailand through the Sri Lanka routeAn Intelligence Bureau official says that the syndicate is also looking to bring in more drugs through Sri Lanka before distributing it in the Indian marketWhile the international market is huge for the syndicate it is not ready to let go of India as demand is hugeThe syndicate not just wants to cover its losses in Maharashtra but also the ones it is incurring in PunjabSeveral attempts to bring in drugs through the Punjab route using both couriers and drones are failing owing to heavy scrutiny and security Hence the Dawood network wants to take maximum advantage of the southern route so that it can smuggle drugs in huge quantities and then distribute them to the Indian marketTo bring in drugs from the international market the syndicate would use the route from Sri Lanka The network would look to smuggle the consignment into Tamil Nadu and Kerala before supplying it into the Indian marketAccording to officials the network feels that this would be an easier route as most of the consignments in the Indian market will be transported via land routeThe scrutiny at the southern international borders is relatively less when compared to the borders along Punjab or Jammu and Kashmir Further using the land route to smuggle drugs into India would also attract less scrutiny and the syndicate hopes there would be more hits than missesAnother official also pointed out that the DSyndicate is also tapping into the illegal immigrants who have settled in South India in huge numbers They could be used as carriers to supply the drugs into the Indian markets officials also warned IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/d-syndicate-looking-to-expand-narco-trade-into-southern-and-northeastern-routes-warn-intelligence-agencies-645544.html Thu, 30 Oct 2025 15:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-announces-us-will-start-testing-nukes-in-break-from-33-years-of-restraint-645547.html New York Oct 30 President Donald Trump has announced that the US will start testing nuclear weapons immediately in a break from 33 years of the countrys selfrestraint Hours before his meeting with Chinas President Xi Jinping in South Korea on Thursday he said in a cryptic post on Truth Social Because of other countries testing programs I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basisThat process will begin immediately he addedTrump said that the US had more nuclear weapons than any other country and this was due to a complete update and renovation of existing weapons during his first termThat was accomplished without any nuclear tests which scientists say are not necessary anymore because computer simulations can do the jobTrump wrote that he had no choice but to expand the nuclear arsenal although he hated it because Russia is second and China is a distant third but will be even within 5 yearsElements in his post were unclear For example he said he was ordering the nuclear tests because of other countries testing programmesOnly North Korea across from where he made the post has carried out a nuclear test in recent years and that was in 2017There have been no other tests since 1998 when India and Pakistan set off test blastsThe last nuclear weapon test by the US was in 1992 by China in 1996 and by Russias predecessor the Soviet Union in 1990NATO allies Frances last test was in 1996 and Britains was in 1991 at the US facility in NevadaBoth India and Pakistan had their last nuclear tests in 1998What provoked Trump to order the tests may have been Russias President Vladimir Putins boasts this week that his country had successfully tested two nuclearpowered systemsOn Wednesday he said his country had tested a nuclearpowered underwater drone capable of reaching the US west coast the previous dayThere were no ways to intercept the drone named Posiedon he saidIt is reported to be able to cause a tsunami effect to engulf its targetThere is nothing like this in the world in terms of the speed and the depth of the movement of this unmanned vehicle and it is unlikely there ever will be Putin saidAnd on Sunday Putin said a nuclearpowered cruise missile was tested But they were not nuclear weapons but systems to deliver themTrump could also have meant delivery systems when he said weapons because nuclear bombs are built and tested by the Department of Energy not by the Department of War which controls the delivery systemsIf Trump wants to carry out a test he can because the US is not a signatory to the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty moreover it has not come into effect lacking the signatures of countries with nuclear weapons including IndiaA pact between Russia and US to limit nuclear weaponsarmed intercontinental missiles launched from sea or land to 700 each and the deployed weapons to 1550 is to expire on February 5Known as the New START it replaced the earlier Strategic Arms Reduction Treaties START and while limiting the deployed missiles it did not cap the bombsPutin has suggested continuing with the limits for another year while negotiating a new treatyChina which is on a tear to match the US and Russia was not a part of New START IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-announces-us-will-start-testing-nukes-in-break-from-33-years-of-restraint-645547.html Thu, 30 Oct 2025 15:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/china-targets-manned-moon-landing-by-2030-outlines-testing-tasks-ahead-645551.html Beijing Oct 30 China is advancing its goal of landing astronauts on the moon by 2030 and has outlined a packed schedule of development and testing for its ambitious crewed lunar programme the China Manned Space Agency CMSA said on Thursday A series of crucial upcoming tests include integrated testing for the Lanyue lunar lander thermal tests and maximum dynamic pressure escape tests for the Mengzhou manned spacecraft and lowaltitude and technology verification flights for the Long March10 carrier rocket Xinhua news agency reportedAt a press conference held at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China CMSA spokesperson Zhang Jingbo announced that the Mengzhou1 spacecraft mission will be included in the public logo solicitation campaign alongside missions to Chinas space stationThis spacecraft is primarily designed for lunar missions while also supporting the space station missions in lowEarth orbitAll development and construction work for the crewed lunar mission is proceeding as planned said Zhang Primary preliminary prototyping of key flight hardware including the Long March10 rocket the Mengzhou spacecraft the Lanyue lander the Wangyu lunar extravehicular suit and the Tansuo crewed lunar rover has been completed the report saidAlso payload designs for scientific research and applications have been finalised and groundbased infrastructure such as the launch site tracking network and landing site on Earth is under accelerated development according to ZhangThe mission has seen a string of successful tests this year including the secondstage propulsion system test and the captive firing test for the Long March10 rocket the zeroaltitude escape test for the Mengzhou spacecraft and the comprehensive landing and takeoff verification test for the Lanyue landerZhang noted that numerous new technologies still require validation and the upcoming workload is heavy given the highquality standards and a tight timeline for flight testsMeanwhile the CMSA also announced the crew for the Shenzhou21 crewed spaceflight mission Zhang Lu Wu Fei and Zhang HongzhangThe Shenzhou21 crewed spaceship is scheduled to be launched at 1144 pm Friday Beijing Time from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China Jingbo saidThe mission is the sixth manned flight mission since the space station entered the application and development phase and the 37th flight of Chinas manned spaceflight programmeThe Shenzhou21 astronauts will complete inorbit rotation with the Shenzhou20 crew and stay in the space station for about six months according to the spokesperson IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/china-targets-manned-moon-landing-by-2030-outlines-testing-tasks-ahead-645551.html Thu, 30 Oct 2025 15:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-cyprus-are-trusted-friends-reliable-partners-eam-jaishankar-645580.html New Delhi Oct 30 Hailing the relations between India and Cyprus External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called the two nations trust friends and reliable partners He expressed Indias support for the sovereignty unity and territorial integrity of Cyprus and for a bizonal bicommunal federation with political equality in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions In his opening remarks during his meeting with Cyprus Foreign Minister Constatinos Kombos in New Delhi on Thursday EAM Jaishankar noted that the ties between two nations have developed into a comprehensive partnership anchored in mutual respect shared democratic values and a joint strategic vision He extended a warm welcome to Constatinos Kombos and his delegation to IndiaHe said Your visit takes place at a time when Cyprus is preparing to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from 1 January 2026 Strengthening ties with both Cyprus and the EU remains a key priority for India and we certainly value your steadfast support in that regard India and Cyprus are trusted friends and reliable partners Trust and timetested are not easy adjectives to use nowadays but certainly I think I can do that with a great deal of confidence and assurance for this relationshipOur ties have developed into a comprehensive partnership anchored in mutual respect shared democratic values and a joint strategic vision It is forwardlooking and it is aligned with the interests and aspirations of both the countries We also cooperate closely in regional and multilateral fora including the United Nations the European Union and Commonwealth frameworks he addedEAM Jaishankar expressed appreciation for Cyprus support on crossborder terrorism He said We deeply appreciate Cyprus consistent support on issues of core interest to India especially in our battle against crossborder terrorism I would once again thank your government for the strong condemnation after the Pahalgam terrorist attack and the solidarity expressed with India in our fight against terrorism We also appreciate your consistent support for Indias Permanent membership in an expanded UN Security Council and for the membership of the Nuclear Suppliers GroupThe External Affairs Minister expressed appreciation for the hospitality given by the Cyprus leadership during Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit there in June He noted that the Joint Declaration on the Implementation of the Comprehensive Partnership issued during PM Modis visit provides guidance for further deepening of bilateral cooperation across several sectorsExpressing Indias support for the sovereignty unity and territorial integrity of Cyprus he said India reiterates its unwavering support for the sovereignty unity and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus and for a bizonal bicommunal federation with political equality in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions I am confident that we will have fruitful discussions today and take stock of the progress made in various areas of cooperation as delineated in the Joint Action Plan IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-cyprus-are-trusted-friends-reliable-partners-eam-jaishankar-645580.html Thu, 30 Oct 2025 15:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/helpless-afghan-refugees-raise-alarm-over-pakistans-crackdown-and-forced-deportations-645605.html Kabul Oct 30 As Pakistan intensifies arrests and forced deportations Afghan refugees have voiced concerns over escalating challenges and growing fear amid the ongoing crackdown local media reported on Thursday They alleged that the Pakistani police have recently made announcements in some mosques warning that anyone assisting the refugees including by renting homes or shops in Pakistan would be considered a criminal by the governmentA large number of Afghan refugees including children women and the elderly have been held in Pakistani detention centres for over 15 days living in extremely harsh conditions Afghanistans leading media outlet TOLO News quoted Atiqullah Mansoor an Afghan refugee in Pakistan as sayingMeanwhile several other refugees stated that along with demolishing shelters the Pakistani government has stepped up arrests and forced deportationsThey urged the Pakistani government to suspend the demolition of their homes and allow them to stay in Pakistan at least through the winterWinter has already started Many of the remaining homes of Afghan refugees here have been demolished We urge the Pakistani government to stop destroying the rest of the homes because otherwise refugees will be left without shelter and with nowhere to go On top of that the government has warned locals not to rent homes to Afghan refugees or they will face legal consequences said another Afghan refugee in PakistanMeanwhile a migrant rights activist Nazar Nazari said The solution to this crisis lies in diplomatic negotiations between the governments of Afghanistan and Pakistan negotiations that must aim to stop home demolitions and prevent forced deportations In parallel coordination with international organisations is essential to provide shelter food healthcare and job opportunities Implementing such strategies can help reduce pressure on refugees and make the return process more humane and sustainableLocal media on Wednesday reported that Islamabad police carried out raids at Afghan refugee homes overnight arresting several men who did not have valid visas and sparking fear among families who fled Afghanistan after the Taliban seized power in 2021During the latenight operations police targetted Afghan refugees in F17 and Faisal Town neighbourhoods of Islamabad They arrested several people accused of not having proper documentationThe police raids at Afghan refugee homes come amid escalating tensions between Islamabad and Kabul after Pakistani forces carried out crossborder operations in Afghanistan IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/helpless-afghan-refugees-raise-alarm-over-pakistans-crackdown-and-forced-deportations-645605.html Thu, 30 Oct 2025 16:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-infuriated-with-afghanistan-exercising-sovereignty-over-its-own-territories-mea-645611.html New Delhi Oct 30 IANS Emphasising that Pakistan is infuriated with Afghanistan exercising sovereignty over its own territories India on Thursday slammed Islamabad for thinking that it has the right to practice crossborder terrorism with impunitynbspWhile addressing a regular media briefing on Thursday the Ministry of External Affairs MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also expressed New Delhis full commitment to the sovereignty territorial integrity and independence of AfghanistanI reiterate what I had said in my last briefing Pakistan is infuriated with Afghanistan exercising sovereignty over its own territories Pakistan seems to think that it has the right to practice crossborder terrorism with impunity Its neighbours find it unacceptable India remains fully committed to the sovereignty territorial integrity and independence of Afghanistan said JaiswalThe MEA spokespersons remarks come amid escalating tensions between Kabul and Islamabad after Pakistani forces carried out crossborder operations in Afghanistan The fresh round of talks between delegations of both countries held in Turkey earlier this week also failed to yield any outcomeOn Wednesday Pakistans Defence Minister Khawaja Asif issued a stern warning to Afghan Taliban stating that they can test the resolve of Islamabad at their own peril and doom He added that Pakistan does not even need to use a fraction of its full arsenal to completely obliterate the Taliban and push them back to the caves for hiding Pakistanbased Geo News reportedIn a statement shared on X Pakistans Defence Minister stated We have borne your treachery and mockery for too long but no more Any terrorist attack or any suicide bombing inside Pakistan shall give you the bitter taste of such misadventures Be assured and test our resolve and capabilities if you wish so at your own peril and doomLet me assure them that Pakistan does not require to employ even a fraction of its full arsenal to completely obliterate the Taliban regime and push them back to the caves for hiding If they wish so the repeat of the scenes of their rout at Tora Bora with their tails between the legs would surely be a spectacle to watch for the people of the region he addedOn Tuesday Afghanistan had also issued a stern warning to Pakistan vowing a strong response to any future military strikes after talks in Islamabad had collapsed following Islamabads withdrawal Citing sources Afghan media outlet Ariana News reported that Pakistan withdrew from the negotiations after presenting what the Afghan delegation described as unreasonable and unacceptable demands including a call for Kabul to recall and exert control over armed individuals allegedly operating against Pakistan a demand the Afghan side rejected It added that if Pakistan launches airstrikes on Afghan soil Afghan forces stand ready to retaliate against IslamabadIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-infuriated-with-afghanistan-exercising-sovereignty-over-its-own-territories-mea-645611.html Thu, 30 Oct 2025 16:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indias-digital-transformation-spurs-fdi-in-fintech-provides-valuable-insights-for-africa-645617.html New Delhi Oct 30 Foreign investors are increasingly flocking to Indias financial sector as the country transforms a large population of previously unbanked individuals into a datarich market a recent report said urging Africa to pursue the same model Despite challenges from external trade headwinds and widespread account dormancy the FDI influx suggests confidence in Indias digitallydriven transformation where its huge population is harnessed as a scalable market through innovative policies and fintech ecosystems the report from Sunday Independent saidThe report also noted an internal contradiction of nearly 89 per cent adult account penetration against 25 per cent account dormancy rates Despite this dormancy rate investors like Citigroup Barclays and Japans MUFG are expanding through datadriven credit scoring and microproducts into the Indian marketThe core driver is Indias shift from an informal cashbased economy where the governments digitisation initiatives have created a fintech ecosystem that unlocks value from previously invisible populations the report notedEvery transaction generates data that allows lenders to assess creditworthiness enabling offerings like microloans insurance and savings products to a new consumer base Investors like Citigroup and Barclays aim to gain access to this scalable market of 14 billion people the report saidFurther India is currently addressing the issue of account inactivity through targeted innovations and policies Fintech firms like Paytm and PhonePe use UPI to deliver tailored products for lowincome users leveraging alternative data such as mobile usage for credit scoring it addedThe South Africanbased publication argued that Indias model provides valuable insights for Africa to prioritise digital infrastructure tackle inactivity through innovation and transform demographics into assetsIndias success shows that inclusive digitisation reduces costs boosts usage and draws FDI evidenced by Indias over 50 billion inflows in 202425 the report noted IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indias-digital-transformation-spurs-fdi-in-fintech-provides-valuable-insights-for-africa-645617.html Thu, 30 Oct 2025 16:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/un-climate-change-convention-reports-progress-on-nationally-determined-contributions-645420.html United Nations Oct 29 The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change UNFCCC released its 2025 nationally determined contributions NDCs synthesis report showing improved quality credibility and economic coverage Released ahead of COP30 in Brazil next month the report covers national climate plans formally submitted in the NDC registry between January 1 2024 and September 30 2025 Xinhua news agency reportedThe report provides new indications of real and increasing progress on action to address climate change through national efforts underpinned by global cooperation based on the 64 new NDCs submitted by 64 parties to the Paris Agreement covering about 30 per cent of total global emissions in 2019In their NDCs parties are setting out new national climate targets and plans to achieve them that differ in pace and scale from those that have come before the report saidIt said that parties are bending their combined emission curve further downward but still not quickly enoughThe wholeofeconomy wholeofsociety approaches evident in NDCs point to strong climate action as an increasingly core pillar of ensuring economic stability and growth jobs health and energy security and affordability among many other policy imperatives in countries it saidHowever it remains clear that major acceleration is still needed in terms of delivering faster and deeper emission reductions and ensuring that the vast benefits of strong climate action reach all countries and peoples the report saidTo provide a wider picture of global progress ahead of COP30 UNFCCC has done some additional calculations which also capture new NDCs or targets submitted or announced up to the publication of the report Stephane Dujarric spokesman for the UN secretarygeneral told a daily briefingThey say that this wider picture shows global emissions clearly falling for the first time by around 10 percent by 2035 The report underscores that while clear progress is evident major acceleration is needed to deliver faster and deeper emission cuts to keep the 15 degrees Celsius limit within reach he saidBoth the SecretaryGeneral and the UNFCCC have noted that the science is very clear it is entirely possible and essential to bring temperatures back down to 15 degrees after temporary overshoot of that limit said Dujarric IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/un-climate-change-convention-reports-progress-on-nationally-determined-contributions-645420.html Wed, 29 Oct 2025 18:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/helicopter-skids-while-landing-in-nepals-mt-lobuche-645438.html Kathmandu Oct 29 A helicopter that had flown to pick up trekkers from the base camp of Mt Lobuche a neighbouring peak of Mt Everest met with an accident early Wednesday morning a senior police official said The helicopter belonging to Altitude Air met with an accident at 750 am when it skidded while landing at a helipad in Lobuche said Deputy Superintendent of Police Manojit Kunwar chief of Solukhumbu District PoliceThe only occupant of the helicopter the pilot was rescued and brought to Lukla Airport near the mountain he saidAccording to him the helicopter sustained partial damage to its tail and has been left at the accident siteLobuche which has two peaks Lobuche East 6119 meters and Lobuche West 6145 metres attracts a large number of trekkers and mountaineers every yearThe mountain serves as an acclimatisation peak for climbers aiming to summit higher mountains including Mt Everest 884886 meters the worlds tallest peakOctober is a peak tourist season in Nepal and many trekkers reach Lobuche via the Everest trekking route during this periodAs of Tuesday evening there were 210 trekkers at the Lobuche base camp according to DSP KunwarFor the past few days Nepali authorities have been warning trekkers to exercise extreme caution due to adverse weather conditions caused by Cyclone Mountha which developed over the Bay of BengalNepals high hilly and mountainous regions have been experiencing snowfall posing risks to residents and trekkers However the weather was clear in the Everest region on Wednesday when the accident occurred Kunwar addedHe further said that authorities have advised trekkers to remain cautious while venturing outside their hotels in the mountainous areas of the Everest regionMeanwhile the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology on Tuesday said that the country could experience snowfall and rainfall in the central and eastern regions from October 30 to November 1Several government agencies have also urged the public to exercise caution while travelling in high hilly and mountainous regionsIn a statement the Nepal Tourism Board NTB urged all mountaineering and trekking teams as well as domestic and international tourists to exercise utmost caution over the next few days due to adverse weather conditions IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/helicopter-skids-while-landing-in-nepals-mt-lobuche-645438.html Wed, 29 Oct 2025 18:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/un-humanitarian-partners-condemn-attacks-on-civilians-in-sudans-el-fasher-645439.html United Nations Oct 29 UN humanitarians said that they join with their partners in Sudan to warn of escalating violence in besieged El Fasher and to condemn attacks on civilians The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs OCHA said on Tuesday that the world body and its Sudan aid partners issued a statement condemning in the strongest terms reported attacks by the Rapid Support Forces RSF against civilians civilian infrastructure and humanitarian workers in El Fasher the capital of North Darfur stateWe are horrified by credible reports of widespread violations including summary executions attacks on civilians along escape routes housetohouse raids and obstacles preventing civilians from reaching safety the statement saidSexual violence particularly against women and girls continues to be reported Local aid responders are in grave danger with some reportedly detained or killedThe Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has documented some 1850 civilian deaths in North Darfur of these an estimated 1350 were in El Fasher from the beginning of the year to October 20This is however considered an underrepresentation of the real number of conflictrelated deaths in El Fasher and North Darfur given challenges related to telecommunications and lack of access on the ground Stephane Dujarric spokesman for UN SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres told reporters in a briefingOCHA said that local aid responders who had been sustaining communities throughout 18 months of the siege are at extreme risk with some detained or killed Humanitarian workers continue to operate under extraordinary danger to assist those fleeing toward Tawila and the surrounding areasThe UN Refugee Agency UNHCR said it provides lifesaving assistance and essential services to displaced families including shelter basic necessities and cash assistance and offers counseling at community centresHowever the UNHCR said that access to El Fasher remains blocked and humanitarian capacity is rapidly shrinking as needs soarThe humanitarian community in Sudan is calling for urgent action to protect civilians and humanitarian workers guarantee safe passage and humanitarian access to people trapped in El Fasher ensure accountability for all violations of international humanitarian law and scale up funding to sustain lifesaving operations and support local and womenled responders on the front lines OCHA saidThe office said the United Nations and its humanitarian partners remain committed to scaling up their lifesaving support across Darfur and to reestablishing their presence on the ground Xinhua news agency reportedOCHA also said that fighting has intensified in Sudans North Kordofan stateOCHA stresses again that civilians must be protected wherever they are and allowed to flee safely and in dignity the office saidIt urges all parties to immediately halt hostilities respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and enable safe sustained humanitarian access IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/un-humanitarian-partners-condemn-attacks-on-civilians-in-sudans-el-fasher-645439.html Wed, 29 Oct 2025 18:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-lawmakers-unite-to-defend-bilateral-ties-with-india-through-letters-and-resolutions-645158.html Washington Oct 27 Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have joined hands to support the IndiaUS relationship months after the Trump administration announced a series of policies targeting Indian interests At least six bipartisan letters and resolutions have been drafted over the past 10 days defending the interests of the Indian American community reaffirming support for the IndiaUS partnership and pressing the administration for accountability over its recent actions targeting New DelhiLast week a group of House members expressed concern that an event at Rutgers University on Monday could fuel further prejudice against Hindus at a time when Hindu temples have been targets of violenceThe cosigners of the letter were Democrats Sanford Bishop from Georgia Shri Thanedar from Illinois and Suhas Subramanyam from Virginia and Republican Rich McCormick also from GeorgiaTwo days earlier another bipartisan group of six House Representatives wrote to US President Donald Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick expressing concerns over the H1B proclamationWe are concerned that the recent proclamation related to H1B visa petitions will create significant challenges for US employers and overall weaken our competitiveness the letter statedThe group again included Democrat Suhas Subramanyam along with Republican Congressmen Jay Obernolte and Don Bacon among othersOn October 17 four US lawmakers wrote to President Donald Trump urging him to attend the Quad Leaders Summit in India and other meetings in AsiaThe same day a bipartisan resolution was introduced in the House of Representatives to recognise the contributions made to the United States by the Indian American diaspora and condemn recent acts of racism against Indian AmericansThe resolution also termed the IndiaUS relationship as one of the most important democratic partnerships in the worldIt was a sharp departure from just days earlier when 19 House members all Democrats with no Republican support wrote to President Donald Trump on October 8 urging him to reset and repair the IndiaUS critical partnershipLeaders from both Democratic and Republican parties have faced criticism for mostly remaining silent as senior officials of the Trump administration like Trade Advisor Peter Navarro and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick repeatedly targeted India over its purchase of Russian oil and trade imbalanceIn August the Trump administration imposed 50 per cent tariffs on New Delhi which included a 25 per cent levy for importing Russian oilThen in September President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on H1B visas imposing a 100000 application fee to restrict the programme Over 70 per cent of the approved H1B applications in 2024 went to Indian nationalsWhile a handful of Democrats opposed the administrations stance publicly Republican lawmakers until recently decided to keep quietIn early October Democratic Representative Ami Bera a leading advocate of the USIndia relationship told IANS that some Republican lawmakers have remained silent out of fear of the presidentI think theyre certainly afraid to take on President Trump directly he saidIn recent weeks ties have stabilised and negotiators have resumed talks to finalise the first phase of a trade agreementLast week President Donald Trump held a special Diwali event at the White House where he termed Prime Minister Narendra Modi a great person and said he loves the people of IndiaBera added that more members should come out to support the relationshipInstead of making this about President Trump lets make it about the USIndia relationship Lets make it about what we think as members of Congress Democrats and Republicans I dont want the IndiaUS relationship to be a Democratic thing or a Republican thing It should be an American thing he told IANS IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-lawmakers-unite-to-defend-bilateral-ties-with-india-through-letters-and-resolutions-645158.html Tue, 28 Oct 2025 08:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indias-women-peacekeepers-inspire-women-in-conflict-zones-enhance-protection-645159.html United Nations Oct 28 Indias women peacekeepers inspire women in conflict zones and improve civilian protection the UN Peacebuilding Commission was told Indian women peacekeepers who were pioneers in the UN mission deployments inspire women in conflict zones through example that they too can be leaders and peacebuilders P Wilson said on Monday at the Commissions meeting on Women Peace and SecurityThey build trust in communities and give hope to vulnerable populations particularly women and children he said and most critically they help address genderbased violence and ensure that peace processes reflect the needs and perspectives of all segments of societyWilson who is a Rajya Sabha member from the DMK began his speech with the Tamil greeting Vanakam and ended it with Nanri ThanksHe is one of the MPs joining the delegation to the General AssemblyMondays meeting was in observance of the 25th anniversary of the Security Councils adoption of a landmark resolution that called for enhancing the role of women in UN missions involving them in peace negotiations and protecting them against violenceLong before the resolution was adopted Indian women medical officers served in the peacekeeping operation in Congo in the 1960s Wislon saidWhat makes Indias peacekeeping legacy unique is that it was among the first to recognise that women are indispensable agents of sustainable peace he saidThe UNs first allwomen police unit came from India when it was deployed in Liberia in 2007 and this pioneering initiative inspired local women to join their national police and security services he saidThe Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping in New Delhi is a global centre of excellence for genderresponsive training that conducts courses for women peacekeepers he saidEarlier this year India hosted the firstofitskind International Conference for Women Peacekeepers from the Global South he addedAt the national level Wilson said womenled development has transformed society and more than 14 million women are elected representatives at the grassroots level he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indias-women-peacekeepers-inspire-women-in-conflict-zones-enhance-protection-645159.html Tue, 28 Oct 2025 08:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/thousands-of-us-flights-delayed-as-government-shutdown-strains-airports-645160.html Washington Oct 28 More than 4000 flights across the US were delayed on Monday with roughly 118 additional flights cancelled as the 27day government shutdown continues to disrupt air travel The delays come amid growing shortages of essential workers at airports and air traffic control towers nationwideOn Sunday alone over 8700 flights were delayed according to FlightAware as staffing shortfalls continue to mount About 13000 air traffic controllers and 50000 Transportation Security Administration officers are working without pay resulting in widespread operational strainThe Federal Aviation Administration FAA cited staffing shortages affecting flights across the Southeast and at Newark Liberty International Airport in New JerseyAt the Los Angeles International Airport the FAA imposed a ground delay that held flights on the tarmac for an average of 25 minutesThey got their notice on Thursday and Friday They get a notice of what they are going to be paid on Tuesday And they got a big fat no paycheck is coming on Tuesday Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told Fox News on SundayDuffy described the stress faced by air traffic controllersIve been out talking to air traffic controllers and you can see the stress These are people that oftentimes like paycheck to paycheck they are concerned about gas in the car they are concerned about childcare he addedThe Transportation Department warned that while flights are continuing to operate delays and cancellations are expected to persist as the shutdown drags on Airlines have urged travellers to check flight status and prepare for longer wait times at airportsExperts caution that even after the shutdown ends it may take time to clear the backlog of delayed flights as staffing shortages and operational bottlenecks continue to challenge the systemAirport hubs nationwide are bracing for continued disruption as the federal impasse shows no immediate sign of resolution IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/thousands-of-us-flights-delayed-as-government-shutdown-strains-airports-645160.html Tue, 28 Oct 2025 08:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/east-asia-summit-2025-countries-reaffirm-commitment-to-localised-anticipatory-action-for-disaster-resilience-645175.html Kuala Lumpur Oct 28 The participating countries of the East Asia Summit EAS have reaffirmed their collective resolve to strengthen disaster resilience across the region calling for urgent action to fortify the ASEAN Communitys capacity to withstand and recover from disasters The 20th East Asia Summit EAS convened under Malaysias ASEAN Chairmanship on Monday in Kuala Lumpur During this the participating nations adopted a declaration underscoring the growing complexity of global disaster risks driven by environmental threats rapid urbanisation and socioeconomic vulnerabilitiesRecognising the increasing frequency and intensity of disasters the Summit recalled pivotal commitments such as the 2009 Chaam Hua Hin Statement and the 2014 EAS Statement on Rapid Disaster Response which emphasised regional cooperation in disaster preparedness response and recoveryThe leaders noted that anticipatory action especially when localised has proven effective in reducing disaster impacts Localisation involving active participation from local authorities communities organisations and the private sector was highlighted as a cornerstone of successful disaster managementThe leaders also recalled the localisation that has been highlighted in key frameworks and agreements including the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response AADMER ASEAN Declaration on One ASEAN One Response ASEAN Responding to Disasters as One in the Region and Outside the Region ASEAN Framework on Anticipatory Action in Disaster Management ASEAN Leaders Declaration on Sustainable Resilience the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 20152030 and the CoChairs Summary of the Seventh session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction GPDRR also known as the Bali Agenda for ResilienceThese documents collectively underscore the importance of communityled approaches and the integration of local wisdom and capacities in disaster risk reductionThe Summit appreciated that localised anticipatory action can reduce physical social and economic vulnerabilities offering targeted solutions tailored to specific hazardsIt acknowledged the need to empower local actors in disaster preparedness and response ensuring their central role in building resilience and mitigating impacts The declaration emphasised the development of science and technologybased locally tailored and regularly updated disaster risk assessments hazard maps and impactbased early warning systems as critical enablers of anticipatory approachesRecognising the value of riskinformed investment the Summit affirmed that prudent planning and resource allocation can yield costeffective and equitable solutions for longterm community resilienceThe participating countries declared their commitment to fulfilling regional and international obligations including those outlined in AADMER ASEAN SHIELD and the Sendai Framework while reinforcing the role of local communities in responsive disaster managementThe declaration called for strengthened regional collaboration through sharing best practices capacity building and resource mobilisation facilitated by institutions such as the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance AHA CentreIt encouraged investment in local anticipatory action capacities infrastructure and early warning systems integrating disaster risk reduction into postdisaster recovery and reconstruction effortsThe countries also reaffirmed the commitment to foster multistakeholder partnerships among EAS participating countries enhancing cooperation with the ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management ACDM and the AHA Centre the ASEAN Center for Climate Change ACCC the ASEAN Coordinating Center for Transboundary Haze Pollution Control ACC THPC local governments the private sector academia the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement Non Governmental Organisations NGOs and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen capacities and resourcesThe Summit urged collaboration to enhance local early warning systems mobilebased alerts GISbased community risk mapping and AIpowered forecasting models for effective dissemination of early warning informationThe declaration further supported the active participation of local actors in regional and communityled disaster initiatives capacity development and implementation of contextually relevant anticipatory actions It stressed leveraging local culture and wisdom recognising communities as first responders and vital contributors to disaster risk reductionThe Summit explored the development of nationallevel guidelines and mechanisms including prearranged financing to enable rapid decisionmaking and delivery of anticipatory actions at the local levelIt also advocated for the integration of localisation principles into national and regional disaster management frameworks ensuring their effective implementation through EAS statements IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/east-asia-summit-2025-countries-reaffirm-commitment-to-localised-anticipatory-action-for-disaster-resilience-645175.html Tue, 28 Oct 2025 10:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/kuala-lumpur-declaration-adopted-at-20th-east-asia-summit-reaffirms-commitment-to-peace-stability-645179.html Kuala Lumpur Oct 28 The Kuala Lumpur Declaration reaffirmed the participating countries unwavering commitment to the 2005 Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the East Asia Summit which laid down the broad vision principles objectives and modalities of the EAS It further reiterated their dedication to the 2010 Ha Noi Declaration commemorating the fifth anniversary of the EAS the 2015 Kuala Lumpur Declaration marking the tenth anniversary and the 2020 Ha Noi Declaration celebrating the fifteenth anniversaryThe declaration recognised that the world and the region are currently facing numerous geopolitical tensions and conflicts along with economic uncertainties security threats and other transboundary challenges It emphasised that these issues require collective collaboration and joint efforts to ensure lasting peace social development and economic progress for allReaffirming the regions shared commitment to the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations the ASEAN Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia TAC the declaration also cited the 2005 Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the East Asia Summit and the 2011 Declaration of the East Asia Summit on the Principles for Mutually Beneficial Relations the Bali Principles as vital foundations for continued cooperation and trustbuilding among member statesThe declaration further supported ASEANs unity and centrality within ASEANled mechanisms reaffirming ASEAN as the driving force within the East Asia Summit It called for close partnerships with other participating countries to promote strategic trust and to ensure transparent predictable and responsible behaviour in regional and international affairsAcknowledging the considerable progress achieved by the East Asia Summit over the past 20 years the declaration called for the further strengthening of the EAS based on its established principles and objectivesIt further expressed the collective desire to foster a peaceful environment conducive to deeper cooperation and stronger bonds of friendship among EAS participating countries guided by the principles of equality partnership consultation and mutual respectThrough these efforts the EAS aims to contribute meaningfully to peace stability and prosperity not only in the region but also globallyThe declaration also recognised the respective and complementary roles of the EAS Foreign Ministers in providing policy guidance the EAS Senior Officials in ensuring policy coordination and followup and the Group of East Asia Summit Ambassadors in Jakarta as vital mechanisms for ongoing engagement and dialogueAdditionally the EAS Unit within the ASEAN Secretariat was acknowledged for providing institutional support and continuity all of which contribute to strengthening the EAS frameworkThese mechanisms were commended for supporting the effective implementation of EAS Leaders statements declarations decisions and initiatives as well as the EAS Plan of Action 20242028The declaration also emphasised the importance of exchanging information on regional development cooperation security policies and discussions on the evolving regional architectureOn this significant 20th anniversary the Kuala Lumpur Declaration reaffirmed the EASs role at the apex of the ASEANcentred regional architecture It highlighted that the Summit remains a Leadersled forum for dialogue and cooperation on broad strategic political and economic issues of common interest and concern with the overarching aim of promoting peace stability and economic prosperity across East AsiaThe declaration stated that the EAS is committed to enhancing dialogue and upholding international law in the region It underscored the importance of mutual understanding respect trust and friendship as well as the peaceful settlement of differences and disputes in accordance with international lawIt called upon all nations to work together to maintain promote and sustain peace stability and prosperity in East AsiaReaffirming its strong commitment to multilateralism based on international law including the Charter of the United Nations the declaration described this foundation as indispensable for building a more peaceful and prosperous worldThe EAS also pledged to continue promoting and upholding international law and the principles outlined in the 2011 Bali Principles which guide mutually beneficial relations among member countriesThe declaration further emphasised the importance of the EAS as an avenue for constructive candid and open dialogue as well as practical cooperation It stated that the EAS process should remain positive dynamic and beneficial to ASEAN and the broader region ensuring longterm utility and relevanceIt also reaffirmed that with ASEAN playing a central role the East Asia Summit would enhance economic cooperation among participating countries This would focus on areas of mutual interest to bolster regional resilience against economic challenges promote sustainable development and reduce development gaps among nations in the regionTo further strengthen the East Asia Summit the declaration outlined several concerted efforts and measures including maintaining the informal nature of the EAS cooperation in joint activities and projects and advancing implementation of the EAS plan of actionIt also reaffirmed support for ASEANs continuous efforts to mainstream and implement the ASEAN Outlook on the IndoPacific AOIP The declaration emphasised that the AOIP is designed to enhance the ASEAN Communitybuilding process while strengthening and complementing cooperation with external partnersIn conclusion the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the Twentieth Anniversary of the East Asia Summit reaffirmed the participating nations collective vision of a peaceful stable and prosperous East Asia built on the foundations of dialogue mutual respect and cooperationIt reiterated that through shared commitment respect for international law and adherence to ASEANs centrality the EAS would continue to serve as a cornerstone of regional peace and progress IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/kuala-lumpur-declaration-adopted-at-20th-east-asia-summit-reaffirms-commitment-to-peace-stability-645179.html Tue, 28 Oct 2025 11:18:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-wary-as-possible-delay-in-nepal-polls-opens-space-for-external-influence-645185.html New Delhi Oct 28 India is keeping a close watch on the political developments in Nepal as stability in the country is crucial since the two countries share a 1700kilometre border Officials said that India is wary of external influence in Nepal and hence elections must be held soon Currently there is an interim government in place and this was installed following the Gen Z protests during which 73 people died The K P Oli government was thrown out following protestsIndian agencies suspect that external elements are making attempts to create a political vacuum in the country If a caretaker government prolongs then it gives other countries including China time to influence Nepal through both economic and infrastructure projectsMany external elements are also trying to exploit the Maoist sentiments in the country and if this sets in then Nepal could descend into chaos This would cause a great amount of instability and other countries could exploit this situationIndian officials say that their main priority is to prevent Nepal from plunging into chaos Hence it is important that the political process gets rolling and elections are held as soon as possibleA caretaker government may be accountable but it is not the same that a democratically elected would have to be They are answerable to the people and will have to face them during an electionWhile the Gen Z mainly comprising students ensured that Oli stepped down such protests cannot happen regularlyThe concerns for India stem from the fact that elections may be delayed in Nepal Attempts are being made to push the elections to either May or June instead of March 2026Attempts are allegedly being made to weaken some of the political parties so that others have an advantage when the elections are held Some leaders have also complained about getting threats and hence they fear that the democratic process may be erodedOne of the biggest fixes that Nepal needs now is its economy and job market If this is not fixed it affects the younger generation the most The youth have been complaining that the economy is in distress and there are no jobs available They had accused the Oli government of doing nothing about the situation They further accused that those in power had become corrupt and their children led lavish lives while the youth looked for jobsAnother official said that if the situation fails to improve then there is every chance of violence breaking out again While the external elements would try and take advantage of the situation it also poses a huge problem at the Indian borderAdding to the problem is the ISI which uses the NepalIndia border as a transit for criminals and terrorists The border with Nepal has largely been a peaceful one and India would not want that dynamic to changeThe Indian security forces are already guarding tense borders India shares a border with Pakistan in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir Further the borders with China are tense while the situation in Bangladesh has increased the workload of the security forces at the IndoBangla borderIn the aftermath of the protests attempts were made by external elements to ensure that the violence continued However once Oli was out the army took control of the situation The army stood with the protesters as it felt that their demands were valid The army also left it up to the protesters to decide on who would be the caretaker prime ministerLooking at the fragile situation India hopes that a government will be elected soon so that any external influence can be avoided IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-wary-as-possible-delay-in-nepal-polls-opens-space-for-external-influence-645185.html Tue, 28 Oct 2025 11:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korean-president-faces-high-stakes-diplomacy-ahead-of-summit-talks-with-trump-during-apec-gathering-645199.html Gyeongju Oct 28 South Korean President Lee Jae Myung faces highstakes diplomacy as he hosts the AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation APEC gathering this week in Gyeongju with bilateral summit talks with US President Donald Trump set to take place over lingering security and trade issues This weeks APEC gathering has drawn keen attention as Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are also set to meet in South Korea on the sidelines while speculation has persisted over whether Trump will meet North Korean leader Kim Jongun Yonhap News Agency reportedThe main APEC Economic Leaders Meeting will take place on Friday and Saturday with eyes on whether member countries will adopt a joint declaration amid growing challenges to free trade and multilateralismThroughout the APEC week global business leaders will convene in South Korea for major economic events as the government aims to attract new investment through forums and outreach programsLee plans to deliver a speech at the opening ceremony of the APEC CEO Summit on Wednesday and engage with business leadersTrump is expected to deliver a keynote address during the CEO Summit but is unlikely to participate in the main leaders sessions according to reportsHosting the APEC summit for the first time in 20 years gives Lee a rare opportunity to welcome the US and Chinese leaders on his home turf after less than five months in officeLee is scheduled to hold summit talks with Trump on Tuesday and with Xi on Saturday Consultations are underway to arrange a meeting with Japans new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on ThursdayThe stakes are particularly high for Lees meeting with Trump as Seoul and Washington are in intense negotiations to narrow gaps over South Koreas USD 350 billion investment pledge aimed at finalising a trade deal that would reduce US tariffs on Korean goodsWhether the two sides can clinch an agreement in time for the summit remains uncertain as negotiations continue over key sticking points including the financing of the investment packageWednesdays summit will mark Lee and Trumps second inperson meeting following their August talks at the White HouseLees first meeting with Xi the Chinese leaders first trip to South Korea in 11 years is expected to focus on advancing bilateral relations and regional security including efforts to stabilise the Korean PeninsulaTensions with North Korea remain elevated after Pyongyang rejected Lees outreach and deepened ties with Russia and ChinaTheir upcoming talks come as South Korea is seeking to stably manage ties with China while maintaining its close alignment with the US amid the escalating rivalry between the two world powersOn the sidelines Lee is also scheduled to hold backtoback meetings with leaders from Canada the United Arab Emirates Singapore and other nations to discuss practical cooperation his office saidSpeculation has flared over a possible surprise meeting between Trump and North Korean leader Kim JongunWhile en route to Tokyo on Monday Trump told reporters that he would love to meet Kim during his Asia trip indicating his willingness to extend the trip if necessary North Korea hasnt responded to Trumps latest dialogue overtureNational Security Adviser Wi Sunglac said Sunday that he does not have information on the potential TrumpKim meeting but South Korea will be prepared should the possibility ariseThe third and last meeting between Trump and Kim in June 2019 was hastily arranged at the interKorean border village of Panmunjom a day after Trump posted a social media message inviting Kim to the border IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korean-president-faces-high-stakes-diplomacy-ahead-of-summit-talks-with-trump-during-apec-gathering-645199.html Tue, 28 Oct 2025 12:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/people-in-mauritius-australia-celebrate-chhath-puja-with-vibrant-festivities-645201.html Port Louis Oct 28 Chhath Puja was celebrated across Mauritius and Australia on Tuesday with utmost devotion and festivities as people marked the conclusion of the fourday auspicious festival One of the most significant Hindu festivals Chhath Puja is primarily observed in Bihar Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh It is also celebrated in parts of Nepal and among Indian communities worldwideIndian High Commissioner to Mauritius Anurag Srivastava on Tuesday joined in the Chhath Mahaparv celebrationThe event organised by the Swastikam Foundation in Mauritius was attended by Mauritian President Dharambeer Gokhool Members of Parliament and several other dignitariesAddressing the event Srivasata underscored the Indian governments efforts to have Chhath Puja included in UNESCOs Intangible Cultural Heritage listHe also emphasised the festivals role in promoting environmental sustainability gender participation and social inclusionMeanwhile in Australias Melbourne the Indian diaspora came out to celebrate the auspicious occasionThe Indian Consul General in Melbourne Sushil Kumar local dignitaries including MP Lee Tarlamis and community members participated in the vibrant Chhath Puja celebrations and paid homage to the Sun GodThe event featured special cultural performances by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations ICCRsponsored troupe led by Nitu Kumari Nootan showcasing the rich traditions of Bihar Jharkhand and Uttar PradeshAccording to the Hindu calendar Chhath Puja falls on the sixth day Shashthi Tithi of the Kartik months Shukla Paksha usually occurring six days after Diwali The celebration spans four days beginning with Nahay Khay and concluding with Usha Arghya the offering of prayers to the rising sunThe festival commences with Nahay Khay October 25 when devotees take a holy dip and prepare a simple meal On the second day Kharna October 26 a daylong fast from morning to evening is observed and later concluded with offerings of rasiya sweet porridge and roti The third day marks Sandhya Arghya when the nirjala vrat fast without water begins continuing until the early hours of the fourth day Usha ArghyaChhath Puja is believed to have originated in ancient times According to legend Lord Rama and Goddess Sita performed the first Chhath Puja after their return to Ayodhya to seek blessings from the Sun God for prosperity IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/people-in-mauritius-australia-celebrate-chhath-puja-with-vibrant-festivities-645201.html Tue, 28 Oct 2025 13:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/japan-maritime-self-defence-force-welcomes-ins-sahyadri-at-sasebo-645215.html Tokyo Oct 28 Indian Naval Ship INS Sahyadri an indigenously built Shivalikclass Guided Missile Stealth Frigate arrived at Japans Sasebo on Tuesday Japan Maritime SelfDefence Force welcomed INS Sahyadri upon arrival Indian Embassy in Japan said in a statement on Tuesday INS Sahyadri commanded by Captain Rajat Kumar is participating in JapanIndia Maritime Exercise JAIMEX 25In a post on X Indian Embassy in Japan stated INS Sahyadri arrived at Sasebo to a warm welcome ceremony by JMSDF Sasebo District Sahyadri commanded by Capt Rajat Kumar is participating in JapanIndia Maritime Exercise JAIMEX 25Commissioned in 2012 INS Sahyadri is a testament to Indias growing pursuit of indigenous defence technology and the nations vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat SelfReliant India The multirole stealth frigate has participated in various operational deployments bilateral and multilateral exercisesLast week Indian Navy and Japan Maritime SelfDefence Force JMSDF personnel engaged in cross deck visits and discussed matters of common interest as part of the harbour phase of the maritime exercise JAIMEX25 Indian Navy and JMSDF personnel engaged in other activities including professional interactions and operational planningIn a statement shared on October 25 on X Indian Navy Spokesperson wrote Harbour Phase of the Japan India Maritime Exercise JAIMEX 25 Indian Navy and JMSDF personnel engaged in cross deck visits and discussed matters of common interest Other activities included professional interactions operational planning and sharing of best practices A combined Yoga session was conducted fostering unity and camaraderieEarlier INS Sahyadris Commanding Officer Captain Rajat Kumar met with Yokosuka district Chief of Staff of the Japan Maritime SelfDefence Force JMSDF Rear Admiral Yamaguchi Nobohisa and held talks on further enhancing the maritime cooperationKumar also called on other local dignitaries including Superintendent Kobayashi Hitoshi Chief of Police and Rear Admiral Kondo Shuji Chief of Coast Guard in the Yokosuka regionDuring the meetings the Commanding Officer discussed ways to enhance interoperability and professional exchanges in strengthening maritime cooperationINS Sahyadri also participated in the sea phase of the JapanIndia Maritime Exercise JAIMEX25During the Sea Phase INS Sahyadri operated alongside JMSDF ships Asahi Oumi and submarine Jinryu engaging in a series of complex maritime drillsThe exercise featured advanced AntiSubmarine Warfare ASW manoeuvres missile defence simulations underway replenishment and flying operations reflecting a high degree of coordination and interoperability between the two naviesIn an earlier press release Ministry of Defence stated The strategic partnership between India and Japan has been very robust for a long time with significant focus on defence and maritime cooperation The Indian Navy and JMSDF have been at the forefront of this growing partnership with a shared vision of a free open and inclusive IndoPacific region IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/japan-maritime-self-defence-force-welcomes-ins-sahyadri-at-sasebo-645215.html Tue, 28 Oct 2025 14:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-one-killed-several-injured-in-bnps-youth-wing-factional-clash-645224.html Dhaka Oct 28 At least one person was killed and 15 others were injured in Chittagong early on Tuesday after a gunfight erupted between two factions of the youth wing of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party BNP The deceased was identified as a 22yearold Md Sajjad a member of BNPs student wing Chhatra DalSpeaking to Bangladeshs Bengali daily Prothom Alo Baklia Police Station OfficerinCharge OC Ikhtiyar Uddin stated that the violence reportedly broke out on early Tuesday following a dispute over the tearing of a bannerHe confirmed that one person was killed in the shooting and several others were injured adding that a drive is underway to arrest those responsibleCiting party sources Prothom Alo reported that the gunfire took place between Emdadul Haque Badsha the former organising secretary of the defunct Nagar Jubo Dal committee and followers of former Nagar Chhatra Dal president Gazi Siraj UllahThe clash reportedly stemmed from an incident when Sirajs followers Borhan Uddin and Nazrul Islam Sohel allegedly abducted and assaulted Emdaduls follower Jubo Dal activist Md JasimReports suggest that following a directive from Chattogram City Corporation Mayor and former city BNP president Shahadat Hossain Jasim and others removed several banners in Bakalia and other areas including one featuring photos of Shahadat Siraj and BorhanBorhan had hung banners featuring Siraj and others When Mayor Shahadat ordered those to be removed Borhans men abducted Jasim They opened fire when our men went to rescue him Emdadul said speaking to reportersBNP has witnessed a surge in violence with factional clashes leaving several injuredKhaleda Zias BNP was hand in glove with the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus to overthrow the democratically elected government of the Awami LeagueIt emerged as the largest political party in Bangladesh after the fall of the archrival Sheikh Hasina However since then BNP has had a growing fissure within itself that led to violent clashes amongst them during which many leaders were killed and several were injured IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-one-killed-several-injured-in-bnps-youth-wing-factional-clash-645224.html Tue, 28 Oct 2025 14:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-and-belarus-discuss-expanding-bilateral-ties-across-key-sectors-645248.html Minsk Oct 28 India and Belarus held eighth round of Foreign Office Consultations in Minsk discussing the entire gamut of bilateral relations including political economic cultural tourism education and consular matters According to a statement released by Belarus Ministry of Foreign Affairs both sides discussed several issues related to bilateral relations including the development of political dialogue increasing mutual trade and manufacturing cooperation expanding the legal framework bilateral interaction within international organisations cooperation with the Eurasian Economic Union EAEU Shanghai Cooperation Organisation SCO and BRICS besides promoting the establishment of direct bilateral contacts in humanitarian areasThe parties noted the significant intensification of bilateral contacts amid the current geopolitical turbulence in the world which confirms the high level of mutual trust and support between the parties and also provides a basis for further intensification and expansion of bilateral ties read a statement issued by the Belarus Ministry of Foreign AffairsnbspIndia and Belarus noted that the existing potential for bilateral cooperation is not fully realised and that there are several areas of mutual interest During the meeting the officials of two nations discussed number of pressing issues on the regional and global agendasFor the meeting the Indian side was led by Secretary West at the Ministry of External Affairs Sibi George while the Belarusian side was led by the Deputy Foreign Minister Evgeny ShestakovnbspThe 8th round of IndiaBelarus Foreign Office Consultations cochaired by Secretary West Sibi George and Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republicof Belarus Mr Evgeny Shestakov was held in Minsk Both sides discussed the entire gamut of bilateral relations including political economic cultural tourism education and consular matters The two sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest MEA spokeperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on XSibi George also called on Belarus Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxim Ryzhenkov during his visit The two sides noted the dynamic development of cooperation between Belarus and India in key areas including political economic humanitarian and othersnbspDuring his visit George interacted with Indian students studying in medical science at the Belarusian State Medical University BSMU and met BMSU Rector Sergei RubnikovichSecretary West Ambassador Sibi George interacted with Indian students studying in medical science at the Belarusian State Medical University BSMU Minsk Secretary West also met Mr Sergei Rubnikovich Rector of BSMU who reaffirmed their commitment to the students wellbeing and academic excellence the Indian Embassy in Belarus posted on XGeorge along with Belarusian State University Rector Andrei D Carol and Indias Ambassador to Belarus Ashok Kumar also paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Belarusian State UniversitynbspIn a post on X the Indian Embassy in Belarus wrote Secretary West Sibi George along with Mr Andrei D Carol Rector of the Belarusian State University and Mr Ashok Kumar Ambassador of India to the Republic of Belarus paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at the Belarusian State University His timeless message of peace and compassion continue to inspire the world IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-and-belarus-discuss-expanding-bilateral-ties-across-key-sectors-645248.html Tue, 28 Oct 2025 15:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-world-leaders-delegates-begin-arriving-in-gyeongju-ahead-of-apec-summit-645262.html Gyeongju South Korea Oct 28 World leaders and delegations from participating countries began arriving on Tuesday in South Koreas southeastern city Gyeongju for the AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation APEC summit just three days ahead of the gathering Security has been heightened to the strongest level across the city to ensure the safety of the delegates especially around the Bomun Tourist Complex where the summit will be held and many leaders will be stayingMost state leaders and delegations will arrive through Gimhae International Airport in the southeastern port city of Busan and travel to Gyeongju in motorcades to attend the gathering government officials saidThe President of Peru and delegates from Taiwan were scheduled to arrive Tuesday afternoon while those from New Zealand Russia Hong Kong Australia Thailand Canada and Vietnam will arrive on Wednesday Yonhap news agency reportedUS President Donald Trump will also arrive at Gimhae International Airport on Wednesday before heading to Gyeongju for a bilateral summit with his South Korean counterpart Lee Jae MyungChinese President Xi Jinping and the leaders from Singapore Papua New Guinea Japan Indonesia the Philippines Chile Malaysia and Brunei will arrive on Thursday the eve of the main APEC Economic Leaders MeetingCrown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates is also expected to visit Gyeongju though the Arab nation is not a member of APECMost of the world leaders are expected to return home between Saturday and Sunday after the summitAcross North Gyeongsang Province home to Gyeongju police have activated the top Gapho security alert which calls for mobilising 100 per cent of the police forcePolice officers on motorcycles and in patrol cars were seen inspecting the area and checking the motorcade routes around the Bomun Tourist Complex earlier in the dayOn Saturday the day of the summit police plan to deploy antidrone systems helicopters and armoured vehicles to seal off the entire area IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-world-leaders-delegates-begin-arriving-in-gyeongju-ahead-of-apec-summit-645262.html Tue, 28 Oct 2025 16:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/china-on-mind-us-and-japan-sign-rare-earths-deal-during-trumps-tokyo-visit-645267.html Tokyo Oct 28 IANS Emphasising that the bilateral relationship between Japan and the United States has now become the greatest alliance in the world Japans new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Tuesday pledged to build with visiting US President Donald Trump a new golden era of partnership between the two countriesnbspTrump and Takaichi met in Tokyo on Monday for the JapanUS Summit meeting during which they finalised the signing of various agreements to bolster cooperation in the fields of defence and economynbspIt also included a United StatesJapan Framework For Securing the Supply of Critical Minerals and Rare Earths through Mining and Processing which intends to support the supply of raw and processed critical minerals and rare earthsnbspcrucial to the domestic industries of the United States and JapanThe Participants are intensifying their cooperative efforts to accelerate the secure supply of critical minerals and rare earths necessary to support domestic industries including advanced technologies and their respective industrial bases by leveraging policy tools such as the United States and Japans financial support mechanisms trade measures where appropriate and critical minerals stockpiling systems read a statement issued by the White HouseIt mentioned that both countries will intensify efforts to promote dialogue amongst upstream and downstream companies to facilitate the diversification of supply chainsnbspI held a summit meeting and a signing ceremony with President Trump of the United States I expressed my determination to restore robust Japanese diplomacy with the JapanUS Alliance as its cornerstone President Trump and I agreed to strongly advance a Free and Open IndoPacific FOIPC the Japanese PMs office quoted Takaichi as saying after the meetingnbspTakaichi also praised Trump especially his role in promoting peace in the Middle East and resolving a conflict between Thailand and Cambodia as unprecedented historic achievementsI have always had a great love of Japan and a great respect of Japan anything I can do to help Japan we will be there We are an ally at the strongest level said TrumpnbspThe US President arrived in Tokyo Monday afternoon on a twoday official working visit to Japan the second leg of his threenation Asia tripnbspTrump who met Emperor Naruhito after his arrival on Monday met with the families of abduction victims and others along with Japans Prime Minister TakaichinbspJapans landmark buildings including Tokyo Skytree Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building welcomed Trump to Japan by special lighting inspired by the starspangled bannerThis is Trumps fourth visit to Japan as President and first since June 2019nbspPresident Trumps visit to Japan is an extremely meaningful opportunity to further strengthen the JapanUS alliance and the Government of Japan wholeheartedly welcomes President Trumps visit to Japan read an earlier statement issued by Japans Foreign MinistrynbspOn October 25 Takaichi who was visiting Kuala Lumpur to attend the ASEANrelated Summit Meetings held a telephone talk with Trump as the two leaders confirmed that they will cooperate to elevate the JapanUS alliance to even greater heightsTakaichi stated that strengthening the JapanUS alliance is a top priority for Japans foreign and security policiesnbspPrime Minister Takaichi also stated that Japan is an essential partner of the United States in the IndoPacific region and that she hopes to work together to realise a Free and Open IndoPacific FOIP She also expressed her respect for President Trumps leadership in realizing the recent agreement in the Middle East the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated after the callnbspTrump noted that Takaichi was a great friend of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe who was fatally shot during a campaign speech in 2022Abe was a great friend of mine as you know Trump said He liked her a lot She liked him a lot So thats a good sign I look forward to meeting hernbspAccording to Japans leading Kyodo News Agency Takaichis priorities to boost Japans defence capabilities and step up cooperation with the United States in strategic areas are likely to resonate with TrumpCooperation in shipbuilding is among several deals to be signed by Japan and the United States before Trump heads to South Korea on Wednesday morning according to government sources The Trump administration has pledged to restore shipbuilding capacity in the United States amid Chinas growing dominance of the industry Joint efforts to improve supply chains for critical minerals essential for hightech industries and to expand imports of US farm products to Japan are also part of a trade deal the two allies reached this summer after months of negotiations sparked by Trumps high tariffs Kyodo News reportednbspIt added that to demonstrate the strength of the decadesold alliance Takaichi is set to join Trump aboard Marine One for a visit to the US naval base in the port city near Tokyo and tour the nuclearpowered aircraft carrier George Washington https://dailyworld.in/international/china-on-mind-us-and-japan-sign-rare-earths-deal-during-trumps-tokyo-visit-645267.html Tue, 28 Oct 2025 16:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/80th-un-day-relevance-of-the-united-nations-today-deliberated-at-jindal-varsity-645276.html Sonipat Haryana October 28 The Jindal School of Government and Public Policy JSGP at the OP Jindal Global University JGU organised a seminar on the Relevance of the United Nations on the 80th Anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Charter also known as the San Francisco Treaty The programme of the seminar featured eminent experts from and on the United Nations faculty from the Jindal School of International Affairs JSIA and the JSGP as also scholars and researchers from different schools of the JGUThe keynote speakers were Dr Deodat Maharaj from the UN Technology Hub for Least Developed Countries and Dr Mitali Nikore from Nikore AssociatesIn his opening remarks Prof Dr Naresh Singh urged speakers to focus on the relevance of the United Nations now rather than dwell on the past aloneDean Ramaswamy Sudarshan provided a detailed narrative of the setting within which the United Nations was created its achievements many of which are unsung and its failures most of which are wellknownProf Ambassador Mohan Kumar explained that member countries need to come forth with funds and human resources instead of blaming the organisation whose core ethos and structure had served quite well and BRICS and G20 can play this role buffering against the skewness in membership of the UN Security CouncilDr Maharaj argued that our perspective regarding the relevance of the UN is determined by where the interlocutor is located geographicallyIn the developed countries the UN is often criticised for the failures of the UN Security Council due to the veto power exercised by the P5 countries and disparaged for its shrinking budget and human resource challenges The emerging economies like the BRICS and G20 have a more nuanced view and can contribute funds and human resources for UN Reform but permanent membership of the UNSC is a sticking pointWhen it comes to other less developed countries it is not feasible to develop without a strong role of the United Nations Hence for nearly 60 per cent of the countries in the world the UN is and will continue to be highly relevantDr Nikore provided an account of her own connect with the UN first as a child growing up inspired by the UN and then her initial engagement with UN Women HQ and subsequent ongoing work with a wide variety of UN agencies the World Bank and Asian Development Bank under the umbrella of Nikore AssociatesShe argued that the UN can stay relevant provided it reflects the Global South not only in terms of projects but even more so in its hiring practices at all levels including senior positions in HQs and regional officesShe argued that the diversity in the composition of leadership at all levels and across regions will make the UN more representative of the world today and therefore more relevantProf Veselin Popowski argued that the continued relevance of the UN can be done not only through the reform programmes such as UN80 but also by creating a new UN Charter with a World Parliament which eliminates the temporary gift of the veto power to the victors of World War II and rejuvenates the language and spirit of the UN Charter for young people and future generations in the 21st centuryProf Silvia Bottega argued that the extensive network of experts and projects of the UN and its funds and programmes and specialised agencies cannot be dismantled without damaging the very development trajectory of the world including the countries critical of the UNShe explained that the reform process needs to certainly include UNSC reform but also the reform of the specialised agencies with the required increase in budget and human resources for the agenciesProf Naresh Singh summarised the points made by the speakers and argued that the frame of thinking about development needed to evolve towards addressing complexity and system interdependency and that this change would also make the thinking about the UN more relevant especially given the challenges of climate change inequality and conflictDuring the interactive QampA scholars and researchers in the audience appreciated the insights from the speakers and raised queries regarding UN reform measures the prospects of UNSC reform and new sources of funding and leadership for the UN The perspectives from them included diverse views regarding the UNs continued relevance but found common ground in the discourse of complexity and spiritualityProf Suraj Kumar stated that the relevance of the UN has been questioned and debated since its very inception and that conversation is renewed virtually every decade if not annuallyEleanor Roosevelt the founding persona behind the creation of the UN and the host country role of the United States has described the United Nations as a dream implemented by a bureaucracy The dream is eternally relevant but the bureaucracy has to adapt and reform not only in terms of the UN80 Initiative but also in the mindset of the constituent organisations funds and programmes and specialised agencies and the mindset of UN staffIndia has 28 UN agencies that find it difficult to coordinate and contribute towards common goals and there is a sharp disjunct between international staff and national staff It is time for UN constituent organisations to give up the Ego and Logo and for UN staff to forego their selfdefinition in terms of nationality and see themselves as UN staff first and foremost IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/80th-un-day-relevance-of-the-united-nations-today-deliberated-at-jindal-varsity-645276.html Tue, 28 Oct 2025 16:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/former-japanese-pm-shinzo-abes-shooter-pleads-guilty-during-trial-645287.html Tokyo Oct 28 A man charged for assassinating former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2022 pleaded guilty on Tuesday in his first court hearing since the fatal shooting that shocked the nation and drew attention to Unification Church and its connection to political leaders local media reported During the hearing at the Nara District Court Tetsuya Yamagami said It is true There is no doubt that I did it Yamagami 45 is accused of killing Abe with a handmade firearm during an election stump speech in Japans Nara on July 8 2022The defence has insisted that the personality and behaviour of the accused were shaped by an upbringing marked by religious abuse The defence counsel has insisted that Yamagamis mother a follower of the Unification Church donated 100 million yen to the group She is among 12 witnesses who will testify before the courts ruling on January 21During the hearing prosecutors said Yamagami had resentment against the Unification Church after his mother became the groups follower and shot Abe thinking that shooting him will result in group facing attention and criticismProsecutors have argued that the crimes repercussions were unprecedented in postwar Japan and insisted that the difficult upbringing of the defendant should not be used to justify a substantially reduced sentenceKyodo News reported citing investigative sources that Abe was targetted since his grandfather Nobusuke Kishi who has also served as Japans PM helped introduce the group which was established in 1954 by a staunch anticommunist in South Korea to JapanTetsuya Yamagami has also been indicted for damaging building by conducting testfiring and breaching laws that regulate explosives firearms and the manufacturing of weaponsThe Unification Church has come under intense attention due to its ties with members of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party which was led by Abe previously The church famous for its predatory fundraising practices faces dissolution after courts order to disband which has been contested by the groupShinzo Abe Japans longestserving leader died at the age of 67 after being shot while delivering a stump speech in Nara in 2022 Abe was born into a prominent political family and served as a secretary for his father former Foreign Minister Shintaro Abe before being elected to the House of Representatives in 1993 He served as Japans PM between 2006 and 2007 and assumed office again in 2012 After nearly eight years he stepped down from the post after facing health problems IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/former-japanese-pm-shinzo-abes-shooter-pleads-guilty-during-trial-645287.html Tue, 28 Oct 2025 17:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/behind-pakistans-civilian-facade-asim-munirs-deep-state-consolidation-of-power-645121.html New Delhi Oct 27 In July this year rumours were rife that Pakistans Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir was planning a coup to overthrow the government However Munir refrained from doing so as he was aware that had he done so there would have been international pressure on him to restore democracy When General Pervez Musharraf ousted Nawaz Sharif and installed himself as the President of Pakistan there was immense pressure on him to restore democracy Asmi Munir appears to have learnt from that and has instead decided to control the country entirely by himself while also having a puppet Prime Minister and President in placeThe Pakistani Army Chief is gradually bringing in people from both his family and the army into the administrative division of the country This would ensure that he gets to control the country both on the civilian as well as the military sideMunir first ensured that Imran Khan was removed from power and then jailed The biggest threat that the Army Chief faced was from Imran Khan and hence he made sure that he was out of the way Following this he installed Asif Ali Zardari as the President and Shehbaz Sharif as the Prime Minister Both are currently puppets in the hands of Asim MunirThe second step was installing his blueeyed boy General Asim Malik as the ISI chief and also handing him the additional charge of National Security Advisor Now Munir has transferred his nephew Captain Syed Abu Rehman Bin Qasim from the armed forces to the civil services Along with his nephew Munir also transferred nine other Pakistan army officials to the civil services This is a clear sign that Munir wants his men in every possible department in Pakistan so that he can control everything virtuallyAn official said that this gives Munir more power to control the system while also showing the world that Pakistan is technically a democracy Transferring his nephew to serve in the Prime Ministers office gives Munir the scope to keep a close watch on Shehbaz SharifMunir also plans to appoint his stooges in the interior ministry high commissions and embassies This would give him direct access to the administrative side of the countryIntelligence Bureau officials indicate that Munirs nephew would eventually be transferred to head an embassy either in the US or India This would also give Munir complete control over intelligencerelated operations abroad However for Munir having control over Intelligence operations is not the priority since the ISI chief is his stooge These moves are just ways of asserting himself over everything that Pakistan is concerned withThe PM or President would continue to remain in office These would just be symbolic positions just to show the world that a democracy still exists in Pakistan An official explains that all these are moves being made because Munir is extremely insecure about his position The very fact that he got Sharif to promote himself to the rank of Field Marshal despite being embarrassed during Operation Sindoor itself was a sign of his insecurityFurther Munir is repeatedly facing embarrassment at the hands of the TehreekeTaliban Pakistan TTP Balochistan Nationalist Army BLA and the Afghan Taliban He fears that a military coup could upstage him as the soldiers are very unhappy with his administration Many soldiers are already disobeying his orders and in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa KP they are refusing to fight against the TTP at least in the tribal beltsThese developments also come against the backdrop of tensions escalating between the GHQ and the government These tensions arose due to the extension that Munir is seeking as the Army ChiefThe government says that he can remain Army Chief until 2027 but Munir has asserted that he wants to remain in the top position until 2030 This has made several within the army unhappy especially those who are waiting to be elevated as the next Army ChiefMunir has already changed some top corps commanders to ensure that there would be no seniority issues All these developments have made Munir very shaky and insecure and hence he is taking control over the Intelligence Army and now the administration IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/behind-pakistans-civilian-facade-asim-munirs-deep-state-consolidation-of-power-645121.html Mon, 27 Oct 2025 12:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/kabul-seeks-alternate-routes-as-uncertainty-at-pakistan-border-affects-trade-645132.html New Delhi Oct 27 Uncertainty at the AfghanistanPakistan border following heavy exchanges of fire this month comes at a time when reports indicate a boom in Kabuls agricultural exports with dried fruits emerging as the countrys most valuable export in recent months This has forced the Taliban regime to seek new trade routes said reports Traders on both sides together lose about 1 million every day due to the closure of border crossings AfghanistanPakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce President Khan Jan Alokozai told Pajhwok Afghan NewsHe added about 2000 vehicles used to travel through the border posts daily but all these routes have been closed for the past two weeks Perishable items like fruits and vegetables are the major cause of the losses incurred by the tradersThe closure comes at a time when Afghanistans agricultural exports were showing a rare bright spot amid a difficult economic landscape with dried fruits almonds pistachios raisins dried apricots and walnuts among the countrys most valuable export lines in recent monthsReports from Kabul indicate that driedfruit shipments have generated approximately 518 million over the past 10 months with Tolo News quoting Herat Chamber of Commerce and Investment that dried fruit exports from the province itself have increased by over 130 per cent this yearAccording to the chambers data around 14000 tonnes of dried fruits worth nearly 40 million have been exported to various countries over the past six months In the same period last year 8000 tonnes were exported valued at 165 millionThe report also mentioned a recent announcement from the Herat Chamber of Agriculture and Livestock that several new international markets were showing interest in purchasing Afghan dried fruits which could significantly multiply the volume of dried fruit exportsOverall Afghan dried fruits are in high demand globally and those from Herat are considered even superior according to its officialsSignificantly almonds have proved resilient to water shortages and remain the only crop sustaining local livelihoods even as recent droughts have severely affected agriculture in Afghanistans central province of Daikundi reported Pajhwok NewsAlmond trees it said are known for their tolerance to drought and have survived in parts of the province and continue to serve as a main source of income for many familiesThe semiarid climate zone in Afghanistan is largely characterised by hot dry summers and cold winters with some wet spells in limited areas For its trade the landlocked country uses Karachi and Gwadar ports in Pakistan and Chabahar in Iran for shipmentsRecently the US has reimposed sanctions on Tehran ending earlier waivers in an apparent bid to isolate Iran This sudden turn has raised legal banking and insurance obstacles for global companies working at ChabaharNow in response to the challenges and the suspension of Afghan goods transit through Pakistan the Ministry of Industry and Commerce of Afghanistan has announced efforts to establish alternative trade routesAccording to Tolo News Minister of Industry and Commerce Nooruddin Azizi has shared his departments initiative aiming to support Afghan farmers traders and industrialistsThe Afghan news agency has claimed that some Pakistani media outlets have quoted the countrys Foreign Ministry as saying that trade transit with Kabul is currently suspended and crossings will remain closed until security conditions are reviewedThe Taliban leadership had claimed that it carried out retaliatory action at the Pakistan border on October 18 after Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Paktika province and also in KabulNormal trade can resume only after some concrete understanding is reached between the two neighbours in the ongoing multiround negotiations between their emissaries IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/kabul-seeks-alternate-routes-as-uncertainty-at-pakistan-border-affects-trade-645132.html Mon, 27 Oct 2025 13:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/vp-radhakrishnan-meets-seychelles-prez-in-victoria-discusses-bilateral-ties-645133.html Victoria Oct 27 Vice President CP Radhakrishnan met Seychelles President Patrick Herminie on Monday at the State House in Victoria discussing ways to enhance bilateral cooperation between the two nations The Vice President also extended warm greetings to President Herminie on his assumption of office on behalf of the Government and people of IndiaBoth leaders reaffirmed their shared vision for peace stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region and the Global South the Vice Presidents office saidEarlier in the day Radhakrishnan also met Seychelles Vice Presidentelect Sebastien Pillay at the State House to discuss various aspects of bilateral cooperation between the two countriesIn a post on X the Ministry of External Affairs MEA said Both leaders discussed the multifaceted IndiaSeychelles relationship rooted in shared heritage culture and peopletopeople tiesThe Vice President also conveyed his best wishes to Pillay for a successful tenureRadhakrishnan embarked on Seychelles on Sunday to attend the swearingin ceremony of Herminie who assumed office as the President at Unity Stadium in VictoriaIn a post on X Radhakrishnan wrote Delighted to attend the swearingin ceremony of Patrick Herminie as President of the Republic of Seychelles at Unity Stadium Victoria Seychelles conveying my greetings and best wishes on behalf of the Government and people of IndiaThe Vice President had also addressed the members of the Indian community in Seychelles and highlighted the longstanding and multifaceted ties shared by the two nationsHe lauded the role played by the Indian diaspora in further strengthening bilateral tiesAddressing the Indian diaspora in Seychelles Vice President Radhakrishnan stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of MAHASAGAR Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth across Regions reflects Indias shared commitment to a free open and secure Indian OceanRadhakrishnan stressed that Seychelles remains a vital partner in advancing this vision and the priorities of the Global South IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/vp-radhakrishnan-meets-seychelles-prez-in-victoria-discusses-bilateral-ties-645133.html Mon, 27 Oct 2025 13:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-and-malaysian-counterpart-discuss-bilateral-ties-situation-in-myanmar--645136.html Kuala Lumpur Oct 27 IANS External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar held a meeting with his Malaysian counterpart Mohamad Haji Hasan on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Monday discussing the ongoing progress in bilateral cooperationnbspDuring the meeting EAM Jaishankar and Mohamad Haji Hasan also discussed the current situation in MyanmarnbspMalaysia as the Chair of ASEAN is hosting the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits under the theme Inclusivity and Sustainability in Kuala LumpurA warm meeting with FM Mohamad Haji Hasan of Malaysia Conveyed our best wishes for successful ASEAN and East Asia Summits Discussed the progress in our bilateral cooperation Exchanged views on the Myanmar situation EAM Jaishankar posted on XnbspThe EAM is representing Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 20th East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur In an earlier statement the Ministry of External Affairs MEA stated The East Asia Summit will provide an opportunity to deliberate on the challenges to peace stability and prosperity in the IndoPacific region and also exchange views on regional and international developmentsEarlier in the day EAM Jaishankar met New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and extended warm greetings from Prime Minister Narendra ModinbspFollowing the meeting Jaishankar in a post on X A pleasure meeting PM Christopher Luxon of New Zealand on the sidelines of ASEAN 2025 meetings Extended warm greetings from PM Narendra Modi Welcome his commitment to advance our bilateral cooperation and nurture a free and open IndoPacificnbspJaishankar on Monday also met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and appreciated the discussion on bilateral ties as well as regional and global issues The meeting comes amid the ongoing trade talks between the two countriesIn a post on his official X account EAM Jaishankar wrote Glad to meet Marco Rubio this morning in Kuala Lumpur Appreciated the discussion on our bilateral ties as well as regional and global issuesnbspOn Sunday EAM Jaishankar met Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and conveyed PM Modis wishes for a successful ASEAN SummitnbspHonoured to meet Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia Conveyed the best wishes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a successful ASEAN Summit Value his thoughts on strengthening our bilateral cooperation and peopletopeople linkages EAM Jaishankar wrote on X https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-and-malaysian-counterpart-discuss-bilateral-ties-situation-in-myanmar--645136.html Mon, 27 Oct 2025 14:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-clash-between-dhaka-university-students-leaves-50-injured-645145.html Dhaka Oct 27 At least 50 students were injured in Bangladesh early on Monday following a violent clash between students of Daffodil International University and City University in the Ashulia area of Dhaka district according to local media reports Reports suggest that repeated attacks vandalism and arson caused major damage with City University bearing the brunt The students accused the law enforcement agencies of failing to provide assistance amid the unrestCiting witnesses Bangladeshi daily Dhaka Tribune reported that tensions began on Sunday evening when a City University student spat from his motorcycle accidentally hitting a Daffodil student and sparking an argument between students of both universitiesFollowing the incident around 4050 City University students armed with local weapons and bricks attacked and vandalised a residence of Daffodil University studentsAs videos of the assault circulated on social media more than a thousand Daffodil International University students gathered and marched toward City University leading to a violent confrontationIn the early hours of Monday Daffodil University students stormed the City University campus confined students inside and began vandalising property They allegedly looted computers and other valuables from the administrative building torched three buses and a private car and damaged five more vehiclesCrude bombs were reportedly exploded to create panic leaving as many as 50 students from both sides injuredAccording to a City University student as of early Monday morning multiple parts of the campus were still burning and despite administrative intervention students from both universities continued to chase and counterchase each other resulting in more arsonStudents of Daffodil University which is next to our campus in Birulia have clashed with our students over some issue Some students of Daffodil have set fires on our campus They have burnt several vehicles Bangladeshi media outlet bdnews 24 quoted City University Registrar Akhter Hossain as sayingMeanwhile confirming the development Ashulia police station duty officer SI Habibur Rahman said that the situation is under control with officers present at the sceneBangladesh has been gripped by numerous protests and extreme lawlessness since the democratically elected government of the Awami League led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was overthrown during violent protests last year IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-clash-between-dhaka-university-students-leaves-50-injured-645145.html Mon, 27 Oct 2025 16:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/slovakia-not-to-be-part-of-eu-program-for-ukraines-military-aid-pm-645059.html Bratislava Oct 27 Slovakia will not participate in any European Union EU programme aimed at financing military aid to Ukraine in the fight against Russia Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said Fico told a press conference on Sunday that he refuses to allow Slovakia to participate in any financial program which aims to help Ukraine manage the conflict and its military costs Xinhua news agency reportedHe also criticised the EU sanctions imposed against Russia because of the conflicts in Ukraine saying that the sanctions harm Europe moreFicos comments came after EU leaders on Thursday reaffirmed their political economic and military support for Ukraine but stopped short of backing any specific funding mechanism as they failed to agree on a plan to use frozen Russian assets to finance new loans for Ukraine after divisions resurfaced at a European Council summitSlovakia suspended state military aid to Ukraine when Ficos government came to power in 2023 but continued to allow commercial arms salesFico has taken a different stance on the war than most EU countries arguing that the solution does not lie on the battlefieldEU leaders agreed on Thursday to help Ukraine meet urgent financial needs over the next two years but postponed a decision on using frozen Russian assets to finance a 140 billion euro loan for KyivUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the money could be used immediately to strengthen air defence aviation and frontline positionsSlovakia and Hungary which are buyers of Russian energy are now facing challenges due to US sanctions on Russian oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil which are set to take effect next monthAsked today about these risks Fico said that the Slovak refinery Slovnaft is part of the Hungarian oil and gas group MOL and is not itself a buyer of oilWe dont look at it that way right now Fico said in his first comments since the US announced sanctions last weekOn Friday Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said that Hungary is working to find a way to circumvent US sanctions IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/slovakia-not-to-be-part-of-eu-program-for-ukraines-military-aid-pm-645059.html Mon, 27 Oct 2025 02:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/kremlin-says-new-sanctions-complicate-reviving-russia-us-ties-645060.html Moscow Oct 27 New sanctions against Russia complicate efforts to restore relations with the US Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the media Of course the actions taken this week were an unfriendly move They truly damaged the prospects for reviving our relations but this does not mean we should abandon these aspirations Peskov told the media on Sunday commenting on the sanctionsIn an interview with a Russian news channel on Telegram Peskov said Putin and Trump cannot just meet for the sake of meeting and that is why they tasked Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Secretary of State Marco Rubio respectively with preparations Xinhua news agency reportedThe process is complex A great deal of homework truly needs to be done before the foundation for such a new summit can be laid he addedHe added that Russia is interested in building good relations with all countries including the USThe Spokesman noted that Putin appreciates Trumps desire to achieve a resolution to the Ukraine conflict but stressed it cannot be resolved overnightOn Wednesday US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil the two largest Russian oil producers and called for an immediate ceasefire adding that the White House was prepared to take further actions if necessaryThe US and its allies have imposed multiple rounds of financial and trade sanctions on Russia since the start of the RussiaUkraine conflict in February 2022 targeting Russian banks defence industries and energy exportsEarlier this week Trump said he cancelled an forthcoming summit with Putin in Budapest because it didnt feel right to him also expressing his frustration over the lack of progress in negotiations on ending the Ukraine warWhite House Spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt later said the meeting is not completely off the table but that they want to make sure theres a tangible positive outcomeTravelling to Malaysia for the 47th ASEAN summit on Saturday Trump said he would only reschedule a meeting with Putin if he has assurances that a deal could be reached to end the over threeandahalfyear warPeskov said calling the Budapest meeting as cancelled would be inaccurate as there was no clear agreement on a date for the summitPutin told reporters in Moscow on Thursday that the US President most likely talked about postponing the meetingThe Kremlin Spokesman also reaffirmed Putins remarks that Russias response to longrange Ukrainian strikes on its territory will be very strong if not overwhelming IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/kremlin-says-new-sanctions-complicate-reviving-russia-us-ties-645060.html Mon, 27 Oct 2025 02:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/4-killed-in-israeli-airstrikes-on-lebanon-645062.html BeirutJerusalem Oct 27 Four people were killed and two others wounded in separate Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon media reported The countrys staterun National News Agency said on Sunday that Israeli drones and warplanes targeted several vehicles in Lebanons southern and eastern regionsMeanwhile security sources told Xinhua news agency that three of the dead were Hezbollah members and the fourth was a Syrian nationalIn a statement the Israeli military said it carried out two rounds of strikes on Sunday killing a Hezbollah official and a suspected weapons smuggler for the group Xinhua news agency reportedThe strikes hit the towns of Zawtar Qlaileh Naqoura and Nabi Sheet marking one of the deadliest weeks since the crossborder escalation intensifiedLebanese officials said at least 10 people have been killed in daily Israeli attacks this weekIsraeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee confirmed that Israeli forces killed a member of Hezbollahs elite Radwan Force in a strike on QlailehThe operation was part of what Israeli officials described as an ongoing effort to prevent the group from reestablishing its military infrastructure in the southAlthough a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has been in place since November 2024 Israel continues neardaily strikes in Lebanon saying they target ongoing Hezbollah threats along the borderLebanon and several international organisations have condemned the attacks as violations of the truceIsraeli media later reported that over the past 24 hours a series of precision strikes killed several senior Hezbollah commanders across LebanonAmong them was Zain alAbidin Hussein Fatouni a commander in the Radwan Forces antitank unit killed in southern Lebanon Mohammad Akram Arabia a senior Radwan officer killed in Qlaileh Abd Mahmoud alSayyed targeted in Naqoura and Ali Hussein alMoussawi whom Israel described as a weapons trafficker for Hezbollah operating between Syria and LebanonMeanwhile Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz visited the IsraelLebanon border alongside US Deputy Special Envoy for the Middle East Morgan Ortagus according to the Israeli Defence MinistryIsrael has continued to carry out airstrikes in southern and eastern Lebanon and on Beiruts southern suburbs despite a ceasefire agreement implemented on November 27 2024 Its forces remain stationed at eight positions along the southern borderThe UN Human Rights Office has recorded at least 103 civilian deaths since the truce took effect mostly in residential areas or near UN peacekeeping posts while Lebanons Health Ministry reports more than 285 fatalities and 630 wounded IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/4-killed-in-israeli-airstrikes-on-lebanon-645062.html Mon, 27 Oct 2025 05:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/un-peacekeepers-in-lebanon-come-under-israeli-fire-no-casualties-reported-645063.html Beirut Oct 27 The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon UNIFIL has said that one of its patrols came under Israeli fire but no personnel were injured and no equipment was damaged At around 545 pm 1545 GMT Sunday an Israeli drone approached a UNIFIL patrol near the village of Kafr Kila and dropped a bomb the UNIFIL said on Sunday in a statementMoments later an Israeli tank fired toward the peacekeeping forces Fortunately no injuries or damage occurred to UNIFIL personnel or equipmentThe statement said the incident followed a prior encounter at the same location when an Israeli drone flew aggressively over a patrol prompting the UNIFIL to take defensive measures Xinhua news agency reportedThe UNIFIL condemned the actions as violations of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and Lebanons sovereignty saying they endangered peacekeepers carrying out the Security Councils mandate in southern LebanonThere is no immediate response from the Israeli sideUNIFIL positions have been targeted several times since crossborder clashes erupted after the Gaza war began in October 2023Despite a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah Israel has continued periodic strikes in Lebanon citing Hezbollah threats and has maintained border positions past a February 18 withdrawal deadlineIsraeli strikes in southern and eastern Lebanon have killed three people despite a ceasefire that began almost a year ago the Lebanese Ministry of Health saidLebanese authorities initially said that two people had been killed in Israeli attacks on Sunday but revised the death toll after a further strikeTwo of the victims died in the countrys eastern Baalbek region while the third was killed in Naqoura in the southern province of TyreThe Health Ministry said a Syrian national was among the victims after being struck in the town of alHafir in BaalbekThe Israeli military said it had targeted Hezbollah membersIn a statement it said it killed Ali Hussein alMousawi in eastern LebanonAlMousawi purchased and transferred weapons from Syria to Lebanon and played a significant role in the reestablishment and strengthening of Hezbollah the Israeli army claimedIt added that Abed Mahmoud alSayed a local Hezbollah representative in the village of Ras Biyyada was killed in the Naquoura strikeThere was no confirmation from Hezbollah about the alleged deathsLast week a group of UN experts voiced alarm about Israels continued strikes in LebanonThese attacks have resulted in a mounting toll of civilian deaths and injuries and destruction and damage of infrastructure housing the environment and agricultural zones vital to civilian livelihoods they saidUnder the terms of the November 2024 ceasefire Israel was supposed to withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon by January 2025 However its troops still remain at five border outposts that Israel deems strategic IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/un-peacekeepers-in-lebanon-come-under-israeli-fire-no-casualties-reported-645063.html Mon, 27 Oct 2025 05:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bipartisan-group-of-us-congressmen-express-concern-that-university-event-could-fuel-anti-hindu-prejudice-645064.html New York Oct 27 A bipartisan group of members of US Congress has expressed concern that an event at a university here could fuel further prejudice against Hindus at a time when Hindu temples have been targets of violence In a letter addressed to William Tate the President of Rutgers University in New Jersey the Congressmen said on Sunday that the event scheduled for Monday misrepresents a diverse and peaceful and religious community and will have impacts on Hindus on college campuses and around the countryThe signers of the letter are Democrats Sanford Bishop from Georgia Shri Thanedar from Illinois and Suhas Subramanyam from Virginia and Republican Rich McCormick also from GeorgiaThe organisers of the Rutgers event titled Hindutva in America A Threat to Equality and Religious Pluralism say it is based on a report called Hindutva in America An Ethnonationalist Threat to Equality and Religious PluralismThe moderator is Sahar Aziz a law professor and the featured speaker is Audrey Truschke a history professor who is a defender of Aurangzeb the extremist Muslim ruler of the Mughal lineage who ordered the execution of Guru Teg Bahadur the revered Sikh saint and persecuted Hindus and ParsisThe Congressmen made clear that they did not want the event banned at the New Jersey state governmentfunded universityInstead they said we urge Rutgers to ensure that its planned programming promotes freedom of speech and expression but not single out and target Hindu American individuals and organisationsThe Congressmen referred to the series of violent attacks on Hindu temples including the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Indiana and the Shri Radha Krishna Temple in UtahIn this climate we are concerned that the rhetoric of the report may fuel further prejudice particularly impacting Hindu students on college campuses who may feel unfairly targeted or unsafe the Congressmen saidMoreover they pointed out the report said that law enforcement politicians and civil society groups should cease partnership with USbased Hindu nationalist groupsIn this context they said they were especially concerned by the reports references to specific Hindu community organisations and are concerned about the implications of conflating religiousbased organisations with nationalist groupsAmong the Hindu civil rights groups the report targeted are the Hindu American Foundation HAF and Coalition of Hindus of North America CoHNAIt said When we stand up against such bigotry we are labelled as Hindutva extremistsMany US campuses have become hotbeds of religious bigotry led by leftist groups and IslamistsPresident Donald Trumps administration has taken action against campus intolerance focused on Jewish students and faculty The same groups often are involved in antiHindu campaignsHAF in an open letter to Rutgers made clear that it did not want the event banned but asked the universitys administration to clarify that invited speakers or conference content reflects the organisers views and dissociate publicly from itWe seek clarity in light of the inaccuracy gravity and spuriousness of numerous claims the report makes about HAF and other Hindu American advocacy organisations it saidCoHNA said that in the past two weeks it has heard from students who are feeling vulnerable and concerned that their religion and identity are at risk simply for being a Hindu on campus IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bipartisan-group-of-us-congressmen-express-concern-that-university-event-could-fuel-anti-hindu-prejudice-645064.html Mon, 27 Oct 2025 06:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-to-depart-malaysia-head-to-japan-for-second-leg-of-asia-tour-645065.html Kuala Lumpur Oct 27 US President Donald Trump is scheduled to depart Malaysia shortly continuing to Japan for the second stop of his sixday threenation tour of Asia Trump is expected to depart Kuala Lumpur around 10 am local time Monday and arrive in Tokyo around 5 pm local time CNN reportedUpon landing his only scheduled public engagement is a courtesy visit with Japanese Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial PalaceTrump will also hold talks with Japans newly elected Conservative Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi while in the country CNN reportedAs with his stop in Malaysia Japans hosts are expected to flatter the American leader with some pomp and circumstanceFrom Malaysia Trump heads to Japan and South Korea where he is expected to make progress on talks for at least 900 billion in investments for US factories and other projects that those countries committed to in return for easing Trumps planned tariff rates down to 15 per cent from 25 per centThe trip to Tokyo comes a week after Japan elected its first female PM TakaichiTrump is set to meet with Takaichi who is a protege of former Prime Minister Shinzo AbeTrump was close to Abe who was assassinated after leaving officeTrump spoke to Takaichi during his flightWhile in Japan Trump will also meet with US troops who are stationed in Japan according to a senior US official who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity about the planned tripIn South Korea Trump is expected to hold a highly anticipated meeting with Chinas President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation APEC summitWhile the APEC summit is set to be held in Gyeongju the TrumpXi meeting is expected to take place in the city of Busan according to the US officialThe meeting follows months of volatile moves in a trade war between China and the US that have rattled the global economyTrump was infuriated earlier this month after Beijing imposed new export controls on rare earths used in technology and threatened to hike retaliatory tariffs to skyhigh levelsTrump told reporters on Friday that he might ask Xi about freeing Jimmy Lai a prodemocracy newspaper founder saying itll be on my listThe only meeting that could possibly eclipse the Xi summit would be an impromptu reunion with North Korean leader Kim Jong UnBut such a meeting is not on the Presidents schedule for this trip according to the US officialTrump suggested on Friday that it was hard to reach the North Korean leaderThey have a lot of nuclear weapons but not a lot of telephone service he saidTrumps first stop was at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations ASEAN summit in Kuala LumpurTrump attended the annual ASEAN summit only once during his first term but this year it comes as Malaysia and the US have been working to address a skirmish between Thailand and CambodiaOn Sunday he scheduled a meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim followed by a joint signing ceremony with the Prime Ministers of Thailand and CambodiaTrump threatened earlier this year to withhold trade deals with the countries if they didnt stop fighting and his administration has since been working with Malaysia to nail down an expanded ceasefireThe US President credited Ibrahim with working to resolve the conflictI told the leader of Malaysia who is a very good man I think I owe you a trip he told reporters aboard Air Force One late Saturday eveningTrump on Sunday also had a significant meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva who wants to see the US cut a 40 per cent tariff on Brazilian importsThe US administration has justified the tariffs by citing Brazils criminal prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro a Trump ally IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-to-depart-malaysia-head-to-japan-for-second-leg-of-asia-tour-645065.html Mon, 27 Oct 2025 07:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-has-reached-a-substantial-framework-with-china-to-avert-tariffs-us-treasury-secretary-bessent-645067.html Washinton Oct 27 US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said that he believes the US has reached a framework agreement with China to avoid imposing an additional 100 per cent tariff on Chinese imports I think weve reached a substantial framework for the two leaders who will meet next Thursday that tariffs will be averted Bessent said on Sunday to ABC News from Kuala Lumpur Malaysia where President Donald Trump arrived on Saturday for a weeklong Asia diplomacy tourTrump is expected to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in South Korea later this weekEarlier Chinese International Trade Representative Li Chenggang said the US and China had reached preliminary consensus on trade issues during discussions in Malaysia according to Chinese mediaBessent did not provide details about the framework but said on NBC News that he anticipates the US would get some kind of deferral on rareearth export controlsThe minerals have been central to trade tensions between the top global economiesBessent said the framework sets up Trump and Xi to have a very productive meeting adding I think it will be fantastic for US citizens for US farmers and for our country in generalBessent indicated that an escalation in tariffs on China is effectively off the table following what he described as very good trade talks with his Chinese counterpartsPresident Trump had threatened an additional 100 per cent tariff on China from November 1 over Beijings efforts to impose export controls on critical rare earths ratcheting up tensions between the US and ChinaAsked about the status of those tariffs Bessent told CBS News on Sunday that tariff threat has gone away after two days of talks in MalaysiaWe had a very good twoday meeting I would believe that the so it would be an extra 100 per cent from where we are now and I believe that that is effectively off the tableHe added I would expect that the threat of the 100 per cent has gone away as has the threat of the immediate imposition of the Chinese initiating a worldwide export control regimeUS and Chinese trade negotiators reached a basic consensus on how to address their respective concerns Chinese state media said on Sunday following talks between the two sides over the weekend in Kuala LumpurA delegation led by Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng met with US officials including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jameson Greer for the talks which come days ahead of a highly anticipated meeting between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and US President Donald TrumpThe two leaders are expected to meet on the sidelines of the APEC summit in South Korea though Beijing unlike Washington has yet to confirm the meetingEarlier on Sunday Bessent said the two sides had set the stage for the leaders meeting with a very successful framework for the leaders to discussThe two sides engaged in candid indepth and constructive exchanges and consultations on major economic and trade issues of mutual concern the Chinese state media readout saidIt listed out those issues as including US penalties on Chinas maritime logistics and shipbuilding industry reciprocal tariffs fentanyl tariffs agricultural trade and export controls a sweeping set of frictions that have set the worlds two largest economies at loggerheadsTwo sides reached a basic consensus on arrangements to address each others concerns Both sides agreed to further finalise the specific details and fulfil their respective domestic approval processes the readout saidTrade and tech tensions between the worlds two biggest economies have heightened in recent weeks after the US expanded its export blacklist hitting Chinas access to American hightech while China ramped up its own export controls on rare earth minerals IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-has-reached-a-substantial-framework-with-china-to-avert-tariffs-us-treasury-secretary-bessent-645067.html Mon, 27 Oct 2025 07:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-meets-marco-rubio-in-malaysia-appreciates-discussion-on-us-india-ties-645069.html Kuala Lumpur Oct 27 Indias External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar on Monday met the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia and appreciated the discussion on bilateral ties as well as regional and global issues The meeting comes amid the ongoing trade talks between the two countriesIn a post on his official X account EAM Jaishankar wrote Glad to meet SecRubio this morning in Kuala Lumpur Appreciated the discussion on our bilateral ties as well as regional and global issuesWe are in dialogue with the United States of America Our teams are engaged We recently had the commerce secretary visit the US and he met with his counterparts We continue to engage with them and talks are progressing We hope to work towards a fair and equitable agreement in the near future Union Minister Piyush Goyal said last weekEarlier Rubio dismissed growing concerns that Washingtons growing strategic ties with Pakistan are meant to sideline India He noted that the relationship with Islamabad would not undermine the US deep historic and important partnership with New DelhiThe US State Secretary while addressing the press en route to Doha Qatar on Saturday asserted that New Delhi understands the necessity of engaging multiple nations in a mature diplomatic frameworkI dont think anything were doing with Pakistan comes at the expense of our relationship or friendship with India which is deep historic and important Rubio told reporters when asked about Indias apprehensions over the recent surge in the USPakistan relationshipIndia and ASEAN nations strengthened their bond at the 22nd ASEANIndia Summit on Sunday in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted key areas for collaboration counterterrorism early review of the ASEANIndia FTA and maritime security among othersPrime Minister Modi participated virtually in the Summit This was the Prime Ministers 12th participation in the IndiaASEAN SummitPM Modi and ASEAN leaders jointly reviewed progress in ASEANIndia relations and discussed initiatives to strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic PartnershipAccording to a Ministry of External Affairs MEA press release PM Modi said that terrorism poses a serious challenge to global peace and security and stressed the importance of unity in the fight against it IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-meets-marco-rubio-in-malaysia-appreciates-discussion-on-us-india-ties-645069.html Mon, 27 Oct 2025 08:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/baloch-activists-protest-in-south-korea-highlighting-growing-brutality-by-pakistani-forces-645080.html Seoul Oct 27 The Baloch National Movement BNM held a protest in South Koreas Busan city against the ongoing Pakistani military siege and aggressive actions in the Zehri region of Balochistan The protesters distributed pamphlets in English and Korean to inform the local population about the humanitarian situation in BalochistanThe demonstration comes amid a mounting human rights crisis in Zehri following weeks of Pakistani military operations that have left several people killed and injuredThe activists accused the Pakistan Army of committing war crimes against the Baloch people and emphasised the need to hold the military accountable at the international levelDuring the protest they carried banners reading End Zehri Siege Justice for Balochistan and Stop Baloch GenocideAdditionally they also displayed images of destroyed homes and grieving families from Zehri to raise awareness among the local population in South KoreaAccording to the protesters recent airstrikes by the Pakistani military have killed more than 20 civilians including 10 children and over 50 young men have been forcibly disappeared They also detailed the humanitarian crisis in Zehri highlighting severe shortages of food water and medicine the conversion of hospitals into military bases and a 24hour curfew restricting civilians movement the BNM statedThe Busan protest was part of a series of recent demonstrations by the BNM around the world aimed at drawing international attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in ZehriZehri is bleeding and the world must not remain silent the BNM quoted one of the speakers at the protest as sayingThe protestors called on international human rights organisations including Amnesty International to immediately intervene and ensure humanitarian access to ZehriLast week the BNM staged a protest in the Netherlands Utrecht city condemning aggression by the Pakistani Army in the Zehri region of BalochistanThe protest was attended by members of the BNM and human rights activists who carried placards and banners bearing slogans against the Pakistani Armys aggression enforced disappearances and widespread human rights violations in BalochistanFurthermore the BNM organised an awareness campaign outside the White House in the United States where activists distributed pamphlets highlighting the ongoing human rights violations and the deteriorating situation in ZehriThe pamphlet distributed by BNM described Pakistan as a terrorist state that exploits the natural resources of the Baloch and other oppressed nations IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/baloch-activists-protest-in-south-korea-highlighting-growing-brutality-by-pakistani-forces-645080.html Mon, 27 Oct 2025 10:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/tcs-refutes-uk-media-report-on-losing-1-bn-mamps-contract-calls-it-misleading-645084.html New Delhi Oct 27 Tata Consultancy Services TCS has denied a UK media report claiming that British retailer Marks amp Spencer MampS ended a 1 billion contract with the Indian IT giant after cyberattackrelated failures The company called the report misleading and factually inaccurateIn a clarification to the stock exchanges TCS said that the article titled MampS ousts Indian outsourcer accused of 300m cyberattack failures contained several wrong details including the reported size of the contract and its connection with the cyber incidentThe report published is misleading with factual inaccuracies including the size of the contract and the continuity of TCS work for Marks amp Spencer MampS the tech giant saidTCS explained that the MampS service desk contract mentioned in the report had gone through a routine competitive tender process that began in January 2025According to the company Marks amp Spencer decided to work with other partners much prior to the cyber incident in April 2025 adding that the two matters were clearly unrelatedThe IT firm also noted that the service desk contract was a very small part of its overall partnership with MampSTCS continues to work on numerous other areas in its role as a strategic partner for MampS and is proud of this longstanding partnership the company saidRegarding the cyberattack TCS clarified that it had conducted a complete scan of its systems and found no vulnerabilities from its endIt further stated that it does not provide cybersecurity services to MampS as those are handled by another vendorThe clarification came after reports suggested that MampS chose not to renew its 1 billion technology helpdesk deal with TCS following a cyberattack that caused the retailer losses worth about GBP 300 millionBoth companies have since confirmed that the contract decision was made before the incident and was part of a regular renewal process IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/tcs-refutes-uk-media-report-on-losing-1-bn-mamps-contract-calls-it-misleading-645084.html Mon, 27 Oct 2025 10:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-new-zealand-pm-luxon-discuss-bilateral-ties-indo-pacific-security-in-malaysia-645113.html Kuala Lumpur Oct 27 External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar on Monday met New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Malaysias Kuala Lumpur during which both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a secure IndoPacific region EAM Jaishankar currently on a visit to Malaysia is representing Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 20th East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur on MondayFollowing the meeting Jaishankar took to X and posted A pleasure meeting PM Christopher Luxon of New Zealand on the sidelines of ASEAN 2025 meetings Extended warm greetings from PM Narendra Modi Welcome his commitment to advance our bilateral cooperation and nurture a free and open IndoPacificAccording to the Ministry of External Affairs MEA India and New Zealand have historically maintained close and friendly relationsLuxon visited India earlier this year in March during which both nations agreed to begin negotiations on a Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement FTA He was accompanied by a highlevel business delegation and met with Indian business leaders in MumbaiDuring this visit Luxon also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed regional security in the IndoPacific region Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to greater cooperation in defence and maritime tiesIn a joint statement the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing the bilateral relationship across various sectors They also emphasised the necessity for all countries to take concrete action against terrorist organisations that are proscribed by the UNNew Zealand officially joined two Indialed initiatives the IndoPacific Oceans Initiative IPOI and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure CDRI IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-new-zealand-pm-luxon-discuss-bilateral-ties-indo-pacific-security-in-malaysia-645113.html Mon, 27 Oct 2025 12:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-ambassador-to-us-extends-diwali-greetings-to-citizens-diaspora-644964.html Washington Oct 26 Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Kwatra spoke exclusively to IANS extending Diwali wishes to Indian citizens and members of the diaspora community He made the remarks on Saturday during a special Diwali celebration hosted at his residence for members of the Indian diaspora in Washington DCIt gives me great pleasure on my behalf and on my Embassys behalf to wish everybody a very very warm healthy prosperous Diwali At the onset of festive season its a great time of the year and should bring the best of blessings health prosperity to you and your family members and your loved ones he told IANSEarlier Ambassador Kwatra addressed the diaspora members and praised the communitys positive role in strengthening the IndiaUS relationshipOn Thursday Ambassador Kwatra took part in Diwali celebrations at the World Bank accompanied by members of the Indian community in Washington DCHe posted on X Celebrated Diwali with friends of India at the World Bank It is always a delight to join in celebrations with the strong community of Indian and Indian origin diaspora who work at the World Bank and IMFThe special gathering was also attended by World Bank President Ajay Banga and other leading members of the diasporaOn Tuesday Ambassador Kwatra attended a special Diwali event at the White House where US President Donald Trump extended his warmest wishes to the people of IndiaTrump lit the diya in the Oval Office calling it a symbol of faith in the victory of light over darknessThe Indian Ambassador thanked President Trump for opening up the White House to mark the festival of DiwaliYou are showcasing the strength of diversity through this celebration So its truly a great honour On behalf of my Prime Minister and my own behalf wish you and your loved ones a very very happy Diwali greetings particularly to over five millionstrong Indian diaspora in the US and I close by making a wish which is only we do for Diwali We wish that the light of Diwali continues to shine on your success and on the strength of India he notedThe White House event was also attended by the new US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor FBI Director Kash Patel and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi GabbardLeading business leaders from the Indian diaspora were also part of the celebrationsAmbassador Kwatra later posted on X Deeply honoured to join President Donald J Trump at the White House today to celebrate Diwali Wished him on behalf of Prime Minister narendramodi a Happy Diwali and thanked him for this beautiful gesture IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-ambassador-to-us-extends-diwali-greetings-to-citizens-diaspora-644964.html Sun, 26 Oct 2025 01:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-slaps-additional-10-pc-tariffs-on-canada-over-ad-dispute-644982.html Washington Oct 26 US President Donald Trump has slapped an additional 10 per cent tariffs on Canada blaming its northern neighbour of running a fraudulent advertisement on former President Ronald Reagans speech on tariffs In a Truth Social post late Saturday Trump wrote Their Advertisement was to be taken down IMMEDIATELY but they let it run last night during the World Series knowing that it was a FRAUD Because of their serious misrepresentation of the facts and hostile act I am increasing the Tariff on Canada by 10 per cent over and above what they are paying nowThe Us President once again accused Canada of attempting to interfere with the decision of the US Supreme Court which is currently reviewing legal challenges to his tariff measuresThe sole purpose of this FRAUD was Canadas hope that the United States Supreme Court will come to their rescue on Tariffs that they have used for years to hurt the United States he addedAfter Trumps opposition on Thursday Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he would pause running the antitariff ad from Monday so that trade talks can resumeCanadian Prime Minister Mark Carney asserted on Friday that his government remains ready to continue constructive discussions with the United States after US President abruptly announced the termination of trade negotiations between the two countriesFor months we have stressed the importance of distinguishing things we can control and things we cant control Carney said before leaving for Malaysia for the ASEAN SummitWe cant control the trade policy of the United States We recognise that policy has fundamentally changed from the policy in the 1980s 1990s and 2000sCarney noted that Canadas negotiators had been making a lot of progress in talks with their US counterparts particularly on key sectors such as steel aluminium and energyOur officials have been working with their American colleagues on detailed constructive negotiations We stand ready to pick up on that progress and build on that progress when the Americans are ready to have those discussions he addedCarneys remarks came hours after President Trump said late Thursday that he was ending all trade negotiations with Canada citing a recent video advertisement produced by Ontarios provincial governmentThe ad featured archival footage of former US President Ronald Reagan criticising tariffs footage Trump described as fakeTARIFFS ARE VERY IMPORTANT TO THE NATIONAL SECURITY AND ECONOMY OF THE USA Trump wrote on Truth SocialBased on their egregious behaviour ALL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS WITH CANADA ARE HEREBY TERMINATEDWhite House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett on Friday said the decision reflected the Presidents frustration with the Canadians over trade negotiationsI think the President is very frustrated with Canada and he has a right to be Hassett told Fox News adding that Canadian negotiators had been very difficult to negotiate with and that frustration has built up over timeThe latest dispute adds new uncertainty to one of the worlds largest bilateral trading relationshipsTrump has imposed a 35 per cent tariff on some of Canadas exports and has repeatedly suggested that Canada should be the 51st US state IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-slaps-additional-10-pc-tariffs-on-canada-over-ad-dispute-644982.html Sun, 26 Oct 2025 04:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/independent-left-wing-politician-catherine-connolly-wins-irelands-presidential-election-644983.html London Oct 26 Independent politician Catherine Connolly has won Irelands Presidential election and will serve as the countrys 10th President after receiving 6336 per cent of first preference votes according to official results released The 68yearold candidate backed by several Leftwing parties including Sinn Fein competed with Fine Gaels Heather Humphreys a former Government Minister in the election that began on FridayThe results released on late Saturday evening show a landslide for Connolly as was predicted by opinion polls with 914143 first preference votesHumphreys who won 2946 per cent of first preference votes has congratulated Connolly on becoming a President for all of us on Saturday afternoon before the full results were released Xinhua news agency reportedA third candidate on the ballot the Fianna Failbacked Jim Gavin withdrew from the race earlier in October following a controversy over a rental disputeConnolly has served as a member of Parliament for the Galway West constituency since 2016 and previously worked as a psychologist and barristerShe became the Deputy Speaker of the Parliaments Lower House in 2020 the first woman ever to hold the postConnolly will be sworn in to succeed incumbent President Michael D Higgins who is set to complete the second of his two consecutive sevenyear terms in NovemberConnolly said during the presidential poll campaign that she would respect the limits of the office which some interpreted as a tacit promise to rein in controversial views but analysts predicted friction with the governmentShe was a marginal political figure when she declared her candidacy in July and only small parties the Social Democrats and People Before Profit backed her Labour then endorsed her and Sinn Fein which had decided to not run its own candidate threw its formidable resources and electoral organisation behind ConnollyHiggins who has been President for 14 years congratulated Connolly in a phone callThe Presidentelect will have the full support of this office as she prepares for her inauguration next month he said in a statementThe Presidency is a largely ceremonial office but Connollys victory was a stinging rebuke to the Centreright government IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/independent-left-wing-politician-catherine-connolly-wins-irelands-presidential-election-644983.html Sun, 26 Oct 2025 04:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/egyptian-turkish-fms-discuss-gaza-ceasefire-reconstruction-efforts-644984.html Cairo Oct 26 Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan have stressed the need to uphold the Gaza ceasefire to maintain regional stability In a phone call on Saturday they discussed preparations for a Cairohosted international conference in November on Gazas recovery and reconstruction with Abdelatty urging Turkeys active participation and supportHe also noted ongoing EgyptTurkey coordination in monitoring the truce alongside regional and international partners Xinhua news agency reportedThe two Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to building on the positive momentum in EgyptianTurkish relations and agreed on the importance of enhancing cooperation across political economic and investment sectorsThey also emphasised continued consultation and coordination on regional and international issues to serve the shared interests of both nations and promote peace and stability in the regionBoth Ministers agreed that closer diplomatic cooperation would strengthen security and advance their shared interestsDuring the call the two Ministers discussed the outcomes of the Sharm ElSheikh Peace Summit and the recent agreement to end the war in Gaza reached under the plan proposed by US President Donald TrumpBoth sides stressed the importance of consolidating the ceasefire and maintaining calm as a foundation for achieving lasting regional stabilityThe ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel brokered by Egypt Qatar Turkey and the United States took effect on October 10Its first phase includes the exchange of prisoners and detainees the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forcesDespite the accord both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of violating the truceMinister Abdelatty underscored Egypts commitment to the full implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement including a permanent cessation of hostilities and the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian medical and relief assistance to civilians in the Gaza StripHe also underscored the importance of ongoing coordination between Egypt and Turkey in monitoring phases of the agreement in collaboration with regional and international partners IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/egyptian-turkish-fms-discuss-gaza-ceasefire-reconstruction-efforts-644984.html Sun, 26 Oct 2025 05:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/47th-asean-summit-begins-in-malaysia-pm-modi-to-join-virtually-644985.html Kuala Lumpur Oct 26 The 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations ASEAN Summit and related summits began in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia on Sunday under the theme Inclusivity and Sustainability Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not travel to Malaysia but instead attend the ASEAN summit virtually on SundayIn a social media post on Thursday PM Modi said that he held a conversation with his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim and congratulated him on Malaysia assuming the ASEAN ChairmanshipThe Prime Minister also conveyed his wishes for the success of the upcoming Summits and reaffirmed his commitment to further deepening the ASEANIndia Comprehensive Strategic PartnershipMalaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will host leaders from ASEAN member states along with top officials from the US China Japan South Korea and other key partners for the threeday summit held from October 2628More than 30 heads of state and government from the 10 member states of the association commonly referred to as ASEAN are invitedAmong the invitees from outside the bloc is US President Donald TrumpMore than 10000 police officers have been deployed to the Malaysian capital to secure the meetings which begin on Sunday and run through TuesdayTrump will attend a dinner with ASEAN leaders and is expected to witness the signing of a peace accord between Cambodia and Thailand following deadly border clashes in July that ended after Anwar mediated a ceasefireAmong those attending are South Africas President Cyril Ramaphosa Brazils President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva South Koreas President Lee Jae Myung Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Japans first female Prime Minister Sanae TakaichiAustralian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and New Zealands Prime Minister Christopher Luxon are also taking partFrom ASEAN Bruneis Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr Laotian Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone Thailands Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and TimorLestes President Jose RamosHorta are among those expectedTimorLeste or East Timor is set to officially become the blocs 11th member during the summitRepresentatives from the UN including UN SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres World Bank the International Monetary Fund IMF and other global organisations are also expected to attend while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will join the meetings virtually European Council President Antonio Costa will also be among the attendeesRussian President Vladimir Putin and Myanmars acting President Senior General Min Aung Hlaing will not attend Russia will instead be represented by Deputy Prime Minister Alexander NovakASEAN has decided not to extend an invitation to participate in summits to Myanmars military leadership since the February 2021 coupIn addition to internal meetings ASEAN will hold summitlevel discussions with key dialogue partners including the US China and JapanASEAN a regional organisation founded in Bangkok on August 8 1967 consists of Brunei Cambodia Indonesia Laos Malaysia Myanmar the Philippines Singapore Thailand and VietnamMalaysian Prime Minister Anwar who is hosting the summit has expressed expectations that the ASEAN meetings will result in positive outcomes with Trumps tariffs on US allies and foes being a central topicOn regional trade Anwar has emphasised the importance of the worlds largest trade deal the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership RCEP which includes China as it covers nearly onethird of global GDP and tradeHe has expressed Malaysias hopes to expand RCEP membership and explore ways to enhance tradeThe plight of one of the worlds most persecuted communities the Rohingya in Myanmar which is witnessing internal ethnic strife will also be on the agenda alongside possible discussions regarding the tensions in the disputed South China SeaASEAN is additionally expected to issue a statement on the situation in Gaza where a ceasefire between Israeli forces and Hamas has been in place since October 10The ASEAN summit will discuss pressing issues like US tariffs and access to rare earth minerals which are essential to hightech manufacturing and whose production is dominated by ChinaTrump launched his Liberation Day Tariffs in April against most US trading partners in a bid to lower the US trade deficit After much negotiation US tariffs for most ASEAN countries range from 10 to 20 per cent while Bruneis tariff rate is 25 per cent Tariffs for Laos and Myanmar are both 40 per centIn response to Trumps tariffs China has tightened export restrictions on rare earths a move that has been felt around the worldAttendees are also expected to discuss pressing issues like Myanmars civil war and the proliferation of scam centres in Southeast Asia which have earned criminal networks tens of billions of dollars IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/47th-asean-summit-begins-in-malaysia-pm-modi-to-join-virtually-644985.html Sun, 26 Oct 2025 07:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-warns-hamas-to-return-bodies-of-israeli-hostages-says-he-is-watching-very-closely-over-next-48-hours-644986.html Washington Oct 26 US President Donald Trump has issued a warning to Hamas demanding the group begin returning the bodies of the deceased hostages quickly and said that Arab nations involved in peace efforts would take action if Hamas fails to comply Hamas is going to have to start returning the bodies of the deceased hostages including two Americans quickly or the other Countries involved in this GREAT PEACE will take action Some of the bodies are hard to reach but others they can return now and for some reason they are not Trump wrote late Saturday evening on Truth SocialLets see what they do over the next 48 hours I am watching this very closely the President addedWhile all the living hostages have been returned from Gaza the remains of 13 deceased hostages have not been handed over by HamasSome of the bodies are hard to reach but others they can return now and for some reason they are not Trump wrote in a Truth Social postPerhaps it has to do with their disarming but when I said Both sides would be treated fairly that only applies if they comply with their obligationsHours before Trumps social media post Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee met with the families of Itay Chen and Omer Neutra two US citizens who were killed in the October 7 2023 attacksThe Presidents post came shortly after a brief meeting aboard Air Force One in Doha with Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al ThaniQatar has played a significant role in efforts to negotiate peace and ceasefires GazaFollowing the meeting with Qatar Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani Trump said the Emir is one of the great rulers of the world and the Prime Minister has been my friendTrump later told reporters that the two discussed the Gaza peace deal during the stopover before continuing his trip to AsiaHamas has returned 15 of the 28 bodies of deceased hostages outlined in the USproposed ceasefire agreementThe terror group previously said it had handed over all of the remaining hostages it could access and that significant efforts and special equipment are needed to recover moreIsrael is allowing an Egyptian team with tools and equipment to enter Gaza and assist in the efforts to locate the bodies of the deceased hostages two Israeli security officials told CNN on Saturday IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-warns-hamas-to-return-bodies-of-israeli-hostages-says-he-is-watching-very-closely-over-next-48-hours-644986.html Sun, 26 Oct 2025 07:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-meets-qatar-emir-on-air-force-1-during-stopover-gets-gaza-troop-assurance-644987.html Doha Oct 26 US President Donald Trump held an unusual summit on board Air Force One meeting the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad alThani during a refueling stop on his way to Malaysia After their meeting while the plane was at the Al Udeid Air Base on Saturday Trump said that an international stabilisation force for Gaza was taking shape and Qatar would contribute troopsAt the meeting with the Qatars Emir and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim alThani Trump thanked them for their mediation that resulted in the Gaza peace deal between Israel and HamasWhat weve done is incredible peace to the Middle East and they were a very big factor in it so I just want to thank you he told themHe added You have safe Middle East Keep it that wayI hope so the Qatari Emir repliedThe Emir and the Prime Minister came to the Al Udeid Air Base the largest US military facility in the region for the meetingThe Emir said at the start of their meeting As soon as I found out that he is coming to refuel I said I am not going to let him take off unless I came to say helloAbout the summit on the plane Trump told the Emir You dont do this oftenThe Emir said No this is the first timeI dont think hes done this before Trump remarkedAlong with Turkey Qatar acted as the mediator in the negotiations between Hamas and Israel to end the twoyear conflict in Gaza that culminated this month with the two sides agreeing to a 20point peace deal proposed by TrumpIsrael struck a building in Qatar where the Hamas negotiators were staying nearly aborting the negotiations and infuriating TrumpThe Hamas leaders escaped but a Qatar personnel was killedTrump forced Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu while visiting the White House to apologise to the Emir in a public phone callWith the first phases peace deal release of hostages by Hamas and prisoners by Israel and the return of the bodies of hostages nearly complete and a tenuous ceasefire is holding in Gaza except for one flare up the difficult task of the terrorist organisation laying down arms or being made to comes up nextParticipation of Qatari troops would be important for the international stabilisation force planned under the peace deal for the disarming of Hamas and policing of Gaza till a Palestinian police force can take overUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio who is travelling separately said Many of the countries that have expressed an interest in participating at some level whether it be monetary or personnel or bothBut he added that a United Nations Security Council or some other international mandate would be needed because their domestic laws require itRubio is set to meet Qatari officials during his stop over there while on his way to AsiaTrumps itinerary has him at two summits the ASEAN in Kuala Lumpur and the AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation APEC in Gyeongju South Korea and a visit to Japan sandwiched between them all focusing on trade tariffs and investmentsBut his planned meeting with Chinas President Xi Jinping in South Korea will dominate the trip visually and politicallyTrump is hoping to reach a trade agreement that scales the recent conflicts over Chinas restrictions on export and use of rare earth products and boycott of some US agricultural products and the US technology controls and punitive tariffs that could add to more than 150 per cent IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-meets-qatar-emir-on-air-force-1-during-stopover-gets-gaza-troop-assurance-644987.html Sun, 26 Oct 2025 07:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-arrives-in-malaysia-for-asean-summit-thanks-pm-ibrahim-to-end-cambodia-thailand-conflict-644988.html Washington Oct 26 US President Donald Trump arrived in Malaysia on Saturday beginning the first of three stops on the first Asia trip of his second term After nearly 24 hours of travel with two refueling stops Air Force One was wheels down in Kuala Lumpur just before 10 am local time on SundayTrump said he is making the stop in Kuala Lumpur to thank Anwar for his countrys involvement in helping to end the conflict between Thailand and CambodiaA red carpet has been set upon the tarmac and moments from now Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will welcome Trump with a formal arrival ceremony offering the President the pomp and circumstance he enjoysMalaysia is hosting the ASEAN Summit a gathering of South Asian leadersMalaysia helped us One of the reasons Im going to Malaysia is they were very very much involved in the whole thing Thailand and all Trump told reporters aboard Air Force OneHe added I told the leader of Malaysia whos a very good man I said I think I owe you a trip and thats why were stopping in MalaysiaTrump is expected to join leaders from Malaysia Cambodia and Thailand to sign the peace deal later on SaturdayTrump will lean on the power of inperson diplomacy on the first Asia trip of his second term as he meets with old rivals new friends and potentially adversaries while looking to cut deals that could have sweeping economic and national security implicationsBut Trumps love of tariffs just like his unpredictable approach to relationships abroad has generated uncertainty among oncesolid US allies in the region setting up a major test of whether the Art of the Deal author can deliverTrump arrives in Malaysia late Saturday Sunday morning local time for a sixday threecountry tour after having reimagined the role of the US in the world a role hes trying to defend against the rising influence of China in particular around the globeThe America First President touts what he says are Trumpbrokered ends to eight wars including a fragile ceasefire for the IsraelHamas conflict and uses his tariff policy as leverageAnd he has said that the conflict whose resolution has been most elusive Russias war in Ukraine will be on the agenda during the higheststakes meeting of the trip with Xi Jinping the leader of China with which the US is embroiled in a simmering trade warUpon arrival in Kuala Lumpur Trump will sign a peace agreement between Cambodia and Thailand the President said on Saturday IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-arrives-in-malaysia-for-asean-summit-thanks-pm-ibrahim-to-end-cambodia-thailand-conflict-644988.html Sun, 26 Oct 2025 08:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/catherine-connolly-wins-irelands-presidential-election-644993.html London Oct 26 Independent politician Catherine Connolly has won Irelands presidential election and will serve as the countrys 10th president after receiving 6336 per cent of first preference votes according to official results released The 68yearold candidate backed by several leftwing parties including Sinn Fein competed with Fine Gaels Heather Humphreys a former government minister in the election that kicked off on FridayThe results announced on Saturday evening local time show a landslide for Connolly as was predicted by opinion polls with 914143 first preference votes Humphreys who won 2946 per cent of first preference votes has congratulated Connolly on becoming a president for all of us on Saturday afternoon before the full results were releasedA third candidate on the ballot the Fianna Failbacked Jim Gavin withdrew from the race earlier in October following a controversy over a rental dispute reports Xinhua news agencyConnolly has served as a member of parliament for the Galway West constituency since 2016 and previously worked as a psychologist and barristerShe became the deputy speaker of the parliaments lower house in 2020 the first woman ever to hold the postConnolly will be sworn in to succeed incumbent President Michael D Higgins who is set to complete the second of his two consecutive sevenyear terms in NovemberAfter winning the elections she said My message is use your voice in every way you can because a republic and a democracy need constructive questioning and together we can shape a new republic that values everybody IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/catherine-connolly-wins-irelands-presidential-election-644993.html Sun, 26 Oct 2025 10:01:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/vp-radhakrishnan-departs-for-seychelles-to-attend-swearing-in-ceremony-of-president-elect-644997.html New Delhi Oct 26 Vice President CP Radhakrishnan on Sunday departed for Seychelles to attend the swearingin ceremony of Presidentelect Patrick Herminie In a statement the Ministry of External Affairs MEA announced that during the visit the Vice President will extend Indias congratulations to Patrick Herminie and reaffirm the close longstanding and timetested ties between the two nationsIn a post on X the MEA said Adding further momentum in IndiaSeychelles bilateral ties VicePresident CP Radhakrishnan has departed for Seychelles to attend the swearingin ceremony of Dr Patrick Herminie Presidentelect of the Republic of SeychellesThe visit underscores Indias deep commitment to further strengthen and expand its partnership with SeychellesIndias bilateral engagement with Seychelles is characterised by New Delhis historical contacts and continuous support to Seychelles for its security IndiaSeychelles relations embody close friendship understanding and cooperationSeychelles is an important partner under Indias Vision MAHASAGAR and in our commitment to the Global South The visit underscores Indias deep commitment to further strengthen and expand its partnership with Seychelles read a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs MEA on FridayIt was in the year 1770 that a small group of five Indians landed in Seychelles as plantation workers along with seven African slaves and 15 French colonists and were recorded as the first inhabitants of the Islands the MEA statesRegular trade links facilitated the migration of an Indian trading community looking for greener pastures having reached a saturation point in East AfricaIndiaSeychelles diplomatic ties were established after the countrys independence in 1976 When Seychelles attained freedom on June 26 1976 a contingent from the Indian Naval Ship INS Nilgiri took part in the Independence Day celebrationsThe Indian Mission was established in 1979 in Victoria with the High Commissioner based in DaresSalaam and concurrently accredited to Seychelles The first resident High Commissioner was appointed in 1987 while Seychelles opened its resident mission in New Delhi in early 2008During Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Seychelles in March 2015 the first by an Indian PM in 34 years four significant agreementsMoUs were signed including the inauguration of the Coastal Surveillance Radar System CRS Project announcements of gifting of a second Dornier aircraft to Seychelles and a threemonth gratis visa for Seychelles nationals for travel to India IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/vp-radhakrishnan-departs-for-seychelles-to-attend-swearing-in-ceremony-of-president-elect-644997.html Sun, 26 Oct 2025 10:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/north-korean-fm-choe-to-visit-russia-belarus-report-645022.html Seoul Oct 26 North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Sonhui will visit Russia and Belarus at the invitation of the two countries governments the state media reported on Sunday The state media did not immediately disclose other details including the exact dates for Choes tripHer trip to Russia will mark her first in about a year Yonhap News Agency reported She last visited Moscow in November last year and paid a courtesy call on Russian President Vladimir PutinHer trip to Russia comes amid growing speculation over whether North Korean leader Kim Jongun will respond to US President Donald Trumps calls for another meeting between the two when Trump visits South Korea later this week for the AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation APEC summit The announcement of Choes visit to Russia however suggests that such a potential meeting may have become more unlikelyAhead of his Asia swing that includes trips to Malaysia and Japan Trump reiterated his willingness to meet Kim if hed like to meet saying that hes still open to meeting him againObservers see chances of the two leaders meeting as slim as the North has closely aligned with Russia in military ties with its troop deployment to Russia in support of Moscows war against Ukraine Pyongyang has also been working to restore its relationship with ChinaKim too has expressed his openness to engaging with the US but only if Washington drops its demand for the Norths denuclearisationSpeaking to the press aboard Air Force One en route to Malaysia Trump called the North sort of a nuclear power when asked about Pyongyangs position that it has to be recognised as a nuclear power to have talks with the USA senior US official said earlier that a meeting between Trump and Kim is not on the current schedule for Trumps Asia trip but added that things can change IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/north-korean-fm-choe-to-visit-russia-belarus-report-645022.html Sun, 26 Oct 2025 13:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/13-million-children-forced-to-work-as-labourers-in-pakistans-sindh-645032.html Islamabad Oct 26 As many as 13 million children aged between five and 17 years are trapped in child labour in Pakistans Sindh province with 65 per cent of them compelled to work in the agriculture sector local media reported quoting a government survey Notably Pakistans Labour Department has launched the Sindh Child Labour Survey 20232024 in collaboration with UNICEFAccording to the survey around twothirds of 13 million children were engaged in the agriculture sector followed by 124 per cent in manufacturing while 108 per cent in wholesaleretail trade a report published on the website of Pakistan daily Dawn saidThe first survey conducted in nearly 30 years has provided evidence to implement stronger policies for ending child labour revealing details regarding the educational status living conditions and work responsibilities of children in 29 districts of Sindh provinceAccording to the survey the number of children engaged in work in the province has reduced by nearly 50 per cent since the survey was conducted in 1996 when it stood at 206 per cent The survey found that 103 per cent of children aged between five17 years were involved in child labour which comprised 137 per cent of boys and 66 per cent of girlsIt revealed that 443 per cent of parents let their children work so that they could increase family income while 435 per cent of those caught in child labour reported fatigue or injury from workrelated tasksAccording to the survey child labour was highest in Sujawal 351 per cent and Tharparkar 256 per cent while Malir 27 per cent and Karachi South 3 per cent reported less number of casesThe survey revealed that 504 per cent of children involved in work aged between 1017 years are subjected to hazardous conditions including carrying heavy loads 298 per cent facing extreme temperatures 281 per cent and workplace abuse 175 per centIt found that only 412 per cent of children caught in the labour studied in schools compared to 699 per cent of children who were not working The children going to schools witness a decline with age as only 291 per cent of working adolescents aged between 1417 years study in schoolsThe survey revealed that 337 per cent of the poorest households have a child involved in labour in comparison to 38 among the wealthiest households As per the survey families who receive Benazir Income Support Programme BISP support or are facing economic issues have higher child labour ratesDuring the launch of the survey Labour Secretary Asadullah Abro said the surveys findings were a stark reminder of the work they need to do in futureHe expressed the provincial governments commitment to strengthening the implementation of the Sindh Prohibition of Employment of Children Act 2017 and making policies that address the root causes of this issue IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/13-million-children-forced-to-work-as-labourers-in-pakistans-sindh-645032.html Sun, 26 Oct 2025 14:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-us-have-security-deal-on-paper-still-working-on-trade-deal-national-security-advisor-645035.html Seoul Oct 26 South Korea and the United States have an agreement on paper on security and alliance issues while negotiations to finalise a trade deal are still ongoing National Security Advisor Wi Sunglac said on Sunday Wi made the remarks in a TV interview as Seoul and Washington are in the final stage of their negotiations on the implementation of South Koreas USD 350 billion US investment package as agreed in a July deal in return for the US lowering tariffs on South Korea to 15 per cent from 25 per centAlongside the trade deal the two sides are expected to unveil a separate agreement on their security commitments outlining South Koreas plan to increase its defence spending and how the two countries may address readjusting the role of US troops in Korea as part of what they call efforts to modernise the allianceWe have most of the paperwork ready for the security components We are not sure if we can finalise the tariff part yet but we are working on it Wi said in an interview with public broadcaster KBSWhen asked whether the final deal will be reached during this weeks AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation APEC summit in Gyeongju Wi said We will have to see Yonhap News Agency reportedSeoul has suggested that some sticking points remain in the negotiations including the proportion of direct investment the timeline for delivering the investment and the method for distributing returnsWi indicated that Seoul proposed increasing its defence spending a key demand from US President Donald Trump for US allies and that was used as leverage to persuade Washington to agree to a revision of a bilateral nuclear energy pact known as the 123 AgreementWe have consistently made our point that the current restrictions are unfair for us given our capabilities and we have received a positive response from the US Wi saidThe agreement last revised in 2015 bans South Korea from spent fuel reprocessing and uranium enrichment as it strictly requires US consentSeoul has sought to include in the security deal a revision of the pact that would give it greater flexibility in the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel and enrichment of uranium for civilian energy useRegarding the upcoming talks between President Lee Jae Myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping set for Saturday Wi pointed out that building a personal relationship between the two leaders would be a prioritySecondly we need to encourage China to cooperate for denuclearisation and peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula as we seek to create room for practical cooperation in such areas as the economy he saidIn that vein Wi urged conservative activists in Korea to refrain from staging antiChina rallies saying they are rude and against the spirit of inviting a foreign leader on a state visitWi said Lee is most likely to have his first summit talks with new Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Gyeongju on ThursdayFrom what I have heard she is considered a conservative but many do not view her as a rightwing figure Wi said when asked about concerns that have arisen in Korea over Takaichis hawkish stance on history issues related to Japans 191045 colonial rule of KoreaI heard that she has a particular interest in and recognises the importance of the South KoreaJapan relations IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-us-have-security-deal-on-paper-still-working-on-trade-deal-national-security-advisor-645035.html Sun, 26 Oct 2025 15:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-intensifies-crackdown-on-afghan-refugees-amid-rising-tensions-with-kabul-645039.html New Delhi Oct 26 Pakistan has become increasingly hostile to the 28 million Afghan refugees who have lived within its borders for decades with Islamabad launching a sweeping campaign of deportations in the name of combating terrorism According to a report by France 24 more than 666000 Afghan refugees have already been expelled since the beginning of this year a move that has drawn criticism from humanitarian groups and deepened the already strained relations between Pakistan and AfghanistanThe Pakistani government alleges that the TehrikeTaliban Pakistan TTP or Pakistani Taliban has found safe haven across the border in Afghanistan from where militants allegedly plan and execute attacks on Pakistani security forcesThe year has witnessed a record surge in such attacks prompting Islamabad to take harsh measures to as officials claim reclaim control of border regionsNotably as the tensions deteriorate amid a spate of attacks and the rising violence at the Durand Line leading to violent clashes which were halted after the two sides agreed to a ceasefire on October 19 the situation remains tense and fragileEntire Afghanpopulated neighbourhoods in Pakistani cities have been cleared refugee camps shuttered and new mechanisms introduced particularly in Punjab province enabling citizens to report the presence of illegal immigrants according to a report by France 24Initially Islamabads deportation drive targeted undocumented migrants and recent arrivalsHowever since September 1 even Afghans registered with the UNHCR have been subjected to expulsionMany of these individuals and families have lived in Pakistan for over 40 years contributing to local economies and communitiesFor countless Afghan refugees the governments ultimatum presents an impossible dilemma remain in hiding to avoid detention and deportation or return to a Talibancontrolled Afghanistan a country where women and girls are barred from education civil liberties are curtailed and the economy is in shamblesAs the campaign continues observers warn that Pakistans actions risk triggering a humanitarian crisis across the regionWhat began as a security measure has now evolved into a mass displacement forcing generations of Afghans to once again abandon the only home they have known for decades IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-intensifies-crackdown-on-afghan-refugees-amid-rising-tensions-with-kabul-645039.html Sun, 26 Oct 2025 15:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/stronger-india-brazil-ties-to-give-global-south-a-bigger-say-645046.html New Delhi Oct 26 IANS India and Brazil are strengthening trade investment and energy ties as part of the BRICS bloc a move that is expected to boost the negotiating power of the Global South at a time when the turmoil over US tariffs has increased uncertainty in global tradenbspThe two countries have decided to go in for a substantial expansion of the agreement between India and MERCOSUR member states aiming for a significant share of the bilateral trade to benefit from tariff preferences according to a joint statement issued after a meeting held here between the Vice President of Brazil Geraldo Alckmin and Indias Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush GoyalThe agreement between India and MERCOSUR comprising Brazil Argentina Bolivia Paraguay and Uruguay was signed on June 17 2003 with the aim of strengthening relations and promoting the expansion of tradenbspAccording to the joint statement the expansion of the agreement should cover both tariff and nontariff issues related to trade and economic partnershipnbspAnalysts say the push is not just about shielding their economies from punitive US tariffs but also about asserting influence on multilateral issues ranging from energy security to global climate policy according to an article in the South China Morning Posts publication This Week in AsiaBrazil is Indias largest trade partner in South America and the two countries agreed to raise bilateral trade to 20 billion by 2030 from 12 billion last yearnbspThis is a partnership of weight and complementarity There is a reason to be together because their interests coincide but it is also in the interest of humankind Manjeev Puri Indias former ambassador to the European Union told This Week in AsianbspBoth countries were strong advocates for protecting the interests of developing nations in the Global South he saidnbspBrazil has helped the Global South by raising issues such as food security and health at multilateral forums including BRICS and G20 while India has provided digital infrastructure sharing humanitarian aid and supported the inclusion of the African Union into the G20Besides being founding members of BRICSa bloc of major emerging national economies that includes Russia China and South AfricaIndia and Brazil are also part of a trilateral grouping called the IndiaBrazilSouth Africa Dialogue Forum that seeks to promote cooperation in various sectorsnbspIt is in our national interest that we will be with Brazil no matter that there are strong headwinds from the US in particular Puri saidnbspExperts say there are several possible areas for deeper bilateral cooperation Brazils pioneering efforts in developing sugar canebased biofuels could be important for Indias own push to increase use of ethanol to trim crude oil imports which have historically been the biggest drag on its foreign exchange Puri notedAviation could be another sector experts say Brazilian aerospace major Embraer inaugurated its office in Delhi to strengthen its presence in Indias commercial aviation sector The Indian Air Force and the commercial airline Star Air already use Embraer aircraftnbspBrazils Vice President also met Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh PurinbspWas pleased to meet Geraldo Alckmin Vice President and Minister of Development Industry Trade and Services of Brazil during his visit to India Our conversation focused on the expanding energy partnership between India and Brazil from robust bilateral trade in hydrocarbons and longterm crude supply contracts with Petrobras to Indian investments worth over USD 35 billion in Brazils upstream sector making it Indias largest investment destination in the Americas Puri said after the meetingThe minister further stated that discussions also took place on opportunities for collaboration in exploration and production Indias participation in upcoming offshore projects and mutual prospects in deep and ultradeepwater activitiesnbspAlckmin also held a meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Brazilian Defence Minister Jose Mucio Monteiro Filho was also present during the interactionnbspIndia and Brazil share a strategic partnership The leaders reviewed the entire range of multifaceted relations in the defence sector between the two countriesnbspThey also exchanged views on areas of mutual interest covering militarytomilitary and defence industrial cooperation including joint exercises and training visitsnbspThe leaders reviewed the progress of ongoing defencerelated initiatives and identified priority areas for joint work including exploring opportunities for codevelopment and coproduction of defence equipment the Ministry of Defence said in a statement https://dailyworld.in/international/stronger-india-brazil-ties-to-give-global-south-a-bigger-say-645046.html Sun, 26 Oct 2025 17:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/vp-radhakrishnan-arrives-in-seychelles-to-attend-swearing-in-ceremony-of-president-elect-645048.html Victoria Oct 26 IANS Vice President CP Radhakrishnan arrived in Seychelles on Sunday for twoday visit to attend the swearingin ceremony of Presidentelect Patrick HerminienbspMinistry of External Affairs MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that Radhakrishnan will begin his engagements in Seychelles with an address to the Indian communitynbspVicePresident CP Radhakrishnan has arrived in Seychelles on a 2day visit VPs series of engagements begin with an address to the Indian community followed by attending the swearingin ceremony of Presidentelect Mr Patrick Herminie Jaiswal posted on XDuring the visit Vice President Radhakrishnan will convey Indias warm wishes to Herminie and reaffirm the close longstanding and timetested ties between the two countries according to MEA statementnbspSeychelles is an important partner under Indias Vision MAHASAGAR and in our commitment to the Global South The visit underscores Indias deep commitment to further strengthen and expand its partnership with Seychelles read a statement issued by the MEAnbspIndias bilateral engagement with Seychelles is characterised by New Delhis historical contacts and continuous support to Seychelles for its security IndiaSeychelles relations embody close friendship understanding and cooperationIt was in the year 1770 that a small group of five Indians landed in Seychelles as plantation workers along with seven African slaves and 15 French colonists and were recorded as the first inhabitants of the Islands the MEA statesnbspRegular trade links facilitated the migration of an Indian trading community looking for greener pastures having reached a saturation point in East AfricanbspNotably the diplomatic ties between India and Seychelles were established after the countrys independence in 1976 When Seychelles attained freedom on June 26 1976 a contingent from the Indian Naval Ship INS Nilgiri took part in the Independence Day celebrationsThe Indian Mission was established in 1979 in Victoria with the High Commissioner based in DaresSalaam and concurrently accredited to Seychelles The first resident High Commissioner was appointed in 1987 while Seychelles opened its resident mission in New Delhi in early 2008nbspDuring Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Seychelles in March 2015 the first by an Indian PM in 34 years four significant agreementsMemorandum of Understanding MoUs were signed including the inauguration of the Coastal Surveillance Radar System CRS Project announcements of gifting of a second Dornier aircraft to Seychelles and a threemonth gratis visa for Seychelles nationals for travel to India https://dailyworld.in/international/vp-radhakrishnan-arrives-in-seychelles-to-attend-swearing-in-ceremony-of-president-elect-645048.html Sun, 26 Oct 2025 17:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trade-tensions-appear-to-have-cooled-after-talks-between-us-and-china-setting-up-a-trump-xi-meeting--645051.html Kuala Lumpur Oct 26 Trade tensions between the United States and China appeared to cool on Sunday ahead of a meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping with the Chinese government suggesting that a mutual understanding had been reached between the worlds two largest economiesnbspThe talks followed Chinas placing limits on the exporting of rare earth elements needed for advanced technologies and Trumps threat of an additional 100 per cent tariffs on Chinese goods The conflict has been poised to weaken economic growth worldwideChinas top trade negotiator Li Chenggang told reporters that the two sides had reached a preliminary consensus on areas of dispute and would seek to further stabilise the relationship Trump also expressed confidence that an agreement was at handnbspThey want to make a deal and we want to make a deal he said Trump reiterated his plan to visit China in the future and suggested that Xi could come to Washington or MaraLago his private club in FloridanbspnbspThe announcement came at the annual summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations hosted in Kuala Lumpur with Trump seeking to burnish his reputation as an international dealmakernbspYet the path to those deals has involved serious disruptions at home and abroad with his tariff hikes scrambling the global economy and a US government shutdown that has him feuding with DemocratsnbspTrump attends a ceasefire ceremony between Thailand and CambodianbspAt the summit Thailand and Cambodia signed an expanded ceasefire agreement on Sunday during a ceremony attended by Trump whose threats of economic pressure prodded the two nations to halt skirmishes along their disputed border earlier this yearnbspThailand will release Cambodian prisoners and Cambodia will begin withdrawing heavy artillery as part of the first phase of the deal Regional observers will monitor the situation to ensure fighting doesnt restartnbspWe did something that a lot of people said couldnt be done Trump said Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet called it a historic day and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the agreement creates the building blocks for a lasting peace Trump touched down in the Malaysian capital shortly before 0200 GMT where he performed his trademark campaign trail dance with local performers and waved an American flag in one hand and a Malaysian flag in the other His trip will also include visits to Japan and South Korea and a planned meeting with XiThe president signed economic agreements with Cambodia Thailand and Malaysia some of them aimed at increasing trade involving critical minerals The US wants to rely less on China which has limited exports of key components in technology manufacturingnbspIts very important that we cooperate as willing partners with each other to ensure that we can have smooth supply chains secure supply chains for the quality of life for our people and security said US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer Trump reengages with a key region of the worldnbspThe president attended this summit only once during his first term and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth seemed unfamiliar with ASEAN during his confirmation hearing in JanuarynbspBut this years event was a chance for Trump to reengage with a collection of nations that have a combined USD 38 trillion economy and 680 million peoplenbspThe United States is with you 100 per cent and we intend to be a strong partner and friend for many generations to come Trump said He described his counterparts as spectacular leaders and said Everything you touch turns to goldnbspThe summit also allowed Trump to play global peacemaker with Thailand and Cambodia which have competing territorial claims that result in periodic violence along their border Some of the worst modern fighting between the two countries took place over five days in July killing dozens and displacing hundreds of thousands of people some of the worst modern fighting between the two countriesnbspTrump threatened at the time to withhold trade agreements unless the fighting stopped in a display of economic leverage credited with spurring negotiations A shaky truce has persisted since thennbspThe fact that Trump was holding the tariff card was actually very very significant said Ou Virak president of Phnom Penhs Future Forum think tank Thats probably the main reason if not the only reason but definitely the main reason why the two sides agreed immediately to the ceasefirenbsp Now he said theres a ceremony for Trump to be in front of cameras so he can be seen as the champion that brings an end to wars and conflicts giving him more ammunition for his bid for Nobel Peace Prize Trump has explicitly campaigned for the honour continuously adding to a list of conflicts that he either helped resolve or claims to have endednbspMalaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim praised the agreement between Thailand and Cambodia during opening remarks at the summit saying It reminds us that reconciliation is not concession but an act of courage Tariffs are in focus on Trumps tripnbspTrump sat down with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Kuala Lumpur who was also attending the summit There has been friction between the two leaders over the Brazilian prosecution of Jair Bolsonaro the countrys former president who has been close to Trump Bolsonaro was convicted of attempting a coup in his country earlier this weekDuring his meeting with Lula on Sunday Trump said he could reduce tariffs on Brazil that he enacted in a push for leniency for BolsonaronbspI think we should be able to make some good deals for both countries he saidnbspWhile Trump was warming to Lula he avoided Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney The president is angry with Canada because of a television advertisement protesting his trade policies and on his way to the summit he announced on social media he would hike tariffs on Canada because of itnbspTrump has expressed confidence about reaching deals during the rest of his trip including with China Fentanyl trafficking and soybean sales are among Trumps prioritiesnbspI think we have a really good chance of making a very comprehensive deal Trump saidnbspIt remains to be seen whether Trumps dealmaking addresses longstanding issues or puts them off for another daynbspUS Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested Sunday that Washington and Beijing could step back from their confrontation instead of pushing forward with higher tariffs by America and export restrictions on rare earth elements by ChinanbspWhen asked if the two countries could extend the trade truce from earlier this year Bessent said I would say yes However he emphasised that the final decision would be up to TrumpnbspOne leader who was absent from the summit in Kuala Lumpur is Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Although he was close with Trump during his first term the relationship has been more tense lately Trump caused irritation by boasting that he settled a recent conflict between India and Pakistan and he has increased tariffs on India for its purchase of Russian oil https://dailyworld.in/international/trade-tensions-appear-to-have-cooled-after-talks-between-us-and-china-setting-up-a-trump-xi-meeting--645051.html Sun, 26 Oct 2025 17:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pak-afghan-delegations-to-take-stock-of-peace-agreement-in-istanbul-talks-644871.html New Delhi Oct 25 Delegations from Afghanistan and Pakistan will be sitting across the table at Istanbul on Saturday to follow up on the implementation and other details of the Doha peace agreement held last week The negotiations mediated by Qatar and Türkiye were aimed at Afghanistan and Pakistan reaching a ceasefire agreement following days of deadly crossborder gunfire that killed injured and displaced civilians near the Durand Line that separates the two countriesThe negotiations at the Qatrai capital earlier reportedly lasted about 13 hours with Doha announcing an agreement early morning on October 19The temporary ceasefire brought hope and bought time for the beleaguered civillians settled around the border following a week of intermittent but heavy clashesSoon after the Doha talks Defence Minister Khawaja Asif leading Pakistans negotiators at the Qatari capital had emphasised that the ceasefire will only hold if the Taliban stops crossborder terrorist attacksHe stressed that the entire ceasefire hinges on this critical clause making the Talibans compliance the linchpin for maintaining peaceHowever the Taliban claimed that it had responded to an earlier aerial attack carried out by Pakistan within its territories including KabulWhile successful implementation would somewhat stabilise the volatility in the region which is directly affecting trade and transit including Afghanistans access to Pakistani ports failure could aggravate military and diplomatic tensions in the South Asian neighbourhoodAccording to a spokesperson of Pakistans Foreign Ministry Islamabad expects a clear monitoring mechanism to be established in Istanbul to address its security concernsHe stated that while Pakistan does not seek escalation it urges the Afghan Taliban to address its concerns over alleged terrorist entities in regions around the Durand LineThe demarcating line is itself a subject of dispute for successive powers that be in Kabul who claim Pashtundominated areas across this border as parts of Afghanistan or a separate PashtunistanTaliban Defence Minister Muhammad Yaqoob Mujahid who led Afghanistans delegation for the Doha talks earlier said that there were no talks on the disputed border in their agreement with PakistanOn Saturdays Istanbul talks he had merely stated that the meeting would focus on the implementation of the Doha AgreementKhawaja Asifs recent statement widely reported in the media that the details of the Doha agreement will remain confidential also raises certain questionsHowever Pakistans Defence Minister did share that the agreement included three points Return of Afghan refugees from Pakistan alleged harbouring of TehreekeTaliban Pakistan TTP fighters by Kabul and a ceasefireAccording to United Nations estimates globally 103 million Afghans remain displaced within their country or in neighbouring countries due to conflict violence and povertyPakistan hosted 16 million Afghan refugees of which it added that an estimated 126800 have returned in the past year Since then Islamabad has forced tens of thousands of Afghan refugees backWith widespread poverty and hunger in the country and lack of funding in the absence of diplomatic recognition to the Taliban regime Kabul is overwhelmed with this trafficIncidentally Iran and Pakistan are the two largest host countries of Afghan refugees where nearly a quarter of a million came back in 2024 from the formerMore returned during Israels June bombing of Iran Meanwhile Islamabads claim of Kabul supporting terror activities against Pakistan has been repeatedly denied by the TalibanIt now depends on the mediators to guide the two neighbours through their complicated maze of relations while they figure out lasting peace while in the largest city of Türkiye IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pak-afghan-delegations-to-take-stock-of-peace-agreement-in-istanbul-talks-644871.html Sat, 25 Oct 2025 17:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/cote-divoire-holds-presidential-election-amid-political-tension-644879.html Abidjan Oct 25 Voters in Cote dIvoire began casting their ballots on Saturday in the 2025 presidential election At the Groupe Scolaire Plateau de PortBouet 2 voting centre in Abidjan many voters arrived before 8 am 0800 GMT the official start time under the watch of police officers and gendarmesPolling stations will remain open until 6 pm local time Xinhua news agency reported According to the Independent Electoral Commission a total of 25678 polling stations have been set up 25370 within Cote dIvoire and 308 abroad to accommodate 8727431 registered voters including 8607253 in the country and 120178 overseasIncumbent President 83yearold Alassane Ouattara is representing the Rally of Houphouetists for Democracy and Peace and seeking a fourth term in office He is facing four other contenders including former First Lady Simone Ehivet Gbagbo 76 candidate of the Movement of Capable Generations JeanLouis Billon 60 candidate of the Democratic Congress Ahoua Don Mello 67 an independent candidate and Henriette Lagou Adjoua 66 candidate for the Group of Political Partners for PeaceThe election is being held amid heightened political and social tension following court rulings that barred key opposition leaders from contestingThe government of Cote dIvoire had last week announced a twomonth temporary ban on all public gatherings and demonstrations organised by political parties or groups across the countryAccording to a decree issued by Minister of Interior and Security Vagondo Diomande and Minister of State and Minister of Defence Tene Birahima Ouattara the measure aimed at maintaining public order and safeguard national security during the electoral periodThe decree stipulates that only demonstrations directly related to the presidential election process will be permitted while all other public political gatherings remain strictly prohibited warning that violators will face prosecutionImplementation of the ban has been entrusted to senior officials within the territorial administration the Gendarmerie and the National PoliceThe official campaign period for the presidential election began on October 10 and ended on October 23 IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/cote-divoire-holds-presidential-election-amid-political-tension-644879.html Sat, 25 Oct 2025 18:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/as-trump-embarks-on-asia-tour-world-awaits-outcome-from-xi-talks-and-if-he-indeed-will-meet-kim-again-644890.html New Delhi Oct 25 United States President Donald Trumps current visit to three Asian destinations will be followed by the global community with a mixed bag of expectations The fiveday trip begins with Malaysia where the President is expected to land on Sunday morning for the AESAN Summit followed by visits to Japan and South Korea But the highlight of his visit may be marked with a facetoface meeting with President Xi Jinping of China amidst the ongoing trade tariff tensions And during that last leg of his trip though not part of the official schedule if he does meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as he did in his earlier term that will hog international headlines over the restThe earlier encounters which included three summit meetings between 2018 and 2019 plus highprofile public gestures had turned into muchtalked international events The most vivid example remains their impromptu June 30 2019 meeting at the Demilitarised Zone DMZ in Panmunjom After what seemed a brief moment of hesitation where Trump asked if he could step across the demarcating line the US President did cross a few steps onto North Korean soil That made Trump the first sitting US President to set foot on North Korean territoryThe world watched Trump joked and bantered with Kim while media coverage emphasised the optics The handshake and the gesture of walking across the border was taken as evidence of a personal rapport that could break longstanding diplomatic logjamsMeanwhile according to South Koreas unification minister Chung Dongyoung Trump and Kim should make a bold decision to meet facetoface again said reports The US President himself told reporters onboard Air Force One as he departed for the visit that he was open to it meeting the North Korean leader adding that he had a great relationship with KimMedia reports late last month quoted the North Korean leader saying that he has good personal memories of Trump from their meetings and there is no reason to not resume dialogues But he did have a rider that the US needs to abandon its delusional obsession with denuclearisationAgain in South Korea Trumps meeting with Xi Jinping is scheduled to be held on the sidelines of the APEC meetings Their current dynamic is shaped by the tariff threats from Washington and Beijings retaliatory moves on export controls for critical inputs such as rareearth elementsBoth sides have reasons to deescalate economic slowdown risks domestic political calendars and the global costs of supplychain disruption yet both also see leverage in holding firm making outcomes fragile and incremental Their meeting can produce useful shortterm relief for markets and tactical concessions on highpriority items but durable peace in the economic sphere will require followthrough through enforceable agreements technical working groups and domestic political buyin on both sidesWhile the last leg of his tour at the end of this month may witness the highprofile encounters Trump may likely also showcase new trade deals push for credit for negotiating peace between Thailand and Cambodia and show that Washington still has sway in Southeast Asia a region where Beijing has growing clout He hopes to sign a trade agreement with Malaysia and witness a peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia that he has personally taken credit for brokeringIn Japan Trump will hold formal bilateral talks economic and security discussions and meet business delegations to press trade and investment objectives IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/as-trump-embarks-on-asia-tour-world-awaits-outcome-from-xi-talks-and-if-he-indeed-will-meet-kim-again-644890.html Sat, 25 Oct 2025 18:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pak-national-sentenced-to-40-years-in-us-prison-for-transporting-weapons-644948.html Washington Oct 25 A Pakistani national was recently sentenced to 40 years in prison on charges related to transporting Iranianmade advanced conventional weapons the United States Justice Department has announced The announcement was made on Thursday by US Assistant Attorney General for National Security John Eisenberg US Attorney Lindsey Halligan for the Eastern District of Virginia Assistant Director Donald M Holstead of the Federal Bureau of Investigations FBI Counterterrorism Division and Assistant Director in Charge Darren B Cox of the FBI Washington Field Office following sentencing by US District Judge David J NovakAccording to the statement released by the Justice Department a federal jury convicted Muhammad Pahlawan on June 5 of conspiring to provide material support and resources to terrorists as well as to Irans weapons of mass destruction programme He was also found guilty of offering material support to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps weapons of mass destruction programme while conspiring to and transporting explosive devices to the Houthis knowing those explosives would be used to cause harm and threatening his crewCiting court records and evidence presented at trial the statement added that on the night of January 11 2024 US Central Command Navy forces operating from the USS LEWIS B PULLER including Navy SEALs and members of the US Coast Guard Maritime Security Response Team East boarded an unflagged dhow a small vessel in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Somalia The US boarding team encountered 14 individual mariners on the vessel including PahlawanDuring a search of the dhow the US boarding team located and seized Iranianmade advanced conventional weaponry including ballistic missile components antiship cruise missile components and a warhead The type of weaponry found aboard the dhow is consistent with the weaponry used by the Houthi rebel forces during the time of the charged conspiracy against merchant ships and US military ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden after the October 7 Hamas attack in Israel the Justice Department statedThe US authorities mentioned that during the interdiction Pahlawan lied to the boarding team instructed other crewmembers to lie and eventually threatened the lives of the crew members and their families It mentioned that two Navy SEALs Christopher Chambers and Nathan Gage Ingram lost their lives during the maritime interception operationPahlawans January 2024 trip was part of a larger operation From in or around August 2023 through in or around January 2024 Pahlawan worked with two Iranian brothers Shahab Mirkazei Shahab and Yunus Mirkazei Yunus affiliated with Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps IRGC to smuggle materials from Iran to other recipients including the Houthi rebel forces in Yemen the statement detailed IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pak-national-sentenced-to-40-years-in-us-prison-for-transporting-weapons-644948.html Sat, 25 Oct 2025 21:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/masquerading-as-community-groups-khalistani-extremist-networks-continue-to-target-disillusioned-youth-644950.html California Oct 25 The recent case of 21yearold Indian origin man Jashanpreet Singh involved in a tragic crash on Californias I10 freeway that killed three innocent people underscores how a young life meant to build a future abroad instead became a symbol of systemic neglect criminal exploitation and the weaponisation of hope a report cited on Saturday Singh crossed illegally through the USMexico border in 2022 and was reportedly under the influence of drugs while driving a semitruck The consequences were deadly three lives lost families scarred and yet another dent in the publics trust in Americas ability to manage its borders responsibly Singhs case highlights a glaring systemic failure the report in Khalsa Vox detailedCiting reports it stated that after entering the US illegally Singh was released under the Department of Homeland Securitys alternatives to detention policy a programme designed to ease overcrowding but which often results in individuals being released with little to no followupThis lapse allowed him to obtain undocumented employment and a commercial vehicle license exposing how fragmented coordination among immigration law enforcement and transport authorities poses a risk to public safetyData from the US Border Patrol shows a tenfold increase in illegal crossings by Indians from Canada to the US in just two years a reflection of both systemic dysfunction and targeted recruitment by underground networks promising golden futures abroad For many these journeys end not in prosperity but in danger detention or death the report detailedWithin this wider phenomenon lies another troubling trend fringe separatist factions using these migration routes Khalistani groups active across the US Canada and the UK have long exploited immigrant vulnerability to expand their base Investigations show that such groups have used organised crime narcoterrorism hawala money transfers and fake asylum claims to infiltrate and fund their sinister operations it addedAccording to the report the Khalistani extremist networks often masquerade as community groups enticing disillusioned youth with promises of protection work or brotherhoodIn reality it said they entangle youths in webs of deceit turning personal dreams into weapons of political exploitation Many recruits initially seeking a livelihood become trapped in propaganda networks that romanticise rebellion while thriving on fear illegality and alienationThis tragedy must therefore be seen not as an indictment of migrants but as a wakeup call for governments in the West The American and Canadian immigration system requires not just tightening but humancentric modernisationwhere illegal entry is curtailed through vigilance and pathways for legal migration are expanded with dignity the report noted IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/masquerading-as-community-groups-khalistani-extremist-networks-continue-to-target-disillusioned-youth-644950.html Sat, 25 Oct 2025 21:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistani-militarys-obsession-with-grandeur-poses-danger-to-country-report-644951.html Islamabad Oct 25 Pakistans military delusion poses danger not merely in external miscalculations but in its internal decay as Generals addiction to grandeur blinds them to the realities of an economically desperate and climatevulnerable society a report said on Saturday Asim Munirs rise to Field Marshal and his enduring dominance over Pakistans political and institutional landscape mark not a renaissance of national strength but a deepening of a historic pathology the militarys delusion of grandeur that has repeatedly sabotaged the countrys potential for stability and progress a report in India Narrative detailedAccording to the report following the footsteps of former Army Chiefs Ayub Khan ZiaulHaq and Pervez Musharraf Munir reflects the armys belief that salvation lies not in democracy or development but in a militarised nationalism that places the soldier above the citizen and paranoia above pragmatismFor seventyfive years Pakistans generals have fashioned themselves as guardian angels of a fragile state swooping in to rescue it from civilian incompetence From Ayub Khans coup and Zias Islamisation to Musharrafs Enlightened Moderation each intervention was justified as a patriotic necessity and each left the country weaker poorer and angrier it mentionedThe report stressed that cloaked in rhetoric about national pride and Islamic fortitude Munirs ascendance to the rank of Field Marshal in 2025 theatrically asserted that the real seat of power in Islamabad lies behind the khaki curtain of Rawalpindis General HeadquartersMunirs selfstyled image as the devout general a Quran memoriser and moral guardian plays well in a society steeped in religiomilitary nationalism Yet it obscures the essential truth that Pakistans generals intoxicated by their perceived divine destiny have repeatedly mistaken personal authority for state strength The result has been an endless cycle of authoritarianism wrapped in ideology breeding both political stagnation and economic ruin it emphasisedThe tragedy of Pakistan under Munir the report said lies in its duplicitya republic in name but a garrison in practice with civilian governments existing only as administrative extensions of the militarys will The judiciary bends under the pressure of national security imperatives while the media remains under constant siegeThe report stated that the latest manoeuvres of Munir including a tenyear extension plan to retain power until 2035 highlight the militarys conviction that Pakistans salvation lies in continuity of command rather than constitutional accountabilityUnless Pakistans citizens reclaim sovereignty from its barracks the nation will remain a tragic theatre of militarised hubris where generals dream of empire while their country staggers under debt disillusionment and decay Munirs reign though wrapped in the pomp of a Field Marshal will likely be remembered not for victories won but for opportunities lost a continuation of Pakistans longest most ruinous delusion that salvation wears a uniform it noted IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistani-militarys-obsession-with-grandeur-poses-danger-to-country-report-644951.html Sat, 25 Oct 2025 22:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-has-turned-kashmir-into-worlds-longest-running-terror-export-project-report-644953.html London Oct 25 The Wests labeling of the 1947 catastrophe in Jammu and Kashmir as a territorial conflict has granted Pakistan the impunity to turn the region into the worlds longestrunning terrorexport project a report cited on Saturday On October 22 1947 Pakistan launched Operation Gulmarg a stateengineered campaign disguised as a tribal uprising Riflewielding Pashtun militias backed by Pakistan Army regulars entered Kashmir with one mandate terror What followed was slaughter and sexual violence on a scale that would today meet the legal threshold for crimes against humanity Swedish human rights defender Michael Arizanti wrote in the UKbased The Milli ChronicleRefusing to sanitise history for anyones geopolitical comfort Arizanti states that what happened in Jammu and Kashmir in 1947 was not a dispute but an invasion driven by Pakistans militarized ideology an ideology that saw Hindu and Sikh communities not as citizens entitled to safety but as obstacles to a strategic land grabHe emphasised that even 78 years after Pakistans armed invasion that was marked by mass rape targetted killings and the destruction of nonMuslim communities the structural logic behind that aggression has not changedPakistans military establishment still treats territory as a trophy civilians as expendable and jihad as a policy tool The same mindset that unleashed tribal Lashkars to butcher Kashmiris in Baramulla and Mirpur is what later produced LashkareTaiba JaisheMohammad and every other proxy weaponized to destabilize the regionExport terror Deny responsibility Perform victimhood Silence dissent Pakistan perfected this sequence starting in October 1947 and has repeated it in every decade since he addsHighlighting the massive development and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir Arizanti a seasoned writer and expert on Middle East affairs with a focus on Kurdish issues and human rights mentions that investment and infrastructure has improved drastically after the 2019 constitutional reforms integrating Jammu and Kashmir more fully into India He notes that tourism has surged beyond premilitancy levels and new universities hospitals and road networks have emerged besides local elections recording the highest turnouts in decadesContrast that with Pakistanoccupied Kashmir PoK rolling blackouts disappeared activists banned civil rights groups and a per capita income less than half that in Indiaadministered regions When residents protested food shortages and electricity theft by authorities in 2024 Pakistani troops shot at civilians he wrote in The Milli ChronicleHe also detailed how Islamabad supported the Afghan Taliban for decades not out of religious solidarity but territorial paranoiaEven now Pakistan accuses Kabul of hosting terrorists while conveniently forgetting that the Taliban leadership long lived comfortably in Quetta and Peshawar under Pakistans eye Its a toxic codependence Pakistan keeps Afghan instability alive so it can dictate the terms of peace wrote Arizanti IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-has-turned-kashmir-into-worlds-longest-running-terror-export-project-report-644953.html Sat, 25 Oct 2025 22:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-immigrants-most-economically-beneficial-group-to-us-study-644805.html Washington Oct 24 A latest study by the Manhattan Institute a conservative think tank has revealed that Indian immigrants are the most economically beneficial immigrant group in the US that reduces national debt and contributes to GDP growth The report published by the Institute on Thursday also revealed that an average Indian immigrant reduces the US national debt by over 16 million over 30 years and increases GDP more than immigrants from any other countryBy legal status H1B visa holders expand the GDP the most with an average H1B visa holder increasing it by 500000 after 30 years while reducing the debt by 23 million the study addedDaniel Martino the reports author and Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute termed South Asian immigrants especially Indians the most fiscally positive groupHe predicts that if the H1B visa program is ended it would expand the US debt by 185 billion over 10 years while shrinking the economy by 26 billionThe report also recommends ending the H1B lottery process and implementing a wagebased visa regimeThe report comes as the White House on Thursday vowed to fight lawsuits against the administrations crackdown on H1B visasWhite House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said The presidents main priority has always been to put American workers first The administration will fight these lawsuits in court We know for far too long the H1B visa system has been spammed with fraud and thats driven down American wages So the President wants to refine this system which is part of the reason he implemented these new policiesLast week the US Chamber of Commerce the countrys biggest business organisation sued the Trump administration over the new visa rules calling it unlawfulIn a lawsuit filed in the district court in Washington the plaintiff argued that the visa fee if implemented would inflict significant harm on American businesses and force them to either dramatically increase their labour costs or hire fewer highly skilled employees for whom domestic replacements are not readily availableIt added that Trumps September 19 proclamation was plainly unlawful and a boon to Americas economic rivalsIt was the second major domestic legal challenge to new H1B rules after a group of unions education professionals and religious bodies sued the Trump administration on October 3Earlier this week the US Department of Homeland Security also issued new guidance on the 100000 H1B visa application fee providing a series of exemptions and carveoutsAccording to the new guidelines workers who switch to H1B visa status from other visa categories such as F1 student status wont be subjected to the 100000 feeThe proclamation only applies to new visa petitions who are outside the US and do not have a valid H1B visaIndiaborn workers received over 70 per cent of the total approved H1B visas in 2024 primarily due to a huge backlog in approvals and a high number of skilled immigrants from India IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-immigrants-most-economically-beneficial-group-to-us-study-644805.html Sat, 25 Oct 2025 00:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/israeli-strike-kills-hezbollah-commander-in-lebanon-644808.html JerusalemBeirut Oct 25 The Israel Defense Forces IDF said in a statement that it struck and killed a senior Hezbollah commander in southern Lebanon Abbas Hassan Karky the logistics commander of Hezbollahs Southern Front headquarters was killed in the Nabatieh area of southern Lebanon the statement said on FridayIt claimed that Karky led efforts to rebuild Hezbollahs combat capabilities in recent months Xinhua news agency reportedAccording to the IDF Karaki led and advanced efforts to rebuild Hezbollahs capabilities in southern Lebanon restored infrastructure that had been destroyed during the fighting last yearHe was also responsible for reestablishing the organisations force structure and for managing the transfer and storage of weapons in southern LebanonLebanons National News Agency reported that an Israeli airstrike targeted a vehicle on a road in southern Lebanon on Friday killing Abbas Hassan KarkyA Lebanese security source confirmed to Xinhua that Karky was a Hezbollah official without providing further detailsAccording to Lebanese media Karaki was related to Ali Karaki the former chief of the Southern Front who was assassinated alongside longtime Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah last yearThe assassination of Karaki came a day after Israel said it carried out strikes across Lebanon against Hezbollah sites including an arms cache and a training camp with Lebanese authorities reporting four people killed including an elderly womanIsrael on Wednesday also announced the assassination of a platoon commander in Hezbollahs elite Radwan Force in southern Lebanon accusing him of moving weapons and working on future attacksIn both cases like on Friday Israel said the targets presence or actions constituted a violation of the ceasefireA ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel has been in effect since November 27 2024 largely halting clashes triggered by the Gaza warHowever the Israeli army continues to conduct occasional strikes in Lebanon citing operations against Hezbollah threats while maintaining forces at five main positions along the Lebanese border IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/israeli-strike-kills-hezbollah-commander-in-lebanon-644808.html Sat, 25 Oct 2025 00:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pentagon-sending-aircraft-carrier-to-latin-america-644814.html Washington Oct 25 The US military is sending the Gerald R Ford Carrier Strike Group and embarked carrier air wing to the US Southern Command area of responsibility Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell announced on social media The US Southern Command area of responsibility includes the land mass of Latin America south of Mexico the waters adjacent to Central and South America and the Caribbean SeaThe deployment was made in support of the Presidents directive to dismantle Transnational Criminal Organisations TCOs and counter narcoterrorism in defence of the Homeland Parnell said on XThese forces will enhance and augment existing capabilities to disrupt narcotics trafficking and degrade and dismantle TCOs he saidLocal analysts view the move as an indication that the Trump administration intends to broaden its anticartel campaign shifting from targeting small vessels in international waters to potentially striking landbased operations across Latin America Xinhua news agency reportedThe US military buildup in the Caribbean is already the largest in the region in more than three decades since the American invasion of Panama according to a Wall Street Journal reportEarlier on Friday US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth said the military sank a suspected drugsmuggling vessel overnight in international waters of the Caribbean killing all six people on boardIt was the first nighttime strike on a suspected narcotics vessel and the 10th such operation since September bringing the total death toll from these US strikes to more than 40On October 2 the Trump administration notified Congress in a memo that the US is in a noninternational armed conflict with drug cartels it has designated as terrorist organisations and will treat their members as unlawful combatantsThe strikes have drawn sharp criticism from Congressional DemocratsSenator Jack Reed from Rhode Island the top Democrat on the US Senate Committee on Armed Services said the US government offered no credible legal justification evidence or intelligence for the strikesVenezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has repeatedly accused the United States of invoking cartel threats as a pretext for pursuing regime change and expanding its military presence in Latin AmericaColombian President Gustavo Petro accused the US government of murder for killing drug suspects at sea IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pentagon-sending-aircraft-carrier-to-latin-america-644814.html Sat, 25 Oct 2025 04:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/ontario-premier-says-it-will-pause-ronald-reagan-ad-campaign-criticising-us-tariffs-next-week-644815.html Ottawa Oct 25 Ontario Premier Doug Ford said the advertisement campaign criticising US tariffs would pause on Monday so that trade talks can resume between the two countries The advertisements were released last week by the government of Canadas Ontario province and were running in the USOn Friday US President Donald Trump said he was ending trade talks with Canada in responseOur intention was always to initiate a conversation about the kind of economy that Americans want to build and the impact of tariffs on workers and businesses Ford said on Friday on XWeve achieved our goal having reached US audiences at the highest levels Ive directed my team to keep putting our message in front of Americans over the weekend so that we can air our commercial during the first two World Series gamesFord said he made the decision to end the ads after speaking with Canadian Prime Minister Mark CarneyThe ads featured featured audio from a speech by former US President Ronald Reagan where he lambasted tariffs as hurting every American worker and consumer and triggering fierce trade warsThe Ronald Reagan Foundation later claimed it misrepresents the speech and that the Ontario government had not asked permission to use the clipCarney told reporters earlier on Friday that Canada is prepared to resume trade talks with the US when the Americans are readyTrump criticised the ad late on Thursday night in a Truth Social post calling it FAKE and egregiousHe said trade talks were HEREBY TERMINATEDCanada is still the only G7 country that has not reached a trade deal with Trump since he began introducing sweeping tariffsThe US has imposed a 35 per cent levy on all Canadian goods though most are exempt under an existing free trade agreementIt has also slapped sectorspecific levies on Canadian goods including a 50 per cent levy on metals and 25 per cent on automobilesThose sector tariffs have especially hurt Ontario where the bulk of Canadas auto manufacturing industry is basedIt is unclear if trade talks will indeed resume now that Ford has pulled the ad and President Trump is yet to respond to the announcement it will stop runningThe White House on Friday signalled frustration with what it called Canadas longstanding unfair trade barriers and added that efforts to address these issues have not led to any constructive progressCarney has made some appeasements to keep talks going including removing retaliatory tariffs and dropping Canadas digital services tax But he has repeatedly said that he is searching for the best deal for CanadaBoth Trump and Carney are heading to Asia on Friday for the ASEAN Summit in Kuala LumpurThe Canadian Prime Minister told reporters that the focus of his trip would be developing new partnerships and opportunities including with the economic giants of Asia IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/ontario-premier-says-it-will-pause-ronald-reagan-ad-campaign-criticising-us-tariffs-next-week-644815.html Sat, 25 Oct 2025 05:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/palestinian-factions-agree-to-independent-technocratic-body-for-gaza-governance-644816.html Cairo Oct 25 Palestinian factions including Hamas and Fatah have announced an agreement to establish a temporary independent body of technocrats to administer the Gaza Strip in the aftermath of the Gaza conflict The new committee which will be composed of nonpartisan figures from Gaza is tasked with managing daily affairs and providing essential services the factions said on Friday in a joint statement following two days of Egyptianmediated talks in CairoThe factions affirmed that this body will operate under a framework of national accountability calling for an international committee to be established specifically to supervise the funding and execution of the strips comprehensive reconstruction efforts Xinhua news agency reportedThe factions demanded the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement which was brokered earlier this month between Hamas and Israel calling for the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces the unconditional lifting of the siege the opening of all crossings including the crucial Rafah border crossing and the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aidThe Palestinian groups called for a UN Security Council resolution to mandate the temporary international forces proposed to monitor the ceasefire thereby giving the mission a clear legal frameworkThey also stressed that the issue of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails would remain a priority until their freedom is securedThe factions affirmed their commitment to a broader national dialogue to unify their political efforts pledging to work towards reactivating the Palestine Liberation Organisation to ensure it represents all Palestinian componentsThe ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel brokered by Egypt Qatar Turkey and the United States took effect on October 10Its first phase includes the exchange of prisoners and detainees the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forcesDespite the accord both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of violating the truceFinally the Palestinian factions agreed to convene an urgent national meeting that brings together all Palestinian parties to forge a unified national strategy IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/palestinian-factions-agree-to-independent-technocratic-body-for-gaza-governance-644816.html Sat, 25 Oct 2025 06:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trumps-asia-tour-to-feature-summit-with-chinese-president-xi-trade-investment-deals-across-region-644817.html New York Oct 25 US President Donald Trump arrives in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday on the first leg of his Asia tour that will take him to Malaysia South Korea and Japan while a trade war rages Trade and investment deals across the region are expected but the mostwatched event of the tour will be his meeting with Chinas President Xi Jinping in South Korea after the two countries have raised their confrontation level facing off over tariffs rare earths technology and drugsTrump was confident about a deal saying on Thursday I think we are going to come out very well and everyones going to be very happyTheir meeting on October 30 will take place on the sidelines of the 21member forum AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation APEC in Gyeongju a historic city of South KoreaTrumps first visit to the region will start off at the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday and MondayIn addition to the leaders of its 10 members and Trump Presidents Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil and Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and Prime Ministers Li Qiang of China Sanae Takaichi of Japan Anthony Albanese of Australia and Mike Carney of Canada are on the guest list of dialogue partners given the regions economic heftTrumps team will include Secretary of State Marco Rubio Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson GreerPrime Minister Narendra Modi who was invited will participate virtuallySeveral ASEAN members are reeling from the tariffs set by Trump in August especially Laos and Myanmar whose tariff is 40 per centThailand and Cambodia which had a brief skirmish this year that was settled with Trumps involvement are likely to sign a peace agreement in his presence boosting the image he projects of a peacemakerThe APEC summit will take place under the shadow of the TrumpXi meeting and reports say that the US leader will likely skip the actual leaders summit meeting and use his two days there for bilateral meetingsBeijing threatened wideranging export controls on rare earth minerals in which it has a near monopoly and the US warned it would add a 100 per cent tariff to those already imposed which could increase the total tariffs on China to as much as 157 per centTrump has demanded that China rescind the restrictions on rare earth minerals and magnets start buying soybeans and stop the flow of the drugs fentanyl and the materials used for making itAn agreement at their summit would depend on whether Trump and Xi can make a deal on these and other outstanding trade issues or make a show of a compromiseTrump said When we finish our meetings in South Korea China and I will have a really fair and really great trade deal togetherHe is expected to use the meetings with leaders attending the summit to get more investments and he is expected to be at a meeting of APEC CEOs even as he is likely to skip the leaders summitThe summits theme is Building a Sustainable Tomorrow Connect Innovate Prosper and Trump finds the word sustainable distasteful as it is linked to climate change and renewable energySouth Korea may confer him the highest civilian honour the Grand Order of Mugunghwa Eternal BlossomThere had been speculation that Trump could meet North Koreas leader Kim Jong Un during the trip but that isnt going to happenOn Wednesday North Korea fired several ballistic missiles the first such launches since May true to its image of an international outlawSandwiched between the two summits is Trumps visit to Japan from Monday to WednesdayThe visit will be heavy on trade and investment issues and will include a visit to the Imperial Palace for a meeting with Emperor Naruhito IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trumps-asia-tour-to-feature-summit-with-chinese-president-xi-trade-investment-deals-across-region-644817.html Sat, 25 Oct 2025 06:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/thailands-queen-mother-sirikit-passes-away-at-age-of-93-644819.html Bangkok Oct 25 Thailands Queen Mother Sirikit has passed away at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital the Bureau of the Royal Household said The bureau said on Friday in an official announcement that a team of doctors who have been overseeing and providing treatment for the Queen Mothers health at the hospital since September 7 2019 identified that she was suffering from several illnesses and abnormalities across multiple bodily systems necessitating continuous medical attentionAccording to physicians the Queen Mother contracted a bloodstream infection on October 17 2025Despite the physicians efforts to provide treatment her condition gradually deteriorated and she passed away peacefully at 921 pm on Friday at the age of 93Thailands King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua has directed the relevant bureau to make arrangements for the Queen Mothers royal funeral which will be held with the highest honours in accordance with royal traditionsHer remains will be enshrined at the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall located within the Grand Palace in BangkokThe king has also issued a decree establishing a oneyear mourning periodThis period shall apply to members of the Royal Family and officials of the Royal Court starting from the date of the Queen Mothers passingFor many Thais Queen Mother Sirikit will be remembered as a symbol of grace compassion and national prideHer death will be marked with reverence in a country where strict lesemajeste laws make criticism of the monarchy past or present a criminal offenceFrom a young princess in Paris to a queen who shaped Thailands modern monarchy Sirikits life spanned decades of social cultural and political change leaving a legacy that continues to influence the nationSirikit was briefly regent a global style icon and a royal figure who navigated both ceremonial and political landscapes with care and influenceIn her passing she leaves behind her son King Maha Vajiralongkorn known as Rama X and three daughters IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/thailands-queen-mother-sirikit-passes-away-at-age-of-93-644819.html Sat, 25 Oct 2025 08:18:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-mission-hosts-global-diplomats-in-guatemala-highlights-partnership-vision-644834.html Guatemala City Oct 25 Highlighting New Delhis resolve to foster friendship and collective development with global partners Indian Ambassador to Guatemala Raj Kumar Singh hosted an interactive session with members of the diplomatic fraternity at the Embassy Residence According to the Embassy in Guatemala City the gathering was attended by Ambassadors and senior diplomats from various missions in Guatemala providing a platform to discuss opportunities for enhancing cooperation fostering global partnerships and promoting cultural and economic engagement with IndiaAddressing the session Ambassador Raj Kumar Singh welcomed the Ambassadors and members of the diplomatic community and underlined Indias commitment to promoting friendship cooperation and shared development with all partner countriesHe highlighted Indias growing global role its leadership in areas such as technology renewable energy and capacity building and the countrys active engagement with the Global SouthThe Ambassador expressed his desire to work closely with all missions in Guatemala to foster dialogue cultural exchange and mutually beneficial collaboration that contributes to regional peace and prosperityEarlier this month in a step towards enhancing cooperation between India and Guatemala across key sectors Indian Ambassador to the Central American country Raj Kumar Singh held a series of meetings with Guatemalan Ministers and discussed the ways to further strengthen the ties in the defence and health sectorsSingh held a meeting with Guatemalan Minister of Public Health and Social Assistance Joaquin Barnoya to strengthen health cooperation between the two countriesThe discussions focused on expanding collaboration in biotechnology medical supplies Ayurveda MidDay Meal Scheme PMPOSHAN medical tourism and lowcost generics under Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana PMBJPHe also briefed the Minister on the plans to donate 650 custommade prosthetic limbs to GuatemalaSingh also met Guatemalan Minister of National Defence Henry David Saenz Ramos to discuss defence ties and cooperation in space technology early warning systems capacity building defence procurements and humanitarian initiatives IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-mission-hosts-global-diplomats-in-guatemala-highlights-partnership-vision-644834.html Sat, 25 Oct 2025 16:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/crumbling-frontline-how-ttps-rural-takeover-has-left-pakistan-army-cornered-in-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-644841.html New Delhi Oct 25 For the Pakistan army Khyber Pakhtunkhwa KP is fast becoming uncharted territory Although it has entered into a delicate truce with the Afghan Taliban the army is battling on several other fronts such as KP and Balochistan The internal strife within the country has also heavily stressed the security mechanismIn KP it appears to be a complete takeover by TehreekeTaliban TTP The TTP is following the exact strategy that the Taliban had adopted before the 2021 pullout by the US forcesFirst the TTP infiltrated rural belts and then made a gradual entry into the urban zones This is typical of what the Afghan Taliban had done before 2021An official said that the situation has become so grave due to the TTPs growing strength many soldiers especially those of Punjabi origin are refusing deployment in the region Some of the rural and tribal belts where the TTP is in complete control include areas adjoining North and South Waziristan Bajaur and Khyber Kurram The soldiers are in particular refusing to enter the rural zones because these areas are tricky and the TTP fights better hereMoreover the TTP has local support which makes the matter worse for the Pakistan Army Many soldiers have refused to fight in these zones As a compromise measure it was decided that the soldiers would stand in defensive positions rather than carry out operations to eliminate TTP cadresIn a nutshell it is a shoot if shot at strategy that is in force in rural zones of KP While rural areas were largely dominated by TTP what worries the Pakistan army is the infiltration into the urban zones The infiltration into urban zones like Bara Road corridors and Badaber and Mattani has worried Pakistan Before the TTP breezed through these areas they were under the control of the Frontier Corps and police These zones are now being used to collect funds to fund TTPs operationsIn addition to this terrorists as well as arms and ammunition are being moved through these areas Recently videos of TTP cadres dancing on the roads and collecting funds in the open had surfaced These shots taken from the urban zones show how much the TTP is in charge and how less the army can do about it The videos also show TTP fighters checking vehicles and verifying documents again suggesting that the outfit is in controlWith each passing day the Pakistan army is finding it hard to gain control over the TTP There are multiple reasons why the army is not able to contain the TTP The TTP has a set of fierce fighters whom the army finds hard to beatIn most parts of Pakistan an antiarmy sentiment is building This has been a major factor as the locals tend to support the TTP rather than the army This is the same sentiment that one can see in Balochistan and Pakistanoccupied Kashmir PoK as wellThe army is in a fierce battle with the Balochistan Liberation Army BLA and has suffered immense losses in recent yearsFurther the relationship with the Taliban has not been smooth and this too has added to the armys woes There is the Indian border as well where the Army is busy trying to help terrorists infiltrate By keeping itself busy on so many fronts the army is running out of options and in the bargain has suffered losses IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/crumbling-frontline-how-ttps-rural-takeover-has-left-pakistan-army-cornered-in-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-644841.html Sat, 25 Oct 2025 16:46:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/venezuelan-defence-ministry-says-it-rejects-any-us-subservient-government-644848.html Caracas Oct 25 Venezuelas armed forces will not accept any government subservient to the United States Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez said during a visit to a military hospital in the capital Caracas The Bolivarian National Armed Forces will not allow a government that is kneeling enslaved or submissive to US interests Padrino Lopez said on Friday local time according to state broadcaster Venezolana de TelevisionHe urged Venezuelans to remember that some opposition leaders have previously called for foreign intervention and sanctions against the country reports Xinhua news agencyWhile acknowledging that the opposition plays an important role in a democracy Padrino Lopez warned of what he described as threats from US military actions particularly in the CaribbeanHe denounced recent US manoeuvres near Venezuelan waters saying they have intimidated local fishermen and called the situation the greatest threat in a centuryDespite escalating tensions Lopez reiterated Venezuelas desire to avoid conflict We want peace he saidEarlier in the day Venezuela also slammed US sanctions imposed on Colombian President Gustavo Petro and others close to him calling the measures illegal and neocolonialIn a statement Venezuelas Foreign Ministry said the unilateral coercive actions by the US Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Control violated international law and the principles enshrined in the United Nations CharterThese coercive measures constitute acts of political aggression and pressure that are prohibited by the multilateral system the statement said noting they have been condemned by the UN General Assembly the Human Rights Council and various special rapporteursThe Venezuelan government accused Washington of attempting to criminalise Petro and destabilise Colombia as part of a broader strategy to undermine the sovereignty of independent Latin American and Caribbean nationsCaracas demanded an immediate end to the coercive measures and called on Latin American and Caribbean governments and peoples to unite in defence of regional sovereignty and independenceEarlier in the day the US Treasury added Petro his wife Veronica Alcocer his son Nicolas Petro and Colombias Interior Minister Armando Benedetti to its sanctions list alleging links to narcotics trafficking IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/venezuelan-defence-ministry-says-it-rejects-any-us-subservient-government-644848.html Sat, 25 Oct 2025 16:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/brazil-voices-concern-over-us-threats-against-venezuela-644850.html Rio De Janeiro Oct 25 The Chief Advisor to the President of Brazil voiced deep concern over growing US threats of military action against Venezuela In an interview with local outlet Metropoles Celso Amorim dismissed attempts to link Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to terrorism You may like him or not but Maduro is not a sponsor of terrorism he said on Friday local timeAmorim warned that the deployment of US forces near Venezuela and the authorisation of covert CIA operations by US President Donald Trump have heightened tensions in the Caribbean and raised alarm across Latin AmericaHe stressed that any conflict in the region must be resolved through dialogue and respect for national sovereigntyBrazil maintains diplomatic relations with Venezuela and has repeatedly opposed any foreign military interventionMeanwhile Venezuelas Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez during a visit to a military hospital in the capital Caracas said that the country will not accept any government subservient to the United StatesThe Bolivarian National Armed Forces will not allow a government that is kneeling enslaved or submissive to US interests Padrino Lopez said on Friday local time according to state broadcaster Venezolana de TelevisionHe urged Venezuelans to remember that some opposition leaders have previously called for foreign intervention and sanctions against the country reports Xinhua news agencyWhile acknowledging that the opposition plays an important role in a democracy Padrino Lopez warned of what he described as threats from US military actions particularly in the CaribbeanHe denounced recent US manoeuvres near Venezuelan waters saying they have intimidated local fishermen and called the situation the greatest threat in a centuryDespite escalating tensions Lopez reiterated Venezuelas desire to avoid conflict We want peace he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/brazil-voices-concern-over-us-threats-against-venezuela-644850.html Sat, 25 Oct 2025 16:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-japan-deepen-indo-pacific-maritime-ties-during-ins-sahyadris-port-call-in-yokosuka-644861.html Tokyo Oct 25 India and Japan discussed ways to strengthen maritime cooperation between the two nations during the Indian Naval Ship INS Sahyadris port call in the Yokosuka district INS Sahyadris Commanding Officer Captain Rajat Kumar met with Chief of Staff of the Japan Maritime SelfDefence Force JMSDF Rear Admiral Yamaguchi Nobohisa and held talks on further enhancing the maritime cooperationKumar also called on other local dignitaries including Superintendent Kobayashi Hitoshi Chief of Police and Rear Admiral Kondo Shuji Chief of Coast Guard in the Yokosuka regionDuring the meetings the Commanding Officer discussed ways to enhance interoperability and professional exchanges in strengthening maritime cooperationINS Sahyadri an indigenously built Shivalikclass guided missile stealth frigate participated in the sea phase of the JapanIndia Maritime Exercise JAIMEX25The crucial maritime exercise conducted between October 16 and 18 was followed by a port call at Yokosuka for the Harbour Phase on October 21During the Sea Phase INS Sahyadri operated alongside JMSDF ships Asahi Oumi and submarine Jinryu engaging in a series of complex maritime drillsThe exercise featured advanced AntiSubmarine Warfare ASW manoeuvres missile defence simulations underway replenishment and flying operations reflecting a high degree of coordination and interoperability between the two naviesEarlier on Tuesday R Madhu Sudan Charge dAffaires and Rear Admiral Yamaguchi Nobohisa received INS Sahyadri in a solemn ceremony at YokosukaThe joint exercise is a key manifestation of the Special Strategic and Global Partnership established between India and Japan in 2014 aimed at ensuring peace stability and security in the IndoPacific regionBoth nations continue to emphasise collaborative maritime engagements as a cornerstone of their strategic vision for a free open and inclusive IndoPacificDuring the Harbour Phase at Yokosuka crews from INS Sahyadri and JMSDF units engaged in a range of professional and cultural exchanges including crossdeck visits joint operational planning and a combined Yoga session to strengthen camaraderieThe visit is part of INS Sahyadris ongoing Long Range Deployment across the IndoPacific highlighting Indias active naval outreach and operational readiness IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-japan-deepen-indo-pacific-maritime-ties-during-ins-sahyadris-port-call-in-yokosuka-644861.html Sat, 25 Oct 2025 17:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/storm-sweeps-across-france-causing-several-injuries-644610.html Paris Oct 23 Autumn storm Benjamin swept across large parts of France on Thursday leaving several people injured and causing widespread disruptions according to MeteoFrance the national meteorological and climate service Winds of 90 to 110 km per hour were recorded along the Atlantic and Channel coasts with gusts reaching up to 130 km per hour in some areas In the Mediterranean region the tramontane wind reached speeds of 100 to 130 km per hour High waves were also reported along the Atlantic coastAs of 2 pm local time 1200 GMT 11 departments remained on orange alert down from 18 earlier in the day MeteoFrance said Xinhua news agency reportedSeveral stormrelated injuries were reported across the country In the southern department of Herault a man received an electric shock after touching a power line while working on scaffolding Fortunately his life is not in danger broadcaster LCI reportedAccording to electricity network operator Enedis more than 140000 households were without power nationwide as of late Thursday morning Train traffic was also disrupted on several major routes with a number of highspeed TGV trains canceled or delayed Suburban and regional train services in the Paris area also experienced interruptionsThe storm was expected to move eastward later in the day reaching the AlpesMaritimes and Corsica with further strong gusts MeteoFrance said showers would remain widespread on Friday though winds were expected to gradually easeStorm Benjamin also battered the Netherlands on Thursday triggering widespread travel disruptionsThe Dutch national weather institute KNMI issued a Code Orange alert its secondhighest warning for the countrys western coastal provinces forecasting powerful wind gusts of up to 120 km per hourThe agency warned of potential falling trees property damage and disruption to roads and public transportOn the railways national operator Dutch Railways said it was implementing a reduced schedule for trains warning of longer journey times and necessary transfersNational railway infrastructure manager ProRail added that some track maintenance work would be halted if winds became too strongAs to air travel Dutch flagship carrier KLM canceled dozens of flights from its Schiphol hub and warned of possible delaysThe Amsterdam Schiphol Airport also advised all passengers to check its website for the latest flight information before travellingAccording to the KNMI the powerful winds from Storm Benjamin are expected to slowly ease throughout Friday with the storm lingering longest in the northern Wadden Islands region IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/storm-sweeps-across-france-causing-several-injuries-644610.html Fri, 24 Oct 2025 00:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/dengue-claims-four-more-lives-in-bangladesh-2025-death-toll-rises-to-259-644613.html Dhaka Oct 23 As many as four people have died due to dengue in Bangladesh in 24 hours till 8 am Dhaka time on Thursday raising the 2025 death toll in the country to 259 During the same period 803 people were admitted to hospital increasing the total number of cases to 63170 Bangladeshbased The Daily Star reported Of the total cases 41638 dengue patients have so far been discharged from hospitalsAccording to the Directorate General of Health Services DGHS two fatalities were reported in Dhaka City while one each occurred in Sylhet and Mymensingh divisionsPresently 2648 dengue patients are receiving treatment at various hospitals of BangladeshOn October 9 Directorate General of Health Services DGHS Director General Abu Jafor noted that the number of dengue cases in 2025 is higher than last year however the death rate is lowerSpeaking at a press briefing held over the Typhoid Vaccination Campaign2025 at the Health Ministry Abu Jafor said This year the number of dengue infections is higher than last year but the death rate in proportion to infections is lower United News of Bangladesh UNB reportedHe called breeding of mosquitoes and the destruction of their larvae important for preventing dengue People must use mosquito nets and take protective measures These are mostly individual responsibilities If we neglect these it will be very difficult to eliminate dengueOur data shows that over 50 per cent of dengue deaths in hospitals are occurring on the very first day of admission This suggests that patients are seeking care too We are doing our best to ensure proper management in hospitalsAbu Jafor called early diagnosis important and mentioned that dengue if detected in the initial stage can be treated at home with proper medical care He said that lack of awareness negligence and delay in seeking medical care as the main reasons for the increasing dengue death rateDengue is a viral infection caused by the dengue virus DENV which is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes Dengue is found in tropical and subtropical climates across the world mostly in urban and semiurban areas according to the World Health Organisation WHO statement Prevention and control of dengue depend on vector control There is no specific treatment for dengue however early detection and access to proper medical care lower fatality rates of severe dengue IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/dengue-claims-four-more-lives-in-bangladesh-2025-death-toll-rises-to-259-644613.html Fri, 24 Oct 2025 00:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/severe-winds-batter-new-zealand-as-state-of-local-emergency-declared-644616.html Wellington Oct 23 Parts of New Zealands South and North Islands were hit by damaging winds on Thursday prompting widespread disruption power outages and a state of local emergency declaration in Canterbury after rare Red Warnings were issued According to the national weather authority MetService Red Warnings the highest level of weather alert were issued on Wednesday morning for Canterbury and WellingtonMetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said the Thursday event was stronger and more widespread than earlier in the week Thursday had a similar but stronger flavor While some areas escaped the impacts earlier these winds were more widespread and affected places that dont often see strong winds Makgabutlane said Xinhua news agency reportedOn Wednesday afternoon Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell declared a state of local emergency for the Canterbury Region to assist in the response to the severe weatherResidents in some parts of Canterbury were told to prepare for evacuation as the river water level continued to rise Tens of thousands of homes lost electricity with power companies warning that some properties could remain without power for several daysRoads and highways were severely affected with the West Coast region cut off by flooding Residents were advised to stay indoors secure loose items and refrain from unnecessary travelFlights in and out of the capital city Wellington have been canceled during the day and several main roads have been closedOn Wednesday New Zealand had declared a state of local emergency for the Canterbury Region in the South Island to brace for damaging windsThe National Emergency Management Agency said that it has been in close contact with the Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management Group and confirmed that a declaration is necessary Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell said WednesdayThis emergency follows damaging gusts and a red strong wind warning forecast for the region with concerns about power outages closures and fire hazards Fire bans are in place to prevent wildfires amid the extreme conditionsResidents were advised to secure property avoid nonessential travel and stay indoors to minimise risks from flying debris and falling treesThe emergency status granted local Civil Defence necessary powers to support emergency services during the significant weather event impacting many parts of the country Mitchell said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/severe-winds-batter-new-zealand-as-state-of-local-emergency-declared-644616.html Fri, 24 Oct 2025 00:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/kenya-envoys-of-india-and-somalia-discuss-bilateral-cooperation-644618.html Nairobi Oct 23 Indias High Commissioner to Kenya Adarsh Swaika met Somalias Ambassador to Kenya Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle on Thursday discussing bilateral cooperation During the meeting Adarsh Swaika and Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle also spoke on developments in Kenya The meeting between two officials comes a week after Minister of State for External Affairs MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh met State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Somalia Ali Mohamed Omar on the sidelines of the 19th MidTerm Ministerial of the NonAligned Movement NAM hosted by UgandaHC Adarsh Swaika met with HE Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle Ambassador of Somalia to Kenya HC discussed bilateral cooperation matters between India and Somalia pursuant to the recent bilateral Ministerial meeting on sidelines of NAM midterm Ministerial meeting in Kampala HC exchanged views on developments in Kenya Indian High Commission in Kenya posted on XEarlier in the day Adarsh Swaika offered prayers at BAPS Temple on the occasion of Gujarati New Year Bestu Varas in Nairobi The Indian High Commission in Kenya noted that the BAPS Temple in Nairobi is the largest BAPS Temple in AfricaHC AdarshSwaika1 joined the devotees at BAPS temple in Nairobi in offering prayers and Aarti on the auspicious occasion of Gujarati New Year Bestu Varas BAPS temple in Mombasa was the first BAPS Mandir outside India while the one in Nairobi stands as the largest BAPS temple in Africa Indian High Commission in Kenya wrote on XIndian High Commission in Kenya also thanked Kenyan President William Ruto for his wishes on the occasion of Diwali In response to Rutos wishes on X the Indian High Commission wrote High Commission of India expresses its deep gratitude to Honble President of Kenya William Samoei Ruto for his warm Diwali greetings May the Indian festival of lights continue to illuminate the enduring bond of friendship between India and KenyaDiwali symbolises the spiritual victory of good over evil light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance It was celebrated with great enthusiasm across the world on Monday reflecting Indias vibrant cultural heritage and conveying the universal message of unity and harmonyOn Wednesday Adarsh Swaika met Tanzanias High Commissioner to Kenya Bernard Y Kibesse and noted that the ties between two nations are multifaceted and growing from strengthtostrengthIn a post on X Indian High Commission in Kenya wrote Glad to meet HE Dr Bernard Y Kibesse High Commissioner of Tanzania to Kenya Thank him for sharing his insights on Kenya and its bilateral relations with Tanzania IndiaTanzania relations are multifaceted and growing from strength to strength IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/kenya-envoys-of-india-and-somalia-discuss-bilateral-cooperation-644618.html Fri, 24 Oct 2025 00:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-shehbaz-sharif-govt-approves-ban-on-tlp-under-anti-terrorism-act-644621.html Islamabad Oct 23 Pakistans federal cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday approved a ban on TehreekeLabbaik Pakistan under Article 17 of the Constitution citing national security concerns The cabinets decision to ban TLP under AntiTerrorism Act comes after the Punjab governments proposal to outlaw the religious group local media reported The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting held in Islamabad on Thursday to review law and order as well as TLPs recent activities During the meeting cabinet members were briefed on Punjab governments recommendation on banning TLP The Interior Ministry presented a detailed report about activities of TLP and later issued formal instructions to move ahead with the necessary legal steps Pakistans leading daily The Express Tribune reportedDuring the meeting the cabinet members also reviewed Pakistans economic and political situation and discussed developments after recent ceasefire agreement with Afghanistan Pakistans Defence Minister Khawaja Asif shared details regarding the agreement reached with AfghanistanLast week Punjab government recommended federal government to impose ban on TLP whose Gaza March was forcefully dispersed by authorities in Muridke on October 13 The meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz decided that TLP leaders and workers involved in the death of police personnel and destruction of public property will be tried in antiterrorism courts ATCsThe Punjab Police claimed that TLP protesters resorted to violence in Muridke which led to the death of one Station House Officer SHO As many as 48 police and Rangers personnel were injured during the clashes with 17 wounded by gunfire Three TLP workers and one passerby were also killed while at least 30 people were injuredThe TLP had planned to carry out march to Islamabad to hold protest outside the US Embassy in solidarity with Palestinians TLP is one of the most prominent religiouspolitical movements in Pakistan in past few years TLP Founder Khadim Hussain Rizvi formed the party with a primary aim to defend Pakistans blasphemy lawsClashes errupted between police and protesters and the government launched crackdown on protesters Authorities carried out a sixhour operation in Muridke to disperse the protesters which led to mass arrests with the TLP claiming the deaths of several workers Considering the violence the meeting decided to place the TLP leadership under the Fourth Schedule of the AntiTerrorism Act ATA 1997A decision has now been taken to hand over TLPs properties and assets to the Auqaf Department and impose a complete ban on its posters banners and advertisements In addition TLPs bank accounts will be frozen and its social media accounts will be blocked Strict action will be taken in case of violation of the Loudspeaker Act IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-shehbaz-sharif-govt-approves-ban-on-tlp-under-anti-terrorism-act-644621.html Fri, 24 Oct 2025 00:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/five-workers-injured-in-protest-over-unpaid-wages-in-bangladesh-644624.html Dhaka Oct 23 At least five workers at a textile factory in Bangladesh were injured on Thursday while staging a protest over unpaid wages and blocking the DhakaMymensingh highway The blockade led to nearly an hour of traffic snarls causing severe inconveniences to the commuters the local media reportedReports suggest that the police fired multiple rounds of sound grenades and used tear gas to disperse the workers after attempts to remove them from the highway through negotiation failedConfirming the development Abdul Barek Mia officerincharge OC of Sreepur Police Station said police attempted to persuade the workers to clear the highway but were forced to take action when traffic movement came to a haltNegotiations are underway with the factory owner to pay the workers arrears The situation is now under control Bangladeshi media outlet UNB quoted the OC as sayingAccording to the workers the protest began at the factory gate demanding payment of two months outstanding wages and other dues When their demands were ignored they reportedly escalated the demonstration by blocking the highwayThey alleged that as police charged with batons and used tear gas and sound grenades to disperse them as many as five workers sustained injuriesThe latest development comes amid the closure of numerous factories across Bangladesh which has triggered continuous protests during which many workers have either lost their lives or been seriously injuredRecently over 600 workers of a garment factory in Bangladesh held a protest over unpaid wages bringing the DhakaMymensingh highway to a standstillThe nonpayment of dues left many struggling to support their families and facing growing pressure from landlords over unpaid rent Bangladeshs leading newspaper The Daily Star reportedLast month one worker was killed and 10 others were injured when clashes broke out between workers and law enforcement personnel in northern Bangladesh amid protests against factory closure and layoffsThe workers gathered in the Export Processing Zone EPZ in the Nilphamari district of the Rangpur Division during which they clashed with the security officialsFollowing the violent incident Bangladeshs Awami League party slammed the Muhammad Yunusled interim government over the killing of an unarmed factory worker by gunfire during protests in NilphamariCondemning the heinous act the Awami League alleged that under the Yunus regime Bangladesh has turned into a ceaseless river of blood a reality which the people of the country are witnessing firsthandProtests and strikes by workers over nonpayment of dues and deteriorating working conditions have gripped the entire country since the interim government led by Yunus came to power in August 2024 IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/five-workers-injured-in-protest-over-unpaid-wages-in-bangladesh-644624.html Fri, 24 Oct 2025 00:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/more-students-forcibly-disappeared-by-pakistani-forces-in-balochistan-644626.html Quetta Oct 23 At least three students were forcibly disappeared by Pakistani security forces in Balochistan a leading human rights organisation said on Thursday The latest incident comes amid an escalating human rights crisis as the cycle of persecution continues marked by a surge in enforced disappearances extrajudicial killings and torture across the provinceHuman rights body Baloch Voice for Justice BVJ mentioned that in the early hours of Thursday Pakistani forces raided the house of Abdul Wahid in the Baloch Abad area of the province and abducted three students The victims were identified as Haroon Baloch Hamood and Fahad Baloch Both Haroon and Hamood are brothersCondemning this act of collective punishment against innocent students the BVJ said The continuous abduction of Baloch youth reflects the deepening human rights crisis in BalochistanThe rights body called on the United Nations international human rights organisations including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch to intervene and demand the safe recovery of all disappeared personsAdditionally the BVJ mentioned that on October 19 another five Baloch students Hameed Ullah Bawal Khan Jahangir Ahmed Shah and Nimat Ullah were forcibly disappeared by security forces from Kharan district in BalochistanThe rights body expressed deep concern over the alarming cases of enforced disappearances and strongly condemned the continued targeting of Baloch studentsOn Wednesday Paank the Baloch National Movements Human Rights Department said that three more Baloch civilians fell victim to enforced disappearance by Pakistani forces in BalochistanThe rights body highlighted that on October 16 Ayaz and Imdad residents of Awaran district were forcibly disappeared by the Pakistan Army Both were summoned to an army camp and subsequently detained while their whereabouts remain unknownAccording to Paank on October 20 a 16yearold Baloch student named Balach Baloch was similarly forcibly disappeared by the Pakistan Army from the Turbat region in Kech districtLast week the Baloch Yakjehti Committee BYC in its report titled Human Rights Situation in Balochistan documented widespread abuses specifically perpetrated by the Pakistani authorities between July and AugustEnforced disappearances continued to increase as 182 people disappeared with 80 in July and 102 in August Out of these 38 have been released One killed in custody and 142 are still missing with no trace of their whereabouts and wellbeing The victims include 40 students 15 minors and one woman read the reportAs per the findings several districts of Balochistan including Quetta Kech and Awaran recorded the largest number of enforced disappearance cases with Pakistans Frontier Corps reportedly the main perpetrator IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/more-students-forcibly-disappeared-by-pakistani-forces-in-balochistan-644626.html Fri, 24 Oct 2025 00:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/fire-incidents-expose-industrial-negligence-in-bangladesh-says-official-644629.html Dhaka Oct 23 Recurring worker deaths and lack of accountability in Bangladeshs industrial sector stands exposed after the recent fire incident in Mirpur that resulted in the death of 16 people a top official of the Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies BILS said on Thursday Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmmed Executive Director of BILS made the remarks while addressing a press briefing on labour safety at the National Press Club in Dhaka jointly organised by BILS and the Safety and Rights SocietyThe recurring tragedies from Tongi and Chattogram to Narayanganj and Mirpur reflect a deeprooted culture of impunity that allows safety negligence to go unpunished Bangladeshs leading newspaper The Daily Star quoted Ahmmed as saying during the press meetAfter every accident we see the same pattern a probe committee is formed reports are never made public and no one takes responsibility This lack of transparency and justice is the main reason such disasters keep recurring he addedAhmmed further said When negligence leads to deaths there is hardly any real punishment Even compensation which is a legal right often does not reach victims familiesHe stated that both employers and policymakers are responsible for maintaining workplace safetyWe do not want industries to shut down we want them to operate safely The owners property should be protected but so should the workers life he stressedThe statement followed recent major blazes in Dhaka and the port city of Chattogram prompting experts to raise serious concerns over Bangladeshs safety standards and emergency preparednessEarlier this week Bangladeshs Awami League accused the Muhammad Yunusled interim government of orchestrating arson attacks across the country in a conspiracy to destroy ordinary lives and destabilise the economySlamming the Yunus regime the party said The illegal usurper and murderous fascist Yunus gang is deliberately and systematically pushing an orderly wellarranged Bangladesh toward destruction They have turned peoples lives into a horror Over the past few days a string of fires has broken out due to the negligence and indifference of this illegal irresponsible government toward the people IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/fire-incidents-expose-industrial-negligence-in-bangladesh-says-official-644629.html Fri, 24 Oct 2025 00:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/dialogue-is-always-better-than-confrontation-putin-on-cancelled-budapest-meeting-with-trump-644639.html Moscow Oct 24 Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke on his cancelled meeting with US President Donald Trump which was initially planned to be taking place in Budapest Hungary in the coming weeks Emphasising on the importance of continued diplomacy to end the war in Ukraine Putin on Thursday said Well what can one always say Dialogue is always better than confrontation than disputes or even more so than warThat is why we have always supported the continuation of dialogue and we continue to support it now he addedIt would be a mistake for both me and the US President to approach this lightly and come away from this meeting without the expected result Putin said emphasising that the meeting was originally proposed by the US sideThe Russian leader said Washington had proposed the summit but was now postponedNow Trump has decided to postpone the meeting Putin saidPutin also dismissed Washingtons latest sanctions on Russias oil sector calling them a futile attempt to strongarm Moscow into complianceNo selfrespecting country ever does anything under pressure Putin said after the US imposed sweeping restrictions on Rosneft and Lukoil Russias largest oil producersThe sanctions were announced after the Kremlin rejected calls for an immediate ceasefire in its ongoing war with UkrainePutin said he had cautioned US President Trump that the sanctions could disrupt global energy markets and lead to rising oil prices worldwideWe said very clearly that this would affect global oil prices including the US he addedThe US Treasury Department said the measures were intended to limit Russias ability to finance its aggressionUkraines President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the move calling it a step that would weaken the Kremlins capacity to wage warRussian Foreign Ministry on Thursday called the US sanctions against two Russian oil companies counterproductive and stressed that Moscow would not face any issue due to the sanctions as it has strong immunity to Western sanctionsCommenting on US Treasury Departments sanctions against Lukoil and Rosneft Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said We consider this step to be exclusively counterproductive Russias leading Tass news agency reportedZakharovas statement comes after US President Donald Trump has imposed new sanctions on Russia targeting its two largest oil companies in his latest bid to end the conflict in UkraineThe US Treasury Department targeted Russian companies Rosneft and Lukoil and their subsidiaries warning that a future action could not be ruled outOn dialogue with the US Zakharova said that Russia sees no significant obstacles in continuing the process initiated by Russian President Putin and his US counterpart Trump to agree on the political framework for a settlement in Ukraine and to fill it with concrete resultsShe said that Russian Foreign Ministry is open to continuing contacts with the US State Department Tass reportedRussian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that purpose of these contacts is to specify the parameters of the RussiaUS dialogue on various aspects of bilateral relations and further joint steps in the Ukrainian settlement processWhile meeting NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House on Wednesday Trump said he hoped that the war will be settledThese are tremendous sanctions These are very big against their two big oil companies And we hope that they wont be on for long We hope that the war will be settled he addedTrump also noted his previous conversations with Russian President Putin had not led to any breakthroughsEvery time I speak with Vladimir I have good conversations and then they dont go anywhere They just dont go anywhere Hes fighting a war Hes in a war Its two very competent sides and thats the way war is You never know with war but I would say that its time to make a deal he emphasisedTrump on Tuesday cancelled his proposed meeting with Putin in Budapest in Hungary saying he doesnt want to have a wasted meetingWe cancelled the meeting with President Putin It just didnt feel right to me It didnt feel like we were going to get to the place we have to get So I cancelled it but well do it in the future he noted IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/dialogue-is-always-better-than-confrontation-putin-on-cancelled-budapest-meeting-with-trump-644639.html Fri, 24 Oct 2025 01:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-deploys-top-diplomatic-force-to-shore-up-gaza-peace-deal-644644.html New York Oct 24 US President Donald Trump has deployed his top diplomatic force to shore up his most significant achievement so far the Gaza peace deal that is precariously balanced After the principal negotiators Trumps soninlaw Jared Kushner and US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff were stationed in Israel US VicePresident JD Vance and his wife Usha Vance went there for a threeday visit meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other leadersOn their way back Thursday their paths crossed with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio who was heading there to pick up the diplomacyThe UNs Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Ramiz Alakbarov gave a mixed message to the Security Council on Thursday The agreement represents hope for a better future but the dynamics are extremely fragileThe Gaza ceasefire and the future of the peace deal are at risk from rash actions by both Hamas and IsraelisA measure of Trumps commitment to the peace deal is VicePresident Vances harsh words for the Israeli Parliament the Knesset dismissing as stupid its resolution to pave the way for the annexation of the West Bank a measure aimed at disrupting the peace dealIt was a very stupid political stunt and I personally take some insult to it The West Bank will not be annexed by Israel the US VicePresident saidIn the 14 days since the peace deal was signed in the presence of European and Arab and Muslim leaders the ceasefire was breached only once when some Hamas units fired on Israeli troops who retaliated with missilesTrump dismissed it as provocation by rogue elements not Hamas leadershipHis officials have also excused the inability of Hamas to return some of the bodies of the hostages as stipulated in the agreement pointing out that they may be trapped in the rubble left by Israeli bombingUS Permanent Representative to the UN Mike Waltz acknowledged at the Security Council the difficult road ahead to fulfil Trumps 20point planHe said This historic success is cause for celebration Its cause for determination But it cannot be cause for complacency As President Trump has said the job is not doneThe hostage and prisoner exchange and the return of most bodies by both sides are nearly complete and now the formidable task of disarming Hamas loomsUS VicePresident Vance said We have a very very tough task ahead of us which is to disarm HamasThe peace deal was hastily concluded and the key element an International Stabilisation Force that could conduct the demilitarisation has yet to be formed and for now Hamas is still armed and unleashing a reign of terror on its own people with the potential to undermine the peace agreementVance ruled out deploying US troops in Gaza but said they could be supervising and mediating the peace About 200 US troops are in Israel in preparation for that roleIndonesia a Muslim majority nation has offered 20000 troops and other countries have in theory agreed to participate in the forceAlthough the US and Israel are loath to have UN peacekeepers to reassure the participating countries in the force it may seek a UN umbrellaRubio spoke of going to the UN potentially and getting the international mandate building the international defence security forcesUN role could be modelled on the Haiti Multinational Security Support Mission led by Kenya that has since been transformed into the Gang Suppression Force to end the chaos thereThe UN is not directly involved with the force but the Security Council gives it legitimacyVance also indicated that the phase of rebuilding Gaza where estimates say 80 per cent of the homes have been destroyed in the Israeli attacks could begin soon in areas stabilisedThe hope is to rebuild Rafah over the next two to three years and where theoretically you could have half a million people live he saidVance also indicated that the phase of rebuilding Gaza where estimates say 80 per cent of the homes have been destroyed in the Israeli attacks could begin soon in areas stabilisedThe hope is to rebuild Rafah over the next two to three years and where theoretically you could have half a million people live he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-deploys-top-diplomatic-force-to-shore-up-gaza-peace-deal-644644.html Fri, 24 Oct 2025 03:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-senate-fails-to-break-deadlock-as-shutdown-drags-on-644645.html Washington Oct 24 The US Senate on Thursday failed to advance a Republicanbacked measure that would have ensured pay for federal employees military personnel and contractors continuing to work during the government shutdown now in its 23rd day The legislation known as the Shutdown Fairness Act and introduced by Republican Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin fell short of the 60 votes required to move forwardThe measure received 54 votes in favour and 45 against with three Democrats John Fetterman of Pennsylvania and Georgia Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock breaking ranks to support itRepublicans said the bill aimed to provide immediate relief to hundreds of thousands of federal workers who have stayed on the job despite missing paychecksThese are people serving the nation They deserve to be paid Johnson said ahead of the voteDemocrats however opposed the proposal arguing that it would give the President sweeping discretion to decide which employees receive pay undermining Congresss Constitutional power over spendingThey countered with their own pair of bills that would guarantee pay for all federal workers during the shutdown but Republicans objected preventing the measures from coming to a voteAfter the failed vote the Senate adjourned for the weekend and will not meet on FridayLawmakers are set to reconvene on Monday which will mark Day 27 of the shutdown unless an unexpected breakthrough occursThe Chamber also left town without taking a 13th vote on the Housepassed funding bill almost certainly extending the shutdown into next weekAt the White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt warned that the continuing shutdown could disrupt air travel during the upcoming Thanksgiving holidayWith the Thanksgiving holiday approaching we are nearing the busiest travel period of the entire year Leavitt said cautioning of significant flight delays disruptions and cancellations if the shutdown persistsShe noted that around 13000 air traffic controllers are currently working without payLast year the Transportation Security Administration screened more than three million passengers on the Sunday after Thanksgiving a record high IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-senate-fails-to-break-deadlock-as-shutdown-drags-on-644645.html Fri, 24 Oct 2025 03:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-sanctions-against-russia-are-pretty-hefty-white-house-644646.html Washington Oct 24 A new set of sanctions of Russia will apply a lot of pressure on Moscow the White House said suggesting US President Donald Trump could eventually decide to ramp up the measures If you read the sanctions and look at them theyre pretty hefty Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Thursday at a briefing citing reports that China and India the largest buyers of Russian oil were scaling back their purchasesIts full court press for sure and we expect that these sanctions are going to do harm she addedOn Wednesday the Trump administration imposed sanctions on Russias two largest oil companies as it called on Moscow to agree to an immediate ceasefire in UkraineAsked whether additional sanctions could come down the line Leavitt left the door openIll leave that to the President Trump to decide she saidLeavitt told CNN on Thursday that President Trump decided to announce new Russia sanctions and call off a planned meeting between himself and Russian President Vladimir Putin because he had not seen enough interest in moving the ball forward towards peace from the Russian sideThe President has always maintained that he would implement sanctions on Russia when he felt it was appropriate and necessary and yesterday was that day she told CNNI think the President has also long expressed his frustration with Vladimir Putin and frankly both sides of this war and hes always said in order to negotiate a good peace deal both sides need to be interested in a good peace deal Leavitt saidSpeaking to reporters at the White House on Wednesday Trump said he had cancelled the Putin meeting adding It didnt feel like we were going to get to the place we have to get so I cancelled it but well do it in the futureLeavitt added on Thursday And so a meeting between these two leaders is not completely off the table I think the President and the entire administration hopes that one day that can happen again but we want to make sure that theres a tangible positive outcome out of that meeting and that its a good use of the Presidents timePressed on if the meeting was cancelled between Trump and Putin after a call between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Monday revealed divergent expectations between the two leaders Leavitt said there were other factors at playThat was not the sole reason no she told the CNNI think the Secretary Rubio felt that was actually a productive call but again the President wants to make sure that a meeting between himself and President Putin will be a good use at this timeEarlier on Thursday the European Union announced a 19th round of sanctions against Russia which targets sectors including energy finance and the militaryThe bloc joins US President Trump in its financial penalties against Moscow IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-sanctions-against-russia-are-pretty-hefty-white-house-644646.html Fri, 24 Oct 2025 04:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/russian-military-planes-violated-lithuanias-airspace-lithuanian-president-644647.html Vilnius Oct 24 Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda has said that Russian planes violated the airspace of NATO member Lithuania He claimed on Thursday night that the aircraft a fighter jet and transport plane came from the Kaliningrad region in the southwestThis is cruel violation of international law and territorial sovereignty of Lithuania and we have to react to this Nauseda said in a video posted on XRussia has however denied that its military planes violated Lithuanian airspaceThe Russian Defence Ministry has said that Su30 fighter jets conducted scheduled training in the Kaliningrad region and did not deviate from their flight routesThe flights were carried out in strict accordance with the Rules for the Use of Airspace over the Territory of the Russian Federation the Ministry saidLithuanias military has said the planes were possibly conducting refuelling exercises when they entered the airspace for about 700 metres and departed after about 18 secondsTwo Spanish Air Force fighter jets which are performing a NATO air policing mission were scrambled to the site and are currently conducting air patrols Lithuanias military said in a statementLithuanias Foreign Ministry later said that it summoned the Russian Charge dAffaires to protest the alleged violationOnce again it confirms the importance of strengthening European air defence readiness President Nauseda wrote on XLast month NATO said it intercepted three Russian jets that violated Estonias airspaceThe Russian Defence Ministry at the time denied the claim insisting its flights were conducted in strict accordance with international rulesThe Baltic nations have grown increasingly concerned over Russias actions amid its ongoing war in UkraineA series of recent drone incidents and airspace violations by Russian warplanes has fueled fears that President Vladimir Putin may be testing NATOs defensive responseSome European leaders have accused Moscow of engaging in hybrid warfare though the Kremlin has denied any such activitiesLithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene also condemned the violation describing it as another act of Russian intimidationThis incident once again shows that Russia is behaving like a terrorist state disregarding international law and the security of neighbouring countries Ruginiene wrote on Facebook adding that Lithuania remains secure through its NATO allianceMeanwhile tensions between the US and Russia continue to simmer as the war in Ukraine drags onUS President Donald Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin as his efforts to end the conflict stallOn Tuesday Russian drones and missiles struck targets across Ukraine killing at least six people including a woman and her two young daughtersHopefully hell become reasonable Trump said of Putin during remarks at the White House on Wednesday alongside NATO Chief Mark Rutte just hours after the US announced renewed sanctions on Russian oil aimed at pressuring Moscow IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/russian-military-planes-violated-lithuanias-airspace-lithuanian-president-644647.html Fri, 24 Oct 2025 04:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-pauses-plan-to-send-federal-troops-to-san-francisco-644648.html Washington Oct 24 US President Donald Trump has announced that he is halting plans to deploy federal troops to San Francisco after discussions with the citys Mayor Daniel Lurie and appeals from major technology industry leaders In a post on Truth Social Trump said on Thursday that the federal government had been preparing to surge San Francisco on Saturday but reversed course after friends from the area asked him to reconsiderAmong them he said were Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Salesforce CEO Marc BenioffThe people of San Francisco have come together on fighting crime especially since we began to take charge of that very nasty subject Trump wroteGreat people like Jensen Huang Marc Benioff and others have called saying that the future of San Francisco is great They want to give it a shot Therefore we will not surge San Francisco on SaturdayMayor Lurie confirmed speaking with Trump late WednesdayI told him the same thing I told our residents San Francisco is on the rise Lurie said in a statementHe added that while the city welcomes continued federal cooperation with agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Drug Enforcement Administration to combat drugs having the military and militarised immigration enforcement in our city will hinder our recoveryWhite House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the decision shows Trumps willingness to work with anyone across the aisle to do the right thing and clean up Americas citiesThe move is being closely watched in the San Francisco Bay Area home to the secondlargest Indian diaspora in the US and a major global technology hubThousands of Indianorigin professionals work in Silicon Valley including at companies like Nvidia and Salesforce whose leaders reportedly influenced Trumps decision to stand down the troop deploymentLeavitt said the operation is paused but that the administration will continue to monitor San Francisco closelyDemocratic leaders including California Governor Gavin Newsom and Lurie had spent weeks preparing for the possibility that Trump would send federal forces to San FranciscoIn June the deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles in response to protests sparked by immigration enforcement raids drew strong backlashIn August the Trump administration deployed the National Guard to Washington DC to fight crime and threatened to send troops to more Democraticled citiesIn late September Trump announced he was ordering troops to Portland calling the city War ravaged but the deployment was temporarily blocked by a federal judge IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-pauses-plan-to-send-federal-troops-to-san-francisco-644648.html Fri, 24 Oct 2025 06:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-to-meet-chinese-president-xi-in-south-korea-on-oct-30-644649.html Washington Oct 24 US President Donald Trump is set to embark on a major trip to Asia this week with a significant meeting with Chinese Premier Xi Jinping scheduled to be held in South Korea The highlight will be his talks with Xi in South Korea which White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed would take place on October 30 on the sidelines of an AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation APEC summitLeavitt on Thursday shared details of Trumps Asia tour which covers Malaysia Japan and South Korea for ASEAN and APEC summits with trade talks peace dialogue and USChina tensions in focusTrump had previously threatened to scrap the meeting amid a flareup in the trade war between Washington and Beijing but he said on Wednesday he now hoped for a deal on everythingTrump will leave Washington on Friday and arrive on Sunday in Malaysia for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations ASEAN summit a meeting Trump skipped several times in his first termHe is set to sign a trade deal with Malaysia but more importantly to oversee the signing of a peace accord between Thailand and Cambodia as he continues his quest for a Nobel Peace PrizePresident Trump is keen to see the more positive results of the peace negotiations between Thailand and Cambodia Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim saidTrumps next stop will be Tokyo on Tuesday and he will meet conservative Sanae Takaichi named this week as Japans first woman Prime Minister on WednesdayJapan has escaped the worst of the tariffs Trump slapped on countries around the world to end what he calls unfair trade balances that are ripping off the United StatesThe climax of the APEC summit trip is expected to be South Korea with Trump due to arrive in the southern port city of Busan later on Wednesday Leavitt saidTrump will then meet South Korean President Lee Jae Myung address an APEC lunch with business leaders and meet US tech CEOs for dinner the White House said on the sidelines of the APEC summit in the city of GyeongjuThe next day Trump will meet Xi for the first time since his return to officeGlobal markets will be watching closely to see if the two men can halt the trade war between the worlds two biggest economies especially after a recent row over Beijings rare earth curbsTrump initially threatened to cancel the meeting and imposed fresh tariffs before saying he would go ahead after allHe said on Wednesday that he hoped to make a deal with Xi on everything and also hoped the Chinese leader could have a big influence on getting Russias Vladimir Putin to end the Ukraine warSouth Korea seeking its own trade deal is reportedly considering the rare step of awarding Trump the Grand Order of Mugunghwa the countrys highest decoration during his visitNorth Korea will also be on the agenda The country fired multiple ballistic missiles on Wednesday just days before Trump was due to visitSouth Korea has halted tours in parts of the Demilitarised Zone DMZ separating the two Koreas officials said on Thursday fueling speculation of a new meeting between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong UnTrump has said he hopes to meet Kim again following several meetings during the US Presidents first term but there has been no confirmation of reports that the White House was looking at a new meeting this time IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-to-meet-chinese-president-xi-in-south-korea-on-oct-30-644649.html Fri, 24 Oct 2025 06:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/israel-freezes-legislative-process-for-west-bank-annexation-644652.html Jerusalem Oct 24 Israel has froze the West Bank annexation bills that passed a preliminary vote in the Israeli Parliament or Knesset Ofir Katz Chairman of the government coalition said on Thursday in a statement that the bills for the full annexation of the West Bank and the annexation of the largescale settlement of Maale Adumim near Jerusalem will not be advanced until further noticeIsraels Parliament voted on Wednesday in favour of the two bills to apply Israeli law and administration to all settlements in Maale Adumim and the West Bank Xinhua news agency reportedThe vote was carried out during US VicePresident JD Vances visit to the countrySpeaking to reporters at Ben Gurion International Airport outside Tel Aviv before his departure on Thursday Vance said the vote was a political stunt which has no practical significanceIf it was a political stunt it was a very stupid political stunt and I personally take some insult to it he saidIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said in a statement that the parliamentary vote on annexation was a deliberate political provocation by the Opposition to sow discord during US VicePresident JD Vances visit to IsraelIt added that Netanyahus Likud party did not vote for these bills Without Likud support these bills are unlikely to go anywhereMeanwhile delegations from Hamas and Fatah met in Cairo to discuss arrangements for the postwar phase in the Gaza Strip Egyptian TV channel AlQahera News reported on ThursdayHamas delegation is led by senior leader and chief negotiator Khalil alHayya while Fatahs delegation is headed by Palestinian VicePresident Hussein alSheikh and Palestinian intelligence chief Majed Faraj according to the reportIt added that Cairo is also hosting talks among Palestinian factions on the second phase of Trumps peace plan for Gaza noting that Egypt is preparing to host a conference on Gazas reconstruction in the second half of November IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/israel-freezes-legislative-process-for-west-bank-annexation-644652.html Fri, 24 Oct 2025 08:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-lauds-trumps-role-in-achieving-gaza-peace-deal-644653.html United Nations Oct 24 India has lauded US President Donald Trumps role in achieving the landmark Gaza agreement and said it has created momentum for peace in the region The landmark initiative of the United States has generated diplomatic momentum towards peace and all parties must adhere to their obligations in this regard Indias Permanent Representative to UN P Harish said on ThursdayParticipating in a UN Security Council debate on the Middle East he said India would also like to place on record its appreciation for the United States and especially President Donald Trump for playing an instrumental role in forging the agreementIndia participated in the Gaza Peace Summit at Sharm elSheikh Egypt on October 13 and welcomed the signing of the landmark pact he addedAlthough Prime Minister Narendra Modi was invited to the ceremony India was represented by External Affairs Minister of State Kirti Vardhan SinghThe agreement is centered on a 20point plan for peace and reconstruction for Gaza that Trump devised and with cajoling and coercion got Israel and Hamas to agree to the peace dealHarish also commended Egypt and Qatar who acted as intermediaries in the negotiations between Israel and Hamas for their role in getting the peace agreement throughIt is Indias hope that the positive diplomatic momentum that has been generated would lead to lasting peace in the region he saidNow is the time for all parties to support ongoing peace efforts rather than to derail them Harsh said adding that New Delhi remains firmly opposed to any unilateral moves by parties concernedThe shortterm gains of the recent diplomatic outcomes must pave the way for medium to longterm political commitments and practical action on the ground towards the realisation of a TwoState solution under which Israel and an independent Palestine nation will coexist in peaceHe reiterated Indias unwavering support to the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to selfdetermination national independence and sovereigntyHarish said that an independent Palestine state should also be economically viableProgrammes that include economic frameworks and mechanisms for social development investment and employment are needed he addedAccording to estimates about 80 per cent of the homes in Gaza have been destroyed in Israeli attacksAid is essential in the short term for rehabilitation and reconstruction and international support is needed for this Harish saidIndia has sent more than 170 million in aid to Palestine including projects worth 40 million that are in various stages of development he addedIn the last two years India sent 135 metric tons of medicines and supplies to Palestine he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-lauds-trumps-role-in-achieving-gaza-peace-deal-644653.html Fri, 24 Oct 2025 08:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indus-water-treaty-fallout-afghanistans-dam-moves-add-fuel-to-pakistans-fears-644717.html Kabul Oct 24 Months after India put the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance in response to Pakistansponsored terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22 now Afghanistan has announced its plans to build dams on the Kunar River as soon as possible which is likely to create a troubling unease in Islamabad   Taking it to X Muhajer Farahi Talibans Deputy Information Minister said His Eminence Amir alMumineen referring to Taliban Supreme Leader Mawlawi Hibatullah Akhundzada may God protect him has instructed Ministry of Water and Energy to begin construction of dams on the Kunar River as soon as possible and to sign contracts with domestic companies and not wait for foreign companiesThis comes days after a ceasefire was brokered between the two countries following days of hostilitiesThe Chitral River also known in Afghanistan as the Kunar River is a 480kilometrelong river in northern Pakistan and eastern AfghanistanIt originates from the Chiantar glacier located at the border of Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral in PakistanAt Arandu it enters Afghanistan where it is called the Kunar River It later merges with the Kabul River in Nangahar Province of Afghanistan The river system is fed by melting glaciers and snow of the Hindu Kush mountainsNotably the relations between Kabul and Islamabad have been undergoing a turbulent phase as the situation on the Durand Line has witnessed several clashes in the past few weeksAfghanistans FM Amir Khan Muttaqis weeklong visit to New Delhi beginning on October 9 was viewed with extreme hostility by the Pakistani establishment and on the very first day of Muttaqis visit Kabul witnessed drone attacksPakistan has been accusing the Taliban leadership of sheltering and aiding TTP militants which has become a menace to their security establishment as several Pakistan Army personnel have lost their lives in these attacksSince coming to power in 2021 the de facto rulers in Kabul have stressed the importance of prioritising water sovereigntyIt is pertinent to note here that there is no water cooperation between Afghanistan and PakistanOf the nine rivers that flow across the border none possess a formal agreement or mechanism to manage shared water resources according to the thinktank International Water Management InstituteIn the past too Pakistan has raised concerns over Afghanistans water sovereignty and it seems that the issue is likely to create more trouble in the coming days IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indus-water-treaty-fallout-afghanistans-dam-moves-add-fuel-to-pakistans-fears-644717.html Fri, 24 Oct 2025 18:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/inside-canadas-violent-underworld-gang-wars-isi-links-are-fuelling-transnational-violence-644726.html New Delhi Oct 24 The shooting of Punjabi singer Teji Kahlon in Canada signals the rise of gang wars in the country Over the last couple of years multiple incidents such as the shooting have been reported indicating that these wars have become a nightmare for the security officials in Canada The gang wars are not just playing out in Canada but in the United States as well Officials say that one of the main reasons for these wars escalating is the split between gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar Earlier this month owing to the split Harry Boxer who was running the Bishnoi gang from abroad was shot at in CaliforniaBoth the shootings in Canada and the US were claimed by Goldy Brar gang member Rohit Godara Central Intelligence agencies say that these wars are only going to escalate as the rivalry between the two gangs that once worked together has only worsenedThese gangs continue to thrive for multiple reasons First and foremost most gangsters have the backing of the ISI which uses them to further its Khalistan agenda The National Investigation Agency NIA during its probe learnt that these ISIbacked gangs work in tandem with these Khalistani elements who have managed to find a safe haven in Canada For years Canada has avoided dealing with the problemHowever after Mark Carney became Prime Minister ties with India have been reset Both countries are working towards solving this problem It is a good start says one official while also adding that these things however take timeThe nexus between these gangs and the ISI dates back a long time The ISI had been using these gang initially only to further their narcotics and arms trade It was later on that they were roped in to help the Khalistan movement The gangsters who are living under the patronage of the ISI in countries such as Canada arrange for men to carry out terror attacksFurther the ISI advises these gangsters who are wanted in India to leave the country and take refuge in Canada To ensure that they are protected the ISI has roped in the proscribed Sikhs for Justice SFJ to do the job For these gangs to operate abroad it is impossible to do so without the patronage of the SFJ The members of the SFJ are politically wellconnected and this helps the gangstersIn a recent chargesheet the NIA accused the Canadabased Goldy Brar Ankit Bhawish and USbased Randeep Singh of orchestrating bomb attacks on the Warehouse Club and Human Club in Gurugram Haryana The NIA noted that this was part of a larger conspiracy and the accused persons have carried out the act at the behest of the Babbar Khalsa International BKIWhile these persons are a major menace for India they have started becoming extremely problematic for Canada and the US too These gangsters are no longer carrying out operations covertly but are currently out on the streets The recent shootings in Canada and the US and also the fact that the Kaps Cafe had been attacked twice is proof of how the violence has spilt out on to the streetsIndian officials say that the gang wars are only set to intensify and there is a lot that Canada would need to do More importantly this issue would need to be dealt with an iron fist in the interest of Canadas security Unlike in the past these gangsters are not just using Canada as a safe haven Earlier they would take shelter in Canada and run their narcotics trade and extortion rackets in India Today it has hit the streets of Canada and the fact that there is a full blown rivalry between the Bishnoi and Brar gangs has only made matters worse in terms of internal security IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/inside-canadas-violent-underworld-gang-wars-isi-links-are-fuelling-transnational-violence-644726.html Fri, 24 Oct 2025 18:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/japan-india-highlights-ne-as-frontier-of-opportunity-for-connectivity-and-commerce-644744.html Tokyo Oct 24 Indias Charge dAffaires in Japan R Madhu Sudan on Friday highlighted Indias NorthEast as frontier of opportunity having immense potential as a hub of connectivity creativity and commerce In his address at an event titled Exploring the Potential of Northeast India Harmonizing Cultural Diversity and Socioeconomic Development organised by Sasakawa Peace Foundation the diplomat stated that North East can serve as a model for sustainable inclusive and culturally rooted development partnership between two nationsIn a statement shared on X the Indian Embassy in Japan stated Mr R Madhu Sudan Charge dAffaires at Indian Embassy in Japan gave Keynote Address at the event Exploring the Potential of Northeast India Harmonizing Cultural Diversity and Socioeconomic Development organized by Sasakawa Peace Foundation In his remarks CdA highlighted Indias NorthEast as a frontier of opportunity having immense potential as a hub of connectivity creativity amp commerce and to serve as a model for sustainable inclusive and culturally rooted development partnership between both countriesEarlier in the day Indian Embassy in Japan shared glimpses of Diwali celebrations at Nagasaki University During the event R Madhu Sudan shared a video message where he highlighted the growing friendship and cultural exchanges between two nations The Indian Embassy in Japan called the celebration a beautiful reflection of friendship between two nations and cultural harmonyWhile sharing glimpses from the Diwali celebration on X Indian Embassy in Japan stated Diwali Celebrations at Nagasaki University The spirit of Diwali illuminated Nagasaki University as students and the faculty came together to celebrate the Festival of Lights as part of Diwali Celebrations in Japanese Universities A video message from Shri R Madhu Sudan Charge dAffaires Embassy of India Tokyo highlighting the growing friendship and cultural exchanges between India and Japan was screened on the occasionThe evening resonated with diyas and sweets a cultural program highlighting Indian dances and costumes and the shared message of light triumphing over darkness and knowledge over ignorance A beautiful reflection of IndiaJapan friendship and cultural harmony Indian students and faculty across universities in Japan are celebrating Diwali symbolizing the enduring bond of friendship between our two nations it addedSimilarly students and faculty at Kagawa University celebrated Diwali Sharing pictures from the celebration on X Indian Embassy in Japan stated Diwali Celebrations at Kagawa University Students and faculty at Kagawa University came together to celebrate Diwali as part of the Diwali Celebrations in Japan A video message from Shri R Madhu Sudan Charge dAffaires Embassy of India Tokyo was also screened on the occasion highlighting the cultural connections between India and Japan The vibrant diversity and cultural significance of Diwali was beautifully showcased through colorful Rangoli and traditional Indian sweets Students and faculty across universities in Japan are celebrating the Festival of Lights symbolizing the enduring bond of friendship between our two nationsIndias Charge dAffaires in Japan also held a video conference with Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Marshall Islands Isabela Silk discussing avenues of collaboration between two nations in various sectors including projects IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/japan-india-highlights-ne-as-frontier-of-opportunity-for-connectivity-and-commerce-644744.html Fri, 24 Oct 2025 18:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/russia-five-injured-in-drone-attack-at-residential-building-in-moscow-644747.html Moscow Oct 24 Five people including one child were injured after a drone attack on a residential building in Krasnogorsk in Russian capital Moscow local Governor Andrey Vorobyov confirmed on Friday In a statement shared on his Telegram channel Vorobyov wrote A residential building in Krasnogorsk was damaged as a result of a drone attack The drone flew into an apartment on the 14th floor Five people were injured including a child Four were promptly taken to hospitals where they are receiving the necessary medical aidVorobyov stated that a child was taken to hospital after suffering a minor shin injury and a dislocated knee Russias leading Tass news agency reported The injured people were rushed to hospital for traumatic brain injuries fractures and shrapnel woundsThree apartments were damaged and partially destroyed due to the drone attack Speaking to TASS residents of the building said that the explosion was very powerfulEmployees of all emergency services Russian Emergency Ministry and law enforcement agencies are working at the site of the incident District head Dmitry Volkov is also present at the site of the incident Specialists carried out an inspection at the building that was attacked by the drone and an operational headquarters was establishedThe regional governor and district head assured support for all victims and their families Approximately 70 people were evacuated from apartments in the residential building according to a source in the emergency servicesOn October 22 Belgorod regions operational headquarters stated that Ukrainian armed forces attacked Belgorod Region with more than 10 drones and over 12 rounds of ammunition during the past day Tass reportedThe statement shared on the headquarters Telegram channel said The Ukrainian military attacked the Graivoronsky district firing four rounds of ammunition in two rounds of shelling and launching eight drones one of which was downed at the city of Graivoron and the villages of Bezymeno GoraPodol NovostroyevkaPervaya Pochayevo and Smorodino A man was killed in a drone attack on a passenger car in the village of NovostroyevkaPervaya He died from his injuries before arriving at the hospitalThe Ukrainian armed forces fired 11 rounds of ammunition and launched three drones at Shebekinsky district two drones at Krasnoyaruzhsky district and one drone each at the Borisovsky and Volokonovsky districts IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/russia-five-injured-in-drone-attack-at-residential-building-in-moscow-644747.html Fri, 24 Oct 2025 18:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/poverty-surges-to-39-pc-pakistan-moving-faster-towards-destitution-644748.html London Oct 24 Pakistan is facing a deepening poverty crisis that reflects the convergence of economic mismanagement structural inefficiencies and environmental devastation The poverty rate which had been declining for nearly two decades has now surged to 39 per cent pushing an estimated 125 million additional people below the poverty line according to an article in Lens Asia a Bangladesh media outletBetween fiscal years 2020 and 2025 the country has experienced severe volatility in inflation GDP per capita growth and sectoral performance all of which have contributed to a sharp rise in poverty the article statesPersistently high energy costs and elevated core inflation continued to squeeze vulnerable families many of whom were already struggling to meet basic needs Human capital development has also suffered with over onethird of children out of school in 202425 The exclusion is most severe among female students and the youngest age cohorts threatening longterm productivity and perpetuating cycles of poverty the article points outOne of the most crippling contributors to Pakistans economic distress is the circular debt crisis in the power sector which has ballooned to Rs 24 trillion as of September 2025 equivalent to 21 per cent of the countrys GDPThis debt represents unpaid dues to electricity companies for power that has already been consumed but not compensated for creating a vicious cycle that stifles growth and drains public resourcesAt the heart of this crisis are Independent Power Producers IPPs private entities operating under contracts signed since the 1990s that guarantee profits in US dollars while shielding them from business risksThese contracts include capacity charges which require payments for simply keeping power plants operational and takeorpay clauses that obligate the government to purchase electricity regardless of actual demandA government inquiry revealed that IPPs earned Rs 1000 billion in excess profits through inflated costs and guaranteed payments Yet instead of recovering these funds the government chose to pass the burden onto citizensFiscal consolidation measures have further exacerbated poverty Indirect tax hikes have disproportionately impacted the poor while realterm reductions in the Public Sector Development Programme PSDP have curtailed infrastructure spending and limited labour income opportunitiesNatural disasters have compounded these economic challenges particularly in floodaffected districts across Balochistan Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh Over 118 million people are projected to face acute food insecurity during the winter lean period with 22 million classified in Emergency IPC Phase 4These regions continue to grapple with reduced crop and livestock production due to heavy monsoon rains that submerged farmland and triggered disease outbreaks among animalsAmid this backdrop of economic fragility Pakistans currency appears deceptively stable As of September 2025 the USDPKR exchange rate stands at 28201 having strengthened slightly over the past month while declining 194 per cent over the past yearThis apparent stability however is the result of one of the most aggressive currency manipulation campaigns in emerging market historyThe State Bank of Pakistan has purchased 9 billion from the interbank market over the past nine months to artificially boost reserves and create demand for the rupee despite market fundamentals suggesting otherwisePakistans foreign exchange market is particularly vulnerable due to its shallow structure with a daily turnover of just 200300 millionCentral bank interventions now account for 3040 per cent of daily volume distorting price discovery and making stability exponentially more expensive to maintain as pressures mountWithout urgent reforms Pakistan risks entrenching poverty for millions more undermining its development goals and destabilising its social fabric The illusion of stability cannot mask the reality of growing deprivation and the time for corrective action is rapidly running out the article added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/poverty-surges-to-39-pc-pakistan-moving-faster-towards-destitution-644748.html Fri, 24 Oct 2025 18:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/direct-flights-resumption-sign-of-stable-development-of-bilateral-relations-with-india-china-644760.html Beijing Oct 24 Citing the resumption of direct flights between China and India over the weekend Beijing on Friday said that it is willing to promote the continued healthy and stable development of bilateral relations The resumption of direct flights between mainland China and India is the latest progress in earnestly implementing the important consensus reached by the two leaders during their Tianjin meeting It is also a positive measure to facilitate friendly exchanges between the more than 28 billion people of China and India Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun said during a regular media briefing on FridayChina is willing to work with India to view and handle ChinaIndia relations from a strategic and longterm perspective promote the continued healthy and stable development of bilateral relations better benefit the two countries and their peoples and make due contributions to maintaining peace and prosperity in Asia and the world he addedIndian airline IndiGo recently announced restarting daily flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou on October 26 becoming one of the first Indian carriers to resume direct service to China The announcement was made after the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that India and China would restart direct flights between the designated citiesThe lowcost airline had also announced new daily direct flights between New Delhi and Chinas Guangzhou from November 10 The airline said that the route will be operated using Airbus A320 aircraftOn Thursday China Eastern Airlines announced the resumption of flights on its India route and the direct flights between Shanghai and Delhi starting from November 9 in fresh momentum for peopletopeople exchanges and economic and trade collaboration between New Delhi and BeijingThe service will operate three times weekly on Wednesdays Saturdays and SundaysThe flight from Delhi MU564 will depart at 755 pm arriving in Shanghai at 410 am the following day Flight MU563 from Shanghai Pudong International Airport will depart at 1250 pm and arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport Delhi at 545 pm local time Tickets for the route are now available for sale the airline said in a statementThe Shanghai and Delhi route is one of the most strategically significant air links between India and China connecting the major economic and cultural hubs of both nationsThe resumption of this service marks the full restoration of China Eastern Airlines network in India IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/direct-flights-resumption-sign-of-stable-development-of-bilateral-relations-with-india-china-644760.html Fri, 24 Oct 2025 19:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/ukraine-four-killed-12-injured-in-grenade-attack-at-railway-station-644785.html Kyiv Oct 24 At least three people were killed and 12 others injured in an apparent explosive device attack at a railway station in Ovruch in Ukraine according to the State Border Guard Service statement on Friday The agency said that a female border guard and two civilians were killed after a man detonated an explosive device while his documents were being checked Euro News reported The device was a hand grenade local media reported citing the national police According to the State Border Guard Service the attacker later died in an ambulanceThe man who detonated the device has been identified as a 23yearold resident of Ukraines Kharkiv according to authoritiesSo far no connection has been established between the explosion and ongoing war between Russia and UkraineIvanna Siletska a press officer for the Zhytomyr Oblast police force said that law enforcement including including the main directorate of the national police is at the site of the incident and an investigation is being conductedAll the circumstances of the incident are being established Siletska said as per Euro News reportMeanwhile Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met UKs King Charles III at Windsor Castle on Friday and expressed gratitude to him for Britains unwavering support for the people of Ukraine Zelensky briefed King Charles III about the situation in Ukraine and the current challenges facing the nationHe recalled recent visit of Princess Anne to Kyiv and her important humanitarian mission focused on children and families impacted by the war according to the statement released by Ukraine Presidents OfficeI had a meeting with His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom I am grateful to His Majesty and to the entire United Kingdom for their unwavering support of our people as well as for their strong public messages in support of Ukraine and the pursuit of peace for our country Zelensky posted on X IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/ukraine-four-killed-12-injured-in-grenade-attack-at-railway-station-644785.html Fri, 24 Oct 2025 21:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/africas-cholera-death-toll-tops-6-700-in-2025-africa-cdc-644788.html Addis Ababa Oct 24 The death toll from ongoing cholera outbreaks across Africa has surpassed 6700 so far this year the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Africa CDC said During an online media briefing Yap Boum II Deputy Incident Manager for mpox at the Africa CDC said the continent has recorded 6795 cholerarelated deaths since the start of 2025 Xinhua News Agency reportedData from the African Unions specialized public health agency show that 23 African countries have reported 294244 cholera cases this year marking a relatively higher case fatality rate of 23 per cent when compared to previous yearsAccording to the Africa CDC both the number of choleraaffected countries and reported deaths in 2025 have already exceeded last years figuresWe keep on seeing a rapid increase in cholera One of the simple indicators is that when we compare 2022 to 2025 which has not even ended we can see that we have almost tripled both the number of cases and deaths showing how cholera has been increasing over the years Boum saidSouth Sudan Sudan the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Angola are among the most affected countries according to the agencyHighlighting cholera as one of Africas leading public health concerns Boum also cited mpox and measles as other major highburden diseases on the continentSince early 2024 about 30 African countries have recorded more than 202900 mpox cases and 2086 related deaths with a fatality rate of around 1 percent Africa CDC data showThe continent has also reported 127002 measles cases and 1086 deaths so far in 2025 affecting 20 countriesThe agency attributed recurring cholera outbreaks largely to inadequate access to clean water and sanitation compounded by strained health systems and overlapping public health emergenciesCholera an acute diarrheal disease caused by ingesting contaminated food or water can lead to severe dehydration and death within hours if untreated IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/africas-cholera-death-toll-tops-6-700-in-2025-africa-cdc-644788.html Fri, 24 Oct 2025 21:46:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/two-armed-robbers-killed-four-ak-47-rifles-seized-in-northern-afghanistan-644790.html Kabul Oct 24 Afghan police gunned down two armed robbers and seized four AK47 rifles during a confrontation in northern Balkh province the provincial police office announced in a statement on Friday The incident took place late Thursday night in the Chahi district where the robbers ambushed a passenger vehicle looting all the belongings from its passengers The victims promptly reported the crime enabling a rapid police response the statement said Xinhua News Agency reportedWhen police attempted to arrest the suspects the robbers resisted triggering a brief firefight that resulted in both assailants deathsA search of their possessions uncovered four Kalashnikov assault rifles two belonging to the robbers and two previously stolen from security forcesIn a related incident police killed another armed robber in a clash in neighbouring Sari Pul province on WednesdayNo additional casualties were reported and investigations are ongoingOn October 6 provincial police spokesman Mullah Ezatullah Haqqani said police discovered and seized nearly 400 pieces of firearms and military equipment during a series of operations in the southern Afghanistan Helmand province over the past five monthsThe weaponry which includes 41 stocks of Kalashnikovs 188 pieces of pistols one piece of RPG7 two stocks of M16 more than 170 pieces of other types of arms and thousands of bullets and projectiles has been confiscated from the provincial capital Lashkar Gah and adjoining districts the official assertedPolice have also taken into custody 75 individuals on charges of keeping and carrying arms illegally the official further saidAs part of efforts to ensure viable peace in the postwar Afghanistan the Afghan governments security organs have collected thousands of arms and ammunition including battle tanks since taking over power more than four years agoEarlier on September 14 the provincial police office said police had discovered arms and ammunition in operations in eastern Afghanistans Kapisa provinceThe weaponry which included eight pieces of hand grenades and firearms has been discovered and seized by police in a series of operations over the past couple of days IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/two-armed-robbers-killed-four-ak-47-rifles-seized-in-northern-afghanistan-644790.html Fri, 24 Oct 2025 21:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/russia-welcomes-new-japanese-govts-push-for-peace-treaty-644796.html Moscow Oct 24 The Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Friday affirmed commitment to maintaining peace as Russia welcomed the new Japanese governments desire to sign a peace treaty with Moscow We welcome this statement We are also in favour of concluding a peace treaty with Japan Russian staterun news agency TASS quoted Peskov as sayingThe remarks came after Japans new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said that Tokyo is determined to conclude a peace treaty with Moscow despite the difficult bilateral relationsRelations between Japan and Russia are in a difficult situation but the Japanese governments policy is to resolve the issue of the northern territories and conclude a peace treaty she said in her keynote speech to parliament during her inaugurationPeskov noted that the unfriendly actions of Japans previous governments have deteriorated bilateral cooperation between Moscow and TokyoUnfortunately Japan is currently taking a very unfriendly stance toward Russia joining all the illegal sanctions and restrictions imposed on our country As a result of the position taken by previous Japanese governments in recent years bilateral dialogue has been brought to virtually zero Peskov emphasisedReports suggest that in her policy speech to parliament Takaichi made no mention of Tokyos willingness to continue supporting Ukraine and maintaining sanctions against RussiaMoscow and Tokyo have been engaged in talks since the mid20th century to conclude a peace treatyThe main obstacle remains the dispute over the southern part of the Kuril Islands known as the Northern Territories in Japan After World War II the entire archipelago was incorporated into the then Soviet Union but Japan disputes the ownership of Iturup Kunashir Shikotan and a group of small uninhabited isletsThe Russian Foreign Ministry has repeatedly asserted that Russias sovereignty over these territories is indisputable with an established international legal basisHowever according to the Japanese Foreign Ministry the Northern Territories are an inherent territory of Japan that continues to be illegally occupied by RussiaEarlier relations worsened when Japan imposed multiple packages of sanctions against Moscow after the launch of Russias military operation in UkraineIn response the Russian Foreign Ministry then announced that it does not want to continue consultations on the peace treaty citing the impossibility of negotiating such a fundamental document with a state that adopts an unfriendly stance and allegedly seeks to undermine Russias interests IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/russia-welcomes-new-japanese-govts-push-for-peace-treaty-644796.html Fri, 24 Oct 2025 21:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-grapples-with-legacy-of-dictatorial-rule-crisis-deepened-in-14-months-report-644798.html Dhaka Oct 24 Bangladeshs painful legacy of dictatorial rule under former Army Chiefs Ziaur Rahman and Hussein Muhammad Ershad left democratic politics gravely wounded a condition further worsened by the darkness that descended on the country in August 2024 a report stated on Friday Between 1975 and 1990 Bangladesh witnessed two military regimes which remain embarrassing symbols of blatant conspiracies that undermined the democratic principles on which the nation was founded in 1971In the 54plus years of Bangladeshs existence as a sovereign state many have been the times when the constitutional government was overthrown through conspiracy shaped at home and abroad The violence with which the government of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was overthrown on August 15 1975 and Bangabandhu was President at the time with Parliament at work under the Constitution was the first instance of the long years of illegitimacy the country would go through noted Bangladeshi journalist historian and political analyst Syed Badrul Ahsan wrote in the Northeast NewsThe Zia illegitimacy drove a dagger into secular democratic politics in Bangladesh through its patronisation of the assassins of AugustNovember 1975 and then through its unabashed indulgence of the very elements who had collaborated with the occupation Pakistan army in 1971 he statedThe report stressed that the countrys second military ruler wasted little time in seizing power Within 10 months of Zias assassination it said Ershad took control in March 1982 marking a new phase of political decline in BangladeshErshad permitted the assassins of Bangabandhu to form a political party in clear defiance of morality and political decency Where the Zia regime knifed the principle of secularism out of the Constitution the Ershad dispensation went for a wholesale imposition of majoritarian faith as the religion of the state on the country the report detailedThe legacy of Ziaur Rahman and Hussein Muhammad Ershad symbolised by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and the Jatiya Party was a potent hurdle to a restoration of secular democracy in Bangladesh Together these two parties have fanned the flames of political trends inimical to the concept of Bangladesh it stressedAccording to the report the struggle for democracy has been renewed following the seizure of power 14 months ago by political upstarts neophytes and antiliberation elements It noted that their vicious assault on Bangladeshs history and cultural legacy through the overthrow of the Sheikh Hasina government marks a new chapter in the fight against historical erasure IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-grapples-with-legacy-of-dictatorial-rule-crisis-deepened-in-14-months-report-644798.html Fri, 24 Oct 2025 22:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/west-africas-environmental-integrity-threatened-by-chinese-projects-report-644800.html Abuja Oct 24 Chinese infrastructure and mining ventures in West Africa have penetrated previously undisturbed forest and conservation areas fragmenting habitats and undermining the ecological integrity of vital landscapes a report has highlighted Citing a report by the American think tank Atlantic Council titled Chinese Demand for Timber and Wildlife in West Africa Responding to the Environmental and Social Impacts Ugandabased media outlet PML Daily detailed that these developments often weaken communitybased forest management practices and marginalise local communitiesEnvironmentalists in West Africa have raised serious concerns over widespread deforestation driven by the growing demand from Chinese suppliers operating across the globe Recently the Ogun State government in Nigeria sealed five Chinese companies and arrested several officials for allegedly assaulting and inflicting bodily harm on enforcement officers carrying out their duties the report mentionedEarlier these companies had been sealed for committing serious environmental violations including improper waste disposal open waste burning and refusal to engage governmentrecognised waste collectors Such incidents are not isolated to Nigeria but are increasingly common across the entire West African region it emphasisedAccording to the report the primary concern is illegal logging especially of rosewood and other valuable timber across Nigeria Ghana Gambia Mali Cote dIvoire Sierra Leone and Liberia which has led to widespread deforestation including in protected areasDriven largely by Chinese demand it said rosewood has become the worlds most trafficked illegal wildlife product by both value and volume exceeding ivory and rhinoceros horn combinedIronically the environmental costs have far outweighed the economic benefits Largescale land acquisitions and infrastructure projects have led to forest conversion eroded community land rights and endangered numerous species the report highlightedIn countries such as Ghana Liberia Nigeria Côte dIvoire and Sierra Leone Chinese firms are frequently associated with both legal and illicit timber operations In addition Chinesebacked agribusiness ventures particularly in rubber and palm oil have resulted in extensive land acquisitions and deforestation undermining traditional land tenure systems and disrupting local livelihoods it addedThe report stated that the evidence from across West Africa shows how Chinas unchecked exploitation of forests minerals and wildlife has inflicted severe environmental damage and destabilised local communitiesIt further said that with China strengthening its diplomatic and economic control West African nations must urgently come together and take a firm standIt is high time these countries confront Beijing directly and demand an immediate halt to the destruction of their natural resources If China refuses to cooperate West African governments must raise the matter at global forums ensuring that the world recognises and responds to this growing ecological and humanitarian crisis the report noted IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/west-africas-environmental-integrity-threatened-by-chinese-projects-report-644800.html Fri, 24 Oct 2025 22:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistans-duplicity-on-palestine-taliban-breeds-a-new-ttp-like-headache-in-bangladesh-644575.html New Delhi Oct 23 Bangladesh which is headed by the JamaateIslami backed Muhammad Yunus is in bad shape today thanks to the takeover by the radical Islamic groups Once Yunus took over the entire foreign policy shifted towards Pakistan and this has been a worry for India Today with free access to Bangladesh the ISI has set up terror camps where scores of radicalised youth are being trained While most terror groups in Bangladesh toe the line of the ISI there is one group that is creating a problemThe HizbutTahrir HuT which is no doubt a radical Islamic group has a problem with Pakistan Islamabads stance Israel and its war against the Taliban have not gone down too well with the HuTThe HuT has not been part of any activity that the ISI has conducted in Bangladesh Intelligence Bureau officials sayIt has remained independent and is focusing only on the establishing the Caliphate in BangladeshWith the Yunus government the HuT has had a blow hot blow cold relationshipIn the aftermath of Sheikh Hasinas ouster and the installation of Yunus its activities were conducted more in the open It even held a seminar where the discussion was centred around Indias dominance in BangladeshIt also spoke about the need to establish a CaliphateHowever the HuT was not happy with the manner in which Pakistan was trying to dominate Bangladesh under YunusIt felt that Pakistan is more of a West sponsored force and did not feel truly about the cause A lot however began to change for the HuT after Israel hit back after the Hamas attack the country Pakistan has of late largely toed the line of the United StatesThe thinking of the HuT was centred around the double standards of PakistanOn one hand the ISI facilitated many Hamas operatives to share the stage with terrorists of the Hizbul Mujahideen JaisheMohammad and LashkareTaiba On the other hand when Israel intensified its attacks on the Hamas Pakistan toed the line that the US did It was natural for the HuT to feel strongly about the stance that Pakistan was taking where Israel was concernedThe HuT is a panIslamist organisation that was founded in Jerusalem in 1953 with the sole intention of establishing the Islamic CaliphateIt was in the year 2000 that the HuT first made its entry into Bangladesh It wanted to part of the region to further its causeApart from the IsraeliPalestine issue the HuT also frowned upon Pakistans stance where the Afghan Taliban was concernedTensions between the Taliban and Pakistan are at an all time high and although the fighting may have stopped the truce is very delicate in natureWhen Pakistan attacked the Taliban with its Air Force the HuT issued a stern warning and even condemned the actionsThe HuT in a statement said that the action by Pakistan is audacious in nature and stems from the temporary proximity of Pakistans leadership with the United StatesWhile the HuT may have rejoiced when the Sheikh Hasina government fell it soon realised that Yunus was only a puppet of IslamabadAt the insistence of Pakistan the Yunus government has been taking strict action against the HuT The interim government has at the insistence of Pakistan arrested a top HuT leader Imtiaz SelimAnalysts say that going forward the HuT may create a big problem for both the establishment in Bangladesh as well as Pakistan This HuT could clearly end up become the next TehreekeTaliban Pakistan TTP for the ISI when it comes to its plans in Bangladesh officials also say IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistans-duplicity-on-palestine-taliban-breeds-a-new-ttp-like-headache-in-bangladesh-644575.html Fri, 24 Oct 2025 00:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/mahabharata-brought-to-life-through-music-and-dance-in-south-koreas-miryang-644576.html Seoul Oct 23 Heralding a new chapter of friendship and cultural exchange between India and South Korea the inland city of Miryang located in the northeastern Gyeongsangnamdo Province hosted a memorable performance of Indias iconic classical dance form Kathakali on Thursday For the first time Miryang welcomed the timeless beauty of Kathakali at Yoga Culture Town on October 23 A vibrant spectacle of storytelling rhythm and expression Kathakali one of Indias most iconic classical dance forms brought the ancient epic of Mahabharata to life through music and dance The Embassy of India in South Korea posted on XThe Embassy extended its sincere appreciation to Miryang City and Yoga Culture Town for hosting the landmark performanceLast week the Indian Embassy hosted the inaugural event of the 11th edition of the annual Sarang Festival The Festival of India in the Republic of Korea which featured a captivating Kathakali performance renowned for its elaborate costumes vibrant makeup and expressive gesturesAmbassadordesignate Gourangalal Das felicitated the Kathakali troupe which kept the audience spellbound with an hourlong repertoire entailing Duryodhanavadham from Mahabharata Deputy Chief of Mission Nishi Kant Singh and Mayor of Seodaemungu Lee Sungheon delivered brief welcome remarks Kathakali troupe is led by renowned artist Sreenathan Sreenatha MandiramThe Sarang festival introduces facets of rich diverse Indian culture including classical dance performances music films art exhibitions culinary experiences etc The event witnessed participation of around 400 guests including friends of India in Korea drawn from different spheres diplomatic corps media cultural figures etcOn Wednesday the Kathakali troupe held a performance at Busan Citizens HallThe splendour of Kathakali met the vitality of Chhau dance at Busan Citizens Hall on October 22 Through every gesture and beat the spirit of India met the warmth of Korea a celebration of friendship woven in art and movement Heartfelt thanks to Busan University of Foreign Studies BUFS for joining hands with the Embassy of India to bring this unforgettable evening of cultural harmony to life the Embassy posted on XDuring the Sarang Festival audiences were seen grooving to the rhythms of India with captivating Kathakali performance and display of Indian musical instrumentsThe festival was organised in Nami Island one of South Koreas foremost tourist destinations IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/mahabharata-brought-to-life-through-music-and-dance-in-south-koreas-miryang-644576.html Fri, 24 Oct 2025 00:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/portuguese-to-be-included-as-priority-language-in-indonesian-education-system-announces-subianto-644590.html Jakarta Oct 23 Indonesias President Prabowo Subianto on Thursday announced a policy plan to include Portuguese as a priority language in the Indonesian education system The decision was announced as Indonesia and Brazil concluded the signing of four agreements in the fields of science technology and innovation energy and mineral resources sanitary and phytosanitary measures and statistical cooperation during Luiz Inacio Lula da Silvas State Visit the first by a Brazilian President to the country since 2008Lula and Subianto held a working meeting where they discussed bilateral regional and multilateral issues They will also participate in the BrazilIndonesia Economic Forum which will bring together private sector leaders from both countriesI began today a mission that will pass through Indonesia and Malaysia and that will culminate with my participation in the ASEAN Summit Southeast Asia is one of the most dynamic regions on the planet ASEAN is already Brazils fifth largest trading partner Asia has occupied a prominent place in our international agenda in 2025 Lula posted on X as he landed in JakartaOn Friday Lula will visit the headquarters of the Secretariat of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations ASEAN where he will meet with its SecretaryGeneral Kao Kim Hourn Brazil is the only Latin American country to maintain a Sectoral Dialogue Partnership with ASEAN within which political coordination and multisectoral cooperation initiatives are undertakenBrazil and Indonesia established a Strategic Partnership in 2008 Brazils first in Southeast Asia The bilateral relationship has deepened in several areas such as agricultural trade bioenergy defence and sustainable development In 2024 trade reached a record USD 63 billion with a Brazilian surplus of USD 26 billionOnce again it is a great honor for us to receive Your Excellency and your delegation in Jakarta following my visit to Brasilia last July I would like to express my gratitude for the excellent reception I received during my state visit to Brazil Now Your Excellency the President of Brazil is returning the state visit and we thank you once again said the Indonesian PresidentThe President of Brazil will also participate in the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits scheduled to take place from October 2628 in Malaysias Kuala Lumpur as a Guest of the Chair The Summit being hosted by Malaysia under its ASEAN Chairmanship for 2025 will convene leaders of ASEAN Member States alongside key external partners to advance regional cooperation inclusivity and sustainabilityThis would mark President Lula da Silvas first official visit to Malaysia since assuming office for a new term in January 2023 He will be accompanied by First Lady Janja Lula da Silva as well as several Cabinet ministers and senior officials of the Brazilian governmentOn 25 October 2025 President Lula da Silva will be accorded an official welcome ceremony at the Perdana Putra Complex Putrajaya followed by a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at Seri Perdana Complex Putrajaya Both Leaders are expected to review the progress of MalaysiaBrazil relations and explore new avenues to strengthen cooperation in key strategic sectors including trade and investment semiconductors science technology and innovation renewable energy and biofuels Halal industry agriculture and agro commodities health and education read a statement issued by the Malaysian Presidents officeIn recognition of President Lula da Silvas leadership contributions and commitment to international development particularly in advancing the Global South he will be conferred an Honorary Doctorate in International Development and the Global South by the National University of Malaysia UKM at a Special Convocation Ceremony on October 25 IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/portuguese-to-be-included-as-priority-language-in-indonesian-education-system-announces-subianto-644590.html Fri, 24 Oct 2025 00:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-embassy-presents-books-to-slovak-radio-and-television-library-644607.html Bratislava Oct 23 The Indian Embassy in Slovakia on Thursday presented a collection of books to the Slovak Television and Radio Library in Bratislava for creating an India Corner The Embassy of India presented a diverse collection of books to the Slovak Television amp Radio Library in Bratislava to create an India corner enriching its collection with volumes on Indian Architecture Culture Music Politics etc Indian Embassy in Slovakia posted on XOn Wednesday members of Indian community participated in Diwali celebrations organised by Indian Embassy in Slovakia in collaboration with Mareena Organisation and the Indian diasporaIn a statement shared on X Indian Embassy in Slovakia stated Embassy of India in collaboration with Mareena Organisation and the Indian diaspora organized Diwali celebrations in Kosice The event brought together the community to celebrate the spirit of light joy and unityOn October 21 Indian Embassy participated in the Asian Day celebrations held in Slovakia showcasing the rich cultural heritage and diversity of India While addressing the event Indias Ambassador to Slovakia Apoorva Srivastava highlighted the timeless legacy of Indian civilization and the strength of Indias unity in diversityDuring the event a One District One Product ODOP stall was set up to promote unique Indian handicrafts and traditional products from various parts of IndiaWhile sharing glimpses from the event on X Indian Embassy in Slovakia wrote Ambassador Apoorva Srivastava addressed the gathering highlighting the timeless legacy of Indian civilization the strength of Indias unity in diversity and the remarkable transformation taking place in IndiaAn ODOP stall was set up to promote unique Indian handicrafts and traditional products from various regions of India Indian food stall offering authentic flavours was also a major attraction receiving an enthusiastic response from visitors the embassy wrote in another post on X IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-embassy-presents-books-to-slovak-radio-and-television-library-644607.html Fri, 24 Oct 2025 00:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-awami-league-slams-july-charter-as-calculated-deception-to-protect-yunus-644359.html Dhaka Oct 22 Criticising July Charters parading as a national reform Bangladeshs Awami League party has termed it as a calculated deception which aims at protecting Muhammad Yunus Chief Advisor to the interim government The party claimed that the July Charter did not bring reform but entrenched exclusion with its sole purpose being to protect Yunus project authority and sell the illusion of change to the worldThe July Charter was never about Bangladesh It was about Muhammad Yunuss survival Cornered by growing scrutiny over his failures and mounting criticism at home Yunus orchestrated the Charter as a smokescreen a way to rewrite his narrative and dodge accountability Every clause every polished paragraph every foreignapproved nod was carefully designed to shield him from responsibility while presenting the illusion of reform the Awami League statedYunus sold the world a story of national renewal but the truth is far uglier Behind closed doors the Charter was a selfserving plan not a national blueprint By handpicking elites and NGO figures he ensured that those with real authority or independent judgment could not challenge him it addedAccording to the Awami League opposition voices were silenced dissenting opinions excluded and the majority of Bangladeshs citizens ignoredThe party emphasised that the October 17 signing ceremony of the Charter billed as a national reform was in reality a gathering without the nation Most of Bangladeshs major political parties it said refused to attend the event a deliberate snub that exposed the Charters hollow legitimacyEven the National Citizen Party long touted as the socalled Kings Party stayed away and with the true power centres absent the party stressed that the documents claim to represent the people was a fabricated lieThe July Charter exposed the real mindset of this unelected elitea belief that democracy can be staged that representation can be faked and that power can be negotiated behind closed doors If Yunus could bypass the countrys majority once what will stop him from doing it again when the stakes are higher the Awami League questionedA national election led by this same group would not be an exercise in democracy it would be an extension of the deception The same actors the same playbook the same outcomeBangladeshs people left voiceless while the world applauds another carefully written script it asserted IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-awami-league-slams-july-charter-as-calculated-deception-to-protect-yunus-644359.html Thu, 23 Oct 2025 00:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-pays-heavily-for-afghan-conflict-tomato-prices-jump-to-rs-600-per-kg-644368.html Islamabad Oct 22 Tomatoes are being sold at Rs 600 per kilogramme in Pakistans Rawalpindi as vegetable prices continue to sour in the entire country due to the ongoing tensions along the PakAfghan border local media reported on Wednesday The supply of tomatoes is low while demand is high and tomatoes are no longer being imported from Afghanistan Until the supply is fully restored tomato prices will not decrease and this surge will persist leading Pakistani daily Express Tribune quoted President of Rawalpindis Sabzi Mandi Traders Union Ghulam Qadir as sayingThe report highlighted that small vegetable vendors have stopped selling tomatoes peas ginger and garlic due to the high pricesGarlic has reached Rs 400 per kg while ginger has risen to Rs 750 per kg Onions are priced at Rs 120 per kg and peas are retailing at Rs 500 per kg The price of capsicum has decreased to Rs 300 per kg with okra also selling at the same rate Cucumbers are available for Rs 150 per kg and local red carrots for Rs 200 per kg Local lemons are priced at Rs 300 per kg while coriander which was previously given free now costs Rs 50 for a small bunch the report statedAmong fruits apples are selling for Rs 250 to Rs 350 per kg and grapes for Rs 400 to Rs 600 per kg Pomegranates are priced at Rs 400 per kg while guavas cost Rs 170 per kg A single coconut is being sold for Rs 400 In terms of dozenbased pricing sweet oranges are priced between Rs 250 and Rs 300 and bananas cost Rs 150 to Rs 200 per dozen it addedThe development comes amid rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan following Islamabads airstrikes on Afghan territory and the mass deportation of Afghan refugeesThe Taliban regime in Afghanistan on Wednesday highlighted that the agreement with Pakistan completely emphasises ceasefire mutual respect the avoidance of attacks on each others security forces civilians and facilitiesIn a statement released on X Afghanistans Ministry of Defence stated Islamic Emirates Defence Minister has provided a comprehensive explanation during a press conference concerning the agreement with Pakistan no further information exists beyond that The agreement completely emphasises ceasefire mutual respect the avoidance of attacks on each others security forces civilians and facilities the resolution of all matters through dialogue and not facilitating attacks against one another Any statements beyond these terms are invalidThe conflict began when Pakistan launched airstrikes on Kabul Both Islamabad and Kabul have accused each other of aggression in recent daysVegetables imported through the Wagah border from India are cheaper as compared to vegetables being imported from Iran Import of white onions from Iran failed as their taste was not up to customers another vendor told the Pakistani daily IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-pays-heavily-for-afghan-conflict-tomato-prices-jump-to-rs-600-per-kg-644368.html Thu, 23 Oct 2025 00:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/govt-company-responses-to-super-emitter-alerts-went-up-tenfold-un-environment-644375.html Nairobi Oct 22 Government and industry responses to UNEPs more than 3500 satellite methane alerts climbed from 1 to 12 per cent in the past year Nevertheless action must accelerate to minimise global temperature rise and achieve the Global Methane Pledge goal of curbing methane emissions 30 per cent by 2030 a new UN Environment Programme UNEP report said on Wednesday Historically emission inventories have underestimated methane emissions making realworld data a critical tool to track and reduce this potent driver of global warmingThe fifth edition of the UNEPs International Methane Emissions Observatory IMEO publication An Eye on Methane From measurement to momentum finds that member oil and gas companies of IMEOs Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 20 OGMP 20 are set to track onethird of emissions from global production using realworld measurementsWhile government and company responses to alerts from IMEOs Methane Alert and Response System MARS have grown tenfold over the previous year nearly 90 per cent remain unansweredAtmospheric methane continues to be the secondbiggest driver of climate change after carbon dioxide responsible for about onethird of the planets warmingReducing methane emissions can quickly bend the curve on global warming buying more time for longterm decarbonisation efforts so it is encouraging that datadriven tools are helping the oil and gas industry to report on their emissions and set ambitious mitigation targets said Inger Andersen Executive Director of UNEPHowever to keep the Paris Agreement targets within reach the important progress on reporting must translate into cuts to emissions Every company should join the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 20 and both governments and operators must respond to satellite alerts then they must act to reduce emissions said AndersenThe OGMP 20 is the worlds global standard for methane emissions measurement and mitigation in the oil and gas sector It provides the foundation of methane regulations in the worlds largest buying market the European Union Over the past five years OGMP 20 membership has more than doubled to 153 companies in the countries covering 42 per cent of global oil and gas productionIn total onethird of global oil and gas production reports or will soon report emissions at OGMP 20s Gold Standard meaning emissions are tracked with realworld measurements This positions a large amount of the global industry to effectively measure and thus mitigate emissionsOf the companies that reported emissions data 65 companies representing 17 per cent of global oil and gas production achieved Gold StandardSome 50 companies representing a further 15 per cent achieved Gold Standard Pathway meaning these companies are on track to soon reach Gold Standard reporting Another 22 companies reported emissions data but did not meet Gold Standard requirements IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/govt-company-responses-to-super-emitter-alerts-went-up-tenfold-un-environment-644375.html Thu, 23 Oct 2025 00:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/american-farmers-face-tariff-ripples-on-costs-market-shifts-reports-644381.html New Delhi Oct 22 After Washington imposed steep tariffs on trade partners American farmers are facing several constraints including increased costs shifting markets and mixed impacts on different agricultural sectors The longterm consequences of trade wars on US agriculture remain concerning as shown by how China permanently shifted soybean imports from the US to Brazil following the previous trade war despite temporary government assistance to affected farmers predicted a report published in April this year by the public policy think tank American Enterprise InstituteIn his first term as the United States President Donald Trump had initiated almost similar protectionist trade measures which led to trading partners slapping retaliatory tariffsOnce again China has decided not to buy US produce like soybean American corn etcIn 2024 Beijing purchased almost half of Americas soybean exports Now it is sourcing its requirements from other nations like Brazil and IndiaFor American corn while China bought products worth 52 billion in 2022 the value fell to about 331 million in 2024Overall US corn exports fell from 1857 billion to 137 billion in this period said trade reportsThe situation remains almost similar for other crops as wellWhile demands in key markets are shrinking production costs are rising Though the United States Department of Agriculture USDA has allocated 10 billion under the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program farmers continue to face uncertaintyAccording to reports the US agricultural trade deficit reached 286 billion in the first half of 2025 indicating a significant imbalance in its tradeMeanwhile prices of machinery have been increasing through the years labour has become expensive and the unpredictable weather has been affecting crop yieldUnlike in India American farmers do not benefit from subsidies on fertiliser electricity or water Also they do not get government support in buying their crop and storing it as do their Indian counterpartsThus apart from penalising India for buying Russian oil Washington is putting pressure on New Delhi to open its agriculture sector to American farmers in the bilateral trade negotiationsIndia protects its farmers against foreign agricultural products despite international pressures for a number of reasons that include economic social and strategic issues New Delhis stance is not antitrade it is profarmerAround 50 per cent of the countrys workforce is engaged in agriculture where about 89 per cent are classified as marginal and small owning less than 2 hectares of land This vast majority lacks the scale technology and subsidies that foreign producers possess Thus opening the market to cheap imports will hit them hard cutting their income from largescale foreign producersTherefore India maintains moderatetohigh tariffs on agricultural imports to shield domestic farmers from subsidised foreign goods Such tariffs are adjusted based on crop cycles global prices and domestic supplyNow through a bilateral trade agreement the United States intends to target Indias market for specific crops and agricultural products like soybean American corn maize cotton dairy and processed foods among others IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/american-farmers-face-tariff-ripples-on-costs-market-shifts-reports-644381.html Thu, 23 Oct 2025 00:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/russian-president-to-skip-g20-summit-in-south-africa-644385.html Moscow Oct 22 Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend the Group of Twenty G20 Summit in South Africa Presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced on Wednesday He said that Moscow will be represented at the worthy level at the G20 gathering Putin will not participate personally but Russia as we have said will be represented at a worthy level We will inform you in due time who will go there Russias leading TASS news agency quoted Peskov as saying during a regular media briefing on WednesdayThe G20 Summit is scheduled to take place in South Africas Johannesburg on November 2223 South Africa holds the G20 Presidency from December 1 2024 to November 30 2025 The theme for South Africas G20 Presidency is Solidarity Equality SustainabilityEarlier South African Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said that Ukraine crisis will be discussed during the G20 Summit He made the statement while responding to a question from TASSSouth Africa will hand over the G20 Presidency to the United States in December 2025The grouping comprises Argentina Australia Brazil Canada China France Germany India Indonesia Italy Japan South Korea Mexico Russia Saudi Arabia South Africa Turkey United Kingdom and United States and two regional bodies the European Union and the African Union The G20 members represent around 85 per cent of the global GDP over 75 per cent of the global trade and about twothirds of the world populationThe G20 does not have a permanent secretariat or staff Instead the G20 Presidency rotates among the members annually To ensure continuity the Presidency is supported by a troika made up of the current immediate past and next host countries During South Africas Presidency the members of the G20 troika are Brazil South Africa and the US IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/russian-president-to-skip-g20-summit-in-south-africa-644385.html Thu, 23 Oct 2025 00:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/saudi-arabia-scraps-kafala-labour-system-13-million-foreign-workers-to-benefit-644387.html Riyadh Oct 22 Saudi Arabia has abolished the fivedecade old Kafala labour sponsorship system that allowed Kafala employers to have inhuman control over employees including seizing travel documents and taking decision on when they could change their jobs or leave the country reports confirmed on Wednesday Saudi Arabia had announced plans to end the Kafala labour system in June as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salmans Vision 2030 a multitrilliondollar plan to clean the countrys image to attract foreign investment especially before global events including the 2029 Asian Winter Games reforms It is expected that around 13 million foreign workers including 25 million Indians will benefit by Saudi Arabias decisionAccording to the official statement Vision 2030 is a blueprint that is diversifying the economy empowering citizens creating a vibrant environment for both local and international investors and establishing Saudi Arabia as a global leaderThe labour sponsorship system introduced in the 1950s was aimed to control the flow of skilled and unskilled foreign labourers from India and other southeast Asian countries This was important for building the economy of Saudi Arabia as many were made to work in the construction or manufacturing sectorsIn order to make sure that the economy was not overrun by the incoming labourers all of them were tied to Kafala who could be a person or a firm acting as their sponsor This sponsor was given unholy control over the foreign worker The sponsor used to control the life of the labourer including taking decisions regarding their workplace steal wages and even decide where they could liveThe labourer did not even have the power to file an abuse charge without taking the permission of abuser However the system was not that bad for skilled or whitecollar workers Labour and human rights activists have severely criticised it for yearsEarlier in 2023 the International Labour Organisation ILO noted that immigration sponsorship systems are common in many parts of the world However it said that the sponsorship arrangements that exist in the Middle East often called as the Kafala system severely reduces migrant workers power to leave an employer and creates risks of human rights abuses and labour exploitation including forced labour and hinders their internal labour market mobility IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/saudi-arabia-scraps-kafala-labour-system-13-million-foreign-workers-to-benefit-644387.html Thu, 23 Oct 2025 00:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistans-dangerous-game-wooing-trump-at-the-cost-of-china--644389.html London Oct 22 In the shadowy corridors of Rawalpindi Pakistans military establishment has once again begun its familiar geopolitical dance But this time it seems to be turning toward the United States while leaving its allweather ally China out in the cold Over the past few months several overtures from Islamabad to Washington have revealed a desperate bid to regain relevance in the Trumpian world order From mineral and crypto deals to symbolic gestures like nominating Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize Pakistans military elite appears to be betting its future on a renewed partnership with Washington even if that means alienating BeijingFor a country whose generals once proclaimed their friendship with China to be higher than the Himalayas and deeper than the sea this sudden pivot is striking This is not surprising given that Pakistans establishment has a long tradition of transactional diplomacy in pursuit of dollars legitimacy and strategic indulgenceBut what makes this different is that given how Beijing and Washington are now locked in a global leadership contest Pakistan by aligning itself too closely with one risks becoming collateral damagePakistani overtures began soon after Donald Trumps secondterm inauguration in January 2025 Within weeks the Pakistan Army arrested and handed over a key ISISK operative Mohammad Sharifullah accused of abetting the August 26 2021 Abbey Gate bombing at Kabul airport that killed 13 US service members and roughly 170 Afghan civiliansThe timing of Sharifullahs arrest was hardly coincidental This gesture was a message from Asim Munir who led the Pakistan military establishment to President Trump that Islamabad was ready to be your regional partner againThe move worked as Donald Trump publicly thanked Islamabad and hinted at a new era in USPakistan relations What has followed since is a cascade of carefully orchestrated gestures In June Asim Munir became the first Pakistani military leader to be hosted by President Trump for a formal luncheon at the White House which is an honour typically reserved for heads of stateWithin days of that visit Pakistans National Assembly in what could be characterised as a bizarre display of flattery nominated President Trump for the Nobel Peace PrizeIt was incidentally a day before the US joined the Israeli war against Iran and struck its nuclear facilities Soon after Islamabad signed a strategic minerals partnership allowing American firms access to rare earth reserves in Balochistan which was previously monopolised by Chinese companiesGiven how the Pakistani establishment has been warming up to Donald Trump is something that could go unnoticed in Beijing For nearly a decade China had been Pakistans major partner investing billions of dollars under the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor CPEC and in return received exclusive access to extract Balochistans mineralsAs such by inviting Washington into the very terrain makes it implicit that Pakistan having become a model of Chinas infrastructure diplomacy in the last decade is auctioning its loyalties to the highest bidderBut perhaps the most provocative sign of this geopolitical realignment cannot be observed in these deals but Pakistans recurrent bombing of Afghanistan in recent daysOn October 9 Pakistan conducted targeted strikes in Kabul and Khost provinces of Afghanistan targeting Noor Wali Mehsud of the TehreekeTaliban Pakistan TTP This was followed by a fullblown confrontation between Pakistan and Afghan forces from October 1112 leading to dozens of military and civilian casualties on either side of the Durand LineWhile Islamabads explanation of retaliation against crossborder militancy has been unconvincing beneath the rhetoric seems to be a deeper motive tied to the shifting regional calculus between Washington Beijing and IslamabadIt should be recalled that days before the AfghanPakistan border clashes President Trump had publicly demanded that the Taliban hand over the Bagram Airbase Afghanistans largest military facility to American forces The base he argued was essential for maintaining a regional presence against China and IranFor over two decades of American occupation of Afghanistan Bagram represented not just military utility but geopolitical leverage For Pakistans generals who have long specialised in creating facts on the ground the airstrikes offered an opportunity to reposition themselves as the indispensable partner for a potential US return to Afghanistan This is a role that they relished during the Cold War and the War on Terror as it brought unaccountable dollars to fill their coffersThe strikes also carried a hidden message that Pakistan could act as a spoiler in Afghanistans fragile stability if its strategic value was ignored In this sense the assault was less about fighting the TTP whom Islamabad has not only tolerated but even negotiated with in the pastIt was more about signalling to Washington that Pakistan remains the key to Afghanistans future It was a move straight out of the military establishments old playbook of leveraging instability to regain relevanceNevertheless this strategy now risks undermining Chinas increasing economic interests in both Afghanistan and Pakistan Since the US withdrawal in 2021 Beijing has quietly expanded its footprint there and sought to integrate Afghanistan into the Belt and Road Initiative while securing access to its vast mineral reservesIn August this year the Taliban government signed agreements with China to extract copper lithium and rare earth elements which are vital for Chinas green technology transition and manufacturing industriesBeijing has also viewed Afghanistan as an important buffer in securing its western provinces particularly Xinjiang and the northsouth transit routes under the CPECPakistans airstrikes therefore did more than inflame tensions with Kabul as they risked destabilising Chinas delicate investments and undercutting its influence in a region where it had painstakingly cultivated the Talibans trust For a country that had invested billions in Pakistans infrastructure energy and mining sectors this new volatility poses serious concernsIt should not be difficult for Beijing to read the messaging that Pakistans military establishment appears to be once again repositioning itself as Washingtons frontline partner even at the cost of jeopardising Chinese economic interestsThe fact that Islamabad has also signed a new crypto regulation and trade framework with American firms reportedly aimed at facilitating digital transactions tied to resource deals further highlights how Pakistans elite are seeking to integrate their financial fortunes with US capital rather than Chinese state financeAs such signs of strain between Beijing and Islamabad are already emerging Beijing has quietly suspended some funding tranches under CPEC citing regulatory uncertainties besides persisting security concerns after a spate of attacks on Chinese personnel in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa last yearThis slow erosion of trust represents more than a diplomatic rift signals a structural realignment in Pakistans foreign policy away from Beijing toward WashingtonThe irony is that China has been Pakistans most consistent benefactor pouring over 60 billion into CPEC providing military hardware and shielding Islamabad from international isolationYet for the generals in Rawalpindi immediate political and financial returns matter more than strategic consistency The elite calculus is simple a few highprofile US deals and a symbolic nod from the White House can bring legitimacy aid and perhaps a temporary reprieve from Pakistans deepening economic crisisNevertheless Pakistans establishment may believe it is outsmarting the great powers but history suggests otherwise As it courts Washington with minerals and militants it may soon discover that in a world defined by sharper alignments there is little room left for a state that tries to play both sides The cost of this latest gamble may not just be Chinas trust but it could be Pakistans last remaining strategic leverage IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistans-dangerous-game-wooing-trump-at-the-cost-of-china--644389.html Thu, 23 Oct 2025 00:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/afghanistan-slams-pakistan-for-making-frivolous-claims-on-border-clashes-644400.html Bangkok Oct 22 Afghanistans Defence Minister Mohammad Yaqoob has termed Pakistans allegations of blaming India for recent clashes between Kabul and Islamabad as unfounded illogical and unacceptable while emphasising that the Taliban regime looks forward to strengthening ties with India within the framework of national interests These accusations are baseless Our policy will never involve using our territory against other countries We maintain relations with India as an independent nation and will strengthen those ties within the framework of our national interests Yaqoob son of Taliban founder Mullah Umar was quoted as sayingYaqoob who was considered close to Islamabad stressed that Pakistans accusations are unfounded illogical and unacceptableHe called mutual respect and commitment key to continuing the peace agreement with Pakistan Qatar and Turkey should assist and monitor its implementation The agreement will only hold if no country violates anothers territory Yaqoob was quoted as saying by Al Jazeera according to a report in Thailands Page 3 NewsThe statement comes after Pakistan had accused India of being responsible for Kabuls worsening ties with Islamabad with Pakistans Defence Minister Khawaja Asif saying that Taliban government was sitting in Indias lap and fighting Indias proxy warWhen asked about AfghanistanPakistan conflict on October 16 the Ministry of External Affairs MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had said Three things are clear One Pakistan hosts terrorist organisations and sponsors terrorist activities Two it is an old practice of Pakistan to blame its neighbours for its own internal failures Three Pakistan is infuriated with Afghanistan exercising sovereignty over its own territories India remains fully committed to the sovereignty territorial integrity and independence of AfghanistanTensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan escalated on October 11 days after explosions rocked Kabul while Afghanistans Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi was in India In response Taliban launched a deadly offensive along parts of its southern border with PakistanPakistan has accused Taliban of allowing hostile groups including the TehreekeTaliban Pakistan TTP to operate from sanctuaries in Afghanistan a charge denied by Taliban Taliban has blamed Pakistans aggressive actions including airstrikes on Kabul as the reasons for the escalation of the conflict IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/afghanistan-slams-pakistan-for-making-frivolous-claims-on-border-clashes-644400.html Thu, 23 Oct 2025 00:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/chinese-communist-party-has-institutionalized-monitoring-of-tibetan-buddhism-report-644402.html Colombo Oct 22 Chinas approach towards Buddhism in Tibet depends on three interconnected levers coopting religious institutions building a statecentred narrative and projecting influence internationally These levers are aimed to reduce Tibet Buddhism to a a manageable part of the states political structure The CCPs levers of control showcase impressive reach but fragile depth a report stated on Wednesday Since the late 1990s the Chinese Communist Party CCP has institutionalized its monitoring of Tibetan Buddhism Currently Tibet Autonomous Region has roughly 1700 officially registered monasteries and around 46000 monks and nuns a report in Sri Lankas Ceylon Wire News detailedGovernmentapproved management committee oversees each monastery in Tibet and all senior monastic appointments need party approval The patriotic education sessions having increased in Lhasa since 2008 force monks to denounce Dalai Lama and pledge loyal to the stateThe clearest example of the states intervention is its claim to the right to approve the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama This bureaucratization of a sacred religious tradition reflects Beijings conviction that controlling succession is essential to neutralizing a figure who embodies Tibetan religious and political identity the report mentionsNarrative assertion is part of this effort with Tibets inclusion in China in 1951 being described as a Peaceful Liberation that ended a feudal theocracy in textbooks museums and official media The Partystate frequently highlight the amount of money being spent on restoring monasteries Furthermore choreographed pictures of monks expressing gratitude to the party for their prosperity reinforce this narrative the report highlightedBeijing has also worked to extend its version of Buddhism beyond Chinas borders It regularly funds international Buddhist conferences in Sri Lanka Thailand and Nepal and supports university research centres across Asia that promote a vision of Buddhism aligned with Chinese state narratives This effort is intended to present China rather than the Tibetan diaspora as the legitimate global centre of Buddhist thought and to diminish the influence of the Dalai Lama who remains one of the most respected religious leaders worldwide it mentionedHowever instead of resolving the question of Tibets future Beijing remains focused on controlling reincarnation risks turning the succession into a major international flashpointThe Tibetan case highlights a broader truth The CCPs campaign is less about faith than about political legitimacy By seeking to Sinicize religion embedding it with what the Party calls Chinese characteristics Beijing has invariably revealed its anxiety that spiritual traditions can mobilize loyalties beyond the reach of the Partystate The more the CCP tries to control Tibetan Buddhism the more it underscores the resilience of the tradition it hopes to subsumeThe struggle over Buddhism in Tibet is ultimately about who defines moral authority in Chinas borderlands The CCPs levers of control demonstrate impressive reach but fragile depth They show that political power without some measure of moral consent is inherently insecure and that efforts to impose ideological control can sometimes strengthen the very traditions they aim to weaken the Ceylon Wire News report stated IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/chinese-communist-party-has-institutionalized-monitoring-of-tibetan-buddhism-report-644402.html Thu, 23 Oct 2025 00:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/ukraine-strikes-military-plant-oil-refinery-in-russia-644414.html Kyiv Oct 23 Ukrainian forces conducted strikes on a military plant and an oil refinery in Russia the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said in a statement The strikes hit the Saransk Mechanical Plant in the capital of Mordovia which reportedly produces antipersonnel engineering ammunition minelaying kits ammunition detonators and initiation nodes causing explosions according to the statement released on WednesdayThe Saransk Mechanical Plant is part of the stateowned Rostec Corporation and manufactures equipment and components for various industries with a primary focus on mechanical engineering and the defence sectorIn 2020 the plant was temporarily shut down for 90 days due to safety violations related to explosive production according to the Russian business daily KommersantRussian air defences intercepted 44 Ukrainian drones overnight and into the morning of Wednesday including eight over Dagestan according to Russias Defence MinistryNo drones were reportedly shot down over MordoviaArtyom Zdunov the head of the Mordovia confirmed that the region had come under a largescale drone attack which caused damage to a local enterpriseA separate attack targeted the Makhachkala oil refinery in Dagestan where a processing unit was struck the statement said adding that the refinery supplies fuel to Russian military vessels of the Caspian FleetMakhachkala Mayor Dzhambulat Salavov initially posted on his Telegram channel that the drone attack had damaged several commercial facilities and two vehicles in the city However he deleted the post within 12 minutesA photo included in the post showed not only damaged buildings but also military vehiclesIt noted that the strikes were intended to reduce Russias militaryeconomic potentialUkrainian forces targeted the Bryansk Chemical Plant using UKsupplied Storm Shadow missiles on TuesdayThe operation was conducted jointly by Ukraines Air Force in coordination with the Navy Land Forces and other military unitsUkraine has previously used Storm Shadows to strike targets in Russias Bryansk and Kursk regions as well as in Russianoccupied CrimeaThe strikes on Russian facilities supporting the war effort in Ukraine come amid ongoing talks between Kyiv and Washington over the potential delivery of longrange Tomahawk cruise missilesUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed hope that enhancing Ukraines longrange strike capabilities could increase pressure on Russia to seek a diplomatic resolution of the fullscale war IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/ukraine-strikes-military-plant-oil-refinery-in-russia-644414.html Thu, 23 Oct 2025 01:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/37-arrested-in-greece-over-eu-farm-subsidy-fraud-644417.html Athens Oct 23 The Greek police have arrested 37 people in a nationwide operation targeting a criminal network accused of defrauding the European Unions EU agricultural subsidy system authorities said According to the Hellenic Police on Wednesday the operation was carried out by the Organised Crime Division in Thessaloniki Pella Ioannina Attica and CreteThe suspects allegedly obtained EU farm subsidies through false declarations submitted to OPEKEPE a public agency responsible for managing and disbursing agricultural aid schemes funded by the EUs Common Agricultural Policy Xinhua news agency reportedAccording to the European Public Prosecutors Office EPPO in the course of the preliminary investigation 324 individuals were identified as subsidy recipients causing an estimated cost of more than 196 million to the EU budgetOf these 42 are believed to be involved in this case and are considered current members of the criminal group the EPPO saidInvestigators estimate that the network illegally acquired between 5 million euros 58 million and 10 million euros out of more than 20 million euros in total subsidiesMost suspects are not connected to farming and the core group is believed to consist of about 10 individuals Greek national broadcaster ERT reportedThe operation was conducted in cooperation with the European Public Prosecutors Office which began investigating the case about 18 months ago the report added 1 euro 116 US dollarGreek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis under pressure due to his familys political ties in Crete vowed to imprison those guilty and recover the misappropriated fundsHe claimed the fraud began in 2016 before his 2019 tenure and warned that Greeces EU subsidies could be at risk if the issue isnt resolvedWhatever the political cost I am not backing down Mitsotakis told Skai radioGovernment Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis echoed the sentiment stressing that public resources must not be embezzled for personal gainSeveral Ministers and Deputy Ministers have resigned over their alleged involvement in the scandalThe EU has already fined Athens 400 million after finding evidence of systemic failings in the handling of farm subsidies from 2016 through to 2023Greece also risks losing its EU farm subsidies unless it provides an improved action plan on how it will stop funds being siphoned off into corruptionThe original deadline was October 2 but this has now been pushed back to November 4 IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/37-arrested-in-greece-over-eu-farm-subsidy-fraud-644417.html Thu, 23 Oct 2025 01:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/lassa-fever-death-toll-in-nigeria-rises-to-172-644418.html Abuja Oct 23 The death toll from the Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria Africas most populous country has risen to 172 since the beginning of this year public health authorities said The Nigeria Center for Disease Control and Prevention NCDC said on Wednesday in its latest update that 924 confirmed cases out of 8041 suspected cases were reported between January and October across 106 local government areas in 21 of the countrys 36 states Xinhua news agency reportedThe agency said that the case fatality rate stood at 186 per cent higher than the 17 per cent recorded during the same period in 2024It attributed the rise in deaths to late presentation of cases and poor healthseeking behaviour among residents of highburden communitiesThe worsthit states are Edo Ebonyi and Ondo in the south and Bauchi and Taraba in the north accounting for more than 90 per cent of all confirmed cases Ondo alone represents 35 per cent of the total number of confirmed cases according to the NCDCIt said the predominant age group affected was 21 to 30 years with a maletofemale ratio of 108The public health agency said poor sanitation limited awareness in highburden communities and delayed treatment continue to exacerbate the outbreakHealth authorities also appealed to Nigerians to adopt preventive measures such as maintaining clean environments avoiding contact with rodents and storing food properly to reduce the risk of infectionThey further advised individuals showing symptoms like persistent fever sore throat chest pain or vomiting to report immediately to the nearest health facility for early diagnosis and treatmentThe NCDC reaffirmed that coordinated efforts with state ministries of health development partners and community stakeholders are ongoing to ensure effective response and care for affected personsA multisectoral incident management system has been activated to coordinate a nationwide responseLassa fever an acute viral hemorrhagic illness is primarily transmitted through food or household items contaminated with rodent urine or fecesHumantohuman transmission can also occur through direct contact with the blood saliva urine or excreta of infected individuals IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/lassa-fever-death-toll-in-nigeria-rises-to-172-644418.html Thu, 23 Oct 2025 01:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/preparations-for-trump-putin-summit-continue-hungarian-pm-orban-644419.html Budapest Oct 23 Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has said that preparations for a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin continue Preparations for peace summit continue The date is uncertain When the time is right we will make it happen Orban wrote on Wednesday in a Facebook postPreparations for a possible meeting in Hungarys capital Budapest were put on hold following what was described as a constructive but inconclusive phone conversation between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov earlier this week US media reportedFollowing a phone conversation with Putin last week Trump said he was ready to meet the Russian leader soon to seek a breakthrough in efforts to end the RussiaUkraine war Xinhua news agency reportedHowever the US President said on Tuesday that his planned meeting with Putin had been shelved because he did not want to waste the meetingKremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the timing of a possible summit remains undecided stressing that serious preparation would be required before any meeting could take placeDespite the delay Russias special envoy for investment and economic cooperation Kirill Dmitriev said late Tuesday on his X account that preparations continue for a future summit adding that the meeting had not been cancelledThe summit delay followed Trumps meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on Friday where he ruled out a trilateral summit with Russia and Ukraine citing deep tensions between Moscow and KyivTrump and Putin met in the US state of Alaska in August but no deal was reached and ceasefire negotiations remain deadlockedOn October 16 Trump started a reboot of the attempts to end the inglorious RussiaUkraine war and announced that he would meet with PutinTrump talked with Putin and said on Truth Social I believe great progress was made with todays telephone conversationHe said he will discuss with Zelensky his talk with PutinKremlin Spokesman Peskov confirmed the talk IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/preparations-for-trump-putin-summit-continue-hungarian-pm-orban-644419.html Thu, 23 Oct 2025 02:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-american-paul-kapur-sworn-in-as-us-assistant-secretary-for-south-and-central-asia-644422.html Washington Oct 23 IndianAmerican security expert Paul Kapur was officially sworn in as the Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs marking a key appointment of the Trump administration for the region The State Department Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs posted on Wednesday on X Welcome to StateSCA Assistant Secretary Paul Kapur This morning Dr Kapur was officially sworn in as the Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of South and Central Asian AffairsKapur succeeds Donald Lu who served as Assistant Secretary from September 2021 through January 2025Kapur previously served from 2020 to 2021 on the State Departments Policy Planning Staff where he worked on issues related to South and Central Asia IndoPacific strategy and IndiaUS relationsHe has also led the IndiaUS Track 15 dialogue and other strategic defence engagements between the two countriesHe is a visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution and a professor at the US Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey CaliforniaIn early October Kapur was confirmed by a Senate vote along with the new US Ambassador to India Sergio GorDuring his Senate confirmation hearing in June Kapur said his career has come full circle having studied the region academically and now stepping into a leading diplomatic roleI cant avoid the feeling of having come full circle I was born in New Delhi to an Indian father and an American mother Although I visited India often during my childhood I grew up in the United States as a thoroughly American kid never imagining that my career would someday return me to the place where I was born he addedOn US ties with India Kapur asserted that the two countries share a host of common interestsThe United States and India share a host of common interests ensuring a free and open IndoPacific region which is not dominated by China expanding bilateral trade building our economic relationship so that it is more symmetrical and profitable facilitating technology sharing and innovation and ensuring access to the energy necessary to fuel our economies he notedOn Pakistan he said that he would pursue security cooperation where beneficial to US interestsThe bureau plays a crucial role in shaping US policy on security economic engagement counterterrorism and infrastructure development in the broader South and Central Asia region IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-american-paul-kapur-sworn-in-as-us-assistant-secretary-for-south-and-central-asia-644422.html Thu, 23 Oct 2025 03:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-military-sinks-alleged-drug-trafficking-vessel-in-pacific-killing-2-644423.html Washington Oct 23 The US military has sank its eighth alleged drugtrafficking vessel in international waters the first such strike in the Pacific killing two people aboard US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Yesterday at the direction of President Trump the Department of War conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel being operated by a Designated Terrorist Organisation and conducting narcotrafficking in the Eastern Pacific he wrote on Wednesday on XHegseth accused the vessel of carrying narcotics and transiting along a known drugtrafficking transit route Xinhua news agency reportedJust as Al Qaeda waged war on our homeland these cartels are waging war on our border and our people There will be no refuge or forgiveness only justice he wrote calling the killed narcoterrorists but offering no evidence or group nameHegseth said the strike was conducted in international watersA daily US media daily reported it happened near Colombias Pacific coastThe Pentagon launched seven previous operations in the southern Caribbean international waters from September mainly against boats accused of trafficking drugs from Venezuela to the USThe total death toll from recent US attacks on alleged drugtrafficking vessels has risen to at least 34 as of WednesdayRelations between the US and Colombia have worsened recentlyEarlier this month Colombian President Gustavo Petro accused US President Donald Trumps administration of murder for killing drug suspects at seaTrump responded by cutting US aid to Colombia while threatening to impose new tariffs on the South American countryTuesdays attack brings the confirmed death toll from Trumps bombing campaign to 34 according to government statementsThe air strikes began on September 2 when Trump announced on his social media account that he had ordered a kinetic strike that morning on a small boat travelling through international watersEleven people whom Trump identified as terrorists were killed in the attack Their identities were not disclosed nor was any evidence provided about their destination or cargoPlease let this serve as notice to anybody even thinking about bringing drugs into the United States of America Trump said accusing the boats passengers without proof of being linked to the Venezuelan gang Tren de AraguaMore attacks followed On September 15 another strike occurred in the Caribbean killing three people Then a third strike took place on September 19 also killing threeThe bombing campaign spilled over into the following month On October 3 Hegseth announced a new strike had claimed the lives of four people Six more people were killed on October 14The seventh known strike however was a departure from the Trump administrations routine for announcing attacksGenerally Trump and his associates had been among the first to reveal the attacks sharing them on social media paired with grainy aerial footageBut on October 16 US media broke the news that a strike had taken place and that there were two survivors a firstThe Trump administration confirmed the attack a day laterThe survivors were quickly repatriated to their home countries Ecuador and ColombiaEcuador has since released its survivor saying there was no evidence he was involved in a crimeBut Trump doubled down describing the men as riding in what he called a very large DRUGCARRYING SUBMARINETwo additional people he confirmed were killed in the attack IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-military-sinks-alleged-drug-trafficking-vessel-in-pacific-killing-2-644423.html Thu, 23 Oct 2025 04:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/un-says-delivering-aid-to-gaza-remains-challenging-644424.html United Nations Oct 23 UN humanitarians have said that delivering vital support to northern Gaza remains challenging even though the ceasefire took effect more than 10 days ago The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs OCHA said on Wednesday that since the ceasefire took effect on October 10 the world body and its partners have made progress in scaling up response efforts especially in central and southern areas of the Gaza StripHowever the continued closure of the Zikim and Erez border crossings which provide direct access to the north makes it extremely challenging for humanitarian aid to reach the area OCHA addedAt the same time UN partners monitoring population flows across Gaza have reported more than 425000 movements from southern to northern parts of the strip since October 10 Xinhua news agency reportedUN Population Fund Deputy Executive Director Andrew Saberton who just returned from Gaza told reporters that the agency was able to bring in some assistance last week through the Kerem ShalomKarem Abu Salem crossingWe have been distributing medical supplies and equipment including incubators delivery beds and fetal monitoring machines that were prepositioned inside Gaza to hospitals he saidBut the trickle of aid being allowed to enter Gaza after the ceasefire is nowhere near enoughInside Gaza on Tuesday out of 10 humanitarian missions coordinated with the Israeli authorities six were facilitated including the collection of water tanks hygiene kits and fuel from the crossings into Gaza OCHA saidAbeer Etefa senior regional communications officer and spokesperson for the World Food Programme WFP said that since the ceasefire began on October 11 the agency has delivered more than 6700 metric tonnes of food enough for nearly half a million people for two weeksDaily deliveries continue and now average around 750 tonnes she said noting this remains well below WFPs target of 2000 tonnes a dayUnless all border crossing points are used reaching this target is almost impossibleCurrently only the Kerem Shalom and Kissufim crossings in the south are open Severe destruction continues to block access to northern Gaza where famine was declared in August We need Erez we need Zikkim we need these border crossing points to open Etefa stressedReaching northern Gaza with largescale convoys is a priorityWeve cleared roads at scale into the north she said but we need these crossings open to connect to Gaza City where conditions are especially direWFP is restoring its food distribution network aiming for 145 distribution points across the Strip of which 26 have reopened People are showing up in large numbers grateful for the efficiency and the dignified way they can collect their rations Etefa saidThe aid is especially crucial for the most vulnerable the women femaleheaded households and the elderly she addedWhile many are hopeful there is cautious optimism about how long current conditions will lastMany families save part of their rations because they are not confident the ceasefire will holdIt is a fragile peace she saidFood prices remain prohibitive and supplies are still insufficient People can find food in the market but its out of reach because its extremely expensive Etefa warnedWFP is also helping the most foodinsecure households through digital payments enabling about 140000 people to buy food locally with plans to double that number soon But Etefa stressed that humanitarian aid alone cannot solve the crisis and commercial supplies must enter to complement relief effortsOnly a fully implemented and sustained ceasefire can allow WFP to operate at the scale needed Etefa said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/un-says-delivering-aid-to-gaza-remains-challenging-644424.html Thu, 23 Oct 2025 04:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-sanctions-two-russian-oil-companies-hopes-ukraine-war-will-be-settled-644425.html Washington Oct 23 For the first time in his second term US President Donald Trump has imposed new sanctions on Russia targeting its two largest oil companies in his latest bid to end the conflict in Ukraine The US Treasury Department targeted Russian companies Rosneft and Lukoil and their subsidiaries warning that a future action could not be ruled outWhile meeting NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House Trump said he hoped that the war will be settledThese are tremendous sanctions These are very big against their two big oil companies And we hope that they wont be on for long We hope that the war will be settled he addedTrump also noted his previous conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin had not led to any breakthroughsEvery time I speak with Vladimir I have good conversations and then they dont go anywhere They just dont go anywhere Hes fighting a war Hes in a war Its two very competent sides and thats the way war is You never know with war but I would say that its time to make a deal he emphasisedTrump on Tuesday cancelled his proposed meeting with Putin in Budapest in Hungary saying he doesnt want to have a wasted meetingOn Wednesday he said it didnt feel right to himWe cancelled the meeting with President Putin It just didnt feel right to me It didnt feel like we were going to get to the place we have to get So I cancelled it but well do it in the future he notedThe decision was taken to cancel the meeting after a phone call between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on MondayLast week Trump held a twoandahalfhourlong phone call with the Russian President and said great progress was made in the conversationA day after the call Trump hosted his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House calling his meeting very interesting and cordialThe meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine was very interesting and cordial but I told him as I likewise strongly suggested to President Putin that it is time to stop the killing and make a DEAL the US President wrote on Truth SocialTrump also suggested that both leaders should stop where they are and claim victoryAfter mediating a ceasefire in Gaza Trump has shifted his attention to the RussiaUkraine war and has stepped up efforts to end the conflictTrumps highly publicised summit with Putin in Alaska in August ended without an agreement IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-sanctions-two-russian-oil-companies-hopes-ukraine-war-will-be-settled-644425.html Thu, 23 Oct 2025 05:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/louvre-director-admits-security-failures-proposes-new-measures-644426.html Paris Oct 23 Louvre Museum Director Laurence des Cars has admitted failures in the museums external surveillance system and announced a series of new security measures Appearing before the French Senate des Cars said on Wednesday that the museums external CCTV coverage was insufficient and that late last weeks jewellery theft had exposed several weak pointsWe are facing a terrible failure at the Louvre for which I take my share of responsibility she said adding that she had offered her resignation but the French Culture Minister Rachida Dati declined the offerDes Cars outlined several measures to enhance security including reinforcing perimeter protection with antivehicle barriers expanding and upgrading surveillance systems across the museum complex and requesting the Interior Ministry to set up a police station inside the museum Xinhua news agency reportedMeanwhile she defended the museums existing 80millioneuro 9289 million security plan rejecting a recent report that cited persistent delays in the implementation of the planFrench President Emmanuel Macron called for an acceleration of the Louvres security upgrades during Wednesdays Cabinet meetingThe museum reopened to visitors on Wednesday morning three days after the spectacular theft of jewellery estimated at about 88 million euros 102 million 1 euro 116 US dollarInterior Minister Laurent Nunez said on Monday that the museums alarm was triggered when the window of the Apollo Gallery was forcedPolice officers arrived on site two or three minutes after they were called by an individual that witnessed the scene he said to a television channelOfficials said the heist lasted less than eight minutes in total including less than four minutes inside the LouvreNunez did not disclose details about video surveillance cameras that may have filmed the thieves around and in the museum pending a police investigationThere are cameras all around the Louvre he saidSundays theft focused on the gilded Apollo Gallery where the Crown Diamonds are displayedAlarms brought Louvre agents to the room forcing the intruders to bolt but the robbery was already overEight objects were taken according to officials a sapphire diadem necklace and single earring from a matching set linked to 19thcentury French queens MarieAmelie and Hortense an emerald necklace and earrings from the matching set of Empress MarieLouise Napoleon Bonapartes second wife a reliquary brooch and Empress Eugenies diadem and her large corsagebow brooch a prized 19thcentury imperial ensemble IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/louvre-director-admits-security-failures-proposes-new-measures-644426.html Thu, 23 Oct 2025 05:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-cancels-meeting-with-putin-says-it-just-didnt-feel-right-to-me-644427.html Washington Oct 23 US President Donald Trump has said that he has cancelled his planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin citing a lack of progress in diplomatic efforts We cancelled the meeting with President Putin Trump told reporters on Wednesday at the White HouseIt just didnt feel right to meIt didnt feel like we were going to get to the place we have to get So I cancelled it but well do it in the future Trump addedHe said last week that he will meet with Putin in Hungarys Budapest for talks following a phone conversation between the two leadersOn Tuesday however he told reporters at the White House that such a meeting would be a waste of timeTrump also expressed frustration with the stalled negotiationsIn terms of honesty the only thing I can say is every time I speak with Vladimir I have good conversations and then they dont go anywhere They just dont go anywhere he saidThe summit cancellation came as the White House unveiled new sanctions targeting Russian oil exports part of a broader effort to pressure Moscow over its continued military operations in UkraineTrump said he hoped the measures would be temporaryFor the first time in his second term Trump has imposed new sanctions on Russia targeting its two largest oil companies in his latest bid to end the conflict in UkraineThe US Treasury Department targeted Russian companies Rosneft and Lukoil and their subsidiaries warning that a future action could not be ruled outWhile meeting NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House Trump said he hoped that the war will be settledThese are tremendous sanctions These are very big against their two big oil companies And we hope that they wont be on for long We hope that the war will be settled he addedTrump also noted his previous conversations with Russian President Putin had not led to any breakthroughsEvery time I speak with Vladimir I have good conversations and then they dont go anywhere They just dont go anywhere Hes fighting a war Hes in a war Its two very competent sides and thats the way war is You never know with war but I would say that its time to make a deal he emphasisedThe decision was taken to cancel the meeting after a phone call between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on MondayLast week Trump held a twoandahalfhourlong phone call with the Russian President and said great progress was made in the conversationA day after the call Trump hosted his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House calling his meeting very interesting and cordialThe meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine was very interesting and cordial but I told him as I likewise strongly suggested to President Putin that it is time to stop the killing and make a DEAL the US President wrote on Truth SocialTrump also suggested that both leaders should stop where they are and claim victoryAfter mediating a ceasefire in Gaza Trump has shifted his attention to the RussiaUkraine war and has stepped up efforts to end the conflictTrumps highly publicised summit with Putin in Alaska in August ended without an agreement IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-cancels-meeting-with-putin-says-it-just-didnt-feel-right-to-me-644427.html Thu, 23 Oct 2025 06:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-not-to-resume-talks-unless-us-abandons-excessive-demands-fm-644428.html Tehran Oct 23 Irans Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has said that Tehran will not return to the negotiating table unless the US abandons excessive demands and unreasonable requests He made the remarks on Wednesday upon arrival in Irans northeastern city of Mashhad to attend a conference according to the official news agency IRNAAraghchi attributed the suspension of indirect nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington as well as Irans discussions with European parties over the 2015 nuclear deal to what he described as the US insistence on excessive demandsWe have always demonstrated that we are committed to diplomatic solutions However this does not mean giving up on the Iranian peoples rights he addedHe stressed that it would not be possible to resume negotiations unless the United States changes its approach and accepts that negotiations must be based on mutual respect and held on an equal footingIran and the US were set for a sixth round of nuclear talks when Israel launched major surprise airstrikes on several areas in Iran including nuclear and military sites killing senior commanders nuclear scientists and civilians Xinhua news agency reportedOn June 22 US forces joined the attacks by bombing the three Iranian nuclear facilities of Natanz Fordow and IsfahanOver the past months the US has repeatedly called on Iran to stop uranium enrichment on its soil and curb its missile programmeIran has rejected both issues as nonnegotiableIn remarks on September 23 Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei elaborated on the futility of negotiating with the US saying The American side has predetermined and announced the outcomes of negotiations from its own perspective and it seeks talks whose result would be the cessation of nuclear activities and enrichment within IranKhamenei described engaging in such negotiations as equivalent to accepting the dictates impositions and coercionNow he the US President says that enrichment must be terminated but just a few days ago one of their officials stated that Iran should not even possess mediumrange or shortrange missiles meaning that Irans hands should be so tied that if it was attacked it could not even respond to them by targeting the US bases IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-not-to-resume-talks-unless-us-abandons-excessive-demands-fm-644428.html Thu, 23 Oct 2025 07:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/12-un-staff-leave-yemen-after-houthi-detention-644429.html Sanaa Oct 23 Twelve United Nations international staff detained last week by the Houthis in Yemens capital Sanaa were released and flown out of the country said a statement from UN Special Envoy Hans Grundbergs office Three other detained UN employees were also free to move or travel the statement said on WednesdayA UN plane was seen departing Sanaa airport on Wednesday morning according to an airport employeeDespite the releases 53 UN colleagues remain arbitrarily detained by the defacto authorities Houthi group the statement said renewing the UN SecretaryGenerals call for their immediate and unconditional release Xinhua news agency reportedThe statement did not mention whether the phones and laptops were also returned to the UN staffers or notLast week a statement from the UN envoys office said all belongings of the UN staff were confiscatedThe Houthis raided the UN compound in Sanaa last weekend holding 20 staff including 15 foreigners inside the compoundFive Yemeni nationals were released on SundayThe incident came after Houthi leader Abdulmalik alHouthi accused UN staff in a televised speech of collaborating with Israel in deadly August airstrikes on Sanaa that killed several senior Houthi officials including the groups chief of staff Mohammed alGumariHowever the groups leader did not provide evidenceIsrael said the strikes were in response to Houthi missile attacksThe UN has denied the accusationsThe Iranaligned Houthis seized Sanaa and much of northern Yemen in late 2014 prompting a Saudiled military intervention the following yearSince the Gaza war erupted in October 2023 the group has launched missiles and drones toward Israel and targeted commercial ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden damaging dozens of vessels and sinking fourThe Houthis say their attacks are in solidarity with the Palestinians IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/12-un-staff-leave-yemen-after-houthi-detention-644429.html Thu, 23 Oct 2025 07:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/seasons-1st-bird-flu-outbreak-in-japan-confirmed-in-hokkaido-644465.html Tokyo Oct 23 Authorities in the Japanese northern prefecture of Hokkaido have confirmed the first outbreak of avian influenza in the country this season local media reported At a poultry farm in the town of Shiraoi where the case was found local authorities on Wednesday started to kill and dispose of some 459000 chickens and placed a ban on the transportation of 620000 hens at four other farms inside a tenkilometre radius reports Xinhua quoting public broadcaster NHKWorkers at the farm in question found several dead chickens on Tuesday with preliminary testing detecting the bird flu virus the report saidThe prefectural government convened an emergency meeting on Wednesday morning It was reported that genetic tests revealed the birds were infected with the highly pathogenic H5 strain of the bird flu virusHokkaido officials plan to complete the cull by October 30 and the disinfection of the henhouses by November 2 the report saidA bird flu expert said an outbreak can happen anywhere as migratory birds possibly carrying the virus use various routes to reach Japan noting that people around the nation should be on alertAvian influenza also known as bird flu is a type of zoonotic or animal influenza that affects wild birds and poultry and is caused by virus subtypes AH5N1 AH9N2 Avian influenza has occasionally infected humans however it does not easily transmit between humans The majority of human cases of avian influenza have been associated with direct or indirect contact with infected live or dead poultrySince it was first reported in Hong Kong in 1997 the disease has been responsible for human outbreaks and deaths in 16 countries in Africa Asia Europe and the Middle East In 2006 avian influenza caused by the highly pathogenic AH5N1 influenza virus spread rapidly through the Eastern Mediterranean Region with large nonhuman outbreaks reported in Afghanistan Djibouti Egypt Iraq Jordan Palestine Pakistan and SudanTransmission of the AH5N1 influenza virus from infected birds to humans was confirmed in Djibouti Egypt Iraq and Pakistan Since then avian influenza has become endemic among poultry in Egypt IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/seasons-1st-bird-flu-outbreak-in-japan-confirmed-in-hokkaido-644465.html Thu, 23 Oct 2025 11:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-reports-record-measles-cases-since-1992-644470.html Los Angeles Oct 23 The United States has registered 1618 measles cases with three deaths so far this year the highest number since 1992 according to official data released Among them 1595 cases were reported by 42 domestic jurisdictions and 23 cases were among international visitors to the United States said the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention CDC The total represents the most US infections since 1992 when the CDC recorded 2126 measles casesOf the confirmed cases this year 198 cases or 12 per cent of the total have required hospitalisation including 95 children under the age of five Three people have died from measles Xinhua news agency reportedAccording to the CDC 92 per cent of measles cases in the United States occurred among people who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknownPublic health experts said the figures reflect a sharp resurgence of measles in the United States and underscore the importance of vaccination coverageMeasles is a highly contagious viral disease transmitted by respiratory droplets and direct contactCommon complications include fever dry cough runny nose sore throat and inflamed eyes The disease can be prevented by immunisationMeasles infects the respiratory tract and then spreads throughout the body Symptoms include a high fever cough runny nose and a rash all over the bodyBeing vaccinated is the best way to prevent getting sick with measles or spreading it to other people The vaccine is safe and helps your body fight off the virusBefore the introduction of the measles vaccine in 1963 and widespread vaccination major epidemics occurred approximately every two to three years and caused an estimated 26 million deaths each yearAn estimated 107500 people died from measles in 2023 mostly children under the age of five years despite the availability of a safe and costeffective vaccineSymptoms of measles usually begin 1014 days after exposure to the virus A prominent rash is the most visible symptomThe rash begins about 718 days after exposure usually on the face and upper neck It spreads over about 3 days eventually to the hands and feet It usually lasts 56 days before fading IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-reports-record-measles-cases-since-1992-644470.html Thu, 23 Oct 2025 12:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/two-more-baloch-civilians-killed-at-hands-of-pak-backed-death-squads-rights-body-644472.html Quetta Oct 23 At least two Baloch youth were extrajudicially killed by a Pakistanbacked death squad in Balochistan said a leading human rights organisation on Thursday The latest act of brutality comes against the backdrop of a continuing cycle of persecution marked by a surge in extrajudicial killings enforced disappearances and torture across the provinceHuman rights body Baloch Yakjehti Committee BYC mentioned that Zahoor Baloch a 20yearold labourer and a resident of Paroom region in Panjgur district was forcibly abducted by a statebacked death squad in the early hours of October 20Citing witnesses the rights body stated that the abductors arrived in a Surf vehicle and took Zahoor from his residence His mutilated body was found the next morning confirming his extrajudicial killingThis tragic incident is not isolated but is part of a systematic campaign of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial executions targeting the Baloch population Zahoors death reflects the persistent climate of fear in Balochistan where young men are regularly abducted and killed with impunity the BYC statedHighlighting another such horrific incident the BYC stated that on October 20 the tortured and bulletriddled body of a Baloch civilian Faqeer Jan was found dumped in an open area exposing yet another extrajudicial killing in BalochistanAccording to the rights body Faqeer was abducted on the night of October 18 by the statebacked death squad in the Gwaash region of PanjgurThe continued silence of human rights organisations and the international community in the face of these grave violations is deeply troubling We urgently call for an independent investigation and accountability for those responsible for these unlawful killings and the ongoing atrocities in Balochistan the BYC stressedLast week in its report titled Human Rights Situation in Balochistan the BYC documented widespread abuses specifically perpetrated by the Pakistani authorities between July and AugustExtrajudicial Killings remain unabated as 29 people were killed during July and August Most of these cases were of target killings custodial killings and killanddump Districts Kech Awaran and Khuzdar recorded the most number of cases respectively read the reportThe report mentioned that 59 per cent of the recorded violations were carried out by Pakistanbacked death squads and 21 per cent by armed forces while minors also became targets with two children killed by mortar shells fired on the civilian population IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/two-more-baloch-civilians-killed-at-hands-of-pak-backed-death-squads-rights-body-644472.html Thu, 23 Oct 2025 12:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/north-korea-says-it-tested-2-hypersonic-projectiles-successfully-hit-target-644482.html Seoul Oct 23 North Korea said Thursday it has successfully tested two hypersonic projectiles calling them a new important weapon system adding that the cuttingedge missiles strengthen the Norths war deterrence Two hypersonic projectiles launched from the Ryokpho District Pyongyang Municipality toward the northeast direction hit the target point on the tableland of Kwesang Peak in Orang County North Hamgyong Province the Korean Central News Agency KCNA saidThe test conducted the previous day by the Missile Administration was part of a defence capability development programme aimed at enhancing the sustainability and effectiveness of its strategic deterrence against potential enemies the KCNA reportedThe previous day South Koreas military said North Korea fired multiple shortrange ballistic missiles northeastward at around 810 am which flew about 350 kilometresMilitary sources said the weapons may have been the tactical ballistic missile known as the Hwasongpho11Da45 tested by the North in September last year adding that the missiles landed inland not in the East SeaNorth Korean leader Kim Jongun was not present at Wednesdays test Pak Jongchon secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers Party of Korea WPK and other officials oversaw the launchKims absence lends support to the view that the North has yet to complete its technological development for the Hwasong11Ma first disclosed in a military parade earlier this monthThe new cuttingedge weapon system is clear proof of steadily upgrading selfdefensive technical capabilities of North Korea Pak said expressing the countrys resolve to continue bolstering its war deterrence and strengthening selfdefenceHe described the tested weapon system as having a new strategic valueThe latest ballistic missile launch was the first of its kind since South Korean President Lee Jae Myung took office in June and the first ballistic missile provocation in about five months Yonhap news agency reportedThe military muscle flexing came about a week before South Korea hosts the AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation APEC summit in the southeastern city of Gyeongju on October 31November 1Neither South Koreas military nor the unification ministry provided further details when asked about their assessment of the timing of the launchBut a military official said the North might still not have sharpened its hypersonic missile technologies noting traits of the advanced missile such as evasive manoeuvring were not detected in the latest launchA hypersonic missile is usually hard to intercept with existing missile defence shields It travels at a speed of at least Mach 5 five times the speed of sound and is designed to be manoeuvrable on unpredictable flight paths and fly at low altitudesIn a parliamentary audit session held Thursday Gen Son Sugrag Air Force chief of staff said further assessment is needed on whether the launched missiles were the Hwasong11MaMeanwhile officials said it is difficult to conclude whether the latest launch was aimed at conveying any political message ahead of the APEC summit referring to the facts that the leader did not oversee the launch in person and the country cited selfdefence as its reason IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/north-korea-says-it-tested-2-hypersonic-projectiles-successfully-hit-target-644482.html Thu, 23 Oct 2025 12:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/new-zealand-greenhouse-gas-emissions-fall-15-per-cent-in-q2-644488.html Wellington Oct 23 New Zealand greenhouse gas emissions fell 15 per cent or 287 kilotonnes in the June 2025 quarter local media reported on Thursday The decline was mainly driven by a 32 per cent drop in manufacturing emissions particularly led by petroleum chemical polymer and rubber product sectors which declined 412 per cent due to natural gas shortages said Stats NZ environment statistics spokesperson Tehseen Islam reports Xinhua news agencyIndustry emissions excluding households decreased 15 per cent or 258 kilotonnes while household emissions dipped 06 per cent or 12 kilotonnes This coincided with a 09 per cent decline in gross domestic product over the same period said a statement of the statistics departmentManufacturing emissions are at their lowest since records began in 2010 down 414 per cent from their December 2014 peak Islam said adding nonmetallic mineral and metallic product manufacturing also contributed to the reductionIn the year ending June 2025 total industry and household greenhouse gas emissions dropped 29 per cent to 76902 kilotonnes the lowest annual total for a June year since 2010 Stats NZ said adding that significant contributors included manufacturing agriculture forestry and fishingEmissions from the electricity gas water and waste services industry were down 35 per cent or 246 kilotonnes in the year ended June 2025 reflecting increased electricity generation from renewables like geothermal solar wind and biogas during this period it saidOn October 16 New Zealand unveiled its first National Adaptation Framework to tackle the growing risks of climate change including floods and stormsNew Zealand faces growing risks from floods storms and other natural hazards We need our country and economy to be resilient and wellprepared Climate Change Minister Simon Watts saidThe framework aims to build resilience support economic growth and minimise societal costs amid rising natural hazards according to a government statementThe framework is structured around four pillars including sharing risks and response information clarifying roles and responsibilities investing in risk reduction and establishing costsharing mechanisms before and after eventsNew Zealands firstever National Flood Map expected to be released by 2027 will show current and future flood risks to help people and organisations understand and prepare for these threats Watts saidLegislation will require local governments in highpriority areas to develop adaptation plans he saidThe new adaptation plans will help people understand what the risks are how this will be managed and what investment will happen in their area so people know what to expect he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/new-zealand-greenhouse-gas-emissions-fall-15-per-cent-in-q2-644488.html Thu, 23 Oct 2025 13:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/sanctions-imposed-on-us-working-against-european-union-russia--644518.html Moscow Oct 23 Russia on Thursday said that the European Union EU sanctions against Moscow are effectively working against Brussels itself and the potential for their expansion has been exhausted The sanctions theyre imposing against Russia primarily work against the European Union Brusselss ability to expand sanctions against our country has largely been exhausted Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova was quoted as saying by the countrys leading Tass news agencyTheyve already exhausted virtually every option for implementing their concept of inflicting as theyve devised a strategic defeat on Russia damaging the Russian economy and its defense capability the diplomat added while commenting on the 19th sanctions packageEarlier in the day the EU approved the 19th package of sanctions targetting Russias shadow fleet as well as its banking and energy sectorsPresident of the European Council Antonio Costa at the joint doorstep with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Brussels stated on Thursday that the Council will take the political decision to ensure the financial needs of Ukraine for 2026 and 2027 including for the acquisition of military equipmentTo date the EU and its member states have provided 1775 billion in support for Ukraine including 632 billion in military supportIn spite of the great expectations created by President Trumps initiatives it is clear that today unfortunately these initiatives do not match the goodwill of President Putin Russia is increasing the strikes is increasing the strikes against civilians against civilian facilities which means that we need to continue supporting Ukraines fight for a just and lasting peace said CostaThe EU leaders will also focus on the latest developments in the Middle East including the outcome of the Sharm ElSheikh Summit for Peace on October 13 the release of all hostages and the initial phases of US President Donald Trumps peace proposal for GazaBuilding on previous European Council meetings starting from the informal Egmont retreat on 3 February and the most recent informal meeting on 1 October in Copenhagen the leaders will discuss the EUs defence readiness and concrete decisions on capability projects and governance read a statement issued by the Council ahead of the meeting IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/sanctions-imposed-on-us-working-against-european-union-russia--644518.html Thu, 23 Oct 2025 15:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/university-of-mauritius-celebrates-diwali-with-vibrant-people-to-people-ties-on-display-644520.html Port Louis Oct 23 Reaffirming the longstanding friendship between India and Mauritius a Diwali celebration was organised by students at the Work Club of the University of Mauritius A Diwali celebration was organised by the students of the University of Mauritius reaffirming the longstanding friendship between India and MauritiusIndian High Commissioner to Mauritius Anurag Srivastava participated in the event and also extended heartfelt greetings to the people present reflecting on the festivals deeper meaningAccording to the Indian High Commission in Port Louis addressing the event Srivastava spoke about the enduring bond between India and Mauritius calling it two nations in name one family in spiritEmphasising the strong educational ties the Indian High Commissioner highlighted various opportunities to connect with India including fully funded scholarships at undergraduate postgraduate and doctoral levels cultural immersion programmes like the Know India Programme KIP and the Overseas Citizen of India OCI card for persons of Indian originHe encouraged students to pursue excellence with purpose reminding them that they are the torchbearers of the unique relationship between the two countriesCelebrating the occasion the students also organised various cultural activities showcasing the shared cultural heritage and vibrant peopletopeople linkages between India and Mauritius the Indian High Commission mentionedLast month during his visit to India Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam held delegationlevel talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Varanasi underscoring the shared vision for peace and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region IOR and for the Global SouthBoth sides comprehensively reviewed the Enhanced Strategic Partnership between the two countries and identified new opportunities to deepen collaboration across various sectors of mutual interestHailing the historical bilateral ties PM Modi stated that India and Mauritius are two nations but their dreams and destiny remain oneWhile addressing a joint press meet alongside Ramgoolam PM Modi announced Indias special economic package for Mauritius that supports the infrastructure employment and healthcare sectorsPM Ramgoolam also lauded Indias continuous assistance over the years highlighting that the country has benefited from Indias expertise in key sectors of national development including health education and capacitybuildingOver the years India through its various governments has accompanied Mauritius in its journey toward progress and developmentWe have benefited from Indias generous assistance and expertise in key sectors of national development Indias timely support in these areas continues to make a tangible difference in improving the quality of life of Mauritians said Ramgoolam IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/university-of-mauritius-celebrates-diwali-with-vibrant-people-to-people-ties-on-display-644520.html Thu, 23 Oct 2025 15:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/afghanistan-kabul-residents-voice-concern-over-increasing-prices-of-firewood-coal-644550.html Kabul Oct 23 Ahead of winter season a number of Kabul residents have voiced concern over the increasing prices of firewood and coal in local markets local media reported on Thursday They said that prices of coal and firewood have increased despite the weather still being relatively warm causing problems for families having lowincome Afghanistans leading media outlet Tolo News reported Residents of Kabul said that the people cannot afford to buy wood and coal due to its increased priceWood and coal have become very expensive and people cant afford them Many are unemployed and the government should pay attention to this issue and the rising prices Abdul Kareem a local resident was quoted as saying by Tolo NewsA cart of firewood costs 12000 Afghanis and winter hasnt even arrived yet A sack of coal now costs 1700 to 1800 Afghanis We ask the government to lower the prices said another Kabul resident Mohammed SaberMeanwhile firewood and coal sellers in Kabul have confirmed the increase in price and have attributed the price hike to increasing transportation costs taxes and fuel pricesNazirullah a firewood vendor has mentioned increased prices of mulberry walnut wood and firewood He said A cart of firewood from Khost and Paktia is now 12500 Afghanis Mulberry and walnut wood costs between 7500 and 8000 Afghanis per cart Compared to last month the price of oak wood has increased by around 1500 AfghanisAccording to coal seller Raqib the price of coal that comes from DaraeSuf was previously between 94009500 Afghanis However he stated that the price has now reached 11700 or even 11800 AfghanisAjmal Wahidi head of the Kabul Timber Sellers Union said that the price could reduce to around 8000 Afghanis if the government allows the import of Kunar wood However he mentioned that the decision regarding imports must be taken immediately or the prices may increase to 13000 or 14000 Afghanis IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/afghanistan-kabul-residents-voice-concern-over-increasing-prices-of-firewood-coal-644550.html Thu, 23 Oct 2025 17:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/vilnius-airport-shut-after-cigarette-smuggling-balloons-enter-lithuanias-airspace-644341.html Vilnius Oct 22 Vilnius airport in Lithuania was shut overnight after dozens of cigarettesmuggling balloons were sighted in its airspace according to the countrys National Crisis Management Centre NCMC The operations at the airport were disrupted from 1030 pm on Tuesday to 630 am on Wednesday resulting in the cancellation of 30 flights and stranding 4000 passengers according to the airport Euro News reportedFlights scheduled for arrival at the airport were redirected to other locations including Warsaw and Lithuanias Kaunas airportIn a statement the NCMC stated Operations have been disrupted due to weather balloons used to smuggle cigarettes from Belarus The centre further said that Lithuanias border with Belarus was shut after the balloons were spottedWhile addressing a press conference on Wednesday Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene blamed Belarus for the incident and said she would hold a meeting of the National Security Committee at 130 pm to discuss the issueRuginiene said This morning I already demanded that everyone come with concrete solutions We must discuss this situation immediately and we must find not debate but find what to doI would very much like Belarus to take responsibility for these incidents she addedThe NCMC said an investigation has started into the incident and said that balloons were not launched from a single placeIt is not the first time that Vilnius airport has been shut Earlier on October 5 Vilnius airport was closed due to cigarettesmuggling balloonsAt the time Lithuanian authorities said that they had found at least 11 balloons which had 18000 packs of blackmarket cigarettesThe Vilnius airport closure comes after airports in Copenhagen Munich and other European nations were shut due to drone sightings The EU has accused Russia of being involved in disruptive hybrid warfare which Moscow continues to reject IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/vilnius-airport-shut-after-cigarette-smuggling-balloons-enter-lithuanias-airspace-644341.html Thu, 23 Oct 2025 00:01:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/chinese-firms-in-african-countries-face-problems-amid-rising-unrest-report-644342.html New Delhi Oct 22 Recent unrest in some African countries has highlighted the security political and communityrelations risks facing some Chinese businesses operating on the continent Chinas overseas engagement often centred on infrastructure finance and trade under the Belt and Road Initiative BRI has expanded market access and built roads railways and energy projects according to a new report At the same time episodes of looting arson and targeted crime in several African countries have prompted reviews of security compliance and local partnerships according to an article in Kenyas Capital NewsAnalysts note that economic diplomacy can amplify tensions where communities feel benefits have not been evenly shared or where economic shocks and political disputes are already presentIn Madagascar protests over power cuts and service delivery in Antananarivo escalated into rioting and property damage with Chineseowned premises reported among those affected Authorities imposed a curfew and announced cabinet changes as demonstrations continued the article statesIn Angola subsidy reforms and fuel price increases coincided with the deadliest unrest in years alongside casualties and arrests some retail outlets including Chineseowned shops were looted Similarly Mozambiques postelection disputes saw protests mass arrests and incidents of arson and looting in urban areas with a range of businesses impacted according to the articleBeyond street unrest governance and environmental concerns have drawn scrutiny In the Democratic Republic of the Congo officials and watchdogs have reported illegal or irregular mining operations involving a number of foreign operators including some with Chinese links Enforcement actions from arrests to licence reviews reflect broader efforts to formalise the sector the article observesIt also highlights that several governments have moved to deter unlawful activity around foreignlinked enterprises Ghana has tightened visa procedures for Chinese nationals amid a wider clampdown on illegal smallscale gold mining citing pollution and community impacts In Nigeria courts have handed down convictions in cybercrime cases involving foreign nationals and local regulators have temporarily sealed some firms including Chineseowned companies following clashes with enforcement officers during inspections These actions sit alongside routine cooperation between Chinese missions and host authorities on compliance and business continuitySecurity incidents have also underscored the risks of operating in highthreat environments A Chineseowned fishing vessel was hijacked off Somalia before the crew was eventually reported safe and earlier nine Chinese workers were killed in an attack on a gold mine in the Central African Republic Such events have led Chinese officials to call for accountability while urging companies to strengthen risk assessments avoid political entanglements particularly around elections and improve staff safety measures the article added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/chinese-firms-in-african-countries-face-problems-amid-rising-unrest-report-644342.html Thu, 23 Oct 2025 00:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-vice-president-vance-says-hamas-will-be-obliterated-if-it-rejects-disarmament-644240.html Jerusalem Oct 22 US Vice President JD Vance said that Hamas would be obliterated if it refuses to disarm and that Israel will decide which foreign troops if any may be deployed in Gaza Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday in Kiryat Gat just north of Gaza Vance said Hamas fighters could be spared if the group cooperates If it doesnt cooperate Hamas is going to be obliterated he saidVance emphasised that the White House will not pressure Israel on the presence of foreign troops calling it a question for the Israelis to agree to He added that Turkey could play a significant roleAs mediators are working toward a possible second phase of the truce the US official acknowledged the challenges ahead Can I say with 100 per cent certainty that its going to work No but you do difficult things by trying he saidHe also addressed frustrations over the slow recovery of hostages and bodies Some of these hostages are buried under thousands of pounds of rubble Some of the hostages nobody even knows where they are he said appealing for a little bit of patienceThe truce has faced tests from mutual accusations of violations but both Israel and Hamas have publicly reaffirmed their commitment Xinhua news agency reportedVance who arrived in Israel on Tuesday is expected to meet Israeli leaders including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner soninlaw of US President Donald Trump were already in Israel ahead of Vances visit IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-vice-president-vance-says-hamas-will-be-obliterated-if-it-rejects-disarmament-644240.html Wed, 22 Oct 2025 06:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/israel-receives-two-hostage-bodies-held-by-hamas-644241.html Jerusalem Oct 22 Israel received the bodies of two unidentified Israeli hostages who had been held by Hamas in Gaza for two years the Prime Ministers Office said The coffins were handed over by Hamas to the Red Cross in Gaza on Tuesday which transferred them to the Israeli military and Shin Bet security agents inside the enclave From there they will be transferred to Israel the office said adding that the bodies will then be taken to the National Center for Forensic Medicine in Tel AvivThe effort to return our hostages continues and will not cease until the last hostage is returned it addedEarlier on Tuesday the National Center of Forensic Medicine completed the identification of another deceased hostage whose body was handed over by Hamas on Monday night The Israeli military identified him as Tal Haimi commander of the rapid response team at Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak a community near Gaza that was attacked during the Hamasled assault on October 7 2023 Xinhua news agency reportedIt was the latest exchange of captives and bodies under a ceasefire that took effect on October 10 under which all 20 living Israeli hostages were released by Hamas and about 2000 Palestinian detainees were released by IsraelIsrael estimates that the bodies of 28 hostages have been held in Gaza some of whom were killed before being taken and others who died in captivity Hamas has so far returned 15 bodies IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/israel-receives-two-hostage-bodies-held-by-hamas-644241.html Wed, 22 Oct 2025 07:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/irans-president-urges-broader-cooperation-with-iraq-across-all-sectors-644242.html Tehran Oct 22 Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called for expanding TehranBaghdad relations across all sectors the presidents office said in a statement Speaking on Tuesday in Tehran with visiting Iraqi National Security Advisor Qasim alAraji Pezeshkian described the bilateral relationship as excellent and said closer cooperation could strengthen security economic scientific and cultural ties between the two countries and across the Muslim world Xinhua news agency reportedHe added that regular diplomatic exchanges could foster mutual understanding and help shape a coordinated approach to regional and international issuesAlAraji said Iraqs security is closely linked to Irans and reaffirmed Baghdads commitment to a 2023 bilateral security agreement pledging to prevent any threats to Iran from their shared border according to the Iranian statementAlAraji arrived in Tehran on Monday for talks with senior Iranian officials including Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and IRGC Chief Commander Mohammad PakpourEarlier in August 2025 Iraq and Iran signed a joint security agreement on security coordination along the shared borders between the two countriesThe memorandum of understanding MoU was signed by the Secretary of Irans Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani and Iraqi National Security Adviser Qasim alAraji according to a statement by the prime ministers media officeIn his meeting with Larijani before the signing Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia alSudani reaffirmed Iraqs commitment to developing relations with Iran and to enhancing fruitful partnerships across various levels and fields according to the statement IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/irans-president-urges-broader-cooperation-with-iraq-across-all-sectors-644242.html Wed, 22 Oct 2025 07:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/wfp-calls-for-greater-border-access-to-expand-food-aid-in-gaza-644244.html Geneva Oct 22 The ceasefire in Gaza has enabled the United Nations UN humanitarians to reach more people with lifesaving food but greater access is needed to stem famine a UN representative in Geneva said Abeer Etefa senior regional communications officer and spokesperson for the World Food Programme WFP said that since the ceasefire began on October 11 the agency has delivered over 6700 metric tonnes of food enough for nearly half a million people for two weeks Xinhua news agency reportedDaily deliveries continue and now average around 750 tonnes she said noting this remains well below WFPs target of 2000 tonnes a day Unless all border crossing points are used reaching this target is almost impossibleCurrently only the Kerem Shalom and Kissufim crossings in the south are open Severe destruction continues to block access to northern Gaza where famine was declared in August We need Erez we need Zikkim we need these border crossing points to open Etefa stressedReaching northern Gaza with largescale convoys is a priority Weve cleared roads at scale into the north she said but we need these crossings open to connect to Gaza City where conditions are especially direWFP is restoring its food distribution network aiming for 145 distribution points across the Strip of which 26 have reopened People are showing up in large numbers grateful for the efficiency and the dignified way they can collect their rations Etefa saidThe aid is especially crucial for the most vulnerable the women femaleheaded households and the elderly she added While many are hopeful there is cautious optimism about how long current conditions will last Many families save part of their rations because they are not confident the ceasefire will hold It is a fragile peace she saidFood prices remain prohibitive and supplies are still insufficient People can find food in the market but its out of reach because its extremely expensive Etefa warnedWFP is also helping the most foodinsecure households through digital payments enabling about 140000 people to buy food locally with plans to double that number soon But Etefa stressed that humanitarian aid alone cannot solve the crisis and commercial supplies must enter to complement relief effortsOnly a fully implemented and sustained ceasefire can allow WFP to operate at the scale needed Etefa said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/wfp-calls-for-greater-border-access-to-expand-food-aid-in-gaza-644244.html Wed, 22 Oct 2025 07:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pm-modi-thanks-trump-for-diwali-wishes-calls-for-united-fight-against-terror-644249.html New Delhi Oct 22 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday thanked US President Donald Trump for the Diwali greetings and expressed hope to stand united against all forms of terrorism While speaking to reporters during his Diwali Party at the White House Trump said he spoke to Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday and the two sides are working on some great deals between our countriesI just spoke to your Prime Minister today We had a great conversation We talked about trade We talked about a lot of things but mostly the world of trade Hes very interested in that he saidPM Modi also took to X and said Thank you President Trump for your phone call and warm Diwali greetings On this festival of lights may our two great democracies continue to illuminate the world with hope and stand united against terrorism in all its formsTrump hosted a special Diwali event at the White House where he termed Prime Minister Modi a great person and said he loves the people of IndiaThe event was attended by the Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Kwatra the new US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor FBI Director Kash Patel and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard Leading business leaders from the Indian diaspora were also part of the celebrationsTrump lit the diya in the Oval Office calling it a symbol of faith in the victory of light over darkness and extended his warmest wishes to the people of IndiaHe previously asserted that he had resolved the dispute between India and Pakistan in May India refuted this claim stating that the ceasefire agreement was reached only after the Pakistani Army requested the Indian side to halt the offensiveHowever Trump reiterated this during the Diwali celebrationWe did talk a little while ago about lets have no wars with Pakistan The fact that trade was involved I was able to talk about that And we have no war with Pakistan and India That was a very very good thing he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pm-modi-thanks-trump-for-diwali-wishes-calls-for-united-fight-against-terror-644249.html Wed, 22 Oct 2025 09:09:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/north-korea-fires-1st-ballistic-missiles-in-five-months-ahead-of-trumps-trip-to-apec-summit-644256.html Seoul Oct 22 North Korea fired its first ballistic missiles in five months Wednesday about a week before South Korea is scheduled to host the AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation APEC summit and US President Donald Trumps visit on the occasion The Joint Chiefs of Staff JCS said it detected multiple shortrange ballistic missiles launched northeastward at about 810 am from Junghwa in North Koreas southern North Hwanghae Province Yonhap news agency reportedThe missiles flew about 350 kilometers the JCS said adding that it is trying to determine their exact specifications with the US side Officials were weighing the possibility that the missiles were the same tactical ballistic one North Korea testfired in September 2024Sources suggested the missiles may have landed inland rather than in the East SeaThe North last fired shortrange ballistic and cruise missiles toward the East Sea on May 8 and May 22 respectivelyOur military has stepped up monitoring in preparation for the possibility of additional launches and is maintaining a steadfast readiness posture while sharing relevant information with the US and Japan the JCS said in a releaseIt marks the Norths first missile launch since President Lee Jae Myung took office in June and the fifth ballistic missile launch so far this yearThe launch also comes ahead of South Koreas upcoming hosting of the APEC summit on October 31November 1 with Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping scheduled to visit South Korea on the occasionThe first missile launch in nearly five months came amid concerns that the North may continue escalating provocations as it seeks US recognition as a nucleararmed stateDuring its largescale military parade earlier this month North Korea unveiled its new Hwasong20 intercontinental ballistic missile ICBM for the first time believed to be capable of hitting anywhere on the US mainlandThe disclosure of the new ICBM sparked speculation that it may also undergo a test launch in the near futureWednesdays launch also came amid speculation that Trump may meet with Kim possibly in the interKorean truce village of Panmunjom during the US presidents trip to South KoreaObservers also suggested that the latest launches may be provocations targeting Seoul given their short range IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/north-korea-fires-1st-ballistic-missiles-in-five-months-ahead-of-trumps-trip-to-apec-summit-644256.html Wed, 22 Oct 2025 12:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-honduras-explore-trade-investment-ties-at-viksit-bharat-seminar-in-tegucigalpa-644265.html Tegucigalpa Oct 22 Reaffirming commitment to mutual growth and prosperity a Business Seminar titled Viksit Bharat Invest India IndiaHonduras Bilateral Trade Relations was held in Tegucigalpa highlighting the trade and investment opportunities in India The event was organised by the Indian Embassy in Guatemala concurrently accredited to Honduras Several Ministers Vice Ministers officials Chamber representatives and business stakeholders of Honduras participated in the seminar highlighting opportunities for collaboration in trade investment technology and development partnerships with IndiaProminent dignitaries including the Vice Minister of Health and the Vice Minister of Energy of Honduras shared their views during the seminar They highlighted the opportunities for collaboration with India in the areas of pharmaceuticals healthcare services renewable energy and sustainable development and expressed appreciation for Indias growing global leadership and partnership with Honduras Indian Embassy in Guatemala posted on X on Wednesday local timeAddressing the session Indian Ambassador to the Central American country Raj Kumar Singh highlighted Indias transformative journey towards a Viksit Bharat and emphasised the countrys growing role as a trusted global partnerHe underlined the strong potential for IndiaHonduras cooperation in areas such as trade investment renewable energy digital transformation agriculture and capacity building noting that both nations share complementary strengths and a common vision for inclusive growthAmbassador Singh invited Honduran businesses to explore opportunities in Indias rapidly expanding economy and reaffirmed the nations commitment to supporting Honduras through technology exchange training and sustainable development initiativesAccording to the Indian Embassy the seminar concluded with a strong note of optimism and mutual commitment to advancing IndiaHonduras economic partnershipThe participants acknowledged the growing convergence of interests and opportunities between the two countries They emphasised the need to build on the events outcomes through continued dialogue trade missions and collaboration in emerging sectorsThe Embassy of India reaffirmed its readiness to work closely with the Government of Honduras chambers and business stakeholders to translate shared goals into tangible partnerships further strengthening the enduring friendship between India and Honduras IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-honduras-explore-trade-investment-ties-at-viksit-bharat-seminar-in-tegucigalpa-644265.html Wed, 22 Oct 2025 12:09:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/china-renews-yellow-alert-for-typhoon-fengshen-644268.html Beijing Oct 22 Chinas national observatory on Wednesday issued a yellow alert for typhoon Fengshen the 24th typhoon of the year as it is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain to parts of the countrys southern regions As of 9 am on Wednesday it was located over the waters of the South China Sea about 170 km westnorthwest of Yongxing Dao of Sansha City Hainan Province with maximum winds of 33 metres per second near its centre according to the National Meteorological Centre NMCFengshen is expected to move southwestward at 10 km per hour Its intensity will remain steady through Wednesday morning before gradually weakeningAffected by the typhoon gales are forecast to affect areas including parts of the East China Sea the Taiwan Strait the Bashi Channel the waters east of Taiwan coastal regions of southern Zhejiang Fujian Taiwan and Hainan Island and parts of the South China Sea as well as the Beibu Gulf between 2 pm Wednesday and 2 pm Thursday the NMC saidMeanwhile it said that some areas of Hainan Island and Taiwan may experience heavy rainstorms during the same periodChina has a fourtier colourcoded weather warning system for typhoons with red representing the most severe warning followed by orange yellow and blue Xinhua news agency reportedThe typhoon will make landfall over Vietnams central coast as a tropical storm on Thursday before weakening rapidly said the centreOn Monday Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh issued an official dispatch to direct ministries agencies and localities in central Vietnam to take urgent measures as Typhoon Fengshen approachesFengshen the 12th storm expected to hit Vietnam this year is forecast to cause heavy rainfall in the central provinces from Wednesday to SundayThe typhoon is also expected to pose high risks of flooding landslides and flash floods according to the National Centre for HydroMeteorological ForecastingResidents in Laos are also being urged to prepare for widespread heavy rainfall as tropical storm Fengshen approaches bringing potential landslides and flash floodsThe storm is expected to cross Vietnam before entering Laos bringing light to moderate thunderstorms across the country along with heavy to very heavy rainfall and strong winds in certain regions from October 23 to 24 according to a report from the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology under the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Environment on Monday IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/china-renews-yellow-alert-for-typhoon-fengshen-644268.html Wed, 22 Oct 2025 12:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/first-case-of-new-mpox-variant-detected-in-netherlands-644270.html The Hague Oct 22 The Netherlands has confirmed its first case of a new more transmissible variant of mpox Minister for Health Welfare and Sport Jan Anthonie Bruijn said in a letter to parliament The infection identified on October 17 is the first time the mpox variant 1b has been detected in the countryThis is the first time that this new mpoxvariant has been identified in the Netherlands the minister said in the letter He added that the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control ECDC and the World Health Organization WHO are closely monitoring the situationThe National Institute for Public Health and the Environment RIVM reported that the infected man was not vaccinated against mpox and had no recent travel history Xinhua news agency reportedThe man has been placed in isolation and the local public health service is conducting source and contact tracing The minister sought to reassure the public saying that the risk of further spread appears to be smallMpox which can cause painful lesions fever and fatigue spreads primarily through skintoskin contact according to the RIVMMpox also known as monkeypox is a viral infectious disease that spreads through close contact Symptoms include fever swollen lymph nodes sore throat muscle aches skin rash and back painMpox spreads from person to person mainly through close contact with someone who has mpox including members of a household Close contact includes skintoskin and mouthtomouth or mouthtoskin contact and it can also include being facetoface with someone who has mpox such as talking or breathing close to one another which can generate infectious respiratory particlesPeople with multiple sexual partners are at higher risk of acquiring mpoxPeople can also contract mpox from contaminated objects such as clothing or linen through needle injuries in health care or in community settings such as tattoo parloursDuring pregnancy or birth the virus may be passed to the baby Contracting mpox during pregnancy can be dangerous for the fetus or newborn infant and can lead to loss of the pregnancy stillbirth death of the newborn or complications for the parentAnimaltohuman transmission of mpox occurs from infected animals to humans from bites or scratches or during activities such as hunting skinning trapping cooking playing with carcasses or eating animals The animal reservoir of the monkeypox virus remains unknown and further studies are underwayMore research is needed on how mpox spreads during outbreaks in different settings and under different conditions IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/first-case-of-new-mpox-variant-detected-in-netherlands-644270.html Wed, 22 Oct 2025 12:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-records-over-250-dengue-deaths-with-over-61-600-cases-so-far-in-2025-644271.html Dhaka Oct 22 A total of 814 people were diagnosed with dengue fever in Bangladesh in the past 24 hours said the Directorate General of Health Services DGHS under the Ministry of Health With the fresh infections reported as of 8 am local time Tuesday the number of dengue cases has surged to 61605 in Bangladesh so far this year the DGHS said on TuesdayAlso in the same period four people died due to the mosquitoborne disease bringing the total number of denguerelated deaths this year to 253 the DGHS saidSo far in October 14263 dengue cases were recorded after 15866 people were infected with the disease in September according to the DGHS which confirmedWhile 55 deaths were reported so far in October there were 76 deaths in September and 39 in August the DGHS saidDengue fever typically a monsoonseason illness in Bangladesh is now spreading beyond its usual JuneSeptember period Xinhua news agency reportedDengue is a viral infection that is spread from mosquitoes to people It is more common in tropical and subtropical than in temperate climatesMost people who get dengue do not have symptoms For those who do the most common symptoms are high fever headache body aches nausea and rash Most get better in 12 weeks Some develop severe dengue and need care in a hospitalIn severe cases dengue can be fatal You can lower your risk of dengue by avoiding mosquito bites especially during the day Dengue is treated through pain management as there is no specific treatment currentlyThe incidence of dengue has grown dramatically worldwide in recent decades with the number of cases reported to WHO increasing from 505 430 cases in 2000 to 146 million in 2024 The vast majority of cases are asymptomatic or mild and selfmanaged and hence the actual numbers of dengue cases are underreported The disease is now endemic in more than 100 countriesIn 2024 more cases of dengue were recorded than ever before in a 12month period affecting over 100 countries on all continents During 2024 ongoing transmission combined with an unexpected spike in dengue cases resulted in a historic high of over 146 million cases and more than 12 000 denguerelated deaths reported The Region of the Americas contributed a significant proportion of the global burden with over 13 million cases reported to WHO IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-records-over-250-dengue-deaths-with-over-61-600-cases-so-far-in-2025-644271.html Wed, 22 Oct 2025 12:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/mob-violence-unleashed-on-peaceful-dhaka-procession-unlawful-arrests-made-awami-league-644274.html Dhaka Oct 22 Bangladeshs Awami League strongly condemned the joint attacks and mob violence by the countrys police and political party cadres on its peaceful procession while decrying the indiscriminate arrests of its leaders and activists Local media reported that at least 131 leaders and activists of Awami League and its affiliate organisations were arrested on Tuesday by Dhaka Metropolitan Police DMP for carrying out flash processions in various parts of DhakaAccording to the Awami League a planned wave of mob violence was unleashed against its leaders and activists participating in a peaceful procession in the capital as part of what it described as continued persecution of the party It said many were severely injured in barbaric attacks alleging that the victims were even obstructed from receiving medical treatmentThe party claimed that some members had been abducted or forcibly disappeared with ransom demands reportedly made for their releaseThe Awami League asserted that cadres of various political parties including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party BNP are carrying out mob attacks in collusion with the police while the law enforcement simultaneously created an atmosphere of fear by indiscriminately arresting injured Awami League activists and destroying the environment necessary for fair political practiceCondemning such heinous acts of mob terrorism and unlawful arrests the party said Those who under the direct patronage of the state apparatus are committing such violence to fulfil political vendettas aim only to create chaos in the country and endanger the lives and property of its citizens for their own political gainThe people of Bangladesh are witnessing with deep concern that leaders and activists of the Awami League continue to fight for the restoration of democracy and peoples rights the party statedExpressing concern the Awami League said for waging this just struggle to reestablish democracy and safeguard peoples rights the party members are being subjected to brutal and inhumane repressionThe Awami League demanded the immediate arrest of the attackers proper medical treatment for the injured and the unconditional release of all unlawfully detained leaders activists and political prisonersAt the same time it urged the people of Bangladesh to remain vigilant against conspiratorial activities aimed at destroying the achievements of national development during the tenure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and depriving citizens of its benefits IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/mob-violence-unleashed-on-peaceful-dhaka-procession-unlawful-arrests-made-awami-league-644274.html Wed, 22 Oct 2025 12:15:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/quad-a-way-to-cement-relationship-with-india-ex-us-diplomat-nicholas-burns-644276.html Washington Oct 22 Former Diplomat Nicholas Burns said that the Quad grouping is a way to cement our relationship with India and keep the country closely knit with Washington on security affairs While speaking at an event at the Atlantic Council on Tuesday local time former US Ambassador to China and a key architect of a stronger IndiaUS relationship Burns responded to a question from IANS about his analysis of the Trump administrations policy towards the Quad a grouping of four democracies of India Japan Australia and the United StatesThe Quad began in 200607 when I was the Undersecretary of State I participated in some Quad meetings but never at the head of government level President Trump is the one who made it a head of government exercise in his first term he saidI know that there was an early meeting this year Secretary Rubio participated in a Quad foreign ministers meetingAt some point I think Ive heard they want to have a heads of government meeting and I hope they do Its a way to cement our relationship Japan Australia the United States treaty allies with India and to keep India closely knit to us on security affairs So I do hope it happens Burns told IANSTrump was scheduled to attend the Quad Summit in November in India but its likely to be rescheduled early next yearLast week a group of bipartisan US lawmakers also wrote to Trump urging him to attend the Quad Leaders Summit in India and other meetings in AsiaRepresentative Gregory W Meeks Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee led the effort and the cosigners include Chairwoman and Ranking Member of the East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee Young Kim and Ami Bera and Chairman and Ranking Member of the South and Central Asia Subcommittee Bill Huizenga and Sydney KamlagerDoveOur Quad partnership with Australia Japan and India serves as the cornerstone for advancing our shared interests in the IndoPacific it addedThe letter followed an amendment by Democratic Congresswoman KamlagerDove in the Department of State Policy Provisions Act urging Trump to continue his leadership in the Quad and personally attend the Quad Leaders Summit later this yearThe amendment was passed by a voice vote and is now part of the bill that would be taken up for a vote in the House of Representatives soonIn an interview with IANS in early October KamlagerDove called the Quad Summit incredibly important and highlighted her amendmentWhy do you have to tell a president to participate in and to attend a Quad Leadership Summit Thats about unity with our partners across the IndoPacific she saidBurns who played an important role in the IndiaUS Civil Nuclear Agreement as the Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs from 20052008 also criticised the Trump administrations 50 per cent tariffs on India saying it may harm the ability to have a fully effective defence relationship with the Indian governmentYou put 50 per cent tariffs on India youre going to have a crisis with India and maybe that harms your ability to have a fully effective defence relationship with the Indian government I would choose a defence relationship frankly over tariffs if you have to choose and sometimes in life and in diplomacy you have to choose he told IANSBurns who is now a Professor at Harvard University stressed that during his tenure in the George W Bush presidency the US realised that the strategic rise of India in the world was in the national security interests of the United StatesWe could already see even in the George W Bush administration that we would have this longterm competition rivalry with China in the IndoPacific and Indias involvement with us in a peaceful way would be critical he notedHe also termed India as a great strategic partner of the United States along with Japan South Korea Australia and the EU advocating a united front to tackle the China challengeWe always found in our administration that the power of the United States and our ability to work with China will be enhanced if we work with Japan South Korea Australia and of course India our great strategic partner he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/quad-a-way-to-cement-relationship-with-india-ex-us-diplomat-nicholas-burns-644276.html Wed, 22 Oct 2025 12:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-inks-mou-with-brazil-to-bolster-cooperation-in-defence-industry-644282.html Seoul Oct 22 South Koreas state arms procurement agency on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding MOU with Brazils defence ministry to bolster bilateral cooperation in the defence industry The agreement was signed between Seok Jonggun South Koreas minister of the Defence Acquisition Program Administration and Heraldo Luiz Rodrigues Brazils secretary of defence during a signing ceremony earlier in the dayThe MOU centred on facilitating cooperation on research development and the purchase of defence supplies expanding industrial cooperation and strengthening personnel exchanges between the two nationsUnder the deal the two countries will cooperate in areas including ground sea aerospace and satellite sectors and share their mutual experiences in the field of advanced research and development of defence technologyAs the first Latin American country to establish diplomatic relations with South Korea in 1959 Brazil is both a major economic and defence player producing leading military aircraft It is home to one of the worlds leading aerospace companies EmbraerEarlier on Monday it was announced that the state arms procurement agency has signed an MOU with Brazils aerospace company Embraer to expand industrial cooperationThe Defence Acquisition Program Administration DAPA inked the agreement on the sidelines of the ongoing Seoul International Aerospace amp Defence Exhibition 2025 at KINTEX in Goyang just northwest of SeoulUnder the MOU the two sides will work together to expand the participation of South Korean parts suppliers in Embraers global supply chain and to explore opportunities for the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer to take part in defence projects in South KoreaEmbraer has delivered more than 9000 aircraft worldwide since its founding in 1969 and recently expanded its presence in the military aircraft market with its C390 Millennium transport aircraft according to DAPA IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-inks-mou-with-brazil-to-bolster-cooperation-in-defence-industry-644282.html Wed, 22 Oct 2025 12:46:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/man-crashes-car-into-white-house-security-gate-taken-into-custody-644287.html Washington Oct 22 A man was taken into custody after crashing his vehicle into a security gate outside the White House in Washington according to local media reports The incident occurred around 1037 pm on Tuesday local time at the intersection of 17th Street and E Street NW near the southwest perimeter of the presidential complexAccording to the US Secret Service the driver rammed his car into the secured gate prompting an immediate response from security personnel Agents quickly arrested the suspect on the scene deploying a heavy security presence in the area reports Fox NewsArmed officers were seen securing the perimeter while forensic teams examined the damaged vehicleAuthorities have not yet released details about the suspects identity possible motive or the circumstances leading to the crashVisuals circulating on social media show Secret Service officers surrounding the vehicle conducting measurements and photographing the sceneFollowing the collision access to the area was temporarily restricted while officials assessed the situation The White House itself was not placed under lockdown but the road leading to the gate was closed until the vehicle was towed awayNo injuries have been reportedThe Secret Service said it is reviewing surveillance footage and other evidence to determine the drivers intentSome media reports also suggested that US President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time of the crash The site of the incident lies southwest of the main residential complex close to the headquarters of the American Red CrossThis is not the first time a vehicle has breached security near the White HouseIn January 2024 a driver crashed into an outer gate and was detained by law enforcementA few months later in May 2024 another vehicle struck a security barrier near the complex resulting in the drivers death In both cases the Secret Service ruled out any broader threat to public safetyThe latest incident comes amid ongoing construction work for a new East Wing ballroom which has already increased security measures around the White HouseIt also follows a separate security concern just days earlier when a suspicious hunting stand was found overlooking the area where President Trump was scheduled to exit Air Force One at Palm Beach International Airport in FloridaAuthorities have not yet confirmed whether there is any connection between the two incidents but investigations are underway IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/man-crashes-car-into-white-house-security-gate-taken-into-custody-644287.html Wed, 22 Oct 2025 13:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/dalai-lama-congratulates-japans-first-female-prime-minister-sanae-takaichi-644291.html Dharamshala Oct 22 Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has written to Japans newly elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi congratulating her on becoming the countrys firstever female leader In his letter the Dalai Lama said No doubt your several decades of public service will serve you well in leading Japan at this crucial point in your countrys history when the world is facing great challengesTakaichi 64 a hardline conservative known as Japans Iron Lady made history by becoming the 104th Prime Minister of the country Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had also extended their greetings to the new Japanese Prime MinisterPraising Japans longstanding commitment to peace the Dalai Lama noted Having experienced immense suffering as a result of being attacked with nuclear weapons Japan has steadfastly taken the lead in efforts to establish peace in the world It has been a forthright champion of nuclear disarmamentHe further said Especially at times like these when there is such uncertainty and upheaval in many parts of the world it is vitally important that concerted efforts be made to resolve problems through dialogue and diplomacyWelcoming Japans choice of its first woman Prime Minister the Nobel Peace Laureate wrote I believe that women are more compassionate and sensitive to the feelings of others qualities I first learned from my own loving mother Scientific evidence also shows that women are more sensitive to others pain I am therefore firmly convinced that if more of our leaders were women the world would be a more understanding and peaceful placeMay I wish you every success in meeting the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in strengthening happiness in Japan and the wider world the Dalai Lama added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/dalai-lama-congratulates-japans-first-female-prime-minister-sanae-takaichi-644291.html Wed, 22 Oct 2025 13:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-launches-1st-3-600-ton-naval-attack-submarine-644292.html Geoje Oct 22 South Korea launched its first 3600tonclass naval submarine on Wednesday in a bid to bolster its underwater deterrence against North Korean threats The first of the three ChangbogoIII BatchII class submarines under construction was unveiled in a launch ceremony at shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean Cos dockyard in Geoje about 330 kilometres southeast of Seoul on Wednesday afternoon Yonhap News Agency reportedNamed after iconic Joseon Dynasty 13921910 engineer Jang Yeongsil the 89meterlong BatchII submarine is part of the militarys ChangbogoIII or KSSIII program to acquire advanced dieselelectric attack submarinesAs the Navys first 3600tonclass submarine the ROKS Jang Yeongsil is a worldclass diesel submarine and a core strategic asset with enhanced capabilities to respond to various maritime threats the Navy and the Defence Acquisition Program Administration DAPA saidCompared with the 3000ton BatchI class submarine that has been commissioned for active duty officials said the new submarine is not only larger in size but is equipped with upgraded detection and strike capabilities that help the submarine remain stealthy for a longer period of timeThe submarines combat system which serves as the brain and the sonar system which functions as the eyes have both been upgraded for better information processing and target detection features while its lithiumion batteries allow it to stay underwater longer and move fasterAn array of sound absorption technologies has been incorporated to increase the submarines covertness while more homegrown equipment has been used to ensure a more stable operation of the submarine officials saidThe new submarine is expected to have an increased number of vertical launch tubes for submarinelaunched ballistic missiles up from six known to be equipped in the 3000ton BatchI submarines that have been commissionedWith the upgraded features the 3600ton submarine is anticipated to play a key role in the militarys maritime threeaxis deterrence system notably the Kill Chain preemptive strike platform designed to eliminate key North Korean nuclear and missile targets if there are clear signs of intended useThe new submarine is set to be delivered to the Navy at the end of 2027 The other two 3600tonclass submarines are also under constructionThe launch ceremony comes as South Korea seeks to become the worlds fourthlargest defence exporter by banking on the growing demand for its homegrown weapons systems such as selfpropelled howitzers tanks and fighter jetsThe ROKS Jang Yeongsil is anticipated to substantially contribute to South Korean submarines becoming key strategic assets for global security and peace as well as boost defence exports Lee Sangwoo directorgeneral of DAPAs KSS program group saidIn a boon for such a push Hanwha Ocean was recently selected as one of the two qualified suppliers or preferred bidders along with Germanys ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems for a major Canadian submarine contractUnder the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project Canada plans to acquire up to 12 submarines for the Royal Canadian Navy to upgrade its submarine fleet with an aim to receive the first new vessel by no later than 2035Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney who is set to attend the upcoming AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation summit in the southeastern city of Gyeongju next week has said he plans to visit Hanwha Ocean facilities as part of his South Korea trip IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-launches-1st-3-600-ton-naval-attack-submarine-644292.html Wed, 22 Oct 2025 13:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/mongolias-measles-cases-surpass-13-000-644305.html Ulan Bator Oct 22 The total number of measles cases in Mongolia has increased to 13532 the countrys National Centre for Communicable Diseases NCCD said on Wednesday Meanwhile the total number of recoveries has reached 13514 Currently seven people remain in hospital the NCCD said in a statementThe majority of new measles infections were among schoolage children who had only one shot of the measles vaccine it saidIn view of this the NCCD advised parents to protect their children from a potentially severe disease by getting them two doses of the measles vaccineMeasles is a highly contagious viral disease transmitted by respiratory droplets and direct contactCommon complications include fever dry cough runny nose sore throat and inflamed eyes The disease can be prevented by immunisation Xinhua news agency reportedMeasles infects the respiratory tract and then spreads throughout the body Symptoms include a high fever cough runny nose and a rash all over the bodyBeing vaccinated is the best way to prevent getting sick with measles or spreading it to other people The vaccine is safe and helps your body fight off the virusBefore the introduction of the measles vaccine in 1963 and widespread vaccination major epidemics occurred approximately every two to three years and caused an estimated 26 million deaths each yearAn estimated 107500 people died from measles in 2023 mostly children under the age of five years despite the availability of a safe and costeffective vaccineSymptoms of measles usually begin 1014 days after exposure to the virus A prominent rash is the most visible symptomThe rash begins about 718 days after exposure usually on the face and upper neck It spreads over about 3 days eventually to the hands and feet It usually lasts 56 days before fading IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/mongolias-measles-cases-surpass-13-000-644305.html Wed, 22 Oct 2025 14:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladeshs-ict-sends-15-army-officers-to-jail-for-enforced-disappearances-killings-644308.html Dhaka Oct 22 Bangladeshs International Crimes Tribunal ICT on Wednesday ordered 15 army officers to be sent to jail over three separate cases of enforced disappearances killings and other crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the Awami League government local media reported A threemember bench of ICT1 headed by Justice Golam Mortuza Majumdar issued the order on Wednesday morning after hearing a petitionReports suggest that the accused officers sought bail but the tribunal rejected their petitions and ordered their remand in jailConfirming the development Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam said The tribunal has ordered the 15 army officers produced today in connection with the enforced disappearance and murder cases to be sent to jailAccording to the prosecution a total of 34 individuals including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have been named in the three cases while among the 25 army officers charged 15 are currently in custody Bangladeshi media outlet UNB reportedEarlier on October 11 the Bangladesh Army headquarters announced that 15 officers were taken into military custody after they were formally charged in three cases at the ICTAddressing a press briefing at Dhaka Cantonment the army stated that 25 current and former military officials have been formally charged among them nine are retired or suspendedA total of 15 accused officers are now in army custody while one officer remains unaccounted for He left his residence one morning and has not returned since Efforts are underway to trace his whereabouts Bangladeshs leading newspaper The Business Standard quoted Major General Md Hakimuzzaman adjutant general of the Bangladesh Army as sayingLast week former Prime Minister Hasina strongly criticised the arrest of the Army officers stating that there is no rule of law in Bangladesh under the Muhammad Yunusled interim governmentI am shocked at how the army is expected to hand these officers over to the law Where is the law There is no rule of law in this country This government is illegitimate and all its actions are unlawful Why should these officers be surrendered to such a regime she questioned while addressing a virtual meeting with party leaders from NaogaonSpeaking about the ICT Hasina further said We established the tribunal to try those who opposed Bangladeshs independence However they have amended the tribunals laws so extensively that it has become a Yunus Court or Jamaat Courta court controlled by war criminals IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladeshs-ict-sends-15-army-officers-to-jail-for-enforced-disappearances-killings-644308.html Wed, 22 Oct 2025 15:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistani-authorities-ask-afghan-refugees-to-return-voluntarily-or-face-force-644310.html Islamabad Oct 22 Afghans in the refugee camps of Lower Dir District in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan have been informed by the local authorities that all the facilities given to them previously would no longer be available and they would be shifted to the Torkham border According to local media reports the Assistant Commissioner of Timergara Zaid Safi along with District Administrator DA Humayun Khan met leaders of Afghan refugees on Wednesday and informed them that all the refugee camps in Pakistans Lower Dir had been denotified and all the facilities given to them previously would no longer be availableSafi said on Tuesday that the administration would arrange a transport for Afghan refugees to travel to Torkham border He also warned that the government would use force if the refugees refused to return voluntarily Pakistans leading daily Dawn reported Safi hoped that they wont reach that stage and told Afghan refugees having outstanding loans to share details about it in his officeAfter the directive issued by the federal government the three camps in Chakdara Samarbagh and Timar have been formally shut and the district administration has accelerated measures for the return of refugees Speaking to reporters at Timergara Lower Dir Afghan refugees district administrator Humayun Khan said that more than 40000 Afghan refugees including 4500 families live in the camps and rented houses in Lower DirSo far 565 people from 100 families have returned to Afghanistan voluntarily while the local administration has requested provincial government to provide funds for making transport arrangements for refugees travel to Torkham According to official statistics 33681 refugees in Lower Dir have proof of registration cards while another 6100 possess Afghan citizen cards More than 3000 Afghan refugees live in Upper DirLast week police said that Pakistani authorities along with police demolished more than 1000 houses vacated by Afghans in the United Nationsdesignated Afghan camp in Karachis Sohrab Goth over the past five daysSpeaking to Dawn SSPWest Tariq Illahi Mastoi said that around 1200 houses out of more than 3000 houses had been demolished since the operations commencement on October 15 He said that more than 14000 Afghans had already vacated the UNdesignated campMastoi said the operation continued on October 19 and is expected to be completed within a few days Dawn reported According to him law enforcement officials had faced resistance from the alleged land mafia on the first day However later on the action was conducted smoothly with no hindrance from any quarterSSP Mastoi said the operation was being conducted according to the federal governments policy as certain elements were attempting to occupy land illegally which caused fears of the breach of the peacePreviously around 15680 Afghans were living in the camp according to officials Among them 14296 returned to Afghanistan while the remaining 1384 are still living there and are being repatriated to their home country in phases IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistani-authorities-ask-afghan-refugees-to-return-voluntarily-or-face-force-644310.html Wed, 22 Oct 2025 15:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/cyberattack-on-jaguar-land-rover-costs-uk-economy-255-billion-disrupts-over-5-000-businesses-644331.html New Delhi Oct 22 A major cyberattack on Jaguar Land Rover the British car manufacturer owned by Indias Tata Motors has cost the UK economy an estimated 255 billion 19 billion according to a report released on Wednesday by the Cyber Monitoring Centre CMC The attack forced a sixweek shutdown of JLRs production impacting thousands of suppliers and dealerships nationwide marking it as the most expensive cyber event ever recorded in the UKMore than 5000 companies across the UK were affected by the incident the report saidThe CMC is an independent group made up of experts in cybersecurity including a former head of Britains National Cyber Security CentreThey said the financial damage could have been even worse if JLR had faced longer delays in restarting production after the hackThe report described this attack as the most costly cyber event ever to hit the UK Most of the losses came from JLR having to stop making cars which also affected its many suppliersJLR has three factories in Britain that together produce about 1000 cars every day Due to the hack production was shut down for almost six weeksJLR finally began to start production again earlier this month Before the shutdown the company was losing about 50 million pounds every weekTo help JLR and its suppliers during this difficult time the British government provided a loan guarantee of 15 billion pounds at the end of SeptemberThis cyberattack on JLR was one of several big hacks that hit important British companies this yearFor example the retailer Marks amp Spencer lost around 300 million pounds when its online services were shut down for two months after a breach in AprilThe CMC has a system to rate the financial impact of such cybersecurity incidents on British businessesThey ranked the JLR hack as a Category 3 systemic event which is on a scale of one to fiveThe report said the attack caused a major disruption not only to JLRs manufacturing but also to its supply chain and to car dealerships across the country IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/cyberattack-on-jaguar-land-rover-costs-uk-economy-255-billion-disrupts-over-5-000-businesses-644331.html Wed, 22 Oct 2025 23:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/around-100-cases-of-south-koreans-confined-in-cambodia-remain-unresolved-644339.html Phnom PenhSeoul Oct 22 Around 100 reported cases of South Korean nationals abducted or confined in Cambodia remain unresolved the South Korean Embassy in Cambodia told lawmakers Wednesday The Embassy unveiled the figure during an onsite parliamentary audit in Phnom Penh amid growing concerns about crimes targetting South Koreans in the Southeast Asian country Yonhap News Agency reportedThe number of reports of South Korean nationals being abducted or confined in the country fell short of 20 in 2023 but sharply rose to 220 in 2024 and had reached 330 as of August this year according to the EmbassyOf the 550 cases reported in the past two years 450 of them have been resolved it said indicating that around 100 people remain missingLawmakers of the parliamentary foreign affairs and unification committee urged thorough measures to tackle crimes targeting South Koreans during the auditOn Tuesday South Korean Foreign Ministry said it held a meeting with the South Korean Embassy in Cambodia to check the situation concerning South Korean nationals in Cambodias online job scamsThe meeting led by Second Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jina came as Seoul has stepped up to tackle the crime targeting South Koreans in the Southeast Asian country amid growing concerns over cases in which many Koreans have either participated or fallen victimsKim instructed the Korean Embassy in Cambodia to continue consultations with Cambodian authorities on operational procedures for a bilateral joint task force agreed upon between the two countries last weekShe also stressed the need to provide swift and proactive consular assistance to protect South Korean citizens in Cambodia while pledging support to ease the embassys workload through temporary personnel increases and an additional budgetPark Il leading the Embassy in Phnom Penh as the de facto head of the mission said he will work to establish a system to provide consistent support for South Korean victims and to boost prevention and response efforts for Koreans in the country the ministry said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/around-100-cases-of-south-koreans-confined-in-cambodia-remain-unresolved-644339.html Wed, 22 Oct 2025 23:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/with-an-eye-on-china-us-and-australia-sign-critical-minerals-agreement-644122.html Washington Oct 21 The United States and Australia have signed a critical minerals agreement days after China announced new export controls on rare earth minerals magnets and other products President Donald Trump hosted Australias Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the White House on Monday where both leaders signed the mineral dealWe work together very much on rare earths critical minerals and lots of other things and weve had a very good relationship Weve been working on that for quite a while In about a year from now well have so much critical mineral and rare earths that you wont know what to do with them Theyll be worth 2 billion he addedThe Australian Prime Minister also lauded the minerals agreement saying it will take the bilateral relationship to the next levelIn addition Trump fully endorsed the AUKUS deal originally signed during the Biden administration calling it a deterrent against China and bringing an end to months of uncertainty following the Pentagons internal reviewIt was made a while ago and nobody did anything about it It was going too slowly We do actually have a lot of submarines We have the best submarines in the world anywhere in the world and were building a few more currently under construction We have worked on this long and hard and were starting that process right now and I think its really moving along very rapidly very well he addedAUKUS AustraliaUnited KingdomUnited States is a trilateral defence pact signed in 2021 Under the agreement the US will supply at least three nuclearpowered submarines to Australia in the 2030s followed by joint construction of a new generation of nuclearpowered submarines by Australia and the UK in the 2040sTrump also expressed confidence that he could work out a fair deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping during their upcoming meeting on the sidelines of Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation APEC Summit in South KoreaWe have a very good trade relationship When we leave South Korea it could be wrong but I think well end up with a very strong trade deal Both of us will be happy he predictedTrump has threatened to impose additional 100 per cent tariffs on Chinese products from November 1 if China goes ahead with its export controls on rare earthsOn concerns about a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan Trump argued that China doesnt want to do thatUnited States is the strongest military power in the world by far Its not even closewe have the best equipment We have the best of everything and nobodys going to mess with that And I dont see that at all with President Xi I think were going to get along very well as it as it pertains to Taiwan and this Now that doesnt mean its not the apple of his eye because probably it is but I dont see anything happening he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/with-an-eye-on-china-us-and-australia-sign-critical-minerals-agreement-644122.html Tue, 21 Oct 2025 10:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-clarifies-100-000-h-1b-visa-fee-exempts-current-holders-644123.html Washington Oct 21 In a major relief for foreign workers on H1B visas the US Department of Homeland Security has issued new guidance on the 100000 application fee providing a series of exemptions and carveouts US clarifies 100000 H1B visa fee exempts current visa holdersWashington Oct 21 In a major relief for foreign workers on H1B visas the US Department of Homeland Security has issued new guidance on the 100000 application fee providing a series of exemptions and carveoutsAccording to the new guidelines workers who switch to H1B visa status from other visa categories such as F1 student status wont be subjected to the 100000 feeH1B workers applying for an amendment change of status or extension of stay within the United States wont be subjected to the hefty payment Moreover all the current H1B visa holders wont be prevented from entering or leaving the United StatesThe proclamation only applies to new visa petitions who are outside the US and do not have a valid H1B visa It also provided an online payment link for new applicationsThe clarification comes just two days after US Chamber of Commerce the countrys biggest business organisation sued the Trump administration over the new rules calling it unlawfulIn a lawsuit filed in the district court in Washington on Thursday the plaintiff argued that the visa fee if implemented will inflict significant harm on American businesses and force them to either dramatically increase their labour costs or hire fewer highly skilled employees for whom domestic replacements are not readily availableIt added that Trumps September 19 proclamation was plainly unlawful and a boon to Americas economic rivalsIt was the second major domestic legal challenge to new H1B rules after a group of unions education professionals and religious bodies sued the Trump administration on October 3While signing the proclamation in September Trump had said the incentive is to hire American workersThe proclamation caused immense confusion as it seemed to suggest that it would impact the current H1B visa holders who may face hurdles in returning to the United StatesThe White House issued a clarification to IANS on September 20 saying that this is a onetime fee that applies only to new visas and not renewals or current visa holdersIndiaborn workers received over 70 of the total approved H1B visas in 2024 primarily due to a huge backlog in approvals and high number of skilled immigrants from India IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-clarifies-100-000-h-1b-visa-fee-exempts-current-holders-644123.html Tue, 21 Oct 2025 10:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-ex-president-yoon-absent-from-2nd-martial-law-trial-for-3rd-straight-session-644127.html Seoul Oct 21 Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol did not attend his second trial on martial lawrelated charges for the third consecutive session on Tuesday The hearing at the Seoul Central District Court proceeded in his absence after the bench said conditions had not changed since the previous session which he also skipped after the detention centre where he is being held determined it would be impossible to bring him in by forceThe second trial concerns charges that the former president violated the rights of Cabinet members in the process of declaring martial law in December revised the martial law proclamation afterwards and obstructed his detention by investigators in JanuaryTwo former officials of the Presidential Security Service are scheduled to take the witness stand during Tuesdays hearingBoth people are suspected of involvement in blocking Yoons detention in JanuarySince being placed under arrest for a second time in July the former president has mostly ignored his trials and summonses by special counsels investigating various allegations surrounding him and his wife Kim Keon Hee Yonhap news agency reportedOn Monday he was absent for the 15th consecutive session from his trial on charges of leading an insurrection through the martial law attemptThe Bench at the Seoul Central District Court had proceeded with the trial in his absence noting there was no change to his voluntary nonattendance and the Seoul Detention Centres inability to bring him in by forceYoon has not appeared at his trial since he was placed under arrest for a second time in July He is being tried on charges of leading an insurrection and abusing his power through his failed imposition of martial law in DecemberThe former President did however appear at the first hearing of his second trial on martial lawrelated charges in September as well as at a hearing on his request for bailMondays hearing was scheduled to hear testimony from Col Kim Hyuntae former head of the Army Special Warfare Commands 707th Special Mission Group who has claimed he was ordered to seal off and secure the National Assembly after Yoon declared martial law on December 3 IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-ex-president-yoon-absent-from-2nd-martial-law-trial-for-3rd-straight-session-644127.html Tue, 21 Oct 2025 10:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/un-sounds-alarm-over-collapse-of-health-system-in-congo-644134.html United Nations Oct 21 Eightyfive per cent of health facilities in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo DRC are affected by shortages in medicine while nearly 40 per cent have seen an exodus of health staff a UN spokesperson said The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is sounding the alarm over the collapse of the health system in North and South Kivu where hostilities continue to impact civilians and devastate critical civilian infrastructure said Stephane Dujarric spokesperson for the UN secretarygeneral at a daily briefing on MondayIn North Kivu alone UN partners working in health reported that about a third of all health facilities in the provinces conflict zones have been destroyed looted or abandoned leaving millions of people with extremely limited access to healthcare while the remaining facilities are overwhelmed and face critical shortages of essential supplies including kits for survivors of sexual violence cholera treatments and just basic routine vaccines he saidThis is happening as the province battles deadly epidemics said the spokespersonSince the beginning of the year health partners have recorded over 8600 cases of cholera 8000 cases of mpox and more than 10500 cases of measles which have already claimed dozens of lives Xinhua news agency reportedUN partners on the ground estimated that without urgent action more than 6000 preventable deaths could occur between now and the end of the year and projected a potential 40 per cent increase in maternal mortality in the hardesthit areas according to DujarricNoting that the 25 billion Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for the DRC is currently just 16 per cent funded he said UN health partners urgently need 6 million to procure essential supplies and maintain these lifesaving servicesUrgent measures are needed to ensure the continued functioning of healthcare facilities in all areas affected by the crisis in the eastern part of the DRC Additional funding is required to prevent a greater tragedy said the spokesperson IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/un-sounds-alarm-over-collapse-of-health-system-in-congo-644134.html Tue, 21 Oct 2025 10:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/fire-at-building-near-seoul-plaza-contained-no-casualties-reported-644149.html Seoul Oct 21 Firefighters contained a blaze at a building in central Seoul on Tuesday that forced more than 100 people to evacuate with no casualties reported officials said Officials contained the fire 44 minutes after it broke out at the Seoul Centre Building near Seoul Plaza in front of the capitals City Hall with some 110 people evacuating from the scene Yonhap News Agency reportedWhile no casualties have been reported three people received emergency careAround 10 construction workers evacuated to the buildings rooftop and were awaiting rescueFire authorities believe the blaze began on the third floor of the building where remodelling work was taking place They plan to investigate the exact cause of the fireEarlier in September a fire broke out at the national data infrastructure centre halting dozens of online government services the interior ministry saidThe blaze is presumed to have started from a battery at the National Information Resources Service in Daejeon about 140 kilometres south of Seoul according to the ministryThe fire prompted officials to evacuate the scene and left one person with a minor injuryDue to the fire 70 online government services including the mobile identification system and the online government platform for complaints and petitions were suspended it saidMeanwhile South Korean President Lee Jae Myung apologised for the inconveniences caused to people after a fire at the state data centre crippled services across multiple sectors citing the lack of an emergency system to restore what he called a foreseeable incidentLee issued the apology during an emergency meeting after the governments online services and networks were disrupted by the fire that broke out at the National Information Resources Service in the central city of Daejeon on Friday following a lithiumion battery explosionThe public is experiencing great inconvenience and anxiety because of the fire As the nations top executive I offer my sincere apologies he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/fire-at-building-near-seoul-plaza-contained-no-casualties-reported-644149.html Tue, 21 Oct 2025 14:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/sanae-takaichi-becomes-japans-first-female-prime-minister-644154.html Tokyo Oct 21 Sanae Takaichi was elected as Japans next Prime Minister on Tuesday following a runoff election in the Parliament She is also the first woman to assume this role The Upper House has chosen Takaichi as Japans next Prime Minister affirming her rise to the position She received 125 votes in the Upper House just one vote above the simple majority necessary for victory Previously she secured 237 votes in the Lower House exceeding the required majority of 233A former television anchor Takaichi entered Japanese politics in 1993 winning a seat in the Lower House as an independent The 64yearold lawmaker currently represents her home prefecture of NaraTakaichi joined Japans ruling Liberal Democratic Party in 1996 and entered the Cabinet for the first time under former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe She held the position of the Minister of State for Okinawa and Northern Territories Affairs Later she went on to become the first woman to chair the LDPs Policy Research CouncilFrom 2022 to 2024 Takaichi was Japans Economic Security Minister She also holds the record as the longestserving Minister for Internal Affairs a post she held in several tenuresTakaichi a prominent voice of the LDPs conservative wing advocating its causes for a long time was on Saturday elected as the leader of the LDP after receiving 185 votes She defeated Shinjiro Shinjiro who garnered 156 votes in a runoff after none of the five candidates in the party leadership race secured a majority in the initial round of votingAs the Prime Minister Takaichi will serve the remainder of former PM Shigeru Ishibas threeyear term which ends in September 2027Following Saturdays vote former Justice Minister Midori Matsushima one of the 20 lawmakers who backed Takaichis candidacy expressed happiness at the prospect of the country getting its first female Prime MinisterThe first female Prime Minister is here Im so happy that I could witness this I hope this gives courage to many young women and to the people like her who were not born into a family of politicians who were born and raised in a place that had nothing to do with politics the Japan Times quoted Matsushima as saying on SaturdayYears of sluggish growth rising prices and a sharp depreciation of the yen have weighed heavily on the public and the LDPs twin defeats have left its leadership under closer scrutinyAs the ruling bloc loses its historical dominance the task ahead is unenviable holding together a divided party managing minority rule and convincing a sceptical electorate that the LDP is still capable of providing stable government IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/sanae-takaichi-becomes-japans-first-female-prime-minister-644154.html Tue, 21 Oct 2025 14:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/isi-picks-babbar-khalsa-to-lead-unified-terror-network-launches-massive-recruitment-drive-644162.html New Delhi Oct 21 The unholy nexus between the Pakistanbased Babbar Khalsa International BKI and ISI to spread terror in Punjab and the bordering states has come to light While the Punjab police are busy with countering drug smuggling and drone activities the worry now is that a massive recruitment drive is set to be launched The ISI has been desperately trying to revive the Khalistan movement in Punjab and to achieve this it has been using every tool at its disposal Several terror outfits are part of the Khalistan movement Some of them include the BKI Khalistan Zindabad Force Khalistan Liberation Army Khalistan Tiger Force among othersIn all there are 41 groups and of these some are sympathetic towards the cause while others take up the issue through violent means While trying to revive one movement the ISI felt that all these groups should work under one umbrella Hence it decided to let the BKI take the lead role while the rest could work under its umbrellaIntelligence Bureau officials say that having multiple outfits working on the same issue could hurt the recruitment drive This could bring in a sense of confusion among the potential recruits and ultimately they may not end up joining anyone elseThe BKI was chosen to lead the operation since it is the most powerful Further the BKIs network both in Punjab and abroad is stronger when compared to the other groups The BKI also works closely with the gangster network which is crucial for the Khalistan movement It is the gangsters who raise the money and provide potential recruits to the BKIThe BKI has been coordinating closely with the gangsters for several years and hence both have learnt to work in tandem The BKI has been raising funds through these gangsters and also using the men from this network to carry out terror attacksIn recent times the BKI with the help of the ISI has increased its drone operations into Punjab The idea is to smuggle drugs and ammunition into Punjab The money that is earned from the drug business is only to raise funds for the movementOfficials say that the massive recruitment drive has been in the works for long However this drive has been hitting a dead end since not many in Punjab connect to the ideology Even the old timers are fed up of the violence they had witnessed in the 1980s and have advised their children not to fall trap to this movementThe BKI feels that if recruitments are not taking place through ideology then it could be done with the lure of money or drugs This explains the major push being made to smuggle drones that deploy advance technology Some of the drones that have been spotted were found to be using Artificial Intelligence AI This technology is being used to recall the drones once it is spotted or runs the risk of being shot down The use of such technology has helped the BKI and ISI save the drones from being destroyedWith the BKI being given full charge both the Punjab police and Intelligence agencies have their hands full Both the state and central agencies are closely coordinating with each other to beat this menaceOfficials say that the days ahead would be busy as there is a massive push that is being made by the ISI where the Khalistan movement is concerned The manner in which the BKI is mobilising its forces is a cause for concern for the agencies It has managed to activate all its resources in Pakistan Canada Punjab Germany and the United Kingdom The BKI is a banned entity in Canada India European Union Japan Malaysia United States and the United Kingdom IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/isi-picks-babbar-khalsa-to-lead-unified-terror-network-launches-massive-recruitment-drive-644162.html Tue, 21 Oct 2025 14:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-reports-yet-another-polio-case-nationwide-tally-in-2025-rises-to-30-644194.html Islamabad Oct 21 A new case of wild poliovirus has been reported in Torghar in Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa raising the total number of cases in Pakistan in 2025 to 30 a report has said According to a statement from the Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at Islamabads National Institutes of Health NIH the latest case of poliovirus was detected in a 12monthold baby from Ghari union council in Torghar Pakistans leading daily Dawn reportedThe total number of polio cases in Pakistan in 2025 has reached 30 including 19 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa nine from Sindh and one each from Punjab and Pakistanoccupied GilgitBaltistan the statement readIt further stated that the Pakistan Polio Programme collected 127 sewage samples across 87 districts during the month of September Among these 81 samples tested negative for poliovirus while 44 tested positive and two samples are under process in the laboratoryPakistan and Afghanistan are the only two countries in the world where Wild Poliovirus remains endemic Polio eradication efforts in Pakistan have slowed down due to challenges like security issues vaccine hesitancy and misinformation At least 71 polio cases were reported in Pakistan in 2024 with the virus detected in around 90 districtsPolio workers have been frequently targeted in attacks particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan A police constable who was deployed for the security of the polio vaccination team was shot dead after unidentified assailants opened fire in the Kaahi area of Nizampur in Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on October 15Police identified the constable as Maqsood 35 a resident of Kheshgi Police spokesperson said that the incident happened when female health workers were administering polio drops to children in a house Pakistans leading daily The Express Tribune reportedThe attackers fled from the spot after the incident and the authorities have launched a search operation to arrest themEarlier on October 14 a Levies constable deployed for the protection of the polio vaccination team was shot dead after unidentified assailants opened fire on him in the Swat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa according to the police authoritiesAccording to Swats District Police Officer DPO Muhammad Umar Khan the Levies constable who was killed was doing his duty along with a polio team comprising two female health workers IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-reports-yet-another-polio-case-nationwide-tally-in-2025-rises-to-30-644194.html Tue, 21 Oct 2025 17:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-koreas-foreign-ministry-holds-consular-meeting-on-cambodia-scam-crisis-644207.html Seoul Oct 21 South Koreas foreign ministry said on Tuesday it held a meeting with its embassy in Cambodia to check the situation concerning Korean nationals in online job scams The meeting led by Second Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jina came as Seoul has stepped up to tackle the crime targeting South Koreans in the Southeast Asian country amid growing concerns over cases in which many Koreans have either participated or fallen victimKim instructed the Korean embassy in Cambodia to continue consultations with Cambodian authorities on operational procedures for a bilateral joint task force agreed upon between the two countries last weekShe also stressed the need to provide swift and proactive consular assistance to protect South Korean citizens in Cambodia while pledging support to ease the embassys workload through temporary personnel increases and an additional budgetPark Il leading the embassy in Phnom Penh as the de facto head of the mission said he will work to establish a system to provide consistent support for South Korean victims and to boost prevention and response efforts for Koreans in the country the ministry saidOn October 20 South Korean Police said that they had sought arrest warrants for 58 suspects repatriated from Cambodia over their alleged involvement in various online scams64 such suspects were flown home from Cambodia on Saturday and one was arrested immediately with a preissued warrantOf the remaining 63 four were released soon after while one was released after the prosecution denied the polices request for an arrest warrant the National Police Agency NPA saidBy region 45 suspects are being handled by the NPAs South Chungcheong Province office while 15 are being handled by the North Gyeonggi Province office including those that have already been releasedThe remaining four suspects are being investigated by the Daejeon Gimpo and Wonju offices as well as Seouls Seodaemun office respectivelyThe South Chungcheong office has been conducting investigations into romance and other scams that occurred between the end of last year and last July while the North Gyeonggi office has been investigating romance scams that took place from March to April IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-koreas-foreign-ministry-holds-consular-meeting-on-cambodia-scam-crisis-644207.html Tue, 21 Oct 2025 17:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/afghanistan-pakistan-border-likely-to-remain-flashpoint-for-instability-in-south-asia-report-644210.html Kabul Oct 21 The recent tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan at the border has pushed the region into one of its most serious escalations since Taliban seized power in August 2021 With no meaningful mediation or longterm confidence building measures AfghanistanPakistan border is likely to remain flashpoint for instability in South Asia a report has stated A report in Afghanistans leading news agency Khaama Press stated Pakistans airstrikes inside Afghan territory on October 9 2025 initially described by Islamabad as operations against TehreekiTaliban Pakistan TTP leaders have evolved into a wider and sustained conflict The strikes killed civilians and prompted an immediate military response from Afghan forces signalling a severe breakdown of trust between the two neighboursPakistan said that it conducted operations to target highvalue militants including TTP chief Noor Wali Mehsud accused of planning several attacks against Pakistani security forces However Mehsud later appeared in a video where he said he had survived raising questions about Pakistans claims Taliban has condemned Pakistani air strikes as violations of sovereignty calling it as acts of aggression and vowed to retaliateIn response to Islamabads action Afghan forces launched counterattacks along the Durand Line with clashes erupting between forces of two nations in Paktia Khost and Helmand provinces Afghanistans Ministry of Defence said that its forces seized up to 25 Pakistani outposts killing 58 soldiers and injuring several others while Pakistan claimed that it had destroyed Taliban positions and killed over 200 Afghan soldiers figures rejected by AfghanistanThe AfghanistanPakistan fighting has impacted civilians on both sides with people fleeing the border areas while daily movement and trade has been disrupted due to closure of Torkham and Chaman crossingsThe current hostilities are rooted in longstanding grievances Pakistan has repeatedly expressed frustration over the Taliban governments refusal to act against the TTP which Islamabad holds responsible for more than 500 attacks in 2025 According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies militant violence in 2024 claimed over 2500 lives the highest in nearly a decade the report in Khaama Press detailedAfghanistans refusal has resulted in Pakistan facing violence in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa leading to Islamabad taking military actions that have strained bilateral ties Meanwhile Taliban leaders consider Pakistans actions as a challenge to the sovereignty and part of long history of political interferenceA temporary ceasefire announced on October 15 collapsed as clashes erupted between forces of wo nations in Spin Boldak and Nangarhar Pakistan and Taliban expressed support for deescalation however their militaries remained on alert and drone and aerial surveillance continued along the frontierAs of midOctober 2025 the conflict remains unresolved Pakistans operations have not neutralized TTP sanctuaries while Afghanistan has capitalized on nationalist sentiment to frame itself as a defender of sovereignty With rising casualties the breakdown of ceasefire attempts and entrenched distrust prospects for normalization appear remote Absent meaningful mediation or longterm confidencebuilding measures the AfghanistanPakistan border is likely to remain a flashpoint for instability in South Asia the report highlighted IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/afghanistan-pakistan-border-likely-to-remain-flashpoint-for-instability-in-south-asia-report-644210.html Tue, 21 Oct 2025 17:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-four-more-people-die-of-dengue-raises-death-toll-in-2025-to-249-644100.html Dhaka Oct 20 Four more people have died of dengue in the 24 hours till Monday morning increasing the number of fatalities from the mosquitoborne disease in 2025 to 249 local media reported During the same period 942 more patients were admitted to hospital with viral fever raising the total number of cases to 60791 according to the Directorate General of Health Services DGHS United News of Bangladesh reportedThe new fatalities were reported in Mymensingh Dhaka South City Corporation and Rajshahi Presently 2480 patients are receiving treatment at various hospitals of BangladeshA total of 575 people lost their lives in Bangladesh in 2024 During the same period 101214 dengue cases were reported while 100040 people recovered from dengueOn September 16 the DGHS announced new instructions for public hospitals to ensure treatment of dengue patients According to the guidelines all hospitals in Bangladesh must establish dedicated wards for dengue treatment and set up a specialised medical team DGHS Director Hospitals and Clinics Abu Hossain Md Mainul Ahsan issued the directiveThe DGHS said hospitals must ensure special arrangements for dengue patients undergoing treatment The hospitals have been asked to ensure facilities for NS1 tests emergency care and sufficient medicines for patients leading Bangladeshi daily Dhaka Tribune reportedPatients undergoing treatment for dengue in hospitals should be kept in a designated ward or room and ICU support must be prioritised when required Furthermore doctors and nurses have been given special responsibilitiesThe directive called for a creation of a board comprising medicine pediatrics and other specialist physicians for the treatment of dengue and Chikungunya patients Under the supervision of this board trained doctors medical officers and residents will provide care to dengue and Chikungunya patientsAccording to the directive the same board and doctors must provide treatment to suspected patients who come to outpatient departments in hospitalsIt also ordered hospital directors to send letters to city corporations or municipalities to conduct mosquito eradication and cleanliness drives around hospital premises In addition a dengue coordination meeting must be held at hospitals chaired by the director superintendent and civil surgeon on every Saturday IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-four-more-people-die-of-dengue-raises-death-toll-in-2025-to-249-644100.html Mon, 20 Oct 2025 20:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/cambodia-launches-campaigns-to-prevent-child-deaths-from-road-crashes-drowning-644106.html Phnom Penh Oct 20 Cambodia supported by United Nations Childrens Fund UNICEF and partners on Monday launched two national campaigns to prevent child deaths from road crashes and drowning Road traffic injuries and drowning are two of the leading causes of child mortality in Cambodia claiming the lives of thousands of children every year said a press release Xinhua News Agency reportedIn 2023 alone road crashes killed 1590 people an average of five deaths per day and injured more than 4500 with children and young people paying the heaviest price the press release saidAt the same time Cambodia faces a critical public health challenge with childhood drowning which claims the lives of 1300 people annuallyThe countrys drowning rate stands at 76 per 100000 people which is nearly double the regional average and more than twice the global rate the press release saidDrowning is the leading cause of death for children aged 514 in Cambodia it addedCambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sar Sokha said climate change is increasing these risksMore intense and frequent monsoon rainfall is causing severe flooding which puts children at a higher risk of drowning while extreme weather events increase the risk of road traffic injuries he said at the launch eventWill Parks UNICEF representative to Cambodia said every child has the right to grow up in a safe environment but every day in Cambodia children are killed or injured in ways people know how to preventWhether its by wearing a helmet properly slowing down near schools teaching children to swim or raising awareness about water safety the solutions are clear Together we can and must stop these preventable tragedies by driving transformative change and placing child injury prevention at the very heart of community action policy and public awareness he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/cambodia-launches-campaigns-to-prevent-child-deaths-from-road-crashes-drowning-644106.html Mon, 20 Oct 2025 20:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/fbi-director-patel-us-lawmakers-extend-wishes-on-diwali-644109.html Washington Oct 20 A leading member of the Donald Trump administration along with prominent lawmakers from both the Democratic and Republican parties have conveyed their wishes on the occasion of Diwali Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Director Kash Patel on Monday extended Diwali greetings to people across the world calling it a celebration of the triumph of good over evilHappy Diwali celebrating the Festival of Lights around the world as good triumphs over evil A very Happy Diwali to all Patel said in a post on XPatel who became the first IndianAmerican to lead the FBI took his oath of office earlier this year with his hand on the Bhagavad Gita His appointment marked a historic moment for the IndianAmerican community in the United StatesIn his message Patel acknowledged the global observance of Diwali one of the most significant festivals for Hindus Sikhs Jains and Buddhists The festival symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evilDiwali is celebrated with traditional lamps sweets and family gatherings in India and by millions of people around the world including the large Indian diaspora in the United StatesAnother leading Republican leader and the candidate for the Governor of Ohio Vivek Ramaswamy also posted his wishes on XHappy Diwali May the light prevail over darkness he wroteGreg Abbot the Governor of Texas celebrated Diwali at his mansion in the city of Austin over the weekend The event was attended by Indias Consul General DC ManjunathThe Consulate General of India in Houston posted on X Diwali 2025 celebrations at the Governors Mansion in Austin Texas Heartfelt thanks to Governor GregAbbottTX for continuing this beautiful tradition of celebrating Diwali with the IndoAmerican community spreading the spirit of light unity and togethernessDemocratic Congressman Ro Khanna and Republican Congressman Pete Sessions conveyed their Diwali greetings while Republican Brian Fitzpatrick and Democrat Suzan DelBene joined community celebrations marking the festival IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/fbi-director-patel-us-lawmakers-extend-wishes-on-diwali-644109.html Mon, 20 Oct 2025 21:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-police-seek-arrest-warrants-for-59-scam-suspects-brought-from-cambodia-643984.html Seoul Oct 20 South Koreas Police said on Monday they have sought arrest warrants for 59 suspects repatriated from Cambodia over their alleged involvement in various online scams Sixtyfour such suspects were flown home from Cambodia on Saturday and one was arrested immediately with a preissued warrantOf the remaining 63 four were released soon after while one was released after the prosecution denied the polices request for an arrest warrant the National Police Agency NPA saidBy region 45 suspects are being handled by the NPAs South Chungcheong Province office while 15 are being handled by the North Gyeonggi Province office including those that have already been released reports Yonhap news agencyThe remaining four suspects are being investigated by the Daejeon Gimpo Wonju and Seouls Seodaemun offices respectivelyThe South Chungcheong office has been conducting investigations into romance and other scams that occurred between the end of last year and last July while the North Gyeonggi office has been investigating romance scams that took place from March to AprilSince the Cambodian authorities informed the South Korean police of their crackdown on local voice phishing call centres from July to September and the detention of South Korean nationals suspected of involvement in the schemes the NPA has designated the South Chungcheong and North Gyeonggi offices as the main investigation agencies for the crimesPolice said several repatriated suspects have told investigators they were detained and assaulted by members of scam rings in CambodiaAll 64 have undergone drug tests with their consent and all have come back negative the police said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-police-seek-arrest-warrants-for-59-scam-suspects-brought-from-cambodia-643984.html Mon, 20 Oct 2025 10:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/adb-world-bank-sign-3-billion-agreement-to-boost-lending-capacity-in-asia-pacific-643987.html Seoul Oct 20 The Asian Development Bank ADB on Monday said it has signed a 3billionUSdollar sovereign exposure exchange agreement EEA with the World Bank to increase the ADBs lending capacity for its developing members The agreement is the ADBs first EEA with the World Bank and its sixth EEA with other multilateral development banks MDBs since 2020 bringing the cumulative exchanged amount to 9 billion dollars the Manilabased bank said in a press releaseIn an era of overlapping challenges strategic collaboration among MDBs has never been more critical said ADB VicePresident for Finance and Risk Management Roberta Casali reports Xinhua news agencyExposure exchanges can be transformative because they will allow us to work together systemically reduce concentration risk and expand our reach precisely when our member countries need us the most said CasaliThis EEA with ADB demonstrates the World Banks strong commitment to work hand in hand with other MDBs to utilise every opportunity to expand the overall lending capacity in the MDB sector said Managing Director and World Bank Group Chief Financial Officer Anshula KantA sovereign exposure exchange is a risk management tool to reduce portfolio concentration risks By lowering exposure concentration the ADB said it reduces its capital usage thereby increasing its lending capacityIt also lowers the net exposure to borrowers included in the exchanges providing additional borrowing headroom under the ADBs limits frameworkEarlier on October 15 the ADB approved a policybased loan of 500 million US dollars to help strengthen Indonesias competitiveness advance green growth and accelerate trade under the third subprogram of the Competitiveness Industrial Modernisation and Trade Acceleration CITA ProgramJiro Tominaga ADB country director for Indonesia said the loan supports the governments longterm goal of transforming Indonesia into a highincome economy by 2045 through structural reforms and sustainable growthThe reforms under the CITA subprograms will help attract more investment in green and sustainable businesses reduce trade barriers and empower local enterprises particularly those owned by women Tominaga said in a press releaseAccording to the ADB the initiative seeks to enhance Indonesias investment climate modernise its industrial base and strengthen its capacity to address climaterelated challenges IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/adb-world-bank-sign-3-billion-agreement-to-boost-lending-capacity-in-asia-pacific-643987.html Mon, 20 Oct 2025 10:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/may-diwali-uplift-you-with-hope-for-bright-future-australian-pm-anthony-albanese-644014.html Canberra Oct 20 Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday extended warm wishes on Diwali the festival of lights expressing hope that the special occasion uplifts everyone with optimism for a bright future Sharing a video message on his social media platform X the Australian PM said I wish everyone a very Happy Diwali As you gather to celebrate the great festival of lights may this special time uplift you with hope for a bright future May it be an absolutely wonderful celebrationDiwali symbolises the spiritual victory of Dharma over Adharma light over darkness good over evil and knowledge over ignoranceIt is being celebrated on Monday with great enthusiasm across the world reflecting Indias vibrant cultural heritage and conveying the universal message of unity and harmonyAustralian Foreign Minister Penny also conveyed her heartfelt Diwali greetings to those celebrating across India Australia and worldwideAs Diwali lights up homes across India Australia and the world we celebrate the spirit of unity renewal and hope May this Festival of Lights bring prosperity and peace to all Wong posted on XWishing everyone on the occasion the Australian Member of Parliament John Pessuto said Diwali is such a wonderful celebration It recognises the triumph of good over evil of light over darkness and of hope over despair And cant we all use more of that in todays worldHe added that Diwali is not just an important celebration for those of Indian heritage but a very much a part of Australias cultural calendarMeanwhile the Australian High Commission in New Delhi celebrated Diwali with great enthusiasm welcoming the Australian Minister Anne Aly who joined in the festivitiesDiwali with the High Commission family is always a joyous occasion made even more special this year with Minister Anne Aly joining in the festivities with great enthusiasm Wishing everyone a Happy Diwali Philip Green OAM Australias High Commissioner to India posted on X IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/may-diwali-uplift-you-with-hope-for-bright-future-australian-pm-anthony-albanese-644014.html Mon, 20 Oct 2025 16:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/time-to-spread-happiness-positivity-new-zealand-pm-luxon-extends-diwali-wishes-644026.html Wellington Oct 20 New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Monday extended heartfelt wishes on Diwali as communities across the country came together to celebrate the occasion He noted the festival as a time to reflect reconnect and spread happiness and positivity in peoples livesSharing a video message on social media platform X the New Zealand PM said I want to take a moment to acknowledge what this time represents Of course it is about the triumph of light over darkness hope over despair and good over evil Its also a time to reflect to reconnect and to spread happiness and positivity in our lives And the world needs a lot of that So Im wishing you and all of your loved ones a wonderful Diwali and a prosperous year ahead Happy DiwaliDiwali symbolises the spiritual victory of Dharma over Adharma light over darkness good over evil and knowledge over ignoranceIt is being celebrated on Monday with great enthusiasm across the world reflecting Indias vibrant cultural heritage and conveying the universal message of unity and harmonyLast week highlighting the vibrant cultural ties and growing partnership between India and New Zealand the Bank of New Zealand hosted a Diwali Celebration in WellingtonNew Zealands opposition leader Chris Hipkins MP Melissa Lee MP Priyanca Radhakrishnan Indian High Commissioner to New Zealand Neeta Bhushan and other esteemed guests gathered to mark the auspicious occasionEarlier on October 15 the Indian High Commissioner attended the Diwali celebrations in Queenstown organised by Bhartiya Samaj in Queenstown BSQTThe vibrant evening showcased Indias rich culture through captivating performances and community spirit that lit up the city and brought alive the spirit of the Festival of Lights the Indian High Commission in New Zealand posted on XAdditionally the iconic Beehive Parliament of New Zealand recently organised a Diwali celebration with Prime Minister Luxon joining in the festivitiesBeautiful Diwali celebrations organised at the iconic Beehive Parliament of New Zealand Thank you Prime Minister Christopher Luxon for your presence Wonderful to see Ministers MPs amp community leaders join on this auspicious occasion Our strong cultural bonds are the bedrock of the IndiaNew Zealand partnership the Indian High Commission in New Zealand posted on X IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/time-to-spread-happiness-positivity-new-zealand-pm-luxon-extends-diwali-wishes-644026.html Mon, 20 Oct 2025 16:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-koreas-ex-president-yoon-absent-from-insurrection-trial-for-15th-consecutive-session-644031.html Seoul Oct 20 Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was absent from his insurrection trial for the 15th consecutive session on Monday The Bench at the Seoul Central District Court proceeded with the trial in his absence noting there was no change to his voluntary nonattendance and the Seoul Detention Centres inability to bring him in by force Yonhap News Agency reportedYoon has not appeared at his trial since he was placed under arrest for a second time in July He is being tried on charges of leading an insurrection and abusing his power through his failed imposition of martial law in DecemberThe former President did however appear at the first hearing of his second trial on martial lawrelated charges in September as well as at a hearing on his request for bailMondays hearing was scheduled to hear testimony from Col Kim Hyuntae former head of the Army Special Warfare Commands 707th Special Mission Group who has claimed he was ordered to seal off and secure the National Assembly after Yoon declared martial law on December 3On October 15 former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol voluntarily appeared before a special counsel team and underwent questioning before investigators executed a warrant to bring him in by forceThe jailed former President was interrogated at special counsel Cho Eunsuks office about allegations related to his failed imposition of martial law assistant special counsel Park Jiyoung said during a Press briefingHe did not respond to any questions however exercising his right to remain silentFormer President Yoon Suk Yeol stated his position fully during the first and second rounds of questioning with regard to key questions from the special counsel and is refusing to testify in response to all further questions his lawyers said in a notice to the PressYoon was questioned twice in June and July before he was placed under arrest a second time on July 10 Between then and October 15 he had ignored all summonses by special counsel teams investigating various allegations surrounding him and his wife Kim Keon Hee IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-koreas-ex-president-yoon-absent-from-insurrection-trial-for-15th-consecutive-session-644031.html Mon, 20 Oct 2025 16:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/new-zealands-annual-inflation-at-3-per-cent-in-september-2025-quarter-statistics-644040.html Wellington Oct 20 New Zealands annual inflation reached 3 per cent till the September 2025 quarter following a 27per cent increase in the year till the June 2025 quarter Stats NZ reported Monday This met the upper limit of the Reserve Bank of New Zealands 13 per cent target band for the annual inflation rate according to a statement of the Statistics Department Xinhua News Agency reportedThe 30 per cent annual inflation rate in the September 2025 quarter is the highest since the June 2024 quarter when it was 33 per cent Stats NZ prices and deflators spokesperson Nicola Growden saidThe largest contributors to the annual inflation rate were all in the housing and household utilities group led by power rent and local authority rates with the top three contributors making up around 17 per cent of the weight in the basket of New Zealands consumer price index Stats NZ saidElectricity prices jumped 113 per cent over the year the largest annual gain since the March 1989 quarter when they rose 128 per cent statistics showAnnual electricity increases are at their highest since the late 1980s when there were several major reforms in the electricity market Growden saidPrices fell over the year for pharmaceuticals telecoms equipment and petrol helping offset some cost pressures Stats NZ saidOn a quarterly basis consumer prices rose 1 per cent in the September 2025 quarter compared with the June 2025 quarter driven largely by higher local authority rates and a 122per cent increase in vegetable prices due to seasonal factors it saidActing Finance Minister Chris Bishop said expectations are for inflation to drop towards 2 per cent in the first half of 2026 easing pressure on households and businessesOn October 16 Stats NZ reported that food prices in New Zealand rose 41 per cent in the 12 months to September 2025 marking the smallest annual increase since April this yearThe grocery food group contributed most to the rise up 39 per cent annually according to the Statistics Department statementKey staples saw significant annual price hikes white bread increased 496 per cent cheese rose 314 per cent butter climbed 289 per cent and milk was up 151 per cent Stats NZ saidVegetables also increased by 52 per cent annually with cabbage nearly doubling in price from September 2024 to September 2025 the highest in nearly three years and lettuce was up 55 per cent it saidAll five food groups continue to grow annually but the rate of increase for overall food prices has slowed this month Growden saidHowever monthly food prices fell 04 per cent in September compared with August driven by price drops in vegetables and chocolate marking the first monthly decline since February 2025 statistics show IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/new-zealands-annual-inflation-at-3-per-cent-in-september-2025-quarter-statistics-644040.html Mon, 20 Oct 2025 17:01:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/cambodian-pm-officially-opens-kingdoms-biggest-airport-644041.html Kandal Oct 20 Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on Monday officially inaugurated the Techo International Airport TIA here the biggest new airport in the Southeast Asian country In his address during the inauguration ceremony Hun Manet said the 23 billion worldclass airport has replaced the old Phnom Penh International Airport which was completely closed Xinhua News Agency reportedThe TIA is Cambodias biggest airport at present he said Im confident that the TIA will become a catalyst for Cambodias economic and tourism growth helping attract more investors and touristsHun Manet said the 4Flevel international airport would facilitate air travel and air cargo transport further broadening Cambodias connection to the region and the worldHe added that the airport would become a main passenger and logistics hub in the kingdomAccording to the Prime Minister the TIA with a dual 4km runway is capable of accommodating longhaul flights and the landing of all kinds of aircraftWork on the airport project began in 2020 with the China State Construction Engineering Corporation being the contractorInvested by Cambodia Airport Investment Co Ltd the TIA has been developed on an area of 2600 hectares in southern Kandal and Takeo provinces some 20 km from the capital Phnom PenhPung Kheav Se Chairman of Cambodia Airport Investment Corporation the major shareholder in the TIA said that in Phase 1 a main passenger terminal building airfields ancillary buildings a general aviation and permanent VVIP Terminals among other supporting infrastructures had been constructedIt is a gateway an economic catalyst and a symbol of the aspirations of Cambodia he saidKheav Se said the TIA is built for the future planned in 3 phases with the design capacity of 13 million passengers for Phase 1 30 million passengers for Phase 2 and 50 million passengers for Phase 3Cambodia currently has three international airports in operation They are the TIA the Siem Reap Angkor International Airport and the Sihanouk International Airport IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/cambodian-pm-officially-opens-kingdoms-biggest-airport-644041.html Mon, 20 Oct 2025 17:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bhutan-pm-israeli-foreign-ministry-extends-warm-wishes-on-diwali-644047.html Thimphu Oct 20 Bhutans Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay on Monday shared heartfelt greetings on Diwali wishing that the festival of lights would usher in hope harmony and new beginnings In a post on X the Bhutanese PM said Wishing everyone a bright and joyful Diwali filled with love laughter and togetherness May the light of this festival guide us towards hope harmony and new beginningsMeanwhile Israel also extended warm wishes on the occasion calling for peace renewal and hope as millions across India celebrate the victory of light over darknessMay the lights of Diwali shine both on homes and on hearts From Jerusalem to Delhi and far beyond may this festival of lights inspire us all to keep faith in a brighter tomorrow Wishing all our friends in India a blessed amp peaceful Diwali the Israeli Foreign Ministry posted on XSeveral Indian diplomatic missions worldwide celebrated Diwali reflecting Indias vibrant cultural heritage and conveying the universal message of unity and harmonyIn Japan students faculty and members of the Indian community at the Kagoshima University along with friends of India and supported by the Indian Embassy in Tokyo Kagoshima Universitys Global Centre Foreign Students Association and International Association came together to celebrate the festival of lights as part of Diwali Celebrations in Japanese UniversitiesAddressing the event in a video message R Madhu Sudan Charge dAffaires at the Indian Embassy in Tokyo highlighted the growing friendship and cultural exchanges between India and JapanIndian students and faculty across universities in Japan are celebrating the festival of lights symbolising the enduring bond of friendship between our two nations the Embassy posted on XFurthermore the Indian High Commissioner to Cyprus Manish and his High Commission team conveyed warm greetings and best wishes to all members of the Indian community and friends of India in Cyprus on the joyous occasion of DiwaliAs India and Cyprus continue to strengthen their partnership may this Festival of Lights illuminate our hearts and homes with happiness peace and prosperity and further brighten the bonds of friendship and goodwill between our two nations the Indian High Commission in Cyprus posted on XAdditionally Indian Consul General in Shanghai Pratik Mathur together with the Indian Association in Shanghai organised the largest ever Diwali celebration in the Eastern China RegionOver 800 guests from the Indian diaspora together with the local community and the consular corps together participated in the Laxmi Puja followed by a scintillating cultural performance and a raffle draw The Indian food and delicacies served on the occasion were particularly appreciated by the foreign guestsSpeaking on the occasion Consul General Mathur underlined the special cultural significance of Diwali in bringing together the diaspora and helping to build strong cultural bridges IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bhutan-pm-israeli-foreign-ministry-extends-warm-wishes-on-diwali-644047.html Mon, 20 Oct 2025 17:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/diplomatic-missions-of-finland-austria-israel-switzerland-eu-and-brazil-extend-greetings-on-diwali-644050.html New Delhi Oct 20 Various diplomatic missions including those of Finland Israel Austria Brazil the European Union and Switzerland on Monday extended wishes to people on the occasion of Diwali The Finnish Embassy in India celebrated Diwali with a quiz lunch and dance While extending wishes to people on Diwali it shared a video showing mission officials dancing to lively musicHappy Diwali from Team Finland in India Our team marked the occasion with a festive quiz a delicious lunch and some lively dance moves a wonderful moment of togetherness where Finnish diplomats and local colleagues celebrated side by side the Embassy in India posted on XIsraeli Embassy officials went for Diwali shopping and were seen buying flowers and lamps The officials also made rangoli in the embassy and extended wishes to people on DiwaliThis Diwali our diplomats went Diya and Decor shopping May our homes be filled with love and light today and everyday Happy Diwali the Israeli Embassy stated in a post on XReplying to the post Israel Embassy spokesperson Guy Nir stated that he had an amazing time celebrating Diwali which included delicious food and sweets dance and laughterHad an amazing time celebrating Diwali last week It was a joy to reconnect with dear friends make new ones and experience the warmth and spirit of this beautiful celebration From delicious sweets and incredible food to vibrant lights energetic dance and endless laughter every moment was a celebration of friendship and unity Thank you India for sharing your light with us Shubh Diwali Nir postedThe European Union mission to India extended wishes to people on DiwaliIn a post on X the Delegation of the EU to India stated Lights are twinkling hearts are glowing Team EU wishes you and your loved ones a joyful Diwali2025 across India and around the world May joy peace and hope brighten every cornerThe Swiss Embassy in India celebrated Diwali in New Delhi and extended greetings to the people While extending wishes to people on Diwali the embassy officials posed for a picture with the rangoliThe Embassy of Switzerland in India and Bhutan wishes everyone a very Happy Diwali May this festival of lights bring warmth happiness and prosperity to all it posted on XThe Austrian Embassy in India wished people on the occasion of Diwali In a post on X the Austrian Embassy in India stated Embassy and Ambassador Katharina Wieser extends heartfelt wishes to all celebrating Diwali May the Festival of Lights bring joy prosperity and peace to your homesBrazils Ambassador to India also extended wishes to the people on Diwali In a post on X the envoy wrote The whole team of the Embassy of Brazil in India extends its warmest wishes for a bright and joyful Diwali May the lights of this festive season inspire harmony compassion and a renewed sense of unity bringing peace and prosperity to our familiesDiwali symbolises the spiritual victory of good over evil light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance It is being celebrated on Monday with great enthusiasm across the world reflecting Indias vibrant cultural heritage and conveying the universal message of unity and harmony IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/diplomatic-missions-of-finland-austria-israel-switzerland-eu-and-brazil-extend-greetings-on-diwali-644050.html Mon, 20 Oct 2025 17:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/uk-pm-keir-starmer-extends-wishes-to-people-on-diwali-and-bandi-chhor-divas-644055.html London Oct 20 UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday extended wishes to people on the occasion of Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas Recalling his visit to India Starmer stated that he lit a diya in Mumbai as a symbol of devotion joy and renewed bondsWishing Hindus Jains and Sikhs across Britain a joyful and peaceful Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas Earlier this month I lit a diya in Mumbai as a symbol of devotion joy and renewed bonds As we celebrate this Festival of Lights lets keep building a Britain where everyone can look ahead with hope Starmer posted on XWhile addressing a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi following their talks in Mumbai on October 9 Starmer extended warm greetings on Diwali in HindiFinally Id like to take this opportunity as we enter the festive period to wish the people of India joy and happiness and a very Happy Diwali Diwali ki ShubhkamnayeMeanwhile the UK High Commission in India celebrated Diwali with embassy officials wearing Indian clothes to mark the occasion The pictures shared on X show UK High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron making rangoliExtending wishes to people on X Cameron stated So excited to be celebrating my second Diwali with my amazing team at UK High Commission in India This years celebration is extra special with the visit of Prime Minister Modi to the UK and Prime Minister Keir Starmer to India the signing of the landmark trade deal launch of Vision2035 and so much more Id like to wish everyone whos celebrating an extremely Happy Diwali May the year ahead be bright and full of joy for you and yoursIn a post on X the UK High Commission said A very Happy Diwali to everyone celebrating in India the UK and around the worldDiwali symbolises the spiritual victory of good over evil light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance It is being celebrated on Monday with great enthusiasm across the world reflecting Indias vibrant cultural heritage and conveying the universal message of unity and harmony IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/uk-pm-keir-starmer-extends-wishes-to-people-on-diwali-and-bandi-chhor-divas-644055.html Mon, 20 Oct 2025 17:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/afghanistan-nine-people-injured-in-explosion-inside-mosque-in-parwan-644069.html Kabul Oct 20 As many as nine people were injured when a hand grenade exploded inside a mosque during evening prayers in Afghanistans Parwan province local officials said on Monday The explosion took place during evening prayers in Shinwari district on Sunday Afghanistans leading news agency Khaama Press reported Officials said the blast took place after a man accidentally dropped a grenade he was carryingNine people suffered injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment Authorities said the condition of several victims remains unknownAccording to witnesses the man who dropped the grenade was a member of the Taliban and also suffered injuries in the explosionNo further details regarding the identity of the suspect or why he was carrying a weapon in the mosque have been released by the authoritiesThe incident comes weeks after a similar attack took place in Bamiyan province when armed men opened fire on worshippers during prayersResidents have requested the authorities to improve the security of the mosque and stop armed individuals from entering prayer areasEarlier in September five people were killed and three others injured after an explosion took place in a migrant area at the AfghanistanPakistan border deteriorating the humanitarian crisis in the region An explosion struck the migrant camp area in Chaman near the PakistanAfghanistan border Khaama Press reportedDeputy Commissioner Habib Bangalzai stated that the blast took place at a taxi stand where Afghan migrants and residents were present Following the explosion rescue teams quickly reached the site Bangalzai stated that five people were killed while three other injured people were taken to the government hospital in ChamanThe attack took place amid Pakistans mass deportations of Afghan migrants compelling thousands of families to leave their homes and livelihoods and return to harsh conditions Overcrowding food shortages and lack of shelter at AfghanistanPakistan border crossings have deteriorated the humanitarian situation IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/afghanistan-nine-people-injured-in-explosion-inside-mosque-in-parwan-644069.html Mon, 20 Oct 2025 17:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/body-of-nepali-youth-killed-during-hamas-captivity-brought-home-644074.html Kathmandu Oct 20 The body of Nepali youth Bipin Joshi who was killed while being held captive by the Palestinian militant organisation Hamas arrived in Kathmandu on Monday Hamas had abducted Joshi a Nepali student who had gone to Israel under the Learn and Earn programme of the Israeli government and was working at the Alumim kibbutz when the militant group attacked Israel on October 7 2023During the deadly attacks by Hamas 10 other Nepalis lost their lives but Joshis status had remained unknown after his abduction On October 14 Israel confirmed his death after Hamas handed over his body to Israeli authorities as part of a peace deal reached between the two warring sidesThe mortal remains of Joshi arrived at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu on Monday afternoon according to Nepals Ministry of Foreign Affairs Prime Minister Sushila Karki several ministers officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Israeli Ambassador to Nepal Shmulik Arie Bass and members of Joshis family were at the airport to receive the bodyPrime Minister Karki who also holds the portfolio of Foreign Minister paid tribute to the late Joshi during a condolence ceremony organised at the airport praying for the eternal peace of his soul and extending her deepest condolences to the bereaved family the ministry saidOther ministers and dignitaries attending the ceremony also offered their condolencesThe ministry said that arrangements have been made to transport Joshis body by air to Dhangadhi Airport in farwestern Nepal and from there to his home in KanchanpurJoshis body was brought to Nepal under the coordination of the Embassy of Nepal in Israel and with the assistance of the Israeli governmentAfter Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire deal hope had briefly emerged regarding Joshis survival when his family on October 9 released a video handed to them by the Israel Defence Forces However that hope was shattered when Hamas submitted a list of surviving captives and Joshis name was missingOver the past two years senior Nepali officials and ambassadors had lobbied for Joshis release from Hamas captivity They reached out to top government officials in Qatar Jordan Egypt the United States and other countries requesting their support for his safe releaseJoshis mother Padma and sister Pushpa also travelled to Israel and met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and other senior officials urging them to help secure his freedom IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/body-of-nepali-youth-killed-during-hamas-captivity-brought-home-644074.html Mon, 20 Oct 2025 17:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-anti-terrorism-court-directs-police-to-arrest-imran-khans-sister-644077.html Islamabad Oct 20 An antiterrorism court ATC in Rawalpindi on Monday directed police to arrest former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khans sister Aleema Khan and present her before the court on October 22 in cases linked to the protest held by the Pakistan TehreekeInsaf PTI on November 26 last year ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah issued a nonbailable arrest warrant for Aleema Khan after her continued absence from court proceedings Pakistanbased Geo News reported The judges decision comes after the court indicted 10 accused including Aleema Khan in the case linked to PTIs protest on November 26 last yearDuring the hearing on Monday 10 other accused whose name is mentioned in the same case were present before the court while five prosecution witnesses recorded their statementsThe court has also issued nonbailable arrest warrants for Aleema Khans guarantor Umer Sharif The court further directed the Pindi deputy commissioner to verify the property documents given by Aleema Khans guarantorThe protest held on November 26 last year was aimed at putting pressure on the Pakistan government to release PTI founder Imran Khan Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan has remained in prison since August 2023 after he was booked in multiple cases including corruption and terrorismThe threeday protests held by PTI ended abruptly after clashes erupted between the law enforcement personnel and the protesters which led to the death of at least three Rangers personnel and a police officerEarlier in September PTI condemned the lodging of another FIR against Imran Khans sister Aleema Khan which also implicates another leader Naeem Haider Panjutha and several othersIn a statement released by the PTI central media department the party spokesperson said that FIR was initially lodged under sections 506 147 149 382 and 427 of the Pakistan Penal Code However PTI called it a shocking abuse of law insisting that terrorism clauses were later included overnight Pakistans leading daily Dawn reported on ThursdayWhen our people appeared before ordinary courts in the morning they were forcibly dragged before an AntiTerrorism Court a glaring testament to political victimisation and manipulation of the justice system read the statementPTI stated that the case was completely fabricated and rooted in sheer political revenge It further stated that the Punjab Police and the provincial government had effectively become a printing press for fake FIRs especially targeting members of Imran Khans familyThe party stated that Aleema Khan was being targeted only for supporting her brother Imran Khan and for sharing his message for the nation The PTI spokesperson called her a dignified and courageous woman and reaffirmed the partys firm support for her IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-anti-terrorism-court-directs-police-to-arrest-imran-khans-sister-644077.html Mon, 20 Oct 2025 18:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/tortured-south-korean-students-remains-to-return-from-cambodia-tomorrow-644080.html Phnom PenhSeoul Oct 20 The cremated remains of a late South Korean university student who was allegedly tortured to death by a criminal organisation in Cambodia will be repatriated later this week police said Monday The National Police Agency NPA said in a press notice that the remains of the 22yearold student surnamed Park will depart Cambodia at 1130 pm Monday local time and are scheduled to arrive at Incheon International Airport at 7 am Tuesday Korean time Yonhap News Agency reportedThe remains will be delivered to the bereaved family members after arriving at the airportSouth Korean and Cambodian investigators conducted a joint autopsy of the body earlier in the day at a temple in Phnom Penh months after Park was found dead in August near Bokor Mountain where employment scams and detentions targeting South Koreans have happenedThe autopsy started at 1035 am local time and lasted for three hours Cremation began at 140 pmHis body had been kept at the morgue of the temple for more than two monthsFollowing the autopsy police said there was no damage to the body and the exact cause of death will be determined after further examinations in South KoreaThe death of the student who was lured into Cambodia by a criminal ring has triggered public outcry in South Korea prompting the government to send a delegation to the country last week to address crimes against its citizensSouth Koreas NPA said the cause of Parks death will be determined after further investigation adding the autopsy did not find signs of organ damageAn exact cause of death will be confirmed after compiling the investigative results of both countries including tissue examination and drug and toxin tests scheduled to take place in South Korea it said in a press noticeAfter the autopsy Parks body was cremated His remains will be repatriated to South Korea after consultations with Cambodian authorities police saidPark left for the Southeast Asian country on July 17 telling his family that he was attending an exhibition there He was found dead inside a car on August 8 with signs of torture on his body according to local policeOn October 10 Cambodian authorities reportedly indicted three Chinese nationals on charges of killing the student Local police are looking for two other Chinese nationals who took part in the crimeA key suspect accused of luring the student into opening a bank account before arranging his travel to Cambodia has also recently been placed under arrest in South Korea IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/tortured-south-korean-students-remains-to-return-from-cambodia-tomorrow-644080.html Mon, 20 Oct 2025 18:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/may-light-always-prevail-ukraines-foreign-ministry-extends-greetings-on-diwali-644086.html Kyiv Oct 20 Ukraines Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday extended greetings on the occasion of Diwali and wished may light always prevail The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine extends warm greetings to all celebrating Diwali a festival that honours the victory of good over evil and hope over despair May light always prevail Ukraines Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted on XEarlier in the day Ukraine Embassy in India extended wishes to people on the occasion of Diwali In a post on X Ukraines Embassy in India stated Shubh Deepawali May Light PrevailDiwali symbolises the spiritual victory of good over evil light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance It is being celebrated on Monday with great enthusiasm across the world reflecting Indias vibrant cultural heritage and conveying the universal message of unity and harmonyVarious diplomatic missions including those of Finland Israel and Switzerland on Monday extended wishes to people on the occasion of DiwaliThe Finnish Embassy in India celebrated Diwali with a quiz lunch and dance While extending wishes to people on Diwali it shared a video showing mission officials dancing to lively musicHappy Diwali from Team Finland in India Our team marked the occasion with a festive quiz a delicious lunch and some lively dance moves a wonderful moment of togetherness where Finnish diplomats and local colleagues celebrated side by side the Embassy in India posted on XIsraeli Embassy officials went for Diwali shopping and were seen buying flowers and lamps The officials also made rangoli in the embassy and extended wishes to people on DiwaliThis Diwali our diplomats went Diya and Decor shopping May our homes be filled with love and light today and everyday Happy Diwali the Israeli Embassy stated in a post on XReplying to the post Israel Embassy spokesperson Guy Nir stated that he had an amazing time celebrating Diwali which included delicious food and sweets dance and laughterHad an amazing time celebrating Diwali last week It was a joy to reconnect with dear friends make new ones and experience the warmth and spirit of this beautiful celebration From delicious sweets and incredible food to vibrant lights energetic dance and endless laughter every moment was a celebration of friendship and unity Thank you India for sharing your light with us Shubh Diwali Nir postedThe Swiss Embassy in India celebrated Diwali in New Delhi and extended greetings to the people While extending wishes to people on Diwali the embassy officials posed for a picture with the rangoliThe Embassy of Switzerland in India and Bhutan wishes everyone a very Happy Diwali May this festival of lights bring warmth happiness and prosperity to all it posted on X IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/may-light-always-prevail-ukraines-foreign-ministry-extends-greetings-on-diwali-644086.html Mon, 20 Oct 2025 19:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/eu-council-approves-conclusions-on-new-strategic-eu-india-agenda-644087.html Brussels Oct 20 The European Union Council approved conclusions on a new strategic EUIndia agenda in which it welcomes the strong impetus in relations between the two sides The Council welcomed closer cooperation between India and the EU on security and defence matters based on the principles of mutual trust and respect The conclusions endorse the Joint Communication on a New Strategic EUIndia Agenda by the High Representative and the European Commission and its objective of strengthening ties between India and the EU including prosperity and sustainability technology and innovation security and defence and connectivity and global issues according to the Council of the EU press releaseThe Council takes note of the intention to pursue work towards the establishment of a Security and Defence Partnership which could also facilitate defence industrial cooperation when appropriate The Council will continue to engage with India on all aspects of Russias war of aggression against the Ukraine the press release statedThe Council emphasised the joint capacity and responsibility of the EU and India to safeguard multilateralism and the rulesbased international order with the UN Charter at its core and the multilateral trading system in particular the World Trade Organisation WTOAccording to the press release the Council welcomed the efforts to conclude a balanced ambitious mutually beneficial and economically meaningful free trade agreement which India and EU aim to finalise by the end of the yearThe promotion and protection of democratic values and norms international law and human rights including the rights of women and children form an integral part of the EUIndia strategic agendaEUs Ambassador to India Herve Delphin welcomed the EU Councils approval of IndiaEU agenda He made the statement on X in response to the EUs announcementIn a statement shared on X Delphin stated News from Brussels coming with the Diwali spirit EU 27 Member States unanimous in support of a new EUIndia ambitious and comprehensive strategic agenda for the years to come Next step EU and India to agree on a joint roadmap for early next years Summit in Delhi IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/eu-council-approves-conclusions-on-new-strategic-eu-india-agenda-644087.html Mon, 20 Oct 2025 19:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/it-was-my-great-honour-trump-says-us-destroyed-drug-carrying-submarine-643860.html Washington Oct 19 US President Donald Trump has announced that Washington had destroyed a drugsmuggling submarine in the Caribbean and was sending two surviving suspects back to their home countries Ecuador and Colombia following a military strike that killed two others on board It was my great honour to destroy a very large drugcarrying submarine that was navigating towards the United States on a wellknown narcotrafficking transit route Trump said on his Truth Social platform on Saturday local time claiming that the vessel was loaded with fentanyl and other narcoticsThe President alleged that if the submarine had been allowed to reach the United States at least 25000 Americans would have diedThere were four known narcoterrorists on board the vessel Two of the terrorists were killed The two surviving terrorists are being returned to their countries of origin Ecuador and Colombia for detention and prosecution he further statedTrump said no American personnel were harmed during the military operation and asserted that under his leadership the United States would not allow such threats to go uncheckedUnder my watch the United States of America will not tolerate narcoterrorists trafficking illegal drugs by land or by sea he saidColombian President Gustavo Petro later confirmed that the Colombian national detained in the incident had been repatriatedWe are glad he is alive and he will be prosecuted according to the law Petro wrote on XThe strike which Trump had announced a day earlier marks the latest action in what he described as an unprecedented US military campaign to curb the flow of narcotics from Latin America into the United StatesSince September at least six vessels mostly speedboats have been targeted by US forces in the Caribbean with some allegedly originating from VenezuelaWashington has claimed that its campaign is delivering a severe blow to international drug networks However it has yet to present concrete evidence proving that the 27 individuals killed in these operations were indeed drug traffickers IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/it-was-my-great-honour-trump-says-us-destroyed-drug-carrying-submarine-643860.html Sun, 19 Oct 2025 09:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/after-days-of-deadly-conflict-afghanistan-and-pakistan-agree-to-ceasefire-643863.html Doha Oct 19 Afghanistan and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire following more than a week of intense fighting that left dozens dead and hundreds injured Qatars Foreign Ministry announced on Sunday According to the Qatari statement the two neighbouring countries also agreed to establish mechanisms aimed at consolidating lasting peace and stability with followup talks scheduled in the coming days to ensure the sustainability of the ceasefireDelegations from both Afghanistan and Pakistan were in Doha for negotiations mediated by Qatar and TurkeyThe talks were led by the respective defence ministers with Pakistan stating that the focus would be on immediate measures to end crossborder terrorism emanating from Afghanistan and restore peace and stability along the borderThe conflict started when Pakistan launched airstrikes on Kabul last week Both Islamabad and Kabul have accused each other of aggression in recent daysPakistan has repeatedly claimed that militant groups have been launching attacks from Afghan territory while Afghanistan has firmly denied harbouring any such elements responsible for crossborder violenceEarlier on October 18 three Afghan cricketers were killed in a Pakistani airstrike in Afghanistans Paktika provinceThe Afghanistan Cricket Board ACB confirmed that the players had travelled from Urgun to Sharana near the Pakistan border to participate in a friendly cricket matchThe ACB identified the deceased players as Kabeer Sibghatullah and Haroon adding that five other civilians also lost their lives in the strikeThe ACB also announced its decision to withdraw from the upcoming TriNation T20I Series involving Pakistan scheduled for late November as a mark of respect for the victimsIn response to this tragic incident and as a gesture of respect to the victims the Afghanistan Cricket Board has decided to withdraw from participating in the upcoming TriNation T20I Series involving Pakistan it had saidA 48hour temporary truce brokered earlier to ease tensions had expired on Friday evening Just hours later Pakistan launched strikes across the border reigniting violence before the latest ceasefire agreement was reached IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/after-days-of-deadly-conflict-afghanistan-and-pakistan-agree-to-ceasefire-643863.html Sun, 19 Oct 2025 09:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/ahead-of-2026-un-biodiversity-summit-meetings-to-review-progress-to-halt-loss-643870.html New Delhi Oct 19 Delegates from 196 parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity CBD will gather in Panama City to discuss and deliberate related issues in two significant meetings from Monday to October 30 The first meeting named SBSTTA27 will prepare the first global review of progress in implementing the KunmingMontreal Global Biodiversity Framework KMGBF the historic agreement to halt and reverse biodiversity loss articulated around 23 action targets unanimously adopted by the parties in 2022The targets must be achieved by 2030 to put the world on the path to living in harmony with nature the vision adopted within the KMGBFSB8J1 the second meeting will see the Subsidiary Body on Article 8j and Other Provisions of the Convention meet for the first time marking a historic milestone for indigenous peoples and local communities as custodians of biodiversity and key actors in the endeavour to address the loss of biodiversity the foundation of all life on EarthThe two meetings bring together representatives of governments indigenous peoples and local communities scientists and representatives of civil society including women and youth groups to pave the way toward the 2026 UN Biodiversity Conference COP17 in Yerevan Armenia en route to the 23 goals of the KMGBF for 2030The Subsidiary Body on Scientific Technical and Technological Advice SBSTTA27 will review the draft outline of the first Global Report of Progress which will serve as a key input to COP17 and a second review at COP19 in 2030The global review represents a critical checkpoint for the world said CBD Executive Secretary Astrid SchomakerHealthy biodiverse ecosystems underpin every aspect of human life from food and water to medicine and climate regulation The global review will tell us how far we have come and how far we still have to go It will make clear whether parties are on track and where we must accelerate action to deliver on promises to safeguard the planets lifesupport systems said SchomakerAn advisory group has developed an annotated outline for the global report on collective progress towards the implementation of the frameworkThe outline provides a blueprint for how progress will be analysed how different sources of information will be pulled together and how the report can help in decisionmaking during the conventionThe global report will use national reports of the progress by each party which are due in February 2026 along with information in the NBSAPs and national targets and the best available science and dataThe Convention on Biological Diversity CBD is a multilateral treaty signed in 1992 that promotes the conservation of biodiversity the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources It is a legally binding agreement with three main objectives and is a key document for sustainable development The conventions Secretariat is in Montreal Canada IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/ahead-of-2026-un-biodiversity-summit-meetings-to-review-progress-to-halt-loss-643870.html Sun, 19 Oct 2025 10:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/the-third-eye-emerging-importance-of-the-pak-afghan-belt-643871.html New Delhi Oct 19 Afghanistan once described as the geographical pivot of history is once again living up to that reputation as signs of the return of the Cold War could be seen on the Afghan horizon In the rivalry between the British and Russian empires in the 19th century called the Great Game Afghanistan was the key to Central Asia and was eventually looked upon as a buffer between the two competing powersThe emergence of the Kabul Emirate in 2021 has again created a situation where the Afghan regime was being cultivated by China and Russia while US President Donald Trump had sought Pakistans collaboration in establishing a deepwater American Naval Base at the Port of Pasni on the Arabian SeaThe US move is meant to counter the impact of Gwadar Port on the coast of Baluchistan near the Persian Gulf which had come up as an extension of the Chinesemanaged ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor CPEC India has to watch out for developments in the PakistanAfghanistan region which was a breeding ground of Jehad based violence primarily exploited by Pakistan for crossborder terrorism against India The manoeuvrings of Pakistan to remain in the good books of the US China and Russia all at the same time also deserved to be taken note ofThe recent political history of Afghanistan will help to clarify what India could or could not expect from this country of a checkered pastAfghanistan had the distinction of having compelled the Army of the two Superpowers first the Soviet Union and then the US to withdraw from its territory and in both cases this was achieved through an asymmetric war of attritionFollowing the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan in 1979 the militant opposition to the invasion was first internal coming from the Islamic terror groups controlled by Pakistan ISI primarily Hizbul Mujahideen HuM the storm troopers of the JamaateIslami Pakistan but was soon joined in by MI6 and CIA as Pakistan was known to be an ally of the USled WestThe antiSoviet armed campaign in Afghanistan was run on the war cry of Jehad and was fully supported by the USHowever the internal resistance could not wear down Soviet troops effectively enough compelling Benazir Bhutto Prime Minister of Pakistan to send the Taliban to Afghanistan in 1993 to clear the mess thereTaliban were a radical Islamic force comprising the products of Deobandi Madrasas in Pakistan that followed the extremist form of Islam and carried the legacy of the Wahhabi revolt of the 19th century against the British encroachment on Muslim landsThe leading Ulema of the times including Al Tijani in Algeria Abdul Wahab in Arabia and Shah Waliullah in India had all given a call for Jehad against the West attributing the political decline of Islam to the alleged deviation of the rulers from the path of puritanical religionRadical Islamic Terrorism thus goes with Islamic Revivalism The Jehad whose epicentre was in the then North West Frontier Province NWFP lasted many years but failed against the superior British powerHowever it left the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Afghanistan belt radicalised and the effect of that can be seen even todayIn both KP and Baluchistan there is a lot of unrest against the ruling dispensation of Pakistan because of the proUS character of the Pakistani armyComing back to the Taliban they swiftly took control of Kabul with their ruthless drive and with Pakistans backing established the Emirate in Afghanistan in 1996The TalibanAl Qaeda regime however soon bared its fangs against the US and allowed Osama bin Laden a free hand Osama was a close relative of Mulla Umar the EmirReportedly Afghan territory was also used in the planning of the 911 terror attack that resulted in the USled war on terror in Afghanistan and the ouster of the Taliban Emirate in late 2001The stationing of the American troops in Afghanistan later faced a simmering opposition from the Taliban and became a political burden for the US Pakistan mediated in the talks of Taliban with US at Doha the capital of Qatar a US ally in the Biden administration and in 2021 the US withdrew its troops from Afghanistan permitting the return of the Kabul EmirateAn uncertain relationship has since continued between the US and Taliban because the latter cannot shed its extremist and radical character Meanwhile the SinoPak strategic alliance allowed a give and take arrangement between China and the Taliban by which China extended its Belt and Road Initiative BRI to Afghanistan as economic assistance and the Taliban agreed not to raise issues of Muslim minorities in China particularly in Uzbekistan next doorFor reasons of its high stakes in the Central Asian Republics Russia is also standing by the side of China The Moscow Format Consultations sponsored by Russia in 2017 is a regional diplomatic platform for facilitating dialogue among Afghanistans neighbours and other stakeholders It has become more active ever since Donald Trump spoke about taking over Bagram air base in Afghanistan which had been the command centre of US military operations in the war on terrorAt the recent Moscow Format Consultants meeting held in the Russian capital on October 7 which was attended by both India and Pakistan and where Afghanistan was present as a member for the first time the idea of any foreign military presence in Afghanistan was firmly opposedThe US under President Trump is trying to reestablish its presence in Afghanistan particularly in the wake of the developments in the Middle East where the military confrontation between Iran and Israel led to China and Russia taking sides with Iran because of their political opposition to the US and Iran moving to take Hamas in its embrace adding to the threat to IsraelShia fundamentalism is opposed to Western Capitalism and Hamas a Sunni radical Islamic force also considers the US as its prime enemyThe turbulent Middle East was already pushing geopolitics towards a new Cold War and President Trumpkeen to project himself as the peacemaker of the world had initiated a plan to bring about a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel as a prelude to peace negotiations between the twoTrump had already claimed repeatedly that he had got the ceasefire enforced after a military confrontation broke out between India and Pakistan both nuclear states following the terror attack at PahalgamIndias stand has been that it accepted a request for a ceasefire made directly by the DGMO of Pakistan India has rightly supported the Gaza initiative of the US President and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has conveyed this This is in keeping with Indias policy of favouring peace talks for resolving military conflicts with global repercussions such as the UkraineRussia war and upholding the cause of humanity that had been put in jeopardy in GazaIndia cannot relax its vigil against Pakistan which was playing a clever game between the US and China to keep up its terror offensive against India Indias strategy of seeking bilateral friendships with all for preserving its security and economic interestswithout aligning with any world power seemed to be working wellIndia is a major power by itself and it has justification for treating the world as a multipolar order and pursuing the path of peace and humanity on a note of strategic autonomyIndia has identified the hostile SinoPak alliance as something that came right on top of its national security agenda particularly after seeing the military collaboration of China with Pakistan in the IndoPak confrontation that followed PahalgamIndia should be prepared to deal with any coordinated attempt from these two hostile neighbours to launch an offensive in future as well India has to step up its diplomatic and geopolitical moves to counter these adversaries on the border at a time when they were engaged in fostering an antiIndia environment in the countries around IndiaThe strategy of remaining active in both BRICS and Quad and supporting Moscow Formation Consultations serves this objective in the long termThe outreach to the Taliban government resulting in the first visit to India by its Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on October 10 is also in line with the Indian strategy of denying Pakistan a hold in Afghanistan Muttaqi was treated with full diplomatic honours even though India had not given recognition to the Taliban regime as yet and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held talks with himThe visiting dignitary reiterated that the Afghan soil would not be allowed to be used for any militant activity against another country this would act as a check on Pakistans game of inducting Islamic radicals in the crossborder terror operations against India India upholds the sovereignty of Afghanistan against Pakistans violations of the PakAfghan borderMuttaqi made the anticipated visit to Darul Uloom Deoband the alma mater of the puritanical philosophy of Islam established in 1867 after the failure of the Wahhabi revoltThe radical character of the Taliban Emirate does provide scope to Pakistan to strike faithbased cords with it but due to the antiUS orientation of the Kabul regime the latter did not approve of Pakistans moves to draw close to the PentagonThe hostility of TehreekeTaliban Pakistan TTP against the Pak regime can be seen against this backdrop Be that as it may India has the ongoing challenge of countering Pakistan on Afghan territory as wellThe writer is a former Director Intelligence Bureau IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/the-third-eye-emerging-importance-of-the-pak-afghan-belt-643871.html Sun, 19 Oct 2025 10:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/netanyahu-says-to-run-for-pm-again-in-israels-2026-elections-643873.html Jerusalem Oct 19 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that he will run for office again in the 2026 parliamentary elections He made the announcement during an interview with Israels Channel 14 on Saturday local time where he was asked if he intends to seek another term Yes he repliedWhen asked whether he expects to win Netanyahu said YesIn the last Israeli elections in 2022 Netanyahus rightwing Likud party won 32 seats and he was recommended by 64 members of the 120seat Israeli parliament or Knesset to be qualified to form a government reports Xinhua news agencyNetanyahu was sworn in as the countrys prime minister in December of that year and has been leading an extremeright coalition ever sinceNetanyahu will turn 76 next week He served as Israels prime minister from 1996 to 1999 and again from 2009 to 2021 before being ousted in June 2021 by a centrist coalition formed by Yair Lapid and Naftali BennettIn a separate development Netanyahus office announced that the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip will not open until further noticeIts opening will be under consideration in accordance with how Hamas implements its part in the return of the deceased hostages and the implementation of the agreed framework the Israeli Prime Ministers Office said in a statementThe Palestinian Embassy in Cairo announced earlier in the day that the Rafah border crossing will reopen on Monday to allow Palestinians residing in Egypt who wish to return to Gaza to passThe Israel Defense Forces said early Saturday in a statement that it had received the body of the 10th deceased Israeli hostage held in Gaza from Hamas apart from all the remaining 20 living hostagesA ceasefire mediated by Egypt Qatar Turkey and the United States went into effect on Oct 10 Its first phase includes the exchange of prisoners and detainees the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forcesUnder the agreement Hamas is obliged to return the bodies of 18 more deceased Israeli hostages IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/netanyahu-says-to-run-for-pm-again-in-israels-2026-elections-643873.html Sun, 19 Oct 2025 10:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/hamas-says-rafah-closure-to-delay-handover-of-israeli-hostage-remains-643876.html Jerusalem Oct 19 Hamas said that Israels continued closure of the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip will delay recovery operations and the handover of bodies of Israeli hostages Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus decision to keep the crossing closed until further notice constitutes a blatant breach of the ceasefire agreement and a repudiation of the commitments he made before mediators and guarantor parties Hamas said in a press statement on Saturday local timeMeanwhile the Israel Defense Forces IDF said early Saturday in a statement that it had received the body of the 10th deceased Israeli hostage held in Gaza from Hamas apart from all the remaining 20 living hostagesOn Saturday evening the IDF updated that it received the bodies of two more deceased Israeli hostages reports Xinhua news agencyA ceasefire mediated by Egypt Qatar Turkey and the United States went into effect on October 10 Its first phase includes the exchange of prisoners and detainees the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forcesEarlier on Saturday the Palestinian Embassy in Cairo said the Rafah border crossing will reopen on Monday to allow Palestinians residing in Egypt who wish to return to Gaza to pass Meanwhile Palestinian sources told Xinhua that the crossing will reopen in both directions and that in the first phase of the ceasefire Israel should allow around 50 wounded Palestinians and their companions to leave through the crossing dailyHowever Netanyahus office said later in a statement that the crossing will not open until further notice and that its opening will be under consideration in accordance with how Hamas implements its part in the return of the deceased hostages and the implementation of the agreed frameworkIsraels military campaign has killed 68116 Palestinians and injured 170200 others since October 7 2023 according to Gazas health authorities Despite the ceasefire 27 Gazans have been killed and 143 injured since October 11 the authorities said in an update on Saturday IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/hamas-says-rafah-closure-to-delay-handover-of-israeli-hostage-remains-643876.html Sun, 19 Oct 2025 11:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-warns-of-hamas-attack-against-gaza-civilians-643877.html Washington Oct 19 The US Department of State said it has received credible reports suggesting Hamas is planning an imminent attack against Palestinian civilians The United States has alerted the guarantor nations of the Gaza peace agreement to those reports it said in a statement on SaturdaySuch an attack would undermine recent mediation efforts and the progress made toward peace and should Hamas proceed with this attack measures will be taken to protect the people of Gaza and preserve the integrity of the ceasefire the department addedThe ceasefire went into effect on October 10 Its first phase includes the exchange of prisoners and detainees the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces reports Xinhua news agencyThe Israel Defense Forces IDF said early Saturday in a statement that it had received the body of the 10th deceased Israeli hostage held in Gaza from Hamas apart from all the remaining 20 living hostages On Saturday evening the IDF updated that it received the bodies of two more deceased Israeli hostagesHamas has yet to respond to the US statementEarlier Hamas said Israels continued closure of the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip will delay recovery operations and the handover of bodies of Israeli hostagesIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus decision to keep the crossing closed until further notice constitutes a blatant breach of the ceasefire agreement and a repudiation of the commitments he made before mediators and guarantor parties Hamas said in a press statementA ceasefire mediated by Egypt Qatar Turkey and the United States went into effect on October 10 Its first phase includes the exchange of prisoners and detainees the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-warns-of-hamas-attack-against-gaza-civilians-643877.html Sun, 19 Oct 2025 11:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/kavitha-seeks-divine-blessings-at-tirumala-ahead-of-4-month-long-padayatra-643884.html Tirupati Oct 19 Ahead of her Telangana Jagruthi Padayatra former BRS MLC K Kavitha on Sunday offered prayers at Tirumala temple here Accompanied by her husband D Anil Kumar she sought divine blessings for her statewide outreach starting on October 25Aimed at connecting with people and strengthening the Telangana Jagruthi movement the fourmonthlong padayatra will cover all 33 districts of TelanganaKavitha told the media after the darshan that it was a great pleasure to visit Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy of Tirumala I have resolved to undertake the Telangana Jagruti Janam Bata programme from the 25th of this month I came here to seek blessings for that program she saidKavitha said she took the blessing for her fourmonthlong programme to interact with peopleShe said that she also prayed to God for the wellbeing and prosperity of the people of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh statesThe padayatra will be the first major public outreach programme by Kavitha after her resignation from Bharat Rashtra Samithi BRS following her suspension for antiparty activities last monthKavitha daughter of BRS president and former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao KCR continues to hold consultations with Telangana Jagruthi leaders and others to finalise her political strategyWhile launching the poster for her padayatra the Telangana Jagruthi founder said the tour will help her understand if there is room for a political party and whether Telangana Jagruthi will fitKavitha had said that achieving Samajika Telangana social justice in Telangana is not just a slogan but her policy The padayatra is also expected to highlight regional issues womens empowerment and grassroots governanceKavitha has not used photos of KCR on the poster for her programme She explained that BRS suspended her and it would be morally wrong to use another party presidents photo She alleged that her suspension from BRS was linked to her remarks on Samajika TelanganaKavitha had said in May that though a separate geographical Telangana state was achieved Samajika Telangana was not delivered to the peopleShe will be launching her padayatra from Nizamabad on October 25 She chose Nizamabad as her inlaws hail from the district and she had represented Nizamabad in the Lok Sabha from 201419 IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/kavitha-seeks-divine-blessings-at-tirumala-ahead-of-4-month-long-padayatra-643884.html Sun, 19 Oct 2025 12:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/1-dead-1-wounded-in-residential-fire-in-philippine-capital-643892.html Manila Oct 19 A 10yearold girl died in a fire that tore through a densely populated community and displaced around 70 families in the Philippine capital the Bureau of Fire Protection said The bureau said the girl was fast asleep inside her house when the fire broke out in Pasay City before midnight Friday Xinhua News Agency reported Her body was found under a burned roof early SaturdayThe victims mother was working in a nearby food stall when the fire broke out There was no information on where her father was at the time of the fireA 44yearold male resident suffered a laceration on the left shoulderThe bureau said that the fire quickly spread through houses made from light materials and with narrow alleyways It took firefighters more than one hour to extinguish the fireAn investigation is underway to find out the cause of the blaze The displaced residents were temporarily housed in a local schoolOn October 14 three children died after being trapped inside their house that caught fire in the Philippine capital the Bureau of Fire Protection saidThe bureau said the siblings aged 10 seven and five were asleep in a room when the fire broke out on Tuesday morning in Quezon City and quickly spread through the residential communityThe childrens parents were not at home when the fire broke out They were left under the care of their grandmother who managed to escape without the childrenThe fire quickly spread and engulfed over 10 houses in the densely populated community It took firefighters nearly three hours to extinguish the fireEarlier in May two people were killed and two others injured in a fire that broke out in a crowded residential area in the Philippine capital the Bureau of Fire Protection saidThe bureau said the threehour blaze quickly spread in the closely packed houses made of light materialsOfficials said the two people killed who were cousins were trapped inside their houseThe fire damaged a nearby school building and torched several vehicles IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/1-dead-1-wounded-in-residential-fire-in-philippine-capital-643892.html Sun, 19 Oct 2025 13:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-four-coal-miners-die-after-inhaling-poisonous-methane-gas-in-balochistan-643907.html Quetta Oct 19 Four coal miners were killed in two separate incidents in Duki and Chamalang areas of Pakistans Balochistan due to the presence of methane gas local media reported on Sunday According to the police the victims identified as residents of Afghanistan were working in coal mines in Duki and Chamalang when the accidents happened on Saturday Pakistans leading daily Dawn reportedChief Inspector of Mines Balochistan Syed Rafiullah said the manager of the Chamalang mine where two miners were killed was already facing a court case for not implementing proper safety measuresHe further said that another coal mine in Duki was previously shut by the Mines Inspectorate after an earlier accident in which several people lost their lives due to similar negligenceEarlier in September an Afghan coal miner died after he inhaled poisonous gas while working in a private coal mine in the Shahrag area of Harnai district of Balochistan according to officialsAs per the officials poisonous methane gas accumulated in the mine Other miner workers moved out of the mine however one worker identified as Abdullah fell unconscious while working deep inside the mineFellow mine workers tried to rescue their trapped colleague but were unable to bring him out due to the large quantity of methane gas The body was later taken to the hospital in Shahrag where medicolegal procedures were conducted before handing over the body to the familyEarlier in July three coal miners were killed while one was rescued after they were trapped in a mine due to mudsliding in Duki district according to officials Dawn reportedChief mines inspector Abdul Ghani Baloch said that four miners working in a private mine were trapped after a mudslide hit Following the incident workers from the Mines Rescue Department arrived at the site and managed to save one miner while three other miners could not be saved Eventually rescue workers recovered their bodies after 16 hours IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-four-coal-miners-die-after-inhaling-poisonous-methane-gas-in-balochistan-643907.html Sun, 19 Oct 2025 14:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistani-forces-forcibly-disappear-eight-civilians-in-balochistan-report-643910.html Quetta Oct 19 Eight civilians have been forcibly disappeared by Pakistani security forces from various parts of Pakistans Balochistan local media reported on Sunday As per the latest reports several youth have been detained in Panjgur Mastung and Kharan and taken to unknown places Pakistani forces detained four youths after carrying out a raid at their house in Maskan Kalat Killi Hassanabad area of Kharan at around 145 am on Sunday The Balochistan Post reportedOne of the detained persons has been identified as Jahangir the younger brother of BNP member Najeeb Hassanabadi Notably two brothers from the same house were detained during an operation in 2013Among them Najeeb was released from prison after seven months and Babu Hassan was released after six yearsThe second person who has been detained has been identified as Ahmed Shah brother of Mehmood Shah who has been missing since 2013 The third missing person is a resident of Kali Tamp The missing person Baul Khan was also detained during the same operationOn the night of October 18 Frontier Corps FC personnel carried out a raid at the houses in Kali Karak area of Mastung at around 2 am and detained three Baloch youths and disappeared themThe missing youths have been identified as Liaquat and Aqeel both residents of Killi Karak and Irfan a resident of Parangabad The families have said that the youths have not been seen since their detention In a similar incident Hameed was taken into custody and moved to an unknown placeOn Saturday a human rights organisation Baloch Yakjehti Committee BYC highlighted a surge in enforced disappearances extrajudicial killings and torture by Pakistani authorities across BalochistanThe BYC stated that human rights violations against Baloch civilians have intensified as Pakistan tightened its control using both force and legal measuresIn its report titled Human Rights Situation in Balochistan the rights body documented widespread abuses specifically perpetrated by the Pakistani authorities between July and AugustEnforced disappearances continued to increase as 182 people disappeared with 80 in July and 102 in August Out of these 38 have been released One killed in custody and 142 are still missing with no trace of their whereabouts or wellbeing The victims include 40 students 15 minors and one woman read the reportAs per the findings several districts of Balochistan including Quetta Kech and Awaran recorded the largest number of enforced disappearance cases with Pakistans Frontier Corps reportedly the main perpetratorExtrajudicial Killings remain unabated as 29 people were killed during July and August Most of these cases were of target killings custodial killings and killanddump Districts Kech Awaran and Khuzdar recorded the most number of cases respectively the report addedThe report mentioned that 59 per cent of the recorded violations were carried out by Pakistanbacked death squads and 21 per cent by armed forces while minors also became targets with two children killed by mortar shells fired on the civilian populationTorture inhuman and degrading treatment of victims were recorded as several bodies of Baloch youth found mutilated and dumped at road sides These were victims of enforced disappearances facing immense torture which was clearly observed on their bodies Kech and Awaran recorded the most number of tortured and mutilated dead bodies the BYC statedCollective Punishment is practised in Balochistan as state authorities target the families of political workers and rights activists Force and law are being used to crush resistance against grave human rights violations Also there are cases of bombardment on the civilian population it added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistani-forces-forcibly-disappear-eight-civilians-in-balochistan-report-643910.html Sun, 19 Oct 2025 15:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/fairpoint-pakistans-poison-comes-home-to-roost-643927.html New Delhi Oct 19 There is a strange sense of satisfaction almost poetic justice in watching Pakistan being battered by Afghanistan Some might call this feeling sadistic but as Chanakya wisely said The enemy of my enemy is my friend For India long the target of Pakistans hostility and deceit the current turn of events feels like history correcting itself Since its creation in 1947 Pakistan has relentlessly pursued a campaign of animosity against India waging wars fuelling terrorism and backing everything that goes against India Now in its 78th year the nation finds itself trapped in the chaos it has been unleashing on others The Taliban its onetime ally and creation is now turning its guns on the Pakistani ArmySocial media is flooded with videos of Taliban fighters humiliating Pakistani soldiers burning their camps and parading captured uniforms as trophies These images capture not just the battlefield humiliation but also the deep resentment Afghanistan harbours toward Islamabad a country that exploited it for decades in the name of strategic depthAs usual when faced with failure Pakistans wrath has fallen on the powerless Its Army having failed to subdue the Taliban is persecuting helpless Afghan refugees within its borders demolishing homes thrashing civilians and even denying children access to schools Such actions are abhorrent yet human rights organisations that otherwise speak loudly on smaller issues involving India have chosen silenceThe Pakistani establishment has a long record of targeting the innocent During Operation Sindoor when Indian precision strikes neutralised Pakistanibacked terrorists the Pakistan Army retaliated by shelling civilian areas in Jammu and Kashmir Over 25 Indians were killed around 50 were injured and even places of worship a temple a gurdwara and a mosque were damagedEthics have never been the Pakistan Armys strength For decades it has run terror camps inflamed sectarian passions and offered sanctuary to some of the worlds most notorious terrorists Osama bin Laden the mastermind of the 911 attacks lived comfortably in Abbottabad for years until he was eliminated by the US forces Dawood Ibrahim Indias most wanted criminal continues to find a safe haven there even as Pakistan denies his presencePakistans moral bankruptcy was captured poignantly in the film Border In one scene an Indian soldier offers water to a severely wounded Pakistani Instead of accepting compassion the Pakistani tries to stab his benefactor The Indian soldier embodying dignity and restraint chooses not to retaliate This contrast defines both nations characters humanity versus hatredThat moral distinction was once again visible during Operation Sindoor when the Indian Army neutralised terrorists without harming a single civilian Pakistan in response deliberately targeted civilians underlining the difference between a professional army and a terrordriven forceMeanwhile Afghanistan has reached its breaking point The Afghans long subjected to Pakistans manipulation are now asserting their independence Few could have imagined that the Taliban nurtured and supported by Pakistan since the 1990s would one day fight its patronThe Taliban first rose during the civil war following the Soviet withdrawal capturing Kabul in 1996 and imposing a harsh ultraconservative version of Islamic law That regime lasted until 2001 when a USled invasion toppled it after the September 11 attacks Pakistans duplicity during this period aiding the Taliban while posing as an ally to the West made Afghanistan a villain while the real mastermind hid in RawalpindiWhen the Taliban returned to power on August 15 2021 Pakistan rejoiced The generals in Islamabad dreamed of turning Afghanistan into a puppet state and relocating their terror networks there But they miscalculated Afghans fiercely proud of their sovereignty have refused to bow to Pakistani controlAfghanistans Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi summed it up during his visit to India The Soviet Union came and was defeated The troops of more than 50 countries came with the US and NATO there was fighting for 20 years and now Afghanistan is independent and standing on its own feetAnd this is exactly what Pakistans establishment cannot tolerate an independent Afghanistan thinking freely and rekindling ties with IndiaUnable to accept Afghanistans will to exert independence Pakistan has resorted to its default setting violence It has bombed Afghan border cities killing civilians including women children and even cricketers And true to its habit Islamabad is trying to twist the narrative blaming India for the escalating tensionsThe international communitys silence is striking Despite overwhelming evidence few global powers have called out Pakistan for its crossborder aggression Yet the facade is cracking Pakistan stands exposed as a terrorproducing nation that has long tried to destroy South Asias peaceFor India this moment carries a sense of grim amusement The nation that once weaponised extremism to destabilise others is now being consumed by it The poison Pakistan spread for decades is corroding its own foundationsThe unfolding conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan is more than a regional skirmish it is a moral reckoning It exposes the dangers of nurturing extremism for political gain and the inevitability of karmic justice Pakistans deep state may still cling to denial but reality is closing in fastAs Afghanistan fights to reclaim its dignity and independence and as India watches from the sidelines one truth stands clear those who sow hatred and terror eventually fall victim to their own creation Pakistans long tryst with duplicity and violence has finally come full circle the poison it brewed for others is now destroying itselfDeepika Bhan can be contacted at deepikabiansin IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/fairpoint-pakistans-poison-comes-home-to-roost-643927.html Sun, 19 Oct 2025 17:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-to-replace-acting-ambassador-to-south-korea-ahead-of-trumps-visit-sources-643931.html Seoul Oct 19 The United States will likely replace its acting Ambassador to South Korea ahead of President Donald Trumps visit to the country later this month diplomatic sources said on Sunday According to the sources Acting US Ambassador Joseph Yun is expected to step down from his post around next Sunday nine months after assuming the role earlier this year Yonhap News Agency reportedUS Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Kevin Kim has been mentioned as Yuns potential replacementTrump is expected to visit South Korea from October 2930 for the AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation meetings scheduled to take place in the country South Koreas National Security Adviser said earlierYun took the post of acting Ambassador in January under the Joe Biden administration just before Trump took office that monthOn Friday the top military officers of South Korea and the United States held phone talks and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation for their alliance the Souths Joint Chiefs of Staff JCS saidJCS Chairman General Jin Yongsung and his US counterpart General Dan Caine noted the security situation on the Korean Peninsula remains stable on the back of their ironclad alliance and concurred on the importance of deterring North Korean threats through the South KoreaUS combined defence posture the JCS saidThe military chiefs agreed to discuss further alliance issues and ways to strengthen cooperation during their bilateral Military Committee Meeting scheduled to take place in Seoul next monthTheir phone call marked the first such conversation since Jin took office as JCS chairman late last monthOn Thursday a top policy aide to South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said that Seoul and Washington are engaging in trade negotiations in the most earnest and constructive atmosphere to date as they hash out details of Koreas 350 billion investment commitment under a trade deal struck in JulyKim Yongbeom the presidential chief of staff for policy made the remarks upon arrival at an airport near Washington amid growing speculation that South Korea and the United States have inched closer to an agreement to finalise the specifics of the trade dealKim along with Industry Minister Kim Jungkwan arrived in the US as Seoul steps up efforts to expedite negotiations with the US by sending top officials including Finance Minister Koo Yuncheol to Washington this weekTaking stock of how the negotiations have so far been we are at a juncture when the two countries are engaging in negotiations in the most earnest and constructive atmosphere Kim told reporters upon arrival at Dulles International AirportWe will do our utmost to ensure that negotiations will be wrapped up well in a direction that serves Koreas national interests he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-to-replace-acting-ambassador-to-south-korea-ahead-of-trumps-visit-sources-643931.html Sun, 19 Oct 2025 17:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/typhoon-fengshen-forecast-to-move-into-eastern-south-china-sea-643944.html Haikou Oct 19 Typhoon Fengshen the 24th typhoon of the year is expected to move into the eastern waters of the South China Sea around Sunday evening with its intensity gradually strengthening local authorities said The typhoon is forecast to reach peak intensity at the level of a severe tropical storm or typhoon with wind speeds ranging from 30 to 35 metres per second according to the meteorological bureau of south Chinas Hainan Province Xinhua News Agency reportedStarting from Tuesday influenced by a southwardmoving cold front the typhoon is expected to turn southwest over the northern waters of the South China Sea moving toward the sea area southeast of Hainan Island while gradually weakeningThe meteorological bureau issued a Level IV maritime typhoon warning at 1030 am Sunday while the Hainan provincial committee for disaster prevention mitigation and relief has activated a Level IV maritime typhoon emergency responseChina has a fourtier emergency response system with Level I being the most severe responseOn October 10 the Vietnam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority said that heavy rains and floods triggered by Typhoon Matmo have left 15 people dead and eight others injured across northern and northcentral VietnamMore than 225000 houses were submerged and over 1500 others severely damaged while about 24000 hectares of rice and other crops were inundated it said Nearly 587000 livestock and poultry were killed or swept awayThe typhoon also caused serious disruptions to transportation with 27 road sections blocked due to flooding and landslides it addedPower outages affected about 181000 households while telecommunications networks in several provinces remained partially disrupted according to the agencyVietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Thursday directed ministries and agencies to actively support local authorities in overcoming the aftermath of Typhoon Matmo Vietnam News Agency reported Friday IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/typhoon-fengshen-forecast-to-move-into-eastern-south-china-sea-643944.html Sun, 19 Oct 2025 18:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/1-north-korean-soldier-crosses-mdl-in-presumed-defection-jcs-643946.html Seoul Oct 19 A North Korean soldier has been taken into custody after crossing the Military Demarcation Line MDL on Sunday the South Korean military said The Joint Chiefs of Staff said it detected and tracked the individual near the MDL earlier in the day with relevant authorities planning to conduct an investigation into the motive Yonhap News Agency reportedIt marks the first presumed defection by a North Korean soldier since the Lee Jae Myung government came into powerOn September 26 a North Korean merchant vessel briefly crossed the Northern Limit Line NLL in the Yellow Sea the de facto maritime border between the Koreas on Friday but retreated after South Koreas military fired warning shots officials saidThe 140metrelong North Korean vessel crossed the NLL near the South Korean border island of Baengnyeong at 506 am and remained on the southern side for an hour according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff JCSThe vessel which departed from a port in North Korea reportedly advanced up to 5 kilometres south of the NLLThe South Korean military which had been monitoring the North Korean ships advance toward the NLL issued warning broadcasts but the vessel crossed the line triggering a South Korean Navy vessel to fire around 60 warning shots and shellsThe North Korean ship subsequently veered westward and retreated from the Souths maritime control area at around 6 am JSC officials saidThe 2800ton ROKS Cheonan frigate was conducting operations in the area at the time of the NLL breachA JCS official said a dozen Chinese ships were situated near the NLL at the time adding it was looking into the possibility that the North Korean vessel crossed the maritime border to avoid the Chinese ships nearbyThe North Korean ship named the Toksong reportedly changed the nationality in the ships automatic identification system to China after crossing the NLL in an apparent move to conceal its identity the official saidThe ship also had a Chinese flag attached according to the official IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/1-north-korean-soldier-crosses-mdl-in-presumed-defection-jcs-643946.html Sun, 19 Oct 2025 18:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indias-rise-at-un-is-about-shaping-outcomes-that-blend-pragmatism-with-inclusivity-report-643954.html Dubai Oct 19 Indias rise at the United Nations has not been about headlinegrabbing rhetoric but about shaping outcomes in a manner that blends pragmatism with inclusivity a report has stated At a time when multilateralism is under strain India has emerged as a credible pragmatic and inclusive actor one that reduces gaps and amplifies the aspirations of the Global South This rising influence is based on three pillars leadership through action partnerships with purpose and credibility in a fractured world Indias credibility is based on delivery Farheen M wrote in a report in Khaleej Times Under the Vaccine Maitri initiative India provided vaccines to nearly 100 nations during the COVID19 pandemic demonstrating that solidarity need not be just a slogan India has also provided rapid humanitarian aid to several nations in crisis ranging from earthquakes in Nepal and Turkey to development support in Africa and the Pacific India has earned goodwill across continents by helping nations in times of crisisThe report in Khaleej Times stated Over the past decade Indias rise at the United Nations which is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year has not been about headlinegrabbing rhetoric but about shaping outcomes in a way that blends pragmatism with inclusivityIn climate diplomacy India has stressed on fairness through the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities while pledging to ambitious targets like netzero by 2070 Initiatives like the International Solar Alliance cofounded with France showcase Indias ability to not just criticise inequities but to create collaborative solutionsThe Khaleej Times report stated At the UN credibility matters more than rhetoric Indias voice is taken seriously because it avoids extremes On Ukraine for instance India has consistently called for sovereignty dialogue and diplomacy even as it maintains close ties with both Russia and the West This balancing act which is firm in principle but flexible in approach makes New Delhi a bridgebuilder in a polarised environmentDuring its tenure as a nonpermanent member of the United Nations Security Council in 202122 India amplified this role India by chairing critical committees on counterterrorism and sanctions stressed practical solutions while keeping talks open Indias approach was not theatrical but measured and consistent had become its trademark at the UN After its independence India has aligned itself with the Global SouthThe report said As the UN celebrates its 80th anniversary this year the challenge of reforming and revitalising multilateralism will only grow Indias trajectory suggests a way forward leadership rooted in delivery partnerships anchored in equality and diplomacy driven by credibility From rebutting baseless propaganda to spearheading reforms India is not just defending its own interests at the UN it is helping to redefine the very nature of global cooperation IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indias-rise-at-un-is-about-shaping-outcomes-that-blend-pragmatism-with-inclusivity-report-643954.html Sun, 19 Oct 2025 18:46:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-says-india-has-de-escalated-on-russian-oil-as-he-meets-ukrainian-president-zelensky-643714.html Washington Oct 18 US President Donald Trump on Friday reiterated his claim that India has deescalated on buying Russian oil as he met his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House India is not going to be buying Russian oil anymore And they have already deescalated and they have more or less stopped they are pulling back They bought about 38 per cent of the oil and they wont be doing it anymore he addedTrump on Wednesday asserted that he has been assured that India wont be buying oil from Russia while adding that he understood that it couldnt be done immediatelyHe assured me today that they will not be buying oil from RussiaYou cant do it immediately Its a little bit of a process but the process is going to be over with soon and all we want from President Putin isstop this he notedHe added that if India doesnt buy Russian oil it makes it much easier to end the conflictWithin a short period of time they will not be buying oil from Russia and theyll go back to Russia after the wars over he emphasisedTrump also described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a great man and India as an incredible countryOn Thursday India rejected claims made by the US President Donald Trump of having a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi Trump on Wednesday had claimed that during a telephonic conversation PM Modi has assured him that India wont be buying oil from RussiaWhen asked whether there was a conversation between PM Modi and the US President Ministry of External Affairs MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal responded during a weekly media briefing Regarding the comment from the US on energy issue we have already issued a statement which you can refer to As for the telephonic conversation I can say that there has been no discussion between the Prime Minister and President TrumpWhile India has started buying Russian oil in the last few years China is Moscows biggest energy buyerThe Trump administration imposed an additional 25 per cent tariff on India in August for purchasing Russian oil while taking no action against ChinaTrumps statements come as Indias trade negotiating team is in Washington for the next round of talks with US officialsOn Wednesday the Commerce Ministry stated that India can import more crude oil and natural gas worth 1213 billion from the US without altering the configuration of the refineries The government is keen to diversify the countrys energy import portfolio subject to availability at the right priceTrade talks resume in Washington days after the new US ambassador to India Sergio Gor met Prime Minister Narendra Modi External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in New Delhi IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-says-india-has-de-escalated-on-russian-oil-as-he-meets-ukrainian-president-zelensky-643714.html Sat, 18 Oct 2025 01:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/over-60-south-korean-nationals-detained-in-cambodia-over-online-scams-return-home-face-probes-643725.html Yeongjongdo Oct 18 A total of 64 South Koreans who had been detained in Cambodia over alleged online scams arrived home early Saturday on a chartered flight and most of them would face criminal probes as suspects police officials said The largescale repatriation came after the torture death of a South Korean college student who was lured to work by a criminal ring in Cambodia that triggered public outrage in South KoreaThe Korean Air plane carrying them arrived at Incheon International Airport at 835 am about five hours after leaving Techo International Airport near Phnom PenhTheir arrival came days after a South Korean government response team was dispatched to Cambodia to assist the Korean nationals implicated in online scams run by local crime organisationsThe South Korean nationals were reportedly placed under arrest once they boarded the plane and were set to be taken to police stations nationwide for investigations into their alleged involvement in criminal activityUnder the law detention warrants can be carried out inside national flag carriers as they are considered part of South Korean territoryIn August a South Korean university student was found to have been tortured and killed in Cambodia a month after he was lured to the country by a job scam Yonhap news agency reportedThe case put a spotlight on the growing number of nationals lured to Cambodia with highpaying job offers and then forced to work in online scams targeting South Koreans often under confinement and violence from crime ringsThe returnees are accused of involvement in online scams at criminal complexes in Cambodia with 59 of them being detained after a crackdown by Cambodian authorities while the rest were rescued after reporting their confinementMost of them face criminal charges in South Korea with some under Interpol Red NoticesThey had all been detained by Cambodian immigration authorities and there were five more people than the 59 reported by the Cambodian policeIt marked the largest operation by South Korean authorities to bring back South Korean criminals from a single foreign country and the third repatriation operation of its kindSome 190 police officers also boarded the plane to escort the returnees considering the criminal charges most of them faceAt Incheon International Airport 23 vehicles were on standby to take the suspects to police stations IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/over-60-south-korean-nationals-detained-in-cambodia-over-online-scams-return-home-face-probes-643725.html Sat, 18 Oct 2025 09:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/slovenians-urge-govt-to-curb-rising-brown-bear-population-643726.html Brezovica Oct 18 Around 4200 Slovenian citizens have signed a petition urging the government to take stronger measures to control the countrys growing brown bear population citing increasing encounters between bears and residents local media reported The petition calls on the Ministry of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning to revise its current quota of 206 bears set for 20252026 to be fulfilled by the end of this year The petitioners warned that the expanding bear population poses risks to human safety in rural areasThis petition was initiated in Rakitna one of the areas with the highest number of humanbear conflicts this year It was prepared in cooperation with professionals monitoring the bear population said Gorazd Kovacic the petitions first signatoryRakitna a village about 25 km south of the capital Ljubljana has reported frequent bear sightings with animals often rummaging through trash bins for food Similar incidents have been reported in other parts of the countryIn many of these places bears appear almost daily and have lost their fear of humans Kovacic saidExperts estimate Slovenias bear population at about 950 animals which could rise to 1100 next yearAccording to Tomaz Skrbinsek a researcher at the University of Ljubljanas Biotechnical Faculty Slovenia has one of the highest bear densities in the world exceeding 50 bears per 100 square km in some areasEnvironmental groups argue that hunting is unnecessary since no human fatalities from bear encounters have been recorded in decades Xinhua news agency reportedBrown bears or Ursus arctos are a protected species in Slovenia where forests cover about 60 per cent of the territoryWhile brown bear population numbers are currently stable they are considered a high priority in conservation Given their dependence on large natural areas brown bears are important management indicators for a number of other wildlife species Brown bears also play important roles as predators who keep other animal populations in check Additionally they act as seed dispersers helping to sustain their own environment IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/slovenians-urge-govt-to-curb-rising-brown-bear-population-643726.html Sat, 18 Oct 2025 09:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-missions-across-globe-celebrate-diwali-showcasing-rich-cultural-heritage-643751.html Tokyo Oct 18 Indian diplomatic missions worldwide on Saturday celebrated Diwali the festival of lights reflecting Indias vibrant cultural heritage and conveying the universal message of unity and harmony In Japan students faculty and members of the Indian community along with friends of India came together to celebrate Diwali at Shimane UniversityAddressing the celebration in a video message R Madhu Sudan Charge dAffaires Embassy of India in Tokyo highlighted the growing friendship and cultural exchange between India and JapanVice President of the university Yoshimi Kataoka also addressed the gatheringAccording to the Indian Embassy in Tokyo several Indian students and faculty across universities in Japan are celebrating Diwali symbolising the enduring bond of friendship between the two nationsMeanwhile spreading the spirit of Diwali across borders the Myanmar India Friendship Association and Indian diaspora organisations came together to celebrate Diwali at the National Theatre in Yangon on Friday evening showcasing Indias rich diversity and the message of unity harmony and brotherhoodAdditionally in Hungary as part of a lecture series Hungarian students learning Hindi at the Amrita SherGil Cultural Centre in the Indian Embassy in Budapest came together to celebrate the vibrant festival of DiwaliThrough an engaging lecture and brief cultural performances the event showcased the richness of Indian traditions lighting up the evening with learning joy and togetherness A beautiful exchange of cultures and celebration of the Festival of Lights the Embassy of India in Budapest posted on XIn Fiji the Police Headquarters in the capital city Suva celebrated Diwali calling for renewed commitment to justiceThe celebration underscored the vital role of the IndoFijian and Indian community which constitutes an important part of Fijis population and diasporaFurthermore in Dubai the Indian Consul General Satish Sivan joined the inauguration of the Diwali Festival at Al Seef extending warm wishes to the Indian Diaspora IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-missions-across-globe-celebrate-diwali-showcasing-rich-cultural-heritage-643751.html Sat, 18 Oct 2025 12:46:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistani-airstrikes-on-kabul-kill-5-leave-dozens-injured-643757.html Kabul Oct 18 At least five Afghans were killed and dozens of others were injured in recent Pakistani airstrikes on Kabul local media reported on Saturday Several of the injured are reportedly undergoing treatment at Emergency Hospital in the Afghan capital where doctors said nearly 40 wounded people were brought in following the airstrikesAccording to Zabiullah one of the doctors at Emergency Hospital some patients were in critical condition and receiving intensive careWe were sitting in the car when the plane came and attacked after that I dont remember anything I was halfconscious and when I opened my eyes I was already taken to the hospital and one of my hands had been amputated Afghan media outlet TOLO news quoted one of the victims 17yearold Ahmad Wali as sayingMawludin another victim describing the horrific attack said When the explosion happened glass fell on me from above My friends pulled me out but I wasnt fully conscious When I got outside I saw the situation was terrifying everything was dark and there was dust everywhere Everyone old and young was in a terrible conditionFollowing clashes between Afghan border forces and Pakistani troops around 20000 families have been displaced from Spin Boldak city in Afghanistans Kandahar province according to local officialsThey added that these families were forced to flee due to Pakistans indiscriminate bombings and have taken shelter in deserts and other areas lacking basic living facilitiesThe Pakistani side carried out brutal bombings in densely populated areas of Spin Boldak As a result 20000 families were displaced and we are working to assist them TOLO news quoted Nematullah Olfat deputy head of the Kandahar Department of Refugees and Repatriation as sayingMeanwhile the Taliban and Pakistani representatives are set to hold talks in Doha mediated by Qatar after days of deadly crossborder clashes Pakistani daily Dawn reported on SaturdayThe meeting follows after Pakistan carried out multiple airstrikes in Afghanistans Paktika province on Friday prompting Kabul to accuse Islamabad of violating the fragile ceasefire agreement between the two countriesDuring the Pakistani airstrike in Paktika three Afghan cricketers were killed as confirmed by the Afghanistan Cricket Board ACBThe players had travelled from Urgun to Sharana near the Pakistan border to participate in a friendly cricket matchThe ACB identified the deceased players as Kabeer Sibghatullah and Haroon adding that five other civilians also lost their lives in the strike IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistani-airstrikes-on-kabul-kill-5-leave-dozens-injured-643757.html Sat, 18 Oct 2025 13:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/cambodia-deports-64-south-korean-online-scam-suspects-643777.html Phnom Penh Oct 18 Cambodia deported 64 South Korean online scam suspects including five women to their birth country said a news release from Cambodias AdHoc Committee to Combat Online Scams on Saturday The suspects were expelled from the kingdom through the Techo International Airport in southern Kandal province the news release said adding that the group would face legal action in South KoreaThey were deported to their birth country after the authorities found that they were involved in online fraud the news release saidIt was not the first time the Southeast Asian country sent South Korean nationals back to their home country the news release said adding that in the recent past the kingdom also deported 180 South Korean nationalsCambodia has launched an unprecedented nationwide crackdown on cyber scam networks aiming at maintaining and protecting security public order and social safetyAccording to Cambodias AdHoc Committee to Combat Online Scams the kingdom had arrested a total of 3455 online scam suspects in 20 nationalities in nearly four months Xinhua news agency reportedAn online scam is a deceptive practice over the internet to steal money or personal information Common types include phishing where fake emailswebsites trick you into giving up data and various social engineering tactics like romance scams fake job offers and tech support scams To protect yourself avoid sharing personal information be wary of unsolicited messages or toogoodtobetrue offers and use strong unique passwordsOn Thursday Cambodia pledged to solve the online scam crime issue with South Korea vowing to continue to enhance cooperationCambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet met South Korean Second Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jina in Phnom Penh where they discussed ways to combat violent organised crime in Cambodia after a South Korean university student was found dead after being tortured by criminal groupsWe also discussed joint efforts in combating transnational crimes particularly online scams emphasising that cooperation between the Cambodian and Korean authorities over the years has yielded many fruitful outcomes Hun Manet wrote on the US social media company XThe Prime Minister pointed out that the two nations would continue to strengthen collaboration to prevent suppress and combat online scams more effectively contributing to the maintenance of peace public order and social securityPark Minho a 22yearold South Korean university student was found dead in August in Cambodias Kampot province after being tortured by criminals A South Korean woman was also found dead on October 7 in Vietnam near the Cambodia borderDuring her meeting with the Cambodian Prime Minister Kim had expressed strong regret about the increasing online job scams targeting South Koreans in Cambodia urging cooperation and efforts to put an end to the crime according to Yonhap News IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/cambodia-deports-64-south-korean-online-scam-suspects-643777.html Sat, 18 Oct 2025 14:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/three-baloch-youths-forcibly-disappeared-by-pakistani-forces-rights-body-643796.html Quetta Oct 18 At least three Baloch students have been forcibly disappeared by the Pakistani security forces in Balochistan said a leading human rights organisation on Saturday The latest incident comes against the backdrop of a continuing cycle of persecution marked by a surge in enforced disappearances extrajudicial killings and torture across the provincePaank the Baloch National Movements Human Rights Department mentioned that Wahab Baloch a resident of Sar Dasht in the Pasni region and Nazeer Baloch a resident of Isplinji area of Mastung in Balochistan were forcibly detained by the Pakistani security forces between the night of October 16 and 17According to the rights body Wahab a student of the Faculty of Sciences moved to the provincial capital Quetta for better educational opportunities and Nazeer a firstsemester nursing student at the Nursing College at Civil Hospital QuettaIn a disturbing trend the Pakistan state authorities have increased victimising the Baloch students of the heinous crime of enforced disappearances Only in recent times every day Balochistan brings up news of a youth mainly a student being illegally detained by the states security forces without disclosing their whereabouts to their families Paank statedPaank while denouncing such forced and illegal arrests demanded the immediate unconditional and safe recovery of the two Baloch youthsHighlighting another case of enforced disappearance human rights organisation Baloch Voice for Justice BVJ stated that 26yearold Asad Baloch was abducted from Hudda in Quetta on October 16 by Pakistans Counter Terrorism Department personnelThe rights body stated that Asad is a student whose whereabouts remain unknown and demanded his immediate release calling for an end to enforced disappearances in BalochistanEarlier on Friday the Human Rights Council of Balochistan HRCB strongly condemned the ongoing military operation in the Zehri region of Khuzdar district in the province where indiscriminate drone and airstrikes over the past month have killed and injured dozens of civilians including women and childrenWe are deeply concerned by the continuous military aggression and widespread human rights violations in the region Civilians must never be targeted The ongoing siege unlawful killing curfew and deliberate deprivation of essential supplies imposed on Zehris residents amount to collective punishment and have created a worsening humanitarian catastrophe the HRCB stated IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/three-baloch-youths-forcibly-disappeared-by-pakistani-forces-rights-body-643796.html Sat, 18 Oct 2025 16:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-says-ready-to-help-ease-pak-afghan-tensions-643799.html Tehran Oct 18 Afghanistan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Saturday held a telephonic discussion amid growing tensions between Kabul and Islamabad Both ministers reviewed regional developments and bilateral ties with Araghchi reportedly stressing restraint dialogue to resolve conflicts cooperation on the Helmand River border security and advancing regional peace and stabilityDuring the call Araghchi expressed deep concern over the recent clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan He urged both sides to exercise restraint and halt the hostilities citing that continued tensions between the two neighbors would not only cause humanitarian losses but also undermine the stability of the entire regionThe Iranian foreign minister also reiterated Tehrans readiness to help ease tensions and facilitate constructive dialogue between the two countries For his part Minister Muttaqi briefed Araghchi on the latest developments and stressed that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan favours dialogue and peace over military confrontation Irans leading Mehr News Agency reportedThe two ministers also discussed the issue of Helmand River water rights emphasising the need to uphold existing water agreements enhance technical cooperation and jointly manage water resources to prevent waste and ensure Irans rightful share during the current season it addedOn Friday officials from Iran and Afghanistan had met in Kabul to discuss security cooperation between the two neighbours and the ways to ensure security along the common borderThe meeting held in Kabul was attended by Irans Ambassador to Afghanistan Alireza Bikdeli Director General for South Asia at the Iranian Foreign Ministry Mohammad Reza Bahrami and interior minister of the Taliban Sirajuddin HaqqaniThe talks revolved around security cooperation and border issues between the two neighbouring countries The two sides also held detailed consultations on joint efforts to combat drug trafficking and to enhance coordination along the common border The Iranian delegation stressed the importance of maintaining stability along the shared borders and continuing dialogue to resolve issues through a spirit of understanding and cooperation For his part Haqqani emphasised the importance of regional cooperation stating that the Taliban seek good relations based on mutual respect with all countries especially their neighbors reported Tasnim News Agency IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-says-ready-to-help-ease-pak-afghan-tensions-643799.html Sat, 18 Oct 2025 17:18:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/a-cultural-coup-how-pakistan-seeks-to-rewrite-bangladeshs-identity-643802.html New Delhi Oct 18 There has been a steady rise in radicalisation in Bangladesh following the installation of Muhammad Yunus as the caretaker of the interim government The rise of radicalisation violence against minorities and the mushrooming of terror camps was obvious since Yunus is a puppet of the ISIcontrolled JamaateIslami While violence has become a daily routine the worry is the rising presence of the ISI in the country While the ISI is known to set up terror camps the bigger worry for the people of Bangladesh is that Pakistan is trying to wipe out the cultural identity of the nationThree camps have been set up in Dhaka These camps are overseen by radical elements appointed by the ISI In a bid to make the Bangladeshis extremely radical in their thinking the ISI is planning to run the country like they do in PakistanThe number of clerics from Pakistan visiting Bangladesh has risen multifold They visit the camps that the ISI has set up along the Chittagong Hill Tracts and various other places Further the ISI has also set up dedicated camps in Dhaka which are also visited by these clericsThe visits are arranged by Pakistan and coordinated by groups such as the Jamaat HizbutTahrir and Bangladeshi Islami Andolan During each of these visits the job of these organisations is to ferry the youth of Bangladesh in large numbers to these camps During these sessions the clerics preach about the importance of having a purely Islamist identity and also the need to make Urdu the official languageThe idea is to completely wipe out the Bangla identity among the people and tilt the nation completely towards the ideology that is followed by Pakistan The official language of Bangladesh is Bengali known as Bangla by its speakers At least 98 per cent of the population is fluent in Bengali and apart from this English is also spoken by a large number of the population This is something that Pakistan is looking to change and introduce Urdu as the main languageFurther the ISI has also been urging the Jamaat to set up more madrasas and ensure that the children use these places as the primary learning centres instead of the regular schools This is something that Pakistan has been implementing in its own country for several years now The intention in Bangladesh is to ensure that the clerics govern the countryWhile on one hand Pakistan looks to change the cultural identity of Bangladesh on the other the ISI continues to set up terror camps in large numbers To oversee this there are officials of the ISI who are in charge of these camps The job of overseeing the recruitment has been handed over to the JamaatulMujahideen Bangladesh JuMB Ansarullah Bangla Team ABT and HarkatulJihadi Islami HuJIAnalysts say that the mushrooming of terror camps with a puppet government in place was on expected lines India has already geared up for any eventuality from these terror groups However the worry is that the ISI has set up dedicated camps that are aimed at changing the cultural identity of BangladeshThe common people of Bangladesh view India as a friend Many come to India to pursue their education or for their medical needs Further the Bangladeshis have a lot in common with India especially West Bengal Pakistan wants all this to change and make the Bangladeshis like the Pakistanis who have been programmed to hate India since their birthThese changes that the ISI and Jamaat have been attempting could prove to be dangerous for the region Officials say that a completely radicalised Bangladesh would mean that the people instead of studying in proper schools and taking up jobs would explore the terror market for a living IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/a-cultural-coup-how-pakistan-seeks-to-rewrite-bangladeshs-identity-643802.html Sat, 18 Oct 2025 17:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/seven-killed-in-mass-shooting-in-south-africas-cape-town-643811.html Cape Town Oct 18 Seven men were killed in a mass shooting in Cape Town Western Cape Province of South Africa on Friday night local police confirmed on Saturday The incident occurred on Road R53 in Philippi East a suburb in Cape Towns Cape Flats area where seven men aged between 20 and 30 were fatally shot in what authorities described as a senseless act of violenceAccording to a statement issued Saturday morning by the South African Police Service SAPS police in the Western Cape have launched a largescale manhunt following the shootingDetectives attached to the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit have been assigned to the case and are pursuing every available lead to identify and apprehend those responsible for this brutal attack the statement saidThe Western Cape police management has strongly condemned this senseless act of violence and confirmed that the investigation has been prioritized to ensure that the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice it added Xinhua news agency reportedIn the statement Provincial Police Commissioner Thembisile Patekile expressed concern about the level of violence and appealed to community members to assist the police by sharing any information that could aid the investigationCommunity cooperation is crucial to bringing those responsible to book and restoring safety to our neighborhoods Patekile saidThe motive behind the shooting remains unclear and no arrests have been madeCape Town has seen a surge in gun violence and gangrelated killings in recent months prompting warnings from civil society that the Western Cape Province of which Cape Town is the capital city is facing a fullblown crisisIn September mounting gun violence in Cape Town which had claimed at least a dozen lives across the metropolis in over one week prompted the local government to shut down selected minibus taxi routes for 30 daysAmid the escalating violence the South African National Taxi Council SANTACO Western Cape said that it received the provincial governments decision to invoke Section 91 of the National Land Transport Act allowing for extraordinary interventions in the taxi industryThe closure had hit thousands of daily commuters Minibus taxis are the primary form of public transport in South Africa carrying millions of passengers every day IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/seven-killed-in-mass-shooting-in-south-africas-cape-town-643811.html Sat, 18 Oct 2025 18:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/soaring-food-inflation-hits-pakistan-citizens-furious-at-government-643825.html New Delhi Oct 18 Pakistan which appears to be stuck in a phase of economic stagnation is facing severe food crisis owing to soaring prices caused by the widening gap between demand and supply of essential commodities according to a new report Wheat which is the primary source of food and nutrition for most of the population has witnessed a price appreciation of 3050 per cent in just a month according to the report in DirectusgrThis has aggravated the sufferings of common people in Pakistan who were already impacted by higher living costs and the countrys economic instability The Consumer Price Index CPI increased saw increase of 56 per cent on a yearonyear basis in September 2025 the report mentionedThe soaring food inflation has impacted nutritional diversity meat consumption and cutting consumption of expensive items like tomatoesPeople have expressed anger over the governments failure to contain food inflation that has made their livelihood difficultExperts forecast the overall inflation figures to exceed the projection of the Islamabad government and the State Bank of Pakistan SBPNotably Pakistan Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb had asserted that the government was committed to price stabilityHowever people claimed the government measures were just symbolic thus failing to prevent overcharging the report notedIslamabad government has also blamed the floods for lower farm output and skyrocketing prices of food commodities The food inflation was expected to remain high due to the floods and the disruption of the supply chain according to expertsPakistans economy has been hit by catastrophic floods weighing on agricultural output and inflation pressures have resurfaced The World Bank forecasts a mere 26 per cent GDP growth for Pakistan in 202526 IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/soaring-food-inflation-hits-pakistan-citizens-furious-at-government-643825.html Sat, 18 Oct 2025 20:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/rights-group-warns-of-escalating-abuses-by-pakistani-authorities-in-balochistan-643831.html Quetta Oct 18 Human rights organisation Baloch Yakjehti Committee BYC on Saturday highlighted a surge in enforced disappearances extrajudicial killings and torture by Pakistani authorities across Balochistan The BYC stated that human rights violations against Baloch civilians have intensified as Pakistan tightened its control using both force and legal measuresIn its report titled Human Rights Situation in Balochistan the rights body documented widespread abuses specifically perpetrated by the Pakistani authorities between July and AugustEnforced disappearances continued to increase as 182 people disappeared with 80 in July and 102 in August Out of these 38 have been released One killed in custody and 142 are still missing with no trace of their whereabouts and wellbeing The victims include 40 students 15 minors and one woman read the reportAs per the findings several districts of Balochistan including Quetta Kech and Awaran recorded the largest number of enforced disappearance cases with Pakistans Frontier Corps reportedly the main perpetratorExtrajudicial Killings remain unabated as 29 people were killed during July and August Most of these cases were of target killings custodial killings and killanddump Districts Kech Awaran and Khuzdar recorded the most number of cases respectively the report addedThe report mentioned that 59 per cent of the recorded violations were carried out by Pakistanbacked death squads and 21 per cent by armed forces while minors also became targets with two children killed by mortar shells fired on the civilian populationTorture inhuman and degrading treatment of victims were recorded as several bodies of Baloch youth found mutilated and dumped at road sides These were victims of enforced disappearances facing immense torture which was clearly observed on their bodies Kech and Awaran recorded the most number of tortured and mutilated dead bodies the BYC statedCollective Punishment is practised in Balochistan as state authorities target the families of political workers and rights activists Force and law are being used to crush resistance against grave human rights violations Also there are cases of bombardment on the civilian population it addedAccording to the BYC Pakistans actions as documented in its report violate provisions of international instruments including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights ICCPR the Convention Against Torture CAT and the Geneva Conventionsall of which Pakistan is a party toThe rights body emphasised that the international community including the United Nations bears a responsibility to act decisively to prevent impunity and ensure that the rights of the Baloch people are upheld and protected IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/rights-group-warns-of-escalating-abuses-by-pakistani-authorities-in-balochistan-643831.html Sat, 18 Oct 2025 21:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistans-thousand-cuts-strategy-backfires-india-stands-strong-as-islamabad-bleeds-on-all-fronts-643595.html New Delhi Oct 17 For decades Pakistans policy has been to bleed India by a thousand cuts In order to achieve this Islamabad has indulged in a proxy war and also armed and financed terror groups to battle India Operation Sindoor was in fact a turning point for Pakistan It exposed Islamabads vulnerability and also showcased the strength of the Indian armed forces which hit targets both in Pakistan and Pakistanoccupied Kashmir PoK Today Pakistan stands at the crossroads and is in a fix as it faces a war on almost all its bordersClearly the strategy of the Pakistan Army and its chief Field Marshal Asim Munir is in disarray The army has been beaten down by the Taliban TehreekeTaliban Pakistan TTP and the Balochistan Nationalist Army BLA The biggest hit that Pakistan has taken is from the Taliban Afghanistan was always a country that Pakistan looked to fall back upon for operations in case of a military conflict with India Further Pakistan had been trying to use Afghanistan as a launch pad for terror groups to strike in IndiaThe conflict with the Taliban is something that Pakistan may not have anticipated The Taliban is clearly not an easy organisation to fight The Taliban fighters do not fight in a structured manner as it does not follow the standard rules of engagement This is one of the main reasons why the Pakistan Army is facing embarrassing losses in the battle against the TalibanAnalysts say that Pakistan failed because it overestimated its might Pakistan thought that it could remain relevant by battling a proxy war against India A proxy war meant no accountability and this had worked for the country for a long time However Indias national security strategy has changed a lot in recent yearsOperation Sindoor signalled that India would not take terror attacks lying down In fact this operation which was carried out to avenge the Pahalgam attack not just decimated terror camps and training centres but also broke the morale of both the army and terror groups in PakistanThe Indian agencies have always warned about a twofront war scenario on the northern border with China and the western border with Pakistan India has largely sorted out the situation while also ensuring that the security forces are always on guardLooking at the way the situation is unfolding in Pakistan it is clear that the country is at war on every front It shares an international border with India Iran and Afghanistan Additionally it also shares a border with China in Pakistanoccupied Kashmir PoK Pakistan has a problem on every border While the Taliban is fighting Pakistan on the Afghanistan border the BLA is posing a huge risk on the border with IranWhat Pakistan has realised today is that it read the situation wrong all along Its primary focus has been to secure the eastern front with India although Islamabad has always been the aggressor In this bargain it took the western front with Afghanistan lightly Pakistan clearly misread the entire situation and continued to follow the strategy that was implemented by General ZiaulHaq who viewed Afghanistan as a buffer against IndiaIslamabad not once read that the situation in Afghanistan could change especially under the Taliban and failing to do so has landed the country in the current situation that it is in It is clear today that the military strategy with the Taliban has failed due to Pakistans overemphasis on its antiIndia policyThe Taliban is loosely structured and has no proper command which makes negotiations difficult This is why Indian officials feel that the 48hour ceasefire between the Taliban and Pakistan is a delicate one and the temporary truce could fall apart easilyIn a nutshell Pakistan has failed to have a policy that is evolving In its bid to inflict a thousand cuts on India it has ignored all other borders The end result of this is a battle with Pakistan insurgency in Balochistan and antigovernment protests that do not seem to die in PoK IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistans-thousand-cuts-strategy-backfires-india-stands-strong-as-islamabad-bleeds-on-all-fronts-643595.html Fri, 17 Oct 2025 15:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-still-military-society-at-heart-with-strong-islamist-streak-former-australia-pm-643622.html New Delhi Oct 17 Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott on Friday said that Islamabad at heart remains a military society with a strong Islamist streak while India is totally different Participating in the NDTV World Summit in New Delhi on Friday Abbott took an aim at Pakistan for supporting terrorism and recalled how the AlQaeda founder Osama bin Laden was found in AbbottabadWhen asked about the statements made by top US Generals about working closely with Pakistan on terrorism Abbott responded Look Pakistan cooperated so closely with the United States on terrorism that they gave Osama bin Laden a home for the best part of a decade So look we cant be under any illusions There are good people in Pakistan and there are people in Pakistan who youd want to work with but it is still at heart a military society with a strong Islamist streak India is totally different totally different and Im not saying that America should not work where it can with Pakistan Of course it should but it needs to know where its better friends are I mean when I was the Prime Minister I thought that I would do my best to work constructively with everyone but youve always got to know where your friends are and your friends are the ones where theres common interests common values and in particular a common history and thats youve always got to realise thatAbbot stressed that US fundamental interests lie in a strong friendship with India compared to Pakistan Indias fundamental interests he said lie in a strong partnership with fellow democracies much less than with dictatorshipsHe described India as an emerging democratic superpower and stressed that 21st century would belong as much to India as it does to China He said that Indias Prime Minister is likely to be a leader of the free world in the next 4050 yearsChinas leadership is party dictatorship and not personal dictatorship As Prime Minister I used to say that India will emerge as a democratic superpower Well now that has happened The PM of India is likely to be a leader of a free world in the next 4050 years the former Australian PM saidHe also spoke about growing racial attacks against Indians in Australia There are two issues here Is the immigration to Australia too high We have had absolutely high record numbers throughout the year Does immigration need to be scaled back The other issue is crime Melbourne has a crime problem There are gangs which are out of control The Victorian police are working on this It is about time that the police once again take control of the streetsAbbott said that in these rather perilous times for the wider world it is important that Australia and India cultivate their friendship which is deep and continually growing strongerI am a big admirer of Prime Minister Modi I think hes been a transformative Prime Minister and I think hes been a giant historical figure the former Australian Prime Minister told IANS on the sidelines of the NDTV World Summit IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-still-military-society-at-heart-with-strong-islamist-streak-former-australia-pm-643622.html Fri, 17 Oct 2025 17:46:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/ahl-e-sunnah-pakistan-the-new-alliance-that-could-push-pakistan-into-further-chaos-643633.html New Delhi Oct 17 A new alliance that is in the making threatens to rattle the Pakistan establishment which is already facing humiliation on multiple fronts Bringing together several religious groups in Pakistan including the TehreekeLabbaik Pakistan TLP the alliance known as the AhleSunnah Pakistan is threatening the establishment of severe consequences if their demands relating to the Muridke massacre are not metThe TLP has been in the news after its cadres were massacred in Muridke by the security forces during a protestThe demands being made by the alliance are for the release of all members of the TLP which should be followed by negotiations with the governmentHowever the main reason behind the formation of this alliance is to protest the killings of TLP members during a peaceful protest in Muridke last weekPakistan is already fighting a battle on many fronts the most recent one being with the Afghan TalibanWhile on one hand Islamabad counters external threats the bigger problem for the country is the numerous problems it is facing internallyIndian Intelligence agencies are keeping a close watch on the developmentsOfficials say that the protests that have been announced by the TLPled alliance will be of major concern for the security establishment in Pakistan The alliance has the numbers and backing of several political outfitsFurther they also enjoy the support of various religious leaders in the country which makes the alliance even deadlierThe establishment in Pakistan is not taking this alliance lightly Over the last couple of weeks support for the TLP across Pakistan has soared Thousands are expected to take part in the sitins and protests that will take place across the country post a meeting to be held on October 22The rallies are being planned against the Punjab and federal governmentsFormer Prime Minister Imran Khan has instructed members of his Pakistan TehreekeInsaf PTI to support the TLP and also take part in the demonstrationsImran Khan is at loggerheads with the establishment and his party joining the AhleSunnah has added to the woes of the establishmentAnother development that has rattled the establishment is the support to the TLP extended by newlyappointed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa KP Chief Minister Sohail Khan Afridi of the PTI He has directed his party workers to support the TLP and show solidarity with the movementPakistan is already battling insurgency in KP and now with the Chief Minister extending his support to the TLP the cause for concern is even more The weekend in Pakistan is expected to be a tense one All eyes are on the talks set to take place in Doha to dish out a peace deal between Islamabad and the Taliban While analysts say that the situation with the Taliban is a fragile one Pakistan has more to battle on the internal front The battle with the TehreekiTaliban Pakistan TTP is a major headache Pakistan is also expecting trouble in Balochistan from the Balochistan Nationalist Army BLA Further the situation in Pakistanoccupied Kashmir PoK is tense due to protests by the locals Adding to these problems is the protest that the TLPled alliance will take out which has the backing of a large number of the political and religious class in Pakistan Following the announcement by the TLP the Punjab government has imposed Section 144 and also ordered bans on all forms of gatherings rallies and processions While security measures are in place Indian officials feel that this is a protest which would turn violent Last time the Pakistan establishment managed to beat down the protesters in Muridke by indulging in a massacre This time too the security forces are likely to use force However if this is done the movement will only gain momentum nationwide and this would leave the Pakistan establishment with another major problem to deal with internally IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/ahl-e-sunnah-pakistan-the-new-alliance-that-could-push-pakistan-into-further-chaos-643633.html Fri, 17 Oct 2025 19:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/countries-ignored-our-warning-about-muslim-brotherhood-played-with-fire-egyptian-fmabdelatty-643636.html New Delhi Oct 17 Emphasising on his countrys highlysuccessful efforts in eradicating terrorism Egypt Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on Friday stated that there is a huge potential for enhancing cooperation with India when it comes to counterterrorism We managed to eradicate terrorism in Egypt because of our holistic approach not only the security dimension but socioeconomic dimension cutting funds and among all and above all fighting extremist ideology through our religious institutions This is what I conveyed to our Indian friends and even to the Indian parliamentary delegation which toured the region after Pahalgam terror attack and I received them So again we have huge potential for enhancing our cooperation and to fulfill the will of the two leaders President Sisi and Prime Minister Modi as it was translated in our strategic partnership Abdelatty said during an interaction with a select group of journalists in New DelhiAbdelatty who is on his first visit to India as a Foreign Minister held the First IndiaEgypt Strategic Dialogue alongside External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar on Thursday eveningThe visiting Foreign Minister highlighted that there is no justification for any escalation against the freedom of navigation and the navigation in the Indian Ocean Gulf of Aden and in the Red SeaMuslim Brotherhood MB he stated has been designated as a terrorist group for almost 10 years nowWe warned everybody We warned the European countries We warned the West We warned the Asian countries to be careful This is the main umbrella of all terrorist groups You know since its establishment in 1928 this is the umbrella of all extremist groups And we warned everybody but unfortunately you know other countries ignored our warning and they played with the fire and theyve been burned And up to now you have countries especially in Europe that are still providing safe haven to their elements under the slogan of freedom of expression And this is nonsense because they are inciting on killings on violence and we warned everybody said the Egyptian Foreign MinisterWe managed to succeed in eliminating their challenges And by the way its a big mistake by the West to differentiate between whats socalled moderate extremists and violent extremists This is nonsense Its all extremism and its all about ideas So thats why our holistic approach proved to be the most efficient the most successful one You cannot eradicate terrorism only by security measures But this should be complemented with you know socioeconomic development and finding jobs in order to neutralise the environment of recruitment he addedSeveral other countries including Bahrain Austria Jordan Saudi Arabia UAE and France have also taken significant steps to investigate and crack down on the Muslim Brotherhood and its affiliatesThe visiting Foreign Minister also spotlighted the role played by AlAzhar AlSharif the universitymosque in Cairo which is the foremost centre of religious learning in the Muslim world and plays a significant intellectual role in Egypt and beyondYou know its very easy to kill a terrorist but behind him there is a person who is you know creating hundreds of terrorists and providing training We have AlAzhar AlSharif the most notable religious institution in the Islamic world and they have a very successful mechanism called the AlAzhar AlSharif Observatory The observatory has around 300 young men and women They have knowledge of the religion skills on foreign languages including 12 foreign languages and they are surfing the net every day communicating with young people from India from the United States from Europe from all over the world And they are communicating with them correcting their own ideas What does it mean by jihad Jihad means to purify yourself to be closer to God to be a good Muslim and not to kill others So this is very very important and its working very very well and we are standing ready said Abdelatty IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/countries-ignored-our-warning-about-muslim-brotherhood-played-with-fire-egyptian-fmabdelatty-643636.html Fri, 17 Oct 2025 19:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/jampk-lg-reaches-russia-to-bring-back-holy-relics-of-lord-buddha-643641.html Moscow Oct 17 Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday arrived in Russia to bring back the holy relics of Lord Buddha to India following their exposition in Elista the capital of Kalmykia Republic Sinha who is leading the Indian delegation was received by First Deputy Chairman of the Government of Kalmykia Tserenov Erdni Nikolayevich Deputy Chairman Dzhambinov Ochir Vladimirovich and Indias Deputy Chief of Mission Nikhilesh GiriThe delegation will accompany the relics back to India on October 19 The Holy Relics have been enshrined at the Geden Sheddup Choikorling Monastery the main Buddhist monastery in Elista popularly known as the Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha since October 11Earlier in the day Sinha announced his departure for Kalmykia saying he would lead the delegation entrusted with bringing back the holy relics of Lord BuddhaIn a post on X the LGs office said Leaving for Kalmykia Russia where I will lead the delegation to bring back holy relics of Lord Buddha after a weeklong exposition I sincerely thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this sacred opportunity Om Namo BuddhayaThe exposition is being organised by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation IBC the National Museum and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the ArtsLast week a press conference was held at the Golden Abode of the Buddha Shakyamuni where the Holy relics of Lord Buddha are enshrinedBatu Khasikov Head of the Republic of Kalmykia Keshav Prasad Maurya Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Indian Ambassador to Russia Vinay Kumar Abhijit Halder Director General IBC His Holiness 43rd Sakya Trizin Rinpoche Head of Sakya Order and His Eminence Shajin Lama of the Kalmyk people other monks devotees dignitaries and officials participated in the press conference They spoke about the importance of the visit of the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha to KalmykiaThe visit will provide a great opportunity for the people of Kalmykia and neighbouring regions for a profound spiritual pilgrimage This will help in spreading Lord Buddhas message of peace to the world and further deepen IndiaRussia cooperation academic exchanges including in Buddhist Studies and peopletopeople ties the Embassy of India in Moscow posted on X IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/jampk-lg-reaches-russia-to-bring-back-holy-relics-of-lord-buddha-643641.html Fri, 17 Oct 2025 19:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/ahead-of-diwali-uk-lawmaker-flags-persecution-of-minorities-in-bangladesh-643642.html London Oct 17 The United Kingdom Conservative Party leader and MP Bob Blackman has expressed concern over the persecution of minorities in Bangladesh particularly Hindus noting that while communities worldwide will be celebrating Diwali followed by the Hindu new year the festivities will not bring the same joy to those in the South Asian nation Speaking at the House of Commons Blackman said Next week Hindus Sikhs Jains and Buddhists will be celebrating Diwali followed by the Hindu New Year That will be a happy occasion and everyone will be celebrating but unfortunately that will not be the case in BangladeshOn Tuesday at the allparty parliamentary group for British Hindus we received a report from Insight UK about the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh They are being persecuted oppressed and killed their temples are being destroyed and their properties are being burned down with household members in them he saidEmphasising that he had previously raised the issue Blackman called for a statement from the UK Government about actions it plans to take to safeguard minorities in Bangladesh who continue to face severe oppressionResponding to Blackman Leader of the House of Commons Alan Campbell said the British Government strongly condemned all instances of hate or violence directed towards minority religious communities in BangladeshWe have been and we are actively engaged in addressing the humanitarian situation in Bangladesh and supporting the interim Government to support a peaceful democratic transition We are deeply committed to the protection of freedom of religion If there is a point at which a statement is appropriate the Government will bring one forward or there will be opportunities for debate and I am sure colleagues will want to take part in that Campbell statedEarlier this month a group of British lawmakers including Blackman raised alarm over deteriorating human rights situation in Bangladesh calling the UK government the United Nations and the wider international community to adopt a stronger stance on the matterThey urged for a clear and timebound pathway towards peaceful elections and the establishment of a stable civilian government stressing that such steps are vital to restoring trust and accountabilityBangladesh has witnessed escalating violence against minorities including Hindus under the Muhammad Yunusled interim government sparking outrage among people and several human rights organisations across the globe IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/ahead-of-diwali-uk-lawmaker-flags-persecution-of-minorities-in-bangladesh-643642.html Fri, 17 Oct 2025 19:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-chamber-of-commerce-sues-trump-administration-over-h-1b-visas-643504.html Washington Oct 17 The US Chamber of Commerce the countrys biggest business organisation has sued the Trump administration over the 100000 H1B visa application fee calling it unlawful In a lawsuit filed in a district court in Washington on Thursday the plaintiff argued that the visa fee if implemented would inflict significant harm on American businesses and force them to either dramatically increase their labour costs or hire fewer highly skilled employees for whom domestic replacements are not readily availableIt added that Trumps September 19 proclamation is plainly unlawful and a boon to Americas economic rivalsThe Proclamation is not only misguided policy it is plainly unlawful The President has significant authority over the entry of noncitizens into the United States Still that authority is bounded by statute and cannot directly contradict laws passed by Congress it addedNeil Bradley Executive Vice President of the US Chamber of Commerce issued a statement saying that the visa fee would make it costprohibitive for US employers to access the global talent and the US economy would require more workers not fewerThe Chamber represents approximately 300000 direct members and indirectly represents the interests of more than three million companies and professional organisations in the United StatesIts the second major domestic legal challenge to new H1B rules after a group of unions education professionals and religious bodies sued the Trump administration on October 3In a lawsuit filed in the Northern District of California the plaintiffs had argued that Trumps proclamation was riddled with multiple errors and ignores the benefits of the H1B visa programme to the American economyThe case also highlighted that the 100000 visa application fee was unprecedented unjustified and unlawfulThe plaintiff included many immigration and advocacy groups including the Justice Action Center South Asian American Justice Collaborative and Democracy Forward FoundationWhile signing the proclamation in September Trump had said the incentive is to hire American workersCommerce Secretary Howard Lutnick had also defended the move saying the policy would discourage companies from hiring foreign workersSo the whole idea is no more will these big tech companies or other big companies train foreign workers They have to pay the government 100000 then they have to pay the employee So its just not economic Youre going to train somebody Youre going to train one of the recent graduates from one of the great universities across our land train Americans Stop bringing in people to take our jobs Thats the policy here 100000 a year for H1B visas he explainedThe proclamation caused immense confusion as it seemed to suggest that it would impact the current H1B visa holders who may face hurdles in returning to the United StatesThe White House issued a clarification on September 20 saying that this is a onetime fee that applies only to new visas and not renewals or current visa holdersDays later the US Department of Homeland Security DHS also proposed to amend its regulations governing the H1B visa processThe DHS plan sought to scrap the existing lottery system and implement a weighted selection process that it says would favour the allocation of H1B visas to higherskilled workersIndiaborn workers received over 70 per cent of the total approved H1B visas in 2024 primarily due to a huge backlog in approvals and a high number of skilled immigrants from India IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-chamber-of-commerce-sues-trump-administration-over-h-1b-visas-643504.html Fri, 17 Oct 2025 08:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-ex-president-yoon-absent-again-from-2nd-martial-law-trial-643505.html Seoul Oct 17 Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was absent again from his second trial on martial lawrelated charges on Friday officials said The hearing at the Seoul Central District Court proceeded without his presence marking the second time he did not appear for proceedings of the trial after attending its first session last month which was required by lawSpecial counsel Cho Eunsuks team earlier indicted Yoon on charges of violating the rights of Cabinet members revising the martial law proclamation and obstructing his detention by investigators in JanuaryThe bench said Yoon cited health reasons for his latest nonappearance but determined that he refused to appear without valid reasonsIt said it would proceed with the trial in his absence given that the detention centre where Yoon is being held said it would be difficult to bring him in by force Yonhap news agency reportedYoon is also on trial on charges of leading an insurrection through his martial law declaration on December 3 He has not attended proceedings for that trial since being placed under arrest for a second time in July citing health issuesEarlier on October 15 Yoon Suk Yeol voluntarily appeared before a special counsel team before investigators executed a warrant to bring him in by forceThe jailed former president was at special counsel Cho Eunsuks office to be questioned about allegations related to his failed imposition of martial law assistant special counsel Park Jiyoung said during a press briefingUntil Wednesday Yoon had ignored all summonses by special counsel teams investigating various allegations surrounding him and his wife Kim Keon Hee following his second arrest in JulyPark said his appearance came after a court issued a warrant for his detention on October 1 and the team ordered its execution at the Seoul Detention Center where he is held the next dayThe Seoul Detention Center was scheduled to execute the detention warrant at around 8 am today in consideration of his trial schedule she said When the prison officer informed him in advance of the warrant issuance and plans to execute it former President Yoon stated his intention to appear voluntarily and the warrant execution did not take place IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-ex-president-yoon-absent-again-from-2nd-martial-law-trial-643505.html Fri, 17 Oct 2025 08:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/philippines-downgrades-magnitude-62-earthquake-in-southern-manila-to-6-643506.html Manila Oct 17 The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology downgraded the magnitude of an offshore earthquake that struck Surigao del Norte province in the southern Philippines on October 13 to magnitude 6 from 62 In an updated seismic report the institute said the tremor which occurred at 703 am local time 2303 GMT struck at a depth of 28 km approximately 13 km southeast of the municipality of General Luna in the Mindanao regionThe institute said that the tectonic quake will trigger aftershocks and cause significant damageThe tremor was also felt in neighbouring provinces in the Mindanao region and the central Philippines There were no immediate reports of casualties or damageThe tremor is the latest powerful earthquake that rocked the archipelagic Philippines On September 30 a 69magnitude earthquake hit Bogo City and nearby areas in Cebu province in the central Philippines killing 76 people the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council saidTwin offshore tremors of magnitude 74 and 68 rocked Davao Oriental province in the southern Philippines on October 10 killing eight peopleA 60magnitude earthquake struck near Bogo Cebu in the central Philippines again in the early hours of October 13 Xinhua news agency reportedSince then the archipelago has been rocked by magnitude 4 and 5 earthquakes triggering landslides and displacing thousands of villagersThe archipelagic Philippines has frequent seismic activities due to its location along the Pacific Ring of FireThe Philippines is one of the most disasterprone countries in the world positioned along the typhoon belt and within the Pacific Ring of Fire making it highly vulnerable to several catastrophic events including volcanic eruptions earthquakes and typhoonsThe tectonic plates are always slowly moving but they get stuck at their edges due to friction When the stress on the edge overcomes the friction there is an earthquake that releases energy in waves that travel through the earths crust and cause the shaking that we feel IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/philippines-downgrades-magnitude-62-earthquake-in-southern-manila-to-6-643506.html Fri, 17 Oct 2025 08:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-meets-brazil-vp-discusses-strengthening-bilateral-ties-643551.html New Delhi Oct 17 IANS External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar on Friday held a meeting with the visiting Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin in New Delhi as both sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation across several sectors including trade investment energy connectivity health and technology Alckmin is also Brazils Minister of Development Industry Trade and ServicesnbspA pleasure meeting Geraldo Alckmin VicePresident and Minister of Development Industry Trade and Services of Brazil Discussed the potential for greater cooperation in trade investment energy connectivity health and technology EAM posted on X after the meetingOn Thursday Vice President C P Radhakrishnan met his Brazilian counterpart with talks focused on enhancing energy cooperation deepening partnerships in pharmaceuticals defence research investments connectivity and collaborations in emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence AI and digitalisationnbspIn a post on X the Vice Presidents office wrote VicePresident of India CP Radhakrishnan met Geraldo Alckmin VicePresident and Minister of Development Industry Trade and Services of Brazil who is on an official visit to India at the VicePresidents Enclave todayThe two leaders expressed optimism about strengthening trade and economic ties They discussed enhancing energy cooperation deepening partnerships in pharmaceuticals and defence boosting research investments improving connectivity and collaborating in emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence and digitalisation he addednbspIndia and Brazil agreed to deepen bilateral trade and investment ties across diverse sectors including energy agriculture and technology at a meeting between Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Alckmin in New DelhiReviewed the full spectrum of bilateral trade ties while reaffirming our shared commitment to deepen cooperation and investment ties across diverse sectors including energy healthcare agriculture and technology Goyal said after the meetingnbspShared democratic values and a common vision for inclusive and sustainable growth underpin our partnership the minister addednbspGoyal further stated that the two countries on World Food Day were celebrating the IndiaBrazil partnership and the contribution of our farmers that continues to strengthen global food securitynbspThe meeting followed recent highlevel discussions between Indian and Brazilian leaders aimed at enhancing trade and investment between the two countries https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-meets-brazil-vp-discusses-strengthening-bilateral-ties-643551.html Fri, 17 Oct 2025 12:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korean-president-lees-approval-rating-edges-down-to-54-per-cent-poll-643562.html Seoul Oct 17 South Korean President Lee Jae Myungs approval rating inched down to 54 per cent a survey showed Friday In a Gallup Korea survey of 1001 adults conducted Tuesday through Thursday the positive evaluation of Lees performance declined 1 percentage point from the previous poll conducted in the fourth week of September Yonhap News Agency reportedThe negative assessment of Lee rose 1 percentage point to 35 per centAmong the respondents 16 percent who gave a positive evaluation cited the economy while 18 per cent of those with a negative view pointed to diplomacy followed by 8 per cent who criticized visafree entry for Chinese tourists and what they viewed as proChina policiesGallup noted that before the extended Chuseok holiday from October 3 to 9 negative sentiment largely focused on controversies surrounding Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Heedaes resignationIn the latest survey criticism related to policies on China and real estate were cited as reasons for negative assessment it saidThe pollster also pointed out that public concerns over visafree entry for Chinese nationals a series of abductions and detentions of South Koreans in Cambodia and real estate measures announced earlier this week may have contributed to the negative sentimentThe approval rating for the ruling Democratic Party and the main opposition People Power Party each rose 1 percentage point to 39 per cent and 25 per cent respectivelyThe survey had a margin of error of plus or minus 31 percentage points at a 95 per cent confidence levelLast week Lee Jae Myung visited a state data centre damaged by a major fire last month to inspect recovery efforts the presidential office saidLees visit to the National Information Resources Service NIRS in the central city of Daejeon came as the government is ramping up efforts to restore online services as the fire destroyed major data storage systems Yonhap News Agency reportedLee had originally taken the day off following the extended Chuseok holiday which ended Thursday but decided to visit the state data centre IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korean-president-lees-approval-rating-edges-down-to-54-per-cent-poll-643562.html Fri, 17 Oct 2025 13:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/talks-still-under-way-on-plan-to-repatriate-59-south-koreans-detained-in-cambodia-seoul-643564.html Phnom Penh Oct 17 South Korea is still in talks with Cambodia to finalize plans to repatriate 59 nationals detained over online job scams a joint response team said Friday after Cambodian police announced they would be deported this week The response team currently in Phnom Penh to address the crime targeting South Korean citizens said in a message to the media that talks were still ongoing with Cambodian officials to finalize details of the repatriation plan apparently dismissing Cambodias earlier announcement Yonhap News Agency reportedWe have some technical and administrative issues to work out the team said It is difficult to announce the schedule of their departure at this stageCambodian police said Thursday the 59 Koreans in custody will be deported to South Korea on Friday The individuals include those who were rescued from online scam operations or arrested for suspected involvement in the crimeThe two sides are working closely to ensure an early repatriation of the Koreans the team addedFour South Koreans out of 63 detained were sent back home by plane earlier this weekSeoul said earlier it aims to bring the detained people back home by the end of this weekSenior Superintendent General Park Sungjoo head of the National Office of Investigation was set to meet with Cambodias police chief to discuss the online scams later in the day Second Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jina is scheduled to meet with the Cambodian interior ministerEarlier on Wednesday the South Korean foreign ministry said that it launched a task force at its Embassy in Cambodia as part of efforts to respond to the widening job scam crisis involving the trafficking and torture of Korean nationalsPark Il former ambassador to Lebanon will work as the de facto head of the mission in Phnom Penh to oversee affairs related to the job scams engage closely with Cambodian authorities and seek their cooperation to resolve the issue the ministry said in a releaseThe ambassador post in Cambodia has remained vacant since the launch of the Lee Jae Myung government and the absence has been cited by critics as a reason contributing to what they call the governments lax responsesPark will assume the role until a new ambassador is formally appointed the ministry saidThe task force also consists of officials from the ministrys consular affairs development cooperation and Association of Southeast Asian Nations bureausPark who previously served in Lebanon successfully led an evacuation operation that brought 97 South Korean nationals and their family members back home amid the IsraelHezbollah conflict in October last yearThe task force launch came as Seoul is making allout efforts to tackle the crimes targeting its nationals in Cambodia following public shock over the brutal torture death of a South Korean college student IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/talks-still-under-way-on-plan-to-repatriate-59-south-koreans-detained-in-cambodia-seoul-643564.html Fri, 17 Oct 2025 13:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korean-govt-strengthens-security-measures-after-signs-of-hacking-into-administration-platform-643565.html Seoul Oct 17 The South Korean interior ministry said Friday it has strengthened security measures for online government systems after detecting signs of the governments administration platform being hacked The move came two months after Phrack an online cybersecurity publication reported in August that South Korean government branches and companies appeared to have been targeted by hackersIn midJuly we confirmed signs through the National Intelligence Service NIS that an external internet PC accessed the Onnara system via the GovernmentVirtual Private Network GVPN the ministry said Yonhap News Agency reportedThe Onnara system is the governments online work platform which manages official documents and handles internal workflowThe ministry said it strengthened security measures in response by requiring officials to go through extra authentication procedures when connecting to GVPN for remote workThe ministry said government public key infrastructure GPKI certificates of 650 officials were also presumed to have been targeted GPKI certificates are used by public officials for authenticationMost of the certificates had been expired but three that remained valid were scrapped as of Aug 13Officials suspect certificate information was leaked due to user carelessnessThe ministry said it plans to replace the GPKIbased authentication system with a biometric system when public officials access the governments internal administrative systemPhrack earlier reported that the North Korean hacking group Kimsuky was behind the attackSigns of hacking were reportedly detected in the interior and foreign ministries the military the prosecution as well as major companies including Kakao Corp Naver Corp KT Corp and LG Uplus CorpOn October 5 a data showed that the number of hacking attempts against the Constitutional Court has been gradually rising since 2017 raising concerns over cybersecurity in public organisationsCiting data submitted by the Constitutional Court Rep Choo Miae of the ruling Democratic Party said there have been around 116 million cases of attempted cyberattacks against the court since 2017The attempts all of which were detected and blocked came to 85000 in 2017 but surged to 187000 in 2024 the report showedThe figure stood at around 80000 during the JanuaryAugust period of 2025Cyber threats continue to grow We need to bolster our alertness and enhance security readiness Choo said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korean-govt-strengthens-security-measures-after-signs-of-hacking-into-administration-platform-643565.html Fri, 17 Oct 2025 13:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/egypt-keen-on-having-an-indian-industrial-zone-alongside-suez-project-fm-abdelatty-643574.html New Delhi Oct 17 Citing the Suez Canal Economic Zone SCZONE as a major investment opportunity for Indian companies Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on Friday said that the transcontinental nation is encouraging to have an Indian industrial zone alongside the Gulf of Suez northwest of the Red Sea We have a special industrial zone for China in this region and for Russia We are also encouraging to have an Indian industrial zone alongside the Suez Canal Economic Zone and we are providing all kinds of facilitations all kinds of incentives to the Indian companies Dont forget the fact that we have a huge market Abdelatty said during an interaction with a select group of journalists in New DelhiAbdelatty who is on his first visit to India as a Foreign Minister held the First IndiaEgypt Strategic Dialogue alongside External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar on Thursday eveningCairo has been pitching the development axis of the Suez Canal region which includes a number of industrial and logistical zones as a major investment opportunity for Indian companiesOf course part of my discussions here was encouraging more Indian companies to come to invest in Egypt I met with CEOs of six to 10 companies yesterday and I will continue meeting others today because we value Indian investment in Egypt we value the trade volume between Egypt and India said the Egyptian Foreign Minister who also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi later in the dayIts not only the Egyptian market even the Egyptian market is 120 million people 110 million Egyptians and 10 million refugees living in Egypt Its a huge market And dont forget the fact that we have an FTA arrangement with a lot of blocs including the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement the Arab Free Trade Agreement the Association Agreement between Egypt and the European Union he addedThe SCZONE is located around the main international maritime route of the Suez Canal passageway which connects Europe East and North Africa via the Suez Canal with Asia passing through the Arabian Gulf serving the majority of global tradeThe visiting minister spotlighted that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah ElSisi has instructed the government to provide all conducive environment all facilitations to Indian companies to do business not only in traditional sectors such as chemicals pharmaceuticals minerals especially phosphate and fertilizers but also new sectors like digitalization application of artificial intelligence renewable energy as well as clean energyWe have companies in India very interested in investing in producing green ammonia and green hydrogen because Europe which is very close to Egypt they are targeting the importation of 10 million tonnes every year of green ammonia and green hydrogen The role of India is important and as you know we extended the invitation he saidEgypt has been aiming to make SCZONE as one of the main logistics hubs in the region However the IsraelHamas conflict since October 2023 severely dented the proposed plansConnectivity is extremely important and of course Egypt is in the heart of any connectivity programmes or projects in light of our strategic location in light of the Suez Canal and in light of the Special Economic Zone in the Suez Canal We cannot ignore that so we are part of any connectivity projects linking East with the West linking the Mediterranean with Southeast Asia Southeast Asia Gulf countries and we are open for of course joining any projects of connectivity said AbdelattyHe added IMEC IndiaMiddle EastEurope Economic Corridor is an important project again but we have to understand that what happened over the last two years that if you have escalation that could hinder the cooperation the regional connectivity So what we are seeing that its important to have a conducive environment for such projects to evolve And we discussed the IMEC with our Indian friends We are of course in favour of all projects of connectivity because Egypt is a hub Egypt is a strategic location and can be of course part of all connectivity projects IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/egypt-keen-on-having-an-indian-industrial-zone-alongside-suez-project-fm-abdelatty-643574.html Fri, 17 Oct 2025 14:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-africa-launches-hiv-prevention-injection-643328.html Johannesburg Oct 16 South Africa has taken a bold step in the fight against HIVAIDS with the introduction of a groundbreaking longacting injectable drug Lenacapavir Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has announced Speaking at an event held in Johannesburg Motsoaledi described the rollout of Lenacapavir as a pivotal moment for the country noting that the injection would significantly strengthen South Africas HIV prevention strategyHe highlighted the progress the country has made over the past two decades in combating some of the highest HIV infection rates in the world with about eight million people currently living with the virus He said this new development further strengthens the ongoing fight and builds on years of progress in prevention and treatment reports Xinhua news agencySouth Africa has secured an initial allocation of Lenacapavir through a generous Global Fund grant but this will only cover a fraction of the total need in the first couple of years Specifically the Global Funds catalytic investment of about 29 million US dollars will provide approximately 456000 Lenacapavir initiations over two years translating into 912000 doses Motsoaledi notedAccording to the minister 149000 people were diagnosed with HIV in 2023 with women and adolescent girls remaining the most affected He noted that the injection administered twice a year has the potential to address persistent challenges in HIV prevention and is likely to improve adherence among highrisk groupsHe added that the initial rollout would prioritise groups most vulnerable to HIV infections including adolescent girls pregnant and breastfeeding mothers female sex workers and men who have sex with other men IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-africa-launches-hiv-prevention-injection-643328.html Thu, 16 Oct 2025 06:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/lankan-pm-harini-amarasuriya-arrives-in-india-for-first-official-visit-643329.html New Delhi Oct 16 Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya arrived in India on Thursday for a twoday official visit marking her first trip to the country since assuming office Amarasuriya who will be in India till October 18 is scheduled to meet senior political leaders to discuss key bilateral issues and avenues for strengthening cooperation in multiple sectorsDuring her visit the Sri Lankan Prime Minister will deliver the keynote address at the NDTV World Summit jointly organised by NDTV and the Chintan Research Foundation in New DelhiAmarasuriya who also holds the Education portfolio in Sri Lanka will visit the Indian Institute of Technology IIT Delhi and NITI Aayog to explore collaborations in education innovation and technologyA distinguished alumna of Hindu College University of Delhi she will also visit her alma materAs per the colleges schedule the days events will begin at noon with a ceremonial Guard of Honour presented by 16 NCC cadets followed by a symbolic tree plantation on the college lawn and cultural performances by students at the Sanganeria auditoriumIn addition the Sri Lankan leader will attend a business event aimed at strengthening trade and commercial linkages between the two nationsThe visit continues the tradition of regular highlevel exchanges between India and Sri Lanka advancing the deep and multifaceted bilateral partnership It will further strengthen the bonds of friendship reinforced by Indias MAHASAGAR Vision and its Neighbourhood First policy the MEA said in a statementEarlier in September Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi held extensive discussions with the Lankan Prime Minister in Colombo focusing on strengthening bilateral maritime cooperation and deepening defence ties between the two nationsDuring this Prime Minister Amarasuriya underscored the strategic importance of the ocean for maritime nations and emphasised the imperative of collective efforts to safeguard this shared resourceShe also highlighted the potential for deeper collaboration in countering transnational challenges such as antinarcotics operations illegal unreported and unregulated fishing marine pollution and terrorism at seaThe Lankan Prime Minister further emphasised the need for closer coordination in search and rescue missions stronger information sharing and the expansion of training ties between the navies of India and Sri LankaThe Indian Navy said the meeting reflected the shared vision of both countries to promote peace stability and sustainable development in the Indian Ocean Region through mutual trust and cooperationThis also comes months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met in Colombo in April during which both nations signed several key agreements including on defence cooperation and development of Trincomalee as an energy hubOther MoUs signed included the Implementation of HVDC Interconnection for ImportExport of Power on Cooperation in the Field of Sharing Successful Digital Solutions Implemented at Population Scale for Digital Transformation on Multisectoral Grant Assistance for Eastern Province on Cooperation in the Field of Health and Medicine and on Pharmacopoeial CooperationPrime Minister Modi also announced comprehensive capacitybuilding programme in India covering 700 Sri Lankans annually Indias grant assistance for the development of Thirukoneswaram temple in Trincomalee Sita Eliya temple in Nuwara Eliya and Sacred City Complex project in Anuradhapura the Exposition of Lord Buddha relics in Sri Lanka on International Vesak Day 2025 as well as the conclusion of Bilateral Amendatory Agreements on Debt Restructuring IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/lankan-pm-harini-amarasuriya-arrives-in-india-for-first-official-visit-643329.html Thu, 16 Oct 2025 07:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/norway-to-provide-more-support-for-ukraine-via-nato-initiative-643330.html Oslo Oct 16 Norway aims to provide 2 billion Norwegian kroner 198 million US dollars to a NATOcoordinated aid package for Ukraine the Norwegian government said in a press release Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said the Nordic country is joining a group of European countries to fund a package that will secure defence equipment for Ukraine reports Xinhua news agencySeveral European countries are coordinating contributions under the new USled initiative Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List PURL a program through which NATO allies fund military assistance for Ukraine drawn directly from the US weapon stockpilesNorway has previously contributed 15 billion Norwegian kroner to an earlier PURL packageThe PURL initiative was officially launched on July 14 by US President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte 1 Norwegian krone 0099 US dollarEarlier on October 13 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with visiting European Union EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas to discuss EU support for Ukraine according to the presidential press serviceThe two sides addressed recent Russian attacks on Ukraines energy infrastructure and the steps needed to strengthen the countrys energy resilienceKallas noted that European specialists are currently assessing the type of assistance Ukraine requires to restore its energy systemThe meeting also covered defence support for Ukraine the use of frozen Russian assets and new EU sanctions against RussiaDuring a press conference after the talks with Kallas Zelensky announced plans to meet US President Donald Trump in Washington on Friday the InterfaxUkraine news agency reportedMoscow will have a very firm response if the EU takes any actions targeting Russian assets Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said on October 2 IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/norway-to-provide-more-support-for-ukraine-via-nato-initiative-643330.html Thu, 16 Oct 2025 07:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/russian-gas-deliveries-to-budapest-hit-new-record-hungarian-fm-643331.html Budapest Oct 16 Russian natural gas deliveries to Hungary have reached a new record this year exceeding 6 billion cubic metres so far Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said in a post on Facebook He said the volume amounts to more than 21 million cubic meters per day and is critical for Hungarys energy securitySzijjarto reiterated that while Hungary supports energy diversification through multiple sources and routes it opposes shutting down wellfunctioning and reliable supply linesThe European Union is pushing ahead with a strategy to phase out its dependence on Russian energy In June the European Commission adopted a legislative proposal to gradually end imports of Russian gas and oil by the end of 2027 reports Xinhua news agencyHungary and Slovakia have expressed strong reservations about the plan warning that rapid cuts could endanger their energy security and economic stabilityMeanwhile on the other hand Norway aims to provide 2 billion Norwegian kroner 198 million US dollars to a NATOcoordinated aid package for Ukraine the Norwegian government has announcedNorwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said the Nordic country is joining a group of European countries to fund a package that will secure defence equipment for Ukraine reports Xinhua news agencySeveral European countries are coordinating contributions under the new USled initiative Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List PURL a program through which NATO allies fund military assistance for Ukraine drawn directly from the US weapon stockpilesNorway has previously contributed 15 billion Norwegian kroner to an earlier PURL packageThe PURL initiative was officially launched on July 14 by US President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte 1 Norwegian krone 0099 US dollar IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/russian-gas-deliveries-to-budapest-hit-new-record-hungarian-fm-643331.html Thu, 16 Oct 2025 07:35:00 +0530