DailyWorld News - The First International Newspaper From India https://dailyworld.in/ Wed, 13 May 2026 03:19:15 +0530 en https://dailyworld.in/international/south-african-parliament-to-restart-ramaphosa-impeachment-process-after-court-ruling-local-media-673337.html Johannesburg May 12 South Africas National Assembly will reopen impeachmentrelated proceedings against President Cyril Ramaphosa following a Constitutional Court ruling local media reported The Constitutional Court on earlier ruled that the countrys parliament acted unconstitutionally when it rejected an independent panel report on the Phala Phala matter involving Ramaphosa reopening the possibility of impeachment proceedings against the head of state Xinhua news agency reportedCiting a statement from National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza the South African Government News Agency reported that the parliament will comply with the courts decision and restart the Section 89 process related to the independent panel report into the Phala Phala farm matterThe matter relates to the alleged theft of about 580000 from Ramaphosas private game farm in Limpopo Province in 2020 which later sparked public controversy over whether the funds were properly declared and reported to authoritiesDidiza said that she would determine the program timelines and institutional support necessary to ensure the impeachment committee completes its work effectively fairly and within the framework of the Constitution and National Assembly rulesDetails regarding the committees composition and operational arrangements are expected to be announced through official channels in due courseThe independent panel chaired by former Constitutional Court judge Sandile Ngcobo found prima facie evidence suggesting possible constitutional and legal violations by the president in relation to the Phala Phala matterIn response Ramaphosa said Monday that he accepted and respected the Constitutional Courts ruling reaffirming his firm commitment to the Constitution the independence of the judiciary and the rule of lawIn his address to the nation on Monday night Ramaphosa insisted that he did not engage in wrongdoing Since a criminal complaint was laid against me in June 2022 I have consistently maintained that I have not stolen public money committed any crime nor violated my oath of office he saidRamaphosa said that from the beginning he had committed to cooperating with all competent institutions and such cooperation has continued through all investigations and enquiries into the matter and will be sustained going forwardTurning to the findings of the independent panel submitted in December 2022 Ramaphosa reiterated his disagreement with its conclusions and reasoning He said that they were based on hearsay and that no evidence let alone sufficient evidence had been produced to support claims of constitutional or legal violations or serious misconductIn his address Ramaphosa reiterated that he will not resign saying I fully intend to continue serving the people of South Africa and to advance their interests IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-african-parliament-to-restart-ramaphosa-impeachment-process-after-court-ruling-local-media-673337.html Tue, 12 May 2026 08:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-to-undergo-annual-medical-evaluation-673338.html Washington May 12 US President Donald Trump will visit the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on May 26 for his annual dental and medical evaluations and meetings with American service members the White House said The White House said the visit would include the Presidentâs âroutine annual dental and medical assessments as part of his regular preventive health careâTrump will also âspend time with service members and staff at Walter Reed in recognition of their service professionalism and dedication to the nationâ according to the statementâPresident Donald J Trump will visit Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on May 26 for his annual dental and medical evaluations and to visit with the men and women of the militaryâ the White House saidNo additional details were immediately released regarding the duration of the visit or whether the Presidentâs physician would issue a public medical summary after the examinationâAdditional details regarding the Presidentâs schedule will be released at a later dateâ the statement addedWalter Reed located in Bethesda Maryland is the premier medical facility for the US military and regularly handles presidential medical examinations and treatment for senior American officialsThe facility is also known for treating wounded military personnel returning from combat zones and supporting veterans activeduty troops and military familiesPresidential medical examinations traditionally attract significant attention in Washington because they provide rare public insights into the health and fitness of the commanderinchiefTrump has previously described his medical visits to Walter Reed as part of his routine healthcare During a followup medical visit to the same facility last year Trump told reporters âI think Iâm in great shape but Iâll let you knowâ He added âPhysically I feel very good Mentally I feel very goodâAccording to a medical memo issued last year Trump had undergone âadvanced imaging laboratory testing and preventive health assessmentsâ while âcomprehensive laboratory studies performed in conjunction with the visit were exceptional including stable metabolic hematologic and cardiac parametersâThe same memo written by presidential physician Capt Sean Barbabella stated that Trump âcontinues to demonstrate excellent overall healthâ The report also said Trump had received annual flu and updated Covid19 booster vaccinations during that visitThe White House has in recent months highlighted the administrationâs outreach to military personnel and veterans Trump has frequently used public appearances to emphasise support for the armed forces military readiness and national security IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-to-undergo-annual-medical-evaluation-673338.html Tue, 12 May 2026 08:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/chinas-shipbuilding-threat-tops-us-senators-warning-to-trump-673339.html Washington May 12 A bipartisan group of four US senators has urged President Donald Trump to take a hard line against Chinaâs shipbuilding practices during his upcoming summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping arguing that Beijingâs policies have crippled the American maritime industry and weakened US national security In a letter released Monday Senators Tammy Baldwin Mark Kelly Todd Young and Tim Scott warned Trump against offering concessions to China on shipbuilding and maritime tradeâThe United States is at an inflection point and cannot cede additional ground to the Peopleâs Republic of China PRCâ the senators wrote âThe PRCâs decadeslong effort to decimate American shipbuilding as part of their effort to position themselves as the dominant global shipbuilding power affords them no grace or opportunity for compromiseâThe lawmakers said Chinaâs rise as the worldâs dominant shipbuilder was driven by âunfair and discriminatory tacticsâ including subsidies statebacked financing and nonmarket practices that weakened US shipyards over the past two decadesAccording to the letter China accounted for more than 60 per cent of global commercial shipbuilding orders in 2025 while the United States lagged behind countries including South Korea Japan Vietnam the Philippines Taiwan Italy and GermanyThe senators said the decline of American shipbuilding was not only an economic issue but also a national security concernâThese US shipyards and their suppliers are major employers that provide a pathway to the middle class through goodpaying and often union jobs and keep the knowledge and skill to build vessels used for military purposes and to carry goods around the world made in Americaâ the lawmakers wroteThe senators praised actions already taken by the Trump administration including announced fees on Chinesebuilt ships docking at US ports and additional charges on companies using Chinesebuilt vesselsThey pointed to a reported 25 per cent drop in Chinese shipyard orders between March and May 2025 after the US Trade Representative determined that China had used nonmarket practices in the sectorâThe sudden decrease in Chinese shipping orders shows that when your Administration acts on this issue the global maritime industry pays attentionâ the senators wroteThe lawmakers also urged Trump to support the bipartisan Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security or SHIPS for America Act aimed at revitalising the domestic maritime industrySenator Baldwin who has pushed for expanding shipbuilding capacity in the Great Lakes region said rebuilding the sector would strengthen American manufacturing and create jobsThe letter comes as Washington and Beijing remain locked in broader strategic competition over trade technology military power and industrial policy Shipbuilding has emerged as a growing concern for US defence planners who argue that Chinaâs rapidly expanding naval and commercial fleet gives Beijing a longterm strategic advantage in the IndoPacific IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/chinas-shipbuilding-threat-tops-us-senators-warning-to-trump-673339.html Tue, 12 May 2026 08:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/chinese-cars-face-us-ban-over-spying-fears-673340.html Washington May 12 A bipartisan group of US lawmakers has introduced legislation to ban Chineselinked connected vehicles software and hardware from American roads citing national security risks unfair trade practices and threats to the domestic auto industry The proposed âConnected Vehicle Security Actâ was introduced on Sunday by Congressman John Moolenaar a Republican from Michigan and chairman of the House Select Committee on China along with Democratic Congresswoman Debbie DingellâThe American auto industry is vital for jobs national security and the future of Americaâs manufacturing baseâ Moolenaar said in a statement announcing the billâChina cheats in every industry and in autos it is overproducing vehicles and components and selling them for cheap in hopes they will put our companies out of businessâ he saidMoolenaar also accused some Chinese firms of using âslave laborâ to gain a pricing advantageâIn some cases Chinese companies including CATL and BYD use slave labor to undercut the fair wages of hardworking Americans These companies should not be allowed to do business in America and their products shouldnât be in our cars or threatening our infrastructureâ he saidDingell said the legislation was aimed at protecting American manufacturing jobs and preventing a repeat of past industrial declineâThis bipartisan legislation will ban Chinese vehicles from coming into our country and undercutting our workers through massive government subsidies unfair trade practices and slave laborâ she saidâI am not interested in repeating the mistakes that hollowed out manufacturing communities across this country while politicians told workers globalization would somehow magically work itself outâ Dingell addedThe bill would prohibit the importation manufacture sale or introduction into interstate commerce of connected vehicles originating from or controlled by âcovered foreign adversary countriesâ beginning January 1 2027The legislation specifically targets China Russia North Korea and IranIt would also ban connected vehicle software linked to those countries starting in 2027 while restrictions on connected vehicle hardware would take effect from January 1 2030According to the bill connected vehicles collect and transmit âvast amounts of sensitive data including geolocation operational and personal informationâ and can potentially be remotely accessed or controlledThe legislation said China exports nearly 8 million vehicles annually âapproximately twice the volume exported by any other countryâThe proposal directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish compliance mechanisms including declarations of conformity advisory rulings and waiver procedures for industry participants Violations could trigger civil penalties of at least 15 million per transactionThe bill reflects growing bipartisan concern in Washington over Chinese technology entering critical sectors of the US economy particularly electric vehicles batteries and advanced telecommunications Chinese automakers including BYD have rapidly expanded globally in recent years raising alarms among US lawmakers over cybersecurity supply chain dependence and industrial competition IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/chinese-cars-face-us-ban-over-spying-fears-673340.html Tue, 12 May 2026 08:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-senators-urge-trump-to-approve-taiwan-arms-deal-ahead-of-xi-summit-673341.html Washington May 12 A bipartisan group of US senators has urged President Donald Trump to move ahead with a 14 billion arms package for Taiwan ahead of his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week warning that any weakening of American support for Taipei would embolden Beijing and destabilise the IndoPacific In a letter led by Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Senator Thom Tillis the lawmakers urged the administration to formally notify Congress of the longpending arms sale package which they said was preapproved in January 2025âWe strongly encourage your administration to formally notify the 14 billion in US arms sales to Taiwan that Congress preapproved in January 2025â the senators wroteThe lawmakers said Taiwanâs Legislative Yuan had approved a ârobust special defense budget of 25 billionâ aimed at strengthening the islandâs selfdefence capabilities amid growing military pressure from BeijingAccording to the letter much of the new Taiwanese defence spending would go toward âUSprovided defensive arms pending notification to Congress including counterdrone assets an integrated battle command system and mediumrange munitionsâThe senators also cautioned Trump against using Taiwan as leverage during trade or geopolitical discussions with XiâYou should make clear to Beijing that as you seek to level the economic playing field American support for Taiwan is not up for negotiationâ the lawmakers wroteThe letter was signed by Democratic and Republican senators including Chris Coons John Curtis Tammy Duckworth Jacky Rosen Andy Kim and Elissa Slotkin underscoring the bipartisan backing in Congress for Taiwanâs securityThe lawmakers argued that Taiwanâs defence partnership with the United States has served as âan effective bulwark against Chinese military action that would plunge the world into a catastrophic warâ They said the proposed package included âdrones antiship missiles radar systems and minesâ intended to make a Chinese invasion âprohibitively costlyâThe senators said Taiwanâs political leaders had overcome âpersistent and overt pressure from Beijingâ to pass the defence spending bill and urged Washington to demonstrate similar resolveâJust as Taiwanâs leaders demonstrated unity in support of their peopleâs defense so too must we move ahead with pending US arms sales vital to our own national interestsâ the letter saidThe lawmakers also framed the issue in economic terms for American households warning that a Chinese move against Taiwan would trigger global instabilityâIn a world in which Beijing moves decisively to seek control of Taiwan American families would suffer from severe and longterm inflation supply chain disruptions that would destroy manufacturing jobs at home and steep hikes in the cost of livingâ they wroteThe letter comes as tensions between Washington and Beijing remain elevated over trade technology restrictions military activity in the Taiwan Strait and competing influence in the IndoPacific China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and has repeatedly vowed to bring the selfgoverned island under its control including by force if necessary IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-senators-urge-trump-to-approve-taiwan-arms-deal-ahead-of-xi-summit-673341.html Tue, 12 May 2026 08:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/progress-not-enough-to-meet-global-forest-goals-un-report-673343.html United Nations May 12 The world is not moving fast enough to meet the Global Forest Goals by 2030 according to a United Nations report released The Global Forest Goals Report 2026 found that only seven of the 26 targets have been broadly achieved while 17 are partially on track and two remain off targetDrawing on voluntary national reports from 48 countries that account for 51 per cent of global forest coverage along with the latest international data the report offers the most current assessment of progress under the UN Strategic Plan for Forests 20172030 and its six Global Forest GoalsThe report noted that global forest area shrank by more than 40 million hectares between 2015 and 2025 It also highlighted a major shortfall in financing for sustainable forest managementDespite these setbacks many countries have introduced policy reforms expanded forest restoration programs strengthened governance and increased international cooperation on forest protectionProgress however remains uneven across regions The report cited improvements in protected forest areas longterm management planning and forest monitoring systems but warned that deforestation climate change wildfires pests and illegal activities continue to threaten forests worldwideThe report outlines pathways for accelerating action including halting deforestation restoring degraded lands expanding protected and sustainably managed forests strengthening forestrelated governance closing the financing gap for sustainable forest management and advancing innovative financing mechanismsThe report was released at the opening of the 21st session of the UN Forum on Forests at UN Headquarters where member states and partners are gathering to advance implementation of the Global Forest Goals Xinhua news agency reportedThe Global Forest Goals are six voluntary and universal targets within the United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests 2017â2030 designed to halt deforestation restore degraded forests and promote sustainable management Aimed at 2030 they support the UN Sustainable Development Goals SDGs and seek to increase global forest area by 3 per centâroughly 120 million hectares IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/progress-not-enough-to-meet-global-forest-goals-un-report-673343.html Tue, 12 May 2026 08:46:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/malaysian-pm-anwar-ibrahim-congratulates-vijay-on-tamil-nadu-cm-win-673345.html Kuala Lumpur May 12 Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has extended warm congratulations to actorturnedpolitician C Joseph Vijay after he was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu marked a dramatic political shift in the southern Indian state In a post on X Anwar Ibrahim wrote that he âwarmly congratulates my friend Vijay on being elected Chief Minister of Tamil Naduâ adding a lighthearted reference to the actorâs cinematic legacy âFor many years his adoring fans watched him defeat corrupt politicians and assorted villains within three hoursâ The people of Tamil Nadu have now entrusted Vijay with a responsibility far greater than any role performed on screenâ he said invoking Vijayâs popular slogan âOru Viral Puratchiâ onefinger revolution and expressing optimism about future MalaysiaâTamil Nadu cooperationVijay president of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam TVK was sworn in on Sunday at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai in a ceremony administered by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath ArlekarNine ministers also took the oath alongside him as part of the new council of ministersThe swearingin marks a historic political transition in Tamil Nadu ending nearly six decades of alternating governance between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam DMK and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam AIADMKThe TVKled alliance secured the backing of 120 MLAs in the 234member Assembly comfortably crossing the 118seat majority mark despite falling short of an outright solo majorityThe ceremony drew highprofile attendance including the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi along with film personalities party workers and thousands of supporters Authorities deployed heavy security across Chennai with intensified vehicle checks and strict access control around the venueThe swearingin of Vijay marks a watershed moment in Tamil Nadu politics as a nonDravidian party has come to power in the state for the first time since 1967 Political observers view the development as a major realignment in the stateâs political landscape long dominated by the DMK and AIADMK IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/malaysian-pm-anwar-ibrahim-congratulates-vijay-on-tamil-nadu-cm-win-673345.html Tue, 12 May 2026 08:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/preliminary-positive-hantavirus-pcr-test-confirmed-among-mv-hondius-evacuees-in-spain-673347.html Madrid May 12 One of the 14 Spanish evacuees from the hantavirushit cruise ship MV Hondius on Sunday has tested preliminarily positive for the virus Spanish Health Minister Monica Garcia has said Garcia wrote on X on Monday local time that one of the Spanish passengers currently under isolation at Madrids Gomez Ulla hospital had tested preliminarily positive in a PCR test conducted upon arrivalThe person remains in isolation without symptoms and in general good health under continued clinical observation in accordance with established safety and epidemiological protocols she wroteThe other 13 Spaniards tested provisionally negative while final results were expected in the coming hours the minister saidAccording to health authorities and the World Health Organization WHO the outbreak is believed to involve the Andes strain of hantavirus a variant known for possible persontoperson transmission through close contact The virus is typically transmitted through exposure to infected rodent urine or droppingsThe Spanish evacuees were transferred to Madrid as part of an evacuation operation launched after the MV Hondius arrived in Spains Canary Islands over the weekend reports Xinhua news agencyMultiple confirmed and suspected cases have so far been linked to the outbreak including passengers transferred to several countries for treatment and monitoringThe final group of evacuees left the ship on Monday after the vessel briefly docked at the Port of Granadilla on the Spanish island of Tenerife due to adverse weather conditions The ship later departed for Rotterdam in the NetherlandsMeanwhile the European Commission said Monday that it is coordinating and supporting national authorities response to a hantavirus outbreak while the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control ECDC assesses the risk to the general population in Europe as very lowSince Spain activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism on May 6 the EUs Emergency Response Coordination Centre has been facilitating the safe evacuation of people aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship which was anchored off TenerifeFive repatriation flights coordinated by the EU took place on Sunday and were carried out by France Spain the Netherlands Greece and Ireland A sixth and final flight operated by the Netherlands departed on Monday according to the CommissionThe EU is also mobilising response capabilities and stockpiles from its strategic reserve A medical evacuation aircraft from the EU fleet hosted by Norway has been prepositioned in Tenerife while additional transport and logistics capacities as well as protective equipment are ready to be deployed if neededThe Emergency Response Coordination Centre has deployed a liaison officer to Tenerife to support onsite coordination with relevant authorities The ECDC also deployed two experts from the EU Health Task Force to the ship before passengers disembarkedAccording to the Commission the EU is working closely with EU members countries participating in the Civil Protection Mechanism the ECDC the World Health Organization and G7 partners in responding to the outbreakCommissioner for Equality Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib said health threats can easily cross borders and coordination is therefore essential IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/preliminary-positive-hantavirus-pcr-test-confirmed-among-mv-hondius-evacuees-in-spain-673347.html Tue, 12 May 2026 09:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/israel-passes-law-to-establish-special-tribunal-for-suspects-of-october-7-hamas-attack-673349.html Tel Aviv May 12 Israels parliament has approved a law to establish a special military tribunal for Palestinians suspected of involvement in the Hamasled attack on October 7 2023 The tribunal is authorised to impose the death penalty a sentence that has not been carried out in Israel since 1962The law has drawn widespread criticism from rights groups The bill denies suspects the basic procedural protections essential to a fair trial Adalah a legal group for Arab minority rights in Israel said in a statement on Monday local timeIt added that any resulting death sentence would constitute an arbitrary deprivation of life absolutely prohibited under international law and potentially a war crimeThe new law follows legislation approved in late March that made the death penalty a default punishment for Palestinians convicted of deadly attacks reports Xinhua news agencyThe legislation passed on March 30 drew sharp international criticism with opponents describing it as discriminatory and unconstitutional Critics argue that the law creates a differential legal framework based on identity and raises serious human rights concernsUnder the new law the death penalty would apply to Israelis convicted of murder only if the act was committed with the intent of ending Israels existence a clause that critics say effectively ensures that the punishment will disproportionately target Palestinians while excluding Jewish Israelis accused of similar offencesThe law also mandates that executions be carried out within 90 days of sentencing allowing only limited grounds for delay and providing no provision for clemency Courts retain the option to impose life imprisonment instead but only under undefined special circumstancesThe October 7 attack killed about 1200 people in Israel with over 250 hostages kidnapped according to Israeli figures It triggered the massive Israeli military operation across Gaza that left the Palestinian enclave in ruins and killed at least 72737 people according to Gazabased health authorities IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/israel-passes-law-to-establish-special-tribunal-for-suspects-of-october-7-hamas-attack-673349.html Tue, 12 May 2026 09:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/mexico-sends-5th-ship-with-humanitarian-aid-to-cuba-673350.html Mexico City May 12 Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said that Mexico is sending a fifth ship with humanitarian aid to Cuba in response to the growing shortages faced by the Cuban people During her morning press conference on Monday local time Sheinbaum reiterated Mexicos rejection of the economic commercial and financial blockade Washington has maintained against Cuba since 1962We are going to continue sending humanitarian aid In fact a ship carrying humanitarian aid is leaving for Cuba today Mexico will always be fraternal and in solidarity with all nations of the world and particularly with Cuba said SheinbaumMexicos humanitarian aid does not include oil given that Russia has been supplying Cuba with that resource she said adding that Mexico focuses on providing other essential items to alleviate the scarcity of basic goods reports Xinhua news agencyIn recent weeks the US government has issued two executive orders to intensify sanctions against the country blocking access to the fuel Cuba needs and penalising several Cuban companiesEarlier on Friday Cuba denied remarks by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio about an alleged US offer of 100 million dollars in humanitarian aid to the island countryCuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said on X that Rubio had fabricated the claim to justify Washingtons actions against CubaRubio told reporters on Friday that the United States had provided 6 million dollars in humanitarian aid to Cuba through Caritas a Catholic Church agency and had offered the Cuban government 100 million dollars but it refused to distribute itWhere have they gone What would he have used them for Rodriguez wrote dismissing the claimRodriguez said what is publicly known is the billions of dollars that the US economic warfare is costing CubaHe is also well aware of the ruthless human damage caused by that warfare and the restrictions in terms of revenues technologies food fuel and medicines it imposes Rodriguez added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/mexico-sends-5th-ship-with-humanitarian-aid-to-cuba-673350.html Tue, 12 May 2026 09:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/nepali-mountain-guide-dies-in-mt-qomolangma-region-673356.html Kathmandu May 12 A Nepali mountain guide passed away in the course of acclimatisation in the Mount Qomolangma region said a government official He died on Sunday reports Xinhua news agencyBijay Ghimire 35 who had successfully been to the 884886meter peak three times in 2016 2019 and 2023 died of altitude sickness He died while performing his responsibility as a mountain guide said Himal Gautam information officer at the Department of Tourism in a statement on Monday eveningThe department has issued a record 492 permits to climbers to conquer the peak this spring seasonEarlier on May 5 two climbers an Indian mountaineer and a Sherpa guide were injured after a serac collapse along the Khumbu Icefall route on Mt Everest hit them Nepals Department of Tourism said The injured have been identified as Nimish Kumar Singh 40 from India and Pembha Tenduk Sherpa 44 a mountain guide from NepalAccording to the department the incident occurred at around 545 am on Tuesday when a serac collapse caused falling ice to reach the main climbing route striking members of the expedition teamA serac is a large unstable block or pinnacle of glacial ice often formed by intersecting crevasses on a glaciers surface or on steep icefallsAt the time of the incident permitholding climbers and Sherpa guides from multiple expedition agencies were heading toward Camp I from Camp II via the Khumbu Icefall as part of the acclimatisation process They had earlier reached Camp II after ascending from Everest Base CampThe Khumbu Icefall one of the most hazardous sections of the Everest climbing route is known for frequent ice shifts and serac collapses particularly during the early climbing seasonImmediately after the incident a team of Sherpa guides from Pioneer Adventure Pvt Ltd and Summit Force Expedition carried out a prompt rescue and informed officials stationed at Everest Base CampFrom the base camp a team from Seven Summit Trek Pvt Ltd quickly coordinated a helicopter evacuation At around 630 am a helicopter arrived at the incident site from Lukla airport near Mt Everest and airlifted the injured to Kathmandu for treatmentNepal has attracted a large number of mountaineers this spring season particularly those attempting to climb Mt Everest despite the government raising the royalty fee for climbers to 15000 from 11000 per person and flight disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia between the United States and Iran IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/nepali-mountain-guide-dies-in-mt-qomolangma-region-673356.html Tue, 12 May 2026 09:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/dutch-hospital-quarantines-12-staff-over-hantavirus-exposure-precautions-673358.html The Hague May 12 Radboud University Medical Center Radboudumc in the Netherlands has placed 12 employees in quarantine for six weeks as a precaution after incorrect procedures were followed while caring for a patient infected with hantavirus The hospital said on Monday that the issue involved procedures for drawing and processing blood samples as well as the disposal of the patients urine reports Xinhua news agencyThis blood was processed according to standard procedure Due to the nature of the virus this blood should have been processed according to a stricter procedure Radboudumc said in a statement without specifying what the stricter measures should have entailedThe hospital added that it became clear on Saturday that the latest international guidelines for disposing of the patients urine had not been followedAs a result 12 employees have entered preventive quarantine for six weeks Although the risk of actual infection is very low these measures have a significant impact on everyone involved said Bertine Lahuis chair of the Executive Board of RadboudumcOn Thursday Radboudumc admitted a hantavirusinfected patient from the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius Meanwhile Spanish Health Minister Monica Garcia on Monday announced that one of the 14 Spanish evacuees from the hantavirushit cruise ship MV Hondius on Sunday has tested preliminarily positive for the virusGarcia wrote on X that one of the Spanish passengers currently under isolation at Madrids Gomez Ulla hospital had tested preliminarily positive in a PCR test conducted upon arrivalThe person remains in isolation without symptoms and in general good health under continued clinical observation in accordance with established safety and epidemiological protocols she wroteThe other 13 Spaniards tested provisionally negative while final results were expected in the coming hours the minister saidAccording to health authorities and the World Health Organization WHO the outbreak is believed to involve the Andes strain of hantavirus a variant known for possible persontoperson transmission through close contact The virus is typically transmitted through exposure to infected rodent urine or droppingsThe Spanish evacuees were transferred to Madrid as part of an evacuation operation launched after the MV Hondius arrived in Spains Canary Islands over the weekend reports Xinhua news agencyMultiple confirmed and suspected cases have so far been linked to the outbreak including passengers transferred to several countries for treatment and monitoringThe final group of evacuees left the ship on Monday after the vessel briefly docked at the Port of Granadilla on the Spanish island of Tenerife due to adverse weather conditions The ship later departed for Rotterdam in the Netherlands IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/dutch-hospital-quarantines-12-staff-over-hantavirus-exposure-precautions-673358.html Tue, 12 May 2026 09:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/airstrikes-drone-attacks-claim-dozens-of-lives-in-sudan-un-673361.html United Nations May 12 Airstrikes and drone attacks in Sudans Kordofan and Darfur states have killed dozens of civilians including women and children UN humanitarians have said The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs OCHA on Monday local time said its local sources reported that on Friday strikes in South Kordofan and North Kordofan states killed at least 26 civilians Armed clashes and additional airstrikes were also reported around El Obeid and the town of Bara in North KordofanOCHA said that on Saturday according to local sources more than 17 people were killed in a strike on a civilian truck travelling from Khumi village toward the Abu Zabad area in West Kordofan state reports Xinhua news agencyDeadly drone strikes were also reported in North Darfur and South Darfur states in recent days said the officeThe UN Human Rights Office warned that drone attacks accounted for at least 880 deaths more than 80 per cent of all conflictrelated civilian fatalities recorded between January and April this year in SudanThis increasing reliance on drones allows hostilities to continue unabated in the approaching rainy season which in the past has brought about a lull in ground operations said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk An intensification of hostilities in the coming weeks as the parties seek to gain or consolidate control of territory amid shifting conflict dynamics risks hostilities expanding even further to central and eastern states with lethal consequences for civilians across enormous areasThe insecurity is also forcing more people to flee their homes said OCHAThe International Organization for Migration said that heightened insecurity in Blue Nile state displaced more than 4600 people from villages in Al Kurmuk locality on Thursday aloneParties must respect international humanitarian law and protect civilians and civilian infrastructure OCHA said adding that aid must be allowed to reach people in need quickly safely and without obstruction IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/airstrikes-drone-attacks-claim-dozens-of-lives-in-sudan-un-673361.html Tue, 12 May 2026 09:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/five-killed-two-injured-in-residential-building-fire-in-chinas-hunan-673364.html Changsha May 12 A fire at a residential building in central Chinas Hunan Province has left five people dead and two others injured according to the local emergency management bureau The blaze occurred around 3 am Tuesday in Yanfeng District of Hengyang City The injured are receiving medical treatment The cause of the fire is under investigationEarlier on May 5 Chinese President Xi Jinping had ordered an investigation after an explosion ripped through a fireworks factory in central China and the surrounding area killing at least 26 people and injuring 61Xiâs order came a day after the explosion at the Huasheng fireworks plant in Liuyang a city of 15 million people in central Hunan province Xi stated that âthose responsible must be held accountableâ and urged âallout efforts to search for people who were still unaccounted forâ according to the Xinhua news agency The local government dispatched 482 emergency personnel to the site and evacuated nearby areas due to the risk of further explosions at the factoryâs warehouses state media reportedOn May 2 a fire broke out at a foot massage parlour in Lingbao City central Chinaâs Henan Province leaving six trapped people dead after emergency treatment failed the local fire and rescue department had saidThe Lingbao 119 emergency centre dispatched rescue teams to the site immediately after receiving the alertApart from the six trapped people who were pulled out and later had died despite emergency treatment five others were rescued without injuries Strong traces of smoke and scorching were found at the sceneEarlier on April 25 a fire at a residential building in Shuangliu District of Chengdu the capital of southwest Chinaâs Sichuan Province left five people dead and two injured the local firefighting and rescue bureau had saidThe blaze was reported to the local fire emergency call centre IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/five-killed-two-injured-in-residential-building-fire-in-chinas-hunan-673364.html Tue, 12 May 2026 10:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/two-evacuation-planes-from-hantavirus-hit-cruise-lands-in-the-netherlands-673374.html Eindhoven May 12 The last two evacuation flights carrying passengers and crew from the hantavirushit cruise MV Hondius landed at Eindhoven Air Base in the Netherlands on Tuesday According to the Dutch Foreign Ministry the first flight operated by Australian authorities carried six passengers The second a Dutchorganized flight transported 22 crew members from the luxury cruise vessel including one Dutch national and 21 individuals of other nationalitiesThe first aircraft landed at about 1230 am local time 2330 GMT on Monday The six passengers from this plane are expected to continue onward to Australia The second Dutch flight landed about 15 minutes laterThe Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment said on Sunday that all repatriated passengers will undergo thorough medical screening A sample will be taken from everyone at the airport for laboratory testingThe agency said that a quarantine hotel has been arranged for crew members and foreign passengers who cannot immediately return home Xinhua news agency reportedMeanwhile Oceanwide Expeditions the Dutch operator of MV Hondius said in a statement on Monday that the vessel has departed the Spanish island of Tenerife and is en route to Rotterdam the Netherlands The vessel is expected to take about six days to complete the journey with a provisional arrival scheduled for this SundayAccording to the World Health Organization Hantaviruses are zoonotic viruses that naturally infect rodents and are occasionally transmitted to humans Infection in people can result in severe illness and often death although the diseases vary by type of virus and geographical location In the Americas infection has been known to lead to hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome HCPS a rapidly progressive condition affecting the lungs and heart while in Europe and Asia Hantaviruses have been known to cause haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome HFRS which primarily affects the kidneys and blood vesselsWhile there is no specific treatment that cures hantavirus diseases early supportive medical care is key to improve survival and focuses on close clinical monitoring and management of respiratory cardiac and kidney complications Prevention depends largely on reducing contacts between people and infected rodentsTransmission of Hantaviruses to humans occurs from contact with contaminated urine droppings or saliva of infected rodents Infection may also occur although less commonly through rodent bites Activities that involve contact with rodents such as cleaning enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces farming forestry work and sleeping in rodentinfested dwellings increase exposure risk IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/two-evacuation-planes-from-hantavirus-hit-cruise-lands-in-the-netherlands-673374.html Tue, 12 May 2026 11:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/nearly-200-pro-awami-league-lawyers-barred-from-contesting-bar-elections-in-bangladesh-673399.html Dhaka May 12 At least 200 lawyers in Bangladesh associated with the Awami League have been banned from contesting in at least 13 bar association elections since January local media reported on Tuesday citing members of lawyers associations across the country Although many attempted to contest as independent candidates they were reportedly prevented from collecting or submitting nomination papers with several nominations cancelled by bar associationsAmid growing concerns over the restrictions on the proAwami League lawyers the Supreme Court Bar Association SCBA is set to hold a twoday election from Wednesday Bangladeshs leading newspaper The Daily Star reportedRecently the SCBA had rejected the nomination papers of 42 lawyers out of 90 candidates for the May 1314 elections on grounds of alleged links to the Awami LeagueAccording to several legal experts and rights activists the exclusion of proAwami League lawyers from bar association elections weakens democratic norms and contradicts the constitutional provisions of freedom of associationManzill Murshid Bangladeshs Supreme Court lawyer said that proAwami League lawyers along with those linked to the 14party alliance and some independent candidates had their nomination papers cancelledThe issue is no longer confined to one political party it raises broader concerns about the democratic environment within professional bodies The Daily Star quoted Murshid as sayingCondemning the restrictions another Supreme Court lawyer Sara Hossain said The right to contest elections to professional bodies is directly related to the enjoyment of the rights to freedom of association and expressionAdditionally emphasising the importance of professional values over political identities Supreme Court lawyer Mohammad Shishir Manir said We all have to strive for professional excellence A free and fair environment is required for a participatory electionLast week several proAwami League lawyers accused Bangladesh Nationalist Party BNPbacked lawyers of obstruction and assault while attempting to collect nomination papers for the Chattogram District Bar Association CDBA election scheduled for May 21 local media reportedThe incident unfolded on May 4 at the Bar Library entrance when a group of lawyers led by proAwami League presidential candidate Abdur Rashid went to collect nomination forms under the banner of Sadharan Ainjibi ParishadThe recent pattern of alleged discrimination against legal professionals and the cancellation of candidacies of proAwami League lawyers in bar association polls across several districts in Bangladesh solely on the basis of political ideology has sparked international outrage and drawn criticism from the global community IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/nearly-200-pro-awami-league-lawyers-barred-from-contesting-bar-elections-in-bangladesh-673399.html Tue, 12 May 2026 13:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/un-warns-of-deteriorating-hunger-and-food-security-in-afghanistan-673400.html Kabul May 12 The United Nations has stated that hunger and food security are deteriorating in Afghanistan with women and children facing the most consequences amid economic and humanitarian challenges local media reported on Tuesday The UN agencies said that Afghanistan continue to face problems due to overlapping crises including economic collapse unemployment and climaterelated shocks that have impacted livelihoods across the country Increasing regional tensions have caused an increase in food prices placing additional pressure on vulnerable people Afghanistanbased Ariana News reportedThe United Nations World Food Programme UNWFP stated that continuous funding cuts have reduced supplies of specialised nutritional food needed for the treatment of malnourished women and children Millions of children face the risk of severe hunger resulting in humanitarian organisations calling for sustained international support to prevent the situation from worsening furtherOn Monday the International Organisation for Migration IOM said that around 2000 families have been affected by the recent floods in Afghanistans Nangarhar provinceThe IOM said emergency relief items have been given to impacted families as humanitarian teams continued assessing urgent needs in floodaffected people Afghanistans leading news agency Khaama Press reportedThe agency said many people lost homes agricultural land and household property after flooding in Nangarhar deteriorating humanitarian challenges faced by the vulnerable families of the provinceThe IOM stated that additional humanitarian assistance is planned for at least 250 additional families in Nangarhar as recovery and emergency operations are underway in impacted regionsAccording to the organisation similar aid operations are being conducted in Laghman and Kunar where recent flooding has caused damage to residents and infrastructureHumanitarian agencies said extreme weather conditions including floods harsh winters and droughts have impacted Afghanistan in recent years putting additional pressure on millions of people already struggling with poverty and displacement Khaama Press reported IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/un-warns-of-deteriorating-hunger-and-food-security-in-afghanistan-673400.html Tue, 12 May 2026 13:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistans-karachi-witnesses-rise-in-street-crimes-violence-incidents-673402.html Islamabad May 12 Karachi has witnessed a rise in street crime with people being robbed of hundreds of vehicles and mobile phones alongside an increase in killings and extortion cases from JanuaryApril period this year local media reported on Tuesday citing the data released by the CitizensPolice Liaison Committee CPLC During the JanuaryApril period people in Karachi were robbed of 611 cars and 13346 motorcycles collectively worth millions of rupees demonstrating the scale of vehiclerelated crime in the metropolis During the same period 5567 mobile phones were stolen from citizens during street crime incidents Pakistans daily The Express Tribune reportedIncidents related to violence were also reported in Karachi with 176 people killed in various incidents of murder Furthermore 61 cases of extortion were reported during this periodAccording to the data 22 cars were snatched and 111 were stolen while 469 motorcycles were snatched and 2723 were stolen in April alone During the same 30day period 1624 mobile phones were snatched from people while 42 people were killed in separate incidentsMeanwhile the Police Women and Child Protection Cell has revealed that at least 388 adults and 10 minors faced domestic violence harassment abuse and related crimes in Karachi from January to April this yearThe report showcases how abuse unfolded behind closed doors in Karachi with domestic violence being the most widely reported issue Authorities have received 297 complaints about domestic abuse from January to April Among these 190 complaints were resolved while nearly 100 cases remain pending demonstrating delays in providing relief to victims The Express Tribune reported Police lodged three formal cases in domestic violence incidentsKarachi has been witnessing a rise in harassment cases The protection cell received 83 complaints related to harassment and intimidation Among these complaints 42 were resolved while action on 41 complaints is still being taken Officials said that one formal case was lodged in a case involving harassment The Express Tribune reportedFurthermore the cell received 19 complaints related to sexual assault and other forms of intimidation Among these nine complaints were resolved while 10 cases are still pending investigation and legal action IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistans-karachi-witnesses-rise-in-street-crimes-violence-incidents-673402.html Tue, 12 May 2026 14:01:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indias-ethanol-blended-petrol-makes-a-splash-amid-global-oil-shock-report-673408.html New Delhi May 12 IANS Amid global supply disruptions due to the Middle East crisis and soaring crude prices ethanolblended petrol is rapidly gaining ground as a sustainable fuel of the future with India emerging as one of the worlds most closely watched biofuel success stories according to a report in The Times Kuwait newspapernbspIt points out that Indias longterm ethanol blending strategy has paid dividends by enabling the worlds fastest growing economy to cushion the oil supply shock amid the closure of the Strait of Hormuz that has roiled global marketsnbspIt highlights how starting from a modest 5 per cent ethanol blending target in 2003 India accelerated its switch to biofuels and has now achieved nearly 20 per cent ethanol blending in petrol ahead of its original target schedule The country is now preparing for E85 petrol containing 85 per cent ethanol as well as E100 fuels for flexfuel vehicles capable of operating on multiple ethanol blendsThe article points out that even by 2014 Indias average ethanol blending level stood at only 153 per cent However steady policy support investment in distillery capacity and longterm planning laid the foundation for the rapid expansion seen todayThe major turning point came in 2018 with the introduction of the National Policy on Biofuels which significantly broadened the programmes scopeEthanol production was expanded beyond sugarcane molasses to include damaged food grains surplus rice maize and agricultural residues The move reduced dependence on waterintensive sugarcane while bringing grainproducing regions in northern and central India into the ethanol economy the article points outWhat initially began as an environmental initiative aimed at lowering carbon emissions has now evolved into a broader national strategy focused on energy security economic resilience and rural development it observesThe programme is helping India save billions of dollars in foreign exchange by reducing dependence on imported crude oil particularly at a time when instability in West Asia continues to create uncertainty across global supply chains the article statesThe ethanol push is also generating significant benefits for Indias rural economy Rising demand for biofuel feedstock is supporting sugarcane farmers grain producers distilleries and biofuel infrastructure developers while creating new employment opportunities across agriculture transportation logistics and manufacturing sectors it addedIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indias-ethanol-blended-petrol-makes-a-splash-amid-global-oil-shock-report-673408.html Tue, 12 May 2026 14:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pak-gangster-shahzad-bhatti-network-under-scanner-as-india-pushes-for-extradition-673440.html New Delhi May 12 The name of Pakistanbased gangster Shahzad Bhatti has surfaced repeatedly in multiple investigations linked to terror recruitment radicalisation and espionage activities in India over the past several months More than a dozen cases have reportedly been registered against him by various agencies Bhatti a Lahorebased gangster has allegedly been operating out of Dubai for several years while frequently travelling between Pakistan the UAE and other countries in the Middle East according to investigating agencies With multiple cases linked to terror recruitment and radicalisation being registered against him Indian agencies are now prioritising efforts to secure his extradition and bring him to trialAn Indian security agency official said Bhatti had managed to exploit certain legal and jurisdictional gaps to stay beyond the reach of Indian investigatorsâHe is not an Indian national and belongs to Pakistan Moreover he has never travelled to India which has made the extradition process more complicatedâ the official saidAnother official said that although the extradition process would be complicated it was still achievable Agencies are expected to coordinate with countries where Bhatti is believed to be operating in an effort to bring him to India for trial the official addedOfficials pointed to previous terror investigations to underline that such extraditions though difficult are possible One of the key accused in the 2611 Mumbai attacks was extradited to India after exhausting all legal appeals in courts in the USIn the case of David Headley extradition could not proceed because of a plea bargain agreement with US authorities Under the pact Headley was allowed to remain in the US and could not be extradited to India Indian investigators however were permitted to question him and later appeared through video conferencing during the trial proceedingsOfficials describe Bhatti as a highvalue operative who is likely to receive protection from Pakistanâs InterServices Intelligence ISI According to security agencies there are concerns that he may return to Pakistan if Indian efforts to secure his extradition begin to gain tractionAn Intelligence Bureau official said the immediate priority was to dismantle Bhattiâs recruitment network which investigators believe has been functioning largely through social media platforms Bhatti and several of his Pakistanbased associates are alleged to have used online channels extensively to identify and recruit operativesInvestigators said youngsters from various states were allegedly targeted with promises of money influence and recognition They are made to believe they will become heroes âFinancial incentives and the lure of power have also been used during recruitmentâ the official saidInvestigators believe Bhattiâs recruitment network was intended to facilitate attacks in different parts of the country Initially agencies suspected that the recruitment drive was largely focused on carrying out strikes in PunjabBhattiâs name first surfaced prominently in March 2024 after a grenade attack near the residence of Punjabi YouTuber Rozer Sandhu in Jalandhar Punjab Investigators had also linked his network to the murder of Nationalist Congress Party leader Baba Siddique in Mumbai in October 2024Several arrests made this year are also believed to be connected to Bhattiâs network Recently the Special Cell of Delhi Police arrested nine persons from Uttar Pradesh Madhya Pradesh Jammu and Kashmir Punjab and GujaratAccording to investigators all the accused had allegedly been recruited by Bhatti and were instructed to target a major temple in Delhi a military camp in Haryana and a popular eatery along the DelhiSonipat highwayIn April two people were arrested in Madhya Pradesh after investigators found that they were allegedly planning grenade attacks outside crowded restaurants in Delhi Agencies are also probing possible links between Bhattiâs network and the lowintensity blasts reported near the Border Security Force headquarters and Amritsar Cantonment on May 5According to investigators Bhatti has claimed to have established networks in 16 countries and to command nearly 200 operatives His recruitment activities are not confined to any single region in India with youths from several states allegedly being drawn into the network This has prompted closer coordination among police forces across different statesInvestigators further said the recruitment pattern suggests that operatives are often used for a single assignment and then discarded âIt functions like a disposable module Once a recruit completes a task he is usually not used again for another operationâ an official saidThe recruitment operations need to be stopped at the earliest otherwise the situation could spiral out of control the official said adding that agencies were simultaneously pursuing efforts to secure Bhattiâs extradition IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pak-gangster-shahzad-bhatti-network-under-scanner-as-india-pushes-for-extradition-673440.html Tue, 12 May 2026 15:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/singapore-playing-key-role-in-chinas-plan-to-globalise-yuan-report-673442.html New Delhi May 12 Singapore has emerged as a key hub in Chinaâs strategy to internationalise its currency the renminbi RMB and reduce dependence on the US dollardominated global financial system The city state facilitates Chinaâs monetary and capital flows across other countries in Southeast Asia according to a new report Chinaâs structural limits like restricted capital mobility and regulatory uncertainty constrain the RMBâs global acceptance Consequently Singapore acts as a stable external gateway while diversifying financial opportunities and risks and enabling China to shape a gradual regionally anchored RMB ecosystem according to an article published on the website of the Organisation for Research on China and Asia ORCA The article cites the Peopleâs Bank of Chinaâs 2025 RMB Internationalisation Report as stating that Singapore now ranks among the top offshore RMB hubs globally only behind Hong Kong It accounts for 276 billion RMB worth of deposits contributing to a growing share of RMB trading and crossâborder settlements in Southeast AsiaThe recent announcement to designate DBS Bank as Singaporeâs second RMB clearing bank further strengthens its role in global offshore RMB markets Singaporeâs emergence as an RMB hub is therefore not accidental For Beijing it offers a politically neutral globallytrusted platform at a time when Beijingâs securitydriven priorities for Hong Kong are increasingly affecting its financial roleFor Singapore aligning with RMB internationalisation is a strategic bet to embed itself in ChinaâASEAN economic integration while diversifying its financial opportunities and risksThe recent initiatives on the expanded access to Chinaâs bond market now exceeding 25 trillion USD enable Singaporeâbased institutions a greater role in facilitating foreign participation in the RMB market the article by Omkar Bhole points outSingaporeâs offshore RMB liquidity ecosystem has strengthened significantly in recent years The city now hosts two RMB clearing banks â ICBC Singapore appointed in 2013 and DBS designated in 2025 â enhancing direct access to Chinese financial markets Singapore now accounts for 97 trillion RMB payments clearing in 2024 the article statesThree Singapore banks have also become a part of Chinaâs crossborder interbank payment system CIPS an alternative to SWIFT which reduces payment costs and clearing time for RMB transactions This not only makes these institutions an attractive option for RMBbased settlements but also allows China to gain more acceptance in strengthening an alternative financial system the article observes It also highlights that Singaporeâs own strategic calculus is equally important in this growing ecosystem As a global financial centre dependent on crossborder capital flows the internationalisation of RMB opens an opportunity for Singapore to capture a growing share of Chinalinked trade settlement wealth management and capital market activity particularly as ASEAN economies continue to deepen integration with China IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/singapore-playing-key-role-in-chinas-plan-to-globalise-yuan-report-673442.html Tue, 12 May 2026 16:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/how-china-chokes-foreign-banks-673483.html New Delhi May 12 Although foreign banks have been in China for decades they have failed to grow and currently account for a mere 5 per cent of the countryâs total banking assets according to a media article When Chinaâs accession to the World Trade Organisation in December 2001 was finalised the promise extended to foreign financial institutions was one of gradual meaningful integration However this has not taken place the article by Dr Shalini Kumar in the UKs Asian Lite newspaper noted Foreign banks are allowed to function but their growth has been checked by multiple regulators who have put in place a complex set of rules that banks find it difficult to comply with Besides taxes on foreign banks are higher and they are not allowed to repatriate their profitsThe daytoday functioning of foreign banks is monitored by three institutions the Peopleâs Bank of China the National Financial Regulatory Administration and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange This means that a foreign bank is not dealing with a single regulator but with multiple authorities at the same time Routine activities such as lending foreign exchange transactions and compliance reporting fall under overlapping oversight the article statedIt highlights that foreign banks in China are expected to submit close to a thousand reports every year These are not limited to annual disclosures but include daily weekly fortnightly monthly halfyearly and annual submissions A typical week for a compliance team in a foreign bank involves preparing multiple filings at the same time Daily liquidity and transaction reports may be due alongside weekly summaries and monthly statements At the same time banks must keep track of deadlines for halfyearly and annual submissions which require more detailed documentationDelays or errors in these submissions are not treated lightly Even a missed deadline can attract monetary penalties This means that compliance is not just about meeting regulatory standards but about meeting them on time the article points outThe financial side of the equation adds another layer of pressure Foreign banks in China pay around 18 per cent tax to the Chinese government along with a 6 per cent valueadded tax on the interest they earn Interest income is the core of banking When a bank lends money the margin it earns on that loan is its primary source of profit Applying VAT directly to this income means that taxation cuts into the main business activity itself For a foreign bank operating on a smaller scale compared to domestic competitors this has a noticeable impact Margins are tighter and the room to expand lending or offer competitive rates is reduced Regulatory costs and tax burdens do not operate separately Together they shape how much a foreign bank can realistically earn and reinvest the article observedPerhaps the most significant constraint comes after profits are earned Foreign banks are not freely allowed to transfer overseas the profits they make from interest income Instead they are expected to retain and reinvest those earnings within China This changes the basic logic of operating in a foreign market the article added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/how-china-chokes-foreign-banks-673483.html Tue, 12 May 2026 19:01:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/cm-vijay-urges-eam-jaishankar-to-secure-release-of-arrested-tn-fishermen-from-sri-lankan-custody-673494.html Chennai May 12 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Tuesday urged the External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar to take immediate diplomatic steps to secure the release of six fishermen from the state arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy and to retrieve their seized fishing boat In a letter addressed to Union Minister Jaishankar Chief Minister Vijay expressed concern over the continuing arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen by Sri Lankan authorities and highlighted the growing distress among coastal communities in the state Drawing EAM Jaishankars attention to the latest incident the Chief Minister said six fishermen from Mandapam in Ramanathapuram district were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy on Tuesday for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line IMBL The arrested fishermen were identified as Alex Antony Rajan Santhana Arokiyas Arul DBritto Albert and Sahaya Selvasanu According to the letter the fishermen had ventured into the sea on May 10 in a country boat from the Mandapam coastal region for routine fishing operations before they were detained by the Sri Lankan Naval personnel on May 12 Chief Minister Vijay said that the repeated arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen had become a serious humanitarian and livelihood issue affecting hundreds of fishing families dependent on the Palk Bay region for their survival The Chief Minister also added that 54 Tamil Nadu fishermen are currently lodged in Sri Lankan prisons following earlier arrests by the Sri Lankan Navy In addition he noted that Sri Lankan authorities have so far seized 264 fishing boats belonging to fishermen from Tamil Nadu Stressing the need for urgent intervention by the Centre Chief Minister Vijay urged EAM Jaishankar to immediately engage with the Sri Lankan government through appropriate diplomatic channels to secure the fishermens release and ensure the return of their boats at the earliest The letter comes amid renewed tension in the Palk Strait region where incidents involving Tamil Nadu fishermen and the Sri Lankan Navy continue to recur despite repeated bilateral discussions between India and Sri Lanka on the longpending fishing dispute The Tamil Nadu government has consistently said that the livelihood concerns of traditional fishermen should be handled with sensitivity and has repeatedly sought permanent diplomatic and humanitarian solutions to prevent arrests and boat seizures in the future IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/cm-vijay-urges-eam-jaishankar-to-secure-release-of-arrested-tn-fishermen-from-sri-lankan-custody-673494.html Tue, 12 May 2026 20:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/intelligence-agencies-warn-aqis-could-use-mali-attacks-to-regroup-in-india-673294.html New Delhi May 11 Over 70 people were killed last week in a fresh wave of jihadist attacks in central Mali The attacks were claimed by the Jamaat Nusrat alIslam wal Muslimin JNIM a terror group closely linked to the AlQaeda Following the death of Osama Bin Laden and other senior functionaries of the outfit many had presumed that the AlQaeda is on its decline The outfit even launched its wing called the AllQaeda in the SubContinent AQIS The outfit was launched in Afghanistan with its primary focus being on India The outfit did not take off as it would have expected but it still remains a grave threatOfficials say that there is an emerging pattern that one notices where the outfit is concerned The AlQaeda has over the years made significant progress in Africa The attacks in Mali which falls in West Africa is testimony of how powerful the outfit is the official addedWhat the AlQaeda benefited from is that the world had taken its eyes off the outfit thinking that it had gone down None expected a resurgence and the fact that it was off the radar in fact helped the outfit rebuildThe same is in the case of the AQIS It has remained relatively quiet for several years now It has focussed its resources on online propaganda but has deliberately ensured that it is not as vocal as the Islamic StateAn Intelligence Bureau official says that such attacks like the one we saw in Mali are all factors that the AQIS would take into account to relaunch itself in a big way The law enforcement agencies cannot afford to take the AQIS lightly as it is capable of making a comeback in a very big wayMoreover the AQIS is capable of generating more traction in India when compared to the Islamic State Many especially within the southern states still consider Osama Bin Laden to be a hero Despite being gone for long Bin Laden is still a big draw and an extremely polarising figure the official addedAnother official said that the AlQaeda has learnt the art of deception Take the case of the attacks in Mali The JNIM is an affiliate of the AlQaeda and draws inspiration from its ideology and Bin Laden The official said that the AlQaeda would continue to operate through its affiliates For the terror group the important thing is to get the job done instead of claiming credit for attacksAn official said that the Mali attack serves as inspiration for the AQIS It would cite such attacks during its propaganda campaign and look to lure the youth into its fold The official said that in India the affiliate of the AQIS is the Base Movement This group which had been lying low for several years has started boosting up its online propaganda The Mali attacks would act as a booster for the Base Movement to step up operations in India the official addedOfficials also say that the AQIS and Base Movement have several operatives across the country They had deliberately kept a low profile for all these years The flurry of online activity that the Intelligence agencies are picking up recently suggest that these operatives are likely to come out and prepare for strikes in IndiaThe official added that the world is currently busy with the events in Iran Many countries which kept tabs on the AlQaeda are currently focussed elsewhere and this is something that the AlQaeda is taking advantage ofA similar trend is being noticed where the AQIS is concerned It is looking to take advantage of the fact that the attention of the world is elsewhere Taking advantage of the situation across the world and also the fact that it carried out a major attack in Mali the AQIS would use this to push their agenda and carry out major strikes in India the Intelligence agencies warn IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/intelligence-agencies-warn-aqis-could-use-mali-attacks-to-regroup-in-india-673294.html Mon, 11 May 2026 13:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/islamic-state-planning-sri-lanka-style-attacks-in-india-using-foreign-operatives-673303.html New Delhi May 11 The Islamic State has devised a new strategy whereby it would use its radicalised elements from various countries around India to carry out both propaganda and attacks When the Islamic State announced itself on the world stage in late 2013 there were plenty of people from India who left the country to join the outfit However over the years the agencies have managed to prevent many from leaving the country to join the Islamic State in Syria Iraq and AfghanistanThere have been successful deradicalisation campaigns which ensured that many who had plans of joining the outfit returned to the mainstreamAn Intelligence Bureau official says that while the problem is largely in check in India there are attempts now being made to push in recruits from other countriesThe Islamic State has dedicated wings in Pakistan Bangladesh Maldives and Sri LankaThe effects of the Islamic Stateâs Sri Lankan module was seen in Tamil Nadu and Mangaluru In both these places a radicalised individual part of the Islamic State attempted to carry out attacks However both failedThe common angle in these incidents is that the accused persons Jamesha Mubin and Mohammad Sharique were radicalised by the same individual from Sri Lanka Zahran Hashim the mastermind of the Easter Bombings in Sri Lanka was the leader of the Islamic State in the country He had visited South India and stayed for a considerable period of time during which both Mubin and Sharique were radicalisedOfficials say that the Islamic State is planning on pushing its recruits from Maldives Sri Lanka and Bangladesh into India Travel into India from these countries is relatively easier and the outfit is looking to take advantage of thatThe official added that the modules in Bangladesh are focussing heavily on pushing in recruits into West Bengal and Bihar On the other hand the push into the southern states would be made by Sri Lanka and Maldives the official addedAssessing the threat perception another official said that the push that is being attempted from Bangladesh is the highest A recent edition of Dabiq the mouthpiece of the Islamic State had an article titled The Revival of Jihad in Bengal aimed at calling the youth to dedicate themselves to JihadOfficials say that this was the first time that the Islamic State module in Bangladesh was attempting to push its agenda in IndiaAnother official said that the threat from Sri Lanka is the least Post the Easter Bombings a large part of the outfit has been eliminated although it would be wrong to assume that the group has shut shop in the country This explains why a major push is being attempted from Maldives into South India the official addedThe official further stated that the intended cause is to carry out attacks in India on the scale of which was carried out in Sri Lanka The Islamic State wants foreign players to carry out these attacks There are two reasons for this the official added There is hardly any information on foreign fighters Moreover it has also been noticed that the radicalisation of a foreign fighter is much higher when compared to an operative from IndiaThe Intelligence agencies say that while the aim is to strike big in India the other plan is to use this as a recruitment toolThe Islamic State has been pushing some of its India operatives to carry out strikes in India but they have failed many times Attacks by foreign operatives could set an example for the Indian operatives the Islamic State feelsSuch attacks could become a benchmark and the Indian operatives could inspiration from them and carry out strikes within the country an official said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/islamic-state-planning-sri-lanka-style-attacks-in-india-using-foreign-operatives-673303.html Mon, 11 May 2026 14:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-rights-body-calls-sindh-govts-ban-on-aurat-march-state-fascism-against-balochistan-673309.html Quetta May 11 Human rights organisation Baloch Yakjehti Committee BYC slammed Pakistanâs Sindh government for barring the organisation from participating in the Aurat March programme describing the move as âstate fascismâ against the people of Balochistan The rights body stated that declaring the BYC and Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz JSQM as banned organisations in the conditional permit issued for the march on Sunday demonstrated the âextreme of state fascismRaising questions over the governmentâs actions the BYC asked under what law or judicial ruling it had been declared a banned organisation The rights body asserted that no Pakistani court has banned the BYC arguing that it remains a peaceful political organisation with no legal basis for such a banHighlighting its role as a democratic public movement against âhuman rights abuses enforced disappearances extrajudicial measures and Baloch genocideâ in Balochistan the BYC said For the past year the state has been continuously attempting to crush this public movement through the use of violenceââThroughout this entire yearlong period the state has failed to present even a single legal piece of evidence against the BYC nor does the state possess any political or legal argument against the BYC therefore the state is resorting to the unrestrained use of force against the BYCâ it addedThe BYC alleged that its leaders have been illegally and unconstitutionallyâ detained for extended periods It further stated that despite facing bailable charges these leaders are being denied their fundamental right to bailAdditionally the BYC claimed that Pakistanâs antiterrorism laws are being weaponised against thousands of Baloch political activistsLegislation such as the AntiTerrorism Act ATA and the Fourth Schedule which were enacted to curb terrorism it said are being used by Pakistani authorities against peaceful political activists students and individuals advocating for human rightsâIn this context the imposition of such conditions by the Sindh government on the Aurat Marchâconditions that single out and declare the BYC as bannedâis an utterly shameful and condemnable act All these facts clearly demonstrate that the state is using law and force as weapons against the Baloch people in order to silence the Baloch voice against the wall in every possible wayâ the rights body stressedThe BYC reiterated its resolve to continue exposing the ongoing âhuman rights violations enforced disappearances political vendettas and state oppressionâ in Balochistan before the worldIt called on the human rights organisations worldwide womens movements democratic forces and justiceloving people to stand in solidarity with the BYC and the âpeaceful struggleâ of the people in Balochistan against Pakistans oppression IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-rights-body-calls-sindh-govts-ban-on-aurat-march-state-fascism-against-balochistan-673309.html Mon, 11 May 2026 15:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-measles-outbreak-death-toll-climbs-to-409-after-11-more-fatalities-673312.html Dhaka May 11 At least 11 people have died from measles and measleslike symptoms in Bangladesh taking the total number of confirmed and suspected deaths linked to the outbreak to 409 according to local media reports According to the Directorate General of Health Services DGHS the deaths were reported in the 24 hours leading up to SundayThe DGHS said that four people died from confirmed measles taking the overall confirmed deaths since March 15 to 65 while seven additional deaths linked to suspected cases were recorded bringing the total suspected deaths to 344 Bangladeshi daily Dhaka Tribune reportedDuring the same 24hour period 1503 suspected measles patients were recorded taking the overall tally since March 15 to 49159 Among these 205 were confirmed measles cases pushing the total confirmed cases to 6819Reports suggest that since March 15 hospitals have admitted 34909 patients with measles symptomsAs measles has killed more than 400 individuals since midMarch across Bangladesh a report described the outbreak as an avoidable disaster and called for accountability from the previous interim government led by Muhammad Yunus who dismantled a functional vaccine procurement system without the capacity to rebuild itâThe countryâs measles vaccination coverage rose steadily for two decades becoming an international model for lowincome countries That record has now been squandered with shocking negligence by the past interim governmentâ an editorial report in The Daily Star statedAccording to the report Bangladeshs Health Population and Nutrition Sector Programmeâwhich had been in place since 1998âwas scrapped in March 2025 without an adequate exit strategyIt stated that the stalled vaccine procurement dwindling medicine supplies to more than 14000 community clinics and exhausted buffer stocks during the tenure of the interim government had worsened the situationSlamming the interim governmentâs actions the report said âThe lack of accountability warrants a probe committeeâone with the authority to establish individual responsibility The deaths of children are tragic Those who dismantled this programme must answer for each of these deathsâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-measles-outbreak-death-toll-climbs-to-409-after-11-more-fatalities-673312.html Mon, 11 May 2026 15:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-restrictions-on-aurat-march-demonstrates-governments-double-standards-673318.html Islamabad May 11 The 28point restrictions imposed on Aurat March Karachi by the government of Sindh province in Pakistan showcases distressing example of familiar double standards as women who are celebrated during speeches and choreographed events are labelled as threats by the state when they start demanding their rights local media has highlighted An editorial in leading Pakistani daily Dawn stated that the organisers had requested authorities to allow them to hold a march peacefully for womens rights However they received a document dripping with authoritarian anxiety The message from the authorities could not have been clearer women can gather but only if they remain harmless politically it mentionedRather than facilitating peaceful assembly the administration chose to police slogans speech and even clothing The vague and sweeping conditions betray insecurity Why does a march calling attention to gender violence and economic inequality provoke such discomfort in official circles Why are women demanding bodily autonomy and constitutional rights treated as a threat Secure governments do not fear placards nor do they attempt to dictate what citizens may wear while exercising their rights the newspaper opinedAccording to the daily a majority of perpetrators of violence against women in Pakistan are men Women face harassment on roads workplaces and homes and are subjected to honour killings domestic abuse forced marriages and institutional discrimination However authorities instead of dealing with the structures that allow such violence regulate women The state seem unable to tolerate women who speak their mind without bureaucratic approvalJust consider in 2026 women in Pakistan must still seek permission to demand dignity while the state reserves the right to determine how loudly how politically and even how appropriately dressed they may be while doing so We have miles to go before we can claim to be a progressive society it mentionedOn May 5 the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan HRCP had condemned the detention of Aurat March organisers and volunteers outside the Karachi Press Club where they had gathered to hold a press conferenceThe rights body stated that preventing people from holding press conference showcases an increasingly repressive approach to governance where dissent is considered a threat instead of a democratic necessity leading Pakistani news network Geo News reportedThe HRCPs statement came after police briefly arrested several Aurat March leaders including activist and artist artist Sheema Kermani outside the Karachi Press ClubHRCP strongly condemns the arrest of several organisers and volunteers of Aurat March from outside the Karachi Press Club where they were scheduled to address a press conference This incident is not isolated overreach but rather part of a broader and deeply troubling pattern the systematic denial of public space to citizens seeking to articulate their rights HRCP posted on XThe rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are constitutionally guaranteed Preventing citizens particularly women and marginalised groups from even convening a press conference reflects an increasingly repressive approach to governance where dissent is treated as a threat rather than a democratic necessity it addedThe organisers of the press conference said that the detained people included Kermani transgender activist Shehzadi Rai Muniza and others IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-restrictions-on-aurat-march-demonstrates-governments-double-standards-673318.html Mon, 11 May 2026 16:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistans-karachi-witnesses-alarming-rise-in-domestic-violence-harassment-cases-673334.html Islamabad May 11 At least 388 adults and 10 minors faced domestic violence harassment abuse and related crimes in Pakistans Karachi from JanuaryApril this year according to the latest statistics revealed by the Police Women and Child Protection Cell The report showcases how abuse unfolded behind closed doors in Karachi with domestic violence being the most widely reported issue Authorities have received 297 complaints about domestic abuse from JanuaryApril Among these 190 complaints were resolved while nearly 100 cases remain pending demonstrating delays in providing relief to victims The Express Tribune reported Police lodged three formal cases in domestic violence incidentsKarachi has been witnessing rise in harassment cases The protection cell received 83 complaints related to harassment and intimidation Among these complaints 42 were resolved while action on 41 complaints is still being taken Officials said that one formal case was lodged in a case involving harassmentFurthermore the cell received 19 complaints related to sexual assault and other forms of intimidation Among these nine complaints were resolved while 10 cases are still pending investigation and legal action The Express Tribune reportedA report recently detailed that human rights abuses have increased in Pakistan particularly for the most vulnerable groups Women experience the most severe consequences of Pakistans structural inequalities in the form of a femicide crisisGenderbased violence including acid attacks forced and child marriage rape trafficking forced conversion and domestic abuse remain widespread in Pakistan Hundreds of women are killed each year in socalled honour killings often by relatives over perceived family shameAt least 405 cases were reported in 2024 however the real figures are likely more due to low reporting and weak and inconsistent enforcement according to a report in Genocide Watch More than 2000 domestic violence cases and 5000 accounts of rape were recorded in 2024 demonstrating Pakistanâs status as one of the most dangerous countries in the world for womenAccording to a 2025 United Nations report two out of every three Pakistani women are not given reproductive autonomy and they face abuse and pressure about their reproductive health In September the Lahore High Court ruled that marriages after puberty are valid under Islamic law as girl marriage remains widespread in Pakistan with millions married under the age of 18 years according to the report in Genocide WatchPakistan was ranked at the last spot in the World Economic Forumâs Global Gender Gap Index and it faces an education crisis with over 21 million children reportedly out of school due to poverty social pressures child labour and discrimination IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistans-karachi-witnesses-alarming-rise-in-domestic-violence-harassment-cases-673334.html Mon, 11 May 2026 18:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/russia-ukraine-accuse-each-other-of-violating-3-day-ceasefire-673232.html MoscowKyiv May 10 Russia and Ukraine on Sunday accused each other of violating a declared threeday ceasefire The Russian Defence Ministry said Sunday that Ukrainian forces committed 16071 violations of the ceasefire regime in the past 24 hours Xinhua news agency reportedRussian forces responded to the ceasefire violations in kind launching retaliatory strikes against multiple launch rocket system artillery and mortar positions as well as command posts and drone launch sites the ministry saidOn Saturday the ministry also reported 8970 ceasefire violations in multiple regionsUkrainian authorities said Sunday that at least one person was killed and 15 others were injured in Russian attacks across Ukraine despite the ceasefireThe General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said in a statement that Russian forces attacked Ukrainian positions 60 times on SundayRussia and Ukraine on Friday agreed to a threeday ceasefire from Saturday to Monday during the Victory Day celebrationsEarlier this month the Russian Ministry of Defence announced on that Russia declares a ceasefire from midnight on May 8 until May 10 in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine reported local mediaThis ceasefire is during the celebrations of the 81st anniversary of the Soviet peoples victory in World War IIIn accordance with the decision of the President of the Russian Federation Supreme CommanderinChief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin during the celebration of the 81st anniversary of the Soviet peoples victory in the Great Patriotic War from midnight on May 8 to May 10 the Russian side is declaring a ceasefire the Ministry said reported the State owned Russian news agency TASSEarlier on May 4 speaking at the 8th European Political Community Summit in Yerevan Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky said referring to Russiaâs Victory Parade on May 9 without any defence equipment âIf that happens it will be the first time in many many years They cannot afford military equipment â and they fear drones may buzz over Red Squareâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/russia-ukraine-accuse-each-other-of-violating-3-day-ceasefire-673232.html Mon, 11 May 2026 07:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-to-visit-china-amid-trade-push-673233.html Washington May 11 US President Donald Trump will travel to Beijing this week for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping focused on trade investment Iran Taiwan artificial intelligence and security concerns the White House said Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly told reporters that Trump will arrive in Beijing on Wednesday evening He will attend a welcome ceremony and hold a bilateral meeting with Xi on Thursday morningThat afternoon the two leaders will tour the Temple of Heaven Trump will attend a state banquet that evening On Friday he will join Xi for a bilateral tea and working lunch before leaving ChinaâThis will be a visit of tremendous symbolic significanceâ Kelly said âBut of course President Trump never travels for symbolism aloneâShe said the talks would seek to âfurther rebalance trade with Chinaâ and put âAmerican workers farmers and families firstâKelly said the agenda includes work on a USChina Board of Trade and a USChina Board of Investment The Board of Trade would cover governmenttogovernment management of trade in nonsensitive goods The investment board would be a forum to discuss investmentrelated issuesThe two sides are also expected to discuss possible agreements in aerospace agriculture and energyA senior US official said the potential Board of Trade could cover âdouble digit billionsâ in trade The official said Washington and Beijing have discussed possible purchase commitments including agricultural goods and aircraftâThereâs not a proposal out there for some massive investmentâ the official said rejecting reports of a major Chinese investment planOn Iran a senior US official said Trump has spoken with Xi several times about Chinaâs role including âthe revenue that China providesâ to Iran and Russia and concerns over dualuse goods components and partsThe official said Trump was expected to press Xi again on IranâI would expect the President to apply pressureâ the official saidOfficials also said the two leaders may discuss artificial intelligence One senior official said AI is âa rapidly evolving sectorâ and that the United States has security concernsAnother official said Washington wants to explore whether a communication channel on AI matters should be establishedOn Taiwan a senior US official said there has been âno change of US policyâ and no change is expected The official later said the administration has approved âsignificantly moreâ arms sales to Taiwan in its first year than the previous administration did in four yearsThe official also said Washington was disappointed that parts of Taiwanâs defence funding package were left out and wanted the rest fundedThe visit comes as Washington and Beijing continue to manage a tense relationship shaped by trade technology controls Taiwan cyber activity and Chinaâs ties with Russia and Iran IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-to-visit-china-amid-trade-push-673233.html Mon, 11 May 2026 08:18:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/british-passengers-from-hantavirus-cruise-ship-isolated-673234.html London May 11 Twenty British nationals evacuated from the hantavirusaffected cruise ship MV Hondius were isolated in a northwest England hospital upon their return as authorities stepped up outbreak containment and monitoring The passengers landed in Manchester earlier in the day before being transferred by bus to Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral Merseyside where they will remain under medical observation for 72 hours Xinhua news agency reportedIn a joint statement local National Health Service NHS authorities said the group would stay in a managed setting for clinical assessment and testing If they remain symptomfree they will later be allowed to return home and continue selfisolation for a further 42 daysThe British government said all passengers and crew members returning from the MV Hondius would undergo a total of 45 days of isolation and monitoring Followup work is also underway for individuals who may have been in contact with confirmed or suspected casesThe emergency measures follow a hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius which has resulted in at least eight confirmed or suspected cases and three reported deathsAs part of the broader response to the outbreak the British government also deployed a specialist military and medical team to Tristan da Cunha a remote British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic after a British national on the island tested positive for hantavirusAccording to the British Ministry of Defence six paratroopers and two military clinicians from 16 Air Assault Brigade parachuted onto the island while oxygen supplies and medical equipment were airdropped simultaneouslyTristan da Cunha a volcanic island group with a population of 221 people is regarded as Britains most remote inhabited overseas territory The islands have no airstrip and are normally accessible only by seaThe Defence Ministry described the mission as the first time the British military had deployed medical personnel via parachute to provide humanitarian assistanceThe British government said the risk to the general public remained very low IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/british-passengers-from-hantavirus-cruise-ship-isolated-673234.html Mon, 11 May 2026 08:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/north-korea-flags-hantavirus-danger-amid-cruise-ship-outbreak-673235.html Seoul May 11 North Korea has raised the alarm over the danger posed by the Hantavirus after an outbreak on a foreign cruise ship has killed three passengers echoing its response to the COVID19 pandemic years earlier The Rodong Simnum the ruling Workers Partys official newspaper reported Monday on the outbreak of the Andes strain of the virus on a ship sailing in the Atlantic Ocean describing it as raising concerns from the international communityThe US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a Level 3 emergency response over the outbreak activating its emergency operations center it addedThe paper urged the public to minimize contact with infected rodents maintain cleanliness at home and in the workplace and practice good personal hygiene to reduce the risk of infectionThe report followed an earlier dispatch Friday when it covered the first fatality aboard the MV Hondius which had departed from ArgentinaThe coverage appears intended to alert the public to the potential risk of the virus reaching the country It echoed Pyongyangs response to COVID19 when it sealed its borders for years to halt the spread of the virus Yonhap news agency reportedAt that time the shutdown effectively halted economic exchanges with its key trading partners China and Russia and is believed to have caused significant economic damageMeanwhile the Embassy of India in Madrid Spain stated on Sunday that two Indians who were aboard the Hantavirushit cruise ship are safe and asymptomaticThe Dutchflagged vessel MV Hondius with around 150 individuals including two Indian nationals arrived in Spain on SundayIn the context of the Hantavirus outbreak the ship anchored off the coast of the Canary Islands of Spain The passengers onboard disembarked from the ship in accordance with the protocol established by the WHO and the Spanish authorities stated the EmbassyThe two Indian nationals are healthy and asymptomatic As informed by the Spanish National Centre for Emergency Monitoring and Coordination CENEM the two Indian nationals who were travelling as crew members have been evacuated to the Netherlands where they will be quarantined as per relevant health safety protocol the embassy notedThe Embassy also highlighted that the Ambassador is in close contact with the Spanish authorities and the two Indian nationals crew members and is regularly monitoring the situation to ensure the wellbeing and safety of the Indian nationals IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/north-korea-flags-hantavirus-danger-amid-cruise-ship-outbreak-673235.html Mon, 11 May 2026 08:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/former-thai-pm-thaksin-released-on-parole-673236.html Bangkok May 11 Thailands convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was released from Bangkoks Klong Prem Central Prison on Monday after being allowed to complete the remaining four months of his oneyear sentence on parole Thaksin made a public appearance at around 740 am local time reuniting with family members in front of the prison where he had served twothirds of his sentence required by standard parole criteria Xinhua news agency reportedHe and his family paid tribute to the Thai flag expressed gratitude to the supporters and then left by car at around 755 am local timeAs he departed to report to a Bangkok probation office crowds of supporters wearing red shirts greeted the former prime minister as they gathered outside the prison compound under tight police securityAccording to the Department of Corrections Thaksin was among over 850 inmates granted early release at a parole committee meeting last month citing his age of over 70 and the fact that he had less than a year of jail time left to justify the eligibilityThe department has said that he must comply with strict probation conditions including wearing an electronic monitoring device accepting parole supervision reporting to the regulatory authorities on time and not leaving the country until his oneyear sentence formally concludes on September 9The Parole Committee under the Ministry of Justice of Thailand held a meeting on April 29 and decided to allow Thaksin to be released on parole on May 11Thaksin now 76 years old served twice as prime minister of the Southeast Asian nation winning elections in 2001 and 2005 A military coup in 2006 cut short his second term and he went into selfimposed exile in 2008Upon returning to Thailand in August 2023 he was taken into custody to serve eight years of imprisonment on three charges stemming from his time in officeAfter serving less than a day behind bars he was transferred from a Bangkok prison facility to a police hospital citing critical health concerns His sentence was subsequently commuted to one year following a royal pardon requestThaksin returned to prison on Sept 9 2025 after the Supreme Court ruled that his sixmonth hospital detention was unlawfully allowed and did not count toward time servedThe former prime minister remains embroiled in a separate royal defamation case after the attorney general filed an appeal against a lower courts decision to acquit him over remarks he made in a 2015 interview with foreign media IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/former-thai-pm-thaksin-released-on-parole-673236.html Mon, 11 May 2026 08:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/german-passengers-evacuated-from-hantavirus-hit-cruise-ship-673237.html Berlin May 11 Four German passengers have been evacuated from the cruise ship MV Hondius following a Hantavirus outbreak said German public broadcaster ARD on its news website Tagesschau Monday After landing in Eindhoven the Netherlands on Sunday evening they were met by specialists before being transported to Frankfurt Xinhua news agency reportedUpon arrival the passengers will return to their respective home states for quarantine said the report One passenger is scheduled to be admitted to the Charite hospital in BerlinApart from the four passengers a 65yearold German woman has already been admitted to a hospital in Duesseldorf Authorities said she had close contact with another passenger who died on board from the virus but so far no signs of infection have been detectedAccording to the report none of the returning passengers showed symptomsMeanwhile twenty British nationals evacuated from the hantavirusaffected cruise ship MV Hondius were isolated in a northwest England hospital upon their return as authorities stepped up outbreak containment and monitoringThe passengers landed in Manchester earlier in the day before being transferred by bus to Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral Merseyside where they will remain under medical observation for 72 hoursIn a joint statement local National Health Service NHS authorities said the group would stay in a managed setting for clinical assessment and testing If they remain symptomfree they will later be allowed to return home and continue selfisolation for a further 42 daysThe British government said all passengers and crew members returning from the MV Hondius would undergo a total of 45 days of isolation and monitoring Followup work is also underway for individuals who may have been in contact with confirmed or suspected cases IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/german-passengers-evacuated-from-hantavirus-hit-cruise-ship-673237.html Mon, 11 May 2026 08:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/north-korea-marches-in-russias-victory-day-parade-in-show-of-military-bond-seoul-673238.html Seoul May 11 The South Koreas unification ministry said on Monday that North Koreas participation in Russias Victory Day parade was to display the two nations deepening military ties By marching in Russias Victory Day parade for the first time North Korea showed off its military ties with Russia Yoon Minho the ministrys spokesperson said at a regular briefingOn Saturday North Korean troops marched at Red Square in Moscow carrying their national flag alongside a banner marking Victory Day which commemorates the Soviet victory over Germany in World War IIThe Korean Peoples Army combined ground naval and air forces contingent joined in the Moscow Victory Day Parade the Korean Central News Agency KCNA reported Sunday adding that the march took place at Moscows invitationFollowing the parade Russian President Vladimir Putin met the contingent commander and expressed his gratitude the KCNA addedThe parade marked the first time North Korean troops have publicly marched on Russian soil in such a ceremony Yonhap news agency reportedPyongyang deployed around 15000 combat troops to support Russia in the war after North Korean leader Kim Jongun and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a strategic partnership treaty in June 2024North Korean leader Kim Jongun sent a congratulatory message to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Russias Victory Day celebration reaffirming Pyongyangs commitment to prioritising and deepening ties with Moscow state media reported SaturdayKim also extended his sincerest congratulations on the occasion of the 81st Victory Day and expressed satisfaction with the current brilliant history of independence dignity peace and prosperity shared by the two countries according to the Norths state media Korean Central News Agency KCNAReaffirming the stand of the government of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea DPRK to give top priority to and steadily develop the alliancelike comprehensive strategic partnership between our two countries I affirm once again that we will always faithfully fulfil the obligations under the interstate treaty between the DPRK and Russia Kim said using the Norths official name IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/north-korea-marches-in-russias-victory-day-parade-in-show-of-military-bond-seoul-673238.html Mon, 11 May 2026 09:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-intensifies-intelligence-gathering-off-cuba-report-673257.html Washington May 11 US military intelligencegathering flights have increased off the coast of Cuba in recent months according to a media report published on Monday Since February 4 the US Navy and Air Force have conducted at least 25 flights mostly near Havana and Santiago de Cuba with some coming within 40 miles 64 km of the coast said the report analysing publicly available aviation data from FlightRadar24 a live flight trackerThe missions have predominantly involved P8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft designed for surveillance and reconnaissance while some have been conducted by other types of aircraft and drones specialising in signals intelligence gathering and highaltitude reconnaissance reports Xinhua news agency citing the CNN reportThe flights are unusual not only for their proximity to Cuban shores but also for their sudden frequency as such public activity had been rare in this region prior to FebruaryThe recent uptick in Cuba is new and deviates from where these aircraft have historically been deployed CNN said citing data aggregated by adsb exposedThe surge of flights came after US President Donald Trump ramped up rhetoric against the island nationIn January Trump reposted on Truth Social a comment by Fox News contributor Marc Thiessen which said the president would visit a free Havana before leaving office Just a few days after the post Trump ordered an oil blockade of CubaLast week the United States imposed new sanctions on key economic entities in Cuba including a CubanCanadian mining joint venture and a business conglomerate run by Cubas military insisting that they represent threats to US national security and foreign policyCNN noted that similar patterns have occurred in the leadup to US military operations in both Venezuela and Iran where escalated US rhetoric coincided with an uptick in publicly visible surveillance flightsThe Pentagon declined to comment on these findings it said adding that it has also reached out to the Cuban government IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-intensifies-intelligence-gathering-off-cuba-report-673257.html Mon, 11 May 2026 11:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-koreas-naval-destroyer-to-participate-in-fleet-review-international-field-training-in-us-673258.html WashingtonSeoul May 11 A South Korean naval destroyer will participate in a fleet review and multinational field exercise in the United States over the next two months the Navy said Monday The 4400ton ROKS Munmu the Great destroyer will leave a naval base on Jeju Island later in the day to take part in an international fleet review in New York scheduled for July 38 the Navy said in a releaseThe warship is among some 100 other naval vessels of around 50 countries participating in the fleet review including Canada Britain Japan and Spain reports Yonhap news agencyAhead of the fleet review the warship will take part in multinational field training at the end of next month It will be held on the east coast of Norfolk in Virginia home to a key US naval baseThe field exercise will be hosted by the US Second Fleet responsible for operations on the East Coast and in the North Atlantic OceanJoining the training will be about 30 naval vessels from 18 countries including Brazil France and BritainThe Munmu the Great named after a king of the Silla Kingdom 57 BC935 AD will also conduct promotional activities for South Korean naval ships and weapons systems at port calls in Mexico and ColombiaOn its way home the destroyer plans to make port calls in the Colombian city of Cartagena and San Diego in the US to carry out activities honouring veterans who fought alongside South Korea in the 195053 Korean WarMeanwhile the top defence chiefs of South Korea and the United States were set to hold talks in Washington on Monday focusing on advancing the transfer of wartime operational control OPCON from Washington to Seoul and Koreas push to acquire nuclearpowered submarines IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-koreas-naval-destroyer-to-participate-in-fleet-review-international-field-training-in-us-673258.html Mon, 11 May 2026 11:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/asian-nations-launch-alliance-to-enhance-regional-collaboration-in-rare-disease-care-673259.html Kuala Lumpur May 11 The Human Genome Project II Rare Disease Alliance of the AsiaPacific Region HGP2 RaDiAnceAPAC was launched here on Sunday to advance regional collaboration in rare disease care The launch meeting brought together clinical experts researchers in genomics and representatives from public health and policy sectors from 10 APAC countries including Malaysia India Vietnam Thailand Indonesia Nepal China the Philippines Cambodia and Pakistan reports Xinhua news agencyThe alliance coinitiated by Chinas BGI Group and regional partners from across the AsiaPacific aims to strengthen regional collaboration in rare disease diagnosis research in genomics capacity building and public health response while addressing persistent gaps in diagnostic capacity uneven access to precision medicine and fragmented standards and experiencesharing across the AsiaPacific regionDuring the event alliance members signed the Joint Declaration of the HGP2 RaDiAnceAPAC Initiative reaffirming their shared commitment to advancing regional collaboration in rare disease careNor Fariza Binti Ngah deputy directorgeneral of health research and technical support at the Malaysian Ministry of Health said that stronger regional cooperation on rare diseases across the AsiaPacific is of great importanceZilfalil Bin Alwi professor of medical genetics and senior consultant paediatrician and clinical geneticist at Universiti Sains Malaysia said the diversity and inclusiveness of the alliance demonstrate the significance of the initiativeHou Yong general manager of BGI Genomics a subsidiary of BGI Group said that HGP2 RaDiAnceAPAC will help advance the standardisation intelligent transformation and equitable accessibility of rare disease diagnosis and treatment across the AsiaPacific regionThong Meow Keong professor at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman and visiting consultant clinical geneticist at University Malaya Medical Centre said that the AsiaPacific region is currently advancing the HGP2 focusing on the development of rare disease diagnosis genetic technology and precision public healthWith millions of people worldwide affected by rare diseases he expressed his expectation that genetic technology and artificial intelligence will drive the transformation of healthcare systems in the field of rare diseases IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/asian-nations-launch-alliance-to-enhance-regional-collaboration-in-rare-disease-care-673259.html Mon, 11 May 2026 11:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/defence-chiefs-of-south-korea-us-set-to-hold-talks-amid-opcon-transfer-push-hormuz-ship-issue-673260.html Washington May 11 The top defence chiefs of South Korea and the United States are set to hold talks in Washington on Monday focusing on advancing the transfer of wartime operational control OPCON from Washington to Seoul and Koreas push to acquire nuclearpowered submarines Defence Minister Ahn Gyuback will meet US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to discuss followup steps on the OPCON transition and nuclearpowered submarines in line with the agreements reached between the leaders and at highlevel security talks last year Seoul officials saidThe upcoming talks also come a day after South Korea determined a strike by two unidentified flying objects was behind the May 4 explosion and fire on a South Koreanoperated cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz The issue could be raised in Mondays talks reports Yonhap news agencySouth Korea is seeking to retake wartime OPCON before the Lee Jae Myung governments fiveyear term ends in 2030 reportedly targeting 2028 for the transfer while US President Donald Trump is in officeHowever signs of differing views between the allies have emerged after US Forces Korea commander Gen Xavier Brunson told Congress last month that the two sides seek to meet conditions required for the transfer no later than the first quarter of 2029His proposed timeline suggests the OPCON transfer may not be ready even after Trumps term ends on January 20 2029South Korea handed over operational control of its forces to the USled UN Command during the 195053 Korean War It retook peacetime OPCON in 1994 but wartime operational command still remains in the US handsUnder a threephase framework conditions for the transfer include South Koreas capabilities to lead combined KoreaUS forces its strike and air defence capabilities and a regional security environment conducive to such a handoverIn last years annual Security Consultative Meeting Ahn and Hegseth agreed to develop a road map designed to expedite the implementation of conditions for the OPCON transfer and seek to certify the second part of the threestage programThe defence chiefs could also address Seouls findings on the ship blast as the suspected attack has raised the possibility that South Korea could reconsider its role in efforts to ease tensions in the Middle EastSeoul has shown reservations about Trumps calls for naval assistance to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz The government has said it is reviewing a US proposal for an international coalition aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation in the shipping route dubbed the Maritime Freedom Construct MFCOn Sunday Seoul indicated pursuing all possible measures to prevent a recurrence of incidents like the case of the HMM Namu cargo ship and that it is closely reviewing participation in the MFCAt Mondays talks the two sides are also expected to discuss Seouls push to build nuclearpowered submarines amid little progress since Trump gave the green light to the move during his summit talks with President Lee Jae Myung in October last yearBefore departing for Washington on Sunday Ahn expressed confidence about making progress in talks on the strategic vessels He did not rule out an inaugural meeting on nuclearpowered submarines taking place before the end of the first half IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/defence-chiefs-of-south-korea-us-set-to-hold-talks-amid-opcon-transfer-push-hormuz-ship-issue-673260.html Mon, 11 May 2026 11:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/one-american-tested-positive-for-hantavirus-673261.html Washington May 11 An American passenger from a hantavirushit Dutch cruise ship has tested positive for the virus and another has mild symptoms the US Department of Health and Human Services have announced All 17 American citizens from the MV Hondius cruise ship are currently en route via an airlift to the United States with the two travelling in the planes biocontainment units out of an abundance of caution the department wrote in a post on the social platform XThe airlift will first take passengers to the Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Center RESPTC at the University of Nebraska Medical CenterNebraska Medicine in Omaha Nebraska before transferring the passenger with mild symptoms to a second RESPTC at their final destination it saidUpon arrival at each facility each individual will undergo clinical assessment and receive appropriate care and support based on their condition the department said in the postAs of Saturday there were eight suspected cases associated with the outbreak and three deaths it saidThe incubation period for hantavirus from first exposure to symptoms is estimated at one to eight weeks according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reports Xinhua news agency The disease is usually spread by rodents but can in rare cases move from person to person and kills more than a third of people infectedMeanwhile in the United Kingdom 20 nationals evacuated from the hantavirusaffected cruise ship MV Hondius were isolated in a northwest England hospital upon their return on Sunday as authorities stepped up outbreak containment and monitoringThe passengers landed in Manchester earlier in the day before being transferred by bus to Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral Merseyside where they will remain under medical observation for 72 hoursIn a joint statement local National Health Service NHS authorities said the group would stay in a managed setting for clinical assessment and testing If they remain symptomfree they will later be allowed to return home and continue selfisolation for a further 42 daysThe British government said all passengers and crew members returning from the MV Hondius would undergo a total of 45 days of isolation and monitoring Followup work is also underway for individuals who may have been in contact with confirmed or suspected casesThe emergency measures follow a hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius which has resulted in at least eight confirmed or suspected cases and three reported deathsAs part of the broader response to the outbreak the British government also deployed a specialist military and medical team to Tristan da Cunha a remote British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic after a British national on the island tested positive for hantavirusAccording to the British Ministry of Defence six paratroopers and two military clinicians from 16 Air Assault Brigade parachuted onto the island while oxygen supplies and medical equipment were airdropped simultaneouslyTristan da Cunha a volcanic island group with a population of 221 people is regarded as Britains most remote inhabited overseas territory The islands have no airstrip and are normally accessible only by seaThe Defence Ministry described the mission as the first time the British military had deployed medical personnel via parachute to provide humanitarian assistanceThe British government said the risk to the general public remained very low IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/one-american-tested-positive-for-hantavirus-673261.html Mon, 11 May 2026 11:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistani-military-patronises-extremism-terrorism-to-destabilise-neighbours-sindhi-leader-673278.html Berlin May 11 Shafi Burfat Chairman of the Jeay Sindh Muttahida Mahaz JSMM accused the Pakistani military establishment of longstanding patronage of religious extremism and terrorism He stated that the continued domination of the military over Pakistans political economic ideological and social spheres poses a threat to democracy regional peace and longterm stability in South AsiaTaking to his social media platform X Burfat said By repeatedly overthrowing elected representatives hanging political leaders imprisoning and exiling dissenters and installing unelected puppet rulers the military has consistently remained the real power behind the state controlling politics media the judiciary and major sectors of the economyAs a result military chiefs have repeatedly attempted to portray themselves as victorious heroes through theatrical rhetoric militaristic speeches exaggerated displays of strength and fabricated ideological claims rooted in religious nationalism he addedSlamming the Pakistani Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir Burfat said that Munirs emotionally charged extremist nationalist slogans nuclear threats and aggressive rhetoric against neighbouring countries do not reflect strategic confidence or the image of a responsible military leadershipHe said that such speeches expose the internal contradictions political weaknesses and deep insecurities of a militarised state structure that has long used fear artificial religious nationalism permanent conflict and ideological manipulation as a tool to sustain its dominanceDescribing Pakistan as an unnatural state structure the Sindhi leader alleged that the countrys corrupt military establishment has repeatedly undermined democratic processes by toppling elected representatives manipulating elections and suppressing dissentHe further claimed that the military controls key governmental and judicial decisionmaking intimidates journalists and intellectuals imprisons political opponents and maintains indirect rule through obedient political factions and controlled civilian governmentsThe international community is fully aware that democratic voices within Pakistan including journalists students intellectuals political activists and advocates of national rights continue to face censorship imprisonment enforced disappearances torture political intimidation and restrictions on freedom of expression under the constant pressure of state agencies Burfat stressedHe said that the corrupt Pakistani military continues to violate constitutional norms through puppet rulers leaving the indigenous communities marginalised and subordinated while courts media institutions and elected representatives remain under the shadow of military supremacyHistorical evidence on a massive scale demonstrates that Pakistans military establishment has not only patronised extremist and terrorist groups but has repeatedly used them as instruments of regional destabilisation against neighbouring countries Burfat highlightedThe Sindhi leader called on the international community and defenders of international law to take serious notice of the irresponsible statements hostile language and dangerous intentions expressed by Pakistani military leadershipBurfat also urged them to recognise the violation of human rights and the threat to the national identity of what he described as oppressed historical nations inside Pakistan IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistani-military-patronises-extremism-terrorism-to-destabilise-neighbours-sindhi-leader-673278.html Mon, 11 May 2026 12:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/strengthen-smes-ecosystem-boost-farming-sector-eam-jaishankar-as-india-hands-over-agro-facility-in-trinidad-amp-tobago-673100.html Port of Spain May 10 External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar has jointly handed over an agroprocessing facility in Trinidad and Tobago along with the Caribbean nations Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar EAM Jaishankar said on Saturday that the commitment made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in July 2025 during his visit is being delivered nowThis project will strengthen Trinidad and Tobagos Small and Medium Enterprises SMEs ecosystem and provide fresh impetus to its farming sector the EAM wrote on social media platform XEarlier on Saturday EAM Jaishankar joined Trinidad and Tobagos Prime Minister for a Quick Impact Project QIP on Nelson Island where the first Indians arrived in island nationSupported by Indian assistance this will preserve and showcase the shared heritage of an enduring journey he said on X regarding the QIPOn Friday Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar said in the Trinidad and Tobago Parliament that India has honoured and delivered on its commitments to the Caribbean nation the Trinidad Express Newspaper reportedShe also mentioned that 800 citizens benefited from the prosthetic limb initiative supported by India and mentioned that Trinidad and Tobago will receive 20 hemodialysis units and two sea ambulances from India to strengthen healthcare delivery and emergency medical response the report notedThe EAM also joined Prime Minister PersadBissessar at the presentation ceremony of Made in India laptops for school children in Trinidad and TobagoReferring to Prime Minister Narendra Modiâs earlier commitment EAM Jaishankar said Joined PM Kamla PersadBissessar at the presentation of Made In India laptops to Trinbagonian schoolchildren Delivering on PM Narendra Modis commitment last year this is a message of learning awareness and opportunitySpeaking at the flagraising ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs the EAM underlined the historic relationship between the two countriesS Jaishankar said India had traditionally had very warm and friendly relations with Trinidad and Tobago and these ties have been shaped by shared history a struggle against colonialism and a very special bond of cricket People of the two countries share a lot in commonHe also announced the conclusion of several agreements during the visitIn another X post the EAM said Concluded Agreements today on Tourism on Solarisation of Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs building on Quick Impact Projects and on establishing Ayurveda Chair IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/strengthen-smes-ecosystem-boost-farming-sector-eam-jaishankar-as-india-hands-over-agro-facility-in-trinidad-amp-tobago-673100.html Sun, 10 May 2026 08:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/who-calls-everyone-aboard-hantavirus-hit-ship-high-risk-contacts-673102.html Geneva May 10 The World Health Organization WHO said that all people aboard a cruise ship affected by a hantavirus outbreak should be considered highrisk contacts and actively monitored for 42 days We classify everybody on board as what we call a highrisk contact Maria Van Kerkhove WHOs director of epidemic and pandemic preparedness and prevention told a media briefing She noted that currently nobody on board has any symptoms but recommended active monitoring and followup of all the passengers and crew who disembark for a 42day periodHowever she stressed that the risk to the public and people in the Canary Islands where the MV Hondius is expected to dock on Sunday remains lowAccording to a WHO Disease Outbreak News update on Saturday severe respiratory illness was first reported on the cruise ship on 2 May At the time there were 147 passengers and crew members onboard while 34 others had already disembarked All WHOs contact points in concerned countries have been informed and are supporting international contact tracing Xinhua news agency reportedAs of May 8 eight symptomatic cases have been reported including three deaths Six cases are laboratoryconfirmed as Andes virus ANDV hantavirus infectionsThe WHO urged the countries involved to continue public health coordination including contact tracing case management infection prevention and transparent communicationEarly symptoms of hantavirus infection include headache dizziness chills fever myalgia and gastrointestinal problems such as nausea vomiting diarrhoea and abdominal pain according to the WHOGiven that presymptomatic transmission in past ADNV outbreaks cannot be entirely ruled out WHO also recommends selfmonitoring medical evaluation and maskwearing for lowrisk contacts if symptoms occur IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/who-calls-everyone-aboard-hantavirus-hit-ship-high-risk-contacts-673102.html Sun, 10 May 2026 08:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-says-considering-troop-relocation-from-italy-media-673105.html Rome May 10 US President Donald Trump told Italian media that he is still considering relocating troops from bases in Italy adding that Italy was not there when we needed it local media reported Trump made the remarks in a phone interview during which he refused to comment on Irans response to a US peace proposal which had been expected on Friday according to the report by local newspaper Corriere della SeraOn Friday US Secretary of State Marco Rubio who was visiting Rome said Iran was expected to respond later in the day to Washingtons proposal on resolving their ongoing conflict Xinhua news agency reportedIn response to Trumps remarks about troop relocation Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said he cannot understand the reasoning behind that He noted that Italy is working with countries in a coalition to prepare a mission in the Strait of Hormuz focused on mine clearance and the protection of maritime navigationItalys ANSA news agency reported on May 1 that Trump said he may reduce US military presence in Spain and Italy slamming European allies for not helping in the USIsraeli war against IranData from the US Department of Defence shows that as of the end of 2025 around 12700 activeduty US troops are permanently stationed in Italy making it the secondlargest US military presence in Europe after GermanyEarlier in May Trump had said the United States will reduce its troop presence in Germany beyond earlier expectations âWeâre gonna cut way down and weâre cutting a lot further than 5000â he saidHe also criticised congressional scrutiny of military actions saying it weakens negotiations He said such moves are âhurting our negotiating ability which is infinite right nowâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-says-considering-troop-relocation-from-italy-media-673105.html Sun, 10 May 2026 08:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/un-chief-welcomes-ceasefire-exchange-of-prisoners-between-ukraine-russia-673106.html United Nations May 10 UN SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres welcomes a threeday ceasefire and a planned exchange of prisoners between Ukraine and Russia his spokesperson said The SecretaryGeneral reiterates his call for an immediate full unconditional and lasting ceasefire as a first step toward a just sustainable and comprehensive peace in line with the UN Charter international law and relevant UN resolutions Guterres spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statementRussia and Ukraine on Friday agreed to a ceasefire from Saturday to Monday and a thousandforthousand prisoner exchange Xinhua news agency reportedMeanwhile US President Donald Trump announced that a threeday ceasefire has been agreed between Russia and Ukraine describing it as a possible step toward ending the longrunning warâI am pleased to announce that there will be a THREE DAY CEASEFIRE May 9th 10th and 11th in the War between Russia and Ukraineâ Trump said in a statementHe said the ceasefire would coincide with Russiaâs Victory Day commemorations and noted Ukraineâs role in World War II âThe Celebration in Russia is for Victory Day but likewise in Ukraine because they were also a big part and factor of World War IIâ he saidAccording to Trump the agreement includes a halt to active combat operations âThis Ceasefire will include a suspension of all kinetic activityâ he saidHe added that both sides have also agreed to a large prisoner exchange âAnd also a prison swap of 1000 prisoners from each Countryâ Trump saidThe US President said the initiative was driven directly by him âThis request was made directly by meâ he said expressing appreciation to both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for agreeing to the terms IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/un-chief-welcomes-ceasefire-exchange-of-prisoners-between-ukraine-russia-673106.html Sun, 10 May 2026 08:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-concludes-trinidad-and-tobago-visit-highlights-ties-with-indo-trinidadian-community-673108.html New DelhiPort of Spain May 10 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday concluded his visit to Trinidad and Tobago with an interaction with the Indian community underscoring Indiaâs deep historical and cultural bonds with the IndoTrinidadian population and reaffirming New Delhiâs commitment to strengthening bilateral ties In a post on social media platform X Jaishankar said âConcluded my visit with an interaction with the Indian community Underlined the special bonds with the Girmitya community and discussed nurturing it further Spoke about India as a reliable and trusted partner responsive to the needs and aspirations of Trinidad and TobagoâDuring the visit the External Affairs Minister also addressed a gathering at the historic Nelson Island where the first Indian indentured labourers popularly known as Girmitiyas arrived in the Caribbean nation nearly two centuries ago He attended the event along with Kamla PersadBissessar highlighting the shared heritage and enduring peopletopeople ties between the two countriesJaishankar also visited the renowned Dattatreya Mandir one of the most prominent Hindu temples in the Caribbean Sharing details of the visit on X he wrote âBlessed to visit the Dattatreya Mandir in Trinidad and Tobago this evening Prayed for the wellbeing of our people and the continued strengthening of IndiaTrinidad and Tobago relationsâEarlier the minister described the country as a âhome away from homeâ while interacting with members of the IndoTrinidadian community in South TrinidadââHome away from homeâ A real pleasure to be among the IndoTrinbagonian community in South Trinidad The kinship was expressed in so many ways And the affection in even more Thank PM Kamla for the experienceâ he postedIn another major development during the visit Jaishankar and Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar jointly launched a permanent Prosthetics Centre in Penal Trinidad and Tobago following the success of Indiaâs Jaipur Foot camp that benefited more than 800 differentlyabled individualsCalling it a âpeoplecentric projectâ Jaishankar said the centre would serve as âa gift of mobility and dignity for Trinidad and Tobago and the wider CARICOM regionâThe External Affairs Minister arrived in Trinidad and Tobago on Saturday marking the final leg of his threenation official tour of the Caribbean after visits to Jamaica and Suriname IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-concludes-trinidad-and-tobago-visit-highlights-ties-with-indo-trinidadian-community-673108.html Sun, 10 May 2026 08:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/belarus-commemorates-81st-anniversary-of-victory-in-great-patriotic-war-673122.html Minsk May 10 Cities and towns across Belarus held solemn ceremonies exhibitions and cultural events to mark the 81st anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War On Saturday local time in the capital Minsk thousands of residents veterans students and public officials gathered at Victory Square to lay flowers at the Monument to the Heroic Defenders of the Motherland and the Eternal Flame honouring those who lost their lives in the fight against fascismOutside the capital the Glory Hill memorial complex hosted an exhibition of authentic wartime artefacts offering visitors a tangible connection to the struggles and sacrifices during the war reports Xinhua news agencyIn Mogilev a city in eastern Belarus high school students participated in a Victory Waltz dance event using body language to express reverence for fallen soldiers and celebrate the restoration of peaceThe city of Gomel marked the anniversary with a military parade on Lenin Square paying tribute to the soldiers who fought for Belaruss liberation and freedom during World War IIBelarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in his Victory Day address emphasised that May 9 1945 remains a sacred date for every BelarusianHe underscored Belarus responsibility to safeguard global peace warning against the resurgence of aggression and the dangers of historical amnesia He called on all nations to choose dialogue over confrontation development over destruction and to preserve the legacy of victory for future generations Russia too marked the 81st anniversary of the Soviet Unions victory in the Great Patriotic War The slogan No one is forgotten nothing is forgotten was displayed prominently throughout Moscow underscoring the enduring significance of Victory Day in the national memoryWhite blue and red banners emblazoned with the word Victory lined the capitals avenues and squares while commemorative decorations transformed the Hero City into a vast tribute to the Soviet triumph over Nazi Germany in World War IIOn Saturday morning a grand military parade was held on Moscows iconic Red Square to honour the wartime victory IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/belarus-commemorates-81st-anniversary-of-victory-in-great-patriotic-war-673122.html Sun, 10 May 2026 10:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/people-of-finland-support-eu-reducing-economic-and-technological-dependency-on-china-us-673194.html Helsinki May 10 People in Finland have expressed support for European Union lowering its economic and technological dependency on the US and China a new survey has revealed According to a survey published by the two thinktanks the statesupported Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra and the Finnish Business and Policy Forum Eva 77 per cent of respondents said that Europe must reduce its technological and economic reliance on the US even if it impacts bilateral ties However nine per cent of respondents were against it Finlandbased Yle reportedIn a statement the researchers said This is not direct antiAmericanism Finns seem to distinguish between security cooperation and economic and technological dependenceNearly threequarters of respondents back tighter restrictions on energy networks ports and other strategic assets for security reasons The same number of respondents stated that European firms should be supported in public procurement even if that means higher prices Nearly three out of four respondents express support for developing partnerships with emerging economies like India Brazil or Vietnam to reduce dependence on ChinaThe majority of respondents said security should be given more priority than climate goals when required Nearly twothirds back reducing Europes technological dependence on China like batteries and electric cars even if that would slow climate actionAsked about the issues that the EU should emphasise more in the future selfsufficiency and security were ranked highly by the respondents Yle reportedAs many as 65 per cent of the respondents said more emphasis should be given to common defence while 44 per cent said that the focus should be more on the fight against climate changeThe survey was conducted by Taloustutkimus in March and responses were taken from more than 2000 adults in mainland Finland and 34 invited EU experts It stated that the margin of error is 2â3 percentage points in either direction IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/people-of-finland-support-eu-reducing-economic-and-technological-dependency-on-china-us-673194.html Sun, 10 May 2026 15:18:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-transporters-hold-protest-against-hike-in-prices-of-petroleum-products-673195.html Islamabad May 10 Transporters in Pakistans Peshawar and across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province held protests against a hike in prices of petroleum products local media reported on Sunday Dozens of transport operators gathered at the Hajji Camp Terminal in Peshawar on Saturday and demanded an immediate reduction in prices of petrol and diesel The Express Tribune reportedWhile addressing the protesters transport leader Zubair Ahmed Qureshi said that the prices of petroleum are increasing while CNG is unavailableEid is approaching but hyperinflation has made shopping impossible Unemployment had already broken the poor This is a great oppression on the lowincome class Flour is now beyond the common mans reach More inflation means burying people aliveThe protest was held as their transporters have increased fares for the fifth time within a single month after the latest fuel adjustment Fares of AC vehicles have witnessed a steep rise while the fares of nonAC buses have increased by five per cent as per the reportFares have increased from Pakistani Rupees PKR 50500 for travelling from Peshawar to Nowshera Mardan Abbottabad Haripur Swat and Malakand Passengers who have to travel to Rawalpindi and Lahore have to now pay up to PKR 3000 more City buses in Peshawar have increased minimum fares from PKR 10 to 30 while goods transport vehicles have also increased pricesOn April 30 the Pakistan government raised the price of highspeed diesel HSD by Pakistani Rupees PKR 1939 per litre and the price of petrol by PKR 651 per litre for one weekAs per the notification issued by Pakistans Petroleum Division the price of HSD has been increased from PKR 38019 to PKR 39958 while petrol will be sold at 39986 per litre compared to the previous rate of Rs 39335 at PKR 39335 The Express Tribune reportedHighspeed diesel is used in the transport and agriculture sectors As the sowing season is underway the sharp rise in its price is expected to impact the agriculture sector Fertiliser prices have increased due to a hike in transportation costs IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-transporters-hold-protest-against-hike-in-prices-of-petroleum-products-673195.html Sun, 10 May 2026 15:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-australia-deepen-maritime-defence-cooperation-report-673205.html New Delhi May 10 Australia and India have reaffirmed their rapidly expanding strategic and defence partnership with both countries committing to deeper military cooperation enhanced maritime security coordination and stronger defence industry engagement according to a report The report by âThe Australia Todayâ stated that the two countries reviewed the progress of bilateral defence ties during the 10th Defence Policy Talks held in New Delhi on May 8The discussions were led by Joint Secretary International Cooperation in the Defence Ministry Amitabh Prasad and Australiaâs First Assistant Secretary for International Policy Bernard PhilipAccording to The Australia Today report the meeting reviewed developments under the IndiaAustralia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as both nations seek to strengthen defence and security coordination in the IndoPacific regionOfficials from both countries welcomed the expansion of bilateral defence cooperation including the establishment of the annual IndiaAustralia Defence Ministersâ Dialogue in 2025 the report said adding that the initiative reflected increasing trust and strategic alignment between Canberra and New DelhiThe report further noted that discussions focused on âenhancing interoperability across military domains increasing the scale and complexity of joint exercises and advancing maritime security cooperation amid growing regional strategic competitionâBoth sides also reviewed progress on commitments made during the 2024 IndiaAustralia Annual Leadersâ Summit including efforts to renew the Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation and formulate a Joint Maritime Security Collaboration RoadmapThe Australia Today reported that India and Australia confirmed plans to hold the first IndiaAustralia Joint Staff Talks later this year describing it as another significant step toward expanding institutional defence engagement between the two nationsTraining and officer exchange programmes also featured prominently during the talks The report highlighted initiatives such as the Gen Bipin Rawat Memorial Young Officers Exchange Programme and military academy exchanges between the Indian Military Academy and Australiaâs Royal Military College DuntroonOfficials said these initiatives were helping in building mutual trust peopletopeople links and shared strategic understanding according to the reportDefence industry cooperation emerged as another major area of focus The report pointed to several recent initiatives including the first IndiaAustralia Defence Industry Roundtable held in Sydney in 2025 Australiaâs first defence trade mission to India and a strategic defence industry roundtable conducted during the Raisina Dialogue earlier this yearThe developments come as India and Australia continue expanding collaboration across defence trade and regional security under their broader strategic partnership framework The Australia Today noted IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-australia-deepen-maritime-defence-cooperation-report-673205.html Sun, 10 May 2026 16:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/fairpoint-why-mamata-banerjees-defeat-resonated-beyond-india--673218.html New Delhi May 10 There was something unusual about the reaction to the Assembly election results this time State elections in India routinely produce celebrations accusations posturing and political drama But the outcome in West Bengal travelled far beyond Indias borders From Dhaka to Washington the result triggered reactions rarely seen after a state poll in India That alone suggested that what happened in Bengal was not being viewed merely as a regional political shift It was being read as something larger a strategic and ideological development in one of Indias most sensitive border states And the international attention it attracted was equally strikingUS President Donald Trump congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on what the White House described as a historic and decisive mandate in West Bengal Several international publications portrayed the result as a breakthrough moment for PM Modi in a state that had remained politically resistant to the BJP for yearsThe obvious question is why did a state election command such extraordinary global attention Victories in Haryana Rajasthan or Chhattisgarh do not evoke reactions of this scale abroad West Bengal however occupies a different place in Indias political imagination Geography and demography make it uniquely sensitive Sharing a long and porous border with Bangladesh the state has for years remained central to debates around illegal infiltration border security and demographic changeFor years the BJP has argued that the Mamata Banerjee government looked the other way while infiltration from Bangladesh continued unchecked The allegations are not newIronically Mamata Banerjee herself once raised similar concerns In 2005 as a Lok Sabha member she had dramatically protested in Parliament over infiltration from Bangladesh calling it a disaster for the country On the streets of West Bengal too she repeatedly accused the then Left Front government of using illegal immigrants as a political vote bankBut politics often reshapes positions faster than circumstances change After coming to power in 2011 Mamata Banerjees stand appeared to undergo a sharp reversal The issue that once formed the centrepiece of her political attacks gradually disappeared from her rhetoric Instead she became one of the fiercest critics of attempts to identify or deport illegal immigrantsThe sharpest example came during the Assam NRC exercise in 2018 While the Supreme Courtmonitored process sought to identify illegal immigrants in Assam Mamata Banerjee openly attacked the exercise warning of civil war and bloodbath if the Centre continued with the policy This opposition was aimed at protecting a political support base shaped over years of unchecked migrationThe BJP repeatedly built its Bengal campaign around this accusation Union Home Minister Amit Shah while speaking in Parliament during the debate on the Immigration and Foreigners Bill in March 2025 directly accused the Trinamool Congress government of enabling illegal immigration by facilitating the issuance of Aadhaar cards and voter IDs He claimed that many Bangladeshis caught in different parts of the country possessed documents originating from West Bengals border districts including the 24 ParganasInfiltration has remained a contentious issue in Bengal for decades Border districts have witnessed demographic shifts significant enough to alter political calculations Security agencies have repeatedly flagged concerns about illegal crossborder networks The issue is no longer viewed merely through the lens of economics or welfare distribution it is increasingly tied to questions of national security and internal stabilityThe reactions emerging from Bangladesh after the election have only added to these anxieties While sections of Bangladeshs political establishment reportedly sent congratulatory messages to the BJP leadership some Islamist voices reacted sharply against the Bengal verdictOne JamaateIslami leader reportedly made inflammatory remarks calling for resistance against Delhi and spoke irresponsibly about Bengals separation from India Such statements may represent fringe rhetoric but they underline why political developments in West Bengal are being watched so closely beyond Indias borders In Pakistan discussions were held on the development with many describing Mamata Banerjees defeat as a setback for the Indian oppositionThe intensity of these reactions reveals something important Beyond Bengal Mamata Banerjee had increasingly come to be viewed by many political and ideological groups as one of the strongest leaders capable of taking on Prime Minister Narendra Modi nationally Her politics often seen as centred around Muslim outreach had earned her support among sections that viewed the BJPs rise with concernThat is why her defeat generated unusually sharp reactions outside India as well While vested interests and ideological groups in neighbouring countries may interpret the result through their own political lens the verdict delivered by Bengals voters is clear and strongNow with the BJP forming the government in Bengal with a commanding mandate expectations will be enormous The party has promised a tougher stance on infiltration stronger border management expanded fencing and stricter enforcement against illegal residency networks Bengal has suffered enough through decades of political violence fear religious polarisation and uneven development This election was not merely a rejection of Mamata Banerjees 15year rule it was also an expression of exhaustion and aspirationThe people of Bengal have voted for security over violence and uncertainty development over appeasement and governance over perpetual conflict They want jobs for the youth better roads and infrastructure dignity in everyday life and the freedom to liveDeepika Bhan can be contacted at deepikabiansin IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/fairpoint-why-mamata-banerjees-defeat-resonated-beyond-india--673218.html Sun, 10 May 2026 16:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/chinas-supply-chain-dominance-likely-to-be-hit-by-tech-leap-in-west-673223.html New Delhi May 10 China is currently leveraging its driven by its dominance in critical minerals inputs required for the production in sectors such as New Energy Vehicles NEV to gain a geopolitical advantage through its capability to disrupt global supply chains However according to an article in The Diplomat this advantage is likely to be overturned in the near future with the leap in new technology that is taking place in Western countries with companies such as US tech giant Tesla forging ahead with new battery technology and driverless vehiclesThe article states that the only major manufacturing sector in which China has a genuine prospect of leading and maintaining global competitiveness is the NEV industry Other sectors such as semiconductors or robotics hold significant prestige and offer some hope of achievement but Chinaâs offerings remain far behind the international standardHowever while Chinaâs NEV sector rises Western technological advancements are bringing in new upgrades that threaten to render existing NEV supply chains obsolete as per the articleIt highlights that new battery technologies will determine who commands the postupgrade future marketThere is also the competition over integrated manufacturing costs While Chinese manufacturing had previously secured a relative advantage this edge is constantly at risk of being blunted by electric carmaker Tesla which is using highdensity production lines to reduce costs which can potentially outcompete Chinese NEV manufacturing Besides Tesla has a big lead in driverless vehicle technology which will represent a revolutionary leap forward it saidThese three technological advancements are seen as having the potential to render Chinaâs current supply chain strategy ineffectiveBased on average industrial cycles we estimate a window of three to five years In other words Chinaâs current advantages within specific segments of the supply chain are likely to erode within that timeframe Unless China can consistently achieve meaningful breakthroughs in technological advancement the window of opportunity remains remarkably narrow the article observed IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/chinas-supply-chain-dominance-likely-to-be-hit-by-tech-leap-in-west-673223.html Sun, 10 May 2026 18:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-announces-russia-ukraine-ceasefire-673046.html Washington May 9 US President Donald Trump said a threeday ceasefire has been agreed between Russia and Ukraine describing it as a possible step toward ending the longrunning war âI am pleased to announce that there will be a THREE DAY CEASEFIRE May 9th 10th and 11th in the War between Russia and Ukraineâ Trump said in a statementHe said the ceasefire would coincide with Russiaâs Victory Day commemorations and noted Ukraineâs role in World War II âThe Celebration in Russia is for Victory Day but likewise in Ukraine because they were also a big part and factor of World War IIâ he saidAccording to Trump the agreement includes a halt to active combat operations âThis Ceasefire will include a suspension of all kinetic activityâ he saidHe added that both sides have also agreed to a large prisoner exchange âAnd also a prison swap of 1000 prisoners from each Countryâ Trump saidThe US President said the initiative was driven directly by him âThis request was made directly by meâ he said expressing appreciation to both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for agreeing to the termsâI very much appreciate its agreement by President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyyâ Trump saidTrump framed the development as a potential turning point in the conflict which has continued for more than two years with heavy casualties and widespread destruction âHopefully it is the beginning of the end of a very long deadly and hard fought Warâ he saidHe also indicated that negotiations remain ongoing âTalks are continuing on ending this Major Conflict the biggest since World War II and we are getting closer and closer every dayâ Trump saidThe brief ceasefire if implemented would mark one of the most significant coordinated pauses in fighting since the conflict escalated Previous attempts at temporary truces have often been fragile and shortlivedThe announcement comes at a time when both sides have faced mounting pressure to explore diplomatic options even as fighting has continued across multiple frontsRussiaâs Victory Day on May 9 is one of its most important national events commemorating the Soviet Unionâs victory over Nazi Germany in World War II Ukraine also marks the legacy of the war though in recent years it has sought to distance itself from Sovietera symbolism IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-announces-russia-ukraine-ceasefire-673046.html Sat, 09 May 2026 09:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/qatar-pm-meets-us-vice-president-discusses-strategic-ties-regional-tensions-673047.html Washington May 9 Qatarâs Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim AlThani met US Vice President J D Vance in Washington The talks focused on strategic ties and regional tensions Both sides discussed âthe close strategic cooperation between the State of Qatar and the United States of Americaâ They also explored ways to strengthen cooperation âin various fieldsâ according to an official statementRegional issues were central to the meeting they said The two leaders reviewed âthe latest developments in the regionâ They also discussed âthe Pakistani mediation efforts aimed at deescalating tensions in a way that contributes to enhancing security and stability in the regionâAlThani urged wider support for diplomacy He âstressed the need for all parties to engage with the ongoing mediation effortsâ He said this would help âaddress the root causes of the crisis through peaceful means and dialogueâHe said such efforts should lead to âa comprehensive agreement that achieves lasting peace in the regionâQatar has played a mediating role in the region It works closely with the United States on diplomatic efforts The meeting reflects that ongoing coordinationThe United States has relied on regional partners such as Qatar to support diplomatic initiatives particularly in complex conflicts where direct engagement may be limitedQatar hosts a major US military base and has played a role in several highprofile negotiations in recent years Its approach has emphasised dialogue and engagement as a means to address conflicts and prevent further instability IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/qatar-pm-meets-us-vice-president-discusses-strategic-ties-regional-tensions-673047.html Sat, 09 May 2026 09:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/hindu-prayer-for-peace-unity-offered-at-white-house-event-673048.html Washington May 9 A Hindu prayer for peace and unity was delivered at the White House during the National Day of Prayer marking a moment of religious diversity as the United States approaches its 250th year A volunteer from the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha BAPS participated in the event offering prayers rooted in Hindu tradition BAPS saidâI request that we all please close your eyes and fold your handsâ the volunteer said opening the prayer with a call for reflectionThe invocation continued with repeated chants âShanti Ram Shanti Ram Shanti Ram Shanti Ram Shanti Ram Shanti Ram Shanti Ram Shanti Ram Om Shanti Shanti Shanti Sushanti BhavatuâThe prayer emphasised universal peace across all elements of existenceâMay there be peace in the sky and in spaceâ the speaker saidâMay there be peace across earth in water and for all beings May there be peace throughout nature and in the environment May the peace of heaven spread throughout the universeâThe prayer also extended to individual wellbeing stating âMay we all have peace physically mentally and spirituallyâThe speaker concluded by expressing gratitude on behalf of the organisationâOn behalf of the entire BAPS Sovereign Fellowship The Swaminarayan Ukshara County in Robbinsville New Jersey and our Guru Guru Hari Mohan Swami Maharaj we thank you for this opportunityâ the volunteer saidIn a post on social media BAPS Public Affairs said it was âhonored to participateâ in the National Day of Prayer at the White House The organisation added that âmoments like these remind us that faith service and shared values continue to strengthen our communitiesâOn National Day of Prayer President Trump earlier said in his message This National Day of Prayer we honor Americaâs enduring tradition of prayer faith and trust in Almighty God And as we celebrate 250 glorious years of American independence we pledge to never forget the countless blessings God has bestowed upon our people and our countryFrom the cradles of civilization in the ancient world to the Christian empires of medieval Europe and the miraculous founding of our own Nation the entire Western experience has been connected by a golden thread of devotion to God Americaâs faith was seen most prominently during our struggle for independence when the Second Continental Congress declared a day of humiliation fasting and prayer to seek Godâs providence and ask for His protection and blessing in their fight for freedom virtue and posterity he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/hindu-prayer-for-peace-unity-offered-at-white-house-event-673048.html Sat, 09 May 2026 09:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-pushes-ai-access-flags-security-risks-673049.html Washington May 9 The United States wants countries in South and Central Asia including India to have access to âworld class technologyâ while avoiding dependence on adversarial nations a senior State Department official said underscoring Washingtonâs push to expand AI cooperation with New Delhi Addressing the USIndia AI and Emerging Technology Forum Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Bethany Morrison said the focus is on ensuring technology access translates into tangible benefits for societiesâWe want to make sure that countries in our region have access to world class technology and are able to get that integrated into their society to deliver the best value results for their peopleâ she saidMorrison stressed that rapid advances in artificial intelligence must be matched with clear guardrails âBut in order to fully realise the benefits of this incredible technology we must be guided by the principles of openness as well as focus on our security and our interoperability and avoid any dependencies on adversarial nationsâ she saidMorrison said the United States aims to âexport that AI technology and practice to the worldâ aligning with a wider policy push to increase global access to USdeveloped AI toolsâAI is not the future the present and its made with American software hardware and large language modelsâ she said highlighting US leadership in innovationAt the same time Morrison pointed to growing Indian participation in the AI ecosystem calling the bilateral relationship a driver of âreal deals and real results for both Indian and AmericansâShe cited rising investment flows between the two countries noting that Indian firms are committing significant resources to US technology infrastructure while American companies are expanding operations in India âThese are incredible and cutting edge investments that will have high impact in both the American and the Indian societiesâ she saidThe official also emphasised the physical backbone of AI including data centres chips and energy supply âAI may seem like it conquers informationâ but its very physical technology that requires chips as data centres wires and electricityâ she said pointing to the need for resilient supply chainsMorrison said Washington and New Delhi are working together to build âsecure and trusted AI supply chainsâ and ensure longterm technological resilienceShe framed the current moment as a turning point in bilateral cooperation âWe are incredibly excited about this moment in terms of both the tech advancements and the US India partnershipâ she said adding that âthe opportunities are limitlessâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-pushes-ai-access-flags-security-risks-673049.html Sat, 09 May 2026 09:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-india-push-ai-defence-cooperation-673050.html Washington May 9 The United States and India must step up cooperation in artificial intelligence and defence as warfare shifts to data and algorithms experts said Speaking at a USIndia forum Vivek Lall Chief Executive of General Atomics Global Cooperation and Lt Gen Retd Raj Shukla said the nature of war is changing fast The session was moderated by Sameer Lalwani of the Special Competitive Studies ProjectShukla said AI is already shaping the battlefield âAI is not futuristicâ algorithmic warfare is arrived and it will change the workflows of combat foreverâ he saidHe said militaries must adapt quickly âMilitary is conservative organizations dont update their process once a yearâ in Ukraineâ software innovations are being delivered every two weeks hardware every four weeksâ he saidHe called for a major shift in defence systems âDepartments of Defenseâ now need to operate as software companiesâ he saidShukla said India needs stronger debate and thinking on these issues âIdeation in these domains in India has to strengthenâ he saidLall said no country can lead alone in new technologies âNo one country has remarked on the best ideasâ he saidHe said the US and India together can deliver results He pointed to the need for cooperation across industry and academia âUniversities vocational institutesâ play a great role because at the end of the day its global talentâ he saidLall listed key areas for joint work These include data sharing training and control of the electromagnetic spectrumShukla also flagged the cost factor in modern war âFor every 1 that the Iranians spentâ it took the Americansâ 28 to interceptâ he saidHe said India must break silos across sectors âCivil military private sector government Academyâ operated in scienceâ he saidBoth speakers said the partnership is at a key moment Lall said âWeâre at an inflection pointâ and added that the next decade could see âa lot of co development workâ a lot of co production workâThe United States and India have expanded defence ties over the past two decades This includes joint exercises and technology partnershipsAI and emerging technologies are now central to the relationship Both countries are working to build capabilities in data autonomous systems and nextgeneration warfare IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-india-push-ai-defence-cooperation-673050.html Sat, 09 May 2026 09:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-holds-talks-with-trinidad-and-tobago-pm-unveils-key-cooperation-initiatives-673064.html New DelhiPort of Spain May 9 IANS External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar held a series of highlevel engagements in Trinidad and Tobago during his official visit focussing on bilateral cooperation cultural ties education initiatives and regional partnershipsnbspUpon arriving in Trinidad and Tobago in the early hours of Saturday EAM Jaishankar posted on X A pleasure to be back in Trinidad and Tobago Thank FM Sean Sobers for the warm welcome Look forward to a productive visit over the next two daysDuring the visit Jaishankar met Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar and discussed bilateral and regional issues Sharing details of the meeting on X he wrote Such a pleasure to meet with PM Kamla PersadBissessar Value her guidance on bilateral cooperation and insights on regional issuesThe minister also joined Prime Minister PersadBissessar at the presentation ceremony of Made in India laptops for schoolchildren in Trinidad and Tobago Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modis earlier commitment Jaishankar stated Joined PM Kamla PersadBissessar PMKamla at the presentation of MadeInIndia laptops to Trinbagonian schoolchildren Delivering on PM narendramodis commitment last year this is a message of learning awareness and opportunitySpeaking at the flagraising ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Jaishankar underlined the historic relationship between the two countries He said India had traditionally had very warm and friendly relations with Trinidad and Tobago and these ties have been shaped by shared history a struggle against colonialism and a very special bond of cricket People of the two countries share a lot in commonJaishankar also announced the conclusion of several agreements during the visit In another post he said Concluded Agreements today on Tourism on Solarisation of mfcagovtt building on Quick Impact Projects and on establishing Ayurveda ChairThe External Affairs Minister was also welcomed at the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago Sharing the development he wrote Privileged to be welcomed in the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago Thank PM Kamla PersadBissessar for her gracious wordsAdding a cultural touch to the visit Jaishankar met legendary West Indies cricketer Brian Lara and shared a picture with him on X captioning it With the one and only BrianLaraIn another post Jaishankar wrote Honoured by the flag raising ceremony at mfcagovtt of Trinidad and Tobago Thank Brian Lara for joining usEAM arrived in Trinidad and Tobago marking the final leg of his threenation official tour in the Caribbean following his engagement in Jamaica and SurinameIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-holds-talks-with-trinidad-and-tobago-pm-unveils-key-cooperation-initiatives-673064.html Sat, 09 May 2026 12:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-bipartisan-bill-targets-chinese-farmland-purchases-near-sensitive-sites-672883.html Washington May 8 A bipartisan group of US lawmakers moved to tighten restrictions on Chinese and other foreign adversary purchases of American farmland and property near sensitive military and infrastructure sites reflecting growing concerns in Washington over national security and food security The push came as Select Committee on China Chairman John Moolenaar introduced the âProtecting US Farmland and Sensitive Sites from Foreign Adversaries Actâ while another bipartisan group announced plans for legislation to ban Chinese vehicles from American roadsâFood security is national security and we cannot allow foreign adversaries like China to buy up American farmland near our most sensitive military and critical infrastructure sitesâ Moolenaar saidHe said the legislation would âclose dangerous loopholesâ and âpresumptively bar foreign adversaries from purchasing landâ He added that it would also implement the Trump administrationâs âAmerica First Investment Policyâ and the US Department of Agricultureâs Farm Security Action PlanThe proposed legislation would expand the authority of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States CFIUS to review real estate deals involving entities linked to China Russia Iran and North Korea It would create a new category of âelevated risk real estate transactionsâ covering farmland ports telecommunications infrastructure and property near military and intelligence facilitiesThe bill also broadens the definition of âsensitive sitesâ to include military installations NASA facilities airports maritime ports data centres fibre optic nodes cloud computing facilities and critical communications infrastructureAccording to the bill text elevatedrisk transactions would be presumed to present âan unresolvable risk to national securityâ unless cleared through a high threshold review processThe legislation has bipartisan backing from Republican and Democratic lawmakers including Representatives Josh Gottheimer Jimmy Panetta and Mike ThompsonAt the same time Moolenaar and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell announced plans to introduce separate bipartisan legislation to ban Chinese vehicles from US roadsâEvery vehicle on American roads is a rolling data collection device capturing information on location movement people and infrastructure in real time and we cannot allow Chinese vehicles or components to be a part of that systemâ the lawmakers said in a joint statementThe measures come amid broader efforts in Congress to counter Beijingâs economic and technological influence in the United StatesIn Florida Congressman Greg Steube joined House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rick Crawford in a roundtable discussion on what lawmakers described as growing Chinese counterintelligence threatsSteube said the Chinese Communist Party was âactively working to undermine American security and expand its influence inside our countryâ He said Floridaâs âcritical infrastructure and strategic importance make it a high value targetâSeparately a bipartisan Senate delegation led by Steve Daines held meetings in Beijing with senior Chinese officials including Premier Li Qiang and Foreign Minister Wang Yi The delegation discussed fentanyl precursors supply chain security Iran and agricultural trade The latest proposals also come as Washington and Beijing remain locked in wider tensions over trade technology national security and Taiwan Lawmakers from both parties have increasingly argued that Chineselinked investments in strategic sectors could expose vulnerabilities in critical American infrastructure and supply chains IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-bipartisan-bill-targets-chinese-farmland-purchases-near-sensitive-sites-672883.html Fri, 08 May 2026 09:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-congress-moves-to-ban-prediction-bets-672884.html Washington May 8 Lawmakers in the US House of Representatives have move a legislation to ban members of Congress and their staff from trading on prediction markets It comes days after the Senate unanimously adopted similar restrictions amid growing scrutiny over potential insider trading and ethics concerns Republican Congresswoman Ashley Hinson of Iowa on Thursday introduced a resolution to amend House rules and prohibit lawmakers congressional staff and House officers from entering agreements tied to the outcome of specific events effectively banning participation in prediction markets such as Kalshi and PolymarketThe move follows the Senateâs adoption last month of S Res 708 a resolution led by Republican Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio which revised Senate rules to bar senators and staff from trading contracts linked to specific eventsâI think this is something we should be doing as fast as possibleâ Hinson saidâWhat I donât want to see is that because Congress is lacking action here that this is a loophole that people were able to take advantage ofâ she saidIn a statement accompanying the resolution Hinson said âMembers of Congress shouldnt be able to use insider knowledge to make a profit We should take immediate action to ensure DC politicians cant make money off of policies they are influencing I am calling on our House Republican leadership to bring this to the floor immediately â it should receive unanimous supportâUnder the proposed House rules change members delegates resident commissioners officers and employees of the House would be barred from entering âan agreement contract swap or transactionâ tied to âthe occurrence nonoccurrence or the extent of the occurrence of a specific event or contingencyâHinson said she coordinated the effort with Moreno after working with him on other issuesThe Iowa Republican is not alone in pushing the proposal Democratic Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada introduced a separate resolution in April that would also prohibit members and staff from trading on prediction markets though her proposal includes an exception for sports wagersâNo Member of Congress should be able to profit off their insider knowledge by placing informed bets on prediction market platforms like Kalshi and Polymarketâ Titus said in a statementThe push comes as prediction markets gain visibility in Washington and attract growing attention from lawmakers concerned that officials with advance knowledge of government actions could exploit the platforms for financial gainAccording to CQ a special forces soldier pleaded not guilty last month to allegedly using confidential information to place bets on Polymarket that Venezuelan President NicolÃs Maduro would leave office The report said the trades allegedly generated more than 400000âThis is a very clear line where people understand âHey you know things ahead of when the normal public doesââ Hinson said âIt certainly should apply to everyone but it absolutely should apply to members of CongressâMoreno framed the Senate action as part of a broader effort to restore trust in CongressâMy issue is letâs clean up Congress If there are going to be guardrails in prediction markets thatâs a longer conversation that should have hearingsâ Moreno said âBut we donât want to wait until that we just wanted to clean up Congressâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-congress-moves-to-ban-prediction-bets-672884.html Fri, 08 May 2026 09:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-appeals-court-rejects-indian-muslim-mans-bid-to-halt-deportation-672885.html Washington May 8 A US federal appeals court has rejected an Indian Muslim manâs bid to avoid deportation ruling that the violence he faced in India did not amount to persecution and finding no evidence that Indian authorities were complicit in the attack The United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit said local police had intervened to stop the 2016 attack on Sanaullah Khan Mohammed and noted that he could also relocate elsewhere within âthe very large country of IndiaââThe bumps scrapes and bruises Mohammed received in the May 2016 incident do not compel the conclusion that he suffered persecutionâ the court said in its ruling issued this weekâNor has Mohammed demonstrated that the Indian government allowed the violence Indeed local police stopped the attackâ the threejudge panel addedThe court further said Mohammedâs claims of future persecution were weakened because the slaughterhouse business linked to the dispute was no longer operatingâEven more Mohammed could live somewhere else within the very large country of Indiaâ the ruling statedMohammed who entered the US on a visitor visa on June 26 2016 and remained after it expired later that year applied for asylum in January 2019 well beyond the oneyear deadline under US immigration lawAccording to court records Mohammed came from a Muslim family in India that operated a slaughterhouse business dealing in cow meat The ruling said tensions arose with local Hindus âwho both considered cows sacred and claimed affiliation with the Bharatiya Janata PartyâMohammed alleged that in May 2016 a group confronted him and his mother threw rocks at him and beat him while demanding the closure of the slaughterhouseThe court however noted that local police responded after Mohammed called for help and dispersed the attackersAn immigration judge had earlier rejected Mohammedâs asylum application as untimely and also denied his request for withholding of removal and protection under the Convention Against TortureThe Seventh Circuit said it lacked jurisdiction to review the asylum claim because of existing legal precedent governing late asylum applicationsThe judges nevertheless devoted substantial discussion to the merits of Mohammedâs withholding of removal claim and concluded that the evidence did not establish either past persecution or a likelihood of future persecution if returned to India IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-appeals-court-rejects-indian-muslim-mans-bid-to-halt-deportation-672885.html Fri, 08 May 2026 09:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-highlights-indias-global-role-stresses-partnership-for-progress-in-suriname-672888.html Paramaribo May 8 External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar on Friday spoke on the theme Partnership for Progressâ in Paramaribo Suriname and highlighted Indias global role stressing the need for partnership for progress EAM Jaishankar took to social media X and said Spoke on the theme âPartnership for Progressâ at Paramaribo this evening Thank FM Melvin Bouva for his presence and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Suriname for organising the programmeMade the case that a tough world nevertheless requires progress And that is best achieved through partnerships Highlighted the characteristics of a trusted partner who can reconcile national interest with global good Described Indiaâs role in global politics in that context focusing on our development partnerships global workforce first responder record and new initiatives he saidIt is this India that will partner Suriname in its growth trajectory and jointly write the next chapter of the IndiaSuriname story EAM Jaishankar addedEAM Jaishankar also planted a sapling at India House in Suriname under Ek Ped Maa Ke NaamVery glad to plant a sapling at India House Suriname under EkPedMaaKeNaam EAM Jaishankar said in another postEarlier on Thursday EAM S Jaishankar handed over a fruitprocessing facility in Paramaribo city of Suriname which was established with financial assistance from IndiaIndia provided fruit processing machinery to Suriname funded under the USD one million Small and Medium Enterprises grant announced by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in 2025During his remarks at the event the Minister said âThis project also serves to underline a larger message of India as a partner of Suriname and of the Global SouthâHe said that Indiaâs commitment to Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam which means the world as a family is demonstrated not just in words but through particular projects and specific activities and noted that this is a very good illustration of itâIn the times to come as Suriname advances in its quest for progress and prosperity India will always be a reliable partnerâ he addedHe was joined by Suriname Foreign Minister Melvin Bouva and Agriculture Minister Nike Noersalim at the event IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-highlights-indias-global-role-stresses-partnership-for-progress-in-suriname-672888.html Fri, 08 May 2026 09:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/north-korea-to-deploy-new-long-range-artillery-along-border-with-seoul-this-year-kcna-672889.html Seoul May 8 North Korea plans to deploy a new selfpropelled howitzer along its border with South Korea by the end of this year state media said Friday as it seeks to bolster its defence capabilities According to the Korean Central News Agency KCNA North Korean leader Kim Jongun visited a munitions factory Wednesday to review production of a newtype 155 mm selfpropelled gunhowitzer destined for three battalions to be stationed at a longrange artillery unit along the southern borderThe selfpropelled gunhowitzer has a striking range exceeding 60 kilometres the report said which is enough to place Seoul within firing range of North Korean frontline positionsKim reaffirmed that the year 2026 will also record an unprecedented upgrade in the course of struggle for bolstering up the national defence capability of the country the KCNA said urging cadres to achieve signal successes every day through intensified efforts to strengthen military readinessIn a separate KCNA report Kim visited the 5000tonne warship Choe Hyon on Thursday to observe a maneuvering assessment test ahead of its commissioningPhotos released by state media showed Kims daughter Juae accompanying him on the inspectionHe boarded the destroyer and took part in a navigation test conducted in the Yellow Sea and inspected the vessels operational capabilities and combat readinessExpressing satisfaction with the ships construction progress Kim ordered it to be delivered to the navy by midJune as scheduled according to the reportPyongyang has conducted a series of strategic cruise missile tests from the destroyer which analysts believe may be capable of carrying nuclear warheads Yonhap news agency reportedNorth Korea unveiled the Choe Hyon destroyer in April last year as part of a broader push to modernise its naval forcesFollowing the launch of a similar destroyer the Kang Kon in June 2025 Kim ordered the construction of a third vessel of the same class in time for the ruling Workers Party of Koreas founding anniversary on October 10 IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/north-korea-to-deploy-new-long-range-artillery-along-border-with-seoul-this-year-kcna-672889.html Fri, 08 May 2026 09:46:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indias-resolve-to-fight-terrorism-strong-as-ever-kirti-vardhan-singh-672904.html United Nations May 8 Indiaâs Minister of State of External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh led a commemoration of Operation Sindoor that gave a resounding blow to Pakistan for defending and aiding terorrists Indiaâs resolve to fight terrorism remained as strong as ever he said on ThursdayThe meeting commemorating the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor paid tributes to Indiaâs UN Mission to âthe bravery and professionalism of our armed forces which is unparalleledâAfter Pakistanbased terrorists crossed into India and killed 26 Indian tourists at Pahalgam India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 2025 hitting terrorist centres within that countryThe Resistance Front a group affiliated with LashkareTayiba a terrorist outfit sanctioned by the UN said it was responsible for the attackIndia targeted those two groups and the JaisheMohammed terrorist outfit during the fourday operationIt spiralled into a conflict between India and Pakistan when Pakistanâs armed forces came to the defence of the terrorist groups and attacked IndiaAfter India repelled the Pakistani attacks and was in a commanding position Pakistanâs Director General of Military Operations DGMO Major General Kashif Abdullah called his then Indian counterpart Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai and asked for a ceasefireSeveral Pakistani air force and missile bases had been destroyed by India by thenThe UN Security Council condemned the Pahalgam massacreâTerrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and securityâ it said in its press statementIt said that terrorism is âcriminal and unjustifiable regardless of their motivation wherever whenever and by whoever committedâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indias-resolve-to-fight-terrorism-strong-as-ever-kirti-vardhan-singh-672904.html Fri, 08 May 2026 11:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/baloch-armed-group-attack-in-balochistan-damages-infrastructure-hits-pakistani-forces-672913.html Quetta May 8 The Baloch Republican Guards BRG claimed responsibility for attacks in Balochistanâs Sibi and Sohbatpur districts completely destroying two electricity towers and damaging two others while causing casualties and material losses to Pakistani Rangers according to local media reports In a statement issued to the media on Thursday BRG spokesperson Dostain Baloch said the groupâs fighters planted explosives in the Lemji area of Sibi on the night of May 6 resulting in the complete collapse of two electricity towers and severe damage to two othersHe added that the group attacked a Pakistani Rangers checkpoint in the Buskat area of Sohbatpur using small and heavy weaponsAccording to the statement the assault led to âcasualties and material lossesâ to the Rangers The Balochistan Post reportedThe group said that such operations would continue until âindependence of Balochistanâ from PakistanThese latest incidents come against the backdrop of escalating attacks by Baloch groups targeting Pakistani military and police forces across Balochistan in recent days resulting in heavy casualties and damage to the infrastructureIn a separate incident a pickup vehicle carrying eight people including women and children went missing between the Pasni and Shadi Kaur regions in Balochistanâs Gwadar district amid the Pakistani military operation in the regionCiting local sources The Balochistan Post reported that more than 50 people have been detained during the ongoing military operationReports suggest that the vehicle disappeared while travelling from Pasni to Shadi Kaur along with all its passengers including three women two children and three menThe passengers were returning to their village following treatment at Pak Oman Hospital in Pasni before they went missing Since the incident neither the passengers nor the vehicle had been tracedThe affected families on Wednesday called on the local administration and law enforcement agencies to take prompt actionPakistani military also launched operation in several areas of Balochistan including Zareen Kaur Tarati Goristani and Kabadi blocking routes and restricting movementAs violence against civilians escalates across the province the Pakistani forces conducted an operation in the Koshkalat region of the Kech district on Wednesday morning reportedly detaining several individuals and killing one as gunfire was heard in the areaBalochistan continues to reel under relentless atrocities by the Pakistani forces marked by enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings of Baloch civilians at an unprecedented level IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/baloch-armed-group-attack-in-balochistan-damages-infrastructure-hits-pakistani-forces-672913.html Fri, 08 May 2026 12:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistans-internal-policy-failures-fuelling-balochistan-insurgency-672957.html Islamabad May 8 Pakistans reliance on proxy militant networks its heavyhanded handling of local grievances and its failure to respond to emerging militant alliances have fuelled the current crisis in Balochistan Far from being a peripheral theatre the province is turning into the epicentre of a multilayered insurgency shaped by decades of strategic miscalculations by Pakistani authorities a report has detailed According to a report in Eurasia Review Balochistan has once again descended into violence with Islamabad continuing to portray the situation as part of an âexternal conspiracy However the recent wave of clashes across the province including the deadly confrontation at the 143 Wing post in Chaman and the April 26 ambushes near Dalbandin reveals a troubling reality âPakistanâs own security establishment has helped engineer the very conditionsâ fuelling regional instabilityCiting field reports it said a confrontation at the 143rd Wing post in Chaman resulted in heavy casualties among Pakistani border forces followed by intense fighting with Afghan Taliban fighters on April 26 leaving seven soldiers dead at a roadblockThe report said that these were not isolated incidents but âsymptoms of a deeper structural failure within Pakistanâs security frameworkPakistanâs security establishment spent decades exploiting militant networks as âinstruments of regional influence but today those same networks are directing violence inwardâThe attempt to move ammunition and fighters across the Chaman sector underscores how the border has become a twoway corridor for groups Islamabad once believed it could controlâ the report notedIt highlighted that the TehrikiTaliban Pakistan TTP and the Baloch Liberation Army BLA reportedly formalised an operational partnership in 2026 âa development that should have triggered alarm bells across Pakistanâs national security apparatus rather than the establishment downplayed the threatThe April 27 ambush along the N40 highway near Dalbandin killing four Pakistani soldiers underscores the widening operational reach of these groupsThe report emphasised that Pakistanâs military establishment has long framed the unrest in Balochistan as âexternally orchestratedâ yet the current escalation is driven by actors âonce cultivated tolerated or selectively ignoredâ by the Pakistani authoritiesThese developments suggest not âexternal manipulationâ but âinternal policy failuresâ that have enabled militant ecosystems to grow beyond the stateâs controlWarning of the wider implications the report said âIf Islamabad continues to deny the structural roots of the conflict the situation will deteriorate further The insurgency is no longer fragmented It is learning adapting and expanding while the state remains trapped in outdated narratives Balochistanâs future now hinges on whether Pakistanâs security establishment can confront the consequences of its own policies or whether it will continue down a path that has already cost lives territory and legitimacy IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistans-internal-policy-failures-fuelling-balochistan-insurgency-672957.html Fri, 08 May 2026 16:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/islamic-terrorism-unleashed-by-pakistan-not-merely-regional-issue-but-global-threat-report-672995.html Islamabad May 8 Pakistans role in fostering terrorism has for decades fuelled instability in the wider South Asian region At the same time preserving regional stability remains essential for US strategic interests given South Asiaâs proximity to Afghanistan and China a report has stated Writing for American media outlet PJ Media Turkish journalist Uzay Bulut said that the fight against terrorism by the United States and India should also be supported by policies aimed at restoring religious ethnic and cultural diversity of South Asia which she said has been severely damaged by Islamisation through force and violenceMarking the first anniversary of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack which witnessed Pakistanbacked terrorists gunning down 26 innocent tourists after identifying their religion Bulut cited US Congressman Brad Sherman calling on Pakistan to rein in terror groups such as LashkareTaiba LeTAddressing an exhibition organised by the Indian Embassy in Washington titled the Human Cost of Terrorism Congressman Sherman paid homage to the victims of the terror attackCondemning the attack the US lawmaker said the group behind the attack The Resistance Front TRF was âclearly an offshoot of the LeT an organisation which unfortunately has found sanctuary in PakistanââAnd as the world focuses on Islamabad where the talks are taking place or not taking place or might be taking place we have to use this as an opportunity to demand that the Pakistani government clamp down on the LeT and the JeM and other terrorist group organisations Sherman addedThe digital exhibition showcased major terrorist attacks perpetrated across the world including the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks and the Pahalgam attack It also highlighted the terror outfits which carried out the attacks including several Pakistanbased individuals and entities such as the LeTFollowing the Pahalgam terror attack India launched Operation Sindoor in May last year targeting terror infrastructure in both Pakistan and Pakistanoccupied Kashmir PoK The operation struck locations including the headquarters and training facilities linked to LeT and another terrorist group JaisheMohammad JeM from where attacks against India were orchestratedIndia commemorated Operation Sindoors first anniversary on ThursdayBulut further highlighted that antiHindu persecution in Kashmir dates back to the partition of India She further claimed that during the 1980s Islamic terrorism with alleged backing from Pakistanâs military and the InterServices Intelligence intensified across the Kashmir ValleyShe argued that Islamic terrorism is not merely a regional issue but a global threat Highlighting the persistent threats posed by what she described as Islamisation Bulut said the United States should confront the systematic religious and cultural erasure of nonMuslim communities in the South Asian region IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/islamic-terrorism-unleashed-by-pakistan-not-merely-regional-issue-but-global-threat-report-672995.html Fri, 08 May 2026 19:01:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-holds-wide-ranging-talks-with-top-leadership-in-suriname-to-deepen-bilateral-ties-672774.html Paramaribo May 7 External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar currently on a visit to Suriname held a series of talks with top leadership and other officials of the South American nation to discuss ways to further strengthen the bilateral ties between the two countries As he arrived in Paramaribo on Wednesday local time EAM Jaishankar was warmly welcomed by his counterpart Melvin BouvaBoth leaders later held a bilateral discussion Along with the Indian officials the EAM then met with Surinamese delegations and undertook a comprehensive review of bilateral ties under the aegis of the 9th Joint Commission Meeting in ParamariboFollowing the meeting EAM Jaishankar took to X and posted We covered trade digital amp investment defence amp energy development assistance amp capacity building health amp mobility and culture amp peopletopeople exchanges Confident that the outcomes of our deliberations today will further deepen and diversify our tiesEAM Jaishankar also called on Surinames President Jennifer GeerlingsSimons and discussed shared commitment to enhancing the enduring partnership between the two nationsPleased to call on President Jennifer GeerlingsSimons of Suriname this afternoon Conveyed warm greetings from India to the government and people of Suriname Our two nations are committed to realising the full potential of the deep and longstanding IndiaSuriname relationship EAM posted on XThe EAM also paid homage at the Monument for the Fallen Heroes in Surinames Marienburg commemorating the migrated Indian indentured labourers Girmitya who lost their lives during the fight against colonialism in 1902Their sacrifices in 1902 are an inspiration in the struggle against colonialism These Girmityas fought for dignity and freedom abroad even as countless others did in Bharat Our global story for liberty and justice must always be told and retold he statedHe then interacted with the Indian community in Suriname highlighting Indias ongoing transformation journey He reiterated New Delhis commitment to remaining a dependable development partner in Surinames growthSharing the details of the interaction on his social media platform X on Thursday Indian time EAM Jaishankar said Delighted to interact with the Indian community in Suriname this evening Shared with them various aspects of the transformation underway in India Underlined that we will be a reliable and trusted partner for Surinames growth development and prosperityDuring his visit EAM Jaishankar also paid tribute at the Baba and Mai monument which commemorates the first Indians who came to SurinameHe also paid respect at Mahatma Gandhis statue in central Paramaribo before commencing his bilateral engagements IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-holds-wide-ranging-talks-with-top-leadership-in-suriname-to-deepen-bilateral-ties-672774.html Thu, 07 May 2026 12:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/one-year-on-operation-sindoor-continues-to-shape-indias-security-doctrine-672785.html New Delhi May 7 IANS On the intervening night of May 67 the Indian armed forces carried out Operation Sindoor to avenge the Pahalgam attack in which innocent lives were lost The operation was so precise that it took down major infrastructure both in Pakistan occupied Kashmir PoK and PakistannbspSome of the major infrastructure that was destroyed included the JaisheMohammads headquarters in Bahawalpur and the LashkareTaibas primary training facility in MuridkenbspExperts say that the Indian armed forces fought on multiple fronts While taking down infrastructure the forces were dealing with a flurry of hostage drones that came from Pakistan While taking down terror infrastructure seamlessly every drone that came in from Pakistan was taken down effectivelynbspDuring this operation Pakistan decided to activate its propaganda wings These wings were in overdrive mode on social media spreading false narratives Officials say that this was done with the intention of demoralising the Indian armed forcesnbspThe Indian government however managed to counter every false narrative and ultimately revenge was sought for Pahalgam and the message to Pakistan was delivered While the primary intention was to hit terror infrastructure in Pakistan which has been used for years to carry out strikes in India the Operation also aimed at sending a larger messagenbspThe Indian doctrine changed and the message to Pakistan is that every terror attack will be treated as an act of war It has put Pakistan on the back foot and the country will think ten times before it plots an attack This explains the push for raising homegrown modules in India another official saidnbspDuring Operation Sindoor Pakistan also witnessed the power of the Indian Air Forces Integrated Air Command and Control System IACCS This was instrumental in providing the shield during the operationnbspPakistan sent dozens of drones At first it was just harmless drones that flew in meant to distract Later it was the larger drones and despite trying to confuse and divert them the IACCS managed to take down each onenbspPakistan was not just launching the drones against the Indian armed forces attempts were made multiple times to target civilian territory but they were shot down successfullynbspThe operation also made India realise the importance of upgrading technology for future scenarios Wars would be fought using drones largely and securing the nation against them has become a top priority for the Narendra Modi governmentnbspPost the operation the Government of India approved emergency procurements including replenishing S400 missile stocks drones counterdrone systems Javelin antitank guided missiles loitering munitions and precision munitions Further the IACCS equipment which is at seven sites is being refurbished with new components and equipmentnbspAccording to a request for proposal issued to the defence public sector undertakings by the IAF last week this was needed to mitigate a single point of failure in networked tactical nodes NTN This is critical for the IAFs operations in its air defence networknbspAn official added that Operation Sindoor was a huge success and the slew of diplomatic measures that were taken in its aftermath also had a major impact India suspended trade ties diplomatic relations and placed the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyancenbspAll this conveyed Indias strong stance against Pakistansponsored terrorismnbspOperation Sindoor also set an example of the jointness among the Indian armed forces The experts say that this was not just an operation to hit terror infrastructure It signalled a strategic shift in Indias approach towards national securitynbspPrime Minister Narendra Modi said that Operation Sindoor was a reflection of the nations resolve to ensure justice and securityIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/one-year-on-operation-sindoor-continues-to-shape-indias-security-doctrine-672785.html Thu, 07 May 2026 13:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/rights-flags-surge-in-sexual-violence-cases-in-bangladesh-madrasas-672812.html Dhaka May 7 A leading human rights organisation expressed grave concern over the rising incidents of sexual violence against children in madrasas across Bangladesh Dhakabased rights body Manusher Jonno Foundation MJF called for the immediate establishment of sexual harassment committees in all madrasas across the country in line with the High Courts directives for educational institutionsThe rights body highlighted that the High Court in 2023 directed all educational institutions in Bangladesh to form committees to prevent sexual harassmentCiting a recent case involving the rape and impregnation of an 11yearold student in Madan upazila of Netrokona district the MJF stressed the urgent need for systemic safeguards within these institutionsMadrasas are educational institutions there is no reason for these to stay outside the gambit of the High Court ruling said Shaheen Anam Executive Director of MJFIn its latest finding the Bangladesh Mahila Parishad found that in just the first four months of this year a total of 1028 women and girls have been subjected to various forms of violence including sexual violence The rights body noted that these data reveal an alarming pattern involving girl children with 479 incidents documented between January and AprilAccording to the MJF the case registered in the Netrokona incident alleged that a madrasa teacher had repeatedly abused a child since October The incident came to light on April 18 after a medical examination confirmed that the victim was in an advanced stage of pregnancyAlthough the accused reportedly denied the allegations online he was later detained by Bangladeshs Rapid Action Battalion RABThe right body cited another incident of sexual violence where a madrasa teacher in the Patuakhali district has been jailed over the alleged abuse of a 10yearold studentMJF urged the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure strict punishment of the perpetrator who has reportedly been arrestedDemanding justice for the victims the rights body called for full implementation of Bangladeshs Women and Children Repression Prevention Act 2000 which criminalises brutal acts of violence against women and childrenCases of sexual violence against children within madrassas are usually hushed up as these teachers exert much influence and power over their community It is time to expose these teachers and stop such heinous crimes against children both boys and girls through the implementation of relevant laws and ensuring accountability of concerned officials the MJF statedAsserting that both authorities and society in Bangladesh share equal responsibility for ensuring the safety and protection of children the rights body said that both have failed adequately to uphold that dutyThe MJF urged the government to implement the High Court directive and prioritise the pending Sexual Harassment Law awaiting enactment in parliamentThis demand comes amid growing concern over repeated abuse in madrasa settings raising serious questions about child safety and institutional accountability IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/rights-flags-surge-in-sexual-violence-cases-in-bangladesh-madrasas-672812.html Thu, 07 May 2026 15:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/china-linked-refurbished-electronics-fuel-bangladesh-e-waste-crisis-report-672815.html New Delhi May 7 Bangladesh witnessing a growing electronic waste crisis as rising imports of lowcost and refurbished electronics largely linked to China continue to overwhelm the countryâs weak waste management and regulatory systems a report has said According to a report by Mongabay despite the introduction of the Hazardous Waste EWaste Management Rules in 2021 illegal imports weak enforcement and an expanding informal recycling sector are turning Bangladesh into a potential dumping ground for global electronic waste environmental researchers warnedHighlighting a recent study the report said nearly 14985 tonnes of ewaste were illegally imported into the country between 2022 and 2024 while exports of ewaste components stood at only 4040 metric tonnes effectively making Bangladesh a net importer of electronic wasteThe study estimated the value of imported ewaste materials during the period at around 700000 though researchers cautioned that the actual volume could be significantly higher due to false declarations and underreportingMoreover Bangladeshâs dependence on Chinese electronics imports has sharply increased in recent yearsIn addition Bangladesh Bank BB data showed that the country spent more than 247 billion on imports of electrical appliances and accessories in fiscal year 202425 including nearly 18 billion worth of products from ChinaEnvironmental experts cited in the report said a substantial share of imported refurbished laptops smartphones and spare parts entering local markets have short operational lifespans and quickly become wasteMany imported devices are repaired repackaged and sold as lowcost alternatives after being rejected or returned abroad said Dr Shahriar Hossain senior technical adviser at the Environment and Social Development Organization ESDOThe expert warned that Bangladesh lacks adequate systems to safely manage the growing volume of discarded electronics batteries and solar equipmentThe report highlighted major gaps in enforcement and coordination among customs authorities the Department of Environment and trade regulators allowing illegal imports to continue despite existing regulationsAccording to the report researchers warned that informal recycling operations often involving unsafe dismantling practices and child labour pose serious risks to soil water and public health through exposure to toxic substances such as lead and cadmium IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/china-linked-refurbished-electronics-fuel-bangladesh-e-waste-crisis-report-672815.html Thu, 07 May 2026 15:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/iranian-media-denies-new-us-exchanges-rejects-reports-of-nearing-deal-672713.html Tehran May 7 Iran has said it has not exchanged any new written messages with the United States pushing back against reports that the two sides are close to a onepage agreement to end hostilities The semiofficial Fars news agency called recent media reports fabricated saying they were designed to influence global markets and drive down oil prices rather than reflect the situation on the groundFars citing two unnamed sources said Iran has not yet responded to the latest US message which was delivered through Pakistan Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran is still reviewing the US proposal and will respond after completing its assessment according to the Iranian Students News AgencyLast week Iran sent a 14point counterproposal to Washington through Pakistan in response to a ninepoint US plan outlining conditions for ending the conflict Tehran later confirmed it had received a reply from Washington reports Xinhua news agencyEbrahim Rezaei spokesman for the Iranian parliaments national security and foreign policy committee wrote on X that Axios had published a US wish list rather than reality He said Iran would not accept pressure and warned of a harsh response if attacked or provokedAxios reported that a potential deal could include Iran agreeing to suspend uranium enrichment in exchange for US sanctions relief with both sides easing restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz The duration of any enrichment pause remains under discussion with proposals ranging from five to 20 yearsSeparately Irans Tasnim news agency reported widespread GPS disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz for a third consecutive day with some marine tracking data showing vessels appearing to move on landThe United States and Israel conducted joint strikes on Tehran and other Iranian cities on February 28 killing senior Iranian officials and civilians including thenSupreme Leader Ali Khamenei Iran responded with missile and drone attacks against Israel and US interests in the region and tightened control over the Strait of HormuzA ceasefire took effect on April 8 Talks between the Iranian and US delegations in Islamabad on April 1112 ended without an agreement After negotiations collapsed the US imposed a blockade of the strait IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/iranian-media-denies-new-us-exchanges-rejects-reports-of-nearing-deal-672713.html Thu, 07 May 2026 08:18:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/they-want-to-make-a-deal-badly-trump-says-iran-talks-made-progress-672714.html Washington May 7 US President Donald Trump has said that Washington had made progress in talks with Iran and suggested a possible agreement could emerge soon while insisting that Tehran âcannot have a nuclear weaponâ âThey want to make a deal badlyâ Trump told reporters at the White House on Wednesday Local time âWeâve had very good talks over the last 24 hours and itâs very possible that weâll make a dealâTrump rejected suggestions that Iran remained defiantâWell why do you say they refused to submit You donât know thatâ he told a reporterThe President repeated his longstanding position that Tehran must never acquire nuclear weaponsâThey canât have nuclear weapons itâs very simpleâ Trump saidTrump also claimed Iranâs military infrastructure had been heavily damaged during the conflictâThey had a Navy with 159 ships and now every ship is blown to pieces and lying at the bottom of the waterâ he said âThey had an Air Force lots of planes and they donât have any planesâHe further claimed Iranâs antiaircraft systems radar capabilities and missile stockpiles had been âmostly decimatedââTheir leaders are all dead So I think we wonâ Trump saidAt the same time Trump said diplomacy remained possible and argued Iran would need decades to recover militarily if the conflict stopped nowâIf we left right now Iran it would take them 20 years to rebuildâ he saidTrump declined to set any timeline for negotiationsâNever a deadlineâ he said when asked if he expected a deadline for a deal with Tehran âItâll happenâThe President also defended the economic consequences of the conflict saying US financial markets had remained resilient despite fears of a severe oil shockâI thought oil prices would go to 200 250â Trump said âItâs at 100 nowâTrump said he had expected US markets to fall sharply during the conflict but instead claimed the stock market had reached new highsâThe stock market is higher now than when we started this warâ he saidTrump also referred to renewed interest by major US energy firms in Venezuela mentioning discussions with ExxonMobil and Chevron executives at the White HouseOn the other hand Iran said Wednesday it has not exchanged any new written messages with the United States pushing back against reports that the two sides are close to a onepage agreement to end hostilitiesThe semiofficial Fars news agency called recent media reports fabricated saying they were designed to influence global markets and drive down oil prices rather than reflect the situation on the groundFars citing two unnamed sources said Iran has not yet responded to the latest US message which was delivered through Pakistan Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran is still reviewing the US proposal and will respond after completing its assessment according to the Iranian Students News Agency IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/they-want-to-make-a-deal-badly-trump-says-iran-talks-made-progress-672714.html Thu, 07 May 2026 08:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/macron-urges-instant-reopening-of-hormuz-strait-672715.html Paris May 7 French President Emmanuel Macron has called for all parties to lift the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz without delay and without conditions after a telephone talk with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian We must return permanently to the regime of full freedom of navigation that prevailed before the conflict Macron said on social media platform X on Wednesday evening local time adding that the future multinational escort mission launched by France and Britain will contribute to the goalThis FrancoBritish initiative will by its nature be separate from the warring parties The prepositioning of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle is part of this effort he said calling on Iran to seize the opportunityHe also voiced his intention to discuss the matter with US President Donald Trump reports Xinhua news agencyThe French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle is currently heading toward the southern Red Sea to reduce the time required to implement the FrancoBritish initiative as soon as circumstances permit according to a press release issued Wednesday by the French defence ministryThis initiative to restore navigation in the Strait of Hormuz which would not be implemented as long as the USIranian hostilities continue has brought together more than forty nations according to the press release Additionally Macron held talks with Irans President Masoud Pezeshkian The Iranian President has said the country is ready to pursue diplomatic paths to end the war with the United States and Israel while insisting on safeguarding the Iranian nations rightsPezeshkian expressed deep distrust of the United States citing recent hostile actions including two attacks on Iran during bilateral talks which he described as stabbing Iran in the back according to a statement published on the website of his officeThe phone conversation came as Axios reported earlier in the day that the United States and Iran are closing in on a onepage memo to end their war reports Xinhua news agencyIt said a potential deal would involve Iran committing to a moratorium on nuclear enrichment and the United States agreeing to lift sanctions with both sides lifting restrictions on transit through the Strait of HormuzIran the United States and Israel reached the ceasefire on April 8 after 40 days of fighting that started with the US and Israeli attacks on Feb 28Following the truce Iran and the United States held one round of peace talks in Pakistans capital Islamabad on April 11 and 12 which failed to lead to an agreementOver the past weeks the two sides have exchanged a number of proposed plans to end the war with the latest one currently being reviewed by Iran IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/macron-urges-instant-reopening-of-hormuz-strait-672715.html Thu, 07 May 2026 08:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/americas-strength-lies-in-mothers-melania-trump-honours-military-families-672721.html Washington May 7 First Lady Melania Trump honoured military mothers at the White House ahead of Motherâs Day praising their sacrifices during what she described as âa time of military conflict for Americaâ Speaking at a White House event attended by military families on Wednesday local time administration officials and service members Melania Trump paid tribute to mothers of troops serving overseas and those who lost children in uniformâI often think about the brave people who make the ultimate sacrifice for our freedomâ she saidMelania Trump recalled visiting Dover Air Force Base last March to honour members of the 103rd Sustainment Command killed at Port Shuaiba in Kuwait while supporting Operation Epic FuryâWhen I went to honour the fallen servicemembers from the 103rd Sustainment Command at Dover Air Force Base last March I realised that words cannot comfort the allconsuming grief that family members and mothers in particular experienceâ she said âTheir loss is overwhelmingâThe First Lady said military mothers often endure loneliness and fear while loved ones serve abroadâIt is these military mothers who find themselves alone awake in their thoughts in the darkest hours of the nightâ she said âOf course we must also remember the mothers with a spouse overseas praying for a safe return so their family can become whole once againâShe described mothers as the âmoral foundationâ of American familiesâAt the very heart of Americaâs strength lies the boundless love and quiet power of mothersâ Mrs Trump said âIn doing so Americaâs mothers help build the soul of our nationâMelania Trump also praised President Donald Trump saying he never forgets that âevery American soldier is someoneâs childâVice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance attended the event along with senior administration officials and military familiesPresident Trump in his remarks praised military mothers and spoke about ongoing tensions involving IranâWeâre doing very well in Iranâ Trump said âThey want to make a deal They want to negotiateâThe President said the US military was stronger than ever and praised the Navyâs role in regional operationsâThe blockade is unbelievableâ Trump said âItâs like a wall of steelâTrump also highlighted the story of Melody Wolfe whose son Andrew Wolfe a member of the West Virginia National Guard survived a shooting while on patrol in Washington last yearâNobody thought our boy would make itâ Wolfe told the audience âWe have a strong faith in God and God is what brought our son through thisâTrump called the recovery âa miracleâ and praised Wolfeâs faith during her sonâs treatment IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/americas-strength-lies-in-mothers-melania-trump-honours-military-families-672721.html Thu, 07 May 2026 08:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/one-year-on-operation-sindoor-continues-to-shape-indias-security-doctrine-672723.html New Delhi May 7 On the intervening night of May 67 the Indian armed forces carried out Operation Sindoor to avenge the Pahalgam attack in which innocent lives were lost The operation was so precise that it took down major infrastructure both in Pakistan occupied Kashmir PoK and Pakistan Some of the major infrastructure that was destroyed included the JaisheMohammadâs headquarters in Bahawalpur and the LashkareTaibaâs primary training facility in Muridke Experts say that the Indian armed forces fought on multiple fronts While taking down infrastructure the forces were dealing with a flurry of hostage drones that came from Pakistan While taking down terror infrastructure seamlessly every drone that came in from Pakistan was taken down effectively During this operation Pakistan decided to activate its propaganda wings These wings were in overdrive mode on social media spreading false narratives Officials say that this was done with the intention of demoralising the Indian armed forces The Indian government however managed to counter every false narrative and ultimately revenge was sought for Pahalgam and the message to Pakistan was delivered While the primary intention was to hit terror infrastructure in Pakistan which has been used for years to carry out strikes in India the Operation also aimed at sending a larger message The Indian doctrine changed and the message to Pakistan is that every terror attack will be treated as an act of war It has put Pakistan on the back foot and the country will think ten times before it plots an attack This explains the push for raising homegrown modules in India another official said During Operation Sindoor Pakistan also witnessed the power of the Indian Air Forceâs Integrated Air Command and Control System IACCS This was instrumental in providing the shield during the operation Pakistan sent dozens of drones At first it was just harmless drones that flew in meant to distract Later it was the larger drones and despite trying to confuse and divert them the IACCS managed to take down each one Pakistan was not just launching the drones against the Indian armed forces attempts were made multiple times to target civilian territory but they were shot down successfully The operation also made India realise the importance of upgrading technology for future scenarios Wars would be fought using drones largely and securing the nation against them has become a top priority for the Narendra Modi government Post the operation the Government of India approved emergency procurements including replenishing S400 missile stocks drones counterdrone systems Javelin antitank guided missiles loitering munitions and precision munitions Further the IACCS equipment which is at seven sites is being refurbished with new components and equipment According to a request for proposal issued to the defence public sector undertakings by the IAF last week this was needed to mitigate a single point of failure in networked tactical nodes NTN This is critical for the IAFâs operations in its air defence network An official added that Operation Sindoor was a huge success and the slew of diplomatic measures that were taken in its aftermath also had a major impact India suspended trade ties diplomatic relations and placed the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance All this conveyed Indiaâs strong stance against Pakistansponsored terrorism Operation Sindoor also set an example of the jointness among the Indian armed forces The experts say that this was not just an operation to hit terror infrastructure It signalled a strategic shift in Indiaâs approach towards national security Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Operation Sindoor was a reflection of the nationâs resolve to ensure justice and security IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/one-year-on-operation-sindoor-continues-to-shape-indias-security-doctrine-672723.html Thu, 07 May 2026 09:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/russia-urges-evacuation-from-kyiv-in-note-to-foreign-diplomatic-missions-672725.html MoscowKyiv May 7 The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said it had sent a note to all foreign diplomatic missions and international organisations accredited with the ministry urging them to ensure the evacuation of personnel from Kyiv According to the statement the note referenced a warning on Monday by the Russian Defence Ministry about threats from the Ukrainian authorities to carry out attacks on Moscow during Victory Day celebrationsThe Russian Foreign Ministry called on governments and organisations to take the warning with maximum responsibility and ensure the timely evacuation of their staff and citizens from Kyiv given the inevitability of a retaliatory strike by the Russian forces against Kyiv if Ukraine interrupts the celebrations reports Xinhua news agencyThe ministry said Russian diplomatic missions abroad were also informing the countries of accreditation and international organisations of the situationOn Monday the Russian Defence Ministry warned that any attempts to disrupt the celebrations marking the 81st anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War would trigger a massive missile strike on central KyivVictory Day observed annually on May 9 to mark the Soviet Unions victory in the Great Patriotic War is one of Russias most important national holidays The Kremlin said in late April that a military parade would still be held in Red Square without military equipment because of security concernsMeanwhile Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Wednesday that Russia continues its military operations despite Ukraines proposal for a ceasefire and warned that Kyiv will respond in kindRussia has not stopped any of its military activity Unfortunately it has not ceased Ukraine will respond in a reciprocal manner Zelensky wrote on TelegramHe noted that Russia attacked seven Ukrainian regions on Wednesday despite a Kyivproposed ceasefire that took effect at midnightDepending on the situation tonight and tomorrow we will also decide on our fully fair response Zelensky saidHe emphasised that Ukraine remains committed to working for peace and seeks to end the conflict with dignityAlso on Monday Zelensky said Ukraine would implement a ceasefire with Russia starting Wednesday IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/russia-urges-evacuation-from-kyiv-in-note-to-foreign-diplomatic-missions-672725.html Thu, 07 May 2026 09:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/republican-lawmakers-from-texas-seek-h-1b-fraud-probe-672726.html Washington May 7 Republican lawmakers from Texas have urged the Trump administration to launch a coordinated federal investigation into alleged H1B visa fraud in North Texas arguing that abuse of the programme is harming American workers and undermining confidence in the US immigration system In a letter sent to Vice President JD Vance Secretary of State Marco Rubio Acting Secretary Keith Sonderling and Secretary Mullin four Texas Members of Congress called for an interagency probe into what they described as âreported H1B fraud activities in North TexasâThe letter was led by Representative Beth Van Duyne of Texas and signed by Representatives Pat Fallon Ronny Jackson and Brandon GillThe lawmakers said the alleged activities were concentrated in the DallasFort Worth region including Collin Dallas Denton and Tarrant countiesâThe concentration of these activities in North Texas a major economic hub for our nation raises additional concerns about localised exploitation of the systemâ the lawmakers wroteâWhen bad actors are able to manipulate visa pathways at scale it distorts local labour markets suppresses wages and erodes trust in lawful immigration processesâ they saidVan Duyne said recent investigative reporting by independent journalists had exposed what she called âflagrant abuseâ of the H1B visa programme in North TexasâIâm thankful for my fellow North Texas Members in joining me to urge the Administration to take immediate action to investigate and prosecute these egregious violations of our immigration lawsâ she said in a statement released MondayVan Duyne compared the alleged abuses to other fraud investigations previously uncovered in different parts of the countryâMuch like we saw with the Nick Shirley investigative journalism which exposed Somali welfare fraud in Minnesota and rampant hospice fraud in Los Angeles California North Texas independent journalists have repeatedly uncovered flagrant abuse of the H1B visa programme concentrated in the DallasFort Worth areaâ she saidâH1B visa abuse is an affront to our country it harms American workers depresses wages leaves graduating university students without job prospects in their area of study and it must be stamped out for economic and national security reasonsâ Van Duyne addedThe lawmakers also pointed to earlier actions by Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton who launched separate investigations this year into alleged H1B abuse and labour displacement practicesAccording to the press release state officials cited instances in which companies allegedly dismissed qualified Texas workers and replaced them with lowerwage H1B employees The release also referred to accusations involving sham companies allegedly operating from residential addresses or unfinished buildingsThe Members of Congress asked federal agencies to conduct a âcoordinated interagency investigationâ into employers thirdparty agents and associated entities linked to the alleged fraudThey also urged the administration to review current H1B adjudication and verification procedures to identify weaknesses that may allow fraudulent job offers wage misrepresentation or improper labour condition applicationsThe lawmakers further called for stronger enforcement measures including increased audits of H1B sponsors and harsher penalties for entities found engaging in fraudulent or deceptive practicesTheir recommendations also included better coordination between the Departments of Homeland Security Labour and State to enable realtime verification of employment legitimacy and visa compliance IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/republican-lawmakers-from-texas-seek-h-1b-fraud-probe-672726.html Thu, 07 May 2026 09:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-american-expert-ashley-tellis-espionage-case-dismissed-by-us-judge-672732.html Washington May 7 A federal judge in Virginia has dismissed without prejudice an Espionage Act case against IndianAmerican strategic affairs scholar Ashley J Tellis ruling in favour of a defence argument that prosecutors used the wrong statutory provision in charging him with unlawful retention of classified documents US District Judge Michael S Nachmanoff granted Tellisâ motion to dismiss on April 16 after hearing arguments from both sides in Alexandria Virginia The brief court order said the motion was âGRANTEDâ and that the case was âDISMISSED WITHOUT PREJUDICEâTellis a wellknown scholar of international security and US foreign policy had been charged under Section 793e of the Espionage Act with wilful retention of national defence information Prosecutors alleged he removed and stored classified documents at his residence while serving in senior positions linked to the US State Department and the Department of WarThe superseding indictment accused Tellis of retaining 11 classified documents containing national defence information The government alleged that he âexploited his access to classified information related to the national defence by secreting NDI from his secure workplaces and storing said NDI at his personal residence in hard copy and digital formâBut Tellisâ legal team argued that the government charged him under the wrong subsection of the Espionage Act In a detailed filing his lawyers said Section 793e applies only to people in âunauthorised possessionâ of classified information while the indictment itself acknowledged that Tellis held a highlevel security clearance and had been âentrustedâ with access to sensitive materialThe defence argued that Tellis âwas entrusted with the relevant documentsâ and therefore could not legally fall under the subsection prosecutors choseHis lawyers also noted that the government had not accused him of disseminating classified information or accessing files beyond his clearance authorityThe filing said prosecutors could have pursued other statutes including Section 793d or Section 1924 which deals with unauthorised removal and retention of classified material by government employees but âdeliberately chose to limit its indictment to the wrong provisionâFederal prosecutors had opposed attempts to relax Tellisâ strict bail conditions earlier in the case In one filing the government argued that Tellis remained both a flight risk and a danger to national security because he allegedly possessed âtens of thousands of pages of classified material including over 1000 pages of hardcopy TOP SECRET materialâThe government also alleged that some material involved information related to Chinaâs nuclear and military capabilities and said Tellis retained âdecadesâ worth of sensitive national defence information in his headâAfter the dismissal order Tellis filed an unopposed motion seeking release of his secured bond which prosecutors did not contest A separate court order later directed the government to respond to Tellisâ motion seeking the return of property seized during the investigationThe case drew attention in Washingtonâs national security and strategic affairs circles because of Tellisâ long career advising the US government on defence and IndoPacific policyCases involving alleged mishandling of classified information have intensified in recent years amid broader scrutiny of retention of sensitive national security material by current and former government officials IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-american-expert-ashley-tellis-espionage-case-dismissed-by-us-judge-672732.html Thu, 07 May 2026 09:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-lawmakers-warn-trump-on-chinese-ev-push-672735.html Washington May 7 More than 50 Republican lawmakers have urged the Trump administration to block Chinese automotive and battery companies from manufacturing in the United States arguing that such a move would threaten American jobs supply chains and national security In a letter led by Representatives Mike Kelly and Gus Bilirakis the lawmakers asked Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to reject any effort by Chinese firms to establish vehicle and battery manufacturing facilities in the US or wider North American marketThe letter comes ahead of an expected meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on trade issuesâWe must be cleareyed about Chinaâs goals in expanding its automotive footprint across the globe Chinaâs intent is not fair competition as evident by their actions in other critical sectorsâ the lawmakers wroteThe lawmakers said the US automotive industry contributes more than 5 per cent of the countryâs GDP and supports millions of manufacturing jobs They warned that heavily subsidised Chinese companies could use ânonmarket tacticsâ to gain control over global automotive supply chainsâIf Chinese automotive companies were granted access to manufacture and sell vehicles and batteries in the US we risk decimating US manufacturing eroding global market share for US auto companies and leaving consumers and businesses exposed to serious cybersecurity and surveillance threatsâ the letter saidThe lawmakers accused China of artificially inflating production through government subsidies and pushing companies to export vehicles at belowmarket pricesâChinaâs goal is not to compete in the US automotive market but instead to hollow it out and ultimately limit consumer choice to Chinese brandsâ they wroteThe letter also raised concerns over data security and connected vehicle technology According to the lawmakers Chinesemade vehicles could collect and transmit sensitive information from US citizens and infrastructureâFurthermore the technology in todayâs vehicles could allow for remote access and potentially give Chinese actors control of these vehicles operating on American roadsâ the lawmakers saidThe group urged the administration to maintain existing restrictions including the Commerce Departmentâs connected vehicle rule and Section 301 tariffs on Chinese electric vehiclesThe lawmakers also linked the issue to the upcoming review of the United StatesMexicoCanada Agreement USMCA They said Chinese stateowned enterprises were attempting to exploit North American trade frameworks to bypass US economic security measuresâEstablishing a formal foreign investment screening mechanism would help close this backdoor protect the agreementâs integrity and prevent further erosion of the US manufacturing baseâ the letter saidThe letter was signed by more than 50 House Republicans including lawmakers from Michigan Ohio Pennsylvania Texas and Florida states with strong automotive or manufacturing interestsChinese electric vehicle makers have rapidly expanded exports in recent years supported by largescale state subsidies and aggressive overseas investment The rise of Chinese EV companies has triggered trade and security debates in the US and Europe with governments increasingly scrutinising supply chains tied to batteries semiconductors and connected vehicle technologies IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-lawmakers-warn-trump-on-chinese-ev-push-672735.html Thu, 07 May 2026 09:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-forces-strike-iranian-flagged-unladen-oil-tanker-672739.html Washington May 7 US forces struck and disabled an Iranianflagged unladen oil tanker sailing toward an Iranian port the US Central Command said on X The strike took place at 9 am US Eastern Time on Wednesday when the targeted vessel Hasna was transiting international waters en route to an Iranian port on the Gulf of Oman said the command in a statementAfter Hasnas crew failed to comply with repeated warnings US forces disabled the tankers rudder by firing several rounds from the 20mm cannon gun of a US Navy FA18 Super Hornet launched from USS Abraham Lincoln CVN 72 the statement readHasna is no longer transiting to Iran it addedThe US blockade against ships attempting to enter or depart Iranian ports remains in full effect said the commandOne day earlier US President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he has halted Pentagons mission to guide commercial vessels out of the Strait of Hormuz while maintaining its blockade of Iranian ports in full force and effect reports Xinhua news agencyMeanwhile Trump has claimed Iranâs military infrastructure had been heavily damaged during the conflictâThey had a Navy with 159 ships and now every ship is blown to pieces and lying at the bottom of the waterâ he said âThey had an Air Force lots of planes and they donât have any planesâHe further claimed Iranâs antiaircraft systems radar capabilities and missile stockpiles had been âmostly decimatedââTheir leaders are all dead So I think we wonâ Trump saidâThey want to make a deal badlyâ Trump told reporters at the White House on Wednesday Local time âWeâve had very good talks over the last 24 hours and itâs very possible that weâll make a dealâTrump rejected suggestions that Iran remained defiantâWell why do you say they refused to submit You donât know thatâ he told a reporterThe President repeated his longstanding position that Tehran must never acquire nuclear weaponsâThey canât have nuclear weapons itâs very simpleâ Trump said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-forces-strike-iranian-flagged-unladen-oil-tanker-672739.html Thu, 07 May 2026 09:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/fake-labels-push-risky-chinese-goods-us-672759.html Washington May 7 The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has launched a nationwide crackdown on fake safety labels and counterfeit certification marks allegedly being used to push dangerous foreignmade products into American homes with a particular focus on products linked to China The federal agency on Wednesday local time announced a new enforcement initiative targeting companies and sellers accused of using counterfeit safety certifications to evade US consumer protection laws deceive buyers and undercut legitimate American businessesâFake safety labels are being used to push dangerous products into American homes while evading US law and undercutting honest businessesâ CPSC Acting Chairman Peter A Feldman said in a statementâWe will hold accountable those who cheat the system and put American families at riskâ Feldman addedThe Commission said many of the products under scrutiny originate overseas including from manufacturers operating in the Peopleâs Republic of ChinaAccording to the agency counterfeit certification marks are increasingly being used to bypass US safety requirements and move hazardous products through ecommerce platforms and other trade channelsThe crackdown comes as US regulators face growing concerns over the volume of imported consumer goods entering the country through online marketplacesAs part of the effort the CPSC has issued a formal request for information seeking public input on the scale and impact of fake consumer safety labels The agency said comments must be submitted within 60 days after publication in the Federal RegisterThe Commission is asking businesses consumer groups testing laboratories and consumers to provide information on the prevalence of counterfeit safety labels in retail and online stores the safety risks posed by such products methods used to detect fake markings and the broader economic impact on consumers and compliant businessesThe agency also wants recommendations on actions it can take under existing federal authoritiesUnder US law it is illegal to sell distribute or import consumer products carrying counterfeit certification marksThe Commission said information gathered through the public consultation process would help determine whether additional enforcement policy or regulatory measures are neededOfficials are also examining whether fake safety labels are part of wider schemes involving falsified testing documents deceptive import practices and coordinated attempts to bypass US consumer safety requirementsThe latest action builds on a broader CPSC campaign targeting unsafe imported products and tightening oversight of testing and certification systemsEarlier this year the agency withdrew accreditation from four Chinabased testing laboratories after identifying what it described as unreliable and falsified test results that could have allowed hazardous products into the American marketThe Commission has also recently taken action against imported products including leadleaching faucets dangerous electrical appliances and counterfeit toys that posed choking hazards IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/fake-labels-push-risky-chinese-goods-us-672759.html Thu, 07 May 2026 11:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-seeks-un-action-over-hormuz-threat-672532.html Washington May 6 The United States has proposed a UN Security Council resolution accusing Iran of threatening global shipping and destabilising one of the worlds most critical energy routes the Strait of Hormuz US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday that the Trump administration working with key Gulf allies had drafted the resolution to defend freedom of navigation in the strategic waterway through which a major share of global oil shipments passesThe Islamic Republic of Iran continues to hold the worlds economy hostage with its efforts to close the Strait of Hormuz threats to attack ships in the Strait laying of sea mines that pose a danger to shipping and attempts to charge tolls for the worlds most important waterway Rubio said in a US State Department statementThe proposal comes amid growing tensions in the Gulf region and renewed concerns over disruptions to global trade and energy suppliesThe Secretary of State said the draft resolution was prepared at President Trumps direction alongside Bahrain and Gulf partners Saudi Arabia the United Arab Emirates Kuwait and QatarAccording to the US State Department the resolution requires Iran to cease attacks mining and tolling in the Strait of HormuzIt also demands that Tehran disclose the number and location of the sea mines it has laid and cooperate with efforts to remove themThe draft further supports the establishment of a humanitarian corridor though the statement did not provide details on how such a corridor would operateThe United States looks forward to this resolution being voted on in the coming days and to receiving support from Security Council members and a broad base of cosponsors Rubio saidThe Strait of Hormuz is one of the worlds most strategically important maritime passages linking Gulf oil producers to global markets through the Arabian SeaAny disruption in the narrow shipping lane can rapidly affect crude prices shipping costs and international supply chainsThe UN Security Council has debated maritime security issues linked to Iran several times in recent years though divisions among major powers including China and Russia have often complicated efforts to pass coordinated measures targeting TehranChina one of the worlds largest importers of Gulf energy supplies closely monitors developments in the Strait of Hormuz because of its importance to global oil flows and trade routes IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-seeks-un-action-over-hormuz-threat-672532.html Wed, 06 May 2026 08:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-multi-party-delegation-in-taiwan-for-six-day-visit-till-may-9-672533.html Taipei May 6 A crossparty delegation of Indian political leaders arrived in Taiwan for a sixday visit till May 9 at the invitation of the Taiwan government the Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said The delegation includes new generation political leaders from major Indian political parties such as the Bharatiya Janata Party BJP the National Peoples Party NPP Congress and the Shiv SenaUBT the Ministry said on TuesdayThe Ministry expressed its sincere welcome to the delegation and added that during their stay in Taiwan the delegation will visit relevant government agencies and participate in related eventsThe Ministry said that it hopes the guests gain a better understanding of Taiwans current developments in areas such as democracy human rights economy and technology as well as education and culture and to further deepen friendly ties with TaiwanIndia is an important likeminded and friendly country in the IndoPacific region Under the comprehensive diplomacy policy the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to expand exchanges with India in various fields steadily enhance bilateral relations and jointly contribute to the peace stability and prosperity of the IndoPacific region the Ministry addedMeanwhile Taiwan news reported that the delegations visit comes as India and Taiwan are in the process of finalising a labour deal Under which Taiwan would accept 1000 Indian migrant workersIt also added that Labour Minister Hung Shenhan said the plan could proceed as early as this year depending on demand from Taiwanese businesses and whether Indias implementation plan meets Taiwans regulatory standardsIn March 2026 the Taiwan Foreign Ministry said that Taiwan and India completed the signing of an MoU on labour force cooperation on February 16 this yearIt added that this accord will bolster peopletopeople exchanges between the two countries and help alleviate labour shortages in Taiwans industriesThe statement also highlighted that Taiwan will spare no effort in advancing cultural exchanges and mutual understanding between the two countries with the aim of further elevating cooperation and partnership between Taiwan and India IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-multi-party-delegation-in-taiwan-for-six-day-visit-till-may-9-672533.html Wed, 06 May 2026 08:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-presses-china-over-iran-support-672542.html Washington May 6 US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stepped up pressure on China and Russia over the Strait of Hormuz crisis warning that countries helping Iran evade sanctions could face economic consequences from the United States Speaking during a White House briefing Rubio said the Trump administration was preparing a renewed push at the United Nations while also warning Beijing that its economic interests were being harmed by Iranâs actions in the GulfâWeâre going to the UNâ Rubio said âWeâre going to give it another chance to be a forum in which weâre not even asking people to commit troops to the regionâThe administration is seeking international condemnation of Iran over attacks on commercial shipping and the mining of international waters in the Strait of HormuzâAll weâre asking them to do is to condemn it to call on Iran to stop blowing ships to remove these mines and to allow humanitarian relief to come throughâ Rubio saidRubio acknowledged that a similar UN effort had previously faced resistance from China and RussiaâWeâve made some slight adjustments to the languageâ he said âI donât know if itâll avoid a veto or notâThe secretary of state described the crisis as a test of the credibility of the United Nations systemâWhat is the purpose of the UNâ Rubio asked âThe UN was supposed to be a place where you could peacefully resolve global conflictâRubio repeatedly accused Iran of unlawfully trying to control one of the worldâs most important shipping corridorsâThese guys are bombing commercial vesselsâ Rubio said âTheyâre not bombing naval vessels theyâre bombing commercial tankersâThe Trump administration has increasingly focused on Chinaâs economic relationship with Iran as Washington expands sanctions enforcementRubio warned that foreign financial institutions and companies helping Tehran bypass sanctions could face secondary sanctions and loss of access to the US financial systemâWeâre serious about our sanctionsâ Rubio said âA cost needs to be imposed on Iran for what they are doingâAsked specifically whether Chinese banks could face penalties Rubio declined to announce specific measures but indicated Treasury officials were actively examining enforcement optionsâIf you ignore our sanctions youâre going to face secondary sanctionsâ Rubio saidRubio also addressed the growing relationship between Beijing and Tehran following a recent visit by Iranâs foreign minister to ChinaâI hope the Chinese tell him what he needs to be toldâ Rubio said âThat what you were doing in the straits is causing you to be globally isolatedâThe secretary of state argued that Chinaâs exportdriven economy would also suffer if instability in the Strait of Hormuz disrupted global trade flowsâChina is an exportdriven economyâ Rubio said âWell you canât buy from them if you canât ship it there and you canât buy from them if your economy is being destroyed by what Iran is doingâRubio said it was in Chinaâs own interest to pressure Tehran to reopen the Strait and halt attacks on shippingâIt is in Chinaâs interest that Iran stop closing the straitsâ he said âItâs harming China as wellâThe briefing also touched on broader USChina tensions ahead of President Donald Trumpâs upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi JinpingRubio said Taiwan would likely remain a topic of discussion between the two leadersâI think both countries understand that it is neither one of our interests to see anything destabilise happen in that part of the worldâ Rubio said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-presses-china-over-iran-support-672542.html Wed, 06 May 2026 09:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-worlds-top-receiver-of-remittances-from-workers-overseas-672543.html United Nations May 6 India is the worldâs top receiver of remittances from workers overseas getting 1377 billion in 2024 up from 832billion in 2020 according to the International Organisation for Migration IOM Overall the IOMâs International Migration Report for 2026 released here on Tuesday said the US is the top source of remittances to all countries sending out 1032 billion followed by Saudi Arabia a distant second with 466 billionThe report said that South Asia was expected to have the highest growth in remittances at 118 per cent in 2024The worldâs fifthlargest âmigration corridorâ or the direction of migration is from India to the United Arab Emirates UAE and is made up mainly of migrant workers it saidIt said that there were more than 3 million Indians there the top nationality in the UAE A previous report gave a more precise number 347 million in 2020The India to US migration came next with about 32 million Indian migrants living there in 2024 making up the second largest foreignborn group after MexicansâThe number of international migrants from India has increased continuously and significantly over the last several decades with many arriving in the United States as highly skilled workers or international studentsâ the IOM saidIn Oceania the second largest migrant route was from India to Australia with about 876000 Indians thereOn the contribution of migrants to their home countries it said âBy acquiring knowledge about advanced technology capital and professional contacts they drive direct investment favour home country entities in outsourcing contracts and promote tourism collectively strengthening bilateral economic linkages and developmentââThe Indian diaspora has been instrumental in the expansion of Indiaâs technology sectorâ the report saidOn the political front it said âThe Indian diaspora in the United States particularly through organisations like the United StatesâIndia Political Action Committee USINPAC has influenced United StatesâIndia relationsââIndianAmericans have played a role in strengthening bilateral trade agreements defence cooperation and visa policies that benefit both countriesâ it addedNew Delhi has been reaching out to its migrants to involve them in their homeland it saidâIndiaâs brain gain efforts include annual diaspora conventions and innovation hubs to entice Indian scientists and entrepreneurs back or to mentor startups remotelyâ it saidThe report spoke of the investment opportunities countries offer their migrants through vehicles like diaspora bonds that give higher rates of returns and reinforce their âsentiments of patriotismâIndia raised over 10 billion through such bonds it saidWhile India does not have a specific disapora bond New Delhi encourages nonresident Indians to invest in a variety of government and public and private sector bondsCountries with dedicated diaspora policies see significantly higher remittance inflows and diaspora investments than those withoutâ it addedIndia ranked second for students abroad with over 620000 the report saidâWhen graduates return home it said âthey can spur innovation improve industry practices and contribute to economic and social developmentâThe report emphasised the need for overcoming âmobility inequalitiesâ through âgeographic freemovement arrangements â for âsafe orderly and regular migration globallyâAsked at the news conference to release the report about recent agreements India made with the European Union Britain Germany New Zealand and the European Union that cover labour movement IOM Spokesperson Zoe Brennan declined to comment IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-worlds-top-receiver-of-remittances-from-workers-overseas-672543.html Wed, 06 May 2026 09:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-administration-urged-to-reverse-russia-oil-waiver-672544.html Washington May 6 A group of US senators has accused the Trump administration of handing Russian President Vladimir Putin a financial windfall by pausing sanctions on Russian oil exports during a global energy crisis In a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent 13 top Democratic senators urged the Trump administration to immediately restore sanctions on Russian oil deliveries and intensify efforts to curb Moscowâs energy revenues amid the ongoing Ukraine warâWe urge the Trump Administration to resume the Russia oil sanctions your Department recently paused by issuing and then extending a General License on deliveries of Russian oilâ the senators wroteâWe also urge the Administration and your Department to take immediate additional steps to limit the windfall profits Russia and its intermediaries continue to earn due to elevated energy prices stemming from President Trumpâs unauthorized war with IranâThe letter was led by Senator Michael Bennet and signed by Senators Adam Schiff Alex Padilla Elizabeth Warren Tammy Baldwin Richard Blumenthal Jeff Merkley Raphael Warnock and othersThe lawmakers argued that the administration underestimated the impact of the Iran conflict on global energy markets especially the risk to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz a critical route for global oil and gas suppliesâDespite warnings from US government and outside experts the Trump Administration failed to anticipate or plan for the likelihood that an openended war with Iran would spike global energy pricesâ the senators wrote They noted that nearly 20 per cent of the worldâs oil and gas passes through the Strait of HormuzAccording to the senators higher oil prices have directly benefited MoscowâThe Presidentâs selfmade global energy crisis has predictably increased average national gasoline prices by over 85 cents a gallon and also raised the price of Russian oil risking the replenishment of funding for Putinâs war machineâ the letter said âEstimates suggest that Russiaâs oil revenue has doubled in AprilâThe senators also criticised the administrationâs March decision to temporarily ease restrictions on Russian oil cargoes already at sea They said the move weakened international pressure on Moscow without significantly lowering fuel prices in the United StatesâPausing these sanctions has had and will continue to have at best a limited effect on domestic gasoline costs or global oil pricesâ the lawmakers wrote âDoing so instead removed the stigma that had been driving discounted prices for Russian oil and allowed Russia to sell or resell cargoes to buyers now willing to pay higher pricesâThe letter also accused the administration of quietly extending the waiver despite earlier public statements suggesting it would not be renewedâWhen the initial sanctions pause expired after 30 days you stated publicly that the Administration would not seek further extensionâ the senators wrote âDespite this just days later in late April the Administration extended the pause for another 30day period without explanation on the reversal of policyâThe lawmakers warned that easing sanctions while reducing pressure on Russiaâs oil networks and âshadow fleetâ vessels could embolden Moscow and undermine US alliesâFailure to put more pressure on the Kremlin â would embolden Putin to continue waging his war against Ukraine aiding Iranâs attacks on US troops and threatening our NATO alliesâ the letter said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-administration-urged-to-reverse-russia-oil-waiver-672544.html Wed, 06 May 2026 09:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/rubio-warns-iran-of-total-defeat-672546.html Washington May 6 US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Iran it faced âeconomic collapseâ and âtotal defeatâ unless it abandoned efforts to control the Strait of Hormuz and agreed to a diplomatic solution over its nuclear programme At a White House briefing Rubio said the Trump administration was intensifying military economic and diplomatic pressure on Tehran following weeks of escalating tensions in the Persian GulfâThe time has come for Iran to make a sensible choiceâ Rubio said âThe alternative is growing isolation economic collapse and ultimately total defeatâRubio accused Iran of illegally mining international waters targeting commercial ships and threatening one of the worldâs most critical shipping lanesHe said the US military operation known as âProject Freedomâ was designed to restore freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz while broader sanctions continued to weaken Iranâs economyâThe blockade alone is costing Iran as much as 500 million a day in lost revenueâ Rubio said âNinety per cent of total Iranian trade has been haltedâThe secretary of state said Washington was prepared to continue increasing pressure unless Tehran returned to negotiations over its nuclear activitiesâThe president our president has proven time and again that his preference is peaceâ Rubio said âBut Iran must accept the reality of this situation and come to the negotiation tableâRubio repeatedly argued that Iran could not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons saying Tehranâs actions in the Strait demonstrated the danger it would pose if armed with nuclear capabilityâA nuclear armed Iran could do whatever the hell they want with the Straitsâ Rubio said âThatâs the world none of us want to leave behindâHe said Iran had long insisted it did not seek nuclear weapons while simultaneously pursuing activities consistent with military nuclear developmentâThey innovate and try to innovate longrange delivery missilesâ Rubio said âThey build these large underground centrifuges for enrichment activityâRubio also pointed to Iranâs stockpile of highly enriched uraniumâWe know for a fact that they retain highly enriched uranium at 60 per cent that they did so and that has no civilian useâ he saidThe secretary of state said diplomacy remained possible but warned that the US would continue using military and economic leverage while talks proceededâIf thereâs a real diplomatic path we continue to explore itâ Rubio said âThe diplomatic path could lead them to reconstruction to prosperity and to stabilityâAt the same time Rubio said recent US military operations had severely weakened Iranâs military capabilitiesâThey donât have a Navy leftâ Rubio said âThey donât have an Air ForceâHe said Iranâs missilelaunching capacity and defence industrial base had suffered extensive damageâTheir ability to build a shield behind which they could hide their nuclear programme was wiped outâ Rubio saidRubio also described Iranâs leadership as divided and increasingly isolated under mounting economic pressureâThere has to be a pressure point on them that causes them to realise they cannot continue to close the Straitsâ he saidThe Trump administration has linked sanctions enforcement directly to the maritime crisis warning foreign financial institutions and commercial actors against helping Tehran evade restrictionsâAny foreign financial institution or commercial actor that enables Iranâs sanctions evasion is going to face secondary sanctions exposureâ Rubio said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/rubio-warns-iran-of-total-defeat-672546.html Wed, 06 May 2026 09:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-arrives-in-suriname-to-hold-bilateral-talks-with-top-leadership-672547.html Paramaribo May 6 External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar on Wednesday Indian time arrived in Suriname in the second leg of his threenation visit and was welcomed by his counterpart Melvin Bouva In a post on X the EAM said Arrived in Paramaribo Suriname for my first visit Really touched to be personally received by FM Melvin Bouva Looking forward to our talks tomorrow He will hold a series of bilateral talks with the Suriname leadership during his visit to boost cooperationFollowing this EAM Jaishankar will also visit Trinidad and Tobago Earlier he visited JamaicaThe MEA said these countries share a special connection with India owing to the presence of Girmitiya communitiesGirmitiyas were Indian indentured labourers who left India in the mid to late 19th century to work in British colonies where many eventually settled The term Girmit is a mispronunciation of agreement referring to the contract under which they migratedMeanwhile the Ministry of External Affairs MEA said that India will be supplying 30 dialysis units along with 40 fishing boats with engines 200 GPS devices and related equipment to Jamaica EAM Jaishankar had announced the decision to supply dialysis units fishing boats and GPS devices as support to Jamaicas recovery following last years devastating Hurricane Melissa He also handed over 10 BHISHM emergency medical units to the Caribbean nation during the firstever bilateral visit by an External Affairs Minister of India to JamaicaDuring his May 24 visit EAM Jaishankar also called on Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness and held delegationlevel talks with Kamina Johnson Smith Jamaicas Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign TradeThe MEA stated that three Memoranda of Understanding MoU were signed between India and Jamaica in the areas of health cooperation solarisation of The Hugh Lawson Shearer Building and broadcasting Both sides also reviewed the status of implementation of existing agreements in digital transformation culture sports and digital payments and emphasised the importance of ensuring tangible outcomesAccording to the statement both sides discussed expanding cooperation in priority sectors including healthcare infrastructure digitalisation agriculture education tourism and capacity building India reiterated its commitment through enhanced ITEC training slots particularly for defence training from six to 34 slots They also discussed capacity building with ICCR scholarships and digital learning platforms such as EVidyabharati and iGOT KarmyogiIndia appreciated Jamaicas support for its candidature for a nonpermanent seat in the UN Security Council for 2028â29 it addedThe statement mentioned that both sides condemned terrorism in all its forms and reiterated the need for early finalisation of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism CCITEAM also announced a contribution of JMD two million for the celebration of India Arrival Day on May 10During his visit to Kingston he also interacted with the local business community members of the Indian diaspora and participated in a public conversation at the University of the West Indies Mona Campus IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-arrives-in-suriname-to-hold-bilateral-talks-with-top-leadership-672547.html Wed, 06 May 2026 09:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/australian-govt-announces-74-million-aud-for-security-hub-to-counter-online-extremism-672549.html Canberra May 6 Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke on Wednesday at a press conference announced 74 million Australian dollars about 488 million for a security centre to crack down on online violent extremism and terrorism The newly created Counter Terrorism Online Centre will be led by Australias security agency ASIO and the Australian Federal Police AFPBurke said the AFP had put in 31 charges under new offenses on online extremism and radicalization and 19 of them are minorsThis feature of young people being radicalised fast online is real and the agencies as is evident in those charges that have been brought to bear by the Australian Federal Police have been acting on this Burke saidAFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett noted that terrorists are manipulating vulnerable and susceptible individuals at rapid speed in part because emerging technology has blurred the boundary between the virtual and real worldsThe speed and scale of radicalisation is becoming one of our most significant challenges especially when it comes to youth she saidInvestigators and intelligence analysts will work together to monitor highrisk online spaces assess threats and disrupt extremist activities including through undercover online engagement Xinhua news agency reportedOnline extremism involves using the internet to spread hateful violent or radically intolerant ideologies often employing social media encrypted messaging and games to radicalise recruit and incite violence This digital landscape serves as a virtual training ground for propaganda logistics and organising terrorist acts Extremists are manipulating vulnerable young people at rapid speed with the median age of investigation dropping to 15 and some cases involving children as young as 12Extremists use mainstream platforms alttech sites encrypted messaging apps and sometimes video game platforms to share propaganda and foster filter bubbles that promote radical content IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/australian-govt-announces-74-million-aud-for-security-hub-to-counter-online-extremism-672549.html Wed, 06 May 2026 10:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-trade-gap-widens-india-deficit-narrows-672551.html Washington May 6 The United States trade deficit widened in March as imports outpaced exports even as the American goods gap with India narrowed compared to the same period last year according to official data The US Census Bureau and the Bureau of Economic Analysis said the overall goods and services deficit rose to 603 billion in March up 25 billion from a revised 578 billion in FebruaryUS exports in March stood at 3209 billion an increase of 62 billion from February while imports climbed by 87 billion to 3812 billionFor India the latest figures showed the US goods trade deficit with the country at 38 billion in March on a seasonally adjusted basis lower than the 74 billion deficit recorded in March 2025The detailed country data showed US exports to India rose to about 43 billion in March while imports from India totalled around 84 billionThe report comes at a time when India and the US are engaged in negotiations over trade access supply chains technology cooperation and tariff issues amid broader efforts to deepen economic tiesThe March increase in the overall US trade deficit was driven largely by a rise in the goods deficit which increased 41 billion to 887 billion The services surplus also widened by 16 billion to 284 billionExports of industrial supplies and materials increased sharply by 5 billion in March led by higher crude oil and petroleum product shipments Crude oil exports alone rose by 28 billionImports meanwhile were boosted by a surge in automotive products consumer goods and capital goods Imports of automotive vehicles parts and engines increased by 36 billion while passenger car imports rose by 28 billionImports of computer accessories increased by 2 billion reflecting continued demand for electronics and technology productsThe data also showed that the US goods deficit with China stood at 14 billion in March while deficits with Vietnam and Taiwan remained significantly higher at 192 billion and 206 billion respectivelyIndia ranked among the countries with which the US recorded sizeable trade deficits though the gap remained far smaller than those with China Mexico and VietnamYeartodate the US goods and services deficit declined by 2112 billion or 55 per cent from the same period in 2025 Exports rose by 1002 billion while imports fell by 111 billionThe report also noted that the average threemonth US trade deficit fell to 576 billion for the period ending March indicating some moderation despite the monthly riseIndia and the United States have steadily expanded bilateral trade over the past decade with sectors such as pharmaceuticals information technology services electronics energy and engineering goods driving growth Washington remains one of Indiaâs largest export destinationsTrade tensions however have persisted over tariffs market access digital trade rules and supply chain localisation Both governments have recently intensified talks aimed at strengthening economic cooperation while reducing friction in strategic sectors including semiconductors clean energy and advanced manufacturing IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-trade-gap-widens-india-deficit-narrows-672551.html Wed, 06 May 2026 10:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-launches-new-system-to-regulate-shipping-through-strait-of-hormuz-report-672552.html Tehran May 6 Iran has launched a new system to control ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz state media reported continuing a maritime standoff that now involves a US blockade and threats of military action Under the new rules all ships planning to pass through the narrow waterway must receive permission via email from Iranian authorities reports Xinhua news agency quoting staterun Press TV Iran is calling the initiative a sovereign governance systemShips would be required to adjust their operations accordingly and obtain permission before entering the waterway Press TV reported It described the initiative as a sovereign governance system now in effect in the strategic chokepointIran has tightened its approach to the Strait of Hormuz since February 28 when it said it would deny safe passage to vessels linked to Israel and the United States following joint strikes on Iranian territoryIrans parliament is also considering legislation that would formalise restrictions on vessels tied to Israel and the United States and introduce a toll system for other ships deemed nonhostileThe claims come amid heightened tensions over the waterway The United States has also imposed restrictions affecting ships travelling to and from Iranian ports following unsuccessful postceasefire negotiations with Tehran in Islamabad on April 11 and 12US President Donald Trump said Sunday that the United States would begin escorting ships out of the Strait of Hormuz starting Monday morning under what he called Project Freedom describing it as a humanitarian measureIn response Irans Khatam alAnbiya Central Headquarters the countrys joint military command warned in a statement carried by the official IRNA news agency that any foreign armed forces especially the aggressive US army will be attacked if they intend to approach and enter the Strait of Hormuz IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-launches-new-system-to-regulate-shipping-through-strait-of-hormuz-report-672552.html Wed, 06 May 2026 10:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/two-suspected-hantavirus-cases-to-be-evacuated-to-the-netherlands-672555.html The Hague May 6 Dutch cruise operator Oceanwide Expeditions has confirmed that two crew members suspected of having hantavirus will be evacuated to the Netherlands though no specific timeline has been provided The medical evacuation of two individuals currently requiring urgent medical care and the individual associated with the guest who passed away on May 2 will occur using two specialised aircraft that are en route to Cape Verde the company said in a statement late Tuesday local timeOnce the three individuals have been safely transferred and are on their way to the Netherlands the Dutchflagged cruise ship Hondius where the cases were detected will begin repositioning reports Xinhua news agencyOur plan is to proceed to the Canary Islands either Gran Canaria or Tenerife which will take three days of sailing the statement added noting that discussions with relevant authorities are ongoingThe World Health Organization WHO said on Monday that seven hantavirus cases had been reported aboard Hondius while emphasising that the overall risk to the public remains low On Tuesday the WHO said that Hantavirus victims on the ship Hundius in the Atlantic Ocean may have been infected prior to joining the cruise and humantohuman transmission on board cannot be ruled outThe agency received reports of a hantavirus outbreak on the Hundius on May 2 Seven individuals of the 147 passengers and crew have been reported ill and three have died The situation remains fluid WHOs chief of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention Maria Van Kerkhove told reporters in GenevaOne patient is in intensive care in South Africa although we understand that this patient is improving she said adding that two other patients still on board the ship are being prepared for medical evacuation to the Netherlands for treatmentVan Kerkhove stressed that the situation is being closely monitored As a precaution passengers have been asked to remain in their cabins while disinfection and other public health measures are carried outThe plan is and our highest priority is to medically evacuate these two individuals to make sure that they receive the required care and there are no other symptomatic patients on board she saidThe ship is set to continue on to the Canary Islands Spain and the WHO is working with the Spanish authorities to do a full epidemiologic investigation full disinfection of the ship she addedHantaviruses are carried by rodents and can cause severe disease in humans Thousands of infections are estimated to occur each year People usually get infected through contact with infected rodents or their urine their droppings or their salivaAs to the suspected origins of the virus Van Kerkhove said that the initial patients a husband and wife boarded the ship in ArgentinaWith the timing of the incubation period of hantavirus which can be anywhere from one to six weeks our assumption is that they were infected off the ship she saidWe do believe that there may be some humantohuman transmission thats happening among the really close contacts such as the husband and wife and others who have shared cabins she notedAccording to the WHO humantohuman transmission of infection with hantavirus between people is uncommon but limited spread has been reported among close contacts in previous outbreaks of the Andes virus which is part of the hantavirus groupThere are no specific treatments for hantavirus other than supportive care Typically people will develop respiratory symptoms so respiratory support is really important Van Kerkhove said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/two-suspected-hantavirus-cases-to-be-evacuated-to-the-netherlands-672555.html Wed, 06 May 2026 10:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/un-welcomes-russian-ukrainian-unilateral-ceasefires-672556.html United Nations May 6 The United Nations welcomes the unilateral ceasefires announced respectively by Ukraine and Russia said a UN spokesperson We welcome the unilateral ceasefire announced by Ukraine to begin on the night of 5 to 6 May as well as the one by the Russian Federation to take place over 8 and 9 May said Stephane Dujarric spokesman for UN SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres on Tuesday local timeThe secretarygeneral looks forward to their successful implementation and reiterates his call for a full immediate unconditional and lasting ceasefire leading to a just comprehensive and sustainable peace in line with the UN Charter international law and relevant UN resolutions Dujarric told a daily press briefingRussias Defence Ministry on Monday declared a Victory Day ceasefire on May 89 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Monday night that Ukraine will start a ceasefire with Russia starting Wednesday reports Xinhua news agency Earlier on the same day Ukrainian officials reported that at least 17 people were killed and 52 others injured on Tuesday in separate Russian aerial attacks on two Ukrainian citiesIn the southern city of Zaporizhzhia guided aerial bombs struck several enterprises killing 12 people and wounding 39 others regional Governor Ivan Fedorov wrote on TelegramThe strikes also caused fires and damaged private houses a vehicle service station and a car washIn the eastern city of Kramatorsk three highexplosive aerial bombs hit the central district killing at least five people and injuring 13 others according to regional Governor Vadym FilashkinFour administrative buildings and several apartment blocks and vehicles were damaged in the attack Filashkin wrote on Telegram adding that the exact number of victims was being established IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/un-welcomes-russian-ukrainian-unilateral-ceasefires-672556.html Wed, 06 May 2026 10:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-has-not-attacked-uae-in-recent-days-top-military-command-672558.html Tehran May 6 Irans main military command Khatam alAnbiya Central Headquarters said that the countrys armed forces have carried out no missile or drone operation against the United Arab Emirates UAE over the past days the semiofficial Fars news agency reported Headquarters spokesman Ebrahim Zolfaghari made the announcement on Tuesday local time stressing that if Iran had taken such actions we would announce it decisively and explicitlyHe rejected a report by the UAE that accused Iran of launching drone and missile attacks against the country calling on the UAEs officials and statesmen not to let their country fall into the trap laid by the United States and Israel reports Xinhua news agencyZolfaghari also urged them not to wage a media invasion against Iran and hurl unjustified accusations against the country noting that the UAE has become one of the main bases of the United States and Israel in the West Asia region and is home to a major part of their troops and military equipmentHe emphasised that Iran has exercised restraint so far in the face of the UAEs media hype and assistance to the Muslim worlds enemies solely for the sake of the security of the Arab states people warning that if any action is taken from the UAEs soil against Iranian islands and coasts we will give a crushing and regretinducing responseOn Monday the UAE said Iran had carried out renewed attacks using missiles and drones against the country hitting sites including the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone and injuring three Indian nationalsMeanwhile Iranian state TV IRIB citing a military source said Iran had no preplanned intention to target oil facilities It also blamed US military adventurism for creating conditions that allowed vessels to pass through what it called restricted areas of the Strait of Hormuz IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-has-not-attacked-uae-in-recent-days-top-military-command-672558.html Wed, 06 May 2026 10:09:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-job-openings-remain-unchanged-in-march-672559.html Washington May 6 US job openings remained unchanged in March at 69 million according to data released by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics The labour market has been volatile this year after a lacklustre year in 2025 with the Middle East conflict introducing significant uncertainty into the economic forecast and labour marketThe Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey showed that layoffs increased in March However hiring increased and more people quit their jobs evidence of confidence in the current state of the economyAfter peaking at 123 million in March 2022 job openings have decreased steadily Strong hiring has been discouraged by a combination of high interest rates uncertainty about policies and the impact of artificial intelligence according to US media reports on Tuesday local timeSo far this year the creation of jobs has been inconsistent being robust in January 160000 new jobs and March 178000 but sluggish in February when employers cut 133000 positions reports Xinhua news agency quoting US mediaThe US Department of Labor is slated to put out its employment report for April this Friday According to a survey from FactSet the report is forecast to show that firms government agencies and nonprofits added 57000 net jobs with a jobless rate at 43 per cent as reported by the Associated PressSome economists foresee a falloff in hiring going forward Dean Baker cofounder of the Center for Economic and Policy Research told Xinhua My guess is that we will see a falloff in hiring in April primarily in restaurants Higher gas prices are sapping peoples purchasing powerThe hiring and jobs situation could also have a political dynamic in the leadup to Novembers midterm electionsBrookings Institution Senior Fellow Darrell West told Xinhua There have been a number of job layoffs from major companies and people are worried about their economic futuresIndeed the issue is a thorny one for the Trump administration at a time of recordhigh prices for rent homeownership and food as well as high mortgage rates that have put a damper on many Americans ability to purchase a homeThis is challenging for President Donald Trump because he campaigned as a businessman who could revive the economy West saidCosts are rising and it is difficult for people to make ends meet West said adding that if Trump does not reverse course his Republican Party could fare poorly in the midtermsUnless he can reverse course Republicans face a dismal outlook in the upcoming midterm elections West said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-job-openings-remain-unchanged-in-march-672559.html Wed, 06 May 2026 10:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/mexican-president-warns-against-foreign-meddling-672560.html Mexico City May 6 Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum celebrated the Cinco de Mayo holiday by declaring that no foreign power should dictate the countrys course and that political opponents seeking support from abroad are destined to fail Commemorating the 164th anniversary of the Battle of Puebla on Tuesday local time when Mexican forces defeated a much larger invading French army Sheinbaum stressed that nothing is more important than sovereignty independence and the national interests of the Mexican peopleThose who seek foreign support as they lack the peoples support are destined for defeat Those who think the president is bowing down they are destined for defeat Sheinbaum said in a speech in the central state of PueblaHer remarks come just days after the US government requested the extradition of 10 Mexican citizens including the governor of northwest Sinaloa state Ruben Rocha Moya for alleged crimes in connection with arms and drug trafficking reports Xinhua news agencyThey also follow the recent revelation that two US CIA agents who were killed in an antinarcotics operation in northern Chihuahua state were operating on Mexican soil without the knowledge of the federal governmentTo our neighbours to the United States we say we are clear and resolute History tells us that the people of Mexico are not mistaken when it comes to defending national sovereignty no foreign power is going to tell Mexicans how to govern ourselves said SheinbaumAt the commemorative event the president swore in 31000 soldiers into the National Military Service and nearly 800 female volunteers whom she called upon to keep alive the memory of May 5 1862 as a symbol of resistance against foreign invasions and internal divisions IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/mexican-president-warns-against-foreign-meddling-672560.html Wed, 06 May 2026 10:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/new-zealand-unemployment-down-to-53-pc-in-q1-672563.html Wellington May 6 New Zealands unemployment rate eased to 53 per cent in the March 2026 quarter from 54 per cent in the December 2025 quarter Stats NZ said on Wednesday The statistics department reported the number of unemployed falling to 163000 in the March 2026 quarter from 165000 in the December 2025 quarter with the employment rate standing at 667 per cent reports Xinhua news agencyThe underutilisation rate a broader measure of untapped labour market capacity than unemployment remained the same at 129 per cent with 406000 underutilised people in the March 2026 quarter the department saidIt added that the measure includes unemployed and underemployed people as well as those in the potential labour forceMeanwhile annual wage inflation was 2 per cent in the March 2026 quarter compared with a 31 per cent rise in the consumer price index while average ordinarytime hourly earnings reached 4412 NZ dollars 2611 US dollars Stats NZ saidThe proportion of young people aged 15 to 24 not in employment education or training NEET rose to 144 per cent in the March 2026 quarter from 133 per cent in the December quarter it said highlighting the growing difficulty for young people entering the labour marketYoung women continued to face higher disengagement rates than men with the NEET rate for women aged 20 to 24 rising 19 percentage points to 203 per cent in the March 2026 quarter Stats NZ labour market spokesperson Abby Johnston was quoted as sayingEconomists warned that the Middle East conflict and rising fuel costs could dampen business sentiment likely leading firms to pause hiring in the coming months IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/new-zealand-unemployment-down-to-53-pc-in-q1-672563.html Wed, 06 May 2026 10:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/vietnams-prez-to-lam-accorded-ceremonial-welcome-at-rashtrapati-bhavan-672566.html New Delhi May 6 Vietnamese President To Lam was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi warmly welcomed the Vietnamese President upon his arrivalChildren in traditional costumes holding the Vietnamese national flag and the Tricolour also warmly welcomed the visiting leaderPresident To Lam arrived in Bihars Gayaji on Tuesday where Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary extended a warm welcome to him He then offered prayers at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya Later on Tuesday he landed in Delhi Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai welcomed the visiting leader at the airportLater National Security Advisor NSA Ajit Doval called on Vietnams President To Lam on Tuesday holding discussions on strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations NSA Shri Ajit Doval called on General Secretary President Mr To Lam of Vietnam They exchanged views on strengthening the multifaceted comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries Mr To Lam looked forward to his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the engagements scheduled over the next two days Ministry of External Affairs MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on XThe MEA stated that President To Lams visit to India will strengthen bilateral tiesChao mung Excellency General Secretary President of Vietnam Mr To Lam has arrived in New Delhi on his first State Visit to India He was accorded a warm welcome and received by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai Jaiswal posted on XThis year we are marking the milestone of 10 years of IndiaVietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership The visit will further strengthen our multifaceted and robust bilateral relations he addedTo Lam also the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam will be in India till May 7 This is his first visit to India after being elected as the President of Vietnam last monthFollowing this Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold wideranging discussions with President To Lam across the spectrum of bilateral relations along with regional and global issues of mutual interestPresident Droupadi Murmu will also hold a meeting with the visiting leader Other leaders are also expected to call on President To Lam in New DelhiDuring his visit President To Lam is also scheduled to travel to Mumbai He will visit the National Stock Exchange meet the Maharashtra Chief Minister and Governor He is also scheduled to attend a business forum in MumbaiIndia and Vietnam share historical and civilisational ties which have steadily deepened over the years President To Lams visit coincides with the special occasion of the two countries marking the 10th anniversary of the elevation of relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership agreed during the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Vietnam in 2016 the MEA stated earlierThe engagement between leaders is expected to provide fresh momentum to the robust bilateral relations and open new avenues for cooperation between India and Vietnam it added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/vietnams-prez-to-lam-accorded-ceremonial-welcome-at-rashtrapati-bhavan-672566.html Wed, 06 May 2026 10:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-companies-plan-to-invest-over-205-billion-in-us-sergio-gor-672574.html New Delhi May 6 Indian companies have lined up investments worth over 205 billion across sectors such as technology manufacturing and pharmaceuticals in the United States US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said on Wednesday describing the momentum as a direct outcome of President Donald Trumps economic leadership In a post on social media platform X the envoy said that 12 Indian companies announced fresh investments worth 11 billion in a single day adding to a growing pipeline of commitments that he said were creating âreal American jobsâ and strengthening supply chains between the two countriesâThese partnerships are creating real American jobs and building stronger supply chainsâ Gor wroteHe further added that the investment flow was âproof that when the worlds largest democracies do business together everyone winsâThe ambassadors remarks come at a time when India and the United States are deepening economic ties across multiple fronts with bilateral trade defence cooperation and technology partnerships all gaining pace under the current administrations in both countriesGor however did not disclose the names of the 12 Indian companies that announced investments in the USEarlier in March the US trade deficit widened as imports outpaced exports even as the American goods gap with India narrowed compared to the same period last yearThe US Census Bureau and the Bureau of Economic Analysis said the overall goods and services deficit rose to 603 billion in the month up 25 billion from a revised 578 billion in FebruaryMoreover US exports in March stood at 3209 billion an increase of 62 billion from February while imports climbed by 87 billion to 3812 billionThe detailed country data showed US exports to India rose to about 43 billion in March while imports from India totalled around 84 billion IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-companies-plan-to-invest-over-205-billion-in-us-sergio-gor-672574.html Wed, 06 May 2026 11:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pm-modi-vietnams-prez-to-lam-hold-bilateral-talks-at-hyderabad-house-672589.html New Delhi May 6 IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Vietnamese President To Lam in Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Wednesday and held wideranging discussions across the spectrum of bilateral relations along with regional and global issues of mutual interestEarlier in the day the Vietnamese President was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi warmly welcomed the Vietnamese President upon his arrivalChildren in traditional costumes holding the Vietnamese national flag and the Tricolour also warmly welcomed the visiting leaderLater the visiting President also paid homage to Mamata Gandhi at RajghatIn a post on X the Ministry of External Affairs said Paying homage to the Mahatma General Secretary President To Lam of Vietnam paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat Bapus principles and ideals continue to inspire IndiaVietnam relationsPresident To Lam arrived in Bihars Gayaji on Tuesday where Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary extended a warm welcome to him He then offered prayers at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya Later on Tuesday he landed in Delhi Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai welcomed the visiting leader at the airportLater National Security Advisor NSA Ajit Doval called on Vietnams President To Lam on Tuesday holding discussions on strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nationsnbspNSA Shri Ajit Doval called on General Secretary President Mr To Lam of Vietnam They exchanged views on strengthening the multifaceted comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries Mr To Lam looked forward to his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the engagements scheduled over the next two days Ministry of External Affairs MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on XThe MEA stated that President To Lams visit to India will strengthen bilateral tiesChao mung Excellency General Secretary President of Vietnam Mr To Lam has arrived in New Delhi on his first State Visit to India He was accorded a warm welcome and received by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai Jaiswal posted on XThis year we are marking the milestone of 10 years of IndiaVietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership The visit will further strengthen our multifaceted and robust bilateral relations he addedTo Lam also the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam will be in India till May 7 This is his first visit to India after being elected as the President of Vietnam last monthPresident Droupadi Murmu will also hold a meeting with the visiting leader Other leaders are also expected to call on President To Lam in New DelhiDuring his visit President To Lam is also scheduled to travel to Mumbai He will visit the National Stock Exchange meet the Maharashtra Chief Minister and Governor He is also scheduled to attend a business forum in MumbaiIndia and Vietnam share historical and civilisational ties which have steadily deepened over the years President To Lams visit coincides with the special occasion of the two countries marking the 10th anniversary of the elevation of relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership agreed during the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Vietnam in 2016 the MEA stated earlierThe engagement between leaders is expected to provide fresh momentum to the robust bilateral relations and open new avenues for cooperation between India and Vietnam it addedIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pm-modi-vietnams-prez-to-lam-hold-bilateral-talks-at-hyderabad-house-672589.html Wed, 06 May 2026 12:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-gas-supply-disrupted-in-balochistans-sohbatpur-after-assailants-blow-up-pipeline-672615.html Quetta May 6 Gas supply was disrupted in Sohbatpur district of Pakistans Balochistan after unidentified assailants blew up a gas pipeline local media reported on Wednesday The assailants on Tuesday targeted a sixinch diameter gas pipeline which passed under the Bahadur Ali Khoso Bridge in Bhand Sharif Goth and detonated explosives After the blast gas supply was disrupted in Sohbatpur Faridabad Bhand Sharif Hairdin Chatan Patti Dargai Jiani Daulat Ghari and other rural and urban areas Pakistans daily Dawn reportedFollowing the explosion police reached the site of the incident cordoned off the area and began a probeOn May 1 the Baloch Republican Guards BRG on Friday claimed responsibility for an attack on April 29 that damaged machinery at a road construction site near Pat Feeder Peropol in the Pakistani provincial city of Dera Murad JamaliAccording to police officials unidentified attackers fired rockets at the site which destroyed machinery and forced work to stop They added that an investigation was underway and no casualties were reported The Balochistan Post reportedBRG spokesperson Dostain Baloch stated in a media statement that the groups fighters had targeted a âmilitary companyâ working on government construction projects in the area claiming the companyâs machines were âcompletely destroyedâAccording to the statement the attack happened on the road near Pit Feeder Piropal in the Dera Murad Jamali area of ââNaseerabadThe spokesperson also warned local contractors to stay away from âstate projectsâ warning that they would be responsible for their own lives and financial lossesHe added that the organisation accepts responsibility for the attack and continues such operations âuntil the independence of BalochistanâLast month the Balochistan Liberation Front BLF and BRG claimed responsibility for several attacks on the Pakistani forces and installations in Awaran Jhao Basima and Sibi areas of Pakistans BalochistanThe BRG also took responsibility for damaging a major gas pipeline transporting fuel from Balochistans Sui gas field to Karachi in MarchAccording to the Spokesperson Dostain Baloch the explosion severely damaged the pipeline carrying natural gas from Sui to KarachiReiterating its opposition to what BRG described as the exploitation of Balochistans natural resources the group warned that it would continue targeting such activities The Balochistan Post reportedThese latest incidents come against the backdrop of escalating attacks by Baloch groups targeting Pakistani military and police forces across Balochistan in recent days resulting in heavy casualties and damage to the infrastructure IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-gas-supply-disrupted-in-balochistans-sohbatpur-after-assailants-blow-up-pipeline-672615.html Wed, 06 May 2026 13:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistani-forces-kill-two-forcibly-disappear-four-civilians-in-balochistan-rights-body-672627.html Quetta May 6 As violence against civilians escalate across Balochistan a leading human rights organisation brought to light the extrajudicial killing of two civilians and enforced disappearance of four others allegedly at the hands of Pakistani forces Condemning the brutal incidents Paank the Baloch National Movements Human Rights Department mentioned that the bulletriddled bodies of Ajmal Baloch and Saeed Ahmed were dumped on May 3 in the Nalent area of Pasni in the Gwadar districtAccording to the rights body Ajmal was abducted from Gwadar city on August 21 2025 by personnel of Pakistans Frontier Corps FC and Military agenciesFollowing his abduction he remained missing for nearly nine months with no access to legal recourse or communication with his familyCiting information Paank mentioned that Saeed Ahmed was forcibly taken from his hometown in the Jiwani area of Gwadar on December 9 2025 by personnel of the FCThe rights body described the incident as part of an ongoing pattern of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in Balochistan by Pakistani forcesHighlighting the atrocities against civilians across Balochistan Paank revealed that two brothers 41yearold Ghulam Rasool and 47yearold Abdulla Jan were abducted by personnel of Pakistanâs Counter Terrorism Department CTD on May 3 during a latenight raid on their residence in the Barkhan districtIn a separate incident another student 27yearold Nasrat Khan was forcibly disappeared in the early hours of May 3 from Brewery Road in the provincial capital Quetta by the CTD personnelâThe arbitrary detention of a student in a latenight operation raises serious concerns regarding due process and the continued pattern of enforced disappearances in Balochistan Nasrat Khanâs whereabouts remain unknown placing his life and safety at grave riskâ Paank notedThe rights body also strongly condemned the enforced disappearance of 23yearold bus driver Javid Baloch He was reportedly abducted on the evening of April 29 at Dhoor Checkpoint in Gwadar by personnel of Military IntelligenceEarlier on Tuesday a sitin protest staged by the students outside Bolan Medical College BMC in Quetta entered its fourteenth consecutive day with demonstrators demanding the release of Khadija BalochAccording to the Baloch Yakjehti Committee BYC Khadija was abducted on April 21 by Pakistani security forces from the BMC female hostel in Quetta and shifted to an undisclosed locationExpressing grave concern the BYC said âEvery day many people are becoming victims of enforced disappearance Along with Baloch men now Baloch women are also increasingly being subjected to enforced disappearances Khadija Baloch has now been missing for fourteen days and is being held in the stateâs dark cells Her only crime is her national identity because she is Baloch And being Baloch has become the greatest crime in the eyes of the stateâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistani-forces-kill-two-forcibly-disappear-four-civilians-in-balochistan-rights-body-672627.html Wed, 06 May 2026 14:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/japan-reports-4th-swine-fever-outbreak-this-year-672628.html Tokyo May 6 Japans agriculture ministry said that a new outbreak of swine fever has been confirmed at a farm in the central prefecture of Shizuoka marking the fourth such case reported in the country this year According to the Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries nearly 3000 pigs at the farm in the city of Fujinomiya will be culledLocal authorities received a report of piglet deaths from the farm on Monday and conducted an onsite inspection Test results confirmed that the pigs had been infected with classical swine feverThe ministry said that all pigs at the affected farm will be culled incinerated and buried An epidemiological investigation team will also be dispatched to trace the source of the infection while measures such as disinfection and preventing wild animals from entering the farm will be strengthenedSwine fever is a highly infectious viral disease It is not a danger to human health but it has devastating effects on pig populations and the farming economyThe virus is highly resistant in the environment meaning that it can survive on clothes boots wheels and other materials It can also survive in various pork products such as ham sausages or bacon Therefore human behaviours can play an important role in spreading this pig disease across borders if adequate measures are not takenPigs are a primary source of household income in many countries The spread of ASF across the world has devastated familyrun pig farms often the mainstay of peopleâs livelihoods and a driver of upward mobility It has also reduced opportunities to access healthcare and educationMoreover pork meat is one of the primary sources of animal proteins accounting for more than 35 per cent of the global meat intake Hence this disease poses a serious problem for food security worldwideThis disease is also a concern for biodiversity and the balance of ecosystems as it affects not only domestic farmed pigs but also wild boars including native breeds IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/japan-reports-4th-swine-fever-outbreak-this-year-672628.html Wed, 06 May 2026 14:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/isi-link-in-punjab-twin-blasts-suspected-aimed-to-create-panic-ahead-of-op-sindoor-anniversary-672630.html New Delhi May 6 The blasts that took place in Amritsar and Jalandhar in Punjab clearly have an ISI imprint the National Investigation Agency NIA has learnt The twin blasts were carried out on the instructions of ISIbacked handlers based in Pakistan the initial probe has found One significant angle that comes to the fore is the timing of these blasts They were carried out just days ahead of the anniversary of Operation SindoorThe operation was carried out by the Indian armed forces on May 7 to avenge the Pahalgam attack During the operation the armed forces took down a significant amount of terror infrastructure in Pakistan occupied Kashmir PoK and PakistanInvestigators suspect that the blasts in Punjab were meant to send out a message to the security agencies that Pakistan is still capable of hitting India despite Operation Sindoor While the timing of the blasts is one part of it investigators also say that the bigger aim was to create panic in the minds of the peopleThe blasts also took place at a time when the ISI has been desperately pushing for a Khalistan movement revival in Punjab An official said that the ISI has been looking for locals who are radicalised to carry out such attacksThe idea is to pick up radicalised youth and then guide them to carry out lowintensity blasts at regular intervals across the state of Punjab the official also said The role of some radical youth has come under the scanner of both the Punjab Police and the NIAAnother official said the ISI has been creating local cells in Punjab to execute such attacks They are guiding these persons to carry out blasts and also execute attacks using grenadesAn Intelligence Bureau official said the Punjab Police would need to be on alert as such activities are likely to rise in the days to come The ISI wants to shift focus away from Jammu and Kashmir temporarily while putting in all efforts into PunjabIt is the local units that the agencies need to worry about These persons are new to the trade and hence there is very little police scrutiny on them Further these locals are not used for multiple attacks They are told to strike and then go underground These persons are given their next assignment only after the cooling period is overThe official added that in order to continue with this strategy the ISI would look to recruit at least 100 such youth across the state the official addedOfficials say that the plan is to attack sensitive and crowded locations On April 28 the Patiala police busted a module that was backed by the ISIIt was learnt that this proKhalistan module had planned to carry out a blast on a railway track near Shambu Within 12 hours of the probe being launched the police arrested Pardeep Singh Khalsa Kulwinder Singh Satnam Singh and Gurpreet SinghAnother official said the instruction to carry out lowintensity blasts is a planned strategy Lowintensity attacks do not require heavy ammunition This makes preparation easier and the detection also remains lowThere is a greater chance of the plan being foiled if these proKhalistan elements attempt largescale attacks Planning attacks on a larger scale requires much more effort and time This in turn can lead to information getting leaked and the module being busted the official also addedThe NIA would look at the larger picture and the direct links that the ISI has to these attacksThe probe is crucial and comes at a time when the ISI has clearly decided to scale up its activities across Punjab in a desperate bid to revive the Khalistan movement IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/isi-link-in-punjab-twin-blasts-suspected-aimed-to-create-panic-ahead-of-op-sindoor-anniversary-672630.html Wed, 06 May 2026 14:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/six-more-child-deaths-push-bangladesh-measles-toll-to-317-amid-worsening-outbreak-672645.html Dhaka May 6 At least six children died from measles and measleslike symptoms in Bangladesh pushing the total number of confirmed and suspected deaths to 317 as the country grapples with an alarming health crisis according to local media reports According to the Directorate General of Health Services DGHS the deaths were reported in the 24 hours leading up to Tuesday morningThe DGHS stated that among the six fatalities two patients had tested positive for measles while four died with symptomsThe two confirmed deaths were recorded in the Dhaka division taking the total death toll to 54Additionally the four suspected measles deaths were reported including two from the Sylhet division and one each in the Khulna and Rajshahi divisions bringing the total death toll to 263 Bangladeshâs leading newspaper The Daily Star reportedReports suggest that 259 new confirmed cases were recorded during the same period taking the total tally of confirmed cases to 5726Additionally the DGHS recorded 1186 new suspected cases in the last 24 hours pushing the overall suspected cases to 42979Earlier on Monday morning Bangladesh registered the highest singleday death toll from measles and measleslike symptoms with 17 child fatalities reported over the preceding 24 hoursAs measles has killed more than 300 children since midMarch and infected more than 47000 across Bangladesh a report described the outbreak as an avoidable disaster and called for accountability from the previous interim government led by Muhammad Yunus who dismantled a functional vaccine procurement system without the capacity to rebuild itâThe countryâs measles vaccination coverage rose steadily for two decades becoming an international model for lowincome countries That record has now been squandered with shocking negligence by the past interim governmentâ an editorial report in The Daily Star statedAccording to the report Bangladeshs Health Population and Nutrition Sector Programmeâwhich had been in place since 1998âwas scrapped in March 2025 without an adequate exit strategyIt stated that the stalled vaccine procurement dwindling medicine supplies to more than 14000 community clinics and exhausted buffer stocks during the tenure of the interim government had worsened the situationSlamming the interim governmentâs actions the report said âThe lack of accountability warrants a probe committeeâone with the authority to establish individual responsibility The deaths of children are tragic Those who dismantled this programme must answer for each of these deathsâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/six-more-child-deaths-push-bangladesh-measles-toll-to-317-amid-worsening-outbreak-672645.html Wed, 06 May 2026 16:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-vietnam-elevate-ties-to-enhanced-comprehensive-strategic-partnership-pm-modi-672649.html New Delhi May 6 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced that ties between India and Vietnam have been elevated to Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership While addressing a joint press meet with Vietnamese President To Lam following their talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Wednesday PM Modi called Vietnam a key pillar of Indias Act East policy and Vision MahasagarPM Modi said One decade back during my first visit to Vietnam Vietnam became Indias first Comprehensive Strategic Partner in ASEAN Since then our relations have made rapid and comprehensive progress Along with the civilisational ties our trade technology and tourism ties have also strengthened Building on this strong foundation today we are taking our relations to the level of an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic PartnershipExtending a warm welcome to the Vietnamese President PM Modi said I am immensely pleased to extend a hearty welcome to President To Lam in India After becoming President of Vietnam his visit to India within just one month accompanied by a highlevel delegation along with several business leaders clearly demonstrates the priority he accords to IndiaVietnam relationsPresident To Lam of Vietnam started his visit to India from Bodh Gaya This reflects the shared civilisational and spiritual heritage of our two nations Through his visit and our meaningful discussions we are transforming the goodwill between us into concrete outcomes he addedPM Modi stated that more than 15 crore people had darshan of Buddhist relics when they were exhibited in Vietnam in 2025 He noted that heritage and development hold significance in the IndiaVietnam partnershipHe stated that the two nations share a common outlook in the IndoPacific region He announced that India will broaden its ties with ASEAN with Vietnams cooperationVietnam is a key pillar of Indias Act East Policy and Vision Mahasagar In the IndoPacific region as well we share a common outlook Through our strengthening defence and security cooperation we will continue to contribute to the rule of law peace stability and prosperity With Vietnams cooperation India will also broaden its relations with ASEAN he saidPM Modi expressed gratitude to Vietnam for condemning the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam and backing New Delhi in the fight against terrorismThe Prime Minister said We are grateful to Vietnam for strongly condemning the Pahalgam terror attack and for standing with us in our fight against terrorism In this period of global upheaval and economic challenges India and Vietnam are emerging as the worldâs fastestgrowing economies on the strength of their talent good governance and economic reforms IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-vietnam-elevate-ties-to-enhanced-comprehensive-strategic-partnership-pm-modi-672649.html Wed, 06 May 2026 16:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-india-partnership-can-rev-up-pace-of-ai-adoption-672651.html New Delhi May 6 India has the potential to give the US a further edge in the race for AI adoption with American tech giants such as Google Microsoft and Amazon already committing billions of dollars in investments to build AI hubs across India according to an article in Arab News These investments are aimed to ensure that USdesigned technology forms the backbone of the Global Southâs largest economy If the future of the digital world is built on USIndian infrastructure the world will remain open and secure But if it is built on Chinaâs proprietary technology stack the global order will fracture the article written by Ylli Bajraktari and Dhruva Jaishankar states Although the US maintains a decisive edge in frontier models and highend compute China has proven that its capacity for innovation is a force to be reckoned with To counter this the US needs the talent and dataset scaling that only India can provide the article opines âIndia offers more than just a massive market It provides populationscale datasets drawn from almost 15 billion people making it a vital theater for testing AI in realworld environments â from rural agriculture to urban healthcare Moreover with an AI talent pool projected to exceed 125 million by 2027 India provides the intellectual heft and human capital required to sustain a hightempo innovation cycleâ the article states Potential however is not the same as proficiency While Indiaâs talent pool is vast much more must be done to match skills to specific AI tasks Bridging this gap should be seen as a US imperative Integrating Indian talent into USled ecosystems is the only way for American firms to maintain their edge against a competitor that views technology as a tool of state control rather than a means of individual empowerment the article further states It presents a fourpoint plan to turn the current USIndia momentum in AI into a permanent strategic advantage It suggests that linking Indiaâs burgeoning startup ecosystem with the technological tools and capital available in the US can create common solutions for an array of global challengesSecond the two countries can cooperate in constructing resilient infrastructure and supply chains Their efforts should encompass not only critical minerals and semiconductors but also undersea cables open telecommunications networks and data centersThird India and the US will need to collaborate on creating a seamless highskill ecosystem for talent With rising antiimmigrant sentiments in the US and many other countries this will require navigating potentially treacherous political territoryLastly to enable all the above India and the US must align their technological standards intellectual property rights and cybersecurity policies far more than they do today Translating shared values into common agendas is the only way to reduce bilateral friction and accelerate cooperation the article observes IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-india-partnership-can-rev-up-pace-of-ai-adoption-672651.html Wed, 06 May 2026 16:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/a-mother-dies-from-preventable-complications-every-hour-in-afghanistan-who-672663.html Kabul May 6 A mother dies from preventable complications every hour in Afghanistan the World Health Organisation WHO said showcasing a health system still struggling to protect women during pregnancy and childbirth local media reported on Wednesday In a statement issued on International Day of the Midwife the WHO said the maternal mortality rate in Afghanistan remains among the highest across the world at 521 deaths per 100000 live births even as access to basic care has improved over the past 20 years Afghanistans Amu TV reportedMany of these deaths occurred due to conditions that can be treated or prevented including haemorrhage hypertension infection and hindered labour the WHO said The consequences are often longlasting and severe for women who survive such complicationsSince the late 2000s Afghanistan has witnessed progress in maternal and child health according to the WHO Antenatal care coverage has witnessed rise from 31 per cent to 76 per cent and the share of births attended by skilled health workers has risen from 24 per cent to 67 per cent The agency said child mortality has witnessed a drop from 129 deaths per 1000 live births in 2000 to 56 in 2023 However the WHO stated that women in rural and underserved areas face the greatest risksAccording to the WHO one of the most serious complications faced by women is obstetric fistula a condition caused mainly by prolonged obstructed labour that could result in women facing several medical problems and social stigma Amu TV reportedThe WHO said the condition remains underreported since many women lack access to specialised care or do not know that it can be treated In order to address these challenges the WHO said that it is increasing maternal and child health services in Afghanistan with the support of the Islamic Development BankLast month the United Nations International Childrens Emergency Fund UNICEF warned that Afghanistan risks losing up to 20000 women teachers and 5400 healthcare workers by 2030 amid continuing restrictions on girlsâ education and womenâs employment in the countryIn its latest analysis titled âThe Cost of Inaction on Girlsâ Education and Womenâs Labour Force Participation in Afghanistan UNICEF said that female representation in the civil services fell from 21 per cent to 177 per cent between 2023 and 2025It cautioned that the declining number of trained women professionals in schools and hospitals across Afghanistan would have devastating consequences for childrens education health outcomes and future opportunitiesâRestrictions on girlsâ and womens education and work are already costing the country US84 million annually in lost economic output with losses compounding over time as they remain blocked from education and employmentâ UNICEF mentionedAccording to the UN agency removing women from teaching and healthcare services in Afghanistan â two sectors where they are permitted to work and are critically needed â directly harms children as it will lead to fewer girls in schools and reduced care for women and childrenThe impact it said is particularly severe in healthcare where societal context often prevents women from receiving medical services from men while the declining number of female health workers will directly limit maternal newborn and child health services IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/a-mother-dies-from-preventable-complications-every-hour-in-afghanistan-who-672663.html Wed, 06 May 2026 17:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/rights-body-condemns-detention-of-aurat-march-leaders-in-pakistan-672681.html Islamabad May 6 The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan HRCP on Wednesday has condemned the detention of Aurat March organisers and volunteers outside the Karachi Press Club where they had gathered to hold a press conference The rights body stated that preventing people from holding press conference showcases an increasingly repressive approach to governance where dissent is considered a threat instead of a democratic necessity leading Pakistani news network Geo News reportedThe HRCPs statement comes after police on Tuesday briefly arrested several Aurat March leaders including activist and artist artist Sheema Kermani outside the Karachi Press ClubHRCP strongly condemns the arrest of several organisers and volunteers of Aurat March from outside the Karachi Press Club where they were scheduled to address a press conference This incident is not isolated overreach but rather part of a broader and deeply troubling pattern the systematic denial of public space to citizens seeking to articulate their rights HRCP posted on XThe rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are constitutionally guaranteed Preventing citizens particularly women and marginalised groups from even convening a press conference reflects an increasingly repressive approach to governance where dissent is treated as a threat rather than a democratic necessity it addedThe organisers of the press conference said that the detained people included Kermani transgender activist Shehzadi Rai Muniza and others South Superintendent of Police SSP Manzoor Ali stated that several women leaders were taken to a police station before being released shortly after After the incident police deployment around the Karachi Press Club was increased Aurat March organisers stated that the leaders had gathered for a press conference when the police detained them Geo News reportedOn May 2 media bodies and civil society organisations voiced concerns over increasing curbs on press freedom and growing risks to journalists in PakistanIn a joint statement released to mark the World Press Freedom Day the Joint Action Committee â comprising the Pakistan Broadcasters Association PBA the All Pakistan Newspapers Society APNS the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors CPNE the Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors AMEND and the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists PFUJ termed the past year challenging for journalism with growing restrictions around the world the daily Dawn reportedIt stated that the state of freedom of expression has not been satisfactory in Pakistan According to the statement journalists in Pakistan face harassment arrests violence and increasing pressure from state institutions while media outlets face editorial interference demonstrating how outlets are being controlled at various levels and tactics being used like government advertisements to get editorial control limiting the right to information through censorship and taking dissenting voices off air IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/rights-body-condemns-detention-of-aurat-march-leaders-in-pakistan-672681.html Wed, 06 May 2026 18:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/three-indians-injured-in-uae-after-irans-attack-672347.html Abu Dhabi May 5 The Indian Embassy in the United Arab Emirates UAE has said that three Indian nationals have been injured in todays attacks in Fujairah The Embassy said that it is in touch with local authorities to ensure adequate medical care and welfare of the affected Indian nationalsThe UAEs Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the renewed unprovoked Iranian aggression using missiles and dronesThe Ministry also confirmed that three Indian nationals were injured due to the results of Irans attack on civilian sites and facilitiesThe Ministry called the actions of Iran an unacceptable act of aggression and a direct threat to the UAEs security stability and territorial integrityIt said the attacks are in violation of the principles of international law and the Charter of the United NationsThe Ministry emphasises that the UAE will not tolerate any threat to its security and sovereignty under any circumstances and that the UAE reserves its full and legitimate right to respond to these unprovoked attacks in a manner that ensures the protection of its sovereignty national security territorial integrity and the safety of its citizens residents and visitors in accordance with international lawIt stressed the need to immediately halt these attacks and ensure full compliance with the cessation of all hostilitiesThe UAE holds Iran fully responsible for these unprovoked attacks and their repercussions the statement saidThe UAEs Ministry of Defence on Monday reported that it detected four cruise missiles launched from Iran towards various areas across the countryThe Ministry reported that the sounds heard in scattered areas of the country are the result of successful interception of the aerial threatsUAEs National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority NCEMA on X said that Air defence systems are currently responding to a missile threat Please remain in a safe location and follow official channels for warnings and updatesThe authority also asked the people not to approach touch or photograph any fragments or objects that have fallen as a result of successful air interceptions and allow the relevant authorities to assess the situation IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/three-indians-injured-in-uae-after-irans-attack-672347.html Tue, 05 May 2026 09:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-canada-kick-off-second-round-of-free-trade-talks-672348.html New Delhi May 5 India and Canada began the second round of negotiations for a bilateral free trade agreement with the two sides aiming to seal the deal by yearend The fiveday talks in New Delhi come on Monday ahead of the Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyals scheduled visit to Canada at the end of this month to accelerate the momentum of the economic engagement as the two countries target increasing bilateral trade to 50 billion by 2030 The attempt is to fasttrack talks so that the agreement can be concluded by the yearend as decided by the Prime Ministers of the two countries earlier this year a senior official told IANS The first round of negotiations for the pact officially called the IndiaCanada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement CEPA took place in March this year following Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carneys meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi Prime Minister Carneys visit to India set the tone for a marked improvement in diplomatic ties between the two countries that had hit rock bottom during his predecessor Justin Trudeau as Canadas Prime Minister The Trudeau government was seen to be encouraging Sikh extremists to pursue an antiIndia agenda in Canada Prime Minister Modi and his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney set a yearend target to complete the negotiations for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement CEPA between the two countries and agreed to deepen bilateral collaboration in the energy and critical mineral sectors during their meeting at New Delhi in March this year The leaders expressed confidence that a comprehensive trade framework would serve as a durable economic anchor for the partnership and support the shared aspiration of expanding bilateral trade to CAD 70 billionRs 465 lakh crore by 2030 according to joint statement issued after the summit between the two leadersIndiaCanada bilateral trade in goods stood at 866 billion in 202425 while Indias exports to the country touched 422 billionMajor items of Indias exports to Canada include pharmaceutical products machinery parts and mechanical appliances iron and steel articles electronic goods organic chemicals jewellery gems and precious stones garments and textiles seafood engineering goods and auto parts Indias major imports from Canada include pulses fertilisers mineral fuels wood pulp gems and precious stones aircraft parts machinery parts and iron and aluminium scrap Indias IT sector is the main contributor to services exports to Canada IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-canada-kick-off-second-round-of-free-trade-talks-672348.html Tue, 05 May 2026 09:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-us-conflict-on-brink-of-reigniting-as-washington-project-for-stranded-ships-sets-off-volleys-by-both-672351.html New York May 4 The conflict between Iran and the US was on the brink of reigniting as Washingtons Project Freedom to free ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz set off attacks by both sides with Tehran also striking neighbours US Central Command CENTCOM Chief Admiral Brad Cooper said on Monday that Iran sent a barrage of cruise missiles and drones at ships in the Strait and the US Navy retaliated shooting them downHe added that six Iranian speedboats that threatened ships were taken outBut beyond the Strait Iran appears to have resumed attacks on its neighboursThe United Arab Emirates reported that its Fujairah Oil Industry Zone was attacked by Iranian drones and its Defence Ministry said it was fending off drones and missilesOmans new agency ONA reported that a housing complex near the Strait was hit and two expatriates whose nationality was not disclosed were injuredIran appeared to be targeting other countries directly rather than the USAn official statement quoted by Irans PressTV said that it had sent missiles and drones near US warships rather than at them a nuanced differentiationUS President Donald Trump said on Truth Social that a South Korean ship had come under Iranian attackNo other ships were damaged he addedThe Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps IRGC Spokesperson Brigadier General Hossein Mohebbi had earlier warned that it would forcefully stop any ship trying to break through the blockade his country had imposed according to the Iranian governments PressTVIt also denied that any of its boats had been sunkThe US denied Iranian claims that two of its missiles had struck its shipsUS CENTCOM Chief Cooper said that ships belonging to 87 countries were stranded in the Strait and the US was reaching out to dozens of ships and shipping companies to encourage traffic through the StraitThe CENTCOM said that two USflagged ships had already gone through the Strait safelyOn Saturday an Indian gas ship operating under Marshal Islands flag managed to chart its way through the Strait but it was not known if there was a deal with Iran for itIran has been demanding tolls for ships to go through the Strait which the US has condemned and the United Nations has declared illegal under international lawNeither side has made headway on negotiations to end the confrontation between them defiant on their demandsThe US would theoretically be free of Congressional restraints from resuming the war full scale because the US CENTCOM Chief said the conflict that began February 28 was truncated by the April 7 ceasefire agreement short of the 60day limit for the Legislatures approvalHe could claim a new cycle was beginning if Iran resumed major attacks IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-us-conflict-on-brink-of-reigniting-as-washington-project-for-stranded-ships-sets-off-volleys-by-both-672351.html Tue, 05 May 2026 09:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/missiles-launched-towards-uae-from-iran-defence-ministry-672353.html Abu Dhabi May 5 The United Arab Emirates UAEs Defence Ministry has reported that it detected four cruise missiles launched from Iran towards various areas across the country The Ministry reported on Monday that the sounds heard in scattered areas of the country are the result of successful interception of the aerial threatsUAEs National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority NCEMA on social media platform X said that Air defence systems are currently responding to a missile threat Please remain in a safe location and follow official channels for warnings and updatesThe authority also asked the people not to approach touch or photograph any fragments or objects that have fallen as a result of successful air interceptions and allow the relevant authorities to assess the situationThe Authority issued a warning on Monday the last warning was on April 8 2026 according to their posts on XThe Ministry said that out of four cruise missiles three were engaged successfully over the countrys territorial waters while one fell in the seaOn April 3 the UAEs Ministry of Defence said that its air defence engaged 18 ballistic missiles four cruise missiles and 47 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles UAVs launched from IranAccording to the statement the UAEs air defences have engaged 475 ballistic missiles 23 cruise missiles and 2085 UAVs since the start of Iranian attacksThe attacks resulted in the martyrdom of two members of the armed forces while performing their national duty in addition to the martyrdom of a Moroccan civilian contracted by the Armed Forces as well as nine fatalities of Pakistani Nepali Bangladeshi Palestinian and Indian nationalities it addedA total of 203 people were also injured with injuries ranging from minor to moderate and severe The injured included nationals of the UAE Egypt Sudan Ethiopia the Philippines Pakistan Iran India Bangladesh Sri Lanka Azerbaijan Yemen Uganda Eritrea Lebanon Afghanistan Bahrain Comoros Turkey Iraq Nepal Nigeria Oman Jordan Palestine Ghana Indonesia Sweden and Tunisia the statement said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/missiles-launched-towards-uae-from-iran-defence-ministry-672353.html Tue, 05 May 2026 09:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/un-condemns-killing-of-yemeni-official-urges-protection-for-civil-servants-672354.html Sanaa May 5 The United Nations UN has called for accountability and stronger protection for civil society workers and public officials following the abduction and killing of a government official in Yemens southern port city of Aden In a statement posted on Monday on the social media platform X UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg strongly condemned the incidentI strongly condemn the abduction and assassination of Wissam Qaed in Aden His legacy must carry on Grundberg said Xinhua news agency reportedThe UN envoy also extended condolences to the victims family and expressed solidarity with the people of YemenSeparately UN Resident Coordinator for Yemen Laurent Bukera also condemned the killing I join the Yemeni people in condemning the murder Bukera said adding that such crimes cannot be tolerated and that those responsible must be brought to justiceAccording to a local security official the victim Wissam Qaed deputy executive director of the Social Fund for Development was abducted by unidentified gunmen near his residence in Aden on May 3 and was later found dead with multiple gunshot woundsEstablished in 1997 the Social Fund for Development operates under the Yemeni government and reports directly to the Cabinet playing a key role in development and poverty reduction programs Qaed had served as deputy executive director since 2019The incident underscores persistent security challenges in Aden despite efforts by authorities to stabilise the cityOn April 26 Yemeni security authorities said they had arrested suspected terrorists accused of plotting a series of assassinations in the southern port city of AdenCiting a security source staterun news agency Saba said the arrests described as part of efforts to enhance security and stability in Aden followed careful monitoring and surveillanceSeveral suspects were detained along with materials and evidence linked to the groups activitiesInitial investigations revealed plans to target social and religious figures in an attempt to incite chaos and destabilise the security and stability in Aden the source saidYemen has been mired in conflict since 2014 when Houthi forces seized the capital Sanaa triggering a prolonged war that has weakened state institutions and fueled instability IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/un-condemns-killing-of-yemeni-official-urges-protection-for-civil-servants-672354.html Tue, 05 May 2026 09:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-flags-iran-threat-to-shipping-lane-672355.html Washington May 5 US President Donald Trump has said that Iran had fired on vessels linked to unrelated nations amid tensions around a United Statesled maritime effort raising fresh concerns over security in a key global shipping route Iran has taken some shots at unrelated Nations with respect to the Ship Movement PROJECT FREEDOM including a South Korean Cargo Ship Trump said on Monday in a social media postHe urged greater allied participation in the mission Perhaps its time for South Korea to come and join the mission he addedThe comments come as Washington advances Project Freedom a maritime initiative aimed at securing commercial shipping lanesTrump said US forces had engaged Iranian boats Weve shot down seven small Boats or as they like to call them fast Boats Its all they have left he addedHe said there had been a limited impact on shipping so far Other than the South Korean Ship there has been at this moment no damage going through the Strait Trump addedTrump also announced a military briefing scheduled for Tuesday Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine will have a News Conference tomorrow morning he saidTrumps reference to a South Korean vessel suggests the risk of broader international involvement beyond direct USIran tensions His call for Seoul to join the effort signals Washingtons push for allied supportThe United States has increased naval activity in the region citing the need to protect shipping and maintain freedom of navigation Iran has warned against foreign military presence near its watersThe Strait of Hormuz between Iran and Oman is one of the worlds most critical oil transit routes A significant share of global crude flows through it each day IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-flags-iran-threat-to-shipping-lane-672355.html Tue, 05 May 2026 09:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/another-15-crew-members-of-us-seized-iranian-ship-released-media-672356.html Tehran May 5 Fifteen of the remaining 22 crew members of an Iranian container ship seized by the United States last month have entered Iran media reported The Iranianflagged vessel the Touska was boarded and seized by US forces off the coast of Irans southeastern port of Chabahar in the Gulf of Oman on April 19 under a US naval blockade targeting Iranian shipping Semiofficial Fars news agency said on Monday that the ship had a total of 28 crew members who were taken into US custody It added that six were released earlier Xinhua news agency reportedThe semiofficial Tasnim news agency also reported their arrivalThe United States imposed restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz following failed postceasefire negotiations with Iran in Islamabad on April 1112 according to earlier reportsThe cargo ship seized by US forces was part of a fleet linked to Chinese ports and suspected supply routes a media report saidThe MV Touska an Iranianflagged container vessel is tied to a network of ships that frequently sail to China and have been linked to transporting materials with potential military use The Wall Street Journal reportedThe ship was intercepted after attempting to breach a US naval blockade and was later boarded by American forces following warning shots that disabled its engine according to reportsShipping data cited by The Wall Street Journal showed the vessel had visited the southern Chinese port of Zhuhai twice in the weeks before it was seizedThe Touska is controlled by a sanctioned Iranian company accused of transporting items for Tehrans ballistic missile programme the report saidUS officials have not disclosed what the ship was carrying Analysts said the attempt to cross an active blockade suggests the cargo may have been important IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/another-15-crew-members-of-us-seized-iranian-ship-released-media-672356.html Tue, 05 May 2026 09:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/white-house-placed-on-lockdown-after-shooting-nearby-672358.html Washington May 5 The White House was briefly placed on lockdown after US Secret Service officers shot an armed individual near the National Mall following a confrontation in which the suspect opened fire officials said The incident unfolded around 330 pm when plainclothes Secret Service personnel patrolling the outer perimeter of the White House complex identified âa suspicious individual that appeared to have a firearmâ Deputy Director Matt Quinn told reportersUniformed officers were called in to engage the individual âUpon making contact that individual fled briefly on foot withdrew a firearm and firedâ in the direction of our agents and officersâ Quinn said âThey returned fire and engaged That individual was hitâThe suspect was taken to a hospital though officials said they had âno comments on his conditionâAt least one bystander described as a juvenile was also struck during the exchange Quinn said the child âdid not sustain any life threatening injuriesâ and was receiving treatmentOfficials indicated the bystander was likely hit by the suspectâs gunfire âEverything Iâve seen makes me to believeâ that he was struck by the suspectâ Quinn saidThe shooting occurred near 15th Street and Independence Avenue a few blocks from the White House Secret Service agents said the suspect had been under observation for a short period after officers detected what Quinn described as a âvisual print of a firearmâFollowing the gunfire the Secret Service ordered reporters on the White House North Lawn to move indoors The lockdown was lifted within minutes and President Donald Trump proceeded with a previously scheduled small business event inside the East RoomTrump did not directly address the shooting but used his remarks to highlight safety in the capital âWashington DCâ is now one of the safest cities in the United Statesâ he saidAuthorities said there was no immediate indication the suspect was targeting the president or the White House âWhether or not it was directed to the president or not I donât know but we will find outâ Quinn saidVice President JD Vanceâs motorcade had passed through the area shortly before the shooting but officials said there was no sign the suspect intended to attack it âNo not to my knowledgeâ Quinn said when asked if the motorcade had been targetedThe Secret Service confirmed that a weapon was recovered at the scene and said the Metropolitan Police Department would lead the investigation into the use of forceThe incident comes amid heightened security concerns in Washington following a separate shooting at the White House Correspondentsâ Association dinner in April where a suspect armed with guns and knives breached security and injured a Secret Service agent IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/white-house-placed-on-lockdown-after-shooting-nearby-672358.html Tue, 05 May 2026 10:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/vietnamese-president-to-lam-to-visit-india-today-672359.html New Delhi May 5 Vietnamese President To Lam will visit India on Tuesday for a State visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi To Lam also the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam will be in India till May 7 This is his first visit to India after being elected as the President of Vietnam earlier this monthHe will be accompanied by a highlevel delegation comprising several Ministers and senior officials of the Government of Vietnam A strong business delegation will also accompany the visiting dignitary the the Ministry of External Affairs MEA said earlierDuring his visit President To Lam will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan on May 6Following this Prime Minister Modi will hold wideranging discussions with President To Lam across the spectrum of bilateral relations along with regional and global issues of mutual interestPresident Droupadi Murmu will also hold a meeting with the visiting leaderOther leaders are also expected to call on President To LamAccording to the MEA the Vietnamese President will also visit Bodh Gaya and Mumbai during his visitThe Ministry further stated that the engagements between leaders will provide fresh momentum to the robust bilateral relations and open new avenues for cooperation between India and VietnamEarlier on April 7 PM Modi congratulated To Lam on his election as Vietnams President and expressed readiness to work with him further to deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nationsHe expressed confidence that the timetested friendship between the two nations will continue to grow under To Lams leadershipHeartiest congratulations to Mr To Lam on his election as President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam I am confident that under his leadership the timetested friendship between our two countries will continue to grow from strength to strength I look forward to working closely together to further deepen our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for the progress and prosperity of our people and the region PM Modi had posted on XIndia and Vietnam share historical and civilisational ties which have steadily deepened over the years President To Lams visit coincides with the special occasion of the two countries marking the 10th anniversary of the elevation of relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership agreed during the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Vietnam in 2016 the MEA said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/vietnamese-president-to-lam-to-visit-india-today-672359.html Tue, 05 May 2026 10:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-americans-hail-bjps-victory-in-bengal--672360.html Washington May 5 Indian American leaders across the United States welcomed the Bharatiya Janata Partyâs victory in West Bengal calling it a âhistoric mandateâ and a turning point for governance security and development in the state Eminent Indian American Dr Bharat Barai described the result as âa great victory for the people of West Bengalâ alleging that the previous regime had âunleashed a mafia kingdom using all resources of state and actively threaten voters with rape arson murder preventing them from votingâHe further claimed that âher goons taped and blocked voting buttons for BJP candidates on EVMâ and said democratic institutions had been undermined âby rein of terror in W BengalâDr Adapa Prasad president of Overseas Friends of BJP OFBJPUSA extended âHearty Congratulations to the people of Bengal and Assam in particular upon BJPâs phenomenal historic victory in Bengal and stupendous victory in Assamâ He added that the party also secured âa great victory in Puducherry and important gains in Keralam while BJP maintaining status quo in Tamilnadu in terms of seats wonâPrasad said the outcome carried broader implications stating âBJPâs Bengal win is very crucial for Bharatâs security Bengalâs bad days are overâ He added that the state had âendured 50 years of unhindered goondagardi and extortion violence infiltration demographic changes loss of industry and moreâDr Vasudev Patel general secretary of OFBJPUSA stressed the strategic importance of the state saying âThis frontier state of Bharat on the east is important for the security and integrity of the nationâ He said the organisation is planning victory celebrations across the United StatesCardiologist Dr Indranil BasuRay said decades of rule had led to âcomplete deindustrialization gross unemployment increasing poverty and a lack of basic resourcesâ along with âan extreme amount crime with a criminal syndicate ruling the streetsâHe said âthe BJP sweep in Bengal has come to fruition after over 50 years of patriotic Bengalis struggle to rank their state among the best in the countryâ The moment offers an opportunity âto regain the glory of Bengal and restore its spiritual gloryâ nhe addedâThis historic mandate reflects the peopleâs trust aspirations and desire for strong governance development and cultural prideâ he said adding that âthe end of AITCâs ineffective and inept rule marks the beginning of a new chapter for BengalâCommunity leader Amitabh Mittalsaid the victory brings renewed hope that Bengal will reclaim its past glory and move toward the growth prosperity and progress from which it has been kept away for far too longâ He congratulated âthe BJP leadership karyakartas supporters and voters who worked tirelessly to make this victory possibleâ and said the mandate should âusher in peace prosperity and a brighter future for Bengalâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-americans-hail-bjps-victory-in-bengal--672360.html Tue, 05 May 2026 10:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-pushes-tariffs-targets-china-672361.html Washington May 5 US President Donald Trump said tariffs would remain a central tool of US trade policy signalling tougher measures against China and other countries he accused of undercutting American businesses Speaking at the White House Trump said domestic firms had been hurt by cheaper imports âYouâre getting hurt by China and other countries making a product thatâs not as good but itâs less moneyâ he said ahread of his trip to China later this monthHe argued that tariffs were helping reverse that trend and boost revenues âBecause of the use of tariffs we have all this moneyâ Trump saidThe president indicated that current tariff levels may not be sufficient âThe tariffs really arenât high enough in my opinionâ he said pointing to sectors facing sustained pressure from foreign competitionTrump said companies could avoid tariffs by relocating production to the United States âIf they come in and build a business hereâ there are no tariffsâ he saidHe linked tariffs to a broader revival in US manufacturing âWe lost our car industryâ and theyâre all coming backâ Trump said describing what he called a manufacturing boomHe described USChina relationship as competitive but not adversarial âWeâre leading China in AIâ we have friendly competitionâ he said ahead of a planned meeting with Chinese President Xi JinpingAt the same time he criticised past trade policies âWeâve been ripped off in this country for decadesâ Trump said arguing that earlier administrations had failed to protect domestic industriesHe pointed to tariffs as a corrective measure âItâs made our country rich â really richâ he saidTrump highlighted specific sectors including furniture and manufacturing where he said tariffs would help bring production back to the US âWeâre going to bring all the furniture backâ youâre going to see itâ he saidHe acknowledged legal challenges to tariff policies but said alternative mechanisms were being used âWe have other ways of tariffingâ theyâre more tested theyâre strongerâ he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-pushes-tariffs-targets-china-672361.html Tue, 05 May 2026 10:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/mideast-countries-regional-blocs-condemn-iranian-attacks-on-uae-672362.html Cairo May 5 Countries in the Middle East and regional organizations condemned Irans attacks on the United Arab Emirates UAE saying the attacks represent a dangerous escalation threatening regional security and stability Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman spoke by phone with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan condemning the latest Iranian attacks Xinhua news agency reported quoting Saudi Press Agency SPAThe Saudi crown prince expressed the kingdoms strong condemnation and denunciation of the unjustified Iranian attacks targeting the UAE reaffirming Saudi Arabias support for the UAE in safeguarding its security and stabilityThe two also reviewed regional developments and discussed efforts to enhance regional security and stabilityIn a statement Jordans Foreign Ministry described the attacks as a blatant violation of the UAEs sovereignty and a dangerous escalation threatening its security stability and territorial integrityAlso on Monday Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi called his UAE counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan to reiterate Jordans unwavering solidarity with the UAE and its full support for the UAEs efforts to protect its sovereignty and securityQatar on Monday strongly condemned an Iranian attack targeting an Emirati oil tanker operated by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company while transiting the Strait of HormuzIn a statement Qatars Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the tanker was struck by two drones describing the incident as a blatant violation of international law and the principle of freedom of maritime navigation and a flagrant breach of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817The ministry reiterated Qatars categorical rejection of using the Strait of Hormuz as a tool of pressure calling for its unconditional reopening and stressing that freedom of navigation in this vital waterway is a firmly established principle that must not be compromisedIt warned that the continued closure of the strait would jeopardize the vital interests of countries in the regionThe ministry also called for an end to what it described as unjustified Iranian attacks on the property of neighbouring states reaffirming Qatars full solidarity with the United Arab Emirates and its support for all measures it may take to safeguard its assetsIn a statement issued on Monday the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its categorical rejection of any practices aimed at terrorizing civilians or destabilizing the Arabian Gulf region affirming its full solidarity and support for the measures taken by the UAE to protect its national assets and sovereigntyEgypt warned that the attacks represent a dangerous escalation that hinders efforts for calm and deescalation while constituting a flagrant violation of the principles of international law and the Charter of the United NationsAhmed Aboul Gheit SecretaryGeneral of the League of Arab States condemned in the strongest terms the renewed Iranian attacks against the UAE including the use of combat drones and missiles the targeting of a UAE tanker with combat drones while passing through the Strait of Hormuz as well as the drone attack on an oil facility in FujairahAboul Gheit stressed the need for an immediate end to all Iranian acts of aggression targeting the UAE or the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz holding Iran fully responsible for its unlawful actions that threaten international peace and securityThe SecretaryGeneral reaffirmed that Arab national security is indivisible expressing full solidarity and support for the UAE in the measures it takes to protect its security and territorial integrityJasem Mohamed Albudaiwi SecretaryGeneral of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf GCC also expressed the Councils condemnation and denunciation of the Iranian attacks targeting the UAEHe emphasised that this act of aggression represents a flagrant violation of the sovereignty of a GCC member state and a dangerous escalation threatening regional security and stabilityThe GCC SecretaryGeneral stressed that targeting the UAE is an unacceptable and condemnable behaviour by all standards reflecting an escalatory approach that disregards the rules of international law and the principles of good neighbourlinessAlbudaiwi called on the international community to assume its responsibilities to halt these repeated Iranian attacks and put an immediate end to irresponsible actions that undermine regional and international peace and security IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/mideast-countries-regional-blocs-condemn-iranian-attacks-on-uae-672362.html Tue, 05 May 2026 10:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/21-killed-61-injured-in-china-fireworks-plant-explosion-672363.html Changsha May 5 The fireworks plant explosion in central Chinas Hunan Province has left 21 people dead and 61 others injured authorities said Tuesday The explosion occurred at around 443 pm Monday at the plant of Huasheng fireworks manufacturing and display company in Liuyang a countylevel city under Changsha capital city of HunanMore than 480 rescuers in five teams have been mobilised for the rescue with three rescue robots deployedAs the explosion site is located near two black powder warehouses the rescuers have evacuated nearby residents and set up a buffer zone to prevent a secondary accidentAs of 8 am Tuesday the rescuers had confirmed the casualties following the first round of searching The injured have been rushed to hospital for treatment and the second round of searching is underwayThe Ministry of Emergency Management has dispatched experts to the scene to guide the emergency rescue effortsThe person in charge of the company has been detained by police and the cause of the accident is being investigated Xinhua news agency reportedRescue teams had to evacuate everyone within a 3km 19mi radius of the fireworks plant They also implemented measures like humidifying the area to prevent secondary accidents during the rescueChina President Xi Jinping has urged allout efforts to search for people who are still unaccounted for and save the injured Xi also called for an investigation into the accident to hold those responsible to account state media reportedLiuyang city is known for fireworks manufacturing touted in reports as the worlds largest producer of fireworksBlasts at fireworks factories and shops are not uncommon in China and are often deadly In February 12 people were killed in an explosion at a fireworks store in Hubei province IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/21-killed-61-injured-in-china-fireworks-plant-explosion-672363.html Tue, 05 May 2026 10:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-holds-series-of-bilateral-meetings-with-jamaican-ministers-business-leaders-672367.html Kingston May 5 External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar who is currently on a visit to Jamaica held a series of engagements in Kingston with the ministers and business leaders of the Caribbean nation discussing ways to expand cooperation across various sectors He called on Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness and held a meeting focusing on the economic and peopletopeople cooperationPleased to call on Prime Minister Andrew Holness in Kingston Conveyed the greetings of PM Narendra Modi Discussed deepening our political economic and peopletopeople cooperation Value his commitment towards further strengthening IndiaJamaica relations the EAM said in a post on XAdditionally he formally handed over 10 BHISHM Cubes as a gift from India to Jamaica in the presence of Jamaican PM Holness Health Minister Chris Tufton and FM Kamina J Smith The BHISHM Cube mobile hospital system designed for rapid deployment will help Jamaica during disasters and emergencies The gift of these cubes is a statement of friendship a commitment to disaster preparedness and an outcome of innovation he addedEAM Jaishankar then held a bilateral meeting with his Jamaican counterpart Kamina J Smith and other Cabinet Ministers for an indepth review of the various facets of the partnership between the two nationsDiscussed taking forward our ties in education and health agriculture and digital tourism sports and entertainment infrastructure capacity building and multilateral issues he saidHe then interacted with Jamaicas industry and business leaders and met Jamaican Industry Minister Aubyn Hill Emphasised that as we all diversify and seek reliable partners the imperative to deepen IndiaJamaican business ties is that much stronger The potential for our economic cooperation needs to be explored more vigorously both for bilateral and regional possibilities the EAM addedEAM Jaishankar will also visit Suriname and Trinidad and TobagoThe MEA said these countries share a special connection with India owing to the presence of Girmitiya communitiesGirmitiyas were Indian indentured labourers who left India in the mid to late 19th century to work in British colonies where many eventually settled The term Girmit is a mispronunciation of agreement referring to the contract under which they migrated IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-holds-series-of-bilateral-meetings-with-jamaican-ministers-business-leaders-672367.html Tue, 05 May 2026 10:09:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-fire-extinguished-on-hmm-operated-vessel-in-strait-of-hormuz-no-injuries-reported-672369.html SEOUL May 5 A fire that broke out after an explosion aboard a Panamaflagged bulk carrier operated by South Koreas HMM Co in the Strait of Hormuz has been extinguished and no injuries were reported the company said Tuesday The explosion occurred at about 840 pm Monday Korean time while the HMM Namu was anchored in waters off the United Arab Emirates HMM said The fire began in the engine room and crew members used carbon dioxide to fight the blaze for about four hoursHMM said security camera footage showed the fire had been put out and said it would later inspect the engine room to assess the damageThe freighter had 24 crew members on board six South Koreans and 18 foreign nationals No one was injured the company saidThe cause of the explosion and fire as well as the extent of the damage is currently under investigationIt remains unclear whether the incident was caused by an external attack or an internal malfunction an HMM official saidHMM said it plans to tow the freighter to Dubai a process expected to take several daysEarlier the South Korean government said authorities are working to determine the cause of the explosion and fireIn Washington US President Donald Trump said Monday that Iran has taken shots at a South Korean cargo ship and other targets as he called on Seoul to participate in a mission to reopen the crucial Strait of HormuzIndustry officials said South Koreanoperated ships in waters off the UAE were moving toward Qatar in line with government measures to steer clear of the Strait of Hormuz for safety Yonhap news agency reportedThe incident came after the United States launched an operation called Project Freedom this week to guide commercial vessels stranded by the USIsraeli war against Iran out of the waterwayHMM operates five vessels in the Strait of Hormuz including one container ship and two oil tankers IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-fire-extinguished-on-hmm-operated-vessel-in-strait-of-hormuz-no-injuries-reported-672369.html Tue, 05 May 2026 10:09:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/two-us-destroyers-transit-strait-of-hormuz-after-dodging-iranian-attacks-report-672373.html Washington May 5 Two US Navy destroyers have passed through the Strait of Hormuz and entered the Gulf after navigating an Iranian barrage US media outlet CBS News reported The USS Truxtun and USS Mason supported by Apache helicopters and other aircraft faced a series of coordinated threats during the passage said the report citing Pentagon officials who spoke under condition of anonymity on Monday night local timeNo US warship was struck though Iran launched small boats missiles and drones against them as a sustained barrage the officials were quoted as sayingNone of the projectiles launched by Iran reached the US vessels they said adding that the US militarys assisting efforts bolstered by air support successfully intercepted or deterred each incoming threat reports Xinhua news agencyUS President Donald Trump told Fox News on Monday that the Iranians are more malleable than they were beforeIn a phone interview with Fox News the president threatened that if Iran targets US ships in the Strait of Hormuz as the Pentagon begins operations to restore commercial shipping transit through the strait they would be blown off the face of the EarthHowever in another phone interview with ABC News on Monday Trump stopped short of saying Irans Monday attacks had violated the USIran ceasefireIt was not heavy firing Trump said downplaying the attacksBrad Cooper chief of the US Central Command told reporters earlier on Monday that Iranian forces had launched multiple cruise missiles drones and small boats at ships we are protectingUS forces have sunk six Iranian small boats targeting civilian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and intercepted several Iranian missiles and drones said CooperIran later rejected the US claims saying that no commercial vessels or oil tankers have transited the Strait of Hormuz the semiofficial Tasnim News Agency reportedOn February 28 the United States and Israel launched joint strikes on Tehran and other Iranian cities killing thenSupreme Leader Ali Khamenei senior military commanders and civilians Iran responded with waves of missile and drone attacks on Israel and US targets across the region and restricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz for vessels linked to Israel and the United StatesA ceasefire took effect on April 8 followed by talks between Iranian and US delegations in Islamabad that ended without a deal IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/two-us-destroyers-transit-strait-of-hormuz-after-dodging-iranian-attacks-report-672373.html Tue, 05 May 2026 10:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/five-civilians-killed-in-us-attacks-on-cargo-boats-iranian-media-672377.html Tehran May 5 Five civilians were killed in US attacks on cargo boats Irans semiofficial Tasnim news agency reported on Tuesday Following the claim by the US military that it had targeted six Iranian speedboats and given that none of Irans combat vessels was hit local sources were consulted to verify the nature of the incident according to Xinhua which quoted the reportIt was determined that US forces had attacked two small civilian cargo boats which were travelling from Khasab along the Omani coast toward Iran killing five civilian passengers onboard it saidBrad Cooper chief of US Central Command said on Monday that the US military had sunk six Iranian small boats in the Strait of HormuzThe Iranian boats were struck by US Apache and MH60 Seahawk helicopters Cooper told a news conferenceMeanwhile two US Navy destroyers have passed through the Strait of Hormuz and entered the Gulf after navigating an Iranian barrage US media outlet CBS News reportedThe USS Truxtun and USS Mason supported by Apache helicopters and other aircraft faced a series of coordinated threats during the passage said the report citing Pentagon officials who spoke under condition of anonymity on Monday night local timeNo US warship was struck though Iran launched small boats missiles and drones against them as a sustained barrage the officials were quoted as sayingNone of the projectiles launched by Iran reached the US vessels they said adding that the US militarys assisting efforts bolstered by air support successfully intercepted or deterred each incoming threat reports Xinhua news agencyUS President Donald Trump told Fox News on Monday that the Iranians are more malleable than they were beforeIn a phone interview with Fox News the president threatened that if Iran targets US ships in the Strait of Hormuz as the Pentagon begins operations to restore commercial shipping transit through the strait they would be blown off the face of the EarthHowever in another phone interview with ABC News on Monday Trump stopped short of saying Irans Monday attacks had violated the USIran ceasefireIt was not heavy firing Trump said downplaying the attacksBrad Cooper chief of the US Central Command told reporters earlier on Monday that Iranian forces had launched multiple cruise missiles drones and small boats at ships we are protectingUS forces have sunk six Iranian small boats targeting civilian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and intercepted several Iranian missiles and drones said CooperIran later rejected the US claims saying that no commercial vessels or oil tankers have transited the Strait of Hormuz the semiofficial Tasnim News Agency reportedOn February 28 the United States and Israel launched joint strikes on Tehran and other Iranian cities killing thenSupreme Leader Ali Khamenei senior military commanders and civilians Iran responded with waves of missile and drone attacks on Israel and US targets across the region and restricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz for vessels linked to Israel and the United StatesA ceasefire took effect on April 8 followed by talks between Iranian and US delegations in Islamabad that ended without a deal IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/five-civilians-killed-in-us-attacks-on-cargo-boats-iranian-media-672377.html Tue, 05 May 2026 10:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/development-cooperation-important-pillar-of-india-jamaica-ties-eam-jaishankar-672397.html Kingston May 5 External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar has emphasised that development cooperation remains central to the IndiaJamaica relationship with both sides exploring new avenues to deepen bilateral engagement Addressing a press conference following his meeting with Jamaican counterpart Kamina J Smith on Monday local time EAM Jaishankar said Our talks today were comprehensive and very substantive and we reviewed the entire gamut of IndiaJamaica relations We identified new avenues for further strengthening our partnership He said that both the nations have signed several agreements and discussed effective implementations of MOUs which were recently concluded across the fields of digital transformation cultural exchange sports and digital payments to ensure tangible outcomes on the groundStressing that development cooperation remains a very important pillar of our copartnership the EAM welcomed the successful completion and handover of the Improving Rural Livelihoods project in Kingston Town in March The project was supported by India with US1 million under the IndiaUN Development Partnership Fund through the United Nations Office for SouthSouth Cooperation UNOSSCThe project has directly benefited over 200 individuals and has a wider positive impact on thousands in the Kingston Town community he notedEAM Jaishankar stressed that both sides explored the feasibility of the establishment of an artisan empowerment hub for Jamaica as part of New Delhis commitment under the IndiaCARICOM Development PartnershipHe also expressed satisfaction with Indias role in supporting Jamaicas recovery and reconstruction efforts following Hurricane Melissa last yearHighlighting health initiatives by India the EAM said There was a symbolic handing over of what was one of the consignments of 10 BHISHM Cubes We are also in the process of supplying 30 dialysis units to strengthen the health infrastructure in Jamaica This is in continuation of the earlier humanitarian assistance provided in the aftermath of the hurricane where over twenty tonnes of relief material were delivered through an Indian Air Force planeWe deployed a medical team to build local capacities And these efforts reflect our commitment as a reliable development partner for disaster response We have been discussing expanding our cooperation in several areas of mutual interest particularly defence and security healthcare digitisation agriculture education and infrastructure he addedEAM Jaishankar stated that his discussions with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness covered key regional and global developments with both sides reaffirming close cooperation in multilateral fora particularly on reformed multilateralism and priorities of the Global SouthWhile concluding he expressed confidence that the outcome of the discussions would contribute to a stronger more dynamic beneficial and trustbased partnership IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/development-cooperation-important-pillar-of-india-jamaica-ties-eam-jaishankar-672397.html Tue, 05 May 2026 12:15:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/targeting-civilians-unacceptable-pm-modi-condemns-attack-on-uae-that-injured-3-indians--672415.html New Delhi May 5 IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday condemned the attack on the UAEs Fujairah that resulted in injuries to three Indian nationals and termed the targeting of civilians and infrastructure unacceptablenbspnbspPM Modi expressed Indias solidarity with the UAE and reiterated support for the peaceful resolution of all issues through dialogue and diplomacyStrongly condemn the attacks on the UAE that resulted in injuries to three Indian nationals Targeting civilians and infrastructure is unacceptable India stands in firm solidarity with the UAE and reiterates its support for the peaceful resolution of all issues through dialogue and diplomacy Ensuring safe and unimpeded navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is vital for enduring regional peace stability and global energy security PM Modi posted on XPM Modis statement comes as three Indian nationals were injured in attacks in Fujairah on Monday local time The UAE held Iran responsible for these attacksEarlier on Monday the Indian Embassy in the UAE said that it is in touch with local authorities to ensure adequate medical care and welfare of the affected Indian nationalsThree Indian nationals have been injured in todays attacks in Fujairah We are in touch with local authorities for ensuring adequate medical care and welfare of the affected Indian nationals the Embassy statedMeanwhile the UAEs Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the renewed unprovoked Iranian aggression using missiles and drones It also confirmed that three Indian nationals were injured due to the results of Irans attack on civilian sites and facilitiesThe Ministry called the actions of Iran an unacceptable act of aggression and a direct threat to the UAEs security stability and territorial integrityIt said the attacks are in violation of the principles of international law and the Charter of the United NationsThe Ministry emphasised that the UAE would not tolerate any threat to its security and sovereignty under any circumstances adding that the country reserves its full and legitimate right to respond to these unprovoked attacks in a manner that ensures the protection of its sovereignty national security territorial integrity and the safety of its citizens residents and visitors in accordance with international lawIt stressed the need to immediately halt these attacks and ensure full compliance with the cessation of all hostilitiesThe UAE holds Iran fully responsible for these unprovoked attacks and their repercussions the statement saidIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/targeting-civilians-unacceptable-pm-modi-condemns-attack-on-uae-that-injured-3-indians--672415.html Tue, 05 May 2026 13:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/west-bengal-gears-up-for-crackdown-on-illegal-immigration-eyes-statewide-clean-up-672432.html New Delhi May 5 One of the key issues in West Bengal is illegal immigration It has been a problem that has been ongoing for years and with a complicit administration illegal immigrants flooded the state Prime Minister Narendra Modi while hailing the BJPs victory made it clear that illegal immigrants must be prepared to leave the state Union Home Minister Amit Shah too echoed the same sentiment Officials say that one could expect a clean up and more importantly fresh illegal immigration is likely to come down in the months to comeThe official added that illegal immigration into West Bengal and the other Northeastern states was not just an economic issue It has been a planned execution by the ISI and JamaateIslami since the late 1970s to effect a demographic change in IndiaFor the BJP illegal immigration was a major issue during the elections Even prior to the elections the issue has been raised by the party several timesAn Intelligence Bureau official said that to curb issues such as illegal immigration it is important that the state government is on board with the central agenciesWith the BJP keen to address the issue the state administration would move towards a zerotolerance policy where illegal immigration is concernedAnother official said that the first step would be to identify all illegal immigrants in the state Then the process to deport them legally would take place It would be a massive task for the state government since the numbers in West Bengal are hugeThe first step would be to look into the bordering districts of the state where the problem is immense the official said Districts such as Malda and Murshidabad would be the key areas to focus on since this is where most of the demographic changes have taken place the official addedFurther the state machinery would begin to hunt down the touts who are a major part of the problem There are touts both in India and Bangladesh who coordinate with each other to bring in illegal immigrantsAnother official said that the crackdown in West Bengal on illegal immigration would have a ripple effect across the country Most of these illegal immigrants who enter West Bengal have over the last couple of years started moving into other statesTheir presence apart from West Bengal and the northeastern states is most in the southern states where they work as cheap labour in plantations constructions among othersOnce the crackdown in West Bengal begins the trail would lead up to the other states in the country The entire racket is interconnected officials sayAnother official added that cracking down on the touts would be an important part of this exercise These touts have links in almost all states of the country It is a deep rooted network that facilitates the movement of illegal immigrants the official also addedIn addition to cracking down on illegal immigration and the network of touts the state administration in West Bengal along with the Central agencies would work closely on securing the borderDuring the election campaign the BJP had pledged to seal the border with Bangladesh Officials say that while this is a key aspect in the fight against illegal immigration cooperation with Bangladesh would also be the keyThere are certain parts of the border that cannot be fenced owing to rivers and dense forests India and Bangladesh would work closely to ensure that illegal immigrants do not use these routes to slip into the country the official added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/west-bengal-gears-up-for-crackdown-on-illegal-immigration-eyes-statewide-clean-up-672432.html Tue, 05 May 2026 15:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-plays-key-role-in-nigeria-turning-exporter-of-petroleum-products-report-672435.html New Delhi May 5 While the closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid the USIsrael war on Iran has disrupted supply chains of fuelimporting countries it has also opened up new opportunities for countries like Nigeria to step up exports of petroleum product from its coastal refinery that has been built with Indian and Chinese assistance according to a new report The Lagosbased refinery owned by Aliko Dangote Africaâs richest man is operating at full capacity of 650000 barrels per day and supplying fuel across West Central and East Africa according to an article in Business Insider Africa news portal The article states that cargoes have reached markets from Senegal to Mozambique with additional shipments extending into Europe including the Netherlands and the United Kingdom as well as parts of AsiaâThe refineryâs execution reflects a combination of Chinese industrial capacity and Indian engineering oversight underpinning both delivery speed and project scale compared with typically longer timelines associated with Western contractorsâ the article points outMore than eight Chinese firms have been involved in the project since inception providing the industrial backbone that enabled largescale deliveryIndiaâs role has centred on engineering management and project continuity In January Dangote Group renewed a 350 million contract with Engineers India Ltd EIL to support the expansion of the refinery and petrochemicals complex the article observesEIL will serve as Project Management Consultant and Engineering Procurement and Construction Management consultant replicating its role in the initial phase commissioned in 2024 At peak construction more than 30000 Nigerians were employed on the project alongside 6400 Indian and 3250 Chinese workers reflecting the scale and technical demands of the refineryAbout 11000 trained Indian workers were engaged drawing scrutiny from regional stakeholders although the company maintained that the refineryâs complexity required global expertise the article further statesIt highlights that between 2016 and 2018 the group sent Nigerian graduates to Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited in Mumbai for training in refinery operations maintenance and production as part of efforts to build local technical capacity ahead of commissioningThe programme covered about 800 Nigerians trained in batches of 50 over a 24month period providing exposure to largescale refining systems in India home to the Jamnagar Refinery the worldâs largest refining complexâNotably Indian engineer Devakumar V G Edwin who served as Vice President for Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries played a key role in the refineryâs technical development and operational rolloutâ the article statesThe article highlights that the refineryâs impact is beginning to show in trade flows with Nigeria becoming a net exporter of refined petroleum products in March for the first time reversing decades of import dependence IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-plays-key-role-in-nigeria-turning-exporter-of-petroleum-products-report-672435.html Tue, 05 May 2026 15:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/vietnam-president-to-lams-india-visit-likely-to-boost-trade-supply-chain-ties-672439.html New Delhi May 5 The India visit of Vietnam President To Lam is expected to inject fresh momentum into bilateral ties as India and Vietnam look to deepen cooperation and shape a new framework for growth under their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership a report has said The visit comes at a time when economic engagement between the two countries is witnessing strong expansion across sectors such as trade investment digital technology manufacturing and energy according to Vietnam News reportSince the establishment of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2016 both sides have steadily built political trust while strengthening practical collaborationBilateral trade has emerged as a key pillar of this relationship with total trade tripling from 54 billion in 2016 to a record 1646 billion in 2025 according to Vietnamâs Ministry of Industry and TradeThe growth momentum has continued into 2026 with trade reaching 48 billion in the first quarter alone marking a sharp 28 per cent increase yearonyearVietnamâs exports to India have been led by manufactured and processed goods such as electronics machinery and agricultural products while Indiaâs exports include textile materials plastics pharmaceuticals and steel that support Vietnamâs production and export ecosystemExperts note that the two economies are increasingly complementary with Indiaâs strengths in raw materials pharmaceuticals and software aligning well with Vietnamâs manufacturing capabilities and global trade integration as per the reportThis complementarity is helping both countries move beyond direct competition towards deeper supply chain integration and production linkagesAs global companies diversify manufacturing bases India and Vietnam are positioning themselves as key players in the ongoing restructuring of regional supply chains the report statedInvestment ties are also expanding with Indian businesses now operating projects across 20 provinces and cities in VietnamAt the same time Vietnamese companies are gradually increasing their footprint in India including major proposals such as Vingroupâs plan to set up an electric vehicle manufacturing facility in Tamil NaduNew areas of cooperation are also emerging Textiles and footwear are becoming important sectors for industrial collaboration supported by global supply chain shifts and complementary strengths in raw materials and manufacturing the report said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/vietnam-president-to-lams-india-visit-likely-to-boost-trade-supply-chain-ties-672439.html Tue, 05 May 2026 15:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/serac-collapse-injures-sherpa-guide-indian-mountaineer-on-everest-climb-672440.html Kathmandu May 5 Two climbers an Indian mountaineer and a Sherpa guide were injured early Tuesday morning after a serac collapse along the Khumbu Icefall route on Mt Everest hit them Nepals Department of Tourism said The injured have been identified as Nimish Kumar Singh 40 from India and Pembha Tenduk Sherpa 44 a mountain guide from NepalAccording to the department the incident occurred at around 545 am when a serac collapse caused falling ice to reach the main climbing route striking members of the expedition teamA serac is a large unstable block or pinnacle of glacial ice often formed by intersecting crevasses on a glaciers surface or on steep icefallsAt the time of the incident permitholding climbers and Sherpa guides from multiple expedition agencies were heading toward Camp I from Camp II via the Khumbu Icefall as part of the acclimatisation process They had earlier reached Camp II after ascending from Everest Base CampThe Khumbu Icefall one of the most hazardous sections of the Everest climbing route is known for frequent ice shifts and serac collapses particularly during the early climbing seasonImmediately after the incident a team of Sherpa guides from Pioneer Adventure Pvt Ltd and Summit Force Expedition carried out a prompt rescue and informed officials stationed at Everest Base CampFrom the base camp a team from Seven Summit Trek Pvt Ltd quickly coordinated a helicopter evacuation At around 630 am a helicopter arrived at the incident site from Lukla airport near Mt Everest and airlifted the injured to Kathmandu for treatmentBoth individuals were taken to HAMS Hospital in Kathmandu where they are undergoing treatment the department said adding Their condition is stable and they are out of dangerNepal has attracted a large number of mountaineers this spring season particularly those attempting to climb Mt Everest despite the government raising the royalty fee for climbers to 15000 from 11000 per person and flight disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia between the United States and IranAccording to the Department of Tourism 464 climbers from 47 teams had been granted permits to climb the worlds highest peak as of May 1 Among them 58 climbers representing 25 expedition teams are from India In total 1050 climbers from 125 teams have received permits to climb various peaks across Nepal IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/serac-collapse-injures-sherpa-guide-indian-mountaineer-on-everest-climb-672440.html Tue, 05 May 2026 15:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-economy-under-strain-as-debt-and-liabilities-spiral-to-rs-85-trillion-report-672474.html New Delhi May 5 Pakistanâs economy is under mounting pressure as its total debt and liabilities have surged to Rs 85 trillion over the past four years which highlights a steep rise in fiscal stress amid limited structural reform a report has said A report in The News Pakistan highlighted that the countryâs debt and liabilities have increased from around Rs 55 trillion four years ago to Rs 85 trillion at present an overall jump of nearly 55 per cent This translates into an average annual increase of about Rs 75 trillion highlighting the scale of continuous borrowing it saidOn a monthly basis liabilities have reportedly risen by around Rs 625 billion while on a daily basis the accumulation stands at nearly Rs 20 billion The report noted that this persistent rise underscores the pace at which fiscal obligations are building up in the economyMoreover the expansion in debt has not been matched by corresponding growth in productive assets or economic output that raised concerns over the sustainability of public finances The report highlighted that in the absence of meaningful reforms debt accumulation continues to outpace economic efficiency gains adding pressure on fiscal stability Moreover a similar trend is visible in the power sector where circular debt has increased from Rs 22 trillion to Rs 32 trillion an increase of around 45 per cent in four yearsThis suggested annual additions of about Rs 250 billion with persistent inefficiencies weak recoveries and continued losses Stateowned enterprises SOEs also remain a significant burden with more than 110 entities carrying liabilities exceeding Rs 30 trillion These enterprises collectively incur losses of Rs 800 billion to Rs 1 trillion annuallyIn addition on governance and expenditure Pakistanâs federal and provincial governments operate a fleet of around 85500 vehicles compared to just 86 used by the UK government Annual fuel expenditure stood at approximately Rs 114 billion or about Rs 95 billion per month according to the report IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-economy-under-strain-as-debt-and-liabilities-spiral-to-rs-85-trillion-report-672474.html Tue, 05 May 2026 18:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-and-myanmar-discuss-enhancing-maritime-security-in-bay-of-bengal-672485.html Naypyitaw May 5 Chief of Naval Staff CNS Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi held a meeting with Myanmar Navys CommanderinChief Admiral Htein Win in Naypyitaw discussing aspects related to growing bilateral ties Talks also focused on advancing naval engagements between both countries including on maritime engagement opportunities capacity building training exchanges and Mobile Training Teams MTTs hydrography and enhancing interoperability As part of the ongoing visit to Myanmar Adm Dinesh K Tripathi CNS held discussions with Adm Htein Win CommanderinChief of Myanmar Navy at Nay Pyi Taw on 04 May 26 On arrival CNS was received with a ceremonial Guard of Honour by the Myanmar Navy The meeting marks a significant milestone to foster deeper navy to navy ties and enhancing maritime security in the Bay of Bengal region MAHASAGAR the spokesperson for Indian Navy posted on XBoth Principals discussed aspects related to growing India Myanmar relations and advancing NavytoNavy engagements with a focus on maritime engagement opportunities capacity building training exchanges and Mobile Training Teams MTTs hydrography and enhancing interoperability The interaction highlighted shared perspectives on Maritime Security and the need for collaborative approaches to address emerging asymmetric threats at sea the spokesperson addedOn Monday Admiral Tripathi met Myanmars Defence Minister General Htun Aung and discussed the current canvas of bilateral tiesCNS Admiral Tripathi is scheduled to wrap up his fourday official visit to Myanmar later on TuesdayAs part of his ongoing visit to Myanmar Adm Dinesh K Tripathi CNS called on HE General Htun Aung Minister of Defence of Myanmar Discussions reviewed the current canvas of bilateral ties and identified priorities while also underscoring the strategiclevel impact of IndiaâMyanmar defence engagement in promoting regional stability and security Indian Navys spokesperson posted on XThe exchange included ongoing bilateral activities and further avenues of collaboration reflecting a steady forwardlooking partnership with growing strategic convergence between the two sides the statement addedOn Sunday Admiral Tripathi met Myanmar Navys Central Naval Command chief Rear Admiral Aung Aung Naing and Training Command chief Rear Admiral Khun Aung Kyaw with discussions focused on strengthening navytonavy cooperation bolstering the existing defence partnership and augmenting operational engagementsThe two sides also spoke about issues related to enhancing training cooperation and future avenues of collaborationDuring the ongoing visit to Myanmar Adm Dinesh K Tripathi CNS was received at the Central Naval Command Headquarters Yangon with a ceremonial Guard of Honour CNS held discussions with RAdm Aung Aung Naing Commander Central Naval Command Myanmar Navy and RAdm Khun Aung Kyaw Commander Naval Training Command the Indian Navy spokesperson stated on XIssues related to strengthening navytonavy cooperation bolstering existing defence partnership augmenting operational engagements maritime security and promoting shared goals for a stable and secure maritime environment were discussed Aspects related to enhancing training cooperation and future avenues of collaboration were deliberated emphasising the commitment to enhancing interoperability and training exchange programmes the spokesperson addedAdmiral Tripathi also visited the Naval Training Command in Myanmar where he handed over various projects executed with Indian assistanceAt the Naval Training Command CNS was briefed on Myanmar Navys training infrastructure and ongoing initiatives between the two navies including the effectiveness of Mobile Training Team MTTs reaffirming Indiaâs commitment to capacity building and professional exchanges CNS formally handed over various projects executed with Gol assistance including the Containerised Small Arms Simulator and the Rigid Inflatable Boat for augmentation of maritime security in the Bay of Bengal region in keeping with the vision of MAHASAGAR the spokesperson posted on XAccording to the Indian Navy the visit by the Chief of the Naval Staff reaffirms the longstanding IndiaMyanmar bonds of friendship anchored on mutual respect trust and a shared commitment for Maritime Security and Stability in the Indian Ocean Region IOR IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-and-myanmar-discuss-enhancing-maritime-security-in-bay-of-bengal-672485.html Tue, 05 May 2026 18:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/vietnam-president-to-lam-arrives-in-new-delhi-on-his-first-state-visit-to-india-672489.html New Delhi May 5 Vietnamese President To Lam on Tuesday arrived in New Delhi on a threeday State Visit to India Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai welcomed the visiting leader at airport Ministry of External Affairs MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that President To Lams visit to India will strengthen bilateral tiesChao mung Excellency General Secretary President of Vietnam Mr To Lam has arrived in New Delhi on his first State Visit to India He was accorded a warm welcome and received by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai Jaiswal posted on XThis year we are marking the milestone of 10 years of IndiaVietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership The visit will further strengthen our multifaceted and robust bilateral relations he addedEarlier in the day President To Lam offered prayers at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary extended a warm welcome to the Vietnamese President upon his arrival in GayajiTo Lam also the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam will be in India till May 7 This is his first visit to India after being elected as the President of Vietnam last monthDuring his visit President To Lam will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan on May 6Following this Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold wideranging discussions with President To Lam across the spectrum of bilateral relations along with regional and global issues of mutual interestPresident Droupadi Murmu will also hold a meeting with the visiting leader Other leaders are also expected to call on President To Lam in New DelhiDuring his visit President To Lam is also scheduled to travel to Mumbai He will visit National Stock Exchange meet Maharashtra Chief Minister and Governor He is also scheduled to attend a business forum in MumbaiIndia and Vietnam share historical and civilisational ties which have steadily deepened over the years President To Lamâs visit coincides with the special occasion of the two countries marking the 10th anniversary of the elevation of relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership agreed during the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Vietnam in 2016 the MEA stated earlierThe engagement between leaders is expected to provide fresh momentum to the robust bilateral relations and open new avenues for cooperation between India and Vietnam it added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/vietnam-president-to-lam-arrives-in-new-delhi-on-his-first-state-visit-to-india-672489.html Tue, 05 May 2026 18:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/individual-debt-becomes-pakistans-burden-amid-lack-of-govt-oversight-672507.html New Delhi May 5 Pakistan is perhaps the only country in the world where individual debt has become the nationâs burden as those who borrow do not pay back and loan writeoffs are common together with defaults according to a new report Then there are kickback projects which are built on borrowed money with no framework for payback IMF has recently observed that there is no check on government spending says the report in Business Recorder âThere is no parliamentary oversight or debate only rules of procurement are defined need assessment and loan retirement is not consideredâ it addsTill October 1958 Pakistan was debt free Today the republic is mired under debt Only the external component is around 140 billion âThe entire federal budget is consumed by debt servicing and defence expenditure There is no money left to run the glutinous nonperforming state apparatusâ the report laments Under the National Finance Commission NFC award a major portion of tax money is transferred to the provinces âEven IMF International Monetary Fund the lender of choice has started imposing conditionalities before releasing funds Loan yes leaving alone no it is indeed getting serious nowâ the report mentionsDebt is a major fault line for the country that needs to be corrected Driving luxury automobiles on borrowed money is indeed shamefulâThe choice is between moratorium and default or a combination of both but business as usual cannot continue There should be a parliamentary committee for debt controlâ the report says All future borrowing should be stopped in the next budget starting July 1 2026 A fiveyear suspension of interest payments should be negotiated with the lenders Balance of payment must be achieved The import and export bills must be lumped together and tracked There must be a massive cut in state expenses it adds IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/individual-debt-becomes-pakistans-burden-amid-lack-of-govt-oversight-672507.html Tue, 05 May 2026 19:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/iranian-foreign-minister-travels-to-china-set-to-hold-talks-with-counterpart-wang-yi-672511.html Tehran May 5 Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi will arrive in China later on Tuesday as part of Tehrans ongoing diplomatic consultations with various nations local media reported During his visit Araghchi is scheduled to hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi where both ministers will discuss bilateral ties regional and international developments Irans semiofficial Tasnim News Agency reportedAraghchis visit to Beijing comes a few days after he had travelled to Pakistan Oman and RussiaOn April 27 Araghchi called on Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saint Petersburg as the Kremlin reiterated its support for bringing peace in the Middle East local media reportedFor our part we will do everything that serves your interests the interests of all the peoples of the region to ensure that this peace is achieved as quickly as possible You know our position well Russias Tass news agency quoted Putin as saying during the meeting with the visiting Iranian ministerDuring the meeting Araghchi conveyed wishes of Irans Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian to Putin He mentioned that people of Iran through their courage were able to resist US aggression He expressed gratitude to Putin and Russia for their support to Iran and stated that the ties between Iran and Russia share a strategic partnership at the highest level and will develop regardless of everything that happens Tass reportedAraghchi arrived in Russia after concluding his visit to Oman During his visit to Muscat Araghchi met Omans Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and briefed him about Irans stance on the latest developments in West Asia after the joint IsraelUS strikes against Iran He expressed appreciation for Omans support for dialogue and promoting efforts aimed at enhancing security and stability in the region especially considering the current regional challenges Irans Press TV reportedSultan Haitham highlighted Omans stance on advancing mediation efforts that would increase the chances of reaching sustainable political solutions and mitigate the impact of crises on the people of the region He stressed the importance of using dialogue and diplomacy to resolve issuesIran and the US reached a twoweek ceasefire starting on April 8 Later the two nations held the first round of talks on April 1112 aimed at ending the conflict However the talks collapsed after 21 hours of negotiations IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/iranian-foreign-minister-travels-to-china-set-to-hold-talks-with-counterpart-wang-yi-672511.html Tue, 05 May 2026 19:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/journalists-in-quetta-slam-peca-pledge-to-continue-struggle-for-freedom-of-expression-672265.html Quetta May 4 Journalists in Pakistans Quetta have expressed their commitment to defending media independence pledging to continue their struggle for freedom of expression and rejecting black laws restricting rights of press local media reported on Monday A large number of journalists carrying banners and placards highlighting their demands gathered outside the Quetta Press Club Journalists shouted slogans against restrictive legislation especially the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act PECA and other measures that erode press freedom Civil society activists also participated in the event expressing their solidarity with journalists the daily Dawn reportedAddressing the gathering Balochistan Union of Journalists BUJ President Manzoor Ahmed Rind Quetta Press Club President Irfan Saeed Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists PFUJ Assistant Secretary Noor Elahi Bugti BUJ General Secretary Shah Hussain Tareen and civil society activist Bahram Lehri spoke about the challenges faced by journalists in BalochistanThe speakers stated that journalists despite receiving threats from both state and nonstate actors have continued to fulfil their professional responsibilities without compromising on truth They paid tribute to over 50 journalists who lost their lives in the line of duty stressing that their sacrifices demonstrated the high stakes of independent journalism in the regionThey mentioned that the prevailing security situation and restrictive legislation like the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act PECA have created an increasingly difficult environment for journalistsThe speakers slammed PECA and stated that such legislation is often used for curbing dissent and silencing factual reporting They stated that restrictions on media have increased under democratic governments surpassing those seen during past authoritarian regimes Dawn reportedThe protesters called for withdrawal or review of PECA in consultation with stakeholders including the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists and other media organisations They demanded an end to restrictions on press freedom and urged authorities to ensure a safe and enabling environment for journalistsThe participants called for the immediate restoration of bureau offices of television channels and newspapers that have been shut in Quetta They demanded reinstatement of journalists and media workers who had lost their jobs guarantees for job security and timely payment of their salaries IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/journalists-in-quetta-slam-peca-pledge-to-continue-struggle-for-freedom-of-expression-672265.html Mon, 04 May 2026 18:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/rights-body-flags-erosion-of-press-freedom-in-bangladesh-amid-persistent-crackdown-672269.html Paris May 4 A leading human rights organisation expressed grave concern over the continuing intimidation harassment arbitrary detention and unjust imprisonment of journalists across Bangladesh for the legitimate exercise of their professional duties Extending solidarity with journalists in Bangladesh on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day observed on Sunday Justice Makers Bangladesh in France JMBF stated that the operational space for independent journalism in the country has been steadily and alarmingly shrinkingLegislative instruments ostensibly enacted to safeguard national security and public order are increasingly being misused to suppress dissent criminalise investigative reporting and cultivate a climate of fear among media practitioners the rights body statedJMBF raised alarm over the prolonged detention and ongoing persecution of several journalists and human rights defenders including Farzana Rupa Sakil Ahmed Shahriar Kabir Mozammel Hoque Babu and Shamal DattoCiting credible reports the rights body stated these individuals were arrested in 2024 without due process including the absence of arrest warrants and were subsequently implicated in multiple serious and in some cases questionable charges during the tenure of the former Muhammad Yunusled interim governmentIt further noted that their continued detention under the current Bangladesh Nationalist Party BNPled government raises serious concerns about the persistence of politically motivated prosecutions and the broader pattern of repression targeting independent voicesThese cases exemplify a troubling reality in which journalists are penalised not for criminal conduct but for fulfilling their professional responsibility to hold power to account The targeting of a female journalist such as Farzana Rupa is particularly concerning as it underscores the heightened and intersectional risks faced by women in the media sector including genderbased intimidation and discrimination the JMBF addedAsserting that these are not isolated incidents but rather reflect a systemic erosion of press freedom and democratic norms in Bangladesh the JMBF said Journalists across the country are increasingly exposed to arbitrary arrests intrusive digital surveillance strategic lawsuits against public participation SLAPPs legal harassment and in some instances physical violenceSuch an environment it said fosters widespread selfcensorship while undermining the publics fundamental right to access accurate and independent informationThe ongoing persecution arbitrary detention and systematic intimidation of journalists in Bangladesh reflect a deepening political and institutional crisis wherein state power is being deployed to suppress dissent and manipulate the public narrative The criminalisation of journalism represents a direct assault on democratic governance and the rule of law said Charlotte Jacquemart Advisor to JMBFThe international community must recognise these violations not as isolated occurrences but as part of a broader trajectory of democratic backsliding that necessitates urgent political accountability and sustained diplomatic engagement she addedThe JMBF called on the international community including governments intergovernmental bodies human rights organisations and global press freedom advocates to step up monitoring of the situation in Bangladesh and hold the relevant authorities accountable for violations against journalists and media institutions IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/rights-body-flags-erosion-of-press-freedom-in-bangladesh-amid-persistent-crackdown-672269.html Mon, 04 May 2026 18:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/australias-bondi-terror-attack-inquiry-begins-first-block-of-public-hearings-672275.html Sydney May 4 A landmark antisemitism inquiry established in the wake of the fatal terror attack at Sydneys Bondi Beach started its first block of public hearings on Monday The first block of hearings which is held by the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion will continue until Friday in SydneyCommissioner Virginia Bell a former High Court judge will preside over the first block of hearings which will examine the nature and prevalence of antisemitism in Australia and hear from a number of witnesses about their lived experience of antisemitism Xinhua news agency reportedThe circumstances surrounding the Bondi attack will be probed during the second hearing block slated for the end of May while the third block is set to explore the radicalisation that may be generated through online hate and antisemitism on social mediaBell last week handed down the commissions interim report which made 14 recommendations five of which were not released publicly for national security reasonsThe report said that federal state and territory governments should prioritise efforts to implement consistent firearms laws and a gun buyback scheme to remove surplus and illegal guns from the communityThe inquiry was established by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in January after 15 people were killed in a fatal mass shooting that targeted a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach on December 14 2025Alleged gunman Naveed Akram has been charged with murder and terrorism offences over the attack which authorities claim was motivated by Islamic State ideology His father and fellow alleged perpetrator Sajid Akram was shot dead at the sceneThe royal commission will not examine the intention and motivation behind the attack to avoid influencing criminal proceedingsIt will hand down its final report by the first anniversary of the attack IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/australias-bondi-terror-attack-inquiry-begins-first-block-of-public-hearings-672275.html Mon, 04 May 2026 18:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-launches-project-freedom-in-strait-of-hormuz-to-free-stranded-ships-672080.html Washington May 4 The United States will begin a major militarybacked operation to escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz as President Donald Trump announced a humanitarian effort to free ships stranded amid escalating tensions in the Middle East Trump said multiple countries had approached Washington for help citing vessels âlocked up in the Strait of Hormuzâ despite having âabsolutely nothing to doâ with the ongoing conflictâFor the good of Iran the Middle East and the United States we have told these Countries that we will guide their Ships safely out of these restricted Waterwaysâ he said describing the effort as âProject FreedomâThe operation is set to begin Monday morning Middle East time Trump said the move aims to assist âneutral and innocent bystandersâ and ensure ships can âfreely and ably get on with their businessâHe framed the initiative as a humanitarian intervention noting that several vessels were facing deteriorating conditions âMany of these Ships are running low on food and everything else necessary for largescale crews to stay on board in a healthy and sanitary mannerâ he saidTrump also indicated that diplomatic engagement with Iran was underway âI am fully aware that my Representatives are having very positive discussions with the Country of Iran and that these discussions could lead to something very positive for allâ he saidHowever he issued a warning against any disruption âIf in any way this Humanitarian process is interfered with that interference will unfortunately have to be dealt with forcefullyâ he saidThe US Central Command CENTCOM confirmed that its forces would support the mission starting May 4 to ârestore freedom of navigation for commercial shipping through the Strait of HormuzâThe Pentagondirected operation will involve a significant military deployment According to the CENTCOM statement support will include guidedmissile destroyers more than 100 land and seabased aircraft multidomain unmanned platforms and about 15000 service membersâThe mission directed by the President will support merchant vessels seeking to freely transit through the essential international trade corridor A quarter of the worldâs oil trade at sea and significant volumes of fuel and fertilizer products are transported through the straitâ CENTCOM saidâOur support for this defensive mission is essential to regional security and the global economy as we also maintain the naval blockadeâ said Adm Brad Cooper CENTCOM commanderThe operation will also be supported by a broader diplomatic and military coordination effort The State Department in partnership with the Department of War has launched the Maritime Freedom Construct to improve information sharing and cooperation among international partners IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-launches-project-freedom-in-strait-of-hormuz-to-free-stranded-ships-672080.html Mon, 04 May 2026 13:46:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/who-reports-hantavirus-outbreak-on-atlantic-cruise-ship-three-dead-one-critical-672081.html Geneva May 4 The World Health Organization WHO said on Monday that it is monitoring and supporting a public health incident aboard a cruise vessel sailing in the Atlantic Ocean where a hantavirus outbreak has been confirmed resulting in three deaths and multiple suspected infections In a post on X WHO stated âWHO is aware of and supporting a public health event involving a cruise vessel sailing in the Atlantic Ocean To date one case of hantavirus infection has been laboratory confirmed and there are five additional suspected cases Of the six affected individuals three have died and one is currently in intensive care in South AfricaâThe organisation added that investigations are ongoing and medical support is being provided to those affected âDetailed investigations are ongoing including further laboratory testing and epidemiological investigations Medical care and support are being provided to passengers and crew Sequencing of the virus is also ongoingâ WHO saidHantavirus is typically transmitted to humans from rodents through contact with their urine or faeces It can cause severe respiratory illness and in rare cases can spread between humans The disease is considered serious and requires close medical monitoring and supportive careThe outbreak has been reported aboard the MV Hondius a polar cruise ship operated by tour company Oceanwide Expeditions According to its published itinerary the vessel departed Ushuaia in southern Argentina on 20 March and was expected to complete its voyage in Cape Verde on 4 May The ship is a 1076metre 353 ft expedition cruise vessel designed to carry up to 170 passengers in 80 cabins along with 57 crew members 13 guides and one onboard doctorAmong the affected is a 69yearold British national who is currently in intensive care in Johannesburg South Africa Authorities have confirmed that one case is laboratoryconfirmed while five others remain under investigation as suspected infectionsWHO further noted that it is coordinating with member states and the shipâs operators to arrange medical evacuation for two symptomatic passengers and to conduct a full public health risk assessment for those still onboardâWHO is facilitating coordination between Member States and the Shipâs operators for medical evacuation of two symptomatic passengers as well as full public health risk assessment and support to the remaining passengers on board WHO is grateful for the rapid actions and coordinationâ the organisation saidThe agency has informed national focal points under the International Health Regulations and said a Disease Outbreak News report will be issued for public dissemination IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/who-reports-hantavirus-outbreak-on-atlantic-cruise-ship-three-dead-one-critical-672081.html Mon, 04 May 2026 13:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/german-chancellor-merz-pledges-continued-cooperation-after-us-troop-cut-plan-672082.html Berlin May 4 German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said despite the recent verbal tensions with US President Donald Trump he would not give up on cooperation with the US side The Pentagon announced on Friday that it is planning to withdraw about 5000 US troops from Germany This announcement came after Merzs remarks about the United States being planless in its military engagement in Iran and humiliated by the Iranian leadershipDuring an interview with public broadcaster ARD Merz also confirmed that the United States will not station Tomahawk cruise missiles in Germany for the time being but he believed that the plan has not been permanently abandoned Xinhua news agency reportedThe Tomahawk weapon systems were originally pledged by former US President Joe Biden in 2024 to bolster European deterrence Along with the troop cut announcement multiple US media outlets recently said the United States has also canceled the plan to reinforce European troopsThe Americans currently do not have enough themselves Merz said Calling the United States Germanys most important partner within NATO he noted that the US decision to withdraw US troops has no connection with his earlier criticism of TrumpTrump earlier said that the United States plans to withdraw a lot further than the 5000 troops the Pentagon said earlier this week will leave GermanyWere going to cut way down and were cutting a lot further than 5000 Trump told reporters before boarding Air Force One in the southeastern US state of FloridaIn response to Merzs planless remark Trump lashed out at the German leader saying he doesnt know what hes talking about and is indifferent to Irans nuclear ambitionsTrump wrote on social media on Wednesday that the United States is considering a possible reduction of troops in Germany and the decision will be made over the next short period of time He said Thursday that he may also reduce US military presence in Spain and ItalyWhy shouldnt I Italy has not been of any help Spain has been horrible Absolutely said Trump again slamming European allies for not helping in the USIsraeli war against Iran IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/german-chancellor-merz-pledges-continued-cooperation-after-us-troop-cut-plan-672082.html Mon, 04 May 2026 13:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-says-us-has-responded-to-tehrans-14-point-plan-to-end-war-672089.html Tehran May 4 Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said that the United States has responded to Irans 14point proposed plan to end the war He made the remarks in an interview with staterun IRIB TV while noting that the US response is being reviewedHe stressed that Irans plan is exclusively focused on ending the war and nothing pertaining to the nuclear fields details exists in itAt present we are focused on the parameters related to ending the war in the region including Lebanon Baghaei added stressing we have no nuclear negotiation at this stageIrans Foreign Ministry spokesman was quoted by state media as saying that at this stage we do not have nuclear negotiations a key demand by WashingtonIran has repeatedly denied it is seeking a bomb and says its programme is only for peaceful purposes though the country is the only nonnucleararmed state to have enriched uranium at near weaponsgrade levelAlso on Sunday Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi briefed his Omani and German counterparts on Irans latest diplomatic efforts and initiatives to end the war Xinhua news agency reportedIn separate phone calls Araghchi exchanged views with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on the latest regional and international developments according to statements released by the Iranian Foreign MinistryOn February 28 Israel and the United States launched joint strikes on Tehran and other cities killing Irans thenSupreme Leader Ali Khamenei senior commanders and civilians Iran responded with waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and US interests in the regionA ceasefire took effect on April 8 followed by talks between Iranian and US delegations in Islamabad that failed to produce a deal IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-says-us-has-responded-to-tehrans-14-point-plan-to-end-war-672089.html Mon, 04 May 2026 13:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/adb-pledges-70-billion-usd-to-boost-energy-digital-connectivity-in-asia-pacific-672108.html Samarkand May 4 The Asian Development Bank ADB said it will commit up to 70 billion USD by 2035 to two initiatives to integrate power grids expand crossborder electricity trade and strengthen broadband access across the AsiaPacific region ADB President Masato Kanda launched the PanAsia Power Grid Initiative and the AsiaPacific Digital Highway at the banks 59th annual meeting in Samarkand Uzbekistans secondlargest city Xinhua news agency reportedEnergy and digital access will define the regions future said Kanda adding that by linking power grids and digital networks across borders we can lower costs expand opportunity and bring reliable power and digital access to hundreds of millions of peopleAccording to Kanda the PanAsia Power Grid Initiative seeks to connect national and subregional power systems to enable the crossborder flow of renewable energy The AsiaPacific Digital Highway aims to close the digital infrastructure gap and help the region harness artificial intelligencedriven growthUnder the PanAsia Power Grid Initiative the ADB aims to mobilize 50 billion by 2035 for crossborder power infrastructure focusing on transmission lines substations storage and grid digitalizationUnder the AsiaPacific Digital Highway the ADB will mobilise 20 billion to finance digital corridors data infrastructure and AIready economiesThe ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive resilient and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific Founded in 1966 it has 69 members 50 from the regionEarlier on Wednesday the ADB slashed its GDP growth outlook for developing Asia and the Pacific to 47 per cent in 2026 from the previous 51 per cent forecastInflation for 2026 is projected to accelerate to 52 per cent in 2026 from 3 per cent in 2025 before easing to 41 per cent in 2027Our revised outlook is a significant downward revision for growth and a sharp increase in inflation following a special update to reflect the deepening crisis Kanda said at the time IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/adb-pledges-70-billion-usd-to-boost-energy-digital-connectivity-in-asia-pacific-672108.html Mon, 04 May 2026 13:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/friendship-written-in-runs-eam-jaishankar-inaugurates-india-gifted-electronic-scoreboard-to-jamaica-672124.html Kingston May 4 External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar joined Jamaican PM Andrew Holness to dedicate an electronic scoreboard gifted by India to Sabina Park a historic cricket venue in Kingston positioning the gift as a symbol of cultural bonds and future collaboration between the two nations In a post on X EAM Jaishankar said The IndiaJamaica story is written in runs written in respect written in friendship Joined Prime Minister Andrew Holness in formally dedicating the electronic scoreboard at Sabina Park gifted by IndiaMay this scoreboard count many great innings to come Among them that of IndiaJamaica friendship he addedHe also noted the absence of Jamaican cricket icon Chris GayleEarlier the EAM also met with the Indian diaspora in the Caribbean nation and discussed the progress India has made across various sectorsPleasure to interact with the Indian community in Jamaica Good to hear the Prime Minister of Jamaica speak so warmly about their many contributions EAM Jaishankar said in a post on XShared with them recent developments in IndiaJamaica ties Discussed the transformation underway at home especially in infrastructure human development and technologydriven governance and entrepreneurship he addedThe EAM also visited the Old Harbour the historic site where the first Indians arrived in Jamaica over 180 years ago Interacted with members of the Indian diaspora witnessing how they have preserved their culture traditions and identity Thank Ministers Olivia Babsy Grange and Edmund Bartlett for their gracious presence he addedEAM Jaishankar will also visit Suriname and Trinidad and TobagoThe MEA said these countries share a special connection with India owing to the presence of Girmitiya communitiesGirmitiyas were Indian indentured labourers who left India in the mid to late 19th century to work in British colonies where many eventually settled The term Girmit is a mispronunciation of agreement referring to the contract under which they migrated IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/friendship-written-in-runs-eam-jaishankar-inaugurates-india-gifted-electronic-scoreboard-to-jamaica-672124.html Mon, 04 May 2026 13:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/over-500-cases-filed-against-journalists-during-yunus-regime-in-bangladesh-report-672156.html Dhaka May 4 Bangladesh has seen growing concerns across various quarters over media freedom amid reports of oppression and legal cases against journalists during the 18month tenure of the previous Yunusled interim government Critics have called for ending the deadlock and the immediate release of journalists imprisoned in false cases local media reportedCiting the findings of the AntiRepression Journalist Front leading Bangladeshi daily Bangla Tribune reported that over 500 cases have been filed against journalists across the country since August 5 2024 Nearly 50 journalists have been arrested in connection with these cases while 13 have been killed Additionally nearly 1200 journalists have been dismissed and 168 accreditation cards have been revokedReports suggest that membership of more than 700 journalists from various press clubs including the National Press Club has been suspended or cancelled during the same period Amid the widening concerns allegations have also surfaced that over 50 journalists had their bank accounts frozen and have been banned from leaving BangladeshSpeaking to Bangla Tribune Front member secretary Sheikh Jamal said that journalists jailed on false charges are in poor health with many seriously illThere is no proper food and medical treatment for them in prison They are given food mixed with chemicals Those who are coming out of prison are experiencing problems with their blood urine kidneys and liver I myself have faced such diseases after being imprisoned on false charges Those who go to prison come back sick said JamalHe further said that several Bangladeshi journalists including Shyamal Dutta Mozammel Haque Babu and Farzana Rupa are in poor health condition and urgently require advanced medical treatmentManzil Morshed a senior Supreme Court lawyer and President of the human rights organisation Human Rights and Peace of Bangladesh HRPB told Bangla Tribune Jailed journalists are not being released due to legal obstacles the current system and professional failuresExpressing concerns over media freedom in Bangladesh Morshed said We still dont have media freedom Some journalists are still working with specific motives to please someone This is not good for independent mediaHe added that while allegations may arise against a journalist due to political views there are doubts whether the serious charges they are being held on including murder cases will withstand judicial standards200 million people across the country know that these allegations are nothing Morshed stressed IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/over-500-cases-filed-against-journalists-during-yunus-regime-in-bangladesh-report-672156.html Mon, 04 May 2026 14:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistani-forces-accused-of-extrajudicially-killing-three-civilians-in-balochistan-rights-body-672170.html Quetta May 4 Pakistani security forces carried out the extrajudicial killing of three civilians in Balochistan according to a leading human rights organisation Condemning the incident as a grave human rights violation Paank the Baloch National Movements Human Rights Department mentioned that Kuhda Peer Muhammad and his young son Abdullah were extrajudicially killed by Pakistanâs Frontier Corps FC on May 1 in the Zamuran region of the Kech districtCiting reports the rights body stated that personnel of the FC raided a house and forcibly detained both father and son before taking them to an FC camp where they were subsequently killedIn a separate incident Ayaz Baloch was killed on the night of April 30 near his home in the Tasp region of Panjgur district by a Pakistanbacked âdeath squadâThis incident represents a serious violation of fundamental human rights and underscores the ongoing pattern of unlawful killings in Balochistanâ Paank notedMeanwhile addressing the people of Balochistan on Monday Sabiha Baloch the central leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee BYC accused Pakistani forces of carrying out widespread operations across the province including killing raids and harassment inside residencesIn her message posted on BYCâs social media platform X Sabiha said The situation unfolding on Baloch soil has reached a critical point The state is deploying its full force into every Baloch home State forces and their facilitators are entering houses killing harassing and instilling fear They do not consider the Baloch to be human They dehumanise our people and exercise their full power against them as though Baloch lives hold no valueâShe warned that the âgenocide of the Baloch the systematic erasure of Baloch identity and the relentless escalation of brutality and crueltyâ have reached alarming levels leaving people unable to keep count and gradually losing their voiceâThere is not a single day that passes without someone being killed or disappearing and yet we have grown numb to that pain That numbness is the enemys victory We must not allow them to succeed We must count every act of oppression committed against our people It is human nature to rememberâ Sabiha addedAmid escalating violence against civilians across Balochistan a sitin protest staged by the students outside Bolan Medical College BMC in the provincial capital Quetta entered its twelfth consecutive day on Sunday with demonstrators demanding the release of Khadija BalochAccording to the Baloch Yakjehti Committee BYC Khadija was abducted on April 21 by Pakistani security forces from the BMC female hostel in Quetta and shifted to an undisclosed locationSlamming the Pakistani authorities oppressive actions the BYC said âDuring these twelve days Khadija Balochâs family has faced various difficulties Instead of ensuring her safe recovery the authorities have repeatedly harassed her family Photographs of the participants at the protest site are being taken and when they return home state personnel follow them and attempt to detain themâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistani-forces-accused-of-extrajudicially-killing-three-civilians-in-balochistan-rights-body-672170.html Mon, 04 May 2026 14:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/media-bodies-raise-concern-over-increasing-curbs-on-press-freedom-in-pakistan-672188.html Islamabad May 4 Media bodies and civil society organisations have voiced concern over increasing curbs on press freedom and growing risks to journalists in Pakistan local media reported on Monday In a joint statement released to mark the World Press Freedom Day the Joint Action Committee â comprising the Pakistan Broadcasters Association PBA the All Pakistan Newspapers Society APNS the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors CPNE the Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors AMEND and the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists PFUJ termed the past year challenging for journalism with growing restrictions around the world the daily Dawn reportedIt stated that the state of freedom of expression has not been satisfactory in Pakistan According to the statement journalists in Pakistan face harassment arrests violence and increasing pressure from state institutions while media outlets face editorial interference demonstrating how outlets are being controlled at various levels and tactics being used like government advertisements to get editorial control limiting the right to information through censorship and taking dissenting voices off airMeanwhile civil society representatives issued an open letter to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif where they mentioned that the media landscape in Pakistan was increasingly marked by intimidation legal pressure and economic vulnerabilityThe signatories stated that World Press Freedom Day meant to celebrate the role of a free press was a reminder of the risks faced by journalists They mentioned that a functioning democracy relied on strong institutions especially on independent media committed to factual reporting and accountability Dawn reportedIn the letter the signatories spoke about the increasing pattern of harassment under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act PECA which they said was often used to silence dissent instead of securing convictions In the letter the signatories mentioned several cases in which journalists were booked under the law but later released due to a lack of evidenceThe cases included Islamabadbased journalist Asad Toor who faced multiple legal actions over social media posts and Farhan Mallick founder of a digital news platform who was arrested in 2025 on allegations of antistate activity before being acquitted earlier this year The letter stated that the acquittals demonstrated concerns that such prosecutions were often fishing expeditions for intimidationLast week a report in Islamabadbased media watchdog Freedom Network detailed that Pakistans media landscape saw a reduction in space for free expression during the past year due to increasing legal regulatory and economic and other pressuresTitled Regulatory Repression of Freedom of Expression â Legal Controls and PECA Undermine Media and Journalism in Pakistan the report stated that the amended PECA law is the most consequential instrument being used to restrict journalists and free speech practitioners in the countryAccording to the report the provisions of PECA law were increasingly being used in 2025 and 2026 to criminalise lawful expression target dissent and intimidate journalists lawyers and political commentators Freedom Network released the report to mark World Press Freedom Day which is observed globally on May 3 each yearThe weaponisation of PECA has created a climate of fear where journalists are compelled to selfcensor to avoid legal repercussions said Freedom Network Executive Director Iqbal Khattak while terming it as one of the most serious threats to media freedom in Pakistan todayThe report has highlighted convictions of human rights lawyers including Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha as examples of how custodial sentences were being used to deter dissent Furthermore dozens of journalists have faced charges under increased provisions of PECA while defamation cases regulatory suspensions and internet shutdowns have further affected independent journalism IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/media-bodies-raise-concern-over-increasing-curbs-on-press-freedom-in-pakistan-672188.html Mon, 04 May 2026 15:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-warns-us-army-against-entering-strait-of-hormuz-672192.html Tehran May 4 Iran on Monday warned the US army against entering the Strait of Hormuz and said that they will be attacked if they intend to approach and enter the Strait We warn that any foreign armed forces especially the aggressive US army will be attacked if they intend to approach and enter the Strait of Hormuz said Irans main military command Khatam alAnbiya Central Headquarters in a statementThe warning came after the United States announced it would start on Monday to free ships stranded in the waterway Xinhua news agency reportedWe have repeatedly said the security of the Strait of Hormuz is in our hands and that the safe passage of vessels needs to be coordinated with the armed forces the Iranian army saidEarlier US President Donald Trump said multiple countries had approached Washington for help citing vessels âlocked up in the Strait of Hormuzâ despite having âabsolutely nothing to doâ with the ongoing conflictâFor the good of Iran the Middle East and the United States we have told these Countries that we will guide their Ships safely out of these restricted Waterwaysâ he said describing the effort as âProject FreedomâThe operation is set to begin Monday morning Middle East time Trump said the move aims to assist âneutral and innocent bystandersâ and ensure ships can âfreely and ably get on with their businessâHe framed the initiative as a humanitarian intervention noting that several vessels were facing deteriorating conditions âMany of these Ships are running low on food and everything else necessary for largescale crews to stay on board in a healthy and sanitary mannerâ he saidThe US Central Command CENTCOM confirmed that its forces would support the mission starting May 4 to ârestore freedom of navigation for commercial shipping through the Strait of HormuzâThe Pentagondirected operation will involve a significant military deployment According to the CENTCOM statement support will include guidedmissile destroyers more than 100 land and seabased aircraft multidomain unmanned platforms and about 15000 service members IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-warns-us-army-against-entering-strait-of-hormuz-672192.html Mon, 04 May 2026 15:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-submarine-ins-sindhukesari-arrives-in-colombo-for-operational-turnaround-672225.html Colombo May 4 Indian Navy submarine INS Sindhukesari arrived in Sri Lankas Colombo for an operational turnaround reinforcing the growing maritime partnership between the two nations Indian Navyâs submarine INS Sindhukesari visited Colombo Sri Lanka reinforcing the growing maritime partnership between India and Sri Lanka towards a safer and more secure Indian Ocean Region an Indian Navy spokesperson said on XThe visit aimed at enhancing interoperability and operational synergy with Sri Lanka Navy The submarine and crew were ceremonially received by Sri Lanka Navy personnel and the Indian Defence Advisor Sri LankaDuring its stay INS Sindhukesaris crew is scheduled to participate in several programmes organised by the Sri Lankan Navy including visits to several tourist attractions in Sri Lanka according to the statement released by the Sri Lankan NavyINS Sindhukesari a submarine serving in the Indian Navy arrived at the port of Colombo on 03 May 26 to undertake Operational Turnarounds The visiting submarine was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in precision with naval traditions it saidINS Sindhukesaris visit comes after India and Sri Lanka participated in the fourth edition of the bilateral diving exercise INâSLN DIVEX 2026 conducted in Colombo from April 2128 The exercise witnessed participation of the Indian Navyâs Diving Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel INS Nireekshak and diving teams from both navies showcasing enhanced operational coordination and professional synergy according to the statement by the Ministry of DefenceA specialised engagement focusing on complex underwater operations INâSLN DIVEX aims to strengthen interoperability between the Indian Navy and the Sri Lankan Navy The exercise featured advanced deepsea diving evolutions including mixed gas diving drills Divers from both navies undertook extensive harbour and opensea dives demonstrating high levels of technical proficiency and operational expertise A key highlight was the conduct of mixed gas dives off Colombo over World Warera wrecks SS Worcester and SS Perseus the statement saidDivers from both navies executed deepsea dives beyond 55 metres enhancing joint capabilities in underwater search rescue and salvage operations During the exercise Sri Lankas Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Area Rear Admiral SJ Kumara visited INS Nireekshak and praised the Indian Navyâs continued support in advancing the training of Sri Lankan divers He highlighted the importance of sustained exchange of best practices and professional expertiseBeyond operational engagements the exercise fostered camaraderie through a series of joint activities including a beach cleanup drive at Galle Face friendly sports fixtures and yoga sessions strengthening bonds of friendship and mutual trust the Defence Ministry statement saidINS Nireekshaks Commanding Officer paid homage at the IPKF Memorial laying a wreath in honour of Indian soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the peacekeeping operations in Sri Lanka Two Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita and Maitri BHISM cubes were handed over under Indiaâs Aarogya Maitri initiative enhancing disaster response and medical preparedness IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-submarine-ins-sindhukesari-arrives-in-colombo-for-operational-turnaround-672225.html Mon, 04 May 2026 17:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/hantavirus-outbreak-3-dead-1-critical-as-who-monitoring-situation-672231.html Geneva May 4 Three people have died following a suspected Hantavirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship on the Atlantic Ocean the World Health Organization WHO said on Monday The MV Hondius ship travelling from Argentina to Cape Verde with 150 or so passengers recorded one confirmed and five suspected cases of the rare but dangerous diseaseThe WHO said it was monitoring and supporting the public health incident aboard a cruise vessel sailing in the Atlantic Ocean where a hantavirus outbreak has been confirmed resulting in three deaths and multiple suspected infectionsIn a post on X WHO stated âWHO is aware of and supporting a public health event involving a cruise vessel sailing in the Atlantic Ocean To date one case of hantavirus infection has been laboratory confirmed and there are five additional suspected cases Of the six affected individuals three have died and one is currently in intensive care in South AfricaâThe organisation added that investigations are ongoing and medical support is being provided to those affected âDetailed investigations are ongoing including further laboratory testing and epidemiological investigations Medical care and support are being provided to passengers and crew Sequencing of the virus is also ongoingâ WHO saidHantavirus is typically transmitted to humans from rodents through contact with their urine or faecesIt can cause severe respiratory illness and in rare cases can spread between humansThe disease is considered serious and requires close medical monitoring and supportive careThe outbreak has been reported aboard the MV Hondius a polar cruise ship operated by tour company Oceanwide Expeditions According to its published itinerary the vessel departed Ushuaia in southern Argentina on 20 March and was expected to complete its voyage in Cape Verde on 4 May The ship is a 1076metre 353 ft expedition cruise vessel designed to carry up to 170 passengers in 80 cabins along with 57 crew members 13 guides and one onboard doctorAmong the affected is a 69yearold British national who is currently in intensive care in Johannesburg South Africa Authorities have confirmed that one case is laboratoryconfirmed while five others remain under investigation as suspected infectionsWHO further noted that it is coordinating with member states and the shipâs operators to arrange medical evacuation for two symptomatic passengers and to conduct a full public health risk assessment for those still onboardâWHO is facilitating coordination between Member States and the Shipâs operators for medical evacuation of two symptomatic passengers as well as full public health risk assessment and support to the remaining passengers on board WHO is grateful for the rapid actions and coordinationâ the organization saidThe agency has informed national focal points under the International Health Regulations and said a Disease Outbreak News report will be issued for public dissemination IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/hantavirus-outbreak-3-dead-1-critical-as-who-monitoring-situation-672231.html Mon, 04 May 2026 17:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-says-us-plans-to-withdraw-troops-from-germany-a-lot-further-672024.html Washington May 3 US President Donald Trump said that the United States plans to withdraw a lot further than the 5000 troops the Pentagon said earlier this week will leave Germany Were going to cut way down and were cutting a lot further than 5000 Trump told reporters before boarding Air Force One in the southeastern US state of Florida Xinhua news agency reportedMeanwhile a senior defence official said earlier that the Pentagon is planning to withdraw about 5000 US troops from GermanyGerman Chancellor Friedrich Merzs recent remarks on the US war with Iran had been inappropriate and unhelpful the official who spoke on condition of anonymity was quoted by US media as sayingEarlier this week Merz criticized the United States for its planless military engagement in Iran saying that the United States is being humiliated by the Iranian leadershipIn response Trump lashed out at the German leader saying he doesnt know what hes talking about and is indifferent to Irans nuclear ambitionsTrump wrote on social media on Wednesday that the United States is considering a possible reduction of troops in Germany and the decision will be made over the next short period of time He said Thursday that he may also reduce US military presence in Spain and ItalyWhy shouldnt I Italy has not been of any help Spain has been horrible Absolutely said Trump again slamming European allies for not helping in the USIsraeli war against IranGermany is prepared for the possible reduction of the US troops in the country German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said ThursdayMore than 36000 US active duty troops were deployed to bases throughout Germany as of the end of last year along with nearly 1500 reservists and 11500 civilians according to Defence Department data Germany also hosts the headquarters of US European Command and US Africa Command and Ramstein Air Base serves as a key hub for US military operations IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-says-us-plans-to-withdraw-troops-from-germany-a-lot-further-672024.html Sun, 03 May 2026 17:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-warns-of-possible-re-strikes-as-he-reviews-irans-concept-of-deal-672025.html Washington May 3 US President Donald Trump said that he has been briefed on the concept of a potential agreement with Iran but is awaiting the final wording before making any decision â while cautioning that military action remains on the table if Tehran misbehaves Speaking to reporters before boarding a flight to Miami from West Palm Beach Florida Trump said âThey told me about the concept of the âdeal Theyâre going to give me the exact wording nowâHis remarks come amid heightened tensions and fragile diplomatic efforts with Washington signaling both openness to negotiation and readiness to escalate Trump underscored that the possibility of restarting strikes against Iran has not been ruled out reinforcing a dualtrack approach of pressure and diplomacyAccording to a senior Iranian official Tehran has put forward a proposal that if accepted would reopen shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz and bring an end to what Iran describes as a US blockade However the proposal reportedly defers detailed negotiations over Iranâs nuclear program to a later stage â a point that has so far been rejected by TrumpMeanwhile posting on his Truth Social platform Trump wroteâI will soon be reviewing the plan that Iran has just sent to us but canât imagine that it would be acceptable in that they have not yet paid a big enough price for what they have done to Humanity and the World over the last 47 years Thank you for your attention to this matterâOn the diplomatic front Iran has intensified outreach efforts Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi briefed foreign envoys in Tehran on Saturday outlining what officials describe as a renewed initiative to deescalate tensions with both the United States and IsraelIranian authorities said the proposal was transmitted via Pakistan which is acting as a mediator in indirect talks between Tehran and Washington During the briefing Gharibabadi emphasised that Iran remains committed to diplomacy rooted in national interests but warned that the country is fully prepared to respond decisively to any military escalationHe described the proposal as an effort to bring a âpermanent endâ to what Iran calls imposed hostilities while placing responsibility on the United States to choose between continued confrontation and meaningful dialogue IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-warns-of-possible-re-strikes-as-he-reviews-irans-concept-of-deal-672025.html Sun, 03 May 2026 17:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-reviews-iran-deal-hints-troop-cuts-672026.html Washington May 3 US President Donald Trump said he is reviewing a new Iranian proposal to end the conflict and signalled openness to further military and strategic moves including eliminating Tehranâs remaining missile capability and reducing American troop levels in Europe Trump spoke briefly to reporters on the tarmac before departure from Palm Beach âWeâre doing very well with regard to Iran They want to make a dealâ he saidHe confirmed he is examining a reported 14point proposal from Tehran âIâm looking at itâ Iâll let you know about it laterâ he saidIn separate remarks from the same exchange Trump described Iran as weakened âThey wanna make a deal theyâre decimated Theyâre having a hard time figuring out who their leader isâ he saidAsked about the remaining portion of Iranâs missile capability which he estimated at about 15 per cent Trump said he would like to see it removed âWell Iâd like to eliminate it Yeah Iâd like to Itâd be a start for them to build up again and yeah I would like to eliminate itâ he saidHe declined to specify conditions for further US military action but did not rule it out âIf they misbehave if they do something badâ itâs a possibility that could happen Certainlyâ he saidTrump also defended ongoing US enforcement measures in the region calling them stable âWell itâs a very friendly blockade Nobodyâs even challenging it Nobody at all is challenging itâ he saidOn the economic front he left open the possibility of American energy companies operating in Iran âCould be It could beâ he saidHe pointed to strong US oil shipments âWe have a lot of ships coming up to Texas and Louisianaâ literally hundreds of ships are in lineâ weâre selling a lot of oilâ he saidSeparately Trump said the United States will reduce its troop presence in Germany beyond earlier expectations âWeâre gonna cut way down and weâre cutting a lot further than 5000â he saidHe also criticised congressional scrutiny of military actions saying it weakens negotiations He said such moves are âhurting our negotiating ability which is infinite right nowâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-reviews-iran-deal-hints-troop-cuts-672026.html Sun, 03 May 2026 17:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-heritage-gallery-in-penang-showcases-rare-artefacts-highlights-indias-rich-cultural-legacy-report-672033.html George Town May 3 A newly opened Indian cultural facility in Malaysia is drawing attention for showcasing rare and historically significant artefacts that highlight the depth and diversity of Indias heritage The Indian Heritage Gallery and Cultural Centre at George Town in Penang has emerged as a unique space dedicated to preserving and presenting Indian art traditions and history to a global audience particularly the Indian diaspora in MalaysiaAmong its standout exhibits is a traditional Tanjore painting crafted on wood an art form that is rarely seen outside India The painting depicts a detailed Hindu wedding ceremony complete with priests conducting rituals around a sacred fire alongside musicians and guests offering visitors a vivid glimpse into classical Indian customs and artistic traditionsThe gallery also features a curated collection of traditional Indian artefacts including clay statues antique brass containers and coins from ancient South Indian dynasties such as the Chola and Chera empires as reported by The StarThese exhibits collectively narrate stories of Indias rich civilisational past and its cultural evolution over centuriesDesigned as an immersive storytelling space the centre aims to educate visitors about Indian heritage through visual displays and artefacts that reflect everyday life rituals and artistic expressions from different regions of IndiaIt provides an opportunity for both locals and tourists to engage with Indian culture beyond textbooks and performancesThe initiative is particularly significant in Malaysia which is home to a large Indianorigin community that has played a key role in preserving and promoting Indian traditions abroadCultural centres such as this serve as important bridges strengthening peopletopeople ties and fostering crosscultural understanding between India and MalaysiaThe article published in The Star authored by N Trisha notes that such exhibitions also contribute to soft cultural diplomacy by highlighting shared histories and artistic exchanges between the two nations reinforcing longstanding bilateral relations rooted in migration trade and cultural interactionThe opening of the gallery adds to a growing number of cultural initiatives aimed at showcasing Indian heritage globally ensuring that traditional art forms and historical artefacts remain accessible to future generations IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-heritage-gallery-in-penang-showcases-rare-artefacts-highlights-indias-rich-cultural-legacy-report-672033.html Sun, 03 May 2026 17:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/japanese-prime-minister-signals-revision-of-constitution-672036.html Tokyo May 3 IANS Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi once again signalled pursuing a revision of the countrys 1947 Constitution local media reported on SundaynbspTakaichi expressed her intent in a video message to a gathering of revision proponents on Constitution Memorial Day which falls on May 3 the report by Kyodo News agency saidnbspShe said that the ruling Democratic Party would advance discussions in the Diet aimed at reaching decisions while securing the cooperation of other parties and vowed to explain the potential amendments carefully to the public it addedJapans current constitution took effect in 1947 It is often referred to as a pacifist constitution because of its Article 9 which renounces war as a sovereign right and prohibits Japan from having war potentialnbspIt Should be periodically updated in accordance with the demands of the times Takaichi said regarding the postwar supreme law which serves as the foundation of the countrynbspTakaichi is pushing for these changes for the first time since the constitution came into effect after World War IIDiscussion must not be for the sake of discussion alone What politicians must engage in in order to fulfil the trust placed in them by the people is discussion aimed at making decisions she saidnbspThe signals to revise the constitution attracted protests in the previous months In February people gathered in Tokyo to protest the Prime Ministers attempt to revise the constitutionnbspThe protestors chanted slogans like No constitution revision Protect peace voicing their dissatisfaction with the decision Xinhua news agency reportedLast month at the Liberal Democratic Party LDP convention Takaichi said that we would like to hold next years convention with a proposal for a constitutional amendment in sight and declared that the time has come to reform the constitutionnbspAfter being appointed as Japans Prime Minister in October 2025 Takaichi the first woman to hold the post was reelected in February 2026IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/japanese-prime-minister-signals-revision-of-constitution-672036.html Sun, 03 May 2026 18:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/china-backed-hackers-hit-asian-govts-defence-sectors-nato-countries-report-672004.html New Delhi May 2 Chinaaligned hackers have targeted government and defence sectors across South East and Southeast Asia along with a NATO member in Europe in a fresh cyber espionage campaign a report has claimed A report by The Hacker News highlighted that the activity has been attributed to a threat cluster tracked as SHADOWEARTH053 which researchers assess has been active since at least December 2024 and shares overlaps with previously identified groups such as Earth Alux and REF7707The campaign primarily exploits known vulnerabilities in internetfacing Microsoft Exchange Server and Internet Information Services IIS systems to breach unpatched networks it saidIt further highlighted that security researchers stated that the group exploits Nday vulnerabilities in internetfacing Microsoft Exchange and IIS servers then deploys web shells for persistent access and stages ShadowPad implantsCountries targeted include India Thailand Malaysia Myanmar Sri Lanka Taiwan and Pakistan while Poland was identified as the only European nation affectedThe attackers deploy web shells such as Godzilla to maintain remote access and later install the ShadowPad malware using DLL sideloading techniques often leveraging legitimate signed executables to evade detectionThe report noted that the intrusions begin with the exploitation of security flaws to gain initial access followed by reconnaissance and lateral movement using tools such as Mimikatz and custom remote desktop protocol launchersIn some cases the campaign also involved the exploitation of a vulnerability dubbed React2Shell to distribute a Linux variant of Noodle RAT a remote access trojanThe attack chain has been linked by other researchers to a group known as UNC6595The report noted overlaps with another intrusion set SHADOWEARTH054 with nearly half of the observed targets particularly in Malaysia Sri Lanka and Myanmar â previously compromised though no direct operational coordination has been confirmedTo evade detection and maintain persistence the attackers also used opensource tunnelling tools such as IOX GOST and Wstunnel along with packing utilities to conceal malicious binaries according to the reportTrend Micro advised organisations to prioritise patching of Microsoft Exchange and IIS systems and deploy intrusion prevention or web application firewall solutions where immediate updates are not feasibleMeanwhile researchers flagged phishing campaigns by two other Chinalinked groups dubbed GLITTER CARP and SEQUIN CARP targeting journalists and civil society groupsHowever the campaigns first detected in April and June 2025 impersonated journalists organisations and technology firms in phishing emails aimed at stealing credentials or gaining access to accounts IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/china-backed-hackers-hit-asian-govts-defence-sectors-nato-countries-report-672004.html Sat, 02 May 2026 17:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/chinas-bri-investment-in-bangladesh-brings-uneven-progress-amid-delays-rising-costs-report-672006.html BeijingDhaka May 2 Bangladeshs engagement with the Chinesefinanced Belt and Road Initiative BRI over the past decade has produced significant but uneven progress especially in transport and energy infrastructure with delays rising costs and selective project revisions limiting its impact a report stated According to a report in the international magazine The Diplomat under the BRI framework Bangladesh was expected to receive around 40 billion in Chinese investments from China 26 billion for independent projects and 14 billion for joint venture projects â but the majority of the funding is yet to materialiseMoreover it said despite Chinas massive investments and pledges to Bangladesh in 2016 only a fraction has been delivered so farâThe slow pace of project implementation coupled with growing costs of the projects has hindered Bangladeshs plans for rapid infrastructure development while bureaucratic bottlenecks risks of corruption and concerns about debt sustainability have affected the countrys decisionmaking the report statedCiting commentators the report said that the BRI projects in Bangladesh are viewed as part of a wider Chinese strategy through which China is seeking to expand its geopolitical and geostrategic influence in the Bay of Bengal in order to resolve the Malacca Dilemma build a twoocean bluewater navy and counter the influence of its opponents in the regionIn particular it said critics argue that China seeks to leverage Bangladeshâs infrastructure particularly its seaports to advance Beijingâs strategic interestsThe report stressed that although Bangladesh holds geostrategic value for China the importance should not be exaggeratedâIf the Strait of Malacca is closed China can use Pakistani and Myanmar seaports for the transportation of goods but Bangladesh can hardly serve as an alternative route If China ever sought to transport goods via Bangladeshi seaports it would have to cross Indian or Myanmar territory on the way Given the current conditions of SinoâIndian relations and the intense conflict in Myanmarâs Rakhine and Chin States which border Bangladesh this route is unprofitable risky and unviableâ it mentionedIn a potential SinoIndian conflict the report said Bangladeshâs territory holds strategic value for China However it said Dhakaâs muted and neutral stance during the 2020 ChinaâIndia tensions and the 2025 IndiaâPakistan conflict suggests it is unwilling to be drawn into a regional war that could threaten its securityThe report noted that âeven if China sought to use BRIlinked infrastructure in Bangladesh for military purposes it would be practically unfeasible for Beijingâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/chinas-bri-investment-in-bangladesh-brings-uneven-progress-amid-delays-rising-costs-report-672006.html Sat, 02 May 2026 18:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-and-israel-on-parallel-paths-in-counter-terrorism-efforts-report-672013.html Washington May 2 The IndiaâIsrael partnership functions primarily as an operational cooperation aimed at saving lives and dismantling terror networks Today both nations face similar security environments confronting adversaries that exploit civilians use human shields and operate across borders while adopting doctrines that emphasise surgical strikes deterrence and minimising civilian harm a report has detailed Writing for USbased journal âThe Algemeiner Paushali Lass an IndianGerman intercultural and geopolitical consultant said that Israels recent backtoback observance of Memorial and Independence days served as a reminder that âstatehood comes at a cost both on the battlefield and in ordinary moments shattered by terrorâShe highlighted that a year ago in Pahalgam India faced the same reality again when Pakistanbased terrorists infiltrated Indian territory and brutally killed 26 men in front of their wives and childrenIt was not an isolated act of violence but a deliberate strike on civilians designed to fracture trust and deepen fearâ Lass statedIndiaâs response through Operation Sindoor she said marked a major shift including the suspension of key aspects of the Indus Waters Treaty following the Pahalgam terror attacksIndia had earlier provided Pakistan with hydrological data on river flows and water levels critical to its agriculture but this cooperation was suspended after the attacksâThis also aligns with Article 62 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties which allows suspension under a fundamental change in circumstances including sustained terrorism that undermines the basis of trustâ the expert statedLass emphasised that although India and Israel face similar threats and respond in comparable ways global reactions vary sharply with Israel facing sustained criticism over the âPalestinianâ issue while Indiaâs actions against Pakistanbased terrorism have received relatively less sustained outrageShe cited a prominent Muslim voice against antisemitism Soraya Deen who argued that âthe Palestinian cause has in some contexts taken on the role of a sixth pillar of Islam capable of mobilising mass sentiment across the worldâLass stated that India has managed the information domain effectively by presenting Operation Sindoorâs success through strategic outcomes rather than sensationalism while also exposing Pakistanbased disinformation networks and building public resilience through media literacy initiatives to counter fake newsâThis is where Israel may need to look next Intelligence and defence technology are no longer enough if they are not accompanied by clarity in communicationâ she stressedAsserting that both India and Israel understand terrorism cannot be fought alone Lass further said âGreater intelligence sharing with allies in Europe and the United States and a unified approach to countering terrorism â both physically and in the information domain â will be essentialâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-and-israel-on-parallel-paths-in-counter-terrorism-efforts-report-672013.html Sat, 02 May 2026 18:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/most-us-middle-east-military-sites-damaged-in-war-with-iran-report-671923.html Washington May 2 Iran and its allies have damaged at least 16 US military sites across eight Middle Eastern countries during the USIsraeli war with Iran starting on February 28 rendering some of those positions virtually unusable a CNN investigation has found The damaged facilities constitute the majority of US military sites in the region according to the CNN report citing a congressional aide familiar with the damage assessmentsThere has been a spectrum of assessments a source said From a pretty dramatic side of the whole facility is destroyed and needs to be shut down to leaders who say these things are worth repairing due to the strategic benefit they give the USSatellite images showed that Tehrans main targets included US advanced radar systems communications systems and aircraft deployed in the Middle East many of them expensive and difficult to replace said the report which drew on dozens of satellite images and interviews with sources in the United States and Gulf Arab nationsIts notable they really identified those facilities as the most costeffective targets to hit the congressional aide said Our radar systems are our most expensive and our most limited resources in the regionActing Pentagon Comptroller Jules Hurst III told lawmakers on Wednesday that the conflict with Iran had so far cost US taxpayers 25 billion USDRepairs to the US Navy Fifth Fleet headquarters could total 200 million alone one congressional official told The New York Times following a Pentagon assessment An external assessment from the American Enterprise Institute AEI shows Iranian forces also struck Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait a runway at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and a munitions storage facility at a military base in northern Iraq per NBC IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/most-us-middle-east-military-sites-damaged-in-war-with-iran-report-671923.html Sat, 02 May 2026 11:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pentagon-plans-to-withdraw-5-000-us-troops-from-germany-media-671925.html Washington May 2 The Pentagon is planning to withdraw about 5000 US troops from Germany a senior defence official said German Chancellor Friedrich Merzs recent remarks on the US war with Iran had been inappropriate and unhelpful the official who spoke on condition of anonymity was quoted by US media as sayingEarlier this week Merz criticized the United States for its planless military engagement in Iran saying that the United States is being humiliated by the Iranian leadershipIn response Trump lashed out at the German leader saying he doesnt know what hes talking about and is indifferent to Irans nuclear ambitions Xinhua news agency reportedTrump wrote on social media on Wednesday that the United States is considering a possible reduction of troops in Germany and the decision will be made over the next short period of time He said Thursday that he may also reduce US military presence in Spain and ItalyWhy shouldnt I Italy has not been of any help Spain has been horrible Absolutely said Trump again slamming European allies for not helping in the USIsraeli war against IranGermany is prepared for the possible reduction of the US troops in the country German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said ThursdayEarlier Trump has lashed out at European allies for not doing more to assist the USIsrael war on Iran and had stated on Wednesday that he was thinking of pulling troops out of European countries deemed insufficiently supportiveMore than 36000 US active duty troops were deployed to bases throughout Germany as of the end of last year along with nearly 1500 reservists and 11500 civilians according to Defence Department data Germany also hosts the headquarters of US European Command and US Africa Command and Ramstein Air Base serves as a key hub for US military operations IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pentagon-plans-to-withdraw-5-000-us-troops-from-germany-media-671925.html Sat, 02 May 2026 11:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-expands-sanctions-on-cuban-government-671926.html New York May 2 US President Donald Trump signed an executive order expanding sanctions on the Cuban government Trump ordered that all property and interests in property that are in and coming within the United States or are in or coming within the possession or control of US persons of the following persons are blocked and may not be transferred paid exported withdrawn or otherwise dealt in Xinhua news agency reportedThe following persons include those who operate in or have operated in the energy defense and related materiel metals and mining financial services or security sector of the Cuban economy or any other sector of the Cuban economy as may be determined by the Secretary of the Treasury in consultation with the Secretary of StateIt also includes those who own or control directly or indirectly any person whose property or interests in property are blocked pursuant to this orderThe order also seeks to limit Cubas access to the global banking system imposing secondary sanctions on people entities and financial institutions that conduct financial transactions with those already sanctioned because of their ties to CubaThe order authorizes the US government to penalize foreign financial institutions that have conducted or facilitated any significant transaction for or on behalf of anyone with ties to the Cuban governmentTrump authorised the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury to take all actions necessary to implement and effectuate the orderThe United States has maintained sanctions against Cuba for over 60 years with a comprehensive trade embargo officially instituted in February 1962 The sanctions have remained in place and at times tightened or slightly eased ever since IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-expands-sanctions-on-cuban-government-671926.html Sat, 02 May 2026 11:09:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/cuba-denounces-new-us-sanctions-as-unilateral-coercive-measures-671927.html Havana May 2 Cuba denounced new US sanctions as unilateral coercive measures saying that such actions demonstrate an intention to impose collective punishment on the Cuban people We firmly reject the recent unilateral coercive measures adopted by the US government Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said on XThese actions demonstrate an intention to impose collective punishment on the Cuban people Rodriguez saidHe noted that the announcement coincided with May 1 when millions of Cubans take to the streets to denounce the US blockade and the energy siege Xinhua news agency reportedThese measures are extraterritorial in nature and violate the United Nations Charter Rodriguez said adding that the United States has no right to impose measures against Cuba or against third countries or partiesThe comment came after US President Donald Trump on Friday signed an executive order imposing new sanctions on CubaTrump ordered that all property and interests in property that are in and coming within the United States or are in or coming within the possession or control of US persons of the following persons are blocked and may not be transferred paid exported withdrawn or otherwise dealt inThe following persons include those who operate in or have operated in the energy defense and related materiel metals and mining financial services or security sector of the Cuban economy or any other sector of the Cuban economy as may be determined by the Secretary of the Treasury in consultation with the Secretary of StateIt also includes those who own or control directly or indirectly any person whose property or interests in property are blocked pursuant to this orderThe order also seeks to limit Cubas access to the global banking system imposing secondary sanctions on people entities and financial institutions that conduct financial transactions with those already sanctioned because of their ties to CubaThe order authorizes the US government to penalize foreign financial institutions that have conducted or facilitated any significant transaction for or on behalf of anyone with ties to the Cuban government IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/cuba-denounces-new-us-sanctions-as-unilateral-coercive-measures-671927.html Sat, 02 May 2026 11:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/no-tax-on-social-security-tops-trumps-pitch-671928.html Washington May 2 US President Donald Trump on told a crowd of seniors in Florida that his administration has effectively delivered âno tax on Social Securityâ framing it as a central pillar of his economic and political pitch ahead of midterm elections Addressing residents at The Villages one of the largest retirement communities in the United States Trump said âwere here to celebrate a policy that benefits every American senior all across this land and its called no tax on Social Security Its doneâHe claimed the policy was part of what he described as a sweeping tax overhaul saying his âGreat Big Beautiful Bill was the largest tax cut in American historyâ adding that âmore than 51 million American seniors now pay a federal tax rate of zeroâTrump repeatedly contrasted his policies with those of his predecessor alleging that âunder crooked Joe Biden American seniors were ravaged by the worst inflation in the history of our countryâ and said his administration had reversed that trendThe President also highlighted measures targeting entitlement programmes stating that âweve removed nearly 300000 illegal aliens from the Social Security rollâ and âmore than 100000 migrants from Medicare eligibilityâ arguing that such steps were aimed at âsaving Social Security because it was so rife with fraudâOn healthcare Trump said his administration had âsecured the largest reduction in drug prices in American historyâ adding that under his pricing model âwe had the highest price for prescription drugs anywhere in the world and now we have the lowest prices anywhere in the worldâHe announced that starting July 1 Medicare would cover weightloss drugs at significantly reduced costs saying medicines such as Ozempic and Wegovy âwill be available for 50 a monthâTrump also touted broader economic indicators claiming âthe stock market is rocking and rolling your 401ks are at the highest theyve ever beenâ and said retirement accounts had seen substantial gains compared to previous yearsIn a direct appeal to seniors he said tax refunds had risen sharply noting that in Florida âweve issued 25 million Florida seniors over 13 billionâ and argued that the changes would translate into improved quality of life including âmore money to visit your grandkidsâ and âextra dinners out with your familyâMary Alice a resident invited to speak said the policy had tangible benefits âThe Big Beautiful Bill helped my husband and I so much this yearâ we were so shocked when we picked up our tax returnâ she said adding âthis is all because of the no tax on Social SecurityâTelevision personality Phil McGraw who also addressed the gathering supported the policy saying Social Security taxation amounted to âdouble taxationâ and that seniors were âpaying taxes twiceâTrump also touched on foreign policy and national security reiterating his stance that âwe cannot let lunatics have a nuclear weaponâ and referenced recent military actions saying the US had acted to ensure adversaries did not acquire such capabilitiesHe concluded with a political appeal urging supporters to mobilise ahead of upcoming elections saying âyou have to get out and vote in the midterms because theyll give them to you againâ if opponents return to power IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/no-tax-on-social-security-tops-trumps-pitch-671928.html Sat, 02 May 2026 11:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-ties-iran-action-to-market-resilience-671929.html Washington May 2 President Donald Trump said that US military action against Iran was carried out despite expectations of a sharp economic shock arguing that preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons outweighed risks to markets and oil prices Speaking at an event with seniors in Florida Trump said he had warned advisers that the move could rattle the economy âI thought the stock market would go down by 25 per cent I thought that oil prices would be at much higher than they are right nowâ he saidâBut we have no choiceâ he added âWe cant let them have a nuclear weaponâTrump said the US used B2 bombers in the operation âWe stopped them with B2 bombers If we didnt do that we would have had a nuclear weaponâ he saidHe said Iranâs military capacity had been severely damaged âThey have no navy they have no air force they have no antiaircraft equipmentâ he said adding that âtheir ships are goneâThe president said he expected broader regional fallout if Iran had advanced its nuclear programme âIsrael would have been blown to pieces the Middle East would have been blown to pieces I think Europe would have been blown to piecesâ he saidTrump said he had briefed economic officials before the action âWe just hit the highest price in the history of the stock marketâ he said âNow Im going to upset the apple cart for youâHe said the administration braced for turbulence but saw limited immediate impact âIm surprisedâ he said âI thought oil would be much much higherâ theyre not nearly as high as I thoughtâHe explained the global energy supply dynamics including the Strait of Hormuz a key oil transit route âIts all locked up in the Strait of Hormuzâ he said referring to oil shipments âWhen all of that comes out youre going to see prices dropping on gasoline like youve never seenâTrump linked the military move to what he described as a strong domestic economy âThe stock market is rocking and rollingâ he said âMore Americans are working todayâ than at any time in the history of our countryâHe said the decision reflected a broader strategy of pairing economic strength with security action âWe built up this great thing and thenâ we have to break the eggs a little bitâ he saidTrump also criticised allies saying the United States received âno help from NATOâ though he added âwe didnt need itâHe said operations were ongoing and cautioned against drawing early conclusions âI dont like talking about it until the jobs are finishedâ he saidThe Strait of Hormuz carries about a fifth of global oil supplies and has long been a flashpoint in tensions between the United States and Iran Disruptions there can quickly affect global prices with implications for major importers including IndiaUS policy toward Iran has shifted between diplomacy and military pressure over the years with Tehranâs nuclear ambitions at the centre of the dispute The latest remarks highlight the continuing volatility in West Asia and its impact on energy markets and global security IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-ties-iran-action-to-market-resilience-671929.html Sat, 02 May 2026 11:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indias-digital-reforms-boost-small-firms-imf-671930.html Washington May 2 Indiaâs push to digitise public administration has raised productivity among microenterprises with states that adopted more reforms seeing stronger gains and narrower gaps between firms an International Monetary Fund working paper shows The study says âpublic administration digitalisation carried out statebystate in India between 2010 and 2015 led to an improvement in microenterprise productivitiesâ based on national survey dataResearchers examined firmlevel data from two nationwide surveys covering 201011 and 201516 They compared firms across states that implemented different levels of digital reforms in areas such as tax filing permits inspections and dispute resolutionâWe find that states that undertake more public administration digitalisation experience higher productivity growth and lower productivity dispersion among firmsâ the report saidThe reforms were part of a broader effort to improve the business climate In 2014 states agreed to a â98point action planâ aimed at simplifying regulations and expanding digital systemsThe paper groups reforms into six areas tax systems construction permits environment and labour compliance inspections commercial disputes and singlewindow clearances States that implemented more of these reforms recorded higher total factor productivityDigital tools reduced administrative burdens especially for small firms âDigitalisation of administrative processes can significantly reduce compliance costsâ the authors saidThe study says digitised systems â including online tax filing and automated approvals â improve transparency and cut delays They also reduce informal costs and limit discretionary decisionmakingâBy automating and making processes more transparent digitalisation levels the playing field for all businessesâ the report saidThe analysis shows firms in more reformoriented states consistently outperformed those in lessreformed states Gains were seen in both higher productivity and reduced dispersion between firmsThe report also finds that âthe greater the difference in business environment reforms the greater the gains in the total factor productivityâAt the same time returns diminished as reforms increased suggesting early reforms delivered the biggest gainsThe study uses a differenceindifference model with matched firms across states It also tests results using firms in border districts to control for regional variations with similar findingsThe reforms appear to improve how resources are allocated Lower dispersion in productivity suggests more efficient use of capital and labourIndiaâs micro small and medium enterprises sector is a key part of the economy The paper notes MSMEs account for âaround 35 percent of manufacturing outputsâ and employ âaround 110 million workersâMost of these firms operate informally and are sensitive to regulatory costsIndiaâs reform push in the mid2010s coincided with improvements in global business rankings and wider use of digital governance The IMF paper indicates these changes have delivered measurable gains particularly for small firms that dominate the economy IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indias-digital-reforms-boost-small-firms-imf-671930.html Sat, 02 May 2026 11:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-touts-economy-iran-strikes-671931.html Washington May 2 US President Donald Trump said the United States would not allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon as he defended military operations and highlighted what he described as strong economic performance Speaking at a Forum Club event in Palm Beach Trump said âOur country is hot weâre doing a good jobâ adding that the âstock market just hit another high for the 59th time in one yearâHe said US actions had weakened Iranâs military âWeâve taken apartâ their air force is nonexistentâ their navyâ every single ship is at the bottom of the sea right nowâ he saidTrump warned against allowing Tehran to develop nuclear weapons âYou cannot give Iran a nuclear weaponâ they would use it on a place called Israel very quicklyâ he said âItâs not going to happenâHe acknowledged the risks of conflict âThereâs still danger thereâs always danger with warâ he said pointing to the war in Ukraine âIt was supposed to be a one day war and itâs four yearsâTrump described US naval operations in the region as a blockade âWe have a navy that is unbelievableâ itâs a blockadeâ he said recounting incidents where ships were ordered to turn backOn the economy he said growth and investment were strong âIn 11 months we took in over 18 trillionâ which is a recordâ he saidHe also pointed to energy production âWeâre producing more oil and gas now than we ever haveâ he said adding that the US was drilling âdouble Saudi Arabia and Russia combinedâTrump highlighted tax and healthcare policies âWe delivered no tax on tips no tax on overtime no tax on Social Security for our seniorsâ he saidHe said Medicare would expand coverage for certain drugs âStarting on July 1st weâll provide Medicare patients with coverage for weight loss drugsâ it will be availableâ 50 a monthâ he saidHe also said insulin costs had been reduced âWe got it down to 25 a monthâ he saidOn border security Trump said crossings had fallen sharply âWe went from 25 million people coming in to zeroâ he saidHe said crime had declined including in Washington The city is now âconsideredâ one of the safest cities in the countryâ he saidTrump said the US remained engaged in global diplomacy âWeâve settled eight warsâ that should be the ninthâ he said referring to ongoing effortsStill he signalled uncertainty over negotiations with Iran âMaybe weâre better off not making a deal at allâ he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-touts-economy-iran-strikes-671931.html Sat, 02 May 2026 11:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/un-refugee-agency-warns-mideast-crisis-hampering-aid-efforts-671932.html Geneva May 2 The Middle East crisis has generated farreaching ripple effects well beyond the region with growing consequences for global humanitarian supply chains and the delivery of aid the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR spokesperson warned Heightened insecurity and instability around key Gulf routes including the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted maritime traffic Rising fuel food and freight costs worldwide are driving up prices and delaying the delivery of critical supplies Carlotta Wolf said at a regular press briefingThese rising costs disproportionately affect people who are already living in emergencies including millions of refugees and displaced people who are among the hardest hit while also reducing the ability of aid agencies to deliver timely assistance she saidThe closure of key maritime routes has forced greater use of longer and more expensive alternatives leading to increased transit times and operational complexity Freight rates from key sourcing countries have risen by nearly 18 per cent since the start of hostilities while the capacity of UNHCRs global transport providers has dropped from 97 to 77 per cent since the start of this year Wolf saidFor some shipments costs have more than doubled such as transport costs for relief items from UNHCR global stockpiles in Dubai to our Sudan and Chad operations Wolf saidThe UNHCR spokesperson expressed particular concern about the situation for Africa home to many overlapping often tragically neglected displacement crisesIn Kenya where one of UNHCRs global stockpiles is located a recent fuel price increase of around 15 per cent triggered delays and reduced truck availability for shipments to Ethiopia the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan In Sudan the cost of delivering aid has doubled in recent months while rerouting shipments around the Cape of Good Hope adds up to 25 days in delivery times Xinhua news agency reportedIf instability in the Middle East persists rising costs delays and limited transport capacity are likely to constrain humanitarian operations further Wolf stressed IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/un-refugee-agency-warns-mideast-crisis-hampering-aid-efforts-671932.html Sat, 02 May 2026 11:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-warns-of-possible-disruption-to-global-oil-flows-amid-tensions-around-strait-of-hormuz-671933.html Washington May 2 US President Donald Trump signalled potential disruption to global oil flows warning that maritime congestion and military actions near key shipping routes could affect energy supplies Speaking at a Forum Club event in Palm Beach Trump described heavy vessel traffic around a critical Gulf corridor âYou see all of those shipsâ theyâre all over the placeâ hundreds and hundreds of shipsâ he saidHe said US naval operations had tightened control over the route âWe have a navy that is unbelievableâ itâs a blockadeâ he saidTrump added that the situation had left oil shipments stranded âThese ships are loaded up with oil they canât get out of the straitâ he said pointing to a buildup of tankers awaiting passageHe suggested that some flows were being redirected âYou see all of those big gorgeous shipsâ theyâre coming to Texas nowâ to load upâ he saidDespite the disruption Trump said supply remained ample âThereâs so much oilâ he said predicting prices would âdrop like a rockâ once movement resumedThe President also linked military operations to economic outcomes âThis is the first warâ where we actually have paid for the cost of the war by about 37 times alreadyâ he saidAt the same time he acknowledged uncertainty tied to conflict âWith war you never know what happensâ he saidTrump reiterated that US actions were aimed at limiting Iranâs capabilities including its energy exports âTheyâre unable to export any energy and theyâre crumbling as an economyâ he saidHe maintained that domestic production would cushion any shock âWeâre producing more oil and gas now than we ever haveâ he saidTrump did not rule out prolonged uncertainty saying negotiations remained unclear âMaybe weâre better off not making a deal at allâ he saidThe remarks come as global markets track developments in the Gulf particularly around the Strait of Hormuz a vital passage for a significant share of the worldâs oil shipments Any disruption in this corridor can tighten supply chains and push up pricesFor India which imports a large share of its crude from the Gulf stability in shipping lanes remains critical Prolonged congestion or restrictions could raise freight costs delay cargoes and feed into domestic fuel prices and inflation making developments in the region closely watched in New Delhi IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-warns-of-possible-disruption-to-global-oil-flows-amid-tensions-around-strait-of-hormuz-671933.html Sat, 02 May 2026 11:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-aircraft-carrier-gerald-r-ford-leaves-middle-east-671935.html Riyadh May 2 The USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier has left the Middle East after taking part in operations against Iran local media reported citing a US official The move leaves two US aircraft carriers in the region the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS George HW BushThe Ford had been at sea for more than 10 months breaking the postVietnam War record for a US aircraft carrier deploymentOn March 12 two sailors aboard the carrier were injured when a fire broke out in the main laundry spaces according to the US NavyThe Ford Carrier Strike Group began its latest deployment on June 24 2025 departing from the US state of Virginia for the US European Command area of responsibility later deploying to Latin America for counternarcotics operations and then to the Middle East as tensions with Iran escalatedMeanwhile President Donald Trump told lawmakers that the war against Iran has terminated as the military action which was launched without Congressional approval has reached a 60day legal deadline There has been no exchange of fire between the United States and Iran since April 7 2026 Trump was quoted by Politico as saying in a letter to congressional leadersThe hostilities that began on February 28 2026 have terminated Trump saidAccording to the report the latest move is an effort to quelch the fight over the need for Congress to approve the conflictUnder the War Powers Resolution adopted in 1973 the president after notifying Congress of the use of military force must terminate the action within 60 days unless Congress authorises continued military actionEarlier on Friday Trump said that negotiations with the Iranians remain uncertain warning he is not satisfied with current proposals while keeping both diplomacy and military action on the tableThey want to make a deal but Im not satisfied with it so well see what happens Trump told reporters before departing on Marine OneâHe described Irans leadership as fragmented and unable to reach a consensus They all want to make a deal but theyre all messed up he said adding the leadership was very disjointed and marked by internal divisionsâTrump argued that internal discord was weakening Tehrans negotiating position He said leaders are not getting along with each other and dont know who the leader is complicating talks IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-aircraft-carrier-gerald-r-ford-leaves-middle-east-671935.html Sat, 02 May 2026 11:18:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-believes-naval-blockade-costs-iran-48-billion-in-oil-revenue-report-671941.html Washington May 2 The Pentagon has estimated that Iran has suffered losses of around 48 billion in oil revenue due to a blockade imposed by the United States Navy on its ports according to a report by Axios which cited unnamed officials The report noted that two tankers have been seized during the course of the blockade In addition officials said that as many as 31 tankers carrying approximately 53 million barrels of oil are currently stuck in the Gulf highlighting the scale of disruption caused to Irans oil exportsAccording to the same officials some vessels are now opting for a costlier and longer route to deliver oil to China for fear of US maritime interdiction indicating that shipping patterns have been altered due to concerns over enforcement actions by US forcesThe blockade was imposed by the United States on Iranian ports during a temporary truce as part of efforts aimed at pressuring Iran to accept a Pakistanbrokered ceasefire that would permanently end the ongoing conflict involving Israel the United States and IranIran had stated last month that it had fully reopened the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping following the announcement of a 10day truce between Israel and the Iranianbacked Hezbollah in Lebanon However the waterway was subsequently restricted again after the US declined to lift its blockade maintaining that restrictions would remain in place until a permanent agreement to end the war with Iran is reachedMeanwhile US President Donald Trump told lawmakers that the war against Iran has terminated as the military action which was launched without Congressional approval has reached a 60day legal deadline There has been no exchange of fire between the United States and Iran since April 7 2026 Trump was quoted by Politico as saying in a letter to congressional leadersThe hostilities that began on February 28 2026 have terminated Trump saidAccording to the report the latest move is an effort to quelch the fight over the need for Congress to approve the conflict Xinhua reportedUnder the War Powers Resolution adopted in 1973 the president after notifying Congress of the use of military force must terminate the action within 60 days unless Congress authorises continued military actionThe United States and Israel launched major combat operations against Iran on February 28 The Trump administration formally notified Congress on March 2 of the military action meaning the 60day legal deadline would expire on May 1 IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-believes-naval-blockade-costs-iran-48-billion-in-oil-revenue-report-671941.html Sat, 02 May 2026 11:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/un-committee-expresses-concerns-over-coercive-action-by-pakistan-against-afghan-refugees-671943.html Geneva May 2 The United Nations Committee against Torture CAT expressed grave concerns over Pakistans mass deportation of Afghan refugees including children following the adoption of the 2023 Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan citing the absence of individual assessment of protection needs and risks of refoulement In its recent findings on Pakistans implementation of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment the Committee raised alarm over the coercive measures adopted by the authorities against Afghan nationals including registered refugees to pressure them to return to Afghanistan despite the risk of persecution torture or illtreatmentThese coercive measures reportedly include harassment and intimidation threats of deportation police abuse extortion raids and arbitrary detention it notedThe Committee urged Pakistani authorities to consider repealing or reviewing the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan warning of the serious risks it poses to noncitizens particularly Afghan nationalsIt also called for a thorough investigation into allegations of police abuse against Afghan refugees with those responsible to be disciplined or criminally prosecutedThe Committee also highlighted reports of torture and illtreatment and other forms of retaliation against human rights defenders civil society activists journalists lawyers political opponents protesters and other critics of the government across PakistanThese acts include intimidation threats harassment excessive use of force arbitrary arrest and detention prosecution on politically motivated charges including before military courts enforced disappearance and extrajudicial execution it addedThe Committee further called on the Pakistani authorities to take the necessary measures to ensure that these people are adequately protected from torture and illtreatment and other forms of reprisals and that all human rights violations are thoroughly investigated those responsible are brought to justice and victims are provided with effective remediesExpressing concerns over the situation of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi as well as other activists including Idris Khattak Ali Wazir and Mahrang Baloch the Committee noted that their arbitrary detentions were confirmed by the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention especially with regard to their lack of access to medical careIt is recommended that Pakistan as a state party to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment must review the situation of all individuals allegedly detained and imprisoned on political grounds or in retaliation for their work while ensuring their access to adequate medical care during detention IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/un-committee-expresses-concerns-over-coercive-action-by-pakistan-against-afghan-refugees-671943.html Sat, 02 May 2026 11:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/women-do-same-work-but-are-paid-less-stark-gender-wage-gap-persists-in-rural-bdesh-671982.html Dhaka May 2 Bangladeshs rural workforce continues to witness a significant wage disparity with women earning less than their male counterparts despite undertaking identical tasks according to a report Field observations and interaction with workers in the Thakurgaon district indicated that women are often paid lower wages than men despite working similar hours and putting in equal effort according to a report in the leading Bangladeshi newspaper The Daily StarDuring the conversation 40yearold Sumita Bala said that even after working all day in the sun and rain the female workers earn a maximum of Bangladeshi taka Tk 250300 a day whereas male workers receive Tk 400500Another female worker Nirmala Rani while measuring and packing dried chillies into sacks said Its the same work yet the pay is lowerOn the other hand 42yearold Rehana Begum questioned saying Do we work any less than men Then why are we paid lessLandowners say we women cannot perform all tasks like men which is why our wages are lower she addedAfiya Begum a housewife said that women shoulder multiple responsibilities from managing childcare and household chores to rearing livestock and assisting in agricultural work but their contributions remain undervaluedEven in day labour at fields and farms we are paid Tk 150 to Tk 200 less than male workers No one including the government speaks about this We are deprived in every way The Daily Star quoted Arfiya as sayingHighlighting that many women have come to accept the disparity as normal Nihar Rani said If we demand higher wages now we may not get work at allIn its 2025 quarterly report the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics BBS stated that the average daily wage in agriculture stood at Tk 625 for men and Tk 462 for women in December last yearMuhammad Shahid Uz Zaman Executive Director of the Eco Social Development Organisation ESDO said that despite their significant role women continue to endure long working hours lower wages and persistent discriminationHe said that inadequate monitoring of wage policies enables employers to exploit workers through lower pay noting that such disparity weakens womens economic empowerment and discourages their involvement in agricultureEmphasising that women are engaged in more than half of agricultural activities Md Mazedul Islam Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension DAE in Thakurgaon said that coordinated efforts are required to acknowledge their contributions and reduce wage gaps IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/women-do-same-work-but-are-paid-less-stark-gender-wage-gap-persists-in-rural-bdesh-671982.html Sat, 02 May 2026 15:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/women-do-same-work-as-men-but-are-paid-less-stark-gender-wage-gap-persists-in-rural-bdesh-671983.html Dhaka May 2 Bangladeshs rural workforce continues to witness a significant wage disparity with women earning less than their male counterparts despite undertaking identical tasks according to a report Field observations and interaction with workers in the Thakurgaon district indicated that women are often paid lower wages than men despite working similar hours and putting in equal effort according to a report in the leading Bangladeshi newspaper The Daily StarDuring the conversation 40yearold Sumita Bala said that even after working all day in the sun and rain the female workers earn a maximum of Bangladeshi taka Tk 250300 a day whereas male workers receive Tk 400500Another female worker Nirmala Rani while measuring and packing dried chillies into sacks said Its the same work yet the pay is lowerOn the other hand 42yearold Rehana Begum questioned saying Do we work any less than men Then why are we paid lessLandowners say we women cannot perform all tasks like men which is why our wages are lower she addedAfiya Begum a housewife said that women shoulder multiple responsibilities from managing childcare and household chores to rearing livestock and assisting in agricultural work but their contributions remain undervaluedEven in day labour at fields and farms we are paid Tk 150 to Tk 200 less than male workers No one including the government speaks about this We are deprived in every way The Daily Star quoted Arfiya as sayingHighlighting that many women have come to accept the disparity as normal Nihar Rani said If we demand higher wages now we may not get work at allIn its 2025 quarterly report the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics BBS stated that the average daily wage in agriculture stood at Tk 625 for men and Tk 462 for women in December last yearMuhammad Shahid Uz Zaman Executive Director of the Eco Social Development Organisation ESDO said that despite their significant role women continue to endure long working hours lower wages and persistent discriminationHe said that inadequate monitoring of wage policies enables employers to exploit workers through lower pay noting that such disparity weakens womens economic empowerment and discourages their involvement in agricultureEmphasising that women are engaged in more than half of agricultural activities Md Mazedul Islam Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension DAE in Thakurgaon said that coordinated efforts are required to acknowledge their contributions and reduce wage gaps IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/women-do-same-work-as-men-but-are-paid-less-stark-gender-wage-gap-persists-in-rural-bdesh-671983.html Sat, 02 May 2026 15:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/karachi-press-club-signal-pakistan-openly-backing-sfj-push-for-india-referendum-propaganda-war-671985.html New Delhi May 2 On April 29 the Sikhs for Justice SFJ launched a voter registration for a Khalistan Referendum targeting the Sikhs living in India The venue where the announcement was made was the Karachi Press Club The SFJ and its chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun are both proscribed by the Indian government Officials say that this shows the open support that the Pakistan establishment offers the SFJ despite the outfit calling for violent attacks in India and also the assassination of Prime Minister Narendra ModiAn official said that Pakistan is playing this game out in the open and is not even bothering to conceal the fact that it is backing a terrorist organisationThe SFJ has openly called for the assassination of Indian leaders It has praised the likes of Bhindranwale and considers those who carried out the Kanishka bombing as heroesOffering the SFJ space in the Karachi Press Club is a clear sign that the ISI wants to drive the Khalistan narrative from its soil as operations for this group have become harder in Canada and the United KingdomIt is a desperate move to rake up the movement in India after multiple attempts have completely failedEarlier this week the Punjab police uncovered a deeprooted conspiracy hatched by the ISI and Khalistan outfits The police recovered RDX RPGs and grenades which were meant to be used in massive attacks across the stateWith multiple such busts being reported in Punjab and neighbouring states the SFJ which is the mouthpiece of the Khalistani outfits decided to launch a voter registration for a Khalistan ReferendumPannun while launching the voter registration said that 18 million had taken part in the same worldwide He however added that in India it would be carried out in a phased mannerThe registration would be carried out with the Gurdwaras and would begin in Delhi and later move to Himachal Pradesh Haryana and lastly PunjabHe said that he would back Pakistan to the fullest in the event of future tensions with India He also generously praised Pakistan Army chief Asim MunirAn Intelligence Bureau official said that the SFJ has fudged numbers in the past They out an exaggerated figure trying to give an impression that there is a lot of traction for the movement Their numbers are highly doubtful the official said while adding that the very fact that there is no traction for the movement in Punjab suggests just thatOfficials are confident that attempts being made by the SFJ in India to launch the registration movement will fail There is hardly any traction in Punjab and other parts of North India and the SFJ will not succeed in its plans the official addedAnother official said that what is interesting is that Pakistan has allowed this terrorist group to launch a narrative and propaganda war from the Karachi Press ClubThe official however said that the agencies would need to be on high alert to prevent such a voter registration from taking placeThere may be no traction but sometimes a spark is sufficient to set off a fire the official saidThe agencies say that what they would need to watch out for is the narrative and fake propaganda war that the SFJ is set to undertake They would attempt to flood social media and other chat groups with a false narrativeThe focus would largely be on fake videos which would attempt to show the plight of the Sikhs in IndiaThe SFJ has also been playing with the idea of generating content using Artificial Intelligence to show Punjab in a bad state as it is part of IndiaThe Intelligence agencies are closely monitoring activities by the SFJ and will do everything to prevent such fake campaigns from going viral IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/karachi-press-club-signal-pakistan-openly-backing-sfj-push-for-india-referendum-propaganda-war-671985.html Sat, 02 May 2026 16:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/great-nicobar-project-means-strategic-depth-maritime-influence-for-india-report-671990.html New Delhi May 2 With the Great Nicobar Project India can convert locational advantage into economic leverage strategic depth and maritime influence according to a new report The island is remote the project is expensive and the execution risks are real But the underlying logic â that geography left dormant is geography surrendered â is sound writes Hans Kaufmann a distinguished economist specialising in global fiscal policy in India NarrativeAlso Great Nicobar does not âcontainâ China in a military sense â the distances and force ratios make that framing unrealisticWhat it does is give India persistent observation logistical depth and positional leverage near a sea lane that China depends on for economic survivalâIf India builds this right it will have made the most consequential maritime infrastructure decision since independence If it builds it carelessly it will have damaged an irreplaceable ecosystem in exchange for a halffunctional port The difference between those two outcomes is not ambition It is governanceâ he addsThe Great Nicobar Project work on which is underway aims to transform the Great Nicobar into a strategic maritime and economic hub by leveraging its proximity to the global EastâWest shipping route and reducing dependence on foreign transshipment ports keeping in view Indias defence and national security an official statement said on FridayThe project which will strengthen Indias strategic presence in the Andaman Sea and Southeast Asia seeks to balance portled economic growth with calibrated environmental safeguards and protection of indigenous communitiesAccording to the report the country sits astride the Indian Ocean commands one of the worldâs longest coastlines and yet for decades has quietly paid Singapore Colombo and Port Klang to handle freight that originates on Indian soilApproximately three million TEUs of Indian cargo are transshipped annually through foreign hubs with those three ports alone managing more than 85 percent of that flowThe lost annual port revenue is estimated at 200â220 millionâIndia has in effect been a subtenant in its own strategic neighbourhood The Greater Nicobar project is the first serious attempt to change that â and its ambitions extend well beyond shipping logisticsâ the report emphasisesNotably a functioning International Container Transshipment Terminal at Great Nicobar would allow India to capture freight revenue currently leaking abroad reduce feeder voyage times for Indian exporters and sharpen the competitiveness of Indian trade on the eastwest shipping corridorGovernment estimates project annual revenue potential of roughly 316 billion by 2040 against a total project outlay of 790â853 billionMoreover projections of 50000 jobs should be read as aspirational targets not guaranteed outcomes â but the macroeconomic logic underpinning the terminal is considerably more robust than a single employment figureâIndiaâs Maritime India Vision 2030 and the Sagarmala programme have both identified portled development as a structural priority Great Nicobar is where that ambition meets genuine geographic advantageâ says the report IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/great-nicobar-project-means-strategic-depth-maritime-influence-for-india-report-671990.html Sat, 02 May 2026 16:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/china-deeply-entrenched-corruption-exploitation-erodes-foundation-of-military-671991.html Abuja May 2 Chinaâs Peopleâs Liberation Army PLA long projected as the backbone of the countryâs rise stands exposed as a hollow force with soldiers enduring hardship while officers enjoy privileges a report detailed this week According to Ugandabased media outlet PML Daily behind the âpolished parades and the carefully choreographed propagandaâ lies a troubling reality as the PLA and its affiliated armed police forces are plagued by rampant corruption that weakened both their credibility and combat readinessIt added that what was often presented as a disciplined modernised force was in reality a âhollow giantâ undermined by corruption exploitation and abuseâAccounts from within the ranks reveal how soldiersâ meal allowances are mercilessly carved up leaving recruits with scraps instead of the full meals mandated by regulation Chicken necks fish tails and cabbage replace the whole chickens and fish that were supposed to sustain them The best cuts are syphoned off for officers and leaders a grotesque metaphor for how the hierarchy feeds itself at the expense of the rank and file the report detailedIt stressed that a military that fails to adequately provide for its personnel risks losing credibility beyond its borders When the basic needs of these soldiers are not met the image of discipline faltersâCorruption extends far beyond food In automobile companies military fuel is routinely syphoned off and sold for personal profit There are accounts of emergency assemblies where entire convoys of vehicles could not move because their fuel tanks had been emptied for resale Logistics units rather than serving operational needs become âgold minesâ for officers who have paid bribes to secure their positions and now seek to recoup their investments the report detailedâThis practice is not a rare aberration but a widespread norm The syphoning of gasoline the sale of military supplies and the falsification of equipment records are all part of a system where corruption is the rule not the exception it addedEmphasising that brutal treatment of new recruits further exposes deeper problems in Chinese forces the report said âBullying beatings and forced punishments are everyday occurrences Some recruits are driven insane others attempt escape only to be imprisoned on charges of desertion Such abuse reveals a military culture that thrives on fear and intimidation rather than discipline and respectThe report stated that entrenched corruption erodes the very foundation of Chinaâs military power While the Chinese Communist Party touts modernisation and readiness its forces are weakened by âgraft incompetence and exploitationââThe corruption within the military is symptomatic of a broader political system where loyalty is bought promotions are sold and survival depends on bribes From joining the Party to securing a posting everything has a priceâ the report noted IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/china-deeply-entrenched-corruption-exploitation-erodes-foundation-of-military-671991.html Sat, 02 May 2026 16:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/maritime-chokepoints-emerge-as-key-battlegrounds-amid-evolving-security-dynamics-report-671994.html Washington May 2 The Arabian Sea the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea form a connected maritime network that sustains critical global flows where disruption in one part can trigger cascading effects across the entire system The closure of the Strait of Hormuz disrupts global energy markets instability in the Red Sea complicates the rerouting of shipping routes and intensifies pressure on alternative corridors while maritime infiltration exposes vulnerabilities in coastal urban hubs a report has detailed According to a report in the USbased news website âHomeland Security Todayâ this interconnectedness highlights the need to view maritime space not as fragmented regions but as a single integrated infrastructure environment Within this landscape the critical flows underpinning economic and political stability are increasingly targetted by both state and nonstate actorsâThe Arabian Sea and its connected waterways form one of the most critical infrastructure corridors in the global system Linking the Strait of Hormuz to the Red Sea and onwards to the Suez Canal this maritime space underpins the movement of energy goods and data between Asia the Middle East Africa and Europe It is not simply a geographic expanse but an integrated system of critical infrastructure flows and increasingly a focal point of modern conflict the report mentionedâRecent developments demonstrate that this system is being targetted in distinct but interconnected ways by state actors proxies and terrorist organisations These threats can be understood through three models chokepoint disruption maritime infiltration and persistent maritime insecurity Taken together they illustrate how the maritime domain has evolved into a central arena for infrastructurefocused competition it addedThe report stressed that the most immediate and globally significant example of maritime infrastructure targetting is the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz This narrow channel connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman has drawn intense international attention since the United States and Israel launched military action against Iran in February 2026 In the wake of escalating hostilities Iran began targetting enemy merchant vessels transiting the straitâThese actions were not isolated incidents but part of a broader strategy that effectively rendered the waterway unsafe for all shipping The result was a neartotal halt in maritime traffic with vessels stranded and unable to pass through the chokepointâ the report mentionedAnother dimension of maritime threat it said is more covert but equally consequential It stated that Pakistanbased terrorist groups have demonstrated how the maritime domain can be used as a route of access enabling attacks on landbased infrastructureEmphasising the broader implications the report said âTaken together the maritime domain is no longer peripheral to security analysis It is a central component of critical infrastructure and a key arena in the evolving dynamics of both state and nonstate conflict IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/maritime-chokepoints-emerge-as-key-battlegrounds-amid-evolving-security-dynamics-report-671994.html Sat, 02 May 2026 16:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-backs-iraq-pm-nominee-ali-al-zaidi-signals-support-for-new-govt-671795.html Washington May 1 US President Donald Trump on Thursday congratulated Ali alZaidi on his nomination as Iraqâs next Prime Minister signalling support for the formation of a new government in Baghdad and expressing hope for closer bilateral ties In a post on his official social media platform Trump said âCongratulations to Ali alZaidi on his nomination to be the next Prime Minister of IraqâHe added that Washington wishes him success as he seeks to form a government capable of addressing security concerns and governance challengesâWe wish him success as he works to form a new government free from terrorism that could deliver a brighter future for Iraqâ Trump saidThe US President also pointed to the prospect of strengthening ties between the two countries under alZaidiâs leadershipâWe look forward to a strong vibrant and highly productive new relationship between Iraq and the United Statesâ he saidTrump described the development as a potential turning point in bilateral relationsâThis is the beginning of a tremendous new chapter between our nations â prosperity stability and success like never seen beforeâ he saidHe concluded his message with a personal note âAgain Ali congratulationsâThe statement comes as Iraq navigates a sensitive political transitionThe United States maintains a diplomatic mission in Iraq which American officials describe as focused on sustaining a longterm strategic partnership with the Government of Iraq and its peopleIn coordination with the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS the United States had supported Iraqâs efforts that led to the December 2017 milestone of liberating the country from ISIS controlAn official statement mentions that following the territorial defeat of ISIS the US increased efforts to stabilise liberated areas as Iraq continues to develop as a sovereign stable and selfreliant countryOfficials describe Iraq as a key partner for the United States in the region and a country playing an increasingly constructive role in the Middle EastIraq has functioning government institutions including an active legislature and the US continues broad engagement with Iraq on diplomatic political economic and security issues under the USIraq Strategic Framework Agreement SFA which forms the basis of bilateral relations IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-backs-iraq-pm-nominee-ali-al-zaidi-signals-support-for-new-govt-671795.html Fri, 01 May 2026 08:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/ceasefire-with-iran-pauses-60-day-clock-on-congressional-authorization-pete-hegseth-671801.html Washington May 1 US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said that he believes the ceasefire with Iran pauses a 60day clock on congressional authorization for war Hegseth made the remarks when asked by Democratic Senator Tim Kaine at a congressional hearing on Thursday about whether the Trump administration would seek authorization from Congress for the war with Iran on the 60day mark of the war as required by law Xinhua news agency reportedUltimately I would defer to the White House and White House counsel on that However we are in a ceasefire right now which our understanding means the 60day clock pauses or stops in a ceasefire Hegseth saidI do not believe the statute would support that Kaine said I think the 60 days runs out maybe tomorrow and thats going to pose a really important legal question for the administration thereOn February 28 Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and other Iranian cities killing Irans then Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei senior commanders and civiliansUS President Donald Trump notified Congress of the military campaign against Iran on March 2 making May 1 the 60day milestone at which point the US War Powers Act requires the president to start winding down a war unless he receives congressional authorization according to media reportsMeanwhile earlier this week Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump held a phone call discussing the recent shooting at the White House press dinner the situation in Iran and the Ukraine crisis the Kremlin saidPutin strongly condemned the assassination attempt against Trump at the White House Correspondents Association Dinner stressing in particular the unacceptability of any form of politically motivated violence said Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov on Wednesday after the phone conversation that lasted over an hour and a halfAmong the issues on the international agenda the two leaders focused primarily on the situation in Iran and the Persian Gulf according to the KremlinPutin viewed Trumps decision to extend the ceasefire as the right move as it will help stabilise the situation Ushakov said adding that Putin drew attention to the inevitable extremely dire consequences not only for Iran and its neighbours but also for the entire international community should the United States and Israel resort to force again IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/ceasefire-with-iran-pauses-60-day-clock-on-congressional-authorization-pete-hegseth-671801.html Fri, 01 May 2026 08:15:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-highlights-pm-modis-address-as-key-moment-at-hom-conference-stresses-3ts-in-diplomacy-671802.html New Delhi May 1 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modiâs address as the standout moment of the 11th Heads of Mission HoM Conference underlining the growing importance of trade technology and tourism â the â3Tsâ â in Indiaâs diplomatic strategy In a post on X Jaishankar said the conference deliberations also focused on the Neighbourhood First policy deeper engagement with the Indian diaspora and the need for resilience and derisking âThe Conference benefited from the views of prominent figures from the Government business and technology worlds The active exchange of ideas during its various sessions lived up to the theme âReforming Indian Diplomacy for 2047ââ he wrote in a postPM Modi on Thursday held discussions on foreign policy at the Heads of Missions conference in New DelhiThe 11th Heads of Missions HoMs Conference was organised by the Ministry of External Affairs from April 28 to April 30 at the National Agricultural Science Complex Pusa New DelhiAccording to the Ministry of External Affairs this yearâs HoMs Conference was centred around the theme Reforming Indian Diplomacy for 2047âPrime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Heads of Mission on Thursday and provided valuable guidance on promoting Indiaâs national interests abroad said the Ministry of External AffairsâWe had extensive discussions on strengthening Indiaâs global engagement through advancing trade technology and strategic partnerships while deepening the connection with our diasporaâ posted PM Modi on XExternal Affairs Minister S Jaishankar delivered the inaugural address on April 29He addressed Indiaâs High Commissioners Ambassadors and senior officials from the Ministry of External AffairsâOur interaction recognised the significant expansion of Indiaâs engagement with the world in the last decade In a volatile and turbulent world Indian diplomacy stands ready to advance national interest and secure national goalsâ the Minister posted on XOver the course of three days the Heads of Mission participated in yoga brainstorming sessions tabletop exercises and thematic discussions covering various geopolitical developments emerging technologies 3Ts Trade Technology and Tourism the Bharat story and futureready diplomacy the Ministry of External Affairs addedThe Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson shared that presentations were made to the Prime Minister on futureready diplomacy the promotion of the 3Ts Trade Technology and Tourism and amplifying the Bharat story IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-highlights-pm-modis-address-as-key-moment-at-hom-conference-stresses-3ts-in-diplomacy-671802.html Fri, 01 May 2026 08:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-expands-ira-access-for-millions-671804.html Washington May 1 US President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at expanding access to retirement savings accounts for millions of Americans particularly lowincome workers and those without employersponsored plans Calling it a âhistoric executive orderâ Trump said the initiative would allow Americans to access retirement accounts similar to those available to federal employeesâThis afternoon Im thrilled to sign a historic executive order expanding access to highquality retirement savings accounts for millions of Americansâ he saidAccording to Trump lowincome Americans could receive âup to 1000 per year in matching funds deposited directly into their accountsâHe described the programme as transformative for workers outside traditional employment structures âFor millions of Americans who lack employer sponsored plans this will be really revolutionary because theyll be coveredâ he saidTrump illustrated the longterm impact with a projection âIf a 25 year oldâ invests just 165 a monthâ they will have an estimated 465000 in their account by the time theyre 65 years oldâ he said adding âIn other words theyll be richâNational Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said the policy targets structural gaps in retirement savings access âWhat youve done here is youve given the Match to low income people with incomes below 35000â he saidHassett added that the administration is already working on expanding eligibility âWere working with Congress to significantly expand this programâ he said noting that discussions include extending benefits to middleincome AmericansTrump acknowledged that further expansion would require legislative approval âTo take it to the next level we need Congressional approvalâ it should be bipartisanâ he saidThe programme will also allow charitable contributions into individual retirement accounts broadening participation beyond government matching Hassett said âWeve also made it clear that in the TrumpIRA charities can contribute to other peoples accounts as wellâTrump linked the initiative to broader economic performance pointing to job growth and investment âMore people are working right now than at any time in the history of our countryâ he saidThe US retirement system has long relied heavily on employerbased plans leaving gig workers and informal labour segments underserved Efforts to expand access have gained bipartisan attention in recent years IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-expands-ira-access-for-millions-671804.html Fri, 01 May 2026 08:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/hegseth-senators-clash-over-iran-war-budget-671805.html Washington May 1 A heated Senate hearing saw sharp clashes between US SEcretary of War Pete Hegseth and lawmakers as divisions deepened over the Iran war rising costs and a proposed 15 trillion defence budget At the Senate Armed Services Committee Democratic and some independent senators challenged the administrationâs claims of success in Iran and questioned the scale of military spendingRanking Member Jack Reed led the criticism accusing the administration of entering an âunwiseâ conflict without a clear strategyâToday our nation is in a war strategic positionâ Reed said pointing to casualties damaged infrastructure and economic fallout He warned that the administrationâs claims of victory were âdangerously exaggeratedâHegseth rejected the criticism insisting the campaign had been effective âOur military objectives have been stunningly effectiveâ he said arguing that Iranâs defence capabilities had been significantly degradedThe exchange set the tone for a contentious hearing with senators repeatedly pressing the defence chief on costs and outcomesSenator Kirsten Gillibrand said Americans were âfuriousâ about the warâs economic impact citing rising fuel and food pricesâHow much more are we asking the American people to pay for this warâ she askedHegseth pushed back saying the mission was necessary to counter Iranâs nuclear ambitions âWhat is the cost of a nucleararmed Iranâ he respondedSenator Mark Kelly raised concerns about the scale of military operations and the strain on US weapons stockpiles noting that thousands of strikes had been carried outâThis war is stuckâ Kelly said adding that the Strait of Hormuz remained closed and âitâs not clearâ what the goal of this war isâHegseth said the military had achieved its objectives and was rapidly rebuilding capacityTensions also flared over civilian casualties and rules of engagement Senator Gillibrand questioned reports of strikes hitting schools and hospitals asking about safeguards to protect civiliansHegseth insisted the US military ânever targets civiliansâ and takes extensive measures to minimise harmSenator Tim Kaine raised legal concerns about the conflict citing the War Powers Resolution and asking whether the administration would seek congressional authorisationHegseth deferred to the White House saying a ceasefire meant the â60day clock pauses or stopsâBudget issues added to the friction Senator Kelly questioned whether the 15 trillion figure was justified suggesting it appeared âpulled out of thin airâHegseth countered that the number was the result of a âhighly rigorous processâ reflecting global threats and years of underinvestmentLawmakers also pressed the Pentagon on the cost of the war Defence comptroller Jules Hurst confirmed an initial estimate of 25 billion though several senators argued the true figure could be far higherThroughout the hearing Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine largely avoided political disputes emphasising his role in providing âclear and candid nonpartisan military adviceâThe confrontations underscored deepening divisions in Washington over US military strategy the Iran conflict and the scale of defence spendingThe debate comes as the US faces simultaneous geopolitical challenges including tensions with China and Russia and ongoing questions about longterm military commitments abroad IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/hegseth-senators-clash-over-iran-war-budget-671805.html Fri, 01 May 2026 08:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-claims-iran-weakened-seeks-deal-671806.html Washington May 1 US President Donald Trump said Iran had been significantly weakened and was eager to negotiate even as tensions remain high over its nuclear programme âIran is dying to make a dealâ Trump said while reiterating that Tehran âcannot be nuclearâHe claimed US military action had sharply degraded Iranâs capabilities âTheir Navy is gone Their Air Force is goneâ their drone factories are about 82 percent downâ he saidTrump added that missile production had also been hit âTheir missile factories are almost 90 percent downâ he saidHe described the US operation as decisive âWe obliterated that nuclear capacity of theirsâ he saidTrump also suggested leadership instability within Iran âWe have a problem because nobody knows for sure who the leaders areâ he saidDespite ongoing tensions he pointed to strong US economic indicators âWe just hit a new high today on the stock marketâ he saidTrump said only a limited group was aware of the status of negotiations âNobody knows what the talks are except myself and a couple of other peopleâ he saidHe indicated that economic pressure remained central to US strategy âTheyre not getting any money from oilâ the blockade is incredibleâ he saidTrump framed the conflict as necessary to prevent nuclear proliferation âYou cant let Iran have a nuclear weaponâ he saidHe also suggested that Iranâs economic condition was deteriorating âTheir economy is crashingâ he saidThe situation has significant implications for global energy markets particularly oil prices which are sensitive to developments in the Middle EastIndia which has historically imported oil from Iran closely watches such developments due to their direct impact on energy security IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-claims-iran-weakened-seeks-deal-671806.html Fri, 01 May 2026 08:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-defence-secretary-defends-15-trillion-defence-push-iran-war-671807.html Washington May 1 US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth mounted a forceful defence of President Donald Trumpâs proposed 15 trillion military budget arguing it reflects âthe urgency of the momentâ and is essential to counter a rapidly deteriorating global security environment Testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee Hegseth said the record request would âposition our forces for the current and future fightsâ while reversing years of âunderinvestment and mismanagementââThe 15 trillion budget will ensure that the United States continues to maintain the worldâs most powerful and capable militaryâ he saidHegseth framed the proposal as a generational reset of US military strength highlighting investments in industrial capacity advanced weapons and troop welfare He pointed to a âseven percentâ pay increase for junior enlisted personnel and said the budget would eliminate âall poor or failing barracksââA nationâs ability to build to innovate and to support the critical needs of its warfighters at speed and at scale is the foundation upon which its deterrence and survival restsâ he saidThe defence chief also stressed efforts to overhaul the Pentagonâs procurement system saying the department had shifted âfrom a bureaucratic model to a business modelâ aimed at delivering faster and more costeffective outcomesHe cited more than 50 billion in privatesector investments driven by Pentagon initiatives including â280 new or expanded facilitiesâ and âmore than 70000 new jobsâ calling it âa historic demonstration of American manufacturing and defence revitalisationâOn the ongoing conflict with Iran Hegseth described US military operations as highly effective insisting that Washington had significantly degraded Tehranâs capabilitiesâOur military objectives have been stunningly effectiveâ he said adding that Iran was now âcompletely incapable at scaleâ of rebuilding key elements of its defence infrastructureHe argued that the campaign had strengthened US leverage to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons âWeâve put the president in a very strong position to ensure Iran never gets a nuclear weaponâ he saidHegseth also pushed back against criticism of the war effort warning that âdefeatist wordsâ from political opponents risk undermining military gainsâThe biggest adversary we face at this point are the reckless naysayers and defeatist wordsâ he said adding that the administration was confronting âa 47year threatâ with âcourage no other president has hadâThe secretary repeatedly emphasised that the budget was designed to restore deterrence across multiple domains including drones missile defence and nuclear forcesâThis is a warfighting budgetâ he said âEvery policy we pursueâ serves to ensure that this department remains laser focused on increasing lethality and survivabilityâHe also underscored improvements in recruitment and morale saying young Americans were joining the military âat historic numbersâ and that retention rates were risingâWe fight to win in every scenarioâ Hegseth saidThe proposed budget marks a sharp increase from the roughly 1 trillion defence outlay in fiscal year 2026 and comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions involving China Russia and IranThe US has steadily expanded defence spending in recent years driven by strategic competition with China and ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-defence-secretary-defends-15-trillion-defence-push-iran-war-671807.html Fri, 01 May 2026 08:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-approves-pipeline-to-boost-energy-671808.html Washington May 1 US President Donald Trump approved a presidential permit for a major transborder pipeline project signalling a renewed emphasis on energy infrastructure and North American supply integration White House Staff Secretary Will Scharf described the project as âa transborder pipeline similar to the old Keystone XL pipelineââIt will significantly expand our ability to move oil and gas around North Americaâ he saidTrump contrasted the approval with previous policy decisions âThey wouldnt sign a pipeline deal We have pipelines going upâ he saidHe argued that pipelines provide a more efficient and safer means of transport compared to alternatives âAs opposed to trucking it or training itâ theyre greatâ he saidThe administration said the project would support longterm energy goals Scharf called it âa huge deal in terms of longterm energy dominance and energy securityâTrump also emphasised employment benefits linked to infrastructure expansion âA lot of jobs tooâ he saidGiven that energy infrastructure has been a key component of US economic strategy particularly amid global supply disruptions and geopolitical tensions the presidential move aligns with Trumpâs broader push to expand domestic energy production and reduce reliance on importsTrump linked energy policy to economic growth and industrial revival noting increased manufacturing activity âWe have auto plants being built all over the countryâ he saidHe also highlighted investment inflows from abroad âTheyre coming back from Canadaâ Germany Japan South Koreaâ he saidPipeline projects have long been politically contentious in the US with debates centred around environmental concerns and energy security The approval comes at a time when global energy markets remain volatile influenced by conflicts and supply chain disruptionsShifts in US energy infrastructure policy can influence global markets impacting countries dependent on imports for energy security IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-approves-pipeline-to-boost-energy-671808.html Fri, 01 May 2026 08:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-again-on-us-priority-watch-list-for-ip-rights-violations-671809.html Washington May 1 The United States has again placed India on its Priority Watch List for intellectual property concerns citing continued gaps in enforcement and longstanding issues in patent protection The designation came in the 2026 Special 301 Report released by the Office of the US Trade Representative USTR which reviews how trading partners protect and enforce intellectual property rightsIndia remains among six countries on the Priority Watch List alongside China Russia and IndonesiaThe report said India has taken some steps to strengthen its IP regime These include adding more examiners and improving awareness But it said progress remains unevenâIndia remains one of the worldâs most challenging major economies with respect to the protection and enforcement of IPâ the report saidPatent issues remain a key concern The report pointed to long delays in approvals It also cited âexcessive reporting requirementsâ and prolonged opposition proceduresThe USTR said restrictions on patentable subject matter especially in the pharmaceutical sector continue to affect companiesThe report also flagged concerns over the lack of an effective system to protect test data used to obtain marketing approval for drugs and agricultural chemicalsEnforcement remains weak it said Authorities face coordination gaps Penalties often do not deter violationsâIndiaâs overall IP enforcement remains inadequateâ the report saidHigh levels of piracy and counterfeiting continue The report cited illegal streaming software use and counterfeit goods as persistent problems Trademark enforcement also faces delays Companies report long backlogs in opposition cases and concerns over examination qualityThe report said India lacks a dedicated law on trade secrets Companies face difficulty protecting proprietary informationDespite the concerns the USTR noted some positive steps India amended patent rules in 2024 The changes aim to improve efficiency and reduce burdensThe US said it will continue to engage India through trade talks and the Trade Policy ForumâUsing all the enforcement tools we have to address unfair trade practices is a top priorityâ US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer saidâAmerican innovators creators and brand owners rely on robust IP protection and enforcementâ Ambassador Rick Switzer saidThe Special 301 Report is an annual review of intellectual property protection among US trading partnersCountries on the Priority Watch List face closer scrutiny and engagement from WashingtonIndiaâs inclusion reflects continuing differences between the two countries on intellectual property policy The issue has long featured in trade discussions especially in pharmaceuticals and digital sectors IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-again-on-us-priority-watch-list-for-ip-rights-violations-671809.html Fri, 01 May 2026 08:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-targets-cost-overruns-in-contracts-671811.html Washington May 1 US President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at overhauling federal contracting practices by shifting towards fixedprice agreements a move the administration says will reduce waste and curb cost overruns White House Staff Secretary Will Scharf said many government contracts currently operate under a âcost plusâ systemâMany federal contracts currently operate on a cost plus basisâ leads to cost overruns and costs the federal government a lot of moneyâ Scharf saidThe new policy establishes âa fixed price contract as the default in most federal contractsâ aligning government procurement with privatesector standards he saidTrump backed the reform suggesting it would bring discipline to federal spending âWould anybody like to object to thisâ he said drawing laughter from those presentThe executive order is part of a broader effort by the administration to streamline federal operations and improve efficiency across departmentsScharf said the change would address structural inefficiencies âWe believe will continue to drive down fraud and abuse in federal contracting government wideâ he saidHighlighting broader economic trends he linked procurement reforms to overall growth âWe have a tremendous amounts of factories being built in our country now more than weve ever had at any time ever beforeâ he saidHe also pointed to increased investment flows into the United States âThereâs more investment being made in the United States than any country at any timeâ he saidFixedprice contracts are widely used in the private sector as a way to control costs but they can shift financial risk onto contractors Critics argue that such systems may lead to higher initial bids or reduced flexibility in complex projectsSupporters however say they improve accountability and reduce incentives for inefficiencyThe US federal government is one of the largest procurement entities globally and changes in its contracting framework often influence international best practices IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-targets-cost-overruns-in-contracts-671811.html Fri, 01 May 2026 09:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/security-council-renews-mandate-of-un-mission-in-south-sudan-with-reduced-troop-ceiling-671815.html United Nations May 1 The Security Council adopted a resolution to renew the mandate of the UN Mission in South Sudan UNMISS for one year until April 30 2027 with a reduced troop ceiling Resolution 2820 won the support of 13 of the Security Councils 15 members while China and Russia abstainedBoth China and Russia in their explanations of the vote expressed regret over the handling of the draft by the United States the penholder on South Sudan They said they supported extending UNMISSs mandate but could not agree on the reduction in the troop ceiling and on the draft resolutions attempt to exert pressure on the South Sudanese governmentThe resolution decides to reduce the troop ceiling from 17000 to 12500 personnel while maintaining the police ceiling at 2101 personnelIt also expresses the Security Councils readiness to consider further adjustments to UNMISS force levels and mandated tasks based on security conditions on the ground and the transitional governments cooperation with the mission Xinhua news agency reportedThe US apparently sought to streamline the missionâs mandate in line with its stated priorities Although some Council members acknowledged the USâ rationale divergences emerged over key issues including the overall strategic direction of UNMISSâ mandate the missionâs role in supporting the peace process in South Sudan proposed reductions in the missionâs capacity resources and tasks and the omission of language on thematic areas such as women peace and security WPS climate change and children and armed conflict CAAC It appears that the EU4 members coordinated closely and submitted joint comments strongly advocating for their positions on these issuesIt seems that the initial draft text proposed by the US said that UNMISSâ mandate is aimed at preventing a return to civil war and the escalation of violence in South Sudan It further noted that the Council will continually assess and review its support for the mission based on progress or lack thereof in the protection of civilians PoC the facilitation of humanitarian access and improvements in the political and security environment by the parties to the conflict IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/security-council-renews-mandate-of-un-mission-in-south-sudan-with-reduced-troop-ceiling-671815.html Fri, 01 May 2026 09:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-lee-vows-zero-compromise-on-workplace-safety-in-labor-day-address-671832.html Seoul May 1 South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Friday pledged unwavering commitment to workplace safety in his address to mark Labor Day at Cheong Wa Dae I will neither compromise nor make concessions on workplace safety he said vowing to build a normal country where no worker ever has to risk their life at workSafeguarding workers is the most basic responsibility of any nation and any business he saidThe president also pushed back against the notion that worker welfare and business growth are incompatible stressing the two are mutually dependentWe can only move forward by breaking free from the outdated thinking that being probusiness means being antiworker he said Growth has a future only when labor stands behind it he saidAmid growing concerns that artificial intelligence AI threatens jobs the president sought to reassure the public that the government prioritises people over productivityAs technologies advance the prevailing view is that machines powered by artificial intelligence will largely replace human labor he saidBut it is not right to ask workers to sacrifice themselves in the name of productivity he said adding that growth that leaves workers behind is not growth at allLee called workers the backbone of our economy who keep things running on the ground and drive the spending that fuels growthIt marked the first time a Labor Day event has been held at Cheong Wa Dae The event brought together some 130 participants including key figures from labor management and government as well as workers from diverse occupations to mark the occasionIt also marked the first time two major umbrella labor unions the Federation of Korean Trade Unions and the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions that are said to hold different political views both took part in such an event Yonhap news agency reportedSouth Korea had initially observed Labor Day on May 1 before it was renamed Workers Day in 1963 The government restored the name to Labor Day last year and designated it as a national holiday earlier this year allowing all workers to take the day offIn celebration of Labor Day a variety of events took place across the country highlighting the value of work and its role in improving quality of life and driving economic growth IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-lee-vows-zero-compromise-on-workplace-safety-in-labor-day-address-671832.html Fri, 01 May 2026 12:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/singaporean-pm-warns-mideast-crisis-to-prolong-supply-disruptions-raise-recession-risks-671842.html Singapore May 1 Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong warned on Friday that supply disruptions stemming from the Middle East crisis are likely to persist and could worsen in the months ahead raising the risk that some economies slip into recession Globally inflation will rise spreading from energy to food and then other essentials Some economies may well slip into recession and Singapore will feel the impact directly Wong said in a May Day Rally speechEven if the Strait of Hormuz reopens Wong said we should not expect this crisis to be over anytime soon citing damage to ports and energy infrastructure the need to clear shipping lanes of mines and the time required to restore confidenceIt will take months at least before the situation stabilises he saidThe strait has been closed for more than two months with effects already seen in higher prices and tightening supply Wong said Asia has been particularly affected due to its heavy reliance on energy and other critical imports from the Gulf he addedSome countries in our region are already facing fuel shortages he said noting that airlines have cut flights and factories are reporting delaysHe warned the disruptions will not stop at energy with fertilizer food and other essential inputs likely to be affected next We can expect shortages in more items to emerge he saidWong also said Singapores economic growth will slow this year while inflation rises placing real pressure on businesses workers and households Xinhua news agency reportedUN SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres also warned that the crisis in the Middle East is worsening encouraging opening a pathway to peaceThe consequences of the Middle East crisis grow dramatically worse with each passing hour he said on a post on XHe added that curbs on movement in the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted energy transport manufacturing food markent and the overall global economyNow is the time for dialogue for solutions that pull us back from the brink amp for measures that can open a pathway to peace IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/singaporean-pm-warns-mideast-crisis-to-prolong-supply-disruptions-raise-recession-risks-671842.html Fri, 01 May 2026 13:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-uae-cepa-boosts-trade-growth-unlocks-new-business-opportunities-piyush-goyal-671849.html New Delhi May 1 IANS The IndiaUAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement CEPA is driving robust trade expansion and opening new avenues for Indian businesses Union Minister Piyush Goyal said on FridaynbspFour years after the implementation of the IndiaUAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement the bilateral economic relationship between India and the United Arab Emirates has witnessed significant growth across multiple sectorsHighlighting the progress in a post on social media platform X Goyal said the agreement has created transformational opportunities for Indian farmers MSMEs and businessesFour years ago when the IndiaUAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement CEPA came into force it created a transformational opportunity for Indian farmers MSMEs and other businesses Goyal statedHe noted that bilateral merchandise trade between the two nations has crossed the 100 billion mark reflecting strong momentum since the agreement came into forceServices trade has also shown steady growth helping Indian companies access new markets while enhancing value creationBilateral merchandise trade has grown strongly crossing 100 billion with services trade also rising steadily and opening new markets and greater value Goyal mentionedExpansion across key sectors like gems and jewellery engineering goods electronics and agriculture is delivering tangible gains and FDI inflows from the UAE and Indias overseas investments further reflect our deepening economic linkages Goyal explainedAccording to the minister key sectors such as gems and jewellery engineering goods electronics and agriculture have seen notable expansion under the CEPA frameworkThese gains are translating into real benefits for exporters and entrepreneurs strengthening Indias position in global tradeGoyal further said that rising foreign direct investment FDI inflows from the UAE into India along with increased overseas investments by Indian firms underscore the deepening economic partnership between the two countriesMeanwhile earlier in the day he informed about a virtual interaction with UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Peter Kyle to deepen bilateral trade and investment tiesBoth leaders explored ways to enhance trade and investment ties while fully leveraging the IndiaUK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement CETA the minister said in a social media postIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-uae-cepa-boosts-trade-growth-unlocks-new-business-opportunities-piyush-goyal-671849.html Fri, 01 May 2026 13:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-raises-fuel-prices-amid-strait-of-hormuz-blockade-671856.html Islamabad May 1 Amid blockade of the Strait of Hormuz due to the IranUS conflict the Pakistan government has raised the price of highspeed diesel HSD by Pakistani Rupees PKR 1939 per litre and the price of petrol by PKR 651 per litre for one week local media reported on Friday As per the notification issued by the Pakistans Petroleum Division on Thursday price of HSD has been increased from PKR 38019 to PKR 39958 while petrol will be sold at 39986 per litre compared to the previous rate of Rs 39335 at PKR 39335 Pakistans leading daily The Express Tribune reportedHighspeed diesel is used in the transport and agriculture sectors As the sowing season is underway the sharp rise in its price is expected to impact the agriculture sector Fertiliser prices have increased due to hike in transportation costsEarlier in April residents in Peshawar and other parts of Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have been facing difficulties due to acute shortage of natural gas as CNG stations remained shut across the province local media reportedMajority of school van and bus operators had suspended their services due to unavailability of CNG while public transporters have increased fares after they started using petrol placing further financial burden on residents Pakistans leading daily The Express Tribune reportedCNG filling stations remained shut in Peshawar and other parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Several areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa experienced unannounced loadshedding of natural gas further increasing the problems for domestic and commercial consumersThe closure of CNG stations had forced many vehicles to either stop operations or run at higher price of petrol causing further hike in transport fares School transporters were among the worst impacted as they have said that running vehicles on petrol is beyond their capacity leaving them with no option except to disrupt their services Parents have voiced concern over the suspension of school transportation fearing it would impact education and daily routine of childrenPublic transport operators also faced several difficulties with those who have switched to petrol instead of CNG increasing fares They have warned of suspending services if CNG stations do not resume operations IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-raises-fuel-prices-amid-strait-of-hormuz-blockade-671856.html Fri, 01 May 2026 14:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-eyes-big-kashmir-strike-to-trigger-global-intervention-671857.html New Delhi May 1 There is desperation drawn all over and Pakistan is attempting another audacious attack on Indian soil It would once again look to target Jammu and Kashmir and then bring the United States US into the picture Pakistan is planning a massive attack and would hope that India would retaliate like the way it did during Operation SindoorConsidering the newfound ties with the US under President Donald Trump Pakistan would hope for an external interventionAn official said that the intervention that Pakistan would be seeking would not just be restricted to the retaliation for the terror strike This is a long planned goal of Pakistan to internationalise the Kashmir issue the official saidIndia has always maintained that Kashmir is an internal issue Even after the abrogation of Article 370 Pakistan had tried to raise the issue internationally However India made it clear that it remains an internal matter and the abrogation of the Article that gave Jammu and Kashmir special status was only meant to integrate it with the rest of IndiaFor Field Marshal Asim Munir there is a lot at stake He tried to push for a peace deal between the US and Iran However with that not going exactly as planned he is bound to shift his focus back to IndiaThere is a lot at stake for Field Marshal Munir and his reputation The domestic pressure is growing and he has to attempt something big in India so that his image correction can take place the official addedAnother official went on to add that Field Marshal Munir is also making out a case for him to become the President of Pakistan Although he can take that post by bullying any government in Pakistan he would still want to make it seem as though he has earned itWhat better than the Kashmir issue and internationalising it to make out a case for him to become the next President of Pakistan the official pointed outFor now the focus of Pakistan remains on rebuilding its terror network in Jammu and Kashmir It has been pushing for more homegrown modules This becomes important for Pakistan as these modules would continue to carry out attacks in the ValleyAn Intelligence Bureau official said that it is a twopronged strategy that Munir has planned On one hand Pakistan wants homegrown modules to undertake strikes This causes losses to the tourism industry It also diverts the attention of the security forces which are currently focussed entirely on the borderIf the diversion does happen then Pakistan would look to send in its terrorists who are waiting in large numbers in launch pads across the borderGiven the current situation Pakistan would want attacks to continue in Jammu and Kashmir However the larger goal would be to carry out a big attack in Kashmir using Pakistani terrorists with the hope that the Indian armed forces would retaliateThis is a big game that Munir is playing He is ready to allow terror infrastructure in Pakistan to be hit again His larger aim is to get the international community to intervene and then internationalise the Kashmir issuePakistan watchers point out that the Iran negotiations were of extreme importance for Munir More than wanting to stop the war he wanted to project to the people of Pakistan that he is putting their country on the international stageAs of now it has not gone the way Pakistan would have hoped This explains why Munir wants to strike big in Kashmir and then get countries such as the US to intervene the experts also pointed out IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-eyes-big-kashmir-strike-to-trigger-global-intervention-671857.html Fri, 01 May 2026 14:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-reports-threefold-surge-in-workplace-deaths-in-first-quarter-of-2026-671858.html Dhaka May 1 At least 72 workers were killed and 573 injured in workplace accidents across Bangladesh in the first three months of 2026 more than three times the number recorded during the same period last year local media reported citing a human rights organisation The findings were presented on Thursday by Dhakabased Human Rights Support Society HRSS at a discussion titled âWorkersâ Rights are Human Rightsâ organised ahead of International Workersâ DayAccording to the report injuries among workers in the first three months of this year nearly doubled the 294 injuries reported during the same period in 2025 These injuries were caused by workplace accidents police action during protests and other forms of violence Bangladeshs leading newspaper The Daily Star reportedAs per the data a total of 168 workplace deaths were reported in 2025 including 19 that occurred in the first quarter and 64 in the final quarterAddressing the event civil society platform Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna criticised the lack of workersâ representation in the national parliament stating that their rights and demands continue to be overlookedHe expressed concern that despite parliament being in session for an extended period issues including workersâ rights living standards or economic challenges have gone unaddressedManna also took a dig at ongoing debates on state reform and constitutional amendments arguing that the potential benefit for workers remains unclearHe further alleged that the increase in prices of essentials gas and fuel in Bangladesh is not being effectively addressed while social safety net benefits continue to miss their intended recipientsManna called on the labour leaders across the country to integrate the labour movement with mainstream politics and develop an accountable mass movement aimed at establishing a welfare stateBangladesh Sramik Kalyan Federation President Advocate Atiqur Rahman said âHalf of those killed in the July movement were workers Yet reform commissions have failed to address the concerns of 75 crore workersâHe also criticised the persistent use of child labour in garment factoriesHighlighting wage discrimination and harsh conditions faced by female garment workers in Bangladesh Rabita Islam Deputy Director of Karmojibi Nari a womenled advocacy group said âWorkers receiving minimum wages are often laid off as they age and are forced to join subcontracting factories where they earn only Tk 5000 to Tk 7000 a monthâ she said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-reports-threefold-surge-in-workplace-deaths-in-first-quarter-of-2026-671858.html Fri, 01 May 2026 14:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/taiwan-accuses-china-of-smuggling-vegetables-through-vietnam-671862.html Taipei May 1 Taiwan has accused China of smuggling vegetables into the selfruled island through Vietnam to avoid import restrictions with officials pledging to impose a crackdown on a practice they termed origin washing Taiwan which has prohibited import of over 1000 Chinese agricultural and fishery products said companies in China were avoiding restrictions by rerouting vegetables like Napa cabbage and shiitake mushrooms through Vietnam British daily newspaper The Guardian reportedAccording to officials the items are then repackaged as Vietnamese goods and imported into Taiwan While addressing lawmakers at a legislative meeting Taiwans agriculture minister Chen Junnejih said that his ministry is taking steps to combat origin laundering including enforcing strict penalties on violatorsChen mentioned that his ministry would conduct aerial surveys in Veitnam to map out how much produce could feasibly originate from certain areas He said If the volume exported to Taiwan exceeds that there should be a mechanism to address itDuring a meeting on Wednesday Democratic Progressive Party DPP legislator Chiu Yiying said it was possible to fraudulently buy an official Vietnamese certificate of origin for NT13000 about USD 410 She mentioned that importers can then earn profits between NT200000 and NT500000 per container She urged the agriculture ministry to take action against the practice by requiring thirdparty isotope testing to analyse the origin of the productChina considers Taiwan as part of its territory and does not rule out the use of force for âreunificationDuring early 200s cooperation between Taiwan and China resulted in the signing of a landmark free trade agreement between Beijing and Taipei in 2010In recent years Chinas tried to intimidate Taiwans ruling prosovereignty Democratic Progressive Party DPP and President Lai Chingte by increasing military political and economic pressureInitially China suspended the import of Taiwanese pineapples in 2021 over pest control concerns a move termed political by Taipei In 2024 Taiwan accused China of violating World Trade Organisation rules after it imposed a ban on imports of several Taiwanese fruits vegetables and seafood The Guardian reportedTaiwan termed the move economic coercion stressing that it harms the interests of farmers on both sides of the Taiwan Strait Meanwhile China accused Taiwan of breaching the terms of its 2010 free trade agreement by prohibiting the import of 2509 Chinese products IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/taiwan-accuses-china-of-smuggling-vegetables-through-vietnam-671862.html Fri, 01 May 2026 14:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-navys-blockade-of-iran-hits-chinas-cheap-oil-deals-report-671874.html New Delhi May 1 The US Navys blockade of Iran has built economic pressure on Tehran that continues even though the ceasefire has led to a temporary pause in fighting according to a new report The blockade has also hit Chinaâs purchases of Iranâs oil at discounted prices deals for which were being carried out through a covert financial system and a fleet of ghost tankersAccording to an article in Sky News Australia Iranâs Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps IRGC has sustained itself through shell companies rotating ship identities and shadow banking corridors that kept oil revenue flowing outside the formal financial system The article highlights that earlier the US kept targeting individual aspects of this covert system put in place by China and Iran to circumvent western sanctions However this time around the US is aiming to dismantle the entire network that in the past has managed to survive the limited action It points out that earlier this clandestine ecosystem survived as China built the infrastructure to sustain it This included a shadow banking network which concealed the origin of Iranian crude oil rotating ship identities and layering payments through thirdcountry intermediariesChinaâs âteapot refineryâ sector comprising small coastal refineries processed most of Irans oil exports while carrying out these deals through the US financial system in dollars and providing the IRGC the hard currency which was required to finance missiles drones and weapons transfers to regional proxies such as Hezbollah Hamas and the Houthi rebels The article also states that China was also using Iran as âa rehearsal spaceâ so that it could use these evasion methods on a much wider scale for itself if required to evade US sanctions The IRGC operated a rotating fleet of tankers under falsified identities to conceal Iranian crude shipments to Chinese buyers while Hengli Petrochemical Chinas secondlargest independent refinery received more than five million barrels of IRGCaffiliated crude through that same network the article points out âThe arrangement served Beijing on both ends with Chinese refiners purchasing Iranian crude at steep discounts unavailable on open markets while every successful evasion transaction simultaneously stresstested the financial infrastructure Xi intended to activate over Taiwanâ the article observes However there has been a big setback to this entire network as in the latest action the US has sanctioned 35 entities and individuals running Irans shadow banking system hitting 19 shadow fleet vessels simultaneously and putting every company paying IRGC tolls for Strait of Hormuz passage on notice the article added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-navys-blockade-of-iran-hits-chinas-cheap-oil-deals-report-671874.html Fri, 01 May 2026 16:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/uae-telecom-giant-etisalat-may-exit-pakistan-671893.html New Delhi May 1 Leading UAE telecom major Etisalat is reviewing its investment in Pakistan which could lead to its exit from Pakistan TelecomÂmuniÂcation Company Ltd PTCL according to a report in the local media Insiders say Etisalat had indicated that the review is driven by a combination of global macroeconomic uncertainty regional geopolitical tensions and evolving capital allocation strategies among sovereignlinked investors the report in the Dawn saidEtisalatâs plans are still at the preliminary assessment stage with no final decision taken as yet the report statedAsked for comment PTCL told Dawn its longterm business plan had recently been approved by its board and shareholders PTCL is not aware about shareholdersâ plan of any change at this stageâ the company said in its statementFor Pakistan PTCL remains a strategically important entity despite its mixed ownership â the government and its entities still hold around 62 per cent stake in it although 26 per cent shares and management control are in the hands of the Gulf telecom giant which recently rebranded and is in the process of corporate restructuring The remaining 12 pc shares are held by private investors through the Pakistan Stock ExchangePTCL has been facing continuous losses over the past couple of years turning a profit only recently following its acquisition of Telenor PakistanJust recently Islamabad repaid about 35bn to the UAE which had been rolling over these deposits for years to shore up Pakistanâs foreign exchange reserve target under multiple IMF programmesConcurrently Saudi Arabia has increased its role in maintaining Pakistanâs reserves by enhancing the volume of its safe deposits in Pakistan by 3bn to 8bn to fill the financing gap under IMF requirements Meanwhile the IMFâs executive board is set to meet on May 8 to clear the disbursement of another 121bn tranche for PakistanA senior Finance Division official told Dawn that in the event of any portfolio rebalancing by UAE stakeholders Pakistan retained credible downside protection through alternative GCC capital flows noting that strategic interest from Saudi and Qatari investors provided a viable alternative pathway to ensure continuity of investment operational stability and longterm sectoral growthSources referred to the UAEâs recent measured rebalancing toward US dollar reserves and domestic market commitments amid global volatility saying that this reflects standard focus on hardcurrency buffers balanceofpayment stability and capital efficiency the report added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/uae-telecom-giant-etisalat-may-exit-pakistan-671893.html Fri, 01 May 2026 20:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/isis-long-game-distraction-surveillance-and-a-bigger-plot-ahead-of-up-polls-671757.html New Delhi April 30 The ISI is playing a long game and is plotting a big attack leading up to the elections in Uttar Pradesh scheduled to be held next year In the run up to the big plot ISI backed elements are causing major distractions through their propaganda channels officials have learnt The Uttar Pradesh election is a big event and the ISI is plotting to carry out a series of attacks in the lead up an official said The official explained that if one notices the pattern the ISI backed elements are indulging in multiple acts such as setting up CCTV cameras indulging in spying activity among others All this is aimed at gathering information about sensitive locations in IndiaThe sudden surge in activity is to keep the Indian agencies engaged so that these persons can slip in an attack of a huge magnitude an Intelligence Bureau official saidThe official said that these people are not just plotting major strikes but also plan on disrupting communal harmony There are multiple intercepts which have been picked up that suggest that the propaganda channels have been asked to go on overdrive mode to disturb peace and harmony the official also saidThe intent is not just to create problems in major cities in Uttar Pradesh The ISI has its eyes on tier2 cities and villages as well The idea is to confuse the agencies in India and then slip in the surprise element another official saidRecently the Ghaziabad police busted a module that was involved in setting up CCTV cameras at railway stations and other sensitive locations Solar powered cameras were being installed so that live feed could be provided to the handlers based out of Pakistan This prompted a CCTV camera audit across the countryThe agencies worry that these elements may have procured CCTV cameras in large numbers much in advance The official said that they propose to use the same tactic in the run up to the UP electionsThe plan is to install them at roadside dhabas and other shops The aim would be to keep an eye on the routes that the big politicians take during campaigning Officials also say that the ISI is unlikely to use its elements who have set up shop in Uttar Pradesh They are likely to use elements from other states as there is a chance that the police are unlikely to have a record on them Using elements from UP will create suspicion and the ISI wants to avoid that at all cost the official also saidOfficials say that while the agencies bust espionage and terror modules in various states a close eye should also be kept on what is happening elsewhere The constant distraction that the ISI is trying to create in reality is aimed elsewhere and the plan is a big one officials also noteSuch planning also suits the ISIâs larger narrative of having multiple homegrown modules to carry out attacks in India Following the change in doctrine where India would treat every act of terror from Pakistan as an act of war the ISI too has tweaked its tacticsAn official said that while the ISI wants to hit big in India it also wants to ensure that the trail does not lead back to Pakistan While the doctrine change is one factor Pakistan is aware that it is under the watch of the Financial Action Task Force FATFWith an economy that is struggling the last thing Pakistan wants is to get back to the Grey List Islamabad had come out of the Grey List on the promise that it would stop financing terrorPakistanâs ISI has been accused of diverting drug money and funds generated through charities to keep terror groups going This explains the major change in tactic by Pakistan whereby it wants every attack to look like it is homegrown an official also said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/isis-long-game-distraction-surveillance-and-a-bigger-plot-ahead-of-up-polls-671757.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-and-italy-expand-defence-ties-explore-deepening-industrial-cooperation-671773.html New Delhi April 30 IANS India and Italy explored prospects for further developing industrial cooperation in the defence sector during a meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Italian counterpart Guido Crosetto in New Delhi on Thursday Both ministers discussed ways to further develop mutually beneficial defence industrial cooperation under Indias Atmanirbhar Bharat programme and Italys defence cooperation initiativeThe two sides also exchanged a Bilateral Military Cooperation Plan MCP 202627 regarding military engagements between the armed forces of India and ItalyHappy to have welcomed my Italian counterpart Mr Guido Crosetto and held extensive talks with him in Delhi today We discussed a wide range of regional and global issues including the current situation in West Asia We also discussed the avenues to further develop mutually beneficial defence industrial cooperation under Indias Atmanirbhar Bharat programme and Italys defence cooperation initiative A Bilateral Military Cooperation Plan MCP 202627 was also exchanged regarding military engagements between the Armed forces of both countries Singh posted on XDescribing his meeting with Singh as cordial and fruitful Crosetto stated that several regional and global issues including the current situation in the Middle East were also discussedCordial and fruitful meeting in India with my counterpart Shri Rajnath Singh We discussed a wide range of regional and global issues including the current situation in the Middle East During the meeting we also delved into prospects for further developing industrial cooperation in the defence sector based on shared interests and mutual benefit Finally the Bilateral Military Cooperation Plan 20262027 was exchanged concerning commitments and collaborative activities between our Armed Forces Italys Ministry of Defence quoted Crosetto as sayingEarlier in the day the visiting minister laid a wreath at the National War Memorial and paid tribute to the brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in service of the nationItalys Ministry of Defence has highlighted that the defence cooperation between Italy and India has gained further momentum following Singhs visit to Rome in October 2023Minister Crosettos visit to India underscores the willingness of both countries to expand existing cooperation and explore new areas of collaboration particularly within the framework of industrial partnership it statedItaly mentioned that that the signing of IndiaEU Defence and Strategic Partnership in January 2026 signals increasing strategic convergence and has provided further impetus to defence industrial cooperation in areas of mutual interestAccording to the Ministry of External Affairs MEA initially the defence ties between both nations were focused on import of defence equipment to India which has now expanded to include training industry cooperation including export of defence equipment sharing of information port calls maritime exercises maritime security etcDuring his visit to Italy in 2023 Rajnath Singh had held discussions with Crosetto and both sides had signed a Memorandum of Understanding MoU on defence cooperationIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-and-italy-expand-defence-ties-explore-deepening-industrial-cooperation-671773.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-africans-welcome-fuel-relief-extension-amid-ongoing-cost-pressures-671715.html Johannesburg April 30 The South African governments decision to extend its temporary fuel levy relief has drawn a positive albeit cautious reaction from the public Many have seen the measure as muchneeded breathing room amidst persistent costofliving pressuresEarlier this week the National Treasury and the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources confirmed that the temporary three rand about 018 US dollars per litre reduction in the general fuel levy for petrol will remain in place through June reports Xinhua news agencyFor many motorists in Johannesburg the most populous city in South Africa the extension is a welcome reprieveBhambatha Nkqayi a ridehailing driver said fuel is one of his biggest monthly expenses This relief doesnt solve everything but it helps me keep my business running and still earn an incomeLerato Mokoena a retail worker from Soweto who commutes nearly 30 km to the Glen Shopping Centre said that taxi fares usually rise quickly when fuel prices increase If this prevents another increase even for a few weeks it makes a difference for people like usFuel is a major cost in my business especially with daily deliveries said Xolani Bheshunga who runs a catering service in Randburg This gives us breathing space and helps us avoid passing extra costs on to customersEconomist Raymond Parsons from NorthWest University Business School said the extension is a necessary response to persistent global energy price pressures and rising living costsParsons said the decision is justified on social grounds and supported by available fiscal space including higherthanexpected tax revenues and planned spending reviewsFuel levy relief was first introduced at the end of March to cushion the blow of the rising global oil prices linked to tensions in the Middle East However some South Africans caution that the temporary measure does not address deeper structural issues in the energy sectorSimnikiwe Kanyayi a student at the University of Johannesburg said the extension is necessary but limitedIt cushions consumers in the short term especially during global shocks But South Africa still needs longterm solutions to reduce its dependence on international oil prices including investment in alternative energy and stronger domestic supply chains said KanyayiSmall business owners particularly those reliant on transport echoed similar concerns Aisha Patel who runs a delivery service in Alberton said the uncertainty makes planning difficultWe appreciate the extension but once it ends we could face another sudden spike That makes it hard to set prices Patel said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-africans-welcome-fuel-relief-extension-amid-ongoing-cost-pressures-671715.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 14:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/german-chancellor-says-ties-with-trump-remain-good-despite-friction-over-iran-671716.html Berlin April 30 German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said his personal relationship with US President Donald Trump remains good despite a recent exchange of sharp rhetoric regarding the war in Iran Speaking at a press conference in Berlin on Wednesday local time Merz said he and Trump remain on good speaking terms adding that he simply had doubts from the beginning regarding the actions initiated with the warMerz called for a swift resolution to the conflicts in Iran as Germany and Europe are suffering considerably from the consequences of the conflicts reports Xinhua news agencyEarlier this week Merz criticised the United States for its planless military engagement in Iran saying that the United States is being humiliated by the Iranian leadershipIn response Trump wrote on social media on Tuesday that Merz doesnt know what hes talking about and is indifferent to Irans nuclear ambitions Speaking at the CarolusMagnusGymnasium a school in Marsberg North RhineWestphalia Merz expressed his scepticism about Washingtons ability to quickly conclude its war with IranThe United States obviously went into this war without any strategy Merz was quoted by the German magazine Spiegel as saying adding that the Iranian side is negotiating highly skillfullyThe problem with such conflicts is always you dont just have to go in you also have to get out he saidMerz reiterated Germanys offer to help secure the Strait of Hormuz and restore global oil supply chains However he stressed that Germany will only participate once all combat operations have ceasedOn February 28 Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and other Iranian cities killing Irans then Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei senior commanders and civilians Iran responded with waves of missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and US interests in the Middle East and a tightened control over the Strait of Hormuz a key global route for oil and gas shipmentsA ceasefire was achieved on April 8 but Iran and the United States failed to reach an agreement in their talks in Pakistans capital Islamabad The United States later imposed its own blockade on the waterwayThe disruptions in the Strait have sharply driven up energy prices with Brent crude climbing above 107 US dollars per barrel on Monday IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/german-chancellor-says-ties-with-trump-remain-good-despite-friction-over-iran-671716.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 14:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-war-raises-concerns-over-us-focus-on-china-671717.html Washington April 30 The US war with Iran is prompting concerns in Congress that Washingtonâs military focus may be shifting away from countering China as lawmakers warn of growing strain on resources and deployments At a hearing on the Pentagonâs budget members pointed to the concentration of US forces in the Middle East including carrier strike groups at a time when China is expanding its military reachCommittee chairman Mike D Rogers said the United States faces âan unprecedented global threat environmentâ with China playing a central roleHe said Beijingâs military has evolved from a largely defensive force into one capable of projecting power âwell into the Pacificâ backed by rapid investment in ships missiles and space assetsSome lawmakers warned that the current war risks weakening the US position in the IndoPacific where China is seen as the primary longterm challengeThey said the diversion of military assets to the Middle East could limit the USâ ability to respond quickly to developments in AsiaJoint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine said such tradeoffs are part of strategic decisionmakingâThereâs always tradeoffs in all of these thingsâ he told lawmakers adding that deployments are shaped by evolving security prioritiesCaine said decisions are made after weighing risks and options with the aim of balancing commitments across multiple regionsCritics said prolonged engagement in the Middle East could stretch US capabilities and send the wrong signal to adversariesThey also warned that shifting attention away from the IndoPacific could give China more room to expand its influenceDefence Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the administrationâs approach saying the US military remains capable of addressing threats globallyHe said the strategy is designed to maintain deterrence across regions while dealing with immediate challengesChinaâs military rise has been a central concern in US defence planning with lawmakers citing its shipbuilding capacity and growing defence spendingThe IndoPacific remains a key theatre for US strategy with Washington strengthening partnerships and cooperation with regional allies IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-war-raises-concerns-over-us-focus-on-china-671717.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 14:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/continued-strikes-on-gaza-disrupt-basic-services-un-humanitarians-671718.html United Nations April 30 Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip continue to hit residential areas and disrupt basic services UN humanitarians have said The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs OCHA on Wednesday Local time said that a recent airstrike reportedly hit nongovernmental organisation workers at a water well in Gaza City One of them was killed and four were injuredThe well was heavily damaged and onsite work has been suspended OCHA quoted its partners as sayingActivities were also suspended at another water filling point Al Mansoura where two civilian truck drivers contracted by the UN Childrens Fund were also recently killed said the officeDespite the attacks partners working on water said overall water production has not yet fallen and that they were filling gaps by sourcing more clean water to deliver by truck They stressed that peoples water needs are far from being met some 60 per cent of families cannot access enough clean water said OCHAHumanitarians warned that current arrangements regarding water supply are costly and not sustainable They rely heavily on increased fuel oil generators spare parts trucks and a devastated pipe network that is wholly inadequate The United Nations has been engaging with authorities so these and other critical items can enter Gaza Without them water production and other services are at serious risk of collapse said the officeOCHA stressed that civilians and civilian objects including critical facilities that people rely on to meet their basic needs must be protected in line with international humanitarian law reports Xinhua news agencyHumanitarian operations continue across all sectors it saidOn Tuesday the world body and humanitarian partners collected additional food medicine and hygiene items at the Kerem ShalomKarem Abu Salem border crossing They also supported the medical evacuation of two dozen patients and their companions and offered protection and other services to nearly 50 returneesAlso on Tuesday the United Nations recovered broken trucks from hardtoreach areas where Israeli forces remain deployed And nearly 100 humanitarian staff crossed in or out of Gaza a routine but essential cycle to ease pressure and prevent burnout among frontline teams working in extremely challenging conditions said OCHA IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/continued-strikes-on-gaza-disrupt-basic-services-un-humanitarians-671718.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 14:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-15-trillion-defence-budget-push-to-target-supply-chain-gaps-671719.html Washington April 30 The Trump Administration is seeking to overhaul its defence industrial base and reduce reliance on adversaries as lawmakers reviewed a sweeping budget proposal aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing and supply chains At a congressional hearing on Wednesday local time Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the 15 trillion budget would âsuperchargeâ production capacity and restore the countryâs ability to build weapons systems at scaleHe said the plan includes major investments to expand manufacturing strengthen supply chains and accelerate the production of munitions ships and advanced systemsLawmakers from both parties acknowledged that years of underinvestment have weakened the US industrial base leaving it in some areas dependent on foreign suppliers including potential adversariesCommittee chairman Mike D Rogers said the US is no longer able to produce critical defence equipment at the speed requiredâWeâre no longer capable of manufacturing for our warfighters at scale or speedâ he said pointing to gaps in shipbuilding and munitions productionHe highlighted the contrast with China noting that Beijing dominates global shipbuilding while US capacity has sharply declinedThe budget seeks to reverse that trend by increasing spending on procurement and research along with investments in domestic and allied supply chainsHegseth said the department is shifting from what he described as a âbureaucratic model to a business modelâ aimed at encouraging private sector investmentHe told lawmakers that recent efforts have already triggered significant industry response including new facilities and manufacturing expansion backed by private capitalOfficials said the strategy includes sending longterm demand signals to companies enabling them to scale production and invest in new plants and assembly linesJoint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine said sustained investment is essential to maintain military readiness and adapt to evolving threatsHe said modern warfare increasingly depends on industrial capacity technology and the ability to produce at scale IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-15-trillion-defence-budget-push-to-target-supply-chain-gaps-671719.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 14:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/oil-prices-surge-supply-tightens-amid-escalating-us-iran-conflict-spark-concerns-671720.html Washington April 30 Disruptions from the US war with Iran are pushing up fuel prices and straining global energy supplies lawmakers warned citing mounting pressure on economies worldwide At a congressional hearing on Wednesday local time lawmakers pointed to instability around the Strait of Hormuz a key shipping route for global oil flows as a major source of concernRanking member Adam Smith said the economic fallout is already visible âThe impact on the economy certainly here at home gas prices up by over a dollarâ he saidHe added that the crisis is global âDozens of countries are rationing gasoline as we speak and experiencing extreme economic pain because of this warâ Smith told the committeeLawmakers said reduced transit through the Strait of Hormuz has tightened supply while higher fuel and fertiliser costs risk driving broader inflationDefence Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the campaign saying it is necessary despite economic strain âWe fight to win in every scenarioâ he saidPentagon officials said the war has already cost about 25 billion Department of Defence Comptroller Jules W Hurst III told lawmakers most of the spending has gone to munitions and operationsLawmakers pressed officials on whether the broader economic impact is being fully considered especially as energy prices climbJoint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine said global risks are rising as conflicts increasingly affect both security and economic systemsThe Strait of Hormuz remains one of the worldâs most critical oil chokepoints Any disruption there can quickly tighten supply and push prices higherThe current conflict has added to that pressure raising concerns about how long disruptions could last and how deeply they could affect energydependent economiesThe United States has long faced tensions with Iran over its nuclear programme and regional influence Past crises in the Gulf have triggered similar spikes in oil prices IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/oil-prices-surge-supply-tightens-amid-escalating-us-iran-conflict-spark-concerns-671720.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 14:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/europe-faces-intensifying-climate-extremes-as-reports-warn-of-accelerating-warming-671722.html Geneva April 30 Multiple reports have painted a stark picture of accelerating climate extremes with Europe warming faster than any other continent The findings underscore that climate change has become an urgent reality reshaping ecosystems economies and human health across Europe calling for ambitious actions Since 1980 Europe has been warming twice as fast as the global average making it the fastest warming continent on Earth Celeste Saulo secretarygeneral of the World Meteorological Organization WMO said while presenting the European State of the Climate Report 2025 released on Wednesday local timeEurope suffered record or nearrecord climate extremes in 2025 with heatwaves wildfires marine heat and ice loss intensifying across the continent the EUfunded Copernicus Climate Change Service and the WMO said in the reportAccording to the report at least 95 per cent of Europe recorded annual temperatures above average with prolonged heat spreading from the Mediterranean to the Arctic Circle Europe experienced its secondmost severe heatwave on record while subArctic Fennoscandia endured a 21day heatwave in July the longest and most severe ever recorded in the region Temperatures near and within the Arctic Circle reached or exceeded 30 degrees Celsius reports Xinhua news agencyThe findings align with broader Copernicus data showing that 2025 was the thirdwarmest year on record globallyHot and dry conditions fuelled Europes worst wildfire year on record Wildfire data in the report showed that about 1034 million hectares of land an area larger than Cyprus were burned in 2025 Wildfire emissions in Europe also reached their highest level on record with Spain accounting for around half of the continents total fire emissionsNumerous extreme events in 2025 including drought wildfires and land and marine heatwaves placed mounting pressure on biodiversity in marine and terrestrial ecosystems Shrinking and shifting habitats disrupted seasonal cycles and changing precipitation patterns have further intensified stress on natureThe report highlighted concrete examples of climate change impacts on sensitive ecosystems such as marine heatwaves damaging seagrass meadows in the Mediterranean Sea and wildfires affecting peatlands underscoring the growing links between climate and biodiversity lossSeparate findings from the Global Forest Watch platform showed that climate changelinked forest loss was also significant in Europe in 2025 In France tree cover loss due to fire reached a record high in 2025 seven times higher than in 2024 In Spain and Portugal around 60 per cent of all 2025 tree cover loss was caused by wildfiresExtreme heat also takes a measurable toll on human health and productivity A joint report by the Food and Agriculture Organization FAO and the WMO has warned that extreme heat is disrupting global agrifood systems threatening over one billion people It estimated annual losses of around 500 billion working hours worldwide due to heat stressFAO DirectorGeneral Qu Dongyu described extreme heat as a major risk multiplier exerting mounting pressure on crops livestock fisheries forests and on communities and economies that depend upon themCiting Europes record heatwaves European Centre for MediumRange Weather Forecasts DirectorGeneral Florian Pappenberger said The 2025 report offers clear actionable insights to support policy decisions and help the public better understand the changing climate we live inThe report also points to steps taken by European policymakers including legally binding EU targets to restore at least 20 per cent of land and sea areas by 2030 and all ecosystems in need by 2050 Broader frameworks such as the European Green Deal and EU Climate Law embed biodiversity protection within climate strategiesHowever despite these initiatives the report underlined that progress must accelerateThe European State of the Climate 2025 report is a stark reminder that we must sustain and accelerate both adaptation and mitigation efforts said Dusan Chrenek principal adviser for Digital Green Transition at DirectorateGeneral for Climate Action adding that Europe should further strengthen its Earth observation capabilities through advanced technologies IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/europe-faces-intensifying-climate-extremes-as-reports-warn-of-accelerating-warming-671722.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 14:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/iranians-pledge-allegiance-to-new-supreme-leader-at-mass-rallies-671724.html Tehran April 30 Tens of thousands of Iranians took to the streets in mass rallies across the country to pledge allegiance to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and demonstrate national unity The rallies held concurrently in different cities on the birthday anniversary of the eighth Imam of Shiite Muslims Imam Reza ran from 1600 local time 1230 GMT to 2100 on WednesdayIn the capital Tehran people marched from Imam Hossein Square to Azadi Square waving Iranian flags and holding pictures of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei who was killed in a US and Israeli attack in late February and the new leader reports Xinhua news agencySeveral officials including Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani and Irans Constitutional Council spokesman Hadi Tahan Naizf joined the crowdThe participants chanted slogans against the United States and Israel and in support of Irans Islamic establishment and highlighted the necessity to maintain national unityA pavilion was set up along the route to commemorate those killed in a US and Israeli attack on a school in the southern Iranian city of Minab on the first day of the 40day war against IranIrans homegrown Kheibarshekan missile and Shahed 136 drone were also displayed during the rally in TehranOn February 28 Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and other Iranian cities killing Irans thenSupreme Leader Ali Khamenei senior commanders and civilians Iran responded with waves of missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and US assets in the Middle East A ceasefire was achieved between the warring parties on April 8 IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/iranians-pledge-allegiance-to-new-supreme-leader-at-mass-rallies-671724.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 14:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pentagon-official-says-iran-war-has-cost-25-billion-so-far-671725.html Washington April 30 A senior Pentagon official has said that the cost of the ongoing US war against Iran is estimated to be 25 billion US dollars so far as the conflict has dragged on for two months Approximately on this day were spending about 25 billion dollars on Operation Epic Fury acting Pentagon Comptroller Jules Hurst III told the House Armed Services Committee as he testified alongside Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan CaineHurst added that most of those costs were from munitions and included operations maintenance and equipment replacements reports Xinhua news agencyAccording to previous media reports Pentagon officials told lawmakers in a closeddoor briefing on March 11 that the Trump administration spent more than 113 billion dollars in the first six days of its war against IranHegseths attendance at the hourslong hearing marks his first public questioning since the United States launched military strikes against IranDuring the hearing most Republicans expressed support for President Donald Trumps decision to carry out military action against Iran while Democrats engaged in heated exchanges with Hegseth over the wars strategy objectives and consequencesIn response to a series of sharp questions from Democrats regarding the rapidly escalating costs of the Iran war significant reductions in key munitions stockpiles and the impact of the conflict on US citizens cost of living Hegseth dismissed criticism of the war as politicalThe defence secretary also refused to answer questions about how long the conflict might last or how much it would ultimately costHe further defended the Pentagons proposed recordhigh defence budget of 15 trillion dollars for fiscal year 2027 This budget will ensure the United States continues to maintain the worlds most powerful and capable military as we grapple with a complex threat environment across multiple theatres Hegseth said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pentagon-official-says-iran-war-has-cost-25-billion-so-far-671725.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 14:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/new-us-bill-aims-to-strengthen-imec-connectivity-via-mediterranean-671726.html Washington April 30 US Senators Cory Booker and Dave McCormick have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at strengthening energy security supply chains and strategic partnerships by elevating the Eastern Mediterraneanâs role in the IndiaâMiddle EastâEurope Economic Corridor IMEC The proposed âEastern Mediterranean Gateway Actâ seeks to expand US engagement in a region increasingly viewed as a critical link between the United States India the Middle East and Europe The bill focuses on ports digital corridors and infrastructure to secure energy flows and deepen trade and diplomatic tiesâGlobal energy security and supply chains are under growing strain and the Eastern Mediterranean is emerging as a critical region for enhancing stability and cooperation on a range of shared strategic interests including support for the USIndiaMiddle EastEurope Economic Corridorâ Senator Booker saidâI am proud to introduce this important bipartisan legislation to strengthen energy security accelerate innovation and economic growth and deepen regional partnershipsâ he addedThe legislation formally recognises the Eastern Mediterranean as a âstrategic gatewayâ within IMEC a corridor launched at the 2023 G20 Summit to enhance connectivity between Asia the Middle East and Europe while offering an alternative to Chinaâs Belt and Road InitiativeLawmakers said the bill would institutionalise highlevel strategic dialogues with IMEC partners and expand cooperation on crossborder energy and infrastructure projects It also calls for assessing the expansion of USIsrael innovation programmes to other regional partners and evaluating multilateral models such as Cyprusâs CYCLOPS centreSenator McCormick pointed to recent regional tensions to underline the urgency of the initiativeâOperation Epic Fury showed that the Eastern Mediterranean is not on the sidelines of the Middle East itâs at the centre of it Our critical regional partners like Greece Cyprus Israel and Egypt stepped up with critical defence intelligence and logistical support when it mattered mostâ he saidâThe Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act strengthens these partnerships makes the region a bigger priority for the US and helps secure the IndiaMiddle EastEurope Economic Corridor so critical trade and energy routes arenât left vulnerable to Iran China or other adversariesâ he addedThe bill emphasises energy infrastructure projects such as interconnectors and LNG terminals as essential to European energy security and as a backbone for linking India the Gulf and Europe through the region It also highlights the role of countries such as Greece Cyprus Egypt and Israel as key US partners in promoting regional stability and economic developmentIn addition the legislation calls for enhanced defence cooperation educational exchanges and multilateral engagement including support for frameworks like the â31â initiative involving the United States Greece Israel and Cyprus and continued participation in the East Mediterranean Gas ForumAmong other things the measure directs US agencies to submit annual reports on implementation including updates on energy projects and defence cooperation It also mandates studies on expanding bilateral research and technology programmes modelled on existing USIsrael partnershipsThe IndiaâMiddle EastâEurope Economic Corridor was unveiled in 2023 with backing from the G7 and key regional partners It aims to create a multimodal network linking India to Europe via the Middle East combining rail ports and digital infrastructureIn recent years the Eastern Mediterranean has gained prominence due to energy discoveries shifting alliances and its geographic position connecting Europe West Asia and the Indian subcontinent The United States has expanded its engagement through diplomatic defence and energy partnerships in the region IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/new-us-bill-aims-to-strengthen-imec-connectivity-via-mediterranean-671726.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 14:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/two-jewish-men-stabbed-in-terror-attack-in-london-pm-starmer-says-deeply-concerned-671727.html London April 30 Two Jewish pedestrians were stabbed in the northwest London neighbourhood by a man in the latest in a series of assaults targeting the community UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that he was deeply concerned over the incident The British counterterrorism police have declared the incident a terror attack The incident occurred earlier in the day in the northwest London neighbourhood where a man armed with a knife randomly attacked Jewish pedestrians Xinhua news agency reportsCommunity watch group Shomrim said on social media that the attacker was running along Golders Green Road armed with a knife and attempting to stab Jewish members of the publicPolice officers responding to the incident were also attacked The suspect was subsequently subdued with a Taser and arrested on suspicion of attempted murder the Metropolitan Police said adding that he remains in custodyThe two victims aged 76 and 34 suffered stab wounds and are currently in hospital said Laurence Taylor head of Counter Terrorism Policing at the Metropolitan Police The suspect is a 45yearold manMetropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley said the suspect has a history of serious violence and mental health issuesFollowing an emergency COBRA meeting Starmer said on social media that his government would act to make local Jewish community feel safe and fight antisemitism This is not an isolated incident It is the latest in a spate of utterly vile attacks on the Jewish community he saidKing Charles III currently on a state visit to the United States has kept fully informed and is deeply concerned about the incident according to British mediaLondon Mayor Sadiq Khan said the capitals Jewish community has faced a series of shocking antisemitic attacks and stressed that there must be absolutely no place for antisemitism in societyThe stabbing follows a series of arson attacks targeting Jewish sites in LondonOn March 23 four volunteerled ambulances in Golders Green were set on fire causing explosions Three people were charged earlier this month in connection with the caseA suspected arson attack involving a memorial wall was reported in the same area on Monday While the case is under investigation by counterterrorism police it is not currently being treated as terrorismOn April 21 police said seven people had been arrested over an alleged plan to carry out an arson attack against the Jewish community although the exact target remained unclear On the same day a 17yearold boy pleaded guilty to carrying out a petrol bomb attack at a synagogue in Kenton northwest London on April 18British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said an enhanced police presence had been deployed and pledged to strain every sinew to protect the Jewish community IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/two-jewish-men-stabbed-in-terror-attack-in-london-pm-starmer-says-deeply-concerned-671727.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 14:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-probes-firms-using-chinese-ai-citing-data-exposure-censorship-risks-671732.html Washington April 30 Two key US House committees announced that they have launched an investigation into national security risks linked to American companies using Chinesedeveloped artificial intelligence models citing concerns over data exposure censorship and supply chain vulnerabilities The probe announced by House Select Committee on China Chairman John Moolenaar and House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Andrew Garbarino on Wednesday local time focuses on companies including Airbnb and AnysphereâAirbnb and Anysphereâs decisions to build their products on Chinese Communist AI models threaten critical infrastructure Americans use every dayâ Moolenaar said âThe AI models these companies use are trained by Chinaâs censorship regime and introduce hidden vulnerabilities that put Americansâ data and businesses at riskâGarbarino said Beijing is seeking to exploit US innovation âThe Chinese Communist Party is trying to turn Americaâs AI breakthroughs into Beijingâs strategic advantageâ he said warning that such models could âundercut US leadershipâ and embed âCCPaligned technology across the software supply chains our economy and national security depend onâLawmakers said the investigation centres on concerns that Chinese firms are using âadversarial model distillationâ to extract capabilities from advanced US systems and repurpose them into cheaper models without safeguardsIn a letter to Airbnb Chief Executive Brian Chesky the committees cited the companyâs reported use of Alibabaâs Qwen model in customer service operations âThe Committees have serious concerns about the national security and datasecurity implications of that approach for Airbnbâs American customers and for the integrity of its systemsâ the lawmakers wroteChinese AI systems may âcovertly censor and manipulate information pursuant to Chinese lawâ and align outputs with Communist Party directives the Seators alleged It also warned that using such models through external systems could expose sensitive user data to entities subject to Chinese lawSeparately lawmakers raised concerns about Anysphereâs Cursor software which they said was built on a model linked to Beijingbased Moonshot AI The letter said Chinese firms carried out âcoordinated campaigns to extract advanced capabilities from American AI systems through adversarial distillationâ generating millions of interactions through fraudulent accountsâThe billions of dollars American companies invest in foundational researchâ is being undercut by a sustained extraction campaignâ the lawmakers wrote adding that strippeddown models could be used by âhostile state actors terrorist organisations and criminal enterprisesâReliance on such systems is not just a business decision âAmerican firms adopting these models are not simply choosing a cheaper tool they are importing an architecture designed to serve the Chinese stateâ the Airbnb letter saidThe investigation follows an April White House science policy memo that described such activities as âdeliberate industrialscale campaignsâ to extract US AI capabilitiesThe committees have asked both companies to provide detailed information on their use of Chinese AI models including data handling security assessments and any ties to Chinese providers with responses due in MayThe inquiry comes as USChina competition intensifies in artificial intelligence a sector seen as critical to economic and national security IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-probes-firms-using-chinese-ai-citing-data-exposure-censorship-risks-671732.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 14:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-blasts-powell-over-decision-to-stay-on-as-fed-governor-671734.html Washington April 30 US President Donald Trump blasted Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell after the central bank chief said he would stay on as a governor Jerome Too Late Powell wants to stay at the Fed because he cant get a job anywhere else Nobody wants him Trump wrote on his Truth Social account on Wednesday Local time reports XinhuaEarlier Powell confirmed he will step down as chair on May 15 but plans to remain on the Federal Reserve Board as a governor for a period He said recent developments influenced that decisionwarned that the central bankâs independence is âat riskâ amid what he called unprecedented legal challenges raising concerns about its ability to set policy free from political pressureâThese legal actions by the administration are unprecedented in our 113year historyâ Powell said on Wednesday local time He added that such moves are âbattering the institutionâ and could undermine its role in guiding the economyPowell said the issue is critical for economic stability âIt is so importantâ that they can depend over time on a central bank that operates that way free of political influenceâ he saidHe noted that the Federal Reserve has already had to defend its authority in court âWeâve had to go to courtâ to defend itâ he said warning of âongoing threats of additional such actionsâThe Fed chief stressed that credibility depends on independence from elected officials âThat piece of institutional architecture separates successful countries from unsuccessful countriesâ he saidHe said political influence over interest rate decisions would erode trust âIf thatâs what we were doing weâd have no credibility markets would lose faith in usâ Powell saidâI had long planned to be retiringâ but the things that have happenedâ have left me no choice but to stay until I see them throughâ he saidHe rejected suggestions that staying on is political âIâm literally staying because of the actions that have been takenâ Powell saidPowell said the goal is to preserve the Fedâs ability to act without political considerations He stressed that monetary policy must be guided by economic data and analysis not electoral pressuresâThink about it this way that you want people to make monetary policyâ and focus only on that and ignore political considerationsâ he saidHe said independence is rooted in both law and longstanding norms âThereâs a boundary line between the Fed and the administrationâ and we need to respect those boundariesâ he saidIn response to a question Powell acknowledged that the institution is under strain but expressed confidence in its resilience âI am confidentâ that the Fed will continue to make its decision based on analysisâ and not on political considerationsâ he saidCentral bank independence has been a cornerstone of modern economic policy allowing authorities to control inflation and stabilise economies without political interference IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-blasts-powell-over-decision-to-stay-on-as-fed-governor-671734.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-warns-of-china-russia-threats-as-space-turns-battlefield-671736.html Washington April 30 The United States has warned that outer space is rapidly emerging as a contested military domain with China and Russia expanding capabilities that could threaten global security satellite infrastructure and international stability Eminent lawmakers and experts during a Congressional hearing described a shifting strategic landscape in which competition is intensifying across military commercial and diplomatic frontsâSpace is now a congested and contested domain one that the US Space Force characterises as a warfighting domainâ said Congressman Keith Self chairing the House subcommittee hearing He added that âthe realities in outer space are very much different today than when they were 50 years agoâChina emerged as the central concern throughout the hearing with officials describing it as the most significant longterm challenger to US leadership in spaceâChina is the most consequential threat and competitor in spaceâ said Kari Bingen director of the Aerospace Security Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies She pointed to Beijingâs rapid buildup of satellites launch capabilities and global partnershipsBingen said China is âusing space as a tool of diplomacy and influence expanding its partnerships across the global Southâ warning that the longterm implications extend beyond technology to control over global standards and information networksLawmakers also raised concerns about Chinaâs activities in orbit including what the US Space Force has characterised as aggressive manoeuvresâChinaâ has engaged in aggressive manoeuvres in space from pushing defunct satellites out of orbit to close proximity operations that the US Space Force has characterised as dogfighting in orbitâ Self saidRussia meanwhile remains a significant threat particularly in the development of advanced antisatellite weaponsâFor years the Russians have been deploying a nuclearcapable antisatellite weapon that if employed would have devastating impacts on satellite operations in low Earth orbitâ Self saidExperts warned that such capabilities could disrupt not only military systems but also civilian infrastructure worldwide including communications navigation and financial networksThe hearing underscored how modern warfare is increasingly dependent on spacebased assets Bingen noted that satellites now underpin military operations by providing âconnectivity across dispersed forces intelligence in denied areas and are critical to missile warning precision targeting battle damage assessment and weatherââIn Ukraine we have seen how a militarily overmatched nation can use spacebased assets to level the playing fieldâ she said citing satellite communications and imagery as key tools in the conflictAt the same time the growing number of satellites and actors in space is complicating the strategic environment More than 80 per cent of satellites are now commercial and over 100 countries operate in space intensifying global competitionâThis is a very timely opportunity to consider American space enterpriseâ said Scott Pace director of the Space Policy Institute at George Washington University He described the emerging environment as a âheteropolar world orderâ where the United States and China hold dominant but asymmetric influenceâOfficials highlighted initiatives such as the Artemis Accords which now include more than 60 countries as part of a broader effort to maintain leadership through partnershipsâWe donât lead in space alone we lead by bringing others with usâ said Congressman Gabe Amo pointing to growing international cooperation in exploration and governanceExperts stressed that alliances are critical not only for technological collaboration but also for setting rules of behaviour in spaceâIf the United States does not lead in shaping the rules of behaviour in outer space others willâ said Mallory Stewart chief executive of the Council on Strategic RisksShe warned that without stronger norms and coordination the risks of conflict and miscalculation would rise sharply âAs space becomes more congested and contestedâ the risks of miscalculation and conflict will growâ Stewart saidA key area of concern is the potential for an arms race in space particularly involving antisatellite weapons and cyber capabilities targeting critical systemsâI think the arms race in outer space will continue unabated with no guardrailsâ Stewart cautioned warning of longterm damage to the space environmentLawmakers also highlighted the strategic competition playing out beyond orbit particularly in developing countries where China is expanding its footprint through infrastructure and financingChina is ârapidly expanding space partnerships in developing countries investing in ground infrastructure to improve tracking monitoring and launch capabilitiesâ Self notedResponding to questions officials called for a more coordinated diplomatic and economic strategy to compete globally including support for American commercial space companies and closer engagement with allies in regions such as the IndoPacificPace emphasised the importance of deeper collaboration with partners including India The US should âinclude space security in annualised dialogues with priority allies especially in the IndoPacific region such as Japan Australia India and South Koreaâ he saidIndiaâs growing space capabilities and its role in the IndoPacific security architecture make it a key partner in shaping future space governance and ensuring stabilityâIt is difficult to distinguish between benign and aligned actions in space because so many space systems are dual useâ Self said noting that technologies designed for repair or maintenance could also be used to disable satellitesAs competition intensifies experts said the outcome will determine not just technological leadership but the future rules governing spaceâThe winner will not just supply technology it will set the terms by which information flows networks interoperate and how the world is seenâ Bingen said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-warns-of-china-russia-threats-as-space-turns-battlefield-671736.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:01:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-military-claims-42-vessels-intercepted-in-ongoing-blockade-of-iranian-ports-671737.html Washington April 30 The US military has announced that its forces have intercepted 42 vessels as part of its blockade to prevent maritime commerce from entering or exiting Iranian ports Today US forces achieved a significant milestone after successfully redirecting the 42nd commercial vessel attempting to violate the blockade US Central Commander Brad Cooper said in a statement posted on social media X on Wednesday local timeHe highlighted that the 41 tankers currently stranded as a result of the blockade hold an estimated 69 million barrels of oil which is over 6 billion US dollars in potential revenue further crippling Irans ability to profit from its oil exports reports Xinhua news agencyThe blockade is highly effective and US forces remain fully committed to total enforcement Cooper saidIran condemned the seizure as a flagrant act of piracy The countrys main military command Khatam alAnbiya Central Headquarters explained that armed forces did not intervene at the time because the crew members families were on boardThe continued US maritime piracy and banditry in the form of naval blockade against Iran will soon be met with practical and unprecedented military action staterun Press TV reported earlier citing a highranking security sourceIrans armed forces maintain that patience has limits and a punishing response will be necessary if the United States continues its illegal naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz the source told Press TVAccording to the source if the US obstinacy and delusions continue and Irans conditions are rejected the enemy should soon expect a different kind of response to the naval blockade which is akin to maritime banditryThe United States has imposed a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz preventing ships from transiting to and from Iranian ports The blockade came into effect after IranUS negotiations in Pakistans capital Islamabad on April 1112 failed to yield an agreement IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-military-claims-42-vessels-intercepted-in-ongoing-blockade-of-iranian-ports-671737.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/nepal-airlines-apologises-for-showing-jampk-as-part-of-pakistan-in-its-network-map-671743.html Kathmandu April 30 Nepals stateowned national flag carrier on Thursday apologised for showing Indias Jammu and Kashmir as part of Pakistan in its network map shared on social media a day before terming it an error Nepal Airlines said the map contained significant cartographic inaccuracies regarding international boundaries that do not reflect Nepals official stance or that of the airlinesWe sincerely apologise for the error in the network map recently shared on our social media channels We have immediately removed the post and are conducting an internal review to ensure our materials meet the highest standards of accuracy the airline said on social media We deeply value our strong relationships with our neighbours and friends in the region and regret any offence the post has caused it addedArchana Khadka spokesperson for the Nepal Airlines Corporation NAC told IANS that the error occurred while selecting a Google map and the same inaccurate map was used in the network mapIt was not intentional and we removed it within 2â3 hours after it was posted when we noticed the error she saidThe image shared by the airline quickly went viral on social media with Indian users calling for a boycott of the airline Some accused the airline of cartographic aggressionNepal Airlines operates flights to New Delhi West Asia Southeast Asia and ChinaIndiaNepal relations are characterised by a deep multifaceted partnership rooted in the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship featuring open borders significant economic interdependence and close cultural tiesIndia is also one of Nepals leading development partners In the fiscal year 2024â25 India emerged as the largest bilateral donor to Nepal disbursing US1078 million according to Nepals finance ministry Dozens of projects and programmes are currently being implemented in Nepal with Indian economic and technical assistance at different stages of completionAccording to a recent report in The Kathmandu Post India has proposed a visit by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Nepal on May 11â12 as part of wider consultations ahead of newlyelected Nepali Prime Minister Balendra Shahs visit to its southern neighbourCiting diplomatic sources in the Foreign Ministry of Nepal and the Nepali Embassy in India the report stated that the Indian side has proposed the dates and is awaiting Kathmandus official responseNepali Prime Minister Shah has already received an invitation from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit India and he has accepted it Nepals Foreign Minister Sishir Khanal had confirmed earlier though the visit may take some time as the government will first set its priorities IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/nepal-airlines-apologises-for-showing-jampk-as-part-of-pakistan-in-its-network-map-671743.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/king-charles-urges-renewed-us-uk-alliance-671583.html Washington April 29 King Charles III of the United Kingdom called for a renewed United StatesUnited Kingdom partnership warning that global instability and conflict require deeper cooperation between the two allies Addressing a joint meeting of Congress Charles said the two nations face âtimes of great uncertaintyâ in times of conflict from Europe to the Middle Eastâ with consequences felt across both societiesHe also referred to a recent violent incident near the Capitol saying âsuch acts of violence will never succeedâ and reaffirmed a shared commitment âto uphold democracyâ and âprotect all our people from harmâCharles described the USUK relationship as rooted in shared democratic traditions even as it emerged from early disagreementsâOur nations are in fact instinctively likemindedâ he said calling it âa partnership born outta dispute but no less strong for itâHe traced those ties to common legal and political foundations including Magna Carta and English common law which helped shape American constitutional principles such as checks and balancesThe King said the current global environment demands collective actionâThe challenges we face are too great for any one nation to bear aloneâ he said urging both countries to build on their alliance rather than rely on past achievementsOn defence Charles said Britain is undertaking âthe biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold Warâ citing evolving security threatsHe pointed to deep military and intelligence cooperation between the two countriesâOur defence intelligence and security ties are hardwired togetherâ he saidCharles also backed continued support for Ukraine saying it is needed âin order to secure a truly just and lasting peaceâ and stressed the importance of NATOâs role in collective securityHe highlighted economic ties noting 430 billion in annual trade and 17 trillion in mutual investment He said both countries are working together in emerging fields including artificial intelligence quantum computing and nuclear fusionâOur nations are combining talent and resources in the technologies of tomorrowâ he saidThe King also warned about environmental risks saying the âcollapse of critical natural systemsâ threatens longterm prosperity and security if ignoredHe closed by urging both nations to resist inwardlooking policies and strengthen their allianceâLet our two countries rededicate ourselves to each otherâ he saidThe address comes as the United States marks the 250th anniversary of its Declaration of Independence a milestone Charles said reflects both historic divisions and a lasting partnershipThe USUK alliance has been central to global security for decades including cooperation through NATO and joint responses to major conflicts In recent years the partnership has expanded into advanced technology and climate initiatives amid rising geopolitical tensions IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/king-charles-urges-renewed-us-uk-alliance-671583.html Wed, 29 Apr 2026 12:01:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-pivots-to-china-in-cyber-operations-strategy-671584.html Washington April 29 The United States is sharpening its military focus on China as its primary longterm strategic challenge with senior commanders warning that cyber capabilities and special operations forces will be critical in maintaining an edge in an increasingly contested global environment At a Senate hearing on the posture of US Special Operations Command and Cyber Command Admiral Frank Bradley said American forces must simultaneously address multiple threats but remain oriented toward BeijingâWe must also orient our force on the longterm pacing challenge of Chinaâ Bradley told lawmakers during his testimony as he outlined a security landscape shaped by overlapping risks from Russia Iran and transnational networksHe said US forces no longer have âthe luxury of focusing on only a single goal or missionâ describing a strategic environment defined by what officials called âsimultaneityâ â managing competition and conflict across regions and domainsCyber Command leaders stressed that technological competition particularly in artificial intelligence is central to countering Chinaâs military rise General Joshua Rudd said maintaining superiority in advanced technologies is essential to preserving US advantagesâI think itâs critical that the US has the technological advantage in every aspect of warfightingâ he said adding that Washington must âretain and maintain our advantageâ as AI becomes more deeply embedded in military operationsLawmakers warned that China is actively leveraging emerging technologies In exchanges during the hearing officials agreed that Beijing is using artificial intelligence in military applications underscoring the urgency of the technological raceThe Pentagon is responding through a sweeping overhaul known as âCybercom 20â aimed at strengthening the cyber workforce and accelerating innovation Katherine Sutton Assistant Secretary of Defense for cyber policy said adversaries are moving rapidly to exploit vulnerabilitiesâOur adversaries have moved beyond conducting espionage and theft and are preparing for conflict by prepositioning disruptive capabilities inside our nationâs critical infrastructureâ Sutton saidResponding to a question Sutton described cyber as âthe connective tissue of modern warfareâ Integration across domains is essential to counter increasingly sophisticated threats she addedHighlighting the growing role of partnerships in countering China particularly in the IndoPacific Bradley said strengthening alliances and building partner capacity remain central to deterrenceHe pointed to longstanding relationships in the region emphasising that trust and credibility built over decades enable the United States to share intelligence and support partners facing evolving threatsâForemost and most important in any strategy of deterrence is to have that stronger allianceâ he saidSpecial operations forces which make up a small fraction of the military provide âan indispensable asymmetric advantageâ particularly in contested environments where conventional forces may be limitedAt the same time lawmakers expressed concern about the pace of operations and the strain on personnel warning that sustained high demand could affect readiness over the long term IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-pivots-to-china-in-cyber-operations-strategy-671584.html Wed, 29 Apr 2026 12:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/former-fbi-director-james-comey-indicted-over-alleged-threat-to-trump-671585.html Washington April 29 A federal grand jury has indicted former FBI director James Comey on charges of threatening to harm US President Donald Trump authorities said The twocount indictment returned in the Eastern District of North Carolina alleges that Comey âknowingly and willfullyâ made a threat to take the life of and inflict bodily harm upon the President on May 15 2025 It also charges him with transmitting a threat in interstate commerceProsecutors say the case centres on an Instagram post showing seashells arranged to form the numbers â86 47â which âa reasonable recipient who is familiar with the circumstances would interpret as a serious expression of an intent to do harm to the President of the United StatesâActing Attorney General Todd Blanche said the indictment followed months of investigation âThreatening the life of the President of the United States is a grave violation of our nationâs lawsâ he said âThe temperature needs to be turned down and anyone who dials it up and threatens the life of the President will be held accountableâBlanche said the case was built over time âThis investigation just didnât come now Itâs a result of a lot of work by law enforcement over the past yearâ he said adding that such cases often require examining devices communications and legal protectionsFBI Director Kash Patel said investigators handled the case using standard procedures âEvery single investigation this FBI and our partners at the Department of Justice undertakeâ are met with the same measure of investigative prowess and tools and personnelâ he said âJames Comey allegedly threatened the life of the President of the United StatesâPatel said the alleged post was later removed âShortly after posting that threat he deleted that threat and then issued an apologyâ he saidUS Attorney Ellis Boyle said prosecutors would pursue the case regardless of the defendantâs position âIt doesnât matter who you are we take all threat cases seriously and prosecute anyone who violates federal law regardless of title or statusâ he saidComey is charged under federal statutes that criminalise threats against the President and the interstate transmission of threats If convicted he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prisonOfficials declined to discuss evidence in detail Blanche said intent would be proven through âwitnesses with documents with the defendant himself to the extent itâs appropriateâHe said the case would proceed through the courts like others âThis case will proceed like hundreds of others do every yearâ he said noting that an arraignment would be scheduledAn indictment is an accusation Comey is presumed innocent unless proven guiltyThreats against US presidents are prosecuted under federal law Authorities have brought multiple such cases in recent years amid concerns over rising threats against public officials IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/former-fbi-director-james-comey-indicted-over-alleged-threat-to-trump-671585.html Wed, 29 Apr 2026 12:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/king-charles-warns-of-volatile-new-global-era-671586.html Washington April 29 King Charles III warned that the world is entering a more volatile and dangerous phase urging the United States and the United Kingdom to adapt their alliance to meet shifting global challenges Addressing a joint meeting of Congress the British monarch said the international system is under strain from multiple crisesâWe meet in times of great uncertaintyâ in times of conflict from Europe to the Middle East which pose immense challenges for the international communityâ he saidHe added that the world today is âin many ways more volatile and more dangerousâ than previous decades underscoring the need for renewed cooperation among alliesFraming his remarks around a changing global order Charles said longstanding alliances cannot rely solely on past achievementsâOur alliance cannot rest on past achievements or assume that foundational principles simply endureâ he said calling for efforts âto build on itâThe King described the United StatesUnited Kingdom partnership as an âindispensable partnershipâ rooted in shared democratic traditions but now facing new pressures from geopolitical instability and security threatsHe said the challenges confronting the international system are too complex for any single country to handle aloneâThe challenges we face are too great for any one nation to bear aloneâ he said urging closer coordination with international partnersCharles pointed to security as the starting point for adapting to the new era announcing that Britain is committing to âthe biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold WarâHe stressed that military and intelligence ties between the United States and Britain remain deeply integratedâOur defence intelligence and security ties are hardwired together through relationships measured not in years but in decadesâ he saidThe monarch also highlighted the importance of collective defence alliances particularly NATO describing it as central to protecting shared interests in a shifting security landscapeContinued support for Ukraine is necessary âin order to secure a truly just and lasting peaceâ the King said and described the conflict as a test of Western resolve in the current global environmentBeyond security Charles identified economic and technological cooperation as critical pillars of the evolving global orderHe cited 430 billion in annual trade and 17 trillion in mutual investment between the two countries and pointed to joint work in artificial intelligence quantum computing and nuclear fusion as key to future growthâOur nations are combining talent and resources in the technologies of tomorrowâ he saidHe also warned that environmental pressures are reshaping global stability saying the âcollapse of critical natural systemsâ poses risks not only to nature but also to economic and national securityIn his closing remarks Charles cautioned against inwardlooking policies at a time of global transitionHe urged both nations to âignore the clarion calls to become ever more inward lookingâ and instead reaffirm their role in supporting international cooperationThe address comes as the United States marks 250 years since its Declaration of Independence a moment Charles described as an opportunity to renew commitments in a changing world IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/king-charles-warns-of-volatile-new-global-era-671586.html Wed, 29 Apr 2026 12:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-condemns-attacks-on-hormuz-shipping-at-unsc-calls-for-restoration-of-free-navigation-671587.html United Nations April 29 India has condemned the attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz which is vital to its energy and economic security and called for restoring free navigation âCommercial shipping must not be the target of military attacks and such attempts are deplorableâ Indiaâs Deputy Permanent Representative Yojna Patel told the Security Council on TuesdayPatel did not mention any country by name but alluded to Iran by recalling that India cosponsored a Council resolution brought by Bahrain that condemned in the âstrongest termsâ Tehranâs attacks on its Middle East neighboursâIt bears mention in this context that India had cosponsored UNSC resolution 2817 which was adopted on 11th Marchâ she saidIran has attacked Indian ships and a vessel bound for it and in assaults on ships of other countries at least three Indian sailors have diedThe US has also set up a blockade in the Hormuz regionâWe underscore that the targeting of commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members or otherwise impeding the freedom of navigation and commerce in the Strait of Hormuz are unacceptableâ Patel said at the meeting convened by Council President Bahrain on the situation in the Middle EastShe noted that unimpeded shipping through the Strait is important because it provides India with vital connectivity to a region with which its trade and energy supply chains are linked through geography âwith implications for economy and energy securityââAlmost 10 million Indians live and work in the Gulf region their safety and wellbeing are a key priority for usâ she addedCalling for dialogue and diplomacy to deescalate the tensions in the Gulf region she said âThe Middle East is our proximate neighbourhood and we have significant stakes in the security and stability of the regionâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-condemns-attacks-on-hormuz-shipping-at-unsc-calls-for-restoration-of-free-navigation-671587.html Wed, 29 Apr 2026 12:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/gcc-leaders-reject-irans-measures-to-close-strait-of-hormuz-671590.html Riyadh April 29 Gulf Cooperation Council GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi said on Tuesday that GCC states have rejected Irans illegal measures to close the Strait of Hormuz and obstruct navigation through the waterway The statement was made at the 19th Consultative Meeting of GCC leaders held in Saudi Arabias port city of Jeddah on TuesdayAlbudaiwi said the leaders also rejected any measures that would negatively affect navigation through the strait including the imposition of fees on ships passing through it reports Xinhua news agencyThe leaders stressed the need to restore security and freedom of navigation in the strait and return conditions there to what they were before February 28 he addedAlbudaiwi said the GCC leaders directed the GCC General Secretariat to expedite the completion of requirements for all joint GCC projects including transport and logistics services and to accelerate the implementation of the GCC railway projectHe said the leaders also highlighted the need to take steps toward establishing an oil and gas pipeline project and a water interconnection project They also called for moving forward with studies on establishing areas for GCC strategic reserves he saidAlbudaiwi added that the leaders underlined the importance of intensifying military integration among member states and accelerating the completion of an early warning system against ballistic missilesHe said the meeting discussed the current regional situation particularly the regional escalation and Iranian attacks against GCC countries and JordanThe leaders stressed the need to establish a diplomatic path to end the crisis and pave the way for agreements and understandings that address GCC states concerns and enhance longterm security and stabilityOn February 28 Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and other Iranian cities killing Irans then Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei senior commanders and civilians Iran responded with waves of missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and US interests in the Middle East and tightened control over the Strait of HormuzAfter a ceasefire was reached on April 8 talks between the Iranian and US delegations in Pakistans Islamabad failed to yield an agreement The United States later imposed its own blockade on the waterway IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/gcc-leaders-reject-irans-measures-to-close-strait-of-hormuz-671590.html Wed, 29 Apr 2026 12:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/uk-pm-starmer-not-to-face-investigation-over-mandelson-issue-671591.html Riyadh April 29 UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will not be investigated over claims that he misled Parliament regarding Peter Mandelson the former British ambassador to the United States after a House of Commons vote on Tuesday After more than five hours of debate Members of Parliament voted 335 to 223 against a motion led by the Conservative Party that called for Starmer to be investigated by the Houses Privileges CommitteeStarmer told British media on Monday that the vote was a political stunt by his opponents reports Xinhua news agencyThe vote centred on whether Starmer misled Parliament when he said that full due process had been followed in Mandelsons appointment Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch argued that this statement amounted to misleading ParliamentStarmer said Monday the vote on the following day to decide whether he will be investigated is a political stunt by his political opponentsWhats my political opponents are doing tomorrow is a political stunt Starmer told Sky News Having a political stunt adds absolutely nothing to the transparency weve got Its not good use of parliaments timeIn midApril it was revealed that before taking up his post Mandelson had been denied security clearance in January 2025 At the time British security officials had conducted a rigorous vetting process including a confidential background check but the decision was overturned by the UK Foreign OfficeStarmer said he became aware of the matter only on April 14 insisting that he didnt mislead Parliament when telling them full due process was followedMandelson was dismissed as Britains chief diplomat in Washington in September 2025 following revelations about his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey EpsteinEarlier this year he was briefly arrested as part of an investigation into alleged misconduct in public office including the possible disclosure of marketsensitive information IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/uk-pm-starmer-not-to-face-investigation-over-mandelson-issue-671591.html Wed, 29 Apr 2026 12:15:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trade-deal-with-us-to-hit-poor-bangladesh-farmers-expert-671643.html New Delhi April 29 The trade deal signed by Bangladesh with the US is nothing but a dumping of genetically modified organisms GMOs through meat and dairy products and will hit the livelihood of poor farmers in the Asian country according to an article in The Daily Star a Dhakabased newspaper The article by Farida Akhter former adviser in the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock points out that importing meat and dairy products from the US poses unequal trade terms for Bangladesh due to the different economic models in the two countries Livestock is part of the livelihood economy in Bangladesh whereas in the US it is part of an industrial agrocapitalist systemâThe US Reciprocal Trade Agreement was concluded with nine countries Among these Malaysia was the first country to declare the trade deal with the US invalid on March 15 2026 This should prompt Bangladesh to reevaluate the deal or follow the Malaysian decisionâ the article statesIt points out that in the US industrial livestock farming accounts for 21 lakh farms but engages less than two per cent of the population Contrarily in Bangladesh livestock keeping is part of the livelihoods of 8085 per cent of 41 crore households often led by women The meat and milk supply from these sources contributes 16 per cent of agricultural GDPIt further states that Bangladeshâs poor livestock keepers do not receive any subsidy but will have to compete with a heavily subsidised industrial livestock sector The US Department of Agriculture has spent at least 72 billion in subsidies to livestock and seafood producers over the past few decades This asymmetry is critical According to the Food and Agriculture Organization FAO smallholder livestock systems are highly vulnerable to import competition due to limited access to credit technology and state supportIt highlights that the corn and soybeans used for chicken dairy and meat cattle feed in the US are genetically modified US chicken feed also contains meat meal from recycled animal byproducts mainly beef and pork This is a sensitive issue for Bangladesh with over 90 per cent of the population being Muslim Over 90 per cent of the acreage planted with GM soybean varieties in the US has primarily herbicidetolerant traits for chemical weed controlThe article cites a 2019 study by the European Union which states that many weeds have adapted to the widespread use of such chemicals and become resistant These herbicidetolerant weeds are an increasing problem Widespread adoption of the chemicals has led to an accelerating increase in herbicide use and consequently an âarms raceâ in genetic engineering technology and the use of complementary herbicides The increasing amount of herbicides sprayed not only causes substantial environmental problems but also creates new challenges for the risk assessment of health effects since products derived from these plants can introduce new herbicide residues into the food chainIt further states that under the trade agreement with the US Bangladesh is not importing soybean and corn directly they will come through the import of meat and dairy products and other soybean and cornbased products Besides a genetically modified growth hormone called recombinant bovine somatotropin rBST is used to increase cowsâ milk production by 1015 per cent Milk from rBSTtreated cows is used to make ice cream butter cheese and yoghurt IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trade-deal-with-us-to-hit-poor-bangladesh-farmers-expert-671643.html Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/concentration-of-food-insecurity-in-pakistan-outcome-of-deep-rooted-weaknesses-in-agriculture-sector-report-671645.html Islamabad April 29 A new United Nationsreport has named Pakistan among 10 nations where acute food insecurity is concentrated The concentration of food insecurity in Pakistan is due to deeprooted weaknesses in the countrys agriculture sector rocked by repeated climate shocks and continuous economic fragility a report has stated The Global Report on Food Crisis showcases that food insecurity in Pakistan is chronic rather than temporary or cyclical However as per the report fewer people were classified in the most severe categories in 2025 compared to the previous year indicated that emergency responses and some stabilisation in prices may have had an impact according to an editorial in Pakistans daily DawnA New UNbacked report has listed Pakistan among 10 countries where acute food insecurity is most concentrated This finding may seem surprising for a country with a large agricultural base But it should not be Essentially the concentration of food insecurity in Pakistan is the predictable outcome of the deeprooted weaknesses in the countryâs agriculture sector rocked by repeated climate shocks and persistent economic fragility an editorial in Dawn mentionedAccording to the report more than 11 million people which include 93 million under crisis conditions and 17 million in emergency still facing acute food insecurity showcases a thin margin of resilience Climate volatility continues to be a force multiplier Crops have been damaged and rural livelihoods impacted due to recurrent floods and extreme weather events leading to vulnerable populations getting pushed into a cycle of asset depletion and dependencyThese shocks have a compounding effect in Pakistans provinces of Balochistan Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh where deprivation already limits access to healthcare nutrition and clean water Food insecurity is also impacting national economy of Pakistan as per the editorial A rising food import bill puts more pressure on an already strained external account At the same time a malnourished workforce impacts productivity and longterm growthThe 2026 Global Report on Food Crises has named Pakistan alongside Afghanistan Bangladesh Congo Myanmar Nigeria South Sudan Sudan Syria and Yemen as the primary centres of acute hungerPakistan also appears in the analysis of malnutrition risk pathways showcasing vulnerabilities related to diet healthcare access water and sanitation as well as disease The report projects that inflation in Pakistan will increase to 6 per cent in 2026 putting additional pressure on the system Dawn reportedAccording to the report Pakistanâs mention in the top 10 nations reflects the severity of need and expansion of data coverage The analysis was extended from 43 rural districts in 2024 to 68 districts in 2025 covering areas of Balochistan Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh resulting in the share of Pakistanâs population included in the analysis increased from 16 per cent to 21 per cent adding more than 14 million people IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/concentration-of-food-insecurity-in-pakistan-outcome-of-deep-rooted-weaknesses-in-agriculture-sector-report-671645.html Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/no-structured-modules-lone-actors-drive-indias-terror-threat-671656.html New Delhi April 29 The Intelligence agencies are closely monitoring the manner in which terror groups would increasingly function in future Officials say that terror modules would no longer be structured like the earlier ones Terrorists would no longer operate under structured modules that would involve handlers from abroad and ideological mentors they would either act alone or in very small groups Terror modules would also increasingly have buddy pairs so that scrutiny is very less an official saidWhile the ISI has ensured a massive propaganda push within India terror outfits such as the Islamic State have flooded the Internet with radical contentThe ISI does realise that it cannot afford to be blamed for a terror attack on Indian soil as it is aware that India can undertake another Operation SindoorThe Islamic State on the other hand wants to infiltrate the minds of the youth and ensure that they are radicalised to such an extent that they would carry out attacks on their ownAn Intelligence Bureau official says that these strategies being adopted by the ISI and Islamic State would only lead to an increase in the number of lone actors carrying out attacksThe Islamic State is not bothered about the scale of the attack It could be one death or two but the impact that such an attack makes is immense One may be walking around doing his business and an Islamic State killer may just be around him the official said This is the psychological impact that an Islamic State styled attack hasThe ISI on the other hand has other plans It wants selffunded and motivated modules to come up on their own It wants all the modules to be homegrown in natureHowever it wants the modules to have a smaller number of people and expects that they should not have any conversation with anyone from Pakistan in the runup to the attackIt expects that even the funding trail should be within India and nothing should lead to PakistanAnother official says that the ISIstyled modules are relatively easier to deal with as the members of such modules are bound to leave some trail or the otherThe worry is what the Islamic State has been doing After successfully penetrating states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu it has been focussing on the rest of India The official said that the penetration is so deep that it has become difficult for the agencies to identify individuals who could carry out a lone actor strikeThere has been a surge in such cases in recent months Zaib Zubair Ansari in Mumbai Rizwan in Delhi and Tushar Chauhan alias Hizbullah Khan in Uttar Pradesh This is a clear indication that the radical material and DoItYourself DIY material that is being shared has gone up a lotThe official went on to explain that this has been a global trend and the agencies across the world are finding it hard to track such personsThe problem is that there is a zero communication trail and this is what has been the nightmare for the security agencies The lack of a financial trail is also another issue when it comes to such persons and the attacks that they carry outThe agencies have been appealing to relatives and parents to keep a close watch on the behaviour of seemingly radicalised persons If they find something unusual they ought to report it It has worked in some cases that were reported in South IndiaHowever now such individuals have become smart and act quite normally even though they are fully radicalisedIn the Mumbai case Ansari was staying alone and none of his relatives were aware of what he was up to Even in the case of Hizbullah Ali Khan the parents were unaware that he had been converted and radicalised They said that he was suffering from a neurological disorderEven in cases that have been reported from abroad the people familiar with the lone actor have maintained that the person looked normal and showed no signs of being radicalisedAn official said that this would be a major challenge going ahead The agencies will have to shift from traditional network interception to proactive communitybased and digital monitoringMonitoring behaviour digital Intelligence strengthening protective services and community awareness would be the keyIt is also equally important to take down DIY manuals and radical content on a daily basis the official saidThe challenge is immense and India will have to brace and deal with such attempts by Islamic State inspired lone actors the official also added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/no-structured-modules-lone-actors-drive-indias-terror-threat-671656.html Wed, 29 Apr 2026 16:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-children-from-underprivileged-families-continue-to-face-structural-barriers-671673.html Islamabad April 29 Children from underprivileged families in Pakistan face structural barriers while children from wealthy families in the country continue to receive highquality schooling and better opportunities leading to prestigious careers a report has detailed According to estimates approximately 262 million children including 134 million girls remain out of school in Pakistan Around 2028 per cent of schoolage children are not enrolled in school with many forced to prioritise survival over educationWhy do some children enjoy their right to education while others are denied it Why are quality schools reserved for those who can afford them while millions are left with inadequate alternatives Why do we continue to tolerate a system that reinforces inequality from one generation to the next Children enter the world equal and without any bias or class difference They are not born with an awareness of class status or hierarchy nor do they feel inferior unless society teaches them to an editorial in leading Pakistani daily The Express Tribune mentionedIn the early years children see life as a blessing and do not consider the disparities that come in adult life like political divisions social stratification or the invisible hindrances that decide who will succeed and who will struggle Millions of children particularly those from rural and underresourced communities do not have access to basic rights Access to education healthcare and meaningful participation in social and political life is also limitedAs a professional in the field of education I see the same patterns Children from privileged backgrounds continue to access highquality schooling better healthcare and better opportunities leading to prestigious careers Meanwhile children from underprivileged families face the same structural barriers I witnessed decades ago Express Tribune quoted Mujeeb Ali an Assistant Professor as sayingIn many government schools today conditions remain unchanged underresourced classrooms limited materials and insufficient support for both students and teachers Children from wealthy families are far more likely to become doctors engineers administrators or officers Those from poorer backgrounds are often pushed toward lowpaying labourintensive jobs not because they lack talent but because they lack opportunity he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-children-from-underprivileged-families-continue-to-face-structural-barriers-671673.html Wed, 29 Apr 2026 18:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/patience-and-restraint-should-not-be-taken-as-weakness-or-retreat-afghan-minister-warns-pakistan-671677.html Kabul April 29 Talibans Minister of Higher Education Nida Mohammad Nadeem has said that Afghanistans patience and restraint against repeated Pakistani attacks does not showcase weakness or retreat He emphasised that Kabul will respond to Islamabad at an appropriate time and under appropriate circumstances local media reported on Wednesday Nadeem stated that Afghanistans resolve and courage will not be shaken after Pakistani attacks He specifically mentioned the recent attack at Sayed Jamaluddin University in Kunar which he said will not stop scientific progress in the country Afghanistan International reportedStressing that Taliban were raised in suffering and are no strangers to martyrdom the minister asserted that the Afghans will defend their system with all their might Patience should not be interpreted as weakness and the movement is capable of responding forcefully when necessary Afghanistan International reportedAt least seven people were killed and 75 others injured after Pakistani strikes hit parts of Afghanistans Kunar province including the provincial capital Asadabad and Sarkano district on Monday Local sources said that the latest strikes hit several places including residential areas and Sayed Jamaluddin Afghan University where mortar rounds targetted the campus causing damage and panic among students and employeesOn Tuesday Afghanistanâs Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Charge dAffaires of the Pakistani Embassy in Kabul over the recent attacks carried out by the Pakistani forces on civilian targets in various Afghan provincesKabul also handed a protest letter to the Pakistani diplomat over Islamabad targetting public facilities along the Durand Line even the university in the centre of Kunar provinceThe Ministry strongly condemned the violation of Afghanistans airspace and the attacks against civiliansIt stated that the actions of Pakistani forces are a clear violation of Afghanistanâs territorial integrity contrary to international principles and a provocative actâThe Islamic Emirate categorically rejects allegations that the recent escalation started by the Afghan side and underscores the imperative that the root causes of the situation must be investigated with due diligenceâ the Afghan ministry saidCalling on the Pakistani side to refrain from such actions Afghanistan reiterated that it reserves a legitimate right to defend its soil and people It also reminded Pakistan that the continuation of such irresponsible actions will have undesirable consequences IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/patience-and-restraint-should-not-be-taken-as-weakness-or-retreat-afghan-minister-warns-pakistan-671677.html Wed, 29 Apr 2026 19:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/unknown-gunmen-rock-lashkar-leadership-vacuum-deepens-trust-deficit-grows-671491.html New Delhi April 28 Even as the LashkareTayiba tries to rebuild following heavy losses during Operation Sindoor a leadership crisis is fast emerging within the group The killing of Sheikh Afridi a close aide of LashkareTayiba chief Hafiz Saeed clearly signals that the top rung is collapsingAfridi was killed by unknown gunmen in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa KP by unidentified gunmen This follows the pattern of unknown gunmen killing top terrorists of both the LashkareTayiba and Hizbul MujahideenIn 2026 alone more than 30 such people have been killed by unknown gunmenThe incidents have been reported from Lahore Punjab Sindh KP Balochistan and KarachiWhat is interesting is that these unknown persons who carried out these hits have completed their job and vanished They are completely off the radar and the Pakistan security agencies have had hardly any success in nabbing them an official saidAn Intelligence Bureau official said that such killings are weakening the LashkareTayiba largely Like in the case of the JaisheMohammad the LashkareTayiba too is missing a fierce leaderHafiz Saeed is old and cannot lead like the way he used to be ZakiurRehman Lakhvi seems to have taken a back seat as a result of which the outfit lacks a strong operational headEarlier this month Amir Hamza also a very close associate of Hafiz Saeed was shot at This incident dented the prospects of the LashkareTayibaHamza was an ideological mentor and had the capability of bringing in recruits With him out of the picture the recruitment process has been hit badlyThe LashkareTayiba was already facing a major crisis when it came to recruitmentsAnother official said that the killing of Afridi is a huge blow for the LashkareTayiba He was not a lowlevel operative In fact he was overseeing the operations of the outfit in KP as well as Jammu and Kashmir Before his death he was trying to actively recruit youth for operations He was coordinating operations and overseeing the movement of terroristsThe official said that he was part of the inner circle of the LashkareTayiba and with his death the number of decision makers has come downThe official said that Operation Sindoor created a major trust deficit among the cadres of the LashkareTayiba The leadership was being questioned as they felt that all the tall promises which were made at the time of recruitment stood exposed thanks to the operation by the Indian armed forcesMoreover Saeed has not been active since the operation He is making efforts to rebuild the outfit but his presence in the open is very limited This has made the cadres question if Saeed is more bothered about his own safety when compared to that of the cadresThese killings by unknown gunmen too have added to the misery of the cadres They question that if top commanders recruiters and ideological heads can be gunned down with ease then where is the guarantee of their securityApart from the top leadership the cadres are also questioning the Pakistan establishment Not only do their camps get destroyed in operations by the Indian armed forces but their top leaders are not safe anywhere in PakistanThe ISI and Pakistan Army made tall promises at the time of recruitment However the events that have unfolded in the last several months have left the establishment exposed the official addedThe ISI and Pakistan Army are desperately working on a plan to ensure that the LashkareTayiba bounces back It would attempt a big hit in India so that the trust factor among the cadres is backIntelligence agencies say that Pakistan is desperate at the moment and in order to boost the morale of the terrorists and also cause a diversion from internal problems it would look to undertake a major operation on Indian soil IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/unknown-gunmen-rock-lashkar-leadership-vacuum-deepens-trust-deficit-grows-671491.html Tue, 28 Apr 2026 16:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-and-unga-president-discuss-reformed-multilateralism-sdgs-and-west-asia-conflict-671501.html New Delhi April 28 IANS External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar held a meeting with United Nations General Assembly UNGA President Annalena Baerbock in New Delhi on Tuesday discussing UN80 sustainable development goals SDGs Artificial Intelligence AI implications and the ongoing West Asia conflictnbspDuring the meeting EAM Jaishankar stressed the need for reformed multilateralism which is reflective of todays realities especially the Global SouthA pleasure to host UNGA President Annalena Baerbock this afternoon in New Delhi Discussed UN80 SDGs AI implications and the West Asia conflict Underscored the need for reformed multilateralism reflective of todays realities particularly of the Global South Thanked her for her leadership and contributions EAM Jaishankar posted on XEarlier in the day Baerbock paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at the Rajghat in Delhi The UNGA President arrived in New Delhi on Monday on a twoday visit to India at the invitation of EAM JaishankarA warm welcome to UNGA President Ms Annalena Baerbock on her official visit to India The visit reaffirms Indias steadfast engagement with the UN the MEA spokesperson posted on XDuring her visit Baerbock will also have an interactive session with representatives from the Ministry of Electronics and IT MEITY on governance and regulation of Artificial Intelligence AIAhead of her arrival in India the UNGA Presidents spokesperson said that Baerbock will meet with the UN team in India led by Resident Coordinator Stefan PriesnerThis is the second highlevel UN visit to India after SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres trip to attend the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi in FebruaryBaerbock is scheduled to travel to China after concluding her visit to IndianbspThe UNGA President is quite familiar with India having even travelled on New Delhis Metro in one of her visits as Germanys Foreign Minister to enhance ties with the country But this is her first time as the president of the General AssemblyDuring her first visit as minister in 2022 she said Without a doubt India will play a key role in shaping the international order of the 21st century in the IndoPacific and beyondThat India has lifted 400 million people out of extreme poverty in 15 years shows that a pluralistic society freedom and democracy are drivers of economic development peace and stability she addedIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-and-unga-president-discuss-reformed-multilateralism-sdgs-and-west-asia-conflict-671501.html Tue, 28 Apr 2026 16:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/karachi-residents-hold-protest-against-prolonged-power-outages-671504.html Islamabad April 28 Residents in Karachi held a protest against prolonged unannounced power outages lasting up to 16 hours daily resulting in severe traffic congestion in the cityâs business district for hours local media reported on Tuesday The protests on Monday impacted vehicular movement on the II Chundrigar Road Ziauddin Ahmed Road and nearby areas for over two hours with roads in nearby areas including Saddar and Pakistan Chowk clogged and commuters facing difficulty under extreme heat as queues of traffic stretched for kilometres daily Dawn reportedFrustrated with prolonged power outages residents of Railway Colony gathered at the Shaheen Complex intersection blocked traffic and shouted slogans against KElectric for resorting to unannounced loadshedding for long hoursThe protesters demanded immediate restoration of power supply complaining that unannounced loadshedding of up to 16 hours in the area made life of residents very difficult during the summerA resident said that they had not received the proper power supply for the past several weeks Our children canât sleep patients are suffering and thereâs no water because the pumps donât work without electricityAnother resident Muhammad Aslam said that they were forced to live without electricity for 16 hours despite paying their bills regularly How long can we stay silent he askedAnother protester Shazia Bibi said that unannounced loadshedding for long hours was torture for residents Our food is rotting we canât charge our phones and the heat is killing usOfficegoers students and patients faced problems due to traffic congestion under scorching heat due to the protestsA woman who was taking her father to a hospital said that they were stranded in the traffic for 90 minutes with no way out Dawn reportedPolice reached the protest site and negotiated with the demonstrators The protest was dispersed after nearly 30 minutes but the traffic jam took over two hours to clearPeople were facing problems from earlier this month as the power outages increased up to eight hours in urban areas and 1216 hours in rural areas in the service areas of Lahore Electric Supply Company Lesco and other districts of Pakistans Punjab provinceThe situation worsened after the power distribution in Lahore and cities and towns in other districts started observing unannounced or forced loadshedding on an hourly basis resulting in people spending most of their time without electricity Dawn reportedSeveral divisions and districts of Punjab including Faisalabad Gujranwala Sialkot Toba Tek Singh Sahiwal Kasur Sheikhupura Multan Khanewal Bahawalpur Rahim Yar Khan Muzaffargarh and Dera Ghazi Khan also witnessed power outages The Lesco spokesperson said that there was an increase in complaints about loadshedding IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/karachi-residents-hold-protest-against-prolonged-power-outages-671504.html Tue, 28 Apr 2026 17:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/nepal-protests-as-china-builds-safety-wall-on-bhotekoshi-river-across-border-671509.html Kathmandu April 28 China has been building a safety wall along the Bhotekoshi River on the Chinese side of the NepalChina border prompting strong protests from Nepal Nepal fears that the construction could alter the riverâs course and cause damage on the Nepali side Nepali officials said the Chinese construction activities violate the boundary protocol signed between the two countries in 1963 which states that either party must inform the other in advance before constructing any structure along the international borderThe protocol also states that neither party shall attempt to change the course of boundary rivers unilaterallyOfficials from Nepalâs Home Ministry confirmed to IANS that the Chinese side has been constructing a safety wall along the river within Chinese territory across the borderThe river flows through the Tatopani border point in Sindhupalchowk district and partly serves as a natural boundary between the two countriesChief District Officer of Sindhupalchowk Ram Krishna Adhikari confirmed that the Chinese side had constructed the wall on its side of the border âWhether the construction activities carried out by the Chinese side fall under the bilateral agenda will be determined by the concerned Nepali authoritiesâ he saidAccording to a Home Ministry official the District Administration Office in Sindhupalchowk had recently informed the government about the construction activities being carried out by the Chinese side close to the border and the matter was subsequently forwarded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for diplomatic actionThe Foreign Ministry then urged the Chinese side to halt the construction activities immediately the Kathmandu Post reported on TuesdayForeign Ministry officials were not immediately available for comment to IANS However a senior official at Nepalâs Home Ministry told IANS that he had been informed that a diplomatic note had been sent to the Chinese side protesting the construction activities undertaken without notifying Nepal âWe had sent details of the construction activities carried out by the Chinese side to the Foreign Ministryâ the official saidThe Bhote Koshi River lies in one of the most disasterprone areas and officials say that any construction along the river or attempt to alter its course could have a major impact on the Nepali side during the monsoon season Nepal frequently experiences landslides near the border point and international trade with China is often disrupted during the rainy seasonAccording to the report the construction is being carried out near border pillar number 53 of the NepalChina international boundary Under the boundary protocol signed in 1963 both parties are required not to deliberately alter the course of the boundary river and to take measures to prevent such changes The protocol further states that both sides should adopt joint measures to prevent losses and it also includes provisions for compensation if either party causes damage across the border due to changes in the rivers course IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/nepal-protests-as-china-builds-safety-wall-on-bhotekoshi-river-across-border-671509.html Tue, 28 Apr 2026 17:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/sweden-backs-make-in-india-initiative-calls-partnership-strong-671407.html New Delhi April 28 Sweden is a very good partner to India when it comes to the Make in India policy and also supports Prime Minister Narendra Modiâs policy of making more in Indiaâ Swedish companies are investing a lot in India said Head of Mission Sven Ostberg Consul General of Sweden in Mumbai on MondayâDuring South Africaâs Freedom Day celebrations at the South African Consulate in Mumbai the Consul General of Sweden said that the IndiaSweden partnership is very fruitful and prosperous with more than 280 Swedish companies in India employing two lakh people directly and 2200000 people indirectly while answering a question regarding IndiaSweden future partnershipsHe also congratulated South Africa on its 30th anniversaryâHe said that it is a fantastic day to celebrate South Africa adding that apartheid was a very bad sin and that Sweden is very happy that democracy is now ruling in South AfricaâHe said that Sweden has supported South Africaâs freedom struggle for many decades during the apartheid period as well as one of the few Western European countries that were supporting the African National Congress and its liberation movement while answering a question about the South AfricaSweden partnershipâHe highlighted that Sweden is working together with the South African government to promote bilateral trade investments and tourismâHe added that many Swedish people love going to South Africa for tourismâHe said that Sweden and India want peace and stability in the Middle East adding that this is what everybody wantsâHe also condemned any attack on the president or any political leadersâHe said that Sweden was very horrified after seeing the pictures coming out of Washington the previous day describing it as a horrible attack and expressing hope that everyone is safe and sound while commenting on the incident during a White House dinnerâHe also mentioned that Sweden believes in democracy and freedom of speech adding that everyone has the right to express themselves but violence is not the answer to anythingâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/sweden-backs-make-in-india-initiative-calls-partnership-strong-671407.html Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-african-consulate-marks-freedom-day-in-mumbai-671408.html New Delhi April 28 The South African Consul in India celebrated 32 years of South Africas freedom which also coincides with 30 years of its Constitution in Mumbai on Monday The Consul General of South Africa in Mumbai Gideon Labane said the event was one of their public diplomacy platforms where South Africa reminds everyone about their country both from the perspective of bilateral relations with India and also from a trade and investment promotion point of viewWhile answering questions about growing IndiaSouth Africa relations the Consul General said that relations are growing significantly especially in both political and investment termsHe said that they see a lot of Indian companies that have invested in South Africa more than 100 and also that there are South African companies that are invested in IndiaHe noted that currently there are more Indian investments but they would like to see more South African investments coming to IndiaHe highlighted that relations in political trade cricket culture and cinema aspects are growingHe mentioned that South Africa appreciated what PM Modi does and took note of how much interest he has in the African continent adding that they have seen him opening a lot of embassies in AfricaWhile speaking about upcoming events he noted the BRICS foreign ministersâ meeting in midMay and said that hopefully their minister will be in India for the meetingHe also added that there is an IndiaAfrica summit at the headofstate level and said that hopefully their head of state or his representative will be presentHe emphasised that there are also ongoing discussions either at the bilateral or multilateral level and that the relationship between India and South Africa is equal and based on mutual respect expressing hope that it will grow strongly from hereHe commented that it is rather unfortunate that what is happening in that region is affecting everyone especially around the oil supply which also has an inflationary impact as prices are increasingHe stated that South Africa always advocates dialogue saying that their preference is for parties to come together sit at the table discuss and try to resolve their differencesHe added that war is not the solution to any issues and expressed hope that all parties will come together and find a way to coexist IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-african-consulate-marks-freedom-day-in-mumbai-671408.html Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-lawmakers-push-golden-dome-plan-amid-rising-missile-threats-671411.html Washington April 28 The United States faces an âunprecedentedâ missile threat environment with senior defence officials warning lawmakers that the countryâs current homeland defences are limited and increasingly vulnerable to advanced weapons including hypersonic and cruise missiles Testifying before a Senate panel Assistant Secretary Marc Berkowitz said rivals are âexpanding diversifying and increasing the sophistication of their arsenals of missiles and aerial weaponsâ posing âtruly grave threats to our homeland to the American population to our critical infrastructures and to our second strike capabilityâHe acknowledged that the existing system offers only âvery limited capabilityâ beyond defending against a smallscale intercontinental ballistic missile attack and that the US currently has âno defence against hypersonic weapons or cruise missilesâGeneral Michael Guetlein described the programme as âa layered integrated shield designed to defend the homeland against the full spectrum of advanced threatsââOur nationâs margin of safety has vanishedâ Guetlein said adding that âthe homeland is exposed and relatively undefendedâ against a new generation of threats that are âunprecedented in their speed numbers and lethalityâThe proposed system would integrate sensors and interceptors across land sea air and space combining kinetic and nonkinetic responses Officials said it would also leverage artificial intelligence and nextgeneration processing to improve targeting and response timesGuetlein said the goal is to deliver an operational capability by 2028 supported by a funding request that includes more than 17 billion in the near term The full projected cost of the programme is estimated at about 185 billion through the 2030sLawmakers raised concerns over both the cost and the funding mechanism Senator Angus King questioned the use of a reconciliation process outside the traditional appropriations route calling it âa huge mistakeâ and warning it reduces congressional oversightKing also pressed officials on whether the longstanding doctrine of nuclear deterrence remains sufficient Berkowitz responded that the current strategic environment is more complex than during the Cold War noting the presence of âmultiple nuclear armed rivalsâ with advanced missile capabilitiesHe argued that missile defence would complement deterrence providing âboth a sword and a shieldâ to strengthen security and protect civilians if deterrence failsOfficials described Guam as âan undisputable part of the homelandâ and a key hub in the IndoPacific Lieutenant General Frank Lozano said the Guam defence system is progressing on schedule with a projected cost of about 35 billionMilitary officials emphasised lessons from recent conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East pointing to the growing complexity and volume of missile threats Lieutenant General Heath Collins said the US has issued âhundreds of updatesâ to defence systems in response to realtime battlefield dataThey also acknowledged challenges in scaling production and maintaining interceptor inventories warning that sustained investment will be needed to meet future demand IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-lawmakers-push-golden-dome-plan-amid-rising-missile-threats-671411.html Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-flags-china-linked-illegal-pesticide-influx-671412.html Washington April 28 US regulators have stepped up efforts to block illegal pesticide imports including shipments linked to China the head of the Environmental Protection Agency told lawmakers EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said the agency has made import enforcement a priority as it confronts what he described as unauthorised chemicals entering the US marketâWe have pesticides that come in from out of the countryâ we have pesticides that get dumped here from Chinaâ Zeldin told a congressional hearingHe said visits to farms revealed products with âChinese lettersâ on packaging calling it âeye openingâ to see how widespread foreignlinked inputs can beZeldin drew a distinction between legally imported pesticides that go through US registration and products that are smuggled or sold outside regulatory controlsâItâs another thing when youâre illegally dumpingâ pesticides into our countryâ he saidThe EPA has blocked âover 16 million pounds of illegal pesticides importsâ and stopped more than 500 shipments of noncompliant products since early 2025 Zeldin saidHe added that authorities have âcharged 65 criminal defendants for illegal smuggling and transnational organised criminal conductâThe comments came during a hearing on the Trump administrationâs proposed EPA budget where lawmakers debated funding cuts and regulatory prioritiesWhile most of the discussion focused on domestic policy the pesticide issue highlighted concerns about foreign supply chains and enforcement gapsZeldin said illegal imports hurt US farmers and undermine safety standards He said the agencyâs Office of Enforcement and Compliance has increased inspections and coordination with other agenciesâEPA is prepared to deliver even more results in fiscal year 27â he saidLawmakers did not directly challenge the Chinarelated remarks during the exchange But broader concerns about chemical safety and oversight surfaced repeatedly including questions about pesticide reviews and public health risksThe United States regulates pesticides through a federal approval process that requires testing and safety review Products that do not meet those standards are barred from sale Enforcement however can be difficult when shipments move through complex international supply chainsChina is one of the worldâs largest producers of pesticides US officials have raised concerns in the past about counterfeit or noncompliant products entering domestic markets often through indirect channels IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-flags-china-linked-illegal-pesticide-influx-671412.html Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/buy-america-push-in-us-congress-targets-china-imports-671415.html Washington April 28 Bipartisan legislation introduced in the US Senate seeks to tighten enforcement of domestic sourcing rules in federally funded infrastructure projects with lawmakers arguing that American taxpayer money is still supporting foreign manufacturers including strategic competitors like China Senators Tammy Baldwin and Jim Banks on April 27 unveiled the Build America Buy America Compliance Act aimed at closing implementation gaps in existing law and forcing federal agencies to fully apply domestic procurement standardsâTo me this is straightforward When we use American tax dollars we should be investing those dollars back into American workers products and businessesâ Baldwin said underscoring the intent behind the proposalBanks framed the measure in geopolitical terms saying âOur bill is common sense legislation that puts American workers and businesses first It makes sure your tax dollars support American manufacturers and not foreign adversaries like ChinaâThe legislation responds to concerns that years after passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law agencies have âpartially or fully avoidedâ implementing the Build America Buy America BABA Act for certain programmes As a result taxpayerfunded projects have continued to rely on imported materials according to the sponsorsUnder the proposal the head of each federal agency would be required to submit an annual report to the Made in America Office and Congress detailing how the BABA Act is being implemented The report must identify all infrastructurerelated financial assistance programmes and specify which are fully compliant and which are notFor programmes that have met the requirements agencies must document âall actions takenâ to comply and maintain existing domestic procurement standards For those that have not agencies would need to provide a timeline and specific steps to achieve compliance including efforts to replace broad waivers with âtargeted projectspecific waivers wherever possibleâThe bill also mandates that all such reports be published in the Federal Register a step intended to enhance transparency and accountability across federal departmentsThe legislative text further reflects congressional concern that earlier procurement rules were weakened by âwaivers and loopholesâ allowing significant portions of taxpayerfunded infrastructure spending to bypass domestic sourcing requirementsIndustry groups have backed the effort Scott Paul president of the Alliance for American Manufacturing said the lawâs original promise depends on consistent enforcement He said the new bill would bring âtransparency and accountability to the process by requiring agencies to clearly identify where Buy America requirements are being applied and where they are notâThe United Steelworkers union has also endorsed the measure aligning labour interests with the broader push to strengthen domestic supply chainsThe proposed legislation builds on the BABA Act enacted in 2021 as part of a major infrastructure spending package which requires that federally funded projects use Americanmade iron steel construction materials and manufactured products IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/buy-america-push-in-us-congress-targets-china-imports-671415.html Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/china-threat-drives-us-missile-defence-rethink-671418.html Washington April 28 Chinaâs expanding missile arsenal and evolving military capabilities are reshaping US defence planning with senior Pentagon officials telling lawmakers that Beijing remains the central strategic challenge driving a new generation of homeland missile defence Testifying before a Senate panel Assistant Secretary Marc Berkowitz said bluntly âChina is our pacing competitor we will deter China from a position of strengthâHe said Beijingâs growing capabilities are part of a wider trend in which US rivals are âexpanding diversifying and increasing the sophistication of their arsenals of missiles and aerial weaponsâ integrating them into operations designed to threaten American territory and interestsThe testimony placed China at the centre of the Pentagonâs push for a new layered missile defence architecture known as the âGolden Domeâ aimed at countering advanced threats including hypersonic and longrange cruise missilesBerkowitz warned that these systems â whether nuclear or conventional â pose âtruly grave threats to our homeland to the American population to our critical infrastructures and to our second strike capabilityâOfficials argued that Chinaâs approach goes beyond building offensive missile forces It also involves integrating strike systems with missile defences to deny US access and complicate military operations particularly in the IndoPacificThe US response Berkowitz said includes strengthening forwarddeployed missile defence networks These are centred on Aegis destroyers Terminal High Altitude Area Defense systems and Patriot batteries forming what he described as âa forward deployed layered integrated air and missile defence networkâSuch systems are designed to operate along key strategic zones including the first island chain where US forces seek to counter Chinese military expansion and maintain regional deterrenceGeneral Michael Guetlein said the nature of the threat has shifted significantly warning that the US can no longer rely on geographic distance as a buffer âThat distance has been quickly eroded by their technologyâ he told lawmakersHe said the new defence architecture would address both conventional and nuclearcapable threats including cruise missiles hypersonic weapons and unmanned aerial systemsLawmakers pressed officials on the scale of Chinaâs capabilities While specific figures remain classified Guetlein said the range of threats spans âfrom several hundred to several tens of thousandsâ depending on the systemThe discussion also reflected a broader shift in US strategic thinking Senator Angus King questioned whether traditional nuclear deterrence â which underpinned stability during the Cold War â remains sufficient in dealing with ChinaBerkowitz responded that the current environment differs fundamentally with âmultiple nuclear armed rivalsâ and increasingly sophisticated missile technologies requiring a combination of deterrence and active defenceHe said missile defence would complement the nuclear triad providing âboth a sword and a shieldâ to counter coercive threats and protect the homelandOfficials also emphasised the role of alliances noting that US partners must invest more in defence to strengthen collective security and interoperability particularly in regions facing Chinese military pressureChinaâs rapid military modernisation including advances in hypersonic weapons and integrated air defence systems has been a growing concern for Washington and its allies These developments have intensified competition in the IndoPacific where the US seeks to maintain strategic balance and freedom of navigation IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/china-threat-drives-us-missile-defence-rethink-671418.html Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korean-president-says-will-resolve-pending-issues-with-allies-through-mutual-respect-671459.html Seoul April 28 Issues between close allies should be resolved based on mutual respect and fundamental principles South Koreas President Lee Jae Myung said Tuesday Lee made the remarks during a Cabinet meeting at Cheong Wa Dae stressing that cooperation with traditional allies should also be developedWe need the wisdom to build healthy futureoriented relations with traditional allies while resolving pending issues based on mutual respect common sense and principles he told the meetingI will also devote myself to diplomacy aimed at building genuine friendship with allies with confidence as a sovereign nation the president addedThe president did not provide the specific background but the remarks came amid diplomatic frictions over Washingtons reported complaints about Seouls handling of a massive information breach at Coupang a USlisted ecommerce firm and the disclosure by a Seoul minister that Kusong may be a North Korean uranium enrichment site reports Yonhap news agencyEarlier reports suggested that Washington has partially suspended information sharing on North Koreas nuclear facilities with Seoul over Unification Minister Chung Dongyoungs public reference to Kusong as a uranium enrichment site which it believes was based on USshared intelligenceThe minister has repeatedly clarified that his remarks on Kusong were based on publicly available sources not on any intelligence shared by the USPresident Lee also highlighted the militarys expanded selfreliant defence capability pledging to further increase defence spending to ensure standalone defence powerThe Lee administration seeks to regain wartime operational control of South Korean troops from Washington before its fiveyear term ends in 2030During the 195053 Korean War command authority was transferred to the US side with only peacetime control returned to Seoul in 1994 while wartime control remains with WashingtonSouth Koreas own defence capability excluding US Forces Korea is the worlds fifthlargest while its annual defence spending is 14 times North Koreas annual gross national product Lee said also noting that the countrys defence exports are the worlds fourthlargestEven now we have enough capability to defend ourselves on our own and going forward we will further increase defence expenditure the president said highlighting the need to make the public aware of this and not worry about national securityNoting the countrys real gross domestic product grew 17 per cent in the first quarter from three months earlier Lee stressed that the figure is nearly double the earlier estimate and that it marked an acceleration of the economic recovery trend that began in the second half of last yearStill external economic uncertainties linger due to the prolonged Middle East war while high oil prices pose risks to the real economy he said instructing officials to make allout efforts to sustain economic growth IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korean-president-says-will-resolve-pending-issues-with-allies-through-mutual-respect-671459.html Tue, 28 Apr 2026 12:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-court-sentences-lawmaker-to-2-year-prison-term-over-unification-church-funds-row-671461.html Seoul April 28 An appeals court in South Korea on Tuesday sentenced Rep Kweon Seongdong of the main opposition People Power Party PPP to a twoyear prison term on charges of accepting illegal political funds from the Unification Church The Seoul High Court handed down the sentence after finding him guilty of accepting 100 million won US68000 in January 2022 from a church official seeking favours from the former administration of President Yoon Suk Yeol reports Yonhap news agencyThe sentence matched the ruling of a lower court in JanuaryThis case is far more serious than typical violations of the Political Funds Act making severe punishment inevitable a judge at the sentencing hearing said Even though the charges were corroborated by various evidence he denied the crime from the investigation stageThe court also ordered Kweon to forfeit 100 million won in line with the lower court rulingKweon a fiveterm lawmaker once known as one of Yoons close confidants had argued he met the church official for a meal but did not receive moneyHis lawyers had also claimed the case did not fall under the mandate of special counsel Min Joongkis team which indicted him while investigating various corruption allegations against former first lady Kim Keon HeeThe court dismissed the claimsKweon served as the PPPs floor leader until June 2025 He was placed under arrest in September and indicted the following monthMins team had requested a fouryear prison term and a forfeiture of 100 million won for KweonLawmakers are stripped of their parliamentary seats if they are sentenced to a fine of 1 million won or heavy punishment for violating the Political Funds ActShould the Supreme Court uphold his sentence following a widely anticipated appeal from Kweon the lawmaker would lose his seat in the National Assembly IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-court-sentences-lawmaker-to-2-year-prison-term-over-unification-church-funds-row-671461.html Tue, 28 Apr 2026 12:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/unicef-warns-afghanistan-could-lose-over-25-000-female-teachers-healthcare-workers-by-2030-671468.html Kabul April 28 The United Nations International Childrens Emergency Fund UNICEF on Tuesday warned that Afghanistan risks losing up to 20000 women teachers and 5400 healthcare workers by 2030 amid continuing restrictions on girlsâ education and womenâs employment in the country In its latest analysis titled âThe Cost of Inaction on Girlsâ Education and Womenâs Labour Force Participation in Afghanistan the UNICEF said that female representation in the civil services fell from 21 per cent to 177 per cent between 2023 and 2025It cautioned that the declining number of trained women professionals in schools and hospitals across Afghanistan would have devastating consequences for childrens education health outcomes and future opportunitiesâRestrictions on girlsâ and womens education and work are already costing the country US84 million annually in lost economic output with losses compounding over time as they remain blocked from education and employmentâ UNICEF mentionedAccording to the UN agency removing women from teaching and healthcare services in Afghanistan â two sectors where they are permitted to work and critically needed â directly harms children as it will lead to fewer girls in schools and reduced care for women and childrenThe impact it said is particularly severe in healthcare where societal context often prevents women from receiving medical services from men while the declining number of female health workers will directly limit maternal newborn and child health servicesâAfghanistan cannot afford to lose future teachers nurses doctors midwives and social workers who sustain essential services This will be the reality if girls continue to be excluded from educationâ said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine RussellWe urge the de facto authorities to lift the ban on secondary education for girls and call on the international community to remain committed to supporting girlsâ rights to learnâ she addedUNICEF stated that Afghanistan is facing a dual crisisâthe loss of trained female professionals and the inability of the next generation to replace them As experienced women retire or leave the workforce it said girls remain barred from continuing their education and stepping into these roles Each year of delay costs Afghanistan another generation of skilled professionals the UN agency notedSince the Afghan Taliban barred girls from secondary education in September 2021 UNICEF said that one million girls have been denied their right to learn in a country that already has one of the lowest female literacy rates in the worldThe analysis indicated that if the ban persists until 2030 more than two million girls in Afghanistan will be deprived of their right to education beyond primary school It added that schools are already affected with the number of female teachers in basic education declining by over 9 per cent â from nearly 73000 in 2022 to around 66000 in 2024 IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/unicef-warns-afghanistan-could-lose-over-25-000-female-teachers-healthcare-workers-by-2030-671468.html Tue, 28 Apr 2026 13:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/false-flag-claims-spark-backlash-after-white-house-correspondents-dinner-shooting-671286.html Washington April 27 Prominent television hosts and journalists have pushed back against online claims that the White House Correspondentsâ Dinner shooting was staged They have called such assertions âdisturbingâ and reflective of a wider erosion of trust in the United States MS NOW host Eugene Daniels said he was alarmed by conspiracy theories circulating after shots were fired at the Washington Hilton on Saturday nightâOne thing that Iâm disturbed by as we woke up this morning is seeing folks on the internet say that this was a false flag that we are basically all in cahoots to do to say that this was stagedâ Daniels said on âThe WeekendâDescribing the moment inside the venue Daniels added âfor all of us who was in the room who had to jump on the ground who had to text our family and friends and tell them that we were okayâ to see people say those kinds of things it is frustrating and itâs disturbingâThe annual dinner attended by President Donald Trump for the first time in both his terms was abruptly halted as the president First Lady Melania Trump and other officials were ushered out following the gunfireAs details emerged some commentators suggested the shooting may have been preplanned Twitch streamer Hasan Piker wrote on X about the incident while former MSNBC host Katie Phang questioned the sequence of events saying âTrump is just lahdeedah fine after another alleged assassination attempt amp he demands âLET THE SHOW GO ONâ The âSHOWââAuthor Don Winslow also criticised the official account writing âIf you believe that BS last nightâ If you accept that utterly ridiculous storyâ You are stupid stupid STUPIDâ according to Fox NewsDaniels rejected those claims stressing the role of journalists in reporting verified information Fellow host Jonathan Capehart noted that conspiracy theories were emerging across the political spectrumâIâm hearing that from my social media pages from people on the left also thinking that this was stagedâ Capehart said adding that such reactions âfeels to me that there feels to be a lack of trust in this countryâAuthorities have identified the suspect as Cole Allen 31 of Torrance California who allegedly prepared a manifesto and expressed intent to target Trump administration officials according to law enforcement sources cited by Fox NewsThe suspect remains in custody as investigators examine his writings social media activity and possible motivesThe White House Correspondentsâ Dinner is an annual gathering of journalists policymakers and public figures traditionally seen as a celebration of press freedom The event has previously drawn large security deployments due to the presence of senior officials IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/false-flag-claims-spark-backlash-after-white-house-correspondents-dinner-shooting-671286.html Mon, 27 Apr 2026 08:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/libyan-pm-un-envoy-discuss-roadmap-toward-national-elections-671287.html Tripoli April 27 Libyan Prime Minister AbdulHamid Dbeibah held talks with a UN envoy to explore ways to move the country toward longdelayed national elections and end its political division Hanna Tetteh the UN secretarygenerals special representative for Libya briefed Dbeibah on a UNbacked roadmap aimed at unifying state institutions and preparing for direct elections said the governments Hakomitna news platformShe said the recent UNsponsored minidialogue falls within the first phase of the roadmap which focuses on finalising electoral laws and forming the board of the High National Elections CommissionDbeibah reaffirmed his governments support for efforts that propose practical and implementable solutions to preserve the path toward a civil state and stressed the need to move along clear tracks that would lead to the completion of electoral laws and proceed directly to elections with the aim of ending institutional division and respecting the will of votersFor her part Tetteh reiterated the UN missions continued support for consensusbuilding among Libyan parties and for creating favorable conditions to ensure the success of the political process and the holding of comprehensive elections Xinhua news agency reportedThe meeting comes amid growing public debate over unconfirmed reports about an alternative roadmap involving the restructuring of the executive authority which has been rejected by groups of activists in the city of Misrata who view such proposals as a threat to national sovereigntySince the 2011 fall of its former leader Muammar Gaddafi Libya has been split between the UNrecognised Government of National Unity in Tripoli and the eastern administration backed by the Libyan National Army under commander Khalifa HaftarEarlier on April 22 the UNs top envoy for Libya had said that a stalled political progress deteriorating economy and persistent institutional divisions are pushing the country toward deeper instability IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/libyan-pm-un-envoy-discuss-roadmap-toward-national-elections-671287.html Mon, 27 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/rising-food-gas-utility-costs-squeeze-americans-amid-tariff-war-concerns-671305.html Los Angeles April 27 Americans are feeling the strain as the cost of groceries gasoline and utilities continues to rise Economists say a onetwo punch of new US tariffs and a wardriven spike in global energy prices are pushing up everyday expenses and threatening to slow growth just as households had begun to regain some breathing room I feel betrayed Katie Peyrey a 66yearold struggling grandmother and caregiver from Burbank California told Xinhua news agencyShe is a minimum wage janitorial worker at a rehab facility who supports herself and her autistic grandson on minimum wage I voted for Donald Trump because he promised to make things better for us she saidShe said her household expenses including rent utilities groceries gas clothing taxes and healthcare for her grandson had totaled around 2300 per month before Trump came into office which she was barely able to cover with her meager income of 2400 dollars per monthBut now despite careful budgeting she feels increasing financial pressure My expenses have shot up to over 2500 a month and I cant make ends meet anymore she told XinhuaShe explained that she had borrowed as much as she could from family and friends who were going through similar hard times She feels her future looks bleakPeyrey is not alone in her concerns about the future Christian Devito a 34yearold health and safety worker at a largechain grocery store in Los Angeles told Xinhua his monthly bills have jumped by at least 15 per cent in the last three monthsLA is all spread out so commuting to work jumped from 50 a week to over 70 And my food and utility bills shot up too Thats killing me he complained First I just cut down on going to movies and getting haircuts but now I have to cut back on foodHe enjoys his job in health and safety but is concerned about the future if prices keep spiraling as the war in the Middle East drags on and tariffs drive inflation upThe latest US government data support his worries showing overall consumer prices are still rising with energy costs doing much of the damage In March energy prices jumped 109 per cent month over month led by a 212 per cent surge in gasoline according to the US Bureau of Labor StatisticsThat matters for consumer spending which powers about twothirds of the US economy and for the Federal Reserve Fed which has signaled it will keep interest rates higher for longer if price pressures broadenFor many families the mix is especially painful gasoline spikes hit commuters immediately higher utility bills arrive with a lag and food inflation even when modest overall tends to concentrate in staples Higher borrowing costs from credit cards to auto loans add another layer of strain as the Fed keeps rates elevated to keep inflation in checkI used to feel like 200 dollars at Costco could fill up your entire shopping cart but now it doesnt even cover the bottom Everything is getting more expensive Allen Wang told Xinhua at a Costco store in Azusa California adding Even a box of cat litter has gone up by 2 to 3 over the last 12 monthsTariffs are a key part of the renewed inflation debate A Fed analysis published in April estimated that tariffs implemented through November 2025 lifted core goods prices in the personal consumption expenditures index the Feds preferred inflation gauge by 31 per cent through February 2026 while researchers also found a dollarfordollar passthrough When tariffs raised retailers costs consumer prices rose by roughly the same amount over timeEconomists at the Peterson Institute for International Economics have warned that broad tariffs can function like a tax increase on households In a February 2025 analysis they estimated that tariffs announced on imports from Canada Mexico and China would cost the typical US household more than 1200 a year even before accounting for potential knockon effects such as higher prices from domestic producers competing with importsAt the same time energy cost spikes from the ongoing war with Iran can ripple through the economy well beyond the pump raising shipping and production expenses for everything from groceries to manufactured goodsFor now economists say the trajectory will hinge on how long energy markets stay disrupted and whether tariffs expand further or begin to ease The next CPI report due May 12 will offer an early read on whether April brought broader price increases beyond energy and whether Americans should brace for a longer stretch of sticker shock heading into the next yearI hope there is good news soon Peyrey told Xinhua We cant survive another year like this one IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/rising-food-gas-utility-costs-squeeze-americans-amid-tariff-war-concerns-671305.html Mon, 27 Apr 2026 11:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/salim-dolas-arrest-hits-isi-revenue-stream-india-plans-two-step-extradition-via-uae-671327.html New Delhi April 27 The arrest of Salim Dola who ran a Rs 5000 crore drug empire is a major blow to the Dawood Ibrahim Syndicate Dola was arrested in Turkey in a joint operation by the National Intelligence Organisation and police units India would seek his extradition as his interrogation would be crucial to further break up the Dawood Syndicate Indian agencies would coordinate with the United Arab Emirates UAE to seek his extradition as India does not have an extradition treaty with TurkeyAn official said that the first move would be to have him extradited to the United Arab Emirates since Dola holds a UAE passport Following this the Indian agencies would coordinate with their counterparts in the UAE and then have him extradited to IndiaDola was detained based on an Interpol Red Corner Notice RCN issued following a request by the Central Bureau of Investigation CBI He was wanted by the Mumbai police which sought to question him in multiple cases relating to narcotics smugglingAn official said that they are confident about the extradition Last year Dolaâs son Taher Dola was detained in the UAE following an operation conducted by the local authorities and Interpol Taher was extradited to India from the UAE in June 2025 A few months later Salim Mohammed Sohail Shaikh a key player in this cartel and a close aide of Dola was arrested in Dubai and extradited to IndiaThe arrest comes at a time when the agencies from across the country have launched a massive operation against drug cartels Officials are operating at multiple levels as they deal with threats from cartels from Pakistan Myanmar and also MexicoAn official said that dismantling the Dawood Syndicate is a high priority since it is the money that this cartel earns from narcotics smuggling which funds terror groups in Pakistan The ISI as part of its deal with the Dawood network gets 40 per cent of the money that the syndicate earns for each transactionAn Intelligence Bureau official said that the arrest of Dola will significantly weaken the Dawood syndicate operations in Mumbai Gujarat and Delhi The official said that Dolaâs arrest hurts the Dawood Syndicate in a major way especially when it comes to transnational operations and fundsDola was a big contributor to the syndicate and his arrest not just hurts the syndicate but also the ISIâs funds which it routes into terror groups that hurt Indiaâs interests Another official explained that going after the narco syndicates is also key in the fight against terrorWhile the Pakistanbased cartel funds terror groups in the country those operating in Myanmar fund insurgent groups in the northeast The drug cartels and terror groups are directly linked and the war on narcotics will directly impact the operations of terrorist groups the official addedThe arrest of Dola his son and close aide suggests that the network is gradually crumbling They were involved in running a transnational synthetic drug trafficking network which spanned several countries They had set up laboratories and factories in many parts of IndiaThe interrogation of Dola and his aides would lead the police to the production points which eventually would be eliminated The police would also gather information on his lineages with Dawood and the ISI elements who have been backing this network for long another official saidDola was born in Mumbai in 1966 and got close to the underworld at a very young age He worked closely with Dawoodâs righthand man Chhota Shakeel His operations began by supplying ghutkha following which he smuggled weed or marijuana He was arrested in 2012 by the Narcotics Control Bureau NCB after 80 grams of weed were found in his possession He was acquitted after spending five years in jailAfter his release he set up a drug manufacturing unit for a synthetic drug known as Button which is made using fentanyl In 2018 he was arrested once again in Santa Cruz Mumbai after 100 kg of fentanyl was seized from him However he was out on bail after four months as the forensic report said that the tested samples of fentanyl came back negative He fled to the UAE while he was out on bail IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/salim-dolas-arrest-hits-isi-revenue-stream-india-plans-two-step-extradition-via-uae-671327.html Mon, 27 Apr 2026 12:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/irans-fm-araghchi-arrives-in-st-petersburg-to-hold-talks-with-russian-president-putin-671353.html Moscow April 27 Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Russias St Petersburg on Monday to hold talks with President Vladimir Putin local media reported on Monday Upon arrival in St Petersburg Araghchi was received by Russian officials and Irans Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali According to Jalali Araghchi and President Putin are set to hold talks in St Petersburg on Monday Irans Islamic Republic News Agency IRNA reportedSpeaking to IRNA Jalali said discussions between Araghchi and President Putin will focus on developments after the joint strikes by the US and Israel against IranJalali said Araghchis visit is part of close consultations between Iran and Russia as the two nations have similar approaches to regional and international issues He further said that the Presidents of Iran and Russia have held three phone calls since the conflict began on February 28Araghchi arrived in Russia after concluding his visit to Oman amid the ongoing tensions in West AsiaEarlier the Iranian FM held a meeting with Omans Sultan Haitham bin Tariq discussing bilateral ties regional developments and ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the regional crisisDuring the meeting Araghchi briefed Omans Sultan about Irans stance on the latest developments of the conflict He expressed appreciation for Omans support for dialogue and promoting efforts aimed at enhancing security and stability in the region especially considering the current regional challenges Irans Press TV reportedSultan Haitham highlighted Omans stance on advancing mediation efforts that would increase the chances of reaching sustainable political solutions and mitigate the impact of crises on the people of the region He stressed the importance of using dialogue and diplomacy to resolve issuesIn a statement on X Irans Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei stated We are in Muscat for an official visit to the Sultanate of Oman FM Araghchiâs first to the region following the recent USIsraeli aggression which has impacted the broader region Iran continues to place great importance on its relations with Persian Gulf states and remains committed to strengthening mutual trust and constructive cooperation The OmanâIran relationship stands as a testament to Iranâs genuine pursuance of respectful and mutually beneficial relations with its neighbours in the SouthThe tensions in West Asia escalated after the US and Israel carried out a joint military operation against Iran on February 28 The joint military strikes killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei triggering a largescale military operation by Iran against Israel and the US bases in the Gulf nations The conflict also led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz which triggered a global energy crisis IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/irans-fm-araghchi-arrives-in-st-petersburg-to-hold-talks-with-russian-president-putin-671353.html Mon, 27 Apr 2026 14:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/nsa-ajit-doval-calls-on-uae-president-discusses-bilateral-ties-regional-situation-671244.html Abu Dhabi April 26 IANS National Security Advisor NSA Ajit Doval called on UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Sunday discussing measures to deepen Comprehensive Strategic Partnership the regional situation and other issues of mutual interestIn a post on X Indian Embassy in the UAE stated NSA Ajit Doval paid an official visit to the UAE He called on President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Conveyed greetings of PM Narendra Modi Measures to deepen Comprehensive Strategic Partnership the regional situation and other issues of mutual interest were discussedThis is the second high level visit from India to UAE after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankars twoday visit earlier this monthEarlier this month EAM Jaishankar called on UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi and conveyed greetings of Prime Minister Narendra ModiDuring the meeting EAM Jaishankar expressed gratitude to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for ensuring the wellbeing of the Indian community in the UAE during the conflict in West AsiaCrown Prince of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was also present during the meetingDeeply honoured to call on President of UAE HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi today Conveyed warm greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and our gratitude for ensuring wellbeing of the Indian community during the West Asia conflict Thank him for his guidance on further strengthening the IndiaUAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership EAM Jaishankar posted on XIn another post he wrote Good to see HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum during the call Conveyed the appreciation of our Government for ensuring the welfare of the Indian community in DubaiOn April 11 EAM Jaishankar held talks with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the evolving situation in West Asia and its wider implicationsThe External Affairs Minister expressed confidence that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations will advance furtherA real pleasure to meet DPM and FM of UAE Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi this evening Our conversation focused on the evolving regional situation and its implications Conveyed our deep ppreciation for ensuring the wellbeing of the Indian community in the UAE Confident that our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will advance further he wrote on XEAM Jaishankar also interacted with the members of the Indian community there During his interaction he highlighted the Indian governments ongoing efforts towards the security and wellbeing of its nationals amidst the West Asia conflictThe tensions in West Asia escalated after the US and Israel carried out a joint military operation against Iran on February 28 The joint military strikes killed the former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei triggering a largescale military operation by Iran against Israel and the US bases in the Gulf nations The conflict also led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz which triggered a global energy crisisIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/nsa-ajit-doval-calls-on-uae-president-discusses-bilateral-ties-regional-situation-671244.html Sun, 26 Apr 2026 16:34:00 +0530