DailyWorld News - The First International Newspaper From India https://dailyworld.in/ Tue, 23 Sep 2025 12:18:07 +0530 en https://dailyworld.in/international/mea-jaishankar-us-envoy-designate-gor-look-forward-to-promoting-ties-640060.html New York Sept 23 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and US Ambassadordesignate to India Sergio Gor who held a meeting here look forward to promoting their countries relationship the State Department said Following their meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on Monday the State Department stated on X They look forward to further promoting the success of the USIndia relationshipTheir meeting followed a bilateral between Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at which they agreed on the importance of sustained engagement to progress on priority areasGor who is awaiting Senate confirmation for the ambassadorship will simultaneously be President Donald Trumps Special Envoy for South and Central AsiaA close associate of Trump who played an important role in his election campaign he was the director of the presidential personnel office which helps select political appointees for the administration and vets themAt the Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing earlier this month on his nomination for the ambassadorship Gor said The USIndia partnership will define the 21st CenturyIndia is a strategic partner whose trajectory will shape the region and beyond he added noting Our President has a deep friendship with Prime Minister Modi and that is something uniqueWhen Gor moves into the embassy in Chanakyapuri he will face the task of mending relations tried by the trade conflict which led to Trump imposing a 25 per cent reciprocal tariff and topping it off with a 25 per cent punitive tariff for buying Russian oilGor said at the hearing Improving USIndia trade ties will not only bolster US competitiveness but also reduce Chinas economic leverage over other nations IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/mea-jaishankar-us-envoy-designate-gor-look-forward-to-promoting-ties-640060.html Tue, 23 Sep 2025 06:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/european-union-assures-india-it-is-reliable-partner-640061.html New York Sept 23 European Unions top diplomat Kaja Kallas has assured India that it is a reliable partner working together on upholding multilateralism during a meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar Along with Brazils Minister Mauro Vieira Juan and Mexicos Foreign Secretary Ramon de la Fuente he attended a meeting with EU foreign ministers on MondayAfter the meeting Kallas whose formal title is High Representative for Foreign Affairs posted on X The message to our partners was simple the EU is a reliable actor We support multilateralism free trade and a world grounded in the UN CharterJaishankar in his X post on the meeting said Pleased to meet EU Foreign Ministers at their informal meeting todayIt was an opportunity to have open exchange of views on multilateralism IndiaEU partnership Ukraine conflict Gaza energy and trade he wroteAt a news conference Kallas said The EUs relations with Brazil India and Mexico are important economically but also for Europe protecting the rulesbased international orderMultilateral order is really something that we all need to defend and the UN Charter is at its core she saidShe mentioned the EUs new blueprint to deepen ties with India that was unveiled last weekLaying the foundation for longterm ties between India and the EU the strategy has five pillars trade investment technology and sustainability defence and security connectivity and global issues and coordination on labour mobilityEarlier on Wednesday the EU unveiled a new strategic agenda to significantly ramp up its engagement with India in a range of key areas such as defence trade and energy and to jointly tackle major global challengesThe EU said its closer partnership with India is increasingly becoming vital in the wake of the shifting geopolitical realities and that it is prudent for the two sides to strengthen economic growth and security IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/european-union-assures-india-it-is-reliable-partner-640061.html Tue, 23 Sep 2025 06:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/commerce-minister-goyal-meets-us-trade-representative-greer-in-new-york-640062.html Washington Sep 23 Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in New York to negotiate the first tranche of a trade agreement between the two sides sources say Sources also told IANS that the meeting focused on addressing key sticking points and both sides remain hopeful of reaching an interim understanding soonBoth India and the US are yet to issue official statements about the latest meetingThe talks come days after US Assistant Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch held trade talks with Indias chief trade negotiator Rajesh Agrawal in DelhiThe Indian readout of the meeting said that positive discussions were held on various aspects of the trade deal and it was decided to intensify efforts in this regardHowever the talks have been overshadowed by the Trump administrations decision to significantly curtail the H1B visa programUS President Donald Trump on Friday signed a proclamation imposing a 100000 fee for each new applicationThe proclamation caused immense confusion over the weekend as it seemed to suggest that it would impact the current H1B visa holders who may face hurdles in returning to the United StatesThe White House issued a clarification to IANS on Saturday saying that this is a onetime fee that applies only to new visas and not renewals or current visa holdersThis is a onetime fee that applies only to the petition It ONLY applies to new visas not renewals or current visa holders It will first apply in the next upcoming lottery cycle a White House official told IANSThe Ministry of External Affairs had also issued a statement saying the measure is likely to have humanitarian consequencesTrade talks between the two countries have resumed after US President Donald Trump called Prime Minister Narendra Modi to wish him on his 75th birthday on September 16Prime Minister Modi in a post on X termed Trump as his friend and thanked him for the wishesThank you my friend President Trump for your phone call and warm greetings on my 75th birthday Like you I am also fully committed to taking the IndiaUS Comprehensive and Global Partnership to new heights We support your initiatives towards a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict PM Modi wrotePresident Trump also posted on Truth Social calling the phone call wonderful and thanked him for his support on attempting to end the conflict in UkraineJust had a wonderful phone call with my friend Prime Minister Narendra Modi I wished him a very Happy Birthday He is doing a tremendous job Narendra Thank you for your support on ending the War between Russia and Ukraine President DJT he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/commerce-minister-goyal-meets-us-trade-representative-greer-in-new-york-640062.html Tue, 23 Sep 2025 06:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/un-chief-calls-for-intensified-efforts-to-achieve-sdgs-640063.html United Nations Sep 23 UN SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres called for intensified efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals SDGs at the SDG Moment event held at UN headquarters At the event hosted during the HighLevel Week of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly UNGA Guterres outlined the path to reach the SDGs reform the global financial architecture climate action must take center stage and prepare for technological transformationIn all we do we must make peace a priority he said stressing that in 2024 global military spending was 13 times official development assistance Xinhua news agency reportedWith five years to go until 2030 only 35 per cent of the SDGs are on track 47 per cent are seeing insufficient progress and 18 per cent have gone into reverse UNGA President Annalena Baerbock said at the eventThe financial picture is equally stark At a moment of rising need net official development assistance fell by 71 per cent last year she saidWe are not moving as fast as we should on the foundational promise of the Sustainable Development Goals Baerbock saidShe added that development will only be fair and sustainable if it makes space for voices too often ignored and if we combine our efforts and show solidarity with each otherWith 17 SDGs at its core the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in September 2015 which is committed to eradicating poverty promoting equality addressing climate change and more by 2030 IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/un-chief-calls-for-intensified-efforts-to-achieve-sdgs-640063.html Tue, 23 Sep 2025 07:01:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/un-security-council-meets-urgently-on-alleged-russian-intrusion-of-estonian-airspace-640064.html United Nations Sep 23 The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting to discuss the alleged intrusion of Estonian airspace by Russian fighter jets UN Assistant SecretaryGeneral for Europe Central Asia and the Americas Miroslav Jenca in his briefing said the world body is not in a position to confirm any of the claims regarding the incident and does not have any further details of the events He therefore based his briefing solely on information available from public sourcesIn a letter dated Saturday and addressed to the president of the Security Council Estonia claimed that three Russian MiG31 fighters entered up to 10 km inside Estonias airspace and stayed for 12 minutes on Friday said JencaThe Russian Defense Ministry claimed Saturday that its fighter jets made a scheduled flight from Karelia on the border with Finland to an airfield in Kaliningrad in strict accordance with international airspace rules without deviating from the agreed flight path and without violating Estonian airspace said JencaWe again urge all concerned to act responsibly to use all available channels and to take immediate steps to deescalate tensions and prevent further risks to regional security he said The world simply cannot afford such danger to spiral out of control and for the devastating war in Ukraine to further escalate and expandEstonia other European countries that participated in Mondays meeting and the United States accused Russia of violating Estonias airspace and of escalating tension Xinhua news agency reportedRussias first deputy permanent representative to the United Nations Dmitry Polyanskiy denied that Russian jets had violated Estonian airspace and accused European states of RussophobiaThrough their European politicians efforts a medievallike hatred for our country coupled with the aspiration to portray Russia as the principal threat to panEurope security is before our very eyes becoming the overarching ideology of European states he saidOur neighbors have now conceived that Russia is at fault for an incursion into Estonias airspace As always there is no evidence except for the Russophobic hysteria coming from Tallinn said PolyanskiyUS Permanent Representative to the United Nations Mike Waltz in his maiden speech to the Security Council said his country and its allies will defend every inch of NATO territoryEstonia is a NATO memberNonEuropean members of the Security Council called for restraint and deescalationGeng Shuang Chinas deputy permanent representative to the United Nations said China urges the parties concerned to remain calm and exercise restraint clarify facts and dispel doubts through dialogue and communication avoid misunderstanding and misjudgment and prevent the situation from expanding or escalatingThe meeting was requested by Estonia The councils five European members Britain Denmark France Greece and Slovenia supported the request IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/un-security-council-meets-urgently-on-alleged-russian-intrusion-of-estonian-airspace-640064.html Tue, 23 Sep 2025 07:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/after-meeting-eam-jaishankar-marco-rubio-declares-india-critical-to-us-640065.html New York Sep 23 US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has declared that India is of critical value to his country and welcomed its ongoing interaction in trade according to the State Department After he met with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday reiterating that India is a relationship of critical importance to the United States Rubio expressed his appreciation for the Indian governments continued engagement on a number of issues including trade defense energy pharmaceuticals critical minerals and other items related to the bilateral relationship the Department said in a readout of their meetingThey agreed the United States and India will continue working together to promote a free and open IndoPacific region including through the Quad it saidThe reaffirmation of Indias importance for the US comes after US President Donald Trump reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to greet him on his 75th birthday after imposing a total of 50 per cent tariffs on India and weeks of harsh statements about IndiaSignificantly the meeting with Jaishankar was the first official meeting of the day for Rubio who is making a round of bilaterals with world leaders here for the highlevel General Assembly sessionJaishankar posted on X Our conversation covered a range of bilateral and international issues of current concern Agreed on the importance of sustained engagement to progress on priority areasHe added that they would stay in touchBefore going into the conference room with a table decked with flowers and flags they made a cordial appearance before the media waiting outside and shook hands but refused to answer questionsLater Jaishankar met with the US ambassadordesignate to India Sergio GorThe State Department said on X They look forward to further promoting the success of the USIndia relationshipGor will also be Trumps Special Envoy for South and Central AsiaThe appointment of Gor needs approval by the Senate like all ambassadorial positionsIn another sign of movement in the two countries attempts to reset their relations Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal met US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in New York to negotiate the first tranche of a trade agreement between the two sides sources told IANSBoth sides remain hopeful of reaching an interim understanding soon the sources addedDespite differences on trade and Russian oil purchases the two nations have strong common interests at the strategic level exemplified by the Quad the fournation group that also includes Australia and Japan and is focused on the IndoPacificRubio made a reference to the QuadAfter flinging invectives at India such as calling its economy dead Trump posted on Truth Social after his birthday call to PM Modi He is doing a tremendous job Narendra Thank you for your support on ending the War between Russia and UkrainePM Modi thanked him and said on X Like you I am also fully committed to taking the IndiaUS Comprehensive and Global Partnership to new heightsThe two countries resumed their negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement with a meeting in New Delhi between Assistant US Trade Representative Brendan Lynch and Commerce Ministry Special Secretary Rajesh Agrawal paving the way for the GoyalGreer meeting IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/after-meeting-eam-jaishankar-marco-rubio-declares-india-critical-to-us-640065.html Tue, 23 Sep 2025 08:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/doval-drouin-talks-spark-breakthrough-as-canada-moves-against-khalistan-terrorists-640076.html New Delhi Sep 23 Ties between India and Canada had strained due to the baseless allegations made by Justin Trudeau regarding the Khalistan issue After Trudeau stepped down and a new government was in place under Mark Carney relations have witnessed a reset but at a slower pace The Indian agencies saw some hope after the Canadian Intelligence reported that the Khalistan elements were using their soil to raise funds for terrorrelated activities India was sceptical about whether action could be taken against the Khalistan terrorists operating on Canadian soil However the arrest of Inderjeet Singh Gosal a key coordinator for the Khalistan referendum is a positive signIndia now feels that the Canadians are finally acknowledging the problem and are ready to work closely on the issueNational Security Advisor Ajit Doval has been leading a team that is closely coordinating with agencies in Canada India is providing Canada with dossiers and Intelligence about the Khalistan elements and this has resulted in coordination which ultimately led to the arrest of GosalOfficials said that this is not the first time that India has provided Canada with dossiers and information The only difference is that now Canada is ready to act unlike in the past when such dossiers were pushed under the tableThe NSA and his team have been pushing the point hard that these elements are not part of an advocacy group They are part of a terrorist organisation which is being funded by the ISI the Indian agencies have told CanadaThe breakthrough in the relations followed a meeting of NSA Doval and his Canadian counterpart Nathalie Drouin which was held earlier this month This meeting led to a reset in relations and the two agreed that it was about time that the problem was combatedBoth Doval and Drouin agreed to work closely and share Intelligence on this issueIn addition to this meeting both countries have also decided on a diplomatic front to work on the Khalistan issue It is important that Canada acknowledge that the Khalistanis had become a grave threatCanada has also realised that these persons are not just using their soil to launch attacks against India but the Khalistani elements have also become extremely aggressive in the countryAn incident during which the Khalistan elements told a group of Canadians to leave the country as it belonged to them was just one instance of how desperate and dangerous these groups have becomeAn Intelligence assessment says that the Khalistanis have utterly failed in India Multiple attempts to regroup in Punjab and seek a separate nation have failed owing to enhanced security measures and also the fact that the youth are showing no interest in the movementThis is causing frustration and in a bid to enhance their propaganda they become aggressive in Canada thereby hurting the countrys interestsOfficials explain that a complete reset would take time and there is a lot to do especially on the issue relating to the Khalistan movement The arrest of Gosal is the first step in this battle against the issueIndia has sent 26 extradition requests to Canada and Ottawa has resolved just five while the remaining are hanging India has in the past accused Canada of doing absolutely nothing on the issue The Ministry of External Affairs had said that the 26 extradition requests are for people charged in India with terror and related crimes India had also sought the provisional arrest of these persons IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/doval-drouin-talks-spark-breakthrough-as-canada-moves-against-khalistan-terrorists-640076.html Tue, 23 Sep 2025 10:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-signs-executive-order-designating-antifa-as-domestic-terrorist-organisation-640079.html Washington Sep 23 US President Donald Trump signed an executive order designating Antifa as a domestic terrorist organisation a move some experts believe lacks legal authority President Donald J Trump is right the violence problem is on the Left Thats why he just designated Antifa a network of Radical Left terrorists that aim to overthrow the government through violence and agitation as a domestic terrorist organisation the White House said in a document on Monday local timeIt also lists examples of the movements long history of terrorising our communities including attacks on US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers police officers attendees of conservative political events and Trump supportersThe order directs the federal government to investigate disrupt and dismantle all illegal operations conducted by Antifa or any person claiming to act on behalf of Antifa It also calls for necessary investigatory and prosecutorial actions against those who fund such operationsAntifas terror is part of the trend of Radical Left violence that has permeated the nation in recent years incited by constant lies and vicious attacks against Republicans from unhinged Democrat politicians wellfunded leftist organisations and their allies in the media said the document adding that conservative activist Charlie Kirk was killed by a Radical Left terroristThere is no legal authority to actually designate a domestic group as a terrorist organisation even assuming that antifa is an organisation and not just an ideology Mary McCord a former acting head of the Justice Departments national security division was quoted by The New York Times as sayingA report by The Washington Post also noted that the United States has no legal means of designating domestic terrorist groups adding that experts expressed concern that the move could be used to justify a crackdown on the political left more generally Xinhua news agency reportedDuring his first term in 2020 Trump also announced that he would designate the Antifa movement as a terrorist organisation largely a response to the nationwide protests and unrest that erupted after the killing of African American George Floyd by police But no concrete action was takenTrump signed the latest executive order amid a heated domestic debate over political violence following the death of Charlie Kirk In response to Democrats argument that both the left and right engage in political violence Trump recently claimed that most of the violence is on the left IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-signs-executive-order-designating-antifa-as-domestic-terrorist-organisation-640079.html Tue, 23 Sep 2025 10:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-ex-president-yoons-bail-hearing-set-for-friday-640086.html Seoul Sep 23 A Seoul court will hold a hearing on former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeols request for bail later this week legal sources said on Tuesday The hearing will be held at the Seoul Central District Court at 1030 am Friday after Yoon filed for bail last week citing his right to defend himself and issues with his healthYoon has been in custody since July when special counsel Cho Eunsuks team placed him under arrest a second time on charges related to his failed imposition of martial law in DecemberThe former president has been standing trial on charges of leading an insurrection through his martial law attempt and a second trial on separate charges of violating the rights of Cabinet members and creating a revised proclamation after the martial law declaration is set to begin FridayThe bail hearing is expected to take place immediately after the first hearing of the second trial Yonhap news agency reportedEarlier on September 21 Yoon Suk Yeol had requested to be released on bail citing the need to prepare his defence and health concerns according to legal sourcesOn September 20 a special counsel team had notified Yoon to appear for questioning next week over allegations linked to his failed martial law bidSpecial counsel Cho Eunsuks team said it had issued the summons to Yoon to appear for questioning at the Seoul High Prosecutors Office on WednesdayIt would be the first time investigators attempt to question him over the allegation of inciting foreign aggressionThe team suspects Yoon of giving direct orders to the Drone Operations Command to dispatch drones to Pyongyang in an attempt to provoke North Korean military responses and allegedly create a pretext for the imposition of martial lawFormer drone command chief Major General Kim Yongdae Joint Chiefs of Staff JCS former Chairman Adm Kim Myungsoo and JCS operations chief Lt Gen Lee Seungoh had already been questioned over the allegationsThe commanders had denied any link between the drone dispatch and Yoons martial law arguing the operations were part of response measures to the Norths balloon campaigns against the South IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-ex-president-yoons-bail-hearing-set-for-friday-640086.html Tue, 23 Sep 2025 11:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/super-typhoon-ragasa-batters-northern-philippines-640008.html Manila Sep 22 Super Typhoon Ragasa slammed into the northern Philippines on Monday unleashing torrential rains and strong winds that triggered flooding toppled trees and tore roofs off homes The intense weather prompted the evacuation of more than 10000 residents as authorities scrambled to ensure public safety Roads in many areas became impassable due to rising floodwaters further complicating relief effortsRagasa combined with an enhanced southwest monsoon led to the suspension of work in government offices and classes at all levels in Metro Manila and 29 provinces on Monday Xinhua news agency reportedThe Philippines state weather bureau PAGASA said in its latest advisory that Ragasa was moving westward at 25 km per hour packing winds of 215 km per hour and gusts up to 295 km per hourRagasa is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Tuesday morning said PAGASAOn average around 20 typhoons strike the Philippines annually The archipelago is particularly vulnerable to tropical cyclones which often bring heavy rains flooding and strong winds resulting in casualties and destruction of crops and propertiesMeanwhile Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Monday ordered ministries sectors and localities to take early and highestlevel measures in response to Typhoon Ragasa Vietnam News Agency reportedHe said the priority is to ensure peoples safety and minimize property damage for both residents and the stateAuthorities in coastal localities from Quang Ninh to Quang Ngai have been asked to cancel unnecessary meetings and mobilize all resources to cope with the typhoonThe Ministry of Education and Training has directed schools in affected areas to prepare online learning plans and suspend classes if necessaryAccording to the National Center for HydroMeteorological Forecasting the typhoon is expected to make landfall between Quang Ninh and Ha Tinh provinces on Thursday with strong intensity and complex developments IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/super-typhoon-ragasa-batters-northern-philippines-640008.html Mon, 22 Sep 2025 21:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/strategic-deals-brutal-consequences-pakistans-genocide-under-the-garb-of-counterterrorism-640012.html New Delhi Sep 22 The Indian agencies are reporting that Pakistans aggression under pressure from both the US and China is only going to increase in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa KP Pakistan may have tomtommed to all that it has made some strategic moves where the US and China are concerned However in reality it is set to indulge in genocide in Balochistan Intelligence Bureau officials say that under the garb of fighting the TehreekeTaliban Pakistan TTP the real intention is to target the people of the region and indulge in genocide The Pakistan Army is facing stiff resistance in these regions and hence wants to target even the innocents under the garb of fighting terror outfitsTodays incident during which thirty people were killed in air strikes in KP is an example of this Pakistan used China made J17 fighter jets to drop eight Chinese L6 bombs laserguided precision munitions on a village in the Tirah Valley The local community is already on the edge owing to the aggression by the Pakistan Army Whether it is in Balochistan or KP the people have complained that under the garb of fighting terror the Pakistan Army is trying to wipe out the local populationIntelligence reports say while Pakistan has always been an aggressor in these regions against the local people such action is likely to get worse in the days to comeThe deals that Pakistan signed with the US and China may look good on paper But both countries have shifted the onus largely on Pakistan to deliver and ensure security of their projects While China has said that it wants the TTP out of the picture as the terror group is hitting their projects the US has made it clear that it wants terror groups in Balochistan out of the way so that the minerals deal can be executed peacefullyPakistan is currently in a dilemma due to these demands First and foremost it is not able to fight terror groups in both regions The Pakistan Army has faced embarrassing losses in recent times Further Pakistan has no support of Afghanistan on these issues However the thing that is hurting Pakistan the most is that it does not have the support of the localsThe locals have for decades complained that the resources available in their regions are being looted by the Pakistan Army None of the benefits get passed on to them The locals have accrued the Pakistan government of robbing their resources and investing them in mainland Pakistan while they continue to face hardshipsIn such a situation the Pakistan Army has decided to go on the offensive and is targeting the innocent localsPakistans actions have been called by the international community in the past as well Amnesty Internationals South Asia office had slammed the utter disregard that the army has shown for civilian life This statement had come in the aftermath of a drone strike in which a child had been killedThere was a huge criticism following a March 10 strike in which 10 civilians were killed in the Katlang area of the KP province However after every such hit Pakistan has said that the intention was to flush out terrorists but in reality the intention was of killing the localsFollowing Mondays military strike even the opposition in Pakistan criticised the action Pakistan TehreekeInsaf said that no words can encompass this sorrow and grief Drone attacks and bombings have sown so may seeds of hatred Nothing will be left the party said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/strategic-deals-brutal-consequences-pakistans-genocide-under-the-garb-of-counterterrorism-640012.html Mon, 22 Sep 2025 22:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/17-rescued-as-floods-ravage-turkeys-black-sea-region-640022.html Istanbul Sep 22 Seventeen people stranded by severe flooding in Turkeys northern Black Sea region were rescued by military helicopters on Monday authorities said as heavy rains caused widespread damage in the area Since Saturday the floods have triggered landslides and inundations that have collapsed roads and bridges across Rize Giresun Artvin and Trabzon provinces leaving many residents stranded and prompting largescale rescue operationsTwo helicopters from the Land Forces Command and one from the Air Forces Command were dispatched to Rize successfully evacuating all 17 residents the Ministry of National Defence announced Xinhua news agency reportedAuthorities said access to Rizes highland plateaus is now being maintained by helicopter following the floods Local media reported that riverside bungalows a popular attraction for tourists seeking scenic views were swept away by the floodwatersTransport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu said 14 million liras about 338000 US dollars in emergency funds have been allocated to Rize adding that 1428 personnel supported by 567 pieces of machinery and equipment remain engaged in response and recovery effortsMeanwhile other parts of Turkey are experiencing the opposite extreme severe drought with national rainfall plunging far below longterm averages and threatening water supplies and agricultureAccording to data released Monday by the State Meteorological Service Turkey received 4011 kilogrammes of rainfall per square metre between October 2024 and August 2025 27 per cent below the longterm average and 29 per cent lower than the same period last year marking the lowest national rainfall in 52 yearsThe decline has been most pronounced in Southeastern Anatolia where precipitation dropped more than 53 per cent below seasonal norms The Mediterranean region recorded its driest year in 51 years while the Marmara and Aegean regions saw their lowest rainfall in 18 years In the capital Ankara this water year was the driest in 47 years Only parts of the Black Sea region reported aboveaverage rainfall IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/17-rescued-as-floods-ravage-turkeys-black-sea-region-640022.html Mon, 22 Sep 2025 22:18:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/top-commander-of-hamass-naval-police-killed-in-gaza-announces-israel-640031.html Jerusalem Sep 22 The Israel Defence Forces IDF announced on Monday that its air force killed the deputy commander of Hamass naval police in Gaza The IDF said that Yousef took part in the raid and murderous massacre carried out by Hamas on October 7 During the fighting in the Gaza Strip he planned ambushes against IDF forces and was involved in securing the organisations assets in the Gaza StripHis elimination constitutes a significant damage to the capabilities of Hamass maritime police which are used to collect intelligence on our forces and enforce maritime control for the organisations military wing read a statement issued by the IDFSince the beginning of Operation Gideon Chariots II the Israeli Navy has been working to thwart infrastructure and key personnel in the Maritime Police in close cooperation with the maneuvering forces and closing operational circles in real time in cooperation with the ground forces and the Air ForceThe Navys 916th Squadron fighters constitute an important operational component in the ground maneuver in the Strip The forces assist with fire from the sea and rapid circle closures from the sea air and land In a joint cooperation the Israeli Navy provided the intelligence guidance for the Israeli Air Force in a precision strike in the Central Camps the statement addedMeanwhile Chief of the Israeli General Staff Eyal Zamir on the eve of Rosh Hashanah sent a message to IDF personnel across all arenasI wish to convey to you the thanks of an entire nation that thanks to you truly thanks to you we will sit tonight at the holiday table with a sense of security and with deep appreciation for your sacrifice and dedication he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/top-commander-of-hamass-naval-police-killed-in-gaza-announces-israel-640031.html Mon, 22 Sep 2025 23:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistani-politician-spotlights-ongoing-killings-enforced-disappearances-in-balochistan-640032.html Islamabad Sep 22 Pakistani politician Maulana FazlUrRehman alleged recently that the countrys authorities are involved in kidnapping and enforced disappearances across Balochistan His remarks came amid an escalating wave of enforced disappearances in the province with families continuously staging protests demanding the return of their missing kinIn a video that went viral over the weekend Rehman said If you go to Balochistan where there is a state of insecuritypeople are kidnapped and disappearedRecently noted American human rights lawyer and researcher Reed Brody called for international scrutiny over enforced disappearances unlawful killings and the targeting of women activists by Pakistani authorities in BalochistanHe made these remarks addressing the 7th Global Balochistan Conference in Geneva held on the sidelines of the 60th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council The event organised by the Baloch National Movement BNM witnessed participation from several political figures human rights activists and intellectualsThe people of Balochistan are not alone The struggle for truth and accountability can be long but it is never hopeless We must insist on international scrutiny said BrodyWe must call for independent investigations into enforced disappearances unlawful killings and the targeting of women activists The international community must not look away while basic rightslike the right to speak to protest and to mournare denied he addedThe American human rights lawyer called on the Pakistani authorities to immediately release those detained for peaceful protest restore internet access in affected regions and end the unlawful use of force in BalochistanHe urged the international community stating to support the voices of victims demand accountability and not let geopolitics blind them to serious abusesAnd to the survivors in Balochistan your courage matters History shows that truth can be delayed but it cannot be buried Brody assertedHighlighting his work over the years with survivors of some of the worlds most brutal regimes which includes Augusto Pinochet of Chile JeanClaude Duvalier of Haiti and Hissene Habre of Chad Brody said These were powerful men who believed they could rule through terror silence dissent through fear and escape accountabilityBut history caught up with themnot because of governments but because survivors refused to be silent Their courage brought justice not only for themselves but for future generations That same courage is alive today in Balochistan he stressed IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistani-politician-spotlights-ongoing-killings-enforced-disappearances-in-balochistan-640032.html Mon, 22 Sep 2025 23:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/hindus-hardest-hit-amid-misuse-of-blasphemy-laws-in-pakistan-report-640034.html Islamabad Sep 22 Pakistans misplaced priorities are starkly visible in the ruthless use of blasphemy laws and religious vigilantism against Hindus and Sindhis a report said on Monday Hindus it said bear the brunt of these skewed priorities as blasphemy allegations often fabricated over personal disputes or prejudices have become tools of terror against nonMuslimsAccording to a report in the leading Sri Lankan newspaper The Daily Mirror the number of such cases have surged over the past three years in Pakistan In 2024 alone at least 475 cases were registered an alarming rise in numbers reflecting how easily the law is abused in the countryA mere accusation of blasphemy can unleash murderous mobs Vigilantes have repeatedly lynched accused individuals and entire minority communities have been attacked after such claims Expectedly the perpetrators of this violence are almost never punished emboldening further atrocities Instead the Pakistani state panders to Islamist extremists police frequently refuse to protect those targeted and sometimes even join the frenzy the report detailedIn effect blasphemy laws provide an open license to settle scores with minorities For Pakistans Hindus this means any random rumor or false allegation can lead to their home being burned or a loved one being killed with little hope of justice it addedBeyond blasphemy the report said Hindus in Pakistan are subjected to forced conversion and cultural erasure In 2025 there has been a disturbing trend of Hindu girls and even children being abducted and coerced into converting to IslamIn an outrageous act the report said in June four Hindu youths including three teenage girls were abducted in Pakistans Sindh province and forcibly convertedThe report noted that a local courts acceptance of the claim that the minors had willingly changed their religion underscored how such incidents have become frighteningly commonCiting human rights groups the report revealed abductions and forced marriages of underage Hindu girls especially in Sindh and Punjab continue unabated with Pakistani authorities turning a blind eyeThese crimes tear families apart and terrorise the community Meanwhile the physical heritage of Hindus is crumbling Decades of neglect and vandalism have left most Hindu temples in terrible condition A judicial inquiry revealed that out of 365 Hindu temples in Pakistan only 13 are actively maintained by the government while an astonishing 287 have been effectively abandoned to decay or illegal occupation Extremists know they can desecrate or even demolish Hindu shrines with impunity the report emphasisedIt further stressed that Sindhi people a predominantly Muslim ethnic minority in southeastern Pakistan endure a parallel nightmare of oppressionUnder the hardline watch of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir Pakistans army chief since late 2022 these trends have only worsened Munir a selfprofessed Islamist openly subscribes to an extreme ideology that vilifies Hindus and other nonMuslims His tenure has coincided with a rising tide of hypernationalism and intolerance emboldening extremists and further imperiling minorities the report noted IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/hindus-hardest-hit-amid-misuse-of-blasphemy-laws-in-pakistan-report-640034.html Mon, 22 Sep 2025 23:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-e3-to-hold-talks-in-new-york-next-week-639847.html Tehran Sep 22 Iran and the three European countries of France Britain and Germany collectively known as the E3 will hold talks on Tehrans nuclear issue in New York early next week the semiofficial Tasnim news agency reported The negotiations will be held on Monday or Tuesday at the level of the foreign ministers and will be attended by European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas Tasnim quoted an informed source as sayingIrans Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi on Sunday left Tehran for New York as the head of a diplomatic delegation to attend the United Nations General Assembly UNGAHe is also scheduled to hold consultations with his counterparts from different countries on bilateral regional and international issues on the sidelines of the UNGA session according to a statement from the foreign ministryThe new round of talks between Iran and the E3 came as the UN Security Council on Friday failed to adopt a resolution that would extend sanctions relief for Iran under a 2015 nuclear deal formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action JCPOA between Tehran and world powers Xinhua news agency reportedLast month the E3 triggered the JCPOAs snapback mechanism which allows UN sanctions to be reimposed within 30 days if Iran is judged in breach of the accord The sanctions are expected to take effect later this monthIrans Supreme National Security Council announced on Saturday that the countrys cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency would be effectively suspended following the Security Councils voteThe JCPOA has been under strain since the United States unilaterally withdrew in 2018 prompting Iran to gradually reduce complianceSince September last year Iran has held several rounds of talks with the three European states mainly focused on Tehrans nuclear issue and the removal of sanctions IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-e3-to-hold-talks-in-new-york-next-week-639847.html Mon, 22 Sep 2025 09:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/palestine-overshadows-unga-session-of-world-leaders-639849.html United Nations Sept 22 Palestine is overshadowing the General Assemblys annual highlevel week when presidents prime ministers and potentates parade across the halls green marble podium setting forth their worldview While the Ukraine War and conflicts rage around the world and the UN which is at the 80th year milestone itself faces challenges of near crisis proportions the issue of Palestine takes centre stage with a summit on its statehood on Monday ahead of the highlevel meeting that starts on TuesdayBritain a permanent member of the Security Council and other Western countries announced they were recognising Palestines statehood on Sunday ahead of the summitAnother permanent Council member France which is convening the meeting with Saudi Arabia has said it will announce its recognition on Monday joining the 152 of the 193 UN members who have done so including IndiaBut Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas wont be thereThe US refused to give him a visa to visit New York for the summit and the Assembly on Friday voted to allow him to speak through a remote video linkThe US and Israel joined by three other countries voted against it while 145 countries voted for it and six abstainedThat tally shows the tide of support for Palestine which is facing an existential threat from Israels onslaught on Gaza where about 75000 people most of them civilians have been killed and Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus announcement that the country will expand Jewish settlement on the West BankThe overwhelming backing for Palestines recognition may create the image of the UN acting on a longfestering issue but it will remain only symbolic because the US will veto its membership and Netanyahu remains unmovedBelow the headlinegrabbing event are other pressing issues including the future of the UN which is facing a financial crisis with US President Donald Trump threatening to cut financial contributions and a growing disillusionment with the deeply polarised UN a recent poll showed only 58 per cent of those surveyed globally trusted itSecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres had made grand plans for the world leaders to take up his UN80 initiative with a presentation Shifting Paradigms United to Deliver which proposes streamlining the work of the UN making it more efficient and also financially viable by consolidating its functions around three core areas peace and security sustainable development and human rightsReflecting it the highlevel sessions theme this year is Better together 80 years and more for peace development and human rights but key global leaders Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia and Xi Jinping of China wont be thereBy tradition Brazil is the first speaker when the regular highlevel session starts and President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva barely made it because of US visa restrictions that snared some in his delegation in a web of global polarisationAll eyes will be on Trump who will follow him also by traditionThe US President has upended the global scenario with his trade wars and his power play and the world will be looking closely at his speech for clues to where he may be headedBeyond the Assembly hall where squabbles and enmity but also hopes of nations and humanity and offers of cooperation will be heard real diplomacy will happen at bilateral and multilateral meetingsThese will have added urgency as nations try to figure out how to navigate the Trump eraExternal Affairs Minister S Jaishankar who will represent India at the highlevel session started off his round of diplomacy on Sunday meeting the Philippines Foreign Secretary Theresa LazaroAfter the meeting she posted on X that their meeting reaffirms our 2 countries commitment as Strategic Partners to actively develop cooperation in political defence and security the maritime domain etcArul Louis can be contacted at arulliansin IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/palestine-overshadows-unga-session-of-world-leaders-639849.html Mon, 22 Sep 2025 09:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-marco-rubio-to-meet-today-amid-h-1b-visa-fee-hike-concerns-639852.html New York Sep 22 External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar will meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York on Monday on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly UNGA session officials confirmed They said the discussion will serve as a continuation of efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and bridge the differences that have emerged between the two countries in recent monthsThis marks the third inperson meeting between Jaishankar and Rubio this year Their last interaction took place on July 1 during the Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting in WashingtonPrior to that Jaishankar had met Rubio in January just days after the latter assumed office also on the sidelines of a Quad meeting in WashingtonMondays dialogue is the first facetoface engagement between the two leaders since relations between New Delhi and Washington came under strain over trade tariffs and Indias purchase of Russian oilThe tensions escalated after the United States imposed 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods which came into effect on August 27The meeting also coincides with a visit by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal who is leading a delegation to hold trade negotiations with WashingtonJaishankars meeting with his American counterpart is expected to be crucial particularly in the backdrop of the Trump administrations recent decision to hike the H1B visa feeThe proclamation signed by Trump has raised the application fee for H1B visas to 100000 triggering chaos across the tech industry and creating uncertainty among employees who rely on the visa programHowever in an exclusive response to IANS the White House on Saturday said that it is a onetime fee that applies only to new visas and not renewals or current visa holdersThis is a onetime fee that applies only to the petition It only applies to new visas not renewals or current visa holders It will first apply in the upcoming lottery cycle a White House official told IANSThe White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also posted on X saying that those who already hold H1B visas and are currently outside of the country right now will not be charged 100000 to reenter H1B visa holders can leave and reenter the country she wrote IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-marco-rubio-to-meet-today-amid-h-1b-visa-fee-hike-concerns-639852.html Mon, 22 Sep 2025 09:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/un-chief-urges-peace-end-of-conflict-in-international-peace-day-message-639859.html United Nations Sep 22 UN SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres on Sunday called on the international community to silence the guns end the suffering build bridges and create stability and prosperity in a message on the International Day of Peace observed annually on September 21 Peace cannot wait as the warring world is crying out for peace said the UN chief This years International Day of Peace urges each of us to give voice to that call he saidAround the world lives are being ripped apart childhoods extinguished and basic human dignity discarded amidst the cruelty and degradations of war Guterres saidWe are seeing an explosion of conflict International law flouted And record numbers of people fleeing their homes he saidAll they want is peace Peace is everyones business said the top UN official adding that the impacts of war ripple around the world Xinhua news agency reportedGuterres pointed out that while sustainable development supports peace nine of the 10 countries struggling most with development are suffering conflictHe urged the international community to quell the racism dehumanisation and misinformation that throw fuel on the fires of conflictInstead we must speak the language of respect open our hearts to others he emphasised Where we have peace we have hope families unite communities rebuild children learn and play said the UN chiefThe International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the UN General Assembly Two decades later in 2001 the General Assembly unanimously voted to designate the Day as a period of nonviolence and ceasefireThe theme for this year is Act Now for a Peaceful World IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/un-chief-urges-peace-end-of-conflict-in-international-peace-day-message-639859.html Mon, 22 Sep 2025 10:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/two-south-china-cities-to-suspend-school-production-in-response-to-approaching-typhoon-639894.html Guangzhou Sep 22 Guangdong Province in south China on Monday raised its wind emergency response to Level II with two cities announcing a series of suspension measures as Typhoon Ragasa approaches The Level II response the secondhighest in Chinas fourtier warning system was activated at 10 am on MondaySchools will suspend classes starting Tuesday in the cities of Zhuhai and Jiangmen while work production public transport and business operations will also be suspended later on Tuesday according to the local flood drought and wind control headquartersAll passenger ferry services to the Chuanshan Islands in Jiangmen will be suspended starting Tuesday as the wind speed may reach about 20 metres per second in the nearby sea area Xinhua news agency reportedAs of 10 am Monday the maritime safety administration of the province had relocated over 10000 coastal vessels across the province to safe waters for shelterTyphoon Ragasa the 18th typhoon of 2025 is forecast to likely make landfall along the central or western coastal areas of Guangdong on Wednesday as a strong or super strong typhoon and severely affect the province from Tuesday to Thursday the provincial meteorological observatory saidEarlier on September 21 Typhoon Ragasa had intensified into a super typhoon packing maximum sustained winds of 185 km per hour and gusts of up to 230 km per hour the Philippine weather bureau had saidIn its bulletin the bureau had said Ragasa was located 535 km east of Tuguegarao City in northern Luzon moving westnorthwest at 15 km per hour It may pass close or make landfall over Batanes or the Babuyan IslandsThe bureau had warned that Ragasa could bring heavy rains and strong winds potentially triggering the highest tropical cyclone wind signalIt further warned There is a high risk of lifethreatening storm surge with peak heights exceeding 3 metres within the next 48 hours over lowlying or exposed coastal villages of the provinces of Batanes Cagayan Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/two-south-china-cities-to-suspend-school-production-in-response-to-approaching-typhoon-639894.html Mon, 22 Sep 2025 13:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/japans-ldp-leadership-race-kicks-off-with-5-candidates-639900.html Tokyo Sep 22 Japans ruling Liberal Democratic Party LDP officially launched its leadership election campaign on Monday with five candidates filing their candidacies The contenders are Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi former Economic Security Ministers Takayuki Kobayashi and Sanae Takaichi Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi and former LDP SecretaryGeneral Toshimitsu MotegiAll five also ran in last years election which saw a record nine candidates reports Xinhua news agencyThe contest will focus on issues such as cooperation with opposition parties economic measures to tackle rising prices and rebuilding the party after successive election defeats and political funding scandalsCandidacy registration began at 10 am local time at the LDP headquarters in Tokyo where each candidates representative submitted the required list of 20 recommending lawmakersThe candidates will deliver their speeches on Monday afternoon at party headquarters marking the official start of fullscale debateThis year over 910000 party members will take part in voting the national broadcaster NHK reportedA total of 590 ballots will be cast split evenly between Diet member votes 295 and party member votes 295 Ballots from party members will be finalised the day before lawmakers vote on October 4 after which both sets will be counted together to decide the new party leaderJapanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced earlier this month that he will step down as the LDP head triggering an early leadership contest within the partyOnce a new LDP president is chosen the parliament will hold a prime ministerial designation voteEven though the ruling bloc has failed to secure a majority in both chambers of the parliament the new LDP leader is highly likely to become the countrys next prime minister since the LDP remains the largest party analysts said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/japans-ldp-leadership-race-kicks-off-with-5-candidates-639900.html Mon, 22 Sep 2025 14:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-h-1b-visa-fee-unlikely-to-dent-it-companies-margins-significantly-report-639903.html New Delhi Sep 22 The US governments order which restricts entry for H1B visa petitioners unless they pay a onetime fee of 100000 is unlikely to significantly impact large and midcap IT services firms in India a report said on Monday The restrictions can be addressed through increased local hiring subcontracting or offshoring a report from fund management firm Equirus saidThe restriction unless extended will remain effective for 12 months from September 21 2025 unless renewed and applies solely to new visa applicantsEquirus estimated that the fee would lower the operating profit margins of largecap IT companies by only 7 to 14 basis points if it only applies to new H1Bs and by 26 to 49 basis points if it includes new and existing visa holders outside the USMidcap firms would experience impacts ranging from 21 to 39 basis points for new applicants and 60 to 109 basis points if applied to new and existing visa holders outside the USAnalysts said that the Indian IT vendors have reduced their onsite H1B workforce over the past six to eight years Such visas form around 2535 per cent for most of the large caps and 3060 per cent for most of the others in our view the report saidRestrictionrelated payment of 01 million is in many cases higher than the salary of the H1B visa holders paid by many Indian IT vendorsHence we believe common sense will prevail in replacing those affected applicants by doing incremental hiring of locals or green card holders or subcontractors and doing offshoring the report saidHowever the fund management firm maintained that sales growth may decelerate slightly in the latter half of fiscal 2026 as the required pivoting needs proper planning or client approvalsApproximately 71 per cent of H1B visa holders are from India primarily working for technology companies including Infosys Wipro Cognisant and Tata Consultancy Services IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-h-1b-visa-fee-unlikely-to-dent-it-companies-margins-significantly-report-639903.html Mon, 22 Sep 2025 14:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/cpec-landed-pakistan-in-95-billion-debt-trap-639909.html New Delhi Sep 22 The ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor CPEC which Islamabad had envisaged as an economic gamechanger is actually turning out to be a costly venture as it has failed to achieve its targets and instead landed Pakistan in a 95 billion debt trap The initiative promised to give muchneeded economic impetus to Pakistan but quickly entered uncharted waters and became mired in countless controversiesThus CPEC has very few outcomes to showcase This delay has cost Pakistan dearly The overdue energy and infrastructure projects cost overruns and accusations of opaque contracts have cost the initiative its viability according to an article in The Diplomat news magazineAccording to economist Ali Hasanain an Associate Professor at Lahore University of Management Sciences CPECs original sin was that a large number of its projects relied on foreign currencies which ultimately clashed with Pakistans domesticoriented exchange rate and industrial policies narrowing the fiscal space for IslamabadCurrently Pakistan owes more than 75 billion for setting up power plants and additional nearly 2 billion to Chinese energy producers in circular debt or unpaid bills the article statesDue to the delay in CPEC 20 Pakistan has been unable to establish the industrial base needed to transform into an exportdriven economy and pay off its debts Consequently Pakistan had to seek more loans to pay past loans resulting in a prolonged debt crisisThe article points out that one of the main challenges to CPEC has been the political infighting in Pakistan In 2015 when Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz PMLN was in power it considered itself the chief architect of the initiative However the Opposition Pakistan TehreekeInsaf PTI accused the PMLN of corruption and inflating the cost of projectsIn 2018 the tables turned and the PTI came into the government It attempted to reduce Pakistans financial risk by asking the Chinese side to review all the contracts as the new government feared they were badly negotiated either overly expensive or on terms excessively favouring China However Beijing was prepared to review only those projects that had not been startedIn 2019 the PTI government engaged the International Monetary Fund IMF for a financial bailout to solve the Balance of Payment BOP crisis For this bailout Pakistan had to share details of CPEC with the IMF Pakistan also had to agree with IMF conditions like fiscal consolidation that in practice required slowing down the CPEC which ultimately angered the Chinese the article statesEthnic and provincial tension also had a fair share in slowing down CPEC These ethnic tensions also translated into security challenges with the Balochistan Liberation Army BLA in Balochistan and the TehreekeTaliban Pakistan TTP in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa mounting armed attacks against these projectsFrom 2021 until late 2024 for instance there were 14 attacks on the CPEC killing 20 Chinese citizens and injuring 34Most of these attacks were claimed by the BLA Similarly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa the TTP is also targeting Chinese interests Since the US withdrawal from Afghanistan the TTP has rapidly increased the number of attacks in Pakistan the article points out IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/cpec-landed-pakistan-in-95-billion-debt-trap-639909.html Mon, 22 Sep 2025 14:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/piyush-goyal-in-washington-for-india-us-trade-talks-639941.html Washington Sep 22 Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal was in Washington on Monday to move ahead with the trade talks with a view to achieving an early conclusion of a mutually beneficial IndiaUS Bilateral Trade Agreement Goyals trip to the US capital follows the visit of the US team of officials to Delhi on September 16 The Commerce Ministry said that during the visit of the team of officials from the office of the United States Trade Representative to India positive discussions were held on various aspects of the trade deal and it was decided to intensify efforts in this regardOn September 16 a US delegation led by Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch met Indian trade officials headed by Chief Negotiator Rajesh Agrawal in New Delhi amid the thaw in relations following President Donald Trumps conciliatory postureLynchs visit came against the backdrop of heightened expectations of a trade deal following positive messages by President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi after days of a bitter stalemateTrump said on a Truth Social post on September 9 that talks were continuing and I feel certain that there will be no difficulty in coming to a successful conclusion for both of our Great CountriesCalling PM Modi a great friend he said he would be talking to himPM Modi responded to Trumps post saying I am confident that our trade negotiations will pave the way for unlocking the limitless potential of the IndiaUS partnership He added that he was looking forward to talking with TrumpHowever it is not clear as yet to what extent the US announcement of a 100000 fee on H1B visas which will adversely impact Indian IT engineers working in the US will influence the trade talks The 25 per cent penal tariff imposed on India over Russian oil imports is another issue that has been posing problemsUS Ambassador to Indianominee Sergio Gor told a Senate panel considering his nomination last week that Indias Commerce Minister was expected in Washington and would meet US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/piyush-goyal-in-washington-for-india-us-trade-talks-639941.html Mon, 22 Sep 2025 16:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/internet-restored-in-afghanistans-kandahar-639943.html Kabul Sep 22 After nearly one week of internet deactivation authorities have restored internet for some government departments in Afghanistans southern Kandahar province provincial director for communication Mullah Noorullah Nuri said Monday Pointtopoint internet has been restored for some government offices including banks customs and the Directorate for National ID Cards to enable them to run their daily work smoothly the official saidLast Wednesday local media reported that fibre optic services had been suspended in several provinces including the northern Balkh Baghlan Takhar Kunduz and the southern Kandahar on the grounds of checking immoral activitiesMeanwhile in another development the construction of 18 school buildings has been completed and put into use in eastern Afghanistans Paktia province providing enhanced educational facilities for local communities the countrys Ministry of Economy announced MondayFunded by the Asia Community Development Organisation at a cost of nearly 196 million afghani over 29 million US dollars the projects have been implemented in Gardez the provincial capital and surrounding districts according to the ministryThe Ministry of Education has also ramped up access initiatives establishing 472 communitybased classes in neighbouring Logar province on Saturday to educate nearly 17000 previously deprived children at the primary level reports Xinhua news agencyAdditionally the Afghan government also continues to encourage domestic and foreign investments to combat poverty create job opportunities and bolster economic independenceLast week Abdul Nasir Reshtia the chairman of the ironsmelting union announced that a total of 45 major ironsmelting plants are operational in Afghanistan with over 500 million US dollars invested in the sector achieving full selfsufficiencyHe highlighted the industrys growth noting that nearly 20000 Afghans are directly employed with another 50000 benefiting indirectly through related jobsOver the past year the country exported 210000 tons of iron to Turkmenistan and Pakistan underscoring its emerging role in regional trade Reshtia had notedAccording to the official report around 6000 industrial factories are active nationwide driving Afghanistan to full selfsufficiency in 130 sectors and partial selfsufficiency in another 100 IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/internet-restored-in-afghanistans-kandahar-639943.html Mon, 22 Sep 2025 16:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/australian-engineers-develop-reusable-building-material-with-quarter-carbon-footprint-639945.html Sydney Sep 22 Engineers in Australia have developed a new reusable and recyclable building material made from cardboard soil and water that has approximately onequarter of the carbon footprint of concrete This innovative material called cardboardconfined rammed earth could significantly cut the carbon footprint of construction while reducing waste going to landfill according to a statement released Monday by Australias Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology RMITThe material which eliminates the need for cement produces about one quarter of the emissions of concrete while costing less than a third as much the statement saidBy simply using cardboard soil and water we can make walls robust enough to support lowrise buildings said RMIT researcher Ma Jiaming lead author of the study published in the British journal StructuresIn a separate study Ma combined carbon fibre with rammed earth achieving strength comparable to highperformance concreteMa said this innovation could revolutionise building design and construction by using locally sourced recyclable materials and reflects the global revival of earthbased construction driven by netzero goals and a focus on sustainability reports Xinhua news agencyEspecially suited to hot climates rammed earth buildings naturally regulate indoor temperatures and humidity he saidThe method involves compacting a soilandwater mixture inside cardboard formwork that can be made onsite reducing the need to transport heavy construction materials the researchers saidAustralia sends more than 22 million tonnes of cardboard and paper to landfill each year while cement and concrete production account for about 8 per cent of annual global emissionsThe RMIT team said the innovation could benefit remote construction in regions with abundant red soils and is seeking partnerships with industry IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/australian-engineers-develop-reusable-building-material-with-quarter-carbon-footprint-639945.html Mon, 22 Sep 2025 16:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/sri-lankan-police-seize-truck-carrying-200-kilos-of-methamphetamine-heroin-639948.html Colombo Sep 22 Sri Lankan police on Monday seized a truck transporting about 200 kilos of crystal methamphetamine ICE and heroin said a police spokesman Police spokesman FU Wootler told the media that the vehicle was taken into custody in Tangalle in Sri Lankas Southern province with the drugs being hidden among a load of watermelonsIn recent weeks large quantities of drugs and raw materials used to make drugs have been detected in the province reports Xinhua news agencyIn a separate incident in Tangalle on Monday police recovered more than 10 kilos of a substance suspected to be crystal methamphetamine from a truck parked near a houseEarlier this month a stockpile of nearly 50000 kg of raw materials suspected to be used in the production of crystal methamphetamine was recovered in Middeniya in southern Sri LankaThis comes just days after Sri Lankan police announced that they have seized nearly a metric tonne of heroin and 13 tonnes of cannabis during raids carried out so far in 2025Police Media spokesperson FU Wootler addressing a press conference in Colombo said 955 kg of heroin 1422 kg of crystal methamphetamine 471 kg of hashish 29 kg of cocaine and 13773 kg of cannabis had been confiscated Police have also seized 35 million narcotic pills he saidDuring these operations 1721 firearms were also seized he saidWootler added that 328 suspects have been arrested in connection with shooting incidents These include 38 gunmen 27 getaway riders and 263 accused of aiding and abetting these crimesHe added that since January 12 police have conducted daily special operations and searched a total of 5101516 individuals arresting 104602 suspects according to the police spokesperson IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/sri-lankan-police-seize-truck-carrying-200-kilos-of-methamphetamine-heroin-639948.html Mon, 22 Sep 2025 16:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/one-dead-many-arrested-in-violent-rallies-in-philippines-639986.html Manila Sep 22 A total of 216 individuals were arrested during anticorruption protests on Sunday Philippine Interior Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla said Monday Of those detained 127 were adults and 89 were minors said Remulla at a press briefing adding that the suspects have been detained at the Manila Police DistrictThe Department of Health said that at least one person died during the clashOn Sunday tens of thousands of Filipinos took to the streets in Manila and other parts of the country to voice their outrage over widespread corruption Xinhua news agency reportedIn July Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos first spoke about the corruption scandal in flood control projects during his State of the Nation AddressLast week the Philippine House of Representatives elected Deputy Speaker Faustino Dy as its new speaker following the resignation of Martin Romualdez over a corruption scandal involving infrastructure projects The House leadership change came just days after the Senate replaced Francis Escudero with Vicente Sotto as Senate presidentMeanwhile two suspected rebels were killed in a clash with government troops in Capiz province in the central Philippines the Philippine military said SundayThe military said soldiers engaged seven alleged members of the New Peoples Army NPA during a combat operation in Tapaz town at around 745 am local time on Saturday Two insurgents were killed while no government soldiers were reported hurtGovernment troops recovered three rifles and several explosives and ammunition at the scene the military addedNPA rebels have been fighting government troops since 1969 Military data showed that the NPAs personnel strength has declined since its peak of around 25000 armed members in the 1980sDespite its dwindling fighters the NPA continues to launch smallscale attacks in the countryside IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/one-dead-many-arrested-in-violent-rallies-in-philippines-639986.html Mon, 22 Sep 2025 19:18:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/afghan-officials-rebuke-trumps-bagram-demands-vow-defence-of-sovereignty-639745.html Kabul Sep 21 Afghan officials have sharply rejected US threats to reclaim Bagram Air Base emphasising that any attempt to reestablish a foreign military presence would be met with unyielding resistance Mullah Tajmir Jawad first deputy of the General Directorate of Intelligence responded to calls for the US to retake the strategic airfield by saying the Afghan government would preserve the current systemEchoing this resolve Afghan Defence Minister Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid told the media Our answer is if you dont leave and want bases we are ready to fight you for another 20 yearsZakir Jalaly political director of the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed the notion of a US return stating that Afghans have never accepted foreign troops on their territory and that any dialogue with Washington must exclude military reoccupation reports Xinhua news agencyThis comes as Trump issued a stern warning to Afghanistan on Saturday US time demanding the return of the Bagram air base to the United StatesPosting on his social media platform Truth Social Trump wrote If Afghanistan doesnt give Bagram Airbase back to those that built it the United States of America bad things are going to happenTrump earlier reiterated that Washington has been pushing to regain control of the base which was a key operational hub for American forces following the September 11 2001 attacksAddressing reporters on Friday he confirmed that discussions with Afghanistan on the matter were underwayThe Bagram air base once the largest US military installation in Afghanistan was taken over by the Taliban after the withdrawal of American forces in 2021Trump who has been criticising his predecessor Joe Biden over giving up Bagram airbase during the US withdrawal in August 2021 told reporters in London on Thursday that We want to retake itThe Bagram airbase 50 km north of Kabul had served as the main military base of US troops in Afghanistan during the 20year military presence of USled military coalition forces which ended in August 2021 and paved the way for the collapse of the westernbacked forces and takeover of power by the current Afghan regime IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/afghan-officials-rebuke-trumps-bagram-demands-vow-defence-of-sovereignty-639745.html Sun, 21 Sep 2025 12:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/cambodia-begins-to-celebrate-traditional-pchum-ben-festival-639750.html Phnom Penh Sep 21 Cambodia on Sunday began to celebrate the threeday traditional Pchum Ben festival or Ancestors Day In a special video message Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said Pchum Ben festival is a Cambodian tradition that has been observed annually since ancient times Xinhua news agency reportedIt is an occasion that the Cambodian people are engaged in almsgiving and merit making in order to dedicate to their relatives and loved ones who had passed away he said It is also a joyful occasion for family reunionsPchum Ben festival is the secondbiggest celebration for Cambodian people after the Lunar New YearDuring the celebrations the Cambodian Buddhists go to pagodas and make offerings to monks in order to dedicate to their deceased relatives and loved onesThey believe that everything they offer to the monks will reach their dead ancestors or relatives and in return the dead will bless them with good luckBuddhists account for approximately 95 per cent of the kingdoms population of 17 million according to the Ministry of Cults and ReligionsDuring the holiday hundreds of thousands of migrant workers leave the capital Phnom Penh for their hometowns in various provinces across the Southeast Asian countryHun Manet said on the occasion that the Phnom Penh City Bus Authority has arranged 597 buses to transport people to and from their hometowns for free of charge from September 20 to September 25The free bus services aim to facilitate peoples travel and help reduce travel costs for them he saidCambodia had also provided free bus service to transport people to their hometowns for the Pchum Ben festival or the Ancestors Day in 2024 which was celebrated from October 1 to 3At the time Phnom Penh Municipal Governor Khuong Sreng had said that on the advice of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet a total of 653 buses had been arranged to give free rides to anyone traveling from the capital Phnom Penh to their hometowns and vice versa IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/cambodia-begins-to-celebrate-traditional-pchum-ben-festival-639750.html Sun, 21 Sep 2025 13:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/seven-dead-after-boat-capsizes-on-ugandas-lake-kyoga-639753.html Kampala Sep 21 Seven people drowned and 29 others survived after a boat carrying mourners capsized on Lake Kyoga in northern Ugandas Amolatar District police said The wooden vessel was traveling from Muchora Abino A village to escort a catechist to a burial ceremony when it overturned near Kiryanga Village in Acii SubCounty at about 1100 am local time on Friday police said in a statement on Saturday Xinhua news agency reportedA total of 36 people were on board and 29 survived the accident The incident happened approximately 400 meters from the Kiryanga landing site when the engine boat hit a stationary tree stump causing it to capsize the statement saidPolice said the bodies of the deceased were taken to Amolatar Health Centre IV mortuary for postmortem examinationsBoat accidents are common on Ugandas lakes often blamed on overloading and poor weather conditionsA similar incident occured in Nigeria last month which claimed the lives of 60 peopleAt least 60 people were killed and dozens rescued after a boat capsized in Nigerias northcentral Niger State on September 3Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris on behalf of the Nigerian government expressed sadness with a heavy heart over the tragedy in a statement released on social media platform X the first by any top government official since the accident on Tuesday when a wooden passenger boat carrying people on a condolence visit overturned in the Gausawa community of Borgu Local Government AreaIdris noted that the incident occurred barely four months after devastating floods wreaked havoc in the state The federal government through the National Emergency Management Agency NEMA will provide the necessary support to the victims families and survivors working closely with the Niger State government to ensure prompt relief and assistanceThe boat was reportedly overloaded and collided with a tree stump according to preliminary investigations by local authorities IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/seven-dead-after-boat-capsizes-on-ugandas-lake-kyoga-639753.html Sun, 21 Sep 2025 14:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/families-forced-to-disown-militant-kin-in-balochistan-rights-body-calls-it-state-persecution-639757.html Quetta Sep 21 A human rights body has strongly condemned the recent directive from the Balochistan government that compelled families to submit sworn affidavits disowning relatives accused of militancy under threat of criminal prosecution confiscation of property and withdrawal of state benefits This order constitutes collective punishment in direct contravention of international human rights and humanitarian law By seeking to criminalise entire families for the alleged actions of individuals the state is not only violating the principles of individual responsibility and due process but is also engaging in a policy that bears the hallmarks of a crime against humanity read a statement issued by the Human Rights Council of Balochistan HRCBAccording to the HRCB the directive is particularly abhorrent in how it treats the families of victims of enforced disappearanceThe rights body asserted that forcing families to report to Pakistans Army and Frontier Corps the very institutions credibly accused of carrying out enforced disappearances across Balochistan constitutes an act of deliberate humiliation coercion and psychological tortureSuch measures the HRCB said further entrench impunity for grave violations while shifting the burden of responsibility from the Pakistani authorities to the victims themselvesThe rights body urged the international community the United Nations human rights mechanisms and legal experts to unequivocally denounce this draconian and unlawful policyIt is imperative that this measure be recognised for what it is a blatant violation of Pakistans obligations under international law including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights ICCPR and the Convention Against Torture CAT the HRCB statedThe rights body also emphasised that rather than persecuting families and institutionalising collective punishment the Pakistani Government must be held accountable for ending enforced disappearances ensuring due process and upholding the rule of law in BalochistanAnything less perpetuates a cycle of repression that may amount to statesanctioned persecution of an entire population the HRCB addedPeople from Balochistan are currently fighting for their independence from PakistanVarious human rights organisations of Balochistan have time and again highlighted the repression by Pakistani forces in the province which includes violent raids on the homes of Baloch leaders and civilians unlawful arrests enforced disappearances the kill and dump policy detention under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance and the filing of fabricated police cases IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/families-forced-to-disown-militant-kin-in-balochistan-rights-body-calls-it-state-persecution-639757.html Sun, 21 Sep 2025 14:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/kabul-residents-complain-of-challenges-faced-due-to-reduced-internet-speed-639773.html Kabul Sep 21 Several people in Kabul have complained about reduced internet speed and the challenges caused by this after fibre optic services stopped working in 10 provinces of Afghanistan Kabul residents said that the reduction in internet speed affected their work Wajid an employee at a pharmaceutical company in the capital city said 90 per cent of his work relies on the internet However the drop in internet service speed has caused difficulties for him Afghanistanbased Tolo News reportedWe need fast internet because sometimes when we send a location it doesnt go through or get delivered This creates a lot of problems for us in the office he saidSeveral other residents in Kabul said that disruptions in internet service have negatively affected their online education program personal and worklinked communicationShams questioned how they can progress in marketing if internet access is better He said If we have highspeed internet we can progress in marketing and in areas where internet access is better and we can help our country move forwardAnother resident Saleem Rahini said Since our lessons were progressing through the internet slides WhatsApp and YouTube now with the internet weakening our access to these resources has decreased significantlyResidents of Kabul raised complaints after fibre optic services were suspended in 10 provinces of Afghanistan Balkh Kandahar Herat Helmand Nangarhar Laghman Badakhshan Takhar Kunduz and Baghlan over the past week Tolo News reportedFibre optic internet was suspended in over 10 provinces of Afghanistan after the Talibans order Abdul Hadi Qane a social activist in Herat stated We expect that no restrictions will be imposed on internet access If any programs are to be implemented in this regard they should be designed in a way that minimises harm to the publicResidents of Balkh province said that internet disruption has negatively affected their business educational and social activities One resident of Balkh said Cutting off home internet can have serious negative impacts on all aspects of life A major portion of public services such as the issuance of ID cards passports and the banking system depends on the internet IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/kabul-residents-complain-of-challenges-faced-due-to-reduced-internet-speed-639773.html Sun, 21 Sep 2025 16:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-bnp-accuses-jamaat-of-trying-to-create-state-within-state-639805.html Dhaka Sep 21 The Bangladesh Nationalist Party BNP on Sunday accused radical Islamist party JamaateIslami of attempting to establish state within the state through its actions in the countrys political landscape and universities media reported Has the Dhaka University Central Students Union Vice President been given magistracy power to decide which shop on the campus is legal or illegal He fined a shop Tk Bangladeshi taka 3000 and then deposited the money into Baitul Mal the partys fund What is the legal basis for this Dhaka Tribune quoted the BNP senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi as saying during a discussion at the Jatiya Press ClubThe BNP leader said that in any university it is the administrations duty to monitor who operates shops or markets within the campus and student leaders can raise an alarm if the peaceful and orderly environment of the campus is disruptedInstead you are imposing fines and that money is going into Jamaats party fund This is a very serious matter We have always seen that their activities are creating a state within the state and we are now observing such an environment the BNP leader addedRizvi also criticised Jamaats student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir for supplying iron beds to university halls questioning whether such responsibility should lie with a political party or the student unionIf students have demands they should bargain or negotiate with the vicechancellor If there is a shortage of accommodation beds or other facilities it is the administrations duty to address it the BNP leader saidThis is very strange It undermines the legal foundation of the state and goes against the proper functioning of the university Are you running an orphanage that you provide iron beds Will you also provide dining tables for food These kinds of actions are a very bad sign in our view he addedHe lamented that media outlets fail to highlight the misdeeds of Jamaat leaders and activists while allegations against the BNP are widely reportedRizvi also claimed that the media and social media often accuse BNP of extortion sand lifting or stone theft while it never reports Jamaat leaders involvement in offences including cases of sexual harassment or abuse of womenThe parties that earlier collaborated with countrys interim chief advisor Muhammad Yunus to overthrow the democratically elected government of the Awami League led by former PM Sheikh Hasina are now at loggerheads IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-bnp-accuses-jamaat-of-trying-to-create-state-within-state-639805.html Sun, 21 Sep 2025 20:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-12-people-die-of-dengue-raises-death-toll-in-2025-to-179-639818.html Dhaka Sep 21 As many as 12 people have died due to dengue in Bangladesh on Sunday taking the total number of fatalities in the country since January 2025 to 179 media reported citing Directorate General of Health Services DGHS Health officials said that 740 new patients were admitted to hospitals during the same period raising the number of confirmed cases in 2025 to 48831 As many as 2021 patients are being treated in hospitals across Bangladesh United News of Bangladesh reportedThe fatalities due to dengue were reported in various regions of Bangladesh five in Barishal division three in Dhaka North City two in Dhaka South City Corporation and one each in Chattogram and Mymensingh divisionsFresh cases of dengue were reported in Barishal 165 Dhaka outside city 147 Dhaka North 122 Dhaka South 115 Chattogram 77 Khulna 52 Rajshahi 28 Mymensingh 22 Sylhet 9 and Rangpur 3Public health experts warned that crisis is deteriorating faster than 2024 As many as 575 people were killed in Bangladesh in 2024 They demanded quick action on mosquito control and better preparedness in hospitals as cases continue to increaseEarlier on September 16 the DGHS announced new instructions for public hospitals to ensure treatment of dengue patients According to the guidelines all hospitals in Bangladesh must establish dedicated wards for dengue treatment and set up a specialised medical team The DGHS believes that this decision will help improve patient care lower risks and better the quality of hospital services local media reportedDGHS Director Hospitals and Clinics Abu Hossain Md Mainul Ahsan issued the directive on Tuesday The DGHS said hospitals must ensure special arrangements for dengue patients undergoing treatmentThe hospitals have been asked to ensure facilities for NS1 tests emergency care and sufficient medicines for patients the Dhaka Tribune reportedPatients undergoing treatment for dengue in hospitals should be kept in a designated ward or room and ICU support must be prioritised when required Furthermore doctors and nurses have been given special responsibilitiesThe directive called for a creation of a board comprising medicine pediatrics and other specialist physicians for the treatment of dengue and chikungunya patients Under the supervision of this board trained doctors medical officers and residents will provide care to dengue and chikungunya patientsAccording to the directive the same board and doctors must provide treatment to suspected patients who come to outpatient departments in hospitals It also ordered hospital directors to send letters to city corporations or municipalities to conduct mosquito eradication and cleanliness drives around hospital premises In addition a dengue coordination meeting must be held at hospitals chaired by the director superintendent and civil surgeon on every Saturday IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-12-people-die-of-dengue-raises-death-toll-in-2025-to-179-639818.html Sun, 21 Sep 2025 20:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/former-south-korean-president-yoon-files-for-bail-amid-insurrection-trial-639826.html Seoul Sep 21 South Koreas impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol has requested to be released on bail citing the need to prepare his defence and health concerns according to legal sources on Sunday The application was filed on Friday with the Seoul Central District Court which is handling charges against him for obstruction of duties and abuse of authority A date for the bail hearing has not yet been set Yonhap News Agency reportedYoon has been in custody since July and is on trial for allegedly leading an insurrection and abusing his power in connection with a shortlived martial law declaration in DecemberOn September 20 a special counsel team notified Yoon to appear for questioning next week over allegations linked to his failed martial law bidSpecial counsel Cho Eunsuks team said it issued the summons to Yoon to appear for questioning at the Seoul High Prosecutors Office on WednesdayThe team is expected to question Yoon on charges of whether he incited foreign aggression by ordering a drone dispatch to Pyongyang in October ahead of his shortlived declaration of martial law in DecemberIt would be the first time investigators attempt to question him over the allegation of inciting foreign aggressionThe team suspects Yoon of giving direct orders to the Drone Operations Command to dispatch drones to Pyongyang in an attempt to provoke North Korean military responses and allegedly create a pretext for the imposition of martial lawFormer drone command chief Major General Kim Yongdae Joint Chiefs of Staff JCS former Chairman Adm Kim Myungsoo and JCS operations chief Lt Gen Lee Seungoh have already been questioned over the allegationsThe commanders have denied any link between the drone dispatch and Yoons martial law arguing the operations were part of response measures to the Norths balloon campaigns against the SouthHowever it remains unclear whether Yoon would appear as he has refused to cooperate with the special counsels probe and attend his insurrection trial since JulyThe team also plans to question former Defence Minister Kim Yonghyun who is currently in custody at the Seoul Eastern Detention Centre on charges of insurrection officials said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/former-south-korean-president-yoon-files-for-bail-amid-insurrection-trial-639826.html Sun, 21 Sep 2025 21:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/as-us-restricts-h-1b-trump-gold-card-visa-goes-on-sale-for-1-million-639714.html Washington September 21 As the Trump administration restricts the H1B visas it has released the details of an investmentbased programme called the Trump Gold Card President Trump signed an executive order on Friday that would allow people to obtain a visa for 1 million and corporations for 2 millionCommerce Secretary Howard Lutnick posted the details of the programme on X on Saturday asserting this pathway does not expand immigrationFor 1M individuals can obtain the Trump Gold Card creating jobs and building businesses here in America For 2M corporations can purchase a Corporate Trump Gold Card for one employee The company not the individual owns the card with the option to transfer to another employee for a fee he wroteLutnick added that all applicants under the Gold Card Programme will undergo rigorous DHS vetting and will pay a 15000 processing feeThe Commerce Secretary emphasised that it will replace broken visa categories like the diversity lottery which brings down America instead of attracting the highearning individuals these programs were originally designed to attractAfter signing the Executive Order on Friday Trump said the Gold Card is like a signing bonus for baseball or football playersOne of the biggest problems we have is that people they go to the best schools and they do great and they get great marks and then theyre thrown out of the country Youre not allowed to stay this way So like a signing bonus in baseball or football a corporation will be able to get them to stay in the country the US President addedLutnick claimed that through the programme the US would only take extraordinary people at the very topInstead of people trying to take the jobs from Americans they are going to create businesses and create jobs for Americans And this programme will raise more than 100 billion for the treasury of the United States of America he noted IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/as-us-restricts-h-1b-trump-gold-card-visa-goes-on-sale-for-1-million-639714.html Sun, 21 Sep 2025 06:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-embassy-in-us-issues-emergency-helpline-amid-h-1b-visa-fee-639715.html Washington Sep 21 In a move that has set off alarm bells among Indian professionals United States President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation imposing an annual fee of 100000 on H1B visa applications Following the announcement the Indian Embassy in Washington on Saturday released an emergency assistance number for Indian nationals in need of immediate supportIndian nationals seeking emergency assistance may call cell number 12025509931 and WhatsApp This number should be used only by Indian nationals seeking immediate emergency assistance and not for routine consular queries the Embassy stated in a post on XThe measure has raised serious concerns regarding its implications on Indian tech professionals and the flow of remittances with nearly 71 per cent of all H1B visas being granted to Indian citizensSeeking to calm nerves a senior official from the US administration clarified that the steep fee would apply only to fresh H1B visa petitions and not to existing holders or those seeking renewalsIn an exclusive response to IANS the White House on Saturday said that it is a onetime fee that applies only to new visas and not renewals or current visa holdersThis is a onetime fee that applies only to the petition It only applies to new visas not renewals or current visa holders It will first apply in the upcoming lottery cycle a White House official told IANSMeanwhile the Indian government has instructed all its Missions and Posts to provide every possible assistance to Indian nationals who are scheduled to return to the United States in the next 24 hoursThe Ministry of External Affairs also took note of the development stating that it is carefully examining the farreaching changes introduced to the H1B visa programme particularly the newly imposed annual feeThe ministry expressed concern that the move could extend beyond financial ramifications and trigger humanitarian challenges for familiesThe Government has seen reports related to the proposed restrictions on the US H1B visa program The full implications of the measure are being studied by all concerned including by Indian industry which has already put out an initial analysis clarifying some perceptions related to the H1B program MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal saidThe spokesperson further cautioned that the step announced by Trump is likely to resonate beyond business circlesThe full implications are being studied by all concerned including the Indian industry and the measure is likely to have humanitarian consequences by way of the disruption caused for families he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-embassy-in-us-issues-emergency-helpline-amid-h-1b-visa-fee-639715.html Sun, 21 Sep 2025 07:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/saudi-arabia-grants-fresh-economic-support-to-yemen-639718.html Aden Yemen Sep 21 Yemens Presidential Leadership Council PLC has welcomed new Saudi economic support worth 138 billion Saudi riyals about 368 million US dollars to help stabilise the countrys fragile economy and advance local reforms PLC chief Rashad AlAlimi said in a statement posted on social media platform X on Saturday local time that the grant reflects Riyadhs strong commitment to the Yemeni people and their aspirations for stability peace and development noting that part of the funds will cover operating costs of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Hospital in AdenYemens Prime Minister Salem bin Buraik also hailed the grant saying it would reinforce the economy and safeguard the progress achieved under government reformsMeanwhile Saudi Arabias foreign ministry said the grant provided through the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen SPDRY will support the Yemeni government budget petroleum subsidies and key public services reports Xinhua news agencyThe new grant comes amid growing frustration in Aden and other southern cities controlled by the Yemeni government where tens of thousands of public employees have gone more than three months without salariesSince the outbreak of civil war in 2014 Yemens economy has collapsed with real GDP per capita plunging by more than half and poverty rates soaring The conflict has split the country between rival administrations devalued the currency and left millions reliant on humanitarian aidAdditionally according to a recent report in Xinhua news agency in Yemens southern port city of Aden and other neighbouring cities frustration is mounting as tens of thousands of employees have been experiencing monthslong salary delaysThe postponement of payments is forcing numerous families of civil servants teachers and healthcare workers to the edge of survival In recent weeks protests over financial uncertainty have spread to Taiz and other governmentcontrolled cities Demonstrators gathered outside government buildings chanting slogans against corruption and demanding immediate payment of wagesSeveral local activists and members of labour unions have called for strikes warning that essential services may grind to a haltThe Yemeni government based in Aden recognises the ongoing crisis and attributes it primarily to a severe liquidity shortage Local officials have reported that revenue collections have declined citing weak performance and the failure of certain agencies to transfer funds to the central bank IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/saudi-arabia-grants-fresh-economic-support-to-yemen-639718.html Sun, 21 Sep 2025 07:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/north-korea-keeps-mum-on-outcome-of-key-parliamentary-session-639720.html Seoul Sep 21 North Korea has not as of Sunday disclosed the results of a plenary session of its parliament that was set to take place last week raising views that the event could extend over a longer period than planned The standing committee of the Norths Supreme Peoples Assembly SPA decided to convene the session on September 20 the staterun Korean Central News Agency KCNA reported last monthBut neither the KCNA nor the Rodong Sinmun the Norths main newspaper for its domestic readers had published reports on the meeting as of 7 am on SundayThe delay in the results raises speculations that the SPA session could take place for two days or longer or has been rescheduled to another date reports Yonhap news agency quoting KCNAIn last months report the KCNA said the session will address a grain management act the review and adoption of an intellectual property rights act and the implementation of a city management act without providing further details on the agendaThe meeting had also garnered attention for its possible review of a constitutional revision reflecting the countrys new hostile policy toward South KoreaDuring a parliamentary session in January last year North Korean leader Kim Jongun ordered a constitutional revision to describe South Korea as the primary hostile state and unchanging primary foe though no official report of the revision has been released so farKim Yojong the influential sister of Kim also referred to a constitutional revision earlier this year saying that South Korea should be permanently described as the most hostile threat in national law IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/north-korea-keeps-mum-on-outcome-of-key-parliamentary-session-639720.html Sun, 21 Sep 2025 08:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-warns-afghanistan-over-bagram-airbase-threatens-consequences-639721.html Washington Sep 21 US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Afghanistan demanding the return of the Bagram air base to the United States Posting on his social media platform Truth Social Trump wrote If Afghanistan doesnt give Bagram Airbase back to those that built it the United States of America bad things are going to happenTrump earlier reiterated that Washington has been pushing to regain control of the base which was a key operational hub for American forces following the September 11 2001 attacksAddressing reporters on Friday he confirmed that discussions with Afghanistan on the matter were underwayThe Bagram air base once the largest US military installation in Afghanistan was taken over by the Taliban after the withdrawal of American forces in 2021Meanwhile the Taliban regime has denounced Trumps remarks on BagramA senior Afghan official on Saturday slammed the US Presidents remarks on recapturing Bagram airbase saying Afghans never accept foreign military presence in their country reported the staterun Radio and Television of Afghanistan RTAAfghans have never accepted foreign military presence in their land throughout history Afghanistan and America need engagement on economic and political relations based on bilateral respect and common interests the stateowned media outlet cited Jalali a senior diplomat with the foreign ministry as saying Xinhua news agency reportedTrump who has been criticising his predecessor Joe Biden over giving up Bagram airbase during the US withdrawal in August 2021 told reporters in London on Thursday that We want to retake itThe Bagram airbase 50 km north of Kabul had served as the main military base of US troops in Afghanistan during the 20year military presence of USled military coalition forces which ended in August 2021 and paved the way for the collapse of the westernbacked forces and takeover of power by the current Afghan regime IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-warns-afghanistan-over-bagram-airbase-threatens-consequences-639721.html Sun, 21 Sep 2025 08:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-one-dead-several-injured-in-new-hampshire-mass-shooting-639727.html New Hampshire Sep 21 A shooting at the Sky Meadow Country Club in Nashua New Hampshire left one person dead and several others injured on Saturday local media reported citing officials The country club located near the Massachusetts border was hosting events at the time of the attackNew Hampshire Assistant Attorney General Peter Hinckley confirmed during a latenight press conference that some victims suffered gunshot wounds while others sustained injuries amid the chaos However officials did not specify the exact number of those injured according to CNNNo arrests have been made so far but one person of interest has been detained Hinckley saidPolice revealed that surveillance video captured the suspected shooter leading authorities to revise their initial statement that two suspects were involvedThe New Hampshire State Police announced on X that they are assisting with the investigation Nashua police have designated the Sheraton Nashua hotel located just over a mile from the country club as a unification site for affected familiesAuthorities have urged residents to avoid the Sky Meadow area until further noticeLawmakers expressed concern over the incident extending their prayers to victims and familiesBilly and I are praying for those injured wrote Sen Jeanne Shaheen adding There is no place in our state for this type of senseless violenceRep Maggie Goodlander also offered her condolences and said My heart is with the victims their families and the entire Nashua community as we await more informationSimilarly Sen Maggie Hassan also issued a statement saying Heart goes out to the families of those impacted while adding that she was grateful for the work of the law enforcement officers and first responders at the sceneAccording to its website Sky Meadow Country Club is a private facility that offers a golf course and serves as a venue for weddings and other large gatherings Officials confirmed that a wedding was being held at the time of the shootingNashua situated just 45 minutes from Boston has been left shaken as authorities continue their investigation into the deadly violence at the popular venue IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-one-dead-several-injured-in-new-hampshire-mass-shooting-639727.html Sun, 21 Sep 2025 09:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/only-4-5-per-cent-of-sexual-crime-suspects-formally-arrested-each-year-in-south-korea-data-639734.html Seoul Sep 21 Around 30000 people in South Korea have been booked for sexual crimes each year for the past five years but only a handful of them have led to formal arrests data showed on Sunday Between 2020 and last year 28000 to 35000 cases of sexual crimes which involved the suspect being booked had been reported each year according to National Police Agency data received by Rep Chung Choonsaeng of the minor Rebuilding Korea PartyThe sexrelated crimes include rape indecent assault illicit filming using cameras obscene acts through telecommunications media and trespassing into multiuse facilities for sexual purposes reports Yonhap news agencyThe number of those booked for such crimes came to 28135 in 2020 29013 in 2021 35656 in 2022 34996 in 2023 and 31755 last yearOf them the proportion of suspects for whom the police sought arrest warrants ranged from 535 to 662 per cent each yearThe issuance rate of arrest warrants was even slimmer ranging from 402 to 51 per cent of the total number of cases booked the data showedIn particular suspects of stalking crimes being formally arrested have remained at around the 3 per cent range over the cited period despite the number of those booked on relevant charges surging from 9895 cases in 2022 to 11520 in 2023 and 12677 cases last year according to the lawmakerThe investigative agencies need to actively review filing an arrest warrant and the bench also should make a decision centred on the victim Rep Chung said noting that crimes involving stalking and sexual abuse have a high risk of second convictions IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/only-4-5-per-cent-of-sexual-crime-suspects-formally-arrested-each-year-in-south-korea-data-639734.html Sun, 21 Sep 2025 11:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-tightens-h-1b-rules-introduces-usd100-000-annual-fee-639538.html Washington Sep 20 In a major setback for Indian tech professionals working in the United States and top tech companies US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation to significantly curtail the H1B visa programme According to the proclamation every application will now require a fee of 100000 per year an attempt to curtail the overuse of the visa programme and encourage hiring of domestic workersSigning the proclamation on Friday at the White House Trump said the incentive is to hire American workersWe need workers We need great workers and this pretty much ensures that Trump addedCommerce Secretary Howard Lutnick also defended the move saying the policy would discourage companies from hiring foreign workersSo the whole idea is no more will these big tech companies or other big companies train foreign workers They have to pay the government 100000 then they have to pay the employee So its just not economic Youre going to train somebody Youre going to train one of the recent graduates from one of the great universities across our land train Americans Stop bringing in people to take our jobs Thats the policy here 100000 a year for H1B visas he explainedLutnick also confirmed that the visa can be renewed only for a total period of six years and will be applicable for both new and renewal applicationsSo either the person is very valuable to the company and America or theyre going to depart Stop the nonsense of letting people just come into this country on these visas that were given away for free he addedThe proclamation claimed that the H1B visa programme has been deliberately exploited to replace rather than supplement American workers with lowerpaid lowerskilled labor and is undermining both our economic and national securityAccording to the order the Secretary of Labor will initiate a rulemaking to revise the prevailing wage levels as wellBoth Trump and Lutnick asserted that all major tech companies are on boardThey love it They really love it They need it I think theyre going to be very happy Everyones going to be happy And were going to be able to keep people in our country that are going to be very productive people Trump addedPresident Trump also signed an executive order creating a gold card programme that would enable people to obtain a visa for 1 million and corporations for 2 millionThe H1B visa programme capped at 85000 new visas annually allowed US companies to hire skilled foreign workers in fields like technology and engineering The latest move is expected to impact major American tech companies as wellAccording to Pew Research data Indiaborn workers received around 73 per cent of the total approved H1B visas in 2023 followed by China with 12 per cent primarily due to a huge backlog in approvals and a high number of skilled immigrants from IndiaIn August the Department of Homeland Security proposed changes to the existing system by eliminating the lottery set up with a weighted selection processThe US Department of Justice DoJ also intensified its scrutiny of hiring practices under the H1B visa program calling on workers and employers to report instances where US citizens are unfairly overlooked in favour of foreign visa holders The initiative is being led by Harmeet Dhillon the Indiaborn Assistant Attorney General of Civil Rights at the DoJDhillon announced in August that the department has opened several investigations and taken action against some employers already Send us your leads she urged Americans to reach out on DoJ hotlineIn December 2024 after the elections Trump had endorsed the H1B visas saying hes a believer in the program and had used it himself in the pastI have many H1B visas on my properties Ive been a believer in H1B I have used it many times Its a great program he had saidTrump weighed in after opposition over H1B visas from farright activists Tesla CEO and former Trump aide Elon Musk had also vowed to go to war to defend H1B visas IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-tightens-h-1b-rules-introduces-usd100-000-annual-fee-639538.html Sat, 20 Sep 2025 06:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-tightens-h-1b-rules-introduces-100-000-usd-annual-fee-639539.html Washington Sep 20 In a major setback for Indian tech professionals working in the United States and top tech companies US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation to significantly curtail the H1B visa programme According to the proclamation every application will now require a fee of 100000 per year an attempt to curtail the overuse of the visa programme and encourage hiring of domestic workersSigning the proclamation on Friday at the White House Trump said the incentive is to hire American workersWe need workers We need great workers and this pretty much ensures that Trump addedCommerce Secretary Howard Lutnick also defended the move saying the policy would discourage companies from hiring foreign workersSo the whole idea is no more will these big tech companies or other big companies train foreign workers They have to pay the government 100000 then they have to pay the employee So its just not economic Youre going to train somebody Youre going to train one of the recent graduates from one of the great universities across our land train Americans Stop bringing in people to take our jobs Thats the policy here 100000 a year for H1B visas he explainedLutnick also confirmed that the visa can be renewed only for a total period of six years and will be applicable for both new and renewal applicationsSo either the person is very valuable to the company and America or theyre going to depart Stop the nonsense of letting people just come into this country on these visas that were given away for free he addedThe proclamation claimed that the H1B visa programme has been deliberately exploited to replace rather than supplement American workers with lowerpaid lowerskilled labor and is undermining both our economic and national securityAccording to the order the Secretary of Labor will initiate a rulemaking to revise the prevailing wage levels as wellBoth Trump and Lutnick asserted that all major tech companies are on boardThey love it They really love it They need it I think theyre going to be very happy Everyones going to be happy And were going to be able to keep people in our country that are going to be very productive people Trump addedPresident Trump also signed an executive order creating a gold card programme that would enable people to obtain a visa for 1 million and corporations for 2 millionThe H1B visa programme capped at 85000 new visas annually allowed US companies to hire skilled foreign workers in fields like technology and engineering The latest move is expected to impact major American tech companies as wellAccording to Pew Research data Indiaborn workers received around 73 per cent of the total approved H1B visas in 2023 followed by China with 12 per cent primarily due to a huge backlog in approvals and a high number of skilled immigrants from IndiaIn August the Department of Homeland Security proposed changes to the existing system by eliminating the lottery set up with a weighted selection processThe US Department of Justice DoJ also intensified its scrutiny of hiring practices under the H1B visa program calling on workers and employers to report instances where US citizens are unfairly overlooked in favour of foreign visa holders The initiative is being led by Harmeet Dhillon the Indiaborn Assistant Attorney General of Civil Rights at the DoJDhillon announced in August that the department has opened several investigations and taken action against some employers already Send us your leads she urged Americans to reach out on DoJ hotlineIn December 2024 after the elections Trump had endorsed the H1B visas saying hes a believer in the program and had used it himself in the pastI have many H1B visas on my properties Ive been a believer in H1B I have used it many times Its a great program he had saidTrump weighed in after opposition over H1B visas from farright activists Tesla CEO and former Trump aide Elon Musk had also vowed to go to war to defend H1B visas IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-tightens-h-1b-rules-introduces-100-000-usd-annual-fee-639539.html Sat, 20 Sep 2025 06:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/mexico-lottery-proceeds-to-support-migrants-in-us-639540.html Mexico City Sep 20 Mexican authorities said that the proceeds from a special National Lottery draw held on September 15 will be used to expand protection programs for vulnerable Mexican migrants particularly those living in the United States National Lottery chief Olivia Salomon said the draw generated sales of 3385 million pesos about 184 million USD with net proceeds of 1159 million pesos after prize payouts Xinhua news agency reportedForeign Minister Juan Ramon de la Fuente said the funds will be used to support six initiatives designed to strengthen Mexicos consulates and provide better legal humanitarian and emergency assistance Related plans involve supporting legal representation visiting detention centers boosting consular staffing in highdemand locations and responding to natural disastersThese actions will be carried out with transparency with quarterly evaluations and public reports de la Fuente saidPresident Claudia Sheinbaum said The top priority is to pay bail for our compatriots which is often very difficult for them to affordEarlier this month the government of Mexico has officially joined the National Lotterys special draw Mexico with an M for Migrant which took place on September 15 at 4 pm The initiative recognizes Mexican migrants who support their families and communities from abroad with a single ticket offering a chance to win up to MXN255m 142mThe director general of the National Lottery highlighted that President Sheinbaum has designated that the funds raised from the draw after awarding prizes will be used to strengthen consular support and protection for Mexicans living abroad in times of uncertainty IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/mexico-lottery-proceeds-to-support-migrants-in-us-639540.html Sat, 20 Sep 2025 07:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/iranian-fm-rejects-unfair-pressure-as-europe-pushes-to-restore-un-sanctions-639541.html Tehran Sep 20 Irans Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said that Tehran would not accept political action and unfair pressure over its nuclear program warning such moves could escalate tensions He insisted Iran has consistently pursued diplomacy and technical cooperation Araghchi made the remarks in a phone call with International Atomic Energy Agency IAEA chief Rafael Grossi state news agency IRNA reported The call came after the UN Security Council failed to adopt a resolution that would have extended sanctions relief under the 2015 nuclear dealBritain France and Germany the socalled E3 last month triggered the deals snapback mechanism which allows UN sanctions to be reimposed within 30 days if Iran is judged in breach of the 2015 nuclear accord known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action JCPOA The sanctions are expected to take effect later this month Xinhua news agency reportedAraghchi criticised the political atmosphere at a recent IAEA board meeting saying Irans cooperation with the watchdog remained within international regulationsIrans foreign ministry separately denounced the European move as illegal unjustified and provocative accusing the E3 of undermining diplomacyThe E3 argue that Iran has failed to provide full access to inspectors withheld clarity over nuclear material and ignored a lateAugust deadline to present concrete proposals for returning to talks with the United States and other partiesIran held several rounds of nuclear negotiations with Washington earlier this year but halted both the talks and cooperation with the IAEA after Israeli strikes joined by the United States hit Iranian nuclear facilities in JuneSigned by Iran and six world powers in 2015 the JCPOA has been under strain since the United States unilaterally withdrew in 2018 prompting Tehran to gradually scale back compliance IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/iranian-fm-rejects-unfair-pressure-as-europe-pushes-to-restore-un-sanctions-639541.html Sat, 20 Sep 2025 07:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-prez-trump-tightens-h-1b-visa-rules-introduces-100-000-annual-fee-639548.html Washington Sep 20 In a major setback for Indian tech professionals working in the United States and top tech companies US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation to significantly curtail the H1B visa programme According to the proclamation every application will now require a fee of 100000 per year an attempt to curtail the overuse of the visa programme and encourage hiring of domestic workersSigning the proclamation on Friday at the White House Trump said the incentive is to hire American workersWe need workers We need great workers and this pretty much ensures that Trump addedCommerce Secretary Howard Lutnick also defended the move saying the policy would discourage companies from hiring foreign workersSo the whole idea is no more will these big tech companies or other big companies train foreign workers They have to pay the government 100000 then they have to pay the employee So its just not economic Youre going to train somebody Youre going to train one of the recent graduates from one of the great universities across our land train Americans Stop bringing in people to take our jobs Thats the policy here 100000 a year for H1B visas he explainedLutnick also confirmed that the visa can be renewed only for a total period of six years and will be applicable for both new and renewal applicationsSo either the person is very valuable to the company and America or theyre going to depart Stop the nonsense of letting people just come into this country on these visas that were given away for free he addedThe proclamation claimed that the H1B visa programme has been deliberately exploited to replace rather than supplement American workers with lowerpaid lowerskilled labor and is undermining both our economic and national securityAccording to the order the Secretary of Labor will initiate a rulemaking to revise the prevailing wage levels as wellBoth Trump and Lutnick asserted that all major tech companies are on boardThey love it They really love it They need it I think theyre going to be very happy Everyones going to be happy And were going to be able to keep people in our country that are going to be very productive people Trump addedPresident Trump also signed an executive order creating a gold card programme that would enable people to obtain a visa for 1 million and corporations for 2 millionThe H1B visa programme capped at 85000 new visas annually allowed US companies to hire skilled foreign workers in fields like technology and engineering The latest move is expected to impact major American tech companies as wellAccording to Pew Research data Indiaborn workers received around 73 per cent of the total approved H1B visas in 2023 followed by China with 12 per cent primarily due to a huge backlog in approvals and a high number of skilled immigrants from IndiaIn August the Department of Homeland Security proposed changes to the existing system by eliminating the lottery set up with a weighted selection processThe US Department of Justice DoJ also intensified its scrutiny of hiring practices under the H1B visa program calling on workers and employers to report instances where US citizens are unfairly overlooked in favour of foreign visa holders The initiative is being led by Harmeet Dhillon the Indiaborn Assistant Attorney General of Civil Rights at the DoJDhillon announced in August that the department has opened several investigations and taken action against some employers already Send us your leads she urged Americans to reach out on DoJ hotlineIn December 2024 after the elections Trump had endorsed the H1B visas saying hes a believer in the program and had used it himself in the pastI have many H1B visas on my properties Ive been a believer in H1B I have used it many times Its a great program he had saidTrump weighed in after opposition over H1B visas from farright activists Tesla CEO and former Trump aide Elon Musk had also vowed to go to war to defend H1B visas IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-prez-trump-tightens-h-1b-visa-rules-introduces-100-000-annual-fee-639548.html Sat, 20 Sep 2025 09:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-special-counsel-notifies-ex-president-yoon-to-appear-for-questioning-next-week-639559.html Seoul Sep 20 A South Korean special counsel team on Saturday notified exPresident Yoon Suk Yeol to appear for questioning next week over allegations related to his failed martial law bid Special counsel Cho Eunsuks team said it issued the summons to Yoon to appear for questioning at the Seoul High Prosecutors Office on WednesdayThe team is expected to question Yoon on charges of whether he incited foreign aggression by ordering a drone dispatch to Pyongyang in October ahead of his shortlived declaration of martial law in DecemberIt would be the first time investigators attempt to question him over the allegation of inciting foreign aggressionYoon who has been in custody since July has been standing trial on charges of leading an insurrection and abusing his power through the martial law bidIt remains unclear whether Yoon would appear as he has refused to cooperate with the special counsels probe and attend his insurrection trial since JulyThe team suspects Yoon of giving direct orders to the Drone Operations Command to dispatch drones to Pyongyang in an attempt to provoke North Korean military responses and allegedly create a pretext for the martial law impositionFormer drone command chief Maj Gen Kim Yongdae exJoint Chiefs of Staff JCS Chairman Adm Kim Myungsoo and Lt Gen Lee Seungoh the JCS operations chief have already been questioned over the allegationsThe commanders have denied any link between the drone dispatch and Yoons martial law arguing the operations were part of response measures to the Norths balloon campaigns against the SouthThe team also plans to question former Defense Minister Kim Yonghyun who is currently in custody at the Seoul Eastern Detention Centre on charges of insurrection officials saidYoons legal team claimed that the notice was delivered via text message to one of Yoons lawyers assigned to a different case involving the former president The team also said it was also busy preparing for upcoming court hearings scheduled for next week Yonhap news agency reportedThe summons investigation must be carried out lawfully and in accordance with due process through an official written notice and once we receive the notice we will review whether to comply with the questioning Yoons team said in a statement IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-special-counsel-notifies-ex-president-yoon-to-appear-for-questioning-next-week-639559.html Sat, 20 Sep 2025 10:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-celebrates-62nd-itec-day-in-myanmar-highlights-deepening-cooperation-cultural-bonds-639563.html Naypyidaw Sep 20 The 62nd Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation ITEC Programme Day was celebrated in Myanmars Naypyidaw which was attended by several diaspora members and officials Indias flagship capacitybuilding initiative more than 250 guests including Myanmar ITEC beneficiaries alumni of civilian and defence ITEC courses senior officials and members of the Indian community in Myanmar gathered in Naypyidaw for the celebrationsThe reception hosted by Indian Ambassador to Myanmar Abhay Thakur on Friday saw the presence of Myanmars Prime Minister U Nyo as Chief Guest accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs U Than Swe Minister for Investment and Foreign Economic Relations Wah Wah Maung Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ko Ko Kyaw and Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Naing Min Kyaw along with senior representatives from various ministries and institutionsAccording to the Indian Embassy in Myanmar the ITEC programme was introduced in the country in 1996 with an initial 30 slotsOver the years this number has steadily grown to nearly 700 slots annually with around 500 actively utilised Since 2014 over 4500 professionals from Myanmar have participated in shortterm specialised training programmes under ITECAmong the most popular courses are Proficiency in English Language Leadership for 21st Century Professionals Public Policy and Administration Budgeting Accounting and Financial Management and Data AnalyticsDevelopment Cooperation for the benefit of the people of Myanmar driven by the needs and priorities of Myanmar has long been a distinguishing feature of Indias bilateral cooperation with Myanmar It extends from connectivity and infrastructure projects to initiatives in establishing longterm institutions for capacity building and human resource development in select areas read a statement issued by the Indian EmbassyIt further highlighted Indias major ongoing projects including the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project KMTTP and the IndiaMyanmarThailand Trilateral HighwayAlongside these several communityfocused initiatives are being implemented under frameworks such as the IndiaMyanmar Border Area Development Programme Rakhine State Development Programme High Impact Community Development Projects HICDPs and Quick Impact Projects QIPsAs a testament to the Government of Indias enduring commitment to longterm preservation of Myanmars invaluable religious heritage as well as to strengthen ageold cultural and spiritual bonds between the people of India and Myanmar the Archaeological Survey of India ASI is conserving and restoring 72 earthquakeaffected pagodas in Bagan over 10 years in three phases the Indian Embassy mentionedPhase I of the project was completed in December 2024 when 11 pagodas 22 works were completed and handed over to Myanmar in the presence of Ambassador Abhay Thakur and Myanmars Union Minister of Religious Affairs and Culture U Tin Oo Lwin in the ancient city of Bagan in the Southeast Asian nationA fourmember ASI team tasked to undertake Phase II of the structural conservation chemical preservation and restoration works comprising approximately 50 earthquakeaffected Pagodas commenced its work in September 2025The Indian Embassy further emphasised Indias commitment to continue its assistance in meeting the socioeconomic needs of the people of Myanmar across different states and regions and across different sectors in the years ahead IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-celebrates-62nd-itec-day-in-myanmar-highlights-deepening-cooperation-cultural-bonds-639563.html Sat, 20 Sep 2025 10:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/russia-denies-airspace-violation-during-mig-31-transfer-flight-639564.html Moscow Sep 20 Russia said that a flight by three Russian MiG31 fighter jets from Karelia to the Kaliningrad region adhered to international aviation rules and did not cross into the airspace of other countries In a statement published on its Telegram channel on Saturday the Defence Ministry said that the redeployment flight on Friday was scheduled in advance and carried out under objective monitoring systems which confirmed that no borders were violated Xinhua news agency reportedThe statement came after Estonias Foreign Ministry summoned Russias charge daffaires on Friday to protest over what it claimed was an airspace violation by Russian aircraftEarlier in the day Estonia had summoned Russias charge daffaires to protest what it said was an airspace violation by three Russian fighter jets an allegation Moscow flatly deniedThe Estonian Foreign Ministry had said in a statement that the incursion took place over the Gulf of Finland where three Russian Federation MIG31 fighter aircraft entered Estonian airspace without permission and remained there for a total of 12 minutesEstonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal had said Tallinn would seek NATO consultations under Article 4 in response to what she called Russias provocations Article 4 allows any NATO member to call for discussions when it perceives a threat to its territorial integrity or securityRussias Defence Ministry had rejected the accusation saying the aircraft were on a planned flight that was carried out in strict compliance with international airspace regulations and did not violate the borders of other states as confirmed by objective monitoringTensions have escalated between the Nato military alliance and Russia in the last week after Poland and Romania both Nato members said Russian drones breached their airspaceNato confirmed its jets intercepted the Russian aircraftEarlier today Russian jets violated Estonian airspace Nato responded immediately and intercepted the Russian aircraft This is yet another example of reckless Russian behaviour and Natos ability to respond a spokesperson said on XThe alliance patrols the skies over Estonia and other Baltic states under its Baltic Sentry mission IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/russia-denies-airspace-violation-during-mig-31-transfer-flight-639564.html Sat, 20 Sep 2025 11:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/russia-expresses-regret-over-un-failure-to-stop-gaza-war-639568.html Moscow Sep 20 Russias Foreign Ministry expressed regret that the United Nations Security Council remains unable to end the violence and humanitarian suffering in the Gaza Strip due to repeated vetoes by the United States The UN Security Councils inability to stop the fighting and bloodshed and end the suffering of civilians is therefore deeply regrettable and disappointing the ministry said in a statement published on its official website on FridayOn Thursday a group of nonpermanent members of the Security Council attempted yet again to adopt a resolution calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip the release of hostages and access for humanitarian aidAll council members voted in favour of the draft resolution except the United States which used its veto for the seventh time since the escalation of the crisis Xinhua news agency reportedThe Foreign Ministry reiterated that Russias position on the IsraeliPalestinian conflict remains consistent While condemning the Hamas attack of October 7 2023 Moscow said the incident cannot and should not be used as a pretext for the collective punishment of Palestinian civilians or for fueling a broader war in the Middle EastRussia believes that achieving genuine peace and security in the region is impossible without a just settlement of the Palestinian issue and the fulfillment of the legitimate rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people the ministry addedEarlier on September 18 the United States had vetoed a UN Security Council draft resolution that would have demanded Israel immediately lift all restrictions on humanitarian access and delivery in GazaThe draft would have also called for an immediate unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and for the unconditional dignified and immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas and other armed groupsThe draft put forward by the 10 elected members of the Security Council won 14 votes in favour among the 15member council The United States a permanent member of the council has veto powerThe US veto drew widespread criticism in the Security CouncilAlgerian UN ambassador Amar Bendjama had said that the 14 council members who voted in favor of the draft resolution have acted with conscience echoing the calls of the international public opinionAgain this council failed another scar of the conscience of humanity he had said adding that it is a shame in the face of a genocide unfolding before open eyesAnd at this moment there can be no ambiguity Each of us must choose either to act to stop the genocide or to be counted among those who were complicit he saidSomali UN ambassador Abukar Dahir Osman had depicted Thursdays voting result as a profound moral failureHe said the draft is grounded in the very language and spirit of the UN Charter which all member states have vowed to uphold The draft resolution demanded the bare minimum Yet time and again the Security Council has been blocked from actionRussian UN ambassador Vassily Nebenzia had said that there will be no breakthrough on the Middle East question as long as Washingtons perception of the Gaza crisis remains unchanged and as long as it views multilateral diplomacy at the United Nations as an obstacle rather than a critically important toolThe UN Security Council will remain a helpless witness to this catastrophe paralyzed not by some inherent structural flaw but by the will or more accurately by the lack thereof of one single delegation he had saidOn the US claim that the draft resolution if adopted would undermine diplomacy on the ground Nebenzia had said the Israeli attack on Qatar a major mediator of the Gaza conflict bears evidence of Israels lack of interest in peaceThat act was essentially an assault on the very idea of attaining an agreement It discredited any assertions that Israel is allegedly ready to embrace diplomacy and reach a deal Blaming Hamas for derailing the talks as our American colleagues are persistently doing is utterly absurd he had saidBritish UN ambassador Barbara Woodward also regretted that the Security Council was unable to reach a consensus on the draft resolutionWe need a ceasefire more than ever And yet Israels reckless expansion of its military operation takes us further away from a deal which could bring the hostages home and end the suffering in Gaza she had saidWe are witnessing an entirely manmade famine in Gaza and images of starving Palestinians killed while desperately seeking scraps of food for their families she had saidWe urge Israels government to end the bloodshed which has already cost the lives of 65000 Palestinians and to immediately lift its restrictions on the entry of aid and allow the UN and humanitarian agencies to save lives IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/russia-expresses-regret-over-un-failure-to-stop-gaza-war-639568.html Sat, 20 Sep 2025 11:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-tech-firms-urge-h-1b-visa-workers-to-return-before-sunday-deadline-639570.html New Delhi Sep 20 US tech films like Microsoft have advised employees with H1B and H4 visas who are currently outside the United States to return immediately ahead of the September 21 deadline set by President Donald Trump when the 100000 fee on H1B visa comes into effect The US administration has imposed a 100000 annual fee on each visa The new rule will take effect on September 21 and remain in force for 12 months the US President saidAccording to reports companies like Microsoft and JPMorgan have instructed H1B workers currently in the US to continue their employment in the country for the foreseeable future and avoid international travel until further guidanceMicrosoft has also reportedly recommended H4 visa holders to remain in the US We strongly recommend H1B and H4 visa holders return to the US tomorrow before the deadline according to the companyThere was no official statement yet from either Microsoft or JPMorganPresident Trump expects the revised feebased visa programme to generate over 100 billion for the US Treasury designated for national debt reduction and tax cuts Critics however argued that the new fee hinders talent mobility and stifles innovationApproximately 71 per cent of H1B visa holders are from India primarily working for technology companies including Infosys Wipro Cognisant and Tata Consultancy ServicesShares of major IT services firms including USlisted Indian companies dropped by 2 per cent to 5 per cent following the announcementWith visas typically valid for three years and renewable up to six the new 100000 annual fee could make it expensive for companies to retain Indian professionals especially given the decadeslong wait for Green CardsThe H1B programme allows US companies to hire skilled foreign workers in fields like technology and engineering IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-tech-firms-urge-h-1b-visa-workers-to-return-before-sunday-deadline-639570.html Sat, 20 Sep 2025 11:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/mauritius-it-minister-lauds-indias-c-dot-lab-urges-deeper-bilateral-collaboration-639577.html New Delhi Sep 20 Mauritiuss Minister for Information Technology Communication and Innovation Dr Avinash Ramtohul who visited the Centre for Development of Telematics CDOT here has urged the need for deeper collaboration between the two countries in emergency alerting and telecom innovation the Ministry of Communications said The minister commended the centres disastermanagement and cybersecurity initiatives Ramtohul assessed CDOTs Early Warning System and Cell Broadcast solution and commented on its implementation nationwide to notify citizens including fishing communities of impending natural hazardsCDOTs cybersecurity stack includes a realtime Security Operations Centre Quantum Key Distribution PostQuantum Cryptography and SAMVADa a secure chat and calling application the Ministry saidCDOT CEO Dr Rajkumar Upadhyay introduced the Mauritius delegation to diverse telecom product portfoliossolutions in the areas of key applications such as Disaster management solution using ITU CAP protocol and Cell Broadcast solutionThe CEO also demonstrated new telecom innovations including 4G and 5G core and RAN networks switching and routing platformsThe solution is highly beneficial and would help in saving the lives of citizens including the fishermen community This engagement has set the stage for deeper forwardlooking collaboration in emergency alerting and telecom innovation Ramtohul saidHe also appreciated the RampD efforts of CDOTs research community and stressed the need for a larger collaboration for the development of futuristic and cuttingedge telecom solutions for mutual benefitsCDOT the RampD arm of the Department of Telecommunications has led Indias rural connectivity efforts and is currently exploring 6G use cases the Ministry notedOver the past four decades CDoT has been at the forefront of Indias telecom revolution bringing connectivity to rural areas powering the ambitious BharatNet NOFN project and delivering cuttingedge solutions in cyber security disaster management 4G5G next generation networks AI Network Management Systems IoTM2M applications among others IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/mauritius-it-minister-lauds-indias-c-dot-lab-urges-deeper-bilateral-collaboration-639577.html Sat, 20 Sep 2025 12:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/venezuela-calls-on-un-to-stop-us-military-moves-in-caribbean-639596.html Caracas Sep 20 Venezuela has called on the United Nations Security Council to demand an immediate halt to US military operations in the Caribbean In a post on the social platform Telegram on Friday local time Foreign Minister Yvan Gil shared a video of a related speech at the UN by Venezuelas permanent representative Alexander Yanez saying the appeal was made on behalf of President Nicolas MaduroIn the video Yanez told the Security Council that his country has been the target of systemic harassment by Washington including smear campaigns unilateral sanctions and a rejection of Venezuelan institutions reports Xinhua news agencyHe warned that the situation has escalated into a more dangerous phase with US naval air and ground deployments in the Caribbean including sending a nuclear submarine which he said violates the UN CharterYanez also pointed to US reports of extrajudicial executions in the CaribbeanVenezuela urged the UN system to condemn the US moves which it said threaten stability in both the South American country and the wider regionEarlier on September 15 the Venezuelan President said that channels of communication between the United States and Venezuela have been severed by Washington amid persistent aggressionToday I can announce that communications with the US government have been severed by them Maduro told a press conference in Caracas Venezuelas capitalThe President blamed the breakdown on threats and blackmail from WashingtonMaduro stressed that Venezuela has managed to preserve peace despite provocations from the United StatesFor the past five weeks he said Venezuela has faced challenges while working to maintain stability He added that Venezuela is exercising its legitimate right to defend itself against political diplomatic and potential military aggression IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/venezuela-calls-on-un-to-stop-us-military-moves-in-caribbean-639596.html Sat, 20 Sep 2025 13:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-canadian-nsas-discuss-counterterrorism-security-cooperation-mea-639609.html New Delhi Sep 20 National Security Advisor NSA Ajit Doval and his Canadian counterpart Nathalie G Drouin discussed strengthening the bilateral relationship in areas such as counterterrorism combating transnational organised crime and Intelligence exchanges the Ministry of External Affairs MEA said on Saturday Doval and Drouin met on Thursday September 18 in New Delhi as part of the regular bilateral security dialogue between the two sidesAccording to the MEA it was also an opportunity to follow up on the discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis in Alberta Canada earlier this yearBoth sides acknowledged the clear momentum for rebuilding trust and expanding cooperation at the highest levels of political leadership They had productive discussions on advancing the bilateral relationship including in areas such as counterterrorism combating transnational organised crime and Intelligence exchanges the MEA saidBoth sides also agreed to work closely on the way forward and adopt a collaborative approach towards a new chapter in bilateral relations it addedThey agreed to strengthen security cooperation and further reinforce existing mechanisms of engagement The two NSAs also deliberated on the priority areas for future cooperation and exchanged views on regional and global developments the MEA statement readEarlier on Friday reacting strongly to the reports of growing Khalistani threats to Indian diplomatic missions in Canada including the Indian Consulate in Vancouver the MEA made it clear that it is the responsibility of the Canadian government to provide security as and when there is a concernIt is the responsibility of the Canadian government or the host government wherever we are wherever we have diplomatic establishments to provide security as and when there is a concern we do take it up with the concerned side in this case Canada to ensure that there is adequate security of our diplomatic premises MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated during a weekly media briefing in New Delhi while responding to a question on the threats being issued to the Indian Consulates in CanadaThe reaction came after the NSAs of both countries held talks on Thursday as part of the regular bilateral security consultations between Ottawa and New DelhiThe NSA of Canada held talks with our National Security Advisor I think it happened yesterday the 18th This is part of the regular bilateral security consultations that happen between the two countries It was also an opportunity and an occasion for them to follow up on the discussions that happened between Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Carney in Kananaskis on the sidelines of the G7 in Alberta Canada stated JaiswalIt was on the sidelines of the G7 Summit that PM Modi and Carney held a meeting aimed at reviving the strained ties between both nations The June 18 discussions were described as very positive and constructive by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri As an initial move both leaders had agreed to restore High Commissioners to each others capitals at the earliest opportunityFurther the two nations resolved to revive senior and workinglevel mechanisms on various fronts They also agreed to resume senior and workinglevel mechanisms and discussions in a host of areas related to trade peopletopeople contact and connectivity all of them intended to bring greater momentum to the relationshipThe ties between India and Canada had soured after former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged in the Canadian Parliament that he had credible allegations of Indias hand in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh NijjarA major diplomatic row had erupted when Canada labelled Indias High Commissioner and other diplomats as persons of interest in the investigation of Nijjars deathIndia denied all the allegations calling them absurd and motivated accusing Ottawa of giving space to extremist and antiIndia elements in the country IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-canadian-nsas-discuss-counterterrorism-security-cooperation-mea-639609.html Sat, 20 Sep 2025 14:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/unexploded-wwii-bomb-defused-in-hong-kong-639626.html Hong Kong Sep 20 The Hong Kong Police Force on Saturday morning defused the unexploded World War II bomb discovered at a construction site in the Eastern District according to a police briefing The Police said that the site and its surroundings are now safe enough for evacuated residents to return and all blocked roads had been reopenedDespite a rain delay the Police managed to cut a hole in the shell and burn the 500 pounds of TNT explosives inside a highstakes operation given the power of the bomb said Suryanto Chinchiu senior bomb disposal officer of the Polices explosive ordnance disposal bureauTo dispose of the aerial bomb which is 15 metre long and weighs about 1000 pounds the Police had evacuated around 6000 people in surrounding buildings by 11 pm on Friday Xinhua news agency reported Some of them spent the night at community centers with assistance from care teams and District Council membersMeanwhile it has been revealed that an explosion in the town of Tsotyli northern Greece which left two men injured on Friday was caused by a World War II shell Greek state broadcaster ERT reportedThe blast occurred around 1130 am local time at a yard for earthmoving machinery where a 54yearold man sustained multiple traumatic injuries and a 45yearold man suffered fracturesThe 54yearold victim who was in critical condition with severe burns and partial amputations to his knee and elbow was transferred to Hippocrates Hospital in Thessaloniki The second man underwent orthopedic surgery at Mamatseio Hospital in Kozani and will remain there for observationArmy bomb disposal experts examined the site following the explosion and confirmed the presence of ammunition fragments indicating the device was a wartime shell ERT saidAuthorities have cordoned off the area while investigations continue IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/unexploded-wwii-bomb-defused-in-hong-kong-639626.html Sat, 20 Sep 2025 16:15:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/australian-study-unlocks-secrets-of-ancient-life-through-fossil-faeces-639629.html Sydney Sep 20 An Australianled study used prehistoric faeces to uncover how molecular fossilisation occurs revealing new insights into what ancient animals ate the world they lived in and what happened after they died The study published in the journal Geobiology examined 300millionyearold fossilised droppings or coprolites mostly from the Mazon Creek fossil site in the United States according to a statement released Friday by Australias Curtin UniversityThe coprolites were already known to contain cholesterol derivatives which is strong evidence of a meatbased diet but the new research explored how those delicate molecular traces were preserved and survived the ravages of time reports Xinhua news agencyUsually soft tissues are fossilised due to phosphate minerals but scientists from Australia the United States Sweden and Germany found molecules were preserved thanks to tiny grains of iron carbonate scattered throughout the fossil acting like microscopic time capsulesFossils dont just preserve the shapes of longextinct creatures they can also hold chemical traces of life said study lead Madison Tripp adjunct research fellow at Curtins School of Earth and Planetary SciencesIts a bit like discovering a treasure chest in this instance phosphate but the real gold is stashed in the pebbles nearby Tripp said adding the findings deepen scientists understanding of molecular preservation crucial to gaining insights into the ancient worldCarbonate minerals have been quietly preserving biological information throughout Earths history said Curtin University Professor Kliti Grice adding that expanded analysis of diverse fossils spanning different species environments and eras confirmed consistent mineralmolecule preservation patternsUnderstanding which minerals best preserve ancient biomolecules lets scientists target fossil searches more effectively focusing on conditions that increase the chances of finding molecular clues about ancient life Grice saidResearchers said the findings could help build richer pictures of past ecosystems including diets interactions and decomposition processesIt brings prehistoric worlds to life in molecular detail Grice said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/australian-study-unlocks-secrets-of-ancient-life-through-fossil-faeces-639629.html Sat, 20 Sep 2025 16:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/study-unlocks-secrets-of-ancient-life-through-fossil-feces-639631.html Sydney Sep 20 An Australianled study used prehistoric feces to uncover how molecular fossilization occurs revealing new insights into what ancient animals ate the world they lived in and what happened after they died The study published in the journal Geobiology examined 300millionyearold fossilized droppings or coprolites mostly from the Mazon Creek fossil site in the United States according to a statement released Friday by Australias Curtin UniversityThe coprolites were already known to contain cholesterol derivatives which is strong evidence of a meatbased diet but the new research explored how those delicate molecular traces were preserved and survived the ravages of timeUsually soft tissues are fossilised due to phosphate minerals but scientists from Australia the United States Sweden and Germany found molecules were preserved thanks to tiny grains of iron carbonate scattered throughout the fossil acting like microscopic time capsulesFossils dont just preserve the shapes of longextinct creatures they can also hold chemical traces of life said study lead Madison Tripp adjunct research fellow at Curtins School of Earth and Planetary Sciences Xinhua news agency reportedIts a bit like discovering a treasure chest in this instance phosphate but the real gold is stashed in the pebbles nearby Tripp said adding the findings deepen scientists understanding of molecular preservation crucial to gaining insights into the ancient worldCarbonate minerals have been quietly preserving biological information throughout Earths history said Curtin University Professor Kliti Grice adding expanded analysis of diverse fossils spanning different species environments and eras confirmed consistent mineralmolecule preservation patternsUnderstanding which minerals best preserve ancient biomolecules lets scientists target fossil searches more effectively focusing on conditions that increase the chances of finding molecular clues about ancient life Grice saidResearchers said the findings could help build richer pictures of past ecosystems including diets interactions and decomposition processesIt brings prehistoric worlds to life in molecular detail Grice said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/study-unlocks-secrets-of-ancient-life-through-fossil-feces-639631.html Sat, 20 Sep 2025 16:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/japans-one-year-rice-demand-through-next-june-estimated-at-711-million-tonnes-639636.html Tokyo Sep 20 Demand for rice in Japan is estimated to rise slightly to 711 million tonnes in the year through June 2026 according to the countrys agriculture ministry The 2025 staple rice production is expected to see a significant increase to 745 million tonnes boosted by expanded planting in response to shortages an estimate from the Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries has shownMeanwhile the private sectors rice inventory is forecast to reach nearly 23 million tonnes by the end of June next year an unusually high level that could approach the record stockpile that was built up in 2015 Xinhua news agency reportedFor the key oneyear estimate the ministrys food council subgroup which used to make staple rice demand projections in view of falling population and increased bread consumption took into account for the first time increasing demand from foreign tourists and householdsMeanwhile the Philippines is considering extending its rice import suspension by 15 to 30 days as farmgate prices of palay or unhusked rice improve Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said on FridayPhilippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos earlier imposed a 60day ban from September to October to protect local farmers during the peak harvest seasonLaurel said the Department of Agriculture will recommend to Marcos by the end of September whether to prolong the moratorium Pending data validation I am now inclined to recommend that he extend the ban for at least 15 to 30 days he addedAccording to preliminary data wet palay prices rose from as low as 810 pesos 014017 US dollars per kilo before the ban to 17 pesos 029 dollars in some parts of Mindanao and 1314 pesos 022024 dollars in major ricegrowing provincesThe cost of producing a kilo of palay is estimated at 1214 pesos 021024 dollars Laurel said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/japans-one-year-rice-demand-through-next-june-estimated-at-711-million-tonnes-639636.html Sat, 20 Sep 2025 17:15:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/afghan-senior-official-slams-trumps-remarks-on-bagram-airbase-639637.html Kabul Sep 20 A senior Afghan official has slammed recent remarks of US President Donald Trump on recapturing Bagram airbase in postwar Afghanistan saying Afghans never accept foreign military presence in their country reported the staterun Radio and Television of Afghanistan RTA Afghans have never accepted foreign military presence in their land throughout history Afghanistan and America need engagement on economic and political relations based on bilateral respect and common interests the stateowned media outlet cited Jalali a senior diplomat with the foreign ministry as saying Xinhua news agency reportedTrump who has been criticising his predecessor Joe Biden over giving up Bagram airbase during the US withdrawal in August 2021 told reporters in London on Thursday that We want to retake itThe Bagram airbase 50 km north of Kabul had served as the main military base of US troops in Afghanistan during the 20year military presence of USled military coalition forces which ended in August 2021 and paved the way for the collapse of the westernbacked forces and takeover of power by the current Afghan regimeMeanwhile as the world prepares to mark the International Day of Peace on September 21 Afghans who have suffered from more than four decades of conflict say their greatest wish is simple enduring peaceMore than four decades of war and civil unrest according to Afghans have left their country undeveloped and impoverishedMy wish for Afghanistan is to have lasting peace and security to see the return of refugees and their contribution to rebuilding the country said Abdul Qadus Rahmani a Kabul baker and father of sixRahmani 45 explained that even his daily bread sales reflect the countrys fragile stability If there is war I sell 200 to 300 pieces of bread a day In a peaceful environment I can sell 1000 to 1500 and earn a better incomeAs the International Day of Peace approaches ordinary Afghans see tranquility not as an abstract ideal but as the foundation for work education and dignity proof that even after decades of hardship the simple hope for peace endures IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/afghan-senior-official-slams-trumps-remarks-on-bagram-airbase-639637.html Sat, 20 Sep 2025 17:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/fossilised-faeces-help-bring-prehistoric-worlds-to-life-study-reveals-639639.html Sydney Sep 20 An Australianled study used prehistoric feces to uncover how molecular fossilization occurs revealing new insights into what ancient animals ate the world they lived in and what happened after they died The study published in the journal Geobiology examined 300millionyearold fossilized droppings or coprolites mostly from the Mazon Creek fossil site in the United States according to a statement released Friday by Australias Curtin University The coprolites were already known to contain cholesterol derivatives which is strong evidence of a meatbased diet but the new research explored how those delicate molecular traces were preserved and survived the ravages of timeUsually soft tissues are fossilised due to phosphate minerals but scientists from Australia the United States Sweden and Germany found molecules were preserved thanks to tiny grains of iron carbonate scattered throughout the fossil acting like microscopic time capsulesStudy lead Madison Tripp an Adjunct Research Fellow at Curtins School of Earth and Planetary Sciences said the findings add a new dimension to how scientists understand molecular preservation which is crucial to gaining insights into the ancient worldFossils dont just preserve the shapes of longextinct creatures they can also hold chemical traces of life Tripp saidBut how those delicate molecules survive for hundreds of millions of years has long been a mystery since phosphate minerals help preserve the fossils shape and structure we might have expected these to also help preserve molecules but we found instead that it was the iron carbonate that shielded the molecular traces insideIts a bit like discovering a treasure chest in this instance phosphate but the real gold is stashed in the pebbles nearbyCarbonate minerals have been quietly preserving biological information throughout Earths history said Curtin University Professor Kliti Grice adding expanded analysis of diverse fossils spanning different species environments and eras confirmed consistent mineralmolecule preservation patternsTo determine whether this mineralmolecule association was unique to the Mazon Creek site researchers expanded the analysis to include a diverse range of fossils spanning different species environments and time periodsFounding Director of Curtins WAOrganic and Isotope Geochemistry Centre and ARC Laureate Fellow Professor Kliti Grice said this revealed the findings were consistent across the samplesThis isnt just a oneoff or a lucky find its a pattern we are starting to see repeated which tells us carbonate minerals have been quietly preserving biological information throughout Earths history Professor Grice saidUnderstanding which minerals are most likely to preserve ancient biomolecules means we can be far more targeted in our fossil searchesRather than relying on chance we can look for specific conditions that give us the best shot at uncovering molecular clues about ancient lifeProfessor Grice said by revealing how biomolecules are preserved scientists were gaining powerful new tools to reconstruct the world hundreds of millions of years agoThis helps us build a much richer picture of past ecosystems not just what animals looked like but how they lived interacted and decomposed Professor Grice saidIt brings prehistoric worlds to life in molecular detail he was quoted as saying in a statement released by Curtin University IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/fossilised-faeces-help-bring-prehistoric-worlds-to-life-study-reveals-639639.html Sat, 20 Sep 2025 17:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/repression-in-china-both-a-political-imperative-and-a-profitable-business-report-639645.html New Delhi Sep 20 Leaked documents from two Chinese firms infrastructure builder Geedge Networks and AI company GoLaxy have revealed how repression in China is both a political imperative and a profitable business illustrating that the country is not only perfecting digital authoritarianism at home but also packaging it for export according to a report in The Diplomat The leaked internal files from Geedge Networks laid bare how Geedge sold itself as a cybersecurity company while actually building censorship and surveillance infrastructure the report mentionedGoLaxy was exposed when researchers at Vanderbilt University uncovered nearly 400 pages of internal planning documents It is a Beijingbased company that has emerged as a major player in deploying AI tools that monitor influence and manipulate narratives onlineTogether these leaks have provided an unprecedented window into the mechanics of Chinas censorship and propaganda apparatus the report addedIt further stated that the products they sell differ though they complement each other within the larger control systemGeedge is an infrastructure builder Its flagship product the Tiangou Secure Gateway is essentially a turnkey firewall in a box It performs deep packet inspection blocks VPNs and other circumvention tools fingerprints devices analyzes metadata and even offers prototype reputationbased access controls according to the reportGoLaxy systems ingest opensource social media data map relationships among political actors and influencers and use artificial intelligence to generate content for orchestrated campaignsDashboards allow operators to monitor discourse around sensitive topics Taiwan Hong Kong Xinjiang US politics and plan interventions by seeding narratives or amplifying favoured voices Where Geedge builds the pipes for information control GoLaxy provides the tools to flood those pipes with content aligned to government priorities the Diplomat report explainedGeedge has even reached abroad marketing its Great Firewall in a box to regimes that want Chinesestyle control Reports show deployments in Kazakhstan Pakistan Ethiopia and MyanmarUnlike Geedge GoLaxy does not yet appear to export its tools widely to foreign regimes instead it focuses on strengthening the CCPs domestic propaganda system and building the capacity for global influence campaigns said the reportThe report further stated that these client patterns reveal how both firms embody the partystates dual strategy to perfect control at home and to promote its model abroadBoth companies also maintain close ties to the Chinese Academy of Sciences CAS Chinas premier research institution This makes clear that China has turned repression into an export industry the report stressed IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/repression-in-china-both-a-political-imperative-and-a-profitable-business-report-639645.html Sat, 20 Sep 2025 17:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/smokescreen-or-strategy-why-isi-is-unlikely-to-shift-terror-bases-to-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-639672.html New Delhi Sep 20 Over the past week there have been many reports relating to the damage caused to the terror infrastructure in Pakistan following Operation Sindoor Terrorists on their own have been posting videos about the damage caused to the Muridke training camp of the LashkareTaiba Further terrorists of the JaisheMohammad have openly spoken about how their chief Masood Azhars family was blown to pieces due the operation that India undertook to avenge the Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 innocent livesAmidst this there was also news that terror groups are shifting out of Bahawalpur and Murdike and setting up their camps and headquarters in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa KPWhile outfits such as the LashkareTaiba and JaisheMohammad have terror bases in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Indian Intelligence agencies however have doubts on this claimOfficials say that given the current equation that Pakistan has with the Afghan Taliban the ISI would not risk moving major operations of its top two terror outfits to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa The Afghan Taliban would be breathing down their neck and to add to the misery of the ISI would be the TehreekeTaliban Pakistan TTPThe TTP is very active in Pakistans northwest province Khyber PakhtunkhwaThere are operations that are carried out on a regular basis by the Pakistan Army against the TTP and this has made the place extremely volatile Hence the ISI may not take the gamble and shift the major bases of the two terror groups to KPThis week the security forces in Pakistan gunned down three terrorists including an Afghan national in KP The three were said to be involved in a bombing in Peshawar which led to the death of a subinspector and constableLast weeks raids by the Pakistan security forces in KP led to the death of 19 soldiers and 45 terrorists Pakistan has repeatedly said that the TTP with the help of the Afghan Taliban carries out attacks on Pakistani soldiersKhyber Pakhtunkhwas proximity to the Afghan border also makes the place a high risk zoneThe TTP has been accused of using the Afghan border to launch attacks against the Pakistan ArmyTaking all these aspects into mind the ISI may not want the terrorists of the LashkareTaiba or the JaisheMohammad to be caught in a cross fire Intelligence Bureau officials say that putting out news stating that operations are being moved to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to escape from the radar of the Indian forces could be a smoke screen to divert attentionPutting out such material gives the ISI the breathing space to create new infrastructure for the terror groups Pakistan may not have expected in its wildest dreams that India could carry out an operation of such a scale The precision strikes and the depth is what hit Pakistan the most and caused it major embarrassmentOfficials say that despite Operation Sindoor Pakistan will not change its policy regarding terror However this time it does know that any terror attack will be treated as an act of war and India will hit harderIn such an event it would want to ensure that even if there is a hit there is no major damage to terror infrastructure Operation Sindoor was a huge setback for terror groups especially the JaisheMohammad and LashkareTaiba There is panic among the ranks the ISI knows thisGiven the circumstances and taking into consideration the might of the Indian armed forces and also the rising tensions with the Afghan Taliban Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would not be the best option for the ISI to set up terror operationsIn the aftermath of Operation Sindoor the ISI started to pull terror camps and related infrastructure from known places It was decided that the main facilities such as the headquarters and the training camps will be set up close to army installations This decision was taken keeping in mind that in case of an operation by the Indian armed forces the Pakistan Army would be able to protect the terror infrastructure IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/smokescreen-or-strategy-why-isi-is-unlikely-to-shift-terror-bases-to-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-639672.html Sat, 20 Sep 2025 18:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/four-killed-in-ukrainian-drone-attack-in-russias-samara-region-639688.html Moscow Sep 20 A nighttime drone attack by Ukraine killed four people and injured another in Russias Samara region Regional Governor Vyacheslav Fedorishchev said on Saturday It is with deep sorrow that I report that four people were killed as a result of a night attack by enemy UAVs Fedorishchev said on social mediaAnother person was injured and the regional government will provide the families of the victims with necessary assistance including financial support he addedThe Russian defence ministry said Saturday that air defence systems shot down 149 drones overnight including 15 over the Samara region Xinhua news agency reportedMeanwhile Russia said that a flight by three Russian MiG31 fighter jets from Karelia to the Kaliningrad region adhered to international aviation rules and did not cross into the airspace of other countriesIn a statement published on its Telegram channel on Saturday the Defence Ministry said that the redeployment flight on Friday was scheduled in advance and carried out under objective monitoring systems which confirmed that no borders were violatedThe statement came after Estonias Foreign Ministry summoned Russias charge daffaires on Friday to protest over what it claimed was an airspace violation by Russian aircraftThe Estonian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the incursion took place over the Gulf of Finland where three Russian Federation MIG31 fighter aircraft entered Estonian airspace without permission and remained there for a total of 12 minutesEstonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal said Tallinn would seek NATO consultations under Article 4 in response to what she called Russias provocations Article 4 allows any NATO member to call for discussions when it perceives a threat to its territorial integrity or security IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/four-killed-in-ukrainian-drone-attack-in-russias-samara-region-639688.html Sat, 20 Sep 2025 21:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-experts-warn-trump-administration-against-undermining-relationship-with-india-report-639693.html Washington Sep 20 US strategic experts have warned the administration led by President Donald Trump about the consequences of straining ties with India a report cited on Saturday According to a report in Eurasia Review top former US officials Kurt Campbell and Jake Sullivan remarked in an article in Foreign Affairs that the only thing harder than building and formalising a deeply significant relationship with India is not having oneThe report said that the former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley has also cautioned that damaging ties with India would effectively give China a pass amid Beijings deepening relationship with MoscowTensions have recently surfaced in the USIndia relationship particularly after President Donald Trumps decision to impose tariffs on India over its oil purchases from Russia By penalizing India for purchasing Russian oil while strengthening ties with Pakistan the US risks alienating one of its most important partnersand undermining Indias longstanding relationship with Russia the report detailedIf the trust deficit between India and the US continues to widen both nations could lose influence in the strategically vital Indian Ocean region The reality is clear India and the United States need each other now more than ever it addedAccording to the report unlike the restrictions placed on India Trumps trade deal with Pakistan which included preferential tariffs and support for oil exploration did not require Pakistan to limit its relationship with China This leniency it said has emboldened Pakistan to adopt a more aggressive strategy towards IndiaThe report highlighted that Indias relationship with the US has soured in recent months especially after Trump hosted Pakistans controversial army chief Asim Munir at the White House in Washington following the deadly April 22 Pahlagam terrorist attackMunirs provocative remarks about Pakistans potential global impact seemingly aimed at India If Pakistan goes down it would take half the world down with it made during a meeting in Tampa Florida in the presence of US military officials sparked widespread criticismFormer Pentagon official Michael Rubin compared Munir to Osama bin Laden in a suit and criticised the US for failing to understand the ideological foundation of terrorismIndia has long been a steadfast US ally since the end of the Cold War Former President Barack Obama called India an indispensable partner and as a key member of the Quad India stands at the heart of Washingtons IndoPacific strategya framework China views as an Asian NATO Until the recent trade dispute both countries enjoyed a strong partnership serving as a counterweight to Chinas influence in the region the report noted IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-experts-warn-trump-administration-against-undermining-relationship-with-india-report-639693.html Sat, 20 Sep 2025 21:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/nepal-interim-pm-karki-has-to-rebuild-public-trust-in-governance-639694.html Kathmandu Sep 20 Nepal has become the latest country where public mobilisation has overthrown the ruling regime fueled by anger over widespread corruption nepotism and administrative misgovernance a report cited on Saturday It said the mass uprising against the backdrop of political upheavals sweeping across South Asia beginning with Sri Lanka in 2022 followed by Bangladesh in 2024 marked a decisive break in the Himalayan nations democratic trajectoryAccording to the report of International Centre for Peace Studies ICPS over the past three years a clear pattern of youthled protests and uprisings often described as apolitical emerged in the extended region of Nepal including Sri Lanka Bangladesh and IndonesiaAt times these apolitical uprisings were seen to have been influenced or even facilitated by internal as well as external actors with vested interests However they often result in the creation of a political vacuum that is filled by individuals or groups with little or no prior experience in governance the report statedIronically the very objectives these movements claim to champion such as strengthening democracy and ensuring inclusive political participation are often undermined in the process While these movements may succeed in toppling governments through mass mobilisation they typically fail to offer a viable or structured alternative in the aftermath it notedOn September 8 the protests started in Kathmandu in response to the Nepalese governments decision to block 26 social media platforms including Facebook Instagram WhatsApp X and YouTube for failing to comply with a sevenday deadline to register with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology However the social media ban served only as a triggerThe protest quickly evolved into a broader movement demanding government accountability for widespread corruption growing inequality and the worsening living conditions that have forced many citizens to migrate abroad in search of a better life Protesters expressed anger over the stark contrast between the struggles of ordinary people and the lavish lifestyles of ruling elites Nepo Kids many of whom openly flaunt their wealth and assets on social media the report stressedAmid intense public and political pressure Nepals Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned on September 10 Several highprofile leaders including Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak the Ministers in charge of Health Agriculture Water and Youth and Sports also stepped down ahead of Oli in the wake of the escalating crisisThe ICPS report emphasised that Sushila Karki appointed as Nepals interim Prime Minister in the wake of the GenZ revolt has a critical role to play She has a daunting challenge ahead to stabilise the country rebuild public trust in governance push for inclusive systemic change including better representation of women and marginalized communities in politics and prepare Nepal for the next elections scheduled to take place in March 2026 IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/nepal-interim-pm-karki-has-to-rebuild-public-trust-in-governance-639694.html Sat, 20 Sep 2025 21:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-parliamentary-panel-reviews-abuses-against-children-at-religious-seminaries-639697.html Islamabad Sep 20 Pakistans Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights has reviewed disturbing reports of corporal punishment torture and sexual abuse against children at religious seminaries across provinces of Punjab Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa local media reported The meeting chaired by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri at Parliament House called for strong action to protect children from abuse at seminaries and schools declaring that no child should suffer in the name of educationHighlighting that the Pakistani authorities bear the foremost responsibility to protect children Senator Zehri expressed concern over the lack of proper registration financial transparency and monitoring of these institutionsShe demanded strict measures including regular inspections of madrasas mandatory parentteacher engagement teacher training on child protection and a ban on corporal punishment She also raised alarm over the low conviction rates in reported cases warning that without prosecution and deterrence the cycle of abuse would continue uncheckedSenator Aimal Wali Khan noted that many madrasas have become revenuegenerating enterprises rather than being integrated into the national education framework He urged the need for legislative measures to ensure transparency and bring seminaries under mainstream education boardsOther members suggested districtlevel monitoring and harmonised provincial laws to protect children from abuses Pakistans leading newspaper Dawn reportedReports suggest that the committee also reviewed a case at COMSATS University in Islamabad where a student was subjected to derogatory remarks about his financial background and deceased father during a class presentation in June Reportedly the matter was eventually reconciled with the instructor even gifting a laptop to the studentAsserting that such incidents reflected deeprooted problems in Pakistan Senator Zehri stressed that no student should face humiliation over financial circumstances which could cause lasting psychological harm She called on universities to foster compassion and respect recommend training for teachers and students in communication tolerance and mental health awarenessThe meeting also discussed the plight of Pakistani citizens imprisoned abroad Zehri demanded stronger action including countrywise data systematic case tracking and transparent reporting She urged the Pakistani ministries to formulate a coordinated national strategy with clear timelines covering legal aid consular support and rehabilitation for returnees IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-parliamentary-panel-reviews-abuses-against-children-at-religious-seminaries-639697.html Sat, 20 Sep 2025 22:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-awami-league-claims-10-000-new-millionaires-emerge-as-ordinary-people-swept-by-poverty-639698.html Dhaka Sep 20 Bangladeshs Awami League Party on Saturday highlighted that over 10000 new millionaires have emerged in just 810 months amid the countrys economic recession while ordinary people are being swept away in a tide of poverty under the Muhammad Yunusled interim government According to the party the economy of Bangladesh is currently in a severe recession with unemployment exceeding eight per cent and the poverty rate at nearly 28 per centThe party mentioned that hundreds of factories have shut down foreign investment is almost zero and 26 million people have lost their jobs with ordinary people struggling to cope with soaring prices of essential goods It stressed that in the postCovid period GDP growth has dropped to just 397 per centNever before has the country seen wealth grow in such a crisisbut banking data tells a different story According to Bangladesh Banks Banking Statistics Report in the past 810 months 10928 new millionaire accounts have been added As of June 2025 the total number of millionaire accounts has reached 127336 What is particularly concerning is that 87 per cent of the new millionaires are under the age of 30 and more than 2000 of them have not yet even completed their studies the Awami League statedRaising concerns the Awami League questioned who these millionaires are and how they are amassing such abnormal wealth while the lives of ordinary people are becoming increasingly unbearable in BangladeshThree million people have lost their jobs Foreign investment is nearly zero 10928 new millionaires in just 810 months Over 2000 millionaires have not yet finished their education This growing inequality and opaque wealth accumulation is heightening social concern Without vigilance regulatory intervention and transparent policies the gap between the ordinary population and a small wealthy elite will continue to widenpotentially leading to lasting social instability the party assertedEarlier this month the Awami League stated that Bangladesh is experiencing its most severe crisis in over a decade caused by Islamist militancy extremism economic collapse unemployment a breakdown of law and order and widespread unrest under the Yunus regime IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-awami-league-claims-10-000-new-millionaires-emerge-as-ordinary-people-swept-by-poverty-639698.html Sat, 20 Sep 2025 22:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-envoy-in-mongolia-highlights-itecs-role-in-fostering-global-cooperation-639494.html Ulaanbaatar Sep 19 The Indian Embassy in Mongolia celebrated the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation ITEC Day recently marking the 61st anniversary of the ITEC Scholarship Programme During the event Indias Ambassador to Mongolia Atul Malhari Gotsurve highlighted the important role played by ITEC in fostering global cooperation He noted that the ITEC is a demand driven programme that offers fullyfunded training courses in various sectors including IT finance governance and defence enabling professional to enhanced their skills and contribution to their countries developmentThe Embassy on Friday stated that the event honoured the enduring partnership between India and Mongolia Established on 15th September 1964 the ITEC Programme is a flagship initiative of the Government of India focused on technical assistance and human resource development for developing countries The programme operates on the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutubakam the world is one family and is testament to Indias longstanding tradition of sharing its knowledge and expertiseThe ITEC Day celebration brought together around 250270 people including prominent alumni of the ITEC programme Mongolian government officials and dignitaries from various sectors in the countryThe Chief Guest of the event HE Mr Damdinnyam Gongor Minister of Industry amp Mineral Resources Government of Mongolia an ITEC Alumni appreciated and expressed his heartfelt gratitude for ITEC programme in enhancing and sharing valuable skills for working professional across key sectors of Mongolias state ministriesdepartments He also thanked Government of India for the support given in building the Oil Refinery Project at Dornogibi which will enhance the energy security of Mongolia the Embassy highlightedDuring the event several ITEC alumni shared their experiences on how the training programmes have positively impacted their careers and provided them with valuable insights about Indias culture and societyN Enkhbayar 3rd President of Mongolia A Bayar Speaker of Citizens Representative Council of Ulaanbaatar City O Nyamdavaa former Ambassador of Mongolia to India and Kh Chinbat President of the IndiaMongolia Alumni Association were also present during the eventSince its inception the ITEC Programme has been instrumental in strengthening bilateral relations and promoting SouthSouth cooperation The programme offers over 15000 fully funded training slots annually across a diverse range of discipline with course conducted at more than 100 premier institution in India with active participation from more than 160 countries Over 3500 professionals from Mongolia have benefited from these initiatives till now Every year 200 scholarship slots are available for Mongolian nationals the Embassy statedThe ITEC programme embodies Indias commitment to supporting the aspirations of its partners focusing on model of cooperation that is voluntary free of conditionalities and aligned with the priorities of the recipient countries It continues to be a powerful symbol of friendship and shared progress between India and Mongolia it added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-envoy-in-mongolia-highlights-itecs-role-in-fostering-global-cooperation-639494.html Fri, 19 Sep 2025 21:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/nepals-gen-z-has-paved-the-way-but-will-elections-bring-the-new-leaders-they-seek-639495.html New Delhi Sep 19 The Gen Z protests in Nepal led to the fall of the KP Sharma Oli government following which an interim government took over Gen Z may have achieved its objecting of toppling a corrupt regime but for the interim government under Sushila Karki the task ahead is uphill and extremely challenging The citizens now want corruption eradicated and the interim government has a lot of work on that front However the most daunting task for the interim government is to ensure that elections are conducted at the earliest In case of the citizens they would hope that new faces and clean politicians are in fray so that they could get a good government which delivers clean and effective governanceIf one looks at the choice of members who are part of the interim cabinet then it is clear that these people will first focus on taking on corruption head on Some of the members who are part of the cabinet are reformers and hence there is a lot of pressure on them to deliverRameshwor Khanal is a respected economist and former bureaucrat and was sworn in a finance minister Kulman Ghising is a big name in Nepal as he reformed the countrys power sector He holds the rank of energy minister The minister for home affairs is Om Prakash Aryal a human rights lawyerWith such big names the expectations too are high They have not only been tasked with cleaning up the rot and conducting elections but the people want their trust in the system restoredWhile the interim government recognised those protestors who lost their lives as martyrs it has also ensured that there would be an inquiry commission to probe the violence and arson during the protests This is tricky for the interim government since there is a chance that the blame for the violence would be entirely put on the protestors Not only will this cause unhappiness among the Gen Z but there is also a chance that the former government officials who took decisions that triggered the protests may get awayFurther the interim government also has the daunting task of rebuilding judicial institutions and police stations which lie in ruins due to the protests During the protests Singha Durbar the historic palace which served as the administrative centre since 1908 was also destroyed This would too need rebuildingThe toughest jobs in Nepal today are that of the Home and Finance Minister Security has become a major concern and this has led to a major fall in tourism This sector is one of the biggest money generators for Nepal and that has been severely affected During the protests one got to see hotels that housed tourists being attacked Some Indians too had complained that they were not allowed to return in peace due to the protests All this has put a lot of stress on the tourism industry and restoring this would be a tough taskAs a result of the uprising investor confidence in Nepal has plummeted He would have to address this issue on a war footing while also planning a budget to reconstruct and restore all that was damage during the protestsSushila Karki as interim prime minister is being watched both internally and internationally She is a high reputed person and has served as the chief justice of Nepal As she was the choice made by GenZ the citizens of Nepal have pinned all their hopes on herWhile all these issues would gradually be worked upon the big challenge is the election itself It would not just be a run of the mill process where elections are conducted in a free and fair manner The results are the real test and it is to be seen if fresh leaders who are not tainted by privilege and corruption can make the cutAfter the fall of the monarchy in 2008 Nepal has faced upheavals on many occasions The nation has managed to get through all of that However this time it is different There is plenty of rebuilding to do a lot of reconstruction and more importantly the people do not want to see the usual faces as parties during the elections whenever they are conducted IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/nepals-gen-z-has-paved-the-way-but-will-elections-bring-the-new-leaders-they-seek-639495.html Fri, 19 Sep 2025 21:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/mpox-cases-in-africa-surpass-190-000-deaths-near-2-000-africa-cdc-639501.html Addis Ababa Sep 19 The number of mpox cases reported in Africa since the start of 2024 has exceeded 190000 with deaths nearing 2000 the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Africa CDC said Speaking at an online media briefing Yap Boum II Deputy Incident Manager for mpox at the Africa CDC said 29 mpoxaffected African countries have reported 191559 cases since January 2024 including 53013 confirmed cases and 1999 deaths Xinhua News Agency reportedBoum noted that response efforts are showing results with both confirmed and suspected cases declining steadily in recent weeks compared to the peak around May Weekly confirmed cases have dropped by 70 per cent from 1620 in May to 491 last week alongside improvements in testing coverage the Africa CDC saidEarlier this month the World Health Organisation WHO said that the spread of mpox in Africa no longer represents a Public Health Emergency of International Concern PHEICHowever the WHO also said that lifting the emergency declaration does not mean the threat is over nor that our response will stop and we note the Africa CDCs decision that mpox remains a continental emergencyThe possibility of continued flareups and new outbreaks remains requiring adequate surveillance and response capacityOngoing efforts are needed to protect the most vulnerable groups particularly young children and people living with HIVMpox is a viral zoonotic diseaseInitial symptoms of human infection include fever headache muscle aches back pain and swollen lymph nodes which can later develop into widespread rashes on the face and bodyMost infected individuals recover within a few weeks but some may experience severe illness or even deathSince May 2022 more than 100 countries and regions worldwide have reported cases of mpoxMeanwhile the agency urged stronger communitybased surveillance in the Democratic Republic of the Congo DRC to help contain the latest Ebola outbreak in the countryOn Thursday the World Health Organization WHO said at least 31 people have died in the latest Ebola outbreak in the DRC Patrick Otim an official from the WHO Regional Office for Africa told an online press briefing that 48 cases have been reported in the central province of Kasai including 38 confirmed Thirtyone patients have died while 15 remain under treatment at an Ebola center in the Bulape health zone the epicenter of the outbreak and two have been dischargedBoum emphasised the need to identify all suspected cases and effectively transfer them to treatment centers for isolation and appropriate care He said the recent recovery of two Ebola patients was very positive and encouraging news for the responseEbola is a highly contagious hemorrhagic fever that causes a range of symptoms such as fever vomiting diarrhea generalized pain and malaise and in many cases internal and external bleeding according to the WHO IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/mpox-cases-in-africa-surpass-190-000-deaths-near-2-000-africa-cdc-639501.html Fri, 19 Sep 2025 22:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistans-pact-with-iskp-will-come-at-a-cost-expansion-into-india-639505.html New Delhi Sep 19 The recent strikes in Balochistan have raised questions about the ISIs support to the Islamic State Khorasan Province ISKP The Afghan Taliban has been accusing Pakistan of supporting the ISKP for some years now a charge that Islamabad strongly denies However the role of the ISKP in the recent strikes in Balochistan make amply clear that it had the complete backing of the Pakistan Army and ISI Indian agencies have stated for long that there is a nexus between the two However recent Intelligence inputs suggest that the ISI will use the ISKP more in BalochistanInitially the ISKP was used to fight against the TehreekeTaliban Pakistan TTP which Islamabad claims is backed by the Afghan Taliban Now there is a change in strategy and the ISI has asked the ISKP to go all out against the Baloch peopleProof of this development came in the form of a video released by ISKPs AlAzaim Media In this a man speaking in Pashto language says that the ISKP has declared a war on the armed Balochistan nationalist groups as well as political organisations and rights groupsWhile the ISKP claims that this war is declared because the Balochistan insurgents attacked its training camps killing 30 people in reality it is Pakistan which is pushing this terror groupIn the last couple of months Pakistan has signed mineral deals with the United States It has also inked an agreement with Afghanistan and China relating to the China Pakistan Economic Corridor Project 20 CPEC During the meeting in China Pakistan was told clearly that it would have to raise funds for the project It once again reminded Pakistan about the pathetic security situation in Balochistan and Islamabad must urgently fix itFurther the US is also pressuring Pakistan to restore order in Balochistan as it would be essential for the minerals deal to go through The US even did the Pakistanis a favour by declaring the Balochistan Nationalist Army BLA a terror organisation While this would give the Pakistan Army more power and accountability to fight against the BLA in reality it is having a hard timeThe Pakistan Army is facing intense heat from both the TTP and BLA and hence needs the support of the ISKP to battle these groups While the ISKPISI partnership has been in the works for sometime now this renewed push to go all out in Balochistan is a worrying development for the regionThis renewed push gives the ISKP a free hand to go about its business While this would create chaos in Balochistan one must be mindful that the biggest target for the ISKP is IndiaWhen the ISKP was first formed it made Afghanistan its base Gradually it expanded deeper into Pakistan and over a period of time won over the establishment However one must bear in mind the primary target for the ISKP is IndiaThis was the same outfit which was recruiting Indians and training them in Pakistan The ISKPs plans was to train Indians and send them back to India It had managed to recruit 21 persons from Kerala and was planning on moreThis bonhomie is worrying from another stand point also Now the ISI would give the ISKP a free hand to undertake attacks anywhere in IndiaEarlier it had ensured that the ISKP would not meddle in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab since this is the turf of the JaisheMohammad LashkareTaiba and Khalistani terrorist groupsSecurity officials say that now that the ISI is seeking so many favours from the ISKP in return the terror outfit would seek more turf in India IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistans-pact-with-iskp-will-come-at-a-cost-expansion-into-india-639505.html Fri, 19 Sep 2025 22:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indias-election-to-interpol-asian-committee-underscores-commitment-to-jointly-address-common-challenges-mea-639508.html SingaporeNew Delhi Sep 19 India on Friday said that its election as a member of Interpol Asian Committee underscores the countrys commitment for regional cooperation to address common challenges like drug trafficking cyber crime terrorism and human trafficking Committed to address shared challenges India has been elected as a member of INTERPOL Asian Committee for the term 202529 in 25th Interpol Asian Conference in Singapore Indias membership underscores its commitment for regional cooperation to address common challenges like drug trafficking cyber crime terrorism and human trafficking Ministry of External Affairs MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on XThe election took place through a multistage voting process marking an important milestone in Indias engagement with international law enforcement cooperation emphasised the Central Bureau of Investigation CBI the National Central Bureau NCB for Interpol in India which serves as the national focal point for all Interpolrelated matters and facilitating international cooperation among law enforcement agenciesThe federal probe agency coordinates and processes requests for Interpol notices such as Red Notices and manages the Bharatpol portal for seamless interaction between Indian agencies and Interpol channelsThe statement said that the Interpol Asian Committee shall advise the Asian Regional Conference in the execution of its mandate and facilitate the deliberations at the session of the Asian Regional Conference by providing a clear understanding of the strategic and operational issues at stakeThe Committee shall identify regional strategic priorities in the fight against crime and police cooperation issues specific to the region said the statementIndias membership will further enhance regional cooperation particularly in addressing pressing challenges such as organised crime cybercrime human trafficking terrorism and drug trafficking it saidThis achievement underscores Indias proactive participation in international policing initiatives its commitment to the Global Policing Goals and its efforts to reinforce security cooperation in the AsiaPacific region the CBI saidIt follows a history of Indian representation at the highest levels of Interpol and demonstrates Indias growing global leadership in law enforcement and transnational security mattersThe Committee will meet annually to deliberate on regional security issues and provide guidance for coordinated actions among member countriesIndia was represented in the Asian Regional Conference by a delegation from CBI Indias victory is attributed to an intensive and coordinated campaign by Indian diplomats EmbassiesHigh Commissions and National Central Bureau NCBIndia which sought crucial support from friendly nations through bilateral and multilateral engagements said the statement IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indias-election-to-interpol-asian-committee-underscores-commitment-to-jointly-address-common-challenges-mea-639508.html Fri, 19 Sep 2025 22:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-sees-surge-in-religious-violence-under-yunus-regime-global-advocacy-group-639517.html Dhaka Sep 19 A leading international advocacy group has highlighted the alarming rise in religious violence in Bangladesh that extends beyond minority persecution under the Muhammad Yunusled interim government In its report titled The Burning of Shrines Bangladeshs Spiritual and Cultural Soul Under Attack Canadabased Global Centre for Democratic Governance GCDG noted that while Hindu Christian Ahmadiyya and indigenous communities have faced documented violence and repression widespread attacks have also targetted sacred sites within the majority Muslim community specifically Sufi shrines dargahs and pilgrimage centres that are deeply rooted in Bangladeshi Bengali spiritual and cultural traditionSince August 2024 attacks on over 100 Sufi shrines and sacred sites have occurred with chilling regularity across the country In many cases the attackers armed with local weapons have carried out acts of destruction in broad daylight sometimes even in the presence of law enforcement officers who have been widely criticised for their inaction the GCDG statedSuch acts of religious desecration are not isolated cases They reflect a broader campaign to erase the syncretic spiritual identity of Bangladesh These shrines often built around the graves of Sufi saints and revered preachers have long been pilgrimage destinations for people of all backgrounds seeking peace healing and divine blessings it addedThe advocacy group emphasised that the ongoing attacks are being interpreted by many as part of a deeper cultural assault an attempt by extremist groups to supplant Bangladeshs diverse and tolerant religious traditions with a narrow militant and imported ideologyAccording to GCDG the symbolic destruction of shrines and the simultaneous targetting of markets and cultural spaces suggest a coordinated strategy to impose a more radical socioreligious order in the countryExpressing deep concern the advocacy group said that the most troubling is the silence or failure of the Yunusled interim government to act against the wave of religious violence and shrine attacks sweeping across BangladeshThe lack of decisive action from the interim government has emboldened extremists and left the general public gripped by fear and uncertainty Many now believe that unless the state decisively intervenes Bangladesh risks becoming a fertile ground for Talibanstyle fanaticism the GCDG assertedIn a nation founded on pluralism and cultural resilience this wave of extremism poses an existential threat The urgent need of the moment is that civil society law enforcement and spiritual leaders must come together to resist the violence before the damage to Bangladeshs soul becomes irreversible it added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-sees-surge-in-religious-violence-under-yunus-regime-global-advocacy-group-639517.html Fri, 19 Sep 2025 23:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/young-christian-man-in-pakistan-faces-turmoil-amid-false-blasphemy-charges-639520.html Islamabad Sep 19 Another young Christian mans life in Pakistan has plunged into crisis following a false blasphemy accusation exposing the dark side of these laws that have long been weaponised against vulnerable communities said a leading minority rights group on Friday The Voice of Pakistan Minority VOPM mentioned Asher Rasheed Bhatti has been forced into hiding after being accused of posting derogatory content about Prophet Muhammad in a social media post However it noted that the accusation may not be as straightforward as it appearsAccording to VOPM Asher claimed to be the victim of a malicious attack orchestrated by his uncle Paul Samuel Masih who allegedly created a fake social media account in his name to frame him for an offence he did not commitThe case which has rattled the community and caught national attention began on September 14 2025 when Muhammad Umair a local bookshop owner discovered what he described as blasphemous sketches and derogatory content posted on a Facebook account under the name Asher Bhatti Umairs allegation triggered an FIR First Information Report at Nishtar Colony Police Station under Section 295C of the Pakistan Penal Code PPC a law that carries a mandatory death sentence or life imprisonment for anyone found guilty of defiling the name of Prophet Muhammad said the rights bodyThis law which has caused immeasurable suffering to many innocent people in Pakistan stands as a sword of Damocles over the lives of religious minorities particularly Christians like Asher Bhatti it addedNasir Saeed Director of the United Kingdombased charitable group CLAASUK Centre for Legal Aid Assistance and Settlement has called this case a tragic example of how blasphemy laws are grossly misused in PakistanThis case is not unique Thousands of innocent people including women and children are languishing in prisons under false blasphemy charges Tragically some have been murdered by vigilantes before their cases even went to trial VOPM quoted Saeed as sayingThis law is being abused to settle personal grudges inflame communal tensions and target vulnerable groups Social media has become a powerful tool in this misuse with false cases being fabricated to harm individuals and incite hatred he addedThe VOPM asserted that the case of Asher is a stark reminder of the deep flaws in Pakistans blasphemy laws which allow for accusations to be made without evidence and punishment to be swift and mercilessAs Asher hides in an undisclosed location his fate hangs in the balance the rights body noted IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/young-christian-man-in-pakistan-faces-turmoil-amid-false-blasphemy-charges-639520.html Fri, 19 Sep 2025 23:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-tops-in-fdi-stocks-in-nepal-639522.html Kathmandu Sep 9 Even though China maintains that it has topped Foreign Direct Investment FDI commitments to Nepal in recent years it is actually India which continues to rule the roost when it comes to the actual stock of FDI prevailing in the country According to a study released recently by the Nepal Rastra Bank NRB the Central Bank the FDI stock from India topped the chart FDI stock is the total accumulated value of Foreign Direct Investments over timeAccording to the Survey Report on Foreign Direct Investment in Nepal 202324 total FDI stock in Nepal stood at Rs 333 billion in fiscal year 202324 with paidup capital accounting for 507 per cent reserves 367 per cent and loans 126 per centOf the total FDI stock India ranked in the top position 323 per cent followed by China 102 per cent Singapore 83 per cent Ireland 69 per cent and South Korea 61 per centIndia has topped the chart at a time when Chinese investors have been making huge FDI commitments consistently leading the chart over the last decade according to the Department of Industry where industries including those with FDI are registered Till midJune of fiscal year 202425 Chinese investment commitments to Nepal topped the chart with 4477 per cent followed by India with 1955 per cent the department saidIndia continuing to have dominant FDI stocks in Nepal suggests that huge FDI pledges from China have not been realised to the maximum levels Prakash Kumar Shrestha former Executive Director of NRB told IANS On the other hand Indian FDI stocks in Nepal have remained since the early 1990s and recently Nepal received huge Indian investment to develop the 900 MW Arun 3 Hydropower Project in eastern Nepal he addedIndias SJVN Limited a stateowned company has been developing one of the largest hydropower projects in Nepal which is now nearing completionThe same Indian company has also been awarded two other hydropower projects the 669MW Lower Arun Hydropower Project and the 490MW Arun4 Hydropower Project The latter will be developed in partnership with the Nepal Electricity AuthorityRajesh Kumar Agrawal former President of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries CNI a representative body of medium and large scale industries said Indias FDI stock continues to remain high because of the significant FDI Nepal received in the 1990s when companies including Unilever Nepal Dabur Nepal and Arati Strips Pvt Ltd among others established in Nepal with investment from IndiaEven though Chinese investment commitments have surpassed Indias in recent years it will take time for the realisation of Chinese investment commitments in Nepal he told IANSNot all FDI commitments are realised according to experts It depends on several factors investment climate market availability investor mentality the situation of alternative markets among others said Shrestha IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-tops-in-fdi-stocks-in-nepal-639522.html Fri, 19 Sep 2025 23:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/nepal-insurers-face-record-claims-over-gen-z-protest-damages-639342.html Kathmandu Sep 18 The destruction of properties during the recent GenZ protests in Nepal has triggered the largestever insurance claims in Nepals history from a single incident with claims reaching close to NPR 21 billion to date NPR1NPR16 According to data released by the Nepal Insurance Authority the regulator of the insurance sector on Thursday nonlife insurers have received 1984 claims from insured individuals with claims of NPR 207 billion by September 16 which is a record high for damages in a single incidentWith assessments of losses being undergone the claims are expected to rise further The claims received by insurers so far is more than the claims during the 2015 earthquake when claims had reached NPR 165 billion Nepal had also launched an insurance scheme in 2020 to cover the risk of COVID19 and insurers had received claims exceeding NPR 16 billion according to the regulatorThe Oriental Insurance Company Limited a branch of Indias Oriental Insurance has received the largest amount of claims till September 16 according to the data released by the authorityThe company alone has received claims of NPR 514 billion across 40 cases The bulk of this is said to have come from Hotel Hilton Kathmandu which suffered one of the heaviest losses during the protestsSiddhartha Premier Insurance and Shikhar Insurance IGI Prudential Insurance Sagarmatha Lumbini and Company come into the top five positions in terms of receiving the highest amount of claimsSome of the major business enterprises alone have reported damages worth over NPR 60 billion according to an official of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries CNI a business body which is collecting details of damages to the properties of the private sectorThe latest protests saw major properties gutted by fire including the Hilton Kathmandu Hotel several outlets of BhatBhateni Supermarket the largest retail chain of Nepal the headquarters of Ncell the private sector telecommunication company an assembly plant and vehicle showroom of Chaudhary Group owned by Binod Chaudhary Nepals only billionaire listed by Forbes among others IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/nepal-insurers-face-record-claims-over-gen-z-protest-damages-639342.html Fri, 19 Sep 2025 06:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/china-committee-chairman-meets-indian-envoy-to-us-hails-india-as-essential-partner-639343.html Washington Sep 19 Indian Ambassador to the United States Vinay Kwatra met with House Select Committee on China Chairman John Moolenaar RMI and discussed the significance of the IndiaUS relationship According to a statement issued by the Select Committee on Thursday they spoke about regional security manufacturing trade and efforts to shift critical manufacturing from China to IndiaMoeelenar termed India as an essential partner for global security which has experienced the Chinese Communist partys aggression firsthandIndia is the worlds largest democracy and an essential partner for global stability It has experienced CCP aggression firsthand and is a major US security partner with an increasingly close defense industrial relationship that helps protect the American people he addedMoolenaar also called New Delhi a global leader in countering malign CCPdirected technology and social media companiesIt India recognizes that it cannot be a free and secure nation if it allows the CCP to manipulate and control information to its people Todays meeting with Ambassador Kwatra reaffirmed the USIndia strategic partnership and I am hopeful our two countries will continue to build an even stronger friendship grounded in common values said MoolenaarThe Committee statement highlighted Indias banning of TikTok and other Chinese apps after clashes in the Galwan Valley between Indian and Chinese soldiers in 2020According to the readout they also discussed the security partnership of Quad and efforts to counter the Chinese Communist Partys expansionist ambitionsThe meeting comes days after Vinay Kwatra called on the US Undersecretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby at the PentagonA productive conversation with the brilliant Elbridge Colby Reviewed the current agenda and charted actionable path on several initiatives in the pipeline of IndiaUS defence cooperation Value his deep knowledge perspective and consistent support for our strategic partnership Kwatra wrote on X on ThursdayColby also posted about the meeting calling it a valuable discussionI was very pleased to host AmbVMKwatra at the Pentagon earlier this week for a valuable discussion We at the Department of War look forward to continuing to elevate our critical defense cooperation with India he wrote on X IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/china-committee-chairman-meets-indian-envoy-to-us-hails-india-as-essential-partner-639343.html Fri, 19 Sep 2025 06:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-says-us-trying-to-retake-key-afghan-air-base-639344.html Washington Sep 19 US President Donald Trump revealed that his administration is attempting to retake Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan asserting that its required due the proximity to Chinas nuclear facilities Were trying to get it back by the way Were trying to get it back because they need things from us We want that base back One of the reasons we want the base is as you know its an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons Trump said during his press conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday at Chequers in the United KingdomTrump made the plan public four years after the chaotic withdrawal of US forces from AfghanistanHe once again criticised the previous Biden administration for the Afghanistan disaster and linked it to the conflict in UkraineHe Putin would have never done what he did except that he didnt respect the leadership of the United States Trump addedBagram is located 44 kilometres north of the capital Kabul and was the biggest US military base in Afghanistan and the military centre of the 20year US occupation of the countryIts not the first time Trump has raised the issue of Bagram airbase In March he claimed that Beijing controlled itWe were going to get out but we were going to keep Bagram not because of Afghanistan but because of China because its exactly one hour away from where China makes its nuclear missiles And you know whos occupying it right now China he saidAt the time the Taliban had rejected the allegationsBagram is controlled by the Islamic Emirate Taliban regime not China Chinese troops are not present here nor do we have any such pact with any country Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told the official broadcaster IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-says-us-trying-to-retake-key-afghan-air-base-639344.html Fri, 19 Sep 2025 06:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/un-chief-unveils-progress-report-on-structural-reforms-program-realignments-639348.html United Nations Sep 19 UN SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres unveiled a progress report on structural reforms and program realignments under the third workstream of the UN80 Initiative In the report shared with UN member states the UN chief outlined proposals for paradigmshifting changes in the United Nations structure in the way its entities collaborate and in how it operates Xinhua news agency reportedThe report Shifting Paradigms United to Deliver sets out proposals to strengthen the United Nations delivery across all three pillars of its work peace and security sustainable development and human rights while also advancing more effective collaboration across the pillars according to a press release issued by the Office of the Spokesperson for the UN SecretaryGeneralIt launches a new humanitarian compact to cut bureaucracy and integrate billions of dollars in global supply chains establishes a systemwide human rights group to coordinate human rights systematically across all UN activities and proposes the creation of a UN System Data Commons and a Technology Accelerator Platform to drive the modernization of the system the release saidThe report complements earlier reports on efficiency and on the mandate implementation review Issued before the UN General Assemblys HighLevel Week scheduled to kick off next week the report is intended to inform UN member state deliberations on ways to strengthen the UN system the release saidThis is a work in progress We look forward to working with Member States as owners of the process to realize our common ambition a UN system that is more coherent more effective and better equipped to serve We the Peoples Guterres said in the report IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/un-chief-unveils-progress-report-on-structural-reforms-program-realignments-639348.html Fri, 19 Sep 2025 07:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-justice-department-urges-sc-to-allow-firing-of-federal-governor-lisa-cook-639349.html Washington Sep 19 The US Justice Department urged the Supreme Court to put US President Donald Trumps firing of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook into effect Solicitor General D John Sauer wrote in an application that the lower courts decisions flout many strands of this Courts precedents local media reported ThursdayThe application may spark a highstake battle at the Supreme Court over the independence of the Fed Xinhua news agency reportedTrump fired Cook on August 25 over alleged mortgage fraud Cook denied any wrongdoing and filed a lawsuit in a federal court in Washington DC on August 28 A judge ruled on September 9 temporarily blocking Trumps removal of CookThe Trump administration then took the case to the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ahead of the Fed meeting but the court rejected Trumps bid to remove Cook on Monday just hours before the Feds twoday meeting kicked offCook participated in the meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee on Tuesday and Wednesday and joined the majority in voting for a quarterpoint cutBeing an appointee of former US President Joe Biden Cook has served on the Fed since being appointed to complete another members unexpired term in 2022 and her current term would run until 2038Cook who made history as the first Black woman to serve as a Federal Reserve governor filed a lawsuit against former President Donald Trump in August challenging his attempt to remove her from office She argues that the reasons cited by Trump were legally insufficient and served merely as a pretext to oust her due to disagreements over monetary policyIn a filing submitted on Thursday the Justice Department stated that as long as a president cites a cause for removal that decision falls within the scope of his unreviewable discretion IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-justice-department-urges-sc-to-allow-firing-of-federal-governor-lisa-cook-639349.html Fri, 19 Sep 2025 08:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/yemens-houthis-claim-multiple-attacks-on-israeli-cities-639358.html Sanaa Sep 19 Yemens Houthi group said it launched a longrange hypersonic ballistic missile and three drones on three cities in Israel In a televised statement aired by Houthirun alMasirah TV the groups military spokesman Yahya Sarea said the missile targeted a military target in the city of Jaffa Tel Aviv while the three drones hit targets in the city of Beer Sheva and the port city of Eilat Xinhua news agency reportedEilat will remain under the continuous targeting of our military operations Sarea saidMeanwhile the Israel Defense Forces IDF said in a statement that a drone hit a hotel in Eilat and damaged its gate while the missile and other drones from Yemen were intercepted No casualties were reportedThe Israeli military says a drone launched from the east crashed in the southern city of Eilat causing material damage but no casualtiesThe drone reportedly fell in the citys hotel zoneAccording to Israeli media following the launch air defense sirens were activated in large areas of central Israel including the Tel Aviv metropolitan area sending millions rushing to sheltersThe Houthis who control much of northwestern Yemen have launched attacks at Israel since the war in Gaza broke out in October 2023 Israel in response conducts retaliatory strikes on Houthiheld areasThe Houthis say their attacks aim to show solidarity with Palestinians demanding an end to the war and blockade in Gaza IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/yemens-houthis-claim-multiple-attacks-on-israeli-cities-639358.html Fri, 19 Sep 2025 09:46:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-return-to-bagram-faces-logistical-diplomatic-challenges-639402.html New Delhi Sep 19 US President Donald Trump on Thursday again publicly stated that he is considering a return to the strategic Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan It has been four years since the Americanled International Security Assistance Force ISAF withdrew from the airbase which is about 60 km north of Kabul He had earlier suggested the idea which must have resulted from a deep probe long discussions and a detailed briefing by his team of advisorsIncidentally the Agreement for Bringing Peace to Afghanistan was signed with the Taliban in Doha on February 29 2020 during the first term of President Trump The Taliban returned to power in Kabul after USled forces hastily withdrew from Afghanistan in 2021Hours after Trump shared his thoughts Zakir Jalaly a Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kabul replied on X Afghanistan and America need to interact with each other and can have economic and political relations based on mutual respect and shared interests without the US having a military presence in any part of AfghanistanReferring to the agreement he added Military presence has never been accepted by Afghans throughout history and this possibility was completely rejected during the Doha talks and agreement however the doors are open for further interactionsFor the US Bagram can be an ideal intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance hub to monitor South Central and West Asia It would enable regional counter terrorism operations maintain an airlift and refueling node for rapid regional response and provide a forward platform to monitor activities in the areaIn April this year there were reports about a US military aircraft operating under radio silence and with its transponder blocked apparently flying from Doha toward Afghanistan It was said to have been tracked near Bagram Air Base sparking speculation of a US visit or temporary presence at the baseThe claims remain unverified and the Taliban administration denied that it has handed over Bagram or that US personnel have landed there calling such reports false or propagandaSome experts had warned the sightings could be misinformation or a psychological operation noting flighttracking anomalies and a lack of primarysource verificationFor the US to reclaim the Bagram airfield would involve astute diplomacy and leverage it may not purely be a kinetic reentryThough Beijing has been quietly following the developments Chinese and Hong Kong Englishlanguage media coverage framed Trumps remarks as geopolitically sensitiveThe Wakhan Corridor situated in Afghanistans Badakhshan Province connects Chinas Xinjiang region where the Uyghur ethnic group is demanding an independent state for themselvesThis autonomous region in northwest China borders several Central Asian countriesAnalysts quoted in regional reporting warned that Beijing would view any renewed US military presence in Afghanistan as destabilising for regional security and a potential escalation in USChina rivalryThe move would also involve spending several billion dollars on largescale military commitment heavy defensive and sustainment requirements repairing refurbishing and then continuously resupplying a large isolated air base in a landlocked countryAdditionally it would be a costly logistical process and demand longterm force protection and sustainment capabilitiesEven after occupation the base would need continuous clearing and defense of a massive perimeter to prevent rocket mortar and infiltration attacks from insurgents and hostile militant groups IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-return-to-bagram-faces-logistical-diplomatic-challenges-639402.html Fri, 19 Sep 2025 13:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/former-nepal-pm-oli-breaks-silence-says-police-never-had-automatic-weapons-used-during-gen-z-protests--639425.html Kathmandu Sep 9 IANS Nepals former Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli on Friday claimed that shots fired from the automatic weapons during the first day of GenZ protests in Nepal on September 8 which led to the death of 19 people were not in the possession of the police authoritiesnbspOli who resigned on September 9 amid violent street protests against his rule claimed in a statement that his government had not issued any orders to fire directly at the demonstrators The use of automatic weapons not in police possession must be investigated he saidThe former Prime Minister claimed that the youths were killed during the protests because of violence unleashed by conspirators who infiltrated the protests Never in the past movements such a large number of people were killed in a single daynbspAccording to the Police at least 72 people have been confirmed dead from the GenZ protest related events including those who were found dead at the Bhatbhateni Supermarket burnt down by the group of protestorsOli sees conspiracy behind arson attacks on Singh Durbar the main administrative centre of the government parliamentary building judiciary Supreme Court building and other court buildings business enterprises offices of the political parties their leaders and cadresnbspOlis own house located in the Balkot area of Bhaktapur about four kilometres away from Kathmandu was badly damaged in an arson attack The houses of other former Prime Ministers including Sher Bahadur Deuba Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda and Jhalanth Khanal were also targettedAs the violent protests targetted houses of Oli and other top leaders Oli came under the protection of the Nepal Army He left the army protection on Thursday and reportedly moved to a rented accommodation at Gundu area of Bhaktapur some 12 kms away from KathmanduOli has faced widespread criticism for taking the Himalayan nation downhill under his leadership Critics assert that during his Prime Ministership Oli always tried to present an image that the country was on the path to prosperity even though many corruption scandals surfaced during the period Oli himself was allegedly linked with many of those scandalsFollowing the forced exit of Oli a new apolitical government led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has been formed with the mandate of holding the parliamentary elections within six months Next elections for the House of Representatives have been scheduled for March 5 https://dailyworld.in/international/former-nepal-pm-oli-breaks-silence-says-police-never-had-automatic-weapons-used-during-gen-z-protests--639425.html Fri, 19 Sep 2025 15:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/world-food-programme-warns-of-rising-hunger-in-afghanistan-calls-for-urgent-aid-639456.html Kabul Sep 19 The World Food Programme WFP has warned that hunger in Afghanistan is increasing sharply and raised demand for urgent funding to deliver aid before winter isolates vulnerable communities across the nation The WFP has voiced concern over deepening hunger crisis in Afghanistan warning that millions of people face worsening insecurity as repeated crisis affect resources Afghanistans leading news agency Khaama Press reportedOn September 18 the agency said urgent funding is required to provide food before winter cuts off remote villages leaving families without important suppliesWFPs Deputy Executive Director Rania Dagash Kamara stated that needs remain vast and immediate and warned that millions of more Afghans could be pushed into extreme hunger in the coming months if new resources are not providedThe crisis has been further exacerbated by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR decision to suspend cash assistance programmes across the nation after September 9 following restrictions imposed on female staffThe disruption harsh weather and dwindling aid pipelines have left thousands of vulnerable households without support at a critical time Expressing concern over the situation UNICEF said that more than 95 million people in Afghanistan face severe food insecurity with 16 million facing emergencylevel conditionsUNICEF warned that the children are among the most impacted with malnutrition rates increasing sharply and urgent international support required to stop longterm damageThe warnings highlight how political challenges lack of funding and aid restrictions are exacerbating Afghanistans humanitarian crisis The situation could further deteriorate if global supply is not provided Humanitarian agencies continue to urge donors to increase funding and on authorities to lift restrictions so that lifesaving aid can reach those who need it the mostLast week the United Nations has said that more than 47 million women and children in Afghanistan urgently require malnutrition treatment as drought economic collapse and reduced aid would lead to nation facing deeper humanitarian crisisSpeaking to reporters UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric warned that Afghanistans food security situation remains alarming He stated that one in every four Afghans faces severe food insecurity with children being the most impacted Khaama Press reportedThe World Food Programme WFP stated that Afghanistan has seen its highest levels of acute malnutrition in 2025 Many impacted children have been admitted for urgent treatment in Kabuls Indira Gandhi hospitalAccording to the United Nations more than 47 million women and children need immediate care Aid officials warned that rising malnutrition could cause widespread fatalities and longterm health consequences if timely interventions are not made IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/world-food-programme-warns-of-rising-hunger-in-afghanistan-calls-for-urgent-aid-639456.html Fri, 19 Sep 2025 17:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/typhoon-mitag-makes-landfall-in-south-chinas-guangdong-639457.html Guangzhou Sep 19 Typhoon Mitag the 17th typhoon of this year made landfall in south Chinas Guangdong Province at about 250 pm Friday according to the provincial meteorological observatory The typhoon with the maximum wind force near its center reaching 25 metres per second churned ashore at Shanwei City in GuangdongMeteorological authorities forecast that Mitag will continue moving to the northwest at a speed of 10 to 15 kilometres per hour and gradually weaken as it moves inland Xinhua news agency reportedEarlier on September 18 Chinas State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters had activated a LevelIV emergency response for south Chinas Guangdong ProvinceTyphoon Mitag was forecasted to make landfall along the Guangdong coast between Huilai and Taishan from Friday afternoon to evening bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall to most parts of the province according to meteorological forecastsDue to its impact torrential rainstorms were expected to affect parts of Guangdong and east Chinas Fujian Province from Friday to Sunday the National Meteorological Centre saidHeavy rains or rainstorms are also forecast for some regions in east Chinas Jiangxi central Chinas Hunan and Guangxi and Hainan both located in south China during the same periodThe national observatory has urged local authorities to implement emergency measures in preparation for the typhoon and potential flooding and geological disasters that may be triggered by the heavy rainfallChina has a fourtier emergency response system with Level I being the most severe responseEarlier on September 8 Tapah the 16th typhoon of this year had made landfall in south Chinas Guangdong Province forcing school closures and the evacuation of tens of thousands of residentsThe typhoon with maximum winds of up to 30 metres per second near its centre had churned ashore in Taishan a countylevel city in Jiangmen CityClasses were suspended for about 120000 students at 182 schools and kindergartens in Taishan while more than 41000 people across Jiangmen were evacuated to safer areas IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/typhoon-mitag-makes-landfall-in-south-chinas-guangdong-639457.html Fri, 19 Sep 2025 17:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indonesia-grapples-with-fuel-shortages-at-private-stations-public-voices-concern-639251.html Jakarta Sep 18 A shortage of fuel stocks at private filling stations in Indonesia since August has sparked widespread complaints with some workers losing their jobs as companies scale back operations Local media reported Thursday that fuel supplies at nearly all private stations including Shell and British Petroleum BP remain depleted These companies which primarily operate in major cities have been unable to meet demand leaving motorists with little choice but to rely on stateowned PertaminaFor many Indonesians Shell and BP serve as alternatives to Pertamina But the ongoing scarcity has disrupted daily routinesI have been coming to the Shell station every morning since last week hoping they are already in stock But they are not said Muhammad Dika a resident of Bekasi West Java Drivers are forced to switch again and again to other stations Xinhua News Agency reportedIn Depok 29yearold Ibrahim Hanif said he had not driven his car for days because Shell and BP stations near him were out of stockShell Indonesia confirmed Tuesday that the company had cut operating hours reduced workdays and placed some employees on temporary leaveThe adjustments are necessary due to difficulties in securing supplies of fuel products said Ingrid Siburian the companys president Director and Managing Director mobility as quoted by local mediaIndonesia Southeast Asias largest economy produces crude oil domestically but still depends heavily on imports of refined products due to limited refinery capacityThe Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources attributed the shortage to a surge in demand for nonsubsidized fuel at private stations which quickly exhausted their import quotasThat is the dynamic that happens there is indeed a shift Actually this is just a consumption dynamic said Laode Sulaeman director general of oil and gas at the ministryThis is the second shortage private companies have faced this year following similar disruptions between late January and early FebruaryBahlil Lahadalia minister for energy and mineral resources urged private oil firms to collaborate with Pertamina to ensure fuel availability and prevent further hardshipWhy Because this concerns the livelihoods of many people Industrial sectors that impact the livelihoods of many people must remain under state control to ensure everything runs smoothly Lahadalia said on Monday in JakartaHe added that the government would continue to monitor the ground situation including potential impacts on the workforce and coordinate with Pertamina to quickly address shortages at private stations IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indonesia-grapples-with-fuel-shortages-at-private-stations-public-voices-concern-639251.html Thu, 18 Sep 2025 16:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-and-bhutan-review-and-approve-high-impact-community-development-projects-639264.html Thimphu Sep 18 India and Bhutan on Thursday reviewed and approved 297 projects of total amount Nu 406 billion Rs 406 crore as the second batch of High Impact Community Development Projects HICDPs for the 13th Five Year Plan FYP period The decision was taken during the 2nd IndiaBhutan HICDP Committee Meeting held between officials of the two countries in Thimphu on ThursdayThe Indian delegation at the meeting was led by Aniket G Mandavgane Deputy Chief of Mission Embassy of India in Thimphu while the Bhutanese side was led by Pema Tshomo Director Bilateral Department Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External TradeHICDPs are smallsized projects having a short implementation timeline covering areas such as rural connectivity drinking water supply irrigation agriculture infrastructure flood protection tourism development township infrastructure development waste management They are implemented by the local governments particularly in rural and semiurban areasFor the 13th Five Year Plan period of Bhutan the Government of India has committed assistance of Nu 100 billion INR 10000 crore of which Nu 10 billion INR 1000 crore has been earmarked for HICDPsAccording to a statement issued by the Embassy of India in Bhutan the meeting also reviewed the progress in implementation of the first batch of HICDP projects and approved its revision to 275 projects of total amount Nu 440 billion INR 440 croreThese projects are expected to enhance accessibility and economic opportunities for the local communities and contribute to improved livelihoods job opportunities and food securityThe meeting was held in a friendly and cordial atmosphere in keeping with the unique and enduring bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries read the statementEarlier this month Je Khenpo Trulku Jigme Choedra the Chief Abbot of Bhutan accompanied by Tshering Tobgay Prime Minister of Bhutan visited India for the Consecration Ceremony of the Royal Bhutan Temple at Rajgir in BiharFollowing the Consecration Ceremony the Bhutanese Prime Minister also visited the Shri Ram Temple at Ayodhya IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-and-bhutan-review-and-approve-high-impact-community-development-projects-639264.html Thu, 18 Sep 2025 17:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/iranian-president-meets-visiting-russian-minister-says-era-of-unipolar-world-over-639292.html Tehran Sep 18 Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has asserted that the cooperation between independent nations like Iran and Russia signals the end of global unipolarity Pezeshkian made the comment during his meeting with visiting Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev in Tehran where he stressed that nations can achieve growth without relying on unilateral powers the local media reported on Thursday During his meeting with Tsivilev Pezeshkian expressed optimism about the ongoing cooperation between Iran and Russia and spoke about expediting the implementation of bilateral agreementsAccording to Irans leading Tasnim News Agency Masoud Pezeshkian emphasised the determination shared by two nations in realising their agreements especially in transportation energy and power generation sectors He highlighted the importance of transforming the outcomes from expert meetings into actionable results calling on ministers and technical teams to make efforts to achieve these goalsIranian President expressed hope that the diplomatic exchanges between Iran and Russia would result in broader development of their friendly ties He urged Tsivilev to convey his warm greetings to Russian President Vladimir PutinIn response Sergei Tsivilev conveyed Putins greetings and shared details regarding his meeting with various officials in Iran to discuss the implementation of bilateral agreements especially those created during the joint economic commissionHe expressed Russias readiness to swiftly implement the bilateral agreements and added that hat no hindrance pressure or sanctions can impact the trade and economic cooperation between the two nationsEarlier this month Russian President Vladimir Putin met Pezeshkian on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation SCO Summit in Chinas TianjinIn a statement shared on X Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated President Vladimir Putin to President Dr Pezeshkian during talks on the sidelines of SCO Summit I want to especially highlight friendly nature of our relations and the truly special character of the multifaceted ties RussiaIran IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/iranian-president-meets-visiting-russian-minister-says-era-of-unipolar-world-over-639292.html Thu, 18 Sep 2025 20:18:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/despite-pakistans-spin-saudi-pact-unlikely-to-alter-riyadhs-robust-ties-with-india-639296.html New Delhi Sep 18 India said that it is following the developments after Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed The Strategic Mutual Agreement The agreement says that any aggression against either country shall be considered as an aggression against both Pakistan is ecstatic about the agreement but would deep within know that it is just posturing since the deal does not name any countryPakistan would make it sound as though if there is any aggression against it then Saudi Arabia will dispatch its aircraft to aid Islamabad Pakistan does view it as a major diplomatic victory as the wordings of the agreement state attack on one equals attack on bothWhat Pakistan should be mindful of is that India has never been the aggressor Operation Sindoor was executed to avenge the Pulwama attack Balakot to avenge the Pulwama terror strikes and surgical strikes were carried out in the aftermath of the Uri terror attacksMoreover Saudi Arabia is Indias ally and is well aware that it was Pakistan which was the aggressor as a result of which India hit back as it has every right to protect itselfWhat Pakistan could be happy about this agreement marks a strategic shift in relations with Saudi Arabia The two nations have had an informal partnership in defence for several decades This agreement formalises security cooperation between the two countries Pakistan may also be relieved that some agreement has been signed after years of sour tiesTo the question whether Saudi Arabia will go to war with India for the sake of Pakistan the experts say it is a firm no First and foremost Saudi has delinked the pact from its ties with India Saudi made it clear that relations with India are robust and the same would continue to growMoreover Saudi Arabia would not want trade relations with India to fail Saudi is the the fourth largest trading partner while New Delhi is second for Riyadh The two nations share deep economic ties and in FY 202425 bilateral trade stood at 4188 billion There is too much at stake here for both countriesNow compare this with the 34 billion bilateral trade that Pakistan and Saudi haveIndia has responded cautiously and said that this agreement only formalises a long standing agreement between Saudi and PakistanWhile Pakistan may try and state that this is a message to India one must also look at the timing of this agreement This comes at a time when Israel attacked Doha to target the Hamas leadershipThis strike has sent jitters in the Arab world and they suspect that Israel with the tactical support of US President Donald Trump may undertake more such strikesWhile India and Saudi have shared ties for long it was further strengthened under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra ModiDuring his April 2025 visit the two countries signed many agreements that covered energy space health sports and plans to establish two oil refineries in IndiaWhile Pakistan may portray that this agreement is a message to India in reality it is to do with the situation in Gaza The Arab world wants a regrouping of the Islamic nations not against India but against Israel Hence once must read into the timing while decoding the agreement IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/despite-pakistans-spin-saudi-pact-unlikely-to-alter-riyadhs-robust-ties-with-india-639296.html Thu, 18 Sep 2025 21:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/at-least-31-dead-in-latest-ebola-outbreak-in-congo-who-639297.html Kinshasa Sep 18 At least 31 people have died in the latest Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo DRC a World Health Organisation WHO official said Thursday Patrick Otim an official from the WHO Regional Office for Africa told an online press briefing that 48 cases have been reported in the central province of Kasai including 38 confirmed 31 patients have died while 15 remain under treatment at an Ebola centre in the Bulape health zone the epicentre of the outbreak and two have been discharged Xinhua News Agency reportedAccording to Otim a vaccination campaign has begun with about 760 doses already delivered to Bulape More than 500 health workers and close contacts of confirmed cases have been inoculated and 45000 additional doses are expected in the national capital Kinshasa in the coming days He noted however that Bulapes remote location poses logistical challenges particularly for coldchain transportThe official said transmission has slowed following interventions but urged continued vigilance stressing the need for faster testing tracing and vaccinationWe are seeing that there is a slowing down of transmission It is very good progress that we can build upon We are quite certain that if we continue on this trajectory along with the rollout of vaccination we should be able to control this outbreak as soon as possible said OtimThe DRC government declared the outbreak on September 4 in Kasai marking the countrys 16th outbreak since Ebola was first identified in 1976 The previous outbreak ended in September 2022 after a single case was confirmed in North Kivu Province Genetic testing later linked it to the 20182020 epidemic in North Kivu and Ituri that killed nearly 2300 peopleEbola is a highly contagious hemorrhagic fever that causes a range of symptoms such as fever vomiting diarrhea generalized pain and malaise and in many cases internal and external bleeding according to the WHO IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/at-least-31-dead-in-latest-ebola-outbreak-in-congo-who-639297.html Thu, 18 Sep 2025 21:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-radical-islamist-party-slams-khaleda-zias-bnp-over-pr-system-639306.html Dhaka Sep 18 In an escalating political standoff ahead of February 2026 elections the radical Islamist party Islami Andolan Bangladesh IAB has severely criticised the Khaleda Zialed Bangladesh Nationalist Party BNP for objecting to the Proportional Representation PR system despite its claim of having public support local media reported on Thursday If BNP really trusts the people why should PR be a problem for them Let them win 90 per cent of the votes and form a singleparty government with 270 seats we will have no objection Why cant the BNP place its trust in the people Bangladeshs leading newspaper The Daily Star quoted IABs leader Mufti Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim as saying at a rally organised at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in DhakaHold a referendum on PR If the people reject PR then we will also drop our demand Our demands are clear Reforms must be carried out the July Charter must be given legal recognition trials must be visible and the election must be held under the PR system These are peoples demands he claimedThe Islamist party leader also questioned the Muhammad Yunusled interim government for not accepting their demandsIf you proceed with the election before reforms and trials we will assume the government is leaning towards a particular party he addedReports suggest that a total of seven Islamic parties including JamaateIslami Islami Andolan and KhilafateMajlis organised separate processions and rallies across Dhaka on Thursday reiterating common demands such as implementing the July Charter introducing the PR system and a level playing field to ensure a free fair and acceptable electionOn Tuesday the BNP standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed affirmed that his party is totally opposed to the PR systemWe are against PR everywhere both the lower and upper house If any party wants it they should put it in their manifesto and seek a mandate from the people If the people support it only then can they legislate he saidThe BNP leader also called the threeday protest programmes announced by the Islamist parties an apparent attempt to derail the next years electionThe parties that earlier collaborated with Yunus to overthrow the democratically elected government of the Awami League led by Sheikh Hasina are now at loggerheads over reform proposals IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-radical-islamist-party-slams-khaleda-zias-bnp-over-pr-system-639306.html Thu, 18 Sep 2025 22:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/on-uk-trip-us-president-trump-highlights-his-very-good-relationship-with-pm-modi-639310.html Washington Sep 18 IANS US President Donald Trump on Thursday spoke about IndiaUS ties and his recent phone call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying hes very close to India and has a very good relationship with the Indian PMnbspWhile addressing a press conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer before concluding his UK visit on Thursday Trump recalled his discussions with PM ModinbspIm very close to India Im very close to the Prime Minister of India The other day wished him a happy birthday We have a very good relationship He put out a beautiful statement too Trump saidIn their first phone conversation in months Trump had called Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday to wish him on his 75th birthdaynbspPrime Minister Modi in a post on X termed Trump as his friend and thanked him for the wishesnbspThank you my friend President Trump for your phone call and warm greetings on my 75th birthday Like you I am also fully committed to taking the IndiaUS Comprehensive and Global Partnership to new heights We support your initiatives towards a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict PM Modi wrotePresident Trump also posted on Truth Social calling the phone call wonderful and thanked him for his support in attempting to end the conflict in UkrainenbspJust had a wonderful phone call with my friend Prime Minister Narendra Modi I wished him a very Happy Birthday He is doing a tremendous job Narendra Thank you for your support on ending the War between Russia and Ukraine he saidThe phone call happened on the day US Assistant Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch held trade talks with Indias chief trade negotiator Rajesh Agrawal in DelhinbspBoth sides termed the discussions as positivenbspTrump during the press conference also said hes willing to take action against Russia only if other European countries join innbspIm willing to do other things but not when the people that Im fighting for are buying oil from Russia if the oil price comes down very simply Russia will settle he added https://dailyworld.in/international/on-uk-trip-us-president-trump-highlights-his-very-good-relationship-with-pm-modi-639310.html Thu, 18 Sep 2025 22:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/uzbekistan-experts-from-10-nations-discuss-yogas-growing-popularity-in-central-asia-639320.html Tashkent Sep 18 Highlighting the growing relevance of Yoga in Central Asia the 7th ICCR International Yoga Conference 2025 in Uzbekistan on Thursday brought together experts from 10 nations including India Uzbekistan Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Tajikistan Turkmenistan Georgia Armenia Mongolia and Russia discussing Challenges and Opportunities for Yoga in Central Asia The 7th International Conference on Yoga titled Yoga for One Earth One Health the firstever such event held in Central Asia was organised by the Indian Embassy in Tashkent under the aegis of Indian Council of Cultural Relations ICCR New Delhi and in partnership with Yoga Federation of Uzbekistan with the support of Uzbek Ministry of Sports on September 17 and 18On Thursday the interactive plenary session on integrating yoga into traditional and modern medical practices hosted by Ram Narayan Mishra an official from the Ministry of Ayush focused on dynamic exchanges between Central Asian health leaders the Ministry of Ayush and yoga institutionsThe discussions explored the future of holistic healthcare with ancient wisdom powers and modern medicinal practicesEarlier on Wednesday in her opening remarks Indias Ambassador to Uzbekistan Smita Pant noted the increasing popularity of Yoga in Uzbekistan and offered Indias support in training the teachers and capacity building She also mentioned that the WHO has recognised the physical and mental benefits of YogaDeputy Director General DDG of ICCR Abhay Kumar speaking on the occasion said that it is for the first time that the ICCR is organising an international conference on Yoga in Central Asia with robust participation from Eurasian countries He added that it will truly help in making yoga popular among the younger generation of Uzbekistan and all the participating countriesInternational Yoga Conference is a flagship event of ICCR organised annually Earlier conferences have been held in New York 2018 London 2019 New Delhi 2021 Seoul 2022 Meinberg Germany 2023 and Durban 2024Apart from an interactive plenary session on Integrating Yoga into Traditional and Modern Healthcare Systems Local healing traditions amp modern medical practices from Central Asian region panel discussions on current status challenges and opportunities for yoga in Central Asia benefits of yoga in treating chronic health conditions latest trends and innovations and capacity building and skill development in yoga were also organised IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/uzbekistan-experts-from-10-nations-discuss-yogas-growing-popularity-in-central-asia-639320.html Thu, 18 Sep 2025 23:18:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/three-police-officers-killed-in-us-shooting-suspect-gunned-down-639130.html Pennsylvania United States Sep 18 Three police officers lost their lives and two others were critically injured in a shooting incident in Pennsylvanias Codorus Township according to local media reports State Police Commissioner Christopher Paris confirmed the deaths and said the gunman was also killed during the confrontation on Wednesday afternoon US timeThey were there to follow up on an investigation that began yesterday Paris told reporters at a press conference describing the case as domesticrelatedHe declined to share further details about the nature of the investigation The incident unfolded shortly after 2 pm local time in North Codorus Township located about 115 miles west of Philadelphia near the Maryland border the local media reportedGovernor Josh Shapiro stated that the officers were responding to a domestic investigation when gunfire eruptedHe confirmed that the two wounded officers remain in critical but stable condition Authorities have not released the identity of the suspect or specified which agencies the slain officers were serving at the timeWe grieve for the loss of life of three precious souls who served this county served this commonwealth served this country Shapiro said expressing condolences on behalf of the stateVisuals from the scene showed one of the injured officers being airlifted by helicopterIn response to the shooting a nearby school district in Spring Grove was briefly placed under a shelterinplace order though officials later clarified that students were safe and unaffected according to local media reportsAttorney General Pamela Bondi condemned the violence calling the attack a scourge on our society and confirmed that federal agents were assisting local authorities in the investigationLieutenant Governor Austin Davis appealed to residents to keep the victims and their families in their prayersInvestigation is underway and further details are awaited IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/three-police-officers-killed-in-us-shooting-suspect-gunned-down-639130.html Thu, 18 Sep 2025 07:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-federal-reserve-cuts-interest-rate-by-025-pc-balancing-curbing-inflation-639131.html New York Sept 18 After a confrontation with US President Donald Trump the Federal Reserve cut its interest rate by a quarter per cent in a balancing act to prevent inflation while staving off an economic slowdown Announcing the cut that brings the benchmark interest rate to the 4 per cent to 425 per cent range on Wednesday local time the Fed indicated that two more cuts could be on the way this yearAlthough Chairman Jerome Powell had steadfastly held the rate since the last rate cut in December because he feared a resurgence of inflation the slowing job growth wore him downHe had resisted so far Trumps repeated call to cut the rate and his threats to fire himPowell said at a news conference Ordinarily when the labour market is weak inflation is low But right now we face twosided risks of weaker growth and higher inflation There is no riskfree pathThis is a challenging situation he saidEven though the unemployment rate has been holding around 43 per cent job growth has slowed from a monthly increase of 139000 in May to 22000 last monthThe inflation rate rose to 29 per cent in August a 02 per cent increase from JulyPowell said that job growth may be slowing because of immigration restrictionsTheres very little growth if any in the supply of workers And at the same time demand for workers has also come down quite sharply he saidPowell said that he expected a smaller effect from the tariffs on inflation than he expected a few months ago and it could be slower and shortlivedTrump had politicised the Federal Reserve accusing Powell of deliberately refusing to cut the interest rate while he had obliged former President Joe Biden with three cuts last yearTrump was away in Britain when the cut was announcedTrump who had appointed Powell as Fed chair during his first term had a falling out over his reluctance to cut rates and said he was considering dismissing Powell even though his powers were in doubtBut he backed off while keeping up a barrage of criticismTrump dubbed him Too Late Powell and accused him of holding back economic growth during his presidency by keeping the interest rate highIn his bid to change the Feds composition Trump tried to dismiss one of the Fed governors Biden nominee Lisa Cook alleging irregularities in a mortgage application which she has deniedA federal court blocked her dismissalTrump appointed Stephen Miran who had been the chair of his Council of Economic Advisers as a governor and he was sworn in just before the Fed meetingHe was the only governor to dissent saying the cut should have been 05 per centPowell reaffirmed the Feds independence which has been facing Trumps onslaught stating We dont frame these questions at all or see them in terms of political outcomesWere taking a longer perspective Were trying to serve the American people as best we can he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-federal-reserve-cuts-interest-rate-by-025-pc-balancing-curbing-inflation-639131.html Thu, 18 Sep 2025 07:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-declares-antifa-a-major-terrorist-organisation-days-after-charlie-kirk-assassination-639132.html Washington Sep 18 US President Donald Trump on Thursday Indian time officially designated Antifa as a major terrorist organisation days after the killing of his close aide and rightwing political activist Charlie Kirk I am pleased to inform our many USA Patriots that I am designating Antifa a sick dangerous radical left disaster as a major terrorist organisation I will also be strongly recommending that those funding Antifa be thoroughly investigated in accordance with the highest legal standards and practices Thank you for your attention to this matter Trump wrote in a post on his social media platform Truth SocialTrump did not elaborate on what parameters his administration would use to make the characterisation and what actions he would take to target a leftleaning movement Antifa does not seem to have a centralised structure or any defined leadershipLast week the US President repeatedly blamed the left for rising political violence in the country including for the murder of conservative commentator Charlie KirkIll tell you something thats going to get me in trouble but I couldnt care less The radicals on the right oftentimes are radical because they dont want to see crime The radicals on the left are the problem and theyre vicious and theyre horrible and theyre politically savvy he said in an interview with Fox NewsOn Tuesday prosecutors in Utah charged Tyler Robinson the main accused in Kirks killing with aggravated murder and six other charges and announced that they will seek the death penaltyAccording to the prosecutors Robinsons mother told investigators that over the last year or so Robinson had become more political and had started to lean more to the left becoming more progay and transrights orientedThe document also noted that the mother stated Robinson had begun dating his roommate a biological male transitioning to become a womanKirk who was 31 years old was delivering remarks during a campus event at Utah Valley University on September 10 when he was shot in the neck He was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly afterKirk was the founder of Turning Point USA TPUSA the countrys most prominent conservative student organisationHe launched the Arizonabased group in 2012 at the age of 18 building it into a political powerhouse with over 800 chapters across US collegesTPUSA became a central force in mobilising young conservative voters particularly in the 2024 election where it played a pivotal role in boosting Trumps reelection campaign IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-declares-antifa-a-major-terrorist-organisation-days-after-charlie-kirk-assassination-639132.html Thu, 18 Sep 2025 08:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bdesh-ex-pm-hasina-family-members-barred-from-casting-votes-in-feb-elections-639134.html Dhaka Sep 18 Bangladeshs former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and several of her family members will be barred from voting in next years election as their National Identity NID Cards are blocked local media reported Election Commission EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed on Wednesday told the reporters that anyone whose NID card has been locked cannot vote from abroad Those who fled abroad due to cases or for other reasons face no obstacle in voting but their NID must remain unlockedTo vote from abroad one must register online using their NID number A passport will not work So if someones NID is locked how can they register They cannot Only those who register with their NIDs will get this opportunity Bangladeshs leading newspaper The Business Standard quoted the EC official as sayingWhen asked whether Hasina will be able to vote he said She cannot vote because her NID is blockedIn April the National Identity Registration Wing under the EC locked the NID of Hasina and her nine family members following a verbal instruction from its Director General ASM Humayn KabirThe family members include Sheikh Rehana Siddique Sajeeb Wazed Joy Saima Wazed Shahnaz Siddique Bushra Siddique Tulip Rizwana Siddique Azmira Siddique Radwan Mujib Siddique and Tarique Ahmed SiddiqueEarlier in July the EC removed the election symbol of Hasinas Awami League party from its website in an attempt to end the partys decadeslong political existence in the country according to local media reportsOn May 12 the Muhammad Yunusled interim government issued a gazette notification banning all activities of the Awami League and its affiliate organisationsThe ban was imposed under the AntiTerrorism Act until the trial of the party and its leaders in Bangladeshs International Crimes Tribunal ICT is completedAnalysts reckon the latest developments as an extension of the political vendetta pursued by the interim government led by Yunus against former PM Hasina and her family members with a larger plan of keeping the Awami League away from taking part in the national electionsThe unceremonious exit of Hasina last August was globally seen as a major setback to the democratic setup in the country The interim government has also received massive criticism for providing shelter to radical and extremist Islamic outfits IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bdesh-ex-pm-hasina-family-members-barred-from-casting-votes-in-feb-elections-639134.html Thu, 18 Sep 2025 08:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-calls-on-international-community-to-ensure-let-jem-dont-use-afghan-territory-639136.html United Nations Sep 18 India has called on the international community to ensure that LashkareTaiba LeT JaisheMohammed JeM and other terrorist organisations do not exploit Afghanistans territory India is closely monitoring the security situation in Afghanistan Indias Permanent Representative P Harish told the Security Council on WednesdayThe international community must coordinate efforts towards ensuring that entities and individuals designated by the UN Security Council the ISIL Islamic State group and AlQaeda and their affiliates including LashkareTaiba and JaisheMohammed along with those who facilitate their operations no longer exploit the Afghan territory for terrorist activities he saidHarish said that India welcomed the strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terrorist attack by LeT affiliate The Resistance Front which killed 26 civilians based on their religionThe SecretaryGenerals Special Representative for Afghanistan Roza Otunbayeva who spoke earlier during the Council discussion on the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan UNAMA warned that the presence of extremist groups posed a problem for Afghanistan despite a notable decline in largescale armed conflict and violenceThe Taliban regime which took over Afghanistan after the US withdrew its troops in 2021 has not been recognised by the UN which refers to it as the de facto authorities and by most countries including IndiaHarish however said a fresh approach was needed towards AfghanistanAny coherent policy to address a postconflict situation must combine incentivising positive behaviour and disincentivising harmful actions he saidFocusing only on punitive measures is unlikely to meet desired results he saidHe pointed out that the UN and the international community have adopted more nuanced approaches in other postconflict contexts and added that similarly Afghanistan needs a fresh approach with hitherto unused policy instruments to support its people who are in such a dire needMaintaining the status quo is not good for Afghanistan and unlikely to meet international community expectations for Afghanistans people he addedHe said that India will continue engaging with all relevant stakeholdersOn the political front Indias External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has spoken twice with Afghanistans Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi he saidMuttaqi was expected to visit New Delhi this month but his trip was cancelled because he is under UN sanctions which restrict his travelHowever Deputy Medicine and Food Minister Hamdullah Zahid and a top Taliban official handling security and strategic affairs whose identity could not be disclosed visited India recently IANS has revealedHarish said I would like to reiterate that our commitment to meeting the developmental needs of the people of Afghanistan is nonnegotiableHe listed the various humanitarian aid India has sent to AfghanistanSpeaking through a video link Otunbayeva said that she hoped a pathway can be agreed for engagement with Afghanistan to continue and for it to begin yielding more positive results especially for women and girls in AfghanistanShe said that there were different trends vying for influence within the de facto authorities one that is more pragmatic and oriented to the needs of Afghan people and the other more focused on the creation of what is described as a pure Islamic systemThe Islamic systemoriented faction has placed increasing restrictions on the Afghan people especially women whose education and ability to work have been severely curtailed she saidOtunbayeva recounted how women have been denied assistance during the recent earthquake and women UN employees have been prevented from accessing their officesIn view of the lack of pragmatism members of the international community increasingly ask how much they should support a country whose leaders undermine their population she said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-calls-on-international-community-to-ensure-let-jem-dont-use-afghan-territory-639136.html Thu, 18 Sep 2025 09:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/un-envoy-asks-international-engagement-with-afghanistan-to-continue-amid-political-crisis-639168.html United Nations Sep 18 The outgoing top UN envoy in Afghanistan called for the international communitys continued engagement with the wartorn country As I prepare to leave Afghanistan in a few days I am certain that most Afghans want engagement between the international community and their country to continue despite the obstacles said Roza Otunbayeva the UN secretarygenerals special representative for Afghanistan on Wednesday local timeIt is my fervent hope that a pathway can be agreed for this engagement to continue and for it to begin yielding more positive results especially for women and girls in Afghanistan she told the Security Council in her last briefing as special representative and head of the UN Assistance Mission in AfghanistanIt is an open question whether there is sufficient pragmatism among the Taliban as the de facto authorities to manage this perfect storm of crises facing Afghanistan or whether decisions driven by ideology will prevent sustainable solutions extending the Afghans suffering and undermining existing stability she saidWe have seen evidence of both trends recently In response to the Kunar earthquake de facto authorities mobilised helicopters to evacuate the wounded coordinated with international agencies and countries providing bilateral aid set up sites for internally displaced people and in other ways addressed the immediate and mediumterm needs of the affected communities Otunbayeva saidAt the same time as United Nations agencies were ramping up their support for earthquake victims while continuing their assistance to the returnee crisis personnel from the de facto Ministry of Defence deployed outside UN compounds in Kabul preventing access of our female national staff she saidThis serious restriction hinders the world bodys ability to help the Afghan people at their moment of great need she saidOtunbayeva said Afghanistan faces multiple and simultaneous crises the Talibans restrictions fueling popular discontent international aid cuts of almost 50 per cent in 2025 a struggling economy and widespread poverty an emerging drought and other climaterelated stressors including natural disasters such as the recent earthquake in eastern Afghanistan and significant population returns from neighbouring countries reports Xinhua news agencyShe said the UN Comprehensive Approach that seeks to maintain a basic international consensus on Afghanistan provides the only multilateral framework for engagement between the international community and the Taliban If advanced it could allow the country to reach its full economic potential and develop its human capital she added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/un-envoy-asks-international-engagement-with-afghanistan-to-continue-amid-political-crisis-639168.html Thu, 18 Sep 2025 11:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/jimmy-kimmel-live-show-suspended-indefinitely-over-charlie-kirk-comments-639179.html Washington Sep 18 The American Broadcasting Company ABC one of the major television networks in the United States announced Wednesday that it has suspended the Jimmy Kimmel Live show indefinitely after controversial comments by its host about the conservative activist and influencer Charlie Kirk who was fatally shot last week Washington Sep 18 The American Broadcasting Company ABC one of the major television networks in the United States announced Wednesday that it has suspended the Jimmy Kimmel Live show indefinitely after controversial comments by its host about the conservative activist and influencer Charlie Kirk who was fatally shot last weekNexstar Media Group Inc announced in a statement that the companys owned and partner television stations affiliated with the ABC Television Network will preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live for the foreseeable future beginning with Wednesday nights showNexstar owns Americas largest local television broadcasting group comprising top network affiliates with more than 200 owned or partner stations reaching 220 million people according to its websiteNexstar strongly objects to recent comments made by Mr Kimmel concerning the killing of Charlie Kirk and will replace the show with other programming in its ABCaffiliated markets the statement readMr Kimmels comments about the death of Mr Kirk are offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse and we do not believe they reflect the spectrum of opinions views or values of the local communities in which we are located said Andrew Alford president of Nexstars broadcasting divisionShortly after the release of the statement NBC News quoted an ABC spokesman as saying that Jimmy Kimmel Live will be preempted indefinitelyIn Monday nights monologue Kimmel suggested that Tyler Robinson the suspect in Kirks killing could have been a proTrump Republican reports Xinhua news agencyThe MAGA Gang is desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it Kimmel saidUS President Donald Trump and senior administration officials have accused the radical left of being responsible for the death of Kirk while rejecting the Democrats argument that political violence has been a problem from both sidesIn an interview with conservative commentator Benny Johnson earlier Wednesday Federal Communications Commission FCC Chair Brendan Carr threatened to take action against Disney and its subsidiary ABC over the comments noting that the FCC could consider revoking licenses of ABC affiliate stations as a penaltyCriticising the FCC chair on the social platform X FCC commissioner Anna Gomez the only Democrat on the panel said An inexcusable act of political violence by one disturbed individual must never be exploited as justification for broader censorship and controlThis Administration is increasingly using the weight of government power to suppress lawful expression said GomezJimmy Kimmel Live is one of the several nationally recognised latenight talk shows in the country IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/jimmy-kimmel-live-show-suspended-indefinitely-over-charlie-kirk-comments-639179.html Thu, 18 Sep 2025 12:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/adb-approves-52-million-loan-for-grid-expansion-project-in-cambodia-639182.html Phnom Penh Sep 18 The Asian Development Bank ADB announced on Thursday that it has approved a 5272millionUSdollar loan for the Grid Expansion Project in Cambodia The project will strengthen the countrys transmission network to integrate more renewable energy into the national grid and help meet rising electricity demand with cleaner locally generated power the ADB said in a news releaseCambodia has expanded its domestic electricity generation rapidly doubling output from 868 terawatt hours TWh in 2020 to 1785 TWh in 2024 it said adding that over the same period reliance on imported electricity dropped from 306 to 157 TWh reports Xinhua news agencyThis progress reflects the countrys growing energy selfreliance and the potential of renewable sources to support its development goals the news release saidADB country director for Cambodia Jyotsana Varma said reliable and affordable electricity is the backbone of Cambodias growth storyThis project is about more than building transmission lines it is about connecting people schools hospitals and businesses to a cleaner and more resilient energy future she saidBy bringing more renewable energy into the grid Cambodia can power opportunities for its people while protecting the environment for generations to come Varma addedCambodias grid was built for conventional power and now needs expansion to handle growing solar and windThe project will build 55 km of 230kilovolt transmission lines between Pursat and Kampong Chhnang provinces and upgrade nine substations across the country the news release saidAligned with Cambodias Power Development Master Plan 20222040 and the National Energy Efficiency Policy 20222030 the project will help reduce transmission losses and enhance energy security it added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/adb-approves-52-million-loan-for-grid-expansion-project-in-cambodia-639182.html Thu, 18 Sep 2025 12:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/muhhamad-yunus-shehbaz-sharif-to-hold-talks-on-unga-sidelines-in-us-639205.html Dhaka Sep 18 Bangladesh interim governments Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus is set to meet Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his visit to New York on September 22 according to local media reports Yunus and Sharif will be in New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly UNGA sessionThe meeting comes amid growing closeness between Dhaka and Islamabad since the ouster of the democratically elected Awami League government led by former Prime Minister Sheikh HasinaAddressing a press conference at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka Bangladeshs Foreign Affairs Advisor Touhid Hossain announced that Yunus will address the session on September 26He added that Yunus is also slated to hold meetings with the Prime Minister of Pakistan the President of Finland the Prime Minister of the Netherlands the UN SecretaryGeneral and the SecretaryGenerals Special Envoy for Myanmar on the sidelines of the UNGA session local media reported on ThursdayDuring his visit the Chief Advisor will be accompanied by four senior leaders from three major political parties Bangladesh Nationalist Party BNP radical Islamist party JamaateIslami and National Citizens Party NCP reports the countrys leading Bengali daily JugantorRelations between Dhaka and Islamabad remained strained during the 15year rule of the former Awami League government due to issues such as the war crimes trials in Bangladesh and broader regional politicsKey issues in BangladeshPakistan relations have always included Pakistans role in the 1971 genocide during the Liberation War the return of stranded assets and compensationHowever things have changed drastically since the formation of the interim government led by Yunus in August 2024Last month Pakistans Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar made a twoday official visit to Dhaka marking the first statelevel visit of any Pakistani official to Bangladesh in 13 yearsDuring this meeting Dar claimed that the longstanding 1971 genocide issue had been resolved twice in the past a claim which was quickly denied by DhakaFollowing a meeting with Foreign Affairs Advisor Hossain Dar asserted that three unresolved matters between Islamabad and Dhaka including the longstanding demand for an apology over the 1971 genocide have been resolved twice in the past according to the leading Bangladeshi media outlet Prothom AloHowever rejecting the claims made by the Pakistani Foreign Minister Hossain told reporters I definitely do not agree If we had agreed the problem would have been resolvedLast year Yunus met Pakistani PM Sharif on the sidelines of the UNGA where both leaders agreed to strengthen bilateral tiesThe two nations historically estranged since the brutal 1971 Liberation War wherein Pakistani forces massacred millions of people and reportedly raped hundreds of thousands of Bangladeshi women are now demonstrating signs of rapprochement IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/muhhamad-yunus-shehbaz-sharif-to-hold-talks-on-unga-sidelines-in-us-639205.html Thu, 18 Sep 2025 14:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/australia-commits-to-2035-emissions-reduction-target-of-62-to-70-pc-639215.html Sydney Sep 18 The Australian government on Thursday committed to cutting the countrys greenhouse gas emissions by 62 to 70 per cent from 2005 levels by 2035 under its new climate target Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the longawaited 2035 emissions reduction target on Thursday describing it as the right target to protect Australias environment and to protect and advance the economyThis is a responsible target supported by science and a practical plan to get there and built on proven technology he said at a press conferenceAccording to government data published in August Australias greenhouse gas emissions were 28 per cent lower in the year to March 2025 than in 2005Albaneses Labor government previously committed to cutting emissions by at least 43 per cent from 2005 levels by 2030 which it says it is on track to achieve reports Xinhua news agencyThe 2035 target is based on advice from the Climate Change Authority CCA the federal governments independent expert advisory body on climate policyMatt Kean chair of the CCA said on Thursday that he is hopeful that Australia can overachieve on the 2035 targetHe said that the agency set a flexible target in order to be flexible with global uncertaintyWe have looked at providing a target that will futureproof our industries futureproof our economy and futureproof our way of life and the planet Kean saidTreasurer Jim Chalmers said on Thursday that modelling conducted by the Treasury Department found that Australias economy can be a big beneficiary if the government continues to take decisive action and set clear targetsIn addition to the 2035 target Albanese also announced on Thursday over eight billion Australian dollars 53 billion USD in new government spending to help drive down emissionsThe funding includes an additional 2 billion AUD 13 billion USD for the Clean Energy Finance Corporation CEFC the government agency responsible for facilitating increased flows of finance into clean energy projects and 5 billion AUD 33 billion USD for a new Net Zero Fund that will help industrial facilities decarboniseAnother 11 billion AUD 7313 million USD has been committed to encourage more production of clean fuels in AustraliaChris Bowen the minister for climate change and energy said that the clean energy transition represents a major economic opportunity for AustraliaToday the Albanese government decided to seize that opportunity he saidPrior to Thursdays announcement environmental groups had called for the government to set a 2035 emissions reduction target of at least 75 per cent from 2005 levels while business groups had advocated for a target not exceeding 70 per centGreenpeace Australia Pacific said on Thursday that the 6270 per cent target undermines global action to limit global warming to 15 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levelsBran Black chief executive officer of the Business Council of Australia BCA said that the 2035 target was ambitious and would require significant capital investment major reform and exceptional collaboration between the public and private sectorsSpeaking earlier on Thursday Sussan Ley the leader of Australias conservative opposition said that the government must be upfront about the cost of meeting the 2035 targetAustralias 2035 emissions reduction target will be formally submitted later in September at the United Nations General Assembly IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/australia-commits-to-2035-emissions-reduction-target-of-62-to-70-pc-639215.html Thu, 18 Sep 2025 14:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/together-we-will-take-partnership-to-new-heights-netanyahus-birthday-wishes-to-good-friend-pm-modi-638981.html Jerusalem Sep 17 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared heartfelt wishes for Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his birthday lauding his accomplishments for India Netanyahu referred to PM Modi as his good friend and expressed his anticipation of meeting him soon stating that together they can elevate the partnership and friendship between India and Israel to even greater heightsWhile sharing a video message of Netanyahu on X Netanyahus office stated Happy birthday to my dear friend Prime Minister Narendra Modi Together we will take our partnership to new heightsIn the video message Netanyahu said Prime Minister Modi my good friend Narendra I want to wish you a happy birthday Youve accomplished so much for India in your life and we have together accomplished a great deal in the friendship between India and Israel I look forward to seeing you soon because we can bring our partnership and our friendship to even greater heights Happy birthday my friendPM Modi turns 75 today Born on September 17 1950 at Mehsana town in Gujarat he served as the Chief Minister of the state for three consecutive terms between 2001 and 2014 He is now the Prime Minister for the third term after first being elected in 2014India and Israel share a strong and diverse bilateral relationship rooted in strategic interests and a history of cooperation across multiple sectors Throughout the years Israel has become one of Indias key partnersEarlier Netanyahu had extended wishes to PM Modi and the people of India on the occasion of the 79th Independence DayIn his greetings Netanyahu stated that both India and Israel have achieved much together and expressed confidence that the best chapters of the partnership between the two nations are still waiting to be writtenCongratulations to my dear friend PM Narendra Modi and the people of India on your Independence Day Israel and India are two proud democracies bound by history innovation and friendship Our nations have achieved much together and the best chapters of our partnership still lie ahead said Netanyahu in his message that was posted on X by the Israeli Prime Ministers Office IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/together-we-will-take-partnership-to-new-heights-netanyahus-birthday-wishes-to-good-friend-pm-modi-638981.html Wed, 17 Sep 2025 14:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/man-dies-after-targetted-stabbing-in-eastern-australia-638986.html Sydney Sep 17 A man has died after being stabbed in a targetted attack in eastern Australia on Wednesday morning Emergency services were called to reports of an assault on a street near the rural city of Grafton 490 km northeast of Sydney in the state of New South Wales NSW around 1 am local time on WednesdayPolice officers arrived and found that a 35yearold man had been stabbed by unknown assailants while walking along the street Xinhua News Agency reportedHe was treated by ambulance paramedics but died at the sceneNSW Police said in a statement that initial inquiries indicated that the stabbing was a targetted attackLocal detectives have commenced an investigation with assistance from the state homicide squad and police said the area is expected to remain a crime scene for a considerable amount of timeOn September 6 two people died following a stabbing in Melbournes western suburbs that police are treating as a targeted attackEmergency services were deployed to reports that a person was seriously injured in Cobblebank 34 km west of central Melbourne shortly before 8 pm on September 6They arrived and located a 12yearold boy at the scene with critical injuries according to a police statementCPR was commenced but he died at the sceneA short time later police found a 15yearold boy seriously injured on a nearby street He was treated but also died at the sceneA crime scene was established and homicide squad detectives commenced an investigation into the exact circumstances of the deathsPolice said that the incident is being treated as a targeted attackThis comes just days after a teenager was charged over a stabbing at a western Sydney train station that left a boy in a critical condition in hospital on September 3Police in the state of New South Wales NSW said that emergency services were called to reports of a stabbing at a railway station in Merrylands 20 km west of central Sydney around 515 pm on MondayA 16yearold male victim was treated at the scene by ambulance paramedics and taken to the hospital in a critical conditionInvestigators believe that the 16yearold boy had interacted with two males who were not known to him before they assaulted him and left the sceneNSW Police said that a 17yearold attended a police station on Tuesday afternoon where he was arrested and charged with seven offences including wounding a person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm being armed with intent to commit a serious offence and using a knife in a public placeHe was refused bail and will make an initial appearance before a childrens court on Wednesday Police inquiries into the incident are ongoing IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/man-dies-after-targetted-stabbing-in-eastern-australia-638986.html Wed, 17 Sep 2025 15:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/american-singer-mary-millben-extends-heartfelt-birthday-wishes-to-pm-modi-638987.html Washington Sep 17 AfricanAmerican singer and actress Mary Millben on Wednesday extended her heartfelt wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his birthday and hoped that he takes a day off on his special day She also sang a birthday song in PM Modis honour and expressed gratitude for his life leadership and legacyIn a video message Millben stated Namaste hello to my beloved India and Indian communities across the world Today is a special day for today is the birthday of my friend His Excellency Prime Minister Narendra Modi Happy birthday Prime Minister Modi I hope that you are doing well today I hope that you gave yourself the day off since it is your birthday However I just wanted to take a moment and say happy birthday to you and welcome everyone all across the world Join me here in the United States and lets sing Happy Birthday to His Excellency Prime Minister ModiShe also prayed and wished that PM Modi is blessed with good health prosperity and God fulfills all his hearts desiresLet me pray a blessing over you if I can Father thank you so much for my friend Prime Minister Modi Thank you for his life his leadership and his great legacy I pray Father that you continue to bless him with good health and prosperity and most of all Father let your spirit your fruits of the spirit of love joy and peace continue to surround the Prime Minister and let all of his hearts desires be fulfilled in this birthday And we ask all these things in Jesus name amen Amen Bless you Prime Minister Modi God bless you India and Indian communities across the world and may God continue to bless the United StatesIndia relationship For truly we are stronger together God bless you she said in the videoPM Narendra Modi was born on 17 September 1950 in Vadnagar Gujarat and is the 14th Prime Minister of India He assumed office on May 26 2014 after the BJP secured a majority in the general elections He previously served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014First elected in 2014 he is currently serving his third term as Prime Minister In the past PM Modi has used his birthday to engage with the public introduce welfare programs or participate in public activitiesToday PM Modi is in Madhya Pradesh where he will launch the Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar and 8th Rashtriya Poshan Maah campaigns This is the largest ever health outreach for women and children in the country IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/american-singer-mary-millben-extends-heartfelt-birthday-wishes-to-pm-modi-638987.html Wed, 17 Sep 2025 15:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/eu-leaders-need-to-relook-at-gsp-trade-status-for-pakistan-639000.html New Delhi Sep 17 The GSP or Generalised System of Preferences of the European Union was designed as a means of linking trade preferences to specific commitments in the areas of human rights labour rights environmental protection and good governance However Pakistan while reaping rich economic gains from the system has exploited to persecute minority communities and suppress human rights The GSP regime a European Union tool created to promote human rights through trade has been hijacked in Pakistan to cover up and tolerate abuses Instead of strengthening religious freedom and democracy it accompanies surveillance silencing and persecution of minorities The irony is that a policy designed to serve human dignity is in practice acting as a silent accomplice to oppression according to an article by Staikou Dimitra in Eurasia ReviewThe article calls for EU leaders to take a fresh look at the GSP status of Pakistan as the country has violated all the principles embodied in the system EU leaders can either choose to take a stand for the principles they swore to protect or risk being accomplices to a tragedy unfolding in Pakistan the article observesDespite the trade privileges hat Pakistan enjoys from its access to the European market the government continues to allow attacks on religious communities such as the Ahmadiyya and Christians and restrict freedom of expression through digital surveillance Rather than translating into institutional progress economic cooperation often serves as a safety net for the regime the article statesEnforced disappearances sometimes by state backed militias and in some cases by the state agencies themselves have left scars on vulnerable communities in Pakistan This practice which began during Pervez Musharrafs military dictatorship continues with the involvement of the military and intelligence servicesMore than 5000 people have disappeared according to humanitarian organisations In addition approximately 80 civilians were convicted by military courts for participating in riots in 2023 which is considered incompatible with Pakistans international obligations The trial of civilians by Military Courts was condemned by the EU at multiple times in the last one year a cause big enough for the EU to seriously reconsider the GSP status for Pakistan the article points outPakistans violation of basic human rights which GSP is designed to promote is not limited to enforced disappearances and military trials It extends to the technical domain as wellAccording to a report by Amnesty International Pakistan has developed one of the most advanced surveillance systems in the world using technology from China and the West The findings of its report are based on a 2024 case in the Islamabad High Court filed by Bushra Bibi wife of former Prime Minister Imran Khan after her private phone calls were leaked onlineIn court Pakistans defence ministries and intelligence agencies denied that they conduct or have the capacity to conduct telephone tapping However during questioning the telecommunications regulatory authority acknowledged that it had already ordered telephone companies to install LIMS for use by designated services This system allows intelligence services to monitor at least 4 million mobile phones simultaneously and block 2 million internet sessions the article observesIt highlights that the conflictridden province of Balochistan in particular faces frequent internet outages and restrictions on freedom of speech In a recent report Paank the human rights department of the Balochistan National Movement BNM in a recent report strongly called on the European Union to review Pakistans GSP status stressing that it is unacceptable for Pakistan to enjoy economic advantages while committing severe oppressionThe report strongly condemned the AntiTerrorism Balochistan Amendment Bill 2025 which grants unchecked powers to the military police and intelligence agencies to arrest anyone on mere suspicion for up to three months with the possibility of extension The report noted that several Baloch leaders such as Mahrang Baloch Gulzadi Baloch Beebow Baloch Sibghat Ullah Baloch and Beeberg Baloch remain in prison even after appearing in courtAmnesty said it also examined licensing agreements commercial data leaked technical files and Chinese records linking the firewall supplier to stateowned companies in Beijing It added that the firewall is provided by Chinese company Geedge NetworksThe implementation of advanced monitoring systems LIMS WMS 20 with Chinese and Western equipment creates a climate of fear prevents freedom of expression and reinforces the repression of opponents GSP does not exercise control over these practices thus acting as an economic and political safety net for the regimeAmnesty said the firewall uses equipment from the American company Niagara Networks software from Thales DIS a subsidiary of the French company Thales and servers from a Chinese stateowned IT company An earlier version was based on Canadian SandvinePakistans secret services can monitor at least 4 million mobile phones simultaneously through the Lawful Interception Management System LIMS while a firewall known as WMS 20 which controls internet traffic can block 2 million active connections simultaneously according to Amnesty Pakistan currently blocks approximately 650000 web links and restricts platforms such as YouTube Facebook and X according to Amnesty IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/eu-leaders-need-to-relook-at-gsp-trade-status-for-pakistan-639000.html Wed, 17 Sep 2025 15:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pm-modi-thanks-leaders-of-guyana-nz-bhutan-and-dominica-for-warm-birthday-wishes-639029.html New Delhi Sep 17 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday thanked counterparts from Bhutan New Zealand and Dominica as well as Guyana President for extending warm wishes to him on his 75th birthday Expressing gratitude to Guyana President Irfaan Ali PM Modi stated that he is touched by his warm sentiments that showcase the deep bonds of friendship and mutual trust between two nationsThank you President Ali for your kind wishes I am touched by your warm sentiments that reflect the deep bonds of friendship and mutual trust between India and Guyana PM Modi posted on XHis response came after Irfaan Ali posted a message as well as a video wishing PM Modi on his birthday In a post on X he wrote Narendra Modi on the joyous occasion of your 75th birth anniversary I extend my warmest and most heartfelt congratulations May this milestone be accompanied by continued health abundant strength and divine blessings as you carry forward your extraordinary mission of service to your people to the Global South and to humanity at largePM Modi also thanked New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon for his wishes and said that he deeply cherishes the shared friendshipThank you Prime Minister Luxon for your warm wishes I deeply cherish our friendship New Zealand is an important partner in Indias journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047 PM Modi posted on XEarlier in the day in a video message New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stated Kia ora namaskar my good friend Prime Minister Modi Congratulations on your 75th birthday from me and all of your friends across New Zealand A milestone like this is a moment to reflect on the wisdom of your leadership as you seek to guide India towards becoming a developed country by 2047Luxon also expressed his eagerness to strengthen cooperation between the two nations He said Im really excited about New Zealand partnering more with India to achieve that vision as we look to ensure both our great nations achieve the security and also the prosperity that we seekThe Kiwi PM expressed hope of welcoming PM Modi to New Zealand and recalled his visit to India He stated I hope I might be able to reciprocate the very warm hospitality you extended to me in March by hosting you here in New Zealand But in the meantime I wish you a very very happy birthdayPM Modi thanked his Dominica counterpart Roosevelt Skerrit for his warm birthday greetings In a post on X he stated Thank you for your kind wishes Prime Minister Skeritt India deeply cherishes the strong bonds of friendship and solidarity with the Commonwealth of DominicaWhile wishing PM Modi on his birthday he said that Dominica deeply values Indias support including lifesaving assistance during the pandemic and our cooperation on climate resilience and sustainable developmentOn behalf of the Government and people of Dominica I extend warm birthday greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India We deeply value Indias steadfast support including lifesaving assistance during the pandemic and our cooperation on climate resilience and sustainable development I wish you continued good health happiness and success as you lead your nation with vision and dedication Skerrit posted on XPM Modi thanked his Bhutanese counterpart Tshering Tobgay for his wishes and expressed eagerness to working with him to further strengthen special partnership between two nationsIn a post on X he stated Thank you Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay for your kind wishes I look forward to working with you to further strengthen our special partnership with BhutanWhile extending wishes to PM Modi on X Tobgay wrote Warm birthday wishes to Honble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Wishing you good health and long life Grateful for your leadership and the special friendship between Bhutan and India IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pm-modi-thanks-leaders-of-guyana-nz-bhutan-and-dominica-for-warm-birthday-wishes-639029.html Wed, 17 Sep 2025 17:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/mos-margherita-pays-tribute-to-mahatma-gandhi-plants-sapling-in-australias-brisbane-639057.html Brisbane Sep 17 Minister of State for External Affairs MoS Pabitra Margherita paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at his statue at Roma Street Parklands in Australias Brisbane on Wednesday Honoured to pay a floral tribute at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Roma Street Parklands Brisbane Australia today Remembering the Father of the Nation and his timeless message of peace and nonviolence Margherita posted on XMargherita also planted a sapling as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modis Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative calling it a fitting tribute to PM Modi on his 75th birthdayUnder Honble PM Shri Narendra Modi jis initiative EkPedMaaKeNaam planted a sapling this afternoon at Roma Street Parklands Brisbane Australia A fitting tribute on the birthday of our beloved Prime Minister inspiring us to nurture Mother Earth as we honour our mothers Margherita wrote in a post on XEarlier Margherita concluded his official visit to Papua New Guinea where he represented PM Modi at the commemorative events marking the countrys 50th anniversary of IndependenceThe minister met Micronesia President Wesley Simina on Tuesday at the sidelines of celebrations Pleasure to meet Honble Wesley Simina President of the Federated States of Micronesia in Port Moresby on the sidelines of PNGAt50 Simina posted on XHe also met visiting Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Papua New GuineaWhile sharing picture of Albanese and himself on X he wrote Glad to meet Honble Anthony Albanese Prime Minister of Australia in Port Moresby on the sidelines of the commemorative events marking PNGAt50During the visit Margherita called on Papua New Guinea PM James Marape and conveyed the warm greetings of the Government of India on the 50th anniversary of Independence of Papua New Guinea They held discussions on various aspects of the bilateral relationship and discussed ways to further enhance ties between India and Papua New GuineaEarlier Indian Naval Ship INS Kadmatt participated in the 50th Anniversary events of Papua New Guinea including the fleet review from August 30September 8President Droupadi Murmu also sent a letter to Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae the GovernorGeneral of Papua New Guinea conveying warm greetings of to the Government and people of Papua New Guinea on the occasion of their 50th anniversary of Independence according to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs MEAMargherita also conveyed wishes of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to his Papua New Guinea counterpart Justin TkatchenkoHe attended various events commemorating the 50th Independence Day of Papua New Guinea including the Flag Raising Ceremony at Independence HillOn the sidelines of the events commemorating the 50th Independence Day of Papua New Guinea MoSPM also had brief pullaside interactions with Honble Wesley Simina President of the Federated States of Micronesia and Honble Manoa Kamikamica the Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji the MEA statedHe also addressed members of the Indian diaspora in a community event organised at the High Commission of India in Port Moresby and reaffirmed Government of Indias strong commitment towards welfare of the Indian diaspora During his visit he interacted with the business community in Papua New Guinea including leading textile entrepreneurs of the countryFollowing the historic 3rd Summit of the Forum for IndiaPacific Islands Cooperation FIPIC chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in May 2023 in Port Moresby the visit of MOSPM to Papua New Guinea provided an opportunity to continue our engagement with the leadership in the Pacific Island Countries PICs the MEA statement added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/mos-margherita-pays-tribute-to-mahatma-gandhi-plants-sapling-in-australias-brisbane-639057.html Wed, 17 Sep 2025 18:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/deeply-appreciate-italys-friendship-pm-modi-thanks-pm-meloni-for-birthday-wishes-639094.html New Delhi Sep 17 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday thanked Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni for her warm wishes on his 75th birthday expressing hope to further strengthen growing IndiaItaly ties Thank you Prime Minister Meloni for your warm wishes Deeply appreciate Italys friendship and look forward to strengthening it further PM Modi posted on XPM Modis response came after Meloni extended warm greetings to him on his birthday She wished him health and energy to continue leading India towards a bright future while hoping to further strengthen ties between the two nationsSharing a photo with PM Modi on X Meloni stated Happy 75th birthday to the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi His strength his determination and his ability to lead millions of people are a source of inspiration With friendship and esteem I wish him health and energy to continue leading India toward a bright future and to further strengthen the relations between our nationsOn September 10 PM Modi held a telephonic conversation with Meloni with both leaders reaffirming their joint commitment to deepen the IndiaItaly Strategic Partnership Meloni and expressing support for the success of the AI Impact Summit set to be hosted by India in 2026The Prime Minister thanked his Italian counterpart for her support in concluding the trade agreement between India and European Union EU and promoting connectivity through the IndiaMiddle EastEurope Economic Corridor IMEEEC initiativeThe two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest They agreed on the need for an early and peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine PM Modi reiterated Indias full support for efforts in this directionHad an excellent conversation with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni We reaffirmed our joint commitment to deepen IndiaItaly Strategic Partnership and shared interest in bringing an early end to the conflict in Ukraine Thanked PM Meloni for Italys proactive support for concluding a mutually beneficial IndiaEU trade agreement and promoting connectivity through the IMEEEC initiative PM Modi posted on X after the phone callThe Indian Prime Ministers Office PMO stated that both leaders reviewed and positively assessed the developments in bilateral Strategic Partnership across sectors such as investment defence security space science and technology education peopletopeople ties and counterterrorismThey also reaffirmed their commitment towards further deepening of the partnership in line with the Joint Strategic Action Plan 202529PM Modi had last met Meloni on the sidelines of the 51st G7 Summit in Canadas Kananaskis in June where both leaders had committed to making the friendship between India and Italy strongero wMeloni had shared a picture of herself and PM Modi on X along with the caption Italy and India bound by a great friendshipA video showed PM Modi greeting Meloni with a handshake and engaging in a brief conversation with her during the summitIn a post on X PM Modi stated Fully agree with you PM Giorgia Meloni Indias friendship with Italy will continue to get stronger greatly benefiting our peopleThe camaraderie between PM Modi and Italian PM Meloni has also been making waves on social media with their interactions sparking a hashtag Melodi IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/deeply-appreciate-italys-friendship-pm-modi-thanks-pm-meloni-for-birthday-wishes-639094.html Wed, 17 Sep 2025 21:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/deeply-appreciate-italys-friendship-pm-modi-thanks-meloni-for-birthday-wishes-639095.html New Delhi Sep 17 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday thanked Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni for her warm wishes on his 75th birthday expressing hope to further strengthen growing IndiaItaly ties Thank you Prime Minister Meloni for your warm wishes Deeply appreciate Italys friendship and look forward to strengthening it further PM Modi posted on XPM Modis response came after Meloni extended warm greetings to him on his birthday She wished him health and energy to continue leading India towards a bright future while hoping to further strengthen ties between the two nationsSharing a photo with PM Modi on X Meloni stated Happy 75th birthday to the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi His strength his determination and his ability to lead millions of people are a source of inspiration With friendship and esteem I wish him health and energy to continue leading India toward a bright future and to further strengthen the relations between our nationsOn September 10 PM Modi held a telephonic conversation with Meloni with both leaders reaffirming their joint commitment to deepen the IndiaItaly Strategic Partnership Meloni and expressing support for the success of the AI Impact Summit set to be hosted by India in 2026The Prime Minister thanked his Italian counterpart for her support in concluding the trade agreement between India and European Union EU and promoting connectivity through the IndiaMiddle EastEurope Economic Corridor IMEEEC initiativeThe two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest They agreed on the need for an early and peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine PM Modi reiterated Indias full support for efforts in this directionHad an excellent conversation with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni We reaffirmed our joint commitment to deepen IndiaItaly Strategic Partnership and shared interest in bringing an early end to the conflict in Ukraine Thanked PM Meloni for Italys proactive support for concluding a mutually beneficial IndiaEU trade agreement and promoting connectivity through the IMEEEC initiative PM Modi posted on X after the phone callThe Indian Prime Ministers Office PMO stated that both leaders reviewed and positively assessed the developments in bilateral Strategic Partnership across sectors such as investment defence security space science and technology education peopletopeople ties and counterterrorismThey also reaffirmed their commitment towards further deepening of the partnership in line with the Joint Strategic Action Plan 202529PM Modi had last met Meloni on the sidelines of the 51st G7 Summit in Canadas Kananaskis in June where both leaders had committed to making the friendship between India and Italy strongero wMeloni had shared a picture of herself and PM Modi on X along with the caption Italy and India bound by a great friendshipA video showed PM Modi greeting Meloni with a handshake and engaging in a brief conversation with her during the summitIn a post on X PM Modi stated Fully agree with you PM Giorgia Meloni Indias friendship with Italy will continue to get stronger greatly benefiting our peopleThe camaraderie between PM Modi and Italian PM Meloni has also been making waves on social media with their interactions sparking a hashtag Melodi IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/deeply-appreciate-italys-friendship-pm-modi-thanks-meloni-for-birthday-wishes-639095.html Wed, 17 Sep 2025 21:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/eu-announces-new-strategy-to-reinforce-prosperity-and-security-with-india-639099.html Brussels Sep 17 The European Commission and the High Representative on Wednesday adopted a Joint Communication outlining a New Strategic EUIndia Agenda aimed to deepen broaden and better coordinate bilateral cooperation enhance prosperity and security for two sides in order to tackle major global challenges European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the initiative in the 20242029 Political Guidelines She stated that EU with its new strategy is taking its relationship with India to the next level by advancing trade investment and talent mobility while deepening industrial cooperation in the defence sector at the same timeNow is the time to focus on reliable partners and double down on partnerships rooted in shared interests and guided by common values With our new EUIndia strategy we are taking our relationship to the next level Advancing trade investment and talent mobility Strengthening our joint economic security Advancing the clean transition and driving innovation together Leyen statedDeepening our industrial cooperation in defence Europe is already Indias biggest trading partner and we are committed to finalising our Free Trade Agreement by the end of the year Europe is open for business And we are ready to invest in our shared future with India she addedThe Joint Communication outlines the EUs strategic vision for enhancing cooperation with India and identifies five areas of shared interest and complementary strengths building on existing ties while addressing areas that present potential for increased engagement Amid shifting geopolitical realities closer EUIndia relations are increasingly vital for strengthening economic growth and security and diversifying supply chains in response to todays uncertain global order an EU statement detailedThe Joint Communication takes forward the proposed EUIndia Security and Defence Partnership This will enhance strategic consultations and joint initiatives including on crisis management maritime security cyber defence and counterterrorism and foster defence industrial cooperation focusing on boosting production and technological capabilities securing supply chains and driving innovation it mentionedLaunching negotiations for a Security of Information Agreement to facilitate classified information exchange will support closer security and defence cooperation Closer cooperation on the IndoPacific addressing hybrid threats space security and intensifying engagement on Russias war against Ukraine shadow fleets and sanctions are other areas of focus the statement addedThe Joint Communication also stresses on strengthening regional connectivity initiatives like the IndiaMiddle EastEurope Economic Corridor IMEC and advances Global Gateway and EUIndia trilateral cooperation with and in third countries It prioritises increasing interaction and bolstering coordination between India and the EU at all levels including skills mobility with the pilot European Legal Gateway Office to facilitate labour mobility It calls for developing a comprehensive mobility cooperation framework covering study work and researchThe Joint Communication identifies significant untapped potential in trade and investment outlining strategies to strengthen commercial ties particularly finalising the ongoing negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement FTA It proposes reinforcing supply chains while promoting critical emerging technologies and engagement on digital issues with particular attention to strengthening economic security within the Trade and Technology Council TTC the EU statedThis new strategy also proposes deepening tech cooperation including a potential EUIndia Startup partnership and invites India to associate with Horizon Europe programme It suggests ambitious initiatives for decarbonisation and the clean transition such as intensifying cooperation on renewables developing green hydrogen capabilities and expanding green finance Moreover it highlights opportunities to jointly strengthen food security and health climate and disaster resilience it addedHigh Representative for EUs Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas called India as one of the important players in the world and a natural partner for the European UnionShe stated India is one of the most important players in the world today and a natural partner for the European Union There are many areas where our interests strengths and political will align Boosting our collaboration which we are proposing today will benefit the security and prosperity of citizens and businesses on both sides There are areas where we disagree Ultimately our partnership is about defending a rulesbased international order Our negotiations will address these challenges IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/eu-announces-new-strategy-to-reinforce-prosperity-and-security-with-india-639099.html Wed, 17 Sep 2025 22:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/rattled-pakistan-warns-taliban-to-end-ties-with-ttp-639101.html Islamabad Sep 17 Pakistan has urged Taliban authorities to cut ties with TehreekeTaliban Pakistan TTP and fulfill its commitments to eliminate the terrorist group from Afghan soil warning that failure would be considered as a hostile activity local media reported on Wednesday Pakistan conveyed its concerns to Kabul through Afghanistans interim ambassador in Pakistan who was summoned at the Foreign Office in Islamabad Pakistani authorities conveyed that Taliban must ensure that Afghan soil is not used for terror activities leading Pakistani daily The News International reportedThe interim Afghan envoy was summoned after a recent rise in terrorist activities of Fitna alKhawarij terrorists sheltering on Afghan soil the newspaper reportedAdditional Foreign Secretary Syed Ali Assad Gilani reportedly expressed Pakistans concern to the Afghan envoyMeanwhile Special Assistant to Pakistan Prime Minister Muhammad Sadiq Khan is likely to lead a delegation of senior officials to Kabul later this week to discuss latest developments in bilateral issues with Taliban He will convey Pakistani authorities message to his interlocutors in AfghanistanRecently Khan returned to Islamabad from his visit to United Arab Emirates where was on an Afghanistanrelated unannounced mission He will be presenting a detailed report to the Pakistans leadership about his visit the local media reportedThe latest development comes after at least 12 Pakistani soldiers were killed in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in various attacks conducted by TTP between September 10 to 13Confirming the deaths of soldiers Pakistan militarys InterServices Public Relations ISPR said that they were killed during an intense fire exchange in Khyber Pakhtunkhwas South Waziristan district in two separate engagementsLast Saturday citing the staterun Radio Pakistan the local media mentioned that the countrys Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has vowed to continue responding to terrorism with full force after the attacks which continued on SaturdayRadio Pakistan reported that PM Shehbaz and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir later visited Bannu and attended a highlevel meeting on counterterrorism It added that they also participated in the funeral prayers of the South Waziristan operation martyrs Pakistans leading daily Dawn reportedSharif was also quoted as saying that terrorist leaders and facilitators responsible for attacks in Pakistan are operating from Afghan soilThe Prime Minister stated that the Afghan Interim Government has been clearly told to choose between supporting the Khawarij or stand with Pakistan He highlighted the involvement of infiltrated Afghan nationals in terrorist incidents and stressed the urgent need for the repatriation of illegal Afghan residents currently living in Pakistan the report statedA report in another leading Pakistani media outlet The Express Tribune stated that besides the 12 soldiers 35 terrorists have also been killed in the retaliatory operations IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/rattled-pakistan-warns-taliban-to-end-ties-with-ttp-639101.html Wed, 17 Sep 2025 22:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pope-leo-xiv-blesses-pm-modi-on-75th-birthday-during-papal-audience-in-vatican-city-639106.html Vatican City Sep 17 IANS In a moment of spiritual diplomacy and global goodwill His Holiness Pope Leo XIV extended his blessings to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of his 75th birthdaynbspnbspThe gesture took place during the weekly Papal Audience at St Peters Square where over 30000 pilgrims and visitors gathered to receive teachings and blessings from the head of the Catholic Church The Papal Audience held every Wednesday is a revered tradition where the Pope addresses the faithful and dignitaries from around the worldnbspThis weeks gathering was marked by a special meeting between Pope Leo XIV and a delegation from the Indian Minorities Federation IMF led by Member of Parliament Satnam Singh Sandhu former diplomat and MP Harsh Vardhan Shringla and IMF convener Prof Himani SoodDuring the meeting Pope Leo XIV offered prayers for Prime Minister Modis long life and continued good health recognising his leadership and commitment to public service In a symbolic gesture the Pope blessed a portrait of PM Modi presented by the delegation The moment was described by attendees as deeply respectful and spiritually resonantnbspMP Satnam Singh Sandhu also gifted Pope Leo XIV a copy of Heart to Heart Reverence of Saga a biographical tribute that explores PM Modis enduring relationship with the Sikh community The book highlights PM Modis efforts to promote interfaith harmony and cultural respect themes that align closely with the Popes own calls for peace and unity across religious boundariesThe Vaticans acknowledgement of PM Modis milestone birthday comes amid growing engagement between India and the Holy SeenbspEarlier this year PM Modi had conveyed his own greetings to Pope Leo XIV praising his leadership in advancing global peace solidarity and servicenbspPope Leo XIV the first American to lead the Catholic Church has emphasised inclusive dialogue and humanitarian outreach since his appointment in May 2025 His blessing of PM Modi underscores a shared commitment to fostering mutual respect and cooperation between diverse faiths and nationsnbspThe IMF delegation expressed gratitude for the Popes gesture calling it a historic moment of spiritual solidarity that reflects Indias pluralistic ethos and the universal values of compassion and service https://dailyworld.in/international/pope-leo-xiv-blesses-pm-modi-on-75th-birthday-during-papal-audience-in-vatican-city-639106.html Wed, 17 Sep 2025 22:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/unicef-urges-taliban-to-end-restrictions-on-girls-education-639109.html Kabul Sep 17 Calling on Taliban to allow girls to pursue education at all levels the United Nations International Childrens Emergency Fund UNICEF on Wednesday warned that the restrictions on girls education have confined them to their homes and they are increasingly facing mental health problems child marriage and early pregnancies The agency urged Taliban to lift restrictions without delay and ensure that every girl gets access to education at all levels from primary school to higher education Afghanistans leading news agency Khaama Press reported Notably Taliban banned secondary education for girls in Afghanistan shortly after they seized power in August 2021UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell voiced concerns over the deteriorating mental health challenges and increasing early marriages among Afghan girls banned from pursuing education for nearly four yearsIn a statement on Wednesday UNICEF stated millions of girls have been impacted by restrictions imposed by Taliban It warned that over 22 million adolescent girls will be excluded from schooling by the end of 2025Russell stated that return of two million Afghan refugees from Pakistan and Iran in 2025 has further increased the number of girls not going to school She warned that restrictions have not only led to girls missing academic lessons but are also getting deprived of social interaction personal growth and opportunities to shape their futureShe said that Afghan girls were being deprived of being their basic right of education She stated While millions of children worldwide return to classrooms for the new academic year Afghan girls are denied this basic right terming it defining injustices of our timeThe UNICEF also expressed concern over Talibans exclusion of women from workforce saying that the restrictions threaten Afghanistans longterm stability and progress as no nation can prosper when half its population is not allowed to contribute in national development and workforce The agency emphasised that the recent earthquake in Afghanistan demonstrates the critical need for trained female health and social workers in a segregated societyOn September 8 UN Mission in Afghanistan UNAMA head Roza Utunbayeva marked the International Literacy Day by calling for access to education especially for Afghan women and girls Khaama Press reported Speaking in Kabul on September 8 Utunbayeva said books are source of knowledge and a path to sustainable wellbeing emphasising that equal access is important for Afghanistans futureUNAMA warned that Talibans restrictions continue to bar girls for pursuing education in secondary schools and universities a policy that now continues for fourth year The UN officials warned that restrictions on Afghan girls education undermines both human rights and development leaving Afghanistan further isolated and unprepared for modern day realities IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/unicef-urges-taliban-to-end-restrictions-on-girls-education-639109.html Wed, 17 Sep 2025 23:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/unsc-reform-now-at-centre-of-unga-discussions-guterres-638896.html United Nations Sep 17 UN Security Council reform is now at the centre of discussions at the General Assembly and there is some progress in the reform process according to SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres Before there was a committee that couldnt even issue papers and the documents would not move from one year to another he said on Tuesday at a news conference referring to the InterGovernmental Negotiations IGNNow there is a committee working seriously So I seem movement he saidAlthough the IGN has failed to adopt a negotiating text that India has demanded to form the basis for discussion its cochairs have prepared Elements Papers broadly laying out the positions of various countries on reform and points of divergence and convergence and creating a recordThe Councils legitimacy and efficiency is compromised by its current structure Guterres saidThe Security Council has a composition that doesnt correspond to the world of today it corresponds to the world of 1945 And that creates not only a problem of legitimacy but a problem of efficiency he saidGuterres took some credit for the heightened interest in Council reform that he said was completely taboo in the pastOne thing I can tell you is that I believe I am the first SecretaryGeneral that talks all the time about the need to reform the Security Council he saidOne of the factors driving the momentum for reform is Africas claims for permanent seats because most of the peacekeeping operations mandated by the Council are in the continentSeveral countries have recognised for instance even the P5 the five permanent members that Africa should have the right to have a permanent member Guterres saidAnother reform needed Guterres said was curbing the veto powers of the permanent membersThe truth is that this item Council reform that was completely taboo in the past is now in the centre of the discussions of the General Assembly he saidThere were proposals from namely by France and UK limiting the right of veto especially in situation where we have massive violation of human rights or dramatic cases of this kind and I see with sympathy that proposal he saidHe blamed the paralysis of the Council caused by geopolitics and permanent members acting with impunity for the failure of the UN to resolve many conflictsThe UN is a Security Council and the geopolitical divides have paralysed Security Council And it is the Security Council that has the primary responsibility to preserve peace and security in the world he saidThe paralysis of the Security Council is a source of impunity that undermines our work but that needs to be clarified as what it is he said It is not the UN Its the Member States that divided do not allow the UN to work properlyThe Council is unable to act on the two conflicts overwhelming the world because of permanent members veto powersRussia a permanent member is the aggressor in the Ukraine War and in the Gaza conflict another permanent member the US protects IsraelOn his meeting with US President Donald Trump who is antagonistic towards the UN scheduled for next week Guterres said that they shared the desire for peace mediationWe have no carrots and no sticks to make the protagonists in conflicts make peace he saidNow the United States has carrots and sticks and combining it with the UNs expertise can be effective in bringing peace in some situaitons he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/unsc-reform-now-at-centre-of-unga-discussions-guterres-638896.html Wed, 17 Sep 2025 07:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/two-youngradicalised-alleged-assassins-appear-in-us-courtsin-politically-charged-cases-638906.html New York Sept 17 Two young radicalised alleged assassins appeared in US courts in a nation focused on rising political violence Tyler Robinson 22 appeared in a local Utah court remotely to face charges in the killing of Charlie Kirk a close supporter of US President Donald Trump last weekHe is charged with the murder of the Conservative youth activist and the prosecutor said that he would seek the death penalty which in the state can be carried out by a firing squadIn New York a local judge threw out terrorism charges against Luigi Mangione 27 who is charged with killing a health insurance CEO last year but retained murder charges against himNew York State does not have the death penaltyMangione has emerged as a lightning rod for the fury of some people against health insurance companies and his supporters rallied in front of the court in protesting his prosecutionA fund for his legal defence has collected over 1 million in public contributionsMangione allegedly shot dead United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in the middle of New York City last December and in a manifesto ranted against parasitical health companies driven by profit motiveBoth men will also face charges in a federal court under federal statutes which could carry the death penaltyIn the US there are parallel federal and state justice systems and the laws and penalties vary by stateProsecutors said that Robinsons mother recognised him from pictures circulated of the suspect in Kirks killing and informed his father who confronted him and arranged his surrenderThey said that Robinson had admitted to the shooting in messages to his roommate a man transitioning to womanIronically he said he had committed the assassination because the guy spreads too much hate according to officialsKirks murder was the latest in an unsettling spate of violence with political or similar motives across the US many of them by radicalised young peopleTwentyyearold Thomas Matthew Crooks tried to assassinate US President Donald Trump when he was campaigning in Pennsylvania last yearWhile Trump was injured another man was killed and Crooks was shot dead by a Secret Service agentAnother assassination attempt also last year by an older person was thwarted in Florida and his trial began last weekRobin Westman a 23yearold transgender female killed two children and injured 18 others at a schoolrelated event at a Minneapolis church before committing suicide last monthShane Tamura 27 killed four people in July at a building in New York that houses the National Football League and committed suicide He had said that he suffered brain injuries as a result of playing American football and seemed to blame the league for not doing enough to prevent the traumaIn June Vance Boelter 57 allegedly killed former Minnesota House of Representatives Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husbandPennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro escaped an assassination attempt by Cody Balmer 38 who allegedly set fire to his official residence in April IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/two-youngradicalised-alleged-assassins-appear-in-us-courtsin-politically-charged-cases-638906.html Wed, 17 Sep 2025 09:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/social-media-platforms-required-to-deactivate-accounts-of-under-16s-under-australian-ban-638739.html Canberra Sep 16 Social media companies will be required to detect and deactivate accounts held by underage children when Australias worldfirst under16 ban comes into effect in December the government revealed on Tuesday The federal government on Tuesday released regulatory guidance for technology companies to comply with the under16 social media ban ahead of it coming into effect on December 10The guidance says that social media platforms will be expected to initially focus on the detection and deactivation of existing accounts held by children younger than 16 and on taking reasonable steps to prevent those whose accounts have been removed from immediately creating a new accountPlatforms will not be required to test the age of every user and will not be told by the government which technology to use for age assurance the guidance says but will need to provide transparent and accessible information about how they are enforcing the ban as well as a process for disputesUnder the legislation for the ban which passed the federal parliament in December 2024 companies that fail to take reasonable steps to enforce the ban will face fines worth up to 495 million Australian dollars 33 millionReleasing the guidelines on Tuesday Communications Minister Anika Wells and Julie Inman Grant Australias eSafety Commissioner said at a press conference that they do not expect the ban to be fully effective instantlyWe are not anticipating perfection here these are worldleading laws but we are requiring meaningful change through reasonable steps that will seek cultural change and a chilling effect that will keep kids safe Wells saidGrant said that the government recognises that building the required systems and technology will take some time and that her agency would initially focus on systemic failures by platforms to apply the policy and processes that they are required to Xinhua news agency reportedThe government in August released the results of a trial that found age assurance technologies can be effectively used to enforce agerelated eligibility requirements IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/social-media-platforms-required-to-deactivate-accounts-of-under-16s-under-australian-ban-638739.html Tue, 16 Sep 2025 10:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-confirms-highly-pathogenic-avian-flu-in-nebraska-dairy-herd-638740.html Los Angeles Sep 16 The US Department of Agriculture USDA confirmed the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza HPAI in a dairy cattle herd in the state of Nebraska In a statement the USDA said on Monday that the confirmed strain is H5N1 clade 2344b genotype B313 The case was detected through stateled tracing and investigation following an initial finding from premovement surveillance milk samples which are required under a federal order issued by the USDA in April 2024This marks the first known case of HPAI in cattle in Nebraska Since the outbreak began in March 2024 dairy cattle infections have been reported in 17 states though the USDAs Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service APHIS noted that cases have remained confined to a small number of states this yearAPHIS said it is working closely with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture to conduct additional onfarm investigation testing and gathering of additional epidemiological information to better understand this detection and prevent further spread of the disease The agency also urged all dairy farms to strengthen biosecurity measures especially as the fall migratory bird season approachesThere is no concern that this circumstance poses a risk to consumer health or that it affects the safety of the commercial milk supply said the USDA Xinhua news agency reportedThe US Food and Drug Administration FDA has confirmed that pasteurisation is effective at inactivating H5N1 ensuring the safety of pasteurised milk productsThe US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention CDC said that H5N1 viruses circulating in birds and US dairy cattle are believed to pose a low risk to the general public in the United States but warned that individuals with occupational or recreational exposure to infected birds or mammals are at higher risk and should take appropriate precautionsHighly pathogenic avian influenza HPAI is a highly contagious transboundary disease with zoonotic potential affecting both animal and human health It causes variable clinical signs and high mortality rates in both wild and domestic bird populations Current H5 AI outbreaks have severely impacted countries globally causing losses of rare and important wild bird species as well as significant social and economic costs including livelihood losses and egg shortagesThe spread of HPAI also strains poultryrelated businesses as measures such as culling and movement restrictions are necessary to contain the virus which can disrupt the trade of poultry products The ongoing devastation highlights the urgent need for improved control measures to prevent spillover and viral changes that could lead to a global pandemic HPAI also infects mammals and humans posing serious public health risks Infected mammals include domestic cats cattle and wild animals such as foxes and seals with human cases although rare occurring in those with close contact with infected poultry or environments IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-confirms-highly-pathogenic-avian-flu-in-nebraska-dairy-herd-638740.html Tue, 16 Sep 2025 10:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/israel-reports-481-new-measles-cases-bringing-total-to-1-251-638753.html Jerusalem Sep 16 Israels Health Ministry reported 481 new measles cases bringing the total to 1251 since the outbreak started in early April The ministry estimates that between 2250 and 3950 people may have been infected based on high hospitalisation rates and reports from the community Currently 29 patients are still hospitalised most of them under the age of six Five are in intensive care including one receiving ECMO supportThe outbreak has resulted in the deaths of two unvaccinated boys aged 18 months and two years respectivelyIn May roughly a month after the outbreak began the ministry launched a nationwide vaccination campaign during which more than 142000 doses were administeredIn cities experiencing active outbreaks the ministry has allowed residents to receive immediate vaccinations without an appointment including infants from other areas who have relatives or friends in highincidence cities Xinhua news agency reportedMeasles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus It spreads easily when an infected person breathes coughs or sneezes It can cause severe disease complications and even deathMeasles can affect anyone but is most common in childrenMeasles infects the respiratory tract and then spreads throughout the body Symptoms include a high fever cough runny nose and a rash all over the bodyBeing vaccinated is the best way to prevent getting sick with measles or spreading it to other people The vaccine is safe and helps your body fight off the virusBefore the introduction of measles vaccine in 1963 and widespread vaccination major epidemics occurred approximately every two to three years and caused an estimated 26 million deaths each yearAn estimated 107 500 people died from measles in 2023 mostly children under the age of five years despite the availability of a safe and costeffective vaccineSymptoms of measles usually begin 1014 days after exposure to the virus A prominent rash is the most visible symptomEarly symptoms usually last 47 days They include Running nose cough red and watery eyes and small white spots inside the cheeksThe rash begins about 718 days after exposure usually on the face and upper neck It spreads over about 3 days eventually to the hands and feet It usually lasts 56 days before fading IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/israel-reports-481-new-measles-cases-bringing-total-to-1-251-638753.html Tue, 16 Sep 2025 11:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/australia-infant-killed-child-seriously-injured-after-being-hit-by-car-in-southwest-sydney-638772.html Sydney Sep 16 An infant has died and a second child has been hospitalised with serious injuries after they were hit by a car in Australias Sydney Police in the state of New South Wales NSW said on Monday night that emergency services were called to reports that a pedestrian had been hit by a vehicle in the carpark of a shopping centre in Minto 37 km southwest of Sydney at around 330 pm local time Xinhua news agency reportedOfficers arrived and commenced CPR on a fivemonthold girl until the arrival of ambulance paramedics but she died at the sceneA fiveyearold boy was also treated by ambulance paramedics before being taken to the hospital in a serious conditionLocal media reported that the vehicle involved in the incident was an SUV and police said the 35yearold driver was uninjuredPolice established a crime scene and have launched an investigation into the incidentA similar incident occurred on September 10 when a girl died after a vehicle crashed and became submerged in a dam over 500 km north of SydneyPolice in the state of New South Wales said in a statement that emergency services were called to reports of the crash near the town of Tenterfield 540 km north of Sydney in the states New England regionThe black SUV had crashed into a tree before entering the dam and becoming submerged police saidAn 11yearold girl who was a passenger in the vehicle was treated by ambulance paramedics after being pulled unresponsive from the water but died at the sceneThe driver a 50yearold woman was also pulled from the water and treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to hospital in a stable conditionNSW Police said that officers from the crash investigation unit established a crime scene and have commenced an investigation into the incident IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/australia-infant-killed-child-seriously-injured-after-being-hit-by-car-in-southwest-sydney-638772.html Tue, 16 Sep 2025 13:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/australia-infant-killed-child-seriously-injured-after-being-hit-by-car-in-sydney-638773.html Sydney Sep 16 An infant has died and a second child has been hospitalised with serious injuries after they were hit by a car in Australias Sydney Police in the state of New South Wales NSW said on Monday night that emergency services were called to reports that a pedestrian had been hit by a vehicle in the carpark of a shopping centre in Minto 37 km southwest of Sydney at around 330 pm local time Xinhua news agency reportedOfficers arrived and commenced CPR on a fivemonthold girl until the arrival of ambulance paramedics but she died at the sceneA fiveyearold boy was also treated by ambulance paramedics before being taken to the hospital in a serious conditionLocal media reported that the vehicle involved in the incident was an SUV and police said the 35yearold driver was uninjuredPolice established a crime scene and have launched an investigation into the incidentA similar incident occurred on September 10 when a girl died after a vehicle crashed and became submerged in a dam over 500 km north of SydneyPolice in the state of New South Wales said in a statement that emergency services were called to reports of the crash near the town of Tenterfield 540 km north of Sydney in the states New England regionThe black SUV had crashed into a tree before entering the dam and becoming submerged police saidAn 11yearold girl who was a passenger in the vehicle was treated by ambulance paramedics after being pulled unresponsive from the water but died at the sceneThe driver a 50yearold woman was also pulled from the water and treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to hospital in a stable conditionNSW Police said that officers from the crash investigation unit established a crime scene and have commenced an investigation into the incident IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/australia-infant-killed-child-seriously-injured-after-being-hit-by-car-in-sydney-638773.html Tue, 16 Sep 2025 13:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/interpol-makes-record-synthetic-drug-seizures-across-18-countries-638777.html New Delhi Sep 16 The International Criminal Police Organisation INTERPOL in one of its biggest worldwide operations against drug trafficking made a massive seizure of synthetic drugs valued at 65 billion the global crime policing body said on Tuesday The authorities intercepted a total of 76 tonnes of drugs including 51 tonnes of methamphetamine along with fentanyl heroin cocaine and chemical precursors from across continents including Asia and North AmericaA total of 386 arrests were made during the twoweek operation including a red corner notice suspect running a largescale methamphetamine smuggling operation into Incheon National AirportThe record confiscation of drugs took place under Operation LionfishMayag III conducted over a period of 15 days from June 30 to July 13The Operation LionfishMayag III was focused on combating the manufacturing trafficking and smuggling of synthetic drugs across 18 countries in Asia and North AmericaIn Sri Lanka the Operational Coordination Unit brought together specialised officers and international partners to work together in realtime on transnational casesIn India the Narcotics Control Bureau NCB authorities dismantled a top Darknet drug syndicate known as KetamelonLSD blots and ketamine as well as digital assets with an estimated value of 87000 were seized by the authorities Investigations revealed the vendor was responsible for more than 600 drug shipments in the past 14 monthsIn Myanmar two vehicles carrying 22kg of heroin hidden in pineapples and the other containing 525 million yaba pills were impounded Investigations traced both shipments to the same person and a subsequent house search led to the seizure of an additional 4 million pillsIn the Lao PDR 39 tonnes of methamphetamine and 10 production machines were seized leading to the arrest of two individualsIn the Maldives authorities intercepted 386kg of ketamine concealed inside a surfboard while in Myanmar the traffickers concealed the heroin in powdered teaThe LionfishMayag III also caught many big fish of drug trafficking in Mexico and the United StatesIn Mexico the authorities seized more than 190000 fentanyl tablets and 17 tonnes of methamphetamineIn the United States the Drug Enforcement Administration officers seized MDMA pills laced with fentanyl while in Indonesia authorities intercepted 116kg of xylazine a veterinary tranquilliser often mixed with fentanyl heroin or cocaine said an official statementIt further said that the authorities are witnessing a rise in nitazenes highly potent synthetic opioids with up to 200 times the potency of morphineSmall amounts are enough to be deadly making them more profitable easier to transport and increasingly difficult to detectThe US authorities also seized a parcel containing metonitazene at JFK Airport sent from the United Kingdom and a separate package containing protonitazene at Chicago OHare Airport sent from ChinaSpeaking on the multinational police operation the INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza said The drugs trafficked by transnational criminal networks fuel violence cripple economies and endanger public health Each successful seizure highlights the power of law enforcement working together to protect lives and dismantle these threats IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/interpol-makes-record-synthetic-drug-seizures-across-18-countries-638777.html Tue, 16 Sep 2025 13:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/1-killed-3-injured-in-motorbikes-mishap-in-afghanistan-638782.html Kabul Sep 16 One person was killed and three others injured with one in critical condition as two motorbikes collided with each other in Afghanistans Badakhshan province police said on Tuesday The mishap took place due to reckless driving in Kasham district on Monday evening provincial police spokesman Ehsanullah Kamgar saidMore than 100 commuters have been killed due to road mishaps elsewhere in Afghanistan over the past month Thousands of people lose their lives in road accidents in Afghanistan each year due to reckless driving on congested roads poor conditions of roads lack of traffic signs on dilapidated highways overloading and overspeedingOn September 14 at least six passengers were killed and four others injured in a headon collision between a passenger car and a truck in Afghanistans Faryab provinceThe accident occurred on the outskirts of Khwaja Sabz Posh district where the vehicles rammed into each other killing six commuters on the car instantly and wounding four othersAmong the victims were women and children and all the injured were taken to a nearby hospital for treatmentAt least three travellers were killed and two more injured as a car turned turtle in Afghanistans Samangan province said a news statement of the provincial police office on September 13Blaming reckless driving for the deadly accident the news statement added that the mishap took place in DaraeSufi Payan area on September 12 and the injured passengers had been taken to the nearby health centreOn September 9 three motorbikes collided with each other in the western Afghanistan Badghis province killing one on the spot and injuring five others provincial police spokesman Sediqullah Sediqi saidThe deadly mishap took place in the provincial capital QalaeNaw due to the carelessness of the motorists the official said adding all five injured people some in critical conditions have been shifted to the nearby hospitalOn September 8 17 commuters lost their lives and two others were injured as their cars were involved in accidents in the northern Badakhshan and eastern Ghazni provinces respectively IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/1-killed-3-injured-in-motorbikes-mishap-in-afghanistan-638782.html Tue, 16 Sep 2025 13:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-koreas-ex-pm-hans-insurrection-trial-to-be-held-once-a-week-638784.html Seoul Sep 16 The insurrection trial of South Koreas former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo will be held once a week starting later this month a court said on Tuesday Han has been indicted on charges of abetting former President Yoon Suk Yeols martial law imposition in December perjury falsifying and destroying official documents and other offences Yonhap news agency reportedDuring the first pretrial hearing at the Seoul Central District Court on Tuesday the bench said the formal trial will begin September 30 and proceed swiftly with one hearing every MondayThe first formal hearing will be used to examine surveillance camera footage from the presidential office on the day martial law was declared on December 3Before Yoon declared martial law he convened a Cabinet meeting at the presidential office allegedly at Hans suggestionThe footage reportedly shows Han gathering papers printed with the martial law declaration and Yoons address to the nation from the meeting roomIt also allegedly shows Han checking whether the quorum for a Cabinet meeting is met by counting with his hand and conferring with the then Interior Minister Lee Sangmin after the meeting is overHans indictment accuses him of drafting a revised proclamation after December 3 with the aim of enhancing the legitimacy of the decree and later destroying itHe also stands accused of lying under oath at the Constitutional Court and the National Assembly that he was not aware that Yoon had given him a copy of the martial law declaration until after the decree was liftedHan did not attend Tuesdays pretrial hearing as it was not requiredEarlier in August a special counsel team indicted Han on charges of abetting Yoons failed imposition of martial lawHan was indicted without physical detention on charges of abetting the ringleader of an insurrection perjury falsifying and destroying official documents and other offences according to special counsel Cho Eunsuks team IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-koreas-ex-pm-hans-insurrection-trial-to-be-held-once-a-week-638784.html Tue, 16 Sep 2025 14:01:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/mos-margherita-interacts-with-indian-community-in-papua-new-guinea-638796.html Port Moresby Sep 15 Minister of State for External Affairs MoS Pabitra Margherita interacted with the Indian community members in Papua New Guinea on Tuesday terming them as a living bridge between the two nations He lauded the role of Indian community in strengthening partnership between two nations In a statement shared on social media platform X Margherita stated A heartwarming evening with our vibrant Indian family in Papua New Guinea Over 4000 strong they are a living bridge between India and PNG playing a pivotal role in strengthening our partnership through cultural economic and community contributionsOn Monday Margherita called on Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape conveying greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and people of India on the occasion of countrys 50th anniversary of independenceMargherita expressed both nations commitment to deepening bilateral and peopletopeople tiesHonoured to call on Honble James Marape Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea Conveyed warm greetings from PM Shri Narendra Modi ji and the people of India on the occasion of PNGAt50 Both countries remain committed to deepening bilateral and peopletopeople ties MoS Margherita posted on XMargherita arrived in Port Moresby on Monday on an official visit to Papua New Guinea where he will represent PM Modi at the commemorative events marking Papua New Guineas 50th anniversary of IndependenceDuring the visit MoS Margherita is expected to have bilateral meetings with the political leadership of Papua New Guinea according to Ministry of External Affairs MEA statementFollowing the historic 3rd Summit of the Forum for IndiaPacific Islands Cooperation FIPIC chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in May 2023 in Port Moresby the visit of MOSPM to Papua New Guinea would provide an opportunity to continue our engagement with the leadership in the Pacific Island Countries PICs the MEA statedThe visit also follows the momentum created by Prime Minister Modis landmark visit to Papua New Guinea in 2023 where both nations committed to deepening bilateral relations expanding development partnerships and enhancing defence cooperationPM Modi had travelled to Port Moresby to host the FIPIC III Summit jointly with his Papua New Guinea counterpart James Marape Launched in 2014 FIPIC involves India and 14 Pacific Island Countries PICs namely Cook Islands Federated States of Micronesia Fiji Kiribati Nauru Niue Palau Papua New Guinea Republic of Marshall Islands Samoa Solomon Islands Tonga Tuvalu and Vanuatu IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/mos-margherita-interacts-with-indian-community-in-papua-new-guinea-638796.html Tue, 16 Sep 2025 14:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/agencies-alerted-to-burdwan-style-bomb-making-modules-after-pahalgam-638820.html New Delhi Sep 16 Security along the IndiaPakistan border is at an alltime high following the Pahalgam attack It was ramped up even further after India carried out Operation Sindoor to avenge the Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 innocent lives The tightening of security has made it nearly impossible for terrorists from Pakistan to infiltrate Another problem that is being faced by these elements is that they are unable to smuggle arms and ammunition for terrorists to use in Jammu and KashmirThe ISI has now activated its modules in India and is encouraging them to operate from remote places and prepare the ammunition or bombs This is very much on the lines of the Burdwan module in West Bengal that was busted by the agencies in 2014The ISI proposes similar modules across the country as it feels that this would ensure quicker and secure arms delivery to its terrorists operating in Jammu and Kashmir and other placesIntercepts picked up by the Intelligence Bureau suggest that smaller units to manufacture arms and ammunition are being planned across the country The agencies have advised the state police units to coordinate closely with the central agencies These modules have to be tracked and shut down If there are slipups these have the potential to set up scores of small units and produce a large amount of arms and ammunitionThe primary intention of the ISI is to manoeuvre the block that it is facing at the Line of Control LoC owing to heightened security Initially it had managed to overcome this problem by using the border with Punjab to send in drugs arms and ammunition When the manual routes were blocked Pakistan used drones to deliver narcotics money arms and ammunition Once these were dropped off in Punjab they would be transported by route to Jammu and Kashmir The arms were also meant to be used by the Khalistani terrorists based in PunjabHowever with technology being enhanced the Indian agencies managed to shut down this menace largelyWith so many blocks the ISI has now plotted to set up small units and manufacture arms The money would be routed through clandestine methods The agencies say that the ISI uses the hawala route extensively to send money to its operatives in India Most of the money that comes in for such activities using the hawala route is usually from Gulf nationsOfficials say that identifying such units would be crucial and hence the coordination between the states and the Centre is important While such units can come up overnight it is important to prevent them from manufacturing arms and ammunition officials also noteThe job would be harder for the security agencies since these factories would be set up in remote places away from the public eye This is an intentional ploy to avoid scrutiny It worked for terror groups in Burdwan The bomb making factories in Burdwan were operating as cottage industries Bombs were being manufactured in firecrackermaking units and hence they never caught the attention of the policeAfter the module was busted the police found that bombs had been manufactured in thousands It was later learnt that the bombs were being manufactured by the Jamaat ul Mujahideen Bangladesh JMB This was being done at the insistence of the JamaateIslami which was planning on carrying out a series of blasts in Bangladesh to enforce regime changeWhile the ISIs new plan is similar in terms of infrastructure and secrecy the intention is to carry out blasts in the country and also ensure that there is a proper supply chain of arms and ammunition to Jammu and Kashmir IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/agencies-alerted-to-burdwan-style-bomb-making-modules-after-pahalgam-638820.html Tue, 16 Sep 2025 16:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-to-launch-joint-review-of-possible-rights-violations-in-us-raid-with-companies-involved-638824.html Seoul Sep 16 The South Korean foreign ministry on Tuesday said that it will launch a joint review with relevant ministries and the companies involved in possible human rights violations during a recent US raid on Korean workers Since a total of 316 South Koreans returned home on Friday after a week in detention in Georgia following a US immigration raid at a car battery plant site corun by Hyundai and LG local media have reported numerous accounts alleging extremely poor conditions and harsh treatment during their detentionThe workers recounted cramped spaces mouldcovered mattresses cold temperatures and limited access to basic hygiene Several also described how they were shackled with chains around their waist legs and wrists during the arrest and treated roughly by immigration officers reports Yonhap news agencyThe Ministry of Foreign Affairs the justice ministry and the companies involved will immediately launch a joint comprehensive review and we are currently in talks with company officials ministry spokesperson Lee Jaewoong said in a press briefingThe government will discuss with company representatives how to carry out the review including ways to interview the individuals who were detained and other details Lee addedThe release of the South Koreans came after Seoul had intense negotiations with Washington last week stressing that the rights and dignity of its citizens must not be unfairly violated Seoul expressed strong regret to Washington over the incidentOn September 13 a Korean Air chartered plane carrying 316 South Koreans and 14 foreigners landed at Incheon International Airport west of Seoul around 323 pm a day after their release from detention following the immigration sweepThe workers were released from the facilities in Folkston early on September 11 US time as Seoul made intensive efforts to secure their release and return home through negotiations with Washington IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-to-launch-joint-review-of-possible-rights-violations-in-us-raid-with-companies-involved-638824.html Tue, 16 Sep 2025 17:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistans-digital-economy-plunges-into-deep-crisis-as-online-financial-frauds-soar-638830.html New Delhi Sep 16 Pakistans digital economy has plunged into a deep crisis of cyber scams data breaches and online financial fraud with scammers leveraging online banking platforms and deceptive investment schemes to cheat unsuspecting users according to a report The scale of the problem is staggering Between 2020 and 2024 the Federal Investigation Agency FIA received over 722000 cybercrime complaints Yet fewer than 10 per cent were formally investigated and a mere 152 cases led to convictions In 2024 alone more than 13000 complaints of online financial fraud resulted in 1212 arrests but only 17 verdicts were delivered These figures reveal not just inefficiency but a systemic collapse in justice and deterrence according to the report in Islam Khabar by Khaalid HanifThe financial sector continues to absorb the shock In Q1 2024 the State Bank of Pakistan SBP imposed fines exceeding PKR 776 million on eight major banks for lapses in antimoney laundering customer due diligence and fraud risk protocols The Banking Mohtasib resolved nearly 28000 digital fraud complaints in 2024 with PKR 165 billion in restitution Yet these recoveries are dwarfed by the scale of unrecovered losses and the erosion of consumer confidence said the reportThe report further states that digital fraud has evolved into organised industrialscale crime In July 2025 the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency NCCIA dismantled a massive Ponzi scheme operating out of a Faisalabad call center arresting 149 suspects including foreign nationals Meanwhile the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan SECP flagged 141 illegal lending apps exploiting platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp many of which reappear under new names even after regulatory takedownsIt cites the Pakistan Cybersecurity Councils 2024 report which highlights that over 60 per cent of Pakistani companies fail to implement basic cybersecurity protocols such as encryption and multifactor authentication International institutions have taken noteDespite legislative efforts including the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act PECA 2016 the National Cybersecurity Policy 2021 and the establishment of the Digital Rights Protection Authority DRPA in 2025 Pakistans response remains fragmented Jurisdictional overlaps and turf wars between the FIA and NCCIA have created confusion over investigative primacy further weakening enforcementWith only 350 cybercrime investigators in the country handling over 160000 cases each officer has to handle an average of 6000 complaints annually Some provinces have just two digital locators and five forensic vehicles The judiciary too is illequipped lacking technical training specialised benches and clarity on digital evidence interpretation The result is a justice system unable to keep pace with the complexity and volume of cybercrime the report statesPakistans digital infrastructure is equally vulnerable The PTAs Cybersecurity Report 202425 recorded a 17 per cent rise in attacks on critical systems with phishing incidents surging by 173 per cent globally and mirrored domestically While the CTDISR2025 introduced commendable security protocols compliance remains uneven and largely confined to major telecom operators Sectoral CERTs for banking and government are still embryonic and incident response remains underresourced the report added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistans-digital-economy-plunges-into-deep-crisis-as-online-financial-frauds-soar-638830.html Tue, 16 Sep 2025 17:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/nepal-last-rites-of-fallen-gen-z-protesters-performed-with-national-honours-638849.html Kathmandu Sep 16 Protestors killed during last weeks GenZ protests in Nepals capital Kathmandu were cremated with national honours on Tuesday with the newlyappointed government ministers attending the funeral The first cabinet meeting of the new government on Monday had declared that those who had fallen during the protests on September 8 and 9 be termed as martyrs The deceased were paid homage with the national flag draped over them beside the Pashupatinath temple in the presence of interim government ministers Kulman Ghising and Om Prakash AryalArmed Police personnel offered a salute to the newlydeclared martyrs Before their cremation a funeral procession was carried out from Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital passing through various locations before reaching the funeral site near the Pashupatinath TempleAs per the cabinet decision a day of mourning will be observed on September 17 when the national flag will be flown at halfmastThose injured during the protests will be treated free of cost and a GenZ Memorial park will also be built according to the government decisionAt least 72 people died in last weeks antigovernment protests called by Gen Z youths while hundreds remain hospitalised across the country according to the policeThe protests organised against corruption and social media ban had turned violent with police shooting at protestors leading to the death of 19 on the first day September 8The death of youngsters fuelled public anger and the angry protestors then vandalised and torched several government buildings and private properties including the business enterprises on the second day forcing the then Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli to resignMeanwhile discredited top leaders of political parties have started to reappear in public On Tuesday Communist Party of Nepal Maoist Centre Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda visited his party headquarters which was burnt down by the protestorsThe protestors had burnt down the party offices of three major political parties including that of the Maoist Centre CPN UML and Nepali Congress along with the residences of the leaders of these political parties IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/nepal-last-rites-of-fallen-gen-z-protesters-performed-with-national-honours-638849.html Tue, 16 Sep 2025 19:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/mos-margherita-interacts-with-business-community-of-papua-new-guinea-638851.html Port Moresby Sep 16 Minister of State for External Affairs MoS Pabitra Margherita on Tuesday met with the leading businesspersons of Papua New Guinea discussing with them ways to further strengthen bilateral trade ties In a statement shared on social media platform X Margherita stated Had productive and engaging discussions with the leading businesspersons of Papua New Guinea including key Indian entrepreneurs in the textile sector of the country Explored ways to further strengthen bilateral trade tiesEarlier in the day Margherita interacted with the Indian community members in Papua New Guinea terming them as a living bridge between the two nations He lauded the role of Indian community in strengthening partnership between two nationsA heartwarming evening with our vibrant Indian family in Papua New Guinea Over 4000 strong they are a living bridge between India and PNG playing a pivotal role in strengthening our partnership through cultural economic and community contributions Margherita posted on XOn Monday Margherita had called on Papua New Guineas Prime Minister James Marape conveying greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and people of India on the occasion of countrys 50th anniversary of independence He expressed both nations commitment to deepening bilateral and peopletopeople tiesHonoured to call on Honble James Marape Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea Conveyed warm greetings from PM Shri Narendra Modi ji and the people of India on the occasion of PNGAt50 Both countries remain committed to deepening bilateral and peopletopeople ties MoS Margherita posted on XMargherita arrived in Port Moresby on Monday on an official visit to Papua New Guinea where he will represent PM Modi at the commemorative events marking Papua New Guineas 50th anniversary of IndependenceDuring the visit MoS Margherita is expected to have bilateral meetings with the political leadership of Papua New Guinea according to Ministry of External Affairs MEA statementFollowing the historic 3rd Summit of the Forum for IndiaPacific Islands Cooperation FIPIC chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in May 2023 in Port Moresby the visit of MOSPM to Papua New Guinea would provide an opportunity to continue our engagement with the leadership in the Pacific Island Countries PICs the MEA stated IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/mos-margherita-interacts-with-business-community-of-papua-new-guinea-638851.html Tue, 16 Sep 2025 19:09:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/namibias-capital-launches-zero-emissions-week-638861.html Windhoek Sep 16 Namibias capital city Windhoek has officially launched Zero Emissions Week 2025 to raise awareness about climate change sustainable mobility and the benefits of reducing emissions The weeklong event features various activities including an electric vehicle exhibition an environmental video awareness competition cycling gear giveaways a corporate trivia challenge and a citywide CarFree DayWith these initiatives Windhoek is seeking to lead by example making sustainable mobility and clean energy a reality for its residentsIn his welcoming remarks Pierre van Rensburg strategic executive for urban and transport planning at the City of Windhoek emphasised that Zero Emissions Week is not about following international trends but about addressing practical challenges facing the city including transportrelated emissions congestion and urban air qualityTransport contributes a significant 25 per cent of global carbon dioxide emissions with vehicles accounting for 70 per cent according to van Rensburg Xinhua news agency reported He encouraged residents to envision a future with sustainable transport and adopt greener alternatives like public transport cycling and walkingAs part of the initiative the municipality also inaugurated its first electric vehicle charging station which would help normalize electric mobility and expand EV infrastructure across the cityNdeshihafela Larandja Mayor of Windhoek said this milestone reflects the citys commitment to climateresilient development sustainable mobility and reducing its carbon footprintLast week Namibia announced plans to mobilise about 17 billion US dollars for green hydrogen projects as the Global African Hydrogen Summit wrapped up Thursday in the capital Windhoek after drawing more than 1500 participants from over 75 countriesWe are trying to mobilise Namibias share of about 17 billion dollars that we now want to bring home and start deploying into our projects Namibias Green Hydrogen Commissioner James Mnyupe told delegates Namibia has now gone beyond the realms of dreaming and its now beginning to construct beginning to produce and beginning to implementThe threeday summit held under the theme Ambition in Action Fuelling Africas Green Industrial Revolution gathered over 25 ministers 125 experts financiers project developers and youth representatives to discuss financing infrastructure community benefits and over 50 bankable hydrogen projects across Africa IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/namibias-capital-launches-zero-emissions-week-638861.html Tue, 16 Sep 2025 19:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistans-desperation-for-chinese-funds-risks-clash-with-afghan-taliban-638875.html New Delhi Sep 16 Pakistan may have gloated about the fact that China insisted on Afghanistan being part of the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor Project CPEC 20 but during his recent visit to China Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was left emptyhanded after Beijing said that investments would be subject to the security of the project The Chinese have had a hard time dealing with the Balochistan Liberation Army BLA and the TehreekTaliban Pakistan TTP while executing the CPEC project that passes through Balochistan They have repeatedly complained that Pakistan has failed to provide security to its people working on the project Further the two groups have caused substantial damage to the project during its executionChina is no doubt interested in the CPEC 20 involving Afghanistan However it has decided that it would tread cautiously this time around and would not put in its money unless Pakistan can guarantee the projects securityFor Pakistan taming the TTP is extremely crucial as it enjoys the support of the Afghan Taliban Pakistan had repeatedly blamed the Taliban of backing the TTP and allowing the outfit to use its soil to strike at PakistanNow Intelligence assessments say that Pakistan is getting desperate and has decided to take matters into its own hands while also conveying a message to the TalibanPakistan has now decided to carry out strikes on TTP bases within Afghanistan This risks a fullblown confrontation with the Taliban as well Pakistan has mapped TTP infrastructure across the Durand Line following a highlevel security meeting The meeting was chaired by Pakistans army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and other officials It was decided that Pakistan would carry out strikes thus indicating that there would be a major escalationAn official from Pakistan is likely to travel to Afghanistan and convey to the Taliban about their plans on dealing with the TTPRecently the Foreign Ministers of China Pakistan and Afghanistan held a meeting to discuss the CPEC 20 project China made it clear that it wanted Afghanistan to be part of the project While the meeting decided on a variety of factors the point on which there was no agreement was about the Talibans support for the TTP While Afghanistan assured China that it would not allow the BLA to use its soil to stage attacks it failed to give any such assurance about the TTPA lot would depend on the Pakistan officials visit to Afghanistan If the Taliban do not agree to what Pakistan is saying then one could expect chaos in the region Pakistan needs the investment from China desperately as its economy continues to fall each day However for that to take place it needs to convince Beijing that it is capable of securing the projectDespite making all efforts the Pakistan Army has failed to rein in the TTP Following the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the three countries the TTP has only scaled up attacks against the Pakistan Army The army has in the last week lost 50 personnel in attacks that were carried out by the TTP in areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Lower Dir Unable to fight the outfit the Pakistan Army has even reached out to the US seeking support in terms of Intelligence and other logisticsSharif recently blamed terrorists based in Afghanistan for striking in Pakistan He had also warned that they would no longer keep quiet The Pakistan Army may go on the offensive but the battle would not be an easy one especially against the TTPIndian officials feel that Pakistan without the support of the US or China is not likely to have any major success against the TTP or BLA However it is desperate for money and hence is ready to take the risk of going into an allout war against the TTP This however risks regional stability and the possibility of a massive escalation IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistans-desperation-for-chinese-funds-risks-clash-with-afghan-taliban-638875.html Tue, 16 Sep 2025 22:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/realism-and-caution-must-be-adopted-in-efforts-to-add-momentum-to-warming-india-china-ties-report-638885.html Sofia Sep 16 The recent diplomatic engagement between India and China is hardly a reset as there are a number of strategic security and economic challenges that complicate the diplomatic thaw and bilateral ties a report stated on Tuesday As India and China engage in diplomatic activities caution and realism must guide the next phase of efforts to add momentum to warming ties it mentioned The resumption of diplomatic engagement between India and China has led to agreements on key aspects of the bilateral relationship disengagement at the border and discussions on the possibility of reviving economic linkages and Foreign Direct Investment FDI according to a report in Modern Diplomacy These developments are suggestive of a thaw in bilateral ties that were strained since the Galwan clashes in 2020India and China have worked to restore diplomatic relations by leveraging cooperation in the domain of peopletopeople ties hydrological data sharing and crossborder connectivity since the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of BRICS Summit in Kazan in October last yearRelations between two nations have normalised on the back of peopletopeople ties as India resumed issuing tourist visas for Chinese nationals for the first time in five years In March China lifted visa restrictions on Indian nationals after both nations announced that they would resume direct air travel These decisions allow greater peopletopeople interactions in the domain of tourism and academic and cultural exchangesThe recent diplomatic reengagement between India and China is hardly a reset There are several pressing strategic security and economic challenges that complicate the diplomatic thaw and broader bilateral relations Tensions at the border could flare with any misstep from either side and disengagement would be replaced with escalation Similarly on the trade front Indias import dependence on Chinese goods is an economic vulnerability that Beijing could exploit in the event of any new confrontation The same applies to hydrological data sharing which became a casualty of the Doklam standoff At the same time reintroducing Chinese FDI and economic linkages carries national security risks with it that will have to be carefully scrutinized wrote Rahul Karan Reddy and Tridivesh Singh Maini in Modern DiplomacyBeyond existing challenges there are emerging ones that threaten to complicate relations further The Dalai Lamas succession issue is already shaping into a thorny one and Chinas Medong County dam is a troubling development with significant downstream implications for Indian states in the Northeast Even paradiplomacy efforts are embedded with concerns about Chinas influence operations and data security the report addedTherefore it emphasised it is crucial to view progress on nonconfrontational issues like peopletopeople ties and paradiplomacy efforts as a small but meaningful step in the direction of restoring trust and balanceFurther improvements must be pursued keeping in mind the core interests and concerns of both sides the writers assertedWith the door for paradiplomacy held ajar by the progress made so far between India and China caution and realism must guide the next phase of efforts to add momentum to warming ties it concluded IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/realism-and-caution-must-be-adopted-in-efforts-to-add-momentum-to-warming-india-china-ties-report-638885.html Tue, 16 Sep 2025 23:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/yudh-abhyas-2025-indian-us-soldiers-conclude-exercise-in-alaska-638716.html Washington Sep 16 The 21st edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2025 the annual bilateral ArmytoArmy exercise between India and the United States concluded successfully after two weeks of rigorous training in Alaska In a statement the Indian embassy in Washington termed the exercises a hallmark of the growing militarytomilitary interaction between India and the US aligned with the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between both countriesAs part of the exercise a total of 450 soldiers from each side took part in field and command post drills while also engaging with subjectmatter experts SMEs to further strengthen operational synergy The Indian side was led by a battalion of the Madras Regiment with soldiers of the US Armys 11th Airborne DivisionThe exercise was conducted from September 114 at Fort Wainwright and the Yukon Training Area in AlaskaThe 2025 edition was one of the largest bilateral military exercises for the Indian Army in terms of troops mobilisedThe embassy statement noted that the exercises allowed soldiers from both armies to adapt their procedures to another and build familiarity under realistic combat conditionsThe Exercise saw command post exercises wherein Indian and American officers worked side by side on operational planning command and control and coordination across brigade and battalion levels This was followed by field training in challenging subarctic terrain including drills and maneuvers specialist training such as sniper and recce counter IED training and laying of obstacles and demolitions it explainedThe drills also included livefire activities such as joint firing and mortar livefire exercises that tested coordination in fire control and communications in a demanding terrain providing valuable lessons in precision adaptability and joint targetingExercise Yudh Abhyas has evolved significantly since its inception in 2002 when it began as a platoonlevel exercise focused on peacekeeping It has steadily grown in scale and complexity alternating between locations in India and the US the embassy statement added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/yudh-abhyas-2025-indian-us-soldiers-conclude-exercise-in-alaska-638716.html Tue, 16 Sep 2025 06:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-claims-us-military-again-strikes-alleged-venezuelan-drug-boat-killing-three-638717.html Washington Sep 16 US President Donald Trump said that the US military launched the second strike in two weeks targeting an alleged drug boat from Venezuela killing three men aboard the vessel in international waters This morning on my Orders US Military Forces conducted a SECOND Kinetic Strike against positively identified extraordinarily violent drug trafficking cartels and narcoterrorists in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility Trump wrote on social mediaThese extremely violent drug trafficking cartels POSE A THREAT to US National Security Foreign Policy and vital US Interests he saidTrumps post also includes a video marked unclassified showing that a vessel caught fire in unknown watersOn September 2 Trump ordered a US military strike in international waters on a vessel allegedly carrying drugs from Venezuela killing 11 people onboard whom Trump described as all positively identified Tren de Aragua TDA NarcoterroristsVenezuelan President Nicolas Maduro later denounced the first US strike as unlawful He accused Washington of fabricating drug trafficking claims to justify its regime change attempt insisting that Venezuela is free of coca cultivation and cocaine production Xinhua news agency reportedThe Venezuelan side has not yet commented on the second US strikeMaduro said at a press conference Monday that channels of communication between the United States and Venezuela have been severed by WashingtonHe blamed the breakdown on threats and blackmail from Washington while stressing that Venezuela has managed to preserve peace despite provocations from the United StatesMaduro added that Venezuela is exercising its legitimate right to defend itself against political diplomatic and potential military aggression IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-claims-us-military-again-strikes-alleged-venezuelan-drug-boat-killing-three-638717.html Tue, 16 Sep 2025 06:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/dna-evidence-links-suspect-to-charlie-kirks-killing-fbi-638718.html Washington Sep 16 US Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Director Kash Patel said that investigators have found DNA evidence tying alleged Charlie Kirk assassin Tyler Robinson to last weeks crime scene We have the DNA on the screwdriver that was found on the rooftop and the towel that the firearm was wrapped in Patel said in an interview with Fox News on MondayThe rifle itself is being processed at the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives laboratories in Maryland Patel notedThe FBI director also said that the suspects family has collectively told investigators that he subscribed to leftwing ideology and even more so in these last couple of yearsKirk a rightwing activist and influencer was fatally shot in the neck on Wednesday while debating in front of the audience during an event at Utah Valley University Xinhua news agency reportedRoughly 33 hours after the shooting the 22yearold suspect was apprehended in Washington County Utah after relatives helped identify him from images released by investigatorsA family member of Robinson reached out to a family friend who contacted the Washington County Sheriffs Office with information that Robinson had confessed to them Utah Governor Spencer Cox said on FridayDuring a Sunday appearance on NBC the Utah governor said that interviews conducted by investigators with friends and relatives of Robinson indicated that he had a leftist ideology that was very different from that of his conservative familyDespite being a registered voter state voting records showed that Robinson is unaffiliated with any political party and indicated that he did not vote in the November presidential election the first presidential election since he turned 18 His parents are both registered RepublicansThe authorities have continued to search for a motive IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/dna-evidence-links-suspect-to-charlie-kirks-killing-fbi-638718.html Tue, 16 Sep 2025 07:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/israel-says-it-struck-hezbollah-site-in-lebanon-one-wounded-638719.html Jerusalem Sep 16 The Israeli military said that it struck a Hezbollah command site in southern Lebanon as crossborder tensions persist despite a ceasefire Lebanons staterun National News Agency said Israeli drones fired two missiles at a car in the town of Yater wounding one person The Health Ministrys emergency operations center confirmed the casualty on MondayIn a statement the Israeli military said the strike targeted Hezbollah infrastructure and vowed to continue operations to remove threats to Israel Hezbollah has not commented Xinhua news agency reportedA US and Frenchbrokered ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect on November 27 2024 ending more than a year of clashes But Israel has continued occasional strikes in Lebanon saying they aim to eliminate Hezbollah threats It has also kept forces in parts of the border area after the deadline for a full withdrawal expired on February 18Meanwhile last week Israel launched an unprecedented airstrike in the Qatari capital of Doha targetting a building used by senior Hamas officials in what Israeli authorities described as an attempt to assassinate leaders of the groupIn a joint statement the military and the Shin Bet security agency confirmed responsibility saying the strike targeted Hamas leaders directly responsible for the October 7 massacre and used precise munitions and intelligence to limit civilian harmIsrael Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it a wholly independent Israeli operation Israel initiated it Israel conducted it and Israel takes full responsibility he said in a statement released by his office Xinhua News Agency reportedEyewitnesses heard loud explosions and saw a large plume of smoke rising over the Qatari capital no initial casualties were reported IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/israel-says-it-struck-hezbollah-site-in-lebanon-one-wounded-638719.html Tue, 16 Sep 2025 07:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-condemns-murder-of-indian-man-in-texas-promises-justice-638551.html Washington Sep 15 US President Donald Trump has reacted to the brutal killing of an Indian national by an undocumented immigrant in Texas promising prosecution of the accused to the fullest extent of the law who will be charged with murder in the first degree I am aware of the terrible reports regarding the murder of Chandra Nagamallaiah a wellrespected person in Dallas Texas who was brutally beheaded in front of his wife and son by an ILLEGAL ALIEN from Cuba who should have never been in our Country Trump posted on Truth SocialTrump also blamed the previous Biden administration for releasing the murder accused into the communityThis individual was previously arrested for terrible crimes including child sex abuse grand theft auto and false imprisonment but was released back into our Homeland under incompetent Joe Biden because Cuba did not want such an evil person in their Country Rest assured the time for being soft on these Illegal Immigrant Criminals is OVER under my watch Trump addedOn September 10 41yearold Nagamallaiah was fatally attacked and decapitated at a motel in Dallas Texas 37yearold Martinez was arrested and charged with capital murder He is accused of beheading Nagamallaiah and leaving the victims head in a trash binA disturbing video circulating on social media showed Martinez chasing the victim with a machete and continuing the attack until Nagamallaiah was decapitated He then kicked the victims head into the motel parking lot before picking it up and placing it in a dumpsterOn Friday the US Department of Homeland Security DHS announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement ICE has started the process of the attackers removal from the countryIn a statement DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughli also accused the Biden administration of allowing undocumented immigrants into the countryThis gruesome savage slaying of a victim at a motel by Yordanis CobosMartinez was completely preventable if this criminal illegal alien was not released into our country by the Biden Administration she addedAccording to the DHS Martinez was in ICE Dallas custody at the Bluebonnet Detention Centre until he was released on an Order of Supervision on January 13 2025 under the Biden administration IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-condemns-murder-of-indian-man-in-texas-promises-justice-638551.html Mon, 15 Sep 2025 09:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korean-presidential-office-agrees-in-principle-that-chief-justice-should-reflect-on-calls-for-resignation-638555.html Seoul Sep 15 The presidential office said Monday it agrees in principle that Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Heedae should reflect on calls for his resignation The remark came after Rep Choo Miae chair of the National Assemblys Legislation and Judiciary Committee called for Chos resignation in a Facebook post the previous day accusing him of shielding figures involved in former President Yoon Suk Yeols martial law imposition by delaying their trialsWe agree in principle that if there is public demand and it reflects the needs of the times it is necessary as an appointed authority to reflect on the plausibility and reasons for such demands presidential spokesperson Kang Yujung said during a press briefing when asked to comment on Choos remarksKang stressed the need to respect the National Assembly as the foremost elected body representing the spirit of the Constitution and the will of the people in a thinly veiled message that the judiciary which is an appointed body should reflect on Choos callsKang also addressed the judiciarys recent call for caution on the ruling Democratic Party DPs judiciary reform bills Yonhap news agency reportedAn authority appointed by indirect appointing power should fully observe the legislatures discussions rather than doubting the legislatures ability to exercise selfcorrection and hold internal deliberations she saidCho earlier stressed the importance of respecting the independence of the judiciary vowing to seek what he called the right path to judicial reformSeparately DP leader Jung Chungrae also called for Chos resignation during the partys supreme council meeting earlier in the dayThe judicial reform bills being pushed by the DP call for increasing the number of Supreme Court justices from the current 14 to 30 overhauling the recommendation process for Supreme Court justices and evaluation method for judges expanding public access to lowercourt rulings and introducing a preexamination system for search and seizure warrantsThe party has said it aims to pass the bills before the extended Chuseok holiday that begins October 3 IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korean-presidential-office-agrees-in-principle-that-chief-justice-should-reflect-on-calls-for-resignation-638555.html Mon, 15 Sep 2025 09:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/ukraine-claims-strike-on-major-oil-refinery-in-russias-leningrad-region-638558.html Kyiv Sep 15 The Ukrainian military said it struck the Kirishi oil refinery in Russias northwestern Leningrad region The attack took place on Sunday night caused explosions and a fire at the facility which is one of the largest oil refineries in Russia the Ukrainian Armed Forces said in a reportAccording to it the refinery which produces about 80 types of petroleum products including automotive gasoline diesel and aviation fuel is involved in supplying the Russian army Xinhua news agency reportedThe strike on the Kirishi refinery in Russias northwestern Leningrad region follows weeks of Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil infrastructure that Kyiv says fuels Moscows war effort The facility operated by Russian oil major Surgutneftegas produces close to 177 million metric tons per year 355000 barrels per day of crude and is one of Russias top three by outputMore than three years since Russias fullscale invasion of Ukraine drones have emerged as a key weapon for both sides Multiple Russian drones crossed into Poland on Wednesday prompting NATO to send fighter jets to shoot them down and underlining longheld concerns that the fighting might spill over beyond Ukraines bordersAccording to Ukraines General Staff explosions and a fire were reported at the Kirishi refineryThe Kirishi refinery also known as Kirishinefteorgsintez or KINEF is one of Russias top two oil refineries by volume along with the Ryazan Oil Refinery A subsidiary of Surgutneftegaz the facility refines about 177 million metric tons per year 355000 barrels per day of Russian crude IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/ukraine-claims-strike-on-major-oil-refinery-in-russias-leningrad-region-638558.html Mon, 15 Sep 2025 09:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-china-using-tiktok-vs-soybeans-as-bait-amid-madrid-summit-638564.html Seoul Sep 15 There are speculations that a tense battle of wits will unfold between Chinese company TikTok and American soybeans on the first day of the USChina trade talks held in Madrid Spain on September 14 According to reports from foreign media outlets such as Bloomberg and Chinese media outlets such as the South China Morning Post SCMP in Hong Kong TikTok and soybeans appear to have emerged as new points of contention amid a tense tugofwar between the two sides over existing issues such as the imposition of high reciprocal tariffs restrictions on advanced technologies such as semiconductor chips for artificial intelligence AI in the US and restrictions on the supply of rare earth elements in ChinaThe US has officially raised the issue of forcibly selling TikTok and in response China has also put forward the issue of importing US soybeans which are entering the harvest season as a new cardThe general consensus is that the USChina tariff and trade conflict which is the biggest concern of the international community will only find a solution when US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping meetFor this reason it is clear that the two countries are speeding up coordination of agendas ahead of President Trumps visit to China which is expected to take place around the time of the AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation APEC summit to be held in Gyeongju South Korea from October 31 to November 1China is moving into negotiations after flaunting its antiUS nonUS big tent with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization SCO Tianjin Summit which even Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended and the 80th anniversary military parade featuring Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean Chairman Kim Jong UnOn the 9th US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chinese Minister of National Defense Dong Jun held a video call and on the 10th US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Wang Yi Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Communist Party of China and Minister of Foreign Affairs held a video call to coordinate defense and diplomatic issues and then trade talks began on the 14thOn the first day of the Madrid trade talks the US delegation led by Treasury Secretary Scott Besant and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and the Chinese delegation led by Vice Premier He Lifeng held six hours of discussionsBloomberg reported that the Chinese delegation is expected to stay in Spain until the 17th and predicted that the second meeting will be held on the 15thDiplomatic circles predict that a USChina summit will be held before November 10th the end date of the 90day ceasefire in the USChina tariff and trade war which was reestablished by President Trumps executive order on the 11th of last monthThe Trump administration has been concerned about TikTok the videosharing platform owned by Chinas ByteDance TikTok which is effectively under the influence of the Chinese Communist Party has been wildly popular among American youth since 2019In particular President Trump has been pushing for a complete ban on TikTok since his first term in office citing the potential for personal information leaks and threats to national security However concerns about the potential infringement of freedom of expression as stipulated in the US Constitution were also significantThe United States has enacted the socalled TikTok Forced Divestment Act citing national security concerns President Trump has extended the deadline for the forced divestment of TikToks US business rights three times with the final extension ending on the 17th of this monthIn light of this the Trump administration appears intent on pressuring Chinese authorities through USChina tariff and trade negotiations to induce TikTok to voluntarily sell and withdraw from the United States Yonhap news agency reportedIn response China has threatened legal action viewing the pressure to sell TikTok as unfair treatment of its technology and companies and an infringement on its sovereignty and has also expressed its strong will to take action including suspending TikToks service in the United StatesMeanwhile China appears to have applied strong pressure during the talks over the issue of importing American soybeansThis trend can also be seen in the editorial published on the 15th by the Global Times a staterun media outlet and sister publication of the Chinese Communist Partys Peoples Daily which emphasized that American soybean farmers are missing out on the opportunity to sell billions of dollars worth of soybeans even though the harvest season has arrived and that this is the adverse effect of the US trade war with ChinaThe paper also said US soybean farmers are deeply concerned that they will have to prepare for harvest in the absence of purchase orders from ChinaIn fact President Trump said on the 11th of last month that he hopes China will quickly quadruple its soybean orders but China has been weighing the situation without giving an immediate responseAccording to data from the General Administration of Customs of China Chinas soybean imports from January to July this year amounted to 6103 million tons of which Brazilian soybeans accounted for 70 per cent and American soybeans slightly over 25 per centThe United States was once Chinas largest importer of soybeans but Chinas tariff and trade disputes with the United States have changed thatChina the worlds largest soybean importer claims that it is diversifying its import sources but the general analysis is that its true intention is to weaponize soybeansThe issue that the international community is most interested in is the reciprocal tariff rate that the United States will impose on ChinaPresident Trumps hardline stance led the US and China to impose tripledigit retaliatory tariffs but the situation was temporarily adjusted through two rounds of 90day tariff trucesFollowing President Trumps executive order signed on the 11th of last month the US and China are conducting trade negotiations while maintaining their existing reciprocal tariffs of 30 per cent and 10 per cent respectivelyOn April 4th China pressured the Trump administration by imposing export controls on seven of the 17 rare earth elements to the United States In exchange for lifting those restrictions China secured export permits for Nvidias H20 AI chips China which dominates the rare earth supply chain has made no secret of its willingness to use the rare earths weaponization card against the United States at any timeGiven that the USChina delegations to the Madrid summit are centered on economic and trade issues there are speculations that issues such as the South China Sea territorial dispute and the Taiwan issue will not be addressed in earnestIn this regard the US and China are expected to hold further discussions through defense and diplomatic channelsHowever it is expected that it will not be easy for the United States which has opposed Chinas claim to sovereignty over the South China Sea with its commitment to freedom of navigation to find common groundRegarding the Taiwan issue the prevailing view is that a onesided agenda coordination ahead of the USChina summit will be impossible given that the US cannot tolerate Chinas will to unify the island by force IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-china-using-tiktok-vs-soybeans-as-bait-amid-madrid-summit-638564.html Mon, 15 Sep 2025 09:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bdesh-bnp-jamaat-at-loggerheads-over-democracy-and-religious-freedom-638582.html Dhaka Sep 15 The Bangladesh Nationalist Party BNP has expressed grave concern over the rise of dangerous forces in the country warning that they pose a serious threat to democracy religious freedom and cultural diversity local media reported on Monday Addressing a programme organised by the Diploma Engineers Association of Bangladesh in Dhaka BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday said that many of those involved in the JulyAugust protests last year are now attempting to enforce a new form of cultural dominance in the countryHe also accused the radical Islamist Party JamaateIslami of exploiting religious sentiments in the country by trying to spread its founder Syed Abul Ala Maududis ideology in the name of IslamThe remarks came after Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar recently called for the cancellation of the recruitment of music and dance teachers at government primary schools and instead appointing religious teachers to instil moral values in studentsHere people pray five times a day watch dramas on television listen to music this is our cultural reality But when you make everything onesided fascism will rise And the ultimate form of fascism is the development of radical communalism and radical religious politics Bangladesh leading Bengali daily Jugantor quoted the BNP leader as sayingRizvi also questioned the fairness of the recent student union elections of Dhaka University and Jahangirnagar University where Jamaats student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir won the key postsHe alleged that a hidden agenda might be at play to wipe out nationalist forcesWhether a deep blueprint is being prepared to eliminate nationalist forces within the state and university authorities this has become a matter of concern for people today The ballot papers for the DUCSU and JACSU elections were printed by a privately owned company whose owner has close ties to a particular political party Isnt this an irregularity the BNP leader saidThe state and university authorities are trying to implement a master plan together where it is being said we have driven out the Awami League now we have to defeat the BNP too Isnt this part of their deep blueprint If something unilateral happens a new type of fascism will be born in society which will destroy the national consciousness Rizvi addedThese parties who earlier collaborated with Muhammad Yunus to overthrow the democratically elected government of the Awami League led by Sheikh Hasina are now at loggerheadsThe unceremonious exit of Hasina last August was globally seen as a major setback to the democratic setup in the countryThe Yunusled interim government has also received massive criticism for providing shelter to radical and extremist Islamic outfits IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bdesh-bnp-jamaat-at-loggerheads-over-democracy-and-religious-freedom-638582.html Mon, 15 Sep 2025 11:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/five-eyes-alliance-must-work-together-to-counter-khalistani-extremism-report-638593.html Canberra Sep 15 Australia the United Kingdom New Zealand and the United States should join hands with Canada to dismantle Khalistani extremist fundraising and propaganda networks globally a report said on Monday It stated that key steps include coordinated monitoring of suspicious nonprofit activities intelligence sharing and decisive political distancing from separatist lobbies according to a report in The Australia TodayIt further mentioned that the Khalistani extremism has long been treated as an Indian issue but with Canadas recognition it is evident that the matter is a global security concernIf Five Eyes democracies truly believe in safeguarding pluralism and protecting their diverse communities they must act together Australia with its growing Indian diaspora and deepening strategic ties with New Delhi is well placed to lead this collective effort Canada has broken the silence Now it is time for its allies Australia included to stand firm and follow suit wrote Amit Sarwal cofounder of The Australia TodayThe report stated that Canada for the first time officially confirmed that banned extremist groups such as Babbar Khalsa International and the International Sikh Youth Federation are engaged in promoting separatism and violence in the countryCanada has taken a decisive step in acknowledging what India has long warned about the presence and operations of Khalistani extremist groups on its soil The 2025 Assessment of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Risks categorically identifies these groups as national security threats marking a pivotal shift in Ottawas counterterrorism strategy he addedThe 2025 assessment warns that while their operations are largely directed at India the activities have serious implications for Canadian national security and foreign policySarwal stressed that the move reflects a broader pattern building on the 2024 annual report of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service CSIS tabled in Parliament shortly after breakthrough talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney at the Group of Seven G7 Summit in Alberta in June 2025The 2024 annual report said Canadabased Khalistani extremists CBKEs continue to pose a national security threat to Canada and Canadian interestsFor the first time the report said the Canadian government labelled Khalistan supporters operating within its borders as extremistsIndia has for long voiced concerns over Canada providing a safe haven to such elements for decades and the new acknowledgement marks a diplomatic breakthroughThis is where Australia and other Five Eyes intelligence partners come in Canada has finally drawn a red line between free expression and violent extremism and the rest must follow the report noted IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/five-eyes-alliance-must-work-together-to-counter-khalistani-extremism-report-638593.html Mon, 15 Sep 2025 12:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/major-australian-bank-hit-with-record-fine-for-widespread-misconduct-638598.html Sydney Sep 15 One of Australias big four banks has been hit with a recordbreaking fine after admitting to engaging in widespread misconduct The Australian Securities and Investments Commission ASIC on Monday announced that the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group ANZ has agreed to pay 240 million Australian dollars 1595 million in penalties in relation to four separate investigations spanning the banks institutional and retail divisions Xinhua news agency reportedASIC said that ANZ Australias fourthlargest bank by market capitalization admitted to engaging in unconscionable conduct in dealings with the federal government by incorrectly reporting trading data relating to its management of a 14 billion Australian dollars 93 billion bond dealAdditionally it said the bank engaged in widespread misconduct across products and services impacting nearly 65000 customers including failing to refund fees charged to dead customersASIC said the agreed settlement which is subject to approval by the Federal Court is made up of a 125 million Australian dollars 831 million fine for the institutional and markets matters and a 115 million Australian dollars 764 million penalty for the retail mattersTime and time again ANZ betrayed the trust of Australians ASIC Chairman Joe Longo said in a statementThe total penalties across these matters are the largest announced by ASIC against one entity and reflect the seriousness and number of breaches of law the vulnerable position that ANZ put its customers in and the repeated failures to rectify crucial issues he saidChairman of ANZ Paul OSullivan apologized for mistakes that had a significant impact on customers and said that several relevant executives have been held accountable IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/major-australian-bank-hit-with-record-fine-for-widespread-misconduct-638598.html Mon, 15 Sep 2025 12:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/elon-musks-starlink-experiences-service-outage-again-638603.html New Delhi Sep 15 Thousands of users of Starlink on Monday experienced internet issues and total outage as billionaire Elon Musks satellite internet service is down yet again According to outagetracking website Downdetector there were nearly 50000 outage reports by 1001 amStarlink is currently experiencing a service outage Our team is investigating the company said on its website However it did not provide any reasons for the outageDowndetector reported that 59 per cent of users experienced internet issues while 40 per cent faced a total blackout with 1 per cent facing poor reception The issue affected customers majorly across the US including Virginia Louisiana Indiana and Washington state Some users in Colombia also reported losing connectivitySome said the service was down for several minutes and others noted outages lasting more than 20 minutesWhile Musk is yet to share a comment users took to his social media platform X to complain of the outageStarlink is down again These outages are getting more frequent wrote a userAnother Starlink outage AGAIN Thought it was mine Now I see everybody getting problems too added another userEarlier in July the internet satellite service faced a global outage for nearly three hoursOn Thursday night Starlinks satellite internet service experienced an outage affecting many users worldwide The issue affected customers across multiple continents with outage tracking sites showing spikes in North America Europe and parts of AsiaIn a post on X Musk apologised for the disruption and ensured that it doesnt happen againStarlink provides internet through a network of satellites orbiting Earth The company currently operates the worlds largest constellation of satellites with more than 6750 in orbit It has a presence in 150 countries including IndiaMeanwhile Starlink has already secured the necessary clearances from Indian authorities and been allotted trial bandwidth The company has also finalised 17 locations for ground stations which will connect its lowearth orbit satellites with terrestrial fibre and data networks The launch is expected by the end of 2025 IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/elon-musks-starlink-experiences-service-outage-again-638603.html Mon, 15 Sep 2025 12:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/brazils-democracy-sovereignty-non-negotiable-lula-638621.html New York Sep 15 Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has rejected the Trump administrations 50 per cent tariffs on Brazilian products and defended the countrys democratic institutions and other policies Affirming Brazils openness to negotiate anything that can bring mutual benefits Lula in an opinion piece published in The New York Times stressed that Brazils democracy and sovereignty are not on the tableIn the article titled Brazilian democracy and sovereignty are nonnegotiable Lula said that while the United States has its legitimate goals such as reindustrialisation resorting to unilateral tariffs is misguided and illogical Xinhua aews agency reported citing The New York Times opedHe pointed out that Washington has recorded a 410 billion US dollar surplus in goods and services trade with Brazil over the past 15 years with nearly threequarters of its exports entering Brazil dutyfreeHe accused the US government of using tariffs and the Magnitsky Act to seek impunity for former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro who was sentenced to more than 27 years in prison on Thursday for attempting a coup arguing that the measures lack economic rationale and are politically motivatedThe Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act allows Washington to impose sanctions including asset freezes credit card cancellations and travel bans on foreign individuals accused of human rights abuses or corruptionAddressing US accusations over digital censorship Lula said all platforms are subject to the same laws in Brazil and that regulation aims to protect Brazilians from fraud disinformation and hate speech He also defended Brazils digital PIX instant payment system as promoting financial inclusionRefuting US allegations of Brazils failure to enforce environmental laws Lula mentioned that the Brazilian government has cut the rate of deforestation in the Amazon by half in the past two yearsThere are no ideological differences that should prevent two governments from working together in areas where they have common goals Lula said adding that Brazil and the United States are capable of respecting each other and cooperating for the good of Brazilians and Americans IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/brazils-democracy-sovereignty-non-negotiable-lula-638621.html Mon, 15 Sep 2025 14:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/un-warns-earthquake-hit-families-in-afghanistan-risk-not-surviving-winter-without-international-aid-638655.html Kabul Sep 15 The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan UNAMA and United Nations Development Programme UNDP has warned that thousands of earthquakehit families in eastern Afghanistan risk not surviving the coming winter months without urgent international support local media reported on Monday The UN called for 139 million dollars in urgent aid to secure shelter food and healthcare Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan Roza Otunbayeva called on the global community to respond quickly and mentioned that the UN has requested for 139 million dollars to meet international needs leading Afghan news agency Khaama Press reportedOtunbayeva underscored the importance of womens role in providing humanitarian aid saying that restrictions placed on female aid workers have made supporting victims extremely difficult She added that womens presence in this process is important for reaching families particularly vulnerable women and childrenAccording to local and aid officials hundreds of people were killed thousands were injured and tens of thousands were left homeless after an earthquake of 60 magnitude struck Nangarhar Kunar and Laghman provinces The UNDP stressed communitybased recovery providing cashforwork programs so survivors can earn money while participating in debris removal housing reconstruction and restoring infrastructureThe UN stated that earthquakes disproportionately impact the poorest who live in fragile homes and do not have resources for recovery The humanitarian agencies said that many recent returnees from Pakistan and Iran are among the victims and stressed that aid is essential for women returnees and vulnerable groupsLast week the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs OCHA said at least 2164 people including hundreds of women and children were killed in the recent earthquake that struck the eastern provinces Khaama Press reportedAccording to OCHAs update on September 11 the victims included 516 women and 476 men Furthermore 509 girls and 663 boys were among those who died due to the earthquake showcasing the disasters impact on families The OCHA stated that humanitarian agencies had so far given food assistance to over 60800 earthquakehit people and stressed that needs remain overwhelming in many communitiesThe aid agencies have also been delivering shelter support to earthquakeaffected families with at least receiving tents or temporary housing However aid groups have mentioned that resources are limited and winter is approaching rapidly The disaster demonstrates acute vulnerability of Afghanistan to natural calamities and showcases the urgent need for sustained humanitarian funding IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/un-warns-earthquake-hit-families-in-afghanistan-risk-not-surviving-winter-without-international-aid-638655.html Mon, 15 Sep 2025 16:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korean-govt-checking-human-rights-violations-during-us-raid-on-korean-workers-presidential-office-638696.html Seoul Sep 15 The government is closely looking into whether any possible human rights violations took place during the raid and detention of Korean workers by US immigration authorities in Georgia the Presidential Office said Monday A total of 316 South Koreans returned home Friday after a week in detention following a US immigration raid at an electric vehicle battery plant in Bryan County following intense negotiations between Seoul and WashingtonLocal media have since reported numerous firsthand accounts of the raid and detention with many describing the detention facility as overcrowded unsanitary and harshThe workers recounted cramped spaces moldcovered mattresses cold temperatures and limited access to basic hygiene Yonhap News Agency reported Several also described how they were shackled with chains around their waist legs and wrists during the arrest and treated roughly by immigration officersI understand that the government is conducting a more thorough review with the companies to determine whether any human rights violations occurred presidential spokesperson Kang Yujung said in a press briefingThe foreign ministry is looking at whether our demands were properly addressed and the companies are also conducting their own reviews to check whether any measures were insufficient on either the Korean side or US side Kang saidSeoul had stressed that the rights and dignity of South Korean citizens must not be unfairly violated expressing strong regret to Washington over the incidentSome of our requests have been accepted and there were improvements However we will continue to look into whether any issues or inconveniences for our citizens remain she addedHyundai and LG the two South Korean companies whose joint venture site was raided last week will collect the accounts from the workers on possible discrimination mistreatment or rights violations and share the outcome with the foreign ministry a ministry official told reportersA comprehensive factfinding review will be carried out to check for possible human rights violations during the detention and the issue will be raised with the US if needed the officials saidSouth Korean consular officials said they received no specific complaints from the workers during meetings at the Folkston detention facility noting that time was limited and the priority was securing their early release from the detention and departure from the USUS Immigration and Customs Enforcement ICE which carried out the raid agreed to the consular access after Seouls strong protests allowing the workers to make phone calls and get the medication they needed the official saidICE also agreed to waive the requirement for the detained workers to sign documents admitting to unlawful stay a condition normally needed for voluntary departureThrough negotiations with Washington Seoul secured assurances that workers on shortterm B1 visas issued for meetings and contract signings would not have their visas revoked the official said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korean-govt-checking-human-rights-violations-during-us-raid-on-korean-workers-presidential-office-638696.html Mon, 15 Sep 2025 18:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-deputy-state-secretary-landau-expresses-regret-over-detention-of-skoreans-638467.html Seoul Sep 14 A senior US State Department official on Sunday expressed regret over the recent mass detention of South Korean workers in America and vowed to prevent similar occurrences Christopher Landau Deputy Secretary of State visited Seoul for a meeting with South Korean First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoonjoo Yonhap news agency reportedAccording to Seouls Foreign Ministry Landau conveyed his deep regrets over the detention of hundreds of South Korean workers in an immigration crackdown earlier this month at an electric vehicle battery plant construction site for a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution in Bryan County GeorgiaA total of 316 South Korean workers returned home on Friday after being held in a detention centre for a weekLandau also told Park that the two allies should try to use the incident as an opportunity to further strengthen their bilateral ties and improve relevant systems where necessary according to the MinistryLandau also said that US President Donald Trump has a keen interest in the matter and ensured that those who have returned home will not face any disadvantages when reentering the USThe State Department official said that Washington would try to ensure there would be no further incidents of a similar nature in the futureLandau proposed workinglevel talks on issuing proper visas for South Korean workers in the US citing a need to provide institutional support for South Korean corporations investments that contribute to the American economy and manufacturingIn response Park touched upon inconveniences that South Korean workers faced while in detention and said the general public in South Korea in addition to the workers themselves felt deeply shocked by the crackdownAccording to the Ministry Park also strongly urged the US to take practical steps and implement systematic improvements to ease South Korean peoples concernsMost of the detained Korean workers had entered the US on nonimmigrant shortterm business visas either B1 visas or Electronic System for Travel Authorisation permits which are meant for brief business visits rather than employmentSouth Korean companies view such visa challenges as a major obstacle to their US investments a concern that contrasts sharply with South Koreas status as the largest foreign investor in the US in 2023 with 215 billion investedSeoul has also pledged 350 billion in additional investment under a new trade framework Yet only about 2000 South Koreans with specialty occupations receive H1B visas annually out of nearly 85000 issued IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-deputy-state-secretary-landau-expresses-regret-over-detention-of-skoreans-638467.html Sun, 14 Sep 2025 15:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-shadow-looms-over-pakistans-ties-with-china-638471.html New Delhi Sept 14 Pakistan a country which once dreamed of leading the Muslim world and linking South and Central Asia has been reduced to becoming excessively dependent on China Even this relationship could turn precarious as Islamabad tries to maintain a fine balance between cosying up to the US and keeping up its ties with Beijing Even the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor CPEC is not Islamabads brainchild but a spoke in Beijings Belt and Road Initiative which is aimed more at serving Chinas own ambitions according to an article in Pakistan TodayIn the Middle East the regional diplomatic order is shifting Arab states are moving towards normalisation with Israel under the Abraham Accords reshaping traditional alliances and potentially altering the balance of influence in the Muslim world the article said Even historically close partners such as Kazakhstan which imports their locally assembled JF17 fighter jets and Turkey are gradually adopting more flexible positions towards Tel Aviv Afghanistan remains unstable and unreliable as a trade and security partner Iran meanwhile faces deepening international isolation and has had occasional military tensions with Pakistan such as last years crossborder skirmishes the article further statesThe article also highlights that Islamabad has not succeeded in implementing any economic project planned with Central Asian countries such as Kyrgyzstan Tajikistan and UzbekistanAll of this leaves Pakistan with one major and consistent ally China While the partnership with Beijing remains central to our economic and security strategies it is not immune to the turbulence of global politics The delicate balancing act Islamabad must perform between deepening US engagement and maintaining Chinese trust is becoming increasingly precarious Even the muchcelebrated CPEC now entering its second phase is exposed to vulnerabilities from regional instability shifting geopolitical alignments and global power competition the article lamentsIt also highlights that Islamabads recent flirtation with the idea of cryptomining partnerships with the USA seems less like a serious economic pivot and more like a political talking point Our history of announcing ambitious projects without the institutional capacity or longterm followthrough suggests that such ventures are far more likely to evaporate than materialiseThe article also underlines that on the strategic front Pakistans room to manoeuvre is narrowing at an alarming rate The country is not part of BRICS the rapidly expanding economic bloc that now accounts for a significant share of global GDP and is increasingly shaping the future of trade and development financing outside Western frameworks Indias Act East Policy initiated in 2012 has deepened its integration with ASEAN economies and strengthened security partnerships across East Asia while leaving Pakistan excluded from emerging regional supply chainsIf New Delhi were to further revise its policy towards the Indian Ocean Rim Association Pakistans maritime trade routes could face additional strategic restrictions effectively tightening a noose around our seabased economic lifelines the article added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-shadow-looms-over-pakistans-ties-with-china-638471.html Sun, 14 Sep 2025 15:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-protest-over-dam-land-compensation-continues-highway-remains-blocked-638477.html Islamabad Sep 14 Hundreds remain stranded as residents of Harban in KhyberPakhtunkhwas KP Upper Kohistan continue blocking the Karakoram Highway KKH for the seventh consecutive day demanding immediate and higher compensation for land acquired for the DiamerBasha Dam project according to local media reports The sitin near Harban Nallah has severed the main route linking Pakistanoccupied GilgitBaltistan with the rest of Pakistan leading to acute shortages of food and medicine while leaving hundreds of goodsladen trucks immobilisedProtesters accused WAPDA and the KhyberPakhtunkhwa administration of reneging on commitments over compensation payments according to a report in the leading Pakistani daily The Express Tribune Our land was taken the rates were unfair and the payments have been delayed for years a demonstrator was quoted as sayingOfficials from the Kohistan administration and WAPDA acknowledged that about Rs 3 billion is owed in total stating that nearly Rs 2 billion has already been transferred to the deputy commissioners account They maintained that the remaining sum will be released once legal formalities are concluded Protesters however have rejected any further delaysThe prolonged blockade has driven up prices of essential vegetables such as onions and tomatoes while transport rerouted through the Babusar Pass is charging exorbitant fares adding to inflation in an already fragile local economy according to local media reports Traders and transporters report heavy losses with each passing dayCivil society groups have criticised the silence of the KhyberPakhtunkhwa government questioning the writ of the state in addressing the crisisProtesters have vowed to continue the sitin until their demands are met while residents and traders are urging federal and provincial authorities to step in negotiate and restore traffic on the strategic highway IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-protest-over-dam-land-compensation-continues-highway-remains-blocked-638477.html Sun, 14 Sep 2025 16:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/rights-body-condemns-move-to-expel-transgender-community-from-pakistans-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-638484.html Islamabad Sep 14 The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan HRCP on Sunday strongly condemned reports that an 11member committee of elders in KhyberPakhtunkhwa KP Swabi district had declared all transgender persons would be expelled from the area The HRCP strongly condemns the reported decision by community elders in Swabi Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to form a committee aimed at expelling transgender persons from the district Such actions are unconstitutional discriminatory and amount to incitement to violence against an already marginalised community the body said in a statement on XThe commission stressed that no citizen can be deprived of the right to reside work or earn a livelihood anywhere in Pakistan on the basis of gender identityIt called on provincial and district authorities to immediately ensure the safety and dignity of transgender persons in Swabi and uphold their fundamental rights under the Constitution and the Transgender Persons Protection of Rights Act 2018The committee of elders reportedly includes Jamiat UlemaiIslamFazls tehsil president Maulana Abdul Samad Haqqani along with other members Maulana Samad stated that transgender persons should leave the district peacefully and find livelihoods elsewhere claiming their presence encouraged music shows that negatively impact the youth according to the leading Pakistani daily DawnAnother committee member Yasir Khan said the first step would be to ask transgender persons to leave voluntarily but if they refused the district police would be approachedThe group is expected to meet again in the coming days and also hold discussions with the police to finalise a strategy for expelling transgender persons from the districtThe development comes after police arrested over 200 individuals including two transgender persons in Swabi during a raid on a music programme alleging resistance and use of abusive language against the police local media reportedResponding to the committees announcement members of the transgender community released a video rejecting the demand for their expulsionThey asserted that they respected local norms and values while earning a living and insisted that the elders had no right to take the law into their own handsThey further said they were aware of the law and the Constitution and expressed readiness to give up performing at functions if provided with government jobsUrging society to see them through the lens of humanity they stressed that forcing them out of Swabi was not acceptable local media reports suggested IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/rights-body-condemns-move-to-expel-transgender-community-from-pakistans-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-638484.html Sun, 14 Sep 2025 16:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/nkorea-slams-joint-military-drills-by-us-skorea-japan-638486.html Pyongyang Sep 14 IANS Senior officials of North Korea have condemned upcoming military drills by the US South Korea and Japan media reported on SundaynbspSeoul will launch two simultaneous drills on Monday including Freedom Edge a trilateral outdoor multidomain exercise with the US and Japan and Iron Mace a tabletop drill simulating a nuclearattack response with the US the official Korean Central News Agency reportednbspKim Yo Jong vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers Party of Korea WPK said the Guidelines for Nuclear Deterrence and Nuclear Operations on the Korean Peninsula fabricated by the US anad South Korea are a dangerous idea Xinhua news agency reportedShe said the North Korea will regard it as an unfiltered demonstration of their antiNorth Korean confrontational stand and succession of confrontational policynbspThe reckless show of strength made by the three countries in real action near North Korea will inevitably bring bad results to themselves she addednbspPak Jong Chon vicechairman of the Central Military Commission of the WPK said Iron Mace is a nuclear war rehearsal aimed at using nuclear weapons against North Korea from A to Z while the Freedom Edge is the most comprehensive and offensive war drill for aggression in its scale content and natureThe reckless military moves of the three countries pose a grave challenge to the security interests of our state and a major danger of undermining regional stability and escalating military tension he addednbspPak stressed that if the hostile forces persist in their muscleflexing the North Korea will respond to them with counteraction in a very clear and intensified waynbspSince a failed summit with the US in 2019 on denuclearisation North Korea has repeatedly said it will never give up its nuclear weapons and declared itself an irreversible nuclear stateNKorean leader Kim Jong Un has been emboldened by the war in Ukraine securing critical support from Russia after sending thousands of North Korean troops to fight alongside MoscownbspMoscow and Pyongyang signed a mutual defence pact last year when Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the reclusive state https://dailyworld.in/international/nkorea-slams-joint-military-drills-by-us-skorea-japan-638486.html Sun, 14 Sep 2025 16:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/those-responsible-for-violence-during-protests-will-face-action-says-nepals-pm-karki-638487.html Kathmandu Sep 14 IANS Nepals interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Sunday said that criminal acts must be thoroughly investigated the truth made public and those responsible held accountable local media reportednbspEarlier in the day Karki announced that those killed during the Gen Z protests would be recognised as martyrs with each bereaved family receiving Rs 1 million as compensationnbspShe called for unity and told reporters after assuming office that a collective effort was essential to guide the nation forwardnbspI have never seen such a transformation in just about 27 hours of protests To meet this groups demands we must all work with determination I did not come here out of desire I took on this responsibility after you all urged me to step in she was quoted by The Kathmandu Post as sayingLooking at what happened in the name of protests it seems as if it was executed in a planned way raising questions of a conspiracy she addednbspKarki also assured that the government would probe the vandalism that targeted key institutions including Singha Durbar the Parliament building the Supreme Court business complexes and private propertiesnbspShe emphasised the need to move forward with a positive outlook to revive Nepals fragile economynbspOne of her first decisions was to extend immediate relief to victims of last weeks violent demonstrationsChief Secretary Eknarayan Aryal confirmed that those killed during the protests would be recognised as martyrs with their families receiving financial support of Rs 1 million eachnbspAccording to The Kathmandu Post the government has also ensured free medical treatment for 134 injured protesters and 57 injured police personnelnbspMinistries have been directed to prepare comprehensive reports detailing the damages sustained during the protestsnbspThe protests which escalated into widespread unrest have claimed 72 lives so far including 59 demonstrators 10 inmates and three police officers according to local media accounts The Himalayan Times reported https://dailyworld.in/international/those-responsible-for-violence-during-protests-will-face-action-says-nepals-pm-karki-638487.html Sun, 14 Sep 2025 16:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/6-killed-4-injured-in-road-accident-in-afghanistan-638498.html Kabul Sep 14 At least six passengers were killed and four others injured in a headon collision between a passenger car and a truck in Afghanistans Faryab province on Sunday the media reported The accident occurred on the outskirts of Khwaja Sabz Posh district where the vehicles rammed into each other killing six commuters on the car instantly and wounding four othersAmong the victims were women and children and all the injured were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment Xinhua news agency reportedThousands of people lose their lives in road accidents in Afghanistan each year due to reckless driving on congested roads poor conditions of roads lack of traffic signs on dilapidated highways overloading and overspeedingAt least three travellers were killed and two more injured as a car turned turtle in northern Afghanistans Samangan province said a news statement of the provincial police office on SaturdayBlaming reckless driving for the deadly accident the news statement added that the mishap took place in DaraeSufi Payan area on Friday night and the injured passengers had been taken to the nearby health centreEarlier two commuters including a driver were killed and four others injured in two separate road accidents on a road crossing in Samangan province on Friday morning and all the injured persons had been shifted to a hospital in the neighbouring Balkh provinceEarlier on Tuesday 10 people died and several were injured in two separate accidents in AfghanistanThree motorbikes collided with each other in the western Afghanistan Badghis province on Tuesday evening killing one on the spot and injuring five others provincial police spokesman Sediqullah Sediqi had saidThe deadly mishap took place in the provincial capital QalaeNaw due to the carelessness of the motorists the official said adding all five injured people some in critical conditions were shifted to the nearby hospitalIn another incident nine commuters were confirmed dead and seven others sustained injuries as a minibus plunged into a ravine in northern Afghanistans Baghlan province on Wednesday provincial police spokesman Mawlawi Shir Ahmad Burhani saidThe mishap took place on a congested road in KhostoFaring area on Wednesday morning leaving nine dead on the spot and seven injured some in critical condition the officer saidEarlier 17 commuters lost their lives and two others were injured as their cars were involved in accidents in the northern Badakhshan and eastern Ghazni provinces respectively on Monday IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/6-killed-4-injured-in-road-accident-in-afghanistan-638498.html Sun, 14 Sep 2025 17:15:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/amnesty-report-exposes-pak-govts-mass-surveillance-of-phones-computers-report-638519.html Islamabad Sep 14 The debate in Pakistan over data protection law as a fundamental necessity has grown intense with a report by Amnesty International detailing the expansive technologyenabled state surveillance in Pakistan said a media report on Sunday The Amnesty report details the level of mass surveillance that the state is carrying out Citizens phones and computers can be turned into listening devices conversations emails and location data can be accessed without oversight or judicial authorisation and there is no legal redress for those targeted said the article in Pakistani news website DawncomThe writer Usama Khilji director of Bolo Bhi an advocacy forum for digital rights cautioned that the state carries out surveillance under its perceived notions of security but the lack of legal cover for these invasive surveillance systems and the leaks of data that make personal details into a market commodity show how insecure and unsafe these systems really areA data protection law is a fundamental necessity to govern the right to privacy of Pakistanis that is afforded under Article 14 of the Constitution and further expanded by several precedents in the superior judiciary such as in the Benazir Bhutto case in 1988 the Ghulam Hussain case in 2010 and the Justice Qazi Faez Isa case in 2024 The Fair Trial Act 2013 permits digital surveillance only after a warrant from a magistrate is granted not the kind of mass surveillance that we are experiencing now wrote KhiljiThe Amnesty report also highlights the violation of United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights which require both states and companies to respect human rights including in their exports he saidThe sale of spyware and surveillance technology shows how states such as the US France Canada the UAE and China violate these principles by allowing the export of technology that carries out mass surveillance with no regard for citizens fundamental rights said the media reportAs the Amnesty report recommends there is a dire need for a comprehensive legal framework that regulates surveillance to ensure that it is targeted and proportionate and subject to independent oversight Parliament must play its role in conducting a transparent inquiry into the illegal surveillance systems in Pakistan and legislate to regulate this industry under its oversight it saidParliament must also move forward on the Personal Data Protection draft that has been debated since 2020 but has not yet reached a stage where it can be enacted it said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/amnesty-report-exposes-pak-govts-mass-surveillance-of-phones-computers-report-638519.html Sun, 14 Sep 2025 19:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/israel-must-pave-way-to-speed-up-india-middle-east-europe-economic-corridor-638524.html New Delhi Sep 14 The IndiaMiddle EastEurope Economic Corridor IMEC initiative has the potential to change the face of global trade and transportation as well as digital and energy connectivity but has received a setback due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza between Israel and Hamas The IMEC initiative offers benefits to all the participating countries possessing a great potential to leverage the economic growth of Europe India and the Gulf And it also grants Israel an opportunity to enhance its significance and role in the international arena on strategic economic and geographic levelsThe government of Israel should prioritize taking steps to implement the IMEC project once its war against Hamas is over according to an article by Uzay Bulut published in JNSIndia the European Union UAE France Germany Italy Saudi Arabia and the United States signed a Memorandum of Understanding to build an economic system by creating a multimodal network of railways ports and highways to boost trade efficiency and regional collaboration These will become a vital artery of global commerce and a potential alternative to Chinas Belt and Road InitiativeThe corridor is expected to connect India the Middle East and Europe with the support of Washington When completed it will likely include three major Mediterranean Sea ports Haifa in Israel Piraeus in Greece and Trieste in Italy the article points outFor Israel the IMEC represents more than an economic opportunity it is a pathway to redefine its strategic regional status and geopolitical alignments according to Mordechai Chaziza of the University of HaifaIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has framed the corridor as a transformative platform for Israeli integration into Arab economies and global supply chainsAccording to initial estimates IMECs overland transportation route could reduce logistics costs by 30 per cent and transportation time by 40 per cent relative to shipping via the Suez Canal The new route would also likely provide important structural benefits such as reducing the risk of supply chain shocks and lowering energy costsThe Hamasled terrorist attacks in southern Israel on October 7 2023 and the ensuing war with Hamas in Gaza came as a major setback for implementing the project Just weeks after the IMEC memorandum of understanding was signed at the G20 Summit Hamas invaded IsraelThe escalating regional instability particularly from Irans regional proxies has effectively led to the halting of this significant initiative as well as a SaudiIsraeli normalization deal the article statesWhile normalization would certainly ease political and logistical hurdles its not an absolute requirement and the project could still move forward with careful diplomatic management wrote Rachel Rizzo and Nicholas Shafer for the Atlantic CouncilHence it appears that the quicker Israel manages to stabilize the Gaza situation the sooner it will be able to focus on doing its part to make this project a realityAn article by Nir Levitan and professors Arie Reich and Jonathan Rynhold notes some suggestions to realize the economic potential of IMEC To make the agreement a reality and attract private and governmental investment several initial steps are required including the creation of a multilateral agreement to establish an institutional framework for a structured and systematic dialogue between the participating countries A dedicated body should be established to attract private investment and promote infrastructure development among the participating countriesVia this corridor the United States and European Union seek to bolster their connectivity with South Asia and the Gulf aiming to align their strategic objectives and counter Chinas growing regional influenceSeveral European countries have since appointed special envoys to the IMEC including France and Italy Under its framework Israel and Cyprus announced new energy development projects in May calling to relaunch the IsraelCyprusGreece trilateral forumIt is now important for Europe the United States and Israel to double down on their support so that more progress for this initiative can be achieved the article added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/israel-must-pave-way-to-speed-up-india-middle-east-europe-economic-corridor-638524.html Sun, 14 Sep 2025 19:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/israel-must-pave-way-to-speed-up-india-middle-east-europe-economic-corridor-638525.html New Delhi Sep 14 The IndiaMiddle EastEurope Economic Corridor IMEC initiative has the potential to change the face of global trade and transportation as well as digital and energy connectivity but has received a setback due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza between Israel and Hamas The IMEC initiative offers benefits to all the participating countries possessing a great potential to leverage the economic growth of Europe India and the Gulf And it also grants Israel an opportunity to enhance its significance and role in the international arena on strategic economic and geographic levelsThe government of Israel should prioritize taking steps to implement the IMEC project once its war against Hamas is over according to an article by Uzay Bulut published in JNSIndia the European Union UAE France Germany Italy Saudi Arabia and the United States signed a Memorandum of Understanding to build an economic system by creating a multimodal network of railways ports and highways to boost trade efficiency and regional collaboration These will become a vital artery of global commerce and a potential alternative to Chinas Belt and Road InitiativeThe corridor is expected to connect India the Middle East and Europe with the support of Washington When completed it will likely include three major Mediterranean Sea ports Haifa in Israel Piraeus in Greece and Trieste in Italy the article points outFor Israel the IMEC represents more than an economic opportunity it is a pathway to redefine its strategic regional status and geopolitical alignments according to Mordechai Chaziza of the University of HaifaIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has framed the corridor as a transformative platform for Israeli integration into Arab economies and global supply chainsAccording to initial estimates IMECs overland transportation route could reduce logistics costs by 30 per cent and transportation time by 40 per cent relative to shipping via the Suez Canal The new route would also likely provide important structural benefits such as reducing the risk of supply chain shocks and lowering energy costsThe Hamasled terrorist attacks in southern Israel on October 7 2023 and the ensuing war with Hamas in Gaza came as a major setback for implementing the project Just weeks after the IMEC memorandum of understanding was signed at the G20 Summit Hamas invaded IsraelThe escalating regional instability particularly from Irans regional proxies has effectively led to the halting of this significant initiative as well as a SaudiIsraeli normalization deal the article statesWhile normalization would certainly ease political and logistical hurdles its not an absolute requirement and the project could still move forward with careful diplomatic management wrote Rachel Rizzo and Nicholas Shafer for the Atlantic CouncilHence it appears that the quicker Israel manages to stabilize the Gaza situation the sooner it will be able to focus on doing its part to make this project a realityAn article by Nir Levitan and professors Arie Reich and Jonathan Rynhold notes some suggestions to realize the economic potential of IMEC To make the agreement a reality and attract private and governmental investment several initial steps are required including the creation of a multilateral agreement to establish an institutional framework for a structured and systematic dialogue between the participating countries A dedicated body should be established to attract private investment and promote infrastructure development among the participating countriesVia this corridor the United States and European Union seek to bolster their connectivity with South Asia and the Gulf aiming to align their strategic objectives and counter Chinas growing regional influenceSeveral European countries have since appointed special envoys to the IMEC including France and Italy Under its framework Israel and Cyprus announced new energy development projects in May calling to relaunch the IsraelCyprusGreece trilateral forumIt is now important for Europe the United States and Israel to double down on their support so that more progress for this initiative can be achieved the article added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/israel-must-pave-way-to-speed-up-india-middle-east-europe-economic-corridor-638525.html Sun, 14 Sep 2025 19:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-president-signs-controversial-anti-terror-bill-critics-warn-of-expanded-state-power-638534.html New Delhi Sep 14 Pakistans President Asif Ali Zardari has signed into law the AntiTerrorism Amendment Bill 2025 reviving sweeping state powers of preventive detention and triggering sharp debate over its impact on civil liberties and democratic space The legislation passed earlier this month by both the National Assembly and Senate restores expired provisions of the AntiTerrorism Act ATA of 1997It authorises federal authoritiesand even the armed forces acting under government ordersto detain individuals for up to three months without charges if suspected of threatening national security or public safetyThe Pakistan government has defended the amendment as a necessary tool to counter rising militancy extortion rackets and kidnappings for ransomBut rights groups and opposition leaders argue that its deliberately broad language risks legitimising arbitrary detentions and silencing dissentAnalysts note that Pakistans counterterrorism laws have often been used beyond militant threatsensnaring political activists student groups journalists and minority voicesThe broad definition of terrorism under the ATA covering acts that spread fear or damage property has blurred the line between genuine threats and political oppositionOne of the most contentious aspects of the 2025 amendment is its reliance on preventive detention based on reasonable suspicionThe most contentious element of the new bill is its reliance on preventive detention Authorities can act on credible information or reasonable suspicion terms that are both vague and elastic said a report by European TimesWhile officials argue this enables preemptive disruption of terror plots critics warn it opens the door to mass sweeps and further repressionThe bill also deepens concerns over militarisation by explicitly extending detention powers to the armed forces reinforcing the militarys already dominant role in Pakistans political lifePakistan continues to battle violent groups including the TehreekeTaliban Pakistan TTP and sectarian outfitsEntire communities particularly ethnic and sectarian minorities have historically borne the brunt of counterterrorism campaigns From Baloch nationalists to Pashtun activists marginalised groups already stigmatised as security threats are likely to be disproportionately targeted under the amendment the report addedBy enacting the law reports argue Zardari has reaffirmed a pattern in which security imperatives override civil rightsleaving ordinary Pakistanis more vulnerable to arbitrary power even as the state claims to shield them from terrorism IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-president-signs-controversial-anti-terror-bill-critics-warn-of-expanded-state-power-638534.html Sun, 14 Sep 2025 20:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/unhcr-urges-pakistan-to-stop-deporting-vulnerable-afghan-asylum-seekers-638538.html New Delhi Sep 14 As the tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan escalates over a number of issues the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR has called on Pakistan to stop deporting vulnerable Afghan asylum seekers and ensure they receive international protection Afghanistan is already facing a number of issues including poverty drought like conditions and the devastation caused by the earthquake and is now facing a yet another problem the influx of new vulnerable Afghan asylum seekersSpeaking from Geneva on September 12 UNHCR representative for Afghanistan Arafat Jamal appealed to Islamabad not to expel Afghans who require protection He noted that the UN refugee agency was ready to cooperate with Pakistani authorities to identify and safeguard the most vulnerable groups the UNHCR said in its statementHe also warned that without fresh funding the UNHCR would be unable to sustain its lifesaving support to Afghan families struggling with overlapping crises and added that the agency had updated its regional appeal and was seeking 2586 million to address urgent needsThe appeal comes amid an accelerating wave of returnsAs Pakistan resumes implementation of its Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan more than 554000 Afghans have returned since April including 143000 in August alone UNHCR saidNearly 100000 Afghans reportedly crossed back from Pakistan during the first week of September alone creating additional pressure on Afghanistans already fragile economy and limited public servicesThe statement from UNHCR highlights that they continue to urge Pakistan to uphold its longstanding humanitarian approach to Afghan refugeesAccording to UN estimates more than 26 million Afghan migrants have been deported from neighbouring countries since the start of 2025 The figure underscores the immense scale of forced displacement and the urgent need for regional and international cooperation the Khamma press said in its reportWith severe food shortages limited shelter and weak health systems Afghanistan remains illprepared to absorb such high numbers IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/unhcr-urges-pakistan-to-stop-deporting-vulnerable-afghan-asylum-seekers-638538.html Sun, 14 Sep 2025 21:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladeshs-interim-govt-struggles-as-mob-violence-minority-attacks-undermine-credible-elections-638541.html New Delhi Sep 14 The promise of restoring democracy in Bangladesh after the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024 has given way to rising lawlessness mob justice and emboldened radical groups raising doubts about the credibility of elections under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunuss interim administration Hasinas dramatic downfall was hailed as an opportunity to reset Bangladeshs politics but the absence of strong institutions and factional divides quickly created a power vacuumYunuss caretaker government envisioned as a technocratic bridge has instead presided over cascading disorderIn the year following Hasinas exit rights groups documented 637 lynchings nationwide with mob justice replacing formal dispute resolution according to a report by European TimesIn January 2025 the police themselves acknowledged the scale of violence releasing a controversial report that sought to downplay the communal dimension Out of 1769 attacks against minorities authorities claimed that more than 1200 were politically motivated rather than religiously inspired with only 20 classified as purely communal the report saidPolice often accused of complicity or paralysis have failed to restore public trust Minority communities remain the most vulnerableBetween August 2024 and mid2025 watchdogs recorded 2442 incidents of communal violence targeting Hindus Buddhists Christians and Ahmadis including arson killings and sexual assaultsA February 2025 UN report warned of deliberate attacks on minorities and indigenous groups accusing the interim government of failing to act Local leaders say only token investigations have been opened with just 62 cases registered and 35 arrests madeNotably radical voices have also gained ground In March thousands of HizbutTahrir supporters marched openly in Dhaka demanding an Islamic CaliphateUniversities and media outlets now face intimidation while women report escalating harassment in public spacesThe deteriorating security environment has raised alarms over the feasibility of upcoming elections in the South Asian countryAnalysts argue that without law and order minority candidates and secular voices cannot campaign freely polling officials cannot operate safely and voters cannot participate without fear IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladeshs-interim-govt-struggles-as-mob-violence-minority-attacks-undermine-credible-elections-638541.html Sun, 14 Sep 2025 21:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/democratic-crisis-deepens-in-bangaldesh-as-arrests-fear-silencing-of-dissent-frequent-638545.html Dhaka Sep 14 Since the fall of Sheikh Hasinas government in August Bangladesh has entered a period of escalating political unrest The interim administration led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus initially pledged a swift return to democratic governance However as Eurasia Review notes in its September 11 oped titled A Nation On Trial Bangladesh Arrest Surge Threatens Democracy the promise of democratic restoration has been replaced by a campaign of surveillance suppression and silenceMonths have passed without any roadmap for elections Instead the country is witnessing a surge in arbitrary arrests and the criminalisation of peaceful civic actionsIn Tejgaon nine individuals were detained for chanting slogans in support of Hasina during a spontaneous processionWhat should have been protected as free speech was rebranded as sabotage giving authorities legal cover to detain participants The crackdown has extended far beyond street activismAs Eurasia Review reports even symbolic acts of dissent are now treated as threats to national securityMahila Awami League leader Nahida Noor Sweety was tracked and arrested after discreetly joining a postprayer rally Accused of financing protests her case exemplifies the regimes intent to intimidate symbolic leadership and discourage even quiet forms of mobilisationIntellectuals and former bureaucrats have also been targetedAbu Alam Shahid Khana Liberation War veteran and former press secretary to Hasinawas arrested for attending a roundtable on constitutional reformHis detention along with those of Professor Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah law professor Hafizur Rahman Curzon and journalist Manjurul Alam Panna underscores what the article calls a deliberate effort to erase the space for civil discourseStudent leaders like Sheikh Ibne Sadiq and Amir Hamza have been jailed for their affiliations with banned political groups These arrests according to the oped are not about public safetythey are calculated moves to dismantle the organizational backbone of opposition politicsEven violent incidents are being exploited to justify sweeping crackdowns Following clashes in Chittagongs Saltgola Crossing where a police officer was injured authorities detained 19 people and charged dozens moremany unnamedRather than isolating the guilty the state used the event to indiscriminately arrest political activists turning isolated violence into a tool for repressionThe cumulative effect is a pervasive climate of fear As Eurasia Review warns Bangladesh is not just silencing dissentit is redrawing the boundaries of legitimacy itselfCitizens now hesitate to speak organise or engage in political discourseSelfcensorship has become widespread and silence is mistaken for stability The article concludes with a stark warning Only a free fair and inclusive election can begin to reverse the damage Without it the nation risks sliding further into authoritarianism leaving democracy as nothing more than a memory IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/democratic-crisis-deepens-in-bangaldesh-as-arrests-fear-silencing-of-dissent-frequent-638545.html Sun, 14 Sep 2025 23:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/egypt-renews-call-for-middle-east-nuclear-weapon-free-zone-638381.html Cairo Sep 14 Egypt reiterated calls for a nuclearweaponfree zone in the Middle East the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement Ahead of the 69th Regular Session of the International Atomic Energy Agency IAEA General Conference scheduled for next week in Vienna Egypt urged all countries in the region to join the Treaty on the NonProliferation of Nuclear Weapons NPT without exception Xinhua news agency reportedThe ministry emphasised that adherence to the treaty would promote transparency prevent double standards in handling nuclear programs and help curb regional tensionsFreeing the Middle East from nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction is an essential step to ensure regional and international security and stability the statement said It added that such measures would also help halt an arms race that threatens global peaceEgypt expressed concern about the continued existence of nuclear weapons and called on the international community to take concrete action to fully implement NPT obligationsThe statement also highlighted Egypts recent efforts to restore cooperation between Iran and the IAEA On Tuesday Iran signed an agreement to resume cooperation with the agency after suspending ties following Israeli and US strikes on its nuclear facilities and the killing of Iranian nuclear scientists in JuneIsrael meanwhile has not joined the NPT drawing criticism at the United Nations and fueling regional concerns over a potential arms race IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/egypt-renews-call-for-middle-east-nuclear-weapon-free-zone-638381.html Sun, 14 Sep 2025 07:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/seven-killed-in-ecuadors-second-pool-hall-shooting-this-month-638382.html Quito Sep 13 Gunmen disguised as soldiers opened fire inside a pool hall in Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas in northwestern Ecuador killing at least seven and wounding three others local media reported The attackers arrived in a vehicle around 1030 pm local time and shot indiscriminately at the customers in the pool hall located in the Nuevo Amanecer neighborhood Xinhua news agency reported quoting local news outlet PrimiciasIt was the second mass shooting in a pool hall in the Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas province in less than a month On August 17 seven people were killed in a similar attack police saidOne of those killed and two of the wounded in Fridays shooting had criminal records for drug trafficking criminal association murder and theft according to a police reportImages shared by local media show several men dressed in black wearing vests and caps arriving at the location and opening fire on people who immediately fell to the groundThe vehicle allegedly used by the attackers was found burned in another part of the city Benavides saidEcuador recorded 4619 homicides in the first half of 2025 a 47 per cent jump from the same period last year and the highest sixmonth toll in its history according to the Ecuadorian Organized Crime ObservatoryThe country has stepped up its fight against drug trafficking gangs since Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa declared a state of internal armed conflict in January 2024 due to an escalation of violence IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/seven-killed-in-ecuadors-second-pool-hall-shooting-this-month-638382.html Sun, 14 Sep 2025 07:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/massive-anti-immigration-rally-rocks-london-26-police-officers-injured-638384.html London Sep 14 A massive farright march in London led by activist Tommy Robinson turned violent after clashes broke out between protesters and security officials leaving 26 police officers injured and resulting in 25 arrests according to local media reports According to the Metropolitan Police violence erupted when sections of Robinsons supporters attempted to break through security lines separating them from a rival counterdemonstration organised by Stand Up to RacismOfficers were punched kicked and hit with bottles forcing reinforcements equipped with riot shields and helmets to intervene local media reportedFour officers sustained serious injuries including broken teeth a concussion a suspected broken nose and a spinal injuryAccording to local media reports authorities estimated the rallys turnout at between 110000 and 150000 making it one of the largest rightwing gatherings in the UK in recent timesHowever the organisers claim that even more people turned out during the rally calling them patriots They described the demonstration as the Unite the Kingdom march while Robinson praised the turnout calling it a tidal wave of patriotism and declaring the protest a cultural revolutionRobinson whose real name is Stephen YaxleyLennon founded the nationalist and antiIslam English Defence League and is considered one of the most influential farright figures in the UKThe event attracted support from several farright figures and billionaire Elon Musk also addressed the gathering by video message urging political change in Britain and claiming citizens were scared to exercise their free speechAuthorities confirmed that more than 1600 officers had been deployed across London to manage the demonstrations alongside other major events such as football matches and concerts the local media reports suggestedPolice said investigations into the violence are ongoingFurther details are awaited IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/massive-anti-immigration-rally-rocks-london-26-police-officers-injured-638384.html Sun, 14 Sep 2025 09:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-ex-marine-chief-appears-for-special-counsel-questioning-for-4th-time-638407.html Seoul Sep 14 Former Marine Corps Commandant Kim Kyehwan appeared before a special counsel team Sunday over alleged interference in an initial probe of the 2023 death of a young Marine The retired threestar general is suspected of being involved in the alleged interference in the military probe of the death of Cpl Chae Sugeun who drowned while searching for torrential rain victims in July 2023 without safety gearKim arrived at the teams office in southern Seoul but declined to answer questions from reporters It was his fourth appearance following two in July and another Saturday Yonhap news agency reportedThe team has been looking into allegations that former President Yoon Suk Yeol burst into a rage during a meeting of senior presidential officials in July 2023 after learning the initial probe blamed a senior Marine commander for Chaes deathKim had initially denied telling the top Marine investigator in charge of the initial probe of the episode about Yoon During a court hearing on July 22 however he acknowledged for the first time that he had heard about Yoons alleged outburst of angerThe court also rejected an arrest warrant for Kim that day citing the lack of risk of flight or evidence tamperingEarlier in July former National Intelligence Service NIS Director Cho Taeyong has acknowledged former President Yoon Suk Yeol flew into a rage when he was briefed on the results of an initial probe into the death of a Marine in 2023 reversing his yearslong denial legal sources saidCho made the admission during questioning by special counsel Lee Myeonghyeons team as a suspect over allegations of government interference in the Marine Corps investigation into the death of Cpl Chae Sugeun in July 2023 according to the sourcesChae was swept away by an overflowing stream while on a search mission for torrential rain victims IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-ex-marine-chief-appears-for-special-counsel-questioning-for-4th-time-638407.html Sun, 14 Sep 2025 11:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/rebuilding-terror-hq-instead-of-homes-shameful-ex-jampk-police-chief-slams-pakistan-638462.html New Delhi Sep 14 Former Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police SP Vaid has issued a blistering critique of Pakistans governance and its use of public development funds to rebuild a terror headquarters rather than aid its poor and strongly defended Indias stance on sporting ties with Pakistan I think people of Pakistan must realise that the army rule in Pakistan should be used to build homes for the poor and to provide relief They are giving that money to rebuild a terrorist headquarters I read in the media that rebuilding the headquarters which was bombed by India during Operation Sindoor on 7th May will cost Rs 15 crore And out of this Rs 4 crore has been given by the Pakistan government It is such a shameful thing This money should have been given to the common people to build their homes and to help themVaid did not hold back in accusing Pakistani leadership of hypocrisyAnd you are collecting money in the name of building homes for the poor And you are taking money in charity and using it to build the headquarters of Muridke The people of Pakistan should see what the government is doing and how it is spending money to build the terror headquarters he saidHe also made pointed comments about social and moral contradictionsI saw on social media that Asim Munir who talks about Jihad religion and Islam his wife is sitting in a hookah bar This is the hypocrisy of the Pakistan Army generals Jihad is for the children of poor people Their own children study in schools abroad And they build palatial houses in the West This is the Jihad of Pakistan which is only for the poor peopleTurning to Sundays IndiaPakistan Asia Cup match Vaid backed the governments stance of restricting bilateral friendly matches while participating in tournamentsI believe that the Central government has done the right thing That there will be no bilateral matches between India and Pakistan My only appeal to the Indian players is that you should not be friendly with them And my appeal to the spectators is that you should not boycott these matches It is important to participateThe match between India and Pakistan is being held in Dubai soon after the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor in which the Indian Army retaliated to neutralise the terrorists responsible The match set at 800 pm IST in Dubai is being followed across India not just as a cricket game but as a focal point of national sentiment IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/rebuilding-terror-hq-instead-of-homes-shameful-ex-jampk-police-chief-slams-pakistan-638462.html Sun, 14 Sep 2025 15:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/97-killed-over-44-million-affected-by-floods-in-pakistans-punjab-638231.html Islamabad Sep 13 At least 97 people have been killed and more than 44 million others affected by recent floods in Pakistans eastern Punjab province the Provincial Disaster Management Authority PDMA has said According to the PDMA floods triggered by high water levels in the Ravi Sutlej and Chenab rivers have damaged over 4500 villages across the provinceThe authority said that so far about 245 million people have been relocated to safer areas as part of ongoing rescue and relief operationsA total of 396 relief camps have been established in affected districts while around 19 million heads of livestock have also been evacuated reports Xinhua news agency quoting the PDMANationwide seasonal rains and floods since June 26 have killed at least 956 people and injured more than 1060 others according to official statistics Over 8400 houses have been destroyed or damaged and more than 6500 livestock have perished across the countryRelief efforts are continuing as authorities work to provide shelter food and medical support to displaced communities and prevent further losses it addedLast week the National Disaster Management Authority NDMA said on Friday that at least 884 people have died 1182 have been injured 9363 houses have been destroyed and 6180 cattle have perished since the start of torrential rains and floods on June 26 this yearThe Election Commission of Pakistan ECP has postponed the upcoming byelections in nine constituencies of Punjab amid the flooding crisis severely disrupted communication systems and widespread damage to infrastructureAuthorities have issued fresh warnings for further rainfall while rescue teams remain on alert and damage assessments are underway in the affected regions IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/97-killed-over-44-million-affected-by-floods-in-pakistans-punjab-638231.html Sat, 13 Sep 2025 13:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/traffic-mishap-kills-three-in-afghanistan-638241.html Kabul Sep 13 At least three travellers were killed and two more injured as a car turned turtle in northern Afghanistans Samangan province said a news release of the provincial police office on Saturday Blaming reckless driving for the deadly accident the short news release added that the mishap took place in DaraeSufi Payan area on Friday night and the injured passengers had been taken to the nearby health centre reports Xinhua news agencyEarlier two commuters including a driver were killed and four others injured in two separate road accidents on a road crossing in Samangan province on Friday morning and all the injured persons had been shifted to a hospital in the neighbouring Balkh provinceEarlier on Tuesday 10 people died and several were injured in two separate accidents in AfghanistanThree motorbikes collided with each other in the western Afghanistan Badghis province on Tuesday evening killing one on the spot and injuring five others provincial police spokesman Sediqullah Sediqi had saidThe deadly mishap took place in the provincial capital QalaeNaw due to the carelessness of the motorists the official said adding all five injured people some in critical conditions were shifted to the nearby hospitalIn another incident nine commuters were confirmed dead and seven others sustained injuries as a minibus plunged into a ravine in northern Afghanistans Baghlan province on Wednesday provincial police spokesman Mawlawi Shir Ahmad Burhani saidThe mishap took place on a congested road in KhostoFaring area on Wednesday morning leaving nine dead on the spot and seven injured some in critical condition the officer saidEarlier 17 commuters lost their lives and two others were injured as their cars were involved in accidents in the northern Badakhshan and eastern Ghazni provinces respectively on Monday IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/traffic-mishap-kills-three-in-afghanistan-638241.html Sat, 13 Sep 2025 13:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-water-storage-rate-at-drought-hit-gangneungs-reservoir-rises-for-1st-time-in-52-days-638245.html Seoul Sep 13 The water storage rate at South Koreas droughtstricken Gangneungs main water supply reservoir rose Saturday for the first time in 52 days following heavy rain overnight weather officials said The storage rate at the Obong Reservoir which supplies 87 per cent of residential water to Gangneung about 210 kilometres east of Seoul stood at 121 per cent at 10 am up 06 percentage points from the previous day according to the regional weather agencyIt marks the first increase since July 23 though the drought remains far from over officials said A state of national disaster was declared for the East Coast city on August 30 reports Yonhap news agencyThe water increase followed heavy overnight rain in Gangwon Provinces coastal and mountainous regions including 140 millimetres in Sokcho 100 mm in Yangyang and 915 mm in Gangneung as of 10 amThe last time daily rainfall in Gangneung exceeded 30 mm was two months ago on July 15 when it reached 397 mmPresident Lee Jae Myung welcomed the rain in a Facebook postThough the aftermath of the drought that began July 6 cannot be resolved by this rain I hope it will bring at least a little comfort to the citizens of Gangneung who are suffering to the point they cannot even do laundry or take showers at ease due to the indefinite restricted water supply he wroteLee also vowed to prevent similar inconveniences by strengthening management systems in response to environmental issues including climate changeEarlier on September 7 allout efforts have been underway on Sunday to supply water to Gangneung officials said as it struggles with worsening water shortagesHelicopters fire trucks and a Navy vessel were set to be dispatched to supply 29793 tons of water to Obong Reservoir the citys main water source and the Hongje water purification plant for the day according to city and Gangwon Province officials IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-water-storage-rate-at-drought-hit-gangneungs-reservoir-rises-for-1st-time-in-52-days-638245.html Sat, 13 Sep 2025 13:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/with-oli-out-new-delhi-pushes-fast-for-rapprochement-in-kathmandu-to-counter-security-risks-638253.html New Delhi Sep 13 Calm returned to Nepal with the swearing in of a new interim Prime Minister Shushila Karki who is also the former Chief Justice of the country Violent protests had broken out in Nepal following an agitation by Gen Z which eventually led to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and dozens of ministers resigning Many had expected the crisis to drag on but there was a firm message from President Ramchandra Paudel and Nepals army chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel The President had written to the representatives of Gen Z that a leader must be appointed soon and they had to decide immediately on it The President also said that upholding the Constitution was supreme and hence normalcy must be restored He also told them not to delay the process of picking a leader and then later blame him for the delay or possible chaos that may eruptWith the leadership change India will now play a more visible role in Nepal Officials say that the diplomatic reset is all ready to take place and New Delhi is hopeful that Sushila Karki will be easier to deal with compared to OliThe key for India would be to move quickly and reset ties The Gen Z must be made aware of Nepals relations with India and hence the need for more visible support becomes the need of the hour officials sayUnder Oli who was close to China the narrative he had built up was mostly antiIndia New Delhi is aware that the Chinese have been engaging a lot with Nepal in recent years This would be the best time for India to change an antiIndia perception in Nepal and hence the need to engage quickly and forge better ties with the leadership is importantWhile ties with Nepal are historic there has been a bit of a falling out in recent years Having solid ties with Nepal is crucial not just on the diplomatic front but from a security point of view as well The Intelligence agencies say that any form of instability in Nepal has a direct bearing on the security situation in India The ISI which has used the Nepal route into India on several occasions would thrive if there is instability Such a situation becomes a security nightmare as the agencies in Nepal would be busier with controlling the internal unrest rather than focusing more on the border This would put the onus entirely on the Indian agencies and it is harder to manage the border when the other side is busy with internal strife security officials say With a new leadership India would look to address these issues and also speed up border projects which would be in the interest of both nationsKarki may not have political experience but she has a solid reputation for being completely anticorruption Given the current situation in Nepal foreign diplomacy may not be her utmost priority for now Her priority would be to restore complete normalcy and then plan the political course her country would have to takeIndian officials say that they are confident that ties under her would improve She is aware of the historic ties the two nations share and Indias role in helping Nepal on several occasionsKarki also has an Indian connection While at the Banaras Hindu University at Varanasi she met with Durga Prasad Subedi who later went on to become her husband Subedi who was part of the Nepal Congress had played a role in the dramatic hijacking of a domestic Nepal Airlines flight on June 10 1973 The plane was carrying 4 million Nepalese Rupees The plane was forced to land in Forbesganj in Bihar and the money was offloaded No one was hurt in the incidentThe money was handed over to Girija Prasad Koirala who was waiting on the Indian side of the border The money was used to buy arms for the Nepali Congresss armed struggle against the monarchy Koirala went on to become a fourtime prime minister of Nepal IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/with-oli-out-new-delhi-pushes-fast-for-rapprochement-in-kathmandu-to-counter-security-risks-638253.html Sat, 13 Sep 2025 14:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistans-surveillance-of-its-citizens-not-security-but-tyranny-report-638301.html New Delhi Sep 13 The track record of Pakistans current civilmilitary regime paints a bleak picture of the countrys future It can continue down the Chinese path perfecting the machinery of digital authoritarianism while hollowing out its democratic promises or it can confront the reality that surveillance without oversight is not security but tyranny according to a new report For years Pakistan has been accused of spying on its own citizens Earlier these efforts were scattered bugged hotel rooms leaked phone calls and occasional internet blackouts said the report by The Milli ChronicleBut in recent times this has turned into a highly organised surveillance system backed by new technologies and international partnershipsAt the centre of this transformation is Pakistans growing dependence on ChinaBeijing often called the global architect of digital authoritarianism has become not just a financial and military partner but also the key supplier of tools that allow governments to control the flow of informationThrough its Digital Silk Road initiative China has exported surveillance systems firewalls and censorship models to countries like PakistanIn 2023 Pakistan introduced the Web Monitoring System 20 WMS 20 developed with Chinese companies like Geedge Networks and the stateowned China Electronics CorporationThis system similar to Chinas Great Firewall can block websites detect VPNs and throttle internet trafficInstead of simply censoring content it is designed to detect and suppress dissent before it can spreadBut Chinese tools are not the only ones in use Pakistan has also adopted Europeanmade surveillance systems such as the Lawful Intercept Management System LIMS which can track the digital activity of millions of people at onceWhile European countries restrict how these systems are used Pakistan lacks such safeguards giving its spy agencies neartotal freedom to monitor citizensAuthorities defend these measures in the name of national security but the main targets often turn out to be journalists human rights activists and political dissidentsReports of leaked WhatsApp calls blocked investigative stories and the intimidation of activists have become commonIn Balochistan entire regions face internet blackouts that last for months or even years cutting people off from the outside world and silencing campaigns against enforced disappearancesCritics say this is less about fighting terrorism and more about protecting the military establishment from accountabilityBy adopting Chinas model Pakistan is shifting further away from democracy and normalising the idea that dissent is a crimeThe consequences extend beyond Pakistans borders If a fragile democracy like Pakistan embraces Chinesestyle digital authoritarianism it signals to other countries that repression can be imported and democracy can be bypassedPakistan now stands at a crossroads It can choose transparency accountability and the rule of law or continue building a surveillance state that silences its citizensFor now the latter path seems more tempting to those in power But in choosing this route Pakistan risks trading its democratic promises for a future of fear and repression IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistans-surveillance-of-its-citizens-not-security-but-tyranny-report-638301.html Sat, 13 Sep 2025 17:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/dalai-lama-congratulates-sushila-karki-on-becoming-nepals-interim-pm-638314.html Dharamshala Sep 13 Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Saturday congratulated Sushila Karki on being appointed as Prime Minister of Nepals interim government Karki 73 was sworn in as Nepals interim Prime Minister late Friday evening thus becoming the firstever woman PM of the Himalayan nationAs you know the Nepalese and Tibetan peoples have historically enjoyed a close relationship I am very grateful to the government and the people of Nepal for providing facilities for the rehabilitation of Tibetan refugees following their forced escape from Tibet after 1959 Indeed although the Tibetan community is relatively small I believe it has been making a notable contribution towards Nepals economic growth read a statement issued by the Dalai Lamas officeOver the years there has been significant development and increasing prosperity in Nepal in all spheres of life Such achievements are all the more meaningful when they really improve the lives of poor and needy people I wish you every success in fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the people of Nepal in these challenging times With my prayers and good wishes the statement addedFollowing the fall of K P Sharma Oliled government during the violent GenZ protests on Monday Karki was the pick of activists who have taken to the streets protesting against the former PMs ruleGenZ protestors agreed on Karkis name paving the way for her appointment as Prime Minister even though several nonpolitical candidates were floated as alternativesThe unrest had also left several Indians stranded in the Tibet Autonomous Region while undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra organised by private tour operators via NepalOn Thursday the border crossings became operational again for Indian pilgrims who were undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Nepal IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/dalai-lama-congratulates-sushila-karki-on-becoming-nepals-interim-pm-638314.html Sat, 13 Sep 2025 18:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-21-year-old-afghan-woman-gang-raped-in-refugee-camp-638336.html Peshawar Sep 13 In a horrific incident a 21yearold Afghan woman was allegedly gangraped by five men in a refugee camp set up in Khyber Pakhtunkhwas Haripur city the local media reported on Saturday According to the First Information Report FIR the victim was on her way to Camp16 for work when five men forcibly dragged her into nearby fields and raped her for two hoursThe FIR further stated that the perpetrators also snatched Rs3000 in cash and a gold nose pin from the victim She identified the suspects as Bacha Nadi Rozi Khan Javed and Naseer The complaint added that when she tried to resist the men physically assaulted her leaving her injured Pakistans leading newspaper The Express Tribune reported on SaturdayThe Khalabat police have booked all five suspects under Section 375A of the Pakistan Penal Code which states that when rape is committed by two or more persons in furtherance of the common intention of all each of such persons shall be punished with death or imprisonment for life the report addedThe newspaper detailed that the incident has sparked outrage among local residents while the victims family has demanded exemplary punishment for the culpritsInterestingly Pakistan has designated Haripur Rawalpindi Attock Islamabad and Murree as safe zones amidst the ongoing crackdown on vulnerable Afghan refugees who are being repatriated forciblyAccording to the UN refugee agency since April more than 483700 Afghans have returned from Pakistan to Afghanistan including 145200 in August alone with some 55000 making the journey in just the final four days of the monthSince April 1 some 57300 individuals have been arrested and detained including PoR cardholders In August alone some 9000 arrests were recorded compared to some 3400 in the entire month of JulyA UN document detailed that as of September 4 at least 531700 Afghans have returned from Pakistan in 2025 IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-21-year-old-afghan-woman-gang-raped-in-refugee-camp-638336.html Sat, 13 Sep 2025 19:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/yunus-slammed-over-using-arbitrary-arrests-to-silence-dissent-in-bangladesh-638366.html Dhaka Sep 13 Bangladeshs Awami League party on Saturday once again slammed the Muhammad Yunusled interim government accusing it of using arbitrary arrests as a weapon to suppress dissent and neutralise political opposition in the country The party alleged that everyone from grassroots activists and former ministers to noted intellectuals and ordinary citizens participating in a procession is detained not for proven crimes but simply for expressing political allegiance or exercising their right to assemblyThe surge in arbitrary arrests across Bangladesh is neither random nor isolated it is systematic targetted and designed to dismantle the very foundations of political organisation Each case reveals a disturbing pattern pervasive surveillance preemptive detention and the deliberate criminalisation of peaceful or symbolic acts of dissent the Awami League statedThe arrests of former minister Abdul Latif Siddiqui and Dhaka University professor Sheikh Hafizur Rahman Karzon after a Manch 71 roundtable show that even civil discussions are treated as criminal acts Initially detained under the pretext of mob disorder they were later formally arrested under antiterror laws These actions transform academic debate and policy discourse into evidence of conspiracy signalling that there is no safe space left not in classrooms discussion forums or the press it addedAccording to the Awami League the most alarming example of such abuse of power under the Yunus regime is the arrest of Abu Alam Shahid Khan a retired senior secretary and once Press Secretary to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina His only crime was attending a roundtable discussion on constitutional reform organised by the platform Mancha 71 in DhakaThe party asserted that as a respected bureaucrat turned public policy analyst Khan embodied the intellectual space that every society needs for dialogue debate and critical reflection By dragging him into custody it said the Yunus regime effectively declared that no arena is safe not television studios not lecture halls not civil society gatheringsRaising concern the Awami League added that if even the most credentialed voices of reason are silenced ordinary citizens of Bangladesh are left to believe that speaking out at all is dangerousThe consequences of these arbitrary arrests extend far beyond the immediate detention of individuals they strike at the heart of Bangladeshs democratic fabric By systematically silencing opposition voices the regime ensures that the political landscape remains unchallenged creating a ruling vacuum sustained not through legitimacy or popular support but through repression the party stressedDemocratic mechanisms debate dissent and protest are replaced by surveillance intimidation and coercion The very notion of political accountability erodes when fear becomes the currency of governance it added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/yunus-slammed-over-using-arbitrary-arrests-to-silence-dissent-in-bangladesh-638366.html Sat, 13 Sep 2025 22:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistani-origin-man-indicted-in-attempted-child-kidnapping-case-of-canadian-child-638367.html Washington Sep 13 A naturalised United States citizen from Pakistan residing in Wayne County Michigan has been charged with attempted kidnapping of a minor child according to the federal authorities The US Attorney Jerome F Gorgon Jr accompanied by Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Stentz of Homeland Security Investigations HSI Detroit announced that a criminal complaint had been unsealed charging 46yearold Pakistaniorigin man Shahzad HameediAccording to the criminal complaint Hameedi began dating a single mother in Windsor Canada under the alternate name Sheraz Hameed After she restricted his access to her minor child Hameedi embarked on an operation to kidnap the child in June 2025In an official statement on Thursday the US Attorney Generals office said that during the investigation agents recovered a laminated ransom note and evidence showed that Hameedi had researched tranquilizers and assembled items such as a stun gun a toddler life vest zip ties duct tape rubber gloves and strong cold medication with a funnelIt added that evidence also showed Hameedi surreptitiously crossing the border to Canada and entering the childs home at night where he tried to strangle the mother before being chased away Two days later the accused again entered the home and assaulted the childThe defendants alleged plan to kidnap a young child by sneaking across the border and entering Canada breaking into a mothers home at night strangling her and then assaulting her innocent young child two days later is diabolical No parent or child should ever be subjected to this wickedness We will bring the full force of the law against violent predators US Attorney Gorgon saidHSI is committed to working with our Canadian partners to hold criminals accountable and safeguard innocent children on both sides of the Northern border Im proud of the HSI agents the Windsor Police Service and the prosecutors who worked tirelessly to bring charges in this case said acting Special Agent in Charge StentzAccording to the statement the case is being investigated by the HSI and the Windsor Police Service IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistani-origin-man-indicted-in-attempted-child-kidnapping-case-of-canadian-child-638367.html Sat, 13 Sep 2025 22:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/suspect-arrested-in-killing-of-trumps-close-supporter--638161.html New York Sep 13 We got him Utah Governor Spencer Cox said announcing on Friday the arrest of the alleged assassin of US President Donald Trumps close supporter Charlie Kirk Tyler Robinson was turned in by his father who recognised his photographs circulated by law enforcement and had heard him making radical statements Trump said without naming him on Fox News before Coxs announcementAnd the father convinced the son this is it he saidKirk a conservative youth leader with a large following was shot dead on Wednesday when he was speaking at a university in UtahTrump attributed his victory last year to Kirk mobilising young people to vote for him and he emerged as an adviser to TrumpKirk was close to Vice President JD Vance and had lobbied with Trump to make him his running mateCox who identified Robinson said at a news conference with Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel at his side in Salt Lake City The family member referenced a recent incident in which Robinson came to dinner prior to September 10 and in the conversation with another family member Robinson mentioned Charlie Kirk was coming to the Utah Valley University UVUThey talked about why they didnt like him and the viewpoints he had he saidRobinsons father told his priest about him after recognising him in the photographs and he contacted law enforcementHe was arrested without incidentCox and Trump have said that they would seek the death penalty for RobinsonUtah is the only state which has provisions for a firing squad to carry out executionsKirk was invited to UVU by its chapter of Turning Point USA the conservative youth group he foundedUtah officials on Thursday released video of the assailant jumping off the roof of a building and running away towards a wooded area where they later retrieved the gun used in the shootingKirks killing was the latest in the tide of political violence in the USThe trial is continuing on Friday of the man who is charged with trying to assassinate Trump last year after the thenpresidential candidate had narrowly escaped another attempt with a slight injuryIn June a man assassinated the former speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives and her husbandIn April an assassination attempt was made on Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro by setting his residence on fireLast month a transgender person opened fire at a Catholic school in Minnesota killing two children IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/suspect-arrested-in-killing-of-trumps-close-supporter--638161.html Sat, 13 Sep 2025 00:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-africas-top-court-allows-husbands-to-take-wives-surname-638165.html Cape Town Sep 13 South Africas highest court the Constitutional Court has ruled that husbands are now legally allowed to take on the surnames of their wives The court ruled on Thursday that certain sections of the current Births and Deaths Registration Act are unconstitutional as they unfairly discriminate on the grounds of genderThe ruling was made after two couples approached the Constitutional Court Xinhua news agency reportedOne man Henry van der Merwe was not allowed by the Department of Home Affairs to take the surname of his wife Jana Jordaan while in the case of the second couple Andreas Nicolaas Bornman was disallowed from hyphenating his surname to include that of his wife Jess DonnellyBornmanThe matter was heard on March 4 and judgment was delivered on Thursday Cited as respondents in the matter were the minister of home affairs and the minister of justice and constitutional developmentThe tradition of women taking their husbands surname was a colonial import This practice reinforced patriarchal norms where women were seen as subordinate to their husbands and expected to assume their identity said the Constitutional Court in its rulingThe declaration of invalidity is suspended for a period of 24 months to enable Parliament to remedy the defects by either amending existing legislation or passing new legislation within 24 months in order to ensure that all persons are afforded the right of assumption of another surname it saidIn addition the minister of home affairs was also ordered to pay the applicants costs in the Constitutional Court including the costs of two counsel IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-africas-top-court-allows-husbands-to-take-wives-surname-638165.html Sat, 13 Sep 2025 07:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-to-meet-qatari-pm-in-new-york-638166.html Washington Sep 13 US President Donald Trump will meet with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in New York days after an Israeli air strike targeted Hamas leaders in Doha local media reported Steve Witkoff Trumps special envoy is expected to attend the meeting said the reportsThe Qatari prime minister headed to New York after roughly one hour of talks with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the White House earlier on Friday Xinhua news agency reported quoting NBC NewsThe meeting in the White House was described as very positive said the report noting that the two sides discussed Qatars role in facilitating peace in the Middle East and a defense cooperation agreement between the two countriesThe official said Trump and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman alThani will have dinner joined by a top Trump adviser US special envoy Steve WitkoffThe session follows an hourlong meeting that alThani had at the White House on Friday with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco RubioThe Qatari prime ministers visit to the United States came just ahead of an emergency Arab summit called by Qatar following Tuesdays Israeli strikeTrump said later on Tuesday that he felt very badly about the location of the attack and assured Qatari leaders by phone that such a thing would not happen again on their soilQatar has accused Israel of trying to sabotage chances for peace but said it would not be deterred from its role as a mediator in ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-to-meet-qatari-pm-in-new-york-638166.html Sat, 13 Sep 2025 08:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-presses-g7-to-tighten-measures-against-russia-638167.html Washington Sep 13 The US pressed its G7 partners to adopt tougher measures against Russia urging them to impose tariffs on countries that continue to buy Russian oil In a joint call with G7 finance ministers US Ambassador Jamieson Greer and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Friday echoed President Donald Trumps demand that allies step up efforts to cut off Moscows energy revenues which Washington says are fuelling the war in UkraineOnly with a unified effort that cuts off the revenues funding Putins war machine at the source will we be able to apply sufficient economic pressure to end the senseless killing Greer and Bessent said in a statement after the callThe officials said the US has already moved ahead with punitive tariffs on nations that continue importing Russian oil describing the policy as a cornerstone of Trumps strategy to force Moscow to the negotiating table They urged other G7 members Canada France Germany Italy Japan and the United Kingdom to follow suitGreer and Bessent also welcomed commitments by G7 counterparts to strengthen existing sanctions and to explore redirecting frozen Russian sovereign assets to support Ukraines defenceThanks to President Trumps bold leadership the United States has already taken dramatic action against the purchasers of Russian oil the statement said We are encouraged by the assurances of our fellow G7 nations that they are committed to ending this war and we are hopeful that they will join us in taking decisive action at this critical timeThe appeal comes amid ongoing debate within the G7 over how far to go in tightening sanctions without triggering broader energy shocks particularly in developing countries still dependent on Russian suppliesTrump on Friday also announced that he will be hitting Russia very hard with economic measures including tariffsItd be hitting very hard on with sanctions to banks and having to do with oil and tariffs also Trump said in an interview with Fox News IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-presses-g7-to-tighten-measures-against-russia-638167.html Sat, 13 Sep 2025 08:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/un-general-assembly-adopts-draft-resolution-favouring-two-state-solution-638172.html United Nations Sep 13 The UN General Assembly UNGA adopted a draft resolution endorsing the New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the TwoState Solution The UNGA passed the resolution by a recorded vote of 142 in favor 10 against and 12 abstentions Xinhua news agency reportedThe New York Declaration circulated at a highlevel international conference held at the United Nations in late July sets out an actionoriented pathway toward a peaceful settlement of the IsraelPalestine conflict and the realization of the twostate solutionThe draft resolution was introduced by France and Saudi Arabia the two cochairs of the conference along with the cochairs of its working groupsThe permanent observer of the State of Palestine while thanking those nations that voted for the endorsement of that document invited the party that is still pushing the option of war and destruction to listen to the sound of reasonThe peace option is for everyone who wants to have a twostate solution and opens the doors for integration in the entire Middle East and allows the region to reach its potential in terms of development and cooperation he saidThe representative of France said the declaration lays out a single roadmap to deliver the twostate solution which he said involves an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all the hostagesIt involves the establishment of a Palestinian State that is viable and sovereign the disarmament of Hamas and its exclusion from governance in Gaza as well as normalization between Israel and Arab countries he saidBefore the vote the representative of the United States said her country opposes the New York Declaration and that the UNGAs action on the draft resolution is yet another misguided and illtimed publicity stunt that undermines serious diplomatic efforts to end the conflict IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/un-general-assembly-adopts-draft-resolution-favouring-two-state-solution-638172.html Sat, 13 Sep 2025 09:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/awami-league-says-under-yunuss-rule-party-leaders-being-persecuted-in-prisons-638180.html Dhaka Sep 13 Bangladeshs Awami League came down heavily on the Muhammad Yunusled interim government over the brutal torture and killing of the party leaders and activists inside prisons across the country The party alleged that under the direct orders of the Yunus administration the Awami League leaders and activists are being subjected to horrific torture and persecution inside prisonsActing on the instructions of the illegal and unconstitutional usurper government prison officials have brutally tortured and killed many Awami League leaders and activists read a statement issued by the Awami LeagueWe will not remain content with only condemning and protesting these incidents At the same time we sound a clear warning the rule of the killerfascist Yunus will be marked as a dark chapter in Bangladeshs history People with humanity will through united struggle deliver a crushing reply to this monstrous clique and bring forth the light of tomorrow the party statedRaising grave concerns the party has repeatedly condemned and protested these inhuman and barbaric abuses under the Yunus regimeEarlier in July the Awami League called on the interim government to ensure full transparent and independent investigations into the reported custodial deaths of at least 24 members of the party since the Yunusled interim government seized power in BangladeshThe killings which allegedly occurred inside jails and under police custody environments that should be among the safest in any civilised society are a grave violation of both national laws and international human rights standards said the partyThe Awami League called on the international community human rights organisations and all defenders of justice to stand with the families of the victims and demand independent investigations into these deaths in custody across Bangladesh IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/awami-league-says-under-yunuss-rule-party-leaders-being-persecuted-in-prisons-638180.html Sat, 13 Sep 2025 10:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/human-rights-defenders-decry-dismal-state-of-disaster-relief-in-pak-occupied-gilgit-baltistan-638205.html Islamabad Sep 13 Several human rights defenders and community members raised grave concerns about the dismal condition of disaster relief in Pakistanoccupied Gilgit Baltistan PoGB stating that a surge in floods landslides and glacial lake outbursts has left marginalised communities bearing the brunt of the crisis At an outreach meeting held by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan HRCP in PoGB on Friday the members highlighted that displaced families are forced to live in unsafe shelters with no access to clean water electricity healthcare or educationThey noted the neglect of women children dailywage workers persons with disabilities and transgender persons while mental health remained ignored The meeting also pointed out that the relief funds lack transparency and accountabilityAccording to the HRCP during the meeting stakeholders adopted a unanimous resolution stressing that disaster response in PoGB must be inclusive transparent and dignified This included multisectoral coordination at all levels communityled monitoring and rehabilitation and transparent use of relief funds Additionally it called for the protection of vulnerable households with fair compensation and relocation from highrisk zones while suggesting that climate justice measures such as reforestation halting exploitative natural resource extraction climate insurance and disaster preparedness be included in the school curriculumEarlier on Wednesday raising concern over the devastating floods that swept across Pakistan the HRCP asserted that these disasters are no longer merely natural they are manmade fuelled by poor planning land grabs deforestation corrupt practices and climate inaction The rights body stated that the state and successive Pakistani governments must be held responsible for the crisis in the countryWhile rescue and relief operations are underway HRCP stresses that these efforts must be urgently expanded with more rescue teams mobilised and more relief camps established with equitable access to food shelter clean drinking water and medical services Particular attention must be given to the most vulnerable women children the elderly and persons living with disabilities read a statement issued by the rights bodyThe HRCP called on the federal and provincial governments of Pakistan to wake up to their constitutional obligations demonstrate political will and foresight and take decisive and inclusive action to prevent the country from remaining trapped in annual cycles of displacement and devastation IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/human-rights-defenders-decry-dismal-state-of-disaster-relief-in-pak-occupied-gilgit-baltistan-638205.html Sat, 13 Sep 2025 11:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/mobocracy-in-new-bangladesh-637962.html New Delhi Sep 11 When Sheikh Hasina fled the nation on 5th August last year antiHasina forces who led the July uprising hailed that Bangladesh has regained its Independence Since a year these forces have been rolling their sleeves to establish that only in 2024 Bangladesh has seemed to gain real liberation often indulging in a narrative making of pushing 2024 uprising over 1971 Liberation War Soon after Hasinas deposition Bangladesh was faced with acute law and order crisis expected in situation of sudden political transformation Taking advantage of this political vacuum something Bangladeshis did not face earlier mob largely Islamist extremists gained prominenceInstead of real democracy Bangladesh is now plunged deep into mobocracy as law enforcement forces are on a state of perpetually struggle to maintain law and order in the country The interim government on the other hand has been paying mere lip service of promising to serve justice without any fruitionIf one has to look at the pattern of Bangladeshs rising mob culture one would notice its common targetssecularists women and minoritiesThe resurgence of Islamists is one of the many doings of the interim government and Bangladeshis on many occasions have been at the receiving end of its wrathOn one hand Bangladesh witnessed banned groups like Hizb utTahrir openly demonstrating in Dhaka demanding for establishing Caliphate system in BangladeshOn the other Towhidi Janata an informed group of radical Muslims has been disrupting public spaces to protest against what it claims to be unIslamic activities These groups have been particularly notorious for suppressing social and cultural events celebrating Bangladeshs secular ethos like Book Fair Basant Utsav Lalon Mela and Pohela BaishakhWomens public participation something frowned upon by these Islamists too came under their attack From openly preaching for bringing the purdah system back launching physical assaults on women for not observing Islamic dress code protesting for the release of a Dhaka Universitys male employee who physically harassed a woman student for her inappropriate clothing objecting womens presence in public events to threatening and vandalizing womens sports events Bangladeshs new mob culture has been predominantly antiwomen besides antisecularThe state of religious minorities however is the most deplorable in this case With law enforcement compromised Bangladeshs violent mob has been justifying its actions by labelling it as restoring justice Religious minorities have been systemically targeted since August 5 last year threatening their already vulnerable dispositionAccording to Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Councils July report there has been a staggering 2442 incidents of communal violence since last August Moreover Ahmadiyas Sufis deemed as heresy by Islamists are also targeted with more than a hundred incidents of attacks reported in the past yearHowever while the interim government has not only failed to take effective measures to curb these mob attacks but also downplayed this systemic violence as political attacks Indeed mob justice has been fairly tolerable in New Bangladesh especially if the enemy is Awami League and its alliesFrom vandalism of murals paintings of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman demolition of his private residence 32 Dhanmondi to attempt of desecrating the graveyard of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Gopalganj there has rarely been a word of condemnation from the chief advisor Instead a clear narrative making has been at playblaming external forces behind these mob attacksThe latest horrifying incidents of vandalism of shrines by what believed to be members of Towhidi Janata in Rajbari and Rajshahi is an extension of new Bangladesh establishments silence and tolerance of mob culture giving way for the countrys mobocracyThe deplorable act of exhuming and burning of the body of selfproclaimed spiritual leader Nurul Haque popularly known as Nurul Pagla was so bone chilling that even the Islamic parties who usually provide silent support to this group have condemned this incident The attack and vandalism of Aziz Bhandari Khanka Sharifs shrine in Rajshahi occurred on the same day of Rajbari violence despite the presence of policeThe spiritual leader of the shrine has also alleged that the police took no action to prevent mob violence despite prior warnings from the intelligence agenciesThe home advisor in charge of restoring the countrys law and order had always denied Bangladeshs law and order situation to be worse rather claimed the situation to improve despite reports telling otherwise However recently he agreed that the situation to be somewhat worse in light of recent incidentsThe interim government established primarily to restore the countrys lawlessness has utterly failed in this Now that the country is gearing up for national election early next time whether its plausible remains to be seen it can be said with certainty that the inefficiency and deliberate nonchalance of the interim government have led new Bangladesh towards mobocracy perhaps to a point of no return IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/mobocracy-in-new-bangladesh-637962.html Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/congresswoman-ross-says-india-us-relationship-can-be-repaired--637967.html Washington September 12 Congresswoman Deborah Ross cochair of the Congressional Study Group on India CSGI and a staunch advocate for IndiaUS ties expressed strong confidence that the relationship can be repaired In an exclusive interview with IANS in Washington on Thursday Ross a Democratic Representative from North Carolina hoped that the relationship would be back on track soon as trade negotiations resumeIm very heartened that the dialogue has reopened After 30 years of a positive dialogue and a positive educational relationship business relationship we are the two largest democracies in the world The last thing we should do is push India away from us to Russia and China So the great hope and Im a woman of hope and faith is that this relationship will be repaired she addedHer statement comes as Sergio Gor the Trump administrations nominee for US Ambassador to India called New Delhi a strategic partner during his Senate confirmation hearing on Thursday He also announced that both sides are close to a trade agreementRoss believed that Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to China last month to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation SCO summit where he met Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin was a wakeup call to the administration and made a huge impression on people in Washington to restart this relationship with IndiaShe added that it was a smart move from PM Modi to send a message to the United States that he has optionsI think it was actually a smart move for him to do that because he showed that he has options Unfortunately they are bad options They are both bad options for him and for us he notedCommenting on the personal rapport between PM Modi and President Trump Ross hoped that people around the president encourage him to go back to the attitudes that he had earlierIn July Ross led a bipartisan group of 14 lawmakers in urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio to address delays for Indian students seeking to obtain student visa appointments In the letter the lawmakers highlighted that Indian students contribute 9 billion to the US economyThe Congresswoman said that though she hasnt heard directly back from Secretary Rubio on the issue she is in discussions with the affected universities and studentsI have been in touch with a lot of institutions of higher education about how they are pushing through those visas and how they are working with those students she told IANSRoss also spoke about her support for expanding the H1B visas as the Trump administration moves to change the existing systemThe business community wants to expand these visas The fact is that the US is not graduating enough qualified people for a lot of these highskilled jobs Were not graduating enough doctors Were not graduating enough engineers We have to expand these visas because there is no one country that cornered the market on innovation she emphasisedRoss added that India is the right partner for this exchange as its a transparent democracyIt is so important that we have that cooperation with India because you are a transparent democracy and we would prefer to have that relationship with you than with more authoritarian regimes ones that steal our intellectual property ones that have other agendas she addedIn August 2023 Ross was part of a congressional delegation to India and visited the Mumbaibased Western Naval Command headquarters along with Representative Ro Khanna to advocate for strong bilateral defense tiesShe suggested that the recent IndiaUS trade tensions may only have a shortterm impact on other areas of cooperationWhat Im hoping is that we have heard that the talks are resuming we may be able to do some repair work Im hoping that in the long term it does notRoss also announced that another bipartisan delegation would be visiting India in February next yearI want the relationship to be strong with Congress which is why I went to India with Representative Khanna I had been to India previously as a state legislator and why Im going to India again she saidAddressing the rising incidents of targeted attacks on Hindu temples and other places of worship in the United States the Congresswoman said that some people are trying to divide us and to blame other people for their situationsThere are two things that I have done in response to that One is to make sure that places of worship can get grants for security assistance The second thing is we have a federal law about protecting places of worship and being able to get federal protection for that and the Republicans actually have tried to repeal that law because it also protects access to abortion clinics I have been very very vocal that we cannot repeal that law she concluded IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/congresswoman-ross-says-india-us-relationship-can-be-repaired--637967.html Fri, 12 Sep 2025 06:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/congresswoman-condemns-charlie-kirks-murder-says-violence-has-no-place-in-the-country-637968.html Washington Sep 12 A day after leading conservative commentator and activist Charlie Kirk was shot dead while speaking at a University event in Utah Congresswoman Deborah Ross reacted to the assassination saying violence has no place in the country Speaking to IANS on Thursday in Washington Ross who is a Democratic Representative from North Carolina believed as an elected official she and her colleagues in Congress should take responsibility for dialling back the political rhetoricMore than a year ago there was an assassination attempt on thencandidate and now President Trump We also saw the assassination of Minnesota lawmakers We have got to as elected officials take responsibility for dialling back this rhetoric and setting a better example for the American people and that includes the President of the United States who on many occasions has advocated violence she notedMeanwhile a massive manhunt is underway to arrest the killer with authorities releasing two images of the person of interestThe police have received more than 200 tips and are investigating multiple leadsInvestigators have recovered a highpowered hunting rifle a palm print and a shoe impression in a wooded area near the campus The FBI has announced a reward of 100000 for information leading to the suspects arrestPresident Donald Trump while speaking to reporters at the White House on Thursday said the authorities are making big progressAsked how he wanted his supporters to respond to Charlie Kirks murder Trump said He was an advocate of nonviolence Thats the way I like to see peopleEarlier in the day Trump announced that Kirk would be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumouslyKirk who was 31 years old was delivering remarks during a campus event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday when shots rang out sparking panic among attendees He was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly afterKirk was the founder of Turning Point USA TPUSA the countrys most prominent conservative student organisation He launched the Arizonabased group in 2012 at the age of 18 building it into a political powerhouse with over 800 chapters across US colleges TPUSA became a central force in mobilising young conservative voters particularly in the 2024 election where it played a pivotal role in boosting Trumps reelection campaign IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/congresswoman-condemns-charlie-kirks-murder-says-violence-has-no-place-in-the-country-637968.html Fri, 12 Sep 2025 07:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/former-brazilian-president-bolsonaro-sentenced-to-over-27-years-in-prison-637970.html Brasilia Sep 12 Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison after four out of five Supreme Federal Court justices voted to convict him of attempting a coup Justices Carmen Lucia and Cristiano Zanin cast their votes to convict him on Thursday Xinhua news agency reportedBolsonaro was found guilty on five counts plotting a coup detat attempted violent abolition of the democratic rule of law participation in an armed criminal organization aggravated damage and deterioration of listed heritage sitesThe Supreme Federal Court opened the case on September 2 with a conviction requiring a majority of the fivejustice panel reviewing the caseJustices Alexandre de Moraes and Flavio Dino on Tuesday found Bolsonaro guilty of the related charges while Justice Luiz Fux on Wednesday voted for acquittalThe 70yearold former president is currently under house arrest He may still appeal the verdict to the full Supreme Federal Court of 11 justicesBolsonaro did not attend this final phase of the trial in personBut he has in the past said it was designed to prevent him from running in the 2026 presidential election even though he had already been barred from public office on separate charges He has also called it a witch huntHis words have previously been echoed by US President Donald Trump who imposed 50 per cent tariffs on Brazilian goods framing them as retaliation for Bolsonaros prosecutionReacting to the guilty verdict Trump said he found it very surprising and compared it to his own experience Thats very much like they tried to do with me But they didnt get away with it at all IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/former-brazilian-president-bolsonaro-sentenced-to-over-27-years-in-prison-637970.html Fri, 12 Sep 2025 08:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-congresswoman-condemns-charlie-kirks-murder-says-violence-has-no-place-in-the-country-637971.html Washington Sep 12 A day after leading conservative commentator and activist Charlie Kirk was shot dead while speaking at a University event in Utah Congresswoman Deborah Ross reacted to the assassination saying violence has no place in the country Speaking to IANS on Thursday in Washington Ross who is a Democratic Representative from North Carolina believed as an elected official she and her colleagues in Congress should take responsibility for dialling back the political rhetoricMore than a year ago there was an assassination attempt on thencandidate and now President Trump We also saw the assassination of Minnesota lawmakers We have got to as elected officials take responsibility for dialling back this rhetoric and setting a better example for the American people and that includes the President of the United States who on many occasions has advocated violence she notedMeanwhile a massive manhunt is underway to arrest the killer with authorities releasing two images of the person of interestThe police have received more than 200 tips and are investigating multiple leadsInvestigators have recovered a highpowered hunting rifle a palm print and a shoe impression in a wooded area near the campus The FBI has announced a reward of 100000 for information leading to the suspects arrestPresident Donald Trump while speaking to reporters at the White House on Thursday said the authorities are making big progressAsked how he wanted his supporters to respond to Charlie Kirks murder Trump said He was an advocate of nonviolence Thats the way I like to see peopleEarlier in the day Trump announced that Kirk would be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumouslyKirk who was 31 years old was delivering remarks during a campus event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday when shots rang out sparking panic among attendees He was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly afterKirk was the founder of Turning Point USA TPUSA the countrys most prominent conservative student organisation He launched the Arizonabased group in 2012 at the age of 18 building it into a political powerhouse with over 800 chapters across US colleges TPUSA became a central force in mobilising young conservative voters particularly in the 2024 election where it played a pivotal role in boosting Trumps reelection campaign IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-congresswoman-condemns-charlie-kirks-murder-says-violence-has-no-place-in-the-country-637971.html Fri, 12 Sep 2025 08:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-national-brutally-killed-in-texas-consulate-assures-support-to-family-637977.html Houston Sep 12 An Indian national Chandra Nagamallaiah was tragically killed at his workplace in Dallas Texas in a shocking act of violence The Consulate General of India in Houston confirmed the incident and expressed condolences to the victims family In a post on social media platform X the Consulate statedConsulate General of India Houston condoles the tragic death of Mr Chandra Nagamallaiah an Indian National killed brutally at his workplace in Dallas Tx We are in touch with the family and offering all possible assistance The accused is in the custody of Dallas Police We are following up on the matter closelyNagamallaiah was attacked with a machete and beheaded allegedly after an argument with his employeeAccording to local authorities 50yearold Nagamallaiah originally from Karnataka was involved in a workplace dispute at a motel where he and the accused 37yearold Yordanis CobosMartinez were employedThe altercation reportedly began when Nagamallaiah instructed the accused not to use a malfunctioning washing machine and asked another staff member to translate the messageThis reportedly upset CobosMartinez who then armed himself with a machete and attacked Nagamallaiah multiple times Despite efforts to escape the victim was pursued by the accused Nagamallaiahs wife and 18yearold son who were present at the site tried to intervene but were unable to stop the assaultPolice reports indicate that the accused carried out further acts of violence before being apprehended by law enforcement near the scene He was found in possession of the weapon and taken into custody immediatelyLocal media reports suggest that surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts played a key role in the swift arrest The Dallas Police Department is continuing its investigation and has confirmed that charges will be filedThe Indian Consulate in Houston has assured the victims family of all possible assistance including coordination with local authorities and support with legal and logistical mattersAuthorities are calling for a thorough and impartial investigation IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-national-brutally-killed-in-texas-consulate-assures-support-to-family-637977.html Fri, 12 Sep 2025 09:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-reiterates-indias-call-for-early-end-to-ukraine-conflict-in-talks-with-polish-fm-637980.html New Delhi Sep 12 External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar held a telephonic conversation with his Polish counterpart Radosaw Sikorski reiterating Indias stance for an early cessation of hostilities and an enduring solution to the conflict in Ukraine Spoke to Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski of Poland today He shared his concern about recent developments pertaining to Polands security I underlined that India favors an early end to hostilities and a durable solution for the Ukraine conflict EAM posted on XThe conversation followed after Poland recently claimed that on the night of September 9 its airspace was breached 19 times by drones manufactured in RussiaPolish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called the incident with drones entering the countrys airspace a largescale provocationMost likely we are witnesses to a largescale provocation Tusk said before an emergency government meeting in a statement telecast by Polish public broadcaster TVP InfoRegarding the incident of a UAV entering Polands airspace the Russian Defence Ministry on Wednesday said that it is ready to hold consultations with its Polish counterpartsNo facilities in Poland were planned to be targetted the Russian military department saidThey added that the maximum range of the used UAVs which allegedly crossed the border with Poland does not exceed 700 kmHowever we are ready to hold consultations with the Polish Defense Ministry on this matter the Russian Defence Ministry emphasisedReaffirming its support for an end to the conflict in Ukraine India expressed hope that all parties would move ahead constructively towards establishing lasting peace in the regionWe welcome all the recent efforts towards establishing peace in Ukraine We hope that all parties will proceed constructively India supports an early end to the conflict and the establishment of an enduring peace said Ministry of External Affairs MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal while addressing a weekly press briefing in New Delhi last weekPrime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently reiterated Indias position for a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict and New Delhis support for all efforts in this regardLast week on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation SCO summit in Chinas Tianjin Prime Minister Modi during a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed the recent efforts to resolve the conflict in UkrainePM Modi said that the entire humanity wants an end to the war and restoration of peace and stability in the regionWe welcome all the recent efforts in the direction of resolving the conflict We hope that all the involved parties will proceed further constructively We will have to figure out ways to end the conflict as soon as possible to restore regional stability and peace This is the call of the entire humanity said PM Modi IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-reiterates-indias-call-for-early-end-to-ukraine-conflict-in-talks-with-polish-fm-637980.html Fri, 12 Sep 2025 09:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/my-family-is-terrified-nepali-woman-in-mumbai-voices-anguish-amid-violent-gen-z-protests-637982.html New Delhi Sep 12 A Nepali family living in Mumbais Nalasopara is reeling under anxiety and emotional distress as violent anticorruption protests continue to engulf Nepal Kamala Gautam a young woman from the Nepali community residing in India expressed deep concern for her family relatives and homeland which is currently witnessing one of its most turbulent political phases in recent yearsSpeaking to IANS Kamala said I live in Nalasopara but my entire family is in Nepal Recently several areas including Beni Kathmandu and Pokhara have suffered significant damage The situation is very bad My parents and relatives keep calling Everyone is terrified I want to go there but the circumstances wont allow itVisibly distraught she added that the current unrest has left the entire diaspora community in India disturbed and helpless The situation is deteriorating by the day We are constantly worried about the safety of our families back home she saidThe unrest Kamala is referring to began earlier this week when thousands of young protesters primarily from Nepals Gen Z population took to the streets against rampant corruption and political instabilityThe protests were initially triggered by a shortlived ban on social media platforms by the government which many perceived as an attempt to stifle dissentThe demonstrations which started in Kathmandu soon spread to other cities including Pokhara Butwal and Birgunj The response from the security forces has been severeAt least 31 people have been killed and over 1000 injured in clashes with police according to reportsAmid the escalating crisis former Chief Justice Sushila Karki is likely to be sworn in as Interim Prime Minister as early as Friday afternoon A day prior energy reformist and former NEA chief Kulman Ghising had emerged as a top contender for the role IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/my-family-is-terrified-nepali-woman-in-mumbai-voices-anguish-amid-violent-gen-z-protests-637982.html Fri, 12 Sep 2025 10:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/remembering-911-americans-pledge-to-defend-nation-freedom--637985.html New York Sep 12 With pledges to defend the nation and freedom the US remembered the horrific attack on the US 24 years ago by Islamic terrorists whose leader found a welcome in Pakistan We will build taller grow stronger fight harder and soar higher And together we will go forward as one people with one heart one fate one flag and one glorious destiny under one Almighty God US President Donald Trump said on ThursdayWe will defend the nation they served the values they upheld and the freedom for which they died he said referring to the victims and the first responders thousands of whom face serious health issues from the toxic fumes stirred by the burning debrisIronically the remembrances of the 911 alQaeda terrorist attack were held under the shadow of domestic terrorism that took the life of a conservative political activist close to Trump Charlie Kirk on WednesdayTrumps remembrance ceremony at the Pentagon one of the three places scarred by 911 terrorism was itself tinged by that terrorist act and moved inside the defence headquarters complex from the traditional spot at its entrance because of its vulnerabilityOn that fateful day savage monsters attacked the very symbols of our civilisation Yet here in Virginia at the Pentagon and in New York and in the skies over Pennsylvania Americans did not hesitate he said recalling the national unity in the 911 aftermath in contrast to its fraying seen in the weeks political violenceToday as one nation we renew our sacred vow that we will never forget September 11 2001 he saidAt ceremonies held at the three spots where the terrorists struck bells tolled the time of the attack and the names of the 2977 were solemnly intonedPeople of Indian origin estimated at 250 of whom 32 were born in India were among the victimsAcross the nation commemorations were also held at the memorials to the victims of the attack that has been seared into the nations psycheOn 911 19 hijackers belonging to alQaeda hijacked four passenger planes two of which were crashed into the twin towers of the World Trade Centre in New YorkAnother was weaponised against the Pentagon but the passengers heroically overpowered the hijackers forcing the plane to crash into a field in Pennsylvania before it could hit their intended target in WashingtonOsama bin Laden the dreaded leader of alQaeda behind the attacks was welcomed by Pakistan where the US exacted its vengeance by hunting him down and killing him near a military establishmentAt Ground Zero in Manhattan Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel attended the ceremony before heading out to Utah to oversee the investigation into the assassination of Kirk IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/remembering-911-americans-pledge-to-defend-nation-freedom--637985.html Fri, 12 Sep 2025 10:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/violent-rampage-indian-origin-motel-manager-beheaded-in-texas-637987.html Washington Sep 12 In a gruesome incident an Indianorigin man was fatally attacked and beheaded at a motel in Dallas Texas According to local media reports Chandra Nagamallaiah 50 who managed the motel was repeatedly assaulted with a machete by the accused The brutal attack left him fatally wounded and authorities say the assailant also decapitated Nagamallaiah during the assaultThe extreme nature of the violence has shocked the local community and drawn widespread attentionThe accused Yordanis CobosMartinez 37 was arrested and charged with capital murder He is accused of beheading Nagamallaiah and leaving the victims head in a trash bin authorities saidCobosMartinez is currently being held at the Dallas County Jail pending further proceedings Court records indicate that he is an undocumented immigrantAccording to official documents on Thursday morning CobosMartinez was instructed by Nagamallaiah not to use a broken washing machine at the motel Martinez reportedly became agitated when Nagamallaiah did not speak to him directly and instead relied on a woman present to translate the instructionsA disturbing video circulating on social media shows Martinez chasing the victim with a machete and continuing the attack until Nagamallaiah was decapitatedAs the brutal assault unfolded Nagamallaiahs wife and son rushed out of the motels front office in a desperate attempt to intervene They pleaded with CobosMartinez to stop the attack and tried to shield Nagamallaiah from further blows Despite their frantic efforts the assailant continued his violent rampageThe footage reportedly shows Martinez kicking the victims head into the motel parking lot before picking it up and placing it in a dumpsterPolice apprehended Martinez as he attempted to flee the scene Authorities have not released further details about the motive behind the attack and the investigation is ongoingThe incident has sparked outrage and concern among the residents and the broader Dallas community IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/violent-rampage-indian-origin-motel-manager-beheaded-in-texas-637987.html Fri, 12 Sep 2025 10:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-france-hold-17th-counter-terrorism-meet-in-paris-condemn-pahalgam-attack-638019.html New Delhi Sep 12 India and France reaffirmed their strong commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms during the 17th Meeting of the IndiaFrance Joint Working Group JWG on counterterrorism in Paris according to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs MEA on Thursday The Indian delegation led by KD Dewal Joint Secretary Counter Terrorism MEA and the French side headed by Olivier Caron French CounterTerrorism Ambassador held the meeting on Thursday and condemned the dastardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam Jammu and Kashmir that claimed 26 livesThe Ministry of External Affairs MEA statement on Friday underscored the shared concerns of both nations on terrorism and emphasised the need for stronger bilateral cooperation in dealing with evolving security threatsDuring the meeting the two delegations exchanged views on the current threat assessments in their respective countriesDiscussions included Statesponsored crossborder terrorism terrorist activities in South Asia and the Middle East and the increasing misuse of emerging technologies by terror groupsThe two sides also focused on challenges posed by radicalisation and extremism especially online The dialogue highlighted the need for joint efforts to counter terrorist propaganda and online recruitment an issue of growing concern globallyFrance and India also expressed interest in enhancing coordination at international platforms such as the United Nations Financial Action Task Force FATF and No Money for Terror NMFT initiativeThe MEA noted The discussion on bilateral and multilateral cooperation focused on intensifying capacitybuilding measures through training and exercises The two sides discussed cooperation in the UN FATF and NMFTIn addition the two countries explored expanding the scope of their counterterrorism dialogue to include organised crime cybersecurity threats and the exchange of information on online propagandaThe meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to convene the 18th JWG meeting in India at a mutually convenient dateThe longstanding counterterrorism cooperation between India and France is seen as a vital element of their strategic partnership rooted in shared democratic values and a joint commitment to global security IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-france-hold-17th-counter-terrorism-meet-in-paris-condemn-pahalgam-attack-638019.html Fri, 12 Sep 2025 13:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-repatriates-remains-of-30-chinese-troops-killed-during-korean-war-638020.html Seoul Sep 12 South Korea on Friday repatriated the remains of 30 Chinese troops who were killed while fighting alongside North Korea during the 195053 Korean War to their home country the defence ministry said The remains along with 267 pieces of their belongings were handed over to Chinas veteran affairs officials at Incheon International Airport west of Seoul according to the ministrySince 2014 South Korea has returned a total of 1011 sets of remains belonging to Chinese troops including the latest ones after they were discovered during the ministrys project to excavate the remains of fallen South Korean troops of the conflictThis year the ministry skipped a ceremony commemorating the repatriation of the remains of Chinese soldiers for the second consecutive year given that China fought alongside North Korea during the Korean War against South Korea and UN troopsThe move also came as China is believed to have highlighted the remains repatriation as heroes return for a propaganda purpose Yonhap news agency reportedWe expect the repatriation will contribute to strengthen friendly cooperative relations between South Korea and China the defence ministry saidThis was not the first time In 2022 South Korea had repatriated the remains of 88 Chinese soldiers killed during the Korean WarWooden caskets containing the remains of the Chinese soldiers were handed over to a Chinese military honour guard during a solemn ceremony at Incheon International Airport near SeoulSimilarly in 2020 the remains of 117 Chinese soldiers killed in the 195053 Korean War were sent backIn 2014 Seoul pledged to repatriate the remains of fallen Chinese soldiers in a symbolic gesture of friendship and 599 sets were subsequently returned including 10 last yearA total of 825 remains of Chinese soldiers were repatriated between 2014 and 2021The Korean War started on 25 June 1950 and ended on 27 July 1953 after the signing of an armistice that agreed the country would remain dividedAt the end of the Second World War Korea which had formerly been occupied by the Japanese was divided along the 38th parallel This was an internal border between North and South Korea based on a circle of latitudeNorth Korea supported by the Soviet Union invaded the South on 25 June 1950 which was supported by the United StatesThe threeyear war was exceptionally bloody and led to the deaths of 3 million people and tens of thousands of casualties IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-repatriates-remains-of-30-chinese-troops-killed-during-korean-war-638020.html Fri, 12 Sep 2025 13:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/australia-faces-rising-dementia-burden-with-over-1-million-cases-by-2065-638022.html Canberra Sep 12 More than 1 million Australians are projected to have dementia by 2065 a government report said on Friday According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfares updated Dementia in Australia report the number is expected to more than double from about 425000 people in 2024 to 11 million by 2065Women currently outnumber men with dementia with 266000 women and 159000 men affected in 2024 rising to an estimated 662000 women and 390000 men by 2065 it saidDementia was the leading cause of death in Australia in 2023 accounting for about 17400 deaths including 10900 women and 6500 men said the report which includes Alzheimers disease vascular dementia unspecified dementia and other types such as Lewy body dementiaDementia Australia CEO Tanya Buchanan said the report released in the leadup to Dementia Action Week on September 1521 reveals the enormous impact dementia has on Australian familiesThe report highlights the vital role of carers with about 42 per cent of primary carers of people with dementia providing at least 60 hours of care weekly in 2022 Xinhua news agency reportedDementia is not a single disease but an umbrella term for a group of symptoms such as problems with memory thinking reasoning judgment and behaviour that are severe enough to interfere with daily life Its caused by diseases that damage brain cells and Alzheimers disease is the most common cause While memory loss is a common symptom other signs include difficulty with language personality changes and problems with balance or completing daily tasks Dementia is not a normal part of ageing though it is more common in older peopleDementia entails a decline in mental function from a previously higher level thats severe enough to interfere with daily living A person with dementia has two or more of these specific difficulties including a decline in Memory reasoning language coordination mood and behaviourAbout 5 per cent to 8 per cent of all people over the age of 65 have some form of dementia and this number doubles every five years above that age Its estimated that as many as half of the people 85 years of age and older have dementia IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/australia-faces-rising-dementia-burden-with-over-1-million-cases-by-2065-638022.html Fri, 12 Sep 2025 13:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/uttarakhand-banbasa-border-remains-calm-as-nepal-situation-improves-638044.html Banbasa Sep 12 In the aftermath of the Gen Z movement sweeping across Nepal calm now prevails along the BanbasaNepal border Vehicle movement remains suspended with only essential pedestrian crossings permitted under strict watch For the past three days Mahendranagar a Nepali town bordering Banbasa in Uttarakhands Champawat district has been under curfew The Nepali Army currently enforcing the restrictions with vigilance allows locals limited access to essential goods during short windows in the morning and eveningThe impact of the curfew in Mahendranagar located in Nepals Kanchanpur district is clearly visible on the Indian side of the Banbasa border Once bustling with daily crossborder movement the international border now lies quietits usual hum of activity silenced reminiscent of the early days of the COVID19 pandemicUnder normal circumstances the Banbasa International Border serves as a key legal crossing point for citizens of India Nepal and other nations But with tensions still simmering across the border Indian security agencies have halted vehicular movement entirely Over the last three days only those with essential needs have been allowed to cross on footThe Sashastra Seema Bal SSB responsible for securing the IndiaNepal border is on high alert Police forces across Champawat and nearby Udham Singh Nagar districts are also maintaining strict vigilance A palpable sense of unease lingers along the borderInspector General of Police Kumaon Range Riddhim Agarwal has personally inspected the security arrangements along the Nepal border near Banbasa and Khatima Meanwhile Commandant Manohar Lal of the SSBs 57th Battalion is conducting continuous inspections of border posts to ensure stability and monitor evolving conditionsAmid concerns over prisoners reportedly released from Nepali jails during the unrest IG Agarwal emphasised the need for heightened surveillance She directed all security agencies to maintain roundtheclock patrolling and ensure no antinational elements exploit the current situationWith dense forests lining much of the open IndoNepal border the forest department has also been put on alert Coordination between forest rangers and security officials has been ramped up to prevent unauthorised crossings and bolster national security Agarwal said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/uttarakhand-banbasa-border-remains-calm-as-nepal-situation-improves-638044.html Fri, 12 Sep 2025 14:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/mauritius-pm-ramgoolam-offers-prayers-at-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-638054.html Ayodhya Sep 12 IANS The holy city of Ayodhya witnessed a very special moment when Mauritius Prime Minister Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam accompanied by his wife Veena Ramgoolam and a 30member delegation offered prayers at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple here on FridaynbspDr Ramgoolam became the second head of state after the Prime Minister of Bhutan to visit and worship Ram Lalla at the grand templenbspThe Mauritius Prime Minister arrived at Maharishi Valmiki International Airport around noon where Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath warmly received himnbspIn keeping with the tradition of Atithi Devo Bhava CM Yogi welcomed him with flowers a souvenir and a redcarpet reception accompanied by chanting of mantras KalashAarti and the sound of drums and conch shells that filled the atmosphere with spiritualityFrom the airport the highsecurity convoy proceeded directly to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple There Dr Ramgoolam and his wife performed aarti and prayed before Ram Lalla spending nearly half an hour in devotion They also observed the ongoing temple construction worknbspBowing his head the visiting leader sought Lord Rams blessings for the prosperity of his people and stronger ties between India and MauritiusnbspDuring the visit a twominute short film showcasing the grandeur craftsmanship and progress of the temple construction was screened for the delegation with detailed narration by CDO Krishna Kumar SinghLater CM Yogi presented Dr Ramgoolam with a model of the Ram temple while his wife Veena Ramgoolam was honoured with a traditional angavastranbspExpressing joy at visiting the sacred land of Ayodhya Dr Ramgoolam said he felt deeply connected with Lord Ram and termed the welcome unforgettablenbspCM Yogi described the visit as a living symbol of cultural unity between India and MauritiusHe noted that ties between the two countries extend beyond diplomacy to shared cultural and spiritual roots With a large Indianorigin population Mauritius continues to keep Ramayana traditions alive through festivals literature and daily cultural practicesnbspTight security was in place throughout the visit with police ATS teams and CCTV monitoring the route and temple premises https://dailyworld.in/international/mauritius-pm-ramgoolam-offers-prayers-at-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-638054.html Fri, 12 Sep 2025 15:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/nepal-crisis-gen-zs-protest-playbook-isnt-new-638068.html Kathmandu Sep 12 In focus over the upheavals in Nepal Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in recent times is the use of social media as a megaphone reflecting societal fissures while amplifying calls for accountability Not to mention the clichéd reference to a weapon for good or for badGen Z are the digital natives who grew up with the internet and social media and are thus aware of the nuances of the platform explained Dr Sambit Pal incharge Director of the International School of Broadcasting and Journalism at MIT Art Design and Technology University in PuneThe term Generation Z or Gen Z as being used by the youth protestors in Nepal refers to people born between 1997 and 2012Social media platforms enabled them to bypass mainstream media gatekeepers frame narratives and mobilise collective responses to governance issues he addedStudies show that social media campaigns can significantly increase voter turnout spark protests against corruption and sustain civic dialogues in contexts where traditional media are constrainedFrom the Arab uprising to the movements in South Asian countries protestors have used the internet which is a powerful tool of communication with minimal expense and maximum reach since there is no geographical barricade said Joydeep Das Gupta FounderDirector Media Skills LabMedia Skills Lab is an educationalresearch institute that focuses on media literacy factchecking AI literacy data journalism and solutions journalismAccording to a Forbes Communications Council post Not all social media channels are created the same Each platform has its particular set of users with their own quirks as to how they interact with contentThe article highlights 13 practices including identifying the nature of business focusing on the core target audience client demographics backbone of the digital footprint research on competitors etcMost of the points may sound like the teachings of the Chinese strategist and philosopher Sun Tzu who had stressed the importance of knowing your enemyWith the democratisation of the internet there are no accessibility issues pointed out Das Gupta that is how the message spread and the movement gained momentumThose with pertinent knowledge of social media drive in an entry point sparking interest and increasing engagement leading to the post going viral added Dr PalThus when facing revolt governments usually clamp down on social media handles or the internet itself to curb the spread of messagingDuring the 2022 protests Sri Lanka temporarily restricted access to social media platforms with the declaration of a state of emergency and imposed curfewsThe thenBangladesh government had also reacted in an almost similar fashion while in Nepal the ban was withdrawn with violence erupting on the streets of the capital KathmanduHowever authorities can not ban web content except in times of an emergency as the incidents reflect The platforms are privately held and even the suggestion of policing the net invites allegations of hindering free speechBut the algorithms of such handles can decide what people see or do not seeUsing legislation with such algorithms recommendations have been made for reigning in the spread of child abuse gore and false narratives with the creation of a statutory building code with mandatory safety and quality requirements for digital platformsBut political and social messages can not and should not be bound according to the experts IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/nepal-crisis-gen-zs-protest-playbook-isnt-new-638068.html Fri, 12 Sep 2025 16:46:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/japans-centenarian-population-hits-new-record-of-over-99-000-638072.html Tokyo Sep 12 The number of Japans centenarians rose for the 55th straight year to a record 99763 an increase of 4644 from the previous year government data showed Friday There are an average of 8058 centenarians per 100000 people in the country according to the Ministry of Health Labour and Welfare which released the data ahead of Respect for the Aged Day holiday which falls on September 15 Xinhua News Agency reportedWomen accounted for about 88 per cent of those aged 100 or older at 87784 while the number of male centenarians stood at 11979 according to the ministryThe prefecture with the highest ratio of centenarians per 100000 residents was Shimane in western Japan at 16869 ranking first for the 13th consecutive yearThe average life expectancy of Japanese people was 8713 for women and 8109 for men in 2024The Japanese government started the centenarian survey in 1963 when the number stood at 153 The figure surpassed 1000 in 1981 and 10000 in 1998Earlier in April government data showed that Japans population including nonJapanese residents fell by 595000 or 048 per cent from a year earlier to 124352000 as of Oct 1 2023 down for the 13th consecutive yearThe population of Japanese nationals dropped by 837000 or 069 per cent to 121193000 marking the steepest fall since comparable data became available in 1950 according to a demographic survey by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and CommunicationsThe number of people aged 75 or above rose 713000 to about 2008 million topping the 20 million mark for the first time while those aged from zero to 14 fell 329000 to about 1417 million or 114 per cent of the total population the lowest ever the data showedMeanwhile the foreign national population gained by 243000 to about 316 million Foreign workers and students who had been in Japan for three months or longer were counted in the overall population figure according to the ministryAmong the countrys 47 prefectures only Tokyo saw a rise in population the second straight year of increase for the Japanese capital IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/japans-centenarian-population-hits-new-record-of-over-99-000-638072.html Fri, 12 Sep 2025 17:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-seven-students-of-chittagong-university-fall-ill-as-hunger-strike-continues-638078.html Dhaka Sep 12 Seven students of Chittagong University fell sick Friday during their ongoing hunger strike demanding the resignation of the universitys proctorial body Of them three students are receiving treatment at CUs medical centre the local media reported citing a physician Abul Kashem a physician at the centre stated that three students were suffering from salt and sugar deficiencies due to prolonged fasting with their sugar levels and blood pressure reducing significantly Bangladeshs leading daily Dhaka Tribune reported According to the newspaper Kashem further said that they were monitoring the condition of the students and necessary treatment was being given to themThe seven students who fell ill are among nine who began the hunger strike outside the proctors office under the banner of Odhikar Sacheton Shikkharthibrindo at around 1230 pm local time on WednesdaySumaiya Shikder a marketing student said that many of the participants had already fallen ill however the administration did not take responsibility She stated that officials had told them they did not have the authority to agree to the demands of the students The students rejected the proposal of the administration and mentioned that the hunger strike would continue until the proctorial body resignedBangladesh has been gripped by numerous protests and extreme lawlessness since the democraticallyelected government of Awami League led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was overthrown during violent protests last yearEarlier this month the Awami League stated that Bangladesh is experiencing its most severe crisis in over a decade caused by Islamist militancy extremism economic collapse unemployment a breakdown of law and order and widespread unrest under the interim government led by Muhammad YunusIn a report titled Bangladeshs Crisis Deepens in 2025 A Nation in Decline the party asserted that the militarybacked interim government that replaced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024 has failed to stabilise the country leaving the economy security and democracy in free fallAccording to the Awami League under the Yunus regime economic deterioration is not just a slowdown it is a systemic collapse with cascading effects on livelihoods social stability and the very foundations of Bangladeshs futureGDP growth has plunged from 61 per cent in 2023 to barely 23 per cent in 2025 Inflation is running above 12 per cent with food inflation at 16 per cent hitting the poor the hardest Foreign reserves have fallen from 33 billion 2022 to 145 billion July 2025 raising fears of a balanceofpayments crisis the report said detailing the economic collapse in BangladeshYouth unemployment has surged past 28 per cent the highest in South Asia Remittances a lifeline for millions dropped 11per cent yearonyear Over two million workers in the garment sector face layoffs due to declining exports it addedThe Awami League asserted that the only realistic way forward to overcome the crisis in Bangladesh is to ensure free fair and inclusive national elections that involve all major political parties under a neutral caretaker arrangementThe current interim government it said is closely tied to the National Citizens Party NCP and has already shown clear favouritism and political bias making it incapable of conducting impartial elections The party warned that without a truly neutral framework any electoral process would risk cementing the current climate of repression lawlessness and injustice in Bangladesh IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-seven-students-of-chittagong-university-fall-ill-as-hunger-strike-continues-638078.html Fri, 12 Sep 2025 17:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/albania-appoints-worlds-first-ai-generated-minister-to-curb-corruption-638079.html Tirane Sep 12 Albania has appointed the worlds first Artificial Intelligence AIgenerated government minister with a goal to make the nation corruption free Albanias Prime Minister Edi Rama announced the digital minister to his cabinet The digital assistant is named Diella meaning Sun and has been asking people how to navigate government services online since January On Thursday Edi Rama said Diella is the first government member who is not physically present but virtually created by artificial intelligence Euro News reportedHe said that Diella has been given responsibility of taking all decisions related to the public tenders making them 100 per cent corruptionfree adding that every public fund submitted to the tender procedure will be perfectly transparentRama said decisions on who wins public tenders will be removed from government ministries in a stepbystep process He stated that AI would ensure that all public spending in the tender process is 100 per cent clear Since its launch Diella has been captured as a woman wearing traditional Albanian garb It is not clear whether it will continue to keep its current formCorruption in Albania is a major issue for the country which aims to become part of the European Union by 2023 Albania was placed at 80th spot out of 180 countries in Transparency Internationals corruption index which ranks nations based on their perceived levels of corruption in the public sectorEarlier this year Prime Minister Narendra Modi cochaired the AI Action Summit along with the French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris The weeklong summit which began with the Science Days on February 67 followed by the Cultural Weekend on February 89 culminated in a HighLevel Segment on February 1011 attended by global leaders policymakers and industry expertsThe summit featured discussions on critical themes including greater access to AI infrastructure to ensure inclusion AI for public interest the responsible use of AI making AI more diverse and sustainable and ensuring safe and trusted governance of AI IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/albania-appoints-worlds-first-ai-generated-minister-to-curb-corruption-638079.html Fri, 12 Sep 2025 17:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-and-eu-bolster-security-and-defence-cooperation-638106.html New Delhi Sep 12 India and the European Union EU on Friday vowed to increase cooperation across diverse sectors particularly in the areas of security and defence Both sides expressed satisfaction over the increasing high level political engagements and regular sectoral interactions as Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with the members of the visiting Political and Security Committee PSC of the Council of the European Union in New Delhi on FridayThe 30 member PSC delegation on its firstever visit to Asia was led by Delphine Pronk Chair of the Committee and included PSC Ambassadors of EU Member States along with officials from the European Commission and the European External Action ServiceOn the Indian side Foreign Secretary Misri was joined at the meeting by Deputy National Security Advisor Pavan Kapoor Secretary West Sibi George and other senior officialsThe discussions focused on advancing IndiaEU cooperation across diverse sectors particularly in the areas of security and defence Both sides reiterated their commitment towards an early conclusion of IndiaEU Security and Defence Partnership and Security of Information Agreement They also looked forward to the IndiaEU FTA with the leaders having tasked the respective negotiating teams to conclude the deal by end of the year Further they also exchanged perspectives on latest regional and global developments read a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs MEA after the meetingDuring their twoday working visit to India the PSC members also met with the Defence Secretary received a briefing on the Information Fusion Centre Indian Ocean Region IFCIOR and interacted with representatives of Indian defence industryThe EU PSC visit builds on the momentum following the landmark visit of EU College of Commissioners to India in February 2025 and reflects the joint commitment towards a deeper IndiaEU Strategic Partnership the MEA statement addedThere are regular exchanges between India and the EU on security and defence matters through the extensive bilateral dialogue architecture including in the areas of security and defence maritime security cyber and counterterrorism Both sides are also exploring avenues for enhanced cooperation in defence industry and manufacturingOn September 9 India and the European Union EU had held their 15th Meeting of the Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism CT in Brussels reiterating their strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations including crossborder terrorism The two sides agreed that terrorism is a global phenomenon and requires concerted action in a sustained and comprehensive mannerDirector for Security and Defence Policy in the European External Action Service Maciej Stadejek and Joint Secretary Counterterrorism in the Ministry of External Affairs K D Dewal cochaired the dialogue Both sides also condemned the heinous terrorist attack on April 22 in Pahalgam with the EU reiterating its condolences to India for the murder of innocent civiliansAgainst this backdrop the EU and India stressed the importance of cooperation in multilateral fora such as the United Nations the Global Counterterrorism Forum GCTF and the FATF The dialogue facilitated a comprehensive exchange on domestic regional and global threat assessments The participants emphasized that instability and conflicts in various regions of the world act as catalysts for terrorism and violent extremism the MEA statedDuring the Dialogue the EU and India shared updates regarding the key developments of their respective counterterrorism policies and discussed important topics in the fight against terrorism These include measures to counter terror financing prevent online radicalisation continued exchange on designation of terrorists and terrorist entities and addressing the implications of emerging technologiesThe EU and India also shared updates on the key developments of their respective counterterrorism policies and discussed important topics in the fight against terrorism These include measures to counter the financing of terrorism prevent online radicalization continued exchange on designation of terrorists and terrorist entities and address the implications of emerging technologies the EU emphasised in a statement after the meeting IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-and-eu-bolster-security-and-defence-cooperation-638106.html Fri, 12 Sep 2025 19:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-has-every-opportunity-to-convince-ukraine-to-end-conflict-russia-638115.html Moscow Sep 12 Russia on Friday stated that the United States under President Donald Trump has every opportunity to influence Kyiv to eliminate the root causes of the conflict in Ukraine We are confident that the current American administration has every opportunity to encourage the socalled Ukrainian leadership to end the conflict eliminate the root causes of its occurrence and return to the origins of its own statehood said Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova during a regular media briefing in MoscowThe senior diplomat was quoted as saying by the Russian stateowned news agency Tass that the best guarantees of Ukraines security are the establishment of its neutral nonaligned nonnuclear status which is enshrined in the declaration of state sovereignty of 1990Zakharova stated during the briefing that it was in this status that Ukraine gained independence and was recognised by the international community including MoscowConfirmation of this declaration was contained in the draft peace agreement that was being developed in the spring of 2022 the diplomat noted as per Tass And let me remind you this scheme suited the Kyiv regime quite well However at the insistence of the British as you know it refused to negotiate and withdrew from the negotiation process she addedI have not heard from any current figure that the declaration of state sovereignty of 1990 was adopted under pressure signed there or something else They have always been proud of this document Therefore this is the origin of their statehood This is what guarantees the security of Ukraine and can become the key to future peace This is what we need to call for And whoever does this is a great guy the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry mentioned IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-has-every-opportunity-to-convince-ukraine-to-end-conflict-russia-638115.html Fri, 12 Sep 2025 19:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korean-president-lee-vows-to-expand-support-for-border-regions-638116.html Seoul Sep 12 South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said Friday the government will step up support for regions bordering North Korea to compensate for their sacrifices and promote balanced regional growth Lee made the remarks during a town hall meeting with residents in Gangwon Province located south of the Demilitarized Zone DMZ separating the two KoreasGangwon is the nations largest tourist destination but at the same time it is also a region that has borne enormous sacrifices due to the interKorean confrontation Lee said at the event in Chuncheon about 85 kilometers northeast of Seoul Yonhap News Agency reportedAlthough we cannot fully compensate for the special sacrifices borne by border regions like Gangwon we will make every effort to ensure that living in Gangwon no longer feels unfair he addedLee criticised past governments for imposing excessive restrictions on border areas without providing fair compensation calling the practice unjustHe said the government will expand education cultural and welfare infrastructure to improve living conditions in the region while pursuing balanced national developmentAfter the meeting Lee visited a frontline Army unit in Hwacheon about 118 km northeast of Seoul and received briefings on military readiness vice presidential spokesperson Ahn Gwiryeong said in a written briefingHe was accompanied by Defence Minister Ahn Gyuback to visit an observatory and a guard post located just south of the DMZ she saidOn August 24 a spokesperson of the USled UN Command UNC said that around 30 North Korean troops recently crossed the interKorean border despite warning broadcasts triggering warning shots from the South Korean militaryThe spokesperson made the remarks in response to a question from Yonhap News Agency a day after North Korea berated the South Korean military for having fired more than 10 warning shots at North Korean troops who were conducting a border reinforcement project last weekThe UNCMAC investigation team confirmed that the around 30 members of the Korean Peoples Army KPA crossed the Military Demarcation Line MDL in an area where they have been conducting construction and maintenance activities the spokesperson said via email Yonhap News Agency reported UNCMAC is short for the UNC Military Armistice CommissionROK forces issued several warning broadcasts in an attempt to notify the soldiers that they had crossed the MDL but they did not respond to the broadcasts ROK forces then fired warning shots in a designated warning shot area to compel the KPA soldiers to return to the north side of the MDL the official addedROK is short for South Koreas official name the Republic of Korea IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korean-president-lee-vows-to-expand-support-for-border-regions-638116.html Fri, 12 Sep 2025 19:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/over-47-million-women-and-children-in-afghanistan-need-malnutrition-treatment-urgently-un-638117.html Kabul Sep 12 The United Nations has said that more than 47 million women and children in Afghanistan urgently require malnutrition treatment as drought economic collapse and reduced aid would lead to nation facing deeper humanitarian crisis local media reported on Friday Speaking to reporters UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric warned that Afghanistans food security situation remains alarming He stated that one in every four Afghans faces severe food insecurity with children being the most impacted Afghanistans leading news agency Khaama Press reportedThe World Food Programme WFP stated that Afghanistan has seen its highest levels of acute malnutrition in 2025 Many impacted children have been admitted for urgent treatment in Kabuls Indira Gandhi hospitalAccording to the United Nations more than 47 million women and children need immediate care Aid officials warned that rising malnutrition could cause widespread fatalities and longterm health consequences if timely interventions are not madeAfghanistan continues to struggle with economic collapse drought and a sharp decline in international aid Compounded with unemployment and poverty these factors have severely affected Afghan families ability to secure foodHumanitarian organisations have repeatedly called on international community to increase support warning that current levels of assistance are inadequate to address the scale of the crisisEarlier in August the World Health Organisation WHO warned that Afghanistan faces a worsening humanitarian crisis with over 22 million people in urgent need of assistance Khaama Press reportedIn its latest report released on August 28 WHO said more than 16 million Afghans have been targeted for lifesaving aid in 2025 yet only 24 per cent of required funding has been securedThe WHO stated that the funding crisis has forced the closure of more than 420 health facilities cutting off nearly three million people from essential medical services Vulnerable groups including women and children have been impacted the most by these restrictions IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/over-47-million-women-and-children-in-afghanistan-need-malnutrition-treatment-urgently-un-638117.html Fri, 12 Sep 2025 19:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/hong-kong-artist-gets-suspended-jail-sentence-again-over-freedom-graffiti-638130.html Hong Kong Sep 12 A Hong Kong artist has been once again been sentenced to threeweek suspended jail term for tagging graffiti that depicted Chinese characters for freedom The artist Chan Kingfai who represented himself at West Kowloon Magistrates Courts on Friday pleaded guilty to four counts of criminal damage Hong Kong Free Press reported He has been accused of tagging graffiti that showcased the Chinese characters for freedom along with dollar signs in Kwai Chung and Sha Tin in 2023Earlier in June Chan pleaded guilty to 12 counts of criminal damage related to tagging the same graffiti design in Central and Sheung Wan in January and February He received a threeweek jail sentence suspended for two yearsA suspended jail sentence means that the defendant will not have to serve the jail term until they commit another offence within a certain time periodOn Friday magistrate Andy Cheng said that the two cases were similar and that it would have been more ideal if the four counts of criminal damage had been addressed in June too Cheng stated that polices discovery of cases at different times caused the case to be split into twoThe magistrate stated that it was only fair to announce the same sentence again another threeweek jail term suspended for two years He even asked Chan whether he knew the meaning of suspended sentence to which the artist responded yesDuring mitigation Chan told the court that he suffered from anxiety and felt difficulty in sleeping and during those moments he would get drunk and do wrong things Hong Kong Free Press reported He said that since then he has borrowed money from relatives to attend counselling programmesIt is the third time that Chan has been charged over the graffiti design which the court heard he had made at the end of 2022 to showcase his desire for financial freedom After being charged in June Chan Kingfai was remanded in custody but his bail was approved a month later He was first arrested in connection with graffiti in February 2023 In December 2023 he was sentenced to a oneyear probation order after he pleaded to 20 counts of criminal damage IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/hong-kong-artist-gets-suspended-jail-sentence-again-over-freedom-graffiti-638130.html Fri, 12 Sep 2025 21:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/baloch-activists-write-to-911-victims-expose-link-between-pakistani-agencies-and-terror-groups-638141.html Quetta Sep 12 Leading Baloch activists on Friday wrote to the families of the 911 victims mourning the innocent lives lost 24 years ago and remembering the thousands of men women and children in the United States NATO countries Balochistan and Afghanistan who were later killed by forces nurtured by Pakistans InterServices Intelligence ISI and military intelligence agencies It is no secret there are piles of reports that Osama bin Laden and alQaeda were sheltered in Pakistan by its intelligence agencies and military generals with the silent complicity of political leaders With financial military and logistical support they were enabled to wage war leading to immense sacrifices and devastation for America NATO and Afghanistan alike a letter posted by human rights defender Mir Baloch on X detailedThe letter stated that Pakistans own generals have openly admitted to collusion with the terrorist organisations Whenever history is written it will record that ISI defeated the Soviet Union in Afghanistan with Americas money and after 911 ISI again defeated America in Afghanistan with Americas money it quoted former ISI chief General Hamid Gul as saying in an interview given to Pakistani media outlet ARY TVAccording to the letter another ISI chief General Asad Durrani confessed on an international media outlet that Pakistan took US funds while secretly supporting the Taliban declaring America and Pakistan were never partners they are in a state of warPakistan turned the tragedy of 911 into a lucrative business pocketing 33 billion dollars in US aid as nothing more than blood money for its soldiers What was meant to fight terror became a profitmaking enterprise for Islamabads Generals And today those same Generals are once again deepening Balochistans wounds the letter detailedWithout the consent of the Baloch nation they are striking deals with the Trump administration over Balochistans mineral wealth and critical resources selling the future of an oppressed people for their own gain it addedThe Baloch people appealed directly to the American public urging them not to allow their government to squander hardearned tax dollars on Pakistans deception They wrote that every deal struck with Islamabad over Balochistans resources is not only a betrayal of justice but also an act of fueling the very terrorism that threatens global peaceHistory has already shown the cost of trusting Pakistan Past US administrations turned a blind eye while Islamabad built its nuclear arsenal under the cover of American partnership And now Pakistan emboldened like a rogue state openly threatens to drown half the world while joining hands with Iran to speak of erasing Israel from the face of the earth the letter highlightedThis is not just a regional issue it is a moral test for America Stand with justice stand with the Baloch nation and refuse to empower those who profit from blood and terror it concluded IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/baloch-activists-write-to-911-victims-expose-link-between-pakistani-agencies-and-terror-groups-638141.html Fri, 12 Sep 2025 22:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/nepals-unrest-driven-by-regional-power-debt-and-diplomacy-report-638142.html Kathmandu Sep 12 Nepals current unrest is fueled not only by local grievances but by the complex interplay of regional power debt and diplomacy a report cited on Friday It said the turmoil reflects deeper geopolitical shifts and unresolved domestic issuesAccording to a report in Eurasia Review the recurring protests and violence are unlikely to produce any positive change unless leaders learn from the regions turbulent pastIn South Asia history shows that setting streets ablaze rarely leads to constructive change Yet the region continues to see such upheaval which only worsens domestic politics in the affected countries Bangladesh has been a terrible witness engulfed by unrest and now Nepal faces its own crisis the report detailedIt stressed that Nepals political landscape has been in constant flux The countrys Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli a fourterm incumbent who remarked that Indian Virus Looks More Lethal than Chinese Italian resigned amid escalating unrest following a strict social media banThe report emphasised that in the wake of the ban a youth movement calling itself the Voice of Nepals Gen Z emerged challenging the political elite raising a critical question of whether a social media blackout alone ignited such a massive nationwide uprisingNepal has long maintained close economic and social ties with India Some even saw Nepal as an informal extension of India although it has always remained sovereign Recently however Nepal like other Indian neighbours has drifted strategically closer to China Under Prime Minister Olis leadership Nepals foreign policy began to resemble Sri Lankas approach during Mahinda Rajapaksas tenure when heavy borrowing forced Colombo to pivot toward Beijing the report statedAlthough China claims to follow a policy of noninterference its Ambassador to Nepal reportedly held a series of meetings with key leaders of the Nepal Communist Party to broker a deal that would keep Oli as Prime Minister for a full fiveyear term This shows how China is becoming increasingly involved in Nepals domestic politics pulling the country further into Beijings orbit it addedIn December 2024 Oli visited China bypassing the unwritten diplomatic tradition that neighbouring leaders first visit India The report said that the Nepalese ambassador to China later rejected the claims that such a tradition exists during an interview in Beijing During Olis visit Nepal inked multiple agreements under Beijings One Belt One Road initiative intended to transform Nepal from landlocked to landlinkedThe report stressed that Sri Lanka offers a cautionary example with Chinese loans during former President Rajapaksas rule enabling the construction of the strategic Hambantota portultimately trapping Colombo in a debt trapThe 216 million Pokhara International Airport in Nepal financed by China Exim Bank has raised similar concerns and is linked to massive corruption Just as the Chinesebuilt Hambantota port faced criticism for potential dualuse Pokhara Airport has attracted similar scrutiny Allegations swirl that 71 million from Chinas Exim Bank was embezzled through deals between Chinese firms and Nepali politicians While some individuals have faced charges investigations have led nowhere Corruption festers fueling political instability the report noted IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/nepals-unrest-driven-by-regional-power-debt-and-diplomacy-report-638142.html Fri, 12 Sep 2025 22:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/breakthrough-in-charlie-kirk-murder-case-22-year-old-suspect-arrested-638145.html Washington Sep 12 In a major breakthrough on Friday the US federal and local authorities announced that they have arrested the alleged shooter in the Charlie Kirk murder case The authorities have identified the attacker as 22yearold Tyler Robinson from Utah who was arrested in Washington County in the State about 250 miles or 400 km away from the scene of the crimeWe got him Utah Governor Spencer Cox said at a press conference adding that they have gathered evidence which included messages on a social media appThe Governor also asserted that the suspect had become more political and was opposed to Charlie Kirks ideas He added that the accused had spoken about the crime to a family member prompting a family friend to alert the policeAccording to him Robinson is believed to have acted alone with no additional arrests expectedInvestigators have recovered bullet casings with multiple inscriptions with one of them reading Hey fascist catchFBI Director Kash Patel thanked the local and federal authorities and said that the suspect was arrested within 33 hours of the attackLast night the suspect was taken into custody at 10 pm local time Patel saidEarlier on Friday President Donald Trump announced the arrest on Fox News saying With a high degree of certainty we have him in custodyHe also blamed the leftwing extremism for the rising political violence in the countryThe radicals on the right oftentimes are radical because they dont want to see crime The radicals on the left are the problem and theyre vicious and they are horrible and theyre politically savvy Trump addedKirk who was 31 years old was delivering remarks during a campus event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday when shots rang out sparking panic among attendees He was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly afterKirk was the founder of Turning Point USA TPUSA the countrys most prominent conservative student organisation and played an instrumental role in attracting young voters to elect Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential elections IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/breakthrough-in-charlie-kirk-murder-case-22-year-old-suspect-arrested-638145.html Fri, 12 Sep 2025 22:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/nepal-gets-its-first-ever-woman-prime-minister-after-days-of-chaos-and-violence-638150.html Kathmandu Sep 12 Sushila Karki 73 was sworn in as Nepals interim Prime Minister late Friday evening thus becoming the firstever woman PM of the Himalayan nation Karki also the countrys first woman Chief Justice took the oath of office from President Ram Chandra Poudel who held extensive consultations with leaders of the GenZ protests constitutional experts and the army chief throughout the dayFollowing the fall of KP SharmaOli led government during the violent GenZ protests on Monday Karki was the pick of activists who have taken to the streets protesting against Olis ruleDiscussions with GenZ protestors and other stakeholders were prolonged over the issue of dissolving the House of Representatives the lower house before the new Prime Minister is sworn in or after itGenZ protestors agreed on Karkis name paving the way for her appointment as Prime Minister even though several nonpolitical candidates were floated as alternativesThere is however no constitutional provision allowing anyone who is not a member of the House of Representatives to hold the post Karki has been appointed under the principle of necessityAccording to Article 76 of Nepals Constitution only a member of the House of Representatives can become Prime Minister This criterion disqualifies Karki as even members of the National Assembly the upper house of Parliament are barred from holding the postLikewise Article 132 2 of the Constitution prevents her from becoming Prime Minister It states that no person who has once held the office of Chief Justice or Judge of the Supreme Court shall be eligible for appointment to any government office except as otherwise provided in the ConstitutionShe was appointed as Prime Minister based on the principle of necessity a system practiced in Nepal time and again since the 1950 revolution said Bipin Adhikari a constitutional lawyer But the principle of necessity is essentially not the rule of law If we abandon the Constitution under one pretext or another a habit develops of violating it which may bring more trouble in the future he statedThe expert however added that Karki could be trusted with the role given her record of protecting the Constitution as Justice and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court provided that the arrangement is temporary and power is handed over to an elected government after holding fresh electionsKarkis choice as Prime Minister has so far been lauded across NepalFormer Chief Justice Kalyan Shrestha who preceded Karki in 2016 told IANS that he trusted her integrity and capability I cannot judge her quality as a political leader but from the judicial point of view I have seen her leadership and she can be relied upon Shrestha saidFormer Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai has also welcomed Karkis appointment It is very positive and appropriate that the youths of Gen Z who are prepared to lead a new Nepal have recommended former Chief Justice and a capable clean figure Sushila Karki to lead the interim government She must be given full national cooperation and support From our side as well we extend full support and advance congratulations to her he said in a press statementAdhikari the constitutional lawyer praised her integrity and capability but raised concerns about her ability to coordinate among stakeholders in the current context of uncertainty He stressed that in addition to holding elections within the stipulated timeframe her government must also prosecute those responsible for the killing of young protestors and bring those involved in vandalism and arson to justice under criminal lawAccording to a local media report quoting Nepal Police as many as 51 people including some security personnel have been confirmed killed during the GenZ protests which also caused largescale destruction of public and private property including businesses Specific measures should also be taken to address the demands of GenZ protestors related to corruption and good governance Adhikari addedThe newlyappointed Prime Minister was born in 1952 into a middleclass family in Morang Districts Biratnagar in eastern Nepal At a time when few girls went to school her parents encouraged her to pursue educationKarki came from a political family her father inspired by B P Koirala Nepals first elected Prime Minister joined the Nepali Congress Karki earned her Bachelors degree LLB in law from Tribhuvan University in 1972 and completed a Masters degree in political science in 1975 from Banaras Hindu University in Indias Varanasi After completing her studies she began her law practice in Biratnagar in 1979She became a senior advocate in 2007 In 2009 she was appointed an adhoc judge in the Supreme Court and was promoted to permanent judge in November 2010 In April 2016 she was appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme CourtWhile being the Chief Justice Karki delivered a landmark ruling in January 2017 disqualifying the thenpowerful anticorruption chief Lok Man Singh Karki who was accused of terrorising politicians bureaucrats and businessmen by misusing his powerHer stance on another controversial case however sparked backlash when her ruling on the appointment of a police chief went against the coalition government led by the Nepali Congress and CPN Maoist Centre with lawmakers eventually initiating an impeachment motion against her She was suspended briefly until the Supreme Court invalidated the impeachment and reinstated her as Chief JusticeEarlier in 2012 as a Supreme Court justice she delivered the verdict sentencing thenserving minister Jaya Prakash Gupta on corruption chargesKarkis husband Durga Subedi was a Nepali Congress leader involved in Nepals firstever plane hijacking in 1973 to fund the partys armed rebellion against the autocratic Panchayat regime The Royal Nepal Airlines plane was targetted after reports that it was carrying a large sum of cash IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/nepal-gets-its-first-ever-woman-prime-minister-after-days-of-chaos-and-violence-638150.html Fri, 12 Sep 2025 23:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/geneva-exhibition-highlights-ongoing-persecution-of-minorities-in-pakistan-bangladesh-638151.html Geneva Sep 12 A powerful exhibition organised by Global Human Rights Defence GHRD at the iconic Place des Nations beside the Broken Chair monument in Geneva shed light on the ongoing persecution and human rights violations faced by vulnerable minorities in Pakistan and Bangladesh The three day event from September 810 drew significant attention from the public civil society actors and international visitorsThrough impactful posters statistical evidence and portraits of victims the exhibition amplified the voices of communities including Ahmadiyya Sindh and Baloch communities in Pakistan as well as Hindu Buddhist and Christian minorities in Bangladesh who were often silenced or ignoredThese groups continue to face systematic discrimination targeted violence forced conversions abductions and restrictions on freedom of religion or belief In Pakistan members of the Ahmadiyya community are legally disenfranchised and frequently subjected to hate campaigns while Baloch and Sindhi activists are often victims of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings read a statement issued by the GHRDIn Bangladesh religious minorities experience intimidation destruction of places of worship and marginalization in political and social life Across both countries victims and survivors frequently lack access to justice and protection leaving them vulnerable to repeated abuses it addedThe exhibition attracted a wide audience underscoring the urgency of addressing systemic discrimination and atrocities faced by these groups in Pakistan and BangladeshThe visitors engaged deeply with the material many offering moving statements of solidarity and calling for greater international awareness and actionThe exhibitions strong public reception reflected growing concern about the situation of minorities in South Asia GHRD called upon the United Nations international policymakers and human rights organisations to take concrete steps to protect vulnerable communities and hold perpetrators accountableEarlier this week at the 60th Session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva an event titled Voices from the Margins Protecting Minority Rights in South Asia drew attention to the concerning situation across South Asia particularly religious persecution in Pakistan and the targetting of Hindus and indigenous groups in BangladeshThe GHRD together with partners hosted the event which was attended by at least 50 members of civil society missions and permanent representations including Greece Denmark China India and Bangladesh IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/geneva-exhibition-highlights-ongoing-persecution-of-minorities-in-pakistan-bangladesh-638151.html Fri, 12 Sep 2025 23:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-court-extends-remand-of-mahrang-baloch-and-other-baloch-activists-for-15-days-637952.html Quetta Sep 11 An AntiTerrorism Court ATC in Pakistans Quetta on Thursday extended the physical remand of Baloch Yakjehti Committee BYC chief Mahrang Baloch and other organisers of the group for 15 additional days at the request of police local media reported citing her lawyer Advocate Israr Baloch stated that BYCs arrested leaders were presented before Judge Muhammad Ali Mubeen of Quetta ATC1 who extended their physical remand in police custody for 15 more days on the request made by police Baloch further stated that Sibghatullah Shahji Bebow Baloch Gulzadi and Beberg Baloch were also presented before courtMahrang Baloch and other BYC members were arrested on March 22 on allegations of attacking the Quetta Civil Hospital and inciting people to violence BYC leaders faced arrests a day after police crackdown on the group while they were holding protest against enforced disappearances reported Pakistans leading daily DawnBYC chief was arrested under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order MPO a law that enables authorities to arrest and detain people suspected of posing a threat to public order for a period of 30 days first term Later in April Balochistan Home Department extended her detention for an additional 30 days second term The provincial government issued a fourth extension order after the BYC leaders had completed three months in detention in JuneAfter their arrest under the MPO cases were also lodged against Mahrang Baloch and other BYC leaders under different sections of the AntiTerrorism Act and the Pakistan Penal Code The remand of BYC leaders has been extended several times while they remained in custodyEarlier this week the BYC accused the Pakistani authorities of using the Maintenance of Public Order MPO law to keep leaders in custody with courts routinely approving remand extensions without seeking accountability from Pakistans Counter Terrorism Department CTDThey also stated that lawyers repeatedly requested remand reports but courts have lacked the courage to confront the CTD The rights group said several cases have been filed against its leaders in the past two years for peaceful protests and video statements but only three cases have been concluded and more than 30 remain pendingThe BYC slammed the court for granting another fiveday remand for Mahrang Baloch along with other BYC leaders at a recent hearing contrary to earlier assurances that no further extensions would be given The group noted that the extension was approved on a public holiday preventing lawyers and relatives from attending due to road blockades Protesters questioned how an ordinary Baloch such as a shepherd could expect justice when peaceful political activists face denial IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-court-extends-remand-of-mahrang-baloch-and-other-baloch-activists-for-15-days-637952.html Thu, 11 Sep 2025 23:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/kathmandu-mayor-appeals-for-peace-endorses-appointing-former-chief-justice-as-interim-govt-head-637764.html Kathmandu Sept 10 Rapperturnedpolitician and Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah has issued a public appeal urging calm and patience as Nepal prepares to transition into an interim government In a social media post addressed to Gen Z and the broader Nepali public Shah acknowledged the countrys entry into an unprecedented political phase and expressed support for the formation of a caretaker administration to oversee fresh electionsShah endorsed the proposal to appoint former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as the head of the interim government describing it as a mature and thoughtful choice by the youth Your awareness judgment and unity deserve deep respect he wroteHe cautioned political aspirants against rushing into leadership roles stating that their energy and commitment are needed for longterm change not temporary arrangements Elections will happen Please dont be in a hurry Shah addedIn a direct appeal to Nepals President Shah called for the immediate dissolution of Parliament and the formal establishment of an interim government emphasising the need to protect what he described as a historic revolution led by Gen ZThe post comes amid growing public discourse around political reform and youthled movements in Nepal as calls for systemic change continue to gain momentumMeanwhile Nepals GenZ leaders remained divided over the leadership of the next government in the country till Wednesday evening ahead of the crunch meeting with the top leadership of the Nepal Army which has taken over the responsibility of maintaining law and order in the nation after Tuesdays mayhem in Kathmandu The Nepali Army had invited the leaders of the protests for dialogue following Prime Minister K P Sharma Olis resignation from his post amid intense GenZ protests against his rule on TuesdaySeveral GenZ activists have been holding internal talks to finalise an apolitical figure to lead the next interim government However they have not reached any agreement on the name according to two GenZ leadersRabi Kiran Hamal a GenZ leader involved in the discussion revealed to IANS that the names of the former Managing Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority Kul Man Ghising and Dharan City Mayor Harka Sampang have also been floatedHamal who has been claimed to be a cadre of the royalist Rastriya Prajatantra Party however said that he wants a GenZ representative to lead the next governmentKarki 73 was appointed as Nepals first woman Chief Justice in April 2016 and retired in June 2017 She was briefly suspended from the role of Chief Justice after the lawmakers from the then ruling parties Nepali Congress and CPN Maoist Centre registered an impeachment motion at the House of Representatives in April 2017 against her for an alleged biased verdict In another case she was crucial to oust the powerful chief of the anticorruption body over eligibility grounds Many consider her a very strongwilled womanMeanwhile in a statement issued on Wednesday Nepali Congress General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishow Prakash Sharma have stressed that any decisions made under the doctrine of necessity can and must move forward through constitutional and legal pathwaysMeanwhile Nepal Police said that more than 13500 inmates have escaped from prisons across the country on Tuesday and Wednesday as the police administration was paralysed during the GenZ protests across the countryMore than 500 people who were taken into custody for criminal investigations also escaped from the custody said Nepal Police Spokesperson DIG Binod GhimireAccording to him the lawandorder situation remained largely stable on Wednesday across the country with major incidents taking place in Kathmandu Valley IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/kathmandu-mayor-appeals-for-peace-endorses-appointing-former-chief-justice-as-interim-govt-head-637764.html Thu, 11 Sep 2025 00:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/protesters-heckle-trump-at-washington-restaurant-637765.html Washington Sep 10 US President Donald Trump was heckled by a group of protesters on Tuesday evening at a prominent restaurant in Washington DC In a video aired by CNN the agitators shouted Free DC Free Palestine Trump is the Hitler of our time as Trump approached them without offering a responseHe then gestured to his security staff to get the area cleared saying Come on lets goAccompanied by Vice President JD Vance Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth Trump headed to Joes Seafood a popular eatery just blocks from the White HouseIt was the first time Trump stepped out of the White House for a meal in his second term In his last tenure he only dined in his own hotel in the capitalAn activist group Code Pink took responsibility for the heckling and posted on X While Trump JD Vance Marco Rubio Pete Hegseth and others feasted at a steakhouse we stood our ground and told them the truth Free DC Free Palestine Trump is the Hitler of our timeThe post added Trump looked us in the eyes we made sure he will never dine in peace while communities are under siegeThe restaurant visit was aimed at promoting Trumps assertion that the US capital has become safer since the deployment of federal troops last monthBefore the protest Trump addressed the media outside the venue saying We have a capital thats very very safe right nowThe restaurants now are booming People are going out to dinner where they didnt go out for years and its a safe city he told the media just outside the restaurant he addedLaura Loomer a prominent conservative voice lashed out at the protest pointing to security threatsWhere the hell is SecretService How did they get within inches of him This is insane How did this happen she posted on X IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/protesters-heckle-trump-at-washington-restaurant-637765.html Thu, 11 Sep 2025 00:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-us-trade-talks-on-track-1st-tranche-expected-by-november-piyush-goyal-637770.html New Delhi Sep 11 IANS Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said that the first tranche of the IndiaUS trade deal is expected to be finalised by NovembernbspHe explained that discussions between the two countries are moving in a positive direction and both sides are satisfied with the progress so farnbspSpeaking to reporters in pollbound Bihar Goyal recalled that in February Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump had instructed their ministers to work on the pact and finalise the first tranche by November this yearIn February Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump together instructed us that the ministers of both sides should make a good agreement by November Goyal saidnbspThe first part of that agreement the first tranche should be finalised by November 2025 and since March discussions have been going on on this subject very seriously in a very good environment progress is being made and with the progress both sides are satisfied Goyal addednbspHis remarks came a day after PM Modi and President Trump had a friendly exchange on social mediaTrump writing on his platform Truth Social said he was pleased with the ongoing talks and was confident that both nations would reach a successful conclusionnbspI am pleased to announce that India and the United States of America are continuing negotiations to address the Trade Barriers between our two Nations Trump addednbspHe also mentioned that he looks forward to speaking with his very good friend Prime Minister Modi in the coming weeksResponding on X PM Modi called the US a close friend and a natural partner The Prime Minister said the trade talks would help unlock the limitless potential of the IndiaUS partnership and assured that both teams were working to conclude the discussions quicklynbspTrump later reshared PM Modis post highlighting the positive tone between the two leaders https://dailyworld.in/international/india-us-trade-talks-on-track-1st-tranche-expected-by-november-piyush-goyal-637770.html Thu, 11 Sep 2025 16:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/democratic-lawmakers-slam-trumps-india-policy-as-trade-talks-resume-637772.html Washington September 10 Sydney KamlagerDove the Ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on South and Central Asia has criticised the Trump administrations policy towards India calling it reckless Speaking on the floor of the House on Wednesday US time Dove said she is sounding the alarm about the deterioration of our strategic partnership with India at the hands of Donald TrumpShe accused the US President of a reckless foreign policy style that has unravelled decades of progress with India in mere monthsThis partnership is too important to be sacrificed by Trumps ego and Republican complicity Trump must reverse course make a deal and fix the damage that he has caused He needs to get his act together on behalf of this country and our relationship with India she addedShe also blamed Republicans for refusing to bat for the USIndia relationship when it really mattersHer statement comes a day after Trump announced that his administration has resumed trade negotiations with IndiaI am pleased to announce that India and the United States of America are continuing negotiations to address the trade barriers between our two nations he posted on Truth Social on TuesdayTrump also described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a very good friend and said he looks forward to speaking with him in the upcoming weeksReacting to Trumps remarks PM Modi posted on X affirming the strength of the IndiaUS relationship and expressing confidence in the outcome of the ongoing trade dialogueIndia and the US are close friends and natural partners I am confident that our trade negotiations will pave the way for unlocking the limitless potential of the IndiaUS partnership PM Modi wrote on XAfter weeks of relative silence several Democratic members of Congress are now speaking out in support of stronger USIndia tiesOn Tuesday US Senator and Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Jeanne Shaheen also blamed the Trump administration for its India policy calling the recent escalation of tensions between the two countries unfortunateIn her remarks at the Council on Foreign Relations a Washingtonbased think tank Shaheen said that years of efforts to build a relationship with India have been undone in the last few monthsIts unfortunate in my mind that after years of trying to build this relationship with India and with Prime Minister Modi that its been undone in just months she added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/democratic-lawmakers-slam-trumps-india-policy-as-trade-talks-resume-637772.html Thu, 11 Sep 2025 16:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trumps-aide-charlie-kirk-shot-dead-at-utah-university-event-637773.html Washington September 10 In a major incident leading conservative commentator and activist Charlie Kirk was shot dead while speaking at a university in Utah Kirk who was 31 years old was delivering remarks during a campus event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday US time when shots rang out sparking panic among attendeesHe was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly afterA graphic video circulating on social media shows Kirk responding to an audience question on mass shootings just moments before being targetedAccording to a university spokesperson quoted by The New York Times the attacker fired from a building nearly 200 yards 180 metres away FBI Director Kash Patel announced that the authorities have apprehended a suspectIn a Truth Social post Trump mourned the loss of one of his closest allies The great and even legendary Charlie Kirk is dead No one understood or had the heart of the youth in the United States of America better than Charlie He was loved and admired by all especially me and now he is no longer with us Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika and family Charlie we love youAdditionally Trump has also ordered all American flags across the nation to be lowered to halfmast in honour of KirkKirk was best known as the founder of Turning Point USA TPUSA the countrys most prominent conservative student organisation He launched the Arizonabased group in 2012 at the age of 18 building it into a political powerhouse with over 800 chapters across US collegesTPUSA became a central force in mobilising young conservative voters particularly in the 2024 election where it played a pivotal role in boosting Trumps reelection campaignA trusted member of Trumps inner circle Kirk was regarded not only as a political ally but also as a personal friend of the Trump family He frequently appeared at the White House and according to reports was actively involved in vetting contenders for key positions in Trumps second administrationEarlier this year he travelled with Donald Trump Jr to Greenland to rally support for the US acquisition of the Danish territoryKirk was also a regular media presence known for his fiery speeches social media campaigns and influence among Gen Z and millennial conservatives Admirers hailed him as a bridge between grassroots youth activism and the Republican establishmentMeanwhile an investigation is underway and further details are awaited IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trumps-aide-charlie-kirk-shot-dead-at-utah-university-event-637773.html Thu, 11 Sep 2025 16:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/three-teens-including-suspect-critically-injured-in-us-high-school-shooting-637775.html Washington Sep 11 Three teenagers including the suspected shooter were critically injured on Wednesday in a shooting at Evergreen High School located in the foothills of suburban Denver authorities said The incident was reported around 1230 pm on school grounds about 30 miles west of Denver according to Jefferson County Sheriffs Office spokesperson Jacki KelleyIt remains unclear what caused the shooting or how the suspected shooter believed to be a student at the school was hit according to local media reportsKelley confirmed that none of the law enforcement officers who responded fired their weaponsWhile the shooting occurred on school property officials have not yet determined whether it took place inside the school building Kelley added that investigators do not believe there is any ongoing threat to the communityThe local media reports also suggest that all three injured were transported to St Anthony Hospital in Lakewood Colorado after sustaining gunshot wounds hospital CEO Kevin Cullinan said Evergreen High School which has more than 900 students is situated about a mile from the town centre of Evergreen a community of roughly 9300 residents and is surrounded largely by forested areasOver 100 police officers from across the Denver metropolitan area rushed to the scene to provide assistance The shooting once again brought back memories of the 1999 Columbine High School massacre in Jefferson County where 14 people were killed including a woman who succumbed to complications from her injuries earlier this yearParents of Evergreen High School students were directed to an elementary school nearby to reunite with their childrenThis is the scariest thing you could ever think that could happen and these parents were really frightened and so were the kids Kelley saidThis comes against the backdrop of a shooting that killed US President Donald Trumps aide Charlie Kirk who was killed during an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday US timeThis also follows days after the tragic shooting that killed two children and injured 21 others during a Catholic Mass filled with young students in south Minneapolis last month IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/three-teens-including-suspect-critically-injured-in-us-high-school-shooting-637775.html Thu, 11 Sep 2025 16:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/manhunt-underway-for-charlie-kirks-shooter-fbi-chief-kash-patel-637779.html Washington Sep 11 The search for conservative political activist Charlie Kirks shooter is still ongoing as FBI Director Kash Patel announced that a person taken into custody in relation to the shooting has been released In a post on X Patel posted The subject in custody has been released after an interrogation by law enforcement Our investigation continues and we will continue to release information in interest of transparencyKirk who was 31 years old was delivering remarks during a campus event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday US time when shots rang out sparking panic among attendeesHe was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly afterA graphic video circulating on social media shows Kirk responding to an audience question on mass shootings just moments before being targetedAccording to a university spokesperson quoted by The New York Times the attacker fired from a building nearly 200 yards 180 metres awayIn a Truth Social post Trump mourned the loss of one of his closest allies The great and even legendary Charlie Kirk is dead No one understood or had the heart of the youth in the United States of America better than Charlie He was loved and admired by all especially me and now he is no longer with us Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika and family Charlie we love youAdditionally Trump has also ordered all American flags across the nation to be lowered to halfmast in honour of KirkKirk was best known as the founder of Turning Point USA TPUSA the countrys most prominent conservative student organisation He launched the Arizonabased group in 2012 at the age of 18 building it into a political powerhouse with over 800 chapters across US collegesTPUSA became a central force in mobilising young conservative voters particularly in the 2024 election where it played a pivotal role in boosting Trumps reelection campaignA trusted member of Trumps inner circle Kirk was regarded not only as a political ally but also as a personal friend of the Trump family He frequently appeared at the White House and according to reports was actively involved in vetting contenders for key positions in Trumps second administrationEarlier this year he travelled with Donald Trump Jr to Greenland to rally support for the US acquisition of the Danish territoryKirk was also a regular media presence known for his fiery speeches social media campaigns and influence among Gen Z and millennial conservatives Admirers hailed him as a bridge between grassroots youth activism and the Republican establishmentMeanwhile an investigation is underway and further details are awaited IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/manhunt-underway-for-charlie-kirks-shooter-fbi-chief-kash-patel-637779.html Thu, 11 Sep 2025 16:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/egypts-prez-tunisias-pm-discuss-boosting-ties-regional-coordination-637780.html Cairo Sep 11 Egyptian President AbdelFattah alSisi met with Tunisian Prime Minister Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri in Cairo and discussed enhancing bilateral relations and regional coordination the Egyptian presidency said in a statement Both sides agreed on the importance of continuing to develop joint cooperation in various fields especially with the 18th session of the Joint Higher Committee being held in Cairo serving as a strategic platform for deepening cooperation and exploring new prospects for integration particularly in the trade and investment sectors the statement said on Wednesday local timeSisi and Zenzri underscored the need to intensify coordination and cooperation between the two countries to confront the challenges facing the region and to work to resolve regional crises it addedThe two sides further stressed the importance of encouraging the private sectors in both countries to implement joint development projects in Africa strengthening the Egyptian and Tunisian presence within their regional surroundingsThe EgyptianTunisian Joint Higher Committee meetings are scheduled to kick off at Egypts New Administrative Capital on Thursday with the opening session cochaired by the prime ministers of both countries Xinhua news agency reportedThe meetings including those of the EgyptianTunisian Business Council are expected to cover areas of cooperation such as renewable energy digital transformation agriculture and transportation alongside reviewing new private sector investment opportunitiesThis comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle EastAmid this Tunisia and Iran on Wednesday voiced support for Palestinians and called for stronger international action over the Gaza war during talks in Tunis between their foreign ministersTunisian Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti said after meeting his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi that the two sides agreed to deepen cooperation in trade medicine and other fields according to state news agency TAPNafti said the talks reaffirmed Tunisias solidarity with Iran against threats to the ArabIslamic region and welcomed Tehrans renewed cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency calling it a step toward easing regional tensionsAraghchi on a working visit to Tunis described relations with Tunisia as fraternal and solid He said the two countries were committed to expanding economic scientific and cultural ties and announced plans to convene the joint economic commission soon He also invited Nafti to Tehran IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/egypts-prez-tunisias-pm-discuss-boosting-ties-regional-coordination-637780.html Thu, 11 Sep 2025 16:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/scotland-reports-sharp-decline-in-missing-persons-cases-637781.html Cairo Sep 11 Scotland has recorded a sharp drop in missing persons cases following the rollout of a national framework aimed at prevention and interagency cooperation the Scottish government has said Police investigations into missing people fell from nearly 23000 in 201718 to about 14700 in 202425 official data showed on Wednesday local timeRepeat disappearances also declined with one in three cases now involving the same individual compared with one in two previously reports Xinhua news agencyThe National Missing Persons Framework for Scotland launched in 2017 as the first of its kind in Britain brings together Police Scotland the National Health Service schools and voluntary organisations to identify and support vulnerable peopleThe Scottish government has allocated 900000 pounds 122 million US dollars to the program funding national coordinators and communitybased initiativesUnder the framework police handle emergency responses while health services and schools identify atrisk individuals and charities provide local supportShared data and precollected information on vulnerable groups such as children in care and people with dementia allow authorities to respond more quickly when someone goes missingOn Wednesday the government unveiled an updated framework for 2025 which introduces enhanced training for frontline staff tighter coordination between agencies and new earlyprevention protocolsHester Parr chair of the national working group on missing people said the new guidance builds on existing success but also charts a path to continuous improvement IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/scotland-reports-sharp-decline-in-missing-persons-cases-637781.html Thu, 11 Sep 2025 16:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/who-steps-up-support-as-new-ebola-outbreak-hits-congos-kasai-province-637782.html Kinshasa Sep 11 The World Health Organization WHO announced that it is continuing its efforts to support the Democratic Republic of the Congo DRC in halting the spread of the Ebola virus following the countrys declaration of an outbreak in Kasai Province Within 48 hours of the declaration on September 4 the WHO airlifted 12 tonnes of materials including personal protective equipment patient isolation materials water sanitation and hygiene supplies to support clinical care and protect frontline health workers More supplies are being shipped to the country to strengthen the responseThe affected localities are hard to reach We are working around the clock to rapidly roll out response measures to ensure robust outbreak control to stop the virus from spreading further and save lives Mohamed Janabi WHO regional director for Africa said in a statementOn Sunday teams of frontline responders were vaccinated against Ebola in Kinshasa the DRCs capital ahead of their deployment in the field thanks to a stockpile of vaccines that had been prepositioned with support from the WHO and partnersThe WHO is working with national authorities in 10 priority countries neighbouring the DRC to initiate readiness assessments and contingency planning including in Tanzania where disease surveillance is being enhanced in localities bordering the DRC to swiftly detect any cases and respond promptly to halt any further transmission of the virus In Angola the WHO is supporting the national authorities in stepping up preparedness especially in Lunda Norte Province which borders Kasai ProvinceThe latest Ebola outbreak in the DRC marks the countrys 16th since the virus was first identified in 1976 The WHO said the resurgence comes amid multiple health emergencies including mpox cholera and measles and assessed the overall public health risk as high nationally moderate regionally and low globallyAccording to the WHO the epicentre is near Tshikapa the capital of Kasai Province about 100 to 200 km from the Angolan border The outbreak is currently affecting a remote rural district though frequent population movements particularly between Bulape and Tshikapa heighten the risk of wider spreadEpidemiological investigations are ongoing with transmission chains and the source of infection yet to be identified The onset date of the first case remains unclear and undetected cases cannot be ruled out the WHO warnedUganda one of the countries bordering the DRC said last Friday that it is on high alert following the latest outbreak Henry Kyobe Bosa incident commander at the Ugandan Ministry of Health told Xinhua news agency by telephone that authorities are closely monitoring the situation and will conduct a risk assessment before developing measures to prevent possible importation of the virusThe DRC last declared the end of an Ebola outbreak in September 2022 after one case was confirmed in the eastern province of North Kivu Testing showed that the case was genetically linked to the 20182020 outbreak in North Kivu and Ituri provinces which killed nearly 2300 peopleKasai Province previously reported Ebola outbreaks in 2007 and 2008 according to the WHOEbola first occurred in 1976 in two simultaneous outbreaks one was of Sudan virus disease in Nzara in what is now South Sudan and the other was of Ebola virus disease in Yambuku in what is now the DRC then known as Zaire The latter occurred in a village near the Ebola River from which the disease takes its name according to the WHOEbola is a highly contagious hemorrhagic fever that causes a range of symptoms such as fever vomiting diarrhoea generalised pain or malaise and in many cases internal and external bleeding IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/who-steps-up-support-as-new-ebola-outbreak-hits-congos-kasai-province-637782.html Thu, 11 Sep 2025 16:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-blames-radical-left-after-charlie-kirks-murder-637783.html Washington Sep 11 US President Donald Trump has issued a video statement following the fatal shooting of conservative activist and popular influencer Charlie Kirk 31 who was killed during a campus event in Utah The shooting occurred around 1220 pm on Wednesday local time during a student QampA session at Utah Valley University UVU in Orem according to a statement from the universityIn his address posted on Truth Social Trump said he was filled with grief and anger at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk directly blaming the radical left for the killingHe accused critics of dehumanising Kirk and others by comparing them to Nazis and the worlds worst mass murderers and criminalsAll who knew him and loved him are united in shock and horror Charlie was a patriot who devoted his life to the cause of open debate and the country that he loved so much the United States of America He fought for liberty democracy justice and the American people Hes a martyr for truth and freedom and there has never been anyone who was so respected by youth Trump saidCharlie was also a man of deep deep faith and we take comfort in the knowledge that he is now at peace with God in heaven he addedOffering condolences Trump said Our prayers are with his wife Erika the two young beloved children and his entire family who he loved more than anything in the world We ask God to watch over them in this terrible hour of heartache and pain This is a dark moment for AmericaThe US President said that Charlie Kirks mission was to bring young people into the political process which Trump said he did better than anybody everHe also hailed Kirks ability to defend his views with courage logic humour and grace while warning that violence and murder are the tragic consequence of demonising those with whom you disagreeDoubling down on his accusations Trump again blamed the radical left for Kirks murder stating Those on the radical left have compared wonderful Americans like Charlie to Nazis and the worlds worst mass murderers and criminals This kind of rhetoric is directly responsible for the terrorism that were seeing in our country today and it must stop right nowVowing accountability Trump said My administration will find each and every one of those who contributed to this atrocity and to other political violence including the organisations that fund it and support it as well as those who go after our judges law enforcement officials and everyone else who bring order to our countryTrump cited other examples of political violence including the assassination attempt on him in Pennsylvania and attacks on ICE agents asserting that radical left political violence has hurt too many innocent peopleCalling Kirk the best of America Trump added The monster who attacked him was attacking our whole country An assassin tried to silence him with a bullet but he failed because together we will ensure that his voice his message and his legacy will live on for countless generations to comeTrump concluded by stating that in death Kirks message has only grown stronger Charlies voice has become bigger than ever before IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-blames-radical-left-after-charlie-kirks-murder-637783.html Thu, 11 Sep 2025 16:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/kidnapped-israeli-russian-woman-returns-to-israel-after-more-than-2-years-in-captivity-637791.html Jerusalem Sep 11 Elizabeth Tsurkov an IsraeliRussian national kidnapped in Iraq more than two years ago returned to Israel after being freed a day earlier Israels Mossad intelligence agency said Tsurkov a Princeton University doctoral student vanished in Baghdad in March 2023 while conducting field research Israel announced four months later that she had been abducted by Kataib Hezbollah a Shiite armed group with ties to IranShe was released on Tuesday and taken to the US embassy in Baghdad before being flown to Israel via Cyprus on Wednesday night Mossad said Its director David Barnea thanked Cypriot intelligence for helping facilitate what he called her humanitarian transferIsraeli media said Tsurkov was expected to reunite with her family at Ben Gurion Airport and then undergo medical checks at Sheba Hospital near Tel Aviv State broadcaster Kan said no prisoners were freed and no concessions made in return for her release Xinhua news agency reportedIraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia alSudani confirmed her release in a post on X on Tuesday calling it the result of extensive efforts by Iraqi security services and vowing not to tolerate any compromise in enforcing the law and upholding the authority of the stateMy entire family is incredibly happy her sister Emma Tsurkov wrote on XIn March 2023 academic researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov vanished in Baghdad while conducting fieldwork She was last seen in the Karrada neighbourhood after which reports emerged that the armed group Kataib Hezbollah had abducted her Her disappearance remained undisclosed for several months until July 2023 when the Israeli Prime Ministers Office publicly confirmed her abduction and held the Iraqi government accountable for ensuring her safetyTsurkov 37 is a dual citizen of Israel and Russia According to Israeli officials she had entered Iraq using her Russian passportIn November 2023 Iraqi state television broadcast footage showing Tsurkov claiming affiliation with both Mossad and the CIA statements her family strongly denied labelling them as forced under duressDetails surrounding the negotiations for her release have not been fully disclosed However earlier reports in January 2024 indicated that talks between the US and Iraqi governments were underwayIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also confirmed her release crediting months of work led by Gal Hirsch Israels coordinator for captives and missing peopleThrough a team effort after great efforts we succeeded in bringing about her release Netanyahu said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/kidnapped-israeli-russian-woman-returns-to-israel-after-more-than-2-years-in-captivity-637791.html Thu, 11 Sep 2025 16:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/evacuation-of-stranded-telugu-people-from-nepal-picks-up-momentum-637810.html Amaravati Sep 11 The evacuation of stranded Telugu people from violencehit Nepal gathered momentum on Thursday with a special flight carrying 12 people taking off from Simikot while another group of 22 people safely returned by road Minister for Real Time Governance Nara Lokesh who is supervising the evacuation efforts said an IndiGo flight is planned from Kathmandu to New Delhi to airlift over 200 people The minister posted on X that 133 people have already been escorted to the airport under convoy protectionA charter plane will take off from Pokhara to bring another group of 10 stranded Telugu people to Kathmandu for boarding the IndiGo flightA group of 22 people who travelled via a special bus from Hetauda safely entered the Indian territory The group has reached Bihar and will travel to DelhiA special flight carrying 12 people from Simikot to Nepalganj on the Indian border took off at 9 am TDP MP Sana Satish coordinated with local authorities for the evacuation operation From Nepalganj vehicles are in place to transport the group to Lucknow from where they will fly to HyderabadOfficials said 133 stranded individuals have reached Kathmandu Airport while another 43 are expected shortlyAn IndiGo charter flight arranged by the Andhra Pradesh government will take off from Delhi for Kathmandu to bring back the stranded peopleThe state government in close coordination with the Union Government the Embassy of India in Kathmandu and Nepalese authorities initiated the evacuation of stranded citizensAccording to an official statement a comprehensive plan has been prepared with support from the Indian government and local authorities in NepalA total of 217 citizens from Andhra Pradesh have been traced across Nepal Of these 173 are in Kathmandu 22 in Hetauda 10 in Pokhara and 12 in Simikot near the NepalChina borderOut of the stranded citizens 118 55 per cent are women and 98 45 per cent are men Nearly 70 per cent are above 50 years of age with 31 per cent above 60 years The largest groups are from Visakhapatnam 42 Vizianagaram 34 and Kurnool 22 with others spread across 22 districtsCitizens in Kathmandu are staying in hotels at varying distances 1 km to 45 km from the international airport IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/evacuation-of-stranded-telugu-people-from-nepal-picks-up-momentum-637810.html Thu, 11 Sep 2025 16:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/three-dead-over-50-injured-in-mexico-gas-tanker-truck-explosion-637819.html Mexico City Sep 11 Three died and over 50 were injured after a gas tanker truck exploded in Mexico City with 19 of them in serious condition local authorities said The accident occurred on the Zaragoza road under the Concordia bridge said Clara Brugada Molina head of government of the Mexican capital on the social media platform X on Wednesday Mexico City timeIt took place at around 220 pm local time when the truck with a capacity of 49500 litres overturned and the injured have been rushed to different hospitals she told local mediaThe accident also affected 18 vehicles and 19 of the injured transferred to hospitals are in serious condition Xinhua news agency reported quoting an officialPolice have guarded the accident area and roadblocks have been put up in the vicinity as security measures for residents and also to preserve the scene for the investigation to determine precisely the causes of the accident according to local authoritiesMexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her condolences over the loss of lives in the accidentIn a post on X the President posted We express our solidarity and support to the families of three people who unfortunately passed away and to the injured resulting from the explosion of a pipeline in IztapalapaThe National Coordination of Civil Protection National Guard Secretariat of Defence and the network of hospitals of the Government of Mexico are collaborating with the head of Government Clara Brugada Molina and the authorities of Mexico City to assist those affected she saidLikewise I express my recognition to the emergency services that are supporting in this unfortunate incident the Mexican President added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/three-dead-over-50-injured-in-mexico-gas-tanker-truck-explosion-637819.html Thu, 11 Sep 2025 16:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/eu-pushing-new-sanctions-on-russia-expanding-aid-to-ukraine-637820.html Strasbourg France Sep 11 European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the European Union EU is preparing a new round of sanctions against Russia while stepping up military and financial support for Ukraine Delivering her annual State of the Union address to the European Parliament on Wednesday local time von der Leyen said the bloc is working with partners on a 19th package of sanctions including measures to accelerate the phaseout of Russian fossil fuels and to crack down on Russias shadow fleetShe noted that the EU has already provided nearly 170 billion euros 199 billion US dollars in military and financial assistance for Ukraine and is devising new mechanisms to ensure longterm support Among them is a financing plan based on immobilised Russian assets to provide Ukraine with a Reparations LoanVon der Leyen also announced the creation of a Drone Alliance with Ukraine to help maintain its battlefield advantage as well as an Eastern Flank Watch system The latter would involve investment in realtime space surveillance and the construction of a drone wall along Europes eastern border following a proposal from the Baltic states reports Xinhua news agencyDefending a recent trade agreement with the United States von der Leyen said the muchdebated deal was the best possible for Europe preventing a damaging trade warShe further unveiled plans for a multibillioneuro Scaleup Europe Fund which will pool EU and private investments to support fastgrowing companies in key sectors 1 euro 117 US dollarHowever earlier this week Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that no sanctions can force Russia to change its stance on UkraineThe remarks came on September 8 as the European Union and Washington discussed additional sanctions against Russia US President Donald Trump said on September 7 that the White House is ready to launch the second phase of sanctions against Russia amid stalled peace talks in its conflict with UkrainePeskov noted that previous Western sanctions had proven useless in pressuring RussiaThe unprecedented number of sanctions imposed on our country over the past nearly four years has no effect said the spokesman adding that Ukraine and Europe were actively pushing the United States to impose new restrictionsThe Kremlin emphasised that Russia intended to continue aligning with the US peace effortsWe welcome these efforts and hope they will continue to be pursued in a constructive direction Peskov saidHe added that Moscow would keep a close eye on Washingtons statements regarding plans to impose new sanctions on RussiaPeskov also noted that Russia would continue its special military operation until a diplomatic outcome guarantees the countrys security IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/eu-pushing-new-sanctions-on-russia-expanding-aid-to-ukraine-637820.html Thu, 11 Sep 2025 16:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/19-killed-10-missing-in-indonesia-floods-637830.html Jakarta Sep 11 Floods triggered by days of heavy rains have killed at least 19 people and left 10 others missing on Indonesias Bali Island and in East Nusa Tenggara province Gusti Ayu Ketut Wijayanti spokesperson for the Bali office of the National Search and Rescue Agency told Xinhua news agency on Thursday that flash floods have killed 13 people and left six missing on the island Flooding and 18 landslides were also reported in several areasThe countrys Meteorology Climatology and Geophysics Agency reported that rainfall of up to 150 millimetres was recorded in parts of Bali between Tuesday and Wednesday and warned that heavy rain is expected to continue throughout the weekIn East Nusa Tenggara province floods damaged houses and farmland forcing residents to evacuate to higher groundGasper Losa Manisa head of the emergency unit at the provincial Disaster Management and Mitigation Agency said the floods have left six people dead and four missing adding that rescue operations are underwayIndonesias rainy season usually runs from November to April a period prone to floods landslides and related diseases However climate change has prolonged the rainy season and intensified downpours in recent years resulting in more severe disastersOn Wednesday rescuers had recovered the bodies of a mother and her child buried under mud in the worsthit village of Mauponggo and a man in the neighbouring village of Loka Laba in Nagekeo district of East Nusa Tenggara officials said Previously three members of a family were found dead after their house was swept away and four people were missing in Mauponggo villageRain had caused rivers to burst their banks tearing through nine cities and districts in Bali Mud rocks and trees tumbled onto the mountainside hamlets and rising rivers submerged at least 112 neighbourhoods and resulting in several landslides Balis Disaster Mitigation Agency said in a statement IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/19-killed-10-missing-in-indonesia-floods-637830.html Thu, 11 Sep 2025 16:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/varanasi-gives-rousing-welcome-to-pm-modi-637835.html New Delhi Sep 11 Varanasi residents showered flowers on Prime Minister Narendra Modis convoy as he arrived in his parliamentary constituency on Thursday As the Prime Ministers convoy approached the Taj Hotel people lined the streets on both sides waving the Tricolour and BJP flags and chanting Modi ModiThe city is all decked up for the highlevel meeting with elaborate arrangements and decorationsThe Prime Minister is in Varanasi to hold bilateral talks with his Mauritian counterpart Navinchandra Ramgoolam to discuss the ways to further strengthen the Enhanced Strategic Partnership between the two nationsThe meeting in the ancient city of Varanasi will highlight the civilisational connect spiritual linkages and enduring peopletopeople bonds that have long defined the special relationship between India and MauritiusDuring their bilateral discussions the two leaders are expected to review the entire spectrum of cooperation with particular emphasis on development partnership and capacity buildingThey will also explore new avenues of collaboration in healthcare education science and technology energy and infrastructure while giving special focus to renewable energy digital public infrastructure and the blue economyThe upcoming talks build upon the positive momentum of Prime Minister Modis state visit to Mauritius in March this year during which India and Mauritius elevated their ties to an Enhanced Strategic PartnershipAs a close maritime neighbour and valued partner in the Indian Ocean Region Mauritius plays a pivotal role in advancing Indias MAHASAGAR Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Region Vision and the Neighbourhood First policyThe partnership is also seen as an important contribution to the collective aspirations of the Global SouthThe Varanasi Summit is expected to serve as a landmark in IndiaMauritius relations reinforcing their shared commitment to mutual prosperity sustainable development and a secure and inclusive futureEarlier in the day Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Mauritius PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam and discussed the multifaceted bilateral partnership between New Delhi and Port LouisForeign Secretary Vikram Misri called on PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam of Mauritius today in Varanasi Discussed multifaceted partnership and reaffirmed commitment in strengthening IndiaMauritius Enhanced Strategic Partnership anchored in shared history culture amp peopletopeople ties the Ministry of External Affairs MEA posted on X IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/varanasi-gives-rousing-welcome-to-pm-modi-637835.html Thu, 11 Sep 2025 16:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/rain-front-to-bring-heavy-downpours-to-many-parts-of-japan-637848.html Tokyo Sep 11 Japans weather agency said on Thursday that atmospheric conditions are very unstable in many parts of the country due to an autumn rain front with torrential rain already hitting the Shikoku region in western Japan earlier in the morning Bands of heavy rain clouds developed over the southwestern prefectures of Nagasaki and Kumamoto early on Wednesday bringing heavy rainfall according to the Japan Meteorological Agency JMADeveloped rain clouds covered the regions of Shikoku Hokuriku and Tohoku on Thursday morning the JMA said adding the rain front will be almost stationary in the coming hours reports Xinhua news agencyWeather officials warned that atmospheric conditions will remain highly unstable in areas from Kyushu through Tohoku into the late evening and localised downpours are possible in western and eastern JapanTorrential rain is also expected in some parts of Hokkaido through the late evening due to a cold air mass and a trough of low pressureRainfall during the 24hour period through Friday morning could reach up to 180 millimetres in southern Kyushu 120 millimetres in the KantoKoshin region and 100 millimetres in the Tokai region the JMA saidThe agency warned of landslides flooding in lowlying areas and swelling and flooding of rivers as well as lightning strikes sudden gusts of wind and hailEarlier on September 6 Tropical Storm Peipah left 24 people wounded and 40 houses damaged in four municipalities in the central Japanese prefecture of ShizuokaThe most harm to humans occurred in Makinohara including three people who were severely wounded and 20 others sustaining light injuries IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/rain-front-to-bring-heavy-downpours-to-many-parts-of-japan-637848.html Thu, 11 Sep 2025 17:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/girl-dead-after-car-crashes-into-eastern-australian-dam-637851.html Sydney Sep 11 A girl has died after a vehicle crashed and became submerged in a dam over 500 km north of Sydney in eastern Australia Police in the state of New South Wales NSW said in a statement on Thursday that emergency services were called to reports of the crash near the town of Tenterfield 540 km north of Sydney in the states New England region around 330 pm on Wednesday Xinhua News Agency reportedThe black SUV had crashed into a tree before entering the dam and becoming submerged police saidAn 11yearold girl who was a passenger in the vehicle was treated by ambulance paramedics after being pulled unresponsive from the water but died at the sceneThe driver a 50yearold woman was also pulled from the water and treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to hospital in a stable conditionNSW Police said that officers from the crash investigation unit established a crime scene and have commenced an investigation into the incidentEarlier in August two people were killed in a threevehicle collision involving a stolen car north of Brisbane in eastern AustraliaOn August 31 police in the state of Queensland said that emergency services were called to the crash near the small town of Chatsworth 150 km north of BrisbaneInitial police investigations suggest that a stolen black sedan was dangerously overtaking vehicles at high speed when it collided with the side of a second black sedan The stolen car then hit another car a silver sedan causing both vehicles to flip and the silver sedan to catch on fireThe 20yearold male driver of the stolen car and the 50yearold male driver of the silver sedan died at the sceneThe Queensland Police Service said that the forensic crash unit is investigating the circumstances of the crashAccording to the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland there have been 200 road deaths in Queensland so far in 2025 and the state is on track to record its highest annual road death toll since 2009 IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/girl-dead-after-car-crashes-into-eastern-australian-dam-637851.html Thu, 11 Sep 2025 17:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/dharmendra-pradhan-visits-baps-hindu-temple-in-abu-dhabi-637904.html Abu Dhabi Sep 11 Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan currently on a tour of the United Arab Emirates paid a visit to the BAPS Hindu temple on Thursday and was pleasantly surprised by its breathtaking beauty The Union Minister described the BAPS temple as an impossible miracle and showered praise on its stunning beauty creativity and inclusivenessHe also expressed deep respect for the selfless service of BAPS saints and Swaminarayan Sanstha for the civilisational achievement on foreign soilDharmendra Pradhan said that the temple stands as a beacon of Indias timeless values of harmony peace and spirituality on the global stage and also expressed deepest respect for the selfless seva of BAPS SwamisHe noted that the temple not only showcases extraordinary craftsmanship but also embodies the collective devotion and sacrifice of countless volunteers and devoteesHe further said that this Mandir will forever remain a symbol of Indias cultural pride and spiritual strength connecting hearts across nations and reminding the world of the enduring power of faith and service He also stated that the temple will serve as a source of inspiration for the younger generationThe Union Minister took to X to share the glimpses of his first visit to the temple and said that it was a matter of pride for a Jagannath devotee like him to visit the templeThe BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi is an architectural marvel The temple is an embodiment of Indias Shilpa Shastra and is adorned with intricate carvings Mahaprabhu Jagannaths Rath Yatra and the joyous procession are also depicted on the exterior walls These carvings celebrate the timeless spirit and culture of Odisha he wrote in a postThe spiritual values of Rath Yatra in the heart of UAE is a matter of great pride for every Jagannath devotee he addedThe BAPS Mandir is the first Hindu temple built in the Gulf nation Since its inauguration in February 2024 the temple has seen momentous gatherings of devotees and has recorded an astonishing 22 million visitors in the past year IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/dharmendra-pradhan-visits-baps-hindu-temple-in-abu-dhabi-637904.html Thu, 11 Sep 2025 19:15:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/nepals-trade-with-china-grew-but-india-remains-largest-partner-637911.html New Delhi Sep 11 Indias geographic proximity longstanding trade treaties dutyfree access for many goods and seamless land transit routes have made it Nepals largest trade partner By contrast trade corridors linking Nepal to China remain underdeveloped and annual trade with China estimated at 724 million is a fraction of its India tallyBilateral trade with India exceeded 8 billion at current exchange rate in the fiscal year 202223 according to a Nepal embassy statement on May 8Imports in the 202223 fiscal amounted to more than 7 billion and exports to India stood at about 755 millionBut a shift though comparatively small was palpable say reportsIn the first nine months of the fiscal year 202324 total exports from Nepal decreased by 37 per cent compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year claimed the online news portal nepsetradingThe reduction in exports is attributed mainly to a significant drop in exports to India which fell by 62 per cent it reported adding Conversely exports to China surged by 232 per centHowever it noted that it still represented a small fraction of total exports Meanwhile exports to other countries also saw a decline of 2 per centWhile total imports for the same period witnessed a decline of 28 per cent including India by 32 per cent volume from China increased significantly by 334 per centSince Communist leaders assumed charge in Nepal the government turned towards the Dragon which observers attributed to their shared political philosophyIn fact when the nowresigned Prime Minister of Nepal K P Sharma Oli decided to pay an official visit to China in end2024 the media reported a strategic departure from the tradition where Nepali leaders made India their first foreign destination upon assuming officeThe shift was viewed as one highlighting the evolving dynamics of Nepals foreign policyAll this while trade and economy lagged even as political protests hit the streets from time to time leading to frequent changes in governmentNepals trade is at a crossroads Once a key exporter of agricultural commodities the country now struggles to sustain its own demand for essential goods including paddy milk and sugarcane observed Sumit Bikram Rana Program Director The Himalayan DialoguesWriting in The Himalayan Times in March this year he urged that Nepal should focus on positioning itself as a competitive supplier in Indian markets rather than viewing India solely as a dominant exporterHistorically a net exporter of paddy sugarcane and lentils the Himalayan country now imports staples such as wheat sugar and cooking oilKey agricultural bottlenecks include fragmented landholdings preventing largescale cultivation poor storage and logistics underdeveloped agroprocessing units and lack of allweather irrigation facilitiesAs a result Nepals agricultural exports have languished even while Chinese and Indian supplies flood domestic markets further discouraging local producersThe World Bank projected Nepals economy to grow 45 per cent in FY2025 up from 39 per cent in FY 2024 despite significant natural disasters in late 2024 It predicted growth to be driven by increased domestic trade hydropower generation and paddy productionIt is now to be seen how the country copes with the new wave of protest movement sweeping the country IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/nepals-trade-with-china-grew-but-india-remains-largest-partner-637911.html Thu, 11 Sep 2025 19:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/european-parliament-delegation-to-visit-bangladesh-to-assess-reforms-human-rights-637913.html Dhaka Sep 11 A delegation of European Parliament members will visit Bangladesh from September 1618 to analyse reforms and human rights situation in the country local media reported on Thursday The EUs fivemember delegation includes Arkadiusz Mularczyk ECR PL Urmas Paet Renew Europe Estonia Mounir Satouri GreensEFA FR Human Rights Subcommittee Chair Isabel WiselerLima EPP Luxembourg and Catarina Vieira The GreensEFA The Netherlands Bangladeshs leading newspaper The Daily Star quoted from a statement issued by the EU mission in DhakaDuring the visit the EU delegation will engage with Bangladesh interim governments representatives and civil society to discuss the human rights dimension of EUBangladesh ties The EU members will also visit Rohingya refugee camps The EU members will interact with nongovernmental organisations representatives labour representatives and representatives of multilateral organisations operating on the groundSince the collapse of Sheikh Hasinaled government Bangladesh has witnessed massive human rights violations especially against minorities including Hindus under the interim government led by Muhammad YunusEarlier this week on the sidelines of the ongoing 60th Session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva Rahman Khalilur Mamun the Executive President of the International Forum for Secular Bangladesh shed light on the situation in Bangladesh where Hindus Christians Buddhists and indigenous peoples continue to suffer from communal violenceHe underlined the prevailing impunity for perpetrators and the urgent need for international support in protecting secularism minority rights and democratic freedoms in BangladeshAnother recent report titled One Year of Anarchy Human Rights Violations in Bangladesh Under the Interim Government drew attention to alarming human rights violations political oppression and national instability unfolding across Bangladesh under the unelected Yunus governmentAt least 637 individuals have been killed in mob lynching incidents 47 individuals have been subjected to extrajudicial killings while in the custody of law enforcement agencies 21 political detainees affiliated with the Awami League have died in prison custody the report mentionedHighlighting atrocities against minorities under the Yunus regime the report confirmed 2442 incidents of minority persecution backed by evidenceIt documented that 27 people from the minority community were killed 20 women were raped and 17 Churches were set on fire on Christmas in 2024 IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/european-parliament-delegation-to-visit-bangladesh-to-assess-reforms-human-rights-637913.html Thu, 11 Sep 2025 19:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-one-of-the-most-important-relationships-our-nation-has-in-world-next-us-ambassador-to-delhi-637950.html Washington Sep 11 Sergio Gor President Donald Trumps nominee for the US Ambassador to India has called India a strategic partner whose trajectory will shape the region and beyond Gor while appearing before the Senate for his confirmation hearing on Thursday promised to strengthen defence and economic ties with IndiaIndias geographic position economic growth and military capabilities make it a cornerstone of regional stability and a critical part of promoting prosperity and advancing the security interests that our nations share India is one of the most important relationships our nation has in the world I will work to deliver on a presidential agenda and advance US interests by increasing our defence cooperation ensuring fair and beneficial trade deepening energy security and furthering technology he addedHe also spoke about strengthening defence ties with IndiaI will prioritise deepening defence and security cooperation with India This includes expanding joint military exercises advancing codevelopment and coproduction of defence systems and concluding critical defence sales he notedGor also highlighted Indias demographic dividend terming Indias population of 14 billion people and its rapidly growing middle class offer immense opportunities for America from artificial intelligence to pharmaceuticals to critical minerals the potential for collaboration is vastWhile introducing Gor Secretary of State Marco Rubio described USIndia ties as one of the top relationships the United States has in the world today and is in a period of extraordinary transitionIn fact its so important weve actually changed the name of the combatant command of the IndoPacific India is at the core of that Rubio addedOn Wednesday Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Kwatra welcomed Sergio Gors nomination saying that President Trump is sending one of his most trusted aides to serve as the next US ambassador to IndiaThis move is viewed as a sign of importance and priority of IndiaUS ties and a commitment to strengthen the bridges and deepen the bonds of friendship between our two countries Ambassador Kwatra wrote on XOn August 22 US President Donald Trump announced the nomination of close aide Sergio Gor as the countrys next Ambassador to IndiaFor the most populous Region in the World it is important that I have someone I can fully trust to deliver on my Agenda and help us MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN Sergio will make an incredible Ambassador Trump wrote on Truth SocialTrump had also announced Gor would also serve as a special envoy for South and Central Asian affairsThe 38yearold Gor is the Director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office entrusted with vetting more than 4000 posts in the new Trump administration IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-one-of-the-most-important-relationships-our-nation-has-in-world-next-us-ambassador-to-delhi-637950.html Thu, 11 Sep 2025 23:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-hails-radical-jamaats-triumph-in-dhaka-university-elections-637697.html Dhaka Sep 10 The student wing of Bangladeshs radical Islamist party JamaateIslami JeI registered a landslide victory in the Dhaka University Central Students Union DUCSU elections the results of which were announced on Wednesday As many as 471 candidates contested for 28 posts with the Islami Chhatra Shibir ICS panel of Abu Shadik Kayem S M Farhad and Mohiuddin Khan elected as Vice President General Secretary and Assistant General Secretary respectivelyImmediately after their triumph in the elections the local media reported that JamaateIslami Pakistan has also congratulated ICS on winning the DUCSU elections asserting that new history has been made in BangladeshLast years JulyAugust protests that had shaped the student unity by using mobs in attacking shrines of Hindus religious minorities unIslamic cultural institutions destruction of artworks something that is still continuing in Bangladesh was noticeable in ICS achieving a successful outcome in the DUCSU electionConsidering the reaction from Pakistan analysts reckon that the results also imply that Bangladesh politics continues to slide massively towards radical Islam that is prone to violence JeIs consolidation through manipulation or engineering has started with the ICS winning the DUCSU electionsIt is also the first time in DUCSUs history that JeIs student wing openly contested with a full panel thanks mainly to the polls being held under the interim administration of Muhammad Yunus and banning of the dominant Awami Leagues Bangladesh Chhatra LeagueThe ICS resurfaced publicly in September last year a month after the shocking exit of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina that also ended the 15 yearlong domination of Bangladesh Chhatra League in Dhaka UniversityIn the one year since its reemergence the radical student outfit managed to draw substantial support from madrasas religious Islamic schools studentsMeanwhile Abidul and Umama have already rejected the DUCSU election results stating that they were rigged and were a farceThey alleged that the Dhaka University administration has brought shame upon the nation as the entire administration is run by Shibir loyalists IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-hails-radical-jamaats-triumph-in-dhaka-university-elections-637697.html Wed, 10 Sep 2025 19:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/jamaat-tightens-grip-ahead-of-bangladesh-poll-pushes-sharia-agenda-637702.html Dhaka Sep 10 Elections in Bangladesh are slated to be held in February 2026 While the fairness of the elections with the Awami League being banned from contesting is in question it would still be a muchneeded exercise for the country In the runup to the elections there is a major push being made by the JamaateIslami to enforce strict rules while catering to a more Shariastyle of functioning There have been calls to implement Sharia law and turn Bangladesh into an Islamic State While these calls are made by radical groups such directives from the Jamaat are an extremely dangerous signIt is the Jamaat which is calling the shots in the interim government This indicates that orders are being passed officially The Jamaat has now urged government schools to put aside their plan of appointing dance teachers in primary schools It has instead instructed schools to appoint religious teachers to ensure that children grow up to be honest and responsible citizensMia Golam Parwar the general secretary of the Jamaat issued the order Appointing music and dance teachers instead of religious instructors is completely unacceptable Music or dance cannot be considered a compulsory subject for students If a family has a strong interest in such activities they can arrange private teachers themselves But religious education is essential for all communities he said in a statementThe Jamaat and other radical groups have repeatedly cited a decline in social and moral values Religious education fosters morality and values and this forms the foundation of virtuous behaviour and building a just and disciplined child He felt that at a time when the youth were facing a moral crisis it was wrong to appoint dance and music teachers There are similar rules in Taliban controlled Afghanistan as wellThere has been a lot of moral policing when it comes to women in Bangladesh It would however be interesting to see how the situation would be dealt with if at all if a BNP government with Khaleda Zia as the Prime Minister comes to powerThese issues were not allowed to be raised under the rule of Sheikh Hasina However following his ouster radical elements have upped the ante and there is a clear demand for the implementation of Sharia lawBangladesh watchers say that the way things are shaping up it appears that there is a solid push to make Bangladesh into an Islamic State The release of terrorists criminals and also the lifting of the ban on the Jamaat following Hasinas ouster only signal the direction in which the country is movingThese radical elements have targeted the minorities especially the Hindus following the August 2024 uprising by the students most of whom are attached to the Jamaats Islamic Chhatra Shibir In the first week of Sheikh Hasinas ouster there have been 200 attacks on the minorities This increased multifold over the next few weeksThe caretaker of the interim government Muhammad Yunus has promised that polls will be held in February 2026 India is watching the developments closely and would prefer that an elected government be in place Ties under Yunus have soured and India would want to have better relations with its neighbourThe elections too would be an interesting affair The Awami League has been banned from contesting This would mean that the BNP has the edge While all the poll pundits have said that the BNP would return to power it is not clear if it would be a landslide victoryIn the event of the BNP needing a coalition partner it has no option but to ally with the Jamaat as it had done in the past This would make the bilateral with India tricky as the Jamaat would have some cardsThe Jamaat is completely backed by the ISI and since the 1970s has worked together on a common agenda and that is to make the country an Islamic State and destabilise India IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/jamaat-tightens-grip-ahead-of-bangladesh-poll-pushes-sharia-agenda-637702.html Wed, 10 Sep 2025 19:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-expresses-constructive-support-for-east-asia-summit-preparations-637710.html Kuala Lumpur Sep 10 India on Wednesday expressed constructive support for preparations related to the forthcoming 20th East Asia Summit Representing India at the East Asia Summit Preparatory Senior Officials Meeting EAS PrepSOM in Malaysias Port Dickson on Wednesday Ministry of External Affairs MEA Secretary East P Kumaran expressed Indias constructive support for preparations related to the forthcoming summit Dato Sri Amran Mohamed Zin Secretary General of Malaysias Ministry of Foreign Affairs in its capacity as the ASEAN Chair chaired the meeting Senior Officials of participating countries of EAS attended the meetingSecretary East in his intervention at the EAS PrepSOM expressed constructive support for preparations related to the forthcoming 20th East Asia Summit Secretary East also invited EAS Participating Countries for the EAS Knowledge Exchange Workshop on Energy Efficiency Policies and Programs Mission LiFE and Conclave of EAS Heads of Higher Education Institutions being hosted in India at the Nalanda University in Rajgir Bihar read a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs MEADuring his visit Kumaran also held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Australia Cambodia and MalaysiaMalaysias Ministry of Foreign Affairs convened the East Asia Summit Preparatory Senior Officials Meeting EAS PrepSOM on Wednesday in Port Dickson The meeting reviewed preparations for the 20th East Asia Summit to be held in October 2025 in Kuala Lumpur including discussions on the Summits outcome documents Malaysias Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted on XOn Tuesday Kumaran met Dato Sri Amran Mohamed Zin and expressed commitment to further strengthen cooperation between both countries in various sectorsSecretary General Dato Sri Amran Mohamed Zin met with Secretary East Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of India HE Periasamy Kumaran on 9 September 2025 The meeting underscored both countries commitment to further strengthening MalaysiaIndia cooperation across various sectors and work towards enhancing ASEANIndia collaboration within ASEANled frameworks Malaysias Ministry of Foreign Affairs statedThe East Asia Summit refers to the Meeting of Heads of StatesGovernments of the EAS participating countries which is convened annually The East Asia Summit EAS process was initiated in 2005 with the convening of the first East Asia Summit in Malaysias Kuala Lumpur At its inception the East Asia Summit comprised 16 participating countries namely ASEAN Member States Australia China India Japan New Zealand and the Republic of Korea The United States and Russia joined at the 6th East Asia Summit in Indonesias Bali on November 19 2011 IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-expresses-constructive-support-for-east-asia-summit-preparations-637710.html Wed, 10 Sep 2025 20:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/nepals-turmoil-rekindles-monarchy-talk-but-a-return-looks-unlikely-637712.html New Delhi Sep 10 The Prime Minister President and scores of ministers have reigned in Nepal following the massive Gen Z uprising Violence broke out leaving over 20 dead the Parliament and the Supreme Court were set on fire The question now is what is next in Nepal The fall of the KP Oli government is clearly a sign that democracy has once again failed in Nepal Since becoming a democracy in 2008 every government in power has been an unstable one The country has seen 14 unstable coalition governments in the past 17 years thus signalling that there is something wrong with the systemIn the last 48 hours questions have also been asked if the monarchy that once ruled Nepal will make its returnThe reason why this question is being asked is because just before the latest protests a few months back the Rashtriya Prajatantra Party along with proroyalists Hindu nationalists and antifederalists held a massive demonstration demanding the return of the monarchyThe protesters demanded the restoration of the monarchy They also sought that the former king be reinstated as the head of the stateThe other demands included the revival of Hinduism as Nepals state religion This was one of the major signals that the Oli government did not readHe dismissed the protests and said that there was no chance of the monarchy returning What he failed to read into was that the restoration of the monarchy was being sought because there was immense resentment with the government and people desperately wanted a changeThey felt that the country was stable and better off when the monarchy was at the helmIn 2008 the 240 year old rule of the Shah dynasty came to an end The flag was lowered from the main palace in Kathmandu and the worlds last Hindu monarchy was abolishedHowever the end too came following widespread protests King Gyanendra had ascended the throne in 2002 after his brother King Birendra and his family were tragically massacred He initially served as a Constitutional monarch but in 2005 he seized absolute powerHe went on to dissolve the government and parliament and jailed politicians and journalists while also imposing an emergency rule These moves were disliked by the people and they hit the streets which eventually led to him stepping down and this led to the downfall of the monarchy and the establishment of a republicTo question whether the latest developments in Nepal will lead to the restoration of a monarchy Nepal watchers say that this is highly unlikely The changed circumstances and a bit of prophecy is attached to this and hence the monarchy may not return The silence of Gynanedra is also a clear sign that no attempt is being made from his end to return to the helm Even during the protests seeing the restoration of the monarchy he was silent and he remains so even nowThe restoration is also an unlikely possibility because Nepal which is a republic is constitutionally enshrined A change of the same is not exactly a simple process Moreover the mainstream political parties strongly oppose the return of the monarchy and hence this too rules out the possibilityIn this context it would be interesting to look into a prophecy which is attributed to Guru GorakhnathGorakhnath blessed Prithvi Narayan Shah the unifier of Nepal in the 18th century with a monarchy that would last 11 generations The monarchy strongly embraces this view and says that the monarchys 11th generation rule ended with King Dipendra ShahHe had briefly ascended the throne while in coma following the royal massacre of 2001 This reign which was very short was seen as the fulfillment of Gorakhnaths blessings This led to the abolition of the monarchy in 2008Going by these events it is very unlikely that the monarchy would return The Gen Z protesters have two names as their leaders They have chosen Chief Justice Sushila Karki as their interim leader following a four meeting She is Nepals first woman chief justice However her stint was cut short following an impeachment after she was accused of passing biased judgmentsThe protesters said that no youth connected to politics should assume the role They selected Karki to represent them in the upcoming negotiationsEarlier there were reports that the protesters wanted Balvendra Shah popularly known as Balen as their leader He had backed the protest from the start and said that his sympathy is with the youthHe is a civil engineer by training and a rapper by profession He entered politics and in 2022 won the mayoral polls in Kathmandu He has built a reputation for zero tolerance on corruptionBalen was listed by Time Magazine as the Top 100 Emerging Leaders The New York Times praised his grassroots style of functioning and transparencyLooking at the developments the experts feel that like in the case of Bangladesh there is likely to be an interim government in place until fresh polls are held IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/nepals-turmoil-rekindles-monarchy-talk-but-a-return-looks-unlikely-637712.html Wed, 10 Sep 2025 20:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pm-modi-congratulates-norwegian-counterpart-on-re-election-637715.html New Delhi Sep 10 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday congratulated Norwegian counterpart Jonas Gahr Store on his reelection In his congratulatory message PM Modi stated that he is looking forward to working closely with Store to further strengthen partnership between both nations Congratulations to Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store on his reelection I look forward to continue working closely together to further strengthen the IndiaNorway partnership in all areas PM Modi wrote in a post on XPM Modis statement comes after Norways Labour Party led by Store secured win in the General Election on Monday Norways centreleft bloc claimed victory despite the antiimmigration Progress Party recording surge in supportThe countrys fiveparty leftwing bloc won a narrow majority by grabbing 87 of the 169 seatswhile the centreright alliance led by the Progress Party and Conservatives holding 82 seatsStore thanked his supporters and said the win showcased that it was possible for Social Democratic parties to secure win in elections in Europe Euro News reportedPM Modi met Store on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro last year as the two leaders took stock of the progress in bilateral relations and discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation in various fieldsIn a statement Prime Ministers Office had stated Noting that the signing of the IndiaEuropean Free Trade AssociationTrade and Economic Partnership Agreement IndiaEFTATEPA was an important milestone in bilateral relations the two leaders reaffirmed its significance for attracting greater investments into India from EFTA countries including NorwayPM Modi and Jonas Gahr Store had also discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest The statement said Bilateral discussions also focused on enhancing cooperation in areas like blue economy renewable energy green hydrogen solar and wind projects geothermal energy green shipping Carbon Capture Utilization amp Storage CCUS fisheries space and the Arctic IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pm-modi-congratulates-norwegian-counterpart-on-re-election-637715.html Wed, 10 Sep 2025 20:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pm-modi-italian-counterpart-meloni-reaffirm-commitment-to-deepen-strategic-partnership-637723.html New Delhi Sep 10 IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi held telephonic conversation with his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni on Wednesday with both leaders reaffirming their joint commitment to deepen IndiaItaly Strategic Partnership Meloni expressed support for the success of the AI Impact Summit set to be hosted by India in 2026nbspPM Modi thanked Meloni for Italys support for concluding the trade agreement between India and European Union EU and promoting connectivity through the IndiaMiddle EastEurope Economic Corridor IMEEEC initiative The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest They agreed on the need for an early and peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine and PM Modi reiterated Indias full support for efforts in this directionHad an excellent conversation with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni We reaffirmed our joint commitment to deepen IndiaItaly Strategic Partnership and shared interest in bringing an early end to the conflict in Ukraine Thanked PM Meloni for Italys proactive support for concluding a mutually beneficial IndiaEU trade agreement and promoting connectivity through the IMEEEC initiative PM Modi posted on X after the phone callnbspThe Indian Prime Ministers Office PMO stated that both leaders reviewed and positively assessed the developments in bilateral Strategic Partnership across sectors such as investment defence security space science and technology education peopletopeople ties and counterterrorism They also reaffirmed their commitment towards further deepening of the partnership in line with the Joint Strategic Action Plan 202529PM Modi had Meloni on the sidelines of the 51st G7 Summit in Canadas Kananaskis in June where both leaders had committed to making the friendship between India and Italy strongernbspMeloni had shared a picture of her and PM Modi on X along with the caption Italy and India bound by a great friendship A video showed PM Modi greeting Meloni with a handshake and engaging in a brief conversation with her during the summitIn a post on X PM Modi stated Fully agree with you PM Giorgia Meloni Indias friendship with Italy will continue to get stronger greatly benefitting our peoplenbspThe camaraderie between PM Modi and Italian PM Meloni has also been making waves on social media with their interactions sparking a hashtag MelodinbspMeloni had also strongly condemned the heinous April 22 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam that claimed lives of 26 people She had reiterated Italys full support to India in the fight against terrorism https://dailyworld.in/international/pm-modi-italian-counterpart-meloni-reaffirm-commitment-to-deepen-strategic-partnership-637723.html Wed, 10 Sep 2025 21:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/taliban-faces-humanitarian-emergency-compounded-by-arrival-of-forcibly-returned-refugees-report-637730.html Kabul Sep 10 Afghanistan grappling with widespread poverty prolonged drought decades of conflict and the recent 60 magnitude earthquake now faces a humanitarian emergency compounded by dwindling international aid and the arrival of large numbers of forcibly returned refugees from Pakistan local media reported More than 1400 people were killed while over 3000 were injured while countless families were displaced after earthquake of magnitude 60 struck eastern Afghanistan with its epicentre near Jalalabad in Nangarhar province devastating mountainous terrain and reducing thousands of homes to rubble Rescue teams have been facing difficulties to reach remote areas near the Pakistan border where mudbrick homes collapsed on steep slopes leading Afghan news agency Khaama Press reported on WednesdayHealth ministry spokesperson Sharafat Zaman said that casualties are expected to increase as rescue teams continue to make efforts to reach cutoff regions Hospitals and clinics in Afghanistan continue to remain overwhelmed with hundreds of Afghans already undergoing treatment in hospitalsThe earthquake struck at a time of deep fragility for Afghanistan a nation grappling with widespread poverty prolonged drought and the legacy of decades of conflict The Taliban administration still seeking to consolidate governance since its takeover in 2021 now faces a humanitarian emergency compounded by dwindling international aid and the arrival of large numbers of forcibly returned refugees the report mentionedAs Afghanistan continues to face consequences of the earthquake its burden is compounded by crisis across its border as Pakistan has moved forward with its Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan targetting both undocumented Afghans and those with official documentation Pakistans decision impacts more than 14 million refugees holding UNHCRissued Proof of Registration PoR cards and around 800000 with Afghan Citizen Cards ACC Despite repeated appeals from international agencies Pakistan has continued to implement its deportation policyA September 1 deadline required PoR card holders to leave voluntarily or face arrest and expulsion In the days following thousands of Afghans crossed border points such as Torkham Chaman and Spin Boldak At Torkham alone over 6300 individuals with PoR cards returned in a single day many to homes destroyed by the earthquake or to regions without infrastructure or support Reports from deportees describe widespread harassment police raids extortion and repeated detentions the Khaama Press reportedIn cities like Islamabad it revealed families fled in groups to avoid separation with many born and raised in Pakistan now facing an unfamiliar and unstable homeland Refugees have expressed fear and uncertainty as they return to areas where services are already stretched by disaster recovery effortsSince April 2025 over 362000 Afghans have returned from Pakistan including more than 54000 deportations Arrests have surged in Balochistan and Punjab straining both Afghan authorities and international humanitarian organizations The earthquake has magnified this crisis leaving many returnees without shelter livelihoods or basic assistance it added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/taliban-faces-humanitarian-emergency-compounded-by-arrival-of-forcibly-returned-refugees-report-637730.html Wed, 10 Sep 2025 21:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-needs-firmer-laws-to-tackle-growing-gender-based-violence-report-637731.html Islamabad Sep 10 Pakistan requires a fundamental reconsideration of the application of the law the treatment of women within the system of law and the extent to which the state fulfils its responsibilities a prominent lawyer wrote in in a leading Pakistani daily on Wednesday while highlighting the recentlyamended Section 354A Pakistan Senate in July amended the Pakistan Penal Code by caveatfree revision of an otherwise strong law protecting women against acts of violence in public In the past this section made assaulting a woman removing her clothes and laying them bare to be a criminal offence punishable by death or life imprisonment along with a fine Tahreema Afraz wrote in an opinion piece for The News International Section 354A has been amended by the new amendment to the Criminal Law Amendment Act 2025 where the death penalty has been removed and under the updated law the punishment is life imprisonment or a stringent jail term of 25 years or lessThe big question for many people is will this amendment water down the already weakened system of justice for victims of genderbased violence in Pakistan The symbolism of the death penalty in 354A was important in a country where few were convicted most investigations were suspect and victims regularly ran the risk of threat and social pressure even when the death penalty was not applied the lawyer opinedAlthough Section 354A is not one of the most commonly used sections of the Pakistani Penal Code it has been instrumental in getting key cases The records of violence against women in Pakistan back the severity of the topic The effectiveness or at least the appearance of effectiveness of the law becomes a necessary ingredient in such a situation Technically legal deterrence does not necessarily stop crime but it defines the moral limit affecting what society is prepared to accept wrote Afraz There is no corresponding change in the ways of investigation the work of judges and care of victims or the reform of the 354A accompanied by the removal of the death penalty This is what makes many oppositionists concerned that the law has been alleviated while the state undertook no specific measure to eradicate the underlying more structural problems in dealing with genderbased violence The amendment might seem to favour trade partners and international allies around the world but it sends the wrong message to victims who are already reluctant to report she addedIt is apparent that reforming one part of the law without bolstering the whole system is hardly a significant move forward The Section 354A sent out a message that there will be zero tolerance towards public humiliation of a gendered naturePakistan is not only in need of amendments it requires a fundamental reconsideration of the application of the law the treatment of women within the system of law and the degree to which the state fulfils its duty Until then the discussion regarding Section 354A will not be just a legal one it will still be a personal one for the millions of women who move through the streets of this country and hope that they will not be disgraced and assaulted Tahreema Afraz detailed in her piece for the News International IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-needs-firmer-laws-to-tackle-growing-gender-based-violence-report-637731.html Wed, 10 Sep 2025 21:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-koreas-fm-cho-pledges-to-rescue-korean-detainees-within-shortest-time-637738.html Washington Sep 10 South Koreas Foreign Minister Cho Hyun vowed Wednesday to rescue South Koreans detained in a recent US immigration crackdown within the shortest time as his ministry cited unspecified US circumstances as the reason for a delay in their release from a detention center in Georgia Chos remarks came as he is set to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the White House to discuss a range of issues concerning the detainees Yonhap News Agency reported They were initially scheduled to meet Tuesday but their talks were rescheduled for WednesdayWe will ensure whatever it takes in the best way that our citizens will be rescued and be able to board a chartered plane within the shortest time Cho told reportersAsked to elaborate on the US circumstances that led to a delay in the Koreans release Cho said We are not at a stage to tell you about thatMore than 300 South Korean workers were initially set to board a chartered flight Wednesday at an airport in Atlanta to return home six days after their arrest in an immigration raid at an electric vehicle battery plant construction site for a joint venture of Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution in Bryan County near SavannahA total of 475 people including some 300 Koreans were arrested in the raid which US authorities dubbed as the largest single site enforcement operation in the history of Homeland Security InvestigationsUS officials said those arrested were found to be working illegally in the United States including those on shortterm or recreational visas that bar them from workingOn Tuesday South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said he feels heavy responsibility over the detention of South Korean workers at a battery plant construction site in Georgia by US immigration authorities offering his deep sympathyLee made the remarks at a Cabinet meeting as more than 300 South Koreans have been taken into custody at a detention center in Georgia following a recent raid by US immigration authorities on the electric battery plant construction site by Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy SolutionLee told the meeting that he felt a heavy sense of responsibility as the president who is tasked with ensuring the safety of the peopleOur citizens who were detained by US immigration authorities are expected to return home soon Lee said I offer my deepest sympathy for the shock and distress they must have felt from this sudden incidentI hope that no unfair infringements on the activities of our people and businesses which contribute to the shared development of both Korea and the United States will ever happen again he saidKim Yongbeom presidential chief of staff for policy said the government conveyed strong regret to the US government over the detention of South Korean workersKim told a debate session with broadcasting journalists that Seoul officials are finalizing administrative procedures to allow the detained Koreans to return home under voluntary departure rather than deportationKim noted that efforts to ease visa hurdles for Korean workers over the past decade have made little progress amid growing antiimmigration sentiment in the US stressing the need to revise visa rules in consultation with Washington to support Korean companies investment in the USIf necessary the presidential office and the White House should establish a working group to find a shortterm solution and push for legislative changes in the longer term he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-koreas-fm-cho-pledges-to-rescue-korean-detainees-within-shortest-time-637738.html Wed, 10 Sep 2025 22:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistani-military-basks-in-fake-victory-narrative-amid-deepening-crisis-report-637740.html Islamabad Sep 10 The Pakistani military establishment has exploited its fake victory narrative from the May conflict with India to silence dissent marginalise civilian institutions and deflect attention from structural failures in Pakistan a report cited on Wednesday It stated that as the country grapples with a worsening crisis including security challenges economic instability human rights abuses and environmental disaster the Pakistani Army basked in the manufactured wave of triumphalismPakistans attempt to project strength after the May 2025 conflict with India is dangerously misleading The military has significantly consolidated power basking in adulation and parades but the underlying crises of security economy governance human rights and environment have only worsened Far from strengthening the nation the war has emboldened the army to tighten its grip on power while ordinary Pakistanis bear the brunt of inflation violence repression and natural calamities a report in leading Sri Lankan newspaper Daily Mirror detailedAccording to the report Pakistans economy has deteriorated further since May as the military conflict with India worsened an already fragile situation rattling investors and escalating defense expendituresEarlier this year it said Pakistan narrowly escaped default after receiving emergency loans from China Saudi Arabia and the IMF Although Islamabad recently touted an increase in foreign reserves to approximately 20 billion these gains are built on borrowed funds and temporary rollovers rather than sustainable growthOn the political side Pakistan has slid deeper into authoritarianism Since May the army has capitalized on its popular standing to further marginalize democratic institutions Opposition politicians journalists and activists have been relentlessly targeted In July authorities ordered YouTube to block more than two dozen opposition and journalistrun channels branding them antistate the report highlightedThe security situation has grown particularly dire Militant groups have intensified attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan inflicting heavy casualties on Pakistani security forces The TehreekeTaliban Pakistan TTP and Islamic State offshoots have increased their presence in the border areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province despite the militarys claims of winning the war on terrorism it addedThe report emphasised that human rights groups warned that abuses by Pakistani security forces including enforced disappearances torture and extrajudicial killings are on the rise in recent months which risks deepening alienation strengthening separatist narratives rather than undermining themIn August US Senator Chris Van Hollen condemned Pakistans escalating human rights violations cautioning that arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances threaten USPakistan relations The European Unions Ambassador in Islamabad similarly raised alarm about clear degradation of rights warning that trade privileges could be suspended if conditions in Pakistan do not improveThese rebukes highlight how Pakistans authoritarian slide accelerated since the conflict is damaging both its domestic political fabric and its international reputation the report noted IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistani-military-basks-in-fake-victory-narrative-amid-deepening-crisis-report-637740.html Wed, 10 Sep 2025 22:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/time-to-expose-leading-role-played-by-pakistani-men-in-uks-grooming-gang-scandals-637745.html London Sep 10 The United Kingdom has in recent months witnessed mass antiimmigrant protests fueled by decades of simmering resentment rooted in the States abject failure to address key issues including the grooming gang scandals where men of predominantly Pakistani heritage orchestrated systemic abuse of vulnerable British girls some barely 10yearold a report cited on Wednesday According to a report in The Australia Today the infamous incidents that occurred in the towns of Rotherham Rochdale and Telford ignited a turbulent outpouring of anger although protests have often been marred by xenophobic rhetoricIt stated that British official Baroness Louise Caseys 2025 audit substantiated longstanding concerns in towns across Greater Manchester West Yorkshire and South Yorkshire with more than 4200 grooming gangs cases recorded in recent years where Pakistaniheritage men were disproportionately represented among the suspectsYet the language deployed while referring to those involved Asian grooming gangs or South Asian men was carefully chosen blurring specificity and casting a shadow over Indian Bangladeshi and other Asian communities who often find themselves unfairly tarred with the same brush despite not being involved in these atrocities the report stressedRecognising and maintaining this crucial distinction isnt political correctness its accuracy There have been instances of friction between the Muslim communities from India and Pakistan as well a very good example is a recent video from the eve of Indias Independence Day in East London where a Muslim girl of Indian origin dressed in a hijab and carrying the Indian flag was harassed and jostled by a group of Pakistani men it addedThe report said labels like Asian grooming gangs and South Asian men also unfairly cast the larger Indian community in the United Kingdom which contributes significantly to the country A new report by a British think tank Policy Exchange highlighted that Indianorigin people consistently outperformed all ethnic minority groups on socioeconomic and developmental parameters often matching or exceeding the performance of the resident white populationThe point is to insist on accuracy over euphemism when authorities are precise about who offends and where victims are better protected offenders face accountability without collective blame and the public debate stops punishing communities who are largely lawabiding productive and clearly not the ones agitating for parallel legal orders the report emphasisedMoreover immigration debates across continents might seem to be similar on the surface but their roots differ profoundly What unites them is the danger of lazy generalisations because when blame is blurred justice is denied and the innocent are made to pay for the sins they did not commit it noted IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/time-to-expose-leading-role-played-by-pakistani-men-in-uks-grooming-gang-scandals-637745.html Wed, 10 Sep 2025 22:39:00 +0530