DailyWorld News - The First International Newspaper From India https://dailyworld.in/ Wed, 10 Dec 2025 05:09:00 +0530 en https://dailyworld.in/international/india-bangladesh-release-fishermen-in-mutual-exchange-652295.html New Delhi Dec 9 India and Bangladesh successfully concluded the release and repatriation of 47 Indian fishermen and 38 Bangladesh fishermen along with their operable vessel on Tuesday said the Ministry of External Affairs MEA The Indian fishermen had been recently arrested by Bangladesh authorities after inadvertently crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line while Bangladesh fishermen had similarly been apprehended by Indian authoritiesThe mutual exchange of fishermen and their vessels has been worked out keeping in mind the humanitarian and livelihood concerns of fishing communities on both sides The Government of India attaches the highest importance to the safety security and welfare of Indian fishermen To this end it continues to work assiduously to secure the release of our fishermen from Bangladesh custody the MEA statedAccording to the MEA earlier in January the Centre had facilitated the release of 95 Indian fishermen and in a reciprocal manner released 90 Bangladeshi fishermenThis adds to the diplomatic efforts between the Indian and Bangladesh governments to secure the mutual release and repatriation of fishermen who had inadvertently crossed the International Maritime Boundary LineThe fishermen usually cross the International Maritime Boundary Line unintentionally and are detained by the forcesEarlier on December 1 the Indian Coast Guard ICG detained a Bangladeshi trawler with 15 fishermen after it violated Indian waters in the Bay of Bengal After detaining the trawler the fishermen were handed over to the policeIt was reported that while patrolling in the Bay of Bengal the ICG spotted a suspicious trawler An Indian Coast Guard speed boat chased the suspicious trawler and apprehended itUpon questioning the fishermen inside the trawler the ICG came to know that the trawler belonged to Bangladesh and immediately apprehended 15 fishermenLast month the ICG apprehended a Bangladeshi fishing vessel along with its 28 crew members for illegal fishing inside Indias Exclusive Economic Zone EEZ officials saidThe vessel had been intercepted during routine patrolling and escorted to Frazerganj in West Bengal Later the crew was handed over along with the boat to the state Marine Police for legal proceedingsOfficials said the operation was conducted as per the standard operating procedures to protect Indias sovereign rights over its maritime resources IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-bangladesh-release-fishermen-in-mutual-exchange-652295.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-coast-guard-ship-sarthak-arrives-at-kuwaits-shuwaikh-port-for-five-day-visit-652300.html Kuwait City Dec 9 Indian Coast Guard Ship ICGS Sarthak arrived at Kuwaits Shuwaikh Port on Tuesday to a rousing welcome by the cheerful school children carrying the Indian tricolour Indian Embassy in Kuwait stated that ICGS Sarthaks fiveday goodwill visit to Kuwait marks another milestone in defence and security ties and maritime cooperation between the two nationsIn a statement on X the Indian Embassy in Kuwait stated Indian Coast Guard Ship ICGS Sarthak arrives in Kuwait The ICGS Sarthak sailed into Shuwaikh Port in Kuwait today on a 5day Goodwill VisitThe arrival of ICGS SARTHAK in Kuwait was warmly welcomed as school children waved the Indian tricolour and greeted the crew with enthusiasm and cheer The Visit by ICGS Sarthak marks another milestone in IndiaKuwait defence and security relations and maritime cooperation under our growing Strategic Partnership reflecting our shared commitment to regional security and enduring friendship it addedEarlier in August India and Kuwait held the seventh round of Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi to review bilateral ties The officials of two nations discussed various ongoing initiatives and avenues to further deepen their strategic partnership in various sectors including political trade investment defence energy culture and peopletopeople tiesAseem Mahajan Additional Secretary Gulf Ministry of External Affairs MEA and Ambassador Sameeh Essa Johar Hayat Assistant Foreign Minister for Asia Affairs AFM Kuwaits Ministry of Foreign Affairs cochaired the Foreign Office ConsultationsIn a statement the MEA stated During the meeting both sides undertook a comprehensive review of the bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest Both sides discussed the various ongoing initiatives and avenues to further deepen our strategic partnership in various spheres including political trade investment defence energy culture and peopletopeople tiesThey will continue to work closely on the implementation of the roadmap drawn out under the guidance of the leadership of both countries during the visit of Honâble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to Kuwait in December 2024 It was decided to hold the meetings of the Joint Working Groups JWGs under the Joint Commission for Cooperation JCC on mutually convenient dates at the earliest it addedIndia was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Kuwait following its independence in 1961 Prior to the establishment of diplomatic ties India was represented by a Trade Commissioner The IndiaKuwait relationship was upgraded to a âStrategic Partnershipâ during PM Modis visit to Kuwait in 2024India and Kuwait share close historical multifaceted relations Bilateral trade between India and Kuwait stands at USD 102 billion per annum FY 20242025 The presence of over one million strong Indian community in Kuwait is a testament to the strong peopletopeople ties the MEA stated IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-coast-guard-ship-sarthak-arrives-at-kuwaits-shuwaikh-port-for-five-day-visit-652300.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/expect-china-to-assure-that-indian-travellers-will-not-be-selectively-targetted-detained-or-harassed-mea-652045.html New Delhi Dec 8 India on Monday said that it expects the authorities in China to provide assurances that Indian citizens transiting through Chinese airports will not be selectively targetted arbitrarily detained or harassed The strong statement came after an Indian national from Arunachal Pradesh was arbitrarily detained by Chinese authorities at the Shanghai International Airport last month an incident which was termed by New Delhi as a clear violation of international norms and bilateral understandingWe expect the Chinese authorities to provide assurances that Indian citizens transiting through Chinese airports will not be selectively targetted arbitrarily detained or harassed and that regulations governing international air travel would be respected by the Chinese side Randhir Jaiswal the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs MEA stated during a weekly media briefing in New Delhi on MondayThe MEA would advise Indian nationals to exercise due discretion while travelling to China or while transiting through the country he addedPrema Wangjom Thongdok an Indian citizen hailing from Arunachal Pradesh had alleged that she was detained for 18 hours by the Chinese immigration officials during what was supposed to be a brief threehour layover while travelling from London to Japan on November 21She said that the officials refused to accept her Indian passport claiming her birthplace Arunachal Pradesh was part of ChinaFollowing the shocking incident India had strongly taken up the matter with the Chinese sideChinese authorities have still not been able to explain their actions which are in violation of several conventions governing international air travel The actions by the Chinese authorities also violate their own regulations that allow visa free transit up to 24 hours for nationals of all countries the MEA stated on November 25New Delhi has also continuously reiterated Indias consistent position that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of the countryThis is a fact beyond dispute No amount of denial or misrepresentation by China can alter this reality read a statement issued by the MEA IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/expect-china-to-assure-that-indian-travellers-will-not-be-selectively-targetted-detained-or-harassed-mea-652045.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/policeman-injured-after-assailants-target-police-station-in-pakistans-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-652302.html Islamabad Dec 9 A policeman was injured after assailants targeted a police station in Bannu district of Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa local media reported A police officer said that assailants targeted the Ahmadzai police station with sniper fire on Monday the Dawn reported During an intense exchange of fire additional SHO HassanalMaab was injuredHe stated that the injured police official was taken to the hospital for treatment and the police authorities sent additional forces to the site of the incident to arrest the assailantsOn December 3 three police personnel including an assistant subinspector ASI were killed in a blast targeting a police vehicle in the Dera Ismail Khan area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa local media reported citing district police spokesperson Yaqoob ZulqarnainZulqarnain stated that an improvised explosive device was used to carry out the blast in the Paniyala area Dawn reportedThe police spokesperson stated that ASI Gul Alam Constable Rafiq and the driver of the mobile van Sakhi Jan were killed in the attack while another constable accompanying them remained unhurtOn December 2 four people including the senior government official and three others were killed after a convoy of North Waziristan Assistant Commissioner Shah Wali Khan was targeted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistanbased Samaa TV reportedShah Wali Khan was travelling with his security squad on the BannuâMiranshah Road when attackers targeted his convoy near Masoomabad Mamandkhel He died on the spot while two security police personnel and a passerby were also killed in the attackThree people including two members of Shah Wali Khans security staff and the convoys driver were injured in the incidentPakistan has witnessed an increase in militant activities in the past year particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan after TehreekiTaliban Pakistan TTP ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022Meanwhile Islamabadbased Centre for Research and Security Studies CRSS in its latest security report has revealed that Pakistan has witnessed an over 46 per cent rise in overall violence in its security landscape for the third quarter of 2025As per the report Pakistan reported at least 901 fatalities and 599 injuries among civilians security personnel and outlaws â resulting from 329 incidents of violence including terror attacks and counterterror operationsPakistan recorded 1527 fatalities between January and September 2024 Q1Q3 The 2414 fatalities during the same period showcase a surge of 58 per cent in violence However the source of fatalities has shifted As many as 505 deaths were reported due to security operations in 2024 while 1022 people died due to terror attacks IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/policeman-injured-after-assailants-target-police-station-in-pakistans-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-652302.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-welcomes-steps-taken-by-uk-govt-to-sanction-khalistani-terror-entities-652050.html New Delhi Dec 8 India on Monday welcomed the actions taken by the United Kingdom UK government against antiIndia Khalistani extremist elements hoping that both countries will continue to work closely in further strengthening the counterterrorism and security cooperation While addressing a regular media briefing on Monday the Ministry of External Affairs MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the steps taken by the UK government strengthen the global fight against terrorism and help to curb illicit financial flows and transnational crime networksWhen asked about UK governments action against Babbar Khalsas Gurpreet Singh Rehal and Babbar Akali Lehar group Jaiswal responded We welcome the steps that have been taken by the UK government to sanction antiIndia extremist entities which strengthen the global fight against terrorism and extremism and help to curb illicit financial flows and transnational crime networks Such individuals and entities pose a threat not just to India and the UK but to people across the world We look forward to continuing to work very closely with the UK side in further strengthening our counter terrorism and security cooperationOn December 4 the UK Treasury announced an asset freeze and Director disqualification against Gurpreet Singh Rehal Rehal who is suspected of belonging to organisations involved in terrorism in India It also announced an asset freeze against a group Babbar Akali Lehar for promoting and supporting the same terrorist groupHM Treasury assesses Rehal is involved in Babbar Khalsa and Babbar Akali Leharâs terrorist activities including promoting and encouraging carrying out recruitment activities for providing financial services to as well as supporting and assisting those organisations including through purchasing weapons and other military materiel HM Treasury also assesses that Babbar Akali Lehar is associated with and involved in Babbar Khalsaâs terrorist activities by promoting and encouraging and carrying out recruitment activities for the group and itself read a statement issued by the UK governmentAccording to the statement all funds owned held or controlled by Rehal or Babbar Akali Lehar in the UK are subject to an asset freeze These sanctions will stop UK individuals and entities from dealing with any funds or economic resources owned held or controlled by Rehal or Babbar Akali Lehar or making funds economic resources and financial services available to or for their benefitEarlier in October Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his UK counterpart Keir Starmer discussed the Khalistani extremist issue during their discussions held in Mumbai during latters visit to IndiaWhile addressing a special media briefing on Starmers visit to India Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that PM Modi during the talks emphasised that radicalism and violent extremism had no space in democratic societies and the need to act against them in the legal frameworkWhen asked whether Khalistani extremist issue was raised during the talks between PM Modi and Starmer Misri responded Yes it is a subject that had come up in the discussions in July It was flagged again during the discussions held today and Prime Minister emphasised that radicalism and violent extremism had no space in democratic societies and in particular should not be allowed to use the freedoms or abuse the freedoms provided by democratic societies and there was need to move against them within the legal frameworks that are available to both sidesIndia has earlier too shared its concerns over the presence of Khalistani extremists in the UKDuring his visit to UK in July PM Modi said that forces with extremist ideology cannot be allowed to misuse democratic freedomWe thank Prime Minister Starmer and his Government for strongly condemning the Pahalgam terror attack We are united in the belief that there is no place for double standards in the fight against terrorism We also agree that the forces with extremist ideology cannot be allowed to misuse democratic freedom Those who misuse democratic freedoms to undermine democracy itself must be held to account said PM Modi while making a press statement alongside his UK counterpart StarmerPM Modis statement came amid growing concerns over the presence of Khalistani extremists in the United Kingdom who have in the past also created ruckus at the Indian High Commission in London IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-welcomes-steps-taken-by-uk-govt-to-sanction-khalistani-terror-entities-652050.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-the-fallacy-of-media-freedom-under-yunus-regime-652077.html New Delhi Dec 8 The persecution of journalists by the state is a grim reality across many authoritarian regimesâfrom Talibanruled Afghanistan to Myanmar Belarus Turkiye and the Philippines In such contexts the pressâoften deemed the âfourth pillar of democracyââis treated not as a watchdog but as a threat Bangladesh is also echoing this global trend After the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5 2024 many viewed the rise of Nobel Laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus as a turning point Backed by student protests and public sentiment his appointment as Chief Adviser cum Prime Minister of the interim government was seen as a symbolic âsecond liberationâ especially for the countryâs longsuffocated mediaBut within months that promise gave way to disillusionment Despite initial pledges to restore freedom of expression and uphold democratic values Yunusâs administration has presided over a deepening assault on press freedom Journalists both in urban and rural areas are now facing threats fabricated charges detentions and brutal attacks Old laws like the Digital Security Actâ once condemned by Yunus himselfâremain in force New regulations framed in the name of âdigital safetyâ risk further gagging the mediaMore troubling still the government has failed to announce an election date turning its âinterimâ status into a prolonged unaccountable rule Institutions meant to safeguard democracy have fallen silent or become enablers of repression The optimism of August has morphed into fear as the Yunus regime retools authoritarian tactics under the guise of reformIn one year the Yunusled government has systematically undermined media freedom in Bangladesh And hope has curdled into control and the dream of a freer more democratic society is slipping further away with each passing day Behind the laurels lies a familiar hand of repressionA Dangerous Time for Free ExpressionFreedom of speech a foundational pillar of democracy remains under severe threat Journalistsâespecially those from minority communitiesâare facing escalating violence legal harassment and coordinated statebacked intimidationA report released on World Press Freedom Day 2025 paints a bleak picture within eight months of Dr Yunus taking office at least 640 journalists were targeted Of these 182 faced criminal cases 206 experienced violence and 85 were placed under financial scrutiny by the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence UnitThe attacks are not isolated they are systemic deliberate and widespread From legal persecution to outright physical violence the Yunus regime has transformed Bangladesh into one of the most dangerous places in Asia to be a journalistViolence against journalists has become commonplace In March 2025 two journalists were attacked at Barishal Court while others were assaulted in Dhaka and outside the Dhaka Reportersâ Unity The most horrific incident came on March 18 when a woman journalist was gangraped in Dhakaâa case that drew international outrage including condemnation from ARTICLE 19 and other watchdogsIn April New Ageâs Rafia Tamanna and Daily Prantojonâs Sajedul Islam Selim were physically attacked Offices of news outlets were vandalised Prothom Alo a paper accused of being an âagent of Indiaâ saw its Rajshahi office destroyed These attacks illustrate a dangerous trend the delegitimisation of critical voices through nationalist propaganda followed by violent suppressionLegal harassment has become a preferred tool to silence dissent Journalists are being dragged into courtrooms and prisons over flimsy or fabricated charges Kamruzzaman a journalist in Satkhira was sentenced to 10 days in jail by a mobile court for âobstructing government workâ His real crime Reporting on poor construction workRubel Hossain of Dhaka Mail was falsely implicated in a murder case related to student protests Three prominent journalistsâNaem Nizam Moynal Hossain Chowdhury and Syed Burhan Kabirâfaced arrest warrants under the muchcriticised Digital Security Act Their only fault publishing content critical of powerful figuresThe State vs Media InstitutionsMedia institutions havenât been spared either An adviser at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced audits targeting âoppositionaffiliatedâ media housesâa move widely viewed as financial intimidationDeepto TV suspended its news broadcasts following political backlash ATN Bangla dismissed a reporter for merely raising a sensitive question In both cases official denials of state interference were undercut by obvious patterns of stateorchestrated pressureIn a disturbing episode on May 4 journalists at Daily Janakantha protesting unpaid wages were assaulted by goons reportedly linked to the National Citizen Party This convergence of financial abuse and physical violence has created a stifling environment for critical mediaThe Yunus government has done little to allay fears about surveillance and data privacy Instead it has doubled down with proposed legislation like the Cyber Protection Ordinance 2025 and the Personal Data Protection Ordinanceâlaws that could further institutionalise censorship and mass surveillanceWith travel bans imposed on more than 300 journalists and bank accounts frozen for over 100 of them the message is clear dissent will be crushed not just with batons but with bureaucracyJournalists from minority communities are bearing the brunt of the crackdown Shyamol Dutta a leading Hindu journalist and editor of Bhorer Kagoj was jailed after being removed from his post at the National Press Club Munni Saha a prominent media personality is facing several cases and has been detained for questioningMore than 50 minority journalists are reportedly living in fear with many dismissed from their jobs under opaque circumstances This pattern reflects not just a press freedom issue but an assault on the fundamental rights of minority communitiesTargeting Prominent Figures and Media HousesThe arrest of top media professionals like Mozammel Babu CEO of Ekattor TV and Syed Ishtiaq Reza former chief of news at GTV has shocked the industry The chargesâoften murder or conspiracyâlack credibility pointing to a larger political agendaIn one bizarre move a complaint filed with the International Crimes Tribunal accused 29 journalists and editors alongside former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of spreading âfalse news to justify genocideâ The charges are outrageous and serve no purpose but to stoke fear and paralyse the pressEven highprofile reporters like Shahnaz Sharmin known for her fearless ontheground reporting have been named in criminal complaints Her alleged involvement in the death of a protester is widely seen as a fabricated effort to tarnish her reputationDr Yunusâs rise to power was framed as a âsecond liberationâ His global reputation as a humanitarian and social entrepreneur gave many hope But the honeymoon was shortlived The arrest torture and surveillance of journalists under his watch signal a complete betrayal of those idealsRather than dismantling the oppressive tools of the previous regime the interim government has inherited and expanded them Laws are being used as weapons The courts have turned into instruments of intimidation And civil libertiesâonce hoped to be restoredâhave only deterioratedDespite the dire situation there are glimmers of resistance A Media Reform Commission proposed by information adviser Nahid Islam offers a chance for dialogue and reform But unless these proposals are translated into immediate actionâstarting with the release of unjustly detained journalists and withdrawal of politically motivated casesâthe initiative risks becoming another empty gestureCivil society must stay vigilant International watchdogs human rights organisations and democratic governments must increase pressure on the Yunus administration Silence is not neutralityâit is complicityThe Fight for Truth Must Go OnIn the last 12 months Bangladesh has moved from the promise of change to the peril of authoritarianism The interim government led by Dr Muhammad Yunus was expected to restore justice transparency and democratic values Instead it has turned against the very institutions and individuals that form the backbone of a functioning democracyâthe free pressThe persecution of journalists the weaponisation of laws the sidelining of minority voices and the unending delay of elections paint a grim portrait of a government losing legitimacy by the day If Yunus does not act swiftly to reverse this trend he risks eroding not only his reputation but also the democratic foundation of the countryBangladeshâs journalists are not just chroniclers of eventsâthey are defenders of democracy truth and public interest Silencing them will not silence the truth It will only delay the reckoning The time for reform is nowâbefore the darkness of repression becomes permanentDr Sreoshi Sinha is a Senior Fellow Centre for Joint Warfare Studies CENJOWS while Abu Obaidha Arin is a student at the University of Delhi IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-the-fallacy-of-media-freedom-under-yunus-regime-652077.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/romanticising-violence-suppressing-dissent-new-face-of-bangladesh-politics-652079.html Dhaka Dec 8 Bangladeshs political discourse has shifted dramatically increasingly shaped by social media broadcasts online speeches Islamic sermons viral videos memes slogans filthy language abuse and tearful dramatic livestreams a report said on Monday According to the report in Bangladeshâs leading newspaper The Daily Star currently in the country two distinct strands of extremist populism walk side by side and in many places shake hands one rooted in revolutionary nationalist rhetoric built around the July 2024 demonstrations and the other operate through religious platforms madrassa networks and the language of waaz Islamic sermonIt added that although they appear opposites at first glance their communication patterns reveal that they are playing the same game in different jerseysâEqual rights for women reform of inheritance law recognition of thirdgender people talk of pluralism in the constitutionâall this is branded as a âWestern agendaâ We are told that these are âattacks on the faith of the peopleâ and âplots to destroy the countryâ As a result women minorities human rights workers and dissenters all come under pressure at the same time In this strand âthe peopleâ are defined in one narrow way Anyone who does not share that exact belief is pushed out of the peoples camp and placed with the enemiesâ the report detailedâThe language dress and stage of these two strands are different but they converge at one point both speak âin the name of the peopleâ Both declare one or more parties âillegitimateâ rather than treating them as political rivals Both want to mould the state and constitution into their own shape Both are convinced that they are so morally superior that no one else has the right to question themâ it statedThe report emphasised that another alarming trend is the romanticising of violence when slogans such as we want the rope ban them or wipe them out become normal at rallies when death videos draw applause on social media when the authorities or political parties quietly encourage this pattern people begin to believe that political problems can only be solved by eliminating the other sideâOne day we will see that even in small disagreements people do not look for compromise they look for ways to finish their opponentâ the report noted IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/romanticising-violence-suppressing-dissent-new-face-of-bangladesh-politics-652079.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/italian-deputy-pm-tajani-to-visit-india-hold-talks-with-eam-jaishankar-652337.html New Delhi Dec 9 Italian Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani will arrive here on Wednesday for a threeday official visit to India During his visit Tajani will hold talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi on Wednesday He will travel to Mumbai and attend official engagements on Thursday according to a media advisory issued by the Ministry of External Affairs MEATajani is scheduled to depart from Mumbai on Friday after concluding his engagements in IndiaOn November 23 Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni held talks on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in South Africas Johannesburg and discussed deepening bilateral ties across various sectors including trade investment defence innovation AI space and educationFollowing the meeting PM Modi in a post on X wrote Had a very good meeting with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni The IndiaItaly Strategic Partnership is growing from strength to strength greatly benefitting the people of our nationsIn another post on X PM Modi said We discussed further advancing our cooperation in sectors such as trade investment defence innovation AI space and educationIndia and Italy are announcing a Joint Initiative for cooperation in combating financing of terrorism This is a necessary and timely effort which will strengthen humanityâs fight against terrorism and its support networks he addedEarlier in September Jaishankar met Tajani on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly UNGA in New York and discussed bilateral ties developments in the Mediterranean Middle East Ukraine and IndoPacificDiplomatic ties between India and Italy were established in 1947 India and Italy celebrated the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2023 The two countries enjoy a strong peopletopeople connect with a large Indian diaspora according to the MEA Italy is Indias fourth largest trading partner in the European Union after Germany Belgium and the Netherlands IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/italian-deputy-pm-tajani-to-visit-india-hold-talks-with-eam-jaishankar-652337.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 17:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-jamaat-seeks-ec-decision-on-february-election-schedule-652083.html Dhaka Oct 8 As the February 2026 elections approach in Bangladesh the radical Islamist party JamaateIslami on Monday pressed the countrys Election Commission for a specific decision on announcing the poll schedule saying that âtime is running out to arrange the polls before the upcoming Ramadanâ the local media reported The remarks came following a meeting of the Jamaat delegation headed by Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar with Chief Election Commissioner CEC AMM Nasir Uddin and the four election commissioners at Nirbachan Bhaban in DhakaâTime for schedule announcement is running out We raised the issue to know the Election Commissions clear announcement and specific decision in this regard Bangladeshi media outlet UNB quoted Parwar as saying after the meetingThe Jamaat leader noted that the Muhammad Yunusled interim government political parties and other stakeholders are committed to conducting the election before the upcoming Ramadan in accordance with the announced election timelineAccording to Parwar the Commission informed the delegation that the election schedule would be announced by this week and that they had reached a decision in this regardResponding to a question about the possibility of a delay in the election Parwar said We are not feeling any concern now They have given us their word and shared their decision We want to place our trust in that and believe they will adhere to that wordMeanwhile the EC has asked Bangladesh Television BTV and Bangladesh Betar to be ready to record the CECs address on December 10 which is expected to outline the schedule for the February 2026 election and referendum local media reportedEC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed shared the information on Monday while addressing reporters at the Nirbachan Bhaban in DhakaLetters have already been sent to BTV and Bangladesh Betar from the EC Bangladeshs leading newspaper The Daily Star quoted Akhtar Ahmed as sayingElection Commissioner Abdur Rahman El Mashud said The schedule will be announced through a speech on BTV and Bangladesh Betar It could be on 10 December There is no time left â the schedule must be declared by 11 DecemberBangladesh continues to face growing political turmoil and uncertainty ahead of next yearâs election with political parties frequently clashing over reform proposals IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-jamaat-seeks-ec-decision-on-february-election-schedule-652083.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/76-magnitude-quake-hits-northeastern-japan-652101.html Tokyo Dec 8 An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 76 struck northeastern Japan late Monday night prompting the suspension of ocean discharge of nuclearcontaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant The temblor occurred at 1115 pm local time at a depth of 50 km measuring upper 6 on Japans seismic scale of 7 in the city of Hachinohe Aomori Prefecture triggering a tsunami warning for coastal areas of Aomori Iwate and Hokkaido prefectures said the Japan Meteorological Agency JMA Xinhua News Agency reported No abnormalities have been reported by nuclear plants in Hokkaido or in the northeastern prefectures of Aomori Miyagi and Fukushima public broadcaster NHK reportedTokyo Electric Power Company TEPCO said that the discharge of nuclearcontaminated wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the ocean was halted at 1142 pm local time following the issuance of a tsunami warningIn Aomori and Hokkaido there have been reports of several nonlifethreatening injuries The Aomori prefectural government said that around 2700 homes were left without power Kyodo News reportedThe waves are expected to be up to 3 meters high on the Iwate Prefecture coast the central Pacific coastal areas of Hokkaido and the Pacific coast of Aomori Prefecture the JMA said urging people in affected areas to immediately evacuate to higher groundWaves of 50 centimetres were observed in the town of Urakawa Hokkaido at 1221 am local time Tuesday and in Kuji Port Iwate Prefecture at 1210 am local time the JMA addedAccording to Japan Railways Tohoku Shinkansen bullet train services in northeastern Japan have been suspended in both directions between Fukushima Station and ShinAomori Station due to the quakeChief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said the government was gathering information on casualties and property damageThe government set up a crisis management office at the Prime Ministers Office in response to the earthquake IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/76-magnitude-quake-hits-northeastern-japan-652101.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-15-injured-in-bnp-jamaat-clash-amid-rising-tensions-over-election-campaigning-652357.html Dhaka Dec 9 As political conflict escalates ahead of next yearâs election in Bangladesh differences between the radical Islamist party JamaateIslami and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party BNP over election campaigning in the Kazipur upazila of Sirajganj district erupted into violence leaving around 15 Jamaat workers injured local media reported on Tuesday The incident occurred late on Monday night at an Islamic gathering in Sthalbari village of Sonamukhi union Jamaatbacked MP candidate and Sirajganj district leader Maulana Shahinur Alam was also attacked as he left the venueCiting local witnesses The Daily Star reported that Alam had been invited as a guest to the waz mahfil religious gathering where BNPnominated candidate Selim Reza was also present During the event tensions reportedly flared between supporters of the two candidatesReports suggest that Reza calmed his agitated supporters and left the stage and the attack on the Jamaat candidate occurred later as he was departingSpeaking to The Daily Star Alam claimed that the BNP activists had carried out a preplanned attackCountering the allegations BNP leader Reza said that the party had no role in the incident and blamed the locals for the clashKazipur Police Station OfficerinCharge Shah Enayetur Rahman said We will take action after investigation if a complaint is lodged adding that no written complaint had been filed yetLast month at least 25 people were injured after a violent clash erupted between workers of the BNP and Jamaat during electoral outreach in the Pabna district according to local media reportsThe violence erupted in Char Gargari village of Sahapur Union in Pabna as both sides blamed each other for the attack Seven of those injured were taken to the Ishwardi Upazila Health Complex while the others received primary treatment at various private clinicsBangladesh has been witnessing escalating political violence under the Muhammad Yunusled interim government ahead of the February 2026 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 IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-15-injured-in-bnp-jamaat-clash-amid-rising-tensions-over-election-campaigning-652357.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 18:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/ami-bera-backs-dr-tina-shah-in-new-jerseys-7th-district-race-652104.html Washington Dec 8 Congressman Ami Bera one of the longestserving Indian American lawmakers in the US House and a founding member of the Congressional Doctors Caucus on Monday endorsed Dr Tina Shah in her bid for New Jerseyâs 7th Congressional District giving her campaign a significant lift in a battleground seat closely watched by South Asian voters âI am proud to endorse Dr Tina Shah for Congress in New Jerseyâs 7th Districtâ Bera said in a statement released by the campaign âAs a fellow physician I know she understands the healthcare crisis â and will bring realworld tested solutions to lower costs and make it easier for every New Jerseyan and American to get quality healthcare I look forward to welcoming her to the Congressional Doctors CaucusâDr Shah an intensive care physician and firsttime congressional candidate welcomed the endorsement âIâm honoured to have Congressman Beraâs supportâ she saidâAs a physician and a national leader on healthcare policy Congressman Bera understands exactly whatâs at stake for families as Trump RFK Jr and Congressional Republicans gut our healthcare I look forward to joining Congressman Bera in the Congressional Doctors Caucus to continue my lifeâs work of increasing access to highquality affordable healthcareâShah is running a campaign focused on lowering healthcare costs regulating insurance and expanding accessâpriorities shaped by her experience as an ICU doctor and federal policy lead She argues that the system prioritises profits and politics over patients citing firsthand experience with rising costs insurance denials and political gridlock harming both patients and cliniciansShe ties her candidacy directly to national debates over healthcare access insurance coverage abortion rights and the impact of political decisions on healthcare policy As her campaign site states âAs a doctor she refuses to stand by while Donald Trump and RFK Jr gut our healthcare and undermine lifesaving medical research and career politicians like Tom Kean Jr do nothing to lower healthcare costs and instead vote to gut Medicaid and ban lifesaving procedures like abortionâ Her stated goal is âto restore science and sanity back to Washington â and to make healthcare work for everyoneâBoardcertified in internal pulmonary and critical care medicine Shah centres her message on her ICU experience which led her to federal policyShah served under three White House administrations As Senior Advisor to the US Surgeon General she âspearheaded the nations first federal strategy to address clinician burnout ensuring we have enough nurses and doctors to care for us when we need them mostâAt the Department of Veterans Affairs she became the agencyâs first National Director of Clinician Wellbeing where she worked to âimprove the efficiency of how doctors use electronic medical records resulting in quickly expanding primary care access for veteransâIn New Jersey Shah led efforts to stop insurance companies from denying essential care She was Chief Clinical Officer at Abridge a healthcare AI company and now advises on AI in care deliveryA daughter of immigrants Shah says she is seeking office âto rebuild trust in government expand access to care and fight back against dangerous ideologies with science empathy and common senseâBera is one of five Indian Americans in the US House and a leading figure on healthcare policy within the Democratic caucus His endorsement is expected to draw attention from the Indian American community in New Jersey which has grown into one of the states most politically active diaspora groupsNew Jerseyâs 7th District a perennial swing seat remains competitive Healthcare abortion access and insurance regulation will likely continue to be central issues as the 2026 election cycle intensifies IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/ami-bera-backs-dr-tina-shah-in-new-jerseys-7th-district-race-652104.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-senators-press-rubio-for-action-as-burma-crisis-worsens-652112.html Washington Dec 9 Nine Democratic senators have urged US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to take immediate steps to counter escalating violence and human rights abuses in Burma warning that the juntaâs planned âsham electionsâ and worsening humanitarian crisis threaten regional stability and strengthen Chinaâs strategic foothold âWe write to express our profound concern regarding the ongoing bloodshed and oppression in Burma which has lasted far too longâ the lawmakers said in a joint letter led by Senator Chris Van Hollen They cited the âsystematic persecution of ethnic and religious minorities including Muslims Christians and other vulnerable communitiesâ and warned that upcoming elections âfurther damage Burmaâs democracy rule of law and further consolidate the juntaâs repressive powerâThe senators urged Rubio to âprioritize addressing the escalating violence and human rights abuses in Burma condemn the juntaâs planned elections and champion justice accountability and the protection of basic human dignityâThey argued that US leadership is also âin our core national interest to achieve stability in Southeast Asia and push back on malign Peopleâs Republic of China PRC influence in the regionâThe letter details the scale of the crisis by August 2025 the civilian death toll had âsurpassed 7100â with 36 million displaced and 118 million facing acute food insecurity A March earthquake killed at least 3800 people and left 63 million in urgent needDespite signs of weakening control the junta has intensified attacks In the six weeks after the earthquake it launched âat least 741 airstrikesâincluding on schools killing at least 22 children and on churches on Palm Sundayâmost after a declared âceasefireâ in early Aprilâ On October 6 a military paramotor âbombed a peaceful candlelight vigilâkilling at least 24 people including childrenâ The junta now controls âjust 21 percent of Burmaâs territoryâThe senators warned that the juntaâs campaign has left minorities especially vulnerable âThese abuses demand a robust US response rooted in moral leadership and strategic interestâ they saidThey pressed the administration to support international accountability efforts make Burma a diplomatic priority including by pressing Beijing fully implement the BURMA Act and restore aid and reverse the decision to end Temporary Protected Status for nearly 4000 Burmese nationals in the United States Ending TPS they said is âinconsistent with our valuesâContinued instability the senators warned âcreates further openings for increased PRC influenceâ as Russia and China have supplied âalmost 1 billion in weapons to the juntaâ The only viable course they said is to âwork with regional partners to end the violence and place Burma on a path to inclusive governance and democracyâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-senators-press-rubio-for-action-as-burma-crisis-worsens-652112.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 12:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-links-tariffs-to-new-farm-aid-flags-indian-rice-imports-652115.html Washington Dec 9 US President Donald Trump unveiled a multibilliondollar farm relief package while sharpening his criticism of agricultural imports from India and other Asian suppliers telling a White House roundtable that tariffs would be used aggressively to protect American producers Opening the session with farmers lawmakers and top cabinet officials Trump on Moday said the administration would direct â12 billion in economic assistance to American farmersâ funded by tariff revenues the US is collecting from trading partners âWeâre really taking in trillions of dollars if you think about itâ he said adding that countries âtook advantage of us like nobodyâs ever seenâThe President framed the new assistance as essential to stabilising the farm economy after what he repeatedly called inherited inflation and depressed commodity prices âFarmers are an indispensable national asset part of the backbone of Americaâ he said arguing that tariff leverage was central to his strategy for reviving US agricultureIndia surfaced prominently as an example during a lengthy discussion on rice imports which one Louisiana producer described as devastating for southern growersMeryl Kennedy CEO of Kennedy Rice Mill told the President that the US market was being hit by âcountriesâ dumping rice into this country todayâ adding âThe tariffs are working but we need to double downâ She listed âIndia Thailand and China into Puerto Ricoâ as major sources of subsidised imports and said the trend was undermining domestic producers âWeâve never seen imports this greatâ she noted pointing to a WTO case against India and urging tougher restrictionsTrump pressed for specifics âWhy is India not allowed to do that They have to pay tariffsâ he said directing Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to review potential actions When told that Indian firms owned âthe two largest brandsâ in the US retail rice market Trump responded âAll right and weâll take care of it Thatâs great Itâs so easyâ Tariffs again solves the problem in two minutesâTariffs also featured in a broader discussion of adversarial trade practices affecting soybeans and other crops Trump said he had recently spoken with Chinese President Xi Jinping and expected large additional purchases âChinaâ is buying a tremendous amount of soybeansâ he said âI think heâs going to do even more than he promised to doâBessent said the Busan framework Trump negotiated with Xi included commitments for China to buy âat least 12 million metric tons of US soybeans this growing season followed by a minimum of 25 million tons annually for the next three yearsâ He described the 11â12 billion farm package as a critical âliquidity bridgeâ and asserted that Trump was âushering in a new golden age for agricultureâFor many in the room Indiarelated trade issues were intertwined with concerns about global competition and the future of US commodity markets Kennedy urged the administration to recognise rice as âa national security issueâ calling it âa currency in many of these countriesâ She warned that subsidised foreign rice was displacing American products abroad including in Puerto Rico once a major market for USgrown grainTrump repeatedly argued that tariff authorityânow subject to a Supreme Court caseâwas essential to confronting such practices âIf we had a president that said no you canât do thatâ we would have never lost our chip industryâ he said while tying the argument back to agricultural importsSeveral farmers urged faster action Iowa producer Cordt Holub thanked Trump for the âbridge paymentâ and said domestic policies such as E15 could boost markets at home Trump replied âSo E15 is a big dealâ before promising continued reviewThe event also saw administration officials highlight what they described as a dramatic deterioration in the rural economy under Biden National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said â150000 farms closedâ during the previous administration and that interest expenses had surged âYou wonder why it is that we need this 11 billion maybe 12 billionâ a hole was dug in the previous administrationâ he saidIndiaUS agricultural trade has expanded over the past decade with India exporting basmati rice products spices and marine goods while importing US almonds cotton and pulses Disputes over subsidies market access and WTO complaintsâparticularly involving rice and sugarâhave periodically strained bilateral negotiationsChina remains the largest buyer of US soybeans and tarifflinked volatility has shaped global commodity flows since 2018 Trumpâs renewed reliance on tariffs signals potential turbulence for Asian agricultural exporters in the months ahead IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-links-tariffs-to-new-farm-aid-flags-indian-rice-imports-652115.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 12:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/mea-secretary-surinames-outgoing-envoy-discuss-bilateral-ties-652371.html New Delhi Dec 9 Secretary South Ministry of External Affairs MEA Neena Malhotra met Surinames outgoing Ambassador to India Arunkoemar Hardien in New Delhi on Tuesday and reviewed the progress in bilateral ties Malhotra extended wishes to Hardien for his future endeavours Secretary South Dr Neena Malhotra hosted a farewell lunch for the Ambassador of the Republic of Suriname Mr Arunkoemar Hardien on completion of his tenure in India Secretary South reviewed the progress in bilateral relations She wished him the best of luck for his future endeavours Ministry of External Affairs MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on XAfter being posted in India Arunkoemar Hardien had presented his credentials to President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on August 26 2022On November 24 External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar held a telephonic conversation with his Suriname counterpart Melvin Bouva and conveyed his wishes on the 50th anniversary of the countrys independencePleasure to speak with FM Melvin Bouva of Suriname Conveyed good wishes on the 50th anniversary of Surinameâs Independence Look forward to deepening our partnership and peopletopeople ties the EAM posted on XEAM Jaishankar met Bouva in New York in September on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly UNGA in New YorkFollowing their meeting EAM Jaishankar in a post on X wrote Pleasure to get to know FM Melvin Bouva of Suriname today Appreciate his warm words for our tiesIn June Suriname received the first shipment of fruit processing machinery funded under the USD 1 million Small and Medium Enterprises grant announced by IndiaUnder the USD 1 million SME grant aid announced by EAM S Jaishankar the first shipment of fruit processing machinery received in Suriname Once operational the processing facility will enhance value addition to local agricultural products the Embassy of India in Suriname posted on XIndia had offered USD 1 million as grant assistance for Small and Mediumsized Enterprises SME projects during EAM Jaishankars meeting with his thenSurinamese counterpart Albert Ramdin during the IndiaCouncil for Foreign and Community Relations COFCOR meeting held in Guyana on April 21 2023India shares close warm and friendly relations with Suriname reinforced by cultural and peopletopeople contacts bridged by the Indian diasporas arrival dating back to one and a half centuries India and Suriname have bilateral mechanisms to enhance bilateral cooperation such as Ministeriallevel Joint Commission Meetings and Joint Working Group on Agriculture According to the Ministry of External Affairs MEA the two nations have actively cooperated on development partnerships and India has offered Line of Credits LOCs GrantsinAid IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/mea-secretary-surinames-outgoing-envoy-discuss-bilateral-ties-652371.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 18:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/cambodia-over-500-schools-in-border-provinces-closed-due-to-clashes-with-thailand-652373.html Phnom Penh Dec 9 Cambodia said on Tuesday that a total of 514 schools in border provinces have been shut down due to ongoing border clashes with Thailand As of December 9 2025 514 schools have closed affecting approximately 130000 students and 4650 teachers the Ministry of Education Youth and Sport said in a press release Xinhua News Agency reportedThe main affected provinces are Oddar Meanchey Preah Vihear and Banteay Meanchey the press release saidThe CambodiaThailand border conflict has reignited since Sunday afternoonCambodian Defence Ministrys Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson Lt Gen Maly Socheata said on Tuesday that seven Cambodian civilians were killed in this conflictCambodian Minister of Information Neth Pheaktra said at least 16568 Cambodian families with 54550 people have fled their homes near the border for safe sheltersEarlier in the day Cambodias Defence Ministry in a press release said that the Thai army continued to fire at Cambodian forces and civilians throughout the night of Monday and early Tuesday leaving two Cambodian civilians travelling on the national road deadIt added that since 0445 am on Tuesday the Thai army continued to attack Cambodias Preah Vihear Oddar Meanchey and Pursat provincesLess than two months after Thailand and Cambodia signed a joint peace declaration violent border clashes broke out again with artillery fire reported in several areas and residents in multiple provinces rushing to evacuate Both sides accused the other of initiating the attack and confirmed casualtiesOn Monday the Thai Army had said that it deployed fighter jets in response to Cambodian attacks that left two soldiers killed and four wounded Meanwhile a Cambodian defence spokesperson said Thai soldiers on Monday opened fire on Cambodian armed forces for the second straight day adding that Cambodia did not fire backAccording to Thai Army Spokesperson Winthai Suvaree the incident occurred at around 0700 am local time in the Chong Bok area of Nam Yuen District where Thai soldiers operating in the area were attacked with supporting fire weapons resulting in the five casualtiesThe deadly engagement followed an earlier clash in the nearby Chong An Ma area at around 0505 am local time when Cambodian troops opened fire with small arms and indirect weapons prompting the Thai side to respond under the rules of engagement the Thai Army said in a statementIn response to the casualties and what it termed a direct threat to national security the Royal Thai Air Force RTAF confirmed it has commenced air operations targeting Cambodian military infrastructureThese developments prompted the use of air power to deter and reduce Cambodias military capabilities to the minimum level necessary to safeguard national security and protect civilians said RTAF Spokesperson Jackkrit ThammavichaiOn the same day the Cambodian Defence Ministrys Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson Lt Gen Maly Socheata said around 0504 am on Monday the Thai military forces launched an attack on the Cambodian forces in An Ses area Preah Vihear provinceSubsequently they continued firing multiple shots with tanks at Tamoan Thom temple 5 Makara in the vicinity of Preah Vihear temple and Chomka Chek area she addedIt should be noted that this attack occurred after the Thai forces engaged in numerous provocative actions for many days especially the incident yesterday Sunday at Prorlean Thmar area to instigate confrontations Socheata saidShe said Cambodia did not retaliate at all during the two assaults and continues to monitor the situation vigilantly and with utmost caution standing on the spirit of respecting all previous agreements and resolving conflicts peacefully according to international lawAdditionally Cambodia has informed the ASEAN Observer Team about this incident and plans to request the team to investigate the matter she said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/cambodia-over-500-schools-in-border-provinces-closed-due-to-clashes-with-thailand-652373.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 18:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-india-ties-face-political-standstill-expert-warns-652118.html Washington Dec 9 India and the United States risk undermining more than two decades of strategic progress unless they urgently resolve growing political strains over tariffs and Washingtonâs renewed engagement with Pakistan policy expert Dhruva Jaishankar said in a written statement submitted to the House Foreign Affairs Committee ahead of a key hearing scheduled for Wednesday Jaishankar Executive Director of the Observer Research Foundation America told lawmakers in his written testimony that the USIndia partnership â built steadily through bipartisan effort in both countries â now faces âa political standstillâ driven largely by disputes over trade and the US outreach to Pakistanâs military leadershipHe said the relationship strengthened since 1998 through economic convergence and IndoPacific coordination is at risk of losing momentum at a time when both countries confront Chinaâs expanding footprint and instability across key regions The partnership he wrote has rested on âmutuallybeneficial economic opportunities in both countriesâ and âstrategic coordination particularly in the IndoPacific amid Chinaâs rise and growing assertiveness and more recently in stabilizing the Middle EastâBut progress on several fronts he cautioned is now jeopardized âThe present situation risks jeopardizing mutuallybeneficial cooperation on i the ambitious bilateral agenda outlined by President Trump and Prime Minister Modi in February 2025â and ii strategic cooperation between the two countries in the Quad in the Middle East and on global affairsâ he saidThe statement submitted Monday provides a detailed account of the advances in USIndia ties over nearly three decades â from the lifting of sanctions in 1999 to the 2008 civil nuclear agreement expanded defense interoperability the Quadâs revival and Indiaâs integration into USled coordination on space critical minerals and artificial intelligenceJaishankar pointed to Chinaâs increasingly assertive military posture as a fundamental driver of strategic convergence He cited Chinaâs incursions along the disputed land boundary with India the 2020 Galwan clashes its âlargest naval buildups in historyâ and a widening network of dualuse ports across the IndoPacific âChinaâs military capabilities now rival those of the United Statesâ he wroteJaishankar also stressed that India faces Chinese pressure on the maritime front noting that India has expanded naval patrols since 2017 and deepened cooperation with regional partners including through the Quadâs IndoPacific Maritime Domain Awareness initiativeTurning to the latest friction with Washington he said the bilateral relationship was jolted after Indiaâs retaliatory strikes on Pakistan following a deadly April terrorist attack and by Washingtonâs subsequent highprofile engagement with Pakistanâs military leadershipHe recalled Pakistanâs long record of supporting terrorist proxies saying âPakistanâs continued support for terrorism â and its contributions to conflict and instability in the broader region â still constitute a major political and security challengeâAnother major source of strain is trade Jaishankar said US tariffs imposed after talks on a Bilateral Trade Agreement stalled have become âamong the highest on any countryâ and now threaten exporters workers and investors on both sides He warned that the longer these duties remain in place the more they will be seen in India as âan act of political hostilityâYet he noted that cooperation has continued in several areas this year including a new 10year Defense Framework Agreement major defence sales expanded military exercises NASAsupported human spaceflight the codeveloped NISAR satellite launch and Indiaâs landmark 13billion LNG import deal with the United StatesJaishankar said the partnership still holds enormous potential across four pillars â trade energy technology and defense â and highlighted upcoming opportunities in artificial intelligence critical minerals semiconductor supply chains and defence coproduction under the USIndia TRUST initiative IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-india-ties-face-political-standstill-expert-warns-652118.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 12:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-announces-12-billion-aid-vows-new-golden-age-for-us-farmers-652121.html Washington Dec 9 US President Donald Trump announced a sweeping assistance package for American farmers unveiling up to 12 billion in what he called âeconomic assistanceâ funded through tariff revenues as he used a White House roundtable to accuse the previous administration of leaving behind âa total messâ marked by âthe highest inflation in the countrys historyâ âWe inherited a total mess from the Biden administrationâ Trump said at the meeting on Monday adding that his administration had âbrought prices way downâ and hit âa very important numberâ with gasoline at 199 a gallon in three states âThe Democrats caused the affordability problem and were the ones that are fixing itâ he saidJoined by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent National Economic Council director Kevin Hassett senior lawmakers and farmers Trump said the new initiative would deliver â12 billion in economic assistance to American farmersâ which he said would provide âmuch needed certaintyâ as producers prepare for next years crop decisionsRollins later clarified that 11 billion would be released immediately with 1 billion held in reserve âToday we are announcing 11 billion we are holding 1 billion backâ she said adding that eligible farmers would know their payment amounts âby the end of this monthâTrump insisted the payouts were made possible by tariff revenue âWere taking a relatively small portion of the hundreds of billions of dollars we receive in tariffsâ Without it we wouldnt be able to help youThroughout the event Trump cast farmers as central to economic recovery âFarmers are an indispensable national asset part of the backbone of Americaâ he said He claimed Bidenera policies led to a surge in bankruptcies saying âfarm bankruptcies under Joe Biden went up 55 percentâ and argued that his return to office had reversed course âNow were once again in a position where a president is able to put farmers firstâTrump highlighted fresh commitments from trading partners saying China was buying âa tremendous amount of soybeansâ and that President Xi Jinping âis going to do even more than he promised to doâ He also noted Japan had agreed to purchase â8 billion in purchases of corn soybeans ethanol fertilizer aviation biofuel and riceâBessent said China had committed to purchase âat least 12 million metric tons of US soybeans this growing season followed by a minimum of 25 million tons annually for the next three yearsâ He added that Trump was âushering in a new golden age for agricultureâHassett said Bidenera policies had sharply raised costs âDuring Bidens term 150000 farms closedâ he said arguing that interest expenses had increased by 8 billion per yearâTrump also vowed to roll back environmental restrictions on farm machinery âWere going to take off a lot of the environmental restrictions that they have on machineryâ It makes the equipment much more expensive and much more complicated to workâ he said âWere going to take that crap off that they put on Biden mostlyâFarmers at the event offered personal testimony Iowa producer Cordt Holub called the payments âChristmas early for farmersâ and said the package would help him âfarm another yearâ Holub also pressed Trump to secure yearround sales of E15 ethanol âE15 is a great deal yearroundâ he saidRice miller Meryl Kennedy of Louisiana warned that imports from India Thailand and China were harming producers âWe do believe that countries are dumping rice into this country todayâ she said âPuerto Rico used to be one of the largest markets for US riceâ Weve never seen imports this greatâ Trump responded âThis all solved so quickly with tariffsâ It solves the problem in two minutesâResponding to questions from reporters Trump said inflation was âessentially goneâ adding âWe brought it down very substantially nowâ He also said he preferred âhomegrownâ produce even if imports were sometimes cheaperTrump said the farm sector did not want permanent subsidies âFarmers dont want aid they want to have a level playing fieldâ If they have a level playing field theyll do better than anybody elseâThe US administrations have relied heavily on tariff tools and emergency payments to cushion farmers from market volatility and trade retaliation particularly in the soybean corn pork and rice sectors China remains the largest foreign buyer of US agricultural goods making its import decisions central to farmstate economic conditionsThe farm economy is also closely tied to US electoral politics with rural states forming a significant bloc in presidential races and congressional majorities Agricultural support programs biofuel mandates and tariff strategies often feature prominently in domestic policy debates during election cycles IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-announces-12-billion-aid-vows-new-golden-age-for-us-farmers-652121.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 12:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-revokes-85k-visas-cites-public-safety-concerns-652125.html Washington Dec 9 The United States has revoked 85000 visas across multiple categories this year a senior State Department official said describing the action as part of an intensified effort to protect American communities and enforce publicsafety standards âWeâve revoked 85000 visas of all categories including more than 8000 students which is more than double the numbers the year beforeâ said a State Department official in response to a questionâSome of the top reasons why we revoked the visas were DUIs assaults and theft which together account for almost half of the revocations in the past year These are people who pose a direct threat to our communitiesâ safety and we do not want to have them in our countryâ said the official who spoke on condition of anonymityThe official said the administrationâs visavetting posture remains stringent particularly for applicants from highrisk environments On Afghanistan the official said âI think this administration has always had concerns with the security in Afghanistan following the withdrawal and making sure that we can appropriately vet and validate that visa applicants wonât be a threatâReiterating that security checks will not be rushed the official added âWe will take as much time as it takes and we will not issue a visa until we are sure the applicant does not pose a threat to Americansâ safety and securityâThe official was also asked whether participating in factchecking or contentmoderation efforts â including work for socialmedia or civilsociety organizations â could be grounds for a visa denial under the Trump administrationâs recently established policiesâFreedom of speech is a fundamental American value and the Trump Administration is defending Americans from foreigners who wish to censor themâ the official said âThatâs why Secretary Rubio instituted in May a visa restriction targeting foreign nationals who censor AmericansâBut the official added that such cases are not assessed on a single criterionâWhen determining whether an applicant qualifies for a visa consular officers look not just at one single factor but at the totality of an individuals circumstances then they make a casebycase determination regarding eligibility for a US visaâ said the officialThe heightened scrutiny comes at a time when the US continues to refine its immigration and vetting procedures following the 2021 military withdrawal from Afghanistan which left thousands seeking resettlement or visas through special US programs American officials have repeatedly stressed that all Afghan applicants must clear multilayered security checks â a process that has led to long delays but remains central to US national security policyThe United States has historically adjusted visa and immigration policies in response to shifts in global security conditions including after major geopolitical events or changes in administration Visa revocations for criminal conduct are not uncommon but largescale actions â such as the 85000 figure cited this year â underscore Washingtonâs ongoing emphasis on public safety and homelandsecurity risk assessments across all visa categories IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-revokes-85k-visas-cites-public-safety-concerns-652125.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 12:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/young-americans-sour-on-trump-slam-big-beautiful-bill-split-on-israel-yale-poll-652128.html Washington Dec 9 Young American voters have turned sharply against President Donald Trump and are deeply sceptical of his flagship One Big Beautiful Bill Act OBBBA even as they show more traditional views on gender roles and more negative attitudes towards Israel than older generations according to a new Yale Youth Poll released on Monday One of the starkest findings is the collapse in Trumpâs standing among young voters The poll notes that the then Vice President Kamala Harris won the 2024 vote of respondents aged 18â22 23â29 and 30â34 by 3 8 and 12 percentage points respectivelyThose same groups now disapprove of President Trumpâs job performance by 30 34 and 36 points This marks a sharp reversal from the projectâs spring 2025 survey which had found that voters aged 18â21 ânarrowly approved of Trumpâs job performance while voters 22â29 narrowly disapprovedâDemocrats also hold commanding leads on the congressional generic ballot among younger Americans with advantages of 15 16 and 20 percentage points among 18â22yearolds 23â29yearolds and 30â34yearolds respectively Republicans by contrast lead by 7 points among 45â64 yearolds and voters aged 65 and above are splitThere is nearunanimous frustration with the current direction of the country the polls revealJust 4 per cent of respondents believe that âno real changes are neededâ in America compared to 46 per cent who want âa return to basic stabilityâ and another 46 per cent who would like âa major change and a shock to the systemâ Young voters are especially likely to favour âa major change and a shock to the systemâYet the electorate is evenly divided on which party embodies change with 29 per cent choosing the Democratic Party 29 per cent the Republican Party 22 per cent neither and 13 per cent bothThe youngest cohort is also more ideologically polarised The poll finds that 47 per cent of 18â22yearolds and 45 per cent of 23â29yearolds identify as liberal higher than in older age groups At the same time 40 per cent of 18â22 yearolds and 38 per cent of 23â29 yearolds call themselves conservative leaving relatively fewer moderates among young AmericansIn 2028 Republican voters currently favour Vice President JD Vance who wins 51 per cent support in a primary field without Trump followed by Donald Trump Jr 8 per cent Florida Governor Ron DeSantis 6 per cent former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley 5 per cent and Secretary of State Marco Rubio 5 per cent Vance âhas a wide lead across all age groupsâ and in a separate electability test Republicans rate DeSantis 79 per cent and Vance 75 per cent as the strongest generalelection candidatesHowever when President Trump is hypothetically allowed to run again âTrump enjoys 50 per cent support followed by Vance at 19 per cent and all others under 5 per centâDemocratic voters meanwhile put California Governor Gavin Newsom ahead in the 2028 primary with 25 per cent support followed by former Vice President Kamala Harris 18 per cent Representative Alexandria OcasioCortez 16 per cent and former transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg 14 per cent with all others under 5 per centStrategically Republicans and Democrats diverge on how to approach future elections A majority of Republican respondents 55 per cent believe the GOP should focus on âenergising and turning out their baseâ compared to 25 per cent who want the party to moderate and 20 per cent who favour keeping the 2024 strategyAmong Democrats 49 per cent say their party should moderate 45 per cent want to prioritise turning out the base and just 6 per cent want to repeat the 2024 playbook The Yale team calls this âa noticeable shiftâ from its spring poll when 59 per cent of Democrats said the party should move left and 39 per cent said it should move to the centre Younger Democrats under 35 mostly favour emphasising the base while older Democrats lean towards moderationThe One Big Beautiful Bill Act closely associated with Trump in votersâ minds is deeply unpopular When asked what comes to mind when thinking of OBBBA respondents most often say âTrumpâ and âtaxâ along with other terms such as ârichâ âcutsâ âtaxesâ and a string of negative descriptors including âstupidâ âbadâ âterribleâ âhorribleâ and âcorruptionâWhen asked which groups would benefit most 33 per cent of voters say billionaires and 20 per cent say people earning over 200000 a year Only 16 per cent combined believe the middle class the working class or the poor would benefit most IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/young-americans-sour-on-trump-slam-big-beautiful-bill-split-on-israel-yale-poll-652128.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 12:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/insecure-pakistan-army-prepares-drastic-crackdown-as-imran-khan-remains-defiant-652384.html New Delhi Dec 9 The Pakistani Army which is becoming extremely insecure where former Prime Minister Imran Khan is concerned is planning a slew of actions against him and his party the PTI Since his ouster and subsequent arrest the army has tried deliberating with him on several occasions but Imran Khan has remained defiant Even in recent weeks several meetings have been held between representatives from the army and him but the outcome has been nil Further the army is becoming extremely jittery due to the growing support for Imran Khan from the people of PakistanOfficials say that the army may try talking to Imran Khan one more time and if he remains defiant they are likely to ban his party The army may even tell the government to try Imran Khan under charges of treasonThe army is trying to project that Imran Khan is a security risk and he is capable of divulging secrets relating to the country He has knowledge about Pakistanâs secret assets as he had served as the Prime Minister The army is trying to make out a case that Imran Khan is mentally unstable and hence cannot be trusted with national secretsDuring the many discussions that have been held Imran Khan was even offered a safe passage out of Pakistan He could settle abroad and he would be granted political asylum However the former Prime Minister has not agreed to any of these offers and this has been frustrating the army to no endThe army is also upset that Imran Khan supports the TehreekeTaliban TTP and the Afghan Taliban Under his leadership ties with the TTP as well as the Afghan Taliban were normal However today the TTP has become one of the biggest headaches for the Pakistan Army The army has faced huge as well as embarrassing losses at the hands of the TTPTo make matters worse ties with the Afghan Taliban have strained and the Pakistan Army remains engaged in a constant battle with AfghanistanStatistics show that with the TTPâs resurgence terror attacks have gone up nearly 500 per cent The army blames this on Imran Khanâs PTI government which had facilitated the return and settlement of TTP militantsPakistan watchers say that for the establishment Imran Khan has become an impossible case to deal with With talks failing on every occasion and the former prime minister remaining defiant the army is trying to take drastic measuresExperts however warn that trying Khan for treason or banning his party will not be a solution Imran Khan enjoys huge support from the public He is a cricketing icon who has won a cricket World Cup for his country All these factors are on peopleâs minds and hence any major action such as this would anger the people They would take to the streets in a big way and this would be hard for the establishment to curtailAn official said that despite being at odds the establishment would still go against Imran Khan They would cite instances such as the resurgence of the PTI and also speak about international pressure Many within the establishment associate Washingtonâs anger against Pakistan with Imran Khan The establishment says that the US was upset with Pakistan since Imran Khan had accused Washington of engineering his removal from the post of Prime Minister Today ties between the US and Pakistan have improved remarkablyHe is also blamed for briefly derailing ties with Beijing after he commented that there were some corrupt Chinese involved in the China Economic Corridor Project CPECAnother official added that the establishment has already started to build up a case against Imran Khan Before taking any major action the establishment would convey a couple of messages to the people They would accuse him of reviving the TTP running foreign policy and also label him as a mentally unstable person capable of leaking national secrets IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/insecure-pakistan-army-prepares-drastic-crackdown-as-imran-khan-remains-defiant-652384.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 19:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/imf-extends-nepals-credit-facility-arrangement-to-may-2026-652130.html Washington Dec 9 The International Monetary Fund has approved Nepalâs request for a fourmonth extension of its ongoing Extended Credit Facility ECF arrangement allowing Kathmandu additional time to complete the programmeâs next review In a statement issued in Washington the IMF said its Executive Board on December 1 cleared âthe Nepali authoritiesâ request for a fourmonth extension of the Extended Credit Facility ECF arrangement until May 11 2026 to allow sufficient time for completing the seventh review of the ECF arrangementâThe Fund noted that the current 38month ECF arrangement was originally approved on January 12 2022 âwith access of SDR 28242 million 180 per cent of quotaâ A previous extension of the programme running through January 11 2026 was approved on May 1 2023 together with a rephasing of disbursementsThe latest decision was taken by the IMF Executive Board âon a lapseoftime basisâ a procedure used âwhen a proposal can be considered without convening formal discussionsâThe ECF is the IMFâs principal concessional lending instrument for lowincome countries providing financial support alongside economic reform commitments Nepal has used the facility in recent years to stabilise its economy following the pandemic strengthen fiscal management and rebuild external buffersMultilateral support has remained a critical pillar of Nepalâs external financing The ECF extension comes as the Himalayan nation continues to navigate pressures from slower global growth fluctuating remittances and the need for sustained capital investment IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/imf-extends-nepals-credit-facility-arrangement-to-may-2026-652130.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 12:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-gas-prices-hit-multi-year-low-as-white-house-cites-economic-gains-652133.html Washington Dec 9 Gasoline prices in the United States have plunged to their lowest level in more than 45 years with new data showing a steady decline across most of the country and the White House attributing the trend to its push for what it calls American energy dominance According to the latest national survey by GasBuddy âthe nationwide average for regular gas is at its lowest level in 1681 days â and trending lowerâ the White House said MondayThe release added that average prices âhave dipped below 3 per gallon in 37 states below 275 per gallon in 22 states and below 250 per gallon in five statesâ In some parts of the country the drop has been even sharper with Americans âfinding ing gas below 2 per gallon at some stations in at least four states â with prices as low as 169 per gallon in ColoradoâThe White House contrasted the current trend with the price spikes seen during the previous Biden administration The statement argued that âunder Biden gas prices were the highest they had ever been even after he drained our strategic reserves to artificially decrease pricesâIt claimed that âso far in President Trumpâs second term Americans are on track to spend the lowest amount of their disposable income on gas in the last two decades amid the Trump Administrationâs pursuit of American energy dominanceâWhile the release focused heavily on gasoline prices it cast the development as part of a broader run of positive economic indicators in recent days It said Americans âsaw the national median rent fall for the fourth straight month weekly jobless claims plummet to a threeyear low mortgage rates near their lowest level in a year and consumer sentiment spikeâThe administration argued that the combined trend âis all good news for American consumers â and much more progress is on the wayâThe White House attributed these shifts directly to recent policy direction stating that âafter four years of Bidenâs reckless spending open borders and antienergy policies that drove inflation through the roof and crushed working families the momentum is now unmistakably in the right directionâ It added that âthe Trump Administration will stop at nothing to make sure all Americans feel reliefâThe latest GasBuddy data arrives as energy prices remain a central concern for American households especially heading into the winter months Fuel costs have historically played an outsised role in shaping consumer confidence and political perceptions of economic managementAs US consumers head into the final weeks of the year the White House is positioning the decline in fuel prices as a sign of economic stability after several years of inflationary pressure IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-gas-prices-hit-multi-year-low-as-white-house-cites-economic-gains-652133.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 12:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-dengue-claims-three-more-lives-death-toll-crosses-400-652390.html Dhaka Dec 9 The dengue outbreak in Bangladesh is worsening rapidly with infections and deaths rising sharply across the country As many as three people died of dengue in Bangladesh in 24 hours till Tuesday raising the death toll from the mosquitoborne disease to 401 in 2025 local media reported During the same period 421 more people were admitted to hospital with viral fever increasing the total number of infected people to 98705 in 2025 according to the Directorate General of Health Services DGHS United News of Bangladesh reportedNew dengue cases were reported in Dhaka North City Corporation 75 Dhaka Division 73 Dhaka South City Corporation 72 Barishal Division 64 Chattogram Division 63 Myemnsingh Division 31 Khulna Division 30 Rajshahi 12 and Rangpur Division 1A total of 575 people lost their lives due to dengue in 2024 while 1705 people died due to dengue in 2023On November 6 Bangladeshs Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued an advisory amid an increase in infections by the Aedes mosquito and a subsequent rise in dengue fever patients across the countryIn its advisory the ministry said that people at the onset of fever should immediately seek medical help including dengue detection tests at the nearest healthâservice centre as per the advice of a qualified doctor The ministry stated that early detection and prompt treatment can help in avoiding serious complications United News of Bangladesh reportedThe ministry urged households building sites schools and other establishments to remove and clean all accumulated water in and around premises It further asked people to use mosquito nets during the day or night while sleeping due to the daytime biting habits of the Aedes mosquitoIt stated that a person must immediately consult a doctor and not ignore any remaining signs even if the symptoms of dengue fever seem to subside The ministrys advisory comes at a time when dengue cases continue to rise in Bangladesh showcasing an urgent need for increased public vigilance and preventive actionDengue is a viral infection caused by the dengue virus DENV which is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes Dengue is found in tropical and subtropical climates across the world mostly in urban and semiurban areas according to the World Health Organisation WHO statement Prevention and control of dengue depend on vector control There is no specific treatment for dengue however early detection and access to proper medical care lower fatality rates of severe dengue IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-dengue-claims-three-more-lives-death-toll-crosses-400-652390.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 19:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-clears-conditional-nvidia-h200-sales-to-china-warren-warns-risk-652137.html Washington Dec 9 US President Donald Trump announced that the United States will permit NVIDIA to ship its advanced H200 artificial intelligence chips to approved customers in China under what he described as strict national security conditions drawing an immediate and sharp warning from Senator Elizabeth Warren who said the move could ârisk turbocharging Chinaâs bid for technological and military dominanceâ In a post on Truth Social Trump said he had âinformed President Xi of China that the United States will allow NVIDIA to ship its H200 products to approved customers in China and other Countries under conditions that allow for continued strong National Securityâ He added that âPresident Xi responded positivelyâTrump cast the decision as a financial and industrial gain for the United States â25 will be paid to the United States of America This policy will support American Jobs strengthen US Manufacturing and benefit American Taxpayersâ he wroteHe sharply criticized the previous Biden administration claiming it forced US companies to âspend BILLIONS OF DOLLARS building âdegradedâ products that nobody wanted a terrible idea that slowed Innovation and hurt the American WorkerââThat Era is OVERâ Trump declared âWe will protect National Security create American Jobs and keep Americaâs lead in AIâTrump noted that NVIDIAâs domestic customers were already moving ahead with nextgeneration chips âNVIDIAâs US Customers are already moving forward with their incredible highly advanced Blackwell chips and soon Rubin neither of which are part of this dealâ He added that his administration âwill always put America FIRSTâHe also signaled the policy would apply more broadly âThe Department of Commerce is finalizing the details and the same approach will apply to AMD Intel and other GREAT American Companies MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAINâSenator Elizabeth Warren the Ranking Member of the Senate Banking Housing and Urban Affairs Committee issued a strongly worded statement rejecting the decision and tying it to corporate accessâAfter his backroom meeting with Donald Trump and his companyâs donation to the Trump ballroom CEO Jensen Huang got his wish to sell the most powerful AI chip weâve ever sold to Chinaâ she said âThis risks turbocharging Chinaâs bid for technological and military dominance and undermining US economic and national securityâShe urged Congress to respond quickly âCongress must act swiftly It should pass bipartisan legislation that reins in this Administration and it should require Mr Huang to testify publicly and under oathâWarren and Senator Andy Kim Ranking Member of the BHUA Subcommittee on National Security and International Trade and Finance had previously urged Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick not to greenlight the export of H200 chips to China A bipartisan group of lawmakers had earlier objected to Commerce resuming shipments of NVIDIAâs less powerful H20 chipsThe exchange underscores the sharpening debate in Washington over whether the United States should permit exports of frontier AI technology to China as competition over semiconductors highperformance computing and defenserelated innovation intensifies The H200 is among NVIDIAâs most powerful AI accelerators and is widely used for training and deploying advanced artificial intelligence modelsBeginning in 2022 the Biden administration imposed strict export controls designed to curb Chinaâs access to cuttingedge chips while simultaneously encouraging the expansion of USbased semiconductor manufacturing through the CHIPS and Science Act Those rules reshaped global supply chains and sparked a new phase of geopolitical tension over access to advanced computing hardwareThe Trump administration has taken a different approach allowing certain exports under financial and security conditions while promoting the rapid expansion of AI manufacturing in the United StatesThe policy debate comes as China continues to pour resources into its domestic AI semiconductor and military modernization programsâdevelopments closely watched by US policymakers and allies across the IndoPacific who view advanced computing as a critical frontier in strategic competition IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-clears-conditional-nvidia-h200-sales-to-china-warren-warns-risk-652137.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 12:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/investing-in-planetary-health-would-deliver-higher-gdp-less-poverty-un-652393.html Nairobi Dec 9 The most comprehensive assessment of the global environment ever undertaken has found that investing in a stable climate healthy nature and land and a pollutionfree planet can deliver trillions in additional global GDP avoid millions of deaths and lift hundreds of millions of people out of poverty and hunger The Global Environment Outlook Seventh Edition A Future We Choose GEO7 released during the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly in Nairobi is the product of 287 multidisciplinary scientists from 82 countries The United Nations Environment Programme UNEP report finds climate change biodiversity loss land degradation desertification and pollution and waste have taken a heavy toll on the planet people and economies already costing trillions of dollars each year Following current development pathways will only intensify this toll However wholeofsociety and wholeofgovernment approaches to transform the systems of economy and finance materials and waste energy food and the environment would deliver global macroeconomic benefits that could reach 20 trillion per year by 2070 and continue growing A key enabling factor of this approach is moving away from GDP to indicators that also track human and natural capital incentivising economies to move towards circularity decarbonization of the energy system sustainable agriculture ecosystem restoration and more âThe Global Environment Outlook lays out a simple choice for humanity continue down the road to a future devastated by climate change dwindling nature degraded land and polluted air or change direction to secure a healthy planet healthy people and healthy economies This is no choice at allâ said Inger Andersen UNEP Executive Director âAnd let us not forget the world has already made so much progress from global deals covering climate change nature land and biodiversity and pollution and waste to realworld change in the booming renewables industry global coverage of protected areas and the phasing out of toxic chemicalsâ she added âI call on all nations to build on this progress invest in planetary health and drive their economies towards a thriving sustainable futureâ The report presents two transformation pathways looking at behavioural changes to place less emphasis on material consumption and changes in which the world relies primarily on technological development and efficiency gains The transformation pathways predict that the global macroeconomic benefits will start to appear in 2050 grow to 20 trillion per year by 2070 and boom thereafter to 100 trillion per year The pathways project reduced exposure to climate risks reduced biodiversity loss by 2030 and increased in natural lands Nine million premature deaths can be avoided by 2050 through measures such as cutting air pollution By 2050 almost 200 million people could be lifted out of undernourishment and over 100 million people out of extreme poverty To achieve netzero emissions by 2050 and ensure adequate funding for conserving and restoring biodiversity an annual investment of about 8 trillion is needed until 2050 However the cost of inaction is far higher IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/investing-in-planetary-health-would-deliver-higher-gdp-less-poverty-un-652393.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 19:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/papua-new-guinea-wants-to-identify-with-green-economy-says-pm-marape-652395.html Sydney Dec 9 Papua New Guinea PNG Prime Minister James Marape said here on Tuesday that the South Pacific nation wanted to identify with a green economy and its characteristics in the next 10 to 20 years must evolve into an economy powered by green energy sources Marape said at the fireside chat section of the PNG Investment Leaders Summit that PNGs potential advantage for investors is a greener economy Xinhua News Agency reportedHe said that PNGs forests and oceans present opportunities in terms of carbon footprint offset making the country a nation with a negative carbon footprint He added that PNGs heavy investment in the law and justice sector could further boost investor confidenceThe PNG Investment Leaders Summit is the flagship forum of the PNG Investment Week which is being held in Sydney from Dec 8 to 11 Hosted by the PNG Chamber of Resources and Energy the PNG Investment Week this year under the theme of Strong Together Investing for the Future expanded focus on infrastructure agriculture finance digital innovation and renewable energyWhile delivering his keynote speech at the summit Marape said that the PNG government has shifted focus Whilst maintaining focus on mining and petroleum it has shifted its focus to the nonmining and nonpetroleum sector including agriculture forestry fisheries manufacturing construction and tourismAustralian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in his keynote speech at the summit that Australia is committed to remaining a proud and reciprocal economic partner of PNGPNGs exports to Australia continue to flourish And while raw materials are an important feature of our trade relationship they are by no means the whole of it he said adding that Australia invests in projects that support local jobs construction and supply chains within PNG IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/papua-new-guinea-wants-to-identify-with-green-economy-says-pm-marape-652395.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 20:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-lawmakers-seek-end-to-opt-calling-it-unregulated-system-652140.html Washington Dec 9 A group of Republican lawmakers is urging the White House to shut down the Optional Practical Training program saying the longstanding work authorization pathway for foreign students was never approved by Congress and has grown into what they call a costly and unregulated system In a letter dated December 4 to White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem the lawmakers said the student work program has become âdangerously unauthorized abused and costly to the American taxpayerâ They wrote that OPT âhas never been riper for repealâSigned by 13 Republican lawmakers a copy of the letter was released to the press on MondayThe OPT program established by regulation in 1992 allows international students on F1 visas to work in the US for up to 3 years after completing their studies particularly in science and technology fields The lawmakers argued the program âcircumvents the H1B visa capâ and claimed it permits employers to hire foreign graduates at âcheaper wagesâ thereby âputting American students lastââLuckily OPT was created by a pen and can be terminated by the Presidentâs penâ the letter said The lawmakers told the administration that any change short of ending the program outright could âinadvertently codify the program like the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals DACAâThe group cited federal immigration data showing that in 2024 â194554 foreign students obtained work authorization through OPTâ and 95384 foreign students through STEM OPTâ adding that âthe greatest number of these studentsâ came from India and China They also quoted Immigration and Customs Enforcement as acknowledging that âthe total number of foreign students working at any point during the year may exceed the number of employment authorizations issued each yearâCalling OPT âthe largest unregulated guest worker scheme in the United Statesâ the lawmakers said large corporations and universities benefit from hiring foreign graduates while smaller domestic businesses âare among those hit the hardest by OPTâs fleecing of payroll taxesâThey warned that the program gives participants access to sensitive areas including âdefense research and developmentâ âtelecommunicationsâ âsemiconductor engineeringâ and âmissile and space systemsâ Citing a 2022 federal audit the lawmakers said ICE âhas not assessed OPTâs vulnerability to Chinese espionageâThey also argued that OPT âfleeces taxpayersâ because participants are exempt from Social Security and Medicare payroll taxes citing an estimate that the program costs trust funds â4 billion annuallyââSimply put OPT strips opportunities from American studentsâ the lawmakers wrote urging the administration to terminate the program âso Congress can put an end to this tragedy once and for allâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-lawmakers-seek-end-to-opt-calling-it-unregulated-system-652140.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 12:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/imf-approves-12-billion-for-pakistan-as-stability-efforts-advance-652143.html Washington Dec 9 The International Monetary Fund IMF approved nearly 12 billion in new financing for Pakistan giving the country a critical infusion of support as it struggles to maintain macroeconomic stability amid severe flooding rising inflation and persistent fiscal pressures According to an official release the IMF Executive Board completed the second review of Pakistanâs Extended Fund Facility EFF and the first review of its Resilience and Sustainability Facility RSF unlocking âabout US1 billionâ under the EFF and âabout US200 millionâ under the RSF Total disbursements under the two arrangements now stand at âabout 33 billionâDespite ârecent devastating floodsâ the Fund said Pakistanâs âstrong program implementationâ had helped âmaintain stability and improve financing and external conditionsâ The 37month EFF approved in September 2024 aims to entrench stability rebuild reserves broaden the tax base improve competitiveness reform stateowned enterprises and restore energysector viabilityFiscal consolidation has been a key anchor Pakistan recorded a primary surplus of â13 percent of GDPâ in FY25 while gross reserves climbed to â145 billion at endFY25 up from 94 billionâ the previous year Inflation remains elevated driven partly by floodrelated food price spikes it saidNigel Clarke IMF Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair said Pakistan must maintain âprudent policiesâ to strengthen stability and support âstronger private sectorled and sustainable mediumterm growthâHe called the governmentâs adherence to its FY2026 primary balance target even while responding to flood relief âa strong signal of their commitment to build fiscal policy credibilityâClarke said an âappropriately tight monetary policy stanceâ had been âpivotal in reducing inflationâ and should continue He urged deeper interbank foreign exchange market development exchangerate flexibility and âdecisive financial regulation enforcementâEnergysector reforms remain essential the IMF said noting that tariff adjustments had helped reduce circular debt but warning that inefficiencies in power and gas systems must still be addressed Structural reforms â including SOE governance privatization and improvements in business climate and economic data â were also flagged as prioritiesThe RSF review emphasised Pakistanâs vulnerability to extreme weather The Fund said the floods highlight the urgency of climate reforms including better disasterresponse coordination more efficient water use and improved disclosure of climaterelated financial risksPakistan faces ongoing external financing pressures structural deficits and energysector imbalances making IMF support a central element of its economic management in recent years IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/imf-approves-12-billion-for-pakistan-as-stability-efforts-advance-652143.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 12:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-lee-calls-for-overcoming-resistance-amid-pushback-against-judicial-reforms-652149.html Seoul Dec 9 South Korean President Lee Jae Myung called Tuesday for overcoming resistance to reforms signaling his support for the ruling Democratic Party DPs push to pass a set of controversial bills on reforming the judiciary Lee made the remark during a Cabinet meeting saying conflict and resistance are inevitable in the process of improving and correcting the irrationalities of societyOnly when this is overcome is there change he said That indeed is reformThe DP which holds a majority in the National Assembly has been pushing for legislation that would punish judges and prosecutors for intentionally distorting legal principles or manipulating facts in a case under trial or investigationThe party has also sought to pass a bill on creating a special tribunal to handle insurrection cases stemming from former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeols failed imposition of martial lawBoth initiatives have been met with resistance among the opposition and the judiciaryChange is bound to result in gains for some and losses for others Lee said during the meeting at the presidential office Reform without resistance and conflict is not reform If this cant be done what can be doneLee said there are differing opinions on legislation but added that any bill can be passed in a reasonable manner while respecting the peoples will based on common sense and principles Yonhap news agency reportedLee also revisited the topic of dissolving religious groups in comments apparently targeting the Unification Church for its alleged corrupt ties to the former Yoon administrationHe asked Minister of Government Legislation Cho Woncheol whether he has looked into his instructions to review measures to dissolve religious groups caught for interfering in politics or providing illegal fundsCho responded that a dissolution is legally possible when the groups have continuously engaged in organized and serious illegal actsLee said he would follow up on the issue and Cho answered he would report back in detail IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-lee-calls-for-overcoming-resistance-amid-pushback-against-judicial-reforms-652149.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 12:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/un-humanitarian-coordinator-calls-for-protection-of-civilians-in-congo-652150.html Kinshasa Dec 9 All parties to the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo DRC must respect international humanitarian law and protect civilians including distinguishing between civilians and combatants during military operations urged Bruno Lemarquis the UN humanitarian coordinator in the country The use of explosive weapons in populated areas and attacks on civilian infrastructure such as schools are causing unacceptable loss of life and must stop immediately Civilians and civilian infrastructure are not targets Lemarquis said on MondayIn a national address delivered Monday in Kinshasa DRC President Felix Tshisekedi said that rebels of the March 23 Movement M23 had launched an offensive against the Armed Forces of the DRC in the countrys South Kivu ProvinceAccording to a statement issued on Monday several territories across South Kivu including Uvira Walungu Mwenga Shabunda Kabare Fizi and Kalehe have witnessed clashes involving heavy weaponry and shelling in densely populated areas in recent daysEscalating fighting in South Kivu province has left at least 74 people dead and displaced more than 200000 others since December 2 according to UN statistics The crisis adds to an already dire situation with South Kivu hosting 12 million internally displaced people before the latest escalationSince January the security situation in eastern DRC has sharply deteriorated The M23 has intensified attacks in both North Kivu and South Kivu causing numerous civilian casualties and widespread displacement Xinhua news agency reportedThe UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs OCHA said that the food security situation in DRC is also deteriorating rapidly Road blockages have driven up the prices of basic staples Sugar prices have increased sixfold and the cost of cassava flour has more than tripled since JanuaryThe National Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons in Burundi is calling for urgent action particularly in the areas of food health and water sanitation and hygieneOCHA urgently called on all parties to the conflict to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law and to ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure Humanitarian access must be guaranteed so that lifesaving assistance can reach those in need the office said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/un-humanitarian-coordinator-calls-for-protection-of-civilians-in-congo-652150.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 12:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-busts-china-linked-ai-chip-smuggling-ring-worth-50-million-652158.html Washington Dec 9 US authorities have dismantled what they described as a major Chinalinked smuggling operation that covertly moved advanced Nvidia artificial intelligence processors out of the country seizing more than 50 million in GPUs and cash and arresting multiple individuals accused of violating exportcontrol laws Announcing the results of Operation Gatekeeper the Justice Department said the network funnelled topend AI chips to China Hong Kong and other restricted destinations by falsifying paperwork mislabeling shipping documents and routing payments through wire transfers originating in the Peoples Republic of ChinaThe United States has long emphasised the importance of innovation and is responsible for an incredible amount of cuttingedge technology such as the advanced computer chips that make modern AI possible said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A Eisenberg This advantage isnt free but rather the result of our engineers and scientists hard work and sacrificeUS Attorney Nicholas J Ganjei for the Southern District of Texas said the investigation exposed a sophisticated smuggling network that threatens our Nations security by funnelling cuttingedge AI technology to those who would use it against American interests He added These chips are the building blocks of AI superiority and are integral to modern military applicationsThe FBI said the scheme relied on complex procurement channels and deliberate deception to move restricted goodsGong and his accomplices allegedly led a complex scheme to smuggle highperformance graphic processing units to China in violation of US export laws said Roman Rozhavsky Assistant Director of the FBIs Counterintelligence DivisionAccording to unsealed court documents Alan Hao Hsu 43 of Missouri City Texas and his company Hao Global LLC pleaded guilty on October 10 to smuggling and unlawful export activities Prosecutors said that between October 2024 and May 2025 Hsu and others exported or attempted to export at least 160 million worth of Nvidia H100 and H200 Tensor Core GPUs among the worlds most advanced AI processorsHsu and his associates allegedly falsified shipping paperwork and concealed the true destination of the chips Hao Global received more than 50 million in Chinaoriginated wire transfers to fund the scheme Hsu faces up to 10 years in prison at his February 18 sentencingTwo others are now in custody Benlin Yuan 58 CEO of a Sterling Virginia IT subsidiary of a Beijingbased firm was arrested on November 28 and charged with conspiring to violate the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 On December 3 Fanyue Tom Gong 43 a Chinese citizen living in Brooklyn was arrested and charged with conspiring to smuggle goods out of the United StatesCharging documents allege Gong used straw purchasers and relabeled Nvidia GPUs under the fake brand SANDKYAN while Yuan allegedly coordinated inspectors and discussed giving false information to authoritiesThe enforcement push comes amid tightened US export restrictions on advanced AI chips over concerns they could accelerate Chinas military modernisation and cyber capabilities IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-busts-china-linked-ai-chip-smuggling-ring-worth-50-million-652158.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 12:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/civilian-death-toll-in-cambodia-thailand-border-conflict-rises-to-six-652164.html Phnom Penh Dec 9 Two more Cambodian civilians were killed early Tuesday in the CambodiaThailand border dispute lifting the civilian death toll to at least six in the renewed conflict according to Cambodias Defence Ministry The ministry said in a press release that the Thai army continued to fire at Cambodian forces and civilians throughout the night of Monday and early Tuesday leaving two Cambodian civilians travelling on the national road deadIt added that since 0445 am on Tuesday the Thai army continued to attack Cambodias Preah Vihear Oddar Meanchey and Pursat provincesLess than two months after Thailand and Cambodia signed a joint peace declaration violent border clashes broke out again with artillery fire reported in several areas and residents in multiple provinces rushing to evacuate Both sides accused the other of initiating the attack and confirmed casualties Xinhua news agency reportedOn Monday the Thai Army had said that it deployed fighter jets in response to Cambodian attacks that left two soldiers killed and four wounded Meanwhile a Cambodian defence spokesperson said Thai soldiers on Monday opened fire on Cambodian armed forces for the second straight day adding that Cambodia did not fire backAccording to Thai Army Spokesperson Winthai Suvaree the incident occurred at around 0700 am local time in the Chong Bok area of Nam Yuen District where Thai soldiers operating in the area were attacked with supporting fire weapons resulting in the five casualtiesThe deadly engagement followed an earlier clash in the nearby Chong An Ma area at around 0505 am local time when Cambodian troops opened fire with small arms and indirect weapons prompting the Thai side to respond under the rules of engagement the Thai Army said in a statementIn response to the casualties and what it termed a direct threat to national security the Royal Thai Air Force RTAF confirmed it has commenced air operations targeting Cambodian military infrastructureThese developments prompted the use of air power to deter and reduce Cambodias military capabilities to the minimum level necessary to safeguard national security and protect civilians said RTAF Spokesperson Jackkrit ThammavichaiOn the same day Cambodian Defence Ministrys Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson Lt Gen Maly Socheata said around 0504 am on Monday the Thai military forces launched an attack on the Cambodian forces in An Ses area Preah Vihear provinceSubsequently they continued firing multiple shots with tanks at Tamoan Thom temple 5 Makara in the vicinity of Preah Vihear temple and Chomka Chek area she addedIt should be noted that this attack occurred after the Thai forces engaged in numerous provocative actions for many days especially the incident yesterday Sunday at Prorlean Thmar area with the objective of instigating confrontations Socheata saidShe said Cambodia did not retaliate at all during the two assaults and continues to monitor the situation vigilantly and with utmost caution standing on the spirit of respecting all previous agreements and resolving conflicts peacefully according to international lawAdditionally Cambodia has informed the ASEAN Observer Team about this incident and plans to request the team to conduct an investigation into the matter she said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/civilian-death-toll-in-cambodia-thailand-border-conflict-rises-to-six-652164.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 12:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/social-media-ban-to-ensure-australian-children-have-a-childhood-pm-albanese-652171.html Canberra Dec 9 Australias worldfirst social media ban for under16s will ensure that children have a childhood according to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese Albanese on Tuesday wrote to the leaders of Australias states and territories to thank them for their support on the social media ban which comes into effect on Wednesday acknowledging that the reform will require some adjustment in the short termThis is the cultural change Australia needs to deliver greater peace of mind for parents and ensure Australian children have a childhood he wroteUnder laws that passed the federal parliament in November 2024 certain social media platforms must take reasonable steps to prevent children under 16 from having accountsThe government says it will reduce the negative impact of social medias design features that encourage young people to spend more time on screens while also serving up content that can harm their health and wellbeingA study it commissioned earlier in 2025 found that 96 per cent of children aged 1015 used social media and that seven out of 10 of them had been exposed to harmful content This included misogynistic and violent material as well as content promoting eating disorders and suicideSo far 10 social media platforms have been instructed to enforce the ban Facebook Instagram Snapchat Threads TikTok Twitch X YouTube Kick and Reddit Authorities may update the list as neededIn a video message that will be played to students in schools around Australia Albanese said that the government has made the change to support children who have grown up with algorithms endless social media feeds and the pressure they bring Xinhua news agency reportedNeither children nor their parents will be punished for breaching the ban under the laws with the onus for enforcing it placed entirely on social media platformsPlatforms that commit serious or repeated breaches will face fines worth up to 495 million Australian dollars about 328 million though the government has accepted it will take some time for age assurance technology to identify all underage accounts IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/social-media-ban-to-ensure-australian-children-have-a-childhood-pm-albanese-652171.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 12:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bdesh-going-through-abnormal-times-with-absence-of-democracy-bnp-652180.html Dhaka Dec 9 The Bangladesh Nationalist Party BNP has said that the country is going through an abnormal period marked by the absence of democracy and accountable governance local media reported Addressing the closing session of the partys twoday programme in Dhaka on Monday BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman warned that conspiracies were underway to derail the democratic processWhy is the share market crashing This is abnormal Bank after bank is closing down shutting down collapsing This is abnormal These abnormal things cannot continue Bangladeshs leading newspaper The Daily Star quoted Rahman as sayingEvery day when we open newspapers we see attempts to hide the truth But hunger speaks the truth Empty pockets speak the truth he addedRahman stated that mills and factories are closing investments have stalled hospitals are failing to provide adequate treatment facilities and educational institutions are struggling to continue academic activities all signs of abnormal situationsHe noted that people in the country now fear being mugged when they leave home and even if they escape that risk frequent road accidents leave no guarantee of returning home safelyMore than 7000 people were killed in road accidents last year What happened to the families who lost their only breadwinner Does anyone think about them the next day he askedRahman warned of tougher days ahead saying that a dangerous campaign was being carried out to paint everyone except one group as badAs political conflict intensifies ahead of next years election the BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed reportedly took an indirect dig at the radical Islamist party JamaateIslami stating that the people of the country have already unmasked a group that seeks to misguide the nation by playing the religion cardSpeaking at the same event the BNP leader said People have identified a party that has no policy no ideals and no plan and is trying to deceive the public in the name of religion Their real faces have already been exposedBangladesh continues to face growing political turmoil and uncertainties ahead of next years electionThe parties that earlier collaborated with Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus to overthrow the democratically elected government of the Awami League led by Sheikh Hasina are now at loggerheads IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bdesh-going-through-abnormal-times-with-absence-of-democracy-bnp-652180.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 13:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/gravely-concerned-for-khaleda-zia-says-bdesh-ex-pm-sheikh-hasina-652203.html New Delhi Dec 9 Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating health of Bangladesh Nationalist Party BNP Chairperson and former PM Khaleda Zia wishing her a speedy recovery In an email interview with IANS Hasina was asked about Ziaâs critical medical condition and reports that security forces had been deployed at the hospital where she is being treated Responding to the query she said âI am gravely concerned to hear that Begum Khaleda Zia is ill and will pray she can make a recoveryâKhaleda Zia 79 has been battling multiple longstanding ailments including cardiac complications diabetes arthritis liver cirrhosis and kidney problems She remains under intensive observation in the Coronary Care Unit CCU of Dhakaâs Evercare Hospital where both local and international specialist doctors are overseeing her treatmentAccording to medical sources Zia was admitted to Evercare on the night of November 23 on the advice of her medical board after being diagnosed with infections affecting her heart and lungs As her condition worsened she was shifted to the CCU on November 27 for roundtheclock monitoringMeanwhile plans to airlift her to London for advanced medical treatment have faced delays Local media quoting BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir reported on Friday that the special air ambulance arranged through the Emir of Qatar could not land in Dhaka due to technical issues âThe air ambulance is not arriving today because of a technical issue If everything goes well it may reach Dhaka on Saturdayâ Fakhrul told UNBHe added that the decision on whether Khaleda Zia can travel will depend entirely on her medical condition âA medical procedure will be done today after which the doctors will decide whether she is fit to fly Everything depends on her health If Madam is fit for the journey and the medical board gives approval then she will fly on Sunday December 7â he saidEarlier on Thursday Khaleda Ziaâs personal physician and BNP Standing Committee member A Z M Zahid Hossain had said she was initially expected to fly to London on Friday for advanced treatment subject to medical clearance IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/gravely-concerned-for-khaleda-zia-says-bdesh-ex-pm-sheikh-hasina-652203.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 13:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/former-bdesh-pm-sheikh-hasina-thanks-pm-modi-for-support-during-crisis-652239.html New Delhi Dec 9 Bangladeshs former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his support and praised the longstanding ties between India and Bangladesh She also thanked India for providing refuge to her during a time of danger describing the country as a vital neighbour and partnerSpeaking exclusively to IANS on how she assesses Prime Minister Modiâs role in Bangladeshâs current situation Hasina said âIndia is a vital neighbour and partner I value Prime Minister Modiâs support and the longstanding ties between our countries At a personal and diplomatic level I am grateful for the refuge I have been afforded in a time of danger Strong bilateral relations with India are in Bangladeshâs interest and they can help ensure lasting regional stabilityâHasina fled to India in August last year after her democratically elected government collapsed amid violent unrest that left hundreds dead and thousands injured She was recently sentenced to death in absentia by a special tribunal in Dhaka for crimes against humanity relating to her administrations harsh suppression of studentled protestsWhen asked how PM Modi helped her in the time of crisis she said âI do not wish to talk about private conversations and relationships however I will say that I remain grateful to the people of India for their continued supportâAmid Dhakas call for the extradition of ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina her son Sajeeb Wazed also said he is eternally grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ensuring her safety and saving my motherâs lifeSpeaking to IANS on November 20 Sajeeb Wazed reiterated his appreciation for Indias supportI am eternally grateful to PM Modi He has ensured my mothers safety and saved my mothers life He is also keeping her under tight security I am grateful to the Government of India and the people of India he saidLast week Awami League Joint General Secretary Bahauddin Nasim stated that historically India has been a proven and genuine friend of BangladeshRecalling that India became the first country to recognise Bangladeshâs independence on December 6 1971 he noted that recognition came at a time when Pakistanâs invading forces were carrying out brutal genocide rape arson looting and other crimes against humanity and when millions of people had been forced to flee as refugeesâIndiaâs recognition was a powerful example of standing beside the oppressed The sacrifices and compassion shown by Indiaâs political leadership armed forces and ordinary people will always be remembered with deep gratitude by the Bengali nationâ Nasim statedEarlier in November former Bangladesh Minister and Awami League leader Mohammad Ali Arafat slammed the Muhammad Yunusled interim government asserting that a government backed by Islamist extremists would never understand the partyâs relationship with IndiaTaking to X Arafat said âOur relations with India are not based only on 1971 but also on our mutual interests on many fronts including jointly combating domestic and transnational terrorist groups Under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina the government not only signed the Land Boundary Agreement with India but also resolved the maritime boundary issue through a very respectful and constructive engagementâMany neighbouring countries have fought long wars over such matters whereas Bangladesh and India resolved them peacefully Our cooperation in the communications and energy sectors has also brought significant benefits to people on both sidesâ he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/former-bdesh-pm-sheikh-hasina-thanks-pm-modi-for-support-during-crisis-652239.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 13:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/over-1500-afghan-refugees-forcibly-deported-from-pakistan-iran-in-single-day-652249.html Kabul Dec 9 Over 1500 Afghan refugees were forcibly repatriated from Iran and Pakistan in a single day according to Taliban official statement on Tuesday local media reported Taliban deputy spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat shared a report from the High Commission for Addressing Migrantsâ Issues on X which revealed that 320 families comprising 1579 people returned to Afghanistan on Monday Pajhwok Afghan News reportedAccording to the report Afghan refugees returned to Afghanistan through the Bahramcha in Helmand PuliAbresham in Nimroz Spin Boldak in Kandahar Torkham crossing in Nangarhar and Islam Qala crossing in HeratHe further stated that 521 refugee families comprising 2610 people were taken to their respective home areas while 306 families were provided humanitarian assistance Telecommunication firms provided 397 SIM cards to Afghan refugeesFitrat reported that 2349 Afghan refugees were forcibly repatriated from Pakistan and Iran on SundayEarlier in November the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR revealed that Pakistan has detained a record number of Afghan migrants in 2025 with the highest number of arrests reported in Balochistan and Punjab provincesA new UNHCR report has revealed that the majority of arrests were made in Chagai and Quetta districts of Balochistan and Attock districts of Punjab Afghanistans leading news agency Khaama Press reportedAccording to the agency Pakistani authorities arrested 100971 Afghans between January 1 and midNovember 2025 a record rise compared with about 9000 arrests in 2024 and over 26000 in 2023UNHCR said 76 per cent of those detained were Afghan Citizen Card holders or undocumented migrants while the remaining 24 per cent possessed Proof of Registration cardsThe rise in detention of Afghan migrants comes after two government orders in 2025 which directed the removal of Afghan migrants from Islamabad and Rawalpindi and allowed police to arrest PoRcard holdersSeveral humanitarian organisations have urged Pakistan to ensure that any returns are voluntary and in accordance with international obligations They warned that mass expulsions cause instability along the Afghanistan border where newly returned families often lack housing employment and basic services IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/over-1500-afghan-refugees-forcibly-deported-from-pakistan-iran-in-single-day-652249.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 13:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/isi-plots-multi-front-escalation-intel-warns-of-sharp-rise-in-pak-backed-terror-activity-652257.html New Delhi Dec 9 Indian Intelligence agencies warn that terrorrelated activities by Pakistan could witness an upward swing in the weeks to come There is not only one operation that the ISI is planning but several says an Intelligence Bureau official The idea is to keep the Indian agencies busy both on the ground as well on the digital space the official said while adding that the security mechanism must remain geared for a battle on multiple frontsThe ISI in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor has insisted that terror groups such as the LashkareTaiba and JaisheMohammed fight as one unit While they would operate under their existing names the operations would be more or less the same Officials say that many attacks are being planned in a manner in which operatives of both terror groups would operate as one unit the official addedWhile the prime focus would remain Jammu and Kashmir the ISI has also instructed these terror groups to activate their modules across the country so that panIndia attacks too can take place In addition to this the ISI has also ramped up its units that were set up to carry out cyber attacks in India This means that the Indian agencies would have to deal with cases of honeytrap cyber fraud and massive online propagandaThe disinformation campaign too would be ramped up which is another major issue that security officials would have to deal with Officials say attempts are being made to activate the JaisheMohammed modules across the country They have been targeting particular states such as Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra where attempts are being made to activate the modulesThe agencies have flagged a potential JaisheMohammed operation in Nagpur and asked the police to remain on very high alert The agencies say that in both Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra the JaisheMohammed would look to target religious places This has led to a state of high alert being declared especially at religious places The intention is not just to create fear but also to ensure that communal violence breaks out and spreads across the countryAlthough Pakistan army chief Asim Munir may be issuing provocative statements he is aware that his country stands no chance when it comes to a war with the Indian armed forces However he continues to make such statements to keep the morale of his forces high While war is out of the question the army and ISI are engineering terror incidents to be carried out in IndiaThe main aim is to destabilise the country Communal violence is something that the ISI would want on a very large scale Not only does this destabilise the country but such incidents are also used as recruitment tools This has taken place several times in the past when recruiters have stepped into the picture following communal riotsRecently cadres and leaders of the JaisheMohammed and LashkareTaiba met at Bahawalpur to discuss their further strategy against India At the behest of the ISI it was decided that they would operate under one command and focus not only on Jammu and Kashmir but on the rest of India as wellThey decided that more such modules such as the one in Faridabad should be created so that panIndia strikes can be carried out In addition it was also decided to get the terror launch pads in Rawalot active so that infiltrations into Jammu and Kashmir could take place An officer said that the job of the security agencies is only set to get tougher and this is because Pakistan has become desperate IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/isi-plots-multi-front-escalation-intel-warns-of-sharp-rise-in-pak-backed-terror-activity-652257.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 14:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/over-2-000-afghan-refugees-forcibly-deported-from-iran-pakistan-in-single-day-652011.html Kabul Dec 8 Over 2000 Afghan refugees were forcibly repatriated from Iran and Pakistan in a single day a Taliban official said on Monday Sharing a report from the High Commission for Addressing Migrantsâ Issues on X Taliban deputy spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat stated that 623 families comprising 2349 people returned to Afghanistan on Sunday Pajhwok Afghan News reportedAccording to the report Afghan refugees entered Afghanistan through the Torkham crossing in Nangarhar PuliAbresham in Nimroz Spin Boldak in Kandahar Bahramcha in Helmand and the Islam Qala crossing in HeratHe further said that 327 returning families were taken to their respective home areas while 512 families were provided humanitarian assistance A total of 448 SIM cards were given to Afghan refugeesFitrat stated that 3134 Afghan refugees were forcibly repatriated from Iran and Pakistan on SaturdayEarlier in November several Afghan refugees in Pakistan said that they had been overwhelmed by continuous pressure from the countrys police which apart from conducting searches was arresting people and exploiting their vulnerable situation as a source of incomeA report in the Afghan newspaper 8 AM Media also known as HashteSubh Daily highlighted that Afghan refugees in Pakistan do not have basic human rights and live in constant fear and anxietyHuman rights groups and refugee support groups have remained silent regarding the uncertainty and the governments failure to fulfil its commitment to human rights and the protection of refugeesOver the past few months as tensions between the Taliban and Pakistan continue Islamabad has increased its pressure on Afghan refugees with the Pakistani forces conducting widespread harassment of migrants each day in various areas including IslamabadApart from official operations involving the arrest of Afghan refugees without visas people in plain clothes extort money from migrants in residential areas Afghan people have said that they live in inhumane conditions filled with fear and anxiety and their refugee rights are not respectedThe situation is extremely distressing I wish the official operations team would simply arrest and take people away This method is not right the police know no one will report them so they come individually for searches Several men in plain clothes lie in wait in the neighbourhood grab someone and take them away It is unclear whether they are police thieves or cooperating with the police Now even if an ordinary person commits theft or kidnapping under the name of the police people assume he is a police officer the report quoted an Afghan national as sayingThese individuals detain migrants in their personal vehicles some are released on the spot after paying money while others are taken to police posts They are probably police themselves or collaborating with the police The level of theft and robbery is extremely high and no institution hears the peoples voices The situation is deeply painful a country that has no defender and whose citizens have no protection or credibility anywhere in the world the refugee addedJunaid another refugee recalled how he was stopped by a man in plain clothes a few nights back when he was going to buy somethingRecalling the incident Junaid said He introduced himself as a police officer and asked for my visa I asked Who are you He said he was police I asked him to show his card He treated me violently and said that if I talked too much I would be arrested I tried to resist but then two other men arrived and told me to get into the car I had to pay 15000 rupees for my release Now we do not know who the police are It is clear they have realised that migrants have no one behind them and are using this situation to fill their pockets IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/over-2-000-afghan-refugees-forcibly-deported-from-iran-pakistan-in-single-day-652011.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-buys-fuel-where-it-is-profitable-reaffirms-putins-top-aide-652014.html Moscow Dec 8 Dmitry Peskov the Press Secretary of Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday said that India is purchasing energy resources where it deems them advantageous This policy he told the media in Moscow will continue following Putins State Visit to India last week India being and remaining a sovereign state carries out foreign trade operations and purchases energy resources where it is beneficial for India Peskov was quoted as saying by Russias Tass news agency during a regular media briefing during which he also termed Putins India visit as a very successful oneAnd as far as we understand our Indian partners will continue this policy to ensure their economic interests he concluded while answering a question about whether New Delhi would continue to purchase fuel from Moscow Tass reportedOn Friday after concluding his talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi Putin stated that Russia remains a reliable supplier of energy resources to India and will ensure uninterrupted fuel supplies for the rapidly growing Indian economyHe also thanked PM Modi for the warm and cordial welcome extended to the visiting delegation asserting that he has established a close working and personal contact with the Indian PM and together they constantly monitor the development of RussianIndian cooperation in all its strategic areasI am pleased to note that countries are consistently transitioning to national currencies in mutual settlements Their share in commercial transactions now stands at 96 per cent Sustainable channels for interbank credit and financial cooperation have been established Russian economic operators are expanding the use of Indian rupees earned through export contractsLarge joint projects are financed in Russian rubles Our energy partnership is developing successfully Russia is a reliable supplier of energy resources and everything necessary for Indias energy sector development We are ready to continue to ensure uninterrupted fuel supplies for the rapidly growing Indian economy the Russian President mentioned after holding extensive talks with PM Modi at the Hyderabad House during the 23rd IndiaRussia Annual SummitIn their meeting both leaders discussed all aspects of IndiaRussia relations which remain deeprooted and multifaceted They also reaffirmed mutual commitment to further strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia besides also discussing regional and global issues of mutual interestPutin mentioned that both sides deeply and thoroughly examined the entire range of current issues of RussianIndian multifaceted cooperation and exchanged views on pressing global and regional issuesThe joint statement we adopted with Mr Modi outlined priority objectives for further strengthening ties in politics and security economics trade humanitarian affairs and culture As you have seen a substantial package of intergovernmental interdepartmental and corporate agreements was also signed he saidThe leaders witnessed exchange of several documents including Memorandum of Understanding MoUs on Trade and Commerce Migration and Mobility Maritime Cooperation Health and Food Safety Fertilizers Academic Exchanges Media Cooperation and enhancing PeopletoPeople ties IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-buys-fuel-where-it-is-profitable-reaffirms-putins-top-aide-652014.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-press-freedom-group-calls-on-yunus-to-release-journalists-imprisoned-in-bdesh-652282.html New York Dec 9 A USbased press freedom organisation has written to Bangladeshs interim governments Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus raising alarm over the imprisonment of four journalists on murder charges The letter is written ahead of International Human Rights Day to be celebrated on Wednesday The organisation said that the accusations against them lack credible evidence and appear to be in retaliation for their reporting and perceived political affiliationsIn its letter the Committee to Protect Journalists CPJ stated that the families of the imprisoned journalists have described conditions at Kashimpur Prison in Gazipur district as deeply troubling and posing serious human rights concernsThey are being held in tiny 36squarefoot 334 square meters cells with metal bars instead of doors leaving them exposed to cold weather and mosquito infestations They sleep on the concrete floor without mattresses and food supplied by the prison is insufficient and often inedible Medical care is severely inadequate the prison has no permanent doctor routine tests are unobtainable and prisoners receive no medication unless supplied by their families Those with serious health conditions including cancer diabetes cardiac issues and sleep apnea have gone months without treatment the letter detailedThe CPJ highlighted that since Yunus took office on August 8 last year fresh murder charges have been brought against all four journalists including Farzana Rupa Shakil Ahmed Mozammel Babu and Shyamal Dutta who remain in prison in BangladeshThe organisation alleged that these journalists have been repeatedly denied bail while ZI Khan Panna a lawyer representing some of the journalists has also been targeted with a murder accusationFreedom of speech and expression are protected under Article 39 of Bangladeshs constitution and in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which Bangladesh has acceded The judiciary has also repeatedly recognised the critical role of an independent press in strengthening democratic institutions and accountability Bangladesh authorities must uphold domestic and international human rights obligations the CPJ statedThe organisation called on Yunus to mark International Human Rights Day by taking steps to ensure that all journalists imprisoned in Bangladesh can return to their families and resume workIt is essential that all political parties respect journalists right to report freely as the country prepares to vote in February next year it noted IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-press-freedom-group-calls-on-yunus-to-release-journalists-imprisoned-in-bdesh-652282.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 15:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/japan-rejects-chinas-claim-about-interference-by-jsdf-fighter-jets-652027.html Tokyo Dec 8 Japan on Monday rejected Chinas claim that interference by its SelfDefence Forces SDF fighter jets during Chinese naval training led to radars being locked on the aircraft Addressing media in Tokyo Japans Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said that the Air SelfDefence Force jets had kept a safe distance from the Chinese military aircraft off Japans southernmost prefecture of Okinawa on Saturday Japanbased Kyodo News reportedKihara termed the communication between Chinese and Japanese authorities extremely important despite Chinas retaliatory measures over Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichis earlier remarks on how Japan could react if Taiwan faces an attack Takaichi remarked in November that Tokyo could get involved if Taiwan faces an attack from China which considers the selfruled island part of its territoryMinoru Kihara said the radar locks were dangerous acts beyond what was necessary for the safe flight of aircraft and that Japan will take all possible air and maritime surveillance measures while closely monitoring the Chinese militarys activitiesHe called radar locks dangerous acts beyond what was necessary for the safe flight of aircraft and said that Japan will take all possible air and maritime surveillance measures while closely monitoring military activities of ChinaHis remarks came after the Japanese Defence Ministry stated that Chinese J15 aircraft from the carrier Liaoning locked radar on an ASDF F15 at about 432 pm local time on Saturday and on another aircraft at around 637 pm local time over high seas southeast of Okinawas main islandDuring their exercise in the Pacific Chinese fighters helicopters and the carrier Liaoning carried out nearly 100 training takeoffs and landings on Saturday and Sunday according to Japanese Defence Ministry sparking fears about a hairtrigger situationOn Sunday the Chinese navy said that Japanese aircraft repeatedly approached and disrupted the Chinese naval training maritime area and airspace and endangered flight safetyOn the afternoon of December 7 Japans ViceMinister for Foreign Affairs Takehiro Funakoshi summoned Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao to the Ministry of Foreign AffairsThe Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs detailed that the incident occurred on December 6 over international waters southeast of Okinawa Island when a J15 fighter jet that took off from the Chinese Navys aircraft carrier Liaoning intermittently illuminated a F15 fighter jet of the Japan Air SelfDefence Force that was conducting airspace violation measures against the J15 fighter jetIt was extremely regrettable that such a dangerous act had occurred and Takehiro Funakoshi expressed strong protest and strictly demanded that it not be repeated read the statement issued after the meetingMeanwhile the Chinese government dismissed comments coming out of Tokyo as irresponsible hype and political manipulationWe would like to reiterate that the facts are very clear Chinas exercises and training activities in the relevant sea and air areas are in accordance with international law and practice and the relevant operations are professional and beyond reproach We strongly urge Japan to immediately cease its dangerous actions that interfere with Chinas normal exercises and training activities and to stop all irresponsible hype and political manipulation said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun while addressing a daily media briefing in Beijing on Monday IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/japan-rejects-chinas-claim-about-interference-by-jsdf-fighter-jets-652027.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/baloch-student-council-slams-politically-motivated-charges-against-human-rights-lawyers-in-pak-652284.html Islamabad Dec 9 The Baloch Students Council BSC in Islamabad strongly condemned the ongoing trial against lawyers Imaan Zainab MazariHazir and Hadi Ali Chattha in Pakistan describing the charges filed under the countrys Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act PECA as politically motivated Human rights activist and lawyer Imaan Mazari and her husband Advocate Hadi Ali Chattha were reportedly indicted by an Islamabad court in October in a case linked to alleged controversial social media postsThe students body stressed that the use of vague and broadly framed laws to suppress dissent by the Pakistani authorities represents a clear attempt to silence critical voices in an already shrinking political environment It added that the trend underscores how rapidly civic and democratic spaces are being closedThe manner in which the trial of Iman and Hadi Ali Chatta has been conducted highlights the desperation of those in positions of power to silence voices of resistance Both individuals have been unwavering advocates for the Baloch people and for Baloch students in Islamabad Their principled stance against enforced disappearances and state repression appears to be the reason they are being targeted Any attempt to silence them directly contributes to the further weakening of civil society that stands with the Baloch read a statement issued by the BSC IslamabadIman Mazaris only crime has been standing with the families of the forcibly disappeared amplifying their voices at international forums and fighting legal battles on behalf of Baloch students in Islamabad The ongoing trial of such prominent lawyers conducted without fulfilling basic legal requirements exposes the urgency with which the judiciary seeks to silence dissenting voices it addedExpressing concern the organisation said that if prominent lawyers can be prosecuted in this manner the level of suppression faced by ordinary people in Balochistan can only be imagined especially in a region where a total media blackout conceals the severity of human rights violationsThis is not merely an attempt to silence two individuals it is a broader message intended for all those who have consistently stood with marginalised Nations particularly the Baloch it assertedThe BSC urged international organisations and human rights defenders to intervene and call upon the Government of Pakistan to end the misuse of the legal framework to criminalise political dissent IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/baloch-student-council-slams-politically-motivated-charges-against-human-rights-lawyers-in-pak-652284.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 15:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/china-russia-and-india-emerging-economies-important-members-of-global-south-beijing-652030.html Beijing Dec 8 Terming China Russia and India as emerging economies and important members of the Global South a spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday said that good ties among these three nations will not only serve their own interests but also contribute to reginal and global peace security stability and prosperity Addressing a regular press conference in Beijing on Monday Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Guo Jiakun expressed Chinas readiness to work with Russia and India to promote the development of bilateral ties He also expressed Chinas willingness to work with India to view and handle bilateral ties from a strategic and longterm perspective and promoting the stable development of bilateral tiesWhen asked about Chinas view regarding Russian President Vladimir Putins visit to New Delhi last week and his comments on IndiaChina ties Guo Jiakun said China Russia and India are all emerging economies and important members of the Global South Maintaining good relations among the three countries not only serves their own interests but also contributes to regional and global peace security stability and prosperity China is willing to continue to work with Russia and India to promote the development of bilateral relationsRegarding ChinaIndia relations China is willing to work with India to view and handle ChinaIndia relations from a strategic and longterm perspective promote the sustained healthy and stable development of bilateral relations better benefit the two countries and their people and make due contributions to maintaining peace and prosperity in Asia and the world he addedRussian President Putin was on a twoday State visit to India from December 45 The visit spread over two packed days in the national capital featured summitlevel talks ceremonial engagements and a series of bilateral discussions covering defence economic cooperation energy ties and regional securityDuring the visit President Putin held formal talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi with both leaders reviewing the state of the IndiaRussia partnership as it completes 25 years since being designated a Strategic Partnership The discussions were followed by the 23rd IndiaRussia Annual Summit during which the two sides released a Joint Statement outlining priorities for the coming yearsPutin was also hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at a banquet in Rashtrapati Bhavan on December 5 In her address President Murmu described the IndiaRussia relationship as steadfast for many years and said it would continue to strengthen in the future IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/china-russia-and-india-emerging-economies-important-members-of-global-south-beijing-652030.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/imf-prioritizes-sri-lankas-emergency-financing-request-as-us-deploys-c-130js-for-cyclone-relief-651829.html Washington Dec 7 The International Monetary Fund said its immediate focus is Sri Lankaâs request for emergency financing even as the United States deployed Air Force C130J aircraft and an expert airlift team to support relief efforts following Cyclone Ditwah âIn light of the Sri Lankan authoritiesâ request for emergency financing IMF Board consideration of the Rapid Financing Instrument RFI request is the priority at the current junctureâ an IMF spokesperson saidâAn IMF team will visit Sri Lanka in early 20206 to resume discussions for the completion of the Fifth Review of the Extended Fund Facility EFF The support under the RFI is in addition to Sri Lankaâs EFF accessâAs the financing discussions advanced the Trump administration moved quickly to bolster Sri Lankaâs humanitarian responseâThe United States is stepping up for Sri Lanka US Air Force C130Js and an expert airlift team are on the ground to support Cyclone Ditwah reliefâmoving critical supplies nationwide alongside AirForceLKâ the State Departmentâs Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs said âAmerica is helping Sri Lanka reach its most devastated communities quickly and effectivelyâUS Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung said she welcomed the arriving personnel at Katunayake Air Base âAt Katunayake Air Base today I welcomed US Air Force Airmen in two C130J Super Hercules aircraft deployed by US IndoPacific Command INDOPACOM to support Sri Lankaâs Cyclone Ditwah responseâ she saidâThe USAirForce is here to do some heavy liftingâbringing American airlift amp logistics expertise to help move relief supplies quickly to affected communities around the country alongside Sri Lankan partners she addedThe US Embassy in Colombo noted that âan expert team from the usairforce has flown in with C130s to provide logistics and airlift supportâthey will help Sri Lanka continue to deliver critical humanitarian assistance to the islandâs most devasted communitiesâ It added that longstanding cooperation and joint training with the Sri Lankan armed forces âstrengthens our shared ability to respond quickly and effectively in times of crisisâCyclone Ditwah has caused significant flooding and infrastructure damage across several regions intensifying pressure on Sri Lanka as it navigates an IMFbacked economic stabilization program IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/imf-prioritizes-sri-lankas-emergency-financing-request-as-us-deploys-c-130js-for-cyclone-relief-651829.html Mon, 08 Dec 2025 09:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/declassified-cia-memo-tied-oil-crash-to-indiapakistan-balance-651830.html Washington Dec 8 A newly declassified Central Intelligence Agency memorandum from March 1983 shows the Reagan administrations spymasters believed a sharp fall in world oil prices could reshape the strategic balance in South Asia warning that any move by Washington to step up military aid to Pakistan risked undermining a recent thaw in USIndian relations under then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi In India Prime Minister Indira Gandhi apparently is trying to steer a more neutral course between the United States and the USSR than she has in the past any US move to increase military aid to Pakistan might jeopardise the recent thaw in USIndian relations the memo states in a section on South and Southeast AsiaThe secret study circulated by thenCIA Director William J Casey to the top US national security cabinet has now been released under the Freedom of Information ActThe 19page paper titled An Oil Price Drop and US Leverage among others focuses on Pakistans vulnerability if Gulf cash flows declined Pakistan although an oil importer would be hard pressed financially if Saudi aid and remittances from Pakistani citizens working in the Persian Gulf states were substantially reduced it notes Yet the authors add that Growing economic and political pressures are unlikely to affect the nuclear program since Zia views it as a mechanism to maintain regional balanceBy contrast the CIA judged that New Delhis overall economic position would benefit more from cheaper energy than Islamabads Although India would also experience a reduction in worker remittances from the Gulf and export reductions on balance it fares better than Pakistan the memo says Even so it downplays direct levers for Washington concluding As for India we do not believe an oil price decline would create any crood opportunities to exploitThe document argues that South and Southeast Asia present mixed prospects for US influenceAmong the South and Southeast Asian LDCs of strategic interest to the United States we think lower oil prices pose the greatest threat to Indonesia and Pakistan it saysIn Indonesia the memo warns that Jakarta would have to cut development spending drastically and estimates the country would run an 811 billion current account deficit this year In return for US help arranging financing it suggests that Jakarta might be persuaded to abandon plans further to restrict the operating environment for foreign oil companiesBeyond the regional focus the CIA lays out a global framework linking oil markets to US power A sharp drop in oil prices would create an environment that in general would work to the USs favour the overview asserts It says that lower oil pricesâby lowering inflation reducing interest rates and spurring economic growthâwill strengthen the US economy and therefore the US Governments ability to pursue foreign policy initiativesOne of the most consequential implications in the agencys view lay in Moscows shrinking hardcurrency revenues As it is the Soviets earn over half of their total hard currency from sales of oil and gas they earn on average another 510 per cent from gold the price of which has plummeted recently the memo notesAs earnings shrink the USSR will have to choose more carefully those countries or groups it wishes to support and a forced Soviet retrenchment would lessen the allure of the Soviet model while giving Washington greater access as a variety of countries look to the United States for assistance in getting back on the growth trackThe study maps potential shifts from West Africa and the Horn to Latin America and the Middle East warning of economic crises in major producers like Nigeria and Venezuela and cautioning that a steep price fall in the Gulf would likely present more pitfalls than opportunitiesFor Saudi Arabia it predicts that sense of vulnerability to Iranian and Libyan threats would rise and that curbs on aid could erode Riyadhs ability to influence Arab radicals even as Egypt and Sudan would look more heavily to Washington for financing and political backingCaseys brief cover note underscores the exercises strategic intent I asked for the attached memorandum on how the decline in oil prices could create an opportunity for greater US leverage and influence around the world he wrote in forwarding the paper to the Secretaries of State Defence Treasury and Commerce and the Presidents National Security AdviserThe memo was drafted at a moment when global oil markets were moving from the price shocks of the 1970s toward the mid1980s glut which sharply cut revenues for OPEC producers and the Soviet Union In South Asia Indira Gandhis government in New Delhi and General ZiaulHaqs military regime in Islamabad were navigating high oil import bills Gulf remittances and Cold War alignments even as Pakistans nuclear programme and Indias nonaligned posture emerged as central variables in US calculations IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/declassified-cia-memo-tied-oil-crash-to-indiapakistan-balance-651830.html Mon, 08 Dec 2025 09:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-flags-antitrust-risks-in-netflixwarner-mega-merger-651831.html Washington Dec 8 US President Donald Trump raised the possibility of antitrust hurdles for Netflixs proposed acquisition of Warner Bros warning that the streaming giants already dominant scale could be a problem The comments have sharpened global industry attention on a deal with significant implications for Indias fastexpanding digital entertainment market where both companies have invested heavilySpeaking to reporters as he walked the red carpet at the Kennedy Centre Honours Trump said of Netflix They have a very big market share When they have Warner Bros that share goes up a lot So I dont know Thats going to be for some economists to tell and also â and Ill be involved in that decision too But they have a very big market shareWhen pressed again by reporters about the merger the president repeated the caution Thats for some economists to sayâ It is a big market share It could be a problem he told reporters positioned along the entry corridorNetflix on Friday secured a deal to buy the Warner Bros Discovery studio and HBOHBO Max streaming franchise prevailing over rival bids from ParamountSkydance and ComcastThe Washington Post and Wall Street Journal reports indicate the agreement is valued between 72 billion and 83 billion making it one of the largest media acquisitions in decades The transaction would place the Warner Bros film and television library HBOs premium content and associated digital assets under a single global streaming umbrellaTrump confirmed Sunday that Netflix coCEO Ted Sarandos met him in the Oval Office last week While praising him personally â I think hes fantastic I think in the history of Hollywood theres almost nothing like what hes done â the president again returned to competitive concerns But it is a big market share theres no question about that It could be a problemSarandos according to the Washington Post didnt say what measures he was ready to take to get the merger approvedThe Wall Street Journal reported that Netflix and HBO Max together would command roughly 30 per cent of the US subscription streaming market following the acquisition intensifying questions for regulators at the Justice Department and the Federal Trade CommissionAntitrust lawyers quoted in those reports expect a fullscale review with Netflix having committed to a 58 billion breakup fee should the deal collapse for legal reasonsDuring his extended walk down the red carpet â where he also commented on architecture his musical preferences and the evenings honorees â Trump reiterated that he would personally weigh in Ill be involved in that decision he saidWhile the presidents remarks were delivered at a cultural event the potential regulatory pushback immediately reverberated in global markets where Netflix and Warner Bros hold major distribution stakesIndia one of Netflixs fastestgrowing nonUS territories is central to both companies longterm plans Netflix has invested heavily in Hindi and regionallanguage originalsAt the same time Warner Bros Discovery continues to expand its South Asia studio pipeline and distribution footprint especially around highperformance franchises and payTV contentIf approved the NetflixâWarner combination would rank among the most consequential media deals of the decade It has the potential to reshape content distribution international release windows and global investment flows in original production IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-flags-antitrust-risks-in-netflixwarner-mega-merger-651831.html Mon, 08 Dec 2025 09:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indias-outreach-to-russia-driven-by-china-threat-says-analyst-651832.html Washington Dec 8 Indias engagement with Russia during last weeks PM ModiPutin summit is rooted not in antiWestern sentiment but in a strategic calculus shaped by Chinas assertiveness according to a leading technology entrepreneur and geopolitical commentator Venture capitalist and entrepreneur from the Silicon Valley Karl Mehta in a post on X argued that the global narrative surrounding Putins visit to India is missing the forest for the trees noting that Western analysts have been quick to label the ModiPutin camaraderie as India flexing strategic autonomy or prioritizing discounted energy and arms He countered that this reading is fundamentally flawedMehta said Indias approach is a calculated necessity driven by a single existential threat China He maintained that Beijing is actively encroaching on Indias borders In this regional dynamic Russia remains the only power capable of exerting influence over China due to their no limits partnership If India were to distance itself from Moscow he warned it pushes Moscow entirely into Beijings orbit leaving India encircledHe also pointed to limits in US security guarantees While calling the United States a key strategic partner Mehta said history has taught New Delhi that Washington does not intervene in Himalayan land disputes He cited recent crises asserting that during the Galwan clashes or continued border aggressionâWestern support has been largely rhetorical As a result he argued the US security umbrella does not extend to the Line of Actual Control LACMaintaining close ties with Moscow is the only wedge India has to prevent a total RussiaChina axis he said emphasising that India is not choosing Russia over the US It is choosing to keep a channel open with the only nation that can help moderate Chinese aggression when the West cannotâor will notIn recent years India has balanced deepening cooperation with the United States in the IndoPacific with longstanding defence and strategic ties with Russia Moscow remains a major arms supplier to India even as New Delhi expands joint production and technology partnerships with Washington IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indias-outreach-to-russia-driven-by-china-threat-says-analyst-651832.html Mon, 08 Dec 2025 09:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/ndaa-2026-sharpens-us-hard-line-on-china-expands-major-taiwan-push-651833.html Washington Dec 8 The 2026 US defence bill intensifies Washingtonâs pushback against China tightening restrictions on Chinese militarylinked companies and expanding political economic and military support for Taiwan Congressional leaders on Sunday released the compromise National Defence Authorisation Act NDAA which frames Beijing as Americaâs primary strategic challenge across military industrial diplomatic and global economic domains The bill moves to the House floor later this weekA major section of the NDAA strengthens prohibitions against âChinese military companies in thirdparty countriesâ expanding the legal definition of entities tied âdirectly or indirectlyâ to the Peopleâs Liberation Army Chinese security forces the Ministry of State Security the Peopleâs Armed Police and organizations subordinate to the Central Military Commission These restrictions apply to such companies whether operating âinside or outside of Chinaâ reflecting congressional concern that Beijing increasingly uses foreign subsidiaries and joint ventures to evade US controls and gain access to sensitive technologiesTaiwan receives some of the most robust support in yearsThe NDAA creates the Taiwan NonDiscrimination Act of 2025 directing the United States to âvigorously supportâ Taiwanâs admission to the International Monetary Fund should Taipei seek membershipThe bill underscores Taiwanâs economic strength as the worldâs 21stlargest economy and asserts that US law should not be interpreted to support Taiwanâs exclusion from international organizationsThe legislation also requires Washington to support Taiwanâs participation in IMF surveillance activities and to ensure employment opportunities for Taiwanese nationals at the Fund challenging decades of Chinese pressure to limit Taiwanâs presence in global financial institutionsOn the security front the NDAA expands the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative adding support for medical contingency care combat casualty capabilities and other defencerelated equipment For fiscal year 2026 Congress authorizes up to 1 billion specifically for Taiwanâs security needs In addition the bill directs the Pentagon to launch a joint program with Taiwan âto enable the fielding of uncrewed systems and counteruncrewed systems capabilitiesâ including codevelopment of new platforms suited for asymmetric defenceThese provisions signal the US intent to harden Taiwanâs ability to deter or withstand a potential PLA offensive through dispersed resilient highvolume capabilities which are seen as central to a modern islanddefence strategyThe NDAAâs IndoPacific posture sections reaffirm Congressâs view of China as the central strategic competitor The bill directs the Pentagon to develop a detailed fiveyear strategy to strengthen multilateral defence across the region expand joint exercises and increase combined maritime operations âthrough the Taiwan Strait and in the South China Seaâ Congress also extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative sustaining investments in forward posture integrated air defences prepositioned munitions and logistics networks designed to counter PLA power projectionIndustrial competition with China is another major pillar The NDAA establishes the Partnership for IndoPacific Industrial Resilience empowering the Pentagon to build a hardened defence industrial network coordinate with allied industry mitigate supplychain vulnerabilities expand production capacity and accelerate development of advanced systems These steps address concerns about Chinaâs dominance in critical materials manufacturing infrastructure and defencerelevant technologiesDiplomatically the bill creates a new AmbassadoratLarge for the Indian Ocean Region tasked with identifying US strategic priorities and directly countering âmalign Peopleâs Republic of China influence activities in the Indian Ocean regionâ Congress views the Indian Ocean as a rising area of Chinese naval and political activity including dualuse port development and expanded PLA Navy logisticsOther provisions address maritime awareness cyber cooperation in Southeast Asia restrictions on PRClinked entertainment partnerships and reporting requirements for Chinese influence operations worldwideTaken together the NDAA 2026 marks one of Washingtonâs most comprehensive legislative efforts to confront Chinaâs expanding reach and reinforce Taiwanâs political economic and military resilience As USâChina competition deepens across the Taiwan Strait the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean the bill lays out a blueprint for longterm strategic pressure on Beijing and sustained support for Taipei across every major domain IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/ndaa-2026-sharpens-us-hard-line-on-china-expands-major-taiwan-push-651833.html Mon, 08 Dec 2025 09:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-american-sunny-reddy-elected-michigan-gop-co-chair-651836.html Washington Dec 8 Indian American entrepreneur and community leader Sunny Reddy was unanimously elected CoChair of the Michigan Republican Party marking a breakthrough moment for the Indian diaspora in one of Americas most competitive political battlegrounds The voteâcompleted by unanimous consentâcements Reddys rise as one of the most visible Indian American Republicans in the Midwest Michigan Republican Party Chairman Jim Runestad who introduced the nomination said he had felt long and hard about who the cochair should be praising Reddy for a rare combination of grassroots energy donor outreach and personal integritySomebody whos a hard worker and I frankly dont know of a single more hardworking person than Sonny Runestad said Hes been in every part of the state of Michiganâ He cares about every single part of the state of MichiganRunestad noted that Reddys influence extends deeply into Michigans Indian American community I couldnt believe that we had an event There were 600 people all their families coming up to take a picture of him So hes like the biggest celebrity in the entire Indian community he said Describing Reddy as the nicest guy I have ever known he added that he regularly hears of Reddy quietly paying for community needs without seeking attentionThe motion to close nominations and approve Reddy by unanimous consent was swiftly accepted with the room responding in a unified Aye The chair declared the result unanimousTaking the stage moments later Reddy spoke emotionally about the moment and what it meant for Indian Americans in Michigan Can you believe it I am the first person to elect for any position as a Republican in Michigan as an IndianAmerican first person he said to applauseHe pledged to work hard every day with party leaders as Michigan enters what he called one of the most consequential electoral cycles in its modern history We are heading into one of the most important election years in Michigans history Reddy said President Trump is fighting to restore Americas strength and security but Democrats are determined to stop himâ Michigan is the number one target for the RNC and for the DemocratsWith key statewide races aheadâincluding Governor Attorney General Secretary of State US Senate and multiple education board seatsâReddy committed to an allout effort My commitment as a cochair is simple I will work tirelessly to help us win I will raise resources support candidates and help build a strong Republican team for President Trump and for MichiganUnity discipline and determination he said would define the partys path to victory in 2026For Michigans rapidly expanding Indian American populationânow one of the states most politically active communitiesâthe unanimous vote represents a milestone Reddy has built his reputation not only through politics but also through philanthropy including raising millions for COVID19 relief disaster response and support for the families of first respondersHis election comes as Indian Americans increasingly hold formal positions within state party structures across the United States reflecting a demographic whose civic presence has grown significantly in the past two decadesMichigan a pivotal electoral state has seen both national parties intensify outreach to Asian American and diaspora communities Reddys elevation gives the Republican Party one of its highestranking Indian American figures in the Midwest heading into a highstakes 2026 election cycle IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-american-sunny-reddy-elected-michigan-gop-co-chair-651836.html Mon, 08 Dec 2025 09:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-envoy-reaffirms-complete-denuclearisation-of-north-korea-amid-its-omission-in-new-security-strategy-651838.html Seoul Dec 8 A US envoy reaffirmed on Monday that complete denuclearisation of North Korea remains the policy shared with South Korea after a new US security strategy document showed the phrase was absent Acting US Ambassador to South Korea Kevin Kim made the remark following his meeting with First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoonjoo days after the Donald Trump administration released its latest National Security Strategy NSSThe document includes no mention of North Korea and contains no language reaffirming the US commitment to its denuclearization unlike the 2017 and 2022 versions raising concerns that North Korea issues could be pushed to the sidelinesPresident Trump and President Lee Jae Myung reiterated their commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea in the joint fact sheet Kim told reporters when asked about the NSS referring to the joint summit document recently released by the alliesThat is our Korea policy right now he saidKim said North Korea was among the issues discussed during his meeting with Park including ways to best coordinate on related and other issuesKim also noted that Seoul has reaffirmed the importance of coordination on joint military exercises apparently referring to growing calls in South Korea to adjust the drills with the US as leverage to bring Pyongyang back to dialogueDefence Minister Ahn previously reiterated the absolute critical nature of coordinating on joint military exercises I think the words that he used were that military exercises are like the lifeline of a military Thats our expectation moving forward he saidAsked if the US is open to revising the nuclear energy pact to allow Seoul to enrich uranium and reprocess spent fuel the envoy said the two sides are still in discussionsWe are going to do our best to implement the joint fact sheet Kim saidThe joint fact sheet lays out the commitments on trade investment security and other issues made during the two recent summits between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and US President Donald Trump in August and October Yonhap news agency reportedIn the document the US states support for the process that will lead to South Koreas civil uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing for peaceful use consistent with their existing bilateral nuclear energy pact and subject to US legal requirementsIn the recent highlevel talks in Washington Seoul and Washington agreed to launch working groups for followup talks on the joint fact sheet IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-envoy-reaffirms-complete-denuclearisation-of-north-korea-amid-its-omission-in-new-security-strategy-651838.html Mon, 08 Dec 2025 09:15:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/ndaa-names-india-key-partner-in-us-nuclear-indo-pacific-plans-651848.html Washington Dec 8 The latest US defence authorisation bill assigns India a key role in Washingtonâs IndoPacific and nuclear strategies directing sustained consultations on Indiaâs nuclear liability rules and placing New Delhi among a select group of partners shaping a new defence industrial architecture in the IndoPacific region to meet the China challenge Congressional leaders on Sunday released the compromise version of the fiscal 2026 National Defence Authorisation Act NDAA a sweeping policy measure that among other things embeds India across multiple strands of US strategic planningâfrom civil nuclear cooperation to defence coproduction and regional maritime security The bill which has passed every year for six decades is expected to move through the House later this weekA major Indiaspecific section of the NDAA mandates the United States to âestablish and maintainâa joint consultative mechanism with the Government of the Republic of Indiaâ under the USâIndia Strategic Security Dialogue convening regularly âto assess the implementationâ of the 2008 civil nuclear cooperation agreement The mechanism is also tasked âto discuss opportunities for the Republic of India to align domestic nuclear liability rules with international normsâ and âto develop a strategyâ for bilateral and multilateral diplomatic engagements on these issuesThe bill requires the Secretary of State to submit an annual report to Congress for five years detailing the outcomes of this joint assessmentâan unusually sustained oversight requirement that signals renewed political attention in Washington to the longstalled civil nuclear track with IndiaIndia also features prominently in the NDAAâs International Nuclear Energy Act of 2025 which classifies New Delhi as an âally or partner nationâ alongside OECD members for the purposes of global civil nuclear cooperation In addition the legislation directs the administration to establish a 10year strategy to expand US nuclear exports and explicitly analyse competition with âthe Russian Federation and the Peopleâs Republic of China up and down the supply chainâAt the heart of the IndoPacific provisions India is placed among a small circle of priority partnersâalongside Australia Japan South Korea the Philippines and New Zealandâin a new Partnership for IndoPacific Industrial Resilience The initiative is intended âto strengthen cooperation among the defence industrial basesâ of participating countries and to expand joint capability development supplychain security and defence innovationUnder the programâs authorities the Secretary of Defence may enter into agreements establish working groups provide technical assistance and engage industry and academia to advance codevelopment and coproduction goals Annual reporting requirements run through 2031 underscoring the longterm weight Washington assigns to this industrial networkBeyond industrial cooperation Congress lays out a broader strategic directive for the region It calls for âbroadening United States engagement with India including through the Quadrilateral Security Dialogueâ to advance âthe shared objective of a free and open IndoPacific regionâ through military exercises defence trade humanitarian assistance and âgreater cooperation on maritime securityâ The NDAA also restates Congressâs expectation that the Pentagon continue to expand its regional posture and multilateral coordination to strengthen deterrence against ChinaIn another structural move the bill authorises a new AmbassadoratLarge for the Indian Ocean Region tasked with coordinating US diplomacy across Indian Ocean littoral states and âidentifyingâlines of effortâ of greatest strategic interest Among the envoyâs responsibilities is reinforcing US engagement âto counter malign Peopleâs Republic of China influence activities in the Indian Ocean regionâThese provisions collectively signal that India is not only a beneficiary of US regional strategy but an integral contributor to the architecture Washington is building to manage longterm competition with Beijing They also revive longdormant nuclear cooperation channels by pressing for alignment on liability rulesâa prerequisite for any major US reactor project in IndiaIn recent years IndiaâUS defence ties have expanded through foundational agreements intelligencesharing arrangements joint exercises and emerging coproduction programs The IndoPacific has become the principal theatre where the two countriesâ strategic interests converge shaped by shared concerns over Chinaâs maritime assertiveness and regional influence IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/ndaa-names-india-key-partner-in-us-nuclear-indo-pacific-plans-651848.html Mon, 08 Dec 2025 12:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-congress-unveils-compromise-fiscal-2026-defense-bill-651849.html Washington Dec 8 Congressional leaders released the compromise version of the fiscal 2026 National Defence Authorisation Act NDAA setting the stage for a vote this week on the annual legislation that has become a central pillar of US defence and nationalsecurity policymaking for more than six decades The bill would âauthorize more than 890 billion for the Pentagon and Department of Energy nuclear weapons programsâ according to the text shared with reporters coming in âroughly 8 billion more than the Trump administration requestedâ Lawmakers said the legislation is being moved through an unrelated Senate bill S1071 which has been designated as the legislative vehicle to fasttrack passageThe House is expected to take up the mustpass package later this week Despite intense negotiations between Republicans and Democrats the NDAA has cleared Congress for 64 consecutive years â a record congressional leaders from both parties have repeatedly cited as evidence of bipartisan consensus on national defenceSundayâs release of the final compromise text marks the beginning of the endgame for the 2026 authorization cycle during which committees in both chambers advanced competing drafts before closing differences in conference The billâs topline figure reflects a modest increase over the administrationâs formal request signalling congressional intent to accelerate selected modernization programs and maintain longterm nuclear and conventional readinessThe NDAA also continues its role as a broad policy vehicle that touches nearly every aspect of US defence planning including the Pentagon budget Department of Energy nuclear activities personnel authorizations and intelligencerelated provisions Additional policy directives and reporting requirements remain embedded across the legislative textIn procedural terms leaders opted to use S1071 as the legislative vehicleâa common manoeuvre in recent years that allows congressional negotiators to substitute the full NDAA text into an unrelated bill already positioned for floor action That approach is expected to ensure final passage ahead of the yearâs legislative deadlinesThe House vote later this week will be the first significant test of the compromise package Leaders expect the Senate to act soon after preserving Congressâs decadeslong streak of enacting the NDAA every year since the early 1960sThe annual authorization law also guides US engagement across the broader AsiaPacific including force structure decisions exercises and securityassistance programs that directly affect IndiaâUS defence ties which have grown substantially over the past decade Once enacted the fiscal 2026 NDAA will provide Washington with updated statutory authorities that underpin many elements of its IndoPacific strategy IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-congress-unveils-compromise-fiscal-2026-defense-bill-651849.html Mon, 08 Dec 2025 12:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/rights-group-seeks-un-intervention-after-awami-league-ban-in-bangladesh-651855.html Paris Dec 8 A leading international human rights organisation wrote to the United Nations Special Rapporteur raising alarm over the ban imposed on Bangladeshâs Awami League party and the suspension of its registration by the countryâs Election Commission In its complaint to the Office of the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association Justice Makers Bangladesh in France JMBF called for urgent international attention and intervention to restore democratic processes in the countryThe rights body stated that the ban imposed on Awami League by the Muhammad Yunusled interim government on May 12 under the countryâs AntiTerrorism Act and the subsequent suspension of the partyâs registration have effectively paralysed all its political activities It added that these measures which include restrictions on assemblies protests publications and social media activity have prevented the party from participating in the February 2026 elections in BangladeshHighlighting an extensive crackdown on Awami League leaders activists and supporters the JMBF warned that the ongoing suppression of the party and its supporters represents a serious assault on civil and political rights including the freedoms of assembly association expression and participation in electionsCiting independent monitoring findings the rights body noted that over 350000 individuals affiliated with the party have faced politically motivated cases and at least 130000 individuals have been arrested since the fall of the former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinaled Awami League governmentâOperations such as âOperation Devil Huntâ and nationwide police drives have targeted peaceful protesters flash rallies and party meetings creating a climate of fear and repression The interim government has defended its actions by citing national security and ongoing trials under the International Crimes Tribunals Actâ the JMBF statedThe rights body stressed that the âuse of antiterrorism legislation to suppress political opposition violates international humanrights standards undermines political pluralism and threatens the democratic processâThe JMBF called on the Bangladeshi authorities to lift the blanket ban on the Awami League and its affiliated wings or at least amend it so that peaceful political activity assembly and expression by party members or supporters are permitted in line with international human rights standardsIt urged the dismissal or review of all politically motivated or arbitrary charges and detentions against party members and its affiliated wings especially those arrested for peaceful protests flash rallies or expressing support for the party IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/rights-group-seeks-un-intervention-after-awami-league-ban-in-bangladesh-651855.html Mon, 08 Dec 2025 13:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/philippines-bans-pork-imports-from-spain-amid-asf-outbreak-651856.html Manila Dec 8 The Philippines has imposed a temporary ban on all pig and pork imports from Spain following a confirmed African Swine Fever ASF outbreak in the European country the countrys Department of Agriculture said Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said the import freeze which covers live pigs pork meat skin and semen used for artificial insemination will not tighten supply or trigger a price spike during the Christmas seasonCold storage is full Tiu Laurel told reporters stressing that inventories remain more than sufficient to meet the expected surge in holiday demandThe agency issued the ban after Spains veterinary authorities reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health on November 28 that ASF cases had been detected among wild pigs in Sabadell Valles Occidental in BarcelonaTiu Laurel said the moratorium is necessary to prevent the entry of the ASF virus and protect both domestic and wild pig populationsAll sanitary and phytosanitary permits for hog shipments from Spain have been automatically revoked to safeguard food security and public health he addedUnder the directive only frozen pork products produced on or before November 11 and loaded in transit or accepted at port on or before December 4 may enter the Philippines Shipments produced after November 11 will be returned to Spain Xinhua news agency reportedASF is a highly contagious viral disease of domestic and wild pigs whose mortality rate can reach 100 per centIt is not a danger to human health but it has devastating effects on pig populations and the farming economyThe virus is highly resistant in the environment meaning that it can survive on clothes boots wheels and other materials It can also survive in various pork products such as ham sausages or bacon Therefore human behaviours can play an important role in spreading this pig disease across borders if adequate measures are not takenPigs are a primary source of household income in many countries The spread of ASF across the world has devastated familyrun pig farms often the mainstay of peopleâs livelihoods and a driver of upward mobility It has also reduced opportunities to access healthcare and educationMoreover pork meat is one of the primary sources of animal proteins accounting for more than 35 per cent of the global meat intake Hence this disease poses a serious problem for food security worldwideThis disease is also a concern for biodiversity and the balance of ecosystems as it affects not only domestic farmed pigs but also wild boars including native breeds IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/philippines-bans-pork-imports-from-spain-amid-asf-outbreak-651856.html Mon, 08 Dec 2025 13:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-10-injured-in-bnp-faction-clashes-over-gazipur-nomination-651874.html Dhaka Dec 8 In yet another instance of escalating internal conflict within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party BNP at least ten people were injured after clashes broke out between two factions over the partyâs nomination for a constituency in Gazipur district local media reported The violence erupted on Sunday evening in Kaliakair Upazila between supporters of BNPâs nominee for Gazipur1 constituency and former Kaliakair Municipality mayor Mujibur Rahman and the supporters of Ishraq Siddiqui son of former BNP standing committee member Chowdhury Tanvir Ahmed Siddiqui who was denied nominationReports suggest that the unrest caused extensive damage with several election campaign offices of the party and vehicles vandalised and set ablazeConfirming the development Gazipur Additional Superintendent of Police crime said There were attacks and fires involving two BNP factions Efforts are underway to maintain peace following discussions with both sidesCiting local sources Bangladeshâs leading newspaper The Business Standard reported that supporters of Ishraq Siddiqui organised a protest rally in the Rakhaliachala area of Kaliakair upazila on Sunday afternoon to denounce what they called an unfair nomination processAs the supporters gathered a group of 20â25 men allegedly loyal to BNP nominee Mujibur Rahman arrived on motorcycles and launched an attack injuring at least 10 peopleThe injured were subsequently admitted to Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College HospitalIshraq Siddiqui alleged that the assault was a deliberate effort to suppress dissent among grassroots leaders angered by the nomination decisionâThere is widespread frustration over how this seat was handled We were holding a peaceful protest yet Mujibur Rahmans followers attacked us Some were even detained without causeâ he said adding that fear has now engulfed the areaLast month amid growing factional conflict within the BNP over 100 people were injured in a series of clashes between two rival groups seeking to establish dominance in Saltha upazila of Faridpur district local media reportedBNP has also witnessed a surge in violence with factional clashes leaving several killed and injured Several analysts reckon that Khaleda Zias BNP acted hand in glove with the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus in overthrowing the democraticallyelected Awami League government last year IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-10-injured-in-bnp-faction-clashes-over-gazipur-nomination-651874.html Mon, 08 Dec 2025 13:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/international-gita-mahotsav-in-canada-brings-bhagavad-gita-to-life-through-musical-dance-ballet-651876.html Ottawa Dec 8 Celebrating International Gita Mahotsav in Canada the Indian High Commission in Ottawa organised âUttar Answerâ a thematic musical dance ballet based on the Bhagavad Gita The event hosted in collaboration with Jeevan Jyoti Performing Arts JJPA was held at Kailash Mital Theatre of Carleton University in OttawaâSet on the battleground at the onset of a devastating war the performance brought to life the timeless dialogue of the Bhagavad Gitaâa profound exchange between the two protagonists on truth duty detachment reconciliation and the deeper philosophical questions of human existence The choreography drew segmentally from these teachings translating verses of the Gita into expressive movement rhythm and emotionâ Indian High Commission in Ottawa posted on XAddressing the gathering the Indian High Commissioner to Canada Dinesh K Patnaik emphasised that the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita are not merely spiritual wisdom but a living cultural heritage of Indiaâone that continues to inspire harmony responsibility and resilience in modern lifeIndian missions worldwide have been celebrating the International Gita Mahotsav 2025 highlighting the timeless spiritual and philosophical teachings of the Bhagavad GitaThe Gita Mahostav is celebrated to promote the Bhagavad Gitaâs teachings of duty righteousness and knowledge on the Ekadashi 11th lunar day of the Shukla Paksha bright fortnight in the month of Margashirsha Indian Calendar when Lord Krishna delivered the eternal sermons of Gita to Arjun on the battlefield of KurukshetraEarlier on December 6 the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita came alive as Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan in Canada celebrated the International Gita Mahotsav in TorontoDuring the event Indian Consul in Toronto Kuljeet Singh Arora reflected on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita drawing parallels between its philosophy and the values of diplomacy balance and service The event witnessed live devotional bhajans stage plays and spiritual discourses IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/international-gita-mahotsav-in-canada-brings-bhagavad-gita-to-life-through-musical-dance-ballet-651876.html Mon, 08 Dec 2025 13:18:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-holds-talks-with-eus-maros-sefcovic-hopes-for-productive-engagements-in-india-651970.html New Delhi Dec 8 External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar met Maros Sefcovic European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security in New Delhi on Monday expressing hope that the visiting delegationâs engagements in India would be productive Taking to the social media platform X Jaishankar wrote in a post âA pleasure to meet European Trade amp Economic Security Commissioner Maros Sefcovic in New Delhi today Confident that the Commissioner and his team will have productive discussions in IndiaâLast month a joint statement issued following the 11th IndiaEuropean Union Foreign Policy and Security Consultations and the 6th Strategic Partnership Review Meeting in Brussels noted that India and the European Union look forward to constructive negotiations aiming at the timely and successful conclusion of a Security and Defence Partnership and a Security of Information AgreementThe meetings held on November 1819 assessed the full spectrum of the bilateral relationship and reviewed implementation of the IndiaâEU Strategic Partnership A Roadmap to 2025 which is reaching completion this yearAccording to the Joint Statement both sides welcomed the very positive momentum in EUâIndia relations including the landmark College of Commissioners visit to India in February the first EUâIndia Strategic Dialogue in Brussels held by HRVP Kaja Kallas and EAM Jaishankar in June and the EUs adoption of the Joint Communication on the Strategic Agenda on India in SeptemberThe two sides reaffirmed the shared ambition to conclude negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement by the end of this year and to accelerate negotiations on the Investment Protection Agreement and the Agreement on Geographical Indications They underlined the importance of cooperation at the multilateral level and of continued dialogue on economic issues including on supply chain diversification Both sides also noted the progress in the IndiaEU Trade and Technology Council TTC and looked forward to the next TTC Ministerial Meeting in Brussels in 2026 read the statementEarlier on October 29 EAM Jaishankar met a delegation of the European Parliamentâs Committee on International Trade in New Delhi discussing ways to maximise convergences and deepen cooperationSecretary West at the Ministry of External Affairs MEA Sibi George and other officials were also presentPleased to meet delegation of European Parliamentâs Committee on International Trade INTA today in Delhi Discussed how India and the European Union can maximise convergences and deepen cooperation This can stabilise the global economy and strengthen democratic forces The early conclusion of the IndiaEU FTA can make a big difference to these objectives EAM Jaishankar then posted on X after his meeting with the EU delegation IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-holds-talks-with-eus-maros-sefcovic-hopes-for-productive-engagements-in-india-651970.html Mon, 08 Dec 2025 23:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/wfp-warns-hunger-levels-rising-at-alarming-pace-in-afghanistan-651979.html Kabul Dec 8 The World Food Programme WFP has warned that hunger levels in Afghanistan are increasing at an alarming rate as the winter season is approaching In a statement the WFP stated that malnutrition among children and women could reach levels not seen in recent years Afghanistans leading news agency Khaama Press reportedWFP Executive Director Carl Skau said the agency has been forced to reduce food assistance from 10 million people to two million due to funding shortages He warned that many children could face lifethreatening conditions and possibly die due to malnutrition and exposure during the winter monthsThe agencys statement comes as the United Nations previously said that around 35 million children in Afghanistan aged below five years suffer from acute malnutritionHumanitarian workers have said that Afghanistan remains one of the worlds most foodinsecure nations with drought economic collapse and restrictions on aid further deteriorating the situationAid groups have requested donors to resume funding emphasising that reduced support could push vulnerable people deeper into hungerEarlier in November the World Health Organisation WHO warned that the risk of measles outbreak in Afghanistan is growing and urged families to vaccinate children aged below five yearsIn a statement the WHO urged parents to ensure that all children aged below five years are vaccinated against measles at health centres in Afghanistan Khaama Press reportedThe agency called vaccination the most effective way to stop the spread of measles which has already caused several deaths among children in Afghanistan in recent monthsWHO noted that malnutrition and limited access to healthcare have further deteriorated the outbreak leaving many children vulnerable to diseases like measlesEarlier in September UN SecretaryGeneral spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said that World Food Programme WFP officials have warned that Afghanistan is facing a rapidly worsening humanitarian crisis in 2025 and more than 47 million women and children require urgent treatment for malnutrition Afghanistanbased Tolo News reportedHe said Our colleagues at the World Food Programme warn that the country is facing a rapidly worsening humanitarian crisis in 2025 WFP pointed out that this year has seen the highest spike in acute malnutrition ever recorded with more than 47 million women and children in need of urgent treatment IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/wfp-warns-hunger-levels-rising-at-alarming-pace-in-afghanistan-651979.html Mon, 08 Dec 2025 23:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/top-us-official-begins-india-visit-set-to-hold-foreign-office-consultations-with-fs-misri-651981.html Washington Dec 8 US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker has arrived in India for an official visit during which she is scheduled to meet senior Indian officials to discuss regional security economic cooperation and shared priorities in the IndoPacific including through the Foreign Office Consultations with Foreign Secretary FS Vikram Misri The US Embassy in India noted that Hookers visit to India will help advance US President Donald Trumps priorities for a strong USIndia partnership and a free and open IndoPacificThe US Mission is pleased to welcome US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker to India As we continue to press forward in the USIndia relationship on a number of issues critical to our economic and national security the Under Secretaryâs visit will help advance US President priorities for a strong USIndia partnership and a free and open IndoPacific the US Embassy in India posted on XApart from New Delhi Hooker will also travel to Bengaluru where she will visit the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO and meet leaders from Indias dynamic space energy and technology sectors to promote innovation in USIndia research partnerships and to explore opportunities for expanded cooperation according to the statement released by the US Embassy and Consulates in IndiaIn a statement the US Embassy in India stated Under Secretary Hookers visit will focus on advancing the USIndia strategic partnership deepening economic and commercial ties including increasing American exports and fostering collaboration in emerging technologies including artificial intelligence and space explorationLast week India and the United States reviewed a wide range of traditional and emerging threats and challenges such as terrorist recruitment abuse of technology for terrorist purposes and financing of terrorism during the 21st Meeting of the IndiaUS Joint Working Group JWG on Counter Terrorism CT and the 7th Designations Dialogue held in New DelhiBoth sides unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations including crossborder terrorism They expressed concern over the increasing use of unmanned aerial vehicles UAVs drones and AI for terrorist purposesThey strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam Jammu and Kashmir on April 22 and the recent heinous terror incident near the Red Fort New Delhi on November 10 2025 and stressed that those responsible for terrorism should be held accountable read the Joint Statement issued after the meetingsParticipants from India and the United States discussed strengthening law enforcement and judicial cooperation including through information sharing and cooperation on mutual legal assistance requests Both sides also discussed ways to strengthen cooperation against challenges including through training cybersecurity exchange of best practices and information sharing through continued bilateral and multilateral effortsAccording to the MEA both sides emphasised that confronting terrorism requires concerted action in a sustained and comprehensive manner Against this backdrop the two sides renewed their commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation in the field of countering terrorism including in the UN Quad and the Financial Action Task Force FATFThe two sides had called for additional designations of ISIS and alQaida affiliates and LashkareTaiba LeT and JaisheMohammad JeM and their proxy groups supporters sponsors financiers and backers under the UN 1267 sanctions regime ensuring their members face a global asset freeze travel ban and arms embargo IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/top-us-official-begins-india-visit-set-to-hold-foreign-office-consultations-with-fs-misri-651981.html Mon, 08 Dec 2025 23:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/quad-members-works-on-bolstering-disaster-response-capabilities-across-indo-pacific-651988.html Hawaii Dec 8 Underscoring the Quads commitment to reliable and effective life saving support for the people of the region officials from India Australia Japan and United States discussed strengthening the groupings disasterresponse capabilities across the IndoPacific during the recentlyheld 4th Annual Quad Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response HADR Strategic Meeting and Tabletop Exercise in Hawaiis Honolulu As a founding pillar of the Quad partnership HADR is a cornerstone of the groups efforts to advance peace security prosperity and resilience in the IndoPacific read a Joint Statement issued after the annual meeting hosted by the United States from December 25The Quadâs coordinated delivery of humanitarian assistance in response to the devastating earthquake in Myanmar in March this year was a testament to the Quadâs ability to mobilize resources and rapidly deliver lifesaving assistance it addedThe Quad Partnership on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief HADR in the IndoPacific partnership was announced by the Quad Leaders in Tokyo on May 24 2022 as part of a shared vision for a free and open IndoPacific that is inclusive and resilientA few months later the Foreign Ministers of Australia India and Japan and the Secretary of State of the United States met in New York in September 2022 and signed into operation the Guidelines for the Quad HADR PartnershipThe signing of the Guidelines marked a significant moment in Quad cooperation which traces its origin from the 2004 ad hoc Tsunami Core Group which catalyzed international response efforts in the aftermath of the tsunami that devastated many countries in the regionAccording to the Ministry of External Affairs MEA the partnership has been designed to respond to the vulnerabilities of the IndoPacific region and serves as a dedicated framework for Quad partners to coordinate their disaster response operations in the region The mechanism augments their capacity and capability interoperability and operational synergy to undertake HADR operationsA request for international assistance is needed before Quad partners may act in coordination under the Partnership Quad partners may provide joint or coordinated individual assistance in crisis preparation or alert crisisresponse or post crisis review phases of disaster response Any humanitarian action will be carried out with respect for the sovereignty territorial integrity and national unity of the affected state the MEA has detailed before IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/quad-members-works-on-bolstering-disaster-response-capabilities-across-indo-pacific-651988.html Mon, 08 Dec 2025 23:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/as-elections-near-killing-of-1971-liberation-war-veteran-highlights-systematic-targeting-of-bangladeshs-minorities-651992.html New Delhi Dec 8 The murder of a freedom fighter of the 1971 Liberation War and his wife in Bangladeshâs Rangpur proves once again that minorities are unsafe in the country On Sunday morning the bodies of 75yearold Jogesh Chandra Roy and his wife Suborna Roy were discovered by their neighbours after knocks on their door went unansweredUntil 2 pm on Sunday no case had been filed and this despite the coupleâs two sons serving with the Bangladesh policeTheir two sons Shoven Chandra Roy and Rajesh Khanna Chandra Roy serve with the Bangladesh police at Joypurhat and Dhaka respectively Following the incident police from the Taraganj Police Station including the OfficerinCharge OC visited the crime sceneA forensics team was deployed and an autopsy was ordered No motive was found as yet and the police have not found any prior disputes involving the familyIntelligence Bureau officials say that closer to the elections such incidents against the minority community are set to rise The radicalisation and complete Islamisation of Bangladesh has been on the agenda of the ISI backed JamaateIslami and hence officials fear that such incidents could go up closer to the electionsThe elderly couple was found dead with their throats slit and this has angered the local community who have been demanding arrests failing which they threatened to stage protestsSince the ouster of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024 incidents of violence against the minority community have gone upThe caretaker of the interim government Muhammad Yunus has failed to act against such incidents He has instead called reports of violence against the minority community exaggeratedAnother official said that radical elements who have been set free despite being arrested on charges of murder and terror have been instructed to target the minority community There is a systematic plan in place and is being executed by these elementsThe ISI has directed these elements to wipe out everything relating to the minorities What is being followed in Bangladesh is text book copy of what one has been witnessing for long in PakistanIn December 2024 a mob had vandalised at least 20 homes and a temple after an alleged blasphemy post on the social media at Sunamganj district in MonglargaonData by the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council suggests that 2000 incidents of communal violence against minorities had taken place from August 2 to 20 2024 This included the deaths of 9 Hindus and 69 attacks on places of worship and countless attacks on other minorities like Buddhists and ChristiansIn October Islamists took to the streets across the country demanding an immediate ban on ISKCON They have been labelling the organisation as extremistBangladesh watchers say that the murder of the couple is a clear sign that the minorities are unsafe in the country This has all the signs of a targeted murder and the fact that Jogesh Chandra Roy was a freedom fighter only makes matters murkier experts sayPakistan has been wanting to take Bangladesh back to the pre1971 era It wants the memories of the Liberation War wiped out and hence it has been instructing radicals to target the minority communityRadicals have been systematically erasing anything connected to the 1971 War and have even razed down memorials connected to it All those who fought against Pakistan during that war are on the target list of these radicals They and their families have been under the radar and they live in constant fear officials sayThis would be a major issue ahead of the elections and in a bid to impress a rabid group the minorities would be targeted increasingly Intelligence agencies say IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/as-elections-near-killing-of-1971-liberation-war-veteran-highlights-systematic-targeting-of-bangladeshs-minorities-651992.html Mon, 08 Dec 2025 23:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/iranian-fm-araghchi-expresses-tehrans-readiness-to-continue-nuclear-energy-programme-651993.html Tehran Dec 8 Irans Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has expressed Tehrans determination to continue with its peaceful nuclear energy programme stressing that the facilities not Irans nuclear technology were destroyed in the attacks the local media reported In an interview with Japans Kyodo News Araghchi said We are a committed member of NPT and we have every right to enjoy the peaceful use of nuclear technology like Japan Japan is also a committed member of NPT and it is enjoying its right to peaceful use of nuclear technologyAsserting that the Iranian nuclear sites were destroyed and heavily damaged by the US and Israeli airstrikes in June Araghchi called the attacks a clear and major violation of international law as the facilities were under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency IAEAHe voiced concerns regarding the safety of the bombed Iranian nuclear sites and stressed that Iran wants Japan to share its experience regarding past atomic disasters and help protect the facilities Islamic Republic News Agency IRNA reported citing Kyodo NewsI have no doubt that Japan has good knowledge on how to improve the safety of nuclear facilities and that knowledge can be shared with Iran said Araghchi citing environmental medical and technical safety measures taken in the aftermath of nuclear crisisOn resuming nuclear talks with the US Araghchi stated that it depends on the approach Washington takesIt depends on the US If they change their approach and are prepared for a fair and balanced outcome of a mutually beneficial negotiation we are prepared too Itâs a fact that we donât have any good experience negotiating with the US Araghchi saidLast month Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei rejected claims that Tehran had sent a message to the United States through third countriesIn a televised address he seemed to dismiss Western media reports suggesting that a message was sent by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud ahead of the latters visit to the US Xinhua News Agency reportedThey fabricate rumours claiming that the Iranian government has sent a message to the United States through some country which is pure lies and such a thing definitely did not exist Khamenei saidAs per media reports Pezeshkians letter stated that Iran does not seek confrontation and aims to strengthen regional cooperation and remains open to resolving the nuclear dispute through diplomacy provided its rights are guaranteed IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/iranian-fm-araghchi-expresses-tehrans-readiness-to-continue-nuclear-energy-programme-651993.html Mon, 08 Dec 2025 23:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/nepal-grapples-with-mounting-corruption-claims-linked-to-chinese-contractors-and-suppliers-651776.html Kathmandu Dec 6 Nepal has been witnessing a series of corruption allegations in recent years particularly in projects involving Chinese contractors or suppliers The latest controversy concerns the billing system that Nepal Telecom NT a company in which the Nepali government holds a majority stake is preparing to procure On March 18 this year Nepal Telecom invited bids to purchase a new billing system estimated to cost around NPR 5 billion Of the two Chinese companies that participated only Huawei was deemed technically qualified This led to allegations that the specifications had been prepared in a way that only Huawei could meet Huawei is also handling the core network of Nepal TelecomWhale Cloud â another Chinese firm â had competed against Huawei for the contract but was disqualified during the technical evaluationAlthough Huaweiâs financial proposal was scheduled to be opened on September 24 2025 the process was postponed indefinitely after Jagadish Kharel assumed office as Minister of Communications and Information Technology on September 22 citing special circumstancesOn October 30 the Ministry formed a study committee to investigate the allegations headed by former government secretary Maniram Gelal after questions arose over why Huawei was the only bidder to clear the technical evaluationOn November 20 the committee submitted its report to Minister Kharel Online Khabar a popular Nepali news website reported the same day â citing sources â that the bidding documents had been prepared in a way that favoured a specific model of a specific company referring to HuaweiâWhile studying the tender documents and other files regarding Nepal Telecomâs billing system it is clear that the specifications were prepared to suit the equipment of a specific model from a specific company This has been clearly stated in the report the website quoted an unnamed Nepal Telecom official as sayingHowever Minister Kharel while receiving the report stated that he would not interfere with or obstruct the procurement process appearing to give the green light to proceed with opening Huaweiâs longpostponed financial bidEarlier in June this year the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority CIAA the antigraft body prosecuted 18 people including thenâNepal Telecom Managing Director Sangita Pahadi former Managing Director Sunil Paudel and 16 others over alleged irregularities in procuring the companyâs billing system and annual maintenance contractThe officials were accused of causing a huge loss to the public utility by awarding a contract to Asia Info Linkage Technologies China Inc which had allegedly quoted abnormally high prices for its Veris Billing system With that system now outdated Nepal Telecom is seeking to procure a new one Now the new bidding process is also courting controversy as only the Huawei qualified during the technical evaluation It will receive the contract if its financial proposal is deemed acceptable Some critics have also raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest given Huaweiâs involvement in both the billing system and the core network of the companyThis is not the only case in which controversies involving alleged corruption by Chinese companies have surfaced in NepalIn May this year a parliamentary subcommittee also uncovered alleged corruption worth billions of rupees in the construction of an international airport in Pokhara a western tourism city of the countryA subcommittee under the Public Accounts Committee of the nowdissolved House of Representatives highlighted several irregularities and questionable tax exemptions provided to the construction companyThe airport was built by China CAMC Engineering Co Ltd at a cost of USD 21596 million funded by Chinaâs EXIM Bank However the projectâs failure to generate expected revenue has become a major concern for the Nepali government which must now repay the Chinese loanNearly three years after its inauguration on January 1 2023 the Pokhara International Airport in the western tourist city continues to struggle to attract international airlines raising fears that the multimilliondollar project could become a major financial burdenCurrently only Himalaya Airlines â a NepalâChina jointventure airline â is operating scheduled flights with one weekly flight on the PokharaâLhasa route since March this year IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/nepal-grapples-with-mounting-corruption-claims-linked-to-chinese-contractors-and-suppliers-651776.html Sun, 07 Dec 2025 06:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-american-expert-fights-renewed-push-for-detention-as-judge-weighs-arguments-651793.html Washington Dec 7 Indian American Ashley J Tellis foreign policy expert on US and South Asian affairs returned to federal court this week to contest the Justice Departments attempt to detain him pending trial telling a judge that prosecutors have offered no legally valid basis to reopen his release conditions In a new filing this week Telliss attorneys said the governments motion should be dismissed outright arguing that federal law requires prosecutors to identify information that is both not known at the time of the earlier hearing and material to the detention questionNothing the government identifies is both as the law requires new and material to the issue of detention the defence wroteAt the centre of the dispute is whether Tellis who is charged with a single count under US sections for unlawful retention of national defence information should remain on strict home confinement or be moved into custody before trial The charge stems from two documents described in the indictment the defence notes that the case does not allege or even suggest that Dr Tellis disseminated the national defence informationTellis has been under electronic monitoring since October 21 after prosecutors and defence attorneys jointly proposed release conditions that included home confinement the surrender of his passport and a prohibition on internet accessHis legal team told the court he has meticulously abided by the conditions ordered by the Court and that the governments concerns raised in the latest motion were either known earlier or irrelevantIn court papers the defence argues that prosecutors are not allowed to raise dangerousness under the Bail Reform Act because the statute under which Tellis is charged does not fall within the limited list that permits such a claimThe government may argue only risk of flight not dangerousness the filing says adding that Telliss strong ties to his family home and community rebut the suggestion that he might fleeThe defence also disputes the governments characterisations of evidence seized during the October search of Tellis home and office arguing that prosecutors reasonably could have known the nature of the material before the original detention hearingThey also cite Tellis cooperation noting that when he found additional hard drives and documents that agents had not seized he immediately and voluntarily provided them to the FBITelliss attorneys say the governments speculation about future risk is unsupported and does not meet the legal threshold for pretrial detention They warn that moving Tellis into custody would also hinder his ability to assist in reviewing sensitive documents in preparation for trial Utilising his expert view of documents necessary to the defence will be extremely difficult if incarcerated they wroteThe courtroom dispute unfolds as the case prepares for its next procedural steps The judge will decide whether prosecutors have met their burden to reopen the detention hearing a standard that requires a showing of new material information rather than arguments previously available to the governmentTellis was arrested on October 11 after agents executed a search warrant at his Vienna Virginia home recovering what investigators earlier described as more than a thousand pages of materials with classification markings Two Chinarelated documents later served as the basis for the single retention chargeAfter an initial hearing prosecutors agreed to strict conditions of release and probation officers have since reported zero violations Telliss long career in government and policy analysis including senior assignments at the National Security Council and the State Department and his cooperation with investigators have been emphasised in earlier filings as reasons he does not pose a risk of flight IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-american-expert-fights-renewed-push-for-detention-as-judge-weighs-arguments-651793.html Sun, 07 Dec 2025 11:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-warns-of-chinas-historic-military-buildup-signals-implications-for-india-651794.html Washington Dec 7 The United States has issued a sharp warning about Chinas accelerating military expansion calling Beijings defence buildup historic and underscoring the need to urgently strengthen Americas defence industrial base â a development with direct implications for Indias security calculus in the IndoPacific At the Reagan National Defense Forum the US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said Washington is obviously well aware of their historic military buildup Its right in front of us pointing to Chinas rapid naval growth its expanding nuclear arsenal and its deepening military cooperation with RussiaThe moderator noted that China now has the worlds largest navy and is rapidly modernising its nuclear forces For every eight warships Beijing builds the United States produces fewer than two Chinese shipbuilding capacity he said is 230 greater than the United Statess capabilityResponding to that assessment the Secretary said the correct US response was internal reform and accelerated production The most important thing we can do is look inward and increase our urgency of ensuring we rebuild our defence industrial base in the arsenal of freedomHe added that the Trump Administration has already undertaken an entire acquisitions requirements and foreign military sales overhaul Not a reform not a tinkeringâ This is a complete game change in how we deliver systems to the battle We have to we dont have timeHe said the objective was to be able to feel the best as quickly as possible underscoring the administrations view that America must restore its defence production capacity at scale and at speed to deter Chinas expanding footprintWhile the Secretary did not directly reference India his remarks align closely with New Delhis strategic view of Chinas rising military power particularly in the maritime domain India has been monitoring Beijings expanding naval presence in the Indian Ocean its militarisation of the South China Sea and its deepening military ties with Pakistan â all areas where stronger US preparedness could help stabilise the regional balanceThe Secretary also emphasised that the United States is approaching this challenge prudently but decisively We see it were aware but were also prudent in how we approach it which is the way the president has approached it And well do the sameFor India â which has intensified defence coordination with the United States through mechanisms such as the Quad joint exercises technology cooperation and increasing focus on undersea and maritime surveillance â the Trump Administrations insistence on rebuilding American naval and industrial power is likely to be viewed as a significant pillar of IndoPacific stabilityChinas rapid naval expansion and its ability to massproduce ships missiles and munitions at a pace unmatched by any Western power has been a longstanding concern in New Delhi India has already stepped up maritime partnerships with the US Japan and Australia expanded naval outreach across the Indian Ocean and invested in highend capabilities including aircraft carriers submarines longrange surveillance aircraft and unmanned systemsThe United States has publicly stated in recent years that the IndoPacific is central to its global strategy describing China as its pacing challenge The Trump Administrations push to overhaul defence acquisitions increase production capacity and invest in new technologies â including AIenabled systems hypersonics and autonomous platforms â closely aligns with Indias modernisation prioritiesThe Pentagon has also broadened cooperation with India under the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies iCET focusing on jet engines munitions coproduction maritime domain awareness and supplychain resilience For New Delhi a stronger US industrial base and a sustained American commitment to maritime deterrence reinforce its own ability to maintain a favourable balance of power in the IndoPacificTurning to counterterrorism and counternarcotics operations â another area of strong USIndia alignment â the Secretary detailed the September 2 strike off Venezuela authorised at his level owing to its strategic implications He said planners spent weeks developing intelligence and conducting an exhaustive review involving âmilitary side civilian side lawyers intel analysts red teaming every aspectâOnce satisfied with the criteria he gave the order for the strike later approving a followon attack when âa couple folks that could still be in the fightâ were detected He said âI fully support that strike I wouldve made the same call myselfâHe rejected a media claim that he had directed the killing of all individuals on board âI dont know where you get your sources but they suckâ he said âAnybody that knows knows thats not how things go Theres a very defined processâ He emphasised that US forces adhere strictly to laws of war and established protocols including in cases involving survivorsThe Secretary highlighted that operations in the Caribbean were already forcing drug networks to change behaviour âThere arent many people getting in boats right now running drugs which is the whole pointâ he said insisting the campaign aimed to stop organisations âpoisoning and threatening American peopleâOn emerging technologies he said the future battlefield would rely on âbothâ artificial intelligence and autonomous systems AI he said can â10 100 a thousand x the speed of sensingâ while autonomy is already shaping lessons from UkraineThe Reagan National Defense Forum is considered as one of Americaâs most closely watched annual gatherings on US national security policy IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-warns-of-chinas-historic-military-buildup-signals-implications-for-india-651794.html Sun, 07 Dec 2025 11:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-outlines-hard-edged-defence-posture-to-deter-china-in-indo-pacific-651804.html Washington Dec 7 The United States has outlined a more rigid defence posture to counter Chinas growing military and economic influence in the IndoPacific In its new National Security Strategy the Trump administration calls the region one of the next centurys key economic and geopolitical battlegrounds and says the US must be prepared to deny aggression anywhere in the First Island ChainThe strategy released later this week says earlier US policy toward Beijing was built on mistaken American assumptions about China It argues that decades of engagement strengthened China at the expense of American workers and industriesAmerican elites over four successive administrations of both political parties were either willing enablers of Chinas strategy or in denial the report saysThe document lists a series of practices Washington intends to confront including predatory statedirected subsidies and industrial strategies unfair trading practices and grandscale intellectual property theftIt also cites threats to supply chains including minerals and rare earth elements and points to Chinese exports of fentanyl precursors that fuel Americas opioid epidemicDefence planning places special attention on Taiwan The island provides direct access to the Second Island Chain and splits Northeast and Southeast Asia into two distinct theatres the strategy saysThe administration reaffirms the longstanding US position that it does not support any unilateral change to the status quo in the Taiwan StraitThe document warns that Chinese control of the South China Sea could allow a potentially hostile power to impose a toll system or close and reopen it at will Onethird of global shipping passes through those waters The strategy calls for strong measures to ensure they remain openTo sustain deterrence the administration says the US must preserve a military balance favourable to the United States and to our allies in the region It pledges deeper investment in highend capabilities citing AI quantum computing autonomous systems and advanced energy technologiesThe strategy also puts more responsibility on US allies Our allies must step up and spendand more importantly do much more for collective defence it says That includes granting additional access to US forces increasing defence spending and investing in deterrencefocused capabilitiesIndia is identified as a central partner The strategy says Washington must continue to improve commercial and other relations with India to encourage New Delhi to contribute to IndoPacific security including through deeper cooperation in the QuadThe documents release comes as Washington and Beijing compete across technology trade and maritime security US officials have long viewed China as the pacing challenge in military planning with Taiwan and the South China Sea seen as flashpoints that could shape the regional balance for decadesThe Trump administrations new strategy formalises that view IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-outlines-hard-edged-defence-posture-to-deter-china-in-indo-pacific-651804.html Sun, 07 Dec 2025 13:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-backs-sco-anti-terror-cooperation-senior-diplomat-651808.html Tehran Dec 7 Iran supports the Shanghai Cooperation Organizations SCO counterterrorism plans and cooperation efforts a senior Iranian diplomat has said Mehrdad Kiaei director general for SCO and BRICS Affairs at Irans Foreign Ministry made the remarks during a meeting with Ularbek Sharsheev head of the SCO Regional AntiTerrorist Structure RATS on the sidelines of a joint antiterror exercise the ministry said in a statement on SaturdayKiaei highlighted the central role of the SCO and RATS in Irans foreign policy calling RATS a window into the regions future security architectureHe said Irans experience in combating terrorism enables its security and military institutions to play a constructive and pivotal role within the SCOs counterterrorism framework Xinhua news agency reportedSharsheev praised Irans hosting of the fiveday drill Sahand2025 held in East Azarbaijan Province and noted Irans active and influential participation in RATS activitiesSahand2025 was the second joint counterterrorism drill conducted by the SCO member states The first coded Interaction2024 was held in northwest Chinas Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in July last yearThe SCO is a Eurasian political economic and international security organization grouping China Russia Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Tajikistan Uzbekistan India Pakistan Iran and BelarusEarlier on Monday Iran began a fiveday joint counterterrorism exercise with Shanghai Cooperation Organization SCO in East Azarbaijan province bringing foreign contingents to a Revolutionary Guards base near Tabriz for what officials call a strategic readiness drill IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-backs-sco-anti-terror-cooperation-senior-diplomat-651808.html Sun, 07 Dec 2025 13:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-discusses-bilateral-ties-evolving-world-order-at-india-japan-forum-651822.html New Delhi Dec 7 IANS External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar discussed the evolving world order and the imperative of IndiaJapan cooperation at the opening session of the IndiaJapan Forum here on SundayPleased to participate in the opening session of IndiaJapanForum in New Delhi Discussed the evolving world order and the imperative of deeper IndiaJapan cooperation EAM Jaishankar said on XAccording to an official statement the IndiaJapan Forum provides a platform for Indian and Japanese leaders to shape the future of bilateral and strategic partnerships through deliberation and collaboration The Ananta Centre and the Ministry of External Affairs MEA have convened the forumThe aim of the forum is to bolster cooperation leverage opportunities exchange ideas build mutual trust and develop a joint agenda for future cooperation it saidOn Friday Indias Ambassadordesignate to Japan Nagma M Mallick held a meeting with Japans Minister of Environment Ishihara Hirotaka discussing opportunities for collaboration between the two nationsOn November 23 Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with his Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg and discussed ways to add momentum to bilateral cooperation in sectors like innovation defence and talent mobilityOn October 27 EAM Jaishankar met with his Japanese counterpart Motegi Toshimitsu on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Malaysias Kuala Lumpur as both discussed expanding bilateral ties and agreed to work closely to implement the joint vision for the next decade of IndiaJapan cooperationIndiaJapan relations were elevated to a Global Partnership in 2000 a Strategic and Global Partnership in 2006 and a Special Strategic and Global Partnership in 2014 according to the MEA The defence and security partnership forms an integral pillar of IndiaJapan bilateral ties In recent years the defence exchanges have gained strength due to growing convergence on strategic matters and their significance is growing from the common outlook on issues of peace security and stability of the IndoPacific Region https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-discusses-bilateral-ties-evolving-world-order-at-india-japan-forum-651822.html Sun, 07 Dec 2025 16:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/iraqi-presidency-denies-knowledge-of-terror-designation-of-hezbollah-houthis-651714.html Baghdad Dec 6 The Iraqi presidency denies any knowledge of or approval for the designation of Lebanons Hezbollah and Yemens Houthi group as terrorist groups subject to asset freezes In a statement issued by its media office on Friday the Iraqi presidency clarified that it has not received such decisions adding that only laws passed by Parliament and presidential decrees are sent to the Presidency for review approval and publication Xinhua news agency reportedIt stressed that it became aware of the inclusion of Houthis and Hezbollah on the list only through social mediaThe controversy stemmed from a list released by the countrys Committee for Freezing Terrorists Assets in the official Gazette on November 17 that included Hezbollah and the Houthi group among entities whose funds would be frozenThe committee said on Thursday that the listing erroneously included the two groups and would be corrected immediatelyThe presidencys statement follows a clarification issued a day earlier by the media office of the Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia alSudani which stated that the countrys freezing of terrorist assets was strictly limited to entities and individuals affiliated with the Islamic State and alQaeda terrorist organizationsAlSudani has ordered an urgent investigation to identify those responsible for the error noting the published decision contained language that did not reflect the factual position stressing that Iraqs political and humanitarian stance toward the aggression against people in Lebanon and Palestine is principled and unwavering IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/iraqi-presidency-denies-knowledge-of-terror-designation-of-hezbollah-houthis-651714.html Sat, 06 Dec 2025 06:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/yemen-govt-hands-over-26-bodies-to-houthis-as-gesture-of-goodwill-ahead-of-talks-651715.html Sanaa Dec 6 Yemens government said it handed over 26 bodies of the Houthi group as a gesture of goodwill ahead of the expected resumption of talks sponsored by the United Nations In the statement broadcast by staterun television the government said on Friday the bodies were handed over to a local mediator under the supervision of the International Committee of the Red Cross Xinhua news agency reportedIt said the bodies belong to Houthi members who had been killed recently in sporadic battles in the northeastern provinces of Marib and alJawf east and northeast of the Houthiheld capital SanaaThe staterun Saba news agency reported that the remains were transferred after the Houthi side verified their identities through the mediatorYahya Kazman head of the governments negotiation committee said the unilateral step is intended to demonstrate goodwill in advancing the resolution of the issue of detainees abductees and those forcibly disappearedHe noted that the move comes ahead of a new round of negotiations on the detainee issue scheduled to be held in the coming days under the auspices of international partnersThe Houthis have yet to commentLast week UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg said he participated in a mediation meeting in Muscat hosted by Oman suggesting that peace talks between the Yemeni warring parties would be resumed soonThe Yemeni government and the Houthi group carried out a major UNmediated prisoner exchange in 2023 involving the release of around 900 detainees An earlier largescale swap took place in 2020 during which roughly 1000 prisoners were freed by both sidesYemen has been engulfed in civil conflict since late 2014 when the Houthi group seized control of large parts of the country including the capital Sanaa prompting the internationally recognized government to relocateFrontline clashes have significantly declined since April 2022 following the announcement of a UNmediated truce though the broader political settlement remains unresolved IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/yemen-govt-hands-over-26-bodies-to-houthis-as-gesture-of-goodwill-ahead-of-talks-651715.html Sat, 06 Dec 2025 07:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/rights-body-accuses-pakistan-of-systematic-neglect-of-hindu-and-sikh-heritage-651716.html Islamabad Dec 6 A leading minority rights organisation accused Pakistan of deliberate neglect institutional apathy and decadeslong refusal to preserve the religious heritage of the Hindu and Sikh communities the Pakistani authorities claimed to protect According to the Voice of Pakistan Minority VOPM 98 per cent of Hindu and Sikh places of worship in Pakistan are either abandoned locked illegally occupied or left to rot â a situation the rights group said is not an administrative oversight but an indictment of Pakistanâs power structure itselfCiting a latest finding laid before Pakistanâs Parliamentary Committee on Minority Caucus the rights body stated that out of 1285 Hindu worship sites and 532 gurdwaras recorded on paper only 37 remain functionalâWhat makes this neglect more painful is the pattern of systemic discrimination surrounding it While temples crumble school curricula continue to carry hateful or discriminatory content Minority students receive fewer opportunities with no equivalent scholarship or quota benefits to those offered to Muslim students Government job representation remains dismally low and even senior officials frequently skip caucus meetings where minority issues are meant to be addressed The message this sends is unmistakable minorities are seen as an afterthought and their concerns are seen as optionalâ the VOPM statedThe rights body noted the tragic irony of Pakistan proudly showcasing sites such as Kartarpur to the world while hundreds of other temples and gurudwaras across the country lie in ruinsâA single wellmaintained shrine cannot erase the silence of the hundreds that have fallen into decay Sacred spaces where generations once prayed now stand shattered overtaken by weeds or illegally occupied by private interests It is a loss not just for minorities but for Pakistanâs identity its cultural continuity and its moral credibilityâ the VOPM emphasisedAsserting that a nation is ultimately judged by how it treats its smallest most vulnerable communities the rights body said Pakistan stands before the world with a stark statisticonly 37 out of 1817 Hindu and Sikh worship sites are still functional while the rest have become monuments to neglectâThese structures are not just buildings â they are the last echoes of a pluralistic past that Pakistan once promised to protect Each abandoned temple and each crumbling gurdwara is a reminder that the state has failed its own constitutional pledges of equality justice and religious freedomâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/rights-body-accuses-pakistan-of-systematic-neglect-of-hindu-and-sikh-heritage-651716.html Sat, 06 Dec 2025 07:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/netflix-to-acquire-dream-merchant-warner-bros-pending-approval-from-us-govt-regulators--651719.html New York Dec 6 Netflix has announced it is buying Warner Brothers Discovery WBD in a deal valued at about 827 billion to create a media behemoth that combines streaming and movie and entertainment production However the merger will need the approval of US government antitrust regulators because of the size and span of the two companies in the entertainment field âThis acquisition brings together two pioneering entertainment businesses combining Netflixâs innovation global reach and bestinclass streaming service with Warner Brosâ centurylong legacy of worldclass storytellingâ Netflix said late on Friday announcing the plan for the acquisitionWBD CEO David Zaslav said âBy coming together with Netflix we will ensure people everywhere will continue to enjoy the worlds most resonant stories for generations to comeâBoth media multinationals have footprints in IndiaNetflix said the deal would be completed after WBD spins off its cable properties like the news channel CNN TNT and DiscoveryNetflix beat out Comcast and Paramount which had expressed interest in WBD to seal the deal offering 2775 per shareNetflix has about 124 million subscribers in India its seventhlargest base according to World Population ReviewWBD movies have been a staple of the movie circuit in IndiaIn forays into Bollywood it has distributed films like Saas Bahu Sensex and announced in June that it was teaming with Bhanushali Studios Limited BSL and JOAT Films in a fivefilm deal to develop Indian adaptations of its moviesNetflix will have access to WBDâs storied centuryold vault that includes its movie classics like Casablanca The Maltese Falcon Bonnie and Clyde Chariots of Fire and others like The Wizard of Oz that it acquired from MGMWBD will also bring HBO Max and DC Studios to NetflixNetflix began as a DVD rental company operating through the postal service and morphed into an entertainment streaming service taking advantage of the digital infrastructureIt also began producing movies in English and several other languagesDhoom Dhaam is among movies it has distributed IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/netflix-to-acquire-dream-merchant-warner-bros-pending-approval-from-us-govt-regulators--651719.html Sat, 06 Dec 2025 09:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/situation-tense-at-pak-afghan-border-as-both-sides-exchange-heavy-gunfire-651722.html Islamabad Dec 6 The Pakistani and Afghan forces engaged in a heavy exchange of fire along the border amid mounting tensions with both sides accusing each other of igniting the clash local media reported on Saturday The latest confrontation on late Friday comes after renewed efforts by Saudi Arabia to broker a ceasefire between Kabul and Islamabad which reportedly failed to yield resultsZabihullah Mujahid spokesman for the caretaker Afghan government took to his social media platform stating that Pakistan carried out attacks in the Spin Boldak district of Kandahar province in Afghanistan on Friday triggering a response from the Afghan forcesUnfortunately this evening the Pakistani side once again launched attacks towards Afghanistan in the Spin Boldak district of Kandahar prompting the Islamic Emirate forces to respond Mujahid posted on XCiting a senior official in Quetta who spoke on the condition of anonymity Pakistans daily newspaper Dawn reported that an exchange of fire broke out around 10 pm on Friday and continued late into the nightAccording to the medical superintendent of Pakistans Chaman district hospital Muhammad Owais three people including a woman were brought in with injuriesEarlier negotiating teams from Afghanistan and Pakistan tried to address the issue in talks mediated by Turkey and Qatar but failed to reach a consensus on the ways and means for a possible longterm truceThe two nations share a volatile border which has been witnessing heavy fighting for more than a month with Islamabad allegedly resorting to multiple air raids inside AfghanistanLast week the Taliban regime strongly condemned the Pakistani air strikes in the Afghan provinces of Paktika Khost and Kunar describing them as an infringement of the countrys sovereignty and a violation of all internationally recognised normsThe Afghan government said that at least 10 civilians including nine children were killed after Pakistani forces struck a residential area in Khost while separate air strikes in Kunar and Paktika injured four civiliansFollowing the attack Afghan spokesperson Mujahid took to his social media platform stressing that a necessary response would be taken at a proper timeThe airstrikes carried out last night by Pakistani forces in Afghanistans Paktika Khost and Kunar provinces constitute a direct assault on Afghanistans sovereignty and a clear breach of internationally recognised norms and principles by the Pakistani authorities Mujahid posted on XThese hostile actions by Pakistani forces achieve nothing they only prove that operations driven by flawed intelligence inflame tensions and expose the ongoing failures of Pakistans military regime he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/situation-tense-at-pak-afghan-border-as-both-sides-exchange-heavy-gunfire-651722.html Sat, 06 Dec 2025 11:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-south-korea-explore-space-cooperation-discuss-strengthening-ties-651725.html Seoul Dec 6 Indian Ambassador to South Korea Gourangalal Das and Korea Aerospace Administration KASA Administrator Yoon Youngbin on Saturday explored areas of space cooperation and ways to build businesstobusiness B2B engagements in both countries The Indian envoy and KASA administrator met at the Indian Embassy in Seoul and held talks on enhancing space cooperation between India and South Korea According to the Embassy the discussions stemmed from the recently concluded Memorandum of Understanding MoU between KASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation ISROThe two sides explored specific areas of space cooperation and ways to build businesstobusiness B2B engagements between the emerging private space sector in both countries The Ambassador also congratulated KASA on the successful fourth NURI rocket launchThe MoU between KASA and ISRO was signed to jointly pursue space projects utilise science and technology infrastructure and operate ground stationsAccording to KASA this agreement is expected to further strengthen strategic partnerships particularly with the Global SouthOn November 22 Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South Korean President Lee Jaemyung met on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in South Africa reaffirming their commitment to deepen the strategic partnership between the two countriesBoth leaders had last met in June this year on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Canadas KananaskisFollowing their first meeting PM Modi had said that India and South Korea seek to work together in sectors like commerce investment technology green hydrogen space shipbuilding and moreThe Ministry of External Affairs MEA had stated on June 18 that PM Modi and President Lee reaffirmed their commitment to deepening IndiaSouth Korea Special Strategic Partnership by exploring new avenues for cooperation through partnerships in areas of trade and economy critical and emerging technologies including culture and P2P peopletopeople contacts among othersNoting that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the two countries special strategic partnership President Lee had expressed hope for elevating bilateral relations to a new level across the board IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-south-korea-explore-space-cooperation-discuss-strengthening-ties-651725.html Sat, 06 Dec 2025 11:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/new-york-woman-charged-with-smuggling-people-across-canadaus-border-651744.html Washington Dec 6 A 42yearold woman from upstate New York has been indicted for her alleged role in an international human smuggling network that federal prosecutors say moved foreign nationals primarily Indian citizens across the USCanada border in multiple illicit crossings this year Stacey Taylor of Plattsburgh appeared for arraignment on Monday after a federal grand jury in Albany returned an indictment on October 2 charging her with one count of conspiracy to engage in alien smuggling and four counts of alien smuggling for profitThree of those counts are classified as second or subsequent offences If convicted she faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison for each smugglingforprofit count with additional penalties for repeat violationsAccording to court records Taylor first came under scrutiny on January 20 when US Border Patrol agents interdicted her vehicle near Churubusco New York in the early morning hours Agents located four foreign nationals inside her vehicle authorities said after determining that the four men three Indian nationals and one Canadian national had just crossed the USCanadian border illegally without inspection in the coldA review of Taylors cellphone revealed text messages that investigators say tied her to multiple other smuggling ventures in the days prior Federal authorities further allege that after her January arrest she was subsequently stopped in a suspected alien smuggling venture in August 2025 and was implicated in alien smuggling as recently as September 2025The charges were announced by Matthew R Galeotti Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Departments Criminal Division and US Attorney John A Sarcone III for the Northern District of New YorkIllegal crossings along the northern border have drawn increased attention in recent years particularly involving migrant flows from India that have shifted routes amid tighter enforcement along the southwest frontUS officials say smuggling networks have adapted quickly often exploiting remote and frigid terrain in New York and Vermont to ferry migrants into the United StatesThe USCanada border the worlds longest international boundary has witnessed a steady rise in unlawful entries since 2022 prompting expanded patrols and crossborder cooperation India continues to feature among the top source countries for migrants apprehended along this stretch IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/new-york-woman-charged-with-smuggling-people-across-canadaus-border-651744.html Sat, 06 Dec 2025 13:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trade-route-with-pakistan-to-reopen-only-after-strong-assurances-from-islamabad-taliban-651520.html Kabul Dec 4 The Taliban regime in Afghanistan on Thursday made it clear once again that the trade routes with Pakistan will reopen only after strong assurances are received from the government in Islamabad In a statement shared on X Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid accused Pakistan of illegally blocking trade and transit routes with Afghanistan as a means of political and economic pressure which led to people from both nations facing lossesThe Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan once again reiterates its position regarding the opening of trade routes with Pakistan As the trade and transit routes between Afghanistan and Pakistan had been illegally blocked by Pakistan as a means of political and economic pressure which brought serious losses to the people of both sides Mujahid posted on XSince Afghanistan meets its needs from numerous other countries the Islamic Emirate has decided that in order to expand trade and transit and also for the welfare and honorable trade between the two sides trade routes with Pakistan will reopen when strong assurances are obtained from the Pakistani government so that in the future these routes are not closed due to political pressure illegal use or pressure on the people and the rights of traders and people of both countries are protected he addedThe Taliban spokespersons statement came after Pakistan announced that it has reopened the Torkham and Chaman border crossings with Afghanistan for United Nations humanitarian aid as per local media reportsEarlier in October Pakistan shut all trade routes with Afghanistan after Pakistani forces conducted attacks near the Durand Line In response to Pakistans attacks Afghan forces also carried out attacks After the closure of trade route Afghanistans Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund Deputy Prime urged industrialists and traders to use alternative trade routes instead of Pakistan Pajhwok Afghan News reportedOn Wednesday Afghanistans Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi accused Pakistan of trying to impose mysterious projects on Kabul and using economic pressure border shutdown and political leverage to destabilise the Taliban administration local media reportedWhile addressing a gathering in Kabul on Wednesday Muttaqi said that Pakistan hoped that people in Afghanistan would be angry and pressure the Taliban administration after the former shut trade routes However he said that Pakistans border shutdown did not cause shortage or unrest in Afghanistan and said that other regional partners supplied essential goods to Kabul Afghanistans leading news agency Khaama Press reportedHe said that Pakistan has been engaged in longstanding disputes with almost all of its neighbours and is pressurising Afghanistan with what he termed as unrealistic and unacceptable security demandsHe stressed that the Taliban has already taken measures to address concerns of the Pakistani administration including shifting Waziristani tribal families away from the frontier and deploying additional border forces in the past four yearsHe said Pakistan expects the Taliban to deliver everything while Islamabad itself is unable to resolve its own internal security problems He also slammed Pakistans political system stressing that decisionmaking is divided between civilian leaders and the military making negotiations inconsistent and difficult IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trade-route-with-pakistan-to-reopen-only-after-strong-assurances-from-islamabad-taliban-651520.html Fri, 05 Dec 2025 03:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-rights-activist-mahrang-baloch-remains-detained-despite-acquittal-by-court-651530.html Quetta Dec 4 Human rights body Baloch Yakjehti Committee BYC on Thursday severely condemned the continued ninemonth detention of its chief organiser Mahrang Baloch and the other leaders despite Pakistans continued inability to present substantive legal proof against them The rights body stated that Pakistanâs AntiTerrorism Court ATC in Karachi acquitted the BYC chief in one case which it said is judicially recognised as fabricated baseless and unsupported by any admissible evidenceâHowever the ruling brought no relief as Mahrang Baloch along with other BYC leaders and activists remains in prolonged detention on multiple âfabricatedâ cases turning the acquittal into a hollow gesture and sparking severe human rights concernsAccording to the BYC the accusations of sedition and incitement of public disorder filed in October against Mahrang Baloch were deemed devoid of factual foundation and legally unsustainableâThe case registered on October 11 2024 at the Quaidabad Police Station in Karachiâs Malir District was found to fall short of even the minimal evidentiary threshold required to justify prosecution The court observed that the investigative record contained no credible material linking Baloch to any offence and no evidence capable of supporting a lawful conviction under the AntiTerrorism Act or the Pakistan Penal Code read a statement issued by the rights bodyThe BYC stated that on its written order the court held that there is no likelihood of the accused being involved in any offence or of her being convicted confirming that the charges were without probative value lacked investigative integrity and represented a clear misapplication of criminal lawHighlighting the other cases against the BYC chief and its leaders that have resulted in their prolonged detention the rights body further said âImportantly the remaining cases filed against Mahrang Baloch and her colleagues are likewise widely viewed as fabricated following the same pattern of unsupported allegations and politically motivated assertionsâThe BYC emphasised that the pattern reflected a broader and deeply concerning trend in which Pakistani authorities employ legal and counterterrorism frameworks as instruments of coercion against human rights defenders rather than as tools for justice and public safetyâThe reliance on bogus charges in the absence of evidence constitutes a misuse of prosecutorial discretion undermines constitutional guarantees of due process and threatens the foundational principles of the rule of law the BYC stressedThe rights body urged international human rights bodies legal observer missions and United Nations special procedures to monitor the situation Continued scrutiny and engagement it said are essential to ensure that Mahrang Baloch her colleagues and other detained BYC activists are afforded their âfull legal rights protected from politically motivated prosecutions and granted immediate relief from unjust detentionâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-rights-activist-mahrang-baloch-remains-detained-despite-acquittal-by-court-651530.html Fri, 05 Dec 2025 03:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/provisional-results-show-cameroons-ruling-party-leads-in-regional-elections-651537.html Yaounde Dec 4 The ruling Cameroon Peoples Democratic Movement CPDM has won the regional elections held last Sunday according to provisional results from regional supervisory commissions The preliminary figures released Wednesday indicate that the CPDM captured the majority of the regional council seats contested in 58 divisional headquarters of the country Xinhua News Agency reportedThis is a wonderful victory and clearly shows that Cameroonians believe in the CPDM said Nick Ngwanyam a senior member of the CPDMAccording to Cameroons Electoral Code political parties have the right to file petitions on partial or total cancellation of the election operations in competent courts of law after which final results will be proclaimedCameroon which held its maiden regional election in 2020 has made the election a cornerstone of the decentralisation process The regional councils in the countrys 10 regions serve as the assemblies for regional affairsVoting for Cameroons regional elections was held on November 30 Officials of the national electoral body Elections Cameroon told Xinhua that voting which took place in 58 divisional headquarters of the country began without any problemsEarlier on November 3 Cameroons Minister of Communication Rene Emmanuel Sadi condemned violent postelection protests and acts of civil disobedience vowing that effective measures will be taken to restore orderSadi also the government spokesperson said violent protests following the countrys October 12 presidential election had led to the destruction and looting of propertyThose responsible for the disturbances caught in the act of committing their crimes have been arrested Sadi said in a statementThe statement was released as a civil disobedience campaign launched by the opposition left much of the Central African nations streets largely deserted at the start of the working week on November 3Opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary who claimed to have won the election had called for a threeday nationwide ghost town protest from November 35 encouraging people to stay at home and suspend all activities as a form of peaceful resistanceEarlier in October Paul Biya was reelected President of Cameroon for an eighth term securing 5366 per cent of the votes the countrys Constitutional Council announcedThe candidate of the Cameroon National Salvation Front Bakary finished second with 3519 per cent of the votes More than 46 million Cameroonians cast their ballots out of over eight million registered voters bringing the turnout rate to 5776 per cent compared with 5385 per cent in 2018 and 6582 per cent in 2011While proclaiming the final results Constitutional Council President Clement Atangana said the election was free and fairBiya 92 who has been in power since 1982 leads the Cameroon Peoples Democratic Movement IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/provisional-results-show-cameroons-ruling-party-leads-in-regional-elections-651537.html Fri, 05 Dec 2025 04:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/rights-groups-slam-pakistan-for-enforced-disappearance-of-university-lecturer-in-balochistan-651544.html Quetta Dec 4 Several leading human rights organisations and activists on Thursday condemned the enforced disappearance of a lecturer Balach Khan Bali by Pakistani forces in Balochistan This latest act comes against the backdrop of a continuing cycle of persecution marked by a surge in enforced disappearances extrajudicial killings and torture across the provinceCiting local sources Paank the Baloch National Movements Human Rights Department mentioned that 36yearold Balach Khan Bali was abducted by personnel of the Pakistan Army on December 3 from Salala Bazar in Turbat city Kech district while he was travelling home from the main marketâBalach who serves as a Computer Science lecturer at the University of Turbat is widely known for his professionalism dedication to his students and his commitment to higher education in the region His disappearance has caused deep distress to his family colleagues and the academic communityâ Paank statedCondemning the incident Baloch Voice for Justice BVJ described it as part of a continuing pattern of enforced disappearances in BalochistanThe rights body urged human rights organisations to review the case of Balach called for transparency and pushed for his immediate release It also stressed the need for credible investigations into the actions of Pakistani security agencies in BalochistanMeanwhile Shalee Baloch central organiser of Baloch Women Forum BWF on Thursday took to her social media platform stating that Balachâs enforced disappearance indicates that Pakistani institutions are not willing to establish an educated Baloch societyâWe have already observed a surge in enforced disappearances of the educated class Students were already under the threat of going illegally detained by the security forces and now the trend is gradually involving teachers lecturers and professors as wellâ Shalee Baloch posted on XâThis is the only state where teachers and students are considered a threat What they have been focusing on is developing a welfare society and bringing fruitful societal outcomes which should be any stateâs primary goal But situations are diverse hereâ she addedShalee called Balachâs illegal arrest a direct attack on the societal development of the Baloch people Calling for his safe and immediate release she said âWe cannot afford our educated class being caged without a legal justification IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/rights-groups-slam-pakistan-for-enforced-disappearance-of-university-lecturer-in-balochistan-651544.html Fri, 05 Dec 2025 04:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/how-pakistani-military-is-rewriting-nations-democracy-651547.html New Delhi Dec 4 Pakistan is living through a quiet constitutional gerrymandering whose ramifications are not loud street protests Rather there is a slow and a methodical shift being orchestrated by an increasingly assertive military establishment which is duly enabled by pliant political parties eager to comply The objective of this change is simply to transform Pakistan into a militarydominated hybrid authoritarian system with a facade of civilian executiveThe chief architect of this new order is Field Marshal Asim Munir inarguably Pakistans most powerful army chiefs ever Under his tenure the military has moved beyond the decades the historical pattern of backstage control and intermittent coups Instead the goal now appears to be structural dominance embedded into law bureaucracy and constitutional text to make military supremacy not an aberration but the core of the stateThis transformation did not happen overnight though It began with seemingly smaller amendments to Pakistanâs military laws ArmyAir ForceNavy in 2023 which were endorsed by the political parties without protest both inside and out of National Assembly These changes expanded the reach of military courts allowing civilians to be tried under military jurisdiction This followed the violent antigovernment protests of May 9 2023 when protestors targeted dozens of military installations across Pakistani provinces including Lahore and Peshawar Besides hundreds of protestors the most highprofile target of this expanded legal control has been former Prime Minister Imran Khan who remains imprisoned alongside his wife Bushra Bibi facing dozens of cases that critics argue serve political rather than judicial endsFrom there the militarys influence has migrated deeper into the civilian space Munirs consolidation included the timetested policy of parachuting military officers into key civilian institutions such as NADRA WAPDA SUPARCO among others The appointment of Lt Gen Asim Malik the DirectorGeneral of Pakistans powerful intelligence service ISI and as National Security Adviser marked an unmistakable shift This significant civilian post which traditionally functioned as the bridge between civilian governance and military command was no longer a boundary at allBut the most significant restructuring has come through constitutional amendments The 26th Amendment passed in late 2024 expanded the tenure of military service chiefs from three to five years with potential extensions matching those expanded terms This effectively allows a single military chief to shape Pakistanâs governance for more than a decade as is the case with Asim Munir who seems poised to be in office till 2032 at leastIn parallel the amendment broadened the governmentâs role in judicial affairs tightening political oversight over judicial appointments and administration Judiciary was the last bastion where military establishment could not otherwise influence directlyThe 27th Amendment goes even further It formalised Munirs new role as Chief of Defence Forces CDF a new title that elevates the Army Chief as the overarching commander of Pakistanâs military forces It also granted him an enhanced role in the management of the countryâs nuclear assets otherwise overseen by the prime minister led strategic command While Pakistan has long been a nucleararmed state under tight military control the legal codification of this role marks a decisive break from earlier ambiguity As such the civilian oversight which was anyway already weak is now further downgradedIt is true that power consolidation by military leaders is not new in Pakistan From Ayub Khan to Zia ulHaq and Pervez Musharraf all have reshaped the political system in their favor but only after military coups However what distinguishes the current phenomenon is how seamlessly key civilian institutions particularly political parties have not only accepted this shift but overtly and covertly facilitating this power grabMoreover the 27th Amendment practically split Pakistanâs highest judicial institution of Supreme Court into two by creating a new Federal Constitutional Court FCC while significantly reducing the Supreme Courtâs discretionary powers such as suo moto The amendment timing and intent are unmistakable as this restructuring limits the SCâs ability to overview the militarydriven changes now being encoded into law As such the judiciary which was once seen as an unpredictable check on military authority is now practically subdued This has made Pakistanâs courts being increasingly viewed not as arbiters of the constitution but as instruments to legitimize the very forces reshaping itIn this military power grab the role of Pakistanâs major political parties has been one of facilitation Far from resisting creeping military dominance in civilian affairs of the state they appear to be competing for its approval demonstrating how civilian leadership remained conditional on military favorTake the role of Sharif familyâs Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz PMLN The party ostensibly became the biggest beneficiary of the militarybacked removal of Imran Khanâs government in 2022 Shehbaz Sharif became prime minister to the reminder of the National Assemblyâs tenure Interestingly it during this period that the PMLN government appointed Asim Munir as Army Chief bypassing several of his senior officersBut its reward came soon when the party received the dividends of militarys electoral engineering during the controversial 2024 general elections positioning Shehbaz Sharif to form the government once again Likewise the Pakistan Peopleâs Party PPP once the standardbearer of civilian resistance to military authoritarianism is willingly playing an equal accomplice to PMLN in facilitating the militaryâs entrenchmentWhat has consequently emerged is a political landscape where parties no longer seek to govern through popular mandate institutional accountability or democratic legitimacy if at all there is any but through proximity to the military While the facade of democracy is still visible but the centre of gravity has shifted decisively towards military What this translates into is a form of managed system where rituals may remain but the outcomes are predetermined And the consequences of this system will be farreachingIt is true that Pakistan has long struggled with the balance between civilian authority and military dominance But what distinguishes the current phenomenon is how its political class is willingly facilitating the establishmentâs creeping dominance and how the military is shedding the facade of its backstage controlAs such democracy in Pakistan howsoever fragile it was is not fading with a dramatic collapse but is being dismantled through amendments appointments legal reforms and political bargains all in piece by piece IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/how-pakistani-military-is-rewriting-nations-democracy-651547.html Fri, 05 Dec 2025 04:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-issues-federal-notification-for-528-million-sale-of-anti-submarine-sonobuoys-to-india-651562.html Washington Dec 5 The Pentagon issued a federal notification of a proposed foreign military sale worth 528 million to India for a new tranche of antisubmarine sonobuoys a move it said will deepen operational cooperation and reinforce the strategic partnership between the two countries The Defence Security Cooperation Agency DSCA said in its federal notification that India has requested to purchase USmade sonobuoys â devices released from aircraft to detect underwater activity â along with manuals support services and technical assistance The package valued at 528 million and funded entirely by India also includes help from the US government and contractor teams to operate and sustain the equipmentAccording to the notification the proposed transfer âwill support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the US by helping to strengthen the USIndia strategic relationship and improving the security of a major defence partner which continues to be an important force for political stability peace and economic progress in the IndoPacific and South Asia regionsâThe Pentagon said the sonobuoys will expand Indiaâs ability to track underwater threats and conduct antisubmarine missions âThe proposed sale will improve Indias capability to meet current and future threats by enhancing its capacity to conduct antisubmarine warfare operations from its MH60R helicopters India will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forcesâ the notification statedThe US also assessed that the transfer poses no risk to regional stability âThe proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the regionâThe principal contractors will be Sparton Corporation based in De Leon Springs Florida and Undersea Sensor Systems Inc USSI of Columbia City Indiana or âa combination of bothâ According to the notice the deal includes no offset arrangements and it will not require any additional US government or contractor personnel to be stationed in India âThere will be no adverse impact on US defence readiness as a result of this proposed saleâ the Pentagon addedAn annexe detailing technology sensitivity described sonobuoys as âairlaunched expendable electromechanical sensors designed to relay underwater sounds to remote processors Sonobuoys are an effective and affordable antisubmarine warfare ASW capability for the airborne ASW warfighterâThe notification concluded that New Delhi meets American standards for safeguarding sensitive equipment âA determination has been made that India can provide substantially the same degree of protection for the sensitive technology being released as the US Government This sale is necessary in furtherance of the US foreign policy and national security objectives outlined in the Policy JustificationâIndia and the United States have significantly expanded defence cooperation over the past two decades with a focus on maritime security and undersea surveillance as Chinaâs naval footprint grows across the IndoPacific Indiaâs fleet of MH60R helicopters for which these sonobuoys are intended forms a key part of its modernisation plansWashingtonâs designation of India as a âMajor Defence Partnerâ has enabled faster technology release and more advanced joint projects The latest sonobuoy package fits into that broader framework reinforcing shared interests in safeguarding critical sea lanes and maintaining regional stability IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-issues-federal-notification-for-528-million-sale-of-anti-submarine-sonobuoys-to-india-651562.html Fri, 05 Dec 2025 07:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-house-panel-to-review-india-us-strategic-partnership-on-dec-10-651563.html Washington Dec 5 A key US congressional panel will convene a public hearing next week to assess the trajectory of the IndiaâUS strategic partnership with particular attention to the evolving defence economic and diplomatic contours of the relationship The hearing titled âThe USâIndia Strategic Partnership Securing a Free and Open IndoPacificâ has been scheduled for December 10 according to an official hearing notice from the House Foreign Affairs Committeeâs Subcommittee on South and Central AsiaChaired by Congressman Bill Huizenga of Michigan the subcommittee will hear testimony from leading analysts who track Indiaâs expanding role in the IndoPacificThe announced witnesses include Jeff Smith Director of the Asian Studies Centre at the Heritage Foundation Dhruva Jaishankar Executive Director of ORF America and Sameer Lalwani Senior Fellow with the IndoPacific Program at the German Marshall Fund of the United StatesThe hearing is expected to examine Indiaâs defence modernisation deepening military interoperability with the United States technology cooperation regional diplomacy and shared efforts to ensure a rulesbased IndoPacificIt comes as Washington and New Delhi expand joint initiatives in critical technologies maritime domain awareness and supplychain diversificationThe IndiaâUS partnership has drawn sustained bipartisan interest in Congress with lawmakers viewing New Delhi as a central pillar of US strategy in the IndoPacificHearings of this nature provide lawmakers an opportunity to scrutinise policy assess challenges and reinforce longterm commitments to one of Americaâs most consequential bilateral relationshipsAnnouncement of Congressional hearing comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi for a twoday summit meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi The three witnesses Jeff Smith Dhruva Jaishankar and Sameer Lalwani are wellknown Indian experts based in the American CapitalIn recent years both countries have also intensified cooperation under the USIndia Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology iCET which has created new avenues for collaboration in artificial intelligence quantum technologies semiconductors and defence innovationThe IndoPacific focus has further elevated Indiaâs importance in Washington across diplomatic security and supplychain frameworks IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-house-panel-to-review-india-us-strategic-partnership-on-dec-10-651563.html Fri, 05 Dec 2025 07:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/un-supports-south-southeast-asian-nations-responding-to-flooding-landslides-spokesperson-651607.html United Nations Dec 5 The United Nations continues to support the governments of some South and Southeast Asian nations in responding to the catastrophic flooding and landslides that have reportedly killed over 1500 people and impacted nearly 11 million people a UN spokesperson said In Sri Lanka the United Nations and its partners continue to support the governmentled response and assessments Stephane Dujarric spokesperson for the UN secretarygeneral told a daily briefing on ThursdayHe said that in close coordination with the authorities the United Nations and its humanitarian partners have delivered emergency aid including food hygiene supplies kitchen sets and water tanks and early recovery efforts are underway including deeper damage assessmentsFor Vietnam UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher allocated 26 million from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund on Wednesday to bolster assistance in the most affected provinces to support shelter water sanitation and hygiene as well as food security interventions to complement the governmentled efforts said the spokespersonDujarric noted that in Indonesia the governmentled response to the devastating floods in Aceh continues despite major logistical and access challenges and the United Nations is working closely with the government there on logistics health water and sanitation and is facilitating coordination with local partnersThe United Nations will continue to closely monitor the situation in the region and remain in close contact with national authorities he saidParts of South and Southeast Asia have witnessed the most devastating flooding in years as a result of relentless downpours compounded by a tropical cyclone with Sri Lanka Indonesia Thailand Vietnam and Malaysia among the hardest hit facing recordbreaking rainfall storm surges and widespread inundation Xinhua news agency reportedExperts say the disasters were driven by an unusual convergence of powerful weather systems including Cyclones Ditwah and Senyar alongside a strengthened northeast monsoonAcross the region nearly 11 million people have been affected including about 12 million forced from their homes into shelters while roads utilities and farmlands have been washed away IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/un-supports-south-southeast-asian-nations-responding-to-flooding-landslides-spokesperson-651607.html Fri, 05 Dec 2025 11:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-envoy-meets-canadian-minister-discusses-security-law-enforcement-collaboration-651616.html Ottawa Dec 5 Indian High Commissioner to Canada Dinesh K Patnaik held discussions with Canadian Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree on strengthening security and law enforcement cooperation between the two countries Amid improving ties the meeting marked another stride in deepening bilateral cooperation between India and CanadaâHonoured to meet Minister Gary Anandasangaree Discussed our shared priorities in enhancing security and law enforcement cooperation between India and Canada We also explored new avenues for collaboration and ways to further strengthen our existing engagement mechanismsâ the Indian High Commission in Ottawa quoted Patnaik as sayingEarlier on Wednesday Patnaik visited the Legislative Assembly of the Canadian Province of British Columbia in a step to boost the bilateral partnershipAccording to the Indian High Commission in Ottawa he met several leaders of British Columbia during the visit including Raj Chouhan the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Ravi Parmar Minister of Forests and Sunita Dhir Parliamentary SecretaryPatnaik also held discussions with Ravi Kahlon Minister of Jobs Economic Development and Innovation and Jagrup Brar Minister of State for Mining and Critical Minerals of British ColumbiaThe talks centred on enhancing twoway investments in mining critical minerals and the energy sector as well as advancing cooperation in quantum technologies life sciences and gold exports between India and CanadaIn a statement on Wednesday the Indian High Commission in Ottawa said that Patnaik along with his wife Poonam Patnaik visited Treaty 7 land in Canada marking the firstever visit of an Indian High Commissioner to the regionThis historic visit on November 24 opened a new chapter in relationshipbuilding between Indigenous Nations in Canada and IndiaAccording to the Indian High Commission the meeting explored shared histories culture and heritage as well as opportunities for future collaboration between Indigenous peoples of Canada and communities across IndiaâThe High Commissioner conveyed the deep respect and affection that people in India have for Indigenous Nations He recalled that the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi was deeply moved by the hospitality and cultural richness of Treaty 7 peoples during his meeting with Indigenous Chiefs in Kananaskis in June 2025â the Indian High Commission stated IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-envoy-meets-canadian-minister-discusses-security-law-enforcement-collaboration-651616.html Fri, 05 Dec 2025 11:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/welfare-of-world-only-through-path-of-peace-says-pm-modi-in-meeting-with-putin-651650.html New Delhi Dec 5 Reiterating Indias position on Ukraine conflict Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that New Delhis stance is not neutral and it supports every effort towards peace He stated that the welfare of the world is only through the path of peace During his meeting with the Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi PM Modi said We have been engaged in constant communication after the Ukraine crisis You made us aware of everything from time to time as a true friend I believe that trust is a great powerThe welfare of the world is only through the path of peace Together we must look for the pathways to peace With the efforts that have been ongoing for the past few days I am confident that once again the world will return to peaceIn recent days whenever I have spoken with leaders of the global community and discussed this issue in detail I have always said that India is not neutral India has a clear position and that position is for peace We support every effort toward peace and stand shouldertoshoulder with every effort for peace he addedPM Modi expressed hope that the world will be free from the ongoing tensions and global community will move forward on a path of progress in the right directionThe world has faced numerous crises from Covid19 to the present We hope that very soon the world will be free from these tensions and that the global community will move forward on a path of progress in the right direction I am confident that today we will discuss many issues The economic ties between India and Russia should be further strengthened and together we reach new heights With such a highly optimistic approach we will advance our meeting This is my strong belief he saidPM Modi called President Putins visit to India historic He further said It has been 25 years since you took office in 2001 and first visited India In that first visit itself a strong foundation for a strategic partnership was laid I am overjoyed personally too that my relations with you on a personal level have also completed 25 yearsEarlier PM Modi welcomed Russian President Putin at the Hyderabad House in the national capital on Friday where the two leaders are deliberating on strengthening bilateral ties and bolstering cooperation across many segments including economy defence and tradeBefore arriving for the Hyderabad House President Putin paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at the Rajghat by laying a wreath He was flanked by Union Minister of State MoS for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh to the RajghatThe Russian President was also accorded ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan and given a guard of honourRussian Presidents India itinerary remains packed for the day He is scheduled to attend a business event later in the day and will be hosted by the President Droupadi Murmu for a banquet in the evening before flying back home later tonight IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/welfare-of-world-only-through-path-of-peace-says-pm-modi-in-meeting-with-putin-651650.html Fri, 05 Dec 2025 14:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-russia-friendship-steady-like-pole-star-amid-global-uncertainty-pm-modi-651686.html New Delhi Dec 5 IANS Hailing IndiaRussia ties Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the friendship between the two countries has remained like a pole star amidst the ups and downs faced by the world in the past 80 yearsnbspWhile making a joint press statement with Russian President Vladimir Putin following their talks at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Friday PM Modi said that the ties between two nations have stood the test of time and thanked Putin for his friendship and unwavering commitment to India while recalling the efforts made by the Russian leadership to elevate bilateral tiesToday I am delighted to welcome President Putin to the 23rd IndiaRussia Summit today His visit comes at a time when our bilateral relations are experiencing several historic milestones 25 years back President Putin laid the foundation for our strategic partnership 15 years ago in 2010 our partnership was granted the status of a Special Privileged Strategic Partnership For the past two and a half decades he President Putin has nurtured this relationship with his leadership and visionHis President Putin leadership under all circumstances has elevated our ties to new heights I express my heartfelt gratitude to President Putin my friend for this deep friendship and unwavering commitment to India The world has seen many ups and downs over the past eight decades Humanity has faced many challenges and crises and amidst all this the IndiaRussia friendship has remained like a pole star This relationship founded on mutual respect and deep trust has always stood the test of time he addedRecalling recent heinous terror attacks in both countries PM Modi said that India and Russia have stood together in the fight against terrorismToday we also discussed regional and global issues India and Russia have long cooperated shoulder to shoulder in the fight against terrorism Whether its the terrorist attack in Pahalgam or the cowardly attack on Crocus City Hall the root of all these incidents is the same India firmly believes that terrorism is a direct attack on the values of humanity and global unity against it terrorism is our greatest strengthPM Modi announced that India and Russia will cooperate to train Indian seafarers in polar waters We will now cooperate to train Indian seafarers in polar waters This will not only strengthen our cooperation in the Arctic but will also create new employment opportunities for Indias youthReiterating Indias stance on Ukraine conflict he said India has advocated for peace in Ukraine from the very beginning We welcome all efforts to find a peaceful and lasting solution to this issue India has always been ready to contribute and will continue to do soPM Modi also termed energy security as a strong and important pillar of IndiaRussia partnership He stated that cooperation between India and Russia in civil nuclear energy has been crucial in realising shared clean energy prioritiesEnergy security has been a strong and important pillar of the IndiaRussia partnership Our decadesold cooperation in civil nuclear energy has been crucial in realising our shared clean energy priorities We will continue this winwin cooperation Our cooperation in critical minerals is crucial to ensuring secure and diversified supply chains across the world stated PM ModiEarlier taking the IndiaRussia Special and Privileged Partnership ahead PM Modi warmly welcomed President Putin at the Hyderabad House to participate in the 23rd IndiaRussia Annual SummitWith both countries sharing a longstanding and timetested bond the two leaders are holding comprehensive and detailed discussions aimed at further strengthening the bilateral relations https://dailyworld.in/international/india-russia-friendship-steady-like-pole-star-amid-global-uncertainty-pm-modi-651686.html Fri, 05 Dec 2025 15:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/russian-president-putin-to-being-two-day-india-visit-today-defence-trade-and-energy-talks-on-agenda-651435.html New Delhi Dec 4 Russian President Vladimir Putin will begin his twoday visit to India on Thursday Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to host him for a private dinner shortly after he arrives in New Delhi The 23rd IndiaRussia Annual Summit scheduled for Friday comes at a time when the US has imposed punitive sanctions on New Delhi and will focus on strengthening defence cooperation along with discussions on trade and energy partnershipsAhead of the visit Moscow has also cleared a key defence agreement with India signalling renewed momentum in bilateral military cooperationPutin is expected to land in New Delhi on Thursday evening after which PM Modi will host him for a private dinner mirroring the gesture the Russian President made when he hosted PM Modi during the latters visit to Moscow last yearThis marks Putins first trip to India since the invasion of Ukraine On Friday he will be accorded a ceremonial welcome before formal talks beginKremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov had earlier indicated that the two sides might discuss the potential supply of Russias Su57 fighter jets to IndiaThe visit is expected to yield multiple agreements including one to facilitate the movement of Indian workers to Russia The two governments may also deliberate on Indias proposed free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union which New Delhi has been pursuing to enhance strategic and economic cooperationFollowing the summit with PM Modi President Putin will attend a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu He is also scheduled to launch the new India channel of Russias staterun broadcaster RT signalling an expansion of media outreach and softpower engagementIn a statement issued on November 28 the Ministry of External Affairs MEA said The forthcoming State Visit will provide an opportunity for the leadership of India and Russia to review progress in bilateral relations set the vision for strengthening the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/russian-president-putin-to-being-two-day-india-visit-today-defence-trade-and-energy-talks-on-agenda-651435.html Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/un-advocate-calls-for-mindset-change-concerning-people-with-disabilities-651436.html United Nations Dec 4 A UN global advocate called for a mindset change in order to empower people with disabilities At a press conference at UN Headquarters in New York on Wednesday local time Giles Duley on the final day of his role as the UN global advocate for persons with disabilities in conflict and peacebuilding situations regretted that he could not help get the voices of the disabled heardOn the International Day of Persons with Disabilities he noted that there is a system failure due to the mindset toward the disabled who are often seen as a burden reports Xinhua news agencyIt was a threeyear placement as a global advocate But I have to sit here and say that I feel like Ive failed and I feel like the system failed said Duley who lost three limbs in Afghanistan stressing that people should stop romanticising disability stories as a source of inspirationToo often as somebody with disability when Im asked to give a talk or a lecture both at the UN and with other organisations the word thats used is inspiration Im asked to present an inspiring talk he saidBut my job is not to inspire others Im not here as an advocate to be an inspiration for people My job is to share stories because the reality on the ground for people with disabilities has not changed People who are vulnerable marginalised in communities are the ones who are left behind in crises said DuleyHe said romanticised stories about disability do not reflect the reality on the ground noting that its great to hear about Paralympic athletes or somebody whos managed to walk to the Everest missing two limbs but that is not the reality for most people because people who are able to do those things have had their barriers taken downThe right attitude is to stop looking at people as victims and stop looking at people as inspiration said DuleyWe simply have to look at people with disabilities as people whose society has put barriers up to stop them from achieving their goals And we have to break those barriers down and allow them to empower themselves he saidIn a message for the International Day UN SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres called for social inclusion of the disabledPeople with disabilities are transforming societies leading innovation influencing policy and mobilising for justice Yet too often they are denied a seat at the decisionmaking table he said There can be no sustainable development without the inclusion of people with disabilitiesYet systemic barriers persist he said listing discrimination poverty and inaccessible services which continue to limit the participation of the over 1 billion people with disabilities worldwide said GuterresOn this International Day of Persons with Disabilities let us commit to working sidebyside with persons with disabilities in all their diversity as equal partners the UN chief said When inclusion is real everyone benefits Together we can build more accessible resilient societies where all of us thrive IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/un-advocate-calls-for-mindset-change-concerning-people-with-disabilities-651436.html Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/russia-ready-to-continue-uninterrupted-fuel-shipments-to-india-putin-651697.html New Delhi Dec 5 IANS Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday assured India of uninterrupted fuel supplies as part of a broader push to strengthen bilateral ties between the two nationsnbspAddressing a joint press meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi here President Putin said We are ready to continue uninterrupted shipments of fuel for the growing Indian economynbspThe announcement came as both countries signed multiple agreements covering sectors from fertilisers and food safety to shipping and maritime logistics as Prime Minister Modi highlighted economic cooperation between the two nations saying India and Russia have agreed on an economic cooperation program to expand trade till 2030Russia expects to boost its oil exports to India again and views the current decline that has taken place due to Western sanctions as a very temporary phase Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov had said earlier this week There can be for a very brief period of time insignificant decreases in the volume of oil trade Peskov told Indian journalists via a video linknbspIndia had become the top buyer of Russias seaborne oil in the wake of the Ukraine war but has recently cut crude imports due to US sanctions on leading Russian producers Rosneft and LukoilFollowing this Europe has also announced sanctions against the purchase of petroleum products distilled from Russian crudenbspIn 202324 the bilateral trade between IndiaRussia was valued at 6570 billion comprising 426 billion in Indian exports and 6144 billion in imports The countries aim to take the bilateral trade to 100 billion by 2030nbspAccording to Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal India and Russia must work together to bring greater diversity and balance to their trade basket as he highlighted the huge opportunity in the bilateral economic partnershipIn his address at the IndiaRussia Business Forum here Goyal said Bilateral trade between the two countries is reaching 70 billion but we cannot rest we need to grow we need to balance thatnbspSome of Indias top imports from Russia in FY25 include crude oil at nearly 57 billion animal and vegetable fats and oils at 24 billion fertilisers at 18 billion and pearls precious and semiprecious stones at 43393 millionIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/russia-ready-to-continue-uninterrupted-fuel-shipments-to-india-putin-651697.html Fri, 05 Dec 2025 16:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/vietnams-ho-chi-minh-city-records-surge-in-hand-foot-mouth-disease-cases-651451.html Hanoi Dec 4 Vietnams southern hub Ho Chi Minh City has reported a surge in handfootmouth disease with 32637 cases recorded since early this year up 64 per cent yearonyear local daily Tuoi Tre reported Thursday From November 17 to 23 the city logged 1547 cases an increase of 15 per cent compared to the average of the previous four weeks according to the municipal Department of HealthTang Chi Thuong the departments director said the Enterovirus 71 EV71 pathogen had reemerged in November linked to severe handfootmouth disease casesAmong 18 severe cases admitted to a childrens hospital in Ho Chi Minh City 10 tested positive for Enterovirus 71Thuong stressed the need to strengthen prevention measures in the community and at schools Xinhua news agency reportedHand foot and mouth disease HFMD is a very contagious illness caused by a virus The disease gets its name from the blisterlike rash that forms on your childâs hands and feet and painful sores that develop in their mouth The rash can actually appear anywhere on their body including their chest back arms legs genitals and buttocksInfants and children younger than 5 are most likely to get hand foot and mouth disease It tends to spread quickly among children in daycare and schools Still older children and even adults can get it Because several viruses can cause the disease itâs possible to get HFMD multiple timesHand foot and mouth disease is typically mild and usually clears up on its own within seven to 10 daysHand foot and mouth disease is contagious Your child is most contagious during the first few days of the illness often before the rash appears The blisters usually dry up in about 10 days Your child is less likely to spread it to others once the blisters dry up However the virus can live in their stool poop for weeks after the rash goes away IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/vietnams-ho-chi-minh-city-records-surge-in-hand-foot-mouth-disease-cases-651451.html Fri, 05 Dec 2025 01:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-russia-strengthen-economic-ties-across-sectors-651713.html New Delhi Dec 5 IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin have reaffirmed their shared ambition to expand bilateral trade in a balanced and sustainable manner including by increasing Indias exports to Russia strengthening industrial cooperation forging new technological and investment partnerships especially in advanced hightechnology areas and finding new avenues and forms of cooperation according to a joint statement issued on Friday after their meeting herenbspThe leaders welcomed the adoption of the Programme for the Development of Strategic Areas of IndiaRussia Economic Cooperation till 2030The two leaders appreciated the ongoing intensification of the joint work on a Free Trade Agreement on goods between India and the Eurasian Economic Union covering sectors of mutual interest They also directed both sides to intensify efforts in negotiations on a mutually beneficial agreement on the promotion and protection of investments the statement saidnbspRussia and India have agreed to continue jointly developing systems of bilateral settlements through the use of national currencies in order to ensure the uninterrupted maintenance of bilateral trade Additionally both have agreed to continue their consultations on enabling the interoperability of the national payment systems financial messaging systems as well as central bank digital currency platformsThe two sides welcomed steps to ensure the longterm supply of fertilisers to India and discussed the potential establishment of joint ventures in this areanbspBoth welcomed the signing of agreements related to the mobility of skilled workers between the two countries for taking up employmentnbspThe two leaders also noted the importance of productive and mutually beneficial bilateral trade in mineral resources including energy sources precious stones and metals as well as critical raw materials for the reliability of the international supply chains Efficient cooperation in this area carried out by Russia and India as sovereign states is a significant component of their national security and social wellbeing the statement addedBesides the two sides discussed and commended their wideranging cooperation in the energy sector as a significant pillar of the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership They noted the current and potential cooperation between Indian and Russian companies in fields such as oil and oil products oil refining and petrochemical technologies oilfield services and upstream technologies and related infrastructure LNG and LPG related infrastructure various existing projects in their countries underground coal gasification UCG technology nuclear projects etcnbspThey also noted the importance of expeditious resolution of issues related to investment projects in this area and agreed to resolve the various concerns being faced by their investors in the energy sector the statement added https://dailyworld.in/international/india-russia-strengthen-economic-ties-across-sectors-651713.html Fri, 05 Dec 2025 23:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-envoy-visits-british-columbia-legislative-assembly-holds-talks-on-energy-investment-651461.html Ottawa Dec 4 Indian High Commissioner to Canada Dinesh K Patnaik visited the Legislative Assembly of the Canadian Province of British Columbia in a step to boost the bilateral partnership According to the Indian High Commission in Ottawa he met several leaders of British Columbia during the visit including Raj Chouhan the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Ravi Parmar Minister of Forests and Sunita Dhir Parliamentary SecretaryPatnaik also held discussions with Ravi Kahlon Minister of Jobs Economic Development and Innovation and Jagrup Brar Minister of State for Mining and Critical Minerals of British ColumbiaThe talks centred on enhancing twoway investments in mining critical minerals and the energy sector as well as advancing cooperation in quantum technologies life sciences and gold exports between India and CanadaIn a statement on Wednesday the Indian High Commission in Ottawa said that Patnaik along with his wife Poonam Patnaik visited Treaty 7 land in Canada marking the firstever visit of an Indian High Commissioner to the regionThis historic visit on November 24 opened a new chapter in relationshipbuilding between Indigenous Nations in Canada and IndiaAccording to the Indian High Commission the meeting explored shared histories culture and heritage as well as opportunities for future collaboration between Indigenous peoples of Canada and communities across IndiaThe High Commissioner conveyed the deep respect and affection that people in India have for Indigenous Nations He recalled that the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi was deeply moved by the hospitality and cultural richness of Treaty 7 peoples during his meeting with Indigenous Chiefs in Kananaskis in June 2025 the Indian High Commission statedPatnaik reaffirmed Indias strong interest in building meaningful and longterm partnerships with Indigenous communities in CanadaHe encouraged exploring the possibility of a Treaty 7 delegation visiting India and a reciprocal Indian delegation visiting Treaty 7 opening doors for cultural exchange trade and knowledgesharingThe Indian High Commissioner emphasised that his visit aimed to build lasting connections between Indigenous Nations in Canada and the people of IndiaPatnaik also assured that he and the Indian mission will always remain fully committed to supporting and assisting indigenous communities in Canada the Indian High Commission mentioned IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-envoy-visits-british-columbia-legislative-assembly-holds-talks-on-energy-investment-651461.html Fri, 05 Dec 2025 02:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/russian-president-putin-departs-for-two-day-state-visit-to-india-651472.html Moscow Dec 4 Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday departed for his twoday State visit to India local media reported Putin is expected to land in New Delhi on Thursday evening after which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host him for a private dinner mirroring the gesture the Russian President made when he hosted PM Modi during the latters visit to Moscow last year This marks Putins first trip to India since Russias war with Ukraine started in 2022The 23rd IndiaRussia Annual Summit scheduled for Friday comes at a time when the US has imposed punitive sanctions on New Delhi and will focus on strengthening defence cooperation along with discussions on trade and energy partnershipsOn Friday he will be accorded a ceremonial welcome before formal talks begin Following the talks PM Modi and President Putin will make a statement to the media Putin will lay a wreath at the Mahatma Gandhi memorial on FridayOn Wednesday Russian Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov called the upcoming meeting during a private dinner between Putin and PM Modi as one of the key points of the Russian leaders visit Russian staterun news agency TASS reported According to Ushakov Putin will discuss important issues of bilateral ties and international situation with PM ModiHe stated that Putin will also hold talks with PM Modi in a narrow and expanded format Key aspects of trade and economic cooperation will be discussed and several agreements will be signed during Putins visit to India According to Ushakov India and Russia plan to sign a programme for the development of strategic areas of economic cooperation until 2030The visit is expected to yield multiple agreements including one to facilitate the movement of Indian workers to Russia The two governments may also deliberate on Indias proposed free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union which New Delhi has been pursuing to enhance strategic and economic cooperationFollowing the summit with PM Modi President Putin will attend a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu He is also scheduled to launch the new India channel of Russias staterun broadcaster RT signalling an expansion of media outreach and softpower engagementIn a statement issued on November 28 the Ministry of External Affairs MEA said The forthcoming State Visit will provide an opportunity for the leadership of India and Russia to review progress in bilateral relations set the vision for strengthening the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interestRussia has been a longstanding and timetested partner for India Development of IndiaRussia relations has been a key pillar of Indias foreign policy Since the signing of the âDeclaration on the IndiaRussia Strategic Partnershipâ in October 2000 ties between two nations have acquired a qualitatively new character with enhanced levels of cooperation in almost all sectors including political security defense trade and economy science and technology culture and peopletopeople ties IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/russian-president-putin-departs-for-two-day-state-visit-to-india-651472.html Fri, 05 Dec 2025 02:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/two-jodhpur-businessmen-die-in-thailand-bodies-found-in-hotel-pool-repatriation-expected-today-651492.html Jaipur Dec 4 Two businessmen from Jodhpur Rajasthan vacationing in Thailand with their families died under mysterious circumstances after being found in the swimming pool of their hotel The exact cause of their drowning is not yet known The deceased have been identified as Anil Kataria owner of Jiman Restaurant in Ratanada and Harish Dewani a noted glass artist who ran a specialised glass workshop in the same locality Both were travelling with their wives and children who remain in ThailandAccording to initial information the incident occurred on the evening of December 1 The two reportedly entered the pool for a swim when one of them began to drown and the other probably lost his life while trying to rescue him However the sequence of events has not been officially confirmedWhen the duo failed to return to their rooms for nearly 90 minutes their wives began searching for them and alerted hotel staff CCTV footage later showed both men drowning Their bodies were recovered shortly after from the swimming poolHarishâs elder son and a relative of Anil have since travelled to Thailand to complete legal procedures The process is understood to be complete and the bodies are expected to reach Jodhpur by Thursday evening They have not yet issued any statementA pall of grief hangs over both families in Ratanada Relatives and neighbours have gathered though many are avoiding conversations due to shock Sources said Anilâs elderly father has not yet been informed because of health concernsHarish Dewani was also known internationally for his expertise in transprint glass engraving His sandblasted glasswork drew widespread appreciation and tourists often visited his Jodhpur workshop to view his creations He also trained international students through online sessions to promote the craftFurther details are awaited once the families return from Thailand IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/two-jodhpur-businessmen-die-in-thailand-bodies-found-in-hotel-pool-repatriation-expected-today-651492.html Fri, 05 Dec 2025 02:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/shrinking-freedom-pakistans-steady-march-into-authoritarianism--651506.html New Delhi Dec 4 With each new legal manoeuvre that strengthens the military establishmentâs grip behind the veneer of civilian rule Pakistan edges closer to an Orwellian security state Dissent is increasingly criminalised surveillance has become routine and the media landscape now operates as a carefully managed sphere in which the establishment shapes and limits the national narrativeThe latest Freedom on the Net 2025 and Freedom in the World 2025 reports by Washingtonbased Freedom House capture this steady and alarming contraction of Pakistanâs civic spaceFor Pakistan these reports read less like a routine assessment and more like an indictment of a country which is systematically deliberately and now visibly sliding into militarymanaged authoritarianism Its abysmal scores signify a political order increasingly shaped not by elected representatives not by constitutionalism but by the Asim Munirled military establishment that has grown more confident intrusive and unaccountable than at any point in recent decadesFreedom Houseâs findings are stark Pakistan is rated only âpartly freeâ overall scoring a mere 32 out of 100 on the Global Freedom IndexOn internet freedoms it fares even worse designated ânot freeâ with a score of 27 But perhaps the most alarming patterns emerge when we consider these figures not in isolation but as part of a long downward trajectoryA decade ago Pakistan hovered around the low40s on overall freedom Though the country was hardly a beacon of democracy then either it still signalled pockets of pluralism and institutional pushandpull But today the slide has accelerated as the country has descended further down with heightened state control over the sociopolitical lives of peopleThe drivers of this decline are neither mysterious nor abstract Freedom House traces the erosion of rights directly to the expanding hand of Pakistanâs military establishment Inarguably this institution has always stood as the countryâs most powerful actor However under the present Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir it has consolidated power in ways more sweeping and unapologetic than any civilian era in recent memoryThe different indices that chart the distortion of Pakistanâs basic democratic mechanics such as elections political competition judicial independence press freedom and the right to dissent are demonstrated by its abysmal scores of 1240 in political rights and 2060 in civil libertiesIn theory Pakistan continues to hold regular elections under a multiparty system In practice as the report notes the military âexercises enormous influence over government formation and policies intimidates the media and enjoys impunity for indiscriminate or extralegal use of forceâThe countryâs elected government of Shehbaz Sharif increasingly resemble a civilian faÃade layered over an entrenched praetorian orderThis is not new though Pakistan has experienced repeated military coups and hybrid regimes But what marks the current moment as especially perilous is how institutionalised the militaryâs dominance has becomeThe series of constitutional amendments pushed through the National Assembly in 2024 26th Amendment and 2025 27th Amendment has reengineered the architecture of the state in favour of the generalsWhile the 26th Constitutional Amendment of 2024 extended the tenures of the services chiefs from three to five years the 27th Amendment marks an even more striking shift It abolished the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee which on paper was open to senior officers of three services and replaced it with a new post the Chief of Defence Forces to be held concurrently by the Army Chief This change effectively elevates the Pakistan Army and the Army Chiefâs office to unquestioned supremacyIn any democracy such structural changes would be subject to debate judicial challenge and political scrutiny But when it comes to Pakistan these legislations were enacted with such speed that it reflected both the militaryâs tightening grip and the political classâs weakened capacity or to say so acquiescenceFreedom Houseâs scoring on political rights captures a truth Pakistanis have long known the judiciary once lauded for moments of assertiveness has largely capitulated to the militaryâs dominance The courts have been transformed into at best inconsistent arbiters of constitutionalism and at worst instruments for legitimising the establishmentâs preferencesAs the report notes the military has grown âmore powerful than any other state institution including the judiciary and the elected governmentâ And under Asim Munir the imbalance has become almost structural through constitutional gerrymandering 26th amp 27th amendments which has altered the very framework of judicial governance and stripped the Supreme Court of discretionary powers while creating a parallel Federal Constitutional Court FCCAs such where the judiciary once served as a potential counterweight it has been aligned with the militaryâs political calculus by designThe decline in civil liberties is most clearly visible in the collapsing space for free speech Pakistanâs media long embattled has drifted into a state of nearcomplete management with the military in near control of narrative framing in the country These practices once episodic have now become systemicPerhaps the most damning part of the Freedom House assessment is the Freedom on the Net report which ranks Pakistan as ânot freeâ Pakistan scores 625 on obstacles to access 1335 on content limits and 840 on violations of user rights These are not merely technical metrics they reflect a country undergoing a dramatic digital transformationâbut in the opposite direction of modern democraciesThe report observes that the Pakistani government has imposed âmore stringent digital censorship measures to maintain the military establishmentâs grip on power and its influence over the countryâs elections and civilian governmentsâIt includes the expansion of legal and technological instruments to police speech such as sweeping cybercrime laws arbitrary takedown orders surveillance systems and a nationwide websiteblocking mechanism that functions as a digital killswitch for inconvenient narratives As such the digital spaces are being systematically constrictedNevertheless to comprehend Pakistanâs accelerating decline in global freedom rankings fully one must understand the political logic of the Army Chief Asim Munirâs doctrine Unlike his predecessors who seized power overtly such as Ayyub Khan Ziaul Haq and Parvez Musharraf the current Army chief has employed a model of constitutionalised authoritarianismHerein the goal is to hollow out electoral democracy from its core while preserving its shell for international consumption And his approach relies not on martial law but on the legal engineering of controlWhat emerges is not a transitional aberration but the architecture of a durable authoritarian state And the tragedy for Pakistan is that its fragmented and selfinterested political class has facilitated this transformation by trading institutional autonomy for shortterm survivalAs such these reports highlight that Pakistan is not on the verge of authoritarianism but an Orwellian state where democracy exists only as performance while power rests firmly and permanently in military hands IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/shrinking-freedom-pakistans-steady-march-into-authoritarianism--651506.html Fri, 05 Dec 2025 03:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-envoy-hosts-farewell-reception-for-us-ambassador-to-india-sergio-gor-651288.html Washington Nov 3 Indian envoy to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra hosted a farewell reception for US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor at India House and extended him wishes for his assignment in New Delhi Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and US Senator Jim Risch and Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and US Representative Brian Mast were present on the occasionIn a post on X Kwatra stated Honoured to host a farewell reception for Ambassador Sergio Gor at India House tonight Wished him well for his assignment in New Delhi Grateful for the presence of Senator Risch Chairman of Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Representative Brian Mast Chairman of House Foreign Affairs Committee on the occasion Also thanked other friends and wellwishers from the administration who joined the celebration for their steadfast support to the relationshipCongratulating Gor for his New Delhi assignment Kwatra took to X and said I wish you the best as you prepare to take up your assignment in New Delhi Pleasure to join the celebration at Kennedy Centre last evening to mark the occasionEarlier in November US President Donald Trump hosted Gors swearingin ceremony at the White House He was sworn in by Vice President JD Vance and senior members of the Trump administration such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent attended the ceremonyDuring the event Trump said he is very close to signing a trade agreement with IndiaWe are making a deal with India a much different deal than we had in the pastâWere getting a fair deal just a fair trade deal Were getting closeâI think were pretty close to doing a deal thats good for everybody Trump addedTrump also said that he has a fantastic relationship with Prime Minister Modi and termed India one of Americas most important international relationshipsIm trusting Sergio to help strengthen one of our countrys most important international relationships and thats the strategic partnership with the Republic of India Its a big deal India is home to one of the worlds oldest civilisations the largest country in the worldâWe have a fantastic relationship with Prime Minister Modi and Sergio has only enhanced that because hes already friendly with the Prime Minister Trump saidTrump added that India is an amazing country which is also an important economic and strategic security partner in the IndoPacific regionSo I know you are Gor going to have a great success over this a very important relationshipâIts also the fastestgrowing middle class and its an important economic and strategic security partner in the IndoPacific region Its an amazing country he notedGor thanked Trump for nominating him for the Ambassadors position and vowed to enhance the IndiaUS relationshipIve been at your side for many years and I will continue to be there and its just an incredible honour and I look forward to enhancing the relationship between our two nations he addedConfirmed by a Senate vote in October the 38yearold Gor is the youngest US ambassador to India He is one of the closest aides of Trump and was 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/indian-envoy-hosts-farewell-reception-for-us-ambassador-to-india-sergio-gor-651288.html Thu, 04 Dec 2025 02:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/over-5000-afghan-refugees-forcibly-deported-from-pakistan-iran-in-single-day-taliban-651309.html Kabul Dec 3 Over 5000 Afghan refugees were forcibly repatriated from Pakistan and Iran in a single day local media reported quoting a Taliban official on Wednesday Sharing a report from the High Commission for Addressing Migrants Issues on X Taliban deputy spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat stated that 689 families comprising 5496 people returned to Afghanistan on Tuesday Pajhwok Afghan News reportedAfghan refugees returned home through Bahramcha in Helmand Torkham crossing in Nangarhar Islam Qala crossing in Herat PuliAbresham in Nimroz and Spin Boldak in KandaharFitrat said 856 returning families comprising 4800 people were taken to their respective areas while 563 families were provided humanitarian assistance In addition telecommunication firms provided 536 SIM cards to Afghan refugeesHamdullah Fitrat stated that 3164 Afghan refugees were forcibly repatriated from Pakistan and Iran on MondayEarlier in November the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR revealed that Pakistan has detained a record number of Afghan migrants in 2025 with the highest number of arrests reported in Balochistan and Punjab provincesA new UNHCR report has revealed that the majority of arrests were made in Chagai and Quetta districts of Balochistan and Attock districts of Punjab Afghanistans leading news agency Khaama Press reportedAccording to the agency Pakistani authorities arrested 100971 Afghans between January 1 and midNovember 2025 a record rise compared with about 9000 arrests in 2024 and over 26000 in 2023UNHCR said 76 per cent of those detained were Afghan Citizen Card holders or undocumented migrants while the remaining 24 per cent possessed Proof of Registration cardsThe rise in detention of Afghan migrants comes after two government orders in 2025 which directed the removal of Afghan migrants from Islamabad and Rawalpindi and allowed police to arrest PoRcard holdersSeveral humanitarian organisations have urged Pakistan to ensure that any returns are voluntary and in accordance with international obligations They warned that mass expulsions cause instability along the Afghanistan border where newly returned families often lack housing employment and basic services IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/over-5000-afghan-refugees-forcibly-deported-from-pakistan-iran-in-single-day-taliban-651309.html Thu, 04 Dec 2025 05:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/one-dead-two-injured-after-east-australian-shooting-651327.html Sydney Dec 3 A man died and two others were hospitalised following a shooting at a property in eastern Australia on Wednesday afternoon Police in the state of New South Wales NSW said in a statement that emergency services were alerted to the shooting in the small town of Eungella over 640 km northeast of Sydney near the border with the state of Queensland at around 125 pm local time on Wednesday Xinhua News Agency reportedOfficers arrived and were told that two men aged 38 and 41 had been shot by another man who subsequently fled the scene with a fourth manThe 41yearold was treated by ambulance paramedics but died at the scene while the 38yearold sought treatment at a hospital for a gunshot woundEmergency services were then called to a second incident nearby after a 45yearold man was hit by a car He was taken to the hospital under police guardNSW Police said that officers are waiting to speak to the two hospitalized men to establish the circumstances of how both were injured and are also working to locate a fourth man believed to be aged 37On November 28 a man died after being shot multiple times on a street in western SydneyPolice in the Australian State of New South Wales NSW said in a statement that officers were deployed to reports of a public place shooting on a residential street in Blacktown 30 kilometres west of central Sydney around 1150 am on November 28Officers arrived and found a man with gunshot wounds to his neck chest and legHe was treated by ambulance paramedics but died at the sceneNSW Police said that officers initiated a pursuit when a vehicle seen leaving the scene failed to stopThe vehicle crashed a short time later and two occupants who ran from the scene were arrested and taken to a nearby police stationA crime scene was established and police have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/one-dead-two-injured-after-east-australian-shooting-651327.html Thu, 04 Dec 2025 09:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/swan-on-tracks-briefly-halts-japans-iconic-bullet-train-services-651353.html Tokyo Dec 3 Bullet train services on the Tohoku Shinkansen Line in northeastern Japan were temporarily suspended on Wednesday morning after a swan was spotted on the tracks countrys leading newswire Kyodo news reported citing the railway operator At around 1020 am the driver of a train travelling between KurikomaKogen and Furukawa stations in Kurihara Miyagi Prefecture stopped due to the birds presence on the tracks The train did not hit the swan According to JR East a total of three trains including the initially impacted service were delayed affecting about 1300 passengers the report statedQuoting a statement from the East Japan Railway Company JR East it added that services were temporarily halted for both tracks from KurikomaKogen to Sendai due to operations to remove the swan and the trains resumed operation about 40 minutes laterAccording to JR East the TÅhoku Shinkansen began operating in 1982 It runs between Tokyo and ShinAomori the longest distance of any line operated by JR East There is also direct service with other lines including the Hokkaido Shinkansen which runs between ShinAomori and ShinHakodateHokutoThe Shinkansen are renowned all over the world for their speed and exceptional ontime performanceThe Shinkansen travels at up to speeds of 177 miles per hour If you were to take the Shinkansen straight from New York to Los Angeles you could be there in just 14 hours Engineers achieved this speed through a combination of several ingenious solutions an aerodynamic design for the train fuselage a track that cuts through Japans famously mountainous terrain with minimal curves and a state of the art Automatic Train Control system that keeps trains running at their maximum safe speed for every segment of the journey states the Japanese highspeedrail operatorIt mentions that there have been zero accidents resulting in fatalities or injuries to passengers onboard since the Shinkansen operations commenced IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/swan-on-tracks-briefly-halts-japans-iconic-bullet-train-services-651353.html Thu, 04 Dec 2025 12:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/uk-mp-raises-concerns-over-abduction-of-baloch-women-use-of-drones-by-pak-forces-in-internal-security-operations-651359.html London Dec 3 UK Member of Parliament MP John McDonnell has voiced concerns about the recent human rights violations in Pakistans Balochistan including the abductions of Baloch women like Nasreena Baloch and Mahjabeen Baloch besides the reported use of drones in internal security operations Raising the matter recently in the UK House of Commons McDonnell submitted parliamentary questions and tabled an Early Day Motion for the UK government to respond The Balochistan Post reported In the Early Day Motion McDonnell has voiced concerns over the recent developments in BalochistanThe motion draws attention to the drone strike in Khuzdars Zehri on October 5 which claimed the lives of six people including four children It also highlighted the enforced disappearance of Mahjabeen Baloch a speciallyabled student who has been missing since May 29 and the abduction of the teenage girl Nasreena Baloch on November 22Furthermore concerns have been raised over punishment practices particularly the arrest of five Baloch women by the Pakistani security forces on November 17 The motion requested the British government to take further measures recalling earlier assurances from ministers that human rights concerns in Balochistan have been raised with Pakistani officials The Balochistan Post reportedApart from the motion McDonnell submitted three questions whether the Foreign Secretary has raised the human rights violations in Balochistan with Pakistani officials whether the Department for Business and Trade has made assessment regarding the risk that UKsupplied equipment could contribute to the abuses in the region and whether any export licences have been issued for military or dualuse items that can be used in drone operations or internal security actions in BalochistanEarlier in November a leading human rights organisation drew attention to a serious humanitarian crisis in Balochistan warning of a surge in systematic oppression and violence perpetrated by the Pakistani authoritiesIn its report titled Human Rights Situation in Balochistan Baloch Yakjehti Committee BYC documented 168 victims of enforced disappearances during September and October of whom 12 victims were released 17 were killed in custody and 140 remain missing Among the affected districts in Balochistan Kech recorded the highest number of cases with 54 followed by Panjgur with 26 Dera Bugti with 21 and Quetta with 20As per the findings the most victims of enforced disappearance are between 19 and 25 years old and they belong to various professions The disappeared include 53 students 21 minors and one woman with Pakistanâs Frontier Corps FC identified as the largest perpetrator involved in 45 per cent of cases followed by CounterTerrorism Department CTD and Military Intelligence MIAccording to the report 25 cases of extrajudicial killings were recorded during this period with one minor and one woman victim The mode of killings included target killings by Pakistanbacked death squads custodial killings and the killanddump of mutilated bodiesThe majority of the victims were previously disappeared persons who were killed either in custody or tortured to death District Kech recorded the largest number of cases as 10 followed by Panjgur 7 While Frontier Corps came out to be the prime perpetrator with involvement in 52 per cent of cases followed by Statebacked Death Squads and the Armyâ the report detailed IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/uk-mp-raises-concerns-over-abduction-of-baloch-women-use-of-drones-by-pak-forces-in-internal-security-operations-651359.html Thu, 04 Dec 2025 12:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/russia-calls-claims-of-rejecting-us-peace-plan-for-ukraine-as-incorrect-651385.html Moscow Dec 3 Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Wednesday dismissed claims that Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected the United States peace plan for Ukraine calling them incorrect No it wouldnt be correct to say so Russias staterun news agency Tass quoted Peskov as saying while responding to a question about whether reports suggesting that Putin had turned down the US peace plan for Ukraine could be considered accuratePessov added that a telephonic conversation between Putin and US President Donald Trump could be arranged at any moment but stressed that progress must be made at the expert levelA telephone call is possible at any time and there is an opportunity of organising it promptly Peskov told reporters citing earlier remarks by Russian Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov about the work that was underway at the expert levelIt is at the expert level that certain results should be achieved which will then form the basis for contacts at the highest level he was quoted as saying by TassPeskov also expressed gratitude to President Trump and his administration for assistance in the peaceful settlement of the situation in UkraineâWe highly appreciate President Trumpâs political will to continue to seek solutions for a peaceful settlement in Ukraine Of course we are grateful for these efforts of the Trump administrationâ he saidThe Kremlin spokesperson noted that representatives of Russia are ready to meet with their colleagues from the US as often as needed for a peaceful settlement in Ukraine said PeskovHe was asked about this in the context of the sixth visit of the US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to Russia who held a meeting with Putin in Moscow on Tuesday for discussions on UkraineâWe are all ready to meet as long as it takes to achieve a peaceful settlementâ Peskov said when asked how the Kremlin assesses the dynamics and how many more meetings may be needed at such a level to approach the peace agreementsFollowing a fivehourlong meeting between Putin and Witkoff Russian Presidential Aide Ushakov stated that Putin had sent several important political messages to US President Trump through the US special envoy According to Ushakov the parties have not yet reached a compromise on a peace plan for Ukraine and agreed not to disclose the essence of the Moscow talks Tass reported IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/russia-calls-claims-of-rejecting-us-peace-plan-for-ukraine-as-incorrect-651385.html Thu, 04 Dec 2025 14:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-three-dead-one-severely-injured-in-knife-attack-at-changwon-motel-651397.html Seoul Dec 3 A man in his 20s fatally stabbed two teenagers and seriously injured another at a motel in Changwon South Gyeongsang Province on Monday before falling to his death from the building police said According to officials the incident occurred around 505 pm when a teenage girl made a 112 emergency call from the motel in the city located about 380 kilometers southeast of Seoul Yonhap News Agency reportedWhen first responders arrived the 20something suspect was found on the ground outside the motel after an apparent fall Inside a bathroom the girl and two teenage boys were discovered with stab woundsThe girl one of the boys and the suspect were later pronounced dead while the other boy remains in critical condition authorities saidPolice said the suspect had checked into the motel alone at around 3 pm and is believed to have contacted the girl to arrange a meeting The girl is believed to have arrived with the two boys before they were attackedPolice are investigating the exact circumstances surrounding the incidentEarlier in October a woman in her 60s died after she and her husband were attacked by a knifewielding customer at their restaurant in northern Seoul police saidThe Seoul Gangbuk Police Station said it apprehended the attacker known as a man in his 60s on the scene and plans to request an arrest warrant for him on murder chargesThe husband also in his 60s underwent surgery after the knife attack but is in critical condition the police saidThe suspect is accused of stabbing the couple with the knife at their restaurant in Suyudong of Gangbuk Ward on Sunday afternoon after allegedly getting upset for not being given a lottery ticket as a promotional giftThe restaurant is said to have been giving 1000 won US070 lottery tickets to customers who order drinks since it opened in July IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-three-dead-one-severely-injured-in-knife-attack-at-changwon-motel-651397.html Thu, 04 Dec 2025 14:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/majority-of-sikhs-in-canada-reject-khalistani-separatism-amid-growing-organised-crime-report-651398.html TorontoNew Delhi Dec 3 Canada right now stands at the crossroads it can continue treating Khalistani extremism and PunjabiCanadian gang violence as two different issues or it can trace the financial links and acknowledge that they are increasingly interconnected a report said on Wednesday It added that enhanced border security financial intelligence cooperation with trusted partners and a zerotolerance approach to laundering of drug money through political or charitable fronts would mark meaningful first stepsCanada is home to one of the worlds largest Sikh diasporas nearly eight lakh strong The overwhelming majority are lawabiding citizens who have enriched the country through trucking farming construction and small business Yet a small violent fringe within the PunjabiCanadian community has over the past two decades become deeply entangled with transnational organised crimeâ noted author cultural critic and filmmaker Vikram Zutshi wrote for NDTVâThe profits from cocaine methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking are not only buying guns and luxury cars mounting evidence suggests they are also bankrolling proKhalistan rallies referendums and legal defence funds for extremists This toxic nexus is no secret to Canadian police Since 2007 more than 200 gangrelated homicides in British Columbia alone have been linked to rival PunjabiCanadian gangs fighting for control of the lucrative crossborder drug tradeâ he addedCiting lawenforcement sources in both countries the NDTV report stated that a significant share of the cocaine and fentanyl entering Western Canada now moves through networks controlled by a subset of PunjabiCanadian organised crime groupsâThe more disturbing allegation raised by Indian diplomats and echoed in some Canadian police circles is that part of this criminal revenue is diverted to finance Khalistan separatist activities in the diasporaâ it highlightedThe report stated that the majority of Canadian Sikhs reject both violence and separatism with prominent community leaders such as former British Columbia premier Ujjal Dosanjh and the World Sikh Organisation of Canada consistently condemning the exploitation of gurdwaras for political extremism and demanding stronger action against gang recruitment of Sikh youthBut it said the problem endures partly due to the reluctance of the political parties in voterich ridings such as Brampton and Surrey to confront it headonâFor the vast majority of Canadian Sikhs who simply want to work raise their families and pray in peace dismantling this criminalextremist nexus is not just a lawenforcement priority it is the only way to remove the stain that a tiny minority has placed on an entire communityâ the report noted IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/majority-of-sikhs-in-canada-reject-khalistani-separatism-amid-growing-organised-crime-report-651398.html Thu, 04 Dec 2025 14:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-brazenly-breaches-eu-norms-but-still-enjoys-gsp-trade-status-651400.html New Delhi Dec 3 Pakistan has been one of the largest beneficiaries of the Generalised System of Preferences Plus GSP status granted to its exports by the European Union However the Islamic nationâs poor track record on human rights constitutes a major violation of the eligibility conditions for this status The GSP is a trade mechanism through which the EU offers developing countries preferential access to its markets It serves as a special incentive arrangement promoting sustainable development and good governance aimed at supporting vulnerable developing nations such as PakistanThe generous EU tariff reductions have led to a massive boost in Pakistanâs trade Islamabadâs exports to the EU have increased by more than 4725 per cent since the inception of the GSP status More significantly its textile exports have been the major beneficiary with a rise of 666 per cent since 2013 Among EU nations Germany Spain the Netherlands Italy Poland and Portugal have emerged as leading export destinations for Pakistan according to an article in the European TimesHowever an important tenet of GSP regulation is that the beneficiary countries have to ratify and effectively implement 27 international conventions on human rights labour environmental protection and good governance to receive preferential trade benefitsPakistan has by default ratified all 27 core international conventions but in practice the picture is quite the opposite Antithetical to the covenants ratified the truth is that Pakistan is a model case of widespread and systematic violations of human rights a state highly tolerant of its human rights excesses Thus considering the abysmal track record of the last decade one finds little courage to extend support for the continuation of the GSP status for Pakistan the article points outFrom gender and ethnic discrimination to the use of military courts for civilians Pakistanâs image is marred by a multitude of incidents of human rights violations The 201819 assessment by the EU reported no progress on the legislation on labour rights along with a lack of safer spaces for civil society voices of dissent and the safety of journalists Moreover the sectarian conflicts including violence against Shia community in 2020 2023 and 2024 and systematic persecution of religious minorities through discriminatory laws targeted violence forced conversions mob attacks and the weaponisation of digital platforms of Pakistanâs Hindu Christian Sikh Shia Ahmadi Kalash and other minority communities have already kept the UNHCR on their toes the article statesAccording to a report by the Center for the Study of Organized Hate CSOH the cases of violence against religious minorities have increased as recently as between 2024 and the first half of 2025 As of July 2025 UNHCR experts expressed their concern about increasing violence against vulnerable communities where these communities have witnessed relentless attacks killings and unending harassment for months in the context of hostility and advocacy of hatred against them UNHCR also observed that the attacks are taking place with tacit official complicity and warned the state to break the pattern of impunity that allows perpetrators to act without restraint or fear of consequencesThe socioeconomic development front of Pakistan is also in doldrums indicating the systemâs apathy and lack of will to improve citizensâ welfare while breaking the covenants of good governance and labour rights On the citizenâs welfare front the updated estimates from the World Bank reveal that poverty headcount in Pakistan has increased to 447 per cent implying that almost half of its population is living below the poverty line subjected to abject poverty conditionsWhile budgetary allocations for education and healthcare have hit record lows Pakistan has increased its defence budget between 201617 and 202526 by more than 200 times with a current allocation of a massive 255 trillion rupees or 9 billion And these numbers donât include the massive burden of military pensions that burden the government budget allocationsThe textile sector which is championing under the GSP regime is also championing in the field of labour rights violations There are frequent violations of wage regulations and a major fraction of the textile workers possess no written contractsThe EU has already expressed its concern over blasphemy laws enforced disappearances freedom of expression media independence impunity for rights violations due process fair trials civic space and the death penalty situation which need to be addressed to continue the trade privilegesThe article raises the question of whether in the wake of the violation of conventions in every dimension whether it is human rights good governance or labour rights it is justified for the EU to renew Pakistanâs GSP status IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-brazenly-breaches-eu-norms-but-still-enjoys-gsp-trade-status-651400.html Thu, 04 Dec 2025 14:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/balochistan-insurgency-driven-by-marginalisation-and-repression-by-pakistan-report-651401.html Washington Dec 3 The longstanding insurgency in Pakistans largest and resourcerich Balochistan province is fuelled by Baloch peoples demands for greater political autonomy and control over resources amid political marginalisation economic exploitation and repression by the Pakistani authorities a report detailed on Wednesday It added that for decades the Pakistani agencies in Balochistan have been accused of serious human rights violations including extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances of the Baloch civiliansBalochistan has long experienced the trauma of enforced disappearances Activists say that thousands of ethnic Baloch people were disappeared by Pakistans security forces during the last two decades These individuals were detained without due legal process or abducted tortured and murdered Although some return after years they are traumatised and broken Many never return Others are found in unmarked graves their bodies so disfigured that they cannot be identified a report in American media outlet PJ Media detailedAt QuaidiAzam University QAU in Islamabad students held a protest and a sitin against the enforced disappearance of a sixthsemester student Saeedullah Baloch with a protest camp established by the Baloch Students Council BSC Following the demonstrations the QAU administration suspended all academic activities amid concerns over a larger protest campaignâCamp speakers highlighted that Saeedullah was forcibly taken away by unknown men in civilian dress on July 8 The incident occurred at the Islamabad Toll Plaza as he and a friend were travelling on a public bus The protestors added that the abductors were accompanied by law enforcement who offloaded the two from the busâ the report notedAccording to the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons VBMP 16 years of protests sitins and rallies have failed to bring an end to enforced disappearances across BalochistanAddressing a press conference on November 16 VBMP Chairman Nasrullah Baloch called on the Pakistani authorities and their institutions to realise that the use of force extrajudicial killings and disappearances of Baloch citizens would not stabilise the situation in BalochistanâThousands of Baloch have been forcibly disappeared and thousands have been killed extrajudicially yet the situation continues to deteriorate We appeal to the state to refrain from using force in Balochistan The issue is political and must be resolved through political dialogueâ PJ Media quoted Nasrullah as sayingThe Pakistani government in 2011 established the Commission of Inquiry into Enforced Disappearances mandated to âtrace the whereabouts of allegedly enforced disappeared personsâ and âfix responsibility on individuals or organisations responsibleâThe Commission has been widely criticised for failures including its flawed definition of enforced disappearance narrow scope of inquiry insufficient safeguards to victims and witnesses and inability to bring perpetrators to justiceâNot a single person in Pakistan has been held accountable for enforced disappearances There is no provision in the law that enables families to claim any reparations for their ordealâ the report noted IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/balochistan-insurgency-driven-by-marginalisation-and-repression-by-pakistan-report-651401.html Thu, 04 Dec 2025 14:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/imran-khan-asim-munir-tussle-highlights-structural-problems-within-pakistan-651402.html New Delhi Dec 3 A developing outcry over the reported mistreatment of incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan may prove to be the proverbial last straw that broke the camelâs back for a country already facing multiple uprisings and a dwindling coffer Khyber Pakhtunkhwa bordering Afghanistan is already witnessing tribal unrest and alleged terror attacks People in adjoining areas like Pakistanoccupied Jammu and Kashmir and Balochistan are up in arms asking for basic facilities protesting repression even seeking secession Adding to its woes the militia that Islamabad gave birth to fight former Soviet forces in Afghanistan has taken control of Kabul and has refused to bow to any browbeating answering every Pakistani attack with its own The PakistanAfghan border remains volatile with trade suspended for almost two months Meanwhile Islamabads total public debt climbed close to USD 287 billion as of June 2025 showing almost a 13 per cent jump over the previous year according to the countryâs Finance Ministry The debttoGDP ratio had risen to about 70 per cent While domestic debt saw a 15 per cent growth external debt increased by six per cent The official financial data has underscored Pakistans growing debt burden The high external debt low foreignâexchange reserves and weak growth have combined to pose Islamabad a severe balanceâofâpayments and fiscal squeeze Pakistan is also pursuing a multiâpronged bailout strategy with an IMF programme backed by bilateral assurances from China Saudi Arabia and the UAE shortâterm disbursements and debt restructuring talks The dispute between Pakistanâs federal administration and Imran Khanâs family has escalated from complaints over restricted jail access and public accusations into mass protests and a possible political showdown The recent brief visit by his sister Uzma to meet Khan in prison and subsequent details of the former cricketerâs conditions led to an escalation in confrontation between the family and their followers with the administration particularly against Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir It is to be seen whether if at all the state will initiate a formal inquiry that could force a legal or institutional response If not the Khanled Pakistan TehreekeInsaf PTI party â especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa â will translate anger and grievance into further escalation through protests legal petitions or electoral mobilisation Khyber Pakhtunkhwa KP has become the epicentre of the stir being a strong PTI political base Provincial leaders with their coordinated protests legal petitions and public messaging have kept Imran Khanâs plight in the headlines KP forced federal authorities to respond to both security and political pressures The provincial governmentâs posture and the scale of street mobilisation have made the region a strategic challenge for the federal administration prompting discussions about extraordinary measures like dissolving the local government and implementing central rule Across the country authorities reacted with restrictions on gatherings curfews in key cities and heavy security deployments around the Rawalpindi jail housing Khan and at the court hearing his case in Islamabad The iron fist has fed PTI narratives of suppression and helped sustain turnout and intensity at protests The cycle of protest and clampdown has now converted the issue into a highâstakes public confrontation between PTIâs grassroots networks and state institutions Meanwhile repeated threats of confrontation with neighbouring states by the civil and military bosses and internal skirmishes over a globally known sportsman and political leader being subjected to mental torture are attracting increased diplomatic attention and may complicate Pakistanâs foreign relations The current confrontation underscores a deeper structural problem in Pakistani politics with the persistent ambiguity over the boundary between civilian authority and military influence and the way personal animosities can become proxies for institutional battles â as it has happened in the past IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/imran-khan-asim-munir-tussle-highlights-structural-problems-within-pakistan-651402.html Thu, 04 Dec 2025 14:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/govt-follows-protocol-bjp-responds-after-rahul-gandhi-remarks-on-oppn-putin-meeting-651406.html New Delhi Dec 4 IANS After Congress MP Rahul Gandhi alleged that the Centre has been advising foreign delegations against meeting or interacting with the Leader of the Opposition LoP a practice he said was followed during previous UPA and NDA regimes ruling party leaders on Thursday rejected the claim asserting that the government follows due protocol in all mattersThe startling charge by Rahul Gandhi while speaking to reporters outside Parliament comes hours ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putins twoday visit to India His remarks are set to raise eyebrows in the political corridors and also set the stage for heated sparring between the BJP and CongressRahul Gandhi said Meetings with the LOP take place with delegations coming from outside It has been a longheld tradition and has always been done this way he said while citing instances during Manmohan Singh and Atal Bihari Vajpayee governmentsSpeaking to IANS BJP MP Kangana Ranaut said These decisions are made by the government Atal ji was a national asset and the entire country was proud of him He was a great patriot I dont know why Rahul Gandhi is not being allowed but in my opinion his commitment to the nation is questionable His role in creating unrest and trying to divide the country raises doubts about his intentions And if Rahul Gandhi is comparing himself to Atal ji then I would suggest he join the BJP only then could he become like himBJP MP Bhim Singh said Why would the government stop him He only creates chaos and does not speak where he is supposed to speakEchoing a similar stance BJP MP Brij Lal added The government follows protocol and work will be carried out accordingly Rahul Gandhi is only making this politicalJDU leader K C Tyagi clarified The government does not decide such protocols Visiting heads of state themselves decide whom they wish to meetUnion Minister Ramdas Athawale added Foreign leaders visit on the invitation of the ruling party or government If President Putin wishes Rahul Gandhi as LoP can meet him The government has no role in that https://dailyworld.in/international/govt-follows-protocol-bjp-responds-after-rahul-gandhi-remarks-on-oppn-putin-meeting-651406.html Thu, 04 Dec 2025 19:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/russian-president-vladimir-putin-arrives-on-two-day-state-visit-received-by-pm-modi-at-airport--651407.html New Delhi Dec 4 IANS Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on a twoday State Visit to India with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a special gesture receiving him at the airportnbspThe two leaders warmly hugged and greeted each other at the tarmac before leaving the airport together in the same vehiclenbspThey also briefly watched and applauded a cultural performance as part of the welcome ceremonynbspNew Delhi has been lined with banners welcoming the Russian leader marking the beginning of an engagement that carries significant diplomatic weightnbspLater in the evening PM Modi will host Putin for a private dinner at his residence mirroring the gesture the Russian President made when he hosted PM Modi during the latters visit to Moscow last year This marks Putins first trip to India since Russias war with Ukraine started in 2022The 23rd IndiaRussia Annual Summit scheduled for Friday comes at a time when the US has imposed punitive sanctions on New Delhi and will focus on strengthening defence cooperation along with discussions on trade and energy partnershipsnbspOn Friday the Russian President will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan ahead of the formal talks that will take place at the Hyderabad House Putin will also lay a wreath at the Mahatma Gandhi memorialLeading to the visit Russian Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov called the upcoming meeting during a private dinner between Putin and PM Modi as one of the key points of the Russian leaders visit Russian staterun news agency TASS reported on Wednesday According to Ushakov Putin will discuss important issues of bilateral ties and international situation with PM ModinbspHe stated that Putin will also hold talks with PM Modi in a narrow and expanded format Key aspects of trade and economic cooperation will be discussed and several agreements will be signed during Putins visit to India According to Ushakov India and Russia plan to sign a programme for the development of strategic areas of economic cooperation until 2030The visit is expected to yield multiple agreements including one to facilitate the movement of Indian workers to Russia The two governments may also deliberate on Indias proposed free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union which New Delhi has been pursuing to enhance strategic and economic cooperationnbspFollowing the summit with PM Modi President Putin will attend a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu He is also scheduled to launch the new India channel of Russias staterun broadcaster RT signalling an expansion of media outreach and softpower engagementThe State Visit stated the Ministry of External Affairs MEA will provide an opportunity for the leadership of India and Russia to review progress in bilateral relations set the vision for strengthening the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interestRussia has been a longstanding and timetested partner for India Development of IndiaRussia relations has been a key pillar of Indias foreign policy Since the signing of the Declaration on the IndiaRussia Strategic Partnership in October 2000 ties between two nations have acquired a qualitatively new character with enhanced levels of cooperation in almost all sectors including political security defense trade and economy science and technology culture and peopletopeople ties https://dailyworld.in/international/russian-president-vladimir-putin-arrives-on-two-day-state-visit-received-by-pm-modi-at-airport--651407.html Thu, 04 Dec 2025 19:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/ex-bdesh-pm-khaleda-zia-receiving-proper-treatment-doctors-651074.html Dhaka Dec 2 Bangladesh Nationalist Party BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia is receiving treatment prescribed for her and is likely to recover her personal physician AZM Zahid Hossain said on Tuesday Addressing a press briefing in front of Evercare Hospital in Dhaka Zahid said Khaleda Zia has been responding positively to the treatment provided by a medical board of specialists from home and abroad local media reportedWe firmly believe she will recover this time and return to us She is properly receiving the treatment being administered to her Bangladeshi media outlet UNB quoted the physician as sayingHe further mentioned that a medical board consisting of doctors from the UK USA and Bangladesh is overseeing her treatmentMeanwhile the BNP thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for extending his best wishes for Khaleda Zias speedy recoveryBNP expresses its sincere gratitude to the Honourable Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi for his thoughtful message and kind wishes for the speedy recovery of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia BNP deeply appreciates this gesture of goodwill and the expression of readiness to extend support the party posted on XThe remarks came after PM Modi on Monday expressed concern over Khaleda Zias health conveyed wishes for her recovery and affirmed Indias readiness to assist in every possible wayThe 80yearold former prime minister has been battling multiple longstanding ailments including cardiac issues diabetes arthritis liver cirrhosis and kidney problemsShe remains under intensive observation in the CCU of the hospital with both local and foreign specialist doctors overseeing her treatmentReports suggest that Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare hospital on the night of November 23 following the medical boards advice after being diagnosed with infections affecting her heart and lungsAs her condition worsened she was moved to the Coronary Care Unit CCUof the hospital on November 27 IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/ex-bdesh-pm-khaleda-zia-receiving-proper-treatment-doctors-651074.html Wed, 03 Dec 2025 00:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/over-3000-afghan-refugees-forcibly-deported-from-pakistan-iran-in-single-day-taliban-651075.html Kabul Dec 2 More than 3000 Afghan refugees have been forcibly repatriated from Pakistan and Iran in a single day a Taliban official stated on Tuesday Taliban deputy spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat shared the High Commission for Addressing Migrants Issues report on X where he mentioned that 580 Afghan families comprising 3164 people returned to Afghanistan on Monday Pajhwok Afghan News reportedHe stated that Afghan refugees returned home through the Spin Boldak in Kandahar Bahramcha in Helmand Islam Qala crossing in Herat PuliAbresham in Nimroz and the Torkham crossing in NangarharFitrat stated that 962 refugee families comprising 5404 people were taken to their respective areas According to him 557 Afghan families were provided with humanitarian assistance He added that telecom firms distributed 663 SIM cards to refugee familiesHamdullah Fitrat stated that 1053 families comprising 4834 people returned to Afghanistan on SundayEarlier in November several Afghan refugees in Pakistan said that they had been overwhelmed by continuous pressure from the countrys police which apart from conducting searches was arresting people and exploiting their vulnerable situation as a source of incomeA report in an Afghanistanbased newspaper 8AM Media also known as HashteSubh Daily highlighted that Afghan refugees in Pakistan do not have basic human rights and live in constant fear and anxietyHuman rights groups and refugeesupport groups have remained silent regarding the uncertainty and the governments failure to fulfil its commitment to human rights and the protection of refugeesOver the past few months as tensions between the Taliban and Pakistan continue Islamabad has increased its pressure on Afghan refugees with the Pakistani forces conducting widespread harassment of migrants each day in various areas including IslamabadApart from official operations involving the arrest of Afghan refugees without visas people in plain clothes extort money from migrants in residential areas Afghan people have said that they live in inhumane conditions filled with fear and anxiety and their refugee rights are not respectedThe situation is extremely distressing I wish the official operations team would simply arrest and take people away This method is not right the police know no one will report them so they come individually for searches Several men in plain clothes lie in wait in the neighbourhood grab someone and take them away It is unclear whether they are police thieves or cooperating with the police Now even if an ordinary person commits theft or kidnapping under the name of the police people assume he is a police officer the report quoted an Afghan national as sayingThese individuals detain migrants in their personal vehicles some are released on the spot after paying money while others are taken to police posts They are probably police themselves or collaborating with the police The level of theft and robbery is extremely high and no institution hears the peoples voices The situation is deeply painful a country that has no defender and whose citizens have no protection or credibility anywhere in the world the refugee addedJunaid another refugee recalled how he was stopped by a man in plain clothes a few nights back when he was going to buy somethingRecalling the incident Junaid said He introduced himself as a police officer and asked for my visa I asked Who are you He said he was police I asked him to show his card He treated me violently and said that if I talked too much I would be arrested I tried to resist but then two other men arrived and told me to get into the car I had to pay 15000 rupees for my release Now we do not know who the police are It is clear they have realised that migrants have no one behind them and are using this situation to fill their pockets IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/over-3000-afghan-refugees-forcibly-deported-from-pakistan-iran-in-single-day-taliban-651075.html Wed, 03 Dec 2025 00:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indo-german-cooperation-to-play-key-role-in-implementing-outcomes-of-cop30-651085.html New Delhi Dec 2 Germanys Ambassador to India Philipp Ackermann has stressed that cooperation between India and Germany will play a key role in implementing the outcomes of COP30 Speaking at the highlevel edition of its âClimate Talksâ series focusing on COP30 Reflections from Belem hosted by the German Embassy in India Ackermann recalled the meeting between Union Minister of Environment Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav and Germanyâs Environment Minister Carsten Schneider in Belem and highlighted new avenues of engagementHe emphasised that under the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership GSDP both countries are translating climate commitments into action Germany has also launched a new IKI Large Grant call for proposals specifically for India supporting its upcoming National Adaptation Plan and strengthening resilience of forests ecosystems and biodiversityReflecting on the two weeks of negotiations in Belem Ackermann stressed the importance of multilateralism and collective action He noted that Germany fully met and exceeded its international climatefinance commitments in 2024 contributing â118 billion including â61 billion in budgetary resources fulfilling its pledge to provide at least â6 billion annuallyCOP30 has reminded us that climate change is not a challenge any country can solve alone The decision adopted in Belem the âGlobal Mutiraoâ or collective effort is therefore particularly fittingâ Ackermann said noting both the progress achieved and the tasks that remainDuring the event Arunabha Ghosh FounderCEO of CEEW and South Asia Envoy to COP30 emphasised that COP30 marked a shift toward implementation after years of abstract debate He called adaptation and resilience urgent priorities shaped by different lived realities in different nations like Sri Lanka Nepal Maldives and BangladeshâCOP30 underscored that implementation not abstraction is now the centre of global climate action Across South Asia the message is clear Adaptation and resilience are urgent priorities shaped by very different lived realities in Nepal Sri Lanka the Maldives or Bangladesh Countries must have the flexibility to report on what truly matters to them because credible climate action cannot be onesizefitsall Multilateralism with all its imperfections still matters In a COP of many truths securing even an imperfect deal was essential to show that collective action remains possibleJust transition must also put people first you can repurpose physical assets and redesign financial assets but you cannot abandon human assets whose livelihoods depend on coal today And we should not see trade only as a barrier codeveloping technology and investing in each otherâs markets can become powerful drivers of climate ambition Real progress will come not only from two weeks of negotiations but from what we build together in the remaining fifty weeks of each year translating the signals from Belem into fairer systems stronger resilience and durable climate cooperation for the region he addedCOP30 in Belem marked 10 years since the Paris Agreement bringing renewed urgency to close the gap toward the 15ÂC pathway The UN climate conference in Brazils Belem concluded on November 22 with an agreement calling for a tripling of funding for developing nations to protect their people from the growing impacts of the climate crisis and increasing support for workers and communities in the transition to clean energy IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indo-german-cooperation-to-play-key-role-in-implementing-outcomes-of-cop30-651085.html Wed, 03 Dec 2025 00:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-reports-big-rise-in-gender-based-violence-against-women-651089.html Islamabad Dec 2 Pakistan has reported a big rise in crimes against women during the first 11 months of 2025 Sahil an organisation monitoring genderbased violence said in a report which has been highlighted by the local media on Tuesday The report has collected data published in 81 national newspapers from all four provinces Islamabad Capital Territory Pakistan occupied Kashmir PoK and Pakistan occupied Gilgit Baltistan PoGB According to the report 6543 incidents were reported in Pakistan in 2025 in comparison to 5253 cases in 2024 showcasing a rise of nearly 25 per cent over one year leading Pakistani daily The Express Tribune reportedThe incidents reported from JanuaryNovember 2025 include 1414 cases of murder 1144 of abduction 1060 of physical assault 649 suicide cases and 585 cases of rape The report revealed that the perpetrators were known to the survivors in 32 per cent of the rape cases while 17 per cent involved strangers Husbands were implicated in 12 per cent of the casesHusbands were involved in 12 per cent of the cases while the identity of the perpetrators was not reported in 21 per cent of the cases According to the report most of genderbased violence took place in victims homes accounting for 60 per cent of the recorded cases while 13 per cent took pace at the perpetrators homeEarlier in November Sustainable Social Development Organisation SSDO in its factsheet on Violence against Women VAW in Pakistans capital revealed that Islamabad has reported 373 cases of violence against women in the first half of 2025 however not a single conviction has been recorded in these casesIn a statement the SSDO demanded urgent justice reforms and accountability measures covering the period from January to June The data gathered through the Right to Information RTI from the Police Department demonstrates a grim picture of womens safety in Islamabad another leading Pakistani daily Dawn reportedAmong the total cases 309 were lodged under the category of rape and kidnapping accounting for around 83 per cent of total incidents However zero convictions were recorded in these cases with many of them being withdrawn before conclusionAs many as 42 cases were reported under the category of physical abuse yet no convictions have been achieved A total of 17 harassment cases were reported cybercrime accounted for three and two cases of honour killing were reported The findings of the factsheet showcased systemic gaps in the probe and prosecution process of violence against women casesNot a single conviction despite hundreds of reported cases of violence against women demonstrates failure of authorities in evidence handling victim protection and judicial efficiency it saidSSDO Executive Director Syed Kausar Abbas voiced grave concern over the findings and stated that it was alarming that not a single conviction had been achieved in Islamabad despite the reporting of hundreds of cases He stated that the findings demonstrate systemic weaknesses that denied justice to victims IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-reports-big-rise-in-gender-based-violence-against-women-651089.html Wed, 03 Dec 2025 00:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-history-repeats-itself-as-political-and-ethnic-tensions-rise-651102.html New Delhi Dec 2 Whether by quirk of fate or politics or that of an incumbent military chief Pakistanâs Prime Ministers have never been able to complete their term including the current curious case of Imran Khan This was even the fate of the jailed rumoured dead exPremierâs predecessor Shahid Khaqan Abbasi who was arrested on corruption charges in July 2019 during Imran Khanâs governmentAbbasi was accused of awarding a Liquefied Natural Gas LNG import contract in 2013 that allegedly caused financial loss to the state His arrest came amid Imran Khanâs âaccountability driveâ against opposition leaders especially from the Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawazThe action was then largely seen as a highly public legally contentious and politically charged move The administration however treated it as part of a crackdown on opposition leaders framing it with accountability while critics called it persecutionBy quirk of fate or politics Pakistan is witnessing a repeat being enacted with a change in characters Apart from Khan and Abbasi at least three other former prime ministers have been jailed at various points They were Zulfikar Ali Bhutto his daughter Benazir and also Nawaz Sharif Charges have ranged from political murder and graft to procurement irregularities and contempt or securityrelated proceedings The outcomes varied including execution exile disqualification or recurrent cycles of release and rearrestThe pattern has earned the office of Pakistanâs Prime Minister the moniker of âone of the riskiest jobs in the worldâ The current episodeâs defining feature is Khanâs reported neartotal isolation and denied visits since last month â allegedly despite a court order for weekly accessAuthoritiesâ denials of death rumours and claims of his health contrast with his familyâs insistence that something âirreversibleâ may be concealed That has intensified public suspicion and mobilisation leading Pakistan to declare red alert sealing roads banning crowding concentrating on the capital Islamabad and the adjoining garrison town of RawalpindiWhile the former houses the court hearing Imran Khanâs case the latter hosts the prison where he is presently incarcerated Rawalpindiâs support has been critical for civilian governments in IslamabadZulfikar Ali Bhutto was arrested following General ZiaulHaqâs 1977 coup Nawaz Sharif was jailed during the 1999 coup led by General Pervez Musharraf and now Imran Khanâs incarceration is also being attributed to his rivalry with General Asim MunirIncumbent Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has been seen to prefer keeping Munir in good humour But Imran Khan had begun his foray into political power with statements hinting at some control over the army with physical protests against âgeneralsâLater a fallout led to a confrontation with his followers attacking army establishments even ransacking a generalâs residence in the process The army brass decided to strike back Imran Khan was then arrestedAdditionally his personal rivalry with Munir also reflects the countryâs ethnic and political tensions Munir as army chief embodies the military establishmentâs supremacy Khan as a populist politician challenged that dominance by mobilising mass support particularly among Pashtuns and the urban middle classesThe general was removed from his post of Inter Services Intelligence ISI chief â an office often seen as more powerful than the army general â in 2019 under Imran Khanâs regimeThe former Premier reportedly tried to block Munirâs rise within the military while the latter viewed Khan as undermining army authority Many protestors also allege that Khanâs current travails are a result of the Punjabiled militaryâs âoppression of a Pashtun leaderâPakistanâs military and bureaucracy have historically been dominated by Punjabis Pashtuns represented symbolically by Khan often feel marginalisedAmidst the burning embers of discontent and suspicion the nation â already under economic strains â is revisiting the highly combustible debate on the recurring fate of elected Prime Ministers in the hands of military masters IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-history-repeats-itself-as-political-and-ethnic-tensions-rise-651102.html Wed, 03 Dec 2025 00:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/prada-group-buys-versace-in-137-billion-deal-651105.html New Delhi Dec 2 The Prada Group on Tuesday announced that it has officially acquired luxury fashion label Versace in a deal worth 137 billion With this move Versace will now operate under the same umbrella as Prada and Miu Miu bringing together some of Italyâs most influential fashion brandsThe deal marks the end of Versaceâs ownership under Capri Holdings the USbased luxury group that had controlled the brand through the postpandemic yearsCapri Holdings said the money received from the sale will be used to repay most of its debt a step that will strengthen its financial position and improve its flexibility for future investmentsJohn D Idol Chairman and CEO of Capri Holdings said the sale will help reduce the companys debt burden and improve its leverage ratioHe added that Capri will now focus on growing its remaining brands Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo and expects the company to stabilise this year and return to growth by fiscal 2027Versace has faced challenges in recent years with slower retail growth after 2022 and a mixed performance in early 2025Capri Holdings noted in its filings that Versaceâs sales did not keep up with expectations compared to its prepandemic momentumWith the acquisition Versace will now join Pradaâs global portfolio which is known for its experimental fashion strong tailoring and selective distributionThe move is expected to reshape Milanâs luxury landscape bringing two of Italyâs most iconic fashion houses under one ownership structureIndustry observers say the deal could help streamline manufacturing distribution and pricing strategies across the brandsIt may also help Versace revive its performance with better access to capital and stronger longterm planning under Pradaâs managementThe acquisition is complete and is not expected to change beyond the standard postclosing processesMarket experts believe the new ownership could help Versace enter a new phase of growth backed by Pradaâs financial stability and brandbuilding experience IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/prada-group-buys-versace-in-137-billion-deal-651105.html Wed, 03 Dec 2025 00:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/two-more-dengue-deaths-in-bangladesh-raises-2025-death-toll-to-386-651118.html Dhaka Dec 2 The dengue outbreak in Bangladesh is worsening rapidly with infections and deaths rising sharply across the country As many as two people died of the disease in Bangladesh in 24 hours till Tuesday morning raising the death toll from the mosquitoborne disease to 386 in 2025 local media reported During the same period 565 more people were admitted to hospital with viral fever increasing the total number of infected people to 95577 in 2025 according to the Directorate General of Health Services DGHSNew dengue cases were reported in Dhaka North City Corporation 127 Dhaka Division 95 Dhaka South City Corporation 88 Chattogram Division 82 Barishal Division 51 Myemnsingh Division 45 Khulna Division 43 Rajshahi 30 Rangpur Division 3 and Sylhet Division 1 the United News of Bangladesh UNB reportedA total of 575 people lost their lives due to dengue in 2024 while 1705 people died due to dengue in 2023On November 6 Bangladeshs Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued an advisory amid an increase in infections by the Aedes mosquito and a subsequent rise in dengue fever patients across the countryIn its advisory the ministry said that people at the onset of fever should immediately seek medical help including dengue detection tests at the nearest healthâservice centre as per the advice of a qualified doctor The ministry stated that early detection and prompt treatment can help in avoiding serious complications the UNB reportedThe ministry urged households building sites schools and other establishments to remove and clean all accumulated water in and around premises It further asked people to use mosquito nets during the day or night while sleeping due to the daytime biting habits of the Aedes mosquitoIt stated that a person must immediately consult a doctor and not ignore any remaining signs even if the symptoms of dengue fever seem to subside The ministrys advisory comes at a time when dengue cases continue to rise in Bangladesh showcasing an urgent need for increased public vigilance and preventive actionDengue is a viral infection caused by the dengue virus DENV which is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes Dengue is found in tropical and subtropical climates across the world mostly in urban and semiurban areas according to the World Health Organisation WHO statement Prevention and control of dengue depend on vector control There is no specific treatment for dengue however early detection and access to proper medical care lower fatality rates of severe dengue IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/two-more-dengue-deaths-in-bangladesh-raises-2025-death-toll-to-386-651118.html Wed, 03 Dec 2025 01:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-slams-pakistan-for-making-ridiculous-airspace-denial-claims-spreading-misinformation-651144.html New Delhi Dec 2 India on Tuesday hit out at Pakistan for claiming that New Delhi denied overflight clearance to Pakistani aircraft carrying humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka terming the Pakistan Foreign Office PFO statement as ridiculous and yet another attempt of spreading antiIndia misinformation In response to media queries regarding Pakistans statement on overflight clearance the Ministry of External Affairs MEA noted that India had expeditiously processed Pakistans request and granted the overflight permissionWe reject the ridiculous statement made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan which is yet another attempt of spreading antiIndia misinformation stated MEA spokesperson Randhir JaiswalThe request for overflight clearance for Pakistani aircraft carrying humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka was received by the High Commission of India in Islamabad at around 1300 hrs on December 01 2025 Given the urgency of humanitarian assistance the Government of India processed the request expeditiously the same day and granted the overflight permission as per the itinerary proposed at 1730 hrs on December 01 2025 he addedThe MEA expressed Indias commitment to assisting the people of Sri Lanka in these challenging times through all available meansIndias strong response came after Pakistans Foreign Office claimed earlier on Tuesday that India had blocked humanitarian assistance being sent from Pakistan to Sri Lanka and the Pakistani aircraft carrying humanitarian assistance was facing delay for over 60 hours Pakistans leading daily Dawn reportedSri Lanka has experienced extreme weather conditions flash floods and landslides due to Cyclone Ditwah and the resulting weather system The death toll from severe weather triggered by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka has risen to 410 leading Sri Lankan media outlet Daily Mirror reported on Tuesday citing the Disaster Management Centre DMCAccording to the latest update 14 million people from 407594 families have been affected in Sri Lanka as the island nation continues to experience floods landslides and severe weather conditionsOn November 28 India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to provide urgent search and rescue and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief HADR support to Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah caused flooding loss of life and widespread disruption across the island nationIndia has maintained that it stands firmly with the people of Sri Lanka ensuring rapid sustained and coordinated assistance across affected districts under Operation Sagar Bandhu IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-slams-pakistan-for-making-ridiculous-airspace-denial-claims-spreading-misinformation-651144.html Wed, 03 Dec 2025 01:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/afghan-fm-dials-tajikistan-counterpart-condemns-killing-of-chinese-nationals-651145.html Kabul Dec 2 Afghanistanâs Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on Tuesday held a telephonic conversation with his Tajik counterpart Sirojiddin Muhriddin condemning the deadly attack in Tajikistans Khatlon region last week that killed three Chinese nationals Condemning and expressing regret over the recent security incidents on Tajik territory resulting in casualties among Chinese nationals Muttaqi stressed that joint cooperation for regional stability noting that the Islamic Emirate is fully prepared to strengthen border security conduct joint investigations and engage in all forms of coordination considering joint action against hostile elements a timely necessity read a statement issued by the Afghan Foreign MinistryThe statement added that the discussion also focused on political relations economic cooperation border situation security coordination and regional initiatives between the two countriesMuttaqi said that Afghanistan and Tajikistan have recently developed an atmosphere of trust regarding political economic and security cooperation while noting that some circles are attempting to undermine this positive trendHighlighting the historical cultural and religious linkages between the two countries Tajik Foreign Minister Muhriddin expressed support for strengthening border coordinationHe also affirmed that Tajikistan favours positive engagement with the Afghan government rejecting groups that seek to disrupt relations between the two countriesâThe two sides agreed to maintain regular contact between border forces continue joint securitycooperation committees and hold technical meetings to promote mutual trust and stability in the regionâ the Afghan Foreign Ministry statedAccording to the Foreign Ministry of Tajikistan on the night of November 26 an armed attack was carried out from the territory of Afghanistan on the LLC Shohin SM employees camp located within the control area of the 1st Border Guard Post Istiqlol of the Yol Border Detachment in the Khatlon regionThis attack was carried out using an unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with grenades and firearms As a result of the attack three employees of the LLC Shahin SM of Chinese citizenship were killed the Tajik Foreign Ministry statedEarlier on Sunday Chinese Ambassador to Tajikistan Guo Zhijun urgently called Tajik Foreign Minister Mukhriddin and First Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for National Security in Tajikistan Farhod KamolzodaâThe two sides exchanged views on the latest developments concerning the safety of Chinese enterprises and citizens in the border region between Tajikistan and Afghanistan Guo demanded that Tajikistan take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of Chinese enterprises and citizens in Tajikistanâ the Embassy of China in Tajikistan stated IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/afghan-fm-dials-tajikistan-counterpart-condemns-killing-of-chinese-nationals-651145.html Wed, 03 Dec 2025 01:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-philippines-coast-guards-hold-first-annual-bilateral-meeting-to-boost-maritime-synergy-651161.html Manila Dec 2 The Indian Coast Guard ICG and the Philippine Coast Guard PCG held their first annual bilateral meeting in Manila on Tuesday under the provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding MoU signed on August 22 2023   According to a Ministry of Defence MoD statement both sides reviewed recent ship visits professional exchanges and Coast Guard to Coast Guard cooperative activities while agreeing to further strengthen joint initiatives aimed at enhancing interoperability and operational coordinationThe engagement aligns closely with Indiaâs Act East Policy as well as Indiaâs regional maritime initiatives such as Security and Growth for All in the Region SAGAR and the IndoPacific Oceans Initiative IPOI which collectively promote a safe secure and stable maritime environmentThe meeting focused on expanding cooperation in maritime search and rescue maritime law enforcement marine pollution response and capacity buildingThe meeting was cochaired by ICG Commander Eastern Seaboard Additional Director General Donny Michael and Deputy Commandant for Operations PCG Vice Admiral Edgar L Ybanez the MoD saidEnhanced cooperation between the ICG and PCG is an important component of the broader IndiaPhilippines strategic partnership contributing to peace stability and sustainable maritime governance in the IndoPacificReaffirming their commitment to regular institutional interactions training programmes exchange of best practices and ship visits both Coast Guards emphasised that such engagements build mutual trust and promote operational synergyThe meeting reflected the shared resolve of India and the Philippines to work together in a spirit of friendship and cooperation to ensure regional maritime security safety and environmental sustainabilityNotably last month the Philippines Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel del Gallego Romualdez highlighted the strength of the IndiaPhilippines relationship calling New Delhi one of Manilaâs top partners and friendsâWe look at India now as one of our top partners and friends They have been very supportive of the PhilippinesâWe are actually buying quite a number of defence equipment like BrahMos and are also working with India on the technology sideâ he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-philippines-coast-guards-hold-first-annual-bilateral-meeting-to-boost-maritime-synergy-651161.html Wed, 03 Dec 2025 01:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/stefan-priesner-takes-over-as-un-head-in-india-651174.html United Nations Dec 3 Stefan Priesner of Austria has taken over as the UNâs head in India according to SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterresâ Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric Priesner who assumed charge as UN Resident Coordinator in India on Monday succeeds Shombi Sharp who concluded a fouryear stintAfter a fouryear stint in the same position in Iran he made the move to New DelhiHe has wide experience in South Asia having started his 28year career with the UN in Bhutan and served in Nepal and BangladeshPriesner has also been the resident coordinator for Malaysia Singapore and Brunei and worked in Bosnia and HerzegovinaHe has a law degree from the University of Vienna and a masters in international relations from Johns Hopkins University in the USThe resident coordinator represents the UN at the highest levels of state and leads the representatives of UN agencies in the countries they are assigned to while promoting the world organisationâs development agendaMeanwhile on Tuesday Guterres appointed Lt Gen Ganesh Kumar Shrestha of Nepal as the new force commander of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei UNISFAThe Security Council created the UNISFA in 2011 to protect civilians in the Abyei area that straddles Sudan and South Sudan and is claimed by both countriesShrestha who succeeds Maj Gen Robert Yaw Affram of Ghana heads an operation with 3250 troops and 640 policeRecently Shrestha was recently the Master General of Ordinance in the Nepalese Army HeadquartersHe has served with the UN peacekeeping as a sector commander UN Mission in South Sudan UNMISS IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/stefan-priesner-takes-over-as-un-head-in-india-651174.html Wed, 03 Dec 2025 06:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-moves-to-restrict-access-to-classified-files-in-tellis-prosecution-651176.html Washington Dec 3 The US government has asked a federal court in Virginia to impose tight controls on classified material in the criminal case against Indian American strategic analyst Ashley J Tellis whose arrest this month sent ripples through policy and academic circles in Washingtonâs South Asian community In a filing submitted to the Eastern District of Virginia last week federal prosecutors said the court is required under the Classified Information Procedures Act CIPA to âissue an order to protect against the disclosure of any classified information disclosed by the United States to any defendant in any criminal case in a district court of the United StatesâThey told the judge the proposed protective order is necessary âto protect the national securityâ and would regulate discovery âby restricting the use and dissemination of classified documents and information obtained through discoveryâEarlier in November Tellis was arrested in Northern Virginia following a federal inquiry into his alleged handling of classified material He made his initial appearance before a magistrate judge soon after his detentionA respected figure in the IndianAmerican policy world Tellis has been a familiar presence in debates on USâIndia relations Asian security and Americaâs strategic posture in the IndoPacific His writings and government service made him a wellknown voice across Washingtonâs think tanks and academic networksAs per the court documents Tellis and his attorneys have reviewed the document and agreed at least initially to proceed under its termsThe government noted that âthe defense consents to its terms for now in the hope that the consent will accelerate the production of at least some of the classified documentsâ However his legal team has flagged âreservations about certain provisions of this orderâThe filing adds that the defence âreserves its right to challenge any decision by the government to deny access for defence counsel or for the defendant to certain classified documentsâTellisâs attorneys will be required to review any such material inside a Secure Area a governmentapproved facility that cannot be used for ordinary conversations or electronic communications âNo classified documents material recordings or other information may be removed from the Secure Area unless so authorized by the CISOâ the order says Discussions involving classified information cannot take place over the phone email or the internetTellis himself remains bound by a âcontinuing contractual obligation to the government not to disclose to any unauthorized person classified information known to him or in his possessionâ and the government âis entitled to enforce that agreementâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-moves-to-restrict-access-to-classified-files-in-tellis-prosecution-651176.html Wed, 03 Dec 2025 07:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-says-us-to-start-land-strikes-on-drug-traffickers-in-caribbean-very-soon-651177.html Washington Dec 3 US President Donald Trump said at a White House cabinet meeting that his administration will start strikes on land targeting drug traffickers in the Caribbean very soon Were going to start doing those strikes on land You know the land is much easier Its much easier and we know the routes they take Trump said at the meeting on Tuesday Were going to start that very soonIn his Thanksgiving remarks to US troops on Thursday night Trump thanked the Air Forces 7th Bomb Wing for their work to deter Venezuelan drug traffickers while announcing Its about 85 percent stopped by sea and well be starting to stop them by landAlso the land is easier but thats going to start very soon Trump spoke from his MaraLago estateSince September 2 the Pentagon has carried out at least 21 known strikes on alleged drug vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific Ocean killing at least 83 people aboard Xinhua news agency reportedIn the past months Washington has deployed around a dozen warships including the USS Gerald R Ford a major aircraft carrier and about 15000 troops to the Caribbean Sea which shares a significant amount of coastline with Venezuela The region has not seen such a massive US military presence for at least three decadesCritics including multiple lawmakers at the US Capitol have questioned whether counternarcotics is indeed the only US motive and the legality of US military strikes in the Caribbean for monthsVenezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has denied having any ties to the drug trade and has accused the United States of fabricating a war aimed at regime change in his country IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-says-us-to-start-land-strikes-on-drug-traffickers-in-caribbean-very-soon-651177.html Wed, 03 Dec 2025 07:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-national-sentenced-to-prison-in-us-for-117-million-medicare-fraud-651179.html Washington Dec 3 An Indian national who admitted to orchestrating a multimilliondollar Medicare fraud through a Washingtonbased diagnostic lab was sentenced to two years in federal prison US Attorney Charles Neil Floyd announced Mohammed Asif 35 who was taken into custody on April 10 2025 at Chicago OâHare International Airport as he attempted to board an international flight has been ordered to pay 1174813 in restitution He now faces likely deportation after completing his sentenceAsif pleaded guilty on September 4 to conspiracy to commit health care fraud tied to the operations of American Labworks LLC a nowdefunct diagnostic testing laboratory in Everett WashingtonUS District Judge James L Robart delivering the sentence described the 1174813 fraud loss as âa significant amount of money It was money that was siphoned out of the Medicare system which is designed to treat the elderly and the poorâ The defendant lacks moral character as a knowing participant in the fraudâ He is someone the public needs to be protected fromâProsecutors said Asif and his coconspirators billed Medicare for COVID19 and other respiratory tests that were neither ordered nor performed US Attorney Floyd said âMr Asif participated in a scheme to steal more than a million dollars from Medicare funds that are meant to be used for important medical careâHe added âRegrettably schemes like this one are not unique Medicare is a constant target of fraud and the harm to the United States and taxpayers is substantial We will continue to investigate and prosecute such fraud schemesâAccording to court filings Washington state records show American Labworks was formed in October 2021 and dissolved in March 2025 Its license as a Medical Test Site expired in December 2023 Throughout this period Asif was listed as the owner and director with the state and MedicareClaims data from April to December 2024 show that the lab billed Medicare more than 87 million for diagnostic services and received over 11 million in payouts Complaints soon followed Between June 2024 and March 2025 Medicare logged more than 200 complaints from beneficiaries and others about the labSome beneficiaries reported charges for tests they never received One enrollee said Medicare paid American Labworks 545 for COVID19 tests in August 2023 and March 2024 even though they were never tested on those dates Others said they had never even heard of the physicians listed as referring providers Several doctors whose names appeared in the labâs billing records told investigators they had not referred patients to the facilityIn some cases records showed testing dates after a beneficiary had died Other claims showed referrals by physicians who were themselves deceased at the time the tests were supposedly orderedFinancial records placed Asif at the centre of the operation Prosecutors said he controlled the companyâs bank account received multiple checks and withdrew large sums In May 2024 alone he withdrew 260000 Soon after Asifâthen residing in the US on a student visaâleft for India He returned in March 2025 just as investigators were closing inâBilling Medicare for millions of dollarsâ worth of laboratory testing that was never furnished is a serious offence that undermines the integrity of our healthcare system and diverts critical resources from those who truly need themâ said Robb R Breeden Acting Special Agent in Charge of HHSOIGFBI Seattle Special Agent in Charge W Mike Herrington said âLike so many other fraudsters who take advantage of such situations Mr Asif used the COVID19 pandemic to steal from taxpayers for his own gainâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-national-sentenced-to-prison-in-us-for-117-million-medicare-fraud-651179.html Wed, 03 Dec 2025 07:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/uscirf-presses-us-to-act-on-pakistans-blasphemy-law-abuses-651180.html Washington Dec 3 The US Commission on International Religious Freedom USCIRF urged the Trump Administration to work with Pakistan to amend or repeal its blasphemy law warning that the statute remains a central driver of mob attacks wrongful imprisonment and escalating threats against Christians Ahmadiyya Muslims and other religious minorities The renewed call followed Pakistanâs recent ban on the TehreekeLabbaik Pakistan TLP a hardline group known for mobilising violent crowds in the name of defending blasphemy provisionsUSCIRF said the TLP has âincited violent mobs to intimidate and attack religious minorities even calling for the death penalty as punishment for violating blasphemy lawsâThe commission noted that these actions have long endangered Pakistanâs nonMuslim communities and Ahmadis who remain legally restricted from identifying as Muslims in the country Such mobilisation it said has helped create an atmosphere in which accusationsâfrequently unverifiedâcan spark neighbourhood riots or targeted killingsâHolding perpetrators of religious freedom violations accountable is a key component of FoRBâ USCIRF Vice Chair Asif Mahmood said âUsing violence or incitement against religious minorities is never a legitimate path for political or civic engagement People hiding behind the guise of political parties or activity must be held accountable when they call for violenceâBeyond the legal penalties attached to blasphemy charges USCIRF highlighted the profound social consequences of a system where allegations are often wielded as weapons It said Pakistani citizens have used blasphemy accusations âto settle interpersonal disputesâ frequently triggering âextrajudicial killings and mob violence disproportionately impacting religious minoritiesâThe commission urged Washington to consider a binding agreement with Islamabad under the International Religious Freedom Act IRFA to encourage specific corrective steps Those measures include releasing individuals imprisoned for blasphemy curbing abuses linked to vigilante groups and ultimately repealing the countryâs blasphemy lawsâCurrently those imprisoned under blasphemy charges often face lengthy sentences on death row or in solitary confinementâ Commissioner Meir Soloveichik said âWe urge the Trump Administration to work with Pakistani authorities to seek the release of those accused of blasphemy and to hold accountable individuals who participate in vigilante violenceâUSCIRFâs 2025 Annual Report recommended that the US State Department redesignate Pakistan as a Country of Particular Concern CPC for âsystematic ongoing and egregiousâ religiousfreedom violations Such a designation places a country among the most severe violators globally and can trigger diplomatic or economic pressure mechanismsThe commission also cited a detailed country update released in September noting âescalating attacks against religious minoritiesâ and a worsening climate for communities who already face structural discrimination and political marginalisationPakistanâs blasphemy lawâparticularly Section 295C which carries a death sentenceâhas drawn sustained criticism from global rights advocates for decades While Pakistan has yet to execute the provision dozens of accused individuals remain on death row Many others have been assaulted or killed by mobs before their cases reach the courts IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/uscirf-presses-us-to-act-on-pakistans-blasphemy-law-abuses-651180.html Wed, 03 Dec 2025 08:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bla-claims-major-strikes-on-pakistani-forces-across-balochistan-651183.html Quetta Dec 3 The Baloch Liberation Army BLA claimed to have inflicted significant losses on âoccupyingâ Pakistani army forces in four separate operations across several regions in Balochistan including Mastung Turbat Kohlu and Chamalang while apprehending security personnel of âexploitative companiesâ and seizing their weapons According to the statement issued by the outfits spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch the fighters ambushed on foot occupying Pakistani army personnel at Jalo Gandan in the Dasht area of Mastung on December 1 as they were engaged in railway track clearance He said that during the attack two Pakistani personnel were âeliminated on the spotâ and another was wounded but managed to escapeThe spokesperson further stated that BLA fighters targeted a Pakistani army checkpost near Park Hotel in Turbat city with a grenade attack on the same day causing casualties and property lossesâBaloch Liberation Army freedom fighters attacked a security camp belonging to an exploitative gas company in Sinhari area of Kohlu The private security personnel present were apprehended and their weapons seized Local personnel of the company were released with a stern warningâ read the statement issued by the BLAThe outfit said it carried out a similar attack on a security camp of an exploitative coal company at Triple Modh in Chamalang and apprehended the present personnel and seized their weaponsâThe local company personnel were released after warning Baloch Liberation Army warns all those associated with exploitative companies to immediately cease providing security or any form of facilitation to these entities Individuals involved in such activities will bear full responsibility for their personal and financial consequencesâ the BLA statedEarlier on Monday the BLA claimed to have killed 27 Pakistani Army personnel injured over 17 others in 29 attacks carried out between November 28 and November 30 across BalochistanâBaloch Liberation Army freedom fighters struck occupying Pakistani Armyâs Coast Guard camp in the Pasni area of Gwadar with multiple grenade launchers Freedom fighters targeted military intelligence personnel and agents of enemy Pakistani Army in Jiwani area of Gwadar with a remotecontrolled IED attack while they were returning after extorting money from vehicles As a result of the explosion three military intelligence agents were eliminated and two others seriously woundedâ the BLA stated IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bla-claims-major-strikes-on-pakistani-forces-across-balochistan-651183.html Wed, 03 Dec 2025 08:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/ai-unmanaged-could-increase-inequality-between-countries-undp-report-warns-651184.html United Nations Dec 3 Artificial intelligence AI unmanaged could increase inequality between countries by widening divides in economic performance peoples capabilities and governance systems as the starting point is so vastly different according to a report released by the United Nations Development Programme UNDP The report titled The Next Great Divergence Why AI May Widen Inequality Between Countries highlights that although AI opens important new avenues for development countries begin this transition from highly uneven positions to capture benefits and manage risksWithout strong policy action these gaps can grow reversing the long trend of narrowing development inequalities Stephane Dujarric spokesperson for the UN secretarygeneral told a daily briefingAsia and the Pacific region home to over 55 per cent of the worlds population is at the center of the AI transition hosting more than half of global AI users and rapidly expanding its innovation footprint according to the reportAI could lift annual GDP growth in the region by around 2 percentage points and raise productivity up to 5 per cent in sectors such as health and finance ASEAN economies could see nearly 1 trillion in additional GDP over the next decade it saidAt the same time millions of jobs especially those held by women and young people face significant exposure to automation if core principles of ethical and inclusive governance of AI are not considered the report mentionedFor much of the last halfcentury many lowerincome countries have gradually closed the gap with higher income countries through advances in technology trade and development This era of convergence brought significant improvements in health education and income Xinhua news agency reportedHowever without deliberate and inclusive policy choices AI may now cause the erosion of these convergence gains the report warnedDigital readiness varies significantly across the region Countries such as Singapore South Korea and China are making substantial investments in AI infrastructure and skills while others are still working to strengthen foundational digital access and literacy Building these digital capabilities will be critical to ensuring that all countries can benefit from the opportunities AI presents it saidLimited infrastructure skills computing power and governance capacity constrain the potential benefits of AI while amplifying risks including job displacement data exclusion and indirect impacts such as rising global energy and water demands from AIintensive systems the report notedOnly a limited number of countries have comprehensive AI regulations and by 2027 more than 40 per cent of global AIrelated data breaches may stem from misuse of generative AI underscoring the need for robust governance frameworks the report said adding that this is a key area of catchup for many countries in the region and elsewhere IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/ai-unmanaged-could-increase-inequality-between-countries-undp-report-warns-651184.html Wed, 03 Dec 2025 09:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/wmo-warns-of-deadly-asia-floods-as-extreme-rains-batter-region-651186.html Geneva Dec 3 Devastating monsoon rains and tropical cyclones have unleashed catastrophic flooding across parts of South and Southeast Asia killing hundreds of people displacing communities and causing major economic disruption the World Meteorological Organization WMO said Clare Nullis a WMO official told a UN press briefing in Geneva that Indonesia the Philippines Thailand Viet Nam and Sri Lanka are among the worst hit as monsoonrelated downpours combine with tropical typhoonsFloods remain among the regions top hazards and rising temperatures are increasing the likelihood of more intense rainfall she warnedIn Sumatra Indonesia national authorities report more than 600 deaths and over 460 people missing with over 15 million people affectedViet Nam has been battered for weeks with some areas receiving more than 1000 millimetres of rain and historic and tourist sites badly damaged A meteorological station in Hue City recorded 17396 mm of rain in 24 hours in late October a new national record that could be the secondhighest 24hour total ever measured in the Northern Hemisphere and Asia The country has registered 98 deaths and 10 missing Xinhua news agency reportedThe Philippines still recovering from earlier typhoons is facing another storm while in Sri Lanka nearly one million people have been affected and more than 400 reported dead or missing after Cyclonic Storm Ditwah triggered record floods and landslides Sri Lanka has declared a national disaster saying it has not seen such severe conditions in yearsRicardo Pires for the United Nations Childrens Fund UNICEF said more than 275000 children have been affected by Cyclone Ditwah which brought severe flooding and landslides after making landfall on the east coast of Asia on November 28 With many areas still inaccessible the true figure could be higher he addedThe disaster highlighted the need to further strengthen regional forecasting systems expand coping capacities and increase data sharing Nullis saidThe AsiaPacific region is facing the worlds record typhoon activity and no single institution or country can deal with tropical cyclones or climate change alone she said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/wmo-warns-of-deadly-asia-floods-as-extreme-rains-batter-region-651186.html Wed, 03 Dec 2025 09:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-uae-to-make-mobility-easier-for-workers-tourists-and-businesses-651220.html New Delhi Dec 3 India and the UAE are taking major steps to make travel smoother and strengthen legal cooperation marking a new phase in their fastgrowing strategic partnership Both countries are focusing on easier visas faster extradition and closer coordination between their legal systemsThe aim is to make movement simpler for workers tourists and businesses while also tightening the fight against financial crime and fugitives who operate between the two nationsAt the sixth meeting of the IndiaâUAE Joint Committee on Consular Affairs held in Abu Dhabi last month officials from both sides agreed to work on four key areas according to India Narrative reportThese include liberalising visa rules improving the flow of information ensuring better consular access and speeding up cooperation on extradition and mutual legal assistanceWhile no big new agreement has been announced yet the discussions clearly show that both governments want more predictable longterm cooperation rather than handling issues case by caseIndia has already expanded visaonarrival facilities for UAE nationals increasing the number of airports offering this service from six to nine by adding Kochi Calicut and AhmedabadThese locations especially benefit travellers connected to Gulf business hubs and states with large Indian communitiesOn the other hand the UAE has broadened its own visaonarrival scheme for more categories of Indian travellers particularly professionals with foreign residence permits making shortnotice travel much easierThe push for easier visas is driven by strong economic and political reasons Bilateral trade between India and the UAE has already crossed about 100 billion dollars in 2024â25 under the CEPA trade pactFaster business travel smoother project work and predictable mobility for professionals are essential for fully using the potential of the agreementWith over 42 million Indians living in the UAE mobility is also a major welfare issue for India and a labourmarket factor for the UAESimplified visas for Emirati citizens entering India also send a message that travel and investment flow both waysOn the security side India and the UAE already have an extradition treaty and cooperation has steadily expandedThe recent talks focused on speeding up processes rather than rewriting laws In practical terms this means quicker examination of extradition requests better alignment of documents and stronger political will to avoid delaysFaster action from the UAE can significantly impact Indiaâs efforts to bring back economic offenders who once considered Dubai a safe escape routeBoth countries are also working to strengthen mutual legal assistance which is crucial for tackling cybercrime financial crime terror financing and misuse of corporate structuresAs India and the UAE deepen economic engagement through food corridors logistics projects and major investments faster sharing of financial records ownership details and digital evidence becomes essentialThis cooperation can prevent criminals from exploiting differences in regulations and operating across borders unnoticed IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-uae-to-make-mobility-easier-for-workers-tourists-and-businesses-651220.html Wed, 03 Dec 2025 12:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/revenues-of-indias-top-threedefencecompanies-rose-by82-per-cent-report-650972.html New York Dec 2 The arms revenues of the three top Indian companies producing defence equipment rose by 82 per cent to 75 billion last year according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute SIPRI The Top 100 international list of arms producers released on Monday by SIPRI the premier institution monitoring international arms manufacturing and trade features only three Indian companies Hindustan Aeronautics Limited HAL Bharat Electronics Limited BEL and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited MDSLSIPRI said that HAL remained Indiaâs biggest defence producer with arms revenue of 38 billionIt ranked 44 in the SIPRI list of Top 100 arms manufacturers down from 42 in 2023 with its revenue slipping by 03 per centHAL produces a range of aviation and space products many of which are for civilian useOf its total revenues of 4 billion the SIPRI report said 95 per cent came from arms and only those were considered for the Top 100 listBEL Indiaâs second biggest defence producer recorded the biggest revenue increase among the three Indian companies in the Top 100 list a rise of 236 per cent from 2023 to 38 billion last yearSPRI attributed the rise in arms revenue to âorders from the Indian government for radars and electronic warfare systemsâIts global rank rose ten places to 58 from 68 in 2023Of BELâs total revenues of 275 billion 899 per cent came from arms manufacturing SIPRI saidThe defence sector revenues of MDSL whose range of products include submarines and warships rose by 938 per cent last year to 112 billion SIPRI saidIts total revenue last year was 137 billion 898 per cent of which came from defence manufacturing and it retained the global rank of 91Globally SIPRI said the arms revenues of the companies on the Top 100 list set a new record increasing by 59 per cent in 2024 to 679 billionIt said âThe rise in the total arms revenues of the Top 100 in 2024 was mostly due to overall increases in the arms revenues of companies based in Europe and the United StatesâThe US company Lockheed Martin led the SIPRI Top 100 list with arms revenues of 62 billion And four of the next five companies were also AmericanBritainâs BAE Systems was ranked fourthRussiaâs Rostec received the seventh rank and Chinaâs AVIC the eighthAn earlier SIPRI report said that India spent 8623 billion on its defence in 2024Pakistanâs military expenditures were 10165 billion and Chinas was 31367 billion IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/revenues-of-indias-top-threedefencecompanies-rose-by82-per-cent-report-650972.html Tue, 02 Dec 2025 10:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/german-chancellor-merz-voices-against-dictated-peace-over-ukraine-650974.html Berlin Dec 2 German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Germany stands against any dictated peace over the heads of Ukraine Merz made the remarks on Monday during a joint press conference with visiting Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Berlin Xinhua news agecny reportedNo decision about Ukraine and Europe without Ukrainians and without Europeans Merz said during the press conference adding that Germany and its allies aim to continue supporting Ukraine and bring Moscow to the negotiating tableMerz noted that recent discussions in Geneva had led to initial progress toward a peace plan adding that Germany is in constant contact with Ukraine and the United States at the level of advisorsTusk also voiced support for Ukraine noting efforts by Poland and Germany to jointly strengthen the security of EuropeLatvian President Edgars Rinkevics said on Monday that Europe must also be at the negotiating table commenting on a possible peace agreement in UkraineA USproposed 28point peace plan was unveiled two weeks ago Following its release representatives from the United States Ukraine and several European countries met in Geneva on November 23 to discuss the planUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Witkoff held talks on Sunday with a Ukrainian delegation in Hallandale Beach FloridaRussian President Vladimir Putin will meet with US presidential special envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow on Tuesday to discuss ending the conflict with Ukraine Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/german-chancellor-merz-voices-against-dictated-peace-over-ukraine-650974.html Tue, 02 Dec 2025 10:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/joint-parliament-session-sparks-speculation-of-kp-takeover-as-pakistan-reels-from-imran-khan-rumours-651003.html New Delhi Dec 2 Pakistan is bracing for massive protests amidst death rumours about former Prime Minister Imran Khan Public gatherings have been banned in Rawalpindi and Section 144 has been imposed amidst demands by Khanâs supporters to have access to him This has led Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to rush back to Pakistan from London as President Asif Ali Zardari called for an urgent session of Parliament The joint session would discuss a host of issues including ties with Afghanistan and also Imran Khan It will also address issues in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa KP and Balochistan Both regions have been on the boil and in recent months the Pakistan army has faced severe casualties hereAn official said that the establishment in Pakistan wants a change in administration in KP This session comes in the wake of the Sharif government at the insistence of the Pakistan army deciding to impose Governorâs rule in KP If Pakistans National Assembly approves such a move it would oust Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi from power He is part of the Imran Khanled Pakistan TehreekeInsaf PTIThe government has been citing law and order issues to impose Governorâs rule in KP Supporters of Imran Khan including his family members have been protesting relentlessly after the administration refused to allow them to meet him This has fuelled many rumours about Khan His family members and supporters have been demanding to meet with him after rumours about his death began to float aroundExperts say that calling for a joint session under the pretext is just a smokescreen While the President says that the session would discuss PakistanAfghanistan relations the real intention is the imposition of Governorâs rule in KP If a unilateral decision to change the administration in KP is taken it would lead to backlash from the people of Pakistan Hence the Sharif administration wants to change the administration structure in KP with the help of parliamentary cover the expert also pointed outWhile it is almost certain that the government wants Governorâs rule in KP the decision that has to be made is who would don the post The current Governor Faisal Karim Kundi is the first choice Former ministers Pervez Khattak and Ahmed Hyder Hoti are also in the race However if there is no consensus about a political leader donning the role then the army would have its wayPervez Khattak a former army official Lieutenant General Khalid Rabbani and Lieutenant General Ghayur are also in the race PTI leaders seeking access to Imran Khan have repeatedly said that their protests would be peaceful However the regime in Pakistan is attempting to portray that these demonstrations may turn violent so that it can effect an administrative shakeup in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa KP This is solely to take away power from Imran Khanâs PTI in the region an official explainedAnother official said the Imran Khan situation is going out of control Pakistan is facing major issues with Afghanistan Its internal issues include those in KP and Balochistan and now the Imran Khan issue is getting out of hand This is hurting Pakistan not just internally but also internationallyFor now the two most important issues for Pakistan are to change the administration in KP and deal with the Imran Khan issue The establishment is likely to allow Khanâs sister Uzma to meet with him along with a vetted lawyer However this meeting is conditional and Uzma has been instructed not to speak to the media about anything post the meetingThe establishment hopes that allowing this meeting would settle the dust PTI supporters however want more and hence are planning a major protest Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure Punjab Amendment Act of 2024 would be in place until December 3 All kinds of assemblies gatherings and sitins have been bannedThe District Intelligence Committee DIC has reported specific intelligence suggesting that certain groups and elements are actively mobilising with intentions to disturb the law and order situation through large gatherings protests and disruptive assemblies The forum further indicates that these elements may target soft locations and mobilise individuals with the potential to engage in violent actions near key installations and other sensitive sites thereby endangering the public peace and tranquility the order issued by Deputy Commissioner Dr Hassan Waqar Cheema reads IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/joint-parliament-session-sparks-speculation-of-kp-takeover-as-pakistan-reels-from-imran-khan-rumours-651003.html Tue, 02 Dec 2025 12:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/voting-for-cameroons-regional-elections-kicks-off-650942.html Yaounde Nov 30 Voting for Cameroons regional elections began early Sunday with polling starting nationwide at 8 am 0700 GMT1230 IST and set to end at 6 pm 1700 GMT2230 IST local time In the capital Yaounde and the commercial capital of Douala a Xinhua reporter observed on site that municipal councillors and traditional rulers who make up the electoral college queued outside polling stationsOfficials of the national electoral body Elections Cameroon told Xinhua that voting which took place in 58 divisional headquarters of the country began without any problemsMunicipal councillors and traditional rulers will elect 900 regional councillors to serve fiveyear terms with 90 in each of the countrys 10 regions Xinhua News Agency reportedThe ruling Cameroon Peoples Democratic Movement has submitted candidates in all 58 electoral constituencies and is running unchallenged in several of themIn 2020 Cameroon held its maiden regional electionEarlier on November 3 Cameroons Minister of Communication Rene Emmanuel Sadi condemned violent postelection protests and acts of civil disobedience vowing that effective measures will be taken to restore orderSadi also the government spokesperson said violent protests following the countrys October 12 presidential election had led to the destruction and looting of propertyThose responsible for the disturbances caught in the act of committing their crimes have been arrested Sadi said in a statementThe statement was released as a civil disobedience campaign launched by the opposition left much of the Central African nations streets largely deserted at the start of the working week on November 3Opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary who claimed to have won the election had called for a threeday nationwide ghost town protest from November 35 encouraging people to stay at home and suspend all activities as a form of peaceful resistanceEarlier in October Paul Biya was reelected President of Cameroon for an eighth term securing 5366 per cent of the votes the countrys Constitutional Council announcedThe candidate of the Cameroon National Salvation Front Bakary finished second with 3519 per cent of the votes More than 46 million Cameroonians cast their ballots out of over eight million registered voters bringing the turnout rate to 5776 per cent compared with 5385 per cent in 2018 and 6582 per cent in 2011While proclaiming the final results Constitutional Council President Clement Atangana said the election was free and fairBiya 92 who has been in power since 1982 leads the Cameroon Peoples Democratic Movement IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/voting-for-cameroons-regional-elections-kicks-off-650942.html Mon, 01 Dec 2025 17:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-mission-in-medan-offers-condolences-over-floods-landslides-in-indonesia-650950.html Jakarta Nov 30 Indias Consulate General in Medan on Sunday expressed condolences and solidarity with the people of Indonesia over the victims of floods and landslides in Aceh North Sumatra and West Sumatra CGI Medan conveys deepest condolences for the tragic losses from floods and landslides in Aceh North Sumatra and West Sumatra and reaffirms solidarity and support to affected people and Provincial Governments India Indonesia Mitra Selamanya the mission said in a post on XEarlier in the day the Indian Embassy in Jakarta offered condolences for the loss of life and property caused by floods and landslides in Aceh North and West Sumatra and reaffirmed solidarity with the people of IndonesiaThe Embassy of India in Jakarta expresses its deepest sympathy and condolences for the tragic loss of life and property caused by the devastating floods and landslides in Aceh North and West Sumatra and reaffirms solidarity and support for the Government and those affected at this difficult moment it posted on XThe Indian missions statement comes after 303 people died and 279 remained missing after flash floods and landslides struck three provinces of Indonesias Sumatra according to the countrys National Disaster Management Agency BNPBAddressing a press conference BNPB Chief Suharyanto stated that the highest number of casualties occurred in North Sumatra with 166 deaths and 143 people still unaccounted for As many as 90 people have died while 85 remain missing in West Sumatra A total of 47 people have died and 51 others remain missing in Aceh Xinhua News Agency reportedSuharyanto chaired a coordination meeting with BPNB units deployed in the three mostaffected provinces and stressed that operations must be intensified as weather conditions in the impacted regions start to improveHe stated that the agency is prioritising three urgent tasks carrying out search and rescue operations for those who are still missing restoring disrupted communication access and ensuring swift delivery of logistics to people impacted by floods and landslides IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-mission-in-medan-offers-condolences-over-floods-landslides-in-indonesia-650950.html Mon, 01 Dec 2025 17:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-at-least-four-people-killed-10-others-injured-in-shooting-in-california-650954.html Washington Nov 30 At least four people were killed and 10 others were injured in a shooting during a family gathering in Stockton city of US California local media reported citing authorities Speaking to reporters San Joaquin County Sheriffs Office spokesperson Heather Brent said that the shooting took place at a banquet hall along the 1900 block of Lucile Avenue on Saturday night local time She stated that victims include juveniles and adults as they were attending a childs birthday party CBS News reported The suspected shooter has not been caughtSan Joaquin County Sheriffâs Office said that an investigation is being conducted into the incident and said that early indications suggested that it may be a targeted attackIn a statement shared on X the San Joaquin County Sheriffâs Office stated Shortly before 600 pm our dispatch centre received reports of a shooting that occurred near the 1900 block of Lucile Avenue in Stockton We can confirm at this time that approximately 14 individuals were struck by gunfire and four victims have been confirmed deceased This is a very active and ongoing investigation and information remains limited Early indications suggest this may be a targeted incident and investigators are exploring all possibilitiesDetectives are actively working to determine the circumstances leading up to this tragedy Our thoughts are with the victims their families and everyone impacted by this senseless violence We are urging anyone with information video footage or who may have witnessed any part of this incident to contact the San Joaquin County Sheriffâs Office immediately Community assistance is vital in helping us identify those responsible and bring justice to the victims and their loved ones Additional updates will be provided as soon as information can be confirmed it addedCalifornia Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed about the shooting incident in StocktonIn a statement shared on X the Governor Newsom Press Office stated Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the horrific shooting in Stockton The Governorâs Office of Emergency Services is monitoring this evolving situation and coordinating with local law enforcementStockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee stated that he is devastated and angry to learn that the shooting occurred at a childs birthday party He noted that a birthday party should not be a place where families fear for their livesIn a statement shared on Facebook Lee stated Tonight my heart is heavy in a way thatâs hard to put into words As Vice Mayor of Stockton â and as someone who grew up in this community â I am devastated and angry to learn about the mass shooting at a childâs birthday party A birthday party should never be a place where families fear for their lives Violence touched my life as a young person and seeing our own children parents and neighbours go through this shakes me deeply Stockton is my home These are our families This is our communityI am in contact with staff and public safety officials to understand exactly what happened and I will be pushing for answers Our community deserves to know the truth and the families impacted deserve justice and every resource available to support them Tonight Iâm sending my thoughts prayers and love to the families who are hurting to the children who witnessed this trauma and to everyone across our city who feels this pain Please God uplift our community We donât deserve this And we will not accept this as our norm he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-at-least-four-people-killed-10-others-injured-in-shooting-in-california-650954.html Mon, 01 Dec 2025 18:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/fairpoint-pakistan-a-neighbour-in-permanent-freefall-650957.html New Delhi Nov 30 Every time we think Pakistan has hit rock bottom events unfold that prove there is no such thing as the lowest point for a nation that keeps discovering new depths The world has long recognised that genuine democracy has never found a stable home in a country carved out on the basis of religious identity Its problems run as deep as the contradictions of its own founding Deceit duplicity and an astonishing lack of diplomatic civility have become inseparable from Pakistans state behaviour These patterns are not matters of opinion they are recurring facts reinforced by the actions of its military establishment its political elite and increasingly even its citizensEqually troubling however is the persistent section within India that continues to advocate friendship with a neighbour that has repeatedly demonstrated volatility and hostilityVoices like Mani Shankar Aiyar Farooq Abdullah and others seem permanently committed to romanticising a relationship that has for decades delivered India nothing but treachery and violence Their vision of brotherhood remains intact even after Pakistanbacked terror routinely strikes Indian soilIf these selfstyled advocates of peace were truly interested in reality they would pay attention to how the very Muslim nations treat Pakistan which it often cites as its natural alliesThe United Arab Emirates UAE has effectively imposed a freeze on regular visa issuance for Pakistani nationals including tourist visit and many categories of work visasThe reason is simple rising cases of visa misuse overstays organised begging and criminal activities Saudi Arabia too has been treading a cautious path sending back Pakistanis caught begging These are not decisions driven by ideology They are responses to repeated patterns of misconduct These countries despite being Muslim prioritise their national security and refuse to compromise with behaviour that undermines their domestic orderEven in the digital sphere Pakistans appetite for subversion seems endless The recent update by social media platform X which displays country labels based on device location and appstore settings inadvertently exposed a massive network of Pakistani accounts impersonating Indian users These accounts used Hindu names wrote in Hindi and immersed themselves in Indian political and religious debates all while operating from Pakistan or West AsiaThe update confirmed what India has long known a coordinated strategy to distort public discourse plant false narratives and inflame divisions within Indian society by masking the true origin of propagandaThis is not new behaviour it fits a long and troubling pattern This is the same duplicity that marked some of the gravest betrayals in the subcontinents diplomatic history Late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee who displayed unparalleled courage in his pursuit of peace with Pakistan experienced this betrayal firsthand Even as he extended a hand of reconciliation through the Lahore process in February 1999 the Pakistani establishment orchestrated the Kargil intrusion in May 1999Vajpayee remarked in the Lok Sabha on May 9 2003 You can change your friends but not your neighbours The statement captures a painful truth India is stuck with Pakistan because of geography not preference But geography does not compel India to tolerate perfidy If neighbours cannot be chosen they can certainly be restrainedThis is precisely what the current Indian government has sought to do establish deterrence break the cycle of indulgence and impose consequences for Islamabads actionsThe list of Pakistanlinked terror attacks is long and bloody And after 2014 it has been Pathankot 2016 Uri 2016 the Amarnath Yatra attack 2017 the Pulwama suicide bombing 2019 the Reasi bus attack 2024 Pahalgam April 22 2025 and the Delhi car blast November 11 2025 all bear the fingerprints of groups nurtured sponsored and shielded by Pakistans security establishment These come in addition to countless smaller attacks encounters and infiltration attempts in Jammu amp Kashmir that continue without pauseIndias response over the past decade has shifted from one of restraint to calculated and firm measures including surgical strikes Operation Sindoor diplomatic isolation suspension of trade and invoking provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty New Delhis message is clear Blood and water cannot flow together The statement made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi indicates that India will no longer tolerate terrorism emanating from PakistanYet Pakistan appears determined to demonstrate that it has no interest in reforming its behaviour Embarrassments continue across sectors from diplomacy to sports The recent episode involving the Asia Cup trophy where a Pakistani minister carried it home and has yet to return it to the rightful champions the Indian cricket team is a microcosm of Pakistans institutional dysfunction It is a nation unable to uphold even basic norms of sportsmanship let alone international responsibilityThe tragedy is not merely Pakistans conduct it is the predictability of its conduct The country oscillates between economic collapse political chaos and military interference yet its establishment clings to the delusion of parity with IndiaWhile India advances geopolitically and economically Pakistan remains trapped in a loop of denial conspiracy and hostility It started with Jinnah then Ayub Khan Yahya Khan Zulfikar Bhutto ZiaulHaq Parvez Musharraf and now the latest is Lieutenant General Asim Munir who seems to be aiming for the ultimate leadership of his country His intentions were very much revealed in the April 22 Pahalgam attack and his conduct afterwardsIndia cannot fix Pakistan That responsibility lies solely with Pakistans leadership and its people For now the most prudent approach is only one of vigilance and deterrenceDeepika Bhan can be contacted at deepikabiansin IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/fairpoint-pakistan-a-neighbour-in-permanent-freefall-650957.html Mon, 01 Dec 2025 18:09:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/un-chief-reiterates-call-for-irreversible-progress-toward-two-state-solution-650808.html United Nations Nov 30 UN SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres reiterated his call for irreversible progress toward a twostate solution in a message on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People This years International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People which is observed annually on November 29 came after two years of horrific suffering in Gaza and the start of a muchneeded ceasefire Guterres saidNoting that survivors are mourning the deaths of tens of thousands of friends and family hunger disease and trauma run rampant injustice also continues in the occupied West Bank including East Jerusalem and hundreds of humanitarians have been killed the UN chief said In so many ways this tragedy has tested the norms and laws that have guided the international community for generationsThe killing of so many civilians the repeated displacement of an entire population and the obstruction of humanitarian aid should never be acceptable under any circumstances he underscoredAs the recent ceasefire offers a glimmer of hope it is now vital that all parties respect it fully and work in good faith towards solutions that restore and uphold international law the UN chief stressed adding that lifesaving humanitarian aid must be allowed to enter Gaza at scale and the international community must continue to stand firmly with UNRWA the UN relief agency for Palestinians Xinhua news agency reportedI repeat my call for an end to the unlawful occupation of the Palestinian Territory and for irreversible progress towards a twoState solution in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security within their secure and recognized borders on the basis of pre1967 lines with Jerusalem as the capital of both States Guterres saidLet us stand in solidarity with their rights to dignity justice and selfdetermination and work together to build a peaceful future for all the UN secretarygeneral saidIn 1977 the UN General Assembly called for the annual observance of November 29 as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People On that day in 1947 the General Assembly adopted the resolution on the partition of Palestine IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/un-chief-reiterates-call-for-irreversible-progress-toward-two-state-solution-650808.html Sun, 30 Nov 2025 07:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-declares-venezuela-airspace-closed-after-threatening-land-action-650809.html New York Nov 30 Days after reportedly speaking directly with Venezuelaâs President Nicolas Maduro US President Donald Trump has ramped up his campaign against the country declaring the airspace closed signaling possible military action In a terse Truth Social Post on Saturday afternoon he said â please consider THE AIRSPACE ABOVE AND SURROUNDING VENEZUELA TO BE CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETYâBesides airlines and pilots he directed the warning to âDrug Dealers and Human Traffickersâ linking possible action to his campaign against illegal migration and his war on drugsFor weeks the US has been bombing on high seas vessels suspected of carrying drugs hitting more than 20 from the air and killing over 80 peopleOn Thursday he said âWeâll be starting to stop them by landââAlso the land action is easier but thatâs going to start very soonâ he added in his Thanksgiving Day message to the militaryVenezuela said Trumps declaration that its airspace is closed reeked of colonialism and was âhostile and unjustifiedâThe region is swarming with US Navy ships led by the aircraft carrier USS Gerald Ford and 15000 military personnel have been deployed thereThe New York Times quoting anonymous sources reported that Trump and Maduro had spoken by phone and discussed a direct meeting among other mattersSecretary of State Marco Rubio who is among the hawks on Maduroâs rule was also on the call the newspaper saidNeither the White House nor Venezuela has confirmed the talksMedia reports earlier said Maduro had offered the US access to its oil riches and other concessions but insisted he should be allowed to retain power for 2 years â a condition Trump is unlikely to agree toLast week the US designated a drug outfit Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organisation and alleged that MAduro was its headThis would allow Trump to claim that any action against Maduro and Venezuela was an antidrug action and therefore technically not a warNor would it go against his earlier statements against foreign wars and regime change and he probably hopes he would not be seen as a warmonger endangering his claims to a Nobel PrizeTrump could then say that he would not need the legally mandated Congressional approval required for a warDemocratic Party leader in the Senate Chuck Schumer reminded him âUnder our Constitution Congress has the sole power to declare war â not the presidentââPresident Trumpâs reckless actions towards Venezuela are pushing America closer and closer to another costly foreign warâ he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-declares-venezuela-airspace-closed-after-threatening-land-action-650809.html Sun, 30 Nov 2025 07:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/zelensky-names-new-head-for-peace-talks-with-us-russia-650813.html Kyiv Nov 30 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Rustem Umerov as the new head of the Ukrainian delegation to peace talks with the United States other Ukrainian partners and Russia local media reported Umerov Ukraines secretary of national security and defense council replaces Andriy Yermak in the post Xinhua news agency reportedIn a statement on social media platform X Zelensky said the Ukrainian team led by Umerov has departed for the United States to discuss ways to end the RussiaUkraine conflictRustem delivered a report today and the task is clear to swiftly and substantively work out the steps needed to end the war Zelensky saidOn Friday Yermak resigned after anticorruption authorities searched his home as part of an investigationThe previous talks between Ukrainian and US delegations were held in Geneva Switzerland on Novemver 23Earlier US President Donald Trump said that his peace plan has been âfinetunedâ with inputs from the two countries and he is sending envoys to the leaders of Russia and Ukraine to finalise a dealâThere are only a few remaining points of disagreementâ over the 28point plan drafted by the US after it was finetuned Trump said on Truth Social on TuesdayâIn the hopes of finalising this Peace Plan I have directed my Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to meet with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and at the same time Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll will be meeting with the Ukrainiansâ he wroteHe said that he was looking forward to meeting with Putin and Ukraineâs President Volodymyr Zelensky âbut only when the deal to end this War is FINAL or in its final stagesâTrump had said he was setting a Thanksgiving Day deadline â Thursday when the feast is observed in the US â for Ukraine to agree to the deal but has since said he was open to extending it if there was progressThe war which according to Trump claimed the lives of 25000 soldiers last month continued to rage with Russia hitting Kyiv with missiles and drones on Tuesday IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/zelensky-names-new-head-for-peace-talks-with-us-russia-650813.html Sun, 30 Nov 2025 08:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/elon-musk-features-in-new-teaser-of-nikhil-kamaths-upcoming-podcast-episode-650856.html New Delhi Nov 30 IANS A new teaser of Elon Musks appearance on Zerodha cofounder Nikhil Kamaths WTF is podcast has sparked fresh excitement online with Kamath releasing a second blackandwhite clip that blends humour with deeper reflections from the Tesla and SpaceX chiefnbspThe video posted on X opens with a light moment as Kamath comments on Musks physique saying he looks bigger and bulkier than expectedMusk laughs it off before the conversation shifts to his longrunning fascination with the letter XWhen Kamath asks why he likes the letter so much Musk responds jokingly Sometimes I wonder whats wrong with meThe teaser then takes a popculture turn when Kamath asks which character from The Matrix Musk would want to beMusk replies Hopefully not Agent Smith Hes my hero keeping the tone playful Kamath shared the clip with the caption Heres to delaying gratificationHeres to delaying gratification The future belongs to the patient hinting at the theme of the full conversation while offering few concrete details beyond its coming soon promiseThe future belongs to the patient hinting at the broader themes of perseverance and longterm thinking that may feature in the full conversationThis comes just a day after Kamath released the first teaser a 39second silent clip showing him and Musk sitting together in what appears to be an industrial settingThe two sip coffee and exchange smiles without any dialogue while a SpaceX logo on Kamaths mug prompted speculation about the topics and setting of the full episodeKamaths podcast has increasingly drawn global personalities from technology business and politicsPrevious guests include Microsoft founder Bill Gates investor Vinod Khosla and Perplexity AI CEO Aravind Srinivas https://dailyworld.in/international/elon-musk-features-in-new-teaser-of-nikhil-kamaths-upcoming-podcast-episode-650856.html Sun, 30 Nov 2025 15:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/iaf-conducts-hybrid-rescue-mission-to-extricate-stranded-passengers-from-restricted-zone-in-sri-lanka-650865.html Colombo Nov 30 IANS The Indian Air Force on Sunday carried out a hybrid rescue mission under Operation Sagar Bandhu to extricate stranded passengers from a restricted zone in Sri Lanka as the island nation continues to face harsh weather conditions due to Cyclone DitwahnbspnbspIn a statement on X the IAF stated that a Garud commando was winched down to guide the group to a helipad at Kotmale from where 24 passengers were evacuated to ColombonbspnbspIAF helicopters undertook a hybrid rescue mission to extricate stranded passengers from a restricted zone A Garud commando was winched down to guide the group through crosscountry route to a prebriefed helipad at Kotmale from where 24 passengers including Indians foreign nationals and Sri Lankans were evacuated to Colombo Indian Air Force Media Coordination Centre posted on XnbspIn a parallel effort three critical casualties were airlifted to Colombo for immediate medical attention Earlier five teams of Sri Lankan Army personnel 40 troops were airlifted from Diyathalawa Army Camp to the landslideaffected Kotmale region to support relief operations it addedIn response to the IAFs statement Ministry of External Affairs MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated Operation Sagar BandhunbspEarlier in the day the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka stated A family of four stranded on a rooftop was rescued by a Chetak helicopter from INS Vikrant on 29 November 2025 They were safely airlifted and brought to a secure location Operation Sagar Bandhu continues as India stands with the people of Sri LankanbspMeanwhile the National Disaster Response Force NDRF personnel have intensified relief operations in Sri LankaSharing pictures of the relief operations conducted by NDRF personnel in Sri Lanka on X External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar said NDRF personnel in close coordination with local authorities continue to undertake relief operations in Sri Lanka Operation Sagar BandhunbspSri Lanka has been experiencing relentless rain flash floods and landslides due to Cyclone Ditwah and the resulting weather system As many as 153 people have died and at least 191 people remain missing due to severe weather triggered by the cyclone as rescue operations intensify leading Sri Lankan news outlet Daily Mirror reported citing the Disaster Management Centre DMCPolice Headquarters in Sri Lanka has urged people to stay away from damaged roads bridges and unsafe areas impacted by the recent severe weather noting that a large number of people were gathering at these places The Road Development Authority RDA has already started rapid restoration work on all impacted roads and bridges However police warned that people visiting these unstable areas pose serious safety risksThe Government Medical Officers Association GMOA has set up a special Disaster Management Coordination Centre to bolster medical assistance and relief efforts for people affected by the severe weather conditions in Sri Lanka Daily Mirror reported The GMOA stated that the special hotline established earlier to assist those impacted by the disaster remains active https://dailyworld.in/international/iaf-conducts-hybrid-rescue-mission-to-extricate-stranded-passengers-from-restricted-zone-in-sri-lanka-650865.html Sun, 30 Nov 2025 19:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/cyclone-ditwah-sri-lankan-leaders-thank-india-for-humanitarian-assistance-650756.html Colombo Nov 29 Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath on Saturday expressed gratitude to External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar for the humanitarian assistance sent to Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu following Cyclone Ditwah Thank you my friend S Jaishankar for the assistance at this hard time Herath posted on XFormer Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Mohamed Uvais Mohamed Ali Sabry also thanked India for the immediate cyclone reliefThank you India for the urgent cyclone relief sent under Operation Sagar Bandhu Sri Lanka remembers with gratitude the crucial support you extended during the 2022 economic crisis Your friendship continues to make a meaningful difference Sabry posted on XContinuing Indias humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu an Indian Air Force plane carrying around 12 tonnes of humanitarian aid including tents tarpaulins blankets hygiene kits and readytoeat food items landed in Colombo on Saturday in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah which claimed several lives and left thousands affectedTaking to X EAM Jaishankar said Operation Sagar Bandhu unfolds Indian Air Force C130 J plane carrying approx 12 tonnes of humanitarian aid including tents tarpaulins blankets hygiene kits and readytoeat food items lands in ColomboOn Friday under Operation Sagar Bandhu India delivered urgent Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief HADR supplies to Sri LankaThe Indian High Commission stated that India has provided 45 tonnes of dry rations 2 tonnes of fresh rations and other essential relief items brought by Indian Naval Ship INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri to assist impacted familiesIn this challenging moment India stands firmly with the people of Sri Lanka reaffirming its unwavering commitment to the Neighbourhood First policy the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka posted on XEarlier Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences to the people of Sri Lanka who had lost their loved ones due to Cyclone Ditwah and announced that India had sent relief materials and HADR support to Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/cyclone-ditwah-sri-lankan-leaders-thank-india-for-humanitarian-assistance-650756.html Sat, 29 Nov 2025 11:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/im-revival-in-works-isi-taps-bhatkal-brothers-seeks-pfi-link-up-for-nationwide-network-650795.html New Delhi Nov 29 There has been a complete shift in terror related activities in India and the Delhi Red Fort blast is proof of that Intelligence Bureau officials say that there has been a sustained push to set up as many homegrown terror modules as possible These changes in tactics have once again put the spotlight on Riyaz Bhatkal and his brother Iqbal Bhatkal two cofounders of the Indian MujahideenAfter setting up the Indian Mujahideen following the ban on the Students Islamic Movement of India SIMI both brothers fled to Pakistan They continue to live there under the patronage of the ISIThe Intelligence agencies have information that the Bhatkal brothers would be reactivated and directed to reintroduce the Indian Mujahideen in India However this group would be reactivated with another name and its nature would be completely homegrownAn official said that the Indian Mujahideen still has plenty of operatives who remain underground The group still enjoys quite a bit of traction in many parts of the country and hence reactivating it would not be a difficult taskFollowing the fall of the Indian Mujahideen post the Yasin Bhatkal arrest the ISI had completely shifted its focus towards Jammu and Kashmir Officials say that the focus has now shifted post Operation Sindoor and the ISI intends to focus on the rest of IndiaAn Intelligence Bureau official says that there are clear indications that the ISI wants the Indian Mujahideen revived but with a new name The ISI also intends roping in the banned Popular Front of India PFI as part of this revival planWhile the focus of the Indian Mujahideen cadres would be in the northern part of the country the PFI would focus more on South since it has a better reach thereGetting these outfits together would not be a tough task for the ISI The PFI during its helm has used the network of the Indian Mujahideen especially in the northern parts of the country The two groups also go back in time and had worked together in the aftermath of the SIMI ban an official addedFollowing the ban on SIMI its former members had met with cadres of the PFI in Kerala It was post these meetings that the Indian Mujahideen was formed The PFI was also instrumental in shielding the terrorists of the Indian Mujahideen after a major blastThe IM even had carried out blasts in South India with the help of the PFIâs network These events make it clear that both groups shared a comfortable rapport and hence bringing them back together and forming a strong homegrown outfit would not be difficult for the ISIAnother official said that this entire operation would be overseen by the Bhatkal brothers They are being tasked to run this homegrown outfit from Pakistan itself The ISI would have hoped that the Faridabad module could get the job doneThis module was formed initially without any help from the ISI It was a true homegrown module that was formed by highly selfradicalised peopleThe ISI pitched in later on after it realised that this module was formed on the ideology of the JaisheMohammad However with this module being busted the ISI is desperate to create another module which would have only Indian operatives in itThe Bhatkal brothers are wellversed with the India operations and hence have been chosen to create a new terror group which would operate across the length and breath of the countryExperts say that Pakistanâs ploy is to create a strong India based outfit The task of this terror group would be execute blasts across the country The idea is to shift the focus of the security agencies away from Jammu and KashmirOnce the attention shifts then the ISI can shift its focus back to JampK another official addedSecurity officials say that the situation is a challenging one The ISI would use every trick up its sleeve to ensure that India remains on the edge Its larger goal is to divert the attention away from JampK so that groups such as the LashkareTayiba and JaisheMohammad can regroup and begin large scale operations in the ValleyIt would suit Pakistan if the Valley bleeds Pakistan is known to use the JampK issue to divert the attention of its people from the already existing problems that the country is facing IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/im-revival-in-works-isi-taps-bhatkal-brothers-seeks-pfi-link-up-for-nationwide-network-650795.html Sat, 29 Nov 2025 15:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-president-hints-at-running-for-3rdterm-with-trump-2028-ai-image-650732.html Washington Nov 29 US President Donald Trump drew attention after posting an AIgenerated image on his Truth Social account showing him holding a blue sign that read âTRUMP 2028 YESâ The post was captioned âTRUMPLICANSâ a blend of âTrumpâ and âRepublicansâ The image quickly renewed debate over the 22nd Amendment which limits presidents to two elected terms and whether Trump is attempting to signal interest in a future campaign beyond that limitThe post comes nearly ten months into Trumpâs second nonconsecutive term which began on January 20 2025 as he works with a Republicancontrolled Congress to advance his âAmerica First 20â agenda including an immigration crackdown and higher tariffs on major trading partnersThe âTrump 2028â message already appearing on merchandise and in subtle references during public events has become a recurring element of his second termIn September â Trump posted pictures of Trump 2028 hats placed on his desk during an Oval Office meeting with Democratic leaders Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck SchumerIn October House Speaker and prominent Republican leader Mike Johnson downplayed the possibility and claimed the president was just having a âgood timeâtrollingâThere is the 22nd AmendmentI think the president knows And he and I have talked about the constrictions of the Constitution he told reporters at a news conferenceTrump also appeared to acknowledge that he could not run againIm not allowed to run its too bad he said last monthA new McLaughlin and Associates survey shows Trumpâs eldest son Donald Trump Jr is gaining traction among Republican voters as a possible candidate for the 2028 nomination positioning him as a key rival to Vice President JD VanceIn August Vance held a 20point lead with 36 per cent support compared with Trump Jrâs 16 per cent By October the race began to tighten Vance led with 38 per cent while Trump Jr rose to 20 narrowing the gap to 18 points The trend has continued into November when Vanceâs lead shrank to 10 points with support falling to 34 per cent as Trump Jr climbed to 24 per cent IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-president-hints-at-running-for-3rdterm-with-trump-2028-ai-image-650732.html Sat, 29 Nov 2025 08:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/lebanon-files-complaint-to-un-over-israeli-walls-crossing-border-650734.html Beirut Nov 29 Lebanons Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants said that the country has submitted a complaint to the United Nations Security Council through its permanent mission in New York protesting what it described as a new and serious Israeli violation of Lebanese sovereignty According to a statement from the ministry the violation involves Israel constructing two Tshaped concrete separation walls in the southwest and southeast of the southern village of Yaroun within internationally recognised Lebanese borders Xinhua news agency reportedThe complaint said the two walls documented by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon UNIFIL have led to the seizure of additional Lebanese land and violate UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and the 2024 ceasefire agreement between the two countriesLebanon called on the UN Security Council and the UN Secretariat to take immediate measures to stop Israels violation of Lebanese sovereignty demand the removal of the two walls and guarantee Israels prompt withdrawal south of the Blue LineThe UNIFIL said in a statement on November 14 that its peacekeepers had conducted a geospatial survey in October of a concrete Twall installed by the Israel Defense Forces near Yaroun finding that it extended beyond the Blue Line and cut off more than 4000 square meters of Lebanese landIt added that peacekeepers observed additional Twall construction in November in the same area with a subsequent survey confirming that part of the new structure also crossed the Blue Line IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/lebanon-files-complaint-to-un-over-israeli-walls-crossing-border-650734.html Sat, 29 Nov 2025 08:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/rights-group-flags-deepening-humanitarian-crisis-in-balochistan-650736.html Quetta Nov 29 A leading human rights organisation drew attention to a serious humanitarian crisis in Balochistan warning of a surge in systematic oppression and violence perpetrated by the Pakistani authorities In its report titled âHuman Rights Situation in Balochistanâ Baloch Yakjehti Committee BYC documented 168 victims of enforced disappearances during September and October of whom 12 victims were released 17 were killed in custody and 140 remain missingAmong the affected districts in Balochistan Kech recorded the highest number of cases with 54 followed by Panjgur with 26 Dera Bugti with 21 and Quetta with 20As per the findings the most victims of enforced disappearance are between 19 and 25 years old and they belong to various professions The disappeared include 53 students 21 minors and one woman with Pakistanâs Frontier Corps FC identified as the largest perpetrator involved in 45 per cent of cases followed by CounterTerrorism Department CTD and Military Intelligence MIAccording to the report 25 cases of extrajudicial killings were recorded during this period with one minor and one woman victim The mode of killings included target killings by Pakistanbacked death squads custodial killings and the killanddump of mutilated bodiesThe majority of the victims were previously disappeared persons who were killed either in custody or tortured to death District Kech recorded the largest number of cases as 10 followed by Panjgur 7 While Frontier Corps came out to be the prime perpetrator with involvement in 52 per cent of cases followed by Statebacked Death Squads and the Armyâ the report detailedThe BYC alleged that torture and inhuman treatment of victims continued with the victims of âkill and dumpâ showing severe signs of physical abuseâThe bodies of 16yearold Faraz Baloch and 18yearold Mehraj Baloch were severely mutilated and unrecognisable and Mehraj was only identified from his identity card placed beside his body The physical and sexual torture of young female Nazia Shafi during a military raid reflects a systematic pattern of torture and impunity in Balochistan always followed by state denial and efforts to justify such actsâ the report notedHighlighting the atrocities in Balochistan the BYC mentioned that the collective punishment of Baloch communities has surged as the entire population of Zehri tehsil of Khuzdar district is still under military siegeâThe civilians of Zehri faced airstrikes drone attacks and mortar shells where around 20 were killed including women and children People witnessed home destructions enforced disappearances crop damages and mass migrations Prolonged curfews communication blackouts and restrictions on movement have created hunger and a health crisis in the townâ the rights body statedThe BYC asserted that deliberate targeting of Baloch people based on identity has created a sense of racial persecution on the part of the state which not only undermines universal values of justice democracy and rule of law but also exposes the real face of the Pakistani authorities seeking to control land and people IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/rights-group-flags-deepening-humanitarian-crisis-in-balochistan-650736.html Sat, 29 Nov 2025 08:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/operation-sagar-bandhu-india-airlifts-12-tonnes-of-humanitarian-relief-to-colombo-650737.html New Delhi Nov 29 Continuing Indias humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu an Indian Air Force plane carrying around 12 tonnes of humanitarian aid including tents tarpaulins blankets hygiene kits and readytoeat food items landed in Colombo on Saturday following Cyclone Ditwah Taking to social media platform X External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar said âOperation Sagar Bandhu unfolds Indian Air Force C130 J plane carrying approx 12 tons of humanitarian aid including tents tarpaulins blankets hygiene kits and readytoeat food items lands in ColomboâOn Friday under âOperation Sagar Bandhuâ India delivered urgent Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief HADR supplies to Sri Lanka in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah which claimed several lives and left thousands affectedThe Indian High Commission stated that India has provided 45 tonnes of dry rations 2 tonnes of fresh rations and other essential relief items brought by Indian Naval Ship INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri to assist impacted familiesOperation Sagar Bandhu is underway delivering urgent HADR support to Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah India extends urgent HADR support to Sri Lanka in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah India has provided 45 tonnes of dry rations 2 tonnes of fresh rations and other essential relief items from INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri to assist affected families In this challenging moment India stands firmly with the people of Sri Lanka reaffirming its unwavering commitment to the Neighbourhood First policy Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka posted on XEarlier Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences to the people of Sri Lanka who had lost their loved ones due to Cyclone Ditwah and announced that India had sent relief materials and HADR support to Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar BandhuMy heartfelt condolences to the people of Sri Lanka who have lost their loved ones due to Cyclone Ditwah I pray for the safety comfort and swift recovery of all affected families In solidarity with our closest maritime neighbour India has urgently dispatched relief materials and vital HADR support under Operation Sagar Bandhu PM Modi wrote in a post on XWe stand ready to provide more aid and assistance as the situation evolves Guided by Indiaâs Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR India continues to stand firmly with Sri Lanka in its hour of need he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/operation-sagar-bandhu-india-airlifts-12-tonnes-of-humanitarian-relief-to-colombo-650737.html Sat, 29 Nov 2025 08:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-halts-all-visa-issuance-to-afghan-citizens-650738.html Washington Nov 29 The United States has paused Afghan visas Secretary of State Marco Rubio said two days after a man from Afghanistan shot and killed one National Guard soldier and critically injured another near the White House President Donald Trumps State Department has paused visa issuance for all individuals travelling on Afghan passports Rubio wrote on the social platform X The United States has no higher priority than protecting our nation and our peopleThe Department of State has immediately paused visa issuance for individuals travelling on Afghan passports the agency said in a statementRahmanullah Lakanwal the 29yearold suspected shooter entered the United States in 2021 under the Joe Biden administrations Operation Allies Welcome program He applied for asylum last year and it was granted earlier this year reports Xinhua news agencyLakanwal was clean on all checks before working with the CIA in his home country and again before coming to the United States local media reportedThe FBI is now investigating the shooting as an act of terrorismLakanwal had previously served alongside US forces in AfghanistanAccording to NBC News the suspect identified as 29yearold Rahmanullah Lakanwal arrived in the United States in September 2021 after spending a decade in the Afghan army where he supported US Special ForcesHe has been living in Washington state NBC News reported citing senior law enforcement sourcesFox News reported that the suspect worked with various US government entities while in Afghanistan including the Central Intelligence Agency as a member of a partner forceThe attack took place at around 1415 local time 1915 GMT near the Farragut Square Metro Station said a statement from Joint Task Force DC which oversees the National Guard deployments to Washington The suspect was shot by another Guard member and taken into custody officials saidAuthorities are still working to confirm all details about the individual who is currently hospitalised IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-halts-all-visa-issuance-to-afghan-citizens-650738.html Sat, 29 Nov 2025 09:18:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/australian-airports-thrown-into-chaos-as-airbus-a320-planes-recalled-worldwide-650740.html Sydney Nov 29 Passengers across Australian airports were thrown into chaos on Saturday after plane maker Airbus issued an urgent software update affecting one of the worlds most popular aircraft Passengers flying with Australias Jetstar Airways have been advised to expect significant delays due to a global recall of thousands of A320 aircraft Jetstar has cancelled or delayed about 90 flights while rolling out urgent software updates to 34 of its planes while Qantas said its services were not affectedThe flight disruptions in Australia were affecting all major domestic airports on Saturday morning with multiple flight cancellations at all airports handling Jetstar flightsMany Jetstar flights from Sydney to the Australian state of Victorias Tullamarine and Avalon airports Adelaide Perth and Hobart in Australia were cancelled on Saturday morningPerth Airport said the recall would also impact the Western Australian state and urged passengers to check with their airlines as the situation developedQantas confirmed its new Airbus A321xlr planes are not affectedAdding to the delays and difficulties reaccommodating passengers a fire broke out at a terminal at Melbourne Airport in Victoria overnight It was a busy weekend of travel ahead of schoolies week celebrationsIn a noisy Melbourne terminal packed with nervous travelers Jetstar chief pilot Tyrone Simes said about 90 flights were affected on Saturday Xinhua news agency reportedExplaining the problem he said a flight control computer on board the affected planes had shown an anomaly adding this was a result of a recent software upgradeI think the authorities in Europe and the manufacturer have done a great job in identifying this issue very promptly he saidMelbourne Airports Chief of Aviation Jim Parashos said all hands were on deck to help JetstarWe have engineers taking a look at the aircraft on the ground and we will get them on their way as soon as we can he saidSydney Airport said it was supporting Jetstar as they work to resolve the issue and strongly advise all Jetstar customers to check their flight status with the airline before traveling to the airport IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/australian-airports-thrown-into-chaos-as-airbus-a320-planes-recalled-worldwide-650740.html Sat, 29 Nov 2025 09:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-envoy-to-canada-meets-saskatchewan-premier-discusses-bilateral-ties-650742.html Ottawa Nov 29 Indian High Commissioner to Canada Dinesh K Patnaik met the Premier of the Canadian province of Saskatchewan Scott Moe in a significant step towards strengthening the bilateral ties Both sides reviewed significant potential to deepen bilateral partnership between the two countries especially in food security fertilisers energy and strategic cooperationThank you Scott Moe for your warm hospitality Our discussions highlighted the immense potential to further strengthen IndiaâCanada ties particularly in food security fertilisers energy and strategic cooperation Saskatchewan remains an important partner in the growing IndiaâCanada relationship the Indian High Commission in Ottawa quoted Patnaik as sayingFollowing the meeting Scott Moe took to X and posted Great meeting with Indias High Commissioner to Canada Dinesh Patnaik on how Canada and India can move forward on energy and food security for our two nationsEarlier this week Patnaik also met the Premier of the Canadian province of Alberta Danielle Smith Both sides discussed important areas of bilateral partnership including energy trade agriculture technology collaboration research and peopletopeople connectionsHonoured to meet Premier Danielle Smith We had an excellent discussion on key aspects of our bilateral partnership energy trade agriculture technology collaboration research and peopletopeople ties Great potential ahead to elevate our relationship through fair balanced and mutually beneficial cooperation Patnaik statedAlberta has deep and growing ties with India and today I had the pleasure of meeting Dinesh K Patnaik Indias High Commissioner to Canada to talk about how we can take that partnership to the next level We discussed Albertas role in helping meet Indias growing needs for safe reliable energy highquality agricultural products as well as new opportunities in technology Danielle Smith posted on X following the meetingWith a strong IndoCanadian community here at home and Indian companies already investing in Alberta there is huge potential ahead Our message is simple Alberta is open for business and ready to be a longterm partner in Indias growth she addedOn November 23 Prime Minister Narendra Modi also held a bilateral meeting with his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg in which he noted that India has set a target of 50 billion by 2030 for bilateral trade between the two countries IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-envoy-to-canada-meets-saskatchewan-premier-discusses-bilateral-ties-650742.html Sat, 29 Nov 2025 09:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-yunuss-grameen-network-has-links-with-financiers-of-al-qaeda-says-report-650538.html DhakaNew Delhi Nov 27 An investigative report published by Blitz a leading Bangladesh weekly has alleged that Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunuss global Grameen network has longstanding connections with individuals identified by Western intelligence agencies as financiers of Osama bin Laden and the Al Qaeda network The report authored by Blitz editor Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury has called for an international inquiry into Yunuss transnational financial partnershipsAccording to the report For years Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has been celebrated across the world as a pioneer of microfinance and a champion of the poor Yet behind this carefully polished global image lies a far darker reality a web of connections linking Yunuss sprawling Grameen empire to individuals named by Western intelligence agencies as financiers of Osama bin Laden and Al QaedaThe report further adds In March 2003 The Wall Street Journal published a list of Al Qaeda donors based on CIA information where the name of Mohammed Abdul Latif Jameel a Saudi businessman and board member of GrameenJameel Microfinance appeared prominently The report noted that Jameel was one of the key funders of Osama bin Laden the notorious mastermind behind the September 11 terrorist attacksOnline corporate records describe GrameenJameel as a social business established in 2007 as a joint venture between the Grameen Foundation and Grow Well Limited a subsidiary of the Abdul Latif Jameel Group According to these records the companys mission is to alleviate poverty in the Arab world through partnerships with microfinance institutions providing technical and financial supportIt further adds On its LinkedIn page GrameenJameel states that it was established in 2003 and incorporated in 2007 as a joint venture between Grameen Foundation and ALJ Foundation a subsidiary of the Abdul Latif Jameel GroupThe company claims to be the first social business in the Middle East North Africa MENA and Turkey devoted to expanding microfinance As of December 2013 it facilitated more than USD 65 million in financing reaching over 22 million clients through partner institutions across 10 countries in the MENA region and TurkeyAccording to the report the company is incorporated in Cyprus and headquartered in Dubais International Humanitarian City Its website is currently inactive and its Facebook page has been suspiciously deactivatedFurther strengthening the GrameenJameel connection is Zaher Al Munajjed the Chairman of GrameenJameel Microfinance Ltd Al Munajjed also serves as a senior advisor to Mohammed Abdul Latif Jameel President of the ALJ Group in Saudi Arabia With more than 25 years of international business experience he has played a key role in developing vocational training and microfinance programs A Harvard Business School alumnus and holder of a Masters degree in French International Law Al Munajjed is widely regarded as a major architect of microfinance expansion in the MENA and Turkish regions says the Blitz reportThe Jameel familys controversial pastAccording to the Blitz report Yousef Jameel another prominent figure from the Jameel dynasty was once notorious in Londons casino circles in the 1980s According to the Daily Mail he was widely known as a playboy later becoming entangled in an international child abduction caseAdding to the controversies his name appears in Jeffrey Epsteins notorious Black Book which exposed networks tied to child exploitation and human trafficking On July 21 2004 Jameel and others filed an appeal with the British Court of Appeal following the publication of a Sunday Times report titled Car tycoon linked to Bin Laden on June 8 2003 The report claimed that Jameel had been sued by the families of the victims of the 911 attacksOn February 3 2005 Dow Jones amp Co the parent of The Wall Street Journal filed its own appeal against Yousef Abdul Latif JameelIn a landmark ruling on October 11 2006 the highest court in Britain sided with The Wall Street Journal affirming the importance of investigative journalism The ruling highlighted that the article was published as part of a legitimate publicinterest inquiry into terror financingThe court record statedAbove the article and headline were photographs of the claimant Mr Jameel his company Hartwell PLC and the Twin Towers burning on 11 September 2001 with the following words Accused Yousef Jameels family firm bought the British car dealer Hartwell in 1990 Now he is alleged to have helped fund training for the terrorists who carried out the September 11 attacksDespite these allegations Jameel has long been regarded as a successful entrepreneur and generous philanthropist He has contributed significant funding to programs at MIT aimed at reducing poverty and improving water and food security For his philanthropic commitments and contributions to arts and culture in the United Kingdom Mohammed Abdul Latif Jameel received an honorary knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II The honour was announced by the British Embassy in Riyadh says the Blitz reportHowever The Guardian later reported that a group of wealthy Saudi businessmen including individuals close to Jameel were suing for libel in the High Court over allegations that they may have financed Osama bin Ladens Al Qaeda network They chose London because of its reputation as a claimantfriendly environment for defamation cases mentions the Blitz reportSuspicious connections of GrameenThe Blitz report has also mentioned the allegations linking Grameen entities to the Muslim Brotherhood raising further concerns about Yunuss global partnershipsEven more disturbing are reports indicating sinister links between Grameen Bank and illegal human organ traders Individuals unable to repay their loans were allegedly coerced into selling their organs to settle debts says the Blitz report IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-yunuss-grameen-network-has-links-with-financiers-of-al-qaeda-says-report-650538.html Fri, 28 Nov 2025 00:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-missions-across-globe-mark-constitution-day-highlight-nations-democratic-values-650552.html Santiago Nov 27 Several Indian diplomatic missions worldwide celebrated the Constitution Day reaffirming their commitment to uphold the principles and ideals of the Constitution Also known as Samvidhan Divas Constitution Day is celebrated every year on November 26 and commemorates the Constituent Assemblys adoption of the Constitution which came into effect on January 26 1950 The observance was officially declared in 2015 to honour the principles of justice liberty equality and fraternity enshrined in the ConstitutionIn Chile as part of the celebration the Indian Embassy in Santiago organised a programme that began with the solemn reading of the Preamble followed by the screening of two documentaries on the Making of the Indian Constitution and the vision of B R Ambedkar the chief architect of the ConstitutionIndian Ambassador to Chile Abhilasha Joshi Embassy officials and members of the Indian diaspora joined together to honour Indias democratic values and the timeless spirit of the ConstitutionIn the United States the Consulate General of India in Atlanta celebrated Constitution Day with insightful remarks from the Indian Consul General Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan Georgia State Representative Matt Reeves and other distinguished guest speakersThey underscored the significance and enduring importance of the Indian Constitution in shaping Indias democracy and governance while also highlighting its relevance to global conversations on justice equality and civic responsibility the Consulate General of India in Atlanta posted on XAddressing the gathering the State Representative Matt Reeves emphasised the shared constitutional values between India and the United States noting how both documents enshrine democratic ideals fundamental freedoms and the rule of law principles that continue to guide both nationsIn his remarks Consul General Lakshmanan reflected on the Indian Constitution as a beacon of inclusivity and progressive ideals stressing its role in uniting a diverse nation and inspiring democratic values across the worldAdditionally the Indian Consulate General in New York marked SamvidhanDiwas with a solemn reading of the Preamble reaffirming an unwavering commitment to the Constitutional values of justice liberty equality and fraternityOn the occasion the Consulate team also paid respectful tributes to B R Ambedkar whose vision continues to guide Indias democratic journey IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-missions-across-globe-mark-constitution-day-highlight-nations-democratic-values-650552.html Fri, 28 Nov 2025 00:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/economic-inequality-in-bangladesh-set-to-widen-amid-rising-poverty-and-stagnant-wages-report-650561.html New Delhi Nov 27 Economic inequality in Bangladesh is expected to grow further in the short term as high inflation stagnant wages and weakening household purchasing power continue to affect lowincome families a report has said A new World Bank assessment released in Dhaka warns that more people may slip into poverty as the gap between rich and poor widens as per The Daily Star reportThe World Bankâs Poverty amp Equity Assessment 2025 report shows that the Gini index which measures inequality on a scale from 0 to 100 has been rising since 2022 and will continue to increase through 2025This signals that wealth and income are becoming more concentrated among higherincome householdsThe report highlights that while overall consumption inequality in the country has remained stable the situation is different across regionsIn rural areas consumption inequality has slightly decreased with the Gini index falling from 292 to 282But in urban regions where living costs are higher inequality has worsened The urban Gini index climbed from 331 to 345 showing that city residents are facing wider gaps in living standardsIncome inequality has increased even more sharply When considering earnings remittances and returns from assets the Gini index rose from 51 to 54 indicating that richer households are gaining much more than poorer onesBangladesh has been dealing with rising inequality for nearly two decades but the World Bank warns that the current pressures such as inflation and slow wage growth are speeding up the trendSince 2016 consumption growth has become less beneficial for the poorest households with most gains going to middle and upperincome familiesThe report estimates that nearly 20 lakh more people could fall into poverty in 2025 pushing the national poverty rate above 21 per centSince 2022 about 60 lakh people have already slipped into poverty The poverty gap which measures how far the poor are from the poverty line is also expected to widen by two points this yearThe impact of economic stress has not been the same for everyone Households with highly skilled workers better job opportunities or remittance income have managed to avoid the worst effectsSome have even improved their economic status since 2022 This uneven pattern is expected to push overall inequality up by nearly two Gini points by 2025 according to the report IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/economic-inequality-in-bangladesh-set-to-widen-amid-rising-poverty-and-stagnant-wages-report-650561.html Fri, 28 Nov 2025 00:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/11-dead-as-test-train-ploughs-into-railway-workers-in-chinas-yunnan-650567.html Yunnan China Nov 27 A test train crashed into a group of railway workers in Chinas southwestern Yunnan province early Thursday local time killing 11 people and injuring two others according to state media The incident occurred when Test Train No 55537 which was being used to check seismic equipment collided with construction workers who had entered the track on a curve at Luoyangzhen Station in Kunming the provincial capitalState broadcaster China Central Television CCTV reported that railway and local authorities immediately launched an emergency response deploying rescue teams and initiating relief operationsStation activities were restored within hours and the injured workers were taken to a hospital for treatmentIn a social media post Kunmings railway authority expressed condolences to the victims and their families stating that the cause of the accident is under investigationThe railway authorities said that those responsible persons will be held accountable in accordance with laws and regulations They said that they will draw lessons from the accident and make every effort to ensure the safety and stability of railway transportation according to local media reportsCCTV noted that the emergency protocols were activated by both the local railway bureau and the Kunming city government immediately after the crashRescue teams were deployed swiftly and station operations were restored by midday The injured workers are undergoing medical care while officials stated that services at the station have returned to normal local media reports suggestAuthorities added that a formal inquiry is underway to determine the exact cause and sequence of events that led to the fatal crashFurther details are awaited IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/11-dead-as-test-train-ploughs-into-railway-workers-in-chinas-yunnan-650567.html Fri, 28 Nov 2025 00:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/death-toll-in-hong-kong-building-fire-rises-to-55-fire-department-650583.html Hong Kong Nov 27 The death toll in a major fire that tore through a residential area in Hong Kong from Wednesday afternoon has risen to 55 said the Fire Services Department FSD in a press briefing on Thursday The FSD said 72 people injured in the fire had been sent to hospitals for treatment including eight firefighters Over 200 people are still missingThe FSD has dispatched a total of 304 fire engines and rescue vehicles and used drones to monitor heat levels to prevent rekindling The department has extinguished flames in four of the affected buildings and brought fire under control in the other three Xinhua News Agency reportedThe residential area Wang Fuk Court consists of eight buildings all of which were encased by green mesh and scaffolding due to a major renovation project Three men responsible for the renovations were arrested earlier for suspected manslaughter as the police investigation pointed to flammable materials covering the buildings as a possible cause for the rapid spread of fireEarlier Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said in the small hours on Thursday that the fire at Wang Fuk Court has been gradually brought under control after firefighters tireless effortsSpeaking at a press briefing Lee mentioned that around 279 people are still missing Twentynine remained hospitalised including seven in critical condition Lee said he was deeply saddened by the situationHe said that from the outside three buildings now showed no visible flames while four others displayed only sporadic fire spotsLee stressed that the government will mobilise all resources to fully support the rescue operations He has instructed departments and units to carry out comprehensive work including extinguishing the fire rescuing trapped residents treating the injured providing assistance and emotional support to families and conducting a full investigation into the accidentThe Fire Services Department was notified of the accident at around 251 pm local time on Wednesday Due to the fierce blaze the department raised the alert to a No 5 alarm fire at 622 pm local time Rescue operations were still ongoingThe Education Bureau dispatched educational psychologists and related staff to temporary shelters to provide appropriate support for affected students Several schools in the district will suspend classes on ThursdayAt one of the temporary shelters personnel from the Home Affairs Department Civil Aid Service Care Teams and the Police Force worked together each fulfilling their roles and coordinating effortsLam Yick Kuen a Tai Po Care Team member and district councillor said that many organisations and individuals had voluntarily donated supplies demonstrating solidarity and mutual care in times of crisisNear midnight a Hong Kong resident Ho was seen pulling a small cart to the fire scene to distribute water to firefighters and staff Drenched in sweat he went around asking whether anyone needed a drink IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/death-toll-in-hong-kong-building-fire-rises-to-55-fire-department-650583.html Fri, 28 Nov 2025 01:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/imf-report-exposes-how-pakistans-energy-crisis-is-rooted-in-mismanagement-and-political-interference-650584.html New Delhi Nov 27 Pakistanâs longrunning energy crisis has once again come under global scrutiny this time through a hardhitting report by the International Monetary Fund IMF The latest Governance and Corruption Diagnostic Assessment Pakistan November 2025 paints a troubling picture of how the countryâs power and gas sectors have been dragged into deep debt because of political patronage weak oversight and decades of mismanagementAt the centre of the crisis is Pakistanâs circular debt a massive financial burden that has grown so large it now threatens the countryâs economic stabilityThe IMF says this debt is not the result of bad luck or global conditions but the outcome of decisions made by those in powerAccording to the report the energy sector has become a âcrime sceneâ where political connections often matter more than competenceThe IMF highlights how the leadership of key regulators like NEPRA and OGRA is frequently chosen based on connections rather than meritInstead of bringing in new talent extensions are often granted repeatedly especially in OGRA allowing the same officials to continue without accountabilityIn some cases one official holds two top posts at the same time weakening checks and balances and undermining the very purpose of regulationThe governmentâs use of supplementary grants funds released outside the regular budget has also raised alarmsThe IMF notes that in 2023â24 every rupee of these extra funds went to the power and petroleum sectorsIn earlier years too a large share of supplementary spending supported the same troubled sectorsThe report warns that such spending bypasses Parliament and weakens financial disciplineThe countryâs stateowned enterprises SOEs including electricity distribution companies DISCOs and gas companies are another major source of lossesDespite earning over 13 trillion rupees in revenue federal SOEs reported a net loss of 30 billion rupees in 2024The IMF says these losses are driven not only by inefficiency but also by widespread theft and political interferencePowerful groups often use electricity and gas without paying for it confident that the government will absorb the lossesPakistanâs growing stock of government guarantees now at 34 trillion rupees mostly linked to the power sector is also a serious concernThese guarantees are potential liabilities that could become immediate obligations if stateowned companies fail to pay their duesThe IMF warns that such risks leave the government vulnerable and increase the chances of future bailoutsEven the Special Investment Facilitation Council SIFC which the government promotes as a key reform body receives a cautious mention in the reportThe IMF says its broad powers and immunity could lead to misuse unless transparency is ensured IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/imf-report-exposes-how-pakistans-energy-crisis-is-rooted-in-mismanagement-and-political-interference-650584.html Fri, 28 Nov 2025 01:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-patients-in-sindh-suffer-as-healthcare-centres-lack-essential-facilities-650615.html Islamabad Nov 27 The basic infrastructure of primary and secondary hospitals in Pakistans Sindh continues to remain underdeveloped even after 70 years as hundreds of staff positions remain vacant in district hospitals and trauma centres for treating accident victims still not set up the local media reported In 2000 a notification was issued for affiliating four district hospitals with the Dow Medical College to grant them teaching hospital status Pakistanbased The Express Tribune reported However this notification was not implemented As per the plan Dows faculty would visit district hospitals to provide medical services to patientsDistrict hospitals only conduct routine tests and basic treatments despite receiving medicines budget from the Sindh government These hospitals do not have facility to carry out diagnostic tests like MRI CT scan PETT colour Doppler and other diagnostic procedures resulting in patients forced to visit Civil Hospital and Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre JPMC where patient load is already overwhelmingHealth centres and maternity homes in other districts and rural areas of Karachi also lack essential facilities This shortage not only delays timely diagnosis of patients but also causes heavy patient load on major government hospitalsMuhammad Aslam a resident of New Karachi told Express Tribune that he visited the Sindh Government New Karachi Hospital for severe back pain and the doctor advised her an MRI However the MRI facility was unavailable at the health facility and a private diagnostic centre asked for Pakistani Rupees PKR 20000 for MRI He had to borrow money to get the MRI done and said that no government hospital in Karachi conducts spinal cord surgery due to the absence of spine surgeonsDr Agha Amir Medical Superintendent MS of the Sindh Government Saudabad Hospital said that the facility has 180 beds but no MRI and CT scan machines as it has been categorized as a secondary hospitalHe further said A trauma centre and psychiatric unit were announced and machinery worth millions was purchased four years ago but it has not yet been utilised Malir districts population is 24 million and patients needing CT or MRI are referred to the Jinnah or Civil hospitals IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-patients-in-sindh-suffer-as-healthcare-centres-lack-essential-facilities-650615.html Fri, 28 Nov 2025 01:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/barber-shop-looted-in-karachi-as-criminals-rule-roost-in-pakistans-financial-capital-650636.html Karachi Nov 27 An armed person stormed into a barber shop in Baldia Town in Pakistans financial capital Karachi held customers hostage at gunpoint and took away their valuables the local media quoted Karachi Police as saying on Thursday CCTV footage of the robbery which went viral on social media shows a lone robber entering the shop while waving a pistol The customers and barbers immediately sat down in fear as the armed man ordered them to comply The robber proceeded to pat down each person individually taking their mobile phones and cash before fleeing Police suspect he had an accomplice waiting outside on a motorcycle Pakistans leading ARY News network reported on ThursdayEarlier on November 26 Karachi police arrested a driver who allegedly demanded extortion from his employer ARY News reportedKarachi continues to slide towards lawlessness and has witnessed a surge in crime rate this yearThe latest incidents took place even as Karachi law enforcement agencies claimed a reduction in street crimes across the city attributing the decline to increased surveillance and law enforcement effortsThe Karachi Police officials have highlighted the role of CCTV cameras in crime prevention and monitoringHowever analysts fear that 2025 is turning out to be no different than 2024 for residents of Karachi in terms of rampant street crime incidents which have resulted in the death of many people since January in the provincial capitalAccording to the data released by the Pakistani Police last year more than 250 people in Karachi were shot dead and 1052 others were wounded by street criminals between 2022 and 2024Many families in Karachi have lost their loved ones to street crimes while others continue to live in fear of being the next victims Most citizens claim that no street in the metropolis is safe as they remain vulnerable to street criminals even amid bustling markets and broad daylight Geo News reported earlier this year IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/barber-shop-looted-in-karachi-as-criminals-rule-roost-in-pakistans-financial-capital-650636.html Fri, 28 Nov 2025 02:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/uae-stops-issuing-visas-to-pakistani-nationals-amid-criminal-activity-concerns-650648.html Islamabad Nov 27 The United Arab Emirates UAE has stopped issuing visas to Pakistani citizens an Interior Ministry official in Islamabad was quoted as saying by local media on Thursday Additional Interior Secretary Salman Chaudhry disclosed the development during a meeting of the Senate Functional Committee on Human RightsIf a ban is imposed getting it removed would be difficult Pakistanâs leading newspaper Dawn quoted Chaudhary as saying during the meetingAccording to the official the UAE was currently issuing visas only to holders of blue and diplomatic passportsSpeaking to Dawn Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri chair of the Senate committee on human rights also confirmed the Interior Ministry officials remarksShe stated that the restriction stems from concerns that Pakistani travellers were getting involved in criminal activities after reaching the UAEAccording to Zehri the committee was briefed that the UAE had issued no visas to Pakistanis with only a handful granted recently after much difficultyPakistani citizens have been facing visa rejections in several Gulf countries prompting the government to raise the issue with respective counterparts during key meetingsIn December 2024 the UAE Saudi Arabia and several other Gulf countries imposed an indefinite ban on granting visas to people from at least 30 different cities of Pakistan following an alarming rise in the number of cases where Pakistani nationals were caught begging or being involved in smuggling drug trafficking human trafficking and other criminal offences abroadGulf countries and cities especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi remain the most preferred destinations for millions of Pakistani travellers and job seekersEarlier the UAE had made it mandatory for visa applicants from Pakistan to submit a police character certificateA prominent Pakistani YouTuber had also acknowledged the difficulties being faced by travellers from the country after the Gulf countries stopped granting visas to Pakistani nationalsSaudi Arabia and Dubai were popular destinations but have now stopped giving visas I too had to face a great difficulty when I wanted to go for the IIFA Awards In fact Saudi Arabia has given a warning to Pakistan with regard to the increasing number of cases of beggars being caught podcaster Nadir Ali admitted in an interview with a businessman who owns a large travel company in Karachi last year IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/uae-stops-issuing-visas-to-pakistani-nationals-amid-criminal-activity-concerns-650648.html Fri, 28 Nov 2025 02:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-pti-wants-meeting-with-imran-khan-considering-last-option-650652.html Islamabad Nov 27 Chief Minister of Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province Sohail Afridi said on Thursday that Pakistan TehreekeInsaf PTI was considering its last option to secure a meeting with PTI founder Imran Khan after he was once again not allowed to meet him in prison It was Afridis eighth attempt to meet Imran Khan in Rawalpindis Adiala jail the local media reported on Thursday Speaking to reporters Afridi said November 27 was the date for Imran Khans cases but today December 20 has been given as the date Since October 27 Imran Khans sisters doctors lawyers and PTI leadership have not been allowed to meet him and our concerns are growing They should decide which side they stand on Because if they continue with this attitude we are considering the last option we have and we will adopt the last optionHe called it unfortunate that he was not allowed to meet Imran Khan despite having orders from the Islamabad High Court IHC Afridi added that he wrote to the Chief Justice about it however he has received no response from him Pakistans leading daily Dawn reportedAfridi stated that police had stopped him at Factory Naka the same area where the PTI held a sitin after being denied a meeting with Imran Khan earlier this week He stressed that the situation is worsening and asked why the authorities were not following court ordersEarlier on Wednesday Rawalpindis Adiala jail authorities have said that the Pakistan TehreekeInsaf PTI founder has not been shifted from prison and remains in good healthIn a statement on Wednesday officials from the Rawalpindi prison said There is no truth to reports about his transfer from Adiala jail He is fully healthy and receiving complete medical attention another leading Pakistani daily The News International reported The officials called the rumours about his health baseless and insisted that Imran Khans wellbeing was being ensuredKhan who has remained in prison since August 2023 faces multiple cases including corruption and terrorism since his ouster from power through notrust motion in 2022The statement of jail authorities comes as PTI has been demanding clarification from the government about rumours regarding Imran Khan urging authorities to arrange a meeting between PTI founder and his familyThe partys demand comes as Imran Khans sisters have not been allowed to meet him in the recent weeks leading them to raise question about his whereabouts Several social media users made claims about Imran Khans death on X PTI asked the government to clearly dismiss and clarify the rumour and immediately arrange a meeting between Imran and his family IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-pti-wants-meeting-with-imran-khan-considering-last-option-650652.html Fri, 28 Nov 2025 02:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/washington-attacker-worked-with-us-military-in-afghanistan-650659.html Washington Nov 27 A gunman who critically wounded two US National Guard members near the White House had worked with the US military during the war in Afghanistan The CIA confirmed that the 29yearold suspect Rahmanullah Lakanwal is an Afghan national who worked with a USsupported military unit during the war in Afghanistan He entered the US in September 2021 through a Bidenera immigration program designed for Afghans who assisted US forcesOfficials also revealed on Thursday that he drove more than 4000 kilometres across the country to carry out the attackJeanine Pirro the US attorney in Washington DC said that the suspect left his home in Bellingham Washington and drove his vehicle across the United States with the intention of committing the attack She also revealed that the attacker used a 357 revolver to shoot Guard members on Wednesday afternoonBoth soldiers identified as Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe of the West Virginia National Guard are in their 20s and remain in critical conditionAttorney General Pam Bondi told Fox News that the two soldiers âcame through surgeryâ but she did not release further medical detailsThe shooting took place less than 500 metres from the White House Trump was not in the capital and is visiting Florida for the Thanksgiving holidayFBI Director Kash Patel said agents were interviewing witnesses and executing search warrants âhere in DC and at multiple locations on the West CoastâAfter officials confirmed the suspectâs nationality late Wednesday US Citizenship and Immigration Services announced a temporary pause on processing immigration applications from Afghanistan affecting asylum seekers greencard applicants and Afghans trying to enter the United StatesOn Wednesday US President Donald Trump called it an âact of terrorââThis heinous assault was an act of evil and an act of hatred and an act of terror It was a crime against our entire nation It was a crime against humanityâ Trump saidHe also announced deployment of an additional 500 troops to âhelp protect our capital cityâThere are approximately 2400 National Guard troops currently deployed in Washington which includes around 958 from the DC National Guard and about 1300 from eight other statesMultiple states have sent Guard personnel to Washington in recent months as part of President Trumpâs publicsafety crackdown IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/washington-attacker-worked-with-us-military-in-afghanistan-650659.html Fri, 28 Nov 2025 02:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bulgaria-to-withdraw-2026-budget-package-after-protests-650660.html Sofia Nov 27 Bulgarian Prime Minister Rossen Zhelyazkov announced on Thursday that the Cabinet will withdraw the 2026 budget package after a protest was held against the plan outside Parliament on Wednesday local media reported The National Assembly had approved budgets first reading on November 21 Zhelyazkov made the announcement after his meeting with representatives of the parliamentary groups supporting his minority Cabinet He said that the government would seek to resume dialogue with employer associations trade unions and opposition parties on the budget Bulgariabased The Sofia Globe reportedHe did not mention any timeline for when the budget will be presented again in the National Assembly However he said that there is enough time in December to hold the dialogue and remove âthe defectsâ in the draft budgetZhelyazkovs government tabled the budget without holding consultative meetings with trade unions and employer associations after the latter did not participate in the meetings as they were against the budgets proposed revenueraising measures particularly the rise in the social security contributions and the capital gains tax increaseOpposition We Continue the ChangeDemocratic Bulgaria has welcomed governments decision to withdraw the budget However proRussian Vuzrazhdane has demanded continued protests and the resignation of the Zhelyazkovled governmentSeveral thousand Bulgarians participated in the protest organised by opposition coalition We Continue the Change â Democratic Bulgaria in the centre of Bulgarias capital Sofia against the governmentâs budget 2026 The protest was among the largest witnessed in Sofia in recent years The Sofia Globe reportedThe protest was scheduled to start at 6 pm on Wednesday However participants gathered near Parliament and the Presidency before the scheduled time to watch live video streaming of MPs processing the second reading of the budget in committeeThe protest organisers said that the rise in social security contributions the doubling of the tax on dividends and disagreement with the introduction of special electronic accounting devices for businesses as the main reason for the protests against the budget IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bulgaria-to-withdraw-2026-budget-package-after-protests-650660.html Fri, 28 Nov 2025 02:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/minority-rights-group-sounds-alarm-over-growing-violence-against-children-in-pakistan-650666.html Islamabad Nov 27 A leading minority rights organisation on Thursday expressed grave concern over a newly released national factsheet documenting 5097 cases of violence against children VAC across Pakistan in the first six months of 2025 According to the Voice of Pakistan Minority VOPM the document doesnât just present numbers â it exposes a system that repeatedly fails to see protect and deliver justice for its youngest citizens and sends a chilling reminder of how unsafe childhood remains in PakistanThe rights body stated that the factsheet is based on data obtained through Right to Information RTI requests to police departments in Pakistanâs provincesPunjab Sindh Balochistan and the federal capital Islamabad It documented nine major forms of abuse including physical abuse sexual abuse child pornography murder or homicide kidnapping child marriage child labour child beggary and traffickingâYet even this alarming picture is incomplete Khyber Pakhtunkhwa did not provide data leaving a major gap in the national assessment This absence is not just a technical flaw it symbolises a broader failure to treat violence against children as a priority that must be mapped measured and tackled with urgencyâ the VOPM statedAs per the findings Punjab recorded the highest number of childrelated crimes while Sindh showed particularly high numbers of sexual abuse kidnapping and child labour exposing entrenched criminal networks and the vulnerability of children in urban and periurban slumsâOn paper Balochistanâs numbers look smaller In reality the province may be one of the most dangerous places for children with underreporting driven by weak policing vast distances conservative social norms and fear of speaking outâ the VOPM mentionedâIslamabad presents a more urban profile greater reporting of child pornography sexual violence and kidnapping but fewer cases of child labour or beggary These trends suggest that where systems exist to record certain crimes more of them appear â not necessarily because other forms of violence are absent but because they remain hiddenâ it addedThe rights body stressed that the absence of data from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa the poor detail from Balochistan and the inability of police departments to provide standardised information point to a painful reality that Pakistan still does not have a central reliable national mechanism to track violence against childrenâThe absence of information is itself a form of violence â it erases children from the story of their own sufferingâ the VOPM emphasised IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/minority-rights-group-sounds-alarm-over-growing-violence-against-children-in-pakistan-650666.html Fri, 28 Nov 2025 02:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-school-teachers-stage-major-protest-over-pay-and-promotion-demands-650667.html Dhaka Nov 27 Teachers of Bangladeshs government primary schools resumed a fullday work stoppage on Thursday holding a strike on school premises to press home their threepoint demand local media reported The teachers said they would not enter the classroom until their demands are met while the âStudent Learning Assessment â Second Phaseâ has also been suspended as part of the programmeAccording to Shamsuddin Masud central president of the Bangladesh Primary School Assistant Teachersâ Association the strike was being observed collectively because the Ministry under the Muhammad Yunusled interim government had shown âno visible progressâ on their demands throughout NovemberâOne of our colleagues died and many others were injured in police action earlier this month We will not go to classes anymore and take part in the examination until the government issues a notification meeting our demandsâ Bangladeshâs leading newspaper The Daily Star quoted Khayrun Nahar Lipi General Secretary of the Bangladesh Primary Teachers Association as sayingPrimary school teachers began the threeday work stoppage on Tuesday to raise their demands regarding pay grades and promotion They warned to boycott the annual examination and start a hunger strike in December if no announcement is made fulfilling their demandsThe teachers have been protesting to press home their threepoint demand which includes upgrading their pay scale to grade 10 ending discrimination in promotion and ensuring equal status with secondarylevel teachersMeanwhile teachers of government higher secondary schools have warned that all academic activities would be suspended from December 1 if their fourpoint demand including upgrading the post of assistant teacher from the 10th to the 9th grade is not addressedThe announcement followed a sitin in front of the Shikka Bhaban in Dhaka on Thursday morning under the banner of the Bangladesh Secondary Teachers AssociationThe teachers alleged that they have faced longstanding discrimination and noted that they staged several movements previouslyThis time we will return to our institutions only after the demands are met one of the protesting teachers saidRegular classes for this year have been concluded as exams approach another teacher said adding Initially we will not take any exams We will continue our work abstentionBangladesh has witnessed a surge in protests under the Yunusled interim government as the country grapples with economic slowdown and deteriorating working conditions IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-school-teachers-stage-major-protest-over-pay-and-promotion-demands-650667.html Fri, 28 Nov 2025 02:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/death-toll-rises-to-94-in-hong-kong-residential-building-fire-fire-department-650671.html Hong Kong Nov 28 The death toll in a major fire that tore through a residential area in Hong Kong from Wednesday afternoon has risen to 94 said the Fire Department The Fire Services Department earlier on Thursday said 72 people injured in the fire had been sent to hospitals for treatment including eight firefighters Over 200 people are still missingThe FSD has dispatched a total of 304 fire engines and rescue vehicles and used drones to monitor heat levels to prevent rekindling The department has extinguished flames in four of the affected buildings and brought fire under control in the other three Xinhua News Agency reportedThe residential area Wang Fuk Court consists of eight buildings all of which were encased by green mesh and scaffolding due to a major renovation project Three men responsible for the renovations were arrested earlier for suspected manslaughter as the police investigation pointed to flammable materials covering the buildings as a possible cause for the rapid spread of fireEarlier Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said in the small hours on Thursday that the fire at Wang Fuk Court has been gradually brought under control after firefighters tireless effortsSpeaking at a press briefing Lee mentioned that around 279 people are still missing Twentynine remained hospitalised including seven in critical condition Lee said he was deeply saddened by the situationHe said that from the outside three buildings now showed no visible flames while four others displayed only sporadic fire spotsLee stressed that the government will mobilise all resources to fully support the rescue operations He has instructed departments and units to carry out comprehensive work including extinguishing the fire rescuing trapped residents treating the injured providing assistance and emotional support to families and conducting a full investigation into the accidentThe Fire Services Department was notified of the accident at around 251 pm local time on Wednesday Due to the fierce blaze the department raised the alert to a No 5 alarm fire at 622 pm local time Rescue operations were still ongoingAt one of the temporary shelters personnel from the Home Affairs Department Civil Aid Service Care Teams and the Police Force worked together each fulfilling their roles and coordinating effortsLam Yick Kuen a Tai Po Care Team member and district councillor said that many organisations and individuals had voluntarily donated supplies demonstrating solidarity and mutual care in times of crisis IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/death-toll-rises-to-94-in-hong-kong-residential-building-fire-fire-department-650671.html Fri, 28 Nov 2025 06:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-proposed-list-of-points-on-ukraine-could-form-basis-for-future-agreements-putin-650672.html Moscow Nov 28 The USproposed list of points on Ukraine could form a basis for future agreements Russian President Vladimir Putin said It would be impolite of me to talk about any final options now since there are none But some things are fundamental the Russian president said on Thursday at a press conference in Bishkek KyrgyzstanAs Putin noted the US side has in some ways taken into account the position of Russia which was discussed before and after the August meeting between Putin and US President Donald Trump in the US state of Alaska Xinhua news agency reportedSomewhere we definitely need to sit down and seriously discuss some specific things Putin saidWe need to put everything into diplomatic language because its one thing to state in general terms that Russia does not plan to attack Europe Frankly that sounds ridiculous We never had any intention of doing that he saidPutin added that the USproposed 28point peace plan was communicated to the Russian side through appropriate channels and the Russian side has seen itThe peace plan was unveiled last week Following its release representatives from the United States Ukraine and several European countries met in Geneva on Sunday to discuss the planThrough discussions the plan has been cut down to 19 points but has not been made public marking the latest shift in the ongoing diplomatic push to end the Ukraine crisis IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-proposed-list-of-points-on-ukraine-could-form-basis-for-future-agreements-putin-650672.html Fri, 28 Nov 2025 07:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/australia-one-dead-in-western-sydney-shooting-650681.html Sydney Nov 28 A man has died after being shot multiple times on a street in western Sydney on Friday Police in the Australian State of New South Wales NSW said in a statement that officers were deployed to reports of a public place shooting on a residential street in Blacktown 30 kilometres west of central Sydney around 1150 am on Friday Xinhua News Agency reportedOfficers arrived and found a man with gunshot wounds to his neck chest and legHe was treated by ambulance paramedics but died at the sceneNSW Police said that officers initiated a pursuit when a vehicle seen leaving the scene failed to stopThe vehicle crashed a short time later and two occupants who ran from the scene were arrested and taken to a nearby police stationA crime scene has been established and police have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shootingOn October 31 two people have been hospitalised with gunshot wounds following a driveby shooting south of BrisbaneThe police service in the Australian state of Queensland said in a statement that emergency services were alerted that two people had been injured in a shooting in the suburb of Park Ridge 26 km south of Brisbane at around 120 am on FridayAn 18yearold man was transported to hospital in a serious but stable condition and a 20yearold woman was hospitalized with injuries not considered lifethreateningThe Queensland Police Service said the pair were injured when gunshots were fired from a passing vehicle into a residence and that there is no ongoing threat to the publicEarlier on October 16 police in the state of New South Wales NSW had said in a statement that emergency services were called to reports of a fire in Cabramatta 26 km west of central Sydney at around 1245 am local timeOn arrival at the scene officers had found a house and vehicle both alightBoth fires were extinguished but the house and car had sustained significant damagePolice officers were told that a number of gunshots had been heard and subsequently found bullet casings at the sceneIn another statement NSW Police said that emergency services received reports of loud bangs believed to be gunshots and a car on fire on North Liverpool Road in Green Valley in Sydneys southwest shortly after 1 am on ThursdayThe occupant had extinguished the fire a short time laterPolice had said that officers attended and established a crime scene where some bullet casings were found on the roadway Police believe several shots were fired into the air There were no reports of injuries or property damage IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/australia-one-dead-in-western-sydney-shooting-650681.html Fri, 28 Nov 2025 14:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-an-indispensable-partner-in-indo-pacific-australian-envoy-650713.html New Delhi Nov 28 Called India and Australia partners in building a more stable peaceful and prosperous IndoPacific Australias High Commissioner to India Philip Green has reaffirmed that both countries continue to work hard on a shared vision to make Indian Ocean and the IndoPacific stable prosperous and free In his detailed interview with IANS Green said that the ties between India and Australia have never been better and lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership for taking the dramatic steps forward He also spoke on how the two nations are working together in minerals and other sectorsExcerptsIANS How has the relationship between India and Australia progressed in recent timesAmbassador Green Our bilateral relations have never been better Under the period of the Modi government theres been really dramatic steps forward So I like to think of it this way there are three underlying drivers of our bilateral relationship We have strategic alignment now Australia and India have always been friends but this is now different when were working on a shared vision of what we want our Indian Ocean our IndoPacific to be like stable prosperous and free We have very strong high levels of economic complementarity Indias economy is growing fast and thats of interest to every country in the world but its of special interest to Australia because we produce the sort of things that India needs for the next phase of its economic growth whether thats energy minerals or metals or skills and training We dont compete much with India And then the third thing that is really driving our relations is the socalled human bridge Now a million people of Indian origin make Australia home and thats adding a very strong personal dimension to our relationsIANS Which areas of cooperation are the top priorities for both countries in the next couple of yearsAmbassador Green Well theres a few things that were focusing hard on Leaders last year set us some homework and said that we should update our longstanding defence and security statement and so we are doing that right now We are building a new maritime security roadmap so that in this very important sphere that we are working closely together On economics we have an AustraliaIndia economic roadmap which is identifying where we think the big opportunities are in our sectors and of course our trade ministers are working quite closely together on a second phase of our free trade agreement that we call CECA So across all of these domains and many more including education and tech critical minerals we have some big future hurdles to crossIANS How is Australia supporting India in strengthening its role in the IndoPacific regionAmbassador Green Australia and India are very close partners in the IndoPacific As I said we share a vision about a stable and prosperous IndoPacific that we want to equally work together and build So what does that mean It means that we support each other when we seek to bring new development capabilities to our region whether thats in the Pacific Islands where Australia is quite active but where India is now providing new development support for the countries of the Pacific whether its in fields like maritime domain awareness where our navies and customs and border forces can work together we are doing that Whether its in trying to strengthen regional institutions like ASEAN which we are both members of and IORA the Indian Ocean Regional Organisation that were both members on So across a wide range of fields Australia and India are partners in trying to build a more stable a more peaceful and a more prosperous IndoPacificIANS Are there plans to extend cooperation in sectors like technology minerals and energyAmbassador Green Yes there are So let me take those in reverse order In energy we already have a very strong renewable energy partnership and the foundation stone of that is the work that we are doing to build a skills academy for the solar workforce that India needs Weve listened carefully to Prime Minister Modis ambition of 10 million solar rooftops My country is the country with the highest deployment per capita of solar rooftops in world So what are we doing about that We are together putting together an academy in Gandhinagar which will be able to train more than 2000 people mostly young people mostly women in the technologies that they need to deploy solar rooftops In terms of tech this is a huge field of capability Australia is a country with a high level of innovation and ingenuity but we dont have a large population and we are not so closely connected to global supply chains in tech in the way that India is So what we want to do is connect Australian tech ingenuity with Indian global capability and reach and were doing that through firms like Infosys And on minerals we are already deeply into a partnership between our critical minerals office and the Ministry of Mines here What were seeking to do is to create a direct supply chain in critical minerals like lithium which India needs Youre to have big demands for batteries and EE vehicles where we produce more than 50 per cent of the worlds lithium But we want to develop and including with the processing piece a direct supply chain in lithium or cobalt or whatever Were in deep discussions about how we achieve thatIANS Are there new scholarship opportunities or an academic collaboration planAmbassador Green Theres a lot So many Australian universities have scholarship offerings for Indian students And what is new is the Australian government as a government is now providing around 15 scholarship to students at the PhD level This is particularly focused in STEM so science and technology is very much foregrounded here We want to strengthen our partnership in that field and these scholarships are a way that really highlevel scholars in India can study in Australia and upgrade their skillsIANS What steps is Australia taking to ensure the safety and welfare of Indian studentsAmbassador Green Well we worked very hard on this As you may know Australia is one of the safest countries on Earth and we are proud of that We want all visitors to our country be they Indian or be they from other countries indeed our own people to be safe and we have a very strong and effective police force a border force and a very effective security intelligence agencies We also want to make sure that Indian visitors to our country feel welcome Now like in many countries in Australia there have been protests rather loud small numbers of people who are protesting against immigration and against multiculturalism What I want you and your viewers to know is that our government has very clearly come out and said that we stand for continued migration into Australia in a way that is sustainable and we very much stand for a multicultural Australia in which people wherever they come from the world feel safe and welcome and are indeed celebrated in our societyIANS How has Prime Minister Modi transformed India on world stageAmbassador Green Look India is a leading power in the world and that has been very much underlined and accentuated by Prime Minister Modi I arrived here two years ago in the middle of the G20 Summit and all I can tell you is that that was a powerful demonstration of Indias arrival as a global player Not only was there a G20 which was full of new outcomes in all sorts of important fields like tech and culture and science But your country was the country that was able to bring all the big states of the world together in a single document that even dealt with the most complex geostrategic issues including the invasion of Ukraine by Russia So thats just one example but when I see Prime Minister Modi going to Australia speaking to the large diaspora community in Australia promoting India giving everybody a sense of Indias great future in the world I think its really been quite a remarkable transformationIANS Has India under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi emerged as a world powerAmbassador Green Definitely Look most populous country on earth now the fastest growing large economy in the world a country that is engaging on some of the worlds toughest issues and making headway A country that for Australia is an indispensable partner in the IndoPacific These are ways in which India is making its presence felt in a very positive way in global affairsIANS In a region that is being reshaped by strategic and economic shifts how does Australia analyse its partnership with India evolving under the QuadAmbassador Green So we present ourselves as a country which is reliable and steadfast and seeking to build peace and prosperity and stability in our region So how do we do that We do that by always looking for diplomatic and dialogue as a way of overcoming problems in our region We provide development assistance to our region which helps the smaller economies grow We work with countries like India in forums like ASEAN and the Indian Ocean Regional Association and in the Pacific Islands Forum in Australia because we want to strengthen the voices of small and mediumsized powers and multilateralism is a way of achieving that Fundamentally what a country like Australia is trying to do is to strengthen the sovereignty of small and mediumsized nations and make sure that as we are in a world where big power realities are a bit more stark that the interests of small and mediumsized nations are fully taken into account and we find India a very valuable partner in that journeyIANS What is the Australia vision for ensuring stability in the IndoPacificAmbassador Green Look we live in a world of deeper superpower contestation and we have to deal with that in the ways of protecting our own security But we also want to underline the interests of small and mediumsized nations make sure that sovereignty is fully taken into account and use regional institutions as a way of ensuring that the rulesbased framework freedom of navigation rules on trade remain strong because its only in a world and in a region where the rulesbased frameworks are in clear distinct clarity that you will be able to ensure that the interests of small and mediumsized nations are properly protectedIANS How is Australia working with India to counter emerging global security challenges including cybersecurity maritime security etcAmbassador Green So weve had for some time a cyber dialogue between Australia and India We cooperate very closely in how each of us experiences cyber attacks and how we respond to them I think we could do even more on that in the future but already our agencies are very closely hooked up and our ambassador for cyber and tech affairs made a very powerful visit here earlier this year On counterterrorism Australia and India stand together against terrorism in all its forms in all of the relevant regional and international bodies to make sure that scourge is lessened to the greatest degree we all have to remain vigilant And then theres other fields on which cooperation is very important so counter people smuggling counter trafficking counter narcotics These are important fields where there is daytoday collaboration going on between Australian agencies and Indian agencies which is very important to usIANS How can both nations collaborate on renewable energy technology like green hydrogen and solar powerAmbassador Green Theres a lot of ways as I said before our principal effort in this at the moment is to ensure that India is best placed to develop Prime Minister Modis ambition of 10 million solar rooftops and we are helping train the workforce for that But Australia is a country that has a lot of expertise in these fields I think you may know that all of the modern technology for solar rooftops has the PERC technology in it which was pioneered in the University of New South Wales in my hometown Sydney and we have as many international patents in the field of renewable energy as for instance a global tech major like Germany has So we want to bring some of the best of that tech to India IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-an-indispensable-partner-in-indo-pacific-australian-envoy-650713.html Fri, 28 Nov 2025 15:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-former-pm-imran-khans-sister-files-contempt-plea-against-adiala-jail-superintendent-650719.html Islamabad Nov 28 Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khans sister Aleema Khan has filed a contempt of court petition against the Adiala jail superintendent and others over their failure in following an Islamabad High Court IHC order that directed a twiceaweek meeting schedule for Pakistan TehreekeInsaf PTI founder local media reported on Friday Aleema Khan filed the petition after Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi along with several other PTI members held an overnight sitin outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi where Imran Khan has been incarcerated since 2023 Pakistans leading daily Dawn reported on Friday The party staged the sitin after Afridi was not allowed to meet Khan for the eighth time on ThursdayIn the petition Aleema Khan has named Adiala Jail Superintendent Abdul Ghafoor Anjum Saddar Beroni Station House Office Raja Aizaz Azeem Federal Interior Secretary Capt retd Muhammad Khurram Agha and Punjab Home Department Secretary Noorul Amin as respondentsThe petition mentioned about the IHCs March 24 order in which the court had reinstated the twiceaweek meeting schedule for Imran In the plea Aleema Khan requested the initiation of contempt of court proceedings âon account of the wilful nonimplementation of the orders passed by this honourable court particularly with respect to the authoritiesâ failure to allowâ her meetings with Imran in line with the high courtâs directives in MarchThe plea stated that Imran Khan and others were âconstrainedâ to file writ petitions before the IHC seeking the enforcement of visitation rights due to the persistent noncooperationâ of the Adiala Jail superintendent and âongoing political victimizationâHowever despite the clear and unequivocal directions of this honourable court the respondents have failed to comply and have repeatedly denied access to the legal counsel family members and associatesâ of Imran on multiple occasions it addedThe petitioner has requested the court to initiate contempt proceedings against the respondents for not following the IHCâs March 24 order and urged the court to punish them as per the lawOn Thursday Sohail Afridi said that PTI was considering its last option to secure a meeting with PTI founder Imran Khan after he was once again not allowed to meet him in prison It was Afridis eighth attempt to meet Imran Khan in Rawalpindis Adiala jail the local media reported on ThursdaySpeaking to reporters Afridi said November 27 was the date for Imran Khans cases but today December 20 has been given as the date Since October 27 Imran Khans sisters doctors lawyers and PTI leadership have not been allowed to meet him and our concerns are growing They should decide which side they stand on Because if they continue with this attitude we are considering the last option we have and we will adopt the last optionEarlier on Wednesday Rawalpindis Adiala jail authorities have said that the PTI founder has not been shifted from prison and remains in good healthIn a statement on Wednesday officials from the Rawalpindi prison said There is no truth to reports about his transfer from Adiala jail He is fully healthy and receiving complete medical attention another leading Pakistani daily The News International reported The officials called the rumours about his health baseless and insisted that Imran Khans wellbeing was being ensuredKhan who has remained in prison since August 2023 faces multiple cases including corruption and terrorism since his ouster from power through notrust motion in 2022The statement of jail authorities comes as PTI has been demanding clarification from the government about rumours regarding Imran Khan urging authorities to arrange a meeting between PTI founder and his family The partys demand comes as Imran Khans sisters have not been allowed to meet him in the recent weeks leading them to raise question about his whereabouts Several social media users made claims about Imran Khans death on X IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-former-pm-imran-khans-sister-files-contempt-plea-against-adiala-jail-superintendent-650719.html Fri, 28 Nov 2025 16:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korean-president-urges-spy-agency-to-remain-faithful-to-original-role-650724.html Seoul Nov 28 IANS South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Friday urged the National Intelligence Service NIS to faithfully carry out its original duties expressing regret that the spy agency had been misused for political purposes in past administrations the presidential office saidnbspLee made the remarks during his first visit to the NIS since taking office in June It also marks his first visit to a government agency for a policy briefing presidential spokesperson Kang Yujung told reporters Yonhap News Agency reportedIt is regrettable that the vast majority of you are doing your best for the nation and our people Yet there are exceptional situations where the agency had been politically misused including fabricated espionage cases When that happens all employees end up being criticized Lee said I hope such things will never happen againnbspLee said he chose the NIS as the first government agency to visit in order to underscore its importancenbspI believe that intelligence operations have a profound impact on the nations governance he said I hope that you will continue to faithfully carry out the roles entrusted to you so that the NIS becomes a respected institutionEarlier in the day former NIS chief Cho Taeyong who has been under arrest was indicted by a special counsel team over his alleged involvement in former President Yoon Suk Yeols failed martial law bid last DecembernbspLee stressed that the NIS is an institution capable of achieving significant results when operating properly calling for an intensified crackdown on domestic drug trafficking networksDuring the briefing NIS Director Lee Jongseok noted that half of the agencys 16 former chiefs including Cho had been imprisoned on charges ranging from illegal wiretapping and online opinion manipulation to involvement in martial law schemes He pledged to restore the agencys integrity and ensure that it faithfully serves the public interestnbspAs part of his visit President Lee also toured the NIS National Space Security Center becoming the first sitting president to visit the facility https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korean-president-urges-spy-agency-to-remain-faithful-to-original-role-650724.html Fri, 28 Nov 2025 17:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-delivers-73-tonnes-of-life-saving-medical-aid-to-afghanistan-650730.html KabulNew Delhi Nov 28 IANS Reaffirming its steadfast support for the Afghan people India on Friday delivered 73 tonnes of lifesaving medicines vaccines and essential supplements to Afghanistan to help meet healthcare needsnbspAugmenting Afghanistans healthcare efforts India has delivered 73 tonnes of lifesaving medicines vaccines and essential supplements to Kabul to cater to urgent medical needs Indias unwavering support to the Afghan people continues the Ministry of External Affairs MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on XLast week External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar and Afghanistans Industry and Commerce Minister Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi held a meeting in New Delhi where the two leaders discussed ways to strengthen trade connectivity and peopletopeople ties between the two nationsnbspDuring the meeting EAM Jaishankar reiterated Indias support for the development and welfare of the people of AfghanistannbspPleased to meet Industry and Commerce Minister of Afghanistan Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi in New Delhi this evening Discussed ways to strengthen our trade connectivity and people to people ties Reiterated Indias support for the development and welfare of the people of Afghanistan EAM Jaishankar posted on XEarlier this month India delivered food items to the families affected in Afghanistan due to the earthquake that struck Balkh Samangan and Baghlan provincesnbspReaffirming its support to the Afghan people India delivers food items for the families affected by the earthquake the MEA posted on XnbspIndias assistance came after more than 20 people were killed and hundreds of others were injured after an earthquake of magnitude 63 struck areas of northern Afghanistan 0On October 10 India delivered additional food supplies to Afghanistan for the people affected by the earthquake as part of its humanitarian assistanceIndia has delivered additional food supplies as part of its ongoing humanitarian assistance to those affected by the earthquake Jaiswal said on XnbspOn the same day EAM Jaishankar also met his Afghan counterpart Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi The two leaders held discussions on Indias support for Afghanistans development bilateral trade territorial integrity and independence peopletopeople ties and capacitybuilding among other issuesnbspEAM Jaishankar noted that Muttaqis visit to India marked an important step in advancing bilateral ties He also announced the handing over of five ambulances to Afghanistan https://dailyworld.in/international/india-delivers-73-tonnes-of-life-saving-medical-aid-to-afghanistan-650730.html Fri, 28 Nov 2025 17:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/violence-has-no-place-in-america-barack-obama-on-washington-shooting-650498.html Washington Nov 27 Former US President Barack Obama has condemned the Washington shooting stating that violence has no place in America Two National Guardsmen were shot in downtown Washington and remain in critical condition US media identified the alleged shooter as Rahmanullah Lakanwal an Afghan national who entered the country in 2021In a post on X Obama said Violence has no place in America Michelle and I are praying for the servicemembers shot in Washington DC today and send our love to their families as they enter this holiday season under the most tragic of circumstancesFormer US Vice President Kamala Harris also took to social media and sent her prayers to the families of the two National Guardsmen who were shotDoug and I send our prayers to the two National Guardsmen who were shot earlier today in Washington to their families and to the communities that love them Violence of any kind is unacceptable and we all together must condemn this tragedy Harris saidMeanwhile US President Donald Trump called the attack an act of terrorThis heinous assault was an act of evil and an act of hatred and an act of terror It was a crime against our entire nation It was a crime against humanity Trump said while addressing the nation on Wednesday evening local timeHe added that the suspect in custody is a foreigner who entered our country from Afghanistan a hellhole on earth and blamed the previous Biden administration for allowing the attacker to enter the country under refugee statusTrump also promised to reexamine every single alien from Afghanistan who entered the US under the Biden administrationWe must now reexamine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden and we must take all necessary measures to ensure the removal of any alien from any country who does not belong here or add benefit to our country if they cant love our country we dont want them he addedHe also announced deployment of an additional 500 troops to help protect our capital cityThe shooting happened less than 500 metres away from the White House Trump was not in the capital and is visiting Florida for the Thanksgiving holidayWhile addressing the media FBI Director Kash Patel said that the case will be prosecuted at the federal level since this is an assault on federal law enforcement officersMultiple states have sent Guard personnel to Washington in recent months as part of President Trumps publicsafety crackdown The mission has since expanded to several other major US citiesThere are approximately 2400 National Guard troops currently deployed in Washington which includes around 958 from the DC National Guard and about 1300 from eight other states IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/violence-has-no-place-in-america-barack-obama-on-washington-shooting-650498.html Thu, 27 Nov 2025 14:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-imran-khan-fully-healthy-say-rawalpindi-jail-authorities-amid-rumours-650501.html Islamabad Nov 27 IANS Responding to rumours of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan having died in custody Rawalpindis Adiala jail authorities have said that the Pakistan TehreekeInsaf PTI founder has not been shifted from prison and remains in good health local media reported on ThursdaynbspIn a statement officials from the Rawalpindi prison said There is no truth to reports about his transfer from Adiala jail He is fully healthy and receiving complete medical attention leading Pakistani daily The News International reportedThe officials called the rumours about his health baseless and insisted that Imran Khans wellbeing was being ensuredKhan who has remained in prison since August 2023 faces multiple cases including corruption and terrorism since his ouster from power through notrust motion in 2022Adiala jail authorities statement comes as the PTI has demanded clarification from the government about rumours regarding Imran Khan urging authorities to arrange a meeting between PTI founder and his familyThe partys demand comes as Imran Khans sisters have not been allowed to meet him in the recent weeks leading them to raise question about his whereabouts another leading Pakistani daily Dawn reported Several social media users made claims about Imran Khans death on XPTI asked the government to clearly dismiss and clarify the rumour and immediately arrange a meeting between Imran and his familyThe party stated The government is directly responsible for protecting Imrans security human rights and constitutional rights The PTI also pledged to take legal and political step to counter these rumours and bring the truth to lightOn Tuesday PTI held hourslong sitin outside Adiala jail in Rawalpindi after Imran Khans sisters were not allowed to meet him in prison The party held the protest for the second time in recent weeksImran Khans sister Aleema Khan asked the authorities to allow PTI founders family to meet him She said Who knows maybe Imran has been shifted Why are they not letting us meet himImran Khans another sister Noreen Khan said that the family would continue its efforts to meet PTI founder and called it unfortunate that courts orders were not being implementedInitially police stopped Imran Khans sisters Aleema Khan Noreen Khan and Uzma Khan at Factory Naka Following this PTI supporters shouted slogans and staged a sitin Speaking to reporters Aleema Khan said that she would stay at the sitin site until she was allowed to meet Imran Khan and even raised questions over presence of large number of police personnelShe said At this time it is the law of the jungle they authorities should be concerned that if they do not proceed according to the constitution and law Pakistan will face the law of the jungleShe even criticised the polices treatment of her and sister last week calling female police personnel shameless Last week PTI accused police of manhandling and violently detaining Imran Khans sisters from outside Adiala Jail after they were not allowed to meet PTI founder in prison https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-imran-khan-fully-healthy-say-rawalpindi-jail-authorities-amid-rumours-650501.html Thu, 27 Nov 2025 15:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indias-experience-in-submarine-development-highly-valuable-for-indonesias-future-plans-acknowledges-visiting-defence-minister--650510.html New Delhi Nov 27 IANS India and Indonesia on Thursday reiterated the importance of maintaining a free open peaceful stable and prosperous IndoPacific guided by international law and respect for sovereignty Both sides also agreed to enhance cooperation through multilateral frameworks such as Indian Ocean Rim Association under Indias chairmanshipnbspDiscussions on further strengthening the bilateral defence ties and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership were also held as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Indonesian counterpart Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin on Thursday cochaired the third IndiaIndonesia Defence Ministers Dialogue in New DelhiQuite significantly during the meeting Indonesia lauded Indias experience in submarine development and supplychain management including Scorpeneclass programmes calling it highly valuable for Indonesias future plansnbspNoting that the ASEAN Outlook on the IndoPacific and Indias IndoPacific Oceans Initiative share relevant fundamental principles Indonesia reiterated that India remains a key partner in promoting peace and cooperation in the region read a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence after the meeting during which both countries also committed to enhancing practical cooperation in maritime domain awareness cyber resilience and joint operational readinessThe two Ministers recalled the visit of President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto to India as the Chief Guest of Republic Day Celebrations earlier this year and affirmed that the productive and wideranging discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Subianto during the visit and outcomes have led to further strengthening of the IndiaIndonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership They also recalled the participation of 352 personnel from the Indonesian Armed Forces in the Republic Day CelebrationsIndonesia also appreciated Indias proposal to establish a Joint Defence Industry Cooperation Committee to further strengthen collaboration in areas such as technology transfer joint RampampD certification harmonisation and supplychain linkagesnbspIndia announced gifting of horses and ceremonial carriage to Indonesia from Indian Armys Remount Veterinary Corps The two ministers expressed their satisfaction with the Dialogues outcomes and the need to continue highlevel exchanges practical cooperation and structured management across multiple areas of defence and securityFollowing the meeting Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that the defence cooperation between India and Indonesia is built on commitment to maintain regional security has grown manifold during the recent yearsnbspDelighted to meet the Indonesian Defence Minister General Retd Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin in New Delhi Our defence cooperation built on our commitment to maintain regional security has grown manifold during the recent years During the deliberations today we had a free and frank discussion to further strengthen our defence cooperation and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Singh posted on XBoth countries highlighted the progress in joint exercises including Super Garuda Shield Garuda Shakti Samudra Shakti MILAN and upcoming Air Manoeuvre Exercises The two sides agreed to continue officer exchanges joint training programs and visits to defence education institutions to promote interoperability and knowledge sharingnbspThe two countries reiterated their commitment to maritime security including coordination in the Indian Ocean Indonesia welcomed Indias initiatives emphasising cooperation within ASEANled ASEAN Defence Ministers MeetingPlus and other structuresBoth countries also discussed collaboration in defence medicine and pharmaceuticals including joint research technology transfer and training programs to strengthen military health resilience They reaffirmed their commitment to a just and lasting peace in Palestine and acknowledged opportunities for cooperation in humanitarian assistance post conflict reconstruction and multilateral peace efforts Indonesia reaffirmed its willingness to contribute peacekeeping personnel to Gaza under United Nations MandatenbspEarlier in the day Singh received Sjamsoeddin at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan in New Delhi A Guard of Honour was presented to Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin ahead of his meeting with the Defence Minister https://dailyworld.in/international/indias-experience-in-submarine-development-highly-valuable-for-indonesias-future-plans-acknowledges-visiting-defence-minister--650510.html Thu, 27 Nov 2025 15:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/georgia-court-drops-election-conspiracy-case-against-trump-650469.html New York Nov 27 A local court in Georgia has dismissed a case plagued by a prosecutorial scandal against US President Donald Trump charging him with conspiracy to overturn the states 2020 election results which he lost Judge Scott McAfee dismissed the case on Wednesday local time after the prosecutor who took over the case Peter Skandalakis acknowledged he could not proceed with the case filed in 2023The case suffered a setback when local prosecutor Fani Willis who brought the case in a Fulton County court was removed from the case amid allegations involving her affair with a lawyer she appointed to help with the caseSkandalakis who is the executive director of the Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia took over the case himself when no other prosecutor agreed to the taskTrump would have faced prison terms of at least five years if he had been convictedThis was the third case against him to be dropped after he returned to the White HouseFederal Special Prosecutor Jack Smith dropped a case against Trump accusing him of conspiring to overturn the 2020 election and another charging him with illegally keeping top secret documents after leaving the White House in 2021The Georgia cases were also dropped against his codefendants including Rudolph Giuliani the former New York mayor and Trumps lawyer and Mark Meadows Trumps former chief of staffBesides the complications of getting a sitting president to testify in a Georgia court Skandalakis said that there may be problems with trying to prove his actions were driven by criminal intentWhen the case was filed in 2023 Trump surrendered in an Atlanta jail with a media circus and was released on 200000 bondHe was treated like anyone accused in a criminal case and the sheriffs booking photograph of him staring angrily into the camera was widely circulatedThe case centred around Trump and his associates claiming the 2020 election results were rigged to give Joe Biden the victory and trying to get the election results changed in Georgia so that he would get the electors from the state in the electoral college and win the electionHe allegedly pressured Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger who oversaw elections in the state to change the results the prosecution had contendedHe was quoted as telling him What I want to do is this I just want to find 11780 votes which is one more than we have because we won the stateTrumps lawyer in the case Steve Sadow said A fair and impartial prosecutor has put an end to this lawfareThe political persecution of President Trump by disqualified DA district attorney Fani Willis is finally over he saidFani appointed Nathan Wade a lawyer with no criminal experience as a special prosecutor in the caseDuring a divorce case brought by his wife details of Wades affair with Willis emerged including alleged financial improprieties and a conflict of interest involving vacations they took togetherA state appeals court ordered Willis off the caseArul Louis can be contacted at arulliansin IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/georgia-court-drops-election-conspiracy-case-against-trump-650469.html Thu, 27 Nov 2025 10:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/two-national-guard-personnel-shot-on-thanksgiving-eve-in-washington-650470.html Washington Nov 27 Two National Guardsmen were shot in downtown Washington and remain in critical condition according to local media reports CBS News reported that the alleged shooter who has been arrested was identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal an Afghan national who entered the country in 2021The shooting happened less than 2 km away from the White House on Wednesday local time US President Donald Trump was not in the capital and is visiting Florida for the Thanksgiving holidayAfter the incident Trump posted on X The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen with both being critically wounded and now in two separate hospitals is also severely wounded but regardless will pay a very steep price God bless our Great National Guard and all of our Military and Law Enforcement These are truly Great People I as President of the United States and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency am with youWashington Mayor Muriel Bowser termed the attack a targeted shootingSecretary of War Pete Hegseth announced that the administration has ordered the deployment of an additional 500 troops to WashingtonWhile addressing the media FBI Director Kash Patel said that the case will be prosecuted at the federal level since this is an assault on federal law enforcement officersMultiple states have sent Guard personnel to Washington in recent months as part of President Trumps publicsafety crackdown The mission has since expanded to several other major US citiesThere are approximately 2400 National Guard troops currently deployed in Washington which includes around 958 from the DC National Guard and about 1300 from eight other states The deployment was extended through the summer of 2026The presence of National Guard forces in Washington has been politically contentious Supporters say the deployment has helped stabilise crimeplagued neighbourhoods while critics argue that the prolonged presence of outofstate troops blurs the line between civilian law enforcement and military operations IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/two-national-guard-personnel-shot-on-thanksgiving-eve-in-washington-650470.html Thu, 27 Nov 2025 10:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/former-japanese-pm-ishiba-criticises-takaichis-remarks-on-china-650471.html Tokyo Nov 27 Former Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has criticised current Prime Minister Sanae Takaichis erroneous remarks on Chinas Taiwan once again stressing the importance of building stable relations between Japan and China the Mainichi Shimbun reported Ishiba on Wednesday local time stated in a speech in Tokyo that since the normalisation of diplomatic relations between Japan and China in 1972 successive administrations have understood and respected Chinas position that Taiwan is a part of China according to the reportIt is something that must not be changed and we have proceeded with tremendous caution he addedIshiba reiterated the importance of maintaining smooth diplomatic relations between Japan and China noting that currently Japan relies on a wide range of imports from China such as food rare earths and pharmaceuticals reports Xinhua news agency quoting Mainichi ShimbunTakaichi claimed at a Diet meeting on November 7 that the Chinese mainlands use of force on Taiwan could constitute a survivalthreatening situation for Japan which has drawn strong criticism at home immediatelyDuring a television program last Sunday Ishiba criticised Takaichi for straining JapanChina relations by making the wrongful remarks stating that successive Japanese governments have always managed bilateral relations very carefully and everyone has handled things with truly meticulous care and the current administration should fully understand Japans longstanding basic position and remain cautious in the implementation of policies in the futureEarlier on Tuesday Japans Permanent Representative to the United Nations Yamazaki Kazuyuki wrote to UN SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres asserting that Chinas complaints about Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichis remarks on Taiwan are factually inaccurate and unsubstantiatedThe letter comes after Beijing lodged a sharp protest over Takaichis statement before a parliamentary committee on November 7 in which she reportedly said that a military attack on Taiwan could amount to a survivalthreatening situation for Japan hinting at a potential response involving the Japanese SelfDefence ForcesIn a letter addressed to the UN chief Kazuyuki wrote I note that the Permanent Representative of China recently sent a letter regarding Japan addressed to your Excellency which was subsequently circulated to the Permanent Missions of all United Nations Member States The assertions made by China in the letter appear to be inconsistent with the facts and unsubstantiated prompting me to respectfully submit the present letter in response based on the instruction from the Japanese GovernmentAs you are well aware Japan has consistently contributed to the peace and prosperity of the international community since the end of the Second World War Japan has always respected and adhered to international law including the UN Charter and has actively contributed to maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order underpinned by the rule of law in the global community he addedExpressing concern the Japanese envoy noted that certain countries in the contemporary world are engaged in the prolonged expansion of military capabilities without any transparencyHe added that there are nations that continue to attempt unilateral changes to the status quo through force or coercion despite opposition from neighbouring countriesJapan opposes such moves and distances itself from them Japans fundamental defence policy is the posture of passive defence strategy which is exclusively defenceoriented contrary to the Chinese sides claims the letter stated IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/former-japanese-pm-ishiba-criticises-takaichis-remarks-on-china-650471.html Thu, 27 Nov 2025 10:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/uae-pledges-1-billion-to-support-yemens-energy-sector-650472.html Aden Yemen Nov 27 The United Arab Emirates UAE has pledged 1 billion US dollars to support electricity and energy projects across warravaged Yemen according to a report by the state media The announcement was made on Wednesday local time following a meeting in Aden between Presidential Leadership Council chief Rashad AlAlimi and UAE Ambassador Mohamed Hamad Al Zaabi who reaffirmed Abu Dhabis intention to help restore Yemens battered power networkYemen has faced chronic electricity outages for more than two decades with southern provinces like Aden experiencing blackouts that can stretch up to 12 hours a day Damage to power plants limited fuel supplies and fragmented authorities have left millions relying on private generators and smallscale solar systemsThe UAEs new pledge coincided with the First National Energy Conference held in Aden where government officials investors and renewable energy experts gathered to discuss longterm reforms aimed at stabilising the grid and attracting financing to the country reports Xinhua quoting the staterun Saba news agencyAdditionally Yemen has been mired in a civil war since late 2014 when the Houthis seized several northern provinces forcing the internationally recognised government out of the capital Sanaa Over the past decade the countrys humanitarian crisis has steadily deepened as multiple pressures convergeThe conflict has damaged infrastructure disrupted transport and markets and limited access to health and nutrition services Prolonged instability has also weakened state institutions and driven a sharp economic decline As the local currency loses value and food prices climb essential goods have become increasingly unaffordable for ordinary families Together these factors have deepened food insecurity nationwide leaving millions struggling to meet their daily needsThe worsening economic hardship is pushing many families to desperate measures In public markets across Aden a growing number of families are resorting to selling household goods to pay for food and medicine IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/uae-pledges-1-billion-to-support-yemens-energy-sector-650472.html Thu, 27 Nov 2025 10:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/ukraine-disagrees-about-constitutional-amendments-in-peace-deal-650473.html Kyiv Nov 27 Ukraine will not amend its Constitution as part of any potential peace deal local media reported citing a member of the Ukrainian delegation involved in talks with the United States other partners and Russia We have stated that Ukraine will not accept any form of recognition and Ukraine will not make any changes to the Constitution these are red lines said Oleksandr Bevz an advisor to the head of Ukraines presidential office on Wednesday local timeHe said territorial issues should be addressed on two principles the current contact line should serve as the basis for talks and such questions must be handled at the level of national leaders reports Xinhua news agency quoting local media outlet InterfaxUkraineAccording to the head of the presidential office Andriy Yermak Ukrainian and US negotiators have reached an agreement in principle on most elements of Washingtons proposed peace plan though it has been significantly revised from the original 28 pointsOn Tuesday President Volodymyr Zelensky said the updated plan could evolve into deeper agreementsZelensky said he had discussed the plan with Ukraines negotiating team The principles in this document can be developed into deeper agreements And it is in our shared interest that security is real he saidHe also voiced hope for continued active cooperation with the US sideUkrainian and US negotiators reached an agreement in principle on most aspects of the USproposed peace plan Andriy Yermak head of Ukraines presidential office said earlier in the day But the plan was significantly modified from the original 28 points he addedZelensky hopes to discuss territorial issues directly with Trump Yermak saidThe 28point draft plan aimed at ending the Ukraine crisis has been trimmed to a 19point framework drafted by the United States and Ukraine on Sunday in Geneva multiple media outlets reportedTrump said Tuesday in a Truth Social post that his team has made tremendous progress over the past week and the original 28point peace plan has been finetuned with additional input from both sidesThere are only a few remaining points of disagreement Trump said noting that he has directed his special envoy Steve Witkoff to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow next week in the hope of finalising a peace dealAt the same time Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll will be meeting with the Ukrainians he addedTrump said he looks forward to hopefully meeting with Putin and Zelensky soon but only when the peace deal is finalised or in its final stagesMoreover the US president backed away from a Thursday deadline for Ukraine to agree to the USbacked peace plan The deadline for me is when its over Trump told reporters on board Air Force One as he flew to Florida for the Thanksgiving holidayTrump also noted that Moscow had agreed to some concessions without detailing them IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/ukraine-disagrees-about-constitutional-amendments-in-peace-deal-650473.html Thu, 27 Nov 2025 10:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-calls-attack-on-national-guard-an-act-of-terror-orders-500-more-troops-650478.html Washington Nov 27 Hours after two National Guardsmen were shot in downtown Washington US President Donald Trump called the attack an act of terror This heinous assault was an act of evil and an act of hatred and an act of terror It was a crime against our entire nation It was a crime against humanity Trump said while addressing the nation on Wednesday evening local timeHe added that the suspect in custody is a foreigner who entered our country from Afghanistan a hellhole on earth and blamed the previous Biden administration for allowing the attacker to enter the country under refugee statusEarlier US media identified the alleged shooter as Rahmanullah Lakanwal an Afghan national who entered the country in 2021Trump also promised to reexamine every single alien from Afghanistan who entered the US under the Biden administrationWe must now reexamine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden and we must take all necessary measures to ensure the removal of any alien from any country who does not belong here or add benefit to our country if they cant love our country we dont want them he addedHe also announced deployment of an additional 500 troops to help protect our capital cityThe shooting happened less than 500 metres away from the White House Trump was not in the capital and is visiting Florida for the Thanksgiving holidayThe two National Guard troops deployed in Washington from the state of West Virginia remain in critical conditionEarlier in the day Trump posted on X The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen with both being critically wounded and now in two separate hospitals is also severely wounded but regardless will pay a very steep price God bless our Great National Guard and all of our Military and Law Enforcement These are truly Great People I as President of the United States and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency am with youWashington Mayor Muriel Bowser termed the attack a targeted shootingWhile addressing the media FBI Director Kash Patel said that the case will be prosecuted at the federal level since this is an assault on federal law enforcement officersMultiple states have sent Guard personnel to Washington in recent months as part of President Trumps publicsafety crackdown The mission has since expanded to several other major US citiesThere are approximately 2400 National Guard troops currently deployed in Washington which includes around 958 from the DC National Guard and about 1300 from eight other states IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-calls-attack-on-national-guard-an-act-of-terror-orders-500-more-troops-650478.html Thu, 27 Nov 2025 11:09:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/un-security-council-general-assembly-adopt-resolutions-on-peacebuilding-architecture-review-650488.html United Nations Nov 27 The Security Council and the General Assembly adopted twin resolutions on the 2025 review of the UN peacebuilding architecture The Security Council adopted Resolution 2805 unanimously on Wednesday local time The General Assembly adopted an almost identical resolution without a vote reports Xinhua news agencyThe twin resolutions affirm that the 2025 review of the UN peacebuilding architecture is aimed at enhancing the implementation and impact of UN peacebuilding activities at the field levelReaffirming that development peace and security and human rights are interlinked and mutually reinforcing they recognise that investing in conflict prevention is a highly costeffective solution and results in saving lives stabilising economies and reducing the need for costly military responsesBoth resolutions reaffirm that UN member states bear the primary responsibility for preventing conflict and building peace and for addressing the root causes of violence and conflict in their countriesThey request the Peacebuilding Commission PBC to establish a detailed predictable and flexible annual program of work reflecting its countryspecific regional and thematic issues and to serve as a platform to support member states upon their request to strengthen their national peacebuilding and sustaining peace efforts including through capacitybuildingThe twin resolutions request the PBC to strengthen its impact through regular followup monitoring and assessment of the implementation of its outcomes and diversified modalities of engagement with relevant stakeholdersAlso the resolutions request the PBC to continue reviewing its working methods and practices with a view to enhancing the efficiency in delivering on its mandates and its impact in support of peacebuilding and sustaining peaceThey encourage member states to strengthen the Peacebuilding Support Offices capacities within existing resources or through voluntary fundingAn annual peacebuilding week is set to be established in June to raise public awareness of the peacebuilding and sustaining peace efforts of the United NationsThis years review is the fourth since the creation of the UN peacebuilding architecture in 2005 The twin resolutions call for a further comprehensive review of UN peacebuilding in 2030 IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/un-security-council-general-assembly-adopt-resolutions-on-peacebuilding-architecture-review-650488.html Thu, 27 Nov 2025 13:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-missile-strikes-in-caribbean-violate-human-rights-says-venezuelan-attorney-general-650489.html Caracas Nov 27 US missile strikes against boats in the Caribbean region violate international law and human rights Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek William Saab said They have violated international law the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea as well as all human rights treaties Saab said on Wednesday local time about the US attacks in international watersIf a vessel does not pose an immediate danger the use of lethal force constitutes a violation of international humanitarian law Saab addedVenezuela does not produce cocaine or marijuana Saab stressed noting that according to figures from the United Nations less than 5 per cent of the drugs destined for the United States pass through Venezuela reports Xinhua news agencySaab said that over the last eight years the Attorney Generals Office has filed 60820 drug trafficking charges against Venezuelan nationals resulting in 21370 convictions and has participated in the seizure of more than 370 tonnes of drugsEarlier on Sunday Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said that he was very concerned about US military deployment in the Caribbean Sea and planned to talk with his US counterpart Donald Trump to prevent conflict with VenezuelaSouth America is considered a zone of peace free of nuclear weapons and there is nothing to justify a conflict Lula told Brazilian media after attending the Group of 20 G20 Summit in Johannesburg South AfricaWar makes no sense Its simple to start a war you just have to give them an opportunity It is important that we try to find a solution before we start he saidBrazil has an important responsibility in South America as it shares a border with Venezuela Lula addedThe US military has beefed up its presence in the Caribbean Sea in recent weeks since Washington announced the decision to crack down on drug trafficking in the region which allegedly leads to the deaths of millions of Americans IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-missile-strikes-in-caribbean-violate-human-rights-says-venezuelan-attorney-general-650489.html Thu, 27 Nov 2025 13:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-police-beat-arrest-afghan-migrants-during-islamabad-raids-650274.html Islamabad Nov 25 Several Afghan migrants and women activists were beaten and detained after Islamabad police conducted overnight raids in Pakistani capitals Argentina Park Afghan media reported on Tuesday Police surrounded the park without prior notice at around 130 am and swept through tents set up by about 200 Afghan families and activists who had been living there for around four months and removed them using physical force Afghan media outlet Amu TV reported citing sourcesIn a video message one migrant said They came gathered everyone dismantled all tents and loaded us into vehicles Some children are injured We donât know where theyâre taking usAnother activist with wounds on her eye and forehead said she was beaten by police I am here for rights of women for human rights Because I am Afghan Because I am a woman Amu TV quoted her as sayingThe Afghan refugees and the activists said that police threatened to forcibly relocate around 400 vulnerable families to Afghanistan sparking concerns among rights groups that the actions breach international standards for refugee protectionActivists have urged international human rights groups and media to raise their voice for Afghan migrants warning that continued silence over the issue means abandoning people whose only weapon is the cry for justiceLast week several Afghan refugees in Pakistan said that they have been overwhelmed by continuous pressure from the countrys police which apart from conducting searches was arresting people and exploiting their vulnerable situation as a source of incomeA report in Afghanistanbased newspaper 8AM Media also known as HashteSubh Daily highlighted that Afghan refugees in Pakistan do not have basic human rights and live in constant fear and anxiety Human rights groups and refugeesupport groups have remained silent about the uncertainty and the governments failure to fulfil its commitment about human rights and the protection of refugeesOver the past few months as tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan continue Islamabad has increased its pressure on Afghan refugees with the Pakistani forces conducting widespread harassment of migrants each day in various areas including Islamabad Apart from official operations involving the arrest of Afghan refugees without visas people in plain clothes extort money from migrants in residential areas Afghan people have said that they live in inhumane conditions filled with fear and anxiety and their refugee rights are not respectedThe situation is extremely distressing I wish the official operations team would simply arrest and take people away This method is not right the police know no one will report them so they come individually for searches Several men in plain clothes lie in wait in the neighbourhood grab someone and take them away It is unclear whether they are police thieves or cooperating with the police Now even if an ordinary person commits theft or kidnapping under the name of the police people assume he is a police officer quoted an Afghan national as sayingThese individuals detain migrants in their personal vehicles some are released on the spot after paying money while others are taken to police posts They are probably police themselves or collaborating with the police The level of theft and robbery is extremely high and no institution hears the peopleâs voices The situation is deeply painful a country that has no defender and whose citizens have no protection or credibility anywhere in the world the refugee added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-police-beat-arrest-afghan-migrants-during-islamabad-raids-650274.html Wed, 26 Nov 2025 00:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/europe-failed-to-act-in-resolving-ukraine-conflict-russian-fm-lavrov-650303.html Moscow Nov 25 Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday asserted that European countries have missed their opportunities to play a meaningful role in resolving the Ukrainian conflict Each time when progress was achieved and agreements reached either interim or more stable longterm these agreements were broken the Russian staterun news agency TASS quoted Lavrov as saying while addressing a press conference in MoscowâToday when our European colleagues loudly declare that there will be no new Minsk agreements that we cannot resolve anything at all without Europe because this directly concerns us I should say that Europe has failed completely since 2014 he addedLavrov further said So Europe when they say now Dont you dare do anything without us you already had opportunities you didnt use them you simply failed to actHe also stated that Russia does not consider France and Germany as possible mediators in settling the conflictThe Minsk process was a negotiation between Russia and Ukraine mediated by France and Germany as they believe Well now there can be no question of any mediation by either France or Germany Lavrov statedMeanwhile the Russian Foreign Minister expressed appreciation for Washingtons position noting its active role in resolving the Ukrainian conflictWe appreciate the mediation of Belarus the mediation of Turkey and the position of Hungary which is eager to host the summit between Russia and the United States that was proposed by President Donald Trump said LavrovAnd of course we appreciate the position of the United States itself which is the only country in the West taking the initiative to find ways to settle the conflict unlike London Brussels Paris and Berlin I reiterate that we appreciate it he addedThe Trump administration reportedly drafted a new 28point plan and held quiet and deep consultations with Russia in a renewed push to restart peace talks aimed at ending the Ukraine crisisConfirming that Moscow has received President Trumpâs plan for Ukraine through unofficial channels Lavrov said that Russia is ready to discuss itâWe have it we received it through unofficial channels It wasnât sent to us officially However just as the Russian president said we are ready to discuss its content because there are a number of issues that require clarificationâ the Minister statedâOur American colleagues have not yet provided us with the version the media are speculating aboutâ he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/europe-failed-to-act-in-resolving-ukraine-conflict-russian-fm-lavrov-650303.html Wed, 26 Nov 2025 01:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-leaders-highlight-massive-rise-in-incidents-of-violence-against-women-650320.html Dhaka Nov 25 Bangladesh Mahila Parishad leaders on Tuesday said that mob violence in the country has become a matter of serious concern in the recent times with cases rising dramatically They also highlighted that incidents of violence against women and girls have increased enormously and called for suppression of misogynistic propaganda the local media reported While addressing a press conference on the occasion of International Day for the Prevention of Violence against Women on Tuesday Bangladesh Mahila Parishad leaders highlighted that 2468 reports of violence against women and girls have been published in media outlets of the country in the past 10 months JanuaryOctober 2025 Bangladeshs Bengali daily Prothom Alo reported Of these 713 women and girls have been victims of rape gang rape and suicide after rape as per the news reportsApart from this women and girls have faced various types of violence including murder domestic violence dowry child marriage sexual assault kidnapping and cyber violenceIn response to several questions at the press conference Bangladesh Mahila Parishad President Fawzia Moslem stated Proper implementation of the law change in patriarchal attitudes and social institutions must play a role against torture Misogynistic propaganda must be firmly suppressed There have been incidents of torture of women in the media as well A standard needs to be set here tooDuring the press conference Bangladesh Mahila Parishad Joint Secretary Masuda Rehana Begum said Mob violence has become a matter of concern in recent times It has increased dramatically Analyzing five years of data shows that incidents of violence against women and children are not decreasingAnother Joint Secretary of the organisation Seema Moslem stated that there will no real empowerment of women until women are not empowered in decisionmaking She even called for direct elections for reserved seats in Bangladeshs National Parliament Prothom Alo reportedA survey published by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics BBS this year revealed that 76 per cent of women in Bangladesh have faced physical mental sexual and financial abuse or controlling behaviuor at some point in their lives particularly at the hands of their husbandsBangladesh has witnessed a disturbing escalation in violence against women under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus exposing the degrading law and order situation in the countryFresh figures highlight a troubling reality in Bangladesh where 663 women were raped in the first nine months of 2025 local media reportedThe data released by the Dhakabased Human Rights Support Society HRSS underscored what rights activists warn is a growing crisis driven by impunity deteriorating law and order and the failure of the Yunusled interim government to meet its obligations under international womens rights conventions including the Beijing DeclarationSpeaking to a leading Bangladeshi daily Dhaka Tribune human rights activist Sultana Kamal claimed that the reported number reflects only a fraction of the widespread violence unfolding across the countryWe learn about rape and torture when they reach the media usually after a murder or a particularly brutal incident There are countless forms of violence that never come to light What we are seeing is already a horrific picture she saidAccording to Sultana the rising frequency of rape and sexual violence reflects a blatant neglect of womens rights and dignityIn an independent country where we take pride in our culture and history more than six hundred women were raped in just nine months This shows extreme disregard for women by families by society and by the state she statedStressing that the culture of impunity has emboldened perpetrators Sultana said There used to be a belief among criminals that committing these crimes would lead to punishment That belief has disappeared When women are tortured without consequence violence continues It is an assault on the dignity of women and the sanctity of their bodies IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-leaders-highlight-massive-rise-in-incidents-of-violence-against-women-650320.html Wed, 26 Nov 2025 01:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/vivah-panchami-celebrated-in-nepals-janakpur-650330.html Kathmandu Nov 25 A festive splendour gripped the city of Janakpur home to the Janaki Temple as the traditional reenactment of the wedding ceremony of Lord Ram and Sita Janaki took place on Tuesday A symbolic swayamvar of Lord Ram and Sita was organised at the historic Rangabhoomi ground in Barha Bigha where tens of thousands of pilgrims from both Nepal and India gathered to celebrate the event The occasion known as Vivah Panchami is a Hindu festival that commemorates the union of Ram and Sita of the RamayanaAn estimated 300000â400000 pilgrims thronged Janakpur to witness the traditional wedding ceremony of Lord Ram and Sita in our city Janakpur Deputy Mayor Kishori Shah told IANS Thousands of pilgrims from various districts of Nepal and from the Indian states of Bihar Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra came to Janakpur to celebrate the eventA grand wedding procession featuring traditional tableaux and hymns arrived from the Ram Temple in Ayodhya carrying the idol of Ram while another group of pilgrims departed from the Janaki Temple in Janakpur carrying the idol of SitaBoth groups met at the historic Barha Bigha Rangabhoomi where the ceremonial swayamvar was performed with tens of thousands of devotees attending to witness the procession and the ritualThe wedding is believed to have taken place on the fifth day of the waxing moon in the month of Mangsir Marga Shukla Paksha during the Treta Yug in the Mithila region Janakpur the capital of Madhesh Pradesh in Nepal is believed to be the birthplace of Sita and the capital of ancient MithilaShah said there are plans to perform Ram Kalewa on Wednesday a tradition involving the distribution of various foods â including sweets vegetables grains curd and ghee â to the grooms processionHe added that Vivah Panchami has also been helping promote tourism in Janakpur as it draws tens of thousands of pilgrims to the city IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/vivah-panchami-celebrated-in-nepals-janakpur-650330.html Wed, 26 Nov 2025 01:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-primary-teachers-stop-work-demand-better-pay-scale-and-promotion-650333.html Dhaka Nov 25 Primary school teachers in Bangladesh started a threeday work stoppage on Tuesday to raise their demands regarding pay grades and promotion They warned to boycott annual examination and start hunger strike in December if their is no announcement regarding fulfilment of demands local media reported The primary school assistant teachers began protest on Tuesday under the banner of the Primary Assistant Teacher Organisations Unity Council a coalition of 12 teacher groups Bangladeshi media outlet bdnews24 reportedThe council demanded Grade 11 of the government pay scale for entrylevel assistant teachers the resolution of complexities related to higher grades after 10 and 16 years of service and ensuring 100 per cent departmental promotionShahinur Al Amin president of Bangladesh Primary Assistant Teachersâ Society one of the coalitionâs member groups said that they had given the government time until November 15 to resolve their demands However the failure of the government to implement demands has resulted in work stoppageAnisur Rahman an assistant teacher at Suritola Model Government Primary School in Old Dhaka and president of the coalitions Bangladesh Primary Assistant Teachersâ Society said that a complete work stoppage would be observed today and tomorrow followed by a sitin programme outside the Directorate of Primary Education on November 27He further said If there is no visible progress or announcement over the fulfilment of the demands within this period we will boycott the annual examination starting on the 1st of December and begin a hunger strike unto death from the 11thOn November 9 Government primary school teachers held protests for the second consecutive day at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka to raise their three demands local media reportedThe Bangladesh Primary Teachersâ Association President Abul Kashem said that the teachers under the banner of the Primary Teachersâ Demand Implementation Council had raised a demand for the resignation of the Advisers to the Ministries of Home Affairs and Primary and Mass Education in protest over police action against their demonstration on November 8 the United News of Bangladesh UNB reportedKashem stated that teachers were observing work absention at primary schools in Bangladesh to protest against police action He had said Yesterday Saturday we went to Shahbagh for a peaceful march titled âKolom Shomarponâ pen submissionPolice attacked us there arresting five of our colleagues and injuring more than a hundred Moreover the Adviser to the Primary and Mass Education Ministry termed our demands irrational We therefore demand the resignation of both advisers he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-primary-teachers-stop-work-demand-better-pay-scale-and-promotion-650333.html Wed, 26 Nov 2025 02:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/beijing-willing-to-be-indias-partner-in-pursuit-of-modernisation-chinas-envoy-650339.html New Delhi Nov 25 Chinas Ambassador to India Xu Feihong said on Tuesday that Beijing is willing to be Indias partner in the pursuit of modernisation as development is the greatest common denominator between the two countries Addressing a seminar on Chinas 15th FiveYear Planï¼New Blueprint for Chinas Development New Opportunities for ChinaIndia Cooperation the Ambassador said the two countries need to synergise their development strategies and jointly advance modernisationHe also added that China is ready to work with India as a doer in highlevel practical cooperationIn the 15th FiveYear Plan period China will continue to strengthen the foundation of the real economy accelerate highlevel scitech selfreliance and expand highstandard openingup This will create more cooperation opportunities for all countries including IndiaWe will upgrade traditional industries such as chemical and machinery which is expected to unlock about 14 trillion of new market space in the next five years We will foster emerging industries such as new energy and new materials which is expected to give rise to several trilliondollar new growth engines We will strategically invest in future industries such as biomanufacturing and sixthgeneration mobile communication with the scale added over the next decade equivalent to building an entirely new hightech industrial ecosystem for China the Ambassador saidHe also said At present India is advancing major strategies such as Make in India China is ready to deepen practical cooperation with India to make a bigger pie of common interests so that people in both countries will benefit more from the outcomes of developmentHe added that China is ready to welcome more premium goods imports from India and more Indian companies to invest and do business in ChinaAmbassador Feihong also said that China is ready to work with India as a defender of multilateralismIn a reference to the US he said Some major countries in pursuit of unilateral hegemony have frequently waged trade wars and applied international rules in a selective way posing severe challenges to developing countries In the face of the profound changes unseen in a century and the countercurrent of unilateralism China and India should more than ever stand shoulder to shoulder resolutely say no to hegemony jointly steer multipolarity and economic globalisation toward the right direction as expected byâthe whole worldâand make global governance more just and equitableHe added that the bilateral trade between India and China reached 1152 billion in the first nine months of this year up by 11 per cent yearonyearSince April this year Indias exports to China have increased by more than 10 per cent yearonyear each month with a 42 per cent rise in OctoberHe also highlighted that China has resumed the pilgrimage for Indians to Kangrinboqe Feng and Mapam Yuco Kailash Manasarovar Yatra in Xizang Autonomous Region while India has resumed issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens as part of the restoration of normal ties between the two countriesDirect flights between the Chinese mainland and India have also been restoredThese measures have been warmly welcome by the peoples of both countriesThe meeting between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin this year charted the course for the further improvement and development of bilateral relations Ambassador Feihong added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/beijing-willing-to-be-indias-partner-in-pursuit-of-modernisation-chinas-envoy-650339.html Wed, 26 Nov 2025 02:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/brazils-supreme-court-orders-former-president-to-begin-27-year-jail-term-650350.html Washington Nov 26 Brazilâs Supreme Court ordered former President Jair Bolsonaro to begin serving a 27year prison sentence The ruling follows his conviction for attempting to cling to power after losing the 2022 election The court on Tuesday rejected an appeal from Bolsonaroâs lawyers challenging the sentence and ordered him to serve his time at a federal police facility in BrasÃlia where he is already in custodyBolsonaro was arrested on Saturday after police said he tampered with the ankle monitor during his house arrest He told authorities his medications caused âhallucinationsâ and âparanoiaâ and he feared the monitor could be used to snoop on himHis lawyers had asked the court to allow him to serve the sentence at home because of health issues from a 2018 stabbing attack The Supreme Court denied that request after the ankle monitor incident Bolsonaroâs team plans to submit medical evidence again once he begins serving the sentenceIn September the Supreme Court convicted Bolsonaro and seven allies of plotting to overturn the 2022 elections and assassinate President Luiz InÃcio Lula da Silva before he took office Prosecutors said Bolsonaro and his inner circle spent months undermining public trust in Brazilâs election system After losing narrowly they tried to retain powerThe plans included dissolving the Supreme Court annulling election results and giving the military broad authorityBolsonaro had been under house arrest since August Police monitored him closely because the court considered him a flight riskUS President Donald Trump an ally of Bolsonaro commented on the arrest on Saturday âThatâs too badâ he said Asked for more Trump added âNo I just think itâs too badâThe United States sought to target Brazil over the court case by imposing tariffs of up to 50 on certain Brazilian imports while demanding the dropping of charges against BolsonaroHowever in recent days the Trump administration eased the pressure granting additional tariff exemptions and reviving dialogue with the Brazilian government IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/brazils-supreme-court-orders-former-president-to-begin-27-year-jail-term-650350.html Wed, 26 Nov 2025 07:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/israel-says-troops-killed-five-militants-emerging-from-rafah-tunnel-650352.html Jerusalem Nov 26 The Israeli military said its forces killed five militants who emerged from a tunnel shaft in Rafah the southernmost city in the Gaza Strip In a statement on Tuesday the Israel Defense Forces IDF said its troops searching the area identified and eliminated five armed men Xinhua news agency reportedAn IDF spokesperson told Xinhua the incident occurred within the IDFs operational area east of the yellow line which designates areas under Israeli control in the Gaza StripThe five were likely among dozens of militants trapped in an underground tunnel in eastern Rafah according to the IDF According to Israels Ynet news site 22 of them have been killed or captured in recent days after emerging from the tunnels in search of water and foodThe IDF also released photos of weapons it said were seized from the militants showing three Kalashnikov riflesDespite the ceasefire that took effect on October 10 Israel has continued to carry out nearly daily attacks across Gaza killing at least 345 people and injuring 889 others according to Gazas health authoritiesThe authorities said Israeli strikes have killed around 70000 people and wounded more than 170800 since October 2023 leaving much of the enclave in ruinsMeanwhile Israeli forces entered Israel with the coffin of a deceased hostage that was handed over by Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad earlier on Tuesday the IDF saidRan Gvili Dror Or and Thai citizen Sudthisak Rinthalak are the three hostages yet to return to Israel since October 7 2023 The remains will now be transferred to Israels National Institute of Forensic Medicine for identification IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/israel-says-troops-killed-five-militants-emerging-from-rafah-tunnel-650352.html Wed, 26 Nov 2025 08:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/eu-set-to-weigh-excessive-deficit-procedure-for-finland-in-december-650353.html Helsinki Nov 26 The European Commission is considering proposing in December the launch of an excessive deficit procedure EDP for Finland after determining the country no longer meets the European Unions EU deficit rules Finlands Ministry of Finance said EU rules require member states to keep their general government deficit below 3 per cent of gross domestic product GDP Finland exceeded this limit last year and is expected to remain above it in the coming years according to the Commissions latest assessment the ministry saidThe Commissions assessment did not come as a surprise as Finlands public finances have continued to deteriorate Finance Minister Riikka Purra said We will find out in December how quickly the EU expects us to correct the situation The corrective measures will be up to usFinland has a national escape clause for 20252028 due to rising defence spending but the ministry said this no longer justifies this years excess deficit meaning the Commissions earlier conclusions no longer apply Xinhua news agency reportedThe EDP established in EU treaties requires member states to reduce excessive deficits and can ultimately lead to sanctions for eurozone members that fail to act Nine EU countries are currently under the procedure and Finland would become the 10th if it is openedIn December the Commission is expected to propose a Council decision confirming Finlands excessive deficit and to issue recommendations including a corrective net expenditure path and a deadline for bringing the deficit back below 3 per cent of GDPEU finance ministers meeting in the Economic and Financial Affairs Council in January 2026 are scheduled to decide whether to formally open the procedure and adopt countryspecific recommendations Finland would then have three months to submit its first report on corrective measures IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/eu-set-to-weigh-excessive-deficit-procedure-for-finland-in-december-650353.html Wed, 26 Nov 2025 08:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/un-chief-calls-for-end-to-unlawful-occupation-of-palestinian-territory-650354.html United Nations Nov 26 Statehood for the Palestinians is a right UN SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres said while reiterating the call for an end to the unlawful occupation of the Palestinian territory In remarks to a special meeting commemorating the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People delivered by Courtenay Rattray chef de cabinet of the UN chief Guterres reaffirmed a simple truth The Palestinian people have a right to dignity to justice and to selfdeterminationHe called for irreversible progress towards a twoState solution in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security within their secure and recognized borders on the basis of pre1967 lines with Jerusalem as the capital of both StatesRecalling that the rights of the Palestinians have been violated beyond comprehension over the last two years Guterres said the October ceasefire agreement offers glimmers of hope and the adoption of the resolution on Gaza by the UN Security Council is an important step in its consolidation Xinhua news agency reportedThe UN chief urged all parties to abide by the resolution in full and move swiftly toward the next phase as it is essential to translate this diplomatic momentum into concrete and urgently needed progress on the groundHe underscored that lifesaving humanitarian aid must enter Gaza without obstruction and at scale noting that Israels obligations are clear as outlined by the International Court of Justice in its recent advisory opinion and called on all UN member states to meet the 4 billion target of the Flash Appeal for the Occupied Palestinian TerritoryThe United Nations will never waver in its commitment to the Palestinian people and their right for selfdetermination said Guterres calling on all governments civil society faith leaders and ordinary citizens to raise their voices with the United NationsIn 1977 the UN General Assembly called for the annual observance of November 29 as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People On that day in 1947 the General Assembly adopted the resolution on the partition of Palestine IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/un-chief-calls-for-end-to-unlawful-occupation-of-palestinian-territory-650354.html Wed, 26 Nov 2025 08:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-sends-envoy-to-moscow-in-hope-of-finalizing-ukraine-peace-plan-650355.html Washington Nov 26 US President Donald Trump said that he has directed his special envoy Steve Witkoff to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow in hope of finalizing a peace deal on the Ukraine crisis In the hopes of finalizing this Peace Plan I have directed my Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to meet with President Putin in Moscow and at the same time Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll will be meeting with the Ukrainians Trump wrote on Tuesday in a post on Truth SocialThe original 28Point Peace Plan which was drafted by the United States has been finetuned with additional input from both sides and there are only a few remaining points of disagreement Trump said adding that his team has made tremendous progress over the past weekTrump said he looks forward to hopefully meeting with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky soon but only when the peace deal is final or in its final stages Xinhua news agency reportedThe USproposed 28point peace plan was unveiled last weekFollowing its release representatives from the United States Ukraine and several European countries met in Geneva on Sunday to discuss the planOn Monday and Tuesday US Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll held talks with Russian officials in Abu Dhabi on the draft according to a statement from the US ArmyEarlier on Sunday representatives from the United States Ukraine and European countries met in Geneva as the White House pushed for agreement on the 28point planFollowing a meeting between the Ukrainian delegation and national security advisers from Britain France and Germany the Ukrainian side held bilateral talks with the US representativesIts reported that Sundays Geneva meeting was attended on the US side by Secretary of State Marco Rubio Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll with Zelenskys office chief Andriy Yermak leading the Ukrainian delegationAccording to a joint statement issued by the White House on Sunday night the talks between US representatives and Ukrainian officials in Geneva made meaningful progress toward aligning positions IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-sends-envoy-to-moscow-in-hope-of-finalizing-ukraine-peace-plan-650355.html Wed, 26 Nov 2025 08:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/un-formally-initiates-selection-process-for-next-secretary-general-650356.html United Nations Nov 26 The United Nations formally started the selection and appointment process for the next UN secretarygeneral Annalena Baerbock president of the United Nations General Assembly UNGA said in a statement that she has signed a joint letter with President of the UN Security Council for the month of November Michael Imran Kanu permanent representative of Sierra Leone to the United Nations formally initiating the selection and appointment process for the next UN secretarygeneral Xinhua news agecny reportedWith the issuance of the joint letter the president of the UNGA and the president of the Security Council invite UN member states to nominate candidates for the position of the UN secretarygeneral who will take over the role from January 1 2027 The letter includes a call to member states to strongly consider nominating women as candidatesAs president of the UNGA Baerbock said she will ensure that the process reflects the principles of the United Nations Charter and the very best of our shared commitments and valuesThe selection of the next SecretaryGeneral comes at a pivotal moment for the United Nations We are confronted with escalating conflicts a rapidly advancing climate crisis expanding humanitarian needs enduring obstacles to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals and an increasing pushback against human rights Baerbock saidThe multilateral system with the United Nations at its center is under mounting financial and political pressure while the world needs the United Nations more than ever she saidThe world is looking to the next SecretaryGeneral to provide strong dedicated and effective leadership in delivering on the three pillars of the United Nations peace and security human rights and development and in making the United Nations fit for the future said the UNGA presidentAntonio Guterres the current and ninth secretarygeneral of the United Nations took office in January 2017 IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/un-formally-initiates-selection-process-for-next-secretary-general-650356.html Wed, 26 Nov 2025 08:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-awami-league-slams-yunus-led-interim-government-over-indiscriminate-nationwide-killings-650369.html Dhaka Nov 26 Bangladeshâs Awami League party on Wednesday accused the Muhammad Yunusled interim government of turning the country into a âdumping ground of dead bodiesâ Expressing grave concern the party stated that as the prices of essential goods continue to rise human life in the country seems to hold no value at allâToday every corner of besieged Bangladesh echoes with the cries of those who have lost their loved ones On the way to the market at the edge of the fields at the river estuaries in the house yards on the beds inside homesâdead bodies are scattered everywhere Leaders and activists of the Awami League are subjected to unspeakable torture and persecution for speaking out against the planned conspiracies of Yunus and his bloodthirsty followers to destroy the country They are even being killed indiscriminatelyâ read a statement issued by the Awami LeagueSlamming the Yunus regime the party alleged that the indiscriminate killings of Awami League leaders and activists across the country were carried out under a preplanned blueprint It added that recently Gaibandha District Awami League leader Tariq Rifat was killed inside prison while in Dhakaâs Bashundhara residential area AlAmin the General Secretary of the Awami Leagueâs student wing Chhatra League from Comilla district was murderedThe Awami League further asserted its leaders and activists continue to fall victim to targeted killings while ordinary citizens also have no security for their lives or property in what it described as an âunsafeâ BangladeshâWe strongly condemn and protest this series of killings carried out by the bloodthirsty demonic group of Yunus Today the families of the victims cannot even think of getting justiceâlet alone file a case with the police station We want to clearly and firmly state that in the near future all those involved in these killings will be brought to justice and given strict punishmentâ the party stressedEarlier on Tuesday the party announced nationwide protest programmes until November 30 demanding the resignation of Yunus and rejecting the verdict of the countryâs âillegalâ International Crimes Tribunal ICT against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-awami-league-slams-yunus-led-interim-government-over-indiscriminate-nationwide-killings-650369.html Wed, 26 Nov 2025 10:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistani-forces-extrajudicially-kill-another-baloch-civilian-650388.html Quetta Nov 26 Another civilian was extrajudicially killed by Pakistani forces in Balochistan a leading human rights organisation said on Wednesday The latest act of brutality comes against the backdrop of a continuing cycle of persecution marked by a surge in extrajudicial killings enforced disappearances and torture across the provinceHuman rights body Baloch Yakjehti Committee BYC mentioned that 30yearold JalaludDin Baloch employed as a driver was shot dead by armed masked men on a motorcycleThe assailants opened fire while he was cleaning a vehicle at a service station killing him on the spotCiting local sources the rights body stated that the attackers were members of a Pakistanbacked death squad known for carrying out extrajudicial killings enforced disappearances and targeted attacks across BalochistanThese groups operate alongside Pakistani security forces creating an atmosphere of fear and coercion designed to suppress dissent and silence Baloch civilians the BYC statedAccording to the rights body residents alleged that JalaludDins two brothers had previously been taken into custody by Pakistani forces One brother Diljan was released after several days while his other brother Kamal remains forcibly disappeared with no information on his fate or whereaboutsThe killing of JalaludDin underscores the ongoing pattern of statesponsored violence in Balochistan where residents continue to face enforced disappearance torture and targeted killing with complete impunity the BYC notedEarlier on Tuesday as the world observed the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women the Baloch Women Forum BWF called on the Pakistani authorities to end gross violence against Baloch civilians particularly womenThough direct state repression on Baloch women has a long history it was fueled in the 1970s From thereon we have an unending list of incidents when state departments began the excessive use of their power to suppress the indigenous women community the BWF statedAccording to the forum the recent cases of forced disappearances of Mahjabeen Baloch from Quettas civil hospital on May 29 which is about to complete 6 months of illegal detention and 15yearold Nasreena Baloch from Hub Chowki on the night of November 22 are only two recorded accounts of Pakistans legallycrafted violence on Baloch women while several cases of such a nature are unreported for various reasonsHighlighting the atrocities on Baloch women the BWF saidWe are of the view that the direct involvement of Baloch women in state barbarism is an act to perpetuate cultural violence and distort the order of the Baloch society In the existing Baloch societal standards and norms women hold a significant status but they are intentionally and institutionally reduced to becoming victims of violence which not only shakes the cultural stance of the inhabitants but also questions their human rights status IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistani-forces-extrajudicially-kill-another-baloch-civilian-650388.html Wed, 26 Nov 2025 12:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/arunachal-woman-harassed-in-china-hits-back-at-trolls-says-govts-stand-is-for-all-indians-650390.html New Delhi Nov 26 The woman from Arunachal Pradesh who faced harassment by Chinese authorities at Shanghai airport has issued a strong response to online trolls stressing that any action taken by the Indian government is meant to protect the dignity of all Indians not her alone Pema Wang Thongdok had earlier stated that she was detained for 18 hours by Chinese immigration officials during what was supposed to be a brief threehour layover while travelling from London to Japan on November 21She said the officials refused to accept her Indian passport claiming her birthplace Arunachal Pradesh was part of ChinaThongdok posted a note of gratitude to those supporting her while also responding to those who attempted to troll her over the ordealI would like to thank everyone speaking in support of this diplomatic issue and while Im new here and not active on X its because I have a very highprofile fulltime position working in financial services and dont have idle time to answer trollers she wrote on XShe added that her remarks had been understood correctly by the right people while those who chose not to understand were not individuals she intended to engage withEmphasising unity she said I dont even live in India so any action that the Indian govt takes will be for the benefit amp pride of my fellow Indians and Arunachalis living here not mine We are one nation we stand for one anotherIndia on Tuesday strongly objected to the arbitrary detention of the Indian national from Arunachal Pradesh describing the incident as a violation of international norms and bilateral agreementsMinistry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the issue had been taken up firmly with BeijingChinese authorities have yet to provide any credible justification for their actions which contravene established international air travel conventions and their own visafree transit policy Jaiswal said reiterating Indias longstanding position that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of IndiaThis is a fact beyond dispute No amount of denial or misrepresentation by China can alter this reality he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/arunachal-woman-harassed-in-china-hits-back-at-trolls-says-govts-stand-is-for-all-indians-650390.html Wed, 26 Nov 2025 12:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/number-of-evacuees-rises-to-over-21-000-following-floods-in-malaysia-650402.html Kuala Lumpur Nov 26 The number of evacuees rose to over 21000 in Malaysia on Wednesday with 10 states affected across the country due to the current northeast monsoon season according to authorities Kelantan remains the hardest hit with 9642 flood evacuees housed in 52 flood relief centres as of 9 am local timeOther badly affected areas include Perak state with 4331 evacuees Selangor state with 2909 and another 2837 in Kedah state with the remainder spread across the countrySelangor state chief minister Amirudin Shari said flood mitigation measures in parts of the state were unable to cope with the surge in water and extraordinary weather conditions reports Xinhua news agencyThe state government is identifying followup measures that need to be taken to ensure the safety of residents including improving flood mitigation infrastructure and immediate actions to ensure the safety and wellbeing of those affected he saidMeanwhile Malaysian Meteorological Department deputy directorgeneral Ambun Dindang said the floods throughout the northeast monsoon period depend not only on rainfall but are also affected by landrelated factors such as landuse changes population density and the effectiveness of local drainage systemsEarlier in the week authorities had announced that flooding displaced over 10000 people in Malaysia with the northern state of Kelantan hit hardestChief Secretary to the Government Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said the government has deployed more than 100000 personnel and assets from multiple agencies to states affected by severe flooding during the monsoonDeputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh said nationallevel examinations would proceed as the authorities have contingency measures in place to deal with the situation including a complete set of standard operating procedures and mechanisms to ensure candidates can sit for the examination safelyEarlier Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also told a press briefing that he is satisfied with the National Disaster Management Agencys level of preparedness in responding to the flood situation and has instructed all agencies to mobilise maximum efforts to assist affected communities IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/number-of-evacuees-rises-to-over-21-000-following-floods-in-malaysia-650402.html Wed, 26 Nov 2025 14:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/imf-projects-slow-growth-for-cambodia-due-to-trade-disruptions-border-tensions-650415.html Phnom Penh Nov 26 Cambodias economic growth is projected to decelerate to 48 per cent in 2025 and 4 per cent in 2026 reflecting export volatility declining remittances a slowdown in tourism and weak domestic demand the International Monetary Fund IMF said on Wednesday Cambodias growth reached 6 per cent in 2024 but a confluence of shocks trade disruptions border tensions and anaemic credit growth exposed the economys vulnerabilities and signs of economic slowdown are emerging in the second half of 2025 said an IMF press releaseThe downward revision reflects remittance losses and a tourism slowdown which are expected to weigh on domestic demand the press release said Tariff effects will lower export earnings as manufacturers face margin pressuresOn August 1 the United States imposed a 19 per cent tariff on all goods imported from Cambodia reports Xinhua news agencyPrudent fiscal and monetary policies together with structural reforms are essential to safeguard stability and strengthen resilience the press release said adding that nearterm measures should cushion external shocks while laying the foundation for mediumterm competitivenessAccording to the press release Cambodias inflation is projected to rise modestly in 2025 before easing in 2026Earlier on Monday the Asian Development Bank ADB approved a policybased loan of 50 million US dollars to strengthen Cambodias financial sector and digital infrastructureThrough a dedicated program the investment will support both banking and nonbanking institutions as well as digital finance infrastructure and sustainable finance capabilities according to an ADB press releaseThrough this investment ADB supports the country in boosting its financial sector laying the foundation for resilient growth expanding financial inclusion and unlocking private sector potential said Anthony Gill ADB acting country director for CambodiaWhile Cambodias financial sector has achieved notable progress further development is required to fully unlock its potential the release notedThe approved first phase of the investment program focuses on boosting the regulatory environment financial stability market depth and consumer protection as well as developing strategic plans for financial technology regulatory frameworks for digital assets and cryptocurrencies and peertopeer financing the press release said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/imf-projects-slow-growth-for-cambodia-due-to-trade-disruptions-border-tensions-650415.html Wed, 26 Nov 2025 14:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/white-house-defends-trumps-h-1b-stance-as-common-sense-650135.html Washington Nov 25 The White House defended US President Donald Trumpâs views on the H1B visas saying that he has a ânuanced and commonsense opinion on this issueâ While speaking to reporters White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that Trump would allow importing foreign workers âjust at the beginningâ but ultimately be replaced by American workersâHe wants to see if foreign companies are investing trillions of dollars in the United States of America and theyre bringing foreign workers with them to create very niche things like batteries He wants to see that at the beginning to get those manufacturing facilities and those factories up and running but ultimately the President always wants to see American workers in those jobsâ she addedShe noted that there has been âa lot of misunderstanding of the Presidents positionâ on the issue and Trump has conveyed to foreign companies that if theyâre investing in the US they âbetter be hiring my peopleâThe White House statement comes days after Trump staunchly defended legal immigration saying he would welcome âthousands of peopleâ from abroad to train American workers in techrelated industriesâYou cant come in open up a massive computer chip factory for billions and billions of dollars like itâs being done in Arizona and think youre going to hire people often from unemployment line to run it Theyre going to have to bring thousands of people with them I am going to welcome those peopleâ Trump said during a speech at the USSaudi Investment Forum in WashingtonHe added that the foreign workforce would âteach our peopleâ to make âcomputer chips and other thingsââYou are coming here and you find that we donât have people that did that before We are allowing youâ if you have to bring people to get those plants open we want you to do that We want those people to teach our people â how to make computer chips and how to make other thingsâ he notedTrump acknowledged that he may âtake a little heatâ from his conservative base about his position on bringing in foreign workersThe US Presidents recent comments have sparked an intense debate with leading Republican and conservative leaders demanding the scrapping of the visa programmeThe White House had earlier clarified its position over the visa policy telling IANS that the 100000 fee for new H1B visa applications is a âsignificant first step to stop abuses of the systemâIn an exclusive response to IANS a White House spokesperson said that President Donald Trump has âdone more than any president in modern history to tighten our immigration laws and put American workers firstââThe 100000 payment required to supplement new H1B visa applications is a significant first step to stop abuses of the system and ensure American workers are no longer replaced by lowerpaid foreign laborâ White House Spokeswoman Taylor Rogers told IANSThe administrationâs H1B visa policy has faced broad opposition from lawmakers and legal challenges with two major lawsuits filed in courts including one by the US Chamber of Commerce the countryâs biggest business organisationIndiaborn workers received over 70 per cent of the total approved H1B visas in 2024 primarily due to a huge backlog in approvals and a high number of skilled immigrants from India IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/white-house-defends-trumps-h-1b-stance-as-common-sense-650135.html Tue, 25 Nov 2025 07:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/venezuela-rejects-us-terrorist-designation-of-nonexistent-cartel-650137.html Caracas Nov 25 The Venezuelan government on Monday rejected US Secretary of State Marco Rubios designation of the nonexistent Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist organization In a statement shared on social media by Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil the government condemned the move as a vile lie accusing the United States of using it as a pretext to justify an illegitimate and illegal intervention against VenezuelaThe statement urged the US government to rectify this policy of aggression and threats adding that the Venezuelan people will know how to safeguard peace and the highest interests of the countryOn November 16 Rubio announced that the US Department of State intends to designate Cartel de los Soles as a Foreign Terrorist Organization effective on November 24It means that Maduro will effectively be designated a terrorist as well because the US alleges he heads the Cartel de los Soles an accusation Maduro strongly deniesIt is the Trump administrations latest effort to reduce drug trafficking and put pressure on Maduro as the US considers whether to take military action inside the countryThe US Treasury Department has previously placed sanctions on Cartel de los Soles but the new FTO designation is an escalated approach which unlocks stronger powersThe Cartel de los Soles is a term used by the US to describe an alleged criminal group involved in activities such as drugtrafficking and illegal mining IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/venezuela-rejects-us-terrorist-designation-of-nonexistent-cartel-650137.html Tue, 25 Nov 2025 08:18:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistani-attack-in-afghanistans-khost-kills-nine-children-kabul-650167.html Kabul Nov 25 At least ten civilians including nine children were killed after Pakistani forces struck a residential area in Afghanistans Khost province the Afghan government said on Tuesday The attack according to officials took place shortly after midnight and targeted the home of a local resident reigniting concerns about escalating hostilities along the borderZabihullah Mujahid spokesman for the caretaker Afghan government stated that the strike occurred around 1200 am on Tuesday in the Mughalgai area of Khosts Gurbuz districtHe said in a post on X that the Pakistani invading forces bombed the house of a local civilian resident Waliat Khan son of Qazi Mir As a result nine children five boys and four girls and one woman were martyred and his house was destroyedMujahid also confirmed that separate airstrikes were conducted the same night adding Air strikes also occurred in Kunar and Paktika where four civilians were injuredThe latest strike in Khost has now raised fears of another cycle of violence as tensions once again spike along the volatile border region This follows a brief lull in crossborder violence between the two neighbours after intense clashes in OctoberOn October 9 Pakistan launched airstrikes in Kabul Khost Jalalabad and Paktika triggering retaliatory action by the Afghan Taliban Between the night of October 11 and 12 Taliban forces attacked multiple Pakistani military posts along the AfghanistanPakistan frontier prompting heavy exchangesAfter the assaults the Talibans Ministry of Defence claimed their operation had concluded though Pakistani officials dismissed any ceasefire announcement and continued their military actionsA Taliban spokesman confirmed at the time that fighting carried on into the morning of October 12Both countries asserted that they had inflicted severe losses on each other and destroyed or seized several border positions IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistani-attack-in-afghanistans-khost-kills-nine-children-kabul-650167.html Tue, 25 Nov 2025 13:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-envoy-meets-canadian-leader-discusses-strengthening-bilateral-ties-650171.html Ottawa Nov 25 In a significant step towards enhancing IndiaCanada bilateral ties Indian High Commissioner to the North American country Dinesh K Patnaik met the Premier of the Canadian province of Alberta Danielle Smith Both sides discussed important areas of bilateral partnership including energy trade agriculture technology collaboration research and peopletopeople connections âHonoured to meet Premier Danielle Smith We had an excellent discussion on key aspects of our bilateral partnership â energy trade agriculture technology collaboration research and peopletopeople ties Great potential ahead to elevate our relationship through fair balanced and mutually beneficial cooperationâ the Indian High Commission in Ottawa quoted Patnaik as sayingFollowing the meeting Danielle Smith took to X and posted âAlberta has deep and growing ties with India and today I had the pleasure of meeting Dinesh K Patnaik Indiaâs High Commissioner to Canada to talk about how we can take that partnership to the next level We discussed Albertaâs role in helping meet Indiaâs growing needs for safe reliable energy high quality agricultural products as well as new opportunities in technology ââWith a strong IndoCanadian community here at home and Indian companies already investing in Alberta there is huge potential ahead Our message is simple Alberta is open for business and ready to be a longterm partner in Indiaâs growthâ she addedPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday held a bilateral meeting with his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg in which he noted that India has set a target of 50 billion by 2030 for bilateral trade between the two countriesâHad a very productive meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada We appreciated the significant momentum in our bilateral ties since our earlier meeting held during the G7 Summit hosted by Canada We agreed to further advance our relations in the coming monthsâ PM Modi wrote on XThe Prime Minister added that India and Canada have great potential in strengthening trade and investment linkagesâWe have set a target of 50 billion USD by 2030 for our bilateral trade Canadian Pension Funds are also showing keen interest in Indian companiesâ PM Modi informed on XIn a statement shared on X PM Carney said âPrime Minister Narendra Modi and I met at the G20 Summit today and launched negotiations for a trade deal that could more than double our trade to 70 billion India is the worldâs fifthlargest economy and that means big new opportunities for Canadian workers and businessesâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-envoy-meets-canadian-leader-discusses-strengthening-bilateral-ties-650171.html Tue, 25 Nov 2025 13:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/australian-govt-announces-funding-boost-for-domestic-violence-support-helpline-650181.html Canberra Nov 25 The Australian government on Tuesday announced an almost 40 per cent funding boost for the national domestic family and sexual violence support service in response to growing demand for support services Minister for Social Services Tanya Plibersek Minister for Women Katy Gallagher and Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Ged Kearney announced an additional 418 million Australian dollars about 2703 million US dollars in funding to expand the capacity of 1800RESPECT which offers free information counselling and support to Australians impacted by domestic family or sexual violence reports Xinhua news agencyThis brings the funding for 1800RESPECT to 1468 million Australian dollars until June 30 2027Since its inception in 2010 1800RESPECT has seen contacts with the service increase by over 3000 per cent In the 12 months to June 2025 the service received more than 342000 calls video calls online chats and texts and demand is expected to continue to grow as more Australians recognise the signs of violence and seek supportThe ministers said in a joint statement that the additional funding will help ensure 1800RESPECT can continue providing traumainformed accessible support for people experiencing family domestic and sexual violenceThe announcement of the funding was made to coincide with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women they addedAccording to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare one in six Australian women and one in 18 men have experienced physical or sexual violence by a current or former cohabiting romantic partner since the age of 15Family and domestic violence incidents accounted for 55 per cent of all recorded assaults in Australia in 2023 and 43 per cent of recorded murders were related to family and domestic violence IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/australian-govt-announces-funding-boost-for-domestic-violence-support-helpline-650181.html Tue, 25 Nov 2025 13:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/researchers-in-australia-reveal-progressive-regional-brain-changes-in-parkinsons-disease-650183.html Canberra Nov 25 Researchers in Australia have found that Parkinsons disease causes significant and progressive changes in the brains blood vessels changing the understanding of the disease which may open up new treatment avenues While Parkinsons disease is characterised by alphasynuclein protein deposits this research has shifted understanding of the disease demonstrating that regionspecific changes to blood vessels in the brain underlie disease progression Neuroscience Research Australia NeuRA said in a media release on TuesdayTraditionally Parkinsons researchers have focused on protein accumulation and neuronal loss but we have shown the impacts on our cerebrovasculature the blood vessels in our brain said NeuRA postdoctoral student Derya Dik who carried out the workOur research identified regionspecific changes in the brains blood vessels including an increased presence of string vessels which are nonfunctional remnants of capillaries Dik saidNeuRA researchers in collaboration with the University of New South Wales and the University of Sydney also observed changes relating to how blood flows in the brain and how the bloodbrain barrier operates according to the findings published in Brain reports Xinhua news agencyResearchers believe that targeting these progressive regionspecific changes may be able to slow disease progression and improve outcomes for patients suffering from Parkinsons diseaseThe researchers are now investigating whether similar cerebrovascular changes are present in postmortem brain tissue from individuals with Alzheimers disease and dementia with Lewy bodies tissue the media release saidAccording to the World Health Organisation WHO Parkinsons disease PD is a brain condition that causes problems with movement mental health sleep pain and other health issuesPD gets worse over time There is no cure but therapies and medicines can reduce symptoms Common symptoms include tremors painful muscle contractions and difficulty speaking Parkinsons disease results in high rates of disability and the need for care Many people with PD also develop dementia the WHO mentioned IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/researchers-in-australia-reveal-progressive-regional-brain-changes-in-parkinsons-disease-650183.html Tue, 25 Nov 2025 13:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/violence-against-women-girls-remains-alarmingly-widespread-in-western-pacific-who-650203.html Manila Nov 25 The World Health Organization WHO on Tuesday said violence against women and girls remains pervasive worldwide with new data showing that nearly one in three has suffered intimate partner or sexual violence in their lifetime a rate that has barely shifted in 25 years The agency said the findings highlight an indisputable reality that despite decades of advocacy and policy measures genderbased violence persists as a preventable social and public health crisis and a profound violation of human rightsSuch violence leaves longlasting physical emotional and economic impacts contributing to depression injury poor reproductive outcomes and limiting womens ability to fully participate in society the WHO said in a news releaseIn the Western Pacific Region the WHO said more than a quarter of women and girls have experienced intimate partner or sexual violenceAbout 9 percent of women aged 15 to 49 suffered intimate partner violence IPV in the past year with national rates ranging from 12 per cent to 422 per cent Another 43 per cent endured nonpartner sexual violence in the previous 12 months while 94 per cent have faced such abuse at some point in their livesNearly one in five women across the region has experienced IPV in their lifetime lower than the global average of one in four but WHO stressed that the burden remains severeIn several Pacific island countries the agency said lifetime IPV prevalence reaches one in two women among the highest levels recorded globallyThe scourge of violence against women and girls remains one of the most egregious violations of human rights and a serious threat to health said Saia Mau Piukala WHO regional director for the Western PacificHe said the updated evidence reinforces the need for action all the more clearlyGovernments and communities must use data to drive stronger policies scale up prevention efforts and invest in health system readiness so every girl is protected and every woman is empowered added PiukalaA new WHO survey on health system readiness to respond to interpersonal violence shows that while many countries are strengthening policies to prevent violence against women and girls major gaps persist in delivering essential services and collecting reliable dataAccording to the survey more countries are now integrating strategies to address violence into national multisectoral plans and recognizing the pivotal role of health systems in responding to survivors needs But implementation remains uneven Xinhua news agency reportedAlthough some countries include intimate partner violence and postrape care in their national health plans many still struggle to ensure survivors can consistently access these critical servicesComprehensive postrape care is available nationwide in only a handful of countries leading to stark geographic disparitiesData systems also remain weak the survey saidJust over half of countries have conducted recent surveys on violence against women and even fewer maintain usable homicide data gaps that hinder monitoring accountability and effective policymaking IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/violence-against-women-girls-remains-alarmingly-widespread-in-western-pacific-who-650203.html Tue, 25 Nov 2025 14:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-soldier-injured-after-gunmen-target-security-forces-in-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-650222.html Islamabad Nov 25 A soldier was injured after armed gunmen targetted Pakistani security forces vehicle on a link road in Domel town of Khyber Pakhtunkhwas Bannu district local media reported on Tuesday A police personnel stated that the injured soldier was rushed to hospital in Bannu cantonment He said that security forces and police started a joint search operation in the entire area and killed and injured several terrorists Pakistans leading daily Dawn reported He stated that security personnel besieged the area to arrest the fleeing attackersLast week two police personnel were killed and four others injured after a police van was targetted with a bomb in Dera Ismail Khan of Pakistans Khyber PakhtunkhwaDera Ismail Khan District Police Officer DPO Sajjad Ahmad Sahibzada confirmed the casualties and said that a remotely controlled bomb exploded when an armoured police vehicle of the Takwara checkpost was patrolling on the HathalaGiloti roadThe attack on police vehicle happened just over a week after a bomb attack in Daraban tehsil of Dera Ismail Khan At least 14 security personnel were injured after an Improvised Explosive Device IED damaged a security forces vehiclePakistan has seen a rise in terror activities in the past year particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan after TehreekiTaliban Pakistan TTP ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022On November 8 a police official was injured after a checkpost was targetted by unidentified assailants in the Tangi area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwas Khar tehsil An official said that the injured police personnel has been identified as Azad Khan adding that a fire from an unknown location hit him Dawn reportedMeanwhile Islamabadbased Centre for Research and Security Studies CRSS in its latest security report revealed that Pakistan has witnessed an over 46 per cent rise in overall violence in its security landscape for the third quarter of 2025As per the report Pakistan reported at least 901 fatalities and 599 injuries â among civilians security personnel and outlaws â resulting from 329 incidents of violence including terror attacks and counterterror operationsPakistan recorded 1527 fatalities between January and September 2024 Q1Q3 The 2414 fatalities during the same period showcase a surge of 58 per cent in violence However the source of fatalities has shifted As many as 505 deaths were reported due to security operations in 2024 while 1022 people died due to terror attacksThe report stated In 2025 security operations accounted for 1265 deaths â over half of the total fatalities This shift underscores how the states response has intensified with security forces inflicting heavier losses on militantsThe CRSS report added Accounting for over 96 per cent of the countrys violence in this quarter Khyber Pakhtunkhwa KP and Balochistan stood out as the most volatile provinces KP was the worsthit region suffering nearly 71 per cent 638 of the total violencelinked fatalities and over 67 per cent 221 of the incidents of violence followed by Balochistan with over 25 per cent of fatalities 230 and incidents 85 The number of fatalities injuries and incidents recorded in all other regions remained relatively low IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-soldier-injured-after-gunmen-target-security-forces-in-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-650222.html Tue, 25 Nov 2025 15:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-jaffar-express-attacked-again-in-balochistans-bolan-pass-650235.html Quetta Nov 25 The Jaffar Express has once again been attacked in the Bolan Pass area of Pakistans Balochistan the local media reported on Tuesday The train was reportedly attacked for the sixth time between Quetta and Sibi during the past one and a half months Pakistans leading daily Dawn reportedRailway officials said the Jaffar Express was travelling from Quetta to Peshawar on Monday when the armed men targetted the train According to railway officials armed men opened fire at the train when it reached near AabiGumSecurity personnel including Railway police travelling on the train retaliated However the attacked escaped from the site after a brief exchange of fire with security personnel According to railway officials no casualty was reported in the shootingOn October 7 at least seven people were injured after a blast targetted the Quettabound Jaffar Express in the Shikarpur district of Sindh according to officialsShikarpur Deputy Commissioner Shakeel Abro said that a blast took place on the train tracks at 815 am local time on October 7 Dawn reported According to him the blast happened at a distance of one kilometre from the Sultan Kot railway stationAbro said that seven people were injured in the incident He further said that the Jaffar Express train was heading to Quetta through JacobabadEarlier on September 24 12 people including women and children were injured after the JafÂfar Express heading to Quetta was targetted in a bomb blast in the Spizend area of Balochistans MastungSix bogies of the train on its way from Peshawar to Quetta derailed after the blast and one overturned causing injuries to the passengers according to railway officialsEarlier this year the Jaffar Express passenger train on its way from Quetta to Peshawar was hijacked by the Baloch Liberation Armys BLA Majeed Brigade and over 400 people were taken as hostagesThe train was forced to come to a halt on March 11 after blowing off the track in the Dhabar area of Bolan Pass in BalochistanSecurity forces and the railway authorities had confirmed that the train had come under attack near Tunnel No 8 of the Bolan PassThe standoff ended after more than 24 hours The BLA claimed to have killed at least 20 of the abducted security personnel after checking their IDs IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-jaffar-express-attacked-again-in-balochistans-bolan-pass-650235.html Tue, 25 Nov 2025 17:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-afghanistan-resume-cargo-flights-from-kabul-to-delhi-amritsar-to-boost-trade-ties-650239.html New Delhi Nov 25 IANS The Ministry of External Affairs MEA on Tuesday announced the initiation of two new air freight corridors connecting Kabul with Delhi and Amritsar to strengthen trade ties between India and AfghanistannbspThe MEA also said that both countries will appoint Commercial Representatives in their embassies and set up a Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry to support smoother trade and cooperationThe KabulDelhi and KabulAmritsar air freight corridors have been announced after talks between Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and his Afghanistan counterpart Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi who was on a visit to India from ovember 19 to 25 His visit comes amid efforts to revive traditional trade flows particularly in agricultural and pharmaceutical products and restore logistical links disrupted in recent years The reopening of air corridors would offer a eliable alternative to land routesThe two ministers discussed a broad range of issues including trade facilitation market access connectivity and capacitybuilding Both ministers welcomed the reactivation of the Joint Working Group on Trade Commerce and Investment and agreed to explore opportunities for collaboration in mining and other highvalue sectorsAzizi also met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and they discussed trade connectivity and peopletopeople tiesThe MEA said the visit reflects the commitment of both sides to deepen economic engagement and build stronger cooperation in trade and investment India said it remains committed to working with Afghanistan in a way that brings sustainable benefits to the people of both countriesDuring his visit Azizi also attended the India International Trade Fair where Afghan traders had set up multiple stalls He interacted with exhibitors and toured Afghanistans cultural pavilion at the event The delegation also met several industry bodies including the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority the Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council the Cotton Corporation of India the Apparel Export Promotion Council and the Manmade and Technical Textiles Export Promotion CouncilThe ministers delegation held interactions with the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India and Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Council of India They discussed modalities for the longterm supply of agricultural products medicines and other essential commodities to Afghanistan https://dailyworld.in/international/india-afghanistan-resume-cargo-flights-from-kabul-to-delhi-amritsar-to-boost-trade-ties-650239.html Tue, 25 Nov 2025 18:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/weapon-cache-seized-in-afghanistans-uruzgan-province-650015.html Kabul Nov 23 A significant weapons cache was uncovered in Afghanistans Uruzgan province with three individuals arrested in connection to the discovery local authorities confirmed on Sunday According to Bilal Uruzgani the spokesperson for the provincial police the weapons were found hidden in a residential house The cache included a variety of ammunition hand grenades rocket shells bullets and other munitionsAuthorities have initiated further investigations to identify other individuals who may be connected to the illicit arms stash Xinhua News Agency reportedOn November 16 provincial police spokesman Mullah Ezatullah Haqqani said that police in southern Afghanistans Helmand province have seized a cache of weapons and ammunition and arrested one suspect during a recent operation provincial police spokesman Mullah Ezatullah Haqqani said SundayAccording to Haqqani the confiscated items include six Kalashnikov rifles three hand grenades a mortar launcher an M16 assault rifle a shotgun as well as hundreds of bullets cartridges and other illegally stored military equipmentThe ammunition was discovered in Helmands Gereshk district where police also apprehended an individual suspected of involvement in the case The detainee has been transferred to custody for further investigationEarlier on November 9 provincial police spokesman Haqmal Saad said Afghan police had seized illegal weapons and explosives in the eastern Panjshir province and detained an alleged smugglerThe haul which included three AK47 assault rifles a pistol a pair of binoculars hundreds of rounds of ammunition and other military equipment was recovered at a checkpointThe man was arrested while attempting to smuggle the contraband out of the province the official addedSaad urged the public to assist security forces in locating illegal arms and reiterated that police would not permit the illegal possession or transportation of weapons anywhere in the provinceOn November 6 the provincial police office in a statement stated that police discovered seven pieces of firearms and ammunition in central Afghanistans Daykundi provinceThe weaponry which includes three stocks of Kalashnikov assault rifles a rocketpropelled grenade a machine gun two hunting guns and hundreds of bullets and projectiles was recovered from a house during operations in Pato district recently the statement addedPolice have also arrested an individual on charges of keeping the weaponry illegally the statement further saidThe statement also called upon the people to avoid keeping or carrying arms illegallyAs part of efforts to ensure law and order in postwar Afghanistan the Afghan government has vowed to collect arms and ammunition from anyone living outside the security organs IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/weapon-cache-seized-in-afghanistans-uruzgan-province-650015.html Mon, 24 Nov 2025 00:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/over-11-000-afghan-refugees-forcibly-deported-from-iran-pakistan-in-single-day-650024.html Kabul Nov 23 More than 11000 Afghan refugees were forcibly deported from Iran and Pakistan in a single day according to a Taliban officials statement on Sunday local media reported Taliban deputy spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat shared the report from the High Commission for Addressing Migrantsâ Issues on X According to the report 2102 Afghan families comprising 11855 individuals returned home on Saturday Pajhwok Afghan News reportedAfghan refugees entered Afghanistan through PuliAbresham in Nimroz Spin Boldak in Kandahar Bahramcha in Helmand Islam Qala crossing in Herat and the Torkham crossing in NangarharFitrat further said that 2287 Afghan refugees 13246 people who returned to Afghanistan were taken to their respective home areas while 1760 were provided humanitarian assistance About 1060 SIM cards of telecommunication networks were given to Afghan returneesEarlier this week around 400 Afghan nationals including artists and their families have approached the Peshawar High Court requesting the judge to issue orders for the government to halt their forced deportation to Afghanistan in accordance with the principle of nonrefoulment as they would be subjected to persecution in their countryAfghan nationals filed a joint petition in the court seeking directives for the government to allow their stay in Pakistan as refugees The petitioners include Zakiya Dunya Ghazal and several other Afghan artists and their families Pakistans leading daily Dawn reportedThe petitioners have referred to an earlier judgment of the high court announced on December 13 2024 in cases of some other artists and transgender persons requesting the court to announce a verdict in line with that judgmentPakistans Federal Interior Ministry Federal Secretary of Cabinet Division Directors General of National Database and Registration Authority Nadra Immigration and Passport and FIA Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Secretary and its Home Secretary have been named as respondents in the petitionThe petitioners contended that it was dangerous for artists and singers to live in Afghanistan after the Talibans takeover of Afghanistan as they had openly expressed opposition to activities like music concerts etc They claimed that they settled with their families in Peshawar after fleeing from Afghanistan They stressed that Pakistans forced repatriation policy was against the existing United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR agreements and Pakistans own international commitments IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/over-11-000-afghan-refugees-forcibly-deported-from-iran-pakistan-in-single-day-650024.html Mon, 24 Nov 2025 00:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bdesh-8-more-people-die-of-dengue-death-toll-crosses-360-650028.html Dhaka Nov 23 The dengue outbreak in Bangladesh is worsening rapidly with infections and deaths rising sharply across the country As many as eight people died due to dengue in Bangladesh in 24 hours till Sunday raising the number of fatalities from the mosquitoborne disease in the country in 2025 to 364 local media reported During the same period 778 new patients were hospitalised in Bangladesh increasing the total number of dengue cases in 2025 to 90264 according to the Directorate General of Health Services DGHS United News of Bangladesh reportedThree fatalities were reported in Mymensingh division two in Dhaka South City Corporation DSCC and one each in Barishal Dhaka and Chattogram DivisionsAmong this years dengue patients 623 per cent have been men while 377 per cent are women according to the DGHS report Among the fatalities 519 per cent were male while 481 per cent were femaleAs many as 575 people lost their lives due to dengue in 2024 while 1705 people died of dengue in 2023On November 6 Bangladeshs Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued an advisory amid an increase in infections by the Aedes mosquito and a subsequent rise in dengue fever patients across the countryIn its advisory the ministry said that people at the onset of fever should immediately seek medical help including dengue detection tests at the nearest healthâservice centre as per the advice of a qualified doctor The ministry stated that early detection and prompt treatment can help in avoiding serious complications United News of Bangladesh reportedThe ministry urged households building sites schools and other establishments to remove and clean all accumulated water in and around premises It further asked people to use mosquito nets during the day or night while sleeping due to the daytime biting habits of the Aedes mosquitoIt stated that an individual must immediately consult a doctor and not ignore any remaining signs even if the symptoms of dengue fever seem to subside The ministrys advisory comes at a time when dengue cases continue to rise in Bangladesh showcasing an urgent need for increased public vigilance and preventive action IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bdesh-8-more-people-die-of-dengue-death-toll-crosses-360-650028.html Mon, 24 Nov 2025 00:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/afghanistan-10-killed-ten-injured-in-herat-road-accident-650029.html Kabul Nov 23 A road accident has left 10 people dead and more than 10 injured on Sunday in Afghanistans western Herat province the statement of the provincial police office said A crash occurred in the morning along the HeratKandahar highway one of the countrys busiest routes connecting the western and southern regions according to the statementA car collided headon with an oncoming vehicle killing 10 commuters and injuring over 10 others Xinhua News Agency reportedOn November 17 a road accident claimed two lives and injured eight others in eastern Afghanistans Nangarhar provincial police spokesman Sayed Tayeb Hamad saidThe deadly mishap took place when a vehicle carrying female employees of a clinic collided with a car coming from the opposite directionA female medical doctor and a child lost their lives on the spot and eight others including six female employees of the clinic a child and their driver were injured the official addedThis is the second road mishap in the eastern region reported by police over the past three daysIn the previous accident which happened in Nangarhars neighbouring Laghman province on November 16 six commuters lost their lives and three others were injuredThe accident took place along the highway linking the capital of Kabul to eastern provinces when a passenger vehicle veered off the road and caught fire leaving six dead on the spot and three injured according to the statement The injured are receiving treatment in a local hospitalReckless driving was cited as the primary cause of the incident Fatal road accidents are common in Afghanistan due to poor road conditions reckless driving difficult terrains overloading overtaking and overspeedingOn November 14 provincial police spokesman Zabihullah Jawhar said that at least one person was killed and two others injured in a road accident in southern Afghanistans Zabul provinceThe crash occurred on November 13 along the KabulKandahar highway one of the countrys busiest transport routes linking the capital with the southern region the official said According to local police a car collided with an oncoming vehicle killing one commuter at the scene and injuring two others who were later taken to a local hospital IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/afghanistan-10-killed-ten-injured-in-herat-road-accident-650029.html Mon, 24 Nov 2025 00:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-ukraine-say-geneva-talks-make-progress-but-differences-remain-650039.html Geneva Nov 24 US and Ukrainian representatives said that their talks in Geneva on the 28point plan to end the RussiaUkraine conflict had made progress but details are unsettled as differences need to be narrowed down Following a meeting between the Ukrainian delegation and national security advisers from Britain France and Germany the Ukrainian side held bilateral talks with the US representatives later in the day Xinhua news agency reportedIn the evening US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Andriy Yermak head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office briefed reporters and issued separate statementsRubio said the talks were the most productive and meaningful since the process began noting that the delegations had worked through key points one by one and made good progress He said the teams were now reviewing suggestions raised during the meeting and making efforts to narrow down some remaining differencesHe added that both the US and Ukrainian sides were moving closer to a text they could agree on although the final outcome would still require approval from the two presidentsYermak described the talk with US delegations as very productive confirming that very good progress was made toward achieving a just and lasting peace He said both sides would continue working through proposals in the coming days and would also engage European partners as the process moves forwardBoth sides refused to take questions from reporters explaining that their teams were still working on updates and preparations regarding several issuesThey are expected to return later in the evening to provide further information IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-ukraine-say-geneva-talks-make-progress-but-differences-remain-650039.html Mon, 24 Nov 2025 07:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/british-defence-ministry-claims-interception-of-russian-warship-tanker-off-uk-coast-650040.html London Nov 24 The Royal Navy has intercepted a Russian warship and a tanker off the British coast in a shadowing operation in the past fortnight local media quoted Britains defence ministry as saying HMS Severn a Royal Navy patrol vessel shadowed the RFN Stoikiy corvette and a tanker vessel which sailed through the Dover Strait and westward through the English Channel the ministry said without specifying the time of interceptionHMS Severn later handed over monitoring duties to a NATO ally said the ministry but continued to observe from a distance Xinhua news agency reportedIt came after British Defence Secretary John Healey said on Wednesday that a Russian ship Yantar which was sailing on the edge of British waters pointed lasers at the Royal Air Force pilots monitoring its movementWhile Britain labelled Yantar as a Russian spy ship the Russian embassy in Britain stated that it was merely an oceanographic research vessel operating in international waters adding that Russias actions did not impact Britains interests and were not intended to undermine the countrys securityThe Russian Embassy in London dismissed the allegations accusing the UK of whipping up militaristic hysteria further adding that Russia has no intention of compromising British security and insisted that its vessels were operating in line with international lawMeanwhile Prime Minister Keir Starmer has promised a hike in military expenditure amid growing threats from Russia China and Iran but the Treasury faces difficult choices as it works to plug a multibillionpound deficit IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/british-defence-ministry-claims-interception-of-russian-warship-tanker-off-uk-coast-650040.html Mon, 24 Nov 2025 07:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/ukraine-reports-progress-in-peace-plan-talks-with-us-650041.html Kyiv Nov 24 Delegations from Ukraine and the United States made progress during the first session of negotiations over a USproposed peace plan in Switzerland head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office Andriy Yermak said We have made very good progress and are moving forward towards a just and lasting peace Yermak said on TelegramHe added that the Ukrainian and US delegations will continue working on joint proposals with the involvement of European partners Xinhua news agency reportedYermak emphasised that final decisions will be made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald TrumpEarlier in the day the Ukrainian and US teams started their talks in Geneva to discuss possible parameters of a future peace agreement between Ukraine and RussiaMeanwhile US Secretary of State Marco Rubio declined to reveal any details of the days discussions in Geneva between the United States Ukraine and European partners on a 28point peace planAt a press briefing on Sunday at around 6 pm local time both the US and Ukrainian sides confirmed progress in their earlier talks about the USproposed plan to end the RussiaUkraine conflict Although they told reporters to wait for updates later in the evening only Rubio returned to the press two and a half hours laterHe said he was not prepared to provide any details on the specific issues under negotiationRubio reiterated that the days negotiations had been productive adding that he remained very optimistic about reaching an agreement within a very reasonable period of time very soon However he also noted that Theres no agreement yet â some require higherlevel decisions and consultation He added that the differences include semantics or language and there are still issues need more time to work throughThe items that remain open are not insurmountable he emphasized He added that some contents involve equities or the role of the European Union or of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization requiring further discussion with the European partners IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/ukraine-reports-progress-in-peace-plan-talks-with-us-650041.html Mon, 24 Nov 2025 08:15:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/israeli-measles-outbreak-claims-10th-victim-health-officials-urge-vaccinations-650042.html Jerusalem Nov 24 The Israeli Health Ministry said that an 18monthold boy has died of measles raising the death toll from an outbreak that began in early April to 10 Most of the victims were previously healthy unvaccinated infants Tzafon Medical Centre near Tiberias said the child who was not vaccinated arrived at its emergency room in critical condition early Sunday and died despite resuscitation effortsAccording to data from the ministry more than 2000 measles cases have been confirmed in the current outbreak Eleven patients are hospitalised including two under intensive careThe ministry urged parents to vaccinate their children and to seek medical attention immediately if symptoms appear or exposure is suspected It has designated 12 cities and several other localities as outbreak zones and called for additional vaccinations for babies in those areas Xinhua news agency reportedMeasles is a highly contagious virus that causes fever fatigue a runny nose and a rash and can sometimes lead to severe complications or deathMeasles 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 â mostly children under the age of five years despite the availability of a safe and costeffective vaccineSymptoms of measles usually begin 10â14 days after exposure to the virus A prominent rash is the most visible symptomEarly symptoms usually last 4â7 days They include Running nose cough red and watery eyes and small white spots inside the cheeksThe rash begins about 7â18 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 5â6 days before fading IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/israeli-measles-outbreak-claims-10th-victim-health-officials-urge-vaccinations-650042.html Mon, 24 Nov 2025 08:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/iraqi-sunni-factions-form-unified-council-amid-govt-formation-650043.html Baghdad Nov 24 Leading Iraqi Sunni Muslim parties agreed to form a National Political Council to coordinate their strategy in the new parliament seeking to unify their stance as Shiite factions move to form the next government The decision was announced on Sunday local time following a meeting convened by Khamis alKhanjar leader of the Sovereignty alSiyada Alliance which secured significant seats in the November 11 general electionThe move comes shortly after Iraqs ruling Shiite Coordination Framework declared it had formed the largest bloc in parliament a decisive constitutional step that allows the Shiite alliance to name the next prime minister reports Xinhua news agencyIn a statement the newly formed Sunni council said it would serve as an overarching framework to unify visions and strengthen joint action to secure constitutional rights and bolster Sunni representation in state institutionsThe council affirmed its commitment to dialogue with all national partners but emphasised it would adhere to principles that preserve the rights of all components without exceptionUnder the ethnosectarian powersharing system adopted after the 2003 USled invasion Iraqs presidency is reserved for a Kurd the parliament speakers post for a Sunni Muslim and the prime ministers office for a Shiite MuslimBy consolidating their ranks the Sunni factions aim to present a united front in upcoming negotiations for the speakers gavel and cabinet positionsThe conclusion of Iraqs parliamentary elections has confirmed the Construction and Development Coalition led by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia alSudani as the frontrunner with 46 seatsYet a complex and protracted phase of government formation has just begun according to election results and political analystsThe Nov 11 vote allocated 329 parliamentary seats among competing blocs with former Prime Minister Nuri alMalikis State of Law Coalition securing 29 seats and former Sunni Parliament Speaker Mohammed alHalbousis Taqaddum Progress Alliance winning 27 Kurdish parties led by the Kurdistan Democratic Party retained influence in the new parliament IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/iraqi-sunni-factions-form-unified-council-amid-govt-formation-650043.html Mon, 24 Nov 2025 08:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/slovenians-oppose-assisted-dying-law-in-referendum-650044.html Ljubljana Nov 24 A majority of Slovenian voters have rejected a law that legalises assisted dying the State Electoral Commission said According to preliminary results of the national referendum on Sunday local time 534 per cent voted against the law while 466 per cent supported it Voter turnout reached almost 41 per centThe legislation adopted by the centreleft government coalition in July would have allowed adults of sound mind suffering from incurable diseases to request medically assisted death under regulated conditions reports Xinhua news agencySupporters argued it offered dignity and relief to terminally ill patients while opponents warned of possible misuse and insufficient safeguardsThe result marks a setback for the ruling coalition which is preparing for a general election in March and had framed the law as part of broader social reformsAles Primc an activist who spearheaded the referendum initiative welcomed the outcome This is a big victory for the disabled the sick and the elderly because people said today that they are not a burden but loved and respected he told reportersThe opposition Slovenian Democratic Party the largest centreright party and a vocal critic of the legislation also hailed the defeat of the lawIn contrast Andrej Pleterski a campaigner who supported the reform expressed regret He said he believed Slovenia would eventually adopt such legislation noting that several European countries have already legalised some form of assisted dyingSlovenia has debated endoflife rights for years A few European countries that have approved similar assisteddying laws include the Netherlands Germany Spain Portugal and Slovenias neighbour Austria IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/slovenians-oppose-assisted-dying-law-in-referendum-650044.html Mon, 24 Nov 2025 09:09:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-rights-body-condemns-unlawful-arrest-of-baul-artist-650047.html Paris Nov 24 A leading international human rights organisation strongly condemned the âunlawful arrestâ of Baul artist Abul Sarkar in Bangladesh describing the accusations of âreligious defamationâ against him as âfabricated and baselessâ In a statement Justice Makers Bangladesh in France JMBF also criticised the violent attack carried out by an Islamist extremist group known as âTouhidi Janataâ on a peaceful human chain held in Manikganj district on Sunday demanding the unconditional release of SarkarCiting local media reports and sources JMBF mentioned that during the attack by Islamist extremists three followers of Baul musicâAbdul Alim Johurul and Ariful Islamâwere seriously injuredâThe fact that the attackers were able to commit such violence almost with impunity despite the presence of law enforcement indicates a severe failure of the state to ensure the safety of cultural activists and peaceloving citizens This situation is profoundly alarmingâ the rights body statedAccording to JMBF on the night of November 19 the Detective Branch DB of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police detained Sarkar from a music event in Madaripur district of Bangladesh The rights body alleged that the accusations brought against him are based on a âdistorted misleading and intentionally edited video that was circulated on social mediaâCiting eyewitnesses and fellow artists the rights body stated that the video completely misrepresented Sarkarâs original statementExpressing concern JMBF said that despite this he was arrested under charges of âhurting religious sentimentsâ reflecting an increasingly concerning pattern of misuse of this law against artists human rights defenders and free thinkers in BangladeshâDue to the silence of the current interim government led by Muhammad Yunus the rise of Islamist fundamentalist groups across Bangladesh has resulted in repeated attacks lawsuits and persecution targeting the arts literature cultural activists shrines and cultural heritage This is extremely alarmingâ said JMBFâs Founder President and eminent human rights lawyer Shahanur IslamâBut what is even more distressing is the ongoing silence of the international community despite being fully aware of these developments Such silence is unacceptable Therefore we urgently call upon the international community to take immediate measures to stop these human rights violationsâ he addedThe JMBF demanded the immediate unconditional release of Sarkar and the withdrawal of the case filed against himIt also called for regular international monitoring to prevent and address the misuse of âreligious defamationâ or âhurting religious sentimentsâ laws in Bangladesh and to ensure the safety and protection of cultural activists minority communities artists and participants in peaceful assemblies IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-rights-body-condemns-unlawful-arrest-of-baul-artist-650047.html Mon, 24 Nov 2025 09:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/death-toll-from-ethiopias-marburg-outbreak-rises-to-five-650067.html Addis Ababa Nov 24 The death toll from Ethiopias Marburg virus disease outbreak has risen to five the countrys Ministry of Health has said In its latest update issued late Saturday the ministry said the outbreaks case fatality rate now stands at 50 per cent Two additional infections were confirmed after laboratory testing of seven suspected cases bringing the total number of cases to 10As Ethiopia rolls out coordinated response measures to contain the countrys firstever Marburg virus outbreak health authorities have conducted laboratory investigations on 53 suspected cases so farMinistry data showed that five individuals who have contracted the virus are currently receiving treatment at healthcare facilitiesThe Ethiopian government confirmed the countrys first Marburg virus disease outbreak in Jinka town in southern Ethiopia on November 14 following laboratory testing of samples from a cluster of suspected viral hemorrhagic fever casesOn Thursday the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said that coordinated efforts are currently underway to avert possible crossborder spread to neighboring countries mainly South Sudan and KenyaThe continental public health agency emphasised the urgent need to reinforce regional readiness enhance information sharing and strengthen crossborder surveillance to prevent the potential spread of the virus Xinhua news agency reportedThe Marburg virus a highly infectious pathogen with a high fatality rate causes hemorrhagic fever Symptoms including high fever and severe headache typically appear within a week of exposure It belongs to the same virus family as Ebola According to the World Health Organization Marburg virus disease is a severe disease with a fatality ratio of up to 88 per cent This rate can be lower with good and early patient careMVD was initially detected in 1967 after two simultaneous outbreaks in Marburg and Frankfurt in Germany and in Belgrade Serbia The outbreak was associated with laboratory work using African green monkeys Cercopithecus aethiops imported from Uganda Subsequently outbreaks and sporadic cases have been reported in Angola the Democratic Republic of the Congo Equatorial Guinea Ghana Guinea Kenya Rwanda South Africa in a person with recent travel history to Zimbabwe Tanzania and Uganda IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/death-toll-from-ethiopias-marburg-outbreak-rises-to-five-650067.html Mon, 24 Nov 2025 11:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/vietnamese-pm-urges-rebuilding-homes-for-flood-hit-residents-650091.html Hanoi Nov 24 Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called for accelerated efforts to repair and rebuild houses for residents affected by recent flooding in southcentral localities local media reported on Monday He ordered that the repair of damaged houses be completed before November 30 2025The Prime Minister also instructed authorities to build new houses and provide resettlement for households whose homes collapsed were swept away or suffered severe damage with the work to be completed before January 31 2026 Xinhua News Agency reported quoting local daily Nhan DanThe death toll from the recent floods in Vietnam has risen to 91 with 11 people still unaccounted for according to the Vietnam Disaster and Dyke Management AuthorityEconomic losses were estimated at more than 13 trillion Vietnamese dong about 493 million US dollars according to the reportTorrential rains and flooding have damaged 1154 houses and more than 80800 hectares of rice and other crops in the regionEarlier Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh called for stepping up response measures to severe flooding and natural disasters in the central provincesThe Vietnamese government has provided emergency aid worth 700 billion Vietnamese dong about 266 million US dollars to certain hardhit regions for recovery effortsLast week the Vietnam Railways Corporation halted 10 NorthSouth passenger trains as heavy rains and flooding continued to disrupt operations across central Vietnam especially Khanh Hoa province local media reported on November 19The newly suspended services on November 19 included two trains between the capital city of Hanoi and the southern hub Ho Chi Minh City and two others operating between Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh CityThe rail operator already suspended six passenger trains on November 17 and November 18 due to severe weather conditions IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/vietnamese-pm-urges-rebuilding-homes-for-flood-hit-residents-650091.html Mon, 24 Nov 2025 14:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/wb-report-shows-growth-in-afghan-trade-despite-closure-of-pak-routes-kabul-seeks-import-cuts-650114.html New Delhi Nov 24 A World Bank document has shown that despite the closure of trade routes with Pakistan Afghanistanâs exports increased by 13 per cent in October compared to September where India was the largest importer receiving 50 per cent of Kabulâs total exports last month Afghanistanâs Tolo News on Monday November 24 quoted the bankâs Afghanistan Economic Monitor also mentioning that imports increased by two per cent in October compared to September exceeding USD 11 billionMeanwhile Afghanistanâs Ministry of Economy has emphasised that increasing exports and reducing imports are key priorities of the countryâs economic policy and alternative trade routes are being explored to meet these goals added Tolo NewsAccording to the World Bank total exports reached USD 11 billion during the first seven months of FY2025 up 10 per cent from USD 096 billion during the same period in FY2024 India said the document emerged as Afghanistanâs largest export destination accounting for 50 per cent of monthly exports in October and 383 per cent of cumulative exportsUzbekistan also expanded its share to six per cent during the first seven months of the fiscal year However Pakistan which the monitor pointed out as âhistorically the top market saw its share fall to 358 per cent with monthly export halving in October Continued border closures could push this share even lowerâ it addedThis monthly Afghanistan Economic Monitor is part of Afghanistan Futures the World Bankâs programme of research monitoring and analytical reports on the Afghan economy and society Afghanistan Futures according to the organisation seeks to inform the international policy dialogue as the international community assesses how it can support the people of AfghanistanThe Afghanistan Economic Monitor joins the regular surveys on the private sector household welfare and gender as well as the sectoral reports that inform the Afghanistan Development Update a biannual flagship report It pointed out that despite the closure at the Pakistan border food shipments drove export growth as trade rerouted toward India and UzbekistanIncidentally Afghanistan does not have a land route to India Kabul traditionally exported goods and products to Turkiye Pakistan Iran and the United Arab Emirates After the closure of the volatile Pak border following fierce skirmishes the Taliban leadership had asked the business community to look for alternate trade routesSoon after Ariana Afghan Airlines last week announced a reduction in cargo tariffs to and from India Among exports food reached USD 2384 million in October up 86 per cent YearonYear âreflecting strong regional demandâ added the World Bank Economic Monitor Cumulatively food exports grew by 224 per cent during the first seven months of FY2025 reinforcing their dominant role in Afghanistanâs export portfolioIt also noted Kabul is facing major challenges this year including the return of refugees from Iran and Pakistan severe droughts repeated earthquakes multiday internet blackouts and the temporary closure of trade routes with PakistanThe document further noted that inflation had reportedly reached an annual rate of 21 per cent in September and had even turned negative during some months It was also indicated that the governments domestic revenue saw a 16 per cent increase in the first seven months of the year surpassing USD 23 billion Taxes and customs duties were said to remain the primary sources of this revenue IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/wb-report-shows-growth-in-afghan-trade-despite-closure-of-pak-routes-kabul-seeks-import-cuts-650114.html Mon, 24 Nov 2025 15:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistani-forces-detain-15-baloch-civilians-in-a-series-of-raids-650117.html Quetta Nov 24 At least 15 Baloch civilians were taken into custody by Pakistani forces in Balochistan amid an escalating human rights crisis across the province said a leading human rights organisation on Monday Human rights body Baloch Voice for Justice BVJ mentioned that in a new wave of raids in Dera Bugti district on November 21 Pakistans Frontier Corps and CounterTerrorism Department CTD entered several homes and took more than 15 civilians into custodyAmong those detained nine have been identified as Qasair Jeha Khan Bugti Khan Shabeer Mangal Hassan Rasheed Noroz and IslamThese raids show an ongoing pattern of mass detentions with no information on the detainees Families report fear pressure and no access to any legal process This raises serious concerns under international human rights standards that protect civilians from arbitrary arrest the BVJ statedThe rights body urged immediate attention from the United Nations Human Rights the European Commission Amnesty International Human Rights Watch and other global observers calling for independent verification transparency and safe recovery of all detaineesHighlighting the atrocities in Balochistan BVJ stated that two more civilians were forcibly disappeared by Pakistani forcesAccording to the rights body Baloch civilian Bilal Wahid was picked up by Pakistani forces from the Chitkhan area in Panjgur district on November 20 Wahids family stated that he had no political links and worked daily to support his homeThe pattern of taking young earners has grown across Panjgur Each case deepens fear in the district and leaves families without income or answers the rights body statedAdditionally on November 18 armed men linked to a Pakistanbacked death squad abducted Dur Jan from the Malik Abad area in Kech districtCiting witnesses the rights body said that Jan was taken in front of a shop with residents noting repeated raids in the area while families spoke of long waits and a complete lack of informationCalling for the safe recovery of both men the BVJ said Forced disappearances continue to target workers and students Communities face rising pressure Authorities must account for every detainee IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistani-forces-detain-15-baloch-civilians-in-a-series-of-raids-650117.html Mon, 24 Nov 2025 15:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-origin-woman-harassed-by-officials-at-china-airport-over-arunachal-mention-on-passport-650120.html Shanghai Nov 24 An Indianorigin UK resident from Arunachal Pradesh has alleged that Chinese immigration authorities at Shanghai Pudong Airport detained and harassed her for hours after refusing to acknowledge her Indian passport during a transit stop Prema Wangjom Thongdok who was travelling from London to Japan on November 21 with a scheduled threehour layover said her ordeal stretched to 18 hours after officials declared her passport invalid because it listed Arunachal Pradesh as her birthplaceAccording to her immigration personnel told her Arunachal Pradesh is part of ChinaShe said several officers and China Eastern Airlines staff mocked her laughed at her and even suggested she apply for a Chinese passportWhat was supposed to be a routine transit she claimed turned into a prolonged confinement in the airports transit area where she was allegedly denied clear information proper food and access to basic facilities according to a report by NDTVPrema alleged that her passport was confiscated and she was barred from boarding her onward flight to Japan despite holding a valid visaConfined to the transit zone she said she could not rebook tickets purchase meals or move between terminalsShe further claimed officials pressured her to buy a fresh ticket specifically on China Eastern and hinted that her passport would only be returned after doing so resulting in financial losses from missed flights and hotel bookingsShe managed to contact the Indian Consulate in Shanghai through a friend in the UK following which Indian officials intervened and escorted her onto a latenight departure from the cityIn a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior authorities Prema described the incident as a direct insult to Indias sovereignty and to the citizens of Arunachal PradeshShe has urged the Indian government to take up the matter with Beijing demand accountability and disciplinary action against the immigration and airline staff involved and seek compensationShe also requested assurances that Indians from Arunachal Pradesh will not face such difficulties while travelling internationally in the future IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-origin-woman-harassed-by-officials-at-china-airport-over-arunachal-mention-on-passport-650120.html Mon, 24 Nov 2025 15:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/australia-canada-india-pact-to-help-fight-climate-change-boost-supply-chain-resilience-650124.html New Delhi Nov 24 IANS The AustraliaCanadaIndia Technology and Innovation Partnership ACITI signed on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Johannesburg is seen by analysts as a strategic blueprint for navigating the complex challenges of climate change technological sovereignty and strengthening supply chain resiliencenbspAs the world grapples with supply disruptions environmental imperatives and the tectonic shifts brought about by artificial intelligence the ACITI partnership stands out as a model for likeminded democracies to collaborate on the frontlines of green energy innovation digital transformation and critical resource security according to an article in One World OutlookThe triad of countries brings complementary strengths to this alliance Australia and Canada are custodians of abundant critical minerals essential for the batteries electric vehicles and digital infrastructure underpinning the green economy India meanwhile represents a manufacturing powerhouse with a massive domestic market and growing expertise in AI and digital public infrastructure DPI Together they form a synergistic ecosystem to accelerate clean energy technologies diversify supply chains and shape globally trusted standards the article points outSupply chain diversification is at the heart of this partnership After the disruption following the COVID19 pandemic and rising geopolitical tensions impacting the IndoPacific and beyond it is clear that relying on concentrated sources for minerals or technology inputs poses systemic risks ACITIs focus on securing resilient value chains for lithium cobalt rare earths and other critical materials not only cushions against shocks but also promotes responsible sourcing and circular economy practices aligned with sustainability goals the article observesGreen energy innovation is another linchpin of the partnership The three nations will collaborate on research development and deployment of renewable energy technologies including hydrogen energy storage and advanced cleantech systems As Australia and Canada push ambitious netzero targets Indias vast energy demand and manufacturing capacity offer opportunities for scalable impact This trilateral cooperation could set new global benchmarks for accelerating the energy transition while maintaining industrial competitiveness the article further statesBesides the article lauds the ACITI partnership as positive development that provides a platform to promote responsible AI development and publicinterest digital implementations https://dailyworld.in/international/australia-canada-india-pact-to-help-fight-climate-change-boost-supply-chain-resilience-650124.html Mon, 24 Nov 2025 15:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-lawyers-hold-protest-against-27th-constitutional-amendment-in-karachi-649988.html Islamabad Nov 23 Protests against the 27th Constitutional Amendment continued in Pakistan with many lawyers in Karachi entering the premises of the Sindh High Court SHC local media reported on Sunday This was in defiance of directives issued by the SHC registrar which prohibited the use of the courts premises for protests and ralliesThe protesting lawyers held the protest at an open space on the premises of the SHC While addressing the gathering the lawyers leadership slammed the implementation of the amendment and pledged to continue their protests for the independence of the judiciary and rule of law Pakistans leading daily Dawn reportedThey also slammed the formation of the Federal Constitutional Court FCC and stressed that the amendment had undermined the authority of the Supreme Court and weakened the constitutional structure and higher judiciaryThe protesting lawyers carried placards and banners inscribed with their demands and shouted slogans against the government and amendments Other lawyers also joined the participants of the rally outside the SHCThe protesting lawyers scuffled with the police personnel posted outside the SHCs main gate and entered the court premises After the scuffle the police allowed lawyers to continue the protestMeanwhile the Human Rights Council HRC of Pakistan strongly condemned the illegal arrest and fivehour detention of its member Farwa Askar and Pakistani journalist Alifia SohailAccording to the rights body the arrest took place on Friday outside the Karachi Press Club during a peaceful protest against the countrys 27th Constitutional AmendmentIt termed the incident a grave violation of freedom of expression and human rightsThese protests came after Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari signed the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill on November 13 following its approval by both houses of Parliament With his assent the bill has now become part of Pakistans ConstitutionAlifia Sohail is a prominent journalist who has fearlessly reported on social issues while Farwa Askar is a human rights activist who has been struggling to protect fundamental rights in Pakistan Their arrest and illegal detention is not only a violation of the Constitution of Pakistan but also a reprehensible attempt to suppress journalism and the human rights movement the HRC Pakistan statedThe rights body demanded an immediate investigation into the officers involved in the arrest and insisted they be punishedIt also urged the authorities to respect the rights of citizens peacefully protesting against the 27th Constitutional Amendment and to ensure the safety of journalists and human rights activists so that they can carry out their work without fearSuch actions weaken the countrys democratic values and violate international human rights standards the HRC Pakistan emphasised IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-lawyers-hold-protest-against-27th-constitutional-amendment-in-karachi-649988.html Sun, 23 Nov 2025 15:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pm-modi-moots-ibsa-fund-for-climate-resilient-agriculture-at-johannesburg-meet-649989.html Johannesburg Nov 23 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday proposed the setting up of an IBSA India Brazil South Africa Fund for Climate Resilient Agriculture to further advance SouthSouth cooperation In his address at the IBSA leaders meeting here the Prime Minister appreciated the IBSA Funds work in supporting projects across forty countries in sectors like education health women empowerment and solar energyThe meeting was hosted by South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa and attended by the President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da SilvaDescribing the meeting as timely PM Modi said that it coincided with the first G20 Summit on African soil and marked the culmination of four consecutive G20 presidencies by Global South countries out of which the last three were by the IBSA members This he noted has resulted in several important initiatives focussed on humancentric development multilateral reform and sustainable growthPrime Minister emphasised that IBSA is not just a group of three countries but an important platform connecting three continents three major democratic nations and three major economiesPM Modi stated that IBSA can complement each others development and become an example for sustainable growth He highlighted cooperation opportunities in areas such as millets natural farming disaster resilience green energy traditional medicines and health securityHe also emphasised IBSAs potential to contribute to the development of safe trustworthy and humancentric AI norms He invited IBSA leaders to the AI Impact Summit to be held in India next yearPrime Minister stressed that global governance institutions are far removed from 21st century realities He called on IBSA to send a strong message that reform of institutions of global governance in particular the UN Security Council is now not an option but an imperativeHighlighting technologys crucial role in ensuring humancentric development Prime Minister proposed establishing an IBSA Digital Innovation Alliance to facilitate sharing of Digital Public Infrastructure like UPI health platforms like CoWIN cybersecurity frameworks and womenled tech initiatives among the three countriesIBSA stands for India Brazil and South Africa a forum that brings together these three large democratic and developing nations to discuss common challenges and cooperate on development initiatives It is a trilateral group formalised in 2003 with the aim of promoting SouthSouth cooperation and a more inclusive global governance system IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pm-modi-moots-ibsa-fund-for-climate-resilient-agriculture-at-johannesburg-meet-649989.html Sun, 23 Nov 2025 16:01:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pm-modi-concludes-g20-summit-engagements-and-bilateral-meetings-departs-from-south-africa-649998.html New Delhi Nov 23 IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday concluded his engagements at the G20 Summit and meetings with world leaders and departed from Johannesburg South AfricanbspAfter successfully concluding his engagements at the G20 Summit and meetings with world leaders PM Narendra Modi departs from Johannesburg South Africa the Ministry of External Affairs MEA said on XPM Modi began his official tour on Friday and held significant discussions with world leaders during the summitDuring the summit PM Modi met several key leaders including France President Emmanuel Macron German Chancellor Friedrich Merz WTO DirectorGeneral Ngozi OkonjoIweala Ethiopias PM Abiy Ahmed Ali IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva Italian PM Giorgia Meloni and othersAddressing the third session on Sunday PM Modi emphasised the need for a fair and just future powered by technology that is humancentric global and opensource rather than financecentric and exclusiveHe highlighted Indias inclusive approach to technology citing broad participation in digital payments space technology and artificial intelligence AIThe Prime Minister also informed that India looks forward to welcoming the world to the AI Impact Summit in February 2026We have picked the theme of Sarvajana Hitaya Sarvajana Sukhaya or welfare for all happiness for all the Prime Minister saidPM Modi said that in this era of AI the approach must shift from thinking about jobs for today to capabilities for tomorrowWe hope that in the next few years the G20 will develop a global framework for talent mobility This will boost innovation and benefit the youth of our planet PM Modi saidNotably World leaders at the G20 Summit reached broad consensus on disaster resilience debt sustainability just energy transitions and critical minerals as they adopted the G20 South Africa Summits Leaders Declaration on SaturdayThe announcement of the declarations adoption was made at the opening of the summit the first ever held in Africa The twoday gathering is being held in Johannesburg under the theme Solidarity Equality and SustainabilityIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pm-modi-concludes-g20-summit-engagements-and-bilateral-meetings-departs-from-south-africa-649998.html Sun, 23 Nov 2025 23:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/hundreds-of-japanese-protestors-demand-pm-takaichi-retract-taiwan-remarks-649843.html Tokyo Nov 22 Hundreds of Japanese people held a protest in front of the prime ministers official residence in Tokyo demanding that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi retract her recent erroneous remarks on Taiwan and offer an explanation and apology People started to arrive at the rally around 7 pm local time holding signs with slogans such as Retract remarks oppose war This is all because of Takaichi and Takaichi step down and shouted out slogans like Prevent the resurgence of militarism Xinhua news agency reportedAt a Diet meeting on November 7 Takaichi claimed that the Chinese mainlands use of force on Taiwan could constitute a survivalthreatening situation for Japan and implied the possibility of armed intervention in the Taiwan Strait Takaichi later insisted that her remarks were in line with the governments longstanding view and refused to retract the remarksSeveral protesters at the scene demanded that Takaichi take responsibility for her remarks regarding Taiwan and resign as prime ministerProtester Haruko Oki told Xinhua that she was very shocked when she saw Takashi making the statement in the Diet on television which was extremely inappropriate and carried a dangerous political biasWe dont want someone like this to be prime minister Oki said adding that the prime ministers inappropriate remarks on such a sensitive matter raised concerns among ordinary citizens about her political leaningsProtester Okahara told Xinhua that recently the number of Chinese visitors at many tourist attractions in Japan has decreased significantly starting to hit the tourism industryWhat exactly does Takaichi want to achieve Why did she make such remarks that would provoke a neighboring country Its truly incomprehensible she saidOkahara said that Takaichi should be held responsible for the diplomatic and economic consequences caused by her remarks She must sincerely apologize retract her statement and resign as prime minister Such a person is not suitable for participating in politicsMizuho Fukushima leader of Japans Social Democratic Party also attended the rally In an interview with Xinhua she pointed out that Takaichis remarks on Taiwan are pushing Japan toward war and that such a political stance is absolutely unacceptableFukushima emphasised that such remarks would only provoke the situation and exacerbate tensions stressing that Japan should adhere to peaceful diplomacy and resolve regional tensions through dialogue and diplomatic means rather than preparing for war or pushing for an escalation of regional tensionsTakaichis Taiwan remarks have drawn strong criticism from legal scholars antiwar groups and opposition parties at home Japanese public opinion pointed out that Takaichis statement violated the commitment made by the Japanese government in the 1972 JapanChina Joint Statement and clearly contradicted Japans longstanding foreign policy towards China which was bound to cause unnecessary tension in the region IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/hundreds-of-japanese-protestors-demand-pm-takaichi-retract-taiwan-remarks-649843.html Sun, 23 Nov 2025 00:01:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/un-peacekeeping-mission-reports-rising-violence-in-south-sudans-upper-nile-state-649846.html United Nations Nov 22 The UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan has been reporting escalating intercommunal violence cattle raids and aerial bombardment in the countrys Upper Nile State a UN spokesperson has said The incidents in Ulang and Baliet counties of the Upper Nile State according to local authorities have caused multiple casualties impacting women and children and displaced around 12000 people said Stephane Dujarric spokesperson for the UN secretarygeneral at a daily briefing on Friday local timeThe United Nations is deeply concerned by the rising violence in Upper Nile State Dujarric told reporters In response the United Nations Mission in South Sudan deployed a patrol to Baliet this week where peacekeepers engaged with local officials and provided emergency medical assistance reports Xinhua news agency quoting DujarricEarlier this month a global charity announced that more than 445000 South Sudanese people had fled their homes in 2025 due to a surge in fighting across the country worsening one of the worlds most protracted humanitarian crisesThe International Committee of the Red Cross ICRC said the combined effects of conflict in South Sudan the consequences of conflict in Sudan recurrent intercommunal violence and massive floods had devastated communities in 2025The ICRC said families are facing growing hardship and uncertainty as aid funding declines sharply and essential services are stretched to breaking pointThe charity urged all parties to the conflict authorities and donors to take action to prevent a catastrophe in the coming monthsFlorence Gillette head of delegation for the ICRC in South Sudan said conflictrelated hostilities affected seven states out of 10 and intercommunal violence has occurred in almost all statesThis cycle must end so that communities can recover from years of crisis This is further compounded by the impact of climate change with above 900000 affected including 300000 displaced she addedThe ICRC has assisted 196000 displaced people and returnees from Sudan in collaboration with the South Sudan Red Cross since the beginning of 2025It said this assistance has focused on addressing lifesaving needs through a combination of food support cash assistance emergency agricultural and livestock interventions incomegenerating assistance and the provision of essential household items to improve living conditions IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/un-peacekeeping-mission-reports-rising-violence-in-south-sudans-upper-nile-state-649846.html Sun, 23 Nov 2025 00:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/goyals-israel-visit-boosts-collaboration-in-innovation-mobility-finance-and-agritech-649878.html New Delhi Nov 22 Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal strengthened Indiaâs partnership with Israel during a series of engagements on November 20â21 the government said on Saturday His meetings focused on expanding cooperation in agriculture technology innovation trade and investment reflecting the growing strategic alignment between the two nationsDuring his meeting with Israelâs Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Avi Dichter Goyal discussed ways to deepen agricultural collaborationMinister Dichter briefed him on Israelâs longterm foodsecurity roadmap advanced seedimprovement programmes and the countryâs global leadership in waterreuse technologiesGoyal noted that such expertise holds strong relevance for Indiaâs agricultural prioritiesHe also visited the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation where he was introduced to Israelâs renowned innovation ecosystemHe viewed breakthroughs such as drip irrigation systems medical stent technologies the Iron Dome system and new immersive virtualreality solutionsGoyal described the Centre as an inspiring space that showcases Israelâs journey of creativity and social impactIn another engagement the Minister experienced an autonomousdrive demonstration by Mobileye reflecting Israelâs progress in nextgeneration mobility solutionsHe also visited Kibbutz Ramat Rachel to understand its cooperative lifestyle sustainable farming practices and communitydriven model of developmentGoyal began his official visit on November 20 with a meeting with Israelâs Minister of Economy Nir BarkatBoth leaders reviewed the current trade relationship and discussed new opportunities for collaborationThis was followed by the IndiaâIsrael Business Forum which brought together senior industry leaders from both countries for technical sessions and B2B interactionsAddressing the forum Goyal highlighted the trustbased foundation of IndiaâIsrael ties and pointed to major opportunities in fintech agritech artificial intelligence quantum technologies pharmaceuticals space and defenceThe Minister also met Israelâs Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich to explore ways to strengthen investment flows financialtechnology cooperation and regulatory coordination between the two countriesAs part of his industry engagements Goyal interacted with top Israeli companies including Check Point IDE Technologies NTA and NetafimDiscussions covered cybersecurity water and sewage management urban mobility solutions and advanced irrigation systems areas that closely match Indiaâs development goalsA key highlight of the visit was the signing of the Terms of Reference for the IndiaâIsrael Free Trade AgreementBoth sides reaffirmed their commitment to moving negotiations forward in a constructive and balanced manner to boost trade and investmentGoyal also engaged with Israeli media met members of the diamond community an important pillar of bilateral trade and later participated in the IndiaâIsrael CEOs Forum with Minister BarkatHe underlined the strength and growing potential of the economic partnership between the two countries IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/goyals-israel-visit-boosts-collaboration-in-innovation-mobility-finance-and-agritech-649878.html Sun, 23 Nov 2025 00:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-journalist-rights-defender-arrested-for-protesting-over-27th-constitutional-amendment-649882.html Islamabad Nov 22 The Human Rights Council HRC of Pakistan strongly condemned the illegal arrest and fivehour detention of its member Farwa Askar and Pakistani journalist Alifia Sohail According to the rights body the arrest took place on Friday outside the Karachi Press Club during a peaceful protest against the countrys 27th Constitutional AmendmentIt termed the incident a grave violation of freedom of expression and human rightsThese protests came after Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari signed the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill on November 13 following its approval by both houses of Parliament With his assent the bill has now become part of Pakistans ConstitutionAlifia Sohail is a prominent journalist who has fearlessly reported on social issues while Farwa Askar is a human rights activist who has been struggling to protect fundamental rights in Pakistan Their arrest and illegal detention is not only a violation of the Constitution of Pakistan but also a reprehensible attempt to suppress journalism and the human rights movement the HRC Pakistan statedThe rights body demanded an immediate investigation into the officers involved in the arrest and insisted they be punishedIt also urged the authorities to respect the rights of citizens peacefully protesting against the 27th Constitutional Amendment and to ensure the safety of journalists and human rights activists so that they can carry out their work without fearSuch actions weaken the countrys democratic values and violate international human rights standards the HRC Pakistan emphasisedThe rights body appealed to all relevant institutions to take the matter seriously and adopt measures to prevent human rights violations in PakistanEarlier this week the Jamiat UlemaeIslamFazl JUIF chapter in Pakistans KhyberPakhtunkhwa province severely criticised the 27th Constitutional Amendment describing it as a conspiracy against the Islamic Constitution and contrary to national interestsAdditionally the joint opposition alliance of Tehreek TahaffuzeAyeenPakistan TTAP carried out a protest rally from Parliament House to the Supreme Court in Islamabad against the amendmentAddressing reporters TTAP alliance member Allama Raja Nasir Abbas said that the march showcased their struggle for the protection of the ConstitutionWe walked from parliament to the Supreme Court to highlight how all avenues of justice have been closed for the people of Pakistan Pakistani media outlet Geo News quoted him as saying IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-journalist-rights-defender-arrested-for-protesting-over-27th-constitutional-amendment-649882.html Sun, 23 Nov 2025 00:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bdesh-quake-ex-pm-hasina-expresses-grief-slams-yunus-for-inactive-relief-efforts-649885.html Dhaka Nov 22 Bangladeshs former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and widespread destruction caused by the devastating earthquake that struck the country Her remarks came after a 57magnitude earthquake reportedly killed at least 10 people and injured more than 200 across Bangladesh causing widespread panic and structural damageMany lives were lost hundreds were injured and the country has suffered immense damage due to the terrible earthquake that struck Bangladesh read a statement issued by the former PM which was posted on the Awami Leagues social media platformExpressing condolences for the victims and extending sympathy to the bereaved families Hasina wished a swift recovery for those injuredSlamming the Muhammad Yunusled interim government she said This illegal occupying government has no accountability to the people and that is why they are not actively working to ease the suffering of citizens Instead they are handing over the country and its national resources to foreignersHighlighting the countrys vulnerability to natural disasters Hasina added Bangladesh is a disasterprone country Keeping this in mind the Awami League government has governed the state with policies of inclusive and sustainable developmentThe quake which struck at 1038 am on Friday measured 57 on the Richter scale according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department which identified its epicentre in Madhabdi Narsingdi and described it as a moderate earthquakeFollowing the earthquake four people died in Dhaka five in Narsingdi and one in Narayanganj In Dhaka the fatalities occurred in Armanitola after the railing of a buildings roof collapsed killing three people and injuring several others reports the leading Bangladeshi newspaper The Dhaka TribuneMore than 200 people sustained injuries in Dhaka Narsingdi and Gazipur The Directorate General of Health Services confirmed that 10 injured people were admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital DMCH and 10 others to Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College HospitalSeveral Dhaka University students were seriously hurt after leaping from buildings in panic with at least 10 students injured some requiring hospitalisationReports from Dhaka indicated that minor cracks appeared in buildings across the capital according to the local mediaResidents described the experience as unlike any tremor they had felt before with many taking to social media to share photos and videos showing cracked walls damaged floors and furniture scattered throughout their homes IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bdesh-quake-ex-pm-hasina-expresses-grief-slams-yunus-for-inactive-relief-efforts-649885.html Sun, 23 Nov 2025 01:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-jr-grooves-with-ranveer-singh-at-lavish-udaipur-wedding-as-jlo-bieber-join-celebrations-649914.html Jaipur Nov 22 The royal wedding festivities in Udaipur on Saturday turned into a starstudded spectacle as Donald Trump Jr son of the US President Donald Trump danced alongside top celebrities at the grand Bollywood Night organised at the City Palace Trump Jr and his girlfriend Bettina Anderson were seen enjoying popular Bollywood tracks sharing the stage with actor Ranveer Singh who even made Bettina dance to the hit song Jhumka from his film Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem KahaniThe couple is in Udaipur to attend the wedding of American businessman Rama Raju Mantenas daughter whose celebrations have drawn global attentionThe Friday night featured dazzling performances by Bollywood actors Varun Dhawan Ranveer Singh Kriti Sanon Jacqueline Fernandez and Janhvi Kapoor entertaining guests from India and abroadDirectorproducer Karan Johar hosted a lively talkshowstyle segment with groom Vamsi Gadiraju and bride Netra Mantena adding glamour and humour to the nightMore than 10 Bollywood stars arrived for the celebrations with actor Shahid Kapoor also seen entertaining the guests on stageUdaipurs hospitality shone through as Hollywood icon Jennifer Lopez arrived late Friday night and was welcomed at The Leela Palace with a traditional shower of flowersInitially startled she soon smiled and greeted the staff warmlyPop star Justin Bieber is expected to reach the city by Saturday afternoonBieber and Lopez will perform together at the Hollywood Night at Manak Chowk in the City Palace marking one of the biggest international performances Udaipur has hostedEarlier on Friday the Haldi ceremony took place at the Taj Lake Palace where guests dressed in yellow danced to festive tunesThe Mehndi ceremony and dinner are scheduled for Saturday evening at Manak Chowk followed by two afterparties one at the Taj Lake Palace and another at The Leela PalaceThe main wedding rituals will be held on November 23 at the picturesque Jagmandir Island Palace in Lake Pichola IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-jr-grooves-with-ranveer-singh-at-lavish-udaipur-wedding-as-jlo-bieber-join-celebrations-649914.html Sun, 23 Nov 2025 01:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-human-rights-groups-condemn-enforced-disappearance-of-teenage-girl-in-balochistan-649926.html Quetta Nov 22 Several human rights organisations on Saturday condemned the enforced disappearance of a teenage Baloch girl during a raid by Pakistani forces in Balochistan Human rights body Baloch Voice for Justice BVJ mentioned that 15yearold Nasreena Baloch was allegedly abducted during a raid conducted by Pakistani security forces in the early hours of Saturday in the Daroo area of Hub Chowki city in the provinceâThe targetted raid and subsequent disappearance of a minor highlight the intensifying pattern of repression faced by Baloch women and girlsâ the BVJ statedThe rights body urged international human rights organisations including the United Nations and global civil society groups to urgently intervene to ensure the protection of Baloch women from Pakistanled intimidation harassment and abductionsIt also demanded the immediate and safe recovery of Nasreena and called on the Pakistani authorities to uphold their obligations under international human rights law by ending enforced disappearances and ensuring accountability for those responsibleCondemning the incident the Baloch Women Forum BWF demanded the immediate release of Nasreena stating that her detention has shaken the societal normsAccording to BWF she has been moved to an unknown location which has not been disclosed to her family nor has she been produced at the cityâs police stationâFor the last few years women victimisation has increased through various means Other than the societal dilemmas they are facing direct state brutes along with Baloch men including enforced disappearances in particular Earlier Sayad Bibi Sakeena and other two Baloch women were forcibly detained back in 2019 followed by the illegal arrest of Mahal Baloch to Sibiâs Noor Khatoon abducted from Quetta then released Asma of Khuzdar Mahjabeen of Quetta and a growing list of women victims of the heinous stateâs illegal practice of enforced disappearances are a part of stateâs illegal campaign against the indigenous Balochâ the BWF detailedExpressing concern over the enforced disappearance Tara Chand President of Baloch American Congress accused Pakistani soldiers of patrolling Balochistan day and night targeting innocent civilians He stated that Baloch women and girls are also being abducted and subjected to torture and severe crueltyâI appeal to the world to raise its voice against the ongoing military operations carried out by the Pakistani army in Balochistan and the systematic oppression of the Baloch people The international community must speak out and stand with the Baloch peopleâ the Baloch leader posted on X IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-human-rights-groups-condemn-enforced-disappearance-of-teenage-girl-in-balochistan-649926.html Sun, 23 Nov 2025 02:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indias-zero-tolerance-approach-now-targets-acts-of-terrorism-networks-that-enable-it-report-649927.html Washington Nov 22 India for nearly a decade had been gradually shedding the rhetoric of strategic restraint with its cycle of responses to major Pakistanbased terrorist attacks including Uri in 2016 Balakot in 2019 and Pahalgam in 2025 revealing an unavoidable reality renowned international analysts reckoned on Saturday John Spencer the Executive Director at the USbased Urban Warfare Institute and Lauren Dagan Amoss an international academic expert on Indiaâs foreign and security policy argued that limited and predictable retaliation against crossborder terrorism has not deterred attacks rather it has enabled themAccording to the experts restraint once assumed to be stabilising had become strategically risky its predictability enabled militant groups to plan the next attack while shattering the belief that terrorism could be contained below the threshold of interstate conflictâAfter observing the planning execution and aftermath of Operation Sindoor the conclusion is clear India has crossed a doctrinal threshold It is no longer a state that responds to terrorism with calibrated warnings or waits for international partners to validate its choices It is building a new operating logic rooted in coercive clarity and a willingness to act first when its citizens are threatened Operation Sindoor did not create this shift It revealed itâ Spencer and Amoss wrote in an article titled The End of Old Assumptions What Indiaâs New Security Paradigm Actually Looks Like which Spencer shared on XâStrategic restraint was designed to prevent escalation with Pakistan In practice it did the opposite Terror groups backed by Pakistanâs security agencies exploited the firebreak between terrorism and state aggression assuming India would avoid decisive retaliation or crossborder action Limited responses produced predictable patterns Predictability invited more violenceâ the article addedAccording to the experts Indiaâs counterterrorism doctrine has evolved treating proxy groups as instruments of state policy They noted that Indiaâs zerotolerance policy now targets not only acts of terrorism but also the networks that enable it with the wider ecosystem surrounding terrorist groups considered as a legitimate set of targetsâA final dimension is often overlooked China is the silent second audience for Indiaâs choices Signals meant for Pakistan carry an implied message for Beijing Indiaâs interception of Chineseorigin PL15 airtoair missiles and its successful defeat of Pakistanâs Chinesesupplied air defence systems during Operation Sindoor provided valuable intelligence on Chinese weapons design and vulnerabilities Indiaâs new deterrence logic is built for a twofront environment in which actions in one direction have consequences in the otherâ the experts statedâWhat emerges is the picture of a state transforming under fire India is not becoming reckless It is becoming coherent It is aligning doctrine public expectations defence industrial capacity and geopolitical messaging around a single principle Security must be achieved by India not granted through outside mediation or constrained by outdated assumptionsâ they further mentioned IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indias-zero-tolerance-approach-now-targets-acts-of-terrorism-networks-that-enable-it-report-649927.html Sun, 23 Nov 2025 02:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/g20-johannesburg-summit-calls-for-improving-global-governance-649950.html Johannesburg Nov 23 The 20th Group of 20 G20 Summit opened adopting a declaration calling for more equitable global governance This is the first time the G20 summit has been held in Africa Under the theme Solidarity Equality and Sustainability the twoday event highlights a pivotal moment for Africa as it seeks to elevate its role in global governance and advance development priorities shared by the Global South Xinhua news agency reportedIn the declaration titled G20 South Africa Summit Leaders Declaration G20 members reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening multilateralism with the United Nations at its coreThey reaffirmed peace as a path to sustainable economic development and the importance of international cooperation and multilateral solutions in addressing global challenges including growing economic inequality and instabilityWe emphasise the importance of strengthening multilateral cooperation to address existing and emerging risks and challenges to the global economy the declaration saidAccording to the declaration G20 leaders recognized the need to increase global investments to meet climate goals of the Paris Agreement and to rapidly and substantially scale up investment and climate finance from billions to trillions globally from all sourcesIn this regard it said it is essential to align all relevant financial flows with these objectives while scaling up finance capacity building and technology transfer on voluntary and mutually agreed terms taking into account the priorities and needs of developing countriesWe reaffirmed the commitment to the swift full and effective implementation of the KunmingMontreal Global Biodiversity Framework adopted at the COP15 to the Convention on Biological Diversity and encourage other countries to do the same it saidThe declaration also underlined the empowerment of women and girls in achieving gender equalityAs we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action we reaffirm our commitment to its full effective and accelerated implementation it said adding that G20 leaders welcome the Global Leaders Meeting on Women held in October in Beijing to carry forward the spirit of the Beijing conferenceSouth Africa assumed the rotating G20 presidency on December 1 2024 becoming the first African nation to hold the position The United States is scheduled to take over the presidency on December 1 2025 IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/g20-johannesburg-summit-calls-for-improving-global-governance-649950.html Sun, 23 Nov 2025 06:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/ending-ukraine-crisis-requires-consent-of-ukraine-europe-german-chancellor-merz-649953.html Berlin Nov 23 German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that ending the crisis in Ukraine requires the consent of both Ukraine and its European partners rather than major powers Speaking at a press conference on Saturday during the G20 Summit in Johannesburg Merz said that the conflict unfolding on the European continent and its outcome concerns the security of Europe as a whole Xinhua news agency reportedWars cannot be ended by great powers over the heads of the countries involved Merz said adding that the end of this crisis can only occur with Ukraines unconditional consentMerz said that foreign policy advisors from Germany France Britain and representatives from the EU are scheduled to hold further consultations with US and Ukrainian representatives on Sunday in GenevaMerz noted that reliable security guarantees must be established for UkraineWhile acknowledging there is currently a chance to end the conflict Merz cautioned that the parties remain far from a common satisfactory resultMeanwhile delegations from Ukraine and the United States will hold consultations in Switzerland in the coming days on the possible parameters of a future peace agreement with Russia Rustem Umerov secretary of Ukraines National Security and Defence Council saidThis is another stage of the dialogue that has been ongoing in recent days and is primarily aimed at aligning our vision for the next steps Umerov wrote on FacebookHe stressed that Ukraine is approaching the peace process with a clear understanding of its interests Xinhua news agency reported IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/ending-ukraine-crisis-requires-consent-of-ukraine-europe-german-chancellor-merz-649953.html Sun, 23 Nov 2025 09:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/houthi-court-sentences-18-yemeni-un-aid-workers-to-death-for-spying-for-israel-649967.html Sanaa Nov 23 A Houthirun court in Yemens capital Sanaa sentenced 18 Yemeni aid workers employed by United Nations humanitarian agencies to death for allegedly spying for Israel The ruling says that the convicts will be executed by firing squad in a public place in Sanaa Meanwhile the same court handed two others including a woman 10year prison terms on the same chargesIn a statement broadcast by Houthirun alMasirah TV on Saturday local time the court accused the convicts of providing Israel the United States Britain and Saudi Arabia with information on dozens of Houthi leaders locations movements and secrets related to political military and security matters as well as information about missiles including their launch sites and storage facilitiesThe court added that the convicts recruited several citizens installed surveillance cameras and received payments in return actions that led to attacks on multiple military security and civilian sites causing dozens of deaths and extensive infrastructure damage reports Xinhua news agencyIn August a series of Israeli airstrikes on Sanaa carried out in response to Houthi missile and drone attacks toward Israel killed dozens of Houthi officials including 12 ministers and Mohammed Abdulkarim alGhamari chief of staff of the Houthi military forces dealing a major blow to the movementIn response the Houthis stormed several UN aid agency offices detaining dozens of Yemeni aid workers including those sentenced SaturdayLast week Houthirun alMasirah TV aired footage showing those sentenced delivering what the Houthis claimed were confessionsUnited Nations SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned the Houthis calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all UN aid workers and warned that obstructing humanitarian relief in Yemen puts millions at risk of famineSince October 2023 the Houthis have launched a series of missile and drone attacks toward Israel to show solidarity with Palestinians amid the IsraelHamas war in Gaza Israel responded with airstrikes on Houthicontrolled sites and cities resulting in casualties IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/houthi-court-sentences-18-yemeni-un-aid-workers-to-death-for-spying-for-israel-649967.html Sun, 23 Nov 2025 12:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/global-climate-cooperation-holds-firm-despite-turbulent-geopolitics-un-climate-chief-649976.html Belem Brazil Nov 23 Global climate cooperation remains active and resilient despite an adverse political environment UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell has said We knew this COP would take place in stormy political waters Denial division and geopolitics have dealt international cooperation heavy blows this year Stiell said in a statement assessing the results of the 30th UN Climate Change Conference COP30 on Saturday local timeEven so he stressed that governments reaffirmed their resolve to act COP30 showed that climate cooperation is alive and kicking keeping humanity in the fight for a livable planet with the firm determination to keep 15 degrees Celsius within reachI am not saying we are winning the climate fight But we are undeniably still in it and we are fighting back he said adding that 194 countries stood in solidarityrocksolid in support of climate cooperationHe noted the international community sent a united message about the direction of global climate efforts The global transition to low greenhousegas emissions and climate resilience is irreversible and the trend of the futureStiell highlighted agreements on a just transition a move to triple adaptation finance and further support for countries hit the hardest by climate disasters reports Xinhua news agencyThese steps he said will help ensure that every nation and every person can share in the vast benefits of the clean economyHe cited progress made through the COP30 Action Agenda including major commitments to clean grids the protection or restoration of forests land and oceans and efforts that will increase the resilience of hundreds of millions of people These outcomes he stressed are realworld progress on the things billions of people care about mostStiell said the world must now accelerate the implementation of national climate plans and maintain the momentum generated in Belem As we leave here our job is to keep climate at the top of the agenda for another fifty years he saidCOP30 concluded Saturday in Belem the capital of the Amazonian state of Para with the approval of the final document Global Mutirao Uniting humanity in a global mobilisation against climate change after about two weeks of negotiations under the Brazilian presidency IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/global-climate-cooperation-holds-firm-despite-turbulent-geopolitics-un-climate-chief-649976.html Sun, 23 Nov 2025 13:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/madrassas-in-pakistan-central-to-perpetuation-of-sectarian-intolerance-report-649731.html London Nov 21 Madrassas in Pakistan have become central to the continuation of sectarian intolerance with selective ideology systematically being instilled into impressionable minds producing graduates who openly declare their sectarian loyalties a report has revealed Madrassas have a key role in shaping religious and social identities in Pakistan However their influence often extends into sectarian indoctrination Teachers and administrators have admitted that students are taught to reject the beliefs and practices of other sects from a very young age Sakariya Kareem wrote in the UKbased newspaper for British Asians Asian LiteThe report said that figures like Umer Bin Abdul Aziz an AhlâeâHadith madrassa administrator in Peshawar criticise Barelvi and Shia beliefs while others have been related to radical groups This shows how madrassas operate not only as centres of religious learning but also as institutions that actively mould sectarian identitiesThe sectarian role of madrassas is not confined to rhetoric Law enforcement officials confirm that some institutions provide financial and logistical support to sectarian assassins and jihadist networks The case of Abdul Rahim Muslim Dost a graduate of AlâJamiatul Asaria madrassa in Peshawar who later emerged as a leader of ISISâs PakistanâAfghanistan chapter illustrates the trajectory from madrassa education to violent militancy Such examples highlight how madrassas under the guise of religious instruction can radicalize students against sectarian opponents and channel them into extremist movements the Asian Lite report statedExperts point to the madrassa curriculum as a key driver of sectarian identity formation An expert on DarseNizami curriculum Dr Amir Tauseen has noted that commentaries on Hadith differ across sectarian madrassas embedding sectarian bias into the syllabus itself Postâ1947 the traditional DarsâeâNizami curriculum was fragmented Barelvi and Deobandi madrassas retained only a fraction of the original while Shia AhlâeâHadith and JamaatâeâIslami institutions replaced it almost entirely with sectarianized curricula Even where overt sectarian content is absent students are gradually conditioned to view rival sects as heretical This curricular divergence has entrenched sectarian identities across generations it addedThe sectarian intolerance instilled in madrasses has repeatedly caused violence in Pakistan Nearly 20 people died after longrunning tensions between Sunni and Shia tribes once again erupted in Pakistans Kurram region in 2024 Sectarian clashes have erupted in Kurram region for decades often fueled by mobilisation through local madrassasSimilar incidents have taken place previously too that depict the persistence of this pattern Shia Hazara community has faced attacks in Quetta resulting in the killing of dozens of people These attacks demonstrated the transnational dimensions of sectarian militancy with funding and ideological backing flowing from states who have fear about Irans growing influenceMadrassas in Pakistan have become central to the perpetuation of sectarian intolerance Their growth fueled by state patronage foreign funding and geopolitical conflicts has entrenched sectarian identities and provided manpower for militant movements While the traditional curriculum is conservative rather than revolutionary external actors have transformed madrassas into breeding grounds for radicalismThe consequences are stark repeated sectarian massacres intraSunni clashes and transnational terrorist linkages From Kurram to Karachi Quetta to Punjab madrassas have played a pivotal role in sustaining sectarian violence Unless Pakistan addresses the structural and ideological foundations of madrassa education through regulation reform and integration with modern curricula the cycle of intolerance and violence will continue to undermine its stability and security the report added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/madrassas-in-pakistan-central-to-perpetuation-of-sectarian-intolerance-report-649731.html Sat, 22 Nov 2025 01:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/uncertainty-grips-bangladesh-amid-political-accusations-over-feb-elections-report-649739.html Dhaka Nov 21 Bangladesh is facing growing uncertainty over February 2026 parliamentary elections with major political parties accusing each other of attempting to delay polls a report said on Friday It added that the Muhammad Yunusled interim governmentâs decision to hold the general election and the July Charter Referendum on the same day in February 2026 citing logistical efficiency and cost has intensified the oppositions concerns that the administration is quietly favouring the Bangladesh Nationalist Party BNPJamaateIslami JI Bangladesh and its allied parties have stated time and again that there will be no election unless a referendum is held first and the charter is made binding on all JI argues that the July Charter with its radical political reforms such as the bicameral parliament and term limits is a revolutionary document and must be given constitutional and legal validity first through a referendum However JIâs concerns plausibly lie in its efforts to legally lock in the reforms and constrain the next parliaments power ensuring that the next government is elected to serve under the new constitutional frameworkâ a report in International Centre for Peace Studies detailedAccording to the report heightened security and the threat of renewed violence now appear inevitable in Bangladesh as the Awami League AL seeks to reassert its political relevance from the sidelines and hinder the electoral processâSajeeb Ahmed Wazed Joy Sheikh Hasinaâs son and advisor has warned that the partyâs supporters are ready to block the upcoming February polls unless the ban on the AL is lifted a statement that clearly signals the potential for unrest if their demands are not met it notedMeanwhile on November 17 the Dhakabased International Crimes Tribunal ICT announced its verdict sentencing Bangladeshs former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death The ruling was delivered after an extended trial amid protests by Awami League supportersEstablished in 2009 by the former Awami League government led by Hasina the ICT was tasked with prosecuting the collaborators accused of committing war crimes and genocide during the Bangladesh 1971 Liberation WarAfter the government was toppled the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus restructured the ICT to investigate and prosecute the atrocities committed during the July 2024 Uprising The very judicial mechanism created by one regime to consolidate its legitimacy by prosecuting its rivals is now being deployed by the successor regime to delegitimise and eliminate the predecessor the report noted IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/uncertainty-grips-bangladesh-amid-political-accusations-over-feb-elections-report-649739.html Sat, 22 Nov 2025 01:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/high-time-eu-calls-out-pakistan-on-political-imprisonments-election-theft-and-terror-financing-649750.html Brussels Nov 21 Pakistans Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is visiting Brussels currently for the 4th EU IndoPacific Ministerial Forum and also holding several meetings with European counterparts on the sidelines of the gathering Earlier this week Dar who is leading the Pakistani delegation for the 7th Session of PakistanEU Strategic Dialogue also called on the President of the EU Council Antonio CostaIronically his visit is taking place just weeks before the European Commission submits its 2026 report on Pakistanâs compliance with the 27 core conventions tied to GSP â the preferential trade scheme that delivers Pakistan roughly â3â4 billion a year in extra exports a report has highlightedThe EUs own monitoring reports European Parliament resolutions including 2024 Amnesty International Human Rights Watch and the UN all document the same pattern thousands of enforced disappearances in Pakistanâs restive province Balochistan extrajudicial killings in the former tribal areas terrorist financing networks still active and UNsanctioned terrorists living openly If Brussels limits itself to polite generalities it will effectively endorse these violations investigative news platform South Asia Press reportedIn its analysis the media outlet highlighted that there are several issues and questions that the EU leaders must ask Ishaq Dar â publicly and on the recordThis includes the current situation in Balochistan where enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings continueThousands of Baloch civilians remain missing after abduction by state forces Dr Mahrang Baloch the most prominent voice against disappearances has been detained since March 2025 on fabricated charges Mutilated bodies of abducted persons continue to appear across the province in the infamous killanddump pattern documented by the HRCP and Amnesty International When will Pakistan immediately release Dr Mahrang Baloch and all those held for peaceful activism publish a complete list of the disappeared grant the UN Working Group on Enforced Disappearances unrestricted access end the killanddump practice prosecute responsible officers and repeal the Actions in Aid of Civil Power Regulation that gives the military blanket impunity the report questionedIt also mentions about the democratic collapse in Pakistan especially the annihilation of political party Pakistan TehreekeInsaf PTI which is led by jailed former Prime Minister Imran KhanKhan remains imprisoned on politically motivated charges widely condemned as retribution Thousands of PTI workers and leaders have been arrested tortured or driven into exile The party was stripped of its election symbol its rallies banned and the 8 February 2024 elections were marred by rigging so blatant that even the EUs own Election Observation Mission described the environment as restrictive and noted systematic attempts to prevent PTI candidates from campaigning the report detailedContinuing violence in former tribal districts exFATA via military and intelligence operations continue to cause civilian deaths and mass displacement at the same timeSouth Asia Press report urged EU leaders to ask Pakistan Foreign Minister about his countrys plan to fully demilitarise the region provide reparations to victims restore unrestricted constitutional protections and unconditionally release Ali Wazir and other Pashtun political detaineesSimilarly the report highlighted targetting of the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement PTM use of Pakistani soil and financial channels by UNdesignated terrorist entities LeT and JeM despite countrys formal removal from the FATF grey list in 2022 Islamabads promotion of crossborder terrorism with UNsanctioned terrorists including Masood Azhar and Hafiz Saeed remaining free or under luxurious house arrests despite India providing concrete evidence of Pakistanbased handlers directing attacks in Jammu and Kashmir and a serious and systematic violation of GSP Regulation mandates by PakistanWhy should the EU not launch immediate suspension proceedings â as it has done with Sri Lanka Bangladesh and Cambodia â unless Pakistan commits to measurable timebound reforms within six months Europes trade preferences are not charity they are conditional They are the EUs own legal duty under Regulation EU 9782012 Silence or vague assurances this week will tell the people of Balochistan and the Pashtun belt Imran Khanâs unlawful incarceration and his partyâs persecution and victims of terrorism in South Asia whether European trade interests outweigh European values the report stated IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/high-time-eu-calls-out-pakistan-on-political-imprisonments-election-theft-and-terror-financing-649750.html Sat, 22 Nov 2025 01:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-rapidly-sliding-into-an-abyss-of-islamic-fundamentalism-report-649751.html Dhaka Nov 21 Since the July 2024 demonstrations Bangladesh has been rapidly sliding into an abyss of Islamic fundamentalism a report said on Friday It added that Bangladeshi women who have played a crucial role in the countryâs progress face opposition from the radical Islamist party JamaateIslami whose chief insists that they devote more time to their families while other leaders openly call for restricting women from working a report said on FridayAttacks and harassment of female sportspersons have become common Chhayanaut a renowned cultural institution in Dhaka has almost stopped public programmes Police are hesitant to permit Tagore song and dance events Fundamentalists openly harass women over dress In one case a Dhaka University employee harassed a woman for attire he deemed âunIslamicâ When police arrested him on her sexual harassment complaint a mob freed him and gave him a heroâs welcome He later shared a stage with religious leaders a report in âNortheast Newsâ detailedEarlier this month the Muhammad Yunusled interim government scrapped a proposal to hire music teachers in primary schools Since Bangladeshâs Liberation from Pakistan 54 years ago music has been part of the school curriculum but Islamists oppose it as an unIslamic practice and are demanding the appointment of teachers for Islamic studies insteadThere are some 15â20 thousand such madrasas teaching Arabic and promoting the most fundamentalist Wahhabi interpretation of the Quran This is just one example of a changing Bangladesh fast emerging as the latest hotspot of Islamic fundamentalism the report mentionedThe report highlighted the turn of events immediately following the July uprising when Islamists went on a rampage across the country destroying sculpturesâincluding those of the leaders of the freedom movement against PakistanâThis was followed by widespread attacks on Sufi Islamic mazars or shrines Nearly 80 per cent of these shrines now stand destroyed There were multiple attacks on Sufi singers including incidents where they were forcibly shaved to conform to austere Islamic traditionsâ it statedAccording to the report last yearâs July demonstrations that toppled the Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina are no longer viewed as a spontaneous student protest Jamaat has claimed full credit for orchestrating the protests with its Deputy Chief asserting âour movement from start to finishâThe report stressed that the success of the demonstrations has emboldened Islamists who already function as the de facto power brokers within the Yunus administration and now seek to seize power outrightâHow this unfolds remains to be seen but Bangladesh could soon pose a greater problem for the world than Pakistan In Pakistan power rests with the army and the judiciary retains some independence Dhaka by contrast has a weak army reliant on UN peacekeeping missions The trend suggests Bangladesh may soon reach new heights of Islamic extremismâand its army may be too feeble to control itâ it noted IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-rapidly-sliding-into-an-abyss-of-islamic-fundamentalism-report-649751.html Sat, 22 Nov 2025 01:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-weaponising-bangladesh-for-anti-india-operations-report-649752.html Dhaka Nov 21 Aside from the narcotics network Pakistan is weaponising Bangladeshâs territory for direct antiIndia operations with InterServices Intelligence ISI handlers including former Pakistan Army commandos training over 125 recruits â including more than 50 Rohingya youths and cadres from terror organisations Ansarullah Bangla Team and HizbutTahrir â at remote camps in Bandarban Brahmanbaria and Sylhet districts in Bangladesh a report said on Friday It added that the training covers improvised explosive device fabrication guerrilla tactics and border infiltration with camps intentionally set up near unfenced stretches of Indiaâs northeastern frontier with recruits prepared for sabotage inside IndiaBangladesh is emerging as a critical node in Pakistanâs hybrid warfare strategy with the InterServices Intelligence ISI leveraging ties to underworld figure Dawood Ibrahimâs DCompany to establish narcotics trafficking networks and terrorist training camps on Bangladeshi soil Regional intelligence assessments indicate that following the 2024 political upheaval in Dhaka and the installation of an interim administration under Muhammad Yunus Islamabad has accelerated efforts to transform Bangladesh into a staging ground for destabilising India and funding global jihadist proxiesâ a report in South Asia Press detailedâThe ISIDawood partnership forged during Pakistanâs ânarcojihadâ era under General ZiaulHaq has long fused drug proceeds with covert operations Dawoodâs Karachibased syndicate designated a terrorist entity by the United States now routes Afghan heroin methamphetamine and synthetic drugs through Bangladeshâs ports after Indian crackdowns disrupted traditional channels A notable October 2025 seizure at Chittagong Port uncovered 25 tons of narcoticsgrade poppy seeds concealed in a Pakistani bird feed shipment employing sophisticated concealment methods linked to ISI tradecraftâ it addedAccording to the report policy shifts under Bangladeshâs interim government led by Muhammad Yunus have facilitated this infiltration noting that Pakistani cargo exemptions from mandatory inspections in September 2024 and relaxed security clearances for Pakistani nationals in December 2024 created open corridors for operatives and illicit goodsCiting multiple media reports it stated that the DCompany is setting up logistics hubs in Chattogram and Coxâs Bazar cities in Bangladesh channelling funds through real estate and hawala networks while forging links with Myanmarbased drug syndicatesThe report emphasised that these activities align with Islamabadâs broader strategy of surrounding India through proxy warfare inundating its northeast with narcotics and insurgents and weakening Bangladeshâs secular framework to install a pliable Islamistoriented regimeâBy offloading highrisk drug operations to Bangladesh Pakistan also shields itself from Financial Action Task Force scrutiny while generating billions to finance terrorism Regional security officials warn that without coordinated countermeasures Bangladesh risks permanent entrenchment as South Asiaâs narcoterror epicentre with direct spillover threats to Indiaâs internal stability and the Bay of Bengalâs maritime securityâ the report noted IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-weaponising-bangladesh-for-anti-india-operations-report-649752.html Sat, 22 Nov 2025 01:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/isis-presence-in-pakistan-threatens-stability-of-central-and-south-asia-report-649753.html Kabul Nov 21 The recent killing of ISISKhorasan ISISK commander Burhan Zaid in Pakistan offers clear evidence of Daeshs presence in the country thus threatening the security of the entire region and undermining the stability of Central and South Asia Afghan media reported that Burhan was killed by unknown armed men in the Kasur district of Punjab Province He played a key role in the groupâs organisational network managing support coordination and funding for the Daesh Khawarij network also known as ISIS or the Islamic State from Pakistan His presence confirms that Pakistani territory is being used extensively for the groups covert operationsWhile Daesh Khawarij faces heavy pressure from ongoing operations in Afghanistan Pakistan is creating conditions that allow the group to regroup and regain strength International organisations the United Nations regional governments and analysts increasingly recognise that Pakistan has become a center for Daeshs activities hideouts and planning networks reported Afghan media outlet AlMirsaadThe international community must now demand that Pakistan dismantle these networks completely and hold the country accountable for its contradictory and harmful policies Failure to act risks plunging the region and the wider world into another wave of violence that could be impossible to reverse the report warned furtherCiting various international intelligence reports regional sources and verified documentation AlMirsaad report highlighted that the terror group had fled into Pakistan and turned parts of the country into a safe haven an operational base and a hub for planning its activities after extensive operations launched by the Taliban regimeWithin Pakistan Daesh members are not only funded trained and supplied with propaganda resources Their missions are also planned and coordinated there before being dispatched to neighbouring and regional countries with the aim of spreading violence fitna and instability This situation threatens the security of nearby states and undermines the stability of the broader region particularly Central and South AsiaThe cooperation of Pakistans security institutions with Daesh Khawarij whether open or covert reflects a policy rooted in duplicity Unless the international community takes this issue seriously and holds Pakistan accountable the resulting instability is likely to affect all countries in the region the report stated IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/isis-presence-in-pakistan-threatens-stability-of-central-and-south-asia-report-649753.html Sat, 22 Nov 2025 01:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/will-get-along-fine-with-mamdani-trump-649775.html Washington Nov 21 Hours before his planned meeting with New York City mayorelect Zohran Mamdani US President Donald Trump said he believed that he and Mamdani âwill get along fineâ In an interview with Fox News on Friday Trump noted that though Mamdani has a âdifferent philosophyâ both of them want to âmake New York strongââHes got a different philosophy Hes a little bit different I give him a lot of credit for the run He did a successful run and we all know that runs are not easy but I think well get along fine Look were looking for the same thing We want to make New York strongâ he addedTrump also reacted to Mamdaniâs victory speech which referenced the president directly telling him to âturn the volume upâ on the televisionâSo hear me President Trump when I say this to get to any of us you will have to get through all of usâ Mamdani had saidTrump acknowledged that he was also targeting Mamdani âa little too hardââIt wasâhard to be totally friendly toward the opponentâhe had some interesting opponents but he ran a good race I dont know exactly what he means by turn the volume upâHe has to be careful what he says to meâhe was very nice in callingâand were gonna have a meetingâI think its going to be quite civilâ he addedOn Thursday the White House targeted Mamdani saying a âcommunistâ is coming to meet President TrumpResponding to questions about the meeting the White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt remarked âIt speaks volumes that tomorrow we have a communist coming to the White House because thats who the Democrat party elected as the mayor of the largest city in the country referring to Mamdani and said the president is âwilling to meet with anyone and talk to anyone to try to do whatâs right on behalf of the American peopleâTrump had announced the meeting in a post on Truth Social on Wednesday calling Mamdani the âCommunist Mayor of New York Cityâ and stating that the mayorelect had requested the Oval Office meeting âWe have agreed that this meeting will take place at the Oval Office on Friday November 21stâMamdani also held a briefing in New York on Thursday telling reporters he intends to outline priorities for the city and seek areas of agreement with the president âIâm not concerned about this meetingâ he said âI view this meeting as an opportunity to make my caseâ adding that it âbehoves me to leave no stone unturned in making the city more affordableâThe mayorelect said he plans to raise issues including public safety affordability and economic stability during the Oval Office discussionThe meeting comes after months of confrontations during the New York mayoral election campaign Trump repeatedly labelled Mamdani a âcommunistâ predicted economic and social decline under his leadership and threatened to cut federal funding to New York City if Mamdani wonIn an unusual step Trump endorsed Mamdaniâs rival former New York governor Andrew Cuomo who ran as an independent Mamdani defeated Cuomo by nearly nine percentage points in the November 4 election becoming the first Democratic socialist elected mayor of the countryâs largest city IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/will-get-along-fine-with-mamdani-trump-649775.html Sat, 22 Nov 2025 04:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-meets-mamdani-says-he-is-confident-mayor-elect-can-do-good-job-649786.html Washington Nov 22 US President Donald Trump met with New York City mayorelect Zohran Mamdani at the White House saying that he felt âconfidentâ that Mamdani can do a âgood jobâ Speaking to the media after the talks Trump said it was a âgreat meetingâ and âthe better he does the happier I amâ adding that his administration would be âhelping him to make everybodys dream come true having a strong and very safe New YorkâMamdani also thanked Trump for the âproductive meetingâ and said it focused ânoton places of disagreement which there are many but focused on the shared purpose that we have in serving New YorkersâTrump added that he believed Mamdani is âgoing to surprise some conservative peopleââI expect to be helping him not hurting him â a big helpâI think this mayor can do some things that are going to be really greatâOn immigration crackdown Trump said he discussed the issue with Mamdani and the administration would focus on murderers drug dealers and âsome very bad peopleââI think were going to work them out And I think that if we have known murderers and known drug dealers and some very bad peopleâwe want to get him out and the mayor wants to have peace We discussed this at great length Actually maybe more than anything else he wants to have a safe New YorkâSo were going to work together I think he wants to get them out maybe more than I doâ he addedHours before his planned meeting US President Donald Trump softened his stance saying he believed he and Mamdani âwill get along fineâIn an interview with Fox News on Friday Trump noted that though Mamdani has a âdifferent philosophyâ both of them want to âmake New York strongâTrump also reacted to Mamdaniâs victory speech which referenced the president directly telling him to âturn the volume upâ on the televisionâSo hear me President Trump when I say this to get to any of us you will have to get through all of usâ Mamdani had saidTrump acknowledged that he was also targeting Mamdani âa little too hardââIt wasâhard to be totally friendly toward the opponentâhe had some interesting opponents but he ran a good race I dont know exactly what he means by turn the volume upâHe has to be careful what he says that to meâhe was very nice in callingâand were gonna have a meetingâI think its going to be quite civilâ he addedOn Thursday the White House targeted Mamdani saying a âcommunistâ was coming to meet the PresidentThe meeting comes after months of confrontations during the New York mayoral election campaign Trump repeatedly labelled Mamdani a âcommunistâ predicted economic and social decline under his leadership and threatened to cut federal funding to New York City if Mamdani wonIn an unusual step Trump endorsed Mamdaniâs rival former New York governor Andrew Cuomo who ran as an independent Mamdani defeated Cuomo by nearly nine percentage points in the November 4 election becoming the first Democratic socialist elected mayor of the countryâs largest city IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-meets-mamdani-says-he-is-confident-mayor-elect-can-do-good-job-649786.html Sat, 22 Nov 2025 14:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/ukraine-facing-one-of-the-most-difficult-moments-amid-us-peace-push-zelensky-649787.html Kyiv Nov 22 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that his country is facing one of the most difficult moments in its history as it considers the USproposed 28point peace plan We are now in one of the most difficult moments in our history The pressure on Ukraine is at its heaviest Ukraine could now face a very difficult choice either the loss of dignity or the risk of losing a key partner Either the difficult 28 points or an extremely difficult winter Zelensky said in his address to the nationThe next week will be very challenging and full of events Zelensky said noting that he plans to propose alternatives to amend the US plan and that Ukraines interests must be taken into account in the document Xinhua news agency reportedZelensky stressed that he will present arguments persuade and offer alternatives but will not give the enemy any reason to claim that Ukraine does not want peaceOn Thursday Zelensky announced that the US side presented him with a plan aimed at ending the conflict between Ukraine and RussiaUS media reports say the current draft plan contains 28 points including major territorial concessions by Ukraine and sharp reductions in its armed forcesZelensky said he was set to speak to Trump in the coming days about the proposals which also include plans for Ukraine to forgo many of its weaponsWhite House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt rejected suggestions that the proposals would constitute major concessions from Ukraine and that Ukraine had been frozen out saying the US had engaged equally with both sides IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/ukraine-facing-one-of-the-most-difficult-moments-amid-us-peace-push-zelensky-649787.html Sat, 22 Nov 2025 14:36:00 +0530