DailyWorld News - The First International Newspaper From India https://dailyworld.in/ Wed, 29 Apr 2026 09:49:18 +0530 en https://dailyworld.in/international/unknown-gunmen-rock-lashkar-leadership-vacuum-deepens-trust-deficit-grows-671491.html New Delhi April 28 Even as the LashkareTayiba tries to rebuild following heavy losses during Operation Sindoor a leadership crisis is fast emerging within the group The killing of Sheikh Afridi a close aide of LashkareTayiba chief Hafiz Saeed clearly signals that the top rung is collapsingAfridi was killed by unknown gunmen in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa KP by unidentified gunmen This follows the pattern of unknown gunmen killing top terrorists of both the LashkareTayiba and Hizbul MujahideenIn 2026 alone more than 30 such people have been killed by unknown gunmenThe incidents have been reported from Lahore Punjab Sindh KP Balochistan and KarachiWhat is interesting is that these unknown persons who carried out these hits have completed their job and vanished They are completely off the radar and the Pakistan security agencies have had hardly any success in nabbing them an official saidAn Intelligence Bureau official said that such killings are weakening the LashkareTayiba largely Like in the case of the JaisheMohammad the LashkareTayiba too is missing a fierce leaderHafiz Saeed is old and cannot lead like the way he used to be ZakiurRehman Lakhvi seems to have taken a back seat as a result of which the outfit lacks a strong operational headEarlier this month Amir Hamza also a very close associate of Hafiz Saeed was shot at This incident dented the prospects of the LashkareTayibaHamza was an ideological mentor and had the capability of bringing in recruits With him out of the picture the recruitment process has been hit badlyThe LashkareTayiba was already facing a major crisis when it came to recruitmentsAnother official said that the killing of Afridi is a huge blow for the LashkareTayiba He was not a lowlevel operative In fact he was overseeing the operations of the outfit in KP as well as Jammu and Kashmir Before his death he was trying to actively recruit youth for operations He was coordinating operations and overseeing the movement of terroristsThe official said that he was part of the inner circle of the LashkareTayiba and with his death the number of decision makers has come downThe official said that Operation Sindoor created a major trust deficit among the cadres of the LashkareTayiba The leadership was being questioned as they felt that all the tall promises which were made at the time of recruitment stood exposed thanks to the operation by the Indian armed forcesMoreover Saeed has not been active since the operation He is making efforts to rebuild the outfit but his presence in the open is very limited This has made the cadres question if Saeed is more bothered about his own safety when compared to that of the cadresThese killings by unknown gunmen too have added to the misery of the cadres They question that if top commanders recruiters and ideological heads can be gunned down with ease then where is the guarantee of their securityApart from the top leadership the cadres are also questioning the Pakistan establishment Not only do their camps get destroyed in operations by the Indian armed forces but their top leaders are not safe anywhere in PakistanThe ISI and Pakistan Army made tall promises at the time of recruitment However the events that have unfolded in the last several months have left the establishment exposed the official addedThe ISI and Pakistan Army are desperately working on a plan to ensure that the LashkareTayiba bounces back It would attempt a big hit in India so that the trust factor among the cadres is backIntelligence agencies say that Pakistan is desperate at the moment and in order to boost the morale of the terrorists and also cause a diversion from internal problems it would look to undertake a major operation on Indian soil IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/unknown-gunmen-rock-lashkar-leadership-vacuum-deepens-trust-deficit-grows-671491.html Tue, 28 Apr 2026 16:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-and-unga-president-discuss-reformed-multilateralism-sdgs-and-west-asia-conflict-671501.html New Delhi April 28 IANS External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar held a meeting with United Nations General Assembly UNGA President Annalena Baerbock in New Delhi on Tuesday discussing UN80 sustainable development goals SDGs Artificial Intelligence AI implications and the ongoing West Asia conflictnbspDuring the meeting EAM Jaishankar stressed the need for reformed multilateralism which is reflective of todays realities especially the Global SouthA pleasure to host UNGA President Annalena Baerbock this afternoon in New Delhi Discussed UN80 SDGs AI implications and the West Asia conflict Underscored the need for reformed multilateralism reflective of todays realities particularly of the Global South Thanked her for her leadership and contributions EAM Jaishankar posted on XEarlier in the day Baerbock paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at the Rajghat in Delhi The UNGA President arrived in New Delhi on Monday on a twoday visit to India at the invitation of EAM JaishankarA warm welcome to UNGA President Ms Annalena Baerbock on her official visit to India The visit reaffirms Indias steadfast engagement with the UN the MEA spokesperson posted on XDuring her visit Baerbock will also have an interactive session with representatives from the Ministry of Electronics and IT MEITY on governance and regulation of Artificial Intelligence AIAhead of her arrival in India the UNGA Presidents spokesperson said that Baerbock will meet with the UN team in India led by Resident Coordinator Stefan PriesnerThis is the second highlevel UN visit to India after SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres trip to attend the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi in FebruaryBaerbock is scheduled to travel to China after concluding her visit to IndianbspThe UNGA President is quite familiar with India having even travelled on New Delhis Metro in one of her visits as Germanys Foreign Minister to enhance ties with the country But this is her first time as the president of the General AssemblyDuring her first visit as minister in 2022 she said Without a doubt India will play a key role in shaping the international order of the 21st century in the IndoPacific and beyondThat India has lifted 400 million people out of extreme poverty in 15 years shows that a pluralistic society freedom and democracy are drivers of economic development peace and stability she addedIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-and-unga-president-discuss-reformed-multilateralism-sdgs-and-west-asia-conflict-671501.html Tue, 28 Apr 2026 16:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/karachi-residents-hold-protest-against-prolonged-power-outages-671504.html Islamabad April 28 Residents in Karachi held a protest against prolonged unannounced power outages lasting up to 16 hours daily resulting in severe traffic congestion in the cityâs business district for hours local media reported on Tuesday The protests on Monday impacted vehicular movement on the II Chundrigar Road Ziauddin Ahmed Road and nearby areas for over two hours with roads in nearby areas including Saddar and Pakistan Chowk clogged and commuters facing difficulty under extreme heat as queues of traffic stretched for kilometres daily Dawn reportedFrustrated with prolonged power outages residents of Railway Colony gathered at the Shaheen Complex intersection blocked traffic and shouted slogans against KElectric for resorting to unannounced loadshedding for long hoursThe protesters demanded immediate restoration of power supply complaining that unannounced loadshedding of up to 16 hours in the area made life of residents very difficult during the summerA resident said that they had not received the proper power supply for the past several weeks Our children canât sleep patients are suffering and thereâs no water because the pumps donât work without electricityAnother resident Muhammad Aslam said that they were forced to live without electricity for 16 hours despite paying their bills regularly How long can we stay silent he askedAnother protester Shazia Bibi said that unannounced loadshedding for long hours was torture for residents Our food is rotting we canât charge our phones and the heat is killing usOfficegoers students and patients faced problems due to traffic congestion under scorching heat due to the protestsA woman who was taking her father to a hospital said that they were stranded in the traffic for 90 minutes with no way out Dawn reportedPolice reached the protest site and negotiated with the demonstrators The protest was dispersed after nearly 30 minutes but the traffic jam took over two hours to clearPeople were facing problems from earlier this month as the power outages increased up to eight hours in urban areas and 1216 hours in rural areas in the service areas of Lahore Electric Supply Company Lesco and other districts of Pakistans Punjab provinceThe situation worsened after the power distribution in Lahore and cities and towns in other districts started observing unannounced or forced loadshedding on an hourly basis resulting in people spending most of their time without electricity Dawn reportedSeveral divisions and districts of Punjab including Faisalabad Gujranwala Sialkot Toba Tek Singh Sahiwal Kasur Sheikhupura Multan Khanewal Bahawalpur Rahim Yar Khan Muzaffargarh and Dera Ghazi Khan also witnessed power outages The Lesco spokesperson said that there was an increase in complaints about loadshedding IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/karachi-residents-hold-protest-against-prolonged-power-outages-671504.html Tue, 28 Apr 2026 17:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/nepal-protests-as-china-builds-safety-wall-on-bhotekoshi-river-across-border-671509.html Kathmandu April 28 China has been building a safety wall along the Bhotekoshi River on the Chinese side of the NepalChina border prompting strong protests from Nepal Nepal fears that the construction could alter the riverâs course and cause damage on the Nepali side Nepali officials said the Chinese construction activities violate the boundary protocol signed between the two countries in 1963 which states that either party must inform the other in advance before constructing any structure along the international borderThe protocol also states that neither party shall attempt to change the course of boundary rivers unilaterallyOfficials from Nepalâs Home Ministry confirmed to IANS that the Chinese side has been constructing a safety wall along the river within Chinese territory across the borderThe river flows through the Tatopani border point in Sindhupalchowk district and partly serves as a natural boundary between the two countriesChief District Officer of Sindhupalchowk Ram Krishna Adhikari confirmed that the Chinese side had constructed the wall on its side of the border âWhether the construction activities carried out by the Chinese side fall under the bilateral agenda will be determined by the concerned Nepali authoritiesâ he saidAccording to a Home Ministry official the District Administration Office in Sindhupalchowk had recently informed the government about the construction activities being carried out by the Chinese side close to the border and the matter was subsequently forwarded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for diplomatic actionThe Foreign Ministry then urged the Chinese side to halt the construction activities immediately the Kathmandu Post reported on TuesdayForeign Ministry officials were not immediately available for comment to IANS However a senior official at Nepalâs Home Ministry told IANS that he had been informed that a diplomatic note had been sent to the Chinese side protesting the construction activities undertaken without notifying Nepal âWe had sent details of the construction activities carried out by the Chinese side to the Foreign Ministryâ the official saidThe Bhote Koshi River lies in one of the most disasterprone areas and officials say that any construction along the river or attempt to alter its course could have a major impact on the Nepali side during the monsoon season Nepal frequently experiences landslides near the border point and international trade with China is often disrupted during the rainy seasonAccording to the report the construction is being carried out near border pillar number 53 of the NepalChina international boundary Under the boundary protocol signed in 1963 both parties are required not to deliberately alter the course of the boundary river and to take measures to prevent such changes The protocol further states that both sides should adopt joint measures to prevent losses and it also includes provisions for compensation if either party causes damage across the border due to changes in the rivers course IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/nepal-protests-as-china-builds-safety-wall-on-bhotekoshi-river-across-border-671509.html Tue, 28 Apr 2026 17:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/sweden-backs-make-in-india-initiative-calls-partnership-strong-671407.html New Delhi April 28 Sweden is a very good partner to India when it comes to the Make in India policy and also supports Prime Minister Narendra Modiâs policy of making more in Indiaâ Swedish companies are investing a lot in India said Head of Mission Sven Ostberg Consul General of Sweden in Mumbai on MondayâDuring South Africaâs Freedom Day celebrations at the South African Consulate in Mumbai the Consul General of Sweden said that the IndiaSweden partnership is very fruitful and prosperous with more than 280 Swedish companies in India employing two lakh people directly and 2200000 people indirectly while answering a question regarding IndiaSweden future partnershipsHe also congratulated South Africa on its 30th anniversaryâHe said that it is a fantastic day to celebrate South Africa adding that apartheid was a very bad sin and that Sweden is very happy that democracy is now ruling in South AfricaâHe said that Sweden has supported South Africaâs freedom struggle for many decades during the apartheid period as well as one of the few Western European countries that were supporting the African National Congress and its liberation movement while answering a question about the South AfricaSweden partnershipâHe highlighted that Sweden is working together with the South African government to promote bilateral trade investments and tourismâHe added that many Swedish people love going to South Africa for tourismâHe said that Sweden and India want peace and stability in the Middle East adding that this is what everybody wantsâHe also condemned any attack on the president or any political leadersâHe said that Sweden was very horrified after seeing the pictures coming out of Washington the previous day describing it as a horrible attack and expressing hope that everyone is safe and sound while commenting on the incident during a White House dinnerâHe also mentioned that Sweden believes in democracy and freedom of speech adding that everyone has the right to express themselves but violence is not the answer to anythingâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/sweden-backs-make-in-india-initiative-calls-partnership-strong-671407.html Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-african-consulate-marks-freedom-day-in-mumbai-671408.html New Delhi April 28 The South African Consul in India celebrated 32 years of South Africas freedom which also coincides with 30 years of its Constitution in Mumbai on Monday The Consul General of South Africa in Mumbai Gideon Labane said the event was one of their public diplomacy platforms where South Africa reminds everyone about their country both from the perspective of bilateral relations with India and also from a trade and investment promotion point of viewWhile answering questions about growing IndiaSouth Africa relations the Consul General said that relations are growing significantly especially in both political and investment termsHe said that they see a lot of Indian companies that have invested in South Africa more than 100 and also that there are South African companies that are invested in IndiaHe noted that currently there are more Indian investments but they would like to see more South African investments coming to IndiaHe highlighted that relations in political trade cricket culture and cinema aspects are growingHe mentioned that South Africa appreciated what PM Modi does and took note of how much interest he has in the African continent adding that they have seen him opening a lot of embassies in AfricaWhile speaking about upcoming events he noted the BRICS foreign ministersâ meeting in midMay and said that hopefully their minister will be in India for the meetingHe also added that there is an IndiaAfrica summit at the headofstate level and said that hopefully their head of state or his representative will be presentHe emphasised that there are also ongoing discussions either at the bilateral or multilateral level and that the relationship between India and South Africa is equal and based on mutual respect expressing hope that it will grow strongly from hereHe commented that it is rather unfortunate that what is happening in that region is affecting everyone especially around the oil supply which also has an inflationary impact as prices are increasingHe stated that South Africa always advocates dialogue saying that their preference is for parties to come together sit at the table discuss and try to resolve their differencesHe added that war is not the solution to any issues and expressed hope that all parties will come together and find a way to coexist IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-african-consulate-marks-freedom-day-in-mumbai-671408.html Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-lawmakers-push-golden-dome-plan-amid-rising-missile-threats-671411.html Washington April 28 The United States faces an âunprecedentedâ missile threat environment with senior defence officials warning lawmakers that the countryâs current homeland defences are limited and increasingly vulnerable to advanced weapons including hypersonic and cruise missiles Testifying before a Senate panel Assistant Secretary Marc Berkowitz said rivals are âexpanding diversifying and increasing the sophistication of their arsenals of missiles and aerial weaponsâ posing âtruly grave threats to our homeland to the American population to our critical infrastructures and to our second strike capabilityâHe acknowledged that the existing system offers only âvery limited capabilityâ beyond defending against a smallscale intercontinental ballistic missile attack and that the US currently has âno defence against hypersonic weapons or cruise missilesâGeneral Michael Guetlein described the programme as âa layered integrated shield designed to defend the homeland against the full spectrum of advanced threatsââOur nationâs margin of safety has vanishedâ Guetlein said adding that âthe homeland is exposed and relatively undefendedâ against a new generation of threats that are âunprecedented in their speed numbers and lethalityâThe proposed system would integrate sensors and interceptors across land sea air and space combining kinetic and nonkinetic responses Officials said it would also leverage artificial intelligence and nextgeneration processing to improve targeting and response timesGuetlein said the goal is to deliver an operational capability by 2028 supported by a funding request that includes more than 17 billion in the near term The full projected cost of the programme is estimated at about 185 billion through the 2030sLawmakers raised concerns over both the cost and the funding mechanism Senator Angus King questioned the use of a reconciliation process outside the traditional appropriations route calling it âa huge mistakeâ and warning it reduces congressional oversightKing also pressed officials on whether the longstanding doctrine of nuclear deterrence remains sufficient Berkowitz responded that the current strategic environment is more complex than during the Cold War noting the presence of âmultiple nuclear armed rivalsâ with advanced missile capabilitiesHe argued that missile defence would complement deterrence providing âboth a sword and a shieldâ to strengthen security and protect civilians if deterrence failsOfficials described Guam as âan undisputable part of the homelandâ and a key hub in the IndoPacific Lieutenant General Frank Lozano said the Guam defence system is progressing on schedule with a projected cost of about 35 billionMilitary officials emphasised lessons from recent conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East pointing to the growing complexity and volume of missile threats Lieutenant General Heath Collins said the US has issued âhundreds of updatesâ to defence systems in response to realtime battlefield dataThey also acknowledged challenges in scaling production and maintaining interceptor inventories warning that sustained investment will be needed to meet future demand IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-lawmakers-push-golden-dome-plan-amid-rising-missile-threats-671411.html Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-flags-china-linked-illegal-pesticide-influx-671412.html Washington April 28 US regulators have stepped up efforts to block illegal pesticide imports including shipments linked to China the head of the Environmental Protection Agency told lawmakers EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said the agency has made import enforcement a priority as it confronts what he described as unauthorised chemicals entering the US marketâWe have pesticides that come in from out of the countryâ we have pesticides that get dumped here from Chinaâ Zeldin told a congressional hearingHe said visits to farms revealed products with âChinese lettersâ on packaging calling it âeye openingâ to see how widespread foreignlinked inputs can beZeldin drew a distinction between legally imported pesticides that go through US registration and products that are smuggled or sold outside regulatory controlsâItâs another thing when youâre illegally dumpingâ pesticides into our countryâ he saidThe EPA has blocked âover 16 million pounds of illegal pesticides importsâ and stopped more than 500 shipments of noncompliant products since early 2025 Zeldin saidHe added that authorities have âcharged 65 criminal defendants for illegal smuggling and transnational organised criminal conductâThe comments came during a hearing on the Trump administrationâs proposed EPA budget where lawmakers debated funding cuts and regulatory prioritiesWhile most of the discussion focused on domestic policy the pesticide issue highlighted concerns about foreign supply chains and enforcement gapsZeldin said illegal imports hurt US farmers and undermine safety standards He said the agencyâs Office of Enforcement and Compliance has increased inspections and coordination with other agenciesâEPA is prepared to deliver even more results in fiscal year 27â he saidLawmakers did not directly challenge the Chinarelated remarks during the exchange But broader concerns about chemical safety and oversight surfaced repeatedly including questions about pesticide reviews and public health risksThe United States regulates pesticides through a federal approval process that requires testing and safety review Products that do not meet those standards are barred from sale Enforcement however can be difficult when shipments move through complex international supply chainsChina is one of the worldâs largest producers of pesticides US officials have raised concerns in the past about counterfeit or noncompliant products entering domestic markets often through indirect channels IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-flags-china-linked-illegal-pesticide-influx-671412.html Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/buy-america-push-in-us-congress-targets-china-imports-671415.html Washington April 28 Bipartisan legislation introduced in the US Senate seeks to tighten enforcement of domestic sourcing rules in federally funded infrastructure projects with lawmakers arguing that American taxpayer money is still supporting foreign manufacturers including strategic competitors like China Senators Tammy Baldwin and Jim Banks on April 27 unveiled the Build America Buy America Compliance Act aimed at closing implementation gaps in existing law and forcing federal agencies to fully apply domestic procurement standardsâTo me this is straightforward When we use American tax dollars we should be investing those dollars back into American workers products and businessesâ Baldwin said underscoring the intent behind the proposalBanks framed the measure in geopolitical terms saying âOur bill is common sense legislation that puts American workers and businesses first It makes sure your tax dollars support American manufacturers and not foreign adversaries like ChinaâThe legislation responds to concerns that years after passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law agencies have âpartially or fully avoidedâ implementing the Build America Buy America BABA Act for certain programmes As a result taxpayerfunded projects have continued to rely on imported materials according to the sponsorsUnder the proposal the head of each federal agency would be required to submit an annual report to the Made in America Office and Congress detailing how the BABA Act is being implemented The report must identify all infrastructurerelated financial assistance programmes and specify which are fully compliant and which are notFor programmes that have met the requirements agencies must document âall actions takenâ to comply and maintain existing domestic procurement standards For those that have not agencies would need to provide a timeline and specific steps to achieve compliance including efforts to replace broad waivers with âtargeted projectspecific waivers wherever possibleâThe bill also mandates that all such reports be published in the Federal Register a step intended to enhance transparency and accountability across federal departmentsThe legislative text further reflects congressional concern that earlier procurement rules were weakened by âwaivers and loopholesâ allowing significant portions of taxpayerfunded infrastructure spending to bypass domestic sourcing requirementsIndustry groups have backed the effort Scott Paul president of the Alliance for American Manufacturing said the lawâs original promise depends on consistent enforcement He said the new bill would bring âtransparency and accountability to the process by requiring agencies to clearly identify where Buy America requirements are being applied and where they are notâThe United Steelworkers union has also endorsed the measure aligning labour interests with the broader push to strengthen domestic supply chainsThe proposed legislation builds on the BABA Act enacted in 2021 as part of a major infrastructure spending package which requires that federally funded projects use Americanmade iron steel construction materials and manufactured products IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/buy-america-push-in-us-congress-targets-china-imports-671415.html Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/china-threat-drives-us-missile-defence-rethink-671418.html Washington April 28 Chinaâs expanding missile arsenal and evolving military capabilities are reshaping US defence planning with senior Pentagon officials telling lawmakers that Beijing remains the central strategic challenge driving a new generation of homeland missile defence Testifying before a Senate panel Assistant Secretary Marc Berkowitz said bluntly âChina is our pacing competitor we will deter China from a position of strengthâHe said Beijingâs growing capabilities are part of a wider trend in which US rivals are âexpanding diversifying and increasing the sophistication of their arsenals of missiles and aerial weaponsâ integrating them into operations designed to threaten American territory and interestsThe testimony placed China at the centre of the Pentagonâs push for a new layered missile defence architecture known as the âGolden Domeâ aimed at countering advanced threats including hypersonic and longrange cruise missilesBerkowitz warned that these systems â whether nuclear or conventional â pose âtruly grave threats to our homeland to the American population to our critical infrastructures and to our second strike capabilityâOfficials argued that Chinaâs approach goes beyond building offensive missile forces It also involves integrating strike systems with missile defences to deny US access and complicate military operations particularly in the IndoPacificThe US response Berkowitz said includes strengthening forwarddeployed missile defence networks These are centred on Aegis destroyers Terminal High Altitude Area Defense systems and Patriot batteries forming what he described as âa forward deployed layered integrated air and missile defence networkâSuch systems are designed to operate along key strategic zones including the first island chain where US forces seek to counter Chinese military expansion and maintain regional deterrenceGeneral Michael Guetlein said the nature of the threat has shifted significantly warning that the US can no longer rely on geographic distance as a buffer âThat distance has been quickly eroded by their technologyâ he told lawmakersHe said the new defence architecture would address both conventional and nuclearcapable threats including cruise missiles hypersonic weapons and unmanned aerial systemsLawmakers pressed officials on the scale of Chinaâs capabilities While specific figures remain classified Guetlein said the range of threats spans âfrom several hundred to several tens of thousandsâ depending on the systemThe discussion also reflected a broader shift in US strategic thinking Senator Angus King questioned whether traditional nuclear deterrence â which underpinned stability during the Cold War â remains sufficient in dealing with ChinaBerkowitz responded that the current environment differs fundamentally with âmultiple nuclear armed rivalsâ and increasingly sophisticated missile technologies requiring a combination of deterrence and active defenceHe said missile defence would complement the nuclear triad providing âboth a sword and a shieldâ to counter coercive threats and protect the homelandOfficials also emphasised the role of alliances noting that US partners must invest more in defence to strengthen collective security and interoperability particularly in regions facing Chinese military pressureChinaâs rapid military modernisation including advances in hypersonic weapons and integrated air defence systems has been a growing concern for Washington and its allies These developments have intensified competition in the IndoPacific where the US seeks to maintain strategic balance and freedom of navigation IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/china-threat-drives-us-missile-defence-rethink-671418.html Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korean-president-says-will-resolve-pending-issues-with-allies-through-mutual-respect-671459.html Seoul April 28 Issues between close allies should be resolved based on mutual respect and fundamental principles South Koreas President Lee Jae Myung said Tuesday Lee made the remarks during a Cabinet meeting at Cheong Wa Dae stressing that cooperation with traditional allies should also be developedWe need the wisdom to build healthy futureoriented relations with traditional allies while resolving pending issues based on mutual respect common sense and principles he told the meetingI will also devote myself to diplomacy aimed at building genuine friendship with allies with confidence as a sovereign nation the president addedThe president did not provide the specific background but the remarks came amid diplomatic frictions over Washingtons reported complaints about Seouls handling of a massive information breach at Coupang a USlisted ecommerce firm and the disclosure by a Seoul minister that Kusong may be a North Korean uranium enrichment site reports Yonhap news agencyEarlier reports suggested that Washington has partially suspended information sharing on North Koreas nuclear facilities with Seoul over Unification Minister Chung Dongyoungs public reference to Kusong as a uranium enrichment site which it believes was based on USshared intelligenceThe minister has repeatedly clarified that his remarks on Kusong were based on publicly available sources not on any intelligence shared by the USPresident Lee also highlighted the militarys expanded selfreliant defence capability pledging to further increase defence spending to ensure standalone defence powerThe Lee administration seeks to regain wartime operational control of South Korean troops from Washington before its fiveyear term ends in 2030During the 195053 Korean War command authority was transferred to the US side with only peacetime control returned to Seoul in 1994 while wartime control remains with WashingtonSouth Koreas own defence capability excluding US Forces Korea is the worlds fifthlargest while its annual defence spending is 14 times North Koreas annual gross national product Lee said also noting that the countrys defence exports are the worlds fourthlargestEven now we have enough capability to defend ourselves on our own and going forward we will further increase defence expenditure the president said highlighting the need to make the public aware of this and not worry about national securityNoting the countrys real gross domestic product grew 17 per cent in the first quarter from three months earlier Lee stressed that the figure is nearly double the earlier estimate and that it marked an acceleration of the economic recovery trend that began in the second half of last yearStill external economic uncertainties linger due to the prolonged Middle East war while high oil prices pose risks to the real economy he said instructing officials to make allout efforts to sustain economic growth IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korean-president-says-will-resolve-pending-issues-with-allies-through-mutual-respect-671459.html Tue, 28 Apr 2026 12:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-court-sentences-lawmaker-to-2-year-prison-term-over-unification-church-funds-row-671461.html Seoul April 28 An appeals court in South Korea on Tuesday sentenced Rep Kweon Seongdong of the main opposition People Power Party PPP to a twoyear prison term on charges of accepting illegal political funds from the Unification Church The Seoul High Court handed down the sentence after finding him guilty of accepting 100 million won US68000 in January 2022 from a church official seeking favours from the former administration of President Yoon Suk Yeol reports Yonhap news agencyThe sentence matched the ruling of a lower court in JanuaryThis case is far more serious than typical violations of the Political Funds Act making severe punishment inevitable a judge at the sentencing hearing said Even though the charges were corroborated by various evidence he denied the crime from the investigation stageThe court also ordered Kweon to forfeit 100 million won in line with the lower court rulingKweon a fiveterm lawmaker once known as one of Yoons close confidants had argued he met the church official for a meal but did not receive moneyHis lawyers had also claimed the case did not fall under the mandate of special counsel Min Joongkis team which indicted him while investigating various corruption allegations against former first lady Kim Keon HeeThe court dismissed the claimsKweon served as the PPPs floor leader until June 2025 He was placed under arrest in September and indicted the following monthMins team had requested a fouryear prison term and a forfeiture of 100 million won for KweonLawmakers are stripped of their parliamentary seats if they are sentenced to a fine of 1 million won or heavy punishment for violating the Political Funds ActShould the Supreme Court uphold his sentence following a widely anticipated appeal from Kweon the lawmaker would lose his seat in the National Assembly IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-court-sentences-lawmaker-to-2-year-prison-term-over-unification-church-funds-row-671461.html Tue, 28 Apr 2026 12:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/unicef-warns-afghanistan-could-lose-over-25-000-female-teachers-healthcare-workers-by-2030-671468.html Kabul April 28 The United Nations International Childrens Emergency Fund UNICEF on Tuesday warned that Afghanistan risks losing up to 20000 women teachers and 5400 healthcare workers by 2030 amid continuing restrictions on girlsâ education and womenâs employment in the country In its latest analysis titled âThe Cost of Inaction on Girlsâ Education and Womenâs Labour Force Participation in Afghanistan the UNICEF said that female representation in the civil services fell from 21 per cent to 177 per cent between 2023 and 2025It cautioned that the declining number of trained women professionals in schools and hospitals across Afghanistan would have devastating consequences for childrens education health outcomes and future opportunitiesâRestrictions on girlsâ and womens education and work are already costing the country US84 million annually in lost economic output with losses compounding over time as they remain blocked from education and employmentâ UNICEF mentionedAccording to the UN agency removing women from teaching and healthcare services in Afghanistan â two sectors where they are permitted to work and critically needed â directly harms children as it will lead to fewer girls in schools and reduced care for women and childrenThe impact it said is particularly severe in healthcare where societal context often prevents women from receiving medical services from men while the declining number of female health workers will directly limit maternal newborn and child health servicesâAfghanistan cannot afford to lose future teachers nurses doctors midwives and social workers who sustain essential services This will be the reality if girls continue to be excluded from educationâ said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine RussellWe urge the de facto authorities to lift the ban on secondary education for girls and call on the international community to remain committed to supporting girlsâ rights to learnâ she addedUNICEF stated that Afghanistan is facing a dual crisisâthe loss of trained female professionals and the inability of the next generation to replace them As experienced women retire or leave the workforce it said girls remain barred from continuing their education and stepping into these roles Each year of delay costs Afghanistan another generation of skilled professionals the UN agency notedSince the Afghan Taliban barred girls from secondary education in September 2021 UNICEF said that one million girls have been denied their right to learn in a country that already has one of the lowest female literacy rates in the worldThe analysis indicated that if the ban persists until 2030 more than two million girls in Afghanistan will be deprived of their right to education beyond primary school It added that schools are already affected with the number of female teachers in basic education declining by over 9 per cent â from nearly 73000 in 2022 to around 66000 in 2024 IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/unicef-warns-afghanistan-could-lose-over-25-000-female-teachers-healthcare-workers-by-2030-671468.html Tue, 28 Apr 2026 13:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/false-flag-claims-spark-backlash-after-white-house-correspondents-dinner-shooting-671286.html Washington April 27 Prominent television hosts and journalists have pushed back against online claims that the White House Correspondentsâ Dinner shooting was staged They have called such assertions âdisturbingâ and reflective of a wider erosion of trust in the United States MS NOW host Eugene Daniels said he was alarmed by conspiracy theories circulating after shots were fired at the Washington Hilton on Saturday nightâOne thing that Iâm disturbed by as we woke up this morning is seeing folks on the internet say that this was a false flag that we are basically all in cahoots to do to say that this was stagedâ Daniels said on âThe WeekendâDescribing the moment inside the venue Daniels added âfor all of us who was in the room who had to jump on the ground who had to text our family and friends and tell them that we were okayâ to see people say those kinds of things it is frustrating and itâs disturbingâThe annual dinner attended by President Donald Trump for the first time in both his terms was abruptly halted as the president First Lady Melania Trump and other officials were ushered out following the gunfireAs details emerged some commentators suggested the shooting may have been preplanned Twitch streamer Hasan Piker wrote on X about the incident while former MSNBC host Katie Phang questioned the sequence of events saying âTrump is just lahdeedah fine after another alleged assassination attempt amp he demands âLET THE SHOW GO ONâ The âSHOWââAuthor Don Winslow also criticised the official account writing âIf you believe that BS last nightâ If you accept that utterly ridiculous storyâ You are stupid stupid STUPIDâ according to Fox NewsDaniels rejected those claims stressing the role of journalists in reporting verified information Fellow host Jonathan Capehart noted that conspiracy theories were emerging across the political spectrumâIâm hearing that from my social media pages from people on the left also thinking that this was stagedâ Capehart said adding that such reactions âfeels to me that there feels to be a lack of trust in this countryâAuthorities have identified the suspect as Cole Allen 31 of Torrance California who allegedly prepared a manifesto and expressed intent to target Trump administration officials according to law enforcement sources cited by Fox NewsThe suspect remains in custody as investigators examine his writings social media activity and possible motivesThe White House Correspondentsâ Dinner is an annual gathering of journalists policymakers and public figures traditionally seen as a celebration of press freedom The event has previously drawn large security deployments due to the presence of senior officials IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/false-flag-claims-spark-backlash-after-white-house-correspondents-dinner-shooting-671286.html Mon, 27 Apr 2026 08:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/libyan-pm-un-envoy-discuss-roadmap-toward-national-elections-671287.html Tripoli April 27 Libyan Prime Minister AbdulHamid Dbeibah held talks with a UN envoy to explore ways to move the country toward longdelayed national elections and end its political division Hanna Tetteh the UN secretarygenerals special representative for Libya briefed Dbeibah on a UNbacked roadmap aimed at unifying state institutions and preparing for direct elections said the governments Hakomitna news platformShe said the recent UNsponsored minidialogue falls within the first phase of the roadmap which focuses on finalising electoral laws and forming the board of the High National Elections CommissionDbeibah reaffirmed his governments support for efforts that propose practical and implementable solutions to preserve the path toward a civil state and stressed the need to move along clear tracks that would lead to the completion of electoral laws and proceed directly to elections with the aim of ending institutional division and respecting the will of votersFor her part Tetteh reiterated the UN missions continued support for consensusbuilding among Libyan parties and for creating favorable conditions to ensure the success of the political process and the holding of comprehensive elections Xinhua news agency reportedThe meeting comes amid growing public debate over unconfirmed reports about an alternative roadmap involving the restructuring of the executive authority which has been rejected by groups of activists in the city of Misrata who view such proposals as a threat to national sovereigntySince the 2011 fall of its former leader Muammar Gaddafi Libya has been split between the UNrecognised Government of National Unity in Tripoli and the eastern administration backed by the Libyan National Army under commander Khalifa HaftarEarlier on April 22 the UNs top envoy for Libya had said that a stalled political progress deteriorating economy and persistent institutional divisions are pushing the country toward deeper instability IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/libyan-pm-un-envoy-discuss-roadmap-toward-national-elections-671287.html Mon, 27 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/rising-food-gas-utility-costs-squeeze-americans-amid-tariff-war-concerns-671305.html Los Angeles April 27 Americans are feeling the strain as the cost of groceries gasoline and utilities continues to rise Economists say a onetwo punch of new US tariffs and a wardriven spike in global energy prices are pushing up everyday expenses and threatening to slow growth just as households had begun to regain some breathing room I feel betrayed Katie Peyrey a 66yearold struggling grandmother and caregiver from Burbank California told Xinhua news agencyShe is a minimum wage janitorial worker at a rehab facility who supports herself and her autistic grandson on minimum wage I voted for Donald Trump because he promised to make things better for us she saidShe said her household expenses including rent utilities groceries gas clothing taxes and healthcare for her grandson had totaled around 2300 per month before Trump came into office which she was barely able to cover with her meager income of 2400 dollars per monthBut now despite careful budgeting she feels increasing financial pressure My expenses have shot up to over 2500 a month and I cant make ends meet anymore she told XinhuaShe explained that she had borrowed as much as she could from family and friends who were going through similar hard times She feels her future looks bleakPeyrey is not alone in her concerns about the future Christian Devito a 34yearold health and safety worker at a largechain grocery store in Los Angeles told Xinhua his monthly bills have jumped by at least 15 per cent in the last three monthsLA is all spread out so commuting to work jumped from 50 a week to over 70 And my food and utility bills shot up too Thats killing me he complained First I just cut down on going to movies and getting haircuts but now I have to cut back on foodHe enjoys his job in health and safety but is concerned about the future if prices keep spiraling as the war in the Middle East drags on and tariffs drive inflation upThe latest US government data support his worries showing overall consumer prices are still rising with energy costs doing much of the damage In March energy prices jumped 109 per cent month over month led by a 212 per cent surge in gasoline according to the US Bureau of Labor StatisticsThat matters for consumer spending which powers about twothirds of the US economy and for the Federal Reserve Fed which has signaled it will keep interest rates higher for longer if price pressures broadenFor many families the mix is especially painful gasoline spikes hit commuters immediately higher utility bills arrive with a lag and food inflation even when modest overall tends to concentrate in staples Higher borrowing costs from credit cards to auto loans add another layer of strain as the Fed keeps rates elevated to keep inflation in checkI used to feel like 200 dollars at Costco could fill up your entire shopping cart but now it doesnt even cover the bottom Everything is getting more expensive Allen Wang told Xinhua at a Costco store in Azusa California adding Even a box of cat litter has gone up by 2 to 3 over the last 12 monthsTariffs are a key part of the renewed inflation debate A Fed analysis published in April estimated that tariffs implemented through November 2025 lifted core goods prices in the personal consumption expenditures index the Feds preferred inflation gauge by 31 per cent through February 2026 while researchers also found a dollarfordollar passthrough When tariffs raised retailers costs consumer prices rose by roughly the same amount over timeEconomists at the Peterson Institute for International Economics have warned that broad tariffs can function like a tax increase on households In a February 2025 analysis they estimated that tariffs announced on imports from Canada Mexico and China would cost the typical US household more than 1200 a year even before accounting for potential knockon effects such as higher prices from domestic producers competing with importsAt the same time energy cost spikes from the ongoing war with Iran can ripple through the economy well beyond the pump raising shipping and production expenses for everything from groceries to manufactured goodsFor now economists say the trajectory will hinge on how long energy markets stay disrupted and whether tariffs expand further or begin to ease The next CPI report due May 12 will offer an early read on whether April brought broader price increases beyond energy and whether Americans should brace for a longer stretch of sticker shock heading into the next yearI hope there is good news soon Peyrey told Xinhua We cant survive another year like this one IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/rising-food-gas-utility-costs-squeeze-americans-amid-tariff-war-concerns-671305.html Mon, 27 Apr 2026 11:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/salim-dolas-arrest-hits-isi-revenue-stream-india-plans-two-step-extradition-via-uae-671327.html New Delhi April 27 The arrest of Salim Dola who ran a Rs 5000 crore drug empire is a major blow to the Dawood Ibrahim Syndicate Dola was arrested in Turkey in a joint operation by the National Intelligence Organisation and police units India would seek his extradition as his interrogation would be crucial to further break up the Dawood Syndicate Indian agencies would coordinate with the United Arab Emirates UAE to seek his extradition as India does not have an extradition treaty with TurkeyAn official said that the first move would be to have him extradited to the United Arab Emirates since Dola holds a UAE passport Following this the Indian agencies would coordinate with their counterparts in the UAE and then have him extradited to IndiaDola was detained based on an Interpol Red Corner Notice RCN issued following a request by the Central Bureau of Investigation CBI He was wanted by the Mumbai police which sought to question him in multiple cases relating to narcotics smugglingAn official said that they are confident about the extradition Last year Dolaâs son Taher Dola was detained in the UAE following an operation conducted by the local authorities and Interpol Taher was extradited to India from the UAE in June 2025 A few months later Salim Mohammed Sohail Shaikh a key player in this cartel and a close aide of Dola was arrested in Dubai and extradited to IndiaThe arrest comes at a time when the agencies from across the country have launched a massive operation against drug cartels Officials are operating at multiple levels as they deal with threats from cartels from Pakistan Myanmar and also MexicoAn official said that dismantling the Dawood Syndicate is a high priority since it is the money that this cartel earns from narcotics smuggling which funds terror groups in Pakistan The ISI as part of its deal with the Dawood network gets 40 per cent of the money that the syndicate earns for each transactionAn Intelligence Bureau official said that the arrest of Dola will significantly weaken the Dawood syndicate operations in Mumbai Gujarat and Delhi The official said that Dolaâs arrest hurts the Dawood Syndicate in a major way especially when it comes to transnational operations and fundsDola was a big contributor to the syndicate and his arrest not just hurts the syndicate but also the ISIâs funds which it routes into terror groups that hurt Indiaâs interests Another official explained that going after the narco syndicates is also key in the fight against terrorWhile the Pakistanbased cartel funds terror groups in the country those operating in Myanmar fund insurgent groups in the northeast The drug cartels and terror groups are directly linked and the war on narcotics will directly impact the operations of terrorist groups the official addedThe arrest of Dola his son and close aide suggests that the network is gradually crumbling They were involved in running a transnational synthetic drug trafficking network which spanned several countries They had set up laboratories and factories in many parts of IndiaThe interrogation of Dola and his aides would lead the police to the production points which eventually would be eliminated The police would also gather information on his lineages with Dawood and the ISI elements who have been backing this network for long another official saidDola was born in Mumbai in 1966 and got close to the underworld at a very young age He worked closely with Dawoodâs righthand man Chhota Shakeel His operations began by supplying ghutkha following which he smuggled weed or marijuana He was arrested in 2012 by the Narcotics Control Bureau NCB after 80 grams of weed were found in his possession He was acquitted after spending five years in jailAfter his release he set up a drug manufacturing unit for a synthetic drug known as Button which is made using fentanyl In 2018 he was arrested once again in Santa Cruz Mumbai after 100 kg of fentanyl was seized from him However he was out on bail after four months as the forensic report said that the tested samples of fentanyl came back negative He fled to the UAE while he was out on bail IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/salim-dolas-arrest-hits-isi-revenue-stream-india-plans-two-step-extradition-via-uae-671327.html Mon, 27 Apr 2026 12:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/irans-fm-araghchi-arrives-in-st-petersburg-to-hold-talks-with-russian-president-putin-671353.html Moscow April 27 Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Russias St Petersburg on Monday to hold talks with President Vladimir Putin local media reported on Monday Upon arrival in St Petersburg Araghchi was received by Russian officials and Irans Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali According to Jalali Araghchi and President Putin are set to hold talks in St Petersburg on Monday Irans Islamic Republic News Agency IRNA reportedSpeaking to IRNA Jalali said discussions between Araghchi and President Putin will focus on developments after the joint strikes by the US and Israel against IranJalali said Araghchis visit is part of close consultations between Iran and Russia as the two nations have similar approaches to regional and international issues He further said that the Presidents of Iran and Russia have held three phone calls since the conflict began on February 28Araghchi arrived in Russia after concluding his visit to Oman amid the ongoing tensions in West AsiaEarlier the Iranian FM held a meeting with Omans Sultan Haitham bin Tariq discussing bilateral ties regional developments and ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the regional crisisDuring the meeting Araghchi briefed Omans Sultan about Irans stance on the latest developments of the conflict He expressed appreciation for Omans support for dialogue and promoting efforts aimed at enhancing security and stability in the region especially considering the current regional challenges Irans Press TV reportedSultan Haitham highlighted Omans stance on advancing mediation efforts that would increase the chances of reaching sustainable political solutions and mitigate the impact of crises on the people of the region He stressed the importance of using dialogue and diplomacy to resolve issuesIn a statement on X Irans Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei stated We are in Muscat for an official visit to the Sultanate of Oman FM Araghchiâs first to the region following the recent USIsraeli aggression which has impacted the broader region Iran continues to place great importance on its relations with Persian Gulf states and remains committed to strengthening mutual trust and constructive cooperation The OmanâIran relationship stands as a testament to Iranâs genuine pursuance of respectful and mutually beneficial relations with its neighbours in the SouthThe tensions in West Asia escalated after the US and Israel carried out a joint military operation against Iran on February 28 The joint military strikes killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei triggering a largescale military operation by Iran against Israel and the US bases in the Gulf nations The conflict also led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz which triggered a global energy crisis IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/irans-fm-araghchi-arrives-in-st-petersburg-to-hold-talks-with-russian-president-putin-671353.html Mon, 27 Apr 2026 14:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/nsa-ajit-doval-calls-on-uae-president-discusses-bilateral-ties-regional-situation-671244.html Abu Dhabi April 26 IANS National Security Advisor NSA Ajit Doval called on UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Sunday discussing measures to deepen Comprehensive Strategic Partnership the regional situation and other issues of mutual interestIn a post on X Indian Embassy in the UAE stated NSA Ajit Doval paid an official visit to the UAE He called on President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Conveyed greetings of PM Narendra Modi Measures to deepen Comprehensive Strategic Partnership the regional situation and other issues of mutual interest were discussedThis is the second high level visit from India to UAE after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankars twoday visit earlier this monthEarlier this month EAM Jaishankar called on UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi and conveyed greetings of Prime Minister Narendra ModiDuring the meeting EAM Jaishankar expressed gratitude to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for ensuring the wellbeing of the Indian community in the UAE during the conflict in West AsiaCrown Prince of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was also present during the meetingDeeply honoured to call on President of UAE HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi today Conveyed warm greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and our gratitude for ensuring wellbeing of the Indian community during the West Asia conflict Thank him for his guidance on further strengthening the IndiaUAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership EAM Jaishankar posted on XIn another post he wrote Good to see HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum during the call Conveyed the appreciation of our Government for ensuring the welfare of the Indian community in DubaiOn April 11 EAM Jaishankar held talks with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the evolving situation in West Asia and its wider implicationsThe External Affairs Minister expressed confidence that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations will advance furtherA real pleasure to meet DPM and FM of UAE Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi this evening Our conversation focused on the evolving regional situation and its implications Conveyed our deep ppreciation for ensuring the wellbeing of the Indian community in the UAE Confident that our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will advance further he wrote on XEAM Jaishankar also interacted with the members of the Indian community there During his interaction he highlighted the Indian governments ongoing efforts towards the security and wellbeing of its nationals amidst the West Asia conflictThe tensions in West Asia escalated after the US and Israel carried out a joint military operation against Iran on February 28 The joint military strikes killed the former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei triggering a largescale military operation by Iran against Israel and the US bases in the Gulf nations The conflict also led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz which triggered a global energy crisisIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/nsa-ajit-doval-calls-on-uae-president-discusses-bilateral-ties-regional-situation-671244.html Sun, 26 Apr 2026 16:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-pushes-ballroom-plan-after-shooting-671258.html Washington April 26 IANS President Donald Trump has renewed his push for a secure White House ballroom following the shooting at the annual White House Correspondents Dinner here on Saturday asserting that the incident exposed vulnerabilities in hosting highprofile events outside the presidential complexnbspSpeaking hours after being evacuated from the Washington Hilton Trump said the attack underscored the need for a permanent highly secure venue within the White House groundsnbspWhat happened last night is exactly the reason that our great Military Secret Service Law Enforcement have been DEMANDING that a large safe and secure Ballroom be built ON THE GROUNDS OF THE WHITE HOUSE he said on Truth SocialHe added that the shooting would never have unfolded in such a facility and described the proposed venue as having every highest level security feature there isnbspTrump has been advocating the construction of a 90000squarefoot ballroom on the White House grounds a project currently facing legal challenges He said those obstacles should now be removednbspIt cannot be built fast enough he said adding that the venue would be located inside the gates of the most secure building in the WorldThe proposal has been under scrutiny for months with courts reviewing whether proper approvals were followed According to Fox News Trump has called for legal challenges to be dropped immediately arguing the project is necessary for national securitynbspThe annual White House Correspondents Dinner has traditionally been held at the Washington Hilton due to space limitations at the White House The event draws journalists senior officials and celebrities making it one of the most prominent gatherings in the US political calendarTrump criticised the current venue describing it as less secure compared to a purposebuilt facility Its not a particularly secure building he said during a press conference following the incidentnbspThe President praised the response of security personnel crediting the Secret Service and law enforcement agencies with preventing a more serious outcomenbspYou saw the very best you saw law enforcement do exactly what theyre supposed to do Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said during the briefingTrump said he initially wanted to continue the event despite the shooting but was advised to evacuate I fought like hell to stay he said adding that the dinner would be reschedulednbspThe ballroom proposal has long been debated in Washington with supporters citing enhanced security and critics raising concerns about cost and the impact on the historic White House complexnbspAccording to The Washington Post Trump and his allies have increasingly used the shooting to strengthen their case for the project arguing that largescale events require more controlled environmentsSaturdays incident has brought renewed urgency to that debate as policymakers weigh how best to secure gatherings involving top leadershipnbspThe White House has hosted major events for decades but it has never had a dedicated ballroom of this scale The proposed facility would represent a significant expansion of the complexIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-pushes-ballroom-plan-after-shooting-671258.html Sun, 26 Apr 2026 22:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/netanyahu-orders-intensified-strikes-on-hezbollah-targets-in-lebanon-671177.html Jerusalem April 26 Prime Minister Netanyahu has ordered the Israel Defense Forces to vigorously attack Hezbollah targets in Lebanon said the Government Press Office of Israelâ He said that he had promised to change the face of the Middle East and that this is exactly what is being doneâHe added that first and foremost in Iran he had an excellent conversation with President Trump who is applying very strong pressure on Iran both economically and militarilyâHe said that they are operating in full cooperationâHe further stated that the same applies to Lebanon and that a process has begun to achieve a historic peace between Israel and LebanonâHe added that it is clear that Hezbollah is trying to sabotage thisâThe message also mentioned that they are maintaining full freedom of action against any threat including emerging onesâNetanyahu said that they attacked yesterday and today and are determined to restore security to the residents of the NorthâEarlier today the Israel Defense Forces said that they eliminated a terrorist who infiltrated the territory of the State of Israel on October 7âThe Israel Defense Forces also reported that a stockpile of antitank missiles belonging to the Hezbollah terror organisation was located by the forces of the 146th Division in southern LebanonâThe Israel Defense Forces also struck buildings used by the Hezbollah terror organisation including the Radwan Force unit for military purposes and a warehouse used to store combat equipment south of the forward defence lineâThe Air Force successfully intercepted a suspicious aerial target launched from the direction of Lebanon towards Israeli territory after alerts were activated in several areas in the northern part of the country said the Israel Defense Forces earlier in the dayâThe Israel Defense Forces also stated that they struck launchers of the Hezbollah terror organisation in the areas of Dir alZahrani Kafr Reman and AlSamiya in southern Lebanon north of the forward defence lineâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/netanyahu-orders-intensified-strikes-on-hezbollah-targets-in-lebanon-671177.html Sun, 26 Apr 2026 08:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-military-says-iran-blockade-continues-to-be-fully-implemented-671178.html Washington April 26 US military forces continue to enforce US sanctions and fully implement the blockade against ships entering or departing Iranian ports US Central Command said on social media In a post on X the US Central Command said that 37 vessels have been redirected since the start of the blockade noting a merchant vessel named Sevan intercepted in the Arabian Sea earlier Saturday by the US forces is currently complying with US military direction to turn back to Iran under escortUS President Donald Trump announced on April 12 that the US Navy would begin blocking ships trying to enter or leave the Strait of Hormuz His decision came after the first round of USIranian talks on April 11 and 12 in Islamabad Pakistan failed to produce a peace dealIn response to Trumps announcement Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has warned that any threat against the security of the Strait of Hormuz will have largescale consequences for global tradeOn Saturday Irans main military command Khatam alAnbiya Central Headquarters reiterated its pledge to react if the United States continues its blockade banditry and piracy in the West Asia region Xinhua news agency reportedTrump announced earlier Saturday that he has canceled the trip of US representatives going to Islamabad this weekend for talks with the Iranian sideIn his short post on Truth Social Trump did not make any fresh threats against Iran but said âWe have all the cards they have none If they want to talk all they have to do is callââToo much time wasted on travelling too much work Besides which there is tremendous infighting and confusion within their âleadershipââ he saidThe split in Iranâs leadership between moderates and hardliners came to the fore last week when Araghchi considered a moderate declared on Friday that the Strait of Hormuz was open only to have the hardline Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps IRGC reinstate it on SaturdayAfter attempts at restarting the stalled negotiations in Islamabad last weekend and earlier this week failed Trump extended the ceasefire indefinitely but kept the Naval blockade of Iranian ports IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-military-says-iran-blockade-continues-to-be-fully-implemented-671178.html Sun, 26 Apr 2026 08:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-vows-to-react-if-us-continues-blockade-banditry-in-region-671181.html Tehran April 26 Irans main military command Khatam alAnbiya Central Headquarters vowed to react if the United States continues its blockade banditry and piracy in the West Asia region It made the announcement in a statement carried by Iranian media while pointing to the US naval blockade imposed on the Strait of Hormuz which prevents vessels traveling to and from Iranian ports from transiting the waterway and actions against Iranbound ships over the past few days Xinhua news agency reportedIt called on the United States to know that Irans armed forces are more powerful and prepared than before to defend the countrys national sovereignty and interests as well as territorial integrity adding the US army experienced part of Irans power and offensive capabilities during the recent warIt said Irans armed forces are ready and determined to while monitoring the enemies behavior and movements in the region and continuing their management and control over the Strait of Hormuz inflict more severe damage on the US and Israeli enemies if they repeat their aggressionAlso on Saturday Saudi statelinked Al Arabiya News citing a source reported that Iran will not acquiesce to negotiations involving red lines set by the United StatesThe developments came as Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Saturday conveyed Irans considerations and views regarding the end of the war in a meeting with Pakistans Army Chief Asim Munir the semiofficial Tasnim news agency reportedAraghchi who arrived in Pakistans capital Islamabad Friday night at the head of a diplomatic delegation also exchanged views with Munir on the latest developments pertaining to a ceasefire with the United States and Israel and the end of the war as well as the expansion of bilateral cooperation to strengthen peace and stability in the West Asia region the report saidIran had tightened control over the Strait of Hormuz since February 28 when it barred passage to vessels belonging to or affiliated with Israel and the United States after the two countries joint strikes on Iranian territoryA ceasefire was achieved between Iran the United States and Israel on April 8 after 40 days of fighting followed by lengthy talks between Iranian and US delegations in Islamabad on April 1112 which failed to yield an agreement The United States later imposed its own blockade on the waterwayIranian and US delegations were reportedly expected to hold another round of peace talks in Pakistan this week but Iran refrained from attending negotiations citing the US continued naval blockade and excessive demands as the main reasons IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-vows-to-react-if-us-continues-blockade-banditry-in-region-671181.html Sun, 26 Apr 2026 08:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/relieved-that-prez-trump-first-lady-vp-vance-are-safe-pm-modi-after-shooting-incident-671201.html New Delhi April 26 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed relief that US President Donald Trump First Lady Melania Trump and Vice President JD Vance were unharmed after a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents Dinner Condemning the incident he further stated that violence has no place in a democracyTrump and several senior US officials were evacuated from the annual White House Correspondents Dinner in Washington on Saturday night local time after multiple gunshots were reportedSecret Service agents and other security personnel rushed into the banquet hall as panic spread among attendees Guests reportedly took cover under tables while security officers urged people to duckIn a post on X PM Modi said Relieved to learn that President Trump the First Lady and Vice President are safe and unharmed following the recent security incident at a Washington DC hotel I extend my best wishes for their continued safety and wellbeing Violence has no place in a democracy and must be unequivocally condemnedFollowing the incident Trump shared an update on social media confirming that the situation had been brought under control and praising the swift response of security agencies He indicated that the suspect had been apprehended and said any decision regarding the continuation of the event would be made by law enforcement authoritiesQuite an evening in DC Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job They acted quickly and bravely The shooter has been apprehended and I have recommended that we let the show go on but will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement They will make a decision shortly Regardless of that decision the evening will be much different than planned and well just plain have to do it again Trump posted on Truth SocialSeveral individuals present at the event said they heard what sounded like five to eight gunshots The hall packed with hundreds of journalists celebrities and political leaders awaiting the Presidents address was quickly evacuated National Guard personnel were deployed inside the venue and attendees were escorted out but not allowed to reenter Security remained extremely tight in the surrounding areaInvestigators have identified the suspect in the shooting near the White House Correspondents Association dinner as a 31yearold man from California believed to have acted alone and now facing multiple federal charges linked to firearms and the attackLaw enforcement officials cited in The New York Times identified the suspect as Cole Tomas Allen 31 of Torrance California who was taken into custody after attempting to breach a security checkpoint at the Washington HiltonAuthorities said the attacker was armed with multiple weapons and attempted to push past security before being tackled by law enforcement The suspect fired several rounds before being subdued inside the hotel complex just meters away from the ballroomPresident Trump speaking at a press conference described the attacker as a sick person and said early indications suggested a lone actor He added that investigators were already searching the suspects residence in California and reviewing his backgroundFederal officials have not yet publicly detailed a motive Trump said They seemed to think hes a lone wolf and I feel that too while cautioning that more information would emerge as the investigation progresses IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/relieved-that-prez-trump-first-lady-vp-vance-are-safe-pm-modi-after-shooting-incident-671201.html Sun, 26 Apr 2026 10:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/a-dangerous-profession-many-us-presidents-have-faced-assassination-attempts-671206.html New York April 26 Its a dangerous professionâ US President Donald Trump said when a reporter asked him about the latest assassination attempt against him It indeed is He has faced three assassination attempts the latest on Saturday with one attempt during his presidential campaign injuring him Like him many US presidents have come under violent attacks and four were killedOn July 13 2024 when Trump was campaigning for presidents elections in Pennsylvania he had a miraculous escape with the bullet only grazing his ear as he tilted his head to look at a chart projected on a giant screenIt fatally struck a man on the stage behind him and the gunman who fired at him at the openair venue from a nearby building was killed by a Secret Service sharpshooter There was a furore over the security lapse and several Secret Service personnel faced action Two months later on September 15 2024 a man was discovered hidden in the shrubbery with a rifle at the fence around Trumpâs golf course in Florida A Secret Service agent fired at him but he fled and was later captured put on trial and sentenced in February to life in prison Like many politicians across the ideological spectrum and judges and other officials Trump continually gets death threats in a sharply polarised nation The Hilton Hotel where Saturdays attempt against Trump took place featured in another presidential assassination attempt It was against Ronald Reagan who was shot and wounded in March 1981 outside the hotel Reagan suffered a puncture to his lung in the attack by a man who was declared insane and escaped trial The man John Hinckley claimed he tried to kill Reagan to impress the actress Jodie Foster on whom he had a fixation John F Kennedy was a presidential victim to die He was killed in Dallas Texas on November 22 1963 by an American who had defected to the Soviet Union and returned to the US That man Lee Harvey Oswald was in turn killed by Jack Ruby who was said to be angry at him but it gave rise to several conspiracy theories Oswald shot Kennedy from a building while the president was riding in an open car John Kennedyâs brother Robert was killed five years later in California while he was campaigning for the Democratic Partyâs presidential nomination Gerald Ford came close to being killed by a member of a cult in September 1975 in California But the gun pointed at him from a close range failed and the woman wielding it spent 34 years in prison for it An Indian origin man Sai Varshith Kandula who rammed a truck at a barrier to the White House in May 2023 said he planned to kill Joe Biden and take over the country He had a Nazi flag in his truck and expressed admiration for Adolf Hitler He was sentenced to eight years in prison President Abraham Lincoln was the first president to be assassinated He was shot dead on April 18 1865 inside a Washington theatre Lincoln had led the nation in the Civil War in which he defeated the secessionist states that opposed the abolition of slavery Other presidents killed are James Garfield in 1881 and William McKinley in 1901 IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/a-dangerous-profession-many-us-presidents-have-faced-assassination-attempts-671206.html Sun, 26 Apr 2026 11:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/measles-claims-lives-of-71-children-in-pakistan-in-four-months-of-2026-671213.html Islamabad April 26 As many as 71 children including 40 in Sindh have died due to measles in the first four months of 2026 local media reported on Sunday Among the 71 children who have died due to measles in Pakistan Sindh topped the list with 40 deaths followed by 12 each in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and four in Balochistan in the first four months of 2026 according to the official statistics Pakistans leading daily Dawn reported As many as 4541 measles cases have been reported in Pakistan in the first four months of 2026 with 1712 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 1198 in Punjab 1183 in Sindh 17 in Balochistan 55 in Islamabad 151 in Pakistanoccupied Kashmir and 45 in Pakistanoccupied GilgitBaltistanMeanwhile the sources said polio continues to remain a challenge in Pakistan with the continued prevalence of the disease amid security concerns for vaccinators In 2026 one polio cases was detected in Sindhs Sujawal Pakistan reported 74 polio cases in 2024 while 31 cases were reported in 2025 Sindh recorded nine cases of polio in 2025 with nearly 80 per cent of environmental samples testing positive for the virus Dawn reported Recently Sindh Chief Minister noted that there was significant progress in battling polio with environmental positivity rates reducing to 24 per cent Khalid Shafi representing the Pakistan Paediatric Association said While the government continues its efforts there are multiple challenges with respect to routine immunisation The most important one is vaccine hesitancy He called for making strategies to aware people about vaccinating children against polioOn April 13 a police constable was killed and four others injured after law enforcement party heading to provide security for polio teams in Hangu district of Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa local media reported The incident happened in Thall tehsil of Hangu on the first day of vaccination campaign scheduled for April 1319 In a statement the Hangu District police said that unidentified assailants opened fire on a police party killing a police personnel and injuring four others Dawn reportedThe injured police personnel were rushed to the hospital for the treatment Following the incident a search operation was initiated in the area to find the attackersPakistan and Afghanistan are the only two countries in the world where Wild Poliovirus remains endemic Polio workers in Pakistan have been frequently targetted in attacks particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and BalochistanIn February a police personnel was killed when unidentified assailants opened fire on a police vaccination team in Chaman district of Pakistans Balochistan IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/measles-claims-lives-of-71-children-in-pakistan-in-four-months-of-2026-671213.html Sun, 26 Apr 2026 13:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/capac-lawmakers-condemn-trumps-post-on-indian-chinese-immigrants-671071.html Washington April 25 Lawmakers from the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus CAPAC and other political leaders have strongly condemned a social media post by President Donald Trump targeting Indian and Chinese immigrants calling it racist divisive and dangerous In a joint statement CAPAC Chair Grace Meng alongside lawmakers including Ted Lieu Judy Chu Ami Bera Suhas Subramanyam Pramila Jayapal Raja Krishnamoorthi and Shri Thanedar said they were âdeeply outragedâ by remarks referring to India and China as âhellholesâ and immigrants as âgangsters with laptopsââAt a time when hate incidents against South Asian communities are on the rise and one in four Americans view Chinese Americans as a threat this kind of rhetoric pours fuel on an already dangerous fireâ the lawmakers saidThey added that the remarks reflect âa disturbing pattern of the President legitimizing bigotryâ and accused the administration of endorsing individuals who had called to ânormalize Indian hateâ and urged people to ânever trust a Chinaman or IndianââThose who become American by birthright are just as American as anyone elseâ the statement said calling on the president âto serve all Americans with dignity and respect not just those he deems worthyâCongressman Ted Lieu in a separate slammed Trump for this âDuring WWII over 100000 Americans were torn from their homes and forcibly incarcerated in US internment camps because they were deemed disloyalâ he said âThe message was clear Japanese Americans could never truly belongââFor much of US history Asian Americans have been cast as forever foreignersâ Lieu said adding that Trumpâs post âclaims there is âno loyaltyâ among todayâs immigrants singling out Indian and Chinese communities specificallyâLieu also highlighted personal experience âI came to this country with my family at three years oldâ he said noting his military service and public career âImmigrants make our country great Nothing trump says will change thatâOther political figures echoed the criticism Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said âChinese Americans and Indian Americans are valuable members of our communities President Trumps hateful message about fellow Americans is truly despicableâJayapal described the post as âdisgusting insulting and rooted in white supremacyâ adding âBirthright citizenship is foundational to Americaâno amount of racism or xenophobia from Trump can change thatâRepresentative Greg Stanton warned that such comments âare designed to divide us and normalize hatred toward our neighboursâ noting that âhate crimes against South Asian communities are already on the riseâThe Hindu American Foundation also criticised the rhetoric saying it had âserious implicationsâ and reaffirming that âAsian Americans are integral to the fabric of this country driving its economy strengthening its institutions and enriching its societyâThe controversy comes amid broader debates in the United States over immigration citizenship and racial identity Asian American communities including Indian Americans have in recent years reported increased incidents of hate and discrimination particularly during periods of political polarisation IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/capac-lawmakers-condemn-trumps-post-on-indian-chinese-immigrants-671071.html Sat, 25 Apr 2026 07:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-bill-proposes-three-year-suspension-of-h-1b-visas-671072.html Washington April 25 A group of Republican lawmakers has introduced legislation to pause the issuance of H1B visas for three years and overhaul the programme arguing it has disadvantaged American workers The proposed âEnd H1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026â introduced by Eli Crane seeks to reset the visa system before resuming it with stricter rulesâThe federal government should work for hardworking citizens not the profit margins of massive corporations We owe it to the American people to prevent the broken H1B system from boxing them out of jobs they are qualified to performâ Crane saidHe added the bill âwould provide greater access to employment strengthen protocols in the visa process and prioritise the livelihoods of AmericansâThe legislation has drawn support from several Republican lawmakers including Brandon Gill Paul Gosar and Andy OglesâI am proud to cosponsor Rep Eli Craneâs efforts to reform and tighten our H1B visa system ensuring that our immigration system serves American workers first before foreignersâ Gill saidThe bill proposes sweeping changes It would cut the annual H1B cap from 65000 to 25000 and eliminate exemptions It would replace the lottery system with a wagebased selection process and set a minimum salary of 200000 per yearEmployers would be required to certify they cannot find a qualified American worker and confirm they have not carried out layoffs The bill would also bar H1B workers from holding multiple jobs and prohibit thirdparty staffing agencies from employing themFurther provisions include banning H1B workers from bringing dependents ending the Optional Practical Training OPT programme and preventing visa holders from transitioning to permanent residencyâThe H1B program has been hijacked to replace American workers with cheaper foreign laborâplain and simple This bill slams the brakes on a system thatâs rigged against our own people and puts American jobs first againâ Gosar saidOgles struck a sharper tone saying âAmerican workers are being replaced and cheap foreign labor is the cause We will not bow down to the corporations and we will not let Americans become strangers in their own country End the H1B scamâThe proposal also seeks to ensure nonimmigrant visas remain temporary by requiring holders to leave the United States before changing to another visa status and prohibiting federal agencies from sponsoring such workersRosemary Jenks cofounder of the Immigration Accountability Project described it as âthe strongest H1B bill that has ever been introduced in CongressââH1B visas were sold to the American people as a shortterm visa to fill temporary labor gaps while Americans are trained to take those jobs This bill makes that a realityâ she said citing provisions such as reducing caps raising wage thresholds and ending thirdparty employmentThe H1B visa programme allows US companies to hire foreign workers in specialised occupations particularly in technology and engineering sectors Indian nationals have historically been the largest beneficiaries of these visas forming a significant share of the highskilled workforce in the United StatesThe programme has long been a point of political debate in Washington with critics arguing it undercuts domestic wages while industry groups maintain it fills critical skill shortages and supports innovation in the US economy IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-bill-proposes-three-year-suspension-of-h-1b-visas-671072.html Sat, 25 Apr 2026 07:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-seeks-to-strip-citizenship-of-convicted-pakistani-predator-671073.html Washington April 25 The US Justice Department has filed a civil complaint to revoke the citizenship of a Pakistanborn man convicted of sexually grooming and abusing a minor alleging he obtained naturalisation by concealing his crimes and giving false testimony The case targets Hassan Sherjil Khan who was granted US citizenship in May 2013 despite what prosecutors describe as years of criminal conduct involving a child The government argues his citizenship was âillegally procuredâ and must be revoked under federal lawCourt filings show Khan met the victim online in 2007 when she was 11 Over several years he used internet chats and video calls to coerce her into sending sexually explicit images and engaging in sexual activityIn April 2012 prosecutors say Khan travelled from the United States to England where the victim lived and engaged in sexual acts with her when she was 15 and he was 24During his later plea hearing Khan admitted his actions âI knew that my conduct was not only illegal but morally wrong and Iâm deeply regretful of that conduct your Honorâ he told the courtThe Justice Department said Khan continued to exploit the victim online until at least 2013 and contacted her repeatedly even after she asked him to stopDespite this conduct Khan applied for naturalisation in August 2012 In his application and subsequent interview he stated he had never committed a crime for which he had not been arrested a claim prosecutors now say was falseâNaturalization and US citizenship will not protect sexual predators from the consequences of their horrific actsâ said Assistant Attorney General Brett A Shumate âIf you fail to disclose serious crimes while seeking naturalization the government will discover your lies and revoke your illgotten US citizenshipâThe complaint argues Khan lacked the âgood moral characterâ required for citizenship because he had committed crimes involving moral turpitude and later lied under oath during the naturalisation processProsecutors further allege he secured citizenship through âwillful misrepresentationâ and concealment of material facts which would have disqualified him had they been disclosedKhan was arrested in 2015 after the victim reported the abuse In January 2016 he pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor He was sentenced to 17 years in prison and remains incarcerated with a projected release date of July 2029At the time of his arrest he was working as a physician according to the Justice DepartmentThe government has asked the court to cancel Khanâs naturalisation certificate revoke his citizenship and bar him from claiming any rights associated with US nationality The allegations in the civil complaint have not yet been adjudicatedDenaturalisation cases in the United States are rare and typically pursued in instances of fraud war crimes or serious criminal conduct concealed during the immigration process Under federal law courts are required to revoke citizenship if it is found to have been illegally obtained or secured through misrepresentation IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-seeks-to-strip-citizenship-of-convicted-pakistani-predator-671073.html Sat, 25 Apr 2026 07:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/fuel-surge-hits-airlines-sparks-us-clash-671074.html Washington April 25 Surging jet fuel prices linked to the Iran conflict are forcing US airlines to cut flights and raise fares triggering a sharp exchange in Congress over energy policy and cuts to alternative fuel programmes At a Senate hearing Maria Cantwell pressed Energy Secretary Chris Wright on rising costs and the administrationâs decision to scale back incentives for sustainable aviation fuelâFront page of the Seattle Times this morning â flights canceled because of the high cost of jet fuelâ Cantwell said She added that Alaska Airlines is expected to spend hundreds of millions more on fuel this quarterThe airline has already announced cuts to its spring schedule as it struggles to absorb higher fuel costsIndustry data show jet fuel prices have jumped from about 100 per barrel late last year to above 200 this month before easing slightlyCantwell tied the pressure on airlines to policy decisions She criticised cuts to tax credits aimed at boosting sustainable aviation fuel productionâYoure cutting the hydrogen program And in the Big Beautiful Bill they cut the sustainable tax credit in value And so youre really crippling the next generation of jet fuelâ she saidShe urged the administration to back efforts to reduce dependence on Middle East oilâLets get out of the way of diversifying our fuel source so that were not so dependent on Middle East oilâ Cantwell saidWright said higher prices are a concern but defended the administrationâs approachâAbsolutely and so do I I would say it is frustrating to see a little bit higher energy prices right now Theyre still well lower than they were four years agoâ he saidCantwell pushed back âTheres nobody in the Northwest who thinks whats going on right now is okay not when they wake up and airline flights are being canceled because of high fuel costsâ she saidWright said alternative fuels remain expensive and face infrastructure limits He said sustainable aviation fuels are âmeaningful drivers of upward prices for jet fuelsâ and pointed to high production costs and limited transport networksCantwell argued earlystage technologies need government support to scale She said cutting incentives risks slowing innovation in aviation energyThe dispute comes as fuel costs rise across the economy Diesel prices have climbed sharply and petrol prices have increased over the past year raising travel and transport costsAirlines are already passing on higher costs through fares and fees More disruptions are likely if prices stay elevated IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/fuel-surge-hits-airlines-sparks-us-clash-671074.html Sat, 25 Apr 2026 07:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-sanctions-china-refinery-over-iran-oil-trade-671075.html Washington April 25 The United States imposed sanctions on a Chinabased refinery and dozens of vessels linked to Iranâs oil trade stepping up pressure on Tehranâs energy revenues The Treasury Department said its Office of Foreign Assets Control Office of Foreign Assets Control targeted Hengli Petrochemical Dalian Refinery Co Ltd describing it as one of Iranâs largest buyers of crude oil and petroleum productsâEconomic Fury is imposing a financial stranglehold on the Iranian regime hampering its aggression in the Middle East and helping to curtail its nuclear ambitionsâ Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent saidThe move also targets about 40 shipping firms and vessels linked to what US officials call Iranâs âshadow fleetâ The Treasury said these ships transport oil and petrochemicals to global markets providing a financial lifeline to Iranâs governmentâAt President Trumpâs direction Treasury will continue to constrict the network of vessels intermediaries and buyers Iran relies on to move its oil to global marketsâ Bessent said referring to Donald Trump âAny person or vessel facilitating these flowsâthrough covert trade and financeârisks exposure to US sanctionsâTreasury officials said Chinaâs independent refineries known as âteapotsâ purchase most of Iranâs crude oil Hengli identified as Chinaâs secondlargest such refinery has bought âbillions of dollarsâ worthâ of Iranian petroleumThe statement said Hengli has received shipments linked to sanctioned vessels and to Iranâs Armed Forces General Staff through Sepehr Energy Jahan Nama Pars Company generating âhundreds of millions of dollars in revenue for the Iranian militaryâIn a parallel move the US sanctioned 19 vessels accused of transporting billions of dollars in Iranian crude oil liquefied petroleum gas and other petrochemical products These vessels operated under flags from jurisdictions including Panama Hong Kong and BarbadosSome tankers were cited for delivering millions of barrels of Iranian oil to China while others transported cargoes to the United Arab Emirates and Bangladesh The Treasury said the vessels engaged in activities such as shiptoship transfers to conceal the origin of the oilThe action was taken under Executive Order 13902 which targets Iranâs petroleum and petrochemical sectors It forms part of a broader campaign of economic pressure on Tehranâs oil exports and financial networksSince February 2025 the Treasury said it has sanctioned more than 1000 Iranrelated individuals entities vessels and aircraft as part of that campaignUnder US law all property and interests of designated entities within US jurisdiction are blocked Transactions involving these parties are generally prohibited for US persons and foreign entities risk penalties for facilitating such activityThe Treasury warned that violations could lead to civil or criminal penalties It also said financial institutions and others could face sanctions exposure for engaging in transactions involving designated entities IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-sanctions-china-refinery-over-iran-oil-trade-671075.html Sat, 25 Apr 2026 07:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-treasury-official-says-sanctions-key-tool-to-block-adversaries-from-american-financial-system-671076.html Washington April 25 US Treasury Assistant Secretary for Terrorist Financing Jonathan Burke has told lawmakers that sanctions remain a central tool to cut off adversaries from the American financial system and disrupt illicit activity âSanctions can be useful to isolate those sanctions targets and make sure they donât have access to the US financial systemâ Burke told lawmakersTestifying before a House subcommittee Burke said sanctions serve both as a direct enforcement tool and as a deterrent He said they can be used to block financial flows freeze assets and limit access to global marketsâOne of those is disruptionâ he said explaining that sanctions help protect the US financial system from exposure to illicit actorsHe added that even the threat of sanctions can influence behaviour âThe prospect of sanctionsâ can be effective at changing behaviour of various actorsâ Burke saidBurke said Treasury is working to ensure sanctions are applied in a targeted and strategic way He acknowledged that implementation remains complex especially as adversaries adopt new methods to evade restrictionsâAdversaries are also using increasingly sophisticated methods to evade sanctionsâ he said citing shell companies digital assets and alternative payment systemsHe said Treasury is reviewing how sanctions lists are managed to improve effectiveness âWeâre looking at how can we make the list most effectiveâ Burke said adding that designations must be aligned with national security prioritiesThe official also pointed to challenges faced by financial institutions which must screen transactions against large sanctions listsâCurrent compliance practicesâ often generate high volumes of false positives and divert resources from higher risk threatsâ he saidBurke said the department is moving toward a riskbased approach to enforcement That would allow institutions to focus more resources on higherrisk activityâItâs important thatâ resources are spent against higher risk activities and less resources spent against lower risk activitiesâ he saidHe said the effectiveness of sanctions should be judged by outcomes not volume âWe donât want to measure the impact of sanctions by how many names we put on a listâ Burke saidLawmakers used the hearing to question the consistency of US sanctions policy and its impact on global markets Some raised concerns about enforcement gaps and the need for clearer strategyBurke said sanctions remain one tool among many and must be used alongside diplomacy and law enforcement âSanctions can be used for different reasons and to complement other toolsâ he saidSanctions have become a key element of US foreign policy targeting terrorism financing nuclear programmes and organised crime networks Over time their use has expanded to include cybercrime and financial fraud IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-treasury-official-says-sanctions-key-tool-to-block-adversaries-from-american-financial-system-671076.html Sat, 25 Apr 2026 07:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-key-to-indo-pacific-strategy-says-us-indopacom-commander-671077.html Washington April 25 India is emerging as a key pillar in the US strategy to counter China in the IndoPacific with top American military leadership highlighting expanding defence ties and growing coordination with New Delhi Admiral Samuel Paparo head of US IndoPacific Command told lawmakers this week that engagement with India remains a priority describing the relationship as on an upward trajectory and among his most active military partnershipsHis remarks come as Washington sharpens its focus on Chinas military rise and seeks to deepen ties with regional partners to maintain balance in the IndoPacificIn his testimony Paparo said the USIndia security relationship has seen transformative growth through increasingly complex military exercises defence sales and strategic dialogue under the Major Defence Partnership frameworkHe pointed to expanding cooperation in areas such as maritime security and underwater domain awareness including Indias planned acquisition of MQ9B drones through Foreign Military SalesPaparo described India as a stabilising force in the region saying it continues to be a source of stability within South Asia while strengthening strategic partnerships and defence cooperation across the Indian OceanHe cited Indias growing regional role including investments in Sri Lanka and agreements with Mauritius aimed at boosting maritime cooperation and ensuring strategic infrastructure remains free of adversarial influencesThe IndoPacific commander also highlighted Indias participation in multilateral groupings such as the Quad alongside the United States Japan and Australia which is expanding cooperation on maritime security and logisticsExercises like Malabar involving all four countries have become central to building interoperability and demonstrating joint capability in the region he saidPaparo said partnerships are central to the US strategy in the IndoPacific describing alliances and partnerships as Washingtons greatest asymmetric advantageHe also noted that India faces persistent tensions with Pakistan with recent military exchanges extending beyond traditionally disputed areas Despite this he said Indias primary focus remains on maintaining deterrence and credible warfighting capability within the region writ largeThe broader context of USIndia engagement is shaped by concerns over Chinas growing military capabilities and expanding footprint across the IndoPacificPaparo warned that Chinas actions combined with its deepening ties with Russia and North Korea pose a complex challenge to regional stabilityIn the second part of the hearing lawmakers underlined the importance of strengthening partnerships such as India to counter Beijings influenceRepresentative Adam Smith said alliances are critical to deterrence and credibility in the region We need to maintain those relationships We need to let those folks know that we are there and they can depend on us he saidPaparo also confirmed that his engagement with India is extensive describing it as one of his most frequently visited and closely coordinated partners at the military levelThe IndoPacific has become the focal point of global strategic competition as China accelerates its military modernisation and expands its presence across the regionThe United States has responded by strengthening ties with partners such as India Japan and Australia including through the Quad while expanding joint military exercises and defence cooperation IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-key-to-indo-pacific-strategy-says-us-indopacom-commander-671077.html Sat, 25 Apr 2026 08:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/japanese-govt-ignores-historical-lessons-whitewashes-past-crimes-russia-671079.html Moscow April 25 The Japanese government led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi ignores historical lessons and whitewashes past crimes Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova has said Speaking at a regular press briefing on Friday Zakharova said Japanese militarists committed horrific crimes during World War IITakaichis recent move of sending offerings to the notorious Yasukuni Shrine a symbol of Japanese militarism and wartime aggression demonstrated the Takaichi administrations disregard for the feelings of the people of neighbouring countries who suffered at the hands of militaristic Japan during World War II she saidThis once again shows her administrations absolute ignoring of the lessons of history and the whitewashing of the most brutal monstrous crimes of the past Zakharova saidShe urged Japan to fully acknowledge the results of World War II and abandon its policy of accelerating remilitarisation reports Xinhua news agencyCommenting on Japans easing of arms export restrictions Zakharova said the move represents a deliberate departure from the countrys pacifist principles enshrined in its constitutionRegarding the Japanese combat troops participation in the USPhilippine joint military exercises she said Russia has consistently expressed its concerns regarding Japans expansion of military activity within the framework of its alliance with the United States adding that such steps only increase tensions in the Asia Pacific regionMore than 100 Japanese government officials and lawmakers on Wednesday worshipped the notorious Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo a symbol of Japanese militarism and wartime aggression on the occasion of its spring festivalThe visits came a day after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sent a ritual masakaki tree offering in her capacity as prime minister to the controversial shrine that honours 14 convicted ClassA Japanese war criminals from World War II alongside the war deadOn Wednesday morning the second day of the shrines threeday ceremony Haruko Arimura chairperson of the General Council of the Liberal Democratic Party LDP visited the warlinked shrine and made a monetary offering on behalf of Takaichi in her capacity as LDP presidentMinoru Kiuchi Japans minister of state for economic and fiscal policy also visited the shrine on the same day becoming the first member of Takaichis cabinet to do so while a crossparty group of over 120 Japanese lawmakers paid a collective visitThe controversial moves drew widespread criticism in Japan IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/japanese-govt-ignores-historical-lessons-whitewashes-past-crimes-russia-671079.html Sat, 25 Apr 2026 09:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/blatant-distortion-of-history-north-korea-slams-japan-pms-offering-to-war-shrine-671084.html Seoul April 25 North Korea on Saturday criticised Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for making a ritual offering to a controversial war shrine in Tokyo calling it a challenge to international justice Takaichi on Tuesday sent an offering to the Yasukuni Shrine which honours Japanese war dead including 14 Class A criminals convicted by the Allied forces after World War II Other prominent Japanese politicians visited the shrineIt is a blatant distortion of history and a challenge to international justice and peace a Rodong Sinmun newspaper article read It is a place to pay respects to aggressors and war criminals who caused suffering that cannot be healedThe newspaper accused Tokyo of seeking to disseminate militarism through the shrine visits calling on it to atone for the past reports Yonhap news agencyJapanese politicians have faced criticism for sending offerings or visiting the shrine with neighbouring countries such as South Korea and China viewing such actions as an attempt to glorify the countrys militaristic pastKorea was under Japans colonial rule from 1910 to 1945 while China was invaded by Japan during World War IIMeanwhile earlier on Friday Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova accused the Japanese government led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of ignoring historical lessons and whitewashing past crimesSpeaking at a regular press briefing on Friday Zakharova said Japanese militarists committed horrific crimes during World War IITakaichis recent move of sending offerings to the notorious Yasukuni Shrine a symbol of Japanese militarism and wartime aggression demonstrated the Takaichi administrations disregard for the feelings of the people of neighbouring countries who suffered at the hands of militaristic Japan during World War II she saidThis once again shows her administrations absolute ignoring of the lessons of history and the whitewashing of the most brutal monstrous crimes of the past Zakharova saidShe urged Japan to fully acknowledge the results of World War II and abandon its policy of accelerating remilitarisation reports Xinhua news agencyCommenting on Japans easing of arms export restrictions Zakharova said the move represents a deliberate departure from the countrys pacifist principles enshrined in its constitutionRegarding the Japanese combat troops participation in the USPhilippine joint military exercises she said Russia has consistently expressed its concerns regarding Japans expansion of military activity within the framework of its alliance with the United States adding that such steps only increase tensions in the Asia Pacific region IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/blatant-distortion-of-history-north-korea-slams-japan-pms-offering-to-war-shrine-671084.html Sat, 25 Apr 2026 09:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-looks-to-replace-flagged-ogws-in-jampk-moves-to-reboot-student-outreach-plan-671113.html New Delhi April 25 In a bid to rebuild and revive its terror network in Jammu and Kashmir Pakistan has been trying to set up a group of completely new overground workers OGWs The OGW network crucial for terror operations in the Valley has largely fallen following an intense crackdown by the Indian security agenciesAn official said that the new OGW network is being set up because most of them part of the old or existing guard have police records against themThe ones with police records are easy to track and this information has been used several times by the Jammu and Kashmir Police to nab these OGWs the official addedWhile attempts are being made to send in foreign fighters to Jammu and Kashmir Pakistan realises that they cannot operate without a strong OGW networkThis is the network that facilitates the movement of terrorists their shelter food and logisticsThe presence of a strong OGW network is key to a successful terrorist strike by terrorists Hence Pakistan is shunning many within the existing guard and looking for newer ones the official saidSome of the men who are on the target list include shopkeepers tour guides and unemployed youthAnother official said that Pakistan would not entirely dismantle its OGW networkIt would have a couple of them from the old guard to be part of the network These persons have experience and would be needed to train the newer lot the official addedThe ISI is also attempting to get the youth of Jammu and Kashmir onboard It is attempting to restart its earlier programme through which the ISI would sponsor the education of the youthThe education would be imparted in top universities and colleges abroad They would pick countries such as the US UK and Australia for the education of the youth Like in the past they would avoid taking the students to Pakistan and imparting education This would become too obvious and Pakistan would want to avoid thatOnce abroad the Pakistani agents would get in touch with these students and radicalise them The ISI will push money for the education of the youth discreetly so that the funding trail is not traced Once their education and radicalisation programme is completed they would return to Jammu and Kashmir where they would be expected to further the ISIs narrative and rope in more youth an official saidThese developments make it clear that Pakistan is desperate to reset its Kashmir plansA lot has changed in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 The Indian government has been getting the youth into the mainstream and telling them to shun supporting terror and move away from the separatist mindsetPakistan on the other hand is facing heat from its terror groups and hardliners regarding the Kashmir issueThe establishment is being questioned about the lack of action in Jammu and Kashmir and why things have quietened downA majority of Pakistans policy is shaped around Kashmir and in the context of local politics raking up this issue is important for the ISI and ArmyOff late the infiltrations have been hard owing to heavy security Hence Pakistan is trying to take baby steps and trying to reshape the narrativeFor this it has decided to start from the ground level by rebuilding its OGW networkAt the same time it wants to recapture the minds of the youth in Kashmir This explains why it wants to restart its education funding programme This program in reality is not an educational programme but one that is aimed at radicalisation an official added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-looks-to-replace-flagged-ogws-in-jampk-moves-to-reboot-student-outreach-plan-671113.html Sat, 25 Apr 2026 13:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-us-discuss-deepening-strategic-ties-reaffirm-commitment-towards-indo-pacific-security-671116.html Washington April 25 IANS Chief of Defence Staff CDS General Anil Chauhan held discussions with a senior US IndoPacific Command official reinforcing the expanding strategic alignment between the two nations in terms of regional securityHe engaged with General Kevin B Schneider Commander Pacific Air Force and Air Component Commander US IndoPacific Command where both sides emphasised shared priorities in regional security and the sustained commitment to maintain peace and stability across the IndoPacific and beyondGeneral Anil Chauhan CDS engaged with General Kevin B Schneider Commander Pacific Air Force and Air Component Commander US IndoPacific Command reaffirming the deepening strategic convergence between India and the US Deliberations underscored a shared resolve towards regional security and the enduring maintenance of peace and stability across the IndoPacific and beyond the Headquarters of Integrated Defence Staff posted on X on SaturdayIt further mentioned that both sides articulated a clear intent to expand and operationalise the scope complexity and frequency of bilateral and TriService engagementsnbspRecognising technology as a defining determinant of modern power the partnership continues to evolve with enhanced synergy capability and strategic foresight it addedEarlier this week General Chauhan held several engagements with top UK military officialsThe CDS met with his UK counterpart Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton during which India and the UK reaffirmed their shared resolve to address contemporary challenges from global trade imbalances to emerging cyber threats while advancing a peaceful and prosperous IndoPacificGeneral Anil Chauhan CDS during his official visit to the United Kingdom interacted with Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton CDS UK India and the UK reaffirmed their shared resolve to collaboratively address contemporary challenges from global trade imbalances to emerging cyber threats while advancing a peaceful and prosperous IndoPacific and harnessing accelerated technological transformation the Headquarters of Integrated Defence Staff posted on XThis visit will strengthen defence cooperation and strategic convergence underscoring a shared commitment to global security stability and resilience it addedDuring his visit to the UK General Chauhan interacted with the Commandant and faculty of the Royal College of Defence Studies RCDS and discussed the evolving global security environment underlying trends and their strategic impactHe subsequently addressed the pinnacle cohort on the Impact of Recent Conflicts on Military Strategy highlighting the changing nature of conflict Indias strategic dilemmas and Indias role in shaping a stable and secure global order the Headquarters of Integrated Defence Staff posted on XIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-us-discuss-deepening-strategic-ties-reaffirm-commitment-towards-indo-pacific-security-671116.html Sat, 25 Apr 2026 14:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/its-a-mistake-to-accept-chinese-statistics-at-face-value-figures-can-be-misleading-report--671123.html New Delhi April 25 While it is important not to underestimate China any data from Chinese sources especially government sources should be regarded sceptically a new report has said adding that it is a mistake to accept official or published Chinese statistics at face value China is succeeding in many fields but numbers can be misleading writes James Lewis a Distinguished Fellow at Tech Policy programme at the Center for European Policy Analysis CEPA headquartered in Washington DCâThere are places where China is ahead but fewer than a casual reading might suggestâ he saysAccording to the report China is engaged in a longrunning influence campaign to persuade the world of its successâChinaâs government regards more data as âstate secretsâ than other countries do Statistics particularly economic statistics are often massaged or hidden In several cases China has even arrested journalists and researchers for revealing data that other countries would regard as publicâ the report mentionsThere is a constant desire to inflate metrics like GDP and to disguise metrics such as debt levels that contradict the story that success is inevitableâPublished data may show that the US has more public debt than China but this is the result of Chinese obfuscationâ writes LewisThe use of number of citations or scientific publications as an indicator of strength also needs to be scrutinised carefully There is also the question of what the metric asserts it is measuring versus what it is actually measuringFor example Chinaâs assertion that its radar could detect stealth aircraft and that the J20 was a fighter equivalent to F35 is bogusâRecent events in Venezuela and Iran â or the disappearance of the J20âs designer â suggest this may have been an exaggerationâ the report arguesChina has more highspeed trains but the US has more passenger airplanes Similarly 5G remains a contentious area for measurement China has done quite well in 5G but when you look at access to 5G services the US leads says the report IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/its-a-mistake-to-accept-chinese-statistics-at-face-value-figures-can-be-misleading-report--671123.html Sat, 25 Apr 2026 14:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/global-rights-group-says-activist-ali-wazirs-detention-prosecution-highlight-pakistans-arbitrary-unlawful-actions-670977.html Islamabad April 24 Global rights watchdog Amnesty International has stated that 20month long detention and ongoing prosecutions against human rights defender and former parliamentarian Ali Wazir in Pakistan highlight a pattern of arbitrary and unlawful against him Amnesty has urged Pakistani authorities to immediately release Ali Wazir According to the statement released by Amnesty International Pakistani authorities arrested Ali Wazir in Hyderabad on March 16 He was arrested shortly after bench of the Sindh High Court approved his bail in a separate case earlier that day Authorities then charged him under antiterrorism laws Since his arrest authorities have filed two additional cases against WazirPreviously he was arrested in December 2020 on sedition charges related to speeches criticising state institutions He remained in prison for over two years before his release in February 2023 after acquittal in one case and bail in others He was again arrested in August 2023 along with other members of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement PTM and a human rights lawyer Wazir was released laterHowever his repeated arrests form part of a broader pattern of targeting his activism He has also faced personal risks with armed groups targeting his family killing several relatives including his father brothers uncles and cousinsIn a statement Amnesty International stated Ali Wazir has faced repeated arrests since 2020 Authorities have charged him in dozens of cases that appear intended to keep him in detention and silence his activism He has spoken out against extrajudicial executions enforced disappearances and discrimination and violence against the Pashtun minority His 20month detention and ongoing prosecutions highlight a pattern of arbitrary and unlawful action against him Pakistani authorities must immediately release Ali WazirAmnesty International stated that Pakistani authorities have intensified their crackdown on the movement In October 2024 Pakistani authorities banned PTM under antiterrorism laws In March this year the Peshawar High Court upheld the ban while a request to overturn it remains under reviewThe watchdog stated that Pakistani authorities have used preventive detention laws to keep Ali Wazir in detention without trial These laws allow detention for up to 90 days and have been repeatedly applied to stop his release despite courts granting him bail IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/global-rights-group-says-activist-ali-wazirs-detention-prosecution-highlight-pakistans-arbitrary-unlawful-actions-670977.html Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-emerges-as-key-reservoir-of-poliovirus-report-670999.html Athens April 24 Pakistan is evolving into a significant reservoir of poliovirus raising concerns within the international community that it may become a hub for broader crossborder transmission This resurgence is driven by systemic challenges including corruption administrative failures government inaction barriers to access in vulnerable communities and widespread vaccine hesitancy a report stated According to Athensbased Geopolitico this trend is especially troubling given that Pakistan has received over 100 million in international funding for polio eradication since 2023Currently only two countries worldwide â Pakistan and Afghanistan â remain endemic for Wild PolioVirus type 1 WPV1 While Afghanistan under Taliban rule has recorded a significant reduction in cases Pakistan has reported more than 100 active cases of the WPV1 strain over the past two yearsâThe World Health Organisation WHO has highlighted that WPV1 has now been detected across all major provinces of Pakistan from the relatively developed Punjab to the less developed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa According to the WHOs Polio IHR Emergency Committee active transmission continues into 2025 including in Lahore and multiple districts within the central epidemiological corridor of the country the report detailedâThe committee noted that the upward trend in cases became evident as early as mid2023 particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sindh and Balochistan Of additional concern is the reappearance of the virus in GilgitBaltistan which reported its first WPV1 case in over eight years â a development underscoring the persistent threat posed by entrenched transmission zones it addedThe reports stressed that experts attribute the failure to eradicate the disease to the deep structural weaknesses within Pakistans healthcare systemAmong the key challenges it said are âinadequate transportation for medical teams in remote areas insufficient training vaccine shortages poor coordination and accountability political interference and the unequal distribution of quality healthcare which remains largely accessible only to elitesâPakistani development consultant Nawab Ali Khattak echoes these concerns noting that the resurgence of polio continues due to logistical constraints security threats misinformation and corruptionAnother Pakistanbased educator Assadullah Channa stated that much of the crisis stems from the governmentâs failure to effectively counter extremist narratives He argues that authorities have refrained from confronting fundamentalist elements enabling years of misinformation to influence public perception and drive vaccine rejectionâAccording to Channa the persistence of polio is also a reflection of political neglect with successive governments failing to counter extremist propaganda while the current leadership remains preoccupied with political and judicial manoeuvring at the expense of urgent public health priorities the report noted IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-emerges-as-key-reservoir-of-poliovirus-report-670999.html Fri, 24 Apr 2026 17:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-faces-deepening-debt-crisis-671019.html New Delhi April 24 In the five fiscal years from 2026 to 2030 Bangladesh will need to spend a staggering 26 billion to repay external debt which is expected to create a huge economic burden on the country according to an article in the local media The debt burden is considered âenormousâ as in the 54 years since independence Bangladesh has spent a total of 40 billion on external debt repayment In contrast in just the next five years it will have to spend nearly twothirds of that amount the Dhaka Tribune article saidAs of last June Bangladeshâs total external debt stood at 77 billion which is 19 per cent of national income and this ratio has been rising over timeCurrently Bangladeshâs debt servicing to government revenue ratio is 165 per cent Although this is slightly below the International Monetary Fundâs risk threshold of 18 per cent the overall picture is far from reassuring the article observedIt further stated that during the 10 fiscal years from 2026 to 2035 Bangladeshâs external debt repayments will total 51 billion double the amount of the next five years By 2030 annual repayments will peak at around 55 billionFrom 2021 to 2025 Bangladesh earned about 2 billion from remittances per month Thus the peak annual repayment could be covered by roughly three months of remittance income If current trends continue it will take Bangladesh 37 years until 2063 to fully free itself from the current debt burden the article pointed outRegarding the factors leading to the piling up of this massive debt the article states that some causes are global such as the Ukraine war the Covid19 pandemic and now the Middle East conflict The global turmoil has negatively affected exports foreign direct investment and remittance inflows of Bangladesh which has weakened the countryâs capacity to repay its debtDomestic factors include Bangladeshâs largescale infrastructure projects largely financed through foreign loans which have contributed heavily to the debt burden These include the 11 billion Ruppur Nuclear Power Project the Karnaphuli Tunnel the Padma Rail Link and the third terminal of the Shahjalal International AirportDelays in the implementation of these projects have increased project costs and consequently debt repayment obligations of BangladeshSecond Bangladesh has failed to adequately expand its tax base Tax revenue especially direct taxes has not reached desired levelsThirdly many bilateral and multilateral lenders have changed their interest structures shortened repayment periods and reduced grace periods Altogether these changes have intensified the pressure on Bangladeshâs debt servicing situation the article added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-faces-deepening-debt-crisis-671019.html Fri, 24 Apr 2026 18:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-s-korea-sign-landmark-paris-agreement-article-62-pact-to-launch-cross-border-carbon-market-671034.html New Delhi April 24 India and South Korea have taken a significant step toward advancing global climate cooperation by signing a bilateral agreement under Article 62 of the Paris Agreement a report has said The deal finalised during the South Korean presidentâs visit to India lays the groundwork for crossborder carbon markets between the two major Asian economies as per Carbon Credits reportThe agreement is part of a broader set of more than a dozen pacts covering clean energy trade and industrial collaboration reflecting a deepening partnership that links economic growth with sustainabilityAt its core the Article 62 framework allows countries to collaborate on emissions reduction projects and trade carbon credits creating new pathways for costeffective climate action the report statedUnder this mechanism emissions reductions known as internationally transferred mitigation outcomes ITMOs can be exchanged between countriesEach ITMO represents one tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent reduced or removed This enables countries to invest in emissionscutting initiatives abroad and count those reductions toward their own climate targetsA key safeguard in the system is the requirement for âcorresponding adjustmentsâ ensuring that emission reductions are not doublecounted and that transparency is maintained the report saidThe bilateral deal comes at a time when global interest in carbon markets is accelerating While still in its early stages the Article 6 framework is gaining traction with dozens of agreements already signed worldwide and many pilot projects under developmentThese mechanisms are increasingly seen as essential tools for lowering the cost of achieving national climate goals as per the reportThe partnership aligns closely with the longterm climate ambitions of both nations India has pledged to reach netzero emissions by 2070 while South Korea is targeting 2050These differing timelines create a complementary dynamic South Korea with limited domestic mitigation options can invest in costeffective projects abroad while India can attract climate finance to scale up its clean energy transition the report stated IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-s-korea-sign-landmark-paris-agreement-article-62-pact-to-launch-cross-border-carbon-market-671034.html Fri, 24 Apr 2026 19:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/report-highlights-gaps-in-legal-protections-custodial-abuse-allegations-in-pakistan-671038.html Islamabad April 24 A new alternate report submitted to the UN Committee against Torture by the National Commission for Human Rights NCHR showcases gaps in Pakistans legal protections local media reported The report submitted ahead of the review of Pakistans compliance with its obligations under the Convention against Torture exposes incidents of custodial abuse and inadequacy in the countrys enforcement of the Torture and Custodial Death Prevention and Punishment Act 2022 The country ratified the Convention against Torture back in 2010 but seven years later the UN expressed serious concern over the absence of adequate legal safeguards and lack of accountability for torture Since then while important progress has been made the NCHR report says that significant issues still remain including a statutory definition of torture that does not fully align with international standards lacking an explicit reference to psychological pain and suffering clearly defined penalties and sufficient provisions for victim rehabilitation and compensation an editorial in Pakistans leading daily The News International mentionedThe report also points to procedural weaknesses including unclear mechanisms for complaint registration and investigation inconsistencies with international standards for medical examinations and limited scope for independent or suomotu investigations it addedDespite the legal protections allegations of torture against law enforcement agencies continue The torture problem is hard to deal with as many feel that torture is an effective method against criminalsThe thinking in Pakistan is that underresourced and underequipped police not helped by a cloggedup court system has no option other than using unscrupulous methods to implement the law and maintain peace According to the News International if this was the correct way Pakistan would not have law and order issues it currently was facingMeanwhile a lady health worker from Muzaffargarh city of Pakistans Punjab province requesting countrys Chief Justice to conduct an independent probe into the killing of her two sons in an alleged police âencounterâ demonstrates the eroding trust of people in provincial authorities to deliver justice Her statement about police torture and the subsequent killing of her sons in a socalled encounter is not an isolated case another report statedIt reflects a continuing pattern in which the once sporadic instances of police staging encounters to eliminate suspected criminals appear to have evolved into a systemic practice Figures cited by the media and rights groups reinforce this concern a recent editorial in Dawn statedEstimates based on reported incidents indicate that hundreds of police encounters in recent months have resulted in a staggering number of deaths across Punjab Rather than prompting action these encounters have at times been praised by political authorities as an effective deterrent against crime It signals not just tolerance of extrajudicial methods but also a tacit endorsement of them as an official crime control policy it addedThe increase in encounters demonstrates failure of the criminal justice system in Pakistan Police relying on eliminating instead of prosecuting suspects showcases that investigation evidencegathering and trial processes are either too weak or too inconvenient to pursue Each citizen has a right to a fair trial under the constitution However when the state starts to decide who should get that right and who should not it crosses a dangerous threshold The acceptance of these killings brutalises society undermines peoples trust and blurs the line between law enforcement and lawlessness the editorial mentioned IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/report-highlights-gaps-in-legal-protections-custodial-abuse-allegations-in-pakistan-671038.html Fri, 24 Apr 2026 19:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/nepal-construction-of-hospital-emergency-block-begins-with-indian-aid-671047.html Kathmandu April 24 A hospital emergency block is being constructed at Ilam Hospital located in Ilam Municipality in eastern Nepal with financial assistance from the government of India Gitanjali Brandon counsellor at the Indian Embassy in Nepal and Kedar Thapa Mayor of the municipality jointly laid the foundation stone for the construction of the emergency block at the hospital on Friday according to a statement issued by the Indian EmbassyThe emergency block is being built with the financial assistance of approximately NPR 94 million from the government of India the Embassy saidOn the occasion Mayor Thapa and other local stakeholders expressed appreciation for the continued developmental support extended by India They highlighted that the new emergency facility is expected to significantly improve access to quality healthcare services for residents of Ilam Municipality and surrounding areasThe project falls under the High Impact Community Development Project HICDP framework and the municipality will be responsible for its implementation according to the Indian EmbassyâAs close neighbours Nepal and India maintain wideranging cooperation across multiple sectorsâ the Embassy stated âThe implementation of HICDPs underscores Indiaâs ongoing support to Nepalâs development efforts particularly in strengthening infrastructure in priority sectors such as health education and community servicesâSince the formation of the new government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah on March 27 foundation stones have been laid for two health infrastructure projects one school building and one waste management centre to be constructed with the Indian governmentâs assistance Likewise Memorandums of Understanding MoU have been signed to implement seven different local infrastructure projects under the HICDP frameworkThe HICDP programme has emerged as a key pillar of the IndiaâNepal development partnership supporting grassroots development initiatives in NepalLaunched in 2003 HICDPs were previously known as Small Development Projects The initiative supports smallscale infrastructure and communitybased projects across Nepal through local authorities focusing on priority sectors identified by the Government of Nepal including health education drinking water sanitation and drainage rural electrification hydropower and river training worksIn a significant boost to the initiative a new agreement reached in January 2024 increased the ceiling of Indian financial assistance to NPR 20 million per project up from NPR 5 million IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/nepal-construction-of-hospital-emergency-block-begins-with-indian-aid-671047.html Fri, 24 Apr 2026 20:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/beijing-rejects-trumps-claim-that-intercepted-iranian-ship-carried-gift-from-china-671053.html Beijing April 24 The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Friday denied allegations made by US President Donald Trump that an Iranian cargo ship intercepted by the US might have carried a âgiftâ from Beijing When asked about Trumps remarks during a regular press briefing in Beijing on Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said China rejects any assertion and speculation that lack factual evidence Normal trade between countries should not be disrupted or harmedChinas response came after Trump in his interview with CNBC on Tuesday said We caught a ship yesterday that had some things on it which wasnât very nice A gift from China perhaps I donât know but I was a little surprised but â because I have a very good relationship and I thought I had an understanding with President Xi But thatâs all rightOn April 21 former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley had stated that the ship seized by the US in the Strait of Hormuz was travelling from China and is linked to chemical shipments for missilesThe ship the US seized in the Strait of Hormuz this weekend was headed from China to Iran and is linked to chemical shipments for missiles It refused repeated orders to stop Another reminder that China is helping prop up Iranâs regime âa reality that canât be ignored Haley posted on XOn April 20 Guo Jiakun had expressed concern over the US forcible interception of a vessel after media reports claimed that the US had seized an Iranian cargo ship While addressing a press briefing on Monday Jiakun termed the situation in the Strait of Hormuz complex and fragileWhen asked about Chinas view about the US seizing an Iranian cargo ship he responded The situation in the Strait of Hormuz is fragile and complex We are concerned over the USâ forcible interception of the vessel and hope that relevant parties will honor the ceasefire agreement in a responsible manner avoid aggravating disputes and escalating tensions and provide necessary conditions for the restoration of normal passage through the StraitTensions continue in and around Strait of Hormuz the narrow maritime corridor linking the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea through which about onefifth of global oil trade passes ever since the conflict erupted in West Asia IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/beijing-rejects-trumps-claim-that-intercepted-iranian-ship-carried-gift-from-china-671053.html Fri, 24 Apr 2026 20:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/situation-in-iran-remains-serious-embassy-providing-assistance-to-indian-nationals-mea-671060.html New Delhi April 24 India on Friday said that the situation in Iran remains serious and the Embassy in Tehran continues to assist Indian nationals still remaining in the country Addressing an interministerial briefing on recent developments in West Asia on Friday the Ministry of External Affairs MEA spokesperson stated that more than 2400 Indian nationals have been safely evacuated and brought home from IranIn Iran and that region the situation has remained serious Although there is a ceasefire for now But you know that what kind of difficult situation has prevailed in Iran and other countries from the beginning until now Despite this our Ambassador continues to work in the Embassy in Tehran I would say that it is inspiring for all of us that our Ambassador there and our entire team are continuously working in the interest of the country They are providing assistance to the people Through their efforts we have safely evacuated 2400 Indian citizens from there and brought home I would say that their commitment is commendable said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal Earlier this week US President Donald Trump unilaterally extended the ceasefire with Iran indefinitely hours before it was to expire even though Tehran refused to attend a second round of talks that Trump had said were imminentAfter making several threats to Iran if it did not accept his terms for a settlement he announced on Truth Social on Tuesday local time that because Iran is seriously fractured he was extending the ceasefire till Tehran can come up with a unified approachWhile announcing the extension of the ceasefire the President said that he was continuing the Naval blockade of Iranian ports which was one of the factors behind Tehran staying away from the talks he had said would take place this week in IslamabadIrans governmentowned Press TV said Tehran unequivocally insisted on the removal of the blockade and said that it would not rejoin negotiations under pressure IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/situation-in-iran-remains-serious-embassy-providing-assistance-to-indian-nationals-mea-671060.html Fri, 24 Apr 2026 21:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-us-ties-face-trust-deficit-need-reset-670874.html Washington April 24 A deepening âlack of mutual trustâ has emerged as the biggest challenge in IndiaUS ties even as both sides continue to engage across strategic and economic fronts speakers said at the Hudson Instituteâs New India Conference âThere is a big lack of mutual trust today We need to build that trust once againâ Ram Madhav said pointing to a sharp shift in perceptions compared to earlier phases of close political alignmentThe panel said the relationship while resilient is undergoing a difficult phase marked by misaligned expectations policy uncertainty and slower momentumElizabeth Threlkeld of the Stimson Centre said both sides often misread each otherâs constraints âEach side has a tendency to see the othersâ limits as choices but their own limits as necessitiesâ she said calling for a candid reassessment of shared interestsShe said rebuilding trust would require focusing on âgenuine mutual interestsâ and delivering practical outcomes that reduce friction in cooperationKurt Campbell former US Deputy Secretary of State said the strain runs deeper than policy disagreements âThis has caused a deep hurtâ a deep profound hurt among Indian friendsâ he said adding that emotional and political factors are shaping perceptions on both sidesCampbell said the relationship had advanced significantly over the past two decades with an expectation it would become the âdominant relationshipâ of the century making the current phase more consequentialThe discussion also highlighted persistent friction in areas such as trade defence cooperation and policy coordination often slowed by bureaucratic processes and differing political systemsAt the same time speakers stressed that engagement continues and opportunities remain particularly in economic cooperationMadhav said India has shown flexibility on key issues including tariffs and energy imports and is moving ahead with a potential trade agreement despite domestic political pressures âThat wouldnât discourage usâ the government will go aheadâ he saidHe also emphasised the importance of reengaging on initiatives such as the IndiaMiddle EastEurope corridor and I2U2 which have seen uncertainty in recent monthsSpeakers broadly agreed that the relationship requires sustained political attention and renewed alignment on priorities even as global crises add pressureThe New India Conference held on April 23 brought together policymakers and experts to examine Indiaâs global trajectory and the future of USIndia relationsOver the past two decades the partnership has expanded across defence trade and technology supported by strong diaspora ties However recent geopolitical shifts and policy divergences have exposed structural gaps making trustbuilding a central task going forward IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-us-ties-face-trust-deficit-need-reset-670874.html Fri, 24 Apr 2026 07:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-faces-backlash-from-indian-american-leaders-over-remarks-on-india-670877.html Washington April 24 Indian American lawmakers and community leaders have strongly condemned remarks by Donald Trump targeting Indian immigrants and India calling them offensive divisive and harmful to bilateral ties Ami Bera the longestserving Indian American Member of Congress said he was proud of his heritage and of the United States âAs the son of immigrants from India I take great pride in both my heritage and in the country that gave my family the opportunity to build a better lifeâ he saidâMy parents came to the United States legally in search of that opportunity My mother spent 35 years working as a public school teacher My father worked as an engineer They raised my brothers and me with a deep belief in hard work public service and giving back to the country that welcomed themâ Bera saidCalling himself âa product of that American storyâ he added âI attended Californiaâs public schools from kindergarten through medical school became a doctor and now have the privilege of serving our nation in Congress That is what the American Dream looks likeâBera described Trumpâs comments as âoffensive ignorant and beneath the dignity of the office he holdsâ He said they reflect âa fundamental misunderstanding of who we are as a nationââAmerica has always been strengthened by generations of immigrants who come here work hard and contribute to our country They do not weaken America â they strengthen itâ he saidCongressman Raja Krishnamoorthi also criticised Trump for amplifying what he called a âracist rantâ âDonald Trumpâs decision to amplify a racist rant attacking India and immigrants is disgraceful and beneath the office he holdsâ he saidâHis rhetoric doesnât just insult millions of Indian Americans and one of our most important global partnersâit undermines the values that have made America a nation of opportunity and innovationâ Krishnamoorthi added âWe should be strengthening that partnership and honoring our diversity not stoking division for political gainâAjay Bhutoria a former advisor to the Presidentâs Advisory Commission on Asian Americans Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders demanded an immediate withdrawal of the remarksâThe rhetoric coming from the Oval Office describing India as a âhellholeâ and our professional community as âgangsters with laptopsâ is a dangerous and offensive distortion of realityâ he saidBhutoria argued that Indian Americans are central to the US economy âManagers with laptops create jobs fuel innovation and contribute to massive economic growth They are infinitely better for the future of this country than gangsters with guns who promote violence and instabilityâ he saidHe added that the Indian American community while only 15 per cent of the population contributes nearly 6 per cent of US income taxes âOur âlaptop warriorsâ are the CEOs of Alphabet Microsoft and Adobe and the entrepreneurs who have founded over 10 of Americaâs unicorn startupsâ he saidBhutoria also stressed the strategic dimension of the relationship âIndia is a critical strategic allyâ Attacking this diaspora is not just a social mistake it is an economic and geopolitical blunderâ he saidThe backlash highlights growing concern among Indian Americans over rhetoric seen as targeting immigrants and undermining a key bilateral partnership Lawmakers and community leaders have framed the issue not only as one of dignity but also of economic and strategic consequenceThe Indian American community is among the most affluent and highly educated groups in the United States with a significant presence in technology healthcare and academia Nearly one in ten doctors in the US is of Indian origin and the community plays a major role in innovation and entrepreneurshipUSIndia ties have deepened over the past two decades driven by cooperation in defence technology and trade Bilateral trade has crossed 200 billion and both countries increasingly view each other as key partners in addressing global challenges IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-faces-backlash-from-indian-american-leaders-over-remarks-on-india-670877.html Fri, 24 Apr 2026 07:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-touts-record-drug-price-cuts-670878.html Washington April 24 US President Donald Trump announced sweeping agreements with major pharmaceutical companies to lower prescription drug costs calling it âthe biggest cut in drug prices in the history of our countryâ Speaking at the White House Trump said one of the leading firms Regeneron had agreed to offer medicines at âmost favoured nation pricesâ adding that âthe numbers will come down at levels that nobodyâs ever seen beforeââWith this announcement 17 of the worldâs largest pharmaceutical companies representing 80 percent of the branded drug market have now agreed to sell their drugs to American patients at the lowest prices anywhere in the worldâ he saidTrump argued that Americans had long paid disproportionately high prices âFor decades Americans have been forced to pay the highest prices in the world for prescription drugs by farâ he saidHealth and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr backed the move calling it a response to a longstanding ârip offâ in which the United States accounts for â42 per cent of the worldâs populationâ but generates â75 per cent of the profits to the pharmaceutical industryâAdministrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Mehmet Oz said affordability had been central to the policy push âOne in three Americansâ will often leave emptyhanded because they cannot afford the medicationsâ he saidThe administration highlighted specific price cuts including a cholesterol drug falling âfrom 537 to 225â and a weightloss drug dropping âfrom 1350 a month to as low as 199 a monthâRegeneronâs CEO Leonard Schleifer said the company supported efforts to rebalance global pricing âWe were not pushed to be here We are happy to be here because it marks an important step to lower drug pricesâ he saidThe company also announced a gene therapy for a rare form of deafness which it said would be provided free to eligible children for a period George Yancopoulos described the treatment as âa first of its kind gene therapyâ so Travis can now hear his motherâSierra Smith whose twoyearold son received the therapy called the outcome âabsolutely incredibleâ adding ânow he can hearâ itâs life changingâCommerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the policy was also tied to domestic manufacturing âThat means 448 billion of drug manufacturing is coming to Americaâ he saidThe White House said the agreements now cover about 86 per cent of the branded pharmaceutical market with further negotiations underway IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-touts-record-drug-price-cuts-670878.html Fri, 24 Apr 2026 07:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-brokers-israel-lebanon-truce-extension-670879.html Washington April 24 US President Donald Trump announced a threeweek extension of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon describing it as a âhistoricâ step and signalling possible direct talks between the two sides in Washington The development followed an Oval Office meeting attended by senior officials from both countries including Lebanese Ambassador to the United States Nada Hamadeh Moawad and Israeli Ambassador Yechiel LeiterâTheyâve agreed to an additional three weeks ofâ ceasefire no more firingâ Trump said adding that leaders from both nations could visit Washington in the coming weeksVice President JD Vance called the move âa major historic momentâ crediting âthe Presidentâs direct engagementâ for bringing the two sides together He said the extension gives both countries space to pursue a longerterm settlementOfficials at the meeting stressed that Israel and Lebanon share a common security concern in Hezbollah One senior official said both countries âare victimized by the same terrorist organizationâ expressing hope that the ceasefire could lead to âa permanent peace between two countriesâIsraeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter said Israel âwants peaceâ and security for citizensâ adding that both governments are âunitedâ wanting to rid the country of this malign influence called HizballahâLebanese Ambassador Nada Hamadeh Moawad welcomed US support saying âwith your help with your support we can make Lebanonâ stable again pointing to the countryâs fragile political and economic situationTrump linked the ceasefire push to broader regional diplomacy including US efforts related to Iran He said the IsraelLebanon track âshould be an easy one relative to some of the things weâre working onâ noting that both sides are aligned against a common threatOn security Trump reiterated that Israel retains the right to respond if attacked âIsrael is going to have to defend itselfâ and they willâ he said adding that any response would be âcarefulâ and âsurgicalâThe President also indicated that regional actors such as Saudi Arabia could play a role in future negotiations saying the kingdom âwould be very happy with thisâ and supportive of peace effortsTrump expressed optimism about the trajectory of talks âI think thereâs a very good chanceâ it could be brought back pretty quicklyâ he said referring to Lebanonâs prospects for stabilityThe ceasefire extension comes amid persistent tensions along the IsraelLebanon border where Hezbollah remains a dominant armed actor The group backed by Iran has long been a flashpoint in regional conflicts and is designated a terrorist organisation by the United States and IsraelIsrael and Lebanon have no formal diplomatic relations and technically remain in a state of war Past ceasefire arrangements have been fragile often requiring sustained international mediation to prevent escalation IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-brokers-israel-lebanon-truce-extension-670879.html Fri, 24 Apr 2026 07:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indias-vision-can-guide-global-unity-rss-670916.html Washington April 24 RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale outlined a civilisational vision of India rooted in unity diversity and sustainability arguing that the country is positioned to play a decisive role in shaping a more harmonious global order Addressing an exclusive dinner reception on âIndiaâs Global Vision and Role in the Emerging Worldâ in the Washington area Hosabale said Indiaâs philosophical traditions offer a framework to address modern global challenges from social fragmentation to environmental stressâThe vision of Indiaâ is that there is a oneness of unity and the oneness is present in all being living and nonlivingâ he said stressing that this idea forms the basis of Indiaâs worldviewHe argued that while humanity has made material progress it faces deep contradictions âWe have multiplied our possessions but our valuesâ we have notâ he said describing a world with âmore knowledge but less judgmentâ more experts but more problemsâHosabale said Indiaâs approach differs in its attempt to balance material advancement with spiritual understanding âIndia philosophy being that recognises nature as motherâ enough for our needâ but not to fulfil our greedâ he said linking traditional thought to contemporary debates on sustainabilityHe emphasised that diversity should be a strength not a source of conflict âDiversity should be celebratingâ the beauty of human societyâ he said adding that cultural uniqueness must coexist with a broader sense of unityExpanding on the idea of global harmony Hosabale said human society has long experimented with faith and relationships at multiple levels â âhuman to humanâ human being and natureâ and the human being and the creatorâ â but stressed that these paths ultimately lead to a common truth âThe truth is one and there will be many ways to approachâ he saidFraming Indiaâs global role Hosabale said the countryâs civilisational experience supports the idea of a shared human future âWhen India say the world is one family it says it from some experience of practiceâ he said pointing to historical examples of religious communities living peacefully in IndiaHe added that Indiaâs rise must be anchored in internal strength âIf India has to play that role India has to be a selfconfident prosperous societyâ he said underlining the need to combine âmodernityâ with âcultural ethos and civilisation valuesâHosabale also said Indiaâs global engagement has historically been nonexpansionist âIndia has never invade anything India has not enslaved anybodyâ he said adding that Indians abroad have âcontributed in nation buildingâ while maintaining harmony in their host societiesForeign policy scholar Walter Russell Mead reinforced the argument saying a âstrong fully developed selfconfident outward looking Indiaâ could reshape global geopolitics and reduce the risk of conflict particularly in AsiaâThe world needs a vibrant developed harmonious strong Indiaâ Mead said adding that Indiaâs growth is âcritically important for all of humanityâAcademic Walter Andersen who has studied the RSS for decades described the organisation as a âstabilising influenceâ in India citing its emphasis on âpatriotismâ and its ability to adapt to changing social needsHosabale also highlighted Indiaâs potential to offer solutions beyond geopolitics including in health and lifestyle He said the world is increasingly looking to India âon the ways of yogaâ and other traditions that promote balance and wellbeingThe event brought together community leaders scholars and policymakers for a discussion on Indiaâs expanding global footprint and its philosophical contributions to international discourseIndiaâs growing global role has been shaped by its economic rise demographic strength and increasing diplomatic engagement across regions In recent years New Delhi has also projected civilisational themes such as âVasudhaiva Kutumbakamâ â the world as one family â in multilateral forums IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indias-vision-can-guide-global-unity-rss-670916.html Fri, 24 Apr 2026 14:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/un-general-assembly-president-annalena-baerbock-to-visit-india-next-week-670923.html United Nations April 24 United Nations General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock will make an official visit to India next week according to her Spokesperson La Niece Collins During her visit at the invitation of the Indian government Baerbock will have several bilateral meetings with officials Collins said on ThursdayShe will also meet with the UN team in India led by Resident Coordinator Stefan Priesner the spokesperson saidThis is the second highlevel UN visit to India after SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterresâ trip to attend the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi in FebruaryBaerbock is quite familiar with India having even travelled on New Delhiâs Metro in one of her visits as Germanyâs foreign minister to enhance ties with the country But this is her first time as the president of the General AssemblyDuring her first visit as minister in 2022 she said âWithout a doubt India will play a key role in shaping the international order of the 21st century â in the IndoPacific and beyondâThat India has lifted 400 million people out of extreme poverty in 15 years âshows that a pluralistic society freedom and democracy are drivers of economic development peace and stabilityâ she addedThe IndoPacific region was an area of focus during the visitDuring that visit she signed the migration and mobility agreement to facilitate the movement of skilled personnelShe accompanied Chancellor Olaf Scholz during his 2024 visit to India for the seventh GermanIndian intergovernmental consultations whose motto was âGrowing Together with Innovation Mobility and SustainabilityâGermany is a member of G4 the group that besides India includes Brazil and Japan and lobbies for reforming the Security Council by adding permanent membersThe four countries support each other for permanent seats in a reformed CouncilBerbock has met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar several times during his visits to Germany on the sidelines of international meetings and the G4 meetings at the UN From India Baerbock will go on to China IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/un-general-assembly-president-annalena-baerbock-to-visit-india-next-week-670923.html Fri, 24 Apr 2026 14:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/who-urges-stronger-immunisation-in-western-pacific-670924.html Manila April 24 The World Health Organization WHO renewed its call for intensified immunisation efforts across the Western Pacific region warning of a resurgence of vaccinepreventable diseases The WHO stressed the need to protect hardwon gains in vaccination programmes reach children who continue to miss routine immunisations and sustain public confidence in vaccines at every stage of life according to a statement from the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific in Manila PhilippinesVaccines are a miracle of science and medicine and they have protected generations of families and communities across our region But we cannot take this protection for granted said Saia Mau Piukala WHO Regional Director for the Western PacificYet in 2024 nearly 21 million children in the Western Pacific missed at least one vaccine dose leaving far too many at risk of preventable diseases Across the region with 22 billion people representing over a quarter of the worlds population countries have made major gains against vaccinepreventable diseases according to the WHOThe WHO emphasised that strengthening routine immunisation systems improving outreach to underserved populations and ensuring reliable vaccine supply chains are critical to reversing the trend Xinhua news agency reportedVaccination has prevented millions of deaths and disabilities in the Western Pacific Region However inequitable access to vaccination remains a major problem in many countries The VaccinePreventable Diseases and Immunisation VDI unit aims to build a Region free from vaccinepreventable diseases This is achieved by supporting Member States to achieve the goals of the Regional Framework for Implementation of the Global Vaccine Action PlanThe immunisation goals for the Western Pacific Region are to sustain poliofree status eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus eliminate measles accelerate the control of hepatitis B eliminate rubella introduce new vaccines meet regional vaccination coverage targets and accelerate the control of Japanese encephalitis IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/who-urges-stronger-immunisation-in-western-pacific-670924.html Fri, 24 Apr 2026 14:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-forces-disappear-three-more-civilians-in-balochistan-rights-group-670949.html Quetta April 24 Another three civilians including women were allegedly forcibly disappeared by Pakistani forces in Balochistan a leading human rights organisation said on Friday Paank the Baloch National Movements Human Rights Department strongly condemned the enforced disappearance of Sameena from her home in the Istakhli region in Khuzdar district on the night of April 22Citing reports the rights body stated that Pakistanâs Frontier Corps FC and Military Intelligence personnel entered the house subjected family members to violence and took her into custody before transferring her to an undisclosed locationPaank also mentioned that 20yearold mechanic Akhter Hussain a resident of the Shapatan region in the Panjgur district was forcibly taken by FC personnel on April 19Expressing deep concern over the continued targeting of civilians including women Paank further revealed that 22yearold Gull Banuk was forcibly taken from her home in the Singabad Karki region in the Kech district during a latenight raid on April 14 by personnel of the FC and Counter Terrorism Department CTDSince her abduction it said her whereabouts remain unknown placing her at grave risk of harmCondemning the enforced disappearance of Banuk the Baloch Voice for Justice BVJ said âThe enforced disappearance of Baloch women is being carried out in the name of socalled security These actions amount to collective punishment against entire communities Women who are already vulnerable are being used as tools of pressure to silence families and suppress dissent This practice violates basic human rights and undermines the rule of lawâMeanwhile a leading international human rights organisation sharply criticised the abduction and enforced disappearance of another Baloch civilian Daad ShahReports suggest that 28yearold Balochi writer Daad Shah was forcibly disappeared for the second time on April 21 He is the brother of Fozia Baloch a member of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee BYCFront Line Defenders described the incident as an attempt to suppress the human rights work of his sister FoziaâThe documented violence against human rights defenders especially those from religious or ethnic minorities such as the Baloch has intensified over the past years The authorities in Pakistan appear to act with a high level of impunity against its citizens and human rights defendersâ the rights body statedFront Line Defenders called on the Pakistani authorities to end reprisals against Baloch human rights activists and their family members and ensure that all human rights defenders in Pakistan are able to carry out their work with dignity and safety IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-forces-disappear-three-more-civilians-in-balochistan-rights-group-670949.html Fri, 24 Apr 2026 14:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/intelligence-signals-turmoil-in-jaish-e-mohammad-as-mystery-around-masood-azhar-deepens-670957.html New Delhi April 24 The mystery around JaisheMohammad JeM chief Masood Azhar is growing with each passing day His own cadres have been questioning the top leadership about his whereabouts There are claims within the JeM that their chief is on his deathbed The terror groupâs leadership has been fighting such rumours and has been asking the cadres to calm down and stay hopefulThe Indian agencies however confirm that Azhar is not nearing his death However they add that his health is fragile and he is not facing any lifethreatening condition He is unwell and mentally downThe top leadership has intentionally kept him behind closed doors as they do not want the cadres to see him in the condition that he is in the official also addedAnother official said that Azhar would never be able to fully lead the outfit again He lost a lot of his close family members during Operation Sindoor and this has upset him a lot He has refused to come out and even speak with the members of his outfit since thenAnother official said that before Operation Sindoor Azhar was alright He had health issues but he did make public appearances and met with his people regularly All this has stopped now and he confines himself to his home and only meets with a select few the official saidAn Intelligence Bureau official said that this is the first time that Azhar appears to be vulnerable He is known to be fiery when he talks and the attacks that he plans against India are lethal in nature His speeches and the manner in which he conducted himself are what made him so popular among his cadre All these aspects are missing in him and this has in turn made the cadres demoralised the official also addedThe agencies have also picked up information that prayers for Azhar are being held regularly They pray for his good health and hope that he will come out in the open once again The number of prayer meetings that are being held is what set off rumours about his health conditionMany within the JaisheMohammad feel that the leadership is hiding something big from them The recruitments into the JaisheMohammad are ongoing but at a very small scale Azhar would meet with all the recruits and give them a pep talk once they joined the outfit The few recruits who have joined the JeM were spoken to by other leaders and not AzharAn official said that for all recruits meeting with Azhar was a big deal They look up to him as a hero and a father figure and he is the reason why many even decided to be part of the JaisheMohammad the official saidFor a few months after Operation Sindoor the JaisheMohammad managed to keep the cadres quiet by circulating old videos and audio clips of Azhar However their patience began to run out and questions about Azhar became louder Further within the outfit there is too much discussion about their chiefThe top leadership is finding it hard to keep the cadres calm and is clearly aware that the situation may blow up soonOfficials say that the cadres would sooner or later have to be told about Azhar and his real condition The official also added that they are likely to push this some more until they find a new leader The hunt for a new leader is on and once that takes place the real picture about Azhar would become clear for all the cadres of the JaisheMohammad the official added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/intelligence-signals-turmoil-in-jaish-e-mohammad-as-mystery-around-masood-azhar-deepens-670957.html Fri, 24 Apr 2026 14:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-special-counsel-seeks-30-yr-prison-term-for-ex-president-yoon-over-alleged-drone-dispatch-to-pyongyang-670959.html Seoul April 24 A South Korean special counsel team on Friday demanded a 30year prison term for former President Yoon Suk Yeol on charges of benefiting the enemy for allegedly ordering the dispatch of military drones over Pyongyang in 2024 The team led by special counsel Cho Eunsuk also requested the Seoul Central District Court to sentence former Defense Minister Kim Yonghyun to 25 years in prison over the same allegationChos team believes the alleged dispatch in October 2024 was aimed at inciting the Norths retaliation in an attempt to use it as a pretext for Yoons failed martial law bid that took place two months laterDue to this criminal act the countrys military interests were severely undermined as there was substantial harm to national security the team said accusing the two of committing a crime against the state and the peopleThe team has argued that the move led to heightened interKorean tensions at the time while leaking military secrets when one of the drones crashed in North KoreaPyongyang had at the time accused Seoul of flying drones into the country multiple times releasing images of a crashed droneFridays trial hearing took place behind closed doors due to national security concernsEarlier this month the team demanded a 20year term for Yeo Inhyung former head of the Defense Counterintelligence Command and a fiveyear term for Kim Yongdae former chief of the Drone Operations Command over their alleged involvement in the dispatchYoon currently in custody faces multiple criminal trials linked to his botched martial law bid on December 3 2024In February a district court sentenced him to life imprisonment for leading an insurrection through his martial law declaration Yonhap news agency reported IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-special-counsel-seeks-30-yr-prison-term-for-ex-president-yoon-over-alleged-drone-dispatch-to-pyongyang-670959.html Fri, 24 Apr 2026 14:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/sri-lanka-launches-investigation-after-cyber-fraud-tricks-25-million-from-government-670963.html Colombo April 24 Sri Lanka has initiated a multiagency investigation into a massive cyber fraud that led to the diversion of a government payment of 25 million US dollars the countrys Ministry of Finance has said The ministry revealed that cyber criminals gained unauthorised access to the External Resources Departments computer system through email and redirected a payment of 25 million US dollars originally intended for an Australian creditorRelevant authorities are also working alongside international counterparts to trace the funds and identify those responsible it saidThe incident came to light when Treasury officials detected unusual changes to account details during a separate payment process linked to India prompting immediate scrutiny and preventing a further attempted transactionTreasury Secretary Harshana Suriyapperuma said swift action allowed authorities to identify the fraud without disrupting ongoing investigations An internal committee comprising senior officials including two deputy treasury secretaries has been appointed to recommend further measures while disciplinary action has been initiated against those responsible for procedural lapsesOfficials said Sri Lanka has informed the Australian government creditor institutions and stakeholders involved in the countrys debt restructuring process Debt experts have indicated that the incident does not affect the countrys commitment to meeting its sovereign obligations Xinhua news agency reportedThe Australian High Commission said it is coordinating closely with Sri Lankan authorities and continues to support the countrys efforts toward debt sustainabilityCyber fraud is a blanket term to describe crimes committed by cyberattackers via the internet These crimes are committed with the intent to illegally acquire and leverage an individuals or businessâs sensitive information for monetary gainCommon types include phishing Business Email Compromise BEC ransomware and online shopping scams Key protections include using strong unique passwords and enabling multifactor authentication IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/sri-lanka-launches-investigation-after-cyber-fraud-tricks-25-million-from-government-670963.html Fri, 24 Apr 2026 14:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/rights-body-flags-surge-in-violence-against-women-across-pakistan-670975.html Islamabad April 24 A leading minority rights organisation on Friday highlighted a disturbing pattern of violence against women citing 6543 cases of genderbased violence reported last year According to the Voice of Pakistan Minority VOPM the violence against women recorded in 2025 rose sharply from 5253 in 2024âa 25 per cent increase in just one yearâThis is not just a trend it is a warning It signals that despite laws policies and public discourse women across the country are becoming more vulnerable not lessâ the rights body notedExpressing concern over the rising incidents of genderbased violence the VOPM claimed that in 2024 alone more than 24000 abductions took place â around 67 women taken every single day Additionally over 5000 rape cases were reported nearly 19 daily and as many as 405 women were killed in the name of honourThe rights body noted that the most disturbing reality lies not in the crimes but in the lack of justice Conviction rates are alarmingly low with less than 2 per cent for rape cases and around 01 per cent for abductionsâThese are not just failures of the legal system they are signals sent to victims that their pain may never be acknowledged and to perpetrators that they may never be held accountable the VOPM mentionedHighlighting the grim situation across Pakistan the VOPM revealed an estimated 90 per cent of women experience domestic violence while 85â90 per cent face harassment in workplaces It added that for many women in the country danger is not an exception but a daily reality which exists in homes on streets and even in institutions meant to provide safety and opportunityIn Pakistans provinces including Sindh and Balochistan the VOPM noted that reality is far more severe Many cases it said never make it to official records buried under social pressure fear or the influence of powerful local figures where silence is not merely imposed but enforcedâWhat makes this crisis even more difficult to confront is how normalised it has become Stories of women killed over personal choices family disputes or socalled honour appear with alarming regularity They fade quickly from public attention replaced by the next headline the next tragedy In this cycle outrage is brief but loss is permanentâ the rights body statedEmphasising the entrenched systemic failure and weak enforcement of law against genderbased violence in Pakistan the VOPM said At the heart of the problem lies a system that has yet to fully recognise women as equal citizens Informal mechanisms like jirgas continue to operate often overriding formal law and delivering decisions that strip women of their basic rights These parallel systems do not just fail womenâthey actively endanger them IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/rights-body-flags-surge-in-violence-against-women-across-pakistan-670975.html Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-trade-representative-greer-defends-trump-tariff-policy-cites-gains-for-workers-and-industry-670764.html Washington April 23 US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer mounted a strong defence of the Trump administrationâs trade policy telling lawmakers that tariffs and aggressive negotiations were beginning to deliver tangible gains for American workers and industry Appearing before the House Ways and Means Committee Greer said the administrationâs approach marked a decisive break from past policies that in his view encouraged offshoring and weakened domestic manufacturingâWere exporting more than weve ever made before and our workers are making more and getting paid more to do itâ he said citing record export figures and rising wagesGreer framed the strategy around âreciprocal and balanced tradeâ arguing that the US had long allowed foreign goods to enter its market without securing equivalent access abroadâItâs just reciprocityâ he said stressing that trading partners must provide âeffective accessâ if they expect to benefit from the US marketCentral to that approach has been the use of tariffs which Greer described as leverage rather than an end in themselves He told lawmakers that recent trade openings in multiple countries were achieved not through persuasion but by applying economic pressureâAll this new accessâ is not due to moral suasionâ itâs because President Trump said Im going to protect our marketsâ he saidHighlighting what he described as early economic gains including a reduction in the US trade deficit and increased manufacturing activity Greer said the goods trade deficit had fallen by 24 per cent since the introduction of the administrationâs trade programme in April 2025He added that manufacturing indicators were improving with higher productivity wage growth and increased demand for labour âThe average American manufacturing worker is producing more goods and getting paid more to do soâ he saidAt the same time Greer acknowledged that the transition would not be immediate describing the effort as reversing decades of economic policy âItâs hard to do it in one year after 50 years of offshoringâ he saidWhile Greer rejected claims that tariffs were fuelling inflation some Democratic lawmakers pointed to rising consumer costs and economic uncertaintyGreer pushed back arguing that the administrationâs focus was on rebuilding domestic capacity and strengthening supply chains He said tariffs were designed to ensure that goods consumed in the US were increasingly produced at home reducing reliance on foreign sourcesThe testimony comes as the administration prepares for a review of key trade agreements and continues negotiations with multiple partners Greer indicated that future policy would remain focused on enforcing commitments and ensuring that trading partners comply with agreed termsUS trade policy has undergone a significant shift in recent years moving away from traditional free trade frameworks towards a more protectionist and transactional model The current approach emphasises domestic manufacturing supply chain resilience and strategic competition particularly in critical sectorsAs debates over tariffs and global trade intensify in Washington Greerâs remarks signal that the administration intends to stay the course betting that shortterm disruption will yield longterm economic gains IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-trade-representative-greer-defends-trump-tariff-policy-cites-gains-for-workers-and-industry-670764.html Thu, 23 Apr 2026 08:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/continue-to-be-bold-in-pursuit-of-unsc-reform-macky-sall-candidate-for-un-chief-670770.html United Nations April 23 âWe have to continue to be boldâ in pursuing the reform of the Security Council said Macky Sall who is a candidate for secretarygeneral The debate over reforming the Council has been going on for over 30 years but the âone thing that we can all agree on is that today the Security Council is not representative of todays world he said on Wednesday at a candidateâs forum hereThere are many different proposals for reforming the Council and some even say that it cannot take place now within the time of tension that more time is needed for reformââWhat I can try to do is push the agenda forwardâ he pledged while replying to a question on behalf of the G4 India Germany Japan and Brazil which pursue reforms togetherHe said âWe need to ensure inclusion whilst also bearing in mind the need to maintain the credibility and above all the effectiveness of the council because with five vetoes thats already a hard taskâAll options are on the table and I will push as hard as I canâ he saidBut he added âObviously the decision is not that of the secretarygeneral It is the decision of member states if this reform is to go forwardâSall a former president of Senegal is one of the four candidates who want to succeed Antonio Guterres when his second term ends this yearHe is the only one from Africa the other three are from Latin AmericaHe was nominated by Burundi whose President Evariste Ndayishimiye is the president of the African UnionBut Sall does not have the backing of his countryWhile he faced a gauntlet of questions from diplomats and civil society representatives during a threehour session his supporters and his opponents held demonstrations outside the UN buildingSall was the president of the African Union AU during 202223 when the organisation became a member of G20 at the New Delhi summit while it was led by Prime Minister Narendra ModiHe recalled his efforts on behalf of the AU for joining the G20 the group of industrialised and emerging nations as an example of how he would lead the UN if he got the jobAU becoming a full member of the G20 âwas not an obvious thing at the time but it was through discussion through dialogueâ and by talking to all leaders that he managed it he saidI think that this capacity to talk to anyone everyone without any barriers this is what I want to and can put at the disposal of the organisationâ he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/continue-to-be-bold-in-pursuit-of-unsc-reform-macky-sall-candidate-for-un-chief-670770.html Thu, 23 Apr 2026 09:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-defends-russia-oil-waiver-amid-price-fears-670771.html Washington April 23 US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended a temporary sanctions waiver affecting Russian oil saying it helped prevent a sharper spike in global prices even as Democrats warned it could boost Moscowâs war finances and keep fuel costs high Testifying before a Senate panel Bessent said the move was aimed at stabilising supply during a volatile periodâTreasury was able to create the more than 250 million barrels on the waterâ he saidHe added that without the waiver prices could have surged further âAs they came in today the oil prices are at 100 If we had not done that sanctions relief they might have been at 150âBessent said the policy was designed to protect consumers â100 per cent of 100 is less than 80 per cent of 150â he saidDemocrats pushed backChris Coons said the waiver risks sending billions of dollars to Russia He argued it undermines pressure on Moscow at a critical timeâWe the folks in Delaware are buying 4 a gallon gas todayâ Coons saidHe questioned whether the policy had delivered any real reliefBessent rejected claims that Russia or Iran had gained significantly âI couldnât disagree moreâ he saidHe said the decision to extend the waiver was influenced by global concerns âI was approached by more than 10 of the most vulnerable and poorest countriesâ and they asked us to extend that sanction and its only for 30 daysâ he saidLawmakers also flagged rising fuel costsJack Reed said Americans are paying âover 4 a gallon at the pumpâ warning that prices remain a burden on householdsBessent pointed to market trendsHe said the oil market is in âa very steep backwardationâ meaning prices could fall over timeâI think the conflict will endâ gasoline prices will come back to where they were or perhaps lowerâ he saidThe exchange underscored a wider divide in Washington The administration argues flexibility can steady markets Critics say it weakens sanctions pressureSanctions on Russian energy have been central to Western policy since the Ukraine war Governments have tried to limit Moscowâs revenue while avoiding supply shocksOil prices remain sensitive to geopolitical tensions especially in the Middle East Any disruption can quickly push up global prices affecting major importers including India IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-defends-russia-oil-waiver-amid-price-fears-670771.html Thu, 23 Apr 2026 09:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-rejects-claims-that-iran-gained-from-sanctions-relief-670772.html Washington April 23 US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent rejected claims that Iran has gained financially from sanctions relief telling lawmakers the estimates were inaccurate and overstated Testifying before a Senate panel Bessent dismissed assertions that Tehran had received billions in additional revenue during the ongoing conflictâThe 14 billion is a mythâ he said pushing back against criticism from lawmakersThe exchange came during questioning by Chris Coons who argued that easing restrictions on global oil flows risks benefiting US adversariesCoons said Iran and Russia could be profiting from higher energy prices and relaxed enforcement warning that such policies could weaken US leverageBessent disagreed âI couldnât disagree moreâ he said when asked whether Iran had received significant additional revenueHe said Treasury actions were aimed at keeping global oil markets supplied and avoiding sharp price increases that would hurt consumersâThere is oil to the leftâ there is oil to the rightâ Bessent said referring to supply around key global routesHe argued that maintaining supply had helped prevent a spike in pricesThe hearing also touched on broader concerns about fuel costsLawmakers said Americans are paying more at the pump as the conflict adds pressure to global markets They linked higher prices to geopolitical tensions and policy choicesBessent said current conditions reflect market volatility rather than longterm shortages He pointed to supply measures taken by the administration to stabilise pricesSanctions on Iran remain a central element of US foreign policy They are designed to limit revenue from oil exports and constrain the countryâs economic capacityGlobal oil markets remain sensitive to geopolitical developments especially in the Middle East Changes in supply or policy can quickly affect prices worldwide including in major importing countries such as India IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-rejects-claims-that-iran-gained-from-sanctions-relief-670772.html Thu, 23 Apr 2026 09:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-lawmakers-back-strong-india-ties-670776.html Washington April 23 Powerful American lawmakers across party lines called for deeper IndiaUS cooperation on security trade and global stability even as some flagged strains in ties over tariffs and policy differences At an âExhibition on Human Cost of Terrorismâ organized by Indian Embassy at the Capitol Hilll members of Congress described India as a key strategic partner underscoring shared democratic values and the need for closer coordination in addressing global challenges particularly terrorismCongressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said the relationship âis not as strong as it should beâ pointing to what he described as a more âtransactional relationshipâ and the impact of tariffs He added however that ties âshould transcend partiesâ andâ rise to new heights over timeâAt the same time Krishnamoorthi stressed common ground between the two countries âOur two countriesâ share so much in commonâ he said citing a commitment to freedom equality and a rulesbased orderCongressman Dave Taylor described India as âa hugely important ally of the United Statesâ calling for âa coordinated policyâ to address global threats including terrorismOthers highlighted the strategic dimension of the partnershipCongressman Bill Huizenga Chairman of the South and Central Asia Subcommittee for Foreign Affairs said India is âextremely importantâ both economically strategicallyâ adding that cooperation spans counterterrorism intelligencesharing and maritime securityHuizenga pointed to the importance of ensuring open sea lanes saying the United States is focused on âmaking sure that thereâs an ability to transit the freeâ seasâ an area where India plays a growing roleCongressman Rich McCormick emphasised the longterm potential of the partnership describing the âsynergy between our two countriesââWhen you look at what America and India together are poised to doâ it could usher in an era of peace economic prosperityâ he said linking the relationship to broader global stabilityCongressman Ro Khanna cochair of the India Caucus said the partnership has taken on greater importance in confronting transnational threatsâTerrorism isnât just contained to one regionâ it spreads and threatens freedom around the worldâ Khanna said adding that both countries must deepen âintelligence sharing and defence cooperationâCongressman Jonathan Jackson tied the relationship to global economic pressures noting that instability affects both nationsâThe price of fuel the price of foodâ affects us allâ he said warning that rising conflict and terrorism are ânow consuming the entire worldâIndiaâs Ambassador to the United States Vinay Mohan Kwatra said the strong turnout of lawmakers reflected broad political support for the partnershipâCongressmenâ represent the voice of the peopleâ he said adding that their engagement helps shape policy and reinforces commitment to counterterrorism effortsKwatra said the event highlighted the need for countries to âcome together need to work together andâ act togetherâ in addressing global challengesA big supporter of IndiaUS ties Congressman Brad Sherman said ties have been âstrained by the outrageous tariffsâ but expressed hope for expanding economic engagement going forwardLawmakers stressed that differences do not undermine the overall trajectory of the relationshipCongresswoman April McClain Delaney described it as âa long strong relationshipâ rooted in deep peopletopeople connections including contributions from the Indian diasporaâI think thereâs just such an incredible exchange between our countriesâ she saidCongressman Jamie Raskin called for a rulesbased approach grounded in international law Congresswoman Julie Johnson emphasised the importance of maintaining democratic alignment in confronting global threatsLawmakers said cooperation on counterterrorism defence and trade will continue to define the relationship as both countries navigate an increasingly uncertain global environment IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-lawmakers-back-strong-india-ties-670776.html Thu, 23 Apr 2026 10:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-state-department-urges-americans-to-leave-iran-after-airspace-reopening-670788.html Washington April 23 The US State Department has urged American citizens in Iran to leave after the Middle Eastern country partially reopened its airspace In a social media post on Wednesday local time the State Departments Bureau of Consular Affairs urged Americans to monitor local media for updates closely and to contact commercial airlines for information about outbound flightsThe advisory noted that US citizens may also depart by land to Armenia Azerbaijan Turkey and Turkmenistan However it warned against travelling to Afghanistan Iraq or the PakistanIran border areaIran shut down its airspace after joint USIsraeli strikes started on February 28 reports Xinhua news agencyThe country reopened its eastern airspace to international flights on Saturday paving the way for the partial resumption of airport operationsIn a report on Sunday the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting quoted a senior official from Irans Civil Aviation Organization as saying that the countrys airspace would be reopened in four phases Earlier on Wednesday the Donald Trump administration has extended its ceasefire with Iran while maintaining a sweeping naval blockade with the White House insisting there is no deadline for negotiations and signalling continued economic pressure on Tehran White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the United States is pursuing a dualtrack approach pausing military strikes while intensifying financial and maritime restrictionsPresident Trump announced an extension of the cease fireâ and generously offering a bit of flexibility to a regime who has been completely tarnished because of Operation Epic Fury she told reporters inside the White House on WednesdayShe made clear that the pause in combat operations does not signal a reduction in pressure Theres a cease fire with the military and kinetic strikes but Operation Economic Fury continues and the effective and successful naval blockade continues as well she saidAccording to the White House the blockade is inflicting significant economic damage We are completely strangling their economy through this blockadeâ theyre losing 500 million a day Leavitt said adding that Iran is unable to move oil shipments or sustain paymentsDespite the escalation in economic pressure the administration has deliberately avoided setting a timeline for negotiations The President has not set a firm deadlineâ ultimately the timeline will be dictated by the commander in chief she said rejecting reports of a short window for talks IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-state-department-urges-americans-to-leave-iran-after-airspace-reopening-670788.html Thu, 23 Apr 2026 11:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/wildfires-ravage-us-force-mass-evacuations-670804.html Florida April 23 Wildfires sweeping across the southeastern United States have forced widespread evacuations and destroyed dozens of homes particularly in Georgia and Florida Dry conditions strong winds and abundant vegetation have allowed the fires to spread rapidly catching some residents off guard without warningIn Georgia the hardesthit areas include counties near the coast where nearly 50 homes have already been lost and around 1000 more are under threat Officials say two major fires alone have scorched over 30 square miles around 80 square km with additional smaller blazes reportedThe situation has been worsened by severe drought with rainfall far below normal levels prompting the states firstever burn ban in affected regions reports Xinhua news agencyEmergency crews are working to contain the flames by creating firebreaks but shifting winds continue to pose a major challenge Authorities have ordered hundreds of evacuations and more residents are being urged to leave as conditions changeMeanwhile Florida is experiencing one of its worst wildfire seasons in decades with over 100 active fires burning across the state Smoke from the blazes has drifted into major cities reducing air quality and raising health concernsEarlier on April 17 the National Interagency Fire Centre Idaho announced that fire activity remained light across the country with 144 new fires reported and three new large incidents It further mentioned that 23 large fires are uncontained with 992 personnel assigned nationwide All incidents are being managed under a full suppression strategy with most activity concentrated in the Southern Area the NIFC said in a statementIt further announced that a new Fuels and Fire Behaviour Advisory has been issued for the Southeastern Area where persistent dry weather and rapidly intensifying drought are resulting in historically dry fuels from the southern Appalachians and adjacent areas into the coastal Southeast IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/wildfires-ravage-us-force-mass-evacuations-670804.html Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/the-new-doctrine-how-isi-is-internationalising-lashkar-jem-operations-670808.html New Delhi April 23 Pakistan has been called out on numerous occasions for being a facilitator of terror While its primary agenda is to hurt Indiaâs interests of late several operatives linked to the ISI have been arrested for plotting attacks in various parts of the world The arrests made in the United States and also in South Korea indicate the growing network of the ISIIn August last year a Pakistani citizen was arrested for being a member of the LashkareTayiba He was trained in Pakistan and had entered South Korea by using falsified documentsInvestigators probed his links with the LashkareTayiba and his potential links to terror financingWhile the ISI has always had an international network it has of late been ramping up such activity in a big wayWhile the targets are Indian nationals and Indian interests abroad the aim is also to recruit from across the globe and carry out attacks on a major scaleAn Intelligence Bureau official said that if one studies the pattern the ISI has been looking to operate on an international scaleThe ISI has been trying to rope in international players so that it can operate on a global scale The spy agency wants outfits such as the LashkareTayiba and JaisheMohammad JeM to operate on a larger scale like how the Islamic State and AlQaeda doIt began with Sajid Mir one of the main accused in the Mumbai 2611 attacks In 2007 Mir was sentenced inabsentia by a French court to 10 years in prison He was accused of plotting terrorist activities involving French citizensOn March 6 a Pakistani national Asif Merchant associated with the ISI was found guilty in the US of trying to kill political figures and government officialsSimilarly one Muhammad Shahzeb Khan once again of Pakistani origin pleaded guilty for trying to carry out an attack on a Jewish centre in New York CityCounterterrorism officials say that most of these people who are operating abroad are on the payrolls of the ISI They are trained in Pakistan and then sent out on international missionsThis is clearly a sign that Pakistan does not want to focus just on India but on major international operations as wellThe ISI has also hosted members of the Hamas on multiple occasions in Pakistan It has been trying to bring together the LashkareTayiba and the Hamas for several months nowAn official said that this signals that Pakistan wants its terror groups not just to focus on India but operate at an international levelMany terror groups in Pakistan have been insisting that they be allowed to carry out operations internationallyIn addition to India these terror groups have raised their voices against the French administration and Israeli action against the terror group HamasLike the Islamic State and AlQaeda groups such as the LashkareTayiba and JaisheMohammad have very often questioned the actions of the West and US against Islamic nationsIt is very difficult to keep these groups and their demands under check for the ISI This has led to the scaling up of international operations another official saidThe official pointed out that for now the ISI would want members of these terror outfits to carry out attacks individually There are no plans to send in multiple members at one go like is the case when it comes to their operations in Jammu and KashmirOutfits such as the LashkareTayiba expect that their operatives carry out lone actor strikes abroad and at the same time convey the message to the global audience Officials say that wherever operations may be carried out the fact remains that their origins are from PakistanThese persons are funded generously by the ISI and also provided safe havens in Pakistan once their operations concludeThe scaling up of international operations has however not gone unnoticed The Global Terrorism Index 2026 has placed Pakistan on the top of the global rankingsThe rankings come in the wake of several international agencies flagging Pakistanâs role in aiding and abetting terror not just in India but in other parts of the world as wellThe report also says that Pakistan continues to function as a host and an operational hub for multiple terror networks with global and regional reach IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/the-new-doctrine-how-isi-is-internationalising-lashkar-jem-operations-670808.html Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/police-officers-among-4-injured-following-sydney-shootings-670809.html Sydney April 23 Two police officers are among four people who have been treated for injuries following separate shootings in western Sydney Police said on Thursday that the first incident occurred at around 840 pm on Wednesday local time when officers in the suburb of Punchbowl 16 km southwest of central Sydney spotted a car that had been reported stolenAn officer approached the car to arrest the driver when it stopped in traffic but the driver accelerated and pinned the 39yearold man between two vehiclesThe officer fired his weapon at the vehicle before it left the scene Ambulance paramedics attended and took him to the hospital in a stable condition with lower leg injuries reports Xinhua news agencyThe alleged driver of the stolen vehicle a 32yearold man was found with a gunshot wound in the yard of a home a short time later and hospitalised under police guardHours later police said that emergency services were deployed at 1130 pm to Chester Hill 19 km west of central Sydney following reports that several shots had been fired from one vehicle into anotherBoth vehicles left the scene but police were notified that a 26yearold man had presented to a nearby hospital with gunshot wounds minutes laterA vehicle with several bullet holes was located at the hospital and police attempted to speak to a 30yearold man in the emergency department when he allegedly assaulted an officer who was treated for a laceration to his head after being repeatedly punchedThe 26yearold shooting victim was admitted to the hospital in a critical condition and the 30yearold was arrested and charged with assaulting a police officer executing their dutyPolice established several crime scenes and have commenced investigations into both shootings IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/police-officers-among-4-injured-following-sydney-shootings-670809.html Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/after-trfs-fall-lashkar-plots-slather-proxy-to-evade-indias-new-doctrine-670832.html New Delhi April 23 The Resistance Front TRF which claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack twice before denying any role is almost decimated today The TRF a proxy of the LashkareTaiba carried out a series of attacks in Jammu and Kashmir while posing as a locally grown group Post the Pahalgam attack the TRF was disbanded An Intelligence Bureau official said the Pahalgam attack elicited a strong response from India This led to many terror groups facing the heat The official said that the ISI has asked some of these groups to lie low as there is too much heat on them Moreover Pakistan is trying to reshape its image internationally and hence it is important for it to keep its terror groups at bay at least for nowThe official however warned that the LashkareTaiba is in the process of creating another proxy for operations in Jammu and Kashmir It is identifying men to be part of this new proxy The emphasis is on the locals in Jammu and Kashmir It is also looking for those persons from Kashmir who moved into Pakistan several years ago and would look to rope in these persons to join this new terror groupAnother official explained that unlike the TRF the structure of this new proxy would be different When it was launched the agencies did not have much of a headache in tracing its originsThe funding and handlers shared the same trail as the LashkareTaiba LeT From day one it was clear that the outfit was nothing but a proxy For the new proxy the LeT plans on keeping operations separate The funding channels would not overlap with those of the LashkareTaibaThe LeT would also not want to involve its trainers and handlers with this new group The only similarity would be the ideology and the cause The members of this new group will not interact or connect with anyone from the LeT directly On being asked whether this group is ready or not officials said that its making is in the processThe Lashkar will not rush through anything and would rather want to wait it out at least for a year before this group becomes fully functionalWhile the group would be formed the challenge would be the infiltrations Since it is next to impossible to infiltrate India at the moment the terror outfit would take it slow They are aware that the Indian security agencies are on a state of very high alert Hence they would wait for the security mechanism to turn lax before attempting anything at the borderThe proxy which the LeT feels should operate without any Pakistani linkages is also aimed at tackling Indiaâs new doctrine on terror India following the Pahalgam attack said that any act of terror would not be treated as crossborder terror but as an act of warFollowing the Pahalgam attack investigators were quick in identifying the attackers and the probe learned that the three were Pakistani nationals This is a scenario which the LeT wants to avoid Any attack in Jammu and Kashmir should be carried out by locals and no amount of probing should lead to Pakistan the outfit feelsNot only would the outfit carry out a strike in Jammu and Kashmir but it is also looking to avoid an Operation Sindoor an official said In addition to keeping a close watch on the operational capabilities of this new group the agencies are also tracking funding trails both in Pakistan and IndiaThe outfit would look to carry out donation drives and would even ask people from India to donate The LeT has already formed groups such as the Muslim Medical Mission MMM which claims to be a humanitarian group It says that its formation is to raise funds for Gaza relief In reality all the funds are being pumped into the LashkareTaiba an official said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/after-trfs-fall-lashkar-plots-slather-proxy-to-evade-indias-new-doctrine-670832.html Thu, 23 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-africa-forum-summit-to-shape-next-phase-of-our-partnership-eam-jaishankar--670837.html New Delhi April 23 IANS External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar said on Thursday that the India Africa Forum Summit IAFSIV will shape the next phase of the partnership between two sides stressing that it would be more ambitious inclusive and futureorientednbspThe EAMs statement came as he unveiled the logo theme and website of the summit to be hosted by India in collaboration with the African Union Commission here on May 31Joined African Ambassadors and those invested in IndiaAfrica friendship to launch the Logo Theme and Website of 4th India Africa Forum Summit The forthcoming Summit will shape the next phase of our partnership one that is more ambitious more inclusive and more futureoriented It will enable us to exchange best practices share successful experiences and discuss common challenges he said in a post on XJaishankar stated that the development partnership and capacitybuilding initiatives between India and Africa are driven by African priorities and local ownership He mentioned that the engagement of two sides has increased in various sectors like digital fintech and innovation reshaping economies across the African continentIndia and Africa have been deepening engagement in the International Solar Alliance the Global Biofuels Alliance the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and the International Big Cat Alliance he noted He highlighted Indias consistent support to Africas rightful place in global governance demonstrated in the African Unions inclusion in the G20 during Indias 2023 presidencynbspHighlighting Indias growing diplomatic footprint in Africa he said that India and Africa are not just partners in development but partners in shaping a better worldThe IAFSIV will bring together leaders from the African continent the African Union Commission and representatives from regional organisations to strengthen the enduring IndiaAfrica partnership and lay out a roadmap for further expanding cooperation in various sectors according to a Ministry of External Affairs MEAnbsp statementThe summit will be held under the theme IA SPIRIT India Africa Strategic Partnership for Innovation Resilience and Inclusive Transformation demonstrating the comprehensive nature of the IndiaAfrica partnership In the leadup to the summit a series of preparatory meetings will be held including the IndiaAfrica Foreign Ministers Meeting on May 29 preceded by the Senior Officials Meeting on May 28 which will deliberate on key areas of cooperation between India and AfricaThe IndiaAfrica Forum Summit is an important platform for fostering dialogue with African countries and the AU Commission and advancing mutually beneficial collaboration guided by the principles of mutual respect equality solidarity and shared prosperity The last edition of the IndiaAfrica Forum Summit resulted in a major expansion of Indian development assistance and capacity building programs for Africa the MEA statement saidAccording to the MEA the upcoming summit will be a landmark engagement for further cementing close ties of friendship and cooperation between India and Africa and strengthening partnership under the SouthSouth framework It will also be an occasion to showcase good governance and inclusive development initiatives developed over the past 10 yearsIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-africa-forum-summit-to-shape-next-phase-of-our-partnership-eam-jaishankar--670837.html Thu, 23 Apr 2026 14:09:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-cannot-even-guarantee-safe-vaccination-for-its-children-report-670869.html Islamabad April 23 Pakistans deteriorating global reputation has been jolted further by a recent incident at a government hospital in Punjab province where 331 children were infected with HIV The incident in Bhakkar city has âshaken the very conscience of humanityâ sparking serious questions about national priorities reported Khalsa Vox while also citing that the countrys InterServices Intelligence ISI has for long dented the countrys image by supporting Khalistani terrorists gangsters and drug mafiasMultiple children were reportedly vaccinated with the same syringe â highlighting not only mere negligence but also a broader weakness of a system in safeguarding human lifeâThis cannot be dismissed as a routine medical error It exposes the reality of a fragile and failing system where even fundamental health protocols are not followed Administering injections to 10 children with a single syringe clearly indicates either a lack of awareness of rules or a complete disregard for them â both scenarios are equally dangerous the report detailedThe infection of 331 children with HIV is a matter that should force any society into deep introspection This is not just a statistic it represents hundreds of innocent lives whose futures have been compromised due to preventable negligence What is even more alarming is that warning signs had appeared earlier making it clear that this crisis is not sudden but the result of years of neglect it statedThe report stressed that the issue extends beyond a single hospital or a few staff members reflecting the failure of an entire system In the absence of strong oversight accountability and timely reform it said such incidents tend to repeat rather than remain isolatedThe strength of a nation is not measured by outward displays but by how well it ensures the basic safety of its citizens If a country cannot even guarantee safe vaccination for its children serious questions must be raised about its priorities It is also worth examining how resources are being allocated Are critical sectors like healthcare and education receiving the attention they deserve or are they consistently sidelined in favour of other priorities This imbalance ultimately leads to such tragedies it mentionedHighlighting Pakistanâs grim situation the report said âPoverty and helplessness further worsen the situation Those who have no alternatives are forced to depend on the very system that is failing them This is not just administrative failure â it is also a form of social injustice IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-cannot-even-guarantee-safe-vaccination-for-its-children-report-670869.html Thu, 23 Apr 2026 18:18:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/one-year-since-pahalgam-argentina-backs-indias-fight-against-terrorism-670723.html New Delhi April 22 Argentinas Ambassador to India Mariano Caucino on Wednesday paid tribute to the victims of Pahalgam terror attack expressing his countrys support to India in its right to defend itself India is on Wednesday observing one year of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in which Pakistanbacked terrorists gunned down 26 innocent tourists after identifying their religion in one of the most brutal incidents targetting civilians in recent yearsIn an interview with IANS Caucino said One year after this terrible terrorist attack we want to commemorate the day and pay tribute to those who were lost to their families to their loved ones and absolutely condemn terror and all forms of terrorism The Argentine government has been so emphatic on this supporting India in its right to defend itself and its people So we are supporting the government of India and we know what terrorism isThe attack in Pahalgam was carried out by The Resistance Front TRF an offshoot of the Pakistanbased LashkareTaiba The attackers singled out victims after asking about their religion forcing them to recite the Islamic kalima to identify nonMuslims Among those killed were 25 tourists and one local pony ride operator who tried to save the touristsWhen asked whether peace talks between the US and Iran will lead to any conclusion Caucino responded We hope of course everybody wants this war to be concluded and this conflict to be in a way solved Its not so easy In the Middle East there are a number of conflicts this is one of them But we hope there are peace efforts on the way and we hope this brings stability to the world and to the world economy And of course we are supporting the operation in the sense that some countries are promoting terrorism and that is not acceptableEarlier in the day US President Donald Trump unilaterally extended the ceasefire with Iran indefinitely hours before it was to expire even though Tehran refused to attend a second round of talks that Trump had said were imminentAmbassador Caucino stressed that oil is still important in the world and will continue to be a geopolitical factor for the next few decadesI think geopolitically the truth is that oil is still important in this world Although there are numerous countries including mine that have a huge reserve of energy for example gas in the case of Argentina but its a world in which we are still dependent on these types of energy resources So I think although Im not an expert on energy I think for a while it will continue being a geopolitical factor maybe for the time we are going to be alive for the next few decades So I think its still a major issue on the global stageHe praised Indias decision to diversify energy resources and said that Argentina can provide energy security to New DelhiEverybody is trying to diversify the energy resources or the energy provisions I think thats a natural course that every country is trying to do In the case of India you are following a strategy of diversifying your energy resources provisions Argentina has already been doing work in that sense especially since last month since this disruption emerged We think that it is wise from Indian side to diversify and Argentina is a country that can not only provide food security to India but also energy security IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/one-year-since-pahalgam-argentina-backs-indias-fight-against-terrorism-670723.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-detains-15-afghan-refugees-in-rawalpindi-670732.html Islamabad April 22 A 15member Afghan family including minor children were detained by law enforcement agencies in Pakistans Rawalpindi as authorities continued their crackdown against illegal Afghan nationals local media reported on Wednesday Sources said more than 5673 illegal Afghans have been repatriated to Afghanistan since the deadline for voluntary return has ended The law enforcement agencies have been asked to maintain accurate comprehensive and consolidated data of all deported Afghan nationals irrespective of whether their return was voluntary or conducted through formal actions Pakistans leading daily Dawn reportedThe police have been ordered to collect relevant data verify accuracy by the CounterTerrorism Department CTD and combine at the appropriate level to ensure effective monitoringOn April 14 police in Pakistans Quetta arrested over 20 landlords and shop owners for renting properties to undocumented Afghan migrantsThe crackdown targetted those who violated rental laws with cases lodged against those arrested under existing legal provisions governing housing and foreign residency Afghanistans leading news agency Khaama Press reportedHundreds of undocumented Afghans were identified and arrested during the operation which demonstrates growing pressure faced by migrants in PakistanAfghan migrants in Balochistan said that the restrictions imposed by the authorities have made their routine life increasingly difficult restricting their access to housing employment and essential services needed for basic survivalPakistan has imposed a ban on renting properties to undocumented foreign nationals in Islamabad and nearby areas and extended restrictions to utilities mobile SIM cards and other essential services Khaama Press reportedIn the past few months Afghan refugees have written letters to the United Nations and other bodies to express concerns about increased arrests harassment and forced deportationsOn March 15 over 300 illegal Afghan refugees were detained by police during raids carried out in various parts of Swabi district in Pakistans Khyber PakhtunkhwaA crackdown was launched after a decision made by the district administration and police officials to deport illegal Afghans Dawn reported The police had ordered Station House Officers SHOs to keep data of all illegal Afghans in the jurisdictions of their police stationsAccording to sources 341 Afghan refugees were arrested during raids conducted in Topi Razaar Chota Lahor tehsils and other parts of Swabi on March 15 They mentioned that the raids will continue and all Afghan refugees who are illegally residing in Swabi will be detained and deported to Afghanistan IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-detains-15-afghan-refugees-in-rawalpindi-670732.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 17:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/canadas-china-trade-push-risky-could-hurt-ties-with-us-report-670734.html New Delhi April 22 Canadaâs move to deepen trade ties with China could pose risks to its economic security and strain relations with the United States a report has said Former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig warned Ottawaâs evolving China strategy as a risky play that may not be viewed favourably in Washington and could complicate ongoing trade discussions with its largest partner according to the report in Global NewsThe basic problem is that China is not a solution to most of our problems with the US Kovrig was quoted as sayingHe also cautioned that closer engagement with Beijing could make Canada appear as an unreliable ally in the eyes of the United StatesKovtig noted that the US accounts for about 75 per cent of Canadaâs exports while China represents only around 4 per cent underscoring the imbalance in trade dependence according to the reportEarlier the Canadian government announced a deal under Prime Minister Mark Carney which includes provisions such as importing a limited number of Chinese electric vehicles and easing tariffs on certain Canadian agricultural exportsThe agreement aimed at boosting Canadaâs exports to China by 50 per cent by 2030Kovrig warned that China is currently in selling mode not in buying mode and is seeking to expand global reliance on its exportsHe also cautioned that Beijing could use economic leverage to increase its market access over time including pushing for higher quotas of Chinese electric vehicles beyond the current commitmentDrawing an analogy Kovrig said the influx of cheaper imports could undermine domestic industries similar to how large retailers can displace local businesses eventually reducing competition and increasing dependenceHe further pointed out that canola pork and seafood sectors have already become highly dependent on the Chinese market making them vulnerable to potential trade disruptionsIf China cuts off that trade the people in those sectors face an economic catastrophe he said adding that such dependence could influence domestic policy decisionsHowever Kovrig did not advocate cutting off ties with China entirely stressing that engagement should be tightly controlled and restricted with safeguards to prevent misuseThe report further highlighted that other experts have echoed similar concerns warning that the deal could impact negotiations to renew the CanadaUSMexico Agreement IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/canadas-china-trade-push-risky-could-hurt-ties-with-us-report-670734.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 17:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/former-us-nsa-raises-concerns-over-pakistans-motives-in-iran-talks-calls-it-chinas-client-670618.html Washington April 22 Former US National Security Advisor NSA HR McMaster has cast doubt on Pakistanâs role in Iranrelated diplomacy describing it as a âclientâ of China and warning of âulterior motivesâ in its mediation efforts âI think what you have to do is consider Pakistan as certainly a client of the Chinese Communist Partyâ McMaster told IANS in an exclusive interview when asked about the role of Pakistan in mediating between the US and IranThe second round of talks between Iran and the US in Islamabad was called off by President Donald Trump on Tuesday afternoon local timeMcMaster in response to a question argued that Beijing has a vested interest in preserving the current Iranian regime âThe Chinese Communist Partyâ is desperate to keep the Islamic Republicâ in power in Iranâ said McMaster who served as the national security advisor to President Trump in his first termGiven that context McMaster suggested Pakistanâs offer to broker talks may not be neutral âThere is probably an ulterior motive here in offering their good offices to broker these talksâ he saidDrawing on his experience McMaster delivered a blunt assessment of Pakistanâs security establishmentâMy experience with the Pakistani army has been one of great disappointmentâ he saidHe accused Pakistan of pursuing a dualtrack approach in security cooperation âPakistan often offers to be your friend and to assistâ in counterterrorism effortsâ while at the same timeâ theyâre supporting your enemiesâ he saidReferring to longstanding concerns raised by India he added that such behaviour is not new âTheyâve been using terrorist organisations as an arm of their foreign policy since the late 1940sâ he saidMcMaster linked Pakistanâs positioning to wider geopolitical competition especially Chinaâs role in the Middle East According to him Beijingâs economic engagement with Iran including largescale oil purchases provides the Iranian regime with financial resourcesâThey buy 90 per cent of Iranâs oil to feed the Iranian regimeâs ATMâ he said adding that such support enables Tehran to sustain its regional activitiesMcMaster argued that these dynamics make it difficult to view Pakistanâs diplomatic role in isolation from Chinaâs strategic interests IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/former-us-nsa-raises-concerns-over-pakistans-motives-in-iran-talks-calls-it-chinas-client-670618.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 06:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-extends-iran-ceasefire-blockade-stays-670619.html Washington April 22 US President Donald Trump has extended the ceasefire with Iran and ordered the continuation of a naval blockade saying Tehran must first present a âunified proposalâ before talks can move forward In a statement posted on Truth Social on Tuesday local time Trump said the decision followed a request from Pakistanâs leadership and internal divisions within Iranâs governmentâBased on the fact that the Government of Iran is seriously fracturedâ we have been asked to hold our attack on the country of Iran until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposalâ Trump saidâI have therefore directed our military to continue the blockadeâ and will therefore extend the ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted and discussions are concluded one way or the otherâ he addedThe announcement came hours before the twoweek ceasefire was due to expire and has thrown the next round of peace talks into uncertaintySoon thereafter Vice President JD Vance cancelled his plans to travel to Islamabad for the second round of negotiations with Iran A White House official confirmed that the trip would not proceed as Washington awaits clarity from TehranIran has not confirmed participation in the talks and has demanded that the US lift its blockade as a condition for returning to negotiations according to The Washington PostIranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Washington of breaching the truce saying âBlockading Iranian ports is an act of war and thus a violation of the ceasefireâ and added that âstriking a commercial vessel and taking its crew hostage is an even greater violationâ The Wall Street Journal reportedPakistan which has been mediating the talks welcomed the extension Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked Trump for âgraciously accepting our request to extend the ceasefire to allow ongoing diplomatic efforts to take their courseâDespite the extension tensions remain high Earlier in the day Trump warned that military action remains an option if negotiations failâWell I expect to be bombingâ the military is raring to goâ he said in an interviewThe US has maintained pressure through a sweeping maritime blockade targeting Iranian ports and oil shipments Officials say at least 28 vessels have been ordered to turn around or return to port since the blockade began on April 13 according to Fox News Digital and The Wall Street JournalIran has responded with threats to escalate Reports citing Iranian media said Tehran would not reopen the Strait of Hormuz while the blockade remains and could âbreak the blockade by force if necessaryâ according to Fox News Digital and The Wall Street JournalThe diplomatic standoff has left both sides in a holding pattern with the ceasefire extended but no clear path to negotiationsThe conflict which began on February 28 has disrupted global energy markets particularly through tensions around the Strait of Hormuz a critical route for oil shipments The waterway carries a significant share of global crude supply and remains central to the crisis IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-extends-iran-ceasefire-blockade-stays-670619.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 06:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bihar-outlines-growth-vision-before-diaspora-at-us-event-670621.html Washington April 22 Bihar officials pitched the stateâs growth and technology vision to the diaspora at Bihar Diwas 2026 celebrations in New York The event was held at the Consulate General of India and brought together diplomats policymakers and members of the Indian diaspora Emcee Komal Sharan opened the programme and welcomed attendeesAsserting that âBihar is ready for transformationâ Bihar Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit urged people of Bihari origin across the world to contribute at what he described as a critical moment He said that government departments would remain accountable and address development challenges transparentlyIndustry Secretary Kundan Kumar who also serves as CEO of the Bihar Foundation reinforced the message saying âBihar Hai Taiyarâ Bihar is ready to take a leap forward He pointed to industrial growth new GCC policies and efforts to position Bihar as a competitive investment destinationAlok Kumar Chairman of Bihar Foundation USA â ETZ highlighted the governmentâs push towards artificial intelligence He referred to the establishment of a Centre of Excellence and collaboration with industry leaders including Mahesh Kumar Founder of Tiger Analytics and Badrish PrakashIndiaâs Consul General in New York Binaya S Pradhan in his remarks underscored the stateâs global footprint He referred to Biharâs historical legacy and its future potentialCommunity leader Avinash Gupta urged attendees to move beyond stereotypes about Bihar and recognise infrastructure improvements Priti Kashyap President of BJANA stressed unity and the need to engage younger generationsThe programme included the launch of the book âGaon Ki Mitti Mitne Nahi Detiâ by Santa Mishra Cultural performances showcased Biharâs traditions through folk music and dance including acts inspired by regional festivals and songsBihar Vishwa Gaurav Samman 2026 was presented to Saroj Kumar Jha Hasmukh Ranjan Rajesh Sinha and Sanjay Choubey for their contributions in their respective fields IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bihar-outlines-growth-vision-before-diaspora-at-us-event-670621.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 07:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-steps-up-lng-push-with-shipment-flag-off-from-us-670622.html Washington April 22 India has stepped up its energy security push as GAIL India Limited flagged off an LNG vessel from a US terminal signalling deeper IndiaUS cooperation in securing cleaner fuel supplies The LNG vessel Energy Fidelity was flagged off on April 20 from the Sabine Pass LNG Terminal by Indiaâs Consul General in Houston DC Manjunath according to official statementsâGAIL India Limited proudly marks a significant milestone in Indiaâs global energy journeyâ the company said on Tuesday local time It described the development as part of its longterm LNG shipping portfolioWithin this portfolio the 174000 cubic metre LNG carrier Energy Fidelity âstands as a testament to Indiaâs growing strength in building a robust futureready energy ecosystemâ the company said It added that the vessel would âstrengthen Indiaâs energy logistics ensuring a resilient supply chain and a reliable flow of cleaner fuel to support the countryâs growthâThe Houston consulate said the ceremony âmarks an important milestone in Indiaâs expanding global energy engagement and GAIL India Limitedâs longterm LNG shipping portfolioâIt described the vessel as a âstateoftheart 174000 cbm LNG carrierâ that strengthens Indiaâs energy logistics chain The consulate said it supports âthe countryâs transition toward cleaner and more sustainable fuel sourcesâThe milestone âreflects the deepening energy partnership between India and the United States anchored in mutual trust shared goals of energy security and expanding economic collaborationâ the statement saidThe consulate said the occasion âreflects the growing IndiaâUS energy partnership built on shared priorities of reliability innovation and longterm energy securityâIt added that the mission âremains committed to working closely with all stakeholders to facilitate cooperation in Energy Security and to promote the 3Ts Trade Technology and Tourismâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-steps-up-lng-push-with-shipment-flag-off-from-us-670622.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 07:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/unmanned-navy-push-gains-urgency-in-us-670623.html Washington April 22 US lawmakers have urged the Navy to speed up the deployment of unmanned surface vessels warning that delays could leave the United States trailing adversaries adopting autonomous systems at a pace Opening a Senate Seapower subcommittee hearing on Tuesday Senator Rick Scott said the Navy âmust move decisively to integrate unmanned systems into the fightâ and warned it âappearsâ late to the game alreadyâ pointing to lessons from the war in UkraineScott said unmanned vessels can âextend our reach reduce risks to American sailors and Marinesâ and give us the edge we needâ stressing that rivals are moving quickly in this domainSenator Tim Kaine highlighted growing threats at sea noting that US and partner vessels have faced repeated attacks in recent years He said the Navy must respond to âthreats that are growing more complicated every dayâ especially in regions such as the Persian Gulf and the Strait of HormuzRear Admiral Derek Trinque director of Surface Warfare told the panel that unmanned surface vessels are a âcritical componentâ of future naval operations but will work alongside traditional ships âWe are not moving toward an exclusively unmanned fleetâ he said emphasising âmanned and unmanned teamingâHe said the Navy is trying to accelerate acquisition and field capabilities faster Unmanned systems he said will âaugment and complement the main battle forceâ and expand operational options for commandersRebecca Gassler the Navyâs portfolio acquisition executive for robotic and autonomous systems said the service is shifting from experimentation to rapid deployment âUnmanned systems are not a future conceptâ they are a response to a present operational realityâ she saidShe said adversaries are investing in âmass distribution and lower cost systemsâ forcing the US to adopt a âcomplementary approachâ that increases reach and persistenceGassler said the Navy has introduced a competitive marketplace model allowing companies to offer mature systems that compete for contracts The approach aims to speed up procurement and scale production of proven technologiesOfficials said the Navy plans an initial procurement of about 30 medium unmanned surface vessels with the fleet potentially expanding to around 70 over a fiveyear lifecycle including sustainmentLawmakers raised concerns about clarity for the industry Scott said companies need âa clear sustained demand signalâ not another pivotâ to ensure continued investmentThe discussion also touched on how to measure naval strength Kaine said traditional ship counts may no longer reflect âcapacity and lethalityâ calling for updated metrics that include unmanned systemsUnmanned maritime systems have gained prominence globally particularly after Ukraine used them effectively in the Black Sea against Russian forcesThe US Navy built around large warships and aircraft carriers is now adapting to a changing battlespace as rivals invest in autonomous capabilities across air surface and subsurface domains IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/unmanned-navy-push-gains-urgency-in-us-670623.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 07:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-india-ties-rocky-but-essential-former-nsa-mcmaster-670624.html Washington April 22 Former US National Security Advisor NSA HR McMaster has described current USIndia relations as ârockyâ but stressed that the two countries remain indispensable partners amid rising global tensions particularly from China âItâs been rocky Iâll say thatâ McMaster told IANS in an exclusive interview reflecting on the trajectory of ties in recent years âIt didnât need to be that rocky in my viewâHe pointed to strains that emerged during the Trump administration including perceptions around diplomatic credit and trade disagreements âPresident Trump felt as if heâ didnât receive enough creditâ for reducing tensions on the border between India and Pakistanâ he saidMcMaster served as the National Security Advisor to President Donald Trump in his first termTrade disputes he noted have been a recurring source of friction âThe trade issues have always been kind of sticky But we could work together on thoseâ he said in response to a questionDespite these challenges McMaster underscored the structural importance of the relationship âWe need each otherâ he saidHe acknowledged disappointment in Washington over Indiaâs position following Russiaâs invasion of Ukraine âThere was disappointmentâ when Indiaâ didnât voteâ with the United States in the United Nationsâ he saidHowever he linked Indiaâs cautious stance to concerns over US reliability after the withdrawal from Afghanistan âWhen Indiaâ asked who has our back There were doubts about the degree to which the United States could support Indiaâ he saidMcMaster described Indiaâs strategic posture as balancing competing risks âThereâs this natural inclinationâ to swing between fears of entanglementâ and fears of abandonmentâ he saidHe argued that a middle ground is needed with stronger assurances from Washington âFrom Indiaâs perspective the US should be the most important partnerâ going forwardâ he saidThe former NSA also raised concerns about Indiaâs continued reliance on Russian military equipment âIndiaâs reliance on Russian weapons and munitions isâ problematicâ he saidCiting recent conflicts he added âRussian weapons and munitions are not very goodâ as you can see in UkraineâHe said reducing that dependence could unlock deeper defence cooperation âThere is a great deal of reluctance to sell the most capable US weaponsâ because of the threat of compromiseâ he said referring to security concerns linked to Russian systemsMcMaster framed USIndia ties within the broader challenge posed by China âThe US and India are the solution to each otherâs problemsâ in terms of the threat from Chinese aggressionâ he saidHe recalled recent tensions along the IndiaChina border âChinese soldiers were attacking Indian soldiers on the Himalayan frontierâ he said adding that Beijing continues to pursue âsubversive actionsâ and economic pressureBeyond government ties McMaster highlighted the role of peopletopeople connections âWe have benefited fromâ the incredibly talented and vibrant Indian diasporaâ he saidHe said these social and cultural links strengthen the foundation of the relationship âWe also haveâ strong cultural ties andâ familial tiesâ he addedDespite recent frictions McMaster expressed confidence in the longterm trajectory âIndia and the United States are natural partnersâ he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-india-ties-rocky-but-essential-former-nsa-mcmaster-670624.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 07:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-praises-ncaa-athletes-pushes-for-sports-reforms-670625.html Washington April 22 US President Donald Trump praised NCAA champions at the White House and said his administration is pushing changes to college sports warning current trends are ânot sustainableâ Hosting seven collegiate championshipwinning teams on Tuesday local time Trump described the athletes as âremarkableâ and said they had shown âgrit and determinationâ âThis afternoon were joined by not one not two but seven collegiate championshipwinning teams from all across the country champions every one of themâ he saidThe teams included the Oklahoma State Cowboys menâs golf champions Texas AampM womenâs volleyball champions Wake Forest menâs tennis champions Georgia womenâs tennis champions Youngstown State womenâs bowling champions Florida State womenâs soccer champions and West Virginiaâs mixed rifle championsTrump praised the Oklahoma State golf team for securing its â12th national titleâ and said the Texas AampM volleyball team âplayed with heart and determinationâ He highlighted standout players calling Kyndal Stowers âa real powerhouse and championâ and commended Logan Lednickyâs performance in the finalOn tennis he said Wake Forest âbattled through the fierce postseason to claim their second national titleâ while Georgiaâs womenâs team captured its third title after a comeback winHe also recognised Youngstown Stateâs bowling team for achieving âthe programs first ever national titleâ and praised Madyson Marx saying her â208 averageâ was âfantasticâ Florida Stateâs womenâs soccer team was noted for winning its fifth national title while West Virginiaâs rifle team marked its 20th national shooting titleTrump used the event to outline concerns about the current state of college sports âWhats happening is crazyâ he said adding that his administration is âfighting hard to save college sportsâHe referred to an executive order introducing reforms including limiting transfers and setting a fiveyear eligibility cap âStudents right out of high school should not have to compete against players that are 28 or 29 years oldâ he saidCalling for legislative support Trump said âWe need now Congress to act to clear up the confusion created by the courts and institute permanent reforms to protect college sports at every levelâHe also stressed the broader importance of college athletics noting that â75 per cent of Olympians competing for Team USA played as college athletesâClosing the ceremony Trump told the athletes âYou are unbelievable champions I admire and respect all of you and its an honour to have you in the White HouseâCollege sports have long been a key part of the US education system serving as a pathway to professional leagues and international competition In recent years however changes linked to athlete compensation transfer rules and legal challenges have reshaped the landscape IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-praises-ncaa-athletes-pushes-for-sports-reforms-670625.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 08:18:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/australian-pm-says-extra-diesel-shipments-secured-amid-volatile-global-period-670630.html Sydney April 22 Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday announced the government has secured additional diesel shipments Albanese told reporters in Sydney that four shipments two from South Korea and one each from Brunei and Malaysia with a combined 200 million litres of diesel have been secured by the government in collaboration with BP and Viva EnergyHe said that the government has been working to guarantee Australias domestic fuel supply amid global volatility and that Australia would continue to advocate for a deescalation of the conflict in the Middle EastSpeaking alongside Albanese Energy Minister Chris Bowen said that the diesel shipments would arrive in Australia in late May or early June and would serve as an extra buffer for the national stockpile Xinhua news agency reported Albanese will on Thursday meet with Australian state and territory leaders for fuel security talks for the third time since the conflict in the Middle East beganEarlier on April 18 Anthony Albanese had said that Australia welcomes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and will consider deploying military assets to secure shipping in the regionSpeaking to reporters in Sydney Albanese had welcomed Irans announcement that the strait has completely reopened for all commercial vessels during the ceasefire between Israel and LebanonThis was positive news that we received last night Albanese had said We want to see though this fragile arrangement confirmedAsked if Australia would deploy military assets to ensure shipping remains open Albanese said the government would consider any such requestsAustralia obviously is a long way away as well from the strait compared with European nations Its fair to say that well give consideration to requests which are made when we come together he had saidAlbanese was speaking alongside Energy Minister Chris Bowen who said that Australia has increased its strategic fuel reserves recently IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/australian-pm-says-extra-diesel-shipments-secured-amid-volatile-global-period-670630.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 08:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-unilaterally-extends-ceasefire-despite-iran-staying-away-from-talks-670632.html New York April 22 US President Donald Trump has unilaterally extended the ceasefire with Iran indefinitely hours before it was to expire even though Tehran refused to attend a second round of talks that Trump had said were imminent After making several threats to Iran if it did not accept his terms for a settlement he announced on Truth Social on Tuesday local time that because Iran is seriously fractured he was extending the ceasefire till Tehran can come up with a unified approachHe had threatened earlier Tuesday in an interview with CNBC that he wouldnt extend the ceasefire and said I expect to be bombing Iran if there is no dealWhile announcing the extension of the ceasefire the President said that he was continuing the Naval blockade of Iranian ports which was one of the factors behind Tehran staying away from the talks he had said would take place this week in IslamabadWhile the ceasefire announcement kept a ray of hope for a world reeling under the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz that shuts out 20 per cent of the global supply of oil and gas a lifting of the restrictions by either side was not on the horizon for nowIrans governmentowned PressTV said Tehran unequivocally insisted on the removal of the blockade and said that it would not rejoin negotiations under pressureIrans Tasnim news agency said that according to its sources the Iranian negotiating team has informed the American side through a Pakistani mediator that it will not be in Islamabad Pakistan on Wednesday and there is currently no prospect for participating in the negotiationsPakistans Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed on Tuesday that Iran was not coming to Islamabad for the second round of talks US Vice President JD Vance who is leading the negotiations with Iran was expected to leave for Pakistan on Tuesday morning but delayed the trip under the threat of Iranians standing him upTrump again took cover behind Pakistans leaders for extending the ceasefire asserting that it was because military chief Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had asked him to hold our attack on the country of Iran until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposalEarlier when he announced the 14day ceasefire on April 7 after the 21 hours of talks in Islamabad ended in a stalemate he made it seem he was doing so at Pakistans request In a stagemanaged facesaving manoeuvre for Trump Shehbaz Sharif at that time posted on X a request to Trump for a ceasefire and it turned out the White House had seen and approved the postIrans Tasnim news agency said that according to its sources Tehran did not ask for an extension of the ceasefireA continued naval blockade means the continuation of hostilities Iran will not open the Strait of Hormuz at least as long as the naval blockade remains in place and will break the blockade by force if necessary it saidTrump had repeatedly said over the last few days that a deal was at hand and asserted on Monday that he was offering Iran a better deal than they had received under an international agreement that he had denounced as too conciliatory towards Tehran and scrapped it in his first termIf they took it they can make themselves into a strong nation again a wonderful nation again he saidBut his deal would require Iran to completely abjure nuclear ambitions hand over the remnants of the enriched uranium in the rubble of the facilities Trump said had been obliterated in last years bombing and end its missile capabilityIran is unlikely to agree to them after surviving the punishing attacks by Israel and the USIts prime objective is to retain control of the Strait of Hormuz which Tehran has found is the source of power in the region as 20 per cent of the global oil and gas supplies pass through itTrump at one time offered to share control of the Strait with IranAs Trump said Irans leadership is indeed seriously fractured with the hardliners in control of the military seeming dominant at the momentOn Friday after a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon was brokered by Trump Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on X that the Strait of Hormuz was completely openBut the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps IRGC which represents the military and Tehrans hardline faction asserted its power on Saturday reimposing restrictions on the Strait going to the extent of firing on two Indian ships that had received Irans permission to go through the waterwayTrump had expected that when Israel which initiated the war killed the top leadership including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in the February 28 bombing a new leadership amenable to making a deal would emergeBut he acknowledged that the next tier of leaders he had hoped to do business with were wiped out in another Israeli attack He claimed it had resulted in a regime change but it did not turn out the way he wanted it to beWashington according to reports stopped Israel from killing Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf with whom it wanted to negotiateThe IRGC and Ghalibaf have been issuing a steady stream of counterthreats to Trumps warningGhalibaf warned on X Over the past two weeks we have been preparing to unveil new cards on the battlefieldIn the midst of the policy tussle in Iran Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei who succeeded his father as the Supreme Leader has been absent from public view and has not been heard ofIn the standoff its a matter of which side has greater staying powerIn the democratic US Trump faces popular discontent with the war â a ReutersIpsos poll released on Monday showed only 36 per cent of Americans supported it â and a consequential midterm election is coming up in November amid rising prices attributed to the warIran though is a totalitarian state with dissent suppressed and the currently dominant section of the leadership willing to take on more punishment IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-unilaterally-extends-ceasefire-despite-iran-staying-away-from-talks-670632.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:01:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/time-to-strengthen-us-india-energy-cooperation-amid-global-tensions-mcmaster-670645.html Washington April 22 Former US National Security Advisor NSA HR McMaster has underscored the urgency of strengthening USIndia energy cooperation saying that current global tensions highlight Indiaâs need for longterm energy security McMaster who served as the national security advisor to President Donald Trump in his first term said the energy crisis in the aftermath of the Iran war situation mirrors earlier disruptions during the Ukraine warâThis is very similar to the energy crisis associated with Russiaâs massive invasion of Ukraineâ he told IANS in an exclusive interviewCautioning that reliance on external energy sources leaves India vulnerable to geopolitical volatility he said âIt highlights the need for energy securityâMcMaster identified the USIndia partnership as central to addressing these risks âThe US partnership with India is immensely important on so many levelsâ he saidHe stressed that energy cooperation must become a core pillar of bilateral ties âOne of the most important dimensionsâ should be a partnershipâ to develop technologiesâ that will allow for a much higher degree of energy securityâ he saidThe former NSA also linked energy challenges to broader domestic pressures in India âWater security and food securityâ I see these as all interconnectedâ he saidOutlining practical steps McMaster pointed to expanding access to American energy supplies âAccess to US liquified natural gas exportsâ he said could help India diversify its import basketHe noted that the United States has emerged as a dominant energy producer âThe USâ is now the worldâs largest producer of fossil fuelsâ he saidAt the same time he warned against overdependence on supply chains linked to China âRenewable solutions that are not reliant on supply chains controlled by Chinaâ he said should be prioritisedHe cited sectors such as solar panels and wind turbines where Chinese dominance in manufacturing creates strategic vulnerabilitiesLooking ahead McMaster highlighted advanced nuclear technologies as part of a longterm solution âNuclear technologiesâ such as small modular reactorsâ hold great promiseâ he saidHe argued that a diversified energy strategy combining fossil fuels renewables and nuclear would strengthen Indiaâs resilience against external shocksThe remarks come as India continues to navigate global uncertainty including tensions in West Asia and fluctuating energy markets while seeking to balance growth with stabilityMcMasterâs comments underline a broader strategic view in Washington that energy cooperation can anchor the next phase of USIndia relations alongside defence and technology partnerships IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/time-to-strengthen-us-india-energy-cooperation-amid-global-tensions-mcmaster-670645.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/un-secretary-general-candidate-bacheletto-push-as-much-as-possible-for-unsc-reforms-670666.html United Nations April 22 Michelle Bachelet Jeria who is running to be the next secretarygeneral has declared she would âpush as much as possibleâ to have the member states reform the Security Council âTheres a huge movement that they UN members understand that the Security Council needs to be reformed but in which way will depend on how members decideâ she said on Tuesday at a news conference following a candidatesâ forumThe Council needs to have representation of those who are underrepresented as permanent members or nonpermanent members she saidIf it is not reformed there is not much hope for the multilateral system she added emphasising the need for changeBachelet said that while the secretarygeneral doesnât have the mandate to reform the Council she will do her best to convince member nations to act on reforming itA pediatric doctor by profession Bachelet is a former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and was the president of Chile which nominated her along with Mexico and BrazilDuring the candidateâs forum on behalf of G4 Germanyâs Permanent Representative Thomas Hans Ossowski asked her what role she would see for the SecretaryGeneral in reforming the Security Council that âdoes not reflect todays geopolitical realitiesâ and its relevance and effectiveness are questionedG4 a group of India Germany Japan and Brazil lobbies for Council reform and they mutually support each other for permanent seats on a reformed CouncilBachelet said that there is a need for making the Council reflect the world as it is today so it can be more efficient and effective with better geographic representation with permanent members from certain regions and the secretarygeneral can play a role in bringing this aboutIndiaâs External Ministry Secretary Shibi George asked her about her approach to achieving the developmental goals of the Global SouthBachelet said the member states should make achieving the development goals a political priority and ensure finances are available for itIt will also have to be ensured that the Global South is well represented in the different decisionmaking positions at the UN agencies and the Secretariat she saidThis is to make sure their voices are really heard not only in particular group meetings like those on the situation of the least developed countries but on a daily basis she saidThere are three other candidates competing to succeed Antonio Guterres whose second term ends this year The Security Council will select the winner and recommend its choice to the General Assembly for approval IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/un-secretary-general-candidate-bacheletto-push-as-much-as-possible-for-unsc-reforms-670666.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/four-civilians-forcibly-disappeared-by-pakistani-forces-in-balochistan-rights-body-670667.html Quetta April 22 At least four civilians including a woman were forcibly disappeared by Pakistani forces in Balochistan according to leading human rights organisations Paank the Baloch National Movements Human Rights Department on Wednesday strongly condemned the enforced disappearance of Khadija Baloch a female nursing studentAccording to the rights body she was abducted on Tuesday by personnel of Pakistanâs Frontier Corps FC Military Intelligence MI and CounterTerrorism Department CTD from the hostel of Bolan Medical College in the provincial capital QuettaExpressing grave concern over the enforced disappearance of Khadija the Baloch Voice for Justice BVJ said âThis incident reflects a continuing pattern where Baloch women are increasingly subjected to enforced disappearances intimidation and unlawful detention undermining their fundamental rights and securityâThe human rights organisations called on the Pakistani authorities to immediately disclose Khadijas whereabouts and ensure her safe release They also urged international human rights bodies to take urgent note of the dire situation in Balochistan and hold those responsible accountablePaank further revealed that 28yearold Balochi writer Daad Shah was forcibly disappeared for the second time on Tuesday He is the brother of Fozia Baloch a member of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee BYCThe rights body stated that he was previously subjected to enforced disappearance on August 11 2023 during which he remained missing for 27 days before reappearing bearing signs of âsevere mental and physical tortureââThe repeated enforced disappearance of Daad Shah raises grave concerns about his safety and highlights an ongoing pattern of targeting writers and intellectuals in Balochistanâ Paank statedSabiha Baloch a BYC leader described the enforced disappearance of Daad as a disturbing pattern of intimidation by Pakistani authoritiesTaking to her social media platform X Sabiha said âTargeting relatives of Baloch human rights activists and advocates is being used to silence dissent and punish lawful political expression Such actions constitute collective punishment and violate fundamental human rights norms The repetition of these incidents indicates a deliberate policy aimed at coercion rather than justice undermining the rule of law and due processâHighlighting the atrocities against civilians across Balochistan Paank further mentioned that 29yearold shopkeeper Noman Baloch a resident of the Turbat region in the Kech district was forcibly disappeared from his home on April 18 along with his brother Ikram by personnel of FCBalochistan continues to reel under relentless atrocities by the Pakistani forces marked by enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings of Baloch civilians at an unprecedented level IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/four-civilians-forcibly-disappeared-by-pakistani-forces-in-balochistan-rights-body-670667.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-regime-unsustainable-says-ex-us-nsa-flags-corruption-repression-670676.html Washington April 22 Former US National Security Advisor NSA HR McMaster has said the Iranian regime is unlikely to sustain itself citing military setbacks corruption and widespread repression as key factors weakening its hold on power âI do not think that the Islamic Republic of Iran can sustain itselfâ McMaster told IANS in an exclusive interview âI think itâs unsustainableâ he said responding to a question on the Iranian regime after the US dismantled its entire leadership and armed forcesHe pointed to the cumulative impact of recent developments on the regimeâs ability to function âThe damage that has been done to its militaryâ to its ability to project power outside of its bordersâ he said has been significantMcMaster who served as national security advisor to President Donald Trump in his first term also emphasised internal challenges arguing that the regime has undermined itself through its policies âThe damage that it has done to itself and its own people through corruptionâ he saidHe criticised Tehran for prioritising military ambitions over domestic welfare âPrioritising a nuclear weapons programme and its missile programmes over the welfare of its own peopleâ he saidMcMaster said that the financial cost of these programmes has been enormous âThe waste ofâ tens of billions if not hundreds of billions of dollarsâ he addedHighlighting systemic corruption within the ruling establishment he said âCollectives associated with the regimeâ are extracting money and sending it abroadâHe also referred to offshore financial holdings linked to senior leadership âTens of millions of dollars in offshore accountsâ he notedThe former NSA raised concerns over human rights abuses by the regime âExecutionsâ against political prisonersâ he said continue to take placeHe cited what he described as a particularly severe episode of violence âThe mass murderâ of what appears to be 40000 people in a 48hour period in Januaryâ he saidMcMaster said the humanitarian dimension remains central to the crisis âThe stakes are highest for the Iranian peopleâ he saidHe called for sustained international efforts to weaken the regimeâs coercive apparatus âThe need toâ continue actionsâ to weaken the repressive arms of the theocratic dictatorshipâ he saidLinking Iran to broader regional instability McMaster said the regime has long engaged in indirect conflict It has been âwagingâ a proxy warâ for 47 yearsâ he saidHe also connected Iranâs position to global geopolitical competition particularly Chinaâs role Beijingâs economic engagement including largescale oil purchases provides critical financial support to Tehran he saidâThey buy 90 per cent of Iranâs oilâ McMaster noted describing it as a key revenue stream for the regimeHe argued that changes within Iran could have wider implications A fundamental shift in the regime he suggested would alter dynamics in the Middle East and beyond IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-regime-unsustainable-says-ex-us-nsa-flags-corruption-repression-670676.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:01:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-uk-agree-to-address-contemporary-challenges-advance-indo-pacific-security-670698.html London April 22 IANS Chief of Defence Staff CDS General Anil Chauhan held a meeting with his UK counterpart Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton on Wednesday during which India and UK reaffirmed their shared resolve to address contemporary challenges from global trade imbalances to emerging cyber threats while advancing a peaceful and prosperous IndoPacificnbspGeneral Anil Chauhan CDS during his official visit to the United Kingdom interacted with Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton CDS UK India and the UK reaffirmed their shared resolve to collaboratively address contemporary challenges from global trade imbalances to emerging cyber threats while advancing a peaceful and prosperous IndoPacific and harnessing accelerated technological transformation Headquarters of Integrated Defence Staff posted on XThis visit will strengthen Defence Cooperation and strategic convergence underscoring a shared commitment to Global Security stability and resilience it addedDuring his visit to the UK General Chauhan interacted with the Commandant and faculty of the Royal College of Defence Studies RCDS and discussed the evolving global security environment underlying trends and their strategic impactHe subsequently addressed the pinnacle cohort on the Impact of Recent Conflicts on Military Strategy highlighting the changing nature of conflict Indias strategic dilemmas and Indias role in shaping a stable and secure global order Headquarters of Integrated Defence Staff posted on XEarlier on Tuesday General Anil Chauhan met Defence Industry leaders of the UK and emphasised that enhanced economic integration will allow smoother collaboration in defence manufacturing technology transfer and supply chain resilienceIn a post on X the Headquarters of Integrated Defence Staff stated General Anil Chauhan Chief of Defence Staff CDS engaged Defence Industry leaders of UK focusing on impetus to defence collaborationThe CDS emphasised that enhanced economic integration will enable smoother collaboration in defence manufacturing technology transfer and supply chain resilience He further highlighted that Defence Industrial Collaboration will boost codesign codevelopment and coproduction of critical technologies he addedGeneral Chauhan also laid a wreath at Memorial Gates Constitution Hill in the UK and paid tribute to the fallen honouring their courage and supreme sacrificeCDS General Anil Chauhan met the UKs Minister of State for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard with their discussions focusing on the evolving nature of conflict and deepening militarytomilitary cooperationGeneral Chauhan also met the UKs Minister of State MoS for IndoPacific Seema MalhotraCDS also held highimpact bilateral talks with Ms Seema Malhotra MoS for IndoPacific to take forward India UK Partnership Defence Industrial Roadmap and Tech and Security initiatives to counter emerging challenges in the IndoPacific the HQ Integrated Defence Staff IDS said in a post on XBoth sides emphasised enhancing cooperation in Cyber Intelligence and Space domains including information resilience and specialised exchanges The exchange reaffirmed a shared commitment to resilient Future Ready forces and a strengthened India UK strategic partnership it addedGeneral Chauhan also led a roundtable conference with leading officials think tanks and intellectuals on Indian military transformation challenges and opportunityGeneral Anil Chauhan Chief of Defence Staff CDS led an engaging roundtable conference with leading officials think tanks and intellectuals on Indian military transformation challenges and opportunity focused on the evolving strategic landscape and the imperatives of modern military transformation during his visit to the United Kingdom the HQ IDS posted on XDiscussions underscored the centrality of advanced technologies in defence enhancement of operational capabilities and closer synergy across industrial intelligence and cyber domains alongside strategic communication and joint engagements to further strengthen a robust futureoriented IndiaUK Defence Partnership it addedOn Monday General Chauhan was accorded a Ceremonial Step Line and received by his UK counterpart Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton in LondonIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-uk-agree-to-address-contemporary-challenges-advance-indo-pacific-security-670698.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-concerns-raised-after-individual-arrested-for-posting-satirical-cartoon-on-social-media-670719.html Berlin April 22 A leading international human rights organisation has expressed its grave concerns over the recent arrest of an individual in Bangladesh for allegedly sharing a satirical cartoon on a social media platform Germanybased International Society for Human Rights ISHR said that this incident has once again brought critical questions to the forefront regarding freedom of expression civil liberties and the rule of law â issues fundamental to any democratic societyâCiting available information the organisation said that individual was arrested under Bangladeshs Cyber Protection Ordinance 2025 with allegations centering on a satirical cartoon created in response to a political remark and later shared on social mediaâIt is important to note that satire and political cartoons have long been recognised as legitimate forms of expression in democratic societies Therefore arresting an individual over such content may conflict with the fundamental right to freedom of expressionâ the ISHR notedExpressing concern over the incident the ISHR stated that the âlegal provisions applied in this case especially those related to âblackmailâ and threats to state security do not appear to align clearly with the nature of the alleged actâSuch discrepancies it said in the application of the law risk enabling misuse and may create fear and uncertainty among ordinary citizensThe organisation emphasised that in a democratic society criticism satire and even humour directed at political figures are integral components of free expressionâSuch expressions are not only tests of tolerance but also indicators of democratic maturity Political leaders and state institutions should demonstrate restraint and uphold a culture of tolerance in responding to such expressionsâ it mentionedThe ISHR has called on Bangladeshi law enforcement agencies to ensure that arrests and legal actions are based on clear evidence relevance and proportionality warning that the application of stringent legal provisions without sufficient justification may violate civil liberties and erode public trust in the legal systemStressing that cyber protection laws are necessary particularly to address misinformation hate speech and cybercrime the organisation said âIt is essential that such laws are not used as tools to suppress legitimate expression Ensuring transparency accountability and proper oversight in both the drafting and enforcement of these laws is crucialâThe ISHR has appealed to Bangladeshs government to conduct an impartial review of the case and ensure the immediate release of the individual if the allegations lack sufficient meritAdditionally it urged for the reassessment of the contentious provisions of the Cyber Protection Ordinance 2025 to ensure alignment with international human rights standards IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-concerns-raised-after-individual-arrested-for-posting-satirical-cartoon-on-social-media-670719.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/lori-chavez-deremer-exits-trumps-cabinet-amid-ongoing-controversies-670500.html New York April 21 US Labour Secretary Lori ChavezDeRemer has become the third member of President Donald Trumpâs cabinet to leave within two months amid controversies during his second term White House communications chief Steven Cheung announced her departure on X on Monday saying she would be moving to the private sectorChavezDeRemer faced allegations that she had an affair with a member of her security detail took personal trips masked as official tours drank in her office and sowed chaos in her officeAll three cabinet officials who have quit are women the other two are Attorney General Pam Bondi who was let go this month and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem who was dismissed last monthNoem was also pursued by allegations that he had an affair with an adviser which she deniedOne of the actions during her tenure was to cancel millions of dollars that the departmentâs Bureau of International Labour Affairs gave to NGOs abroad for antislavery and anti child labour programmesCheung said her deputy Keith Sonderling would be the acting labour secretaryTrump did not react to her ouster but Cheung said âShe has done a phenomenal job in her role by protecting American workers enacting fair labour practices and helping Americans gain additional skills to improve their livesâChavezDeRemers chief of staff and the security person who was allegedly involved in an affair with her were fired earlierShe was under investigation by the departmentâs inspector general over allegations of professional misconduct and her familyâs interference in the departmentHer husband Shawn DeRemer was banned from visiting her office after some women staffers alleged he misbehaved with them with one allegation leading to a police investigationThe Senateâs Judiciary Committee also initiated a probe of the allegations against herChavezDeRemer 58 was a former member of the House of Representatives from Oregon who lost her reelection bidTrump picked her for the post because she was backed by the powerful Teamsters trade union which supported his reelectionAs labour secretary she ran afoul of unions as she took steps that would dismantle several labour protection rules such as those relating to workplace safety and minimus wage for some categories of workers IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/lori-chavez-deremer-exits-trumps-cabinet-amid-ongoing-controversies-670500.html Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-says-it-is-highly-unlikely-to-extend-ceasefire-with-iran-670503.html Washington April 21 US President Donald Trump said it is highly unlikely he would extend a twoweek ceasefire with Iran if a deal is not reached before it ends this week according to a Bloomberg report The Strait of Hormuz would remain blocked until a peace agreement is finalized Trump said in a phone interviewThey want me to open it The Iranians desperately want it opened Im not opening it until a deal is signed he said Oil prices jumped as Washington maintained its blockade and the US Navy seized an Iranianflagged ship over the weekend Xinhua news agency reportedIm not going to be rushed into making a bad deal Weve got all the time in the world Trump saidHe said the truce which he announced on April 7 will expire on Wednesday evening US Eastern TimeAsked if he expects strikes to resume immediately afterward if no deal is reached Trump said If theres no deal I would certainly expectIn a phone call with PBS News on Monday morning Trump said that if the ceasefire with Iran expires then lots of bombs start going offAsked if Iranian negotiators will participate in fresh talks in Islamabad Trump said I dont know I mean theyre supposed to be there We agreed to be there although they say we didnt But no it was set up And well see whether or not its there If theyre not there thats fine tooHe told the New York Post on Monday morning that US Vice President JD Vance is set to head to Pakistan for the second round of negotiations with Iranian officials According to The New York Times which cited two US officials Vance is expected to leave Washington for Pakistan on TuesdayTrump also told the Post that he is willing to meet with senior Iranian leaders if a breakthrough is reached But he told Bloomberg also on Monday morning that he did not think it would be necessary for him to attend the talks in personAs of Monday morning US forces have turned back 27 ships to or from Iranian ports the US Central Command said on X IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-says-it-is-highly-unlikely-to-extend-ceasefire-with-iran-670503.html Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-fm-says-us-actions-threaten-continuation-of-peace-talks-670505.html Tehran April 21 Irans Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said that US provocative actions and ceasefire violations are major obstacles to continuing peace negotiations between the two countries During separate phone calls with his Pakistani and Russian counterparts Araghchi condemned US actions against Iranian commercial shipping including the reported seizure of the container vessel Touska and its crew and cited contradictory positions and rhetoric of threat from Washington according to a Foreign Ministry statementA ceasefire that took effect on April 8 after 40 days of fighting remains fragile Pakistan has mediated indirect talks between Tehran and Washington hosting a first round in Islamabad on April 11 and 12 but Iran has not confirmed participation in another round Xinhua news agency reportedIrans semiofficial Tasnim news agency reported that Tehrans attendance depends on Washington meeting preconditions It cited a US naval blockade and excessive demands as key obstaclesAraghchi said Iran would decide whether to continue diplomacy based on all aspects of the issue and US behavior adding that Tehran would take steps to protect its interests and national securityEarlier on Monday citing contradictory actions from Washington Iran made it clear that it has not made any decision yet on participating in the next round of negotiations with the USSo far we have not made any decisions regarding the next round of negotiations said Esmaeil Baqaei spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry while speaking to reporters at a weekly press conference in TehranThe spokesperson criticised the United States accusing Washington of engaging in contradictory actions while claiming to pursue diplomacy He mentioned that since the very beginning of the ceasefire bad faith and constant complaints were faced by Iran from WashingtonHe clarified that the US initially claimed that Lebanon was not part of the ceasefire despite contrary assertionsTensions follow joint USIsraeli attacks on Tehran and other Iranian cities beginning February 28 which killed Irans thenSupreme Leader Ali Khamenei senior commanders and civilians Iran responded with waves of missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and US assets in the Middle East IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-fm-says-us-actions-threaten-continuation-of-peace-talks-670505.html Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/defence-minister-rajnath-singh-to-begin-three-day-germany-visit-today-670507.html New Delhi April 21 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will begin a threeday official visit to Germany on Tuesday aimed at strengthening the IndiaâGermany strategic defence partnership and deepening bilateral cooperation During the visit Rajnath Singh is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with his German counterpart Boris Pistorius and other senior leaders of the German government focusing on key areas of cooperationThe discussions will centre on enhancing defence industrial collaboration expanding militarytomilitary engagements and exploring new opportunities in emerging domains such as cybersecurity artificial intelligence and drone technologiesA Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap and an Implementing Arrangement for Cooperation in UN Peacekeeping Operations Training are expected to be signed in the presence of both defence ministers during the visitThese agreements are being seen as key steps to boost joint development and coproduction of defence equipment according to an official press note issued ahead of the visitThe visit will also provide an important platform to review ongoing defence cooperation initiatives and identify fresh avenues for collaboration between the defence industries of the two countriesRajnath Singh is expected to interact with key representatives of the German defence industry to promote joint ventures technology partnerships and coproduction projects aligned with Indiaâs âMake in Indiaâ initiativeThis marks the first visit by an Indian Defence Minister to Germany in the last seven years underlining the significance of the engagement at the current junctureThe last such visit was undertaken by Nirmala Sitharaman in February 2019 Boris Pistorius had earlier visited India in June 2023 where he held extensive discussions with Defence Minister Rajnath SinghIndia and Germany enjoy a strong and multifaceted strategic partnership rooted in shared democratic values commitment to the rule of law and a common vision for a rulesbased international orderIn recent years defence and security cooperation has emerged as a vital pillar of this relationship with both countries seeking to deepen engagement across multiple domainsThe upcoming visit is expected to further deepen bilateral ties and contribute meaningfully to regional and global peace stability and prosperityWith Germany being a key European partner for India the outcomes of this visit are likely to give fresh momentum to the growing defence collaboration between the two countries across sectors IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/defence-minister-rajnath-singh-to-begin-three-day-germany-visit-today-670507.html Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-seizes-iran-ship-tehran-vows-retaliation-670508.html Washington April 21 The United States has seized an Iranflagged cargo vessel after opening fire on it in the Arabian Sea Tehran condemned the move as âarmed piracyâ and warn of retaliation escalating tensions days before a fragile ceasefire is set to expire The US Navy fired on the Iranianflagged vessel MV Touska after it attempted to breach a naval blockade imposed on Iranian ports according to US Central Command CENTCOMCENTCOM said American forces issued repeated warnings during a sixhour standoff before taking action âAmerican forces issued multiple warnings and informed the Iranianflagged vessel it was in violation of the US blockadeâ the command saidAfter the crew failed to comply a US guidedmissile destroyer targeted the shipâs engine room disabling its propulsion system Marines later boarded the vessel and took it into custody Fox News reportedThe operation marks the first known use of force since Washington imposed a blockade on Iranian maritime activity earlier this month significantly raising the stakes in a confrontation centred on the Strait of HormuzIranian officials reacted sharply accusing Washington of aggression In a statement carried by Fox News Iranâs Khatam alAnbiya Central Headquarters warned âWe warn that the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will soon respond to and retaliate against this armed piracy by the US militaryâIranian military authorities said their forces did not resist the boarding to avoid endangering crew members and their families âThey faced constraints in order to protect their lives and ensure their safetyâ the command saidUS officials said the ship had ignored repeated radio warnings The destroyer USS Spruance eventually ordered the crew to evacuate the engine room before firing several rounds into the vesselâs propulsion system The New York Times reportedA US military official said Marines are now searching thousands of containers aboard the ship to determine the nature of its cargo according to The New York TimesThe Touska had been under US sanctions and was among vessels being closely monitored for potential links to Iranâs supply chains The New York Times reportedThe incident comes as a twoweek ceasefire between the United States and Iran nears its expiry with no clarity on whether it will be extendedThe Strait of Hormuz has long been a flashpoint in USIran tensions due to its strategic importance for global oil flows Previous confrontations in the region have triggered spikes in energy prices and raised fears of wider conflict IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-seizes-iran-ship-tehran-vows-retaliation-670508.html Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/china-link-seen-in-iranian-cargo-ship-seized-by-us-forces-report-670509.html Washington April 21 The Iranian cargo ship seized by US forces in the Gulf of Oman was part of a fleet linked to Chinese ports and suspected supply routes a media report said The MV Touska an Iranianflagged container vessel is tied to a network of ships that frequently sail to China and have been linked to transporting materials with potential military use The Wall Street Journal reportedThe ship was intercepted after attempting to breach a US naval blockade and was later boarded by American forces following warning shots that disabled its engine according to reportsShipping data cited by The Wall Street Journal showed the vessel had visited the southern Chinese port of Zhuhai twice in the weeks before it was seizedThe Touska is controlled by a sanctioned Iranian company accused of transporting items for Tehranâs ballistic missile programme the report saidUS officials have not disclosed what the ship was carrying Analysts said the attempt to cross an active blockade suggests the cargo may have been importantâIt must have been worth the risk to try to run the blockade but they chose poorlyâ Charlie Brown a former US Navy officer told The Wall Street JournalSeparate reporting by Fox News Digital said the vessel had travelled through Southeast Asia and Chinese ports before heading toward Iran Maritime security sources cited in the report said the cargo may have been âdualuseâ meaning it could serve civilian or military purposesThe ship had last docked in Port Klang Malaysia before moving toward the Strait of Hormuz where it was intercepted near Iranian waters according to US officials cited by Fox News DigitalExperts say such routes are often used to mask cargo origins Waters near Southeast Asia are known for shiptoship transfers that make tracking shipments difficultChina has said it does not supply arms to Iran and maintains controls on exports of dualuse goods But it does not recognise US sanctions on TehranBeijing has expressed concern about the seizure and called for restraint The Wall Street Journal reportedThe case highlights how the Iran conflict is linked to global trade networks US officials have expanded enforcement of a maritime blockade targeting vessels suspected of carrying prohibited goodsThe Strait of Hormuz remains a key route for global energy supplies Disruptions linked to the conflict have already raised concerns about shipping and oil marketsIran has long relied on trade ties with countries including China to manage the impact of sanctions Those links have become more important as pressure from Washington has increased IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/china-link-seen-in-iranian-cargo-ship-seized-by-us-forces-report-670509.html Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/fbi-director-kash-patel-sues-atlantic-for-250-million-in-defamation-670512.html Washington April 21 FBI Director Kash Patel has filed a 250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic and one of its journalists alleging the magazine published a âsweeping malicious and defamatory hit pieceâ aimed at damaging his reputation and forcing him from office In his complaint filed in the US District Court for the District of Columbia Indian American Patel accuses The Atlantic Monthly Group LLC and staff writer Sarah Fitzpatrick of publishing false claims about Patelâs conduct including allegations of âexcessive drinkingâ and âunexplained absencesâ while leading the Federal Bureau of InvestigationPatelâs legal filing states the article was âreplete with false and obviously fabricated allegations designed to destroy Director Patelâs reputation and drive him from officeâ The lawsuit seeks at least 250 million in damages along with other reliefAccording to reporting by The Washington Post the article relied on accounts âattributed to anonymous peopleâ who alleged Patel engaged in inappropriate conduct during his tenure The Post noted it âhas not independently verified the Atlanticâs reportingâPatelâs complaint disputes those claims asserting that several incidents described in the article â including allegations that meetings were rescheduled due to drinking or that security staff requested âbreaching equipmentâ to access him â âare falseâThe filing further argues that the publication acted with âactual maliceâ a legal standard required in defamation cases involving public officials It states the claims were âso demonstrably and obviously false or easily refutedâ that publishing them was recklessPatelâs lawyer Jesse Binnall said âDefamatory speech is not free speech and it is an honour to represent Kash Patel in this lawsuit seeking accountability for The Atlantic articleâs malicious falsehoodsâIn response The Atlantic defended its reporting Anna Bross a spokeswoman for the publication said âWe stand by our reporting on Kash Patel and we will vigorously defend The Atlantic and our journalists against this meritless lawsuitâThe dispute comes amid heightened scrutiny of Patelâs leadership Separate reporting cited by Newsweek noted that nearly 30000 people had signed an online petition calling for an investigation into his conduct following allegations raised in recent media reportsPatel has denied the allegations and maintains that the article relied on anonymous sources âwith axes to grind and are not in a position to know the factsâUnder US law public officials must prove that a publication acted with âactual maliceâ â meaning it knowingly published false information or acted with reckless disregard for the truth â a standard established in the landmark Supreme Court case New York Times v SullivanPatel who has led the FBI since February 2025 is not new to litigation over media coverage His current lawsuit is at least the second defamation claim he has filed since taking office including a separate case linked to statements made on a television news programmeThe case is expected to proceed in federal court in Washington IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/fbi-director-kash-patel-sues-atlantic-for-250-million-in-defamation-670512.html Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-senate-hearing-warns-of-rising-nuclear-threat-from-china-russia-670514.html Washington April 21 The United States is confronting a âmore dangerous eraâ marked by simultaneous nuclear competition with China and Russia lawmakers and defence officials warned at a Senate hearing as the administration pushed for accelerated modernisation of its nuclear arsenal At a Congressional hearing Senator Deb Fischer said the US now faces âthe challenge of simultaneously deterring two nuclear adversariesâ noting that both countries are expanding and modernising their nuclear forcesâThis is not a hypothetical future problem this is a now crisisâ said Robert Kadlec describing Chinaâs expansion as âbreathtaking and opaqueâ and warning that Russia continues integrating new nuclear capabilities into its strategyOfficials from the Department of Energy and Department of Defense outlined a sweeping effort to upgrade ageing infrastructure and weapons systems some dating back to the Cold WarDavid Beck told lawmakers that âRussia and China are engaged in an unprecedented nuclear buildup that is rapidly eroding Americas strategic advantageâ adding that modernisation of the nuclear stockpile is the âtop priorityâHe said the US is âsurging production of plutonium pits uranium components high explosives and other critical materialsâ while rebuilding âthe aging infrastructure that underpins our entire enterpriseâBeck also acknowledged the scale of the challenge noting that the US is undertaking âa very heavy liftâ after decades of underinvestment in nuclear infrastructureSenator Angus King underscored concerns about Chinaâs rapid buildup saying recent intelligence briefings highlight developments âto be taken extremely seriouslyâAt the Pentagon officials emphasised urgency in delivering nextgeneration capabilities Dale White said key programmes including the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile and B21 bomber are being prioritised to ensure âtimely delivery and executionââOur mission is guided by three golden rulesâ to deliver capabilities to the warfighter at the speed of relevanceâ he saidMilitary commanders warned that current forces are under strain even as modernisation proceeds An Air Force Global Strike Command representative said operations are being executed âunder ever increasing strainâ with âtight marginsâNaval officials highlighted parallel efforts to sustain seabased deterrence William Houston said nuclearpowered submarines and carriers remain central to âmaritime dominanceâ while stressing the need for continued investment in personnel and infrastructureJohnny Wolfe Jr in his final appearance before the panel described seabased nuclear forces as âthe bedrock of our national securityâ and warned that sustaining industrial capacity will be critical to future readinessBeyond weapons systems the Department of Energy pointed to efforts to address legacy environmental risks Timothy Walsh said the government is working to âclean up environmental legacy sites and protect our communitiesâ while transforming them into hubs for energy and innovationThe hearing also highlighted the scale of investment required Kadlec said nuclear modernisation accounts for about 55 per cent of the defence budget stressing that âthe cost of failureâ is a world where the risk of miscalculation catastrophic conflict is unacceptably highâLawmakers acknowledged the financial burden of upgrading all three legs of the nuclear triad simultaneously but argued it is unavoidable King described it as a âpig in the budgetary pythonâ reflecting the concentration of spending in a short period IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-senate-hearing-warns-of-rising-nuclear-threat-from-china-russia-670514.html Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/despite-iran-war-fallout-india-to-record-64-pc-growth-as-fastest-developing-in-region-escap-670519.html United Nations April 21 Weathering the fallout of the Iran warinduced energy crisis India will remain the fastestgrowing large economy in the Asia Pacific region at 64 per cent during the current fiscal year according to ESCAP the UN agency for the regionâs economy The report released here on Monday by the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific better known by the acronym ESCAP said Indiaâs real gross domestic product GDP growth moderated from 74 per cent last fiscal year and is projected to increase to 66 per cent next fiscal yearThe projections for this financial year were based on the situation on March 17 when the Iran conflict was underway and the effects from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz were beginning to be feltWith the Asia Pacific region as the engines of growth for the world Indiaâs top spot in the region also translates to the top global spot for growthFor the region that stretches from Japan to Turkiye the report pegged last yearâs GDP growth at 41 per cent and projected it to dip to 35 per cent this year and pick up slightly to 38 per cent next yearChinaâs growth rate was 5 per cent last year and the projections are 43 per cent this yead and 45 next yearPakistan recorded the weakest growth in South Asia 3 per cent last year with projections for 26 this year and 31 next yearIndiaâs higher growth last year was âsupported by robust consumption especially from the rural economy along with goods and services tax rate cutsâ the report saidIt was also helped by US importers frontloading imports from India in anticipation of the high tariffs it saidâHowever economic activities moderated in the second half of 2025 as exports to the United States declined by 25 per cent following the introduction of 50 per cent tariffs in August 2025â according to the reportIn the midst of all this âthe services sector remained a key growth driverâ it saidHamza Malik ESCAPâs director of Macroeconomic Policy and Financing said that despite adverse external factors India has been able to maintain a growth momentum because of its productivity growthSpeaking to reporters at the release of the report he said âAt the end of the day this sustained aspect of growth rate depends on the productivity of the country So if underlying productivity is growing you can actually sustain high levels of growthâAnother contributory factor is Indiaâs huge population he saidThey have a lot more absorptive capacity to absorb labour into productive areasâ he saidIndiaâs targeted fiscal support for the vulnerable population would also help India in facing the problems in the global scenarioMaliks said that India had relatively more capacity compared to many other countries for providing fiscal support for the vulnerable population which would increase their ability to spend moreâIts not that hard to now assess which are vulnerable populations or not people who are much much more dependent on food for instance and if the food prices are going up they will need much more supportâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/despite-iran-war-fallout-india-to-record-64-pc-growth-as-fastest-developing-in-region-escap-670519.html Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/table-for-talks-set-as-world-awaits-us-iran-meet-halfway-in-islamabad-670521.html Islamabad April 21 Pakistan has readied its capital for the expected renewed USIran talks despite the next round of the highstakes negotiation still hanging in the air Pakistans Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi informed Irans Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam on Monday that preparations for the second phase of talks in Islamabad have been completed said the interior ministryAccording to a statement the minister met with the ambassador to discuss arrangements for the second round of talks saying that foolproof security arrangements have been put in place for visiting foreign delegations reports Xinhua news agencySome 20000 police personnel supported by hundreds of elite commandos including snipers have been deployed on security duty across Islamabad and the neighbouring garrison city of Rawalpindi according to police sourcesAdditional Punjab Highway Patrol Dolphin Force and Quick Response Unit teams have also been placed on alert while Safe City cameras and rooftop snipers are maintaining roundtheclock surveillanceSimilar arrangements were made before the first round of peace talks between the United States and Iran aimed at easing recent hostilities in West AsiaSecurity officials said a batch of advance teams from the United States including security personnel have arrived to coordinate arrangements for the expected talksMajor hotels including the Serena Hotel and Marriott Hotel have asked guests to vacate after the government requisitioned the properties for the talks while hostels and guest houses in the capital were directed to close until further noticePakistans Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on MondayHowever by the time of filing this report its still not certain whether and when the two sides can meet again in IslamabadUS President Donald Trump told Fox News that an agreement with Iran could be signed tonight in Pakistans capital American media later reported that Vice President JD Vance and the American delegation will travel to Islamabad on TuesdayIran struck a cautious tone Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran currently had no plan for a second round of talks accusing Washington of failing to show seriousness since the April 8 ceasefireHe cited what he called broken promises the US naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz the seizure of an Iranian commercial vessel and disagreements over whether the Lebanon truce was part of the ceasefire arrangementIranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also took a defiant stance saying on social media that Iranians do not submit to force and accusing Washington of sending contradictory signals while seeking Tehrans surrenderThe current twoweek ceasefire is due to expire on Wednesday and Trump said it was highly unlikely he would extend it without a deal adding that the Strait of Hormuz would remain blocked until an agreement is finalisedEarlier in the day Pakistans Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir reportedly told Trump that the blockade of Iranian ports would remain a major obstacle to meaningful diplomatic progressIran has also indicated it may consider charging tolls for vessels passing through the strait raising concern among Gulf states and international shipping companiesDespite the uncertainty analysts remained cautiously optimistic about the prospects of talks in Islamabad Defence analyst and retired Air Commodore Khalid Chishti said neither side appeared interested in restarting the war despite the ongoing brinkmanship as both Washington and Tehran were under growing pressure to find a facesaving resolution IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/table-for-talks-set-as-world-awaits-us-iran-meet-halfway-in-islamabad-670521.html Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/new-zealand-unveils-fuel-relief-for-rural-schools-670524.html Wellington April 21 New Zealand will provide targeted financial support to small rural and isolated schools to ease pressure from rising fuel costs a senior official has said Global fuel price volatility is hitting some schools harder than others particularly those that rely on diesel and where students face longer distances when travelling to and from school Education Minister Erica Stanford said in a statementThe government will invest 37 million NZ dollars to replace diesel boilers at up to 70 schools nationwide a move expected to cut annual diesel use by about 600000 litres and protect schools from future fuel price shocks reports Xinhua news agency citing the statementAll schools with under 100 students will receive oneoff cash grants of 2500 NZ dollars Stanford was quoted as sayingTransport support will also increase with mileage reimbursement rates for relief teachers more than doubling and a 30 per cent rise in conveyance allowances for eligible families benefiting around 5000 students she saidThe higher mileage rates will apply for up to 12 months or until fuel prices fall below 3 NZ dollars per litre for four consecutive weeks Stanford added 1 NZ dollar equals 059 US dollarEarlier on Friday Stats NZ reported that New Zealand fuel prices surged in March while food costs showed a modest annual risePetrol and diesel prices climbed 186 per cent and 426 per cent from February to March the largest increases for both fuel types since monthly tracking began in July 2011 according to the statistics departmentThe rise followed falls for both petrol and diesel in January and February it said adding that on an annual basis petrol prices were up 139 per cent and diesel up 369 per centHowever domestic airfares fell by 144 per cent monthonmonth and were down 73 per cent in the 12 months to March 2026 while international fares rose 35 per cent in March and 98 per cent annually statistics showedTravellers typically book and pay for airfares in advance so price changes reflect fares that were set up to 12 months ago Stats NZ prices and deflators spokesperson Nicola Growden was quoted as sayingFood prices increased 34 per cent in the year to March easing from a 45 per cent annual rise in the year to February Higher meat poultry and fish prices up 73 per cent led the annual increase Stats NZ saidOn a monthly basis food prices dipped 06 per cent in March compared with February driven by cheaper fruits and vegetables like kiwifruit as well as lower grocery items such as chocolate and cheese it said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/new-zealand-unveils-fuel-relief-for-rural-schools-670524.html Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/venezuela-launches-national-rally-against-us-sanctions-670525.html Caracas April 21 A nationwide mobilisation against US sanctions continued in Venezuela with National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez leading a rally calling for political and social unity We have to put an end to the sanctions Rodriguez said at Cerro El Gallo in San Felix where the rally took place on Monday local time He said the campaign aims to build consensus and push for the lifting of economic sanctions urging Venezuelans to set aside differences and focus on shared interestsThe mobilisation is part of a national rally launched on April 19 by acting President Delcy Rodriguez with events held in several states including Zulia Tachira and Amazonas reports Xinhua news agencyAt the launch event in Zulia state Delcy Rodriguez said Venezuela must overcome US sanctions adding that millions of children born during nearly a decade of economic restrictions have faced limited access to basic social and economic conditionsThe nationwide campaign includes marches and public events across the country and is scheduled to conclude in Caracas on May 1Meanwhile last month the United States removed sanctions on Venezuelas Acting President Delcy RodriguezThe US Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control said Rodriguez had been removed from its sanctions list without providing further details on the decisionIn a post on social media platform X Rodriguez welcomed the move as a positive step toward normalising and strengthening bilateral relations She expressed hope that additional sanctions on Venezuela could be lifted to support economic development and cooperationRodriguez previously served as vice president under President Nicolas Maduro and was sanctioned by the United States in 2018 as part of measures targeting members of his governmentOn January 3 US military forces launched a largescale operation against Venezuela and forcibly seized Maduro and his wife before transporting them to New York Rodriguez subsequently assumed the role of acting president and Washington has since engaged with her administrationUSVenezuela relations have long been strained In recent months the United States has eased certain restrictions particularly in the energy sector Venezuela holds some of the worlds largest proven oil reserves and remains an important player in the global energy landscapeOn Monday the US Embassy in Caracas resumed operations after being closed for seven years IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/venezuela-launches-national-rally-against-us-sanctions-670525.html Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/japanese-pm-sends-ritual-offering-to-yasukuni-shrine-670527.html Tokyo April 21 Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Tuesday sent a ritual offering to the Yasukuni Shrine on the occasion of its spring festival Takaichi sent a ritual masakaki tree offering to the warlinked shrine on the first day of its threeday ceremonyYasukuni Shrine located in central Tokyos Chiyoda Ward has long been a source of diplomatic friction between Japan and its neighbours reports Xinhua news agencyFor a long time visits and ritual offerings made by Japanese officials to the controversial shrine have consistently sparked criticism and opposition both at home and abroad hurting the feelings of the people of China South Korea and other countries Any visit or even ritual offerings by Japanese officials is seen as a provocation drawing immediate fierce condemnation When Shinzo Abe then prime minister visited Yasukuni in 2013 the backlash was so widespread that even the United States made a rare public expression of disappointmentNo sitting prime minister has visited the shrine since yet Sanae Takaichi has signalled she may break the precedentFresh from her victory in the lower house election Takaichi floated the prospect of a visit saying she had been working to create an environment conducive to paying respects at the shrineAmid the upheaval of the Meiji Restoration the Yasukuni Shrine was initially built by order of Emperor Meiji to honour those who died in the civil war that paved the way for Japans modernisation and unfortunately militarismIn the late Meiji era Japan launched the First SinoJapanese War forcing China to cede Taiwan to JapanOriginally called Shokonsha dedicated to the spirits of the war dead the shrine was later renamed Yasukuni meaning to preserve peace for the entire nationToday Yasukuni presents itself as a shrine of peace enshrining 247 million divinities who it says sacrificed their lives in the course of fulfilling their public duty to protect their motherland Notably 213 million souls contributed to Japans aggression in World War IIIn the shrines own account regardless of their rank social status and historical role all are honoured equally and worshipped as venerable divinities IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/japanese-pm-sends-ritual-offering-to-yasukuni-shrine-670527.html Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-usfk-chief-lodges-protest-against-unification-minister-for-leaking-us-intelligence-670545.html Seoul April 21 The commander of the US military stationed in South Korea Gen Xavier Brunson has lodged a protest against the unification ministers recent remarks that allegedly leaked classified US information about North Koreas nuclear facility a lawmaker said on Tuesday Unification Minister Chung Dongyoung has come under fire for referring to the Norths Kusong region as one of the sites hosting the countrys uranium enrichment facilities in a parliamentary session last monthBrunson recently lodged a protest with Defence Minister Ahn Gyuback over Chungs remarks according to Rep Sung Iljong of the main opposition People Power Party who chairs the parliamentary national defence committee reports Yonhap news agencyMinister Chung should step down immediately Sung told a press briefing arguing that a minister who has caused such a rift in the South KoreaUS alliance should not remain in officeFollowing the controversy the United States has partially restricted sharing intelligence with South Korea involving North Korearelated technology collected through satellites military officials said earlierSo far only two regions Yongbyon and Kangson have been officially recognised as uranium enrichment sites in North KoreaThe unification ministry has claimed Chungs remarks were based on open information rejecting claims that they were based on intelligence shared by WashingtonThe defence ministry rejected Rep Sungs claim of the USFK commanders protest as not trueIt is not appropriate for a USFK commander to lodge a protest against a South Korean defence minister in terms of South KoreaUS military diplomacy nor is his claim true the ministry said in a notice to the pressIt added that South Korea and the US are regularly in communication in regard to key issues and thoroughly abiding by the military intelligencesharing pact between the two countries without specifying the detailsA USFK official said they have no official statement regarding the issue noting the US military has nothing to add IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-usfk-chief-lodges-protest-against-unification-minister-for-leaking-us-intelligence-670545.html Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/defence-minister-rajnath-singh-arrives-in-germany-to-advance-defence-cooperation-670556.html Berlin April 21 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday arrived in Germany to discuss advancing defence cooperation between the two nations Indias Ambassador to Germany Ajit Gupte received him at the Munich Airport The visit is significant for advancing IndiaGermany defence cooperation with focus on industrial collaboration military engagement and emerging areas such as cyber AI and drones the Indian Embassy in Germany said in a post on X During his visit Rajnath Singh is set to hold talks with his German counterpart Boris Pistorius and other senior leaders of the governmentDiscussions will focus on increasing defenceindustrial collaboration strengthening militarytomilitary engagements and exploring opportunities in emerging sectors like cybersecurity artificial intelligence and drones according to the Ministry of DefenceA Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap and Implementing Arrangement for Cooperation in UN Peacekeeping Operations Training are likely to be signed in the presence of both ministersThe visit will provide an opportunity to review the ongoing defence cooperation initiatives and identify new avenues for collaboration between the defence industries of both countries Shri Rajnath Singh is also expected to interact with key representatives of the German defence industry with a view to promoting joint development and coproduction under the MakeinIndia initiative the Ministry of Defence statement saidThe last visit to Germany by any Indian Defence Minister was in 2019 when thenDefence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited the European nation Pistorius had travelled to India in June 2023 and held talks with Rajnath SinghIndia and Germany share a strong and multifaceted strategic partnership anchored in democratic values the rule of law and a shared commitment to a rulebased international order Defence and security cooperation has emerged as an important pillar of this partnership in recent years The objective of the visit is to further deepen bilateral ties and contribute to regional and global peace stability and prosperity the Ministry of Defence statement said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/defence-minister-rajnath-singh-arrives-in-germany-to-advance-defence-cooperation-670556.html Tue, 21 Apr 2026 13:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/japan-officially-eases-arms-export-rules-to-allow-weapons-sales-despite-protests-670557.html Tokyo April 21 The Japanese government officially revised the three principles on transfer of defence equipment and technology and their implementation guidelines on Tuesday to allow overseas sales of weapons including those with lethal capabilities despite waves of largescale protests local media reported The revisions scrap rules that limit Japans defence equipment exports to five noncombat categories namely rescue transport warning surveillance and minesweepingInstead defence equipment will be divided into weapons and nonweapons categories based on whether they have lethal or destructive capabilities reports Xinhua quoting Kyodo NewsThe revision maintains unrestricted exports of nonweapons such as warning and control radar systems while allowing the export of weapons including destroyers and missiles previously prohibited to countries that have signed agreements with Japan on protecting classified information related to defence equipment and technologyKyodo News commented that the changes mark a significant shift in defence policy for a country that has touted itself as a peaceloving nation under its warrenouncing Constitution since its defeat in World War IIWhile the revisions in principle prohibit the export of arms to countries engaged in active conflicts they do allow for exceptions in special circumstances that take into consideration Japans security needsUnder the revision weapon exports will not require prior parliamentary approval Instead the National Security Council will make the decisions with the Diet informed only after approvalThe lack of parliamentary involvement in the process has drawn criticism from opposition parties which argue that prior parliamentary approval is necessary to prevent Japan from becoming involved in exacerbating conflicts or fueling arms racesSince the revision plan came to light it has sparked widespread concern and criticism across Japan triggering waves of largescale protestsDuring an April 16 rally in front of the prime ministers office in Tokyo protesters held placards reading Oppose lifting the fivecategory restriction No to arms exports and Japan must not become a merchant of death while chanting slogans such as No repeating past mistakes and We reject war Participants expressed deep concern and dissatisfaction warning that the move could mark a significant departure from the countrys longstanding pacifist stanceThe revisions approved by the Cabinet and the National Security Council coincide with the kickoff of the threeday spring festival at the notorious warlinked Yasukuni Shrine a symbol of Japanese militarism and wartime aggressionTakaichi sent a ritual masakaki tree offering to the controversial shrine which honours 14 convicted ClassA Japanese war criminals from World War II IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/japan-officially-eases-arms-export-rules-to-allow-weapons-sales-despite-protests-670557.html Tue, 21 Apr 2026 13:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-uk-discuss-evolving-nature-of-conflict-and-deepening-military-to-military-cooperation-670572.html London April 21 IANS Chief of Defence Staff CDS General Anil Chauhan met the UKs Minister of State for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard with their discussions focusing on the evolving nature of conflict and deepening militarytomilitary cooperationGeneral Chauhan also met the UKs Minister of State MoS for IndoPacific Seema MalhotraCDS also held highimpact bilateral talks with Ms Seema Malhotra MoS for IndoPacific to take forward India UK Partnership Defence Industrial Roadmap and Tech and Security initiatives to counter emerging challenges in the IndoPacific the HQ Integrated Defence Staff IDS said in a post on XnbspBoth sides emphasised enhancing cooperation in Cyber Intelligence and Space domains including information resilience and specialised exchanges The exchange reaffirmed a shared commitment to resilient Future Ready forces and a strengthened India UK strategic partnership it addedEarlier General Chauhan led a roundtable conference with leading officials think tanks and intellectuals on Indian military transformation challenges and opportunityGeneral Anil Chauhan Chief of Defence Staff CDS led an engaging roundtable conference with leading officials think tanks and intellectuals on Indian military transformation challenges and opportunity focused on the evolving strategic landscape and the imperatives of modern military transformation during his visit to the United Kingdom the HQ IDS posted on XDiscussions underscored the centrality of advanced technologies in defence enhancement of operational capabilities and closer synergy across industrial intelligence and cyber domains alongside strategic communication and joint engagements to further strengthen a robust futureoriented IndiaUK Defence Partnership it addedOn Monday General Chauhan was accorded a Ceremonial Step Line and received by his UK counterpart Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton in LondonDuring their meeting the two officials held discussions focused on expanding cooperation in cyber intelligence industrial collaboration and joint exercises to reinforce global security stability and resilience the Indian High Commission in London statedThe CDS also interacted with Indias High Commissioner Vikram K DoraiswamiThe visit will further deepen Defence Cooperation and will advance defence industrial ampamp intelligence collaboration cyber cooperation strategic communication and joint exercises This visit reinforces a shared commitment to global security stability and resilience the HQ IDS addedAccording to the UK Defence Ministry senior UK civil and military leaders will also interact with General Chauhan during his threeday visit Representatives of the British defence industry will meet him to progress talks on greater defence coproduction between the two countries General Chauhan will also be given a tour of the Royal College of Defence Studies where he will meet a multinational cohort of studentsThis is the first official visit by an Indian CDS to the UK and marks the fifth senior UKIndia military engagement this year following the UK Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyths visit to India in MarchIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-uk-discuss-evolving-nature-of-conflict-and-deepening-military-to-military-cooperation-670572.html Tue, 21 Apr 2026 14:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-holds-fuel-prices-steady-as-us-uae-australia-pak-see-sharp-surge-670574.html New Delhi April 21 IANS Even after escalation in West Asia conflict and rise in Brent crude oil prices due to the closure of Strait of Hormuz the fuel prices remain unchanged in India while many countries have witnessed a jump of up to 85 per centnbspData by Kotak highlighted a sharp divergence between India and both advanced and emerging countries where consumers have faced increases in fuel prices so far this year reports NDTV ProfitOn the diesel front prices have witnessed a sharp rise in several countries in recent months amid geopolitical tensionsCountrywise the UAE saw an increase of around 85 per cent followed by Australia and the United States which recorded rises of more than 65 per cent and 62 per cent respectively Meanwhile in Canada Pakistan France Sri Lanka and Britain prices rose between 35 per cent and 53 per centMoreover countries where prices increased more modestly include China and Brazil while Russia stands out as an exception with diesel prices rising only slightly by over 1 per centIn contrast diesel prices in India have remained unchanged at Rs 876 per litre compared to January levels indicating zero increase despite the USIran tensionsA similar trend has been observed in petrol prices Neighbouring Pakistan has seen the highest a 44 per cent jump in petrol prices followed by the United States 42 per cent and the UAE 36 per centMeanwhile petrol prices in Canada Sri Lanka and China have risen by up to 34 per cent while Australia Britain and France recorded relatively moderate gainsAmong countries with modest increases Brazil and Russia reported hikes of over 7 per cent and 1 per cent respectivelyIn India retail petrol prices have been kept at Rs 947 per litre compared to January levels indicating no increase for consumersIndias unchanged fuel prices highlight the degree of price stabilisation enabled by policy interventions and publicsector oil marketing company OMC pricing Despite volatility in global fuel markets Indian consumers have largely been shielded from the immediate passthrough of international price pressuresIn a first since fuel price deregulation staterun OMCs are paying refineries a discounted price for petrol diesel aviation turbine fuel ATF and kerosene in a bid to curb mounting losses arising from a selfimposed freeze on retail fuel prices according to reportsIn another report prominent brokerage Macquarie said that at spot petroldiesel pricing of 135165 per barrel we estimate Indias oil marketing companies incur losses of Rs 18 per litre on petrol and Rs 35 per litre on dieselThe report added that every 10 per barrel increase in crude prices raises marketing losses by around Rs 6 per litreIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-holds-fuel-prices-steady-as-us-uae-australia-pak-see-sharp-surge-670574.html Tue, 21 Apr 2026 14:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-yet-again-delays-decision-on-17-year-old-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-bypass-project-670576.html Islamabad April 21 Pakistanâs federal government has delayed a decision on the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governmentâs offer to provide Rs 4 billion in bridge financing for the longpending Peshawar Northern Bypass project even as the crucial infrastructure initiative continues to face setbacks Despite the provincial government stepping forward with financial support to push the project ahead the Centre has indicated that the 30km road project will not meet its June 30 completion deadline this year according to local media reports Originally planned to complete the ring road around the provincial capital Peshawar the Northern Bypass has remained stalled for the past 17 years due to slow fund releases from the federal Public Sector Development Programme PSDP and other issuesLast year the KP government proposed to the federal government to arrange the bridge financing for the project to ensure its completion by June 30Speaking to Pakistani daily Dawn KP finance minister Muzzammil Aslam said that the provincial governmentâs representatives met officials of the National Highway Authority NHA and the Prime Ministerâs Inspection Team on Monday to discuss the issue He said they were informed that the Northern Bypass project could not be completed by June 30 as it was not among 16 priority projects the Centre had directed them to be completed by the end of the current fiscal yearThe minister said that the 30 km road project could be completed by the end of June adding that federal officials indicated that it may instead be completed by next SeptemberAslam said that the KP team highlighted that it had obtained the chief ministerâs approval for Rs4 billion in bridge financing through bank guarantees to complete the project on time but despite that the Centre was âdragging its feetâ on the crucial initiativeâWe have conveyed to the Centre that treating the province in this manner is unacceptableâ Dawn quoted him as sayingThe project now in its 17th year of execution has seen its cost rise from Rs 3 billion to Rs 27 billion due to limited fund releases from the federal governmentCiting documents Dawn reported that the project launched in November 2010 has undergone three PCI revisions and missed several deadlinesEarlier in January the KP government expressed concerns that reduced revenue transfer from the centre during the first half of 202526 has jeopardised the provinceâs ability to meet its annual budget surplus target agreed with the International Monetary Fund IMFThe provincial government further warned that the delays and reductions in federal transfers were straining its finances especially impacting the delivery of essential services in the merged districts of the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-yet-again-delays-decision-on-17-year-old-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-bypass-project-670576.html Tue, 21 Apr 2026 14:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-gifts-2-tonnes-of-medical-supplies-to-tanzania-670598.html Dar es Salaam April 21 India has handed over a substantial twotonne consignment of essential lifesaving medical supplies to the Shree Hindu Mandal Hospital in Tanzaniaâs Dar es Salaam underscoring New Delhiâs commitment to international cooperation and humanitarian support According to the Indian High Commission in Dar es Salaam the formal handover took place on Monday local time during a press conference held at the mission where the Indian High Commissioner Bishwadip Dey presented the consignment of medicines to Kaushik L Ramaiya Trustee of the Shree Hindu Mandal HospitalâThis comprehensive contribution is designed to bolster the hospitalâs diagnostic and treatment capabilities featuring a wide array of critical items including oxygen concentrators suction units oximeters microscopes and stethoscopes Furthermore the consignment addresses immediate clinical needs with a vast supply of inhalers syringes examination gloves bandages and wheelchairs ensuring a holistic upgrade to patient care and mobility servicesâ the High Commission mentionedDuring the ceremony Dey highlighted that the gesture reaffirms the deeprooted friendship between India and Tanzania emphasising a shared resolve to improve public health outcomes and ensure wider access to lifesaving technologyExpressing sincere gratitude on behalf of the Shree Hindu Mandal Hospital Kaushik L Ramaiya noted that the diverse range of equipment and consumables will provide vital support to the medical staff in their daily mission to deliver highquality healthcare to the communityâThis partnership stands as a testament to the enduring bilateral ties and the collective effort to strengthen the healthcare infrastructure within the regionâ the Indian High Commission statedEarlier on February 10 critical lifesaving equipment including three cardiac monitors two mechanical ventilators six infusion pumps and three syringe pumps worth more than 120 million Tanzanian shillings Rs 4345590 was given to Shree Hindu Mandal Hospital as humanitarian assistance by the Indian government according to the Indian High CommissionIndia and Tanzania have enjoyed traditionally close friendly and cooperative relations From the 1960s to the 1980s the political relationship involved shared commitments to anticolonialism nonalignment and SouthSouth cooperation and close cooperation in international forums IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-gifts-2-tonnes-of-medical-supplies-to-tanzania-670598.html Tue, 21 Apr 2026 17:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/vandalism-of-jesus-statue-netanyahu-left-stunned-and-saddened-orders-criminal-probe-670467.html Jerusalem April 20 Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday condemned in the strongest terms the incident involving an Israeli soldier damaging a Jesus Christ statue in Lebanon saying that he was left stunned and saddened after learning about the episode Netanyahu mentioned that military authorities are carrying out a criminal probe into the matter and will take disciplinary action against the offender He stated that Israel cherishes and upholds the Jewish values of tolerance and mutual respect between Jews and people of all faithsHis statement came after a picture went viral on social media showing an Israeli soldier smashing a statue of Jesus Christ with a sledgehammerAs the Jewish state Israel cherishes and upholds the Jewish values of tolerance and mutual respect between Jews and worshippers of all faiths All religions flourish in our land and we view members of all faiths as equals in building our society and region Yesterday like the overwhelming majority of Israelis I was stunned and saddened to learn that an IDF soldier damaged a Catholic religious icon in southern Lebanon I condemn the act in the strongest terms Military authorities are conducting a criminal probe of the matter and will take appropriately harsh disciplinary action against the offender Netanyahu posted on XWhile Christians are being slaughtered in Syria and Lebanon by Muslims the Christian population in Israel thrives unlike elsewhere in the Middle East Israel is the only country in the region that the Christian population and standard of living is growing Israel is the only place in the Middle East that adheres to freedom of worship for all We express regret for the incident and for any hurt this has caused to believers in Lebanon and around the world he addedOn Sunday the Israel Defence Forces IDF stated that the incident is being viewed with great severity and the soldiers conduct is inconsistent with the values expected of IDFs troops It mentioned that the Northern Command is carrying out probe into the incident and vowed to take appropriate measures against those involvedFollowing the completion of an initial examination regarding a photograph published earlier today of an IDF soldier harming a Christian symbol it was determined that the photograph depicts an IDF soldier operating in southern Lebanon The IDF views the incident with great severity and emphasizes that the soldierâs conduct is wholly inconsistent with the values expected of its troops IDF posted on XThe incident is being investigated by the Northern Command and is currently being addressed through the chain of command Appropriate measures will be taken against those involved in accordance with the findings Furthermore the IDF is working to assist the community in restoring the statue to its place The IDF is operating to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure established by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and has no intention of harming civilian infrastructure including religious buildings or religious symbols it added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/vandalism-of-jesus-statue-netanyahu-left-stunned-and-saddened-orders-criminal-probe-670467.html Mon, 20 Apr 2026 21:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-using-nuclear-deterrence-as-cover-for-proxy-warfare-reckless-escalation-670468.html Washington April 20 The wider international community should move beyond treating Pakistans nuclear arsenal as a static fact managed discreetly by experts behind closed doors As an instrument used for strategic leverage Pakistans nuclear arms possession demands political consequences the analysts reckon According to a report in American magazine The National Interest if Pakistan acts as a rogue state the international community should treat it accordingly â with a clear message that nuclear blackmail is unacceptable will not succeed and will come at great conventional costPakistans bombing of Afghanistan over the past few weeks has again exposed something the world would prefer not to confront it is fundamentally a rogue state that acts without regard for international law From February 26 until March 18 according to the United Nations Pakistanâs bombing of Afghanistan has killed at least 289 people including women and children and displaced around 115000 This notoriously included the bombing of a drug rehabilitation centre in Kabul on March 16 killing 143 civilians and wounding hundreds more the report detailedThe report stressed that the strikes are deeply concerning given Pakistans failure to articulate any doctrine on threat escalationIslamabads actions in Afghanistan so far have been reckless In a conflict with a more powerful adversary there is no reason that this recklessness might not extend to using nuclear weapons If the Pakistan Army cannot presently show restraint with artillery airstrikes and crossborder escalation what more might it be willing to do in the future it questionedEmphasising the threat posed by Pakistan the report noted that while one might argue that no state should possess nuclear weapons in a world that permits them such weapons must remain in the hands of states that exhibit discipline and a serious respect for escalation risksPakistan is showing the opposite it is normalising the use of force across borders blurring the line between militants and civilians and sweeping civilian deaths under the rug using broad counterterrorism language It has also long faced accusations of using the protection of its nuclear umbrella as cover for crossborder terrorism carried out through Islamist militant proxies in its neighbours A state that behaves in such a way has no business owning a nuclear arsenal in the first place it statedThe report further said âInternational pressure should begin with a simple principle that no state should be allowed to use nuclear deterrence as cover for proxy warfare and reckless escalation as Pakistan has been doing for decadesâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-using-nuclear-deterrence-as-cover-for-proxy-warfare-reckless-escalation-670468.html Mon, 20 Apr 2026 21:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-ramps-up-pace-for-critical-minerals-in-africa-to-counter-china-670474.html New Delhi April 20 The US is stepping up its investments in infrastructure projects in Africa to counter Chinaâs influence as the race for critical minerals such as copper cobalt lithium and rare earth elements gathers pace in the aftermath of the trade war between the two countries Chinese engagement in African mining operations has evolved into comprehensive value chain integration spanning exploration production transport and processing stages Major Chinese companies have established significant operational presence across key mineralproducing regions creating interconnected systems that extend beyond individual mining projectsThe scale of Chinese involvement extends beyond operational control to encompass transportation networks processing facilities and export logistics This vertical integration creates comprehensive systems where African mineral production becomes embedded within Chinesecontrolled value chains increasing technical and economic dependencies for host countriesThe US strategy emphasises infrastructure development as a mechanism for gaining market access and operational influence Transportation corridor development aims to create alternative routing options for African mineral exports reducing dependence on Chinesecontrolled logistics networks while providing competitive export pathways for mineral producersPort modernisation and logistics optimisation focus on increasing throughput capacity and reducing transportation costs The Lobito Corridor represents the primary implementation of this approach targeting 46 million tonnes of annual capacity through railway rehabilitation and port terminal upgrades These improvements aim to reduce transit times by 29 days and transportation costs by 30 per cent compared to existing routesFinancing mechanisms utilise development finance institutions to provide competitive alternatives to Chinese infrastructure financing The US International Development Finance Corporation provides loan guarantees and direct financing for infrastructure projects that create mineral export pathways aligned with US strategic objectives Additionally the US mineral production order has strengthened national security priorities in mineral developmentChinese dominance in critical minerals is most pronounced in downstream processing operations where significant value creation occurs China processes 80 per cent of global cobalt refining 40 per cent of global copper smelting and 60 per cent of global lithium processing according to industry assessmentsThe integrated nature of Chinese operations creates comprehensive dependency relationships Raw ore extracted from African mines typically requires processing in Chinese facilities to achieve batterygrade specifications This processing stage captures 4060 per cent of total value creation while raw ore extraction typically captures only 510 per cent of final product valueTransportation route dependencies reinforce value chain control Chinese companies have invested in railway infrastructure port facilities and logistics networks that channel African mineral exports toward Chinese processing facilities These infrastructure investments create longterm routing dependencies that persist beyond individual mining project lifecycles IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-ramps-up-pace-for-critical-minerals-in-africa-to-counter-china-670474.html Mon, 20 Apr 2026 21:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/balochistan-cm-broker-for-pakistani-soldiers-alleges-baloch-activist-670476.html Washington April 20 Tara Chand President of the Baloch American Congress has slammed Balochistanâs Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti calling him a broker for Pakistani soldiers He also criticised the arrest of Baloch Yakjehti Committee BYC leaders including Mahrang Baloch Gulzadi Baloch and Bebow Baloch alleging that they have been imprisoned for months without any justificationâYou a broker for Pakistani soldiers and the socalled Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti should be ashamed of yourselves for arresting the innocent daughters of the Baloch nation Mahrang Baloch Gulzadi Baloch and Bebow Baloch and keeping them in jail for many months without any guilt You call yourself Baloch yet you imprison the daughters of Balochistan without justification This shows that you are nothing more than a puppet of the soldiers and your status is nothing beyond that Chand wrote on XHe also condemned the role of Baloch ministers and those in power accusing them of functioning as agents of Pakistani soldiers within the provincial assemblyâAll those Baloch sitting in the Balochistan government should also be ashamed The ministers and everyone in power should stop calling themselves Baloch Instead they should recognise the shame in their actions The time has come for the Baloch to take responsibility and hold accountable those acting as agents of Pakistani soldiers within the Balochistan assemblies Chand addedLast month Naseem Baloch Chairman of the Baloch National Movement BNM called on the global community to end its silence over what he described as the âillegal detention of the BYC leaders who have been held in custody for over a yearHe said that the continued imprisonment amounts to a blatant violation of international human rights and due processâIt has been one year since the illegal detention of BYC leaders One year of injustice silence and denial of basic rights Their only âcrimeâ is raising their voice against enforced disappearances and state repression in Balochistan This is not just unlawful it is a blatant violation of international human rights and due process The world must not stay silentâ Naseem posted on XSeveral other human rights organisations have recently called for the immediate release of the BYC leaders demanding that all âfalse and politically motivated chargesâ be dropped and that free fair trials without state pressure must be ensured IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/balochistan-cm-broker-for-pakistani-soldiers-alleges-baloch-activist-670476.html Mon, 20 Apr 2026 21:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-learned-little-even-after-10-hiv-outbreaks-report-670479.html Islamabad April 20 Pakistan has learned little even after 10 years and roughly 10 human immunodeficiency virus HIV outbreaks later As many as 331 children tested positive for HIV in Pakistans Taunsa between November 2024October 2025 a report has stated These cases in Taunsa have been reported despite government claiming to have launched a crackdown on the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital where the medical superintendent was removed and replaced However the undercover footage by the British broadcaster BBC has showcased that nothing has changed in the hospital as syringes were being reused on several children injections administered through clothing a nurse rummaging through medical waste without gloves Furthermore parents confirmed that syringes were reused on their children in hospital A contaminated needle was identified as the mode of transmission in more than half of these cases according to a report in Pakistans leading daily Dawn As HIV is no longer confined to certain highrisk groups former Special Assistant to the Prime Minister SAPM voiced concern In the post on X he stated What BBC film has revealed in Tunsa THQ is a tip of the iceberg Same practices are rampant in all districts of the country All blood borne diseases as a result are on the rise in Pakistan due to absolutely irresponsible health care practices including reuse of disposable syringes by health care workers and drug addicts unscreened blood transfusions unprotected sex unhygienic use of shaving instruments and so on We have the largest population with Hepatitis C infection in the world ie around 10 millionThe revelation will unfold a familiar cycle outrage will flare and the finger pointing will start followed by probe according to a report in Dawn Media will start reporting about it and the government will make some efforts and before long it will all fade from the memory until the matter again comes to light following a new outbreakThis pattern has been witnessed in four outbreaks over 1000 cases were reported in Larkana in 2019 with up to 90 per cent of the cases being children Jacobabad and Shikarpur became hotspots in 2023 Taunsa Mirpurkhas emerged as âanother Larkanaâ after 150 children tested positive while Dera Ghazi Khan witnessed rise in HIV cases linked to unsafe sexual practices and the reuse of syringes by unqualified practitioners in 2024 Similarly HIV cases were also reported in Hyderabad Shaheed Benazirabad Naushahro Feroze and KarachiYet these criminal practices have failed to provoke the outrage they deserve from the public health practitioners and even governments Nobody seems to know who to hold accountable otherwise why would these outbreaks continue so frequently And in the Taunsa hospitals case in particular it is clear that the irresponsible behaviour never stopped despite a change in leadership Zofeen T Ebrahim an independent journalist based in Karachi wrote in a report in Dawn Along with implementation gas the lack of public awareness remains a stumbling block Patients especially in public hospitals are not only poor but often poorly informed They have little reason to suspect that a routine injection could leave them or their child with a lifelong infection she added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-learned-little-even-after-10-hiv-outbreaks-report-670479.html Mon, 20 Apr 2026 22:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/confusion-over-vance-pak-trip-trump-rules-it-out-on-security-grounds-wh-says-otherwise-670323.html New York April 20 There was confusion over US Vice President JD Vance travelling to Pakistan to lead the US in talks with Iran after President Donald Trump ruled it out on Sunday citing security concerns while the White House said he would attend Trump told two television programmes that Vance would not be going to Islamabad for the second round of direct negotiations that he said would take place next weekBut both CNN and The New York Times reported soon afterwards that according to White House officials Vance would indeed be at the talks along with Trumpâs soninlaw Jared Kushner and Special Representative Steve WitkoffAn ABC News interviewer said that Trump told him âthat Vice President Vance will not be leading the US delegation to IslamabadâThe interviewer Jonathan Karl reported âHe said its because of security the Secret Service did not feel comfortable having the vice president go to Pakistan on 24 hours notice He added âJD is greatââTrump also told MSNBCâs Jacqueline Alemany that Vance would not be going because 24 hours was too short to make security arrangementsPakistan is a nation wracked by terrorism caused in part by its policy of exporting terrorism that has boomerangedIran has not confirmed that it is participating in a new round of direct talks in IslamabadTrump said that his representatives would be in Islamabad on MondayHe told Fox News that his soninlaw Jared Kushner and Special Representative Steve Witkoff would be leading the US side in the talks with IranAlthough the Strait of Hormuz remained closed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps IRGC Trump was going ahead with the talks while also issuing fresh threats against Iran if it did not make a dealâWeâre offering a very fair and reasonable DEAL and I hope they take it because if they donât the United States is going to knock out every single power plant and every single bridge in Iranâ he said on Truth SocialâNO MORE MR NICE GUYâ he addedThere appeared to be a power struggle between the diplomatic and military establishments in IranIranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Friday that the âStrait of Hormuz is declared completely openâ for commercial shipping but the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps IRGC countermanded it on SaturdayTrump confirmed Araghchiâs statement with a âThank youâ postThe IRGC said that the Strait was closed because the US was blockading its ports and fired on two Indian ships on SaturdayTrump did not immediately declare the ceasefire dead or take retaliatory action because he was invested in getting the negotiations to succeed as he faces increased pressure at home because of the impact of the war on the economyAbout the IRGC Navys hostile action in the Strait Trump said âThat wasnât nice was itâBut he added âMy representatives are going to Islamabad Pakistan they will be there tomorrow evening for negotiations Iran recently announced that they were closing the Strait which is strange because our BLOCKADE has already closed itâTrump has claimed that Iran had agreed to most of the US demands including forswearing nuclear ambitions foreverAgain there was no confirmation of this from Iran which continued its bellicose rhetoric IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/confusion-over-vance-pak-trip-trump-rules-it-out-on-security-grounds-wh-says-otherwise-670323.html Mon, 20 Apr 2026 08:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-rejects-taking-part-in-2nd-round-of-peace-talks-with-us-670324.html Tehran April 20 Irans official news agency IRNA said that the country has rejected taking part in the second round of the peace talks with the United States which were reportedly to be held in Pakistan soon Irans top joint military command said on Monday that Iran will soon respond to armed maritime piracy by the US military according to media reportsIrans Khatam alAnbiya Central Headquarters warned Iran will soon respond to US armed maritime piracy after American forces fired on an Iranian commercial vessel in the Gulf of Oman disabled its navigation system and boarded it with armed commandos Xinhua news agency reported quoting Press TVIn response Iran carried out drone attacks on US warships causing the US forces to retreat according to staterun IRIB and the semiofficial Mehr news agencyUS President Donald Trump said on Sunday the United States forcibly seized an Iranianflagged cargo ship that tried to get around a naval blockade near the Strait of HormuzA US Navy guided missile destroyer in the Gulf of Oman stopped them right in their tracks by blowing a hole in the engine room and the US Marines had custody of the vessel he saidMeanwhile Trump has signaled that American negotiators would be in Pakistans Islamabad on Monday for the fresh round of talks amid a shaky ceasefire which is due to expire on Wednesday April 22Trump on Sunday announced that a team of negotiators from the US will be heading to Pakistan this week set to arrive in Islamabad on Monday My Representatives are going to Islamabad Pakistan They will be there tomorrow evening for Negotiations Trump said in a post on Truth Social IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-rejects-taking-part-in-2nd-round-of-peace-talks-with-us-670324.html Mon, 20 Apr 2026 08:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-says-us-has-intercepted-taken-custody-of-iranian-flagged-cargo-ship-670325.html New York April 20 US President Donald Trump said that US forces have intercepted and taken custody of an Iranianflagged cargo ship that tried to bypass its blockade in the Gulf of Oman Today an Iranianflagged cargo ship named TOUSKA nearly 900 feet long and weighing almost as much as an aircraft carrier tried to get past our Naval Blockade and it did not go well for them Trump wrote in a post on his social media Truth SocialA US destroyer intercepted the TOUSKA in the Gulf of Oman and gave them fair warning to stop Trump added The Iranian crew refused to listen so our Navy ship stopped them right in their tracks by blowing a hole in the engineroom Right now US Marines have custody of the vesselIran has attacked US military ships in retaliation for the US seizure of its vessel according to latest news reportsThe announcement came after the White House confirmed US VicePresident JD Vance would lead another delegation for a second round of talks with Iran in PakistanTehran has not yet confirmed its attendance Iranian state media has reported that officials will not participate while the US blockade remains in placeEarlier Irans Khatam alAnbiya Central Headquarters warned that it will soon respond to the US armed maritime piracy Xinhua news agency reported quoting Irans Press TVIrans official news agency IRNA said on Sunday that the country has rejected taking part in the second round of the peace talks with the United States which were reportedly to be held in Pakistan soonTrump said on Friday that the naval blockade of Iranian ports would continue until a deal was agreed by the two countries IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-says-us-has-intercepted-taken-custody-of-iranian-flagged-cargo-ship-670325.html Mon, 20 Apr 2026 08:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/north-korea-tests-cluster-bombs-in-latest-ballistic-missile-launch-670331.html Seoul April 20 North Korea has tested cluster bombs in its latest launch of surfacetosurface ballistic missiles supervised by leader Kim Jongun state media reported Monday The Korean Central News Agency KCNA published the report of the launch of the Hwasong11 Ra tactical ballistic missile a day after South Koreas military detected multiple shortrange ballistic missiles launched toward the East Sea at around 610 am from North Koreas Sinpho areaThe KCNA said the purpose of the testlaunch was to evaluate the power of the cluster bomb warhead and fragmentation mine warhead fitted to the weapon systemFive missiles struck a target area near an island measuring about 13 hectares some 136 kilometres away with very high density fully demonstrating their combat capability the KCNA report saidPhotos released showed Kims daughter Juae who is believed to be being groomed as his successor accompanying him at Sundays weapon testKim expressed great satisfaction over the testlaunch saying It is of weighty significance to boost the highdensity striking capability to quell a specific target area as well as the highprecision striking capabilityThe development and introduction of different cluster bomb warheads can meet the operational demand of the Korean Peoples Army in a more satisfactory and effective way the report addedThe leader also encouraged science research groups responsible for weapons development expressing hope that they would continue their important undertakings to acquire and update various ultramodern technologies necessary for the combat preparedness of our armyAttending the test launch alongside Kim were Kim Jongsik a member of the Central Military Commission Jang Changha chief of the Missile Administration and frontline military unit commandersSundays launch followed the Norths testfiring of multiple shortrange ballistic missiles on April 8 State media said at the time the country testfired a tactical ballistic missile tipped with a cluster bomb warhead claiming it could reduce to ashes targeted areas with the highestdensity powerSouth Koreas Office of National Security has condemned the latest North Korean missile launch as a violation of UN Security Council resolutions and called for an immediate halt to the Norths missile provocationsA cluster bomb releases dozens to hundreds of submunitions allowing it to strike multiple targets over a wide area The weapon has been used by Iran in the ongoing Middle East conflict posing a challenge to Israels air defense systemThe Norths report suggests that Sundays test involved the launch of cluster bombs and airborne fragmentation mines fitted to missile warheadsThe KCNA also released photos of a missile being launched from the edge of a seawall and releasing cluster bombs that hit an islet marking the first time the country has disclosed images of a cluster bomb test Yonhap news agency reportedIt also represents the Norths first official reference to the Hwasong11 Ra ballistic missile which it had previously referred to as a new tactical ballistic missile or a tactical guided missileThe 136km range demonstrated in Sundays launch would reach Seoul and as far as the US military base in Pyeongtaek and Osan Air Base if fired southward said Hong Min a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for National UnificationThe missile fills the gap in range between the Norths multiple rocket launchers and shortrange missiles allowing it to target the Seoul metropolitan area he saidYoon Minho the South Korean unification ministrys spokesperson assessed that the test launch appears to be part of the Norths efforts to advance a defence development plan adopted at the recent ninth congress of the ruling Workers Party of KoreaDuring the congress Kim called for reinforcing the deployment of multiple rocket launchers and tactical missiles to counter South Korea he notedThe spokesman also said he took note of the rare attendance of a number of military commanders in charge of frontline units at the test IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/north-korea-tests-cluster-bombs-in-latest-ballistic-missile-launch-670331.html Mon, 20 Apr 2026 09:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korean-president-lee-jae-myung-accorded-ceremonial-welcome-at-rashtrapati-bhavan-670334.html New Delhi April 20 South Korean President Lee Jae Myung was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi warmly welcomed the South Korean President upon his arrivalChildren in traditional costumes holding the South Korean national flag and the Tricolour also warmly welcomed the visiting leaderSouth Korean President Lee arrived in New Delhi on Sunday for a threeday state visit Union Minister of State for Corporate Affairs Harsh Malhotra received President Lee and First Lady Kim Hea Kyung at the airport in New DelhiThe Ministry of External Affairs MEA noted that the South Korean Presidents visit to India marks an important milestone in advancing the Special Strategic Partnership between the two nationsPresident Lee was received by Shri Harsh Malhotra MoS Ministry of Corporate Affairs and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways The visit marks an important milestone in advancing the IndiaSouth Korea Special Strategic Partnership the Ministry said in a post on XExternal Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar also called on the visiting President on Sunday Honoured to call on President Lee Jae Myung of the Republic of Korea as he begins his State Visit to India Value his commitment to deepen India Korea relations across multiple domains the EAM said in a post on X expressing confidence that his talks with PM Modi will further strengthen our Special Strategic PartnershipMeanwhile President Lee will hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi later in the day and the two leaders will hold discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation in various sectors including shipbuilding trade investments AI semiconductors critical and emerging technologies peopletopeople connections and cultural exchanges They will also discuss regional and global issues of mutual interest the MEA stated PM Modi is also scheduled to host a lunch in honour of the visiting leaderPresident Lee will also hold talks with President Droupadi Murmu President Murmu will also host a banquet in his honour at the Rashtrapati BhavanPresident Lee will also pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat later in the dayIndia and the ROK share a multifaceted partnership rooted in ancient civilisational ties and shared values of democracy and rule of law The visit of President Lee underscores the shared aspiration of both countries to further strengthen the existing areas of cooperation while expanding collaboration in new and emerging areas of mutual interest the MEA statedLast November PM Modi held a meeting with the South Korean President on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg This was their second meeting in 2025 following their talks on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Canada IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korean-president-lee-jae-myung-accorded-ceremonial-welcome-at-rashtrapati-bhavan-670334.html Mon, 20 Apr 2026 09:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/life-satisfaction-among-australians-falls-to-record-low-survey-finds-670351.html Canberra April 20 Average life satisfaction among Australians fell to the lowest level on record in March according to the latest edition of an Australian National University ANU survey published on Monday The 29th iteration of the ANUpoll which has regularly surveyed Australians on their wellbeing since 2019 recorded an average lifesatisfaction rating of 622 out of 10 from 3662 participants falling below the previous record low of 635 in March 2025Average life satisfaction has fallen by 37 per cent since the last edition of the poll in December marking the biggest decline between surveys since the COVID19 pandemicAustralia in March 2026 is a country under considerable strain Nicholas Biddle head of the ANU School of Politics and International Relations and leader of the ANUpoll project said in a media releaseMore respondents said they were dissatisfied with the direction of the country than satisfied for the first time in the polls history with 54 per cent dissatisfied and 46 per cent satisfied to some extentNearly 60 per cent said they believe life was better 50 years ago and 585 per cent believe it will be worse in 50 years in the futureThe timing of the survey coincided with the oil supply crisis driven by the conflict in the Middle East which caused fuel prices in Australia to soarA recordhigh 349 per cent of respondents said they were finding it difficult or very difficult to cope on their current income and employed participants reported an average expected probability of losing their job of 268 per cent up from 192 per cent in January 2025Biddle said that the proportion of employed Australians specifically concerned that machines or computer programs will replace their jobs has nearly doubled since March 2018 IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/life-satisfaction-among-australians-falls-to-record-low-survey-finds-670351.html Mon, 20 Apr 2026 11:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/uncertainty-remains-ahead-of-expected-us-iran-talks-670353.html Islamabad April 20 As US forces have intercepted and taken custody of an Iranianflagged cargo ship and Iran said it has currently no decision to send a negotiating delegation for peace talks the prospect of an expected second round of USIran talks remains unclear Meanwhile other regional countries continue their efforts to bring the two sides to the tableOn Sunday President Donald Trump said that US forces had intercepted and taken custody of an Iranianflagged cargo ship that tried to bypass the US blockade in the Gulf of OmanToday an Iranianflagged cargo ship named TOUSKA nearly 900 feet long and weighing almost as much as an aircraft carrier tried to get past our Naval Blockade and it did not go well for them Trump wrote in a post on his social media platform Truth SocialIn a titfortat reaction Iran has attacked US military ships in retaliation for the US seizure of its vessel according to the latest news reportsAhead of the skirmish over the Strait of Hormuz Trump on Sunday also announced that US negotiators will travel to the Pakistani capital Islamabad on Monday for possible talks with Iran but he didnt detail who will head the teamHowever the Iranian side denied the potential talks in Islamabad Irans semiofficial Tasnim news agency said Sunday that Iran currently has no decision to send a negotiating delegation for peace talks with the United StatesThe Iranian team has stressed that as long as the US antiIran naval blockade remains in place there will be no negotiation with Washington according to the reportIrans official news agency IRNA said on Sunday that the country has rejected taking part in the second round of peace talks with the United States Irans absence from the second round of talks stems from what it called Washingtons excessive demands unrealistic expectations constant shifts in stance repeated contradictions and the ongoing naval blockade which it considers a breach of the ceasefire the agency said in a post on its English account on social media platform XTrump stressed that the US naval blockade on Iran would remain in full force until Washingtons transaction with Tehran is 100 per cent completeThe Strait of Hormuz is only one of the obstacles ahead According to statements from both sides and media reports the nuclear issue is another major point of divergenceTrump said on Friday that the United States would work with Iran to remove its enriched uranium CNN citing informed sources reported that Washington is prepared to unfreeze 20 billion US dollars in Iranian assets in exchange for Tehrans handing over its stockpile a proposal rejected by Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh as impossibleDisagreement also persists over Irans right to enrich uranium Trump said that Iran had agreed to suspend its nuclear program indefinitely a claim denied by an anonymous senior Iranian official in an interview with CNN the following day US sources familiar with previous talks said Washington had proposed a 20year suspension of Irans enrichment activities Tehran countered with a fiveyear pause a proposal the United States did not acceptDespite differences between Iran and the US regional countries are intensifying efforts to restart talks between the two adversaries after their first round of negotiation in IslamabadPakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday had a phone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian During the 45minute phone call Sharif apprised the Iranian leader about his recent engagements with regional leaders including those of Saudi Arabia Qatar and Turkey stressing that such interactions were crucial for building consensus and bringing lasting peace to the warravaged regionPakistans Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar also held a separate phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas AraghchiAlso on Sunday Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and his Pakistani counterpart Dar voiced hope for a new round of USIran talks during a phone call affirming that negotiation and dialogue are the only way to resolve the disputeBoth parties agreed to maintain joint coordination and consultation on relevant developments to support regional security and stabilityTo prepare for the possible talks Pakistan has placed its capital Islamabad and the neighbouring garrison city of Rawalpindi on high security alertAccording to police sources some 20000 police personnel supported by hundreds of elite commandos including snipers have been deployed on security duty across the twin cities Similar arrangements were made before the first round of peace talksAuthorities have also suspended all public and goods transport in Rawalpindi and Islamabad as part of the security plan while most entry points to the Red Zone have been sealedMajor hotels including Serena Hotel and Marriott Hotel have asked guests to vacate after the government requisitioned the properties for the talks Hostels and guest houses in the capital were also directed to close until further notice IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/uncertainty-remains-ahead-of-expected-us-iran-talks-670353.html Mon, 20 Apr 2026 11:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/australian-man-charged-over-200-kg-cocaine-import-670356.html Sydney April 20 A 41yearold Australian man has been charged by police over an alleged attempt to import 200 kg of cocaine into the country by sea A joint statement on Monday from federal law enforcement agencies and police in the east coast states of New South Wales NSW and Queensland said that the man was arrested on Thursday after officers located the cocaine on board an intercepted catamaranPolice said that the vessel was intercepted by an organised crime task force investigating an alleged plan by a criminal syndicate with links to outlaw motorcycle gangs to sail cocaine into Australian waters before transferring it to local vessels to bring the cocaine to shoreIt will be alleged in court that the catamaran had sailed out of the Tweed River located in northern NSW near the border with Queensland on Tuesday to collect the drugs before returning on Thursday when it was interceptedIn addition to 200 kg of cocaine police said that 100000 Australian dollars 71500 US dollars in cash was found on boardThe 41yearold man from northern NSW was charged with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a bordercontrolled drug and faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonmentInvestigations to determine the vessel and the crew responsible for transporting the cocaine into Australian waters are ongoingEarlier on March 24 the Australian police charged a man over an alleged attempt to smuggle 20 kg of heroin into the country from ThailandThe Australian Border Force ABF and Australian Federal Police AFP said that the 26yearold man from the state of New South Wales was selected for a baggage examination on arrival at Sydney Airport on a flight from BangkokDuring the examination ABF officers located 34 vacuumsealed bags containing a combined 20 kg of heroinAccording to authorities the heroin had an estimated value of 10 million Australian dollars 7 million US dollars and could have supplied 100000 street dealsThe case was turned over to AFP officers who arrested the 26yearold and charged him with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a bordercontrolled drug which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonmentAFP Detective Superintendent Morgen Blunden said that the attempted importation highlights the determination of organised crime groups to exploit international travel pathways for profit IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/australian-man-charged-over-200-kg-cocaine-import-670356.html Mon, 20 Apr 2026 12:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/lee-pledges-coordination-with-india-on-efforts-to-reopen-strait-of-hormuz-670361.html New Delhi April 20 IANS President Lee Jae Myung stressed the need for South Korea and India to work together to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in an interview published on Monday also highlighting the need for joint efforts to stabilise global supply chainsnbspIn a written interview with The Times of India held before his summit talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi he noted that the effective closure of the critical shipping route due to the prolonged conflict between the United States and Iran has been driving up global oil prices while also disrupting supply chains for key industrial materials reports Yonhap news agencyBoth the Republic of Korea and India depend on the Middle East for a significant share of their energy supplies including crude oil and natural gas Accordingly ensuring the security of critical maritime routes is essential to the safety of our peoples and the very survival of our nations Lee said referring to South Korea by its official nameLee and Modi were set to hold a bilateral summit later in the day which would mark their third inperson meeting since Lee took office last yearThe president said South Korea will collaborate with India on multilateral efforts to ensure safe passage through the strategic route and diversify energy supply chains to address uncertainties in the global economyKorea will maintain close communication with India to ensure that all vessels can navigate the Strait of Hormuz safely and freely he said We will also continue to work together in relevant international forums to uphold this shared commitmentAs part of efforts to reduce heavy dependence on imported energy and raw materials Lee expressed hope to expand cooperation in critical mineral supply chainsBy moving beyond the traditional model of importing raw material and combining Koreas technology with Indias mining and refining industries we can work together to establish stable criticalmineral supply chains he saidLee also stressed the need to step up collaboration in strategic sectors such as artificial intelligence defense and the shipping and shipbuilding industries to deepen economic ties and create synergy between the two countriesBeyond traditional sectors such as electronics and automobiles we will broaden cooperation into shipbuilding finance and the defence industry he saidIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/lee-pledges-coordination-with-india-on-efforts-to-reopen-strait-of-hormuz-670361.html Mon, 20 Apr 2026 12:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pm-modi-south-korean-president-lee-jae-myung-hold-talks-in-delhi-670369.html New Delhi April 20 IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi on MondaynbspExternal Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and other officials were present during the meetingEarlier in the day Lee Jae Myung paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat in New DelhiIn a post on X the Ministry of External Affairs MEA said For peace harmony and a better world President Lee Jae Myung of Republic of Korea paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat honouring values of peace and nonviolenceBefore his visit to Raj Ghat the South Korean President was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati BhavanPresident Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi warmly welcomed President Lee Jae Myung upon his arrivalChildren in traditional costumes holding the South Korean national flag and the Tricolour also warmly welcomed the visiting leaderSouth Korean President Lee Jae Myung arrived in New Delhi on Sunday for a threeday state visitUnion Minister of State for Corporate Affairs Harsh Malhotra received President Lee and First Lady Kim Hea Kyung at the airport in New DelhiThe MEA noted that the South Korean Presidents visit to India marks an important milestone in advancing the Special Strategic Partnership between the two nationsEAM S Jaishankar also called on the visiting President on SundayHonoured to call on President Lee Jae Myung of the Republic of Korea as he begins his State Visit to India Value his commitment to deepen IndiaSouth Korea relations across multiple domains the EAM said in a post on X expressing confidence that his talks with PM Modi will further strengthen our Special Strategic PartnershipLater in the day PM Modi will host a lunch in honour of the visiting leaderPresident Lee will also hold talks with President Murmu and she will also host a banquet in his honour at the Rashtrapati BhavanIndia and the ROK share a multifaceted partnership rooted in ancient civilisational ties and shared values of democracy and rule of law The visit of President Lee underscores the shared aspiration of both countries to further strengthen the existing areas of cooperation while expanding collaboration in new and emerging areas of mutual interest the MEA statedIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pm-modi-south-korean-president-lee-jae-myung-hold-talks-in-delhi-670369.html Mon, 20 Apr 2026 12:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-south-korea-eye-cepa-upgrade-talks-deepen-green-energy-cooperation-piyush-goyal-670390.html New Delhi April 20 IANS India and South Korea have discussed ways to resume and revamp negotiations for upgrading their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement CEPA while also exploring deeper cooperation in industrial sectors green energy and digital trade Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said on MondaynbspSharing details of his meeting with South Koreas Trade Minister Yeo Hankoo on social media platform X Goyal said the discussions focused on strengthening the bilateral economic partnership through renewed engagement on the CEPA upgrade talksDelighted to meet Yeo Hankoo We discussed ways to resume and revamp the IndiaKorea CEPA upgrade negotiations and explored opportunities for deeper cooperation in industrial cooperation green energy and digital trade Goyal saidThe two sides explored avenues to enhance collaboration across key sectors including industrial cooperation green energy and digital trade signalling a broader push to deepen economic ties between the two countriesGoyal highlighted that both countries are keen to expand trade and investment flows leveraging complementarities in manufacturing technology and emerging sectorsThe discussions also reflected a shared intent to align with evolving global trade dynamics and sustainability goalsThe minister expressed optimism about the future of bilateral ties noting that India and South Korea are looking to strengthen their partnership further through sustained engagement and cooperation across strategic sectorsWe look forward to strengthening our partnership for greater mutual trade and investment Goyal mentionedMeanwhile earlier in the day South Korean President Lee Jae Myung paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat in New DelhiIn a post on X the Ministry of External Affairs MEA said For peace harmony and a better world President Lee Jae Myung of Republic of Korea paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat honouring values of peace and nonviolenceBefore heading to Raj Ghat President Lee was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati BhavanIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-south-korea-eye-cepa-upgrade-talks-deepen-green-energy-cooperation-piyush-goyal-670390.html Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/vp-radhakrishnan-departs-for-delhi-after-successfully-concluding-sri-lanka-visit-670417.html Colombo April 22 Vice President CP Radhakrishnan departed for New Delhi after concluding a successful twoday visit to Sri Lanka on Monday The Vice Presidents visit yielded key outcomes focused on further strengthening the bilateral ties between the two nations including eased OCI eligibility to sixthgeneration Indian Origin Tamils IOTs for simpler travel to IndiaVP Radhakrishnan also virtually handed over a cluster of houses to plantation workers under the Indian Housing Project Phase III made an announcement of Northern Railway Line resumption and installation of three new Bailey bridges as postCyclone Ditwah rehabilitationThe agreements also covered enhanced estate worker scholarships health facilities in Mullaitivu and Eastern Province farmer clusters Ayurveda projects and Sri Lanka joining the International Big Cat AllianceEarlier in the day the Vice President offered prayers at the Seetha Amman Temple in Sri Lankas Seetha Eliya and said that the Indian governments initiative to renovate the religious site would further strengthen the historical ties between the two nationsThe Vice President also paid respects at the Hanuman Kovil venerating the sacred footsteps of Lord Hanuman from his meeting with Devi Sita at the Ashok VatikaIn a post on X the Vice Presidents Office wrote Vice President Shri C P Radhakrishnan visited the Seetha Amman Temple in Seetha Eliya Sri Lanka The sacred temple associated with the holy Ramayana stands as a profound reminder of the deep cultural and civilisational linkages between India and Sri Lanka The Vice President also paid respects at the Hanuman Kovil venerating the sacred footsteps of Lord Hanuman from his meeting with Devi Sita at the Ashok VatikaRecalling Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modis announcement during his visit to Sri Lanka last year that the Seetha Amman Temple would be renovated with the assistance of the Government of India he said that the initiative would further strengthen the historical ties between the two countries he addedVice President Radhakrishnan also visited houses built with the Indian Governments assistance under the Indian Housing Project Phase III at Liddlesdale Estate Ragala Nuwara Eliya Sri Lanka and interacted with the beneficiariesThe Vice President expressed his happiness at meeting the Indianorigin Tamil community and stated that the Government and people of India have a deep commitment to the welfare of the Tamil people in Sri Lanka He noted that the Government of India has so far provided 50000 houses for the Tamil families in Northern and Eastern provinces of Sri Lanka as well as to Indian origin Tamil families in plantation regions He added that an additional 10000 houses will be delivered under the fourth phase of the Indian Housing Project the Vice Presidents Office posted on XThe post further mentioned that while interacting with Indianorigin Tamils in Nuwara Eliya the Vice President expressed his deep sorrow over the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwa He also discussed Indias relief and rescue operations launched under Operation Sagar Bandhu in response to the natural calamityEarlier on Sunday Vice President Radhakrishnan called on Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo where both leaders held discussions on strengthening bilateral and cultural relations between the two countriesIn a post on X the Ministry of External Affairs MEA stated Vice President C P Radhakrishnan called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake of Sri Lanka at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo today Sunday They held productive discussions on further deepening the multifaceted IndiaSri Lanka ties rooted in shared history and cultural valuesThe Ministry further added Vice President CP Radhakrishnan reaffirmed Indias commitment to the Neighbourhood First policy and to further strengthen our cooperation for the benefit of both nations The discussions also focused on various initiatives including the Indian Housing Project and projects being implemented under the USD 450 mn package for areas affected by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri LankaVice President Radhakrishnan also met Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya on Sunday and discussed the importance of further strengthening bilateral ties including peopletopeople bondsThe visit also saw engagement with Sri Lankas political leadership as the Vice President met Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa in Colombo on Sunday The MEA said Both leaders discussed further strengthening IndiaSri Lanka bilateral tiesPremadasa noted that the discussions focused on enhancing trade relations deepening economic cooperation and exploring practical opportunities to benefit both nationsThe series of meetings and site visits highlights Indias continued diplomatic and developmental outreach in Sri Lanka with a strong emphasis on housing infrastructure support and strengthening longstanding cultural ties IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/vp-radhakrishnan-departs-for-delhi-after-successfully-concluding-sri-lanka-visit-670417.html Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korean-president-hails-pm-modis-viksit-bharat-2047-vision-670423.html New Delhi April 20 IANS South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said on Monday that he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi agree that India and South Korea can be most ideal partners for comprehensive cooperation to promote mutual growth and innovationWhile addressing a joint press meet with PM Modi following their talks in New Delhi President Lee announced that India and South Korea have agreed to upgrade economic cooperation framework to create new drivers for mutual growth He stated that India and South Korea will establish an industrial cooperation committee the first ministerial platform for economic cooperation between two nations to strengthen cooperation in trade and investment and strategic areas such as critical minerals nuclear energy and clean energyIn the era of hyper uncertainty we share our view that Korea and India can be the most ideal partners for comprehensive cooperation to promote mutual growth and innovation Against this backdrop while we further advance our existing economic cooperation we have also agreed to expand cooperation in strategic industries such as ship building finance AI and defense and promote cultural and peopletopeople exchanges he saidThe South Korean President also expressed gratitude to PM Modi for inviting him to India and the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation India is the worlds largest democracy and achieving the most dynamic growth and Im very pleased to pay you state visit to your country for the first time in eight years as president of the Republic of Korea and at the earliest time since taking officeHe noted that India and South Korea have witnessed remarkable advancement in bilateral relations through the signing of a comprehensive economic partnership agreement in 2010 and upgrading of relations to a special strategic partnership in 2015 Now we are ushering in a new decade of the special strategic partnership Today the Prime Minister and I had indepth discussions on ways to further promote our relations and exchanged views on the regional and global affairsHe stated that India has emerged as a leader of Global South and hailed Indias remarkable development under the Viksit Bharat 2047 visionWith the worlds largest population and the fourth largest economy India has emerged as a leader in the Global South And under your Viksit Bharat 2047 vision this country is achieving remarkable development and the Republic of Korea has also evolved as a leader in chip building semiconductors and cultural industries and we are accelerating innovation and growth to achieve a great leap forward to ensure that every Korean can grow together South Korean President saidLee Jae Myung expressed gratitude to Indian government for their constant support to building peace on the Korean Peninsula and stated that South Korea looks forward to India continuing to play a constructive role for peace on the peninsula and within the regionsHe said We agreed to maintain close collaboration in addressing regional peace and international issues Prime Minister Modi and I exchanged our views on the recent events unfolding in the Middle East and agreed that restoring stability and peace in the Middle East is crucial to global security and the economy I also spoke to the Prime Minister about the Korean governments efforts to build peace on the Korean Peninsula and extended our gratitude to the Indian government for their consistent support on this matter Korea looks forward to the constructive role that India will continue to play for peace on the peninsula and within the regionHe emphasised that India and South Korea will sustain cooperation for supply stability of energy resources and key commodities such as NAFTA President Lee announced that he and PM Modi have agreed to speed up the negotiations to upgrade Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement CEPA to create a more favourable trade and investment conditions for businesses of two nations and fully reflect new trade norms so that both nations can respond to the changing trade environment concerning supply chains in green growth in a more timely mannerIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korean-president-hails-pm-modis-viksit-bharat-2047-vision-670423.html Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/isis-media-wing-steps-up-india-focus-pushes-mass-attacks-and-crypto-funding-for-iskp-670432.html New Delhi April 20 Indian security agencies have flagged a recent spike in activity by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syriaâs media network with a sharper focus on India While propaganda aimed at Europe and the United States has called for highprofile attacks during global events such as the FIFA World Cup messaging directed at India is urging operatives to carry out largescale strikesAn Intelligence Bureau official said the groupâs media channels have been urging largescale attacks at crowded public places At the same time they are appealing for donations to strengthen the Afghanistanbased Islamic State Khorasan Province ISKPThe official said there has been a surge in messages seeking donations Officials noted a surge in fundraising messages in recent weeks with the drive gathering pace this month Contributions are being sought under the label of âsadaqatâ or charity often through cryptocurrency These funds they said are being routed to support ISKP operations in AfghanistanThe ISKP is also seen to be exploiting tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan Earlier sustained pressure from the Taliban had curtailed its activities However the shifting situation in the region has provided the group with space to regroup and rebuild its networkThe ISKP has sought to exploit tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan to its advantage Officials say the conflict created an opening for the group to regain lost ground Earlier sustained pressure from the Taliban had kept its activities in check However with attention diverted by the ongoing situation the ISKP has used the window to reorganise and rebuild its networkâThis urgency explains the renewed push for fundsâ another official saidThe group appears to recognise that conditions in Afghanistan may not remain favourable for long and is trying to build capacity while the window exists According to officials its propaganda misinformation campaigns and fundraising efforts are increasingly focused on India A major attack they assess is seen as a way to draw attention and boost recruitmentThe idea of establishing a Caliphate in India with Jammu and Kashmir projected as its centre has been widely pushed through its propaganda Officials say some individuals have been drawn in by this messaging and believe that the ISKP can achieve these aims To deepen its outreach the group has expanded its presence across multiple social media platformsWhile misleading narratives are circulated openly online appeals for attacks and funding are routed through encrypted channels Agencies are closely monitoring the AlAzaim Foundation for Media Production which is seen as a key hub in this network Officials describe its operations as highly organised with content disseminated in a wide range of languages They deliver messages in Pashto Dari Arabic Urdu Farsi Uzbek Tajik Turkish Russian Hindi Malayalam and English With the use of Artificial Intelligence AI its messaging has expanded to more languagesOfficials say the group has been using AI to produce fabricated videos In some cases ordinary locations in India are depicted as sites of communal violence with visuals suggesting attacks on minority communities Agencies believe these clips are designed to provoke unrest Recent content they note has become sharper in tone and is clearly aimed at audiences in IndiaApart from the AlAzaim Foundation for Media Production the ISKP is also using its Pashtolanguage publication Khurasan Ghag to advance its messaging The magazine is tailored primarily for readers in South Asia IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/isis-media-wing-steps-up-india-focus-pushes-mass-attacks-and-crypto-funding-for-iskp-670432.html Mon, 20 Apr 2026 17:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/nepal-govt-employees-to-receive-salary-on-fortnightly-basis-670437.html Kathmandu April 20 Government employees in Nepal will now receive their salaries every 15 days breaking the longheld tradition of monthly salary payments As per a Finance Ministerlevel decision taken on April 17 government employees will be paid on a fortnightly basis twice a month and a circular has already been issued in the name of concerned government agencies to implement the decisionThis practice is not common in most parts of the world where government employees are generally paid on a monthly basis In South Asia as well countries such as India Pakistan Bangladesh Bhutan Sri Lanka and the Maldives all follow a monthly salary system for government employeesNepali government officials said the decision was taken to help revitalize the economy as putting money into the hands of government employees more frequently could lead to increased spending Improving cash flow for employees could stimulate regular economic circulation they sayIt is not immediately clear when the government will begin implementing the decision âTechnically there is no problem for us to implement this systemâ said Dipak Lamichhane spokesperson for the Financial Comptroller General Office FCGO which is responsible for releasing the salary payment to the government employees âWe can release the salaries of civil servants the Nepal Army Police Armed Police Force and other government employees at any timeâHowever he said that implementing the new decision may require legal amendments as the Civil Service Act of Nepal provides for monthly salary paymentsSection 28 of the law states that each civil servant shall receive salary and allowances if any after the completion of each monthâPerhaps some way out could be found to implement the governmentâs decision earlyâ Lamichhane said With the parliamentary session not currently in operation the government has the option of introducing an ordinance to implement the decision immediatelyâWe are discussing how to implement the governmentâs decisionâ he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/nepal-govt-employees-to-receive-salary-on-fortnightly-basis-670437.html Mon, 20 Apr 2026 17:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/japans-new-delhi-desk-signals-recognition-of-indias-strategic-role-in-indo-pacific-report-670441.html New Delhi April 20 Japans move to open a dedicated office in India to help Japanese firms navigate regulatory hurdles and boost investment signals Tokyoâs longâterm bet on Indias economic and strategic role in the IndoâPacific according to a new report The India Narrative report said the office will deepen ties beyond manufacturing linking Japanâs large corporations with Indiaâs startâup ecosystem artificial intelligence sector critical minerals and cleanâenergy chainsThe proposed centre will act as an information clearinghouse policy advocate and coordination platform administered by Japanâs Ministry of Foreign AffairsIt will collect feedback from Japanese companies on issues such as inconsistent stateâlevel rules opaque legal processes and complex tax and approval structures and then channel these concerns directly to relevant Indian agencies the report detailedTokyoâs focus on highâgrowth strategic sectors such as artificial intelligence and critical minerals reflects a shift from seeking lowâcost manufacturing to anchoring longâterm technological and supplyâchain partnerships in IndiaThe report highlighted a renewed Japanese interest in Indian partnership for over a decade which has not been fully translated into scaleJapanese companies wanted Indian partnerships to diversify away from Chinaâcentric supply chains but the number of Japanese firms in India has hovered around a modest figure with little change in recent years the report notedThe stagnation stemmed from transaction costs such as varying stateâwise regulations unclear implementation of central laws and administrative bottlenecks that made longâterm fixedâcapital planning difficultJapan remaining a key foreign investor in India gives the new office a builtin credibility the media house said adding Tokyo sees India as indispensable but only if the policy environment becomes more predictable and less opaqueTokyo framed India as a critical node in its evolving IndoâPacific supplyâchain strategy linking it with semiconductorârelated collaborations and cleanâenergy partnerships and the dedicated foreign office signalled India as a highâpotential albeit a highâcomplexity frontier economy IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/japans-new-delhi-desk-signals-recognition-of-indias-strategic-role-in-indo-pacific-report-670441.html Mon, 20 Apr 2026 17:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-iran-talks-in-doubt-after-ship-seizure-670460.html Washington April 20 Uncertainty deepened over a fresh round of USIran peace talks on Monday after Washington seized an Iranianflagged cargo ship prompting Tehran to signal it may not attend negotiations planned in Pakistan US President Donald Trump said American negotiators would travel to Islamabad for talks this week But Iranian officials sent conflicting signals with state media suggesting Tehran could skip the discussions citing Washingtonâs âexcessive demandsâ according to The Wall Street JournalIranâs foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said the country has âno plans for the next round of negotiationsâ adding âWe donât believe in deadlines or ultimatums to secure Iranâs national interestsâ according to CNNThe diplomatic uncertainty follows a sharp escalation in the Gulf of Oman where US forces fired on and seized an Iranian cargo vessel after it allegedly tried to breach a naval blockade CNN reportedIran condemned the move as âmaritime highway robberyâ and warned it would respond while statelinked Tasnim agency said Tehran âwill take the necessary actionâ once the âsafety of the families and crew of the vesselâ is ensured according to CNNTrump meanwhile struck a hard line saying âWeâre offering a very fair and reasonable DEAL and I hope they take it because if they donât the United States is going to knock out every single Power Plant and every single Bridge in IranâUS Vice President JD Vance special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to be part of the American delegation if talks proceedHowever Tehran has linked participation in talks to the lifting of the US naval blockade which it considers a breach of the ceasefire with Iranian state media suggesting talks may not proceed under current conditions according to CNNThe ceasefire itself is fragile and due to expire on Wednesday with both sides accusing each other of violations according to The Washington PostBehind the scenes mediation efforts continue Pakistani authorities have stepped up security in Islamabad preparing for possible talks despite uncertainty The Wall Street Journal reportedKey sticking points include Iranâs uranium stockpiles and the status of the Strait of Hormuz a vital energy corridor disrupted in recent weeks according to CNNIn a more moderate tone Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the war âbenefits no oneâ and stressed that âevery rational and diplomatic path must be used to reduce tensionsâ according to CNNThe United States and Iran have had decades of tensions marked by sanctions military standoffs and intermittent diplomacy Previous negotiations have often been accompanied by escalation on the groundThe Strait of Hormuz remains central to the conflict carrying a significant portion of global oil supplies making any disruption a matter of global concern IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-iran-talks-in-doubt-after-ship-seizure-670460.html Mon, 20 Apr 2026 19:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/north-korea-fires-short-range-ballistic-missiles-toward-east-sea-japanese-military-670222.html Seoul April 19 North Korea fired multiple shortrange ballistic missiles toward the East Sea on Sunday South Koreas military said The Joint Chiefs of Staff JCS said it detected the missiles launched from the Sinpho area in the North at around 610 am and they flew about 140 kilometresOur military is closely monitoring North Koreas various movements under a robust South KoreaUS combined defence posture and maintains the capabilities and posture to respond to any provocation in an overwhelming manner the JCS saidSouth Korean and US intelligence authorities have tracked movements related to the launch and have also shared relevant information with the Japanese side it addedThe military is reportedly considering the possibility of the latest launch involving a submarinelaunched ballistic missile SLBM reports Yonhap news agencySubmarinerelated facilities are known to be located in Sinpho with the Hero Kim Kun Ok and the 824 Yongung submarines previously spotted at the eastern coastal city The North testfired an SLBM in waters off Sinpho in May 2022North Korea last fired multiple shortrange ballistic missiles on April 8 in a rare pair of launches conducted in a single day The North also fired an unidentified projectile the previous day but it disappeared shortly after it was fired in an apparent failureFollowing the series of launches over two days North Koreas state media said the North testfired a tactical ballistic missile tipped with a cluster bomb warhead claiming it can reduce to ashes any target within its range with the highestdensity powerState media also reported Pyongyang conducted tests of an electromagnetic weapon system and carbon fibre sham bombs scattering while verifying the combat reliability of a mobile shortrange antiaircraft missile system raising views that the latest launch may be part of such weapons testsFollowing the launch the presidential Office of National Security convened an emergency meeting and condemned it as a violation of UN Security Council resolutions calling for an immediate haltThe defence ministry also issued a similar statement urging the North to halt such missile provocationsNorth Korea should immediately halt consecutive missile provocations that heighten tension on the Korean Peninsula and actively take part in our governments efforts to establish peace it said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/north-korea-fires-short-range-ballistic-missiles-toward-east-sea-japanese-military-670222.html Sun, 19 Apr 2026 11:15:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/uss-rushmore-conducts-blockade-operations-in-arabian-sea-central-command-670225.html Washington April 19 The US Central Command has said that the dock landing ship USS Rushmore is conducting blockade operations in the Arabian Sea Earlier Saturday local time it was said on social media that a guidedmissile destroyer USS Pinckney is patrolling regional waters in support of the blockade operations Meanwhile the USS New Orleans an amphibious transport dock ship is monitoring shipping reports Xinhua news agencyThe move came as the Navy of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps IRGC announced that the Strait of Hormuz has been blocked since Saturday evening and will not reopen until the United States lifts its naval blockade on the waterwayOn Friday both Washington and Tehran confirmed that the strait had been completely open for all commercial vessels However US President Donald Trump said on Truth Social that the US naval blockade would remain in full force In response Iran warned of closing the strategic waterway again if the US blockade continues Irans Supreme National Security Council SNSC said that the country is determined to exercise control and supervision over traffic through the Strait of Hormuz until the war is definitively ended and a lasting peace is achieved in the region The statement reported by Iranian media came after Irans main military command Khatam alAnbiya Central Headquarters announced earlier on Saturday the resumption of strict control over the Strait of Hormuz citing the continuation of US naval blockade against IranThe SNSC said it will control the strait by demanding vessel information issuing passage permits charging fees for security and environmental services and directing traffic according to its regulations and wartime protocols Xinhua news agency reportedBy the time the enemy seeks to cause disruption to the vessels transit through the strait and resorts to methods such as imposing a naval blockade which will be considered as violations of the current twoweek ceasefire the country will prevent the conditional and restricted reopening of the Strait of Hormuz it said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/uss-rushmore-conducts-blockade-operations-in-arabian-sea-central-command-670225.html Sun, 19 Apr 2026 11:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-denounces-north-koreas-missile-launch-calls-for-immediate-halt-670226.html Seoul April 19 South Koreas presidential Office of National Security on Sunday condemned North Koreas ballistic missile launch as a violation of UN Security Council resolutions calling for an immediate halt The office convened an emergency meeting led by Deputy National Security Adviser Kim Hyunjong to analyse and assess the Norths latest missile launch presidential spokesperson Kang Yujung said in a written press briefingThe office expressed concerns over the Norths increasingly frequent ballistic missile launches and urged Pyongyang to immediately halt provocations that clearly violate the UN Security Council resolutions reports Yonhap news agencyIt also instructed relevant agencies to step up their readiness posture as President Lee Jae Myung is set to depart for India later in the day for a twonation trip that also includes a visit to VietnamKang said the office also reported the Norths latest launch and response measures to the presidentThe North fired the missiles from the Sinpho area in the North at around 610 am Sunday according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff JCSThe JCS earlier said it is closely monitoring North Koreas movements under a robust South KoreaUS combined defence postureSouth Korean and US intelligence authorities have tracked movements related to the launch and have also shared relevant information with the Japanese side it addedNorth Korea last fired multiple shortrange ballistic missiles on April 8 in a rare pair of launches conducted in a single dayThe Norths latest provocation comes ahead of US President Donald Trumps planned visit to China in midMayMeanwhile the Japanese military is reportedly considering the possibility of the latest launch involving a submarinelaunched ballistic missile SLBM reports Yonhap news agencySubmarinerelated facilities are known to be located in Sinpho with the Hero Kim Kun Ok and the 824 Yongung submarines previously spotted at the eastern coastal city The North testfired an SLBM in waters off Sinpho in May 2022North Korea last fired multiple shortrange ballistic missiles on April 8 in a rare pair of launches conducted in a single day The North also fired an unidentified projectile the previous day but it disappeared shortly after it was fired in an apparent failureFollowing the series of launches over two days North Koreas state media said the North testfired a tactical ballistic missile tipped with a cluster bomb warhead claiming it can reduce to ashes any target within its range with the highestdensity powerState media also reported Pyongyang conducted tests of an electromagnetic weapon system and carbon fibre sham bombs scattering while verifying the combat reliability of a mobile shortrange antiaircraft missile system raising views that the latest launch may be part of such weapons tests IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-denounces-north-koreas-missile-launch-calls-for-immediate-halt-670226.html Sun, 19 Apr 2026 11:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/vp-radhakrishan-arrives-in-colombo-to-a-rousing-welcome-670237.html Colombo April 19 Vice President CP Radhakrishnan arrived in Colombo on Sunday for a twoday official visit to Sri Lanka focused on further strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations This visit underscores the growing momentum in diplomatic engagement between the neighboursThe Vice President was accorded a warm welcome upon his arrival in the Lankan capital with a traditional Kandyan dance performance The visit is notable as the first bilateral official trip by an Indian Vice President to Sri Lanka This visit will focus on strengthening the civilisational and peopletopeople ties between the two nations During the visit VP Radhakrishnan is scheduled to call on Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka and hold discussions with Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya His engagements will also include interactions with leaders of the Indianorigin Tamil community and Tamil representatives from the Northern and Eastern regions of the island nationThe Vice President will also address members of the Indian diaspora at a community event in Colombo At the event he will virtually hand over houses to beneficiaries from Tamil communities constructed under the third phase of the Indian Housing Project With this phase the total number of houses built for Tamil communities will reach 50000 while an additional 10000 houses are currently being developed under the initiatives fourth phaseOn Monday the Vice President will travel to Nuwara Eliya where he will visit project sites and interact with the local Tamil community Indianorigin Tamilians form a significant segment of Sri Lankas population numbering around 16 million or approximately 7 per centThe visit comes amid a series of recent highlevel exchanges between the two countries including President Disanayakas visit to India in February and Prime Minister Amarasuriyas trip in October 2025 It is expected to further deepen the millenniaold civilisational and peopletopeople ties shared by India and Sri Lanka IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/vp-radhakrishan-arrives-in-colombo-to-a-rousing-welcome-670237.html Sun, 19 Apr 2026 12:09:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/ex-pak-pm-imran-khans-wife-bushra-bibi-seeks-suspension-of-sentence-on-medical-grounds-670244.html Islamabad April 19 Bushra Bibi the wife of Pakistans former prime minister Imran Khan is seeking suspension of the sentence in the AlQadir Trust case on medical grounds according to local media reports An application has been submitted to the Islamabad High Court IHC regarding the same reported the leading Pakistani newspaper The Express Tribune on SundayBushra Bibi had eye surgery at a private hospital in Rawalpindi this week As per the jail authorities she was transferred to a private facility for the procedure which was performed by retina specialist Dr Nadeem Qureshi at Al Shifa Eye Hospital After spending one night there she was discharged and returned to Adiala Jail Officials mentioned that followup examinations will be conducted according to medical adviceThe application also requested the IHC to summon the head of the Ophthalmology Department at AlShifa Trust Eye Hospital Rawalpindi the superintendent of jail and the deputy superintendent of jail with relevant documents relating to the surgery performed on Bushra Bibi including the complete medical record operation notes diagnosis and treatment historyThe Applicant be forthwith shifted to AlShifa Trust Eye Hospital Rawalpindi for proper postoperative treatment under continuous medical supervision and that the concerned jail authorities be directed to ensure regular meaningful and unhindered access to the Applicants counsel and family members in accordance with law and prior judicial directions the application readBushra Bibis counsel Salman Safdar has moved an application to explain her health condition amid the hearing on the plea seeking suspension of Imrans and Bushra Bibis sentence which will resume on April 22 by the IHC division bench led by Chief Justice Sardar Sarfraz DogarBushra Bibi is sentenced to a term of seven years according to the reportThe application added that Bushra Bibi has been subjected to prolonged incarceration repeated delays in adjudication of her application for suspension of sentence continued denial of access to counsel and now serious medical deterioration culminating in a surgical procedure conducted under undisclosed circumstances According to the application Bushra Bibis appeal has remained pending for more than a year and her continued detention would serve no useful purpose and cause perpetuating irreparable harm stated the applicationThe application stated that the family members of Bushra Bibi were abruptly and informally informed by the jail authorities that the applicant had undergone an eye surgery due to certain complications It is a matter of serious concern and grave alarm that neither the counsel nor any member of the Applicants family was informed or consulted prior to the said medical procedure nor was any prior disclosure ever made regarding any deterioration in the medical condition of the Applicant which could necessitate such a surgical intervention the application stated It further claimed that the entire medical procedure appears to have been conducted in complete opacity without adherence to basic standards of transparency and without affording the Applicant the benefit of consultation with her counsel or family IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/ex-pak-pm-imran-khans-wife-bushra-bibi-seeks-suspension-of-sentence-on-medical-grounds-670244.html Sun, 19 Apr 2026 12:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/night-ban-adds-to-livelihood-concerns-of-balochistan-fishermen-670248.html Islamabad April 19 Nighttime fishing bans have been imposed by the Pakistani authorities across Balochistans coastal district of Gwadar further impacting the livelihoods of fishermen who are already suffering due to repeated restrictions according to local media reports The authorities cited the prevailing security situation for the restrictionsThe directives issued by the fisheries department stated that fishing has been prohibited within a one nautical mile radius along the coastline the port area the Gwadar Red Zone and areas surrounding the Pakistan Coast Guards camp According to the officials during the night fishermen would not be allowed to operate in these zones under any circumstances according to a report in The Balochistan PostThe local fishermen have denounced the decision stating that their income was already being affected by repeated restrictions imposed by the Pakistani authorities citing security measures and mentioned that this move would further affect their livelihoodsWe are already struggling due to earlier restrictions This ban will further worsen our financial conditions one fisherman was quoted as saying by The Balochistan Post He also urged the authorities to act against illegal trawling which he described as a major threat to local livelihoodsThe authorities also instructed the fishermen to carry their relevant documents when at sea and obey the directives given by security staff They warned that violations would result in legal action under applicable laws the report mentionedThis development came days after the Baloch Liberation Army BLA announced the formation of the Hammal Maritime Defence Force HMDF their naval wing Three coast guard personnel were killed in an attack by the BLAs naval wing near the Gwadar coastFollowing this security measures have been intensified across Gwadar and the surrounding areas Blockades have been set up at multiple points and military and police personnel have increased the checks the report said citing local sourcesIt further mentioned that government offices Gwadar port and other key installations are being closely monitored across the coastline amid the concerns of potential attacks by the BLA However no formal notification has been issued by officials regarding this potential threatMeanwhile the residents claim that during these ongoing operations by the Pakistani authorities several men have been taken into custody and their whereabouts remain unknownThis also adds to the alarming trend of forcible disappearances at the hands of Pakistani forces across Balochistan IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/night-ban-adds-to-livelihood-concerns-of-balochistan-fishermen-670248.html Sun, 19 Apr 2026 13:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/rajnath-singh-to-visit-germany-next-week-to-discuss-strengthening-defence-cooperation-670261.html New Delhi April 19 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will travel to Germany for an official visit from April 2123 to further strengthen the defence partnership between the two nations During his visit Rajnath Singh is set to hold talks with his German counterpart Boris Pistorius and other senior leaders of the governmentDiscussions will focus on increasing defence industrial collaboration strengthening militarytomilitary engagements and exploring opportunities in emerging sectors like cyber security artificial intelligence and drones according to a statement released by the Ministry of DefenceA Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap and Implementing Arrangement for Cooperation in UN Peacekeeping Operations Training are likely to be signed in the presence of both ministersThe visit will provide an opportunity to review the ongoing defence cooperation initiatives and identify new avenues for collaboration between the defence industries of both countries Shri Rajnath Singh is also expected to interact with key representatives of the German defence industry with a view to promoting joint development and coproduction under the MakeinIndia initiative the Ministry of Defence stated in a releaseThe last visit to Germany by any Indian Defence Minister was in 2019 when thenDefence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited the European nation Boris Pistorius travelled to India in June 2023 and held talks with Rajnath SinghIndia and Germany share a strong amp multifaceted strategic partnership anchored in democratic values the rule of law and a shared commitment to a rulebased international order Defence and security cooperation has emerged as an important pillar of this partnership in recent years The objective of the visit is to further deepen bilateral ties and contribute to regional and global peace stability and prosperity the Ministry of Defence stated in a releaseOn April 14 India and Germany held Foreign Office Consultations in Berlin and agreed to further deepen and diversify cooperation in areas of contemporary relevance including critical and emerging technologies defence industrial collaboration digital governance renewable energy green hydrogen innovation and development cooperation in third countriesDuring the meeting the officials of two nations took stock of the current status of bilateral relations and explored ways to further deepen the IndiaGermany Strategic Partnership the Ministry of External Affairs MEA said in a statementDuring the Consultations both sides undertook a comprehensive review of the full spectrum of IndiaGermany bilateral relations including trade and investment defence and security technology green and sustainable development mobility and peopletopeople exchanges it saidThe two sides discussed key regional and global developments including the situation in West Asia and the RussiaUkraine conflict Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and State Secretary of the German Foreign Office Geza Andreas von Geyr cochaired the Foreign Office Consultations held in BerlinThe consultations were held in a significant year for bilateral ties as India and Germany are commemorating 75 years of diplomatic relations this year following the celebration of 25 years of the Strategic Partnership in 2025 The Cochairs also launched the logo commemorating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of IndiaGermany diplomatic relations the MEA release saidDuring his visit to Berlin Misri also met German Foreign Minister Johann WadephulForeign Secretary Vikram Misri met German Foreign Minister Dr Johann Wadephul in Berlin on 14 April 2026 FM Wadephul appreciated steady progress in the IndiaGermany Strategic Partnership Both agreed to broaden and deepen cooperation across key areas and reaffirmed the importance of this vital relationship the Indian Embassy in Germany posted on XMisri also interacted with senior Foreign Policy experts Members of Parliament and senior officials from the Federal and state governments at the Korber FoundationForeign Secretary Vikram had an engaging interaction with political leaders and senior Government officials The discussions focused on deepening the IndiaGermany Strategic Partnership across key pillars of cooperation including trade defence technology and innovation They exchanged perspectives on regional and global developments IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/rajnath-singh-to-visit-germany-next-week-to-discuss-strengthening-defence-cooperation-670261.html Sun, 19 Apr 2026 13:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bulgaria-holds-8th-parliamentary-election-in-5-years-670267.html Sofia April 18 Bulgarians went to the polls on Sunday to vote in the countrys early parliamentary election the eighth vote for the legislature in five years Nearly 66 million voters are eligible to elect 240 lawmakers among more than 4700 candidates from 14 political parties and 10 coalitions as well as one independent candidate according to the Central Election Commission reported Xinhua news agencyThe commission said that the polling stations in the country opened nationwide at 7 am local time and are due to close at 8 pmMeanwhile polling stations in 55 countries and regions are available for Bulgarians living abroad to cast their ballotsExit polls will be announced immediately after stations close in Bulgaria and the final results should be announced no later than April 23The elections became inevitable after Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkovs coalition government resigned in December 2025 amid largescale protests over the ruling majoritys economic policy and parliamentary parties subsequently failed to elect a new governmentZhelyazkovs government took power on January 16 last year after snap elections in October 2024The National Assembly is Bulgarias legislative body It also elects the government by a simple majority and has a fouryear term except in certain circumstances such as when it cannot elect a governmentBulgaria is holding early parliamentary elections after the third and final attempt to form a government within the existing legislature failed in January Bulgarian President Rumen Radev offered the parliamentary group Alliance for Rights and Freedoms ARF to form a government in January but it declined and the two largest parliamentary groups GERBUDF and PPDB also declined to do so in January this yearAndrey Gurov was appointed as the caretaker prime minister in February by President Iliana Lotova IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bulgaria-holds-8th-parliamentary-election-in-5-years-670267.html Sun, 19 Apr 2026 14:15:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/vp-radhakrishnan-meets-sri-lankan-president-dissanayake-focus-on-strengthening-ties-670268.html New Delhi April 19 Vice President CP Radhakrishnan called on Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo on Sunday with discussions held on strengthening bilateral and cultural ties between the two nations During the meeting Radhakrishnan reaffirmed Indias commitment to the Neighbourhood policy and further strengthening cooperation between India and Sri Lanka for the benefit of people of two nationsIn a post on X Ministry of External Affairs MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated Vice President Shri CP Radhakrishnan calledon President Anura Kumara Dissanayake of Sri Lanka at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo today They held productive discussions on further deepening the multifaceted India Sri Lanka ties rooted in shared history and cultural valuesVice President CP Radhakrishnan reaffirmed Indiaâs commitment to the Neighbourhood First policy and to further strengthen our cooperation for the benefit of both nations The discussions also focused on various initiatives including the Indian Housing Project and projects being implemented under the USD 450 mn package for areas affected by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka he addedEarlier in the day the Vice President arrived in Colombo on Sunday for a twoday official visit to Sri LankaThis visit underscores the growing momentum in diplomatic engagement between the neighboursThe Vice President was accorded a warm welcome upon his arrival in the Lankan capital with a traditional Kandyan dance performanceThe visit is notable as the first bilateral official trip by an Indian Vice President to Sri Lanka This visit will focus on strengthening the civilisational and peopletopeople ties between the two nationsDuring the visit VP Radhakrishnan is scheduled to hold discussions with Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya His engagements will also include interactions with leaders of the Indianorigin Tamil community and Tamil representatives from the Northern and Eastern regions of the island nationThe Vice President will also address members of the Indian diaspora at a community event in Colombo At the event he will virtually hand over houses to beneficiaries from Tamil communities constructed under the third phase of the Indian Housing Project With this phase the total number of houses built for Tamil communities will reach 50000 while an additional 10000 houses are currently being developed under the initiatives fourth phaseOn Monday VP Radhakrishnan will travel to Nuwara Eliya where he will visit project sites and interact with the local Tamil community Indianorigin Tamilians form a significant segment of Sri Lankas population numbering around 16 million or approximately 7 per centThe visit comes amid a series of recent highlevel exchanges between the two countries including Sri Lankan President Dissanayakes visit to India in February and Prime Minister Amarasuriyas trip in October 2025 It is expected to further deepen the millenniaold civilisational and peopletopeople ties shared by India and Sri Lanka IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/vp-radhakrishnan-meets-sri-lankan-president-dissanayake-focus-on-strengthening-ties-670268.html Sun, 19 Apr 2026 14:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-closer-to-expanding-its-nuclear-fuel-base-report-670289.html New Delhi April 19 India may be closer than ever to achieving longterm nuclear selfreliance following a key milestone in its ambitious threestage nuclear programme according to an article The report in the Vietnam Times described the development as a potential turning point in Indiaâs decadesold strategy to overcome fuel constraints and build a sustainable nuclear energy baseAccording to the article India has long faced a fundamental challenge India didnât have much uranium the fuel most nuclear reactors run on Even today it noted the country remains dependent on imports including major agreements with countries like Canada However India possesses vast reserves of thorium or 25 per cent of the global total buried in its sands offering a unique longterm opportunityThe report says that thorium cannot be directly used as fuel and requires conversion prompting India to adopt a longterm approach rather than quick fixesInstead of chasing speed Indian nuclear scientist Dr Homi J Bhabha chose something far more ambitious a system that could turn this resource scarcity into selfreliance even if it took decades to get thereThis vision led to Indiaâs threestage nuclear programmeâbeginning with uranium transitioning to plutonium and eventually unlocking thorium For years the second stage remained incomplete But that changed recentlyOn April 6th Indiaâs Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor PFBR at Kalpakkamâ achieved criticality for the first timeâ The report underscores the importance of this moment noting that âcriticality is the point where a nuclear reactor becomes selfsustaining the article saidWhile fast breeder reactors exist elsewhere the Vietnam Times points out that in most other countries the efforts behind these reactors havenât exactly gone as planned Indiaâs persistence therefore stands out it said âAnd yet India didnât back down from this pursuit It stayed committed to breeder reactors because they were essential The significance of the milestone lies in its longterm implications As per the Vietnam Times by achieving criticality India has shown that it can run a reactor using plutoniumbased fuelâ bringing the country closer toâ expanding its nuclear fuel base These reactors can produce more usable material than they consume effectively transforming limited resources into sustainable fuelThe report also highlights the technological complexity involved including the use of mixed oxide fuel and liquid sodium cooling which has to be sealed monitored and engineered with extreme precisionDespite the breakthrough the report cautions that challenges remain Nuclear energy currently accounts for just over 3 per cent of Indiaâs electricity generation and thereâs still a long way to go However if successful the programme could significantly reduce dependence on imported uraniumSumming up the achievement the report notes that India may finally be realising Dr Bhabhaâs longheld vision Running on fuel it already has instead of relying on the world for it IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-closer-to-expanding-its-nuclear-fuel-base-report-670289.html Sun, 19 Apr 2026 16:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/vp-radhakrishnan-departs-for-sri-lanka-on-landmark-two-day-visit-to-boost-bilateral-ties-670206.html New Delhi April 19 Indiaâs Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on Sunday departed for a twoday official visit to Sri Lanka marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations The visit is notable as the first bilateral official trip by an Indian Vice President to Sri Lanka underscoring the growing momentum in diplomatic engagement between the neighboursConfirming the departure Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X âHonâble Vice President of India Shri C P Radhakrishnan VPIndia has departed for Sri Lanka A rich agenda involving meeting with Sri Lankan leadership and interacting with Indian community lies aheadâDuring the visit VP Radhakrishnan is scheduled to call on Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka and hold discussions with Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya His engagements will also include interactions with leaders of the Indianorigin Tamil community and Tamil representatives from the Northern and Eastern regions of the island nationThe Vice President will also address members of the Indian diaspora at a community event in Colombo At the event he will virtually hand over houses to beneficiaries from Tamil communities constructed under the third phase of the Indian Housing Project With this phase the total number of houses built for Tamil communities will reach 50000 while an additional 10000 houses are currently being developed under the initiatives fourth phaseOn Monday the Vice President will travel to Nuwara Eliya where he will visit project sites and interact with the local Tamil community Indianorigin Tamilians form a significant segment of Sri Lankaâs population numbering around 16 million or approximately 7 per centThe visit comes amid a series of recent highlevel exchanges between the two countries including President Disanayakaâs visit to India in February and Prime Minister Amarasuriyaâs trip in October 2025 It is expected to further deepen the millenniaold civilisational and peopletopeople ties shared by India and Sri Lanka IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/vp-radhakrishnan-departs-for-sri-lanka-on-landmark-two-day-visit-to-boost-bilateral-ties-670206.html Sun, 19 Apr 2026 09:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/mcmaster-warns-on-china-tech-threat-669970.html Washington April 18 Former US National Security Adviser Lt Gen rtd H R McMaster said the United States and its allies must move quickly to secure critical technologies and supply chains as strategic competition with China intensifies Speaking at a panel discussion at the Thrive 2026 conference at Stanford University McMaster said years of globalisation had left Western economies exposed by prioritising efficiency over resilience âWe became complacentâ he said warning that supply chains are now vulnerable in a period of renewed great power rivalryâChina in particular has weaponised its status as a marketplace economic model against our free market economiesâ McMaster said adding that the challenge spans artificial intelligence supercomputing energy and material sciencesâHe described the competition as part of a broader effort by China and others to reshape global rules These actors he said seek to replace the current system with one aligned to âtheir authoritarian form of governmentââOn emerging technologies McMaster said it would be difficult to establish shared global standards âItâs unrealistic to assume that the Chinese Communist Party leadership will sign upâ for the rules that we would think are in our interestsâ he saidâHe urged companies and investors to adopt stricter safeguards He proposed a âHippocratic oathâ for boardrooms to ensure firms do not aid adversaries or undermine longterm interestsââDonât help our potential enemies develop weapon systemsâ Donât help an authoritarian regime extinguish human freedomâ and donât compromise the longterm viability of your companyâ he saidâMcMaster pointed to past US investments in Chinese firms linked to military and surveillance systems as examples of the risks involved He said intellectual property theft and statebacked competition remain persistent concernsâHe also highlighted weaknesses in supply chains for critical minerals Environmental regulations in the West he said had pushed processing capacity to ChinaââA lot of people were well motivatedâ they just exported the pollution to Chinaâ he said calling for new investment in extraction and refining technologiesMcMaster said rebuilding supply chains would require coordination with allies He cited sectors such as shipbuilding and semiconductors where multinational cooperation is essentialâAt the same time he cautioned against restricting academic exchanges Limiting foreign students in US universities would be a âtremendous mistakeâ he said while calling for tighter screening in sensitive research areasâOn Taiwan he warned that the risk of disruption to semiconductor supplies is rising Any blockade or coercive action by China would be âa disaster for the global economyâ he saidâMcMaster said governments may need to act where markets fall short âItâs free market versus the public good of national securityâ he said adding that some economic costs may be unavoidable IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/mcmaster-warns-on-china-tech-threat-669970.html Sat, 18 Apr 2026 07:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-claims-iran-progress-warns-us-pressure-will-continue-until-deal-finalised-669972.html Washington April 18 President Donald Trump said Iran had agreed to reopen a critical global shipping route while warning that US military pressure would continue until a broader agreement is finalised Addressing a Turning Point USA gathering in Arizona Trump said the Strait of Hormuz was âfully open and ready for business and full passageâ signalling a potential easing of tensions in one of the worldâs most sensitive energy corridorsAt the same time he made clear that US forces would maintain a strong presence âThe naval blockadeâ will remain in full force and effect as it pertains to Iran until such time as our transaction with Iran is 100 per cent complete and fully signedâ he saidTrump projected confidence in ongoing negotiations âThis process is getting along wellâ most of the points are already negotiated and agreed toâ he said adding that the outcome would ensure that âIranâ will never have a nuclear weaponâIn his speech Trump indicated his plans for recovering what he called ânuclear dustâ referring to residue from earlier US strikes in Iran âWeâre going to get itâ weâre going to take it back home to the USAâ he said suggesting joint operations involving excavationTrump linked the developments to broader regional diplomacy claiming that recent US efforts had stabilised tensions beyond Iran He said there had been âan unprecedented ceasefire between Israel and Lebanonâ adding that the development had not occurred âin 78 yearsâHe thanked several countries for their role in regional engagement âI want to thank the country of Pakistanâ and its great field marshalâ I also want to thank Saudi Arabia Qatar UAE Bahrain Kuwaitâ theyâve all helped tremendouslyâ he saidTrump sharply criticised US allies in Europe arguing that Washington should rely less on traditional partnerships âThey were absolutely useless when we needed themâ he said referring to NATO while asserting that âwe have to rely on ourselvesâTrump said the US had built âthe greatest military the world has ever seenâ and emphasised selfreliance in future engagementsHe also portrayed himself as a global dealmaker claiming credit for ending multiple conflicts âI ended eight warsâ he said adding that further agreements could increase that number âIf we add Iran and Lebanon that will be ten wars endedâ he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-claims-iran-progress-warns-us-pressure-will-continue-until-deal-finalised-669972.html Sat, 18 Apr 2026 07:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-says-transferring-enriched-uranium-to-us-never-an-option-669973.html Tehran April 18 Iran will not transfer its enriched uranium to a foreign country and sending it to the United States has never been under consideration Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Baghaei speaking on staterun IRIB television said that recent public statements by Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi were made within the framework of the ceasefire between Iran and the United States announced on April 8 not as signals of a new diplomatic openingEarlier on Friday Araghchi said the Strait of Hormuz would remain completely open to commercial shipping for the duration of the current truce between Iran and the United States Xinhua news agency reportedBaghaei moved to clarify the foreign ministers position saying that following a ceasefire in Lebanon on Friday Tehran chose to apply safepassage conditions outlined in its agreement with Washington to vessels transiting the straitWe have reached no new agreement he said The ceasefire agreement is the one announced on April 8He accused the United States of failing from the outset of the truce to honor a commitment to extend its terms to Lebanon a provision Iran insists was included in the April 8 agreement Washington and Jerusalem have rejected that characterizationBaghaei also warned that Iran would take countermeasures if a United States naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz persisted He said no talks on extending the ceasefire had taken place and that mediation efforts led by Pakistan remained focused on ending the conflict and protecting Irans interestsIran tightened its grip on the strait beginning February 28 when it barred safe passage to vessels belonging to or affiliated with Israel and the United States following joint strikes on Iranian territory The United States subsequently imposed its own blockade preventing ships traveling to and from Iranian ports from transiting the waterway after peace negotiations in Islamabad collapsed over the weekendAxios reported Friday citing people familiar with the talks that a second round of United StatesIran negotiations is expected to take place in Pakistan this weekend most likely on Sunday IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-says-transferring-enriched-uranium-to-us-never-an-option-669973.html Sat, 18 Apr 2026 07:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-touts-gains-targets-rivals-at-rally-669974.html Washington April 18 President Donald Trump touted economic gains claimed foreign policy breakthroughs and urged supporters to deliver a Republican victory in the midterm elections striking a combative tone at a Turning Point USA event in Arizona âOur economy is booming incomes are rising investment is soaring inflation has been defeatedâ Trump said âOur workers are thriving our border is closed and America is respected all over the worldâHe described the 2024 election as decisive saying Republicans âwon all seven swing statesâ and secured both the Electoral College and popular vote âThatâs called a landslideâ he saidTrump repeatedly stressed the importance of the midterms âWe have to win the midtermsâ and weâll do everything we can to do it togetherâ he said predicting a âlandslideâ if turnout remains highOn foreign policy Trump said Iran would ânever have a nuclear weaponâ and claimed progress in talks He said the Strait of Hormuz was âfully open and ready for businessâ but added that a US naval presence would remain in placeHe also criticised NATO allies âThey were absolutely useless when we needed themâ Trump said while asserting that the United States had built âthe greatest military the world has ever seenâTrump claimed recent diplomacy had led to âan unprecedented ceasefire between Israel and Lebanonâ He thanked several countries including Pakistan and Gulf states for their role âTheyâve all helped tremendouslyâ he saidOn domestic policy Trump focused heavily on immigration and crime He said there had been âzero illegal aliensâ entering the country in recent months and that violent crime had fallen sharply He added that fentanyl flows were down âby an astounding 59 per centâ and illegal drug shipments by sea had dropped âby 97 per centâHe highlighted tax cuts deregulation and education changes as key achievements âWe passed the largest tax cutsâ the largest spending cutsâ and the largest regulation cuts in American historyâ he saidTrump also attacked Democrats accusing them of backing open borders and opposing enforcement measures âDemocrats want to protect criminal aliensâ he said contrasting that with Republican efforts to deport offendersThe president framed the election as a choice between competing visions âIf you want a rich and strongâ country you must go out in the midterms and vote Republicanâ he saidThe speech blended policy claims with campaign rhetoric and drew strong applause from the audience especially on immigration and national securityTrumpâs remarks come as both parties intensify campaigning ahead of the midterm elections which will determine control of CongressTurning Point USA has emerged as a key platform for conservative mobilisation particularly among younger voters and Trumpâs appearance underscored his continued influence over Republican strategy IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-touts-gains-targets-rivals-at-rally-669974.html Sat, 18 Apr 2026 07:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-immigration-hurting-us-innovation-says-expert-669975.html Stanford April 18 Restrictive US immigration policies under President Donald Trump are pushing talent and innovation out of America with India emerging as a key beneficiary Silicon Valleybased immigration expert Vivek Wadhwa said Drawing on personal experience and research Wadhwa told IANS the United States is losing its competitive edge as barriers to skilled migration rise âWeâre chasing the best and the brightest awayâ these backwards immigration policiesâ are doing a lot of damage nowâ he said in an interviewWadhwa who has studied the role of immigrants in US innovation pointed to a steady decline in immigrantled startups âHalf of the startups here in Silicon Valley were founded by people like usâ over a decade that numberâ dropped substantially to about 40 per cent 44 per cent And now itâs probably in the thirties if even that muchâ he saidResponding to a question he cited his own attempt to build a medical diagnostics company in Silicon Valley as an example Despite his network he struggled to secure funding and talent âI couldnât find the talent here I couldnât find the money hereâ Wadhwa said adding that investors were reluctant to support a venture with research and development outside the United StatesHe eventually shifted operations to India working with institutions such as IIT Madras and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences âWithin a year they made breakthroughs that were inconceivable in the United Statesâ he saidWadhwa attributed this to Indiaâs depth in interdisciplinary science âIndia still hasâ people who understand thermodynamics who understand plasma physics who understand chemistry who understand electrical engineeringâ he said contrasting it with what he described as a shortage of such talent in the US startup ecosystemEfforts to bring international talent to the United States were blocked by visa hurdles âWith this H1B backlog and problemâ thereâs no way I could bring the talent I wantedâ he saidHe said the current system discourages longterm commitment from skilled migrants âThey canât get green cardsâ theyâre worried about getting kicked out any dayâ who wants to come here like thisâ he saidWadhwa compared the situation to his own experience in the 1980s âWhen I came hereâ it took me 18 months to get a green card Today it would take me 70 yearsâ he saidHe warned that the impact goes beyond migration and affects innovation itself âInnovation is globalised and stupid policies trying to keep people out will only keep innovation outâ he said adding that the US risks losing its technological leadershipWadhwa said his company plans to bring its technology to the United States only after pilot testing in India reflecting a broader shift in where innovation is taking placeThe comments come as Washington debates immigration reforms and the role of foreign talent in sustaining US leadership in technology and science Skilled immigration particularly through the H1B visa programme has long been central to Silicon Valleyâs growth IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-immigration-hurting-us-innovation-says-expert-669975.html Sat, 18 Apr 2026 07:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/un-humanitarian-chief-warns-of-famine-in-south-sudan-669980.html United Nations April 18 UN UnderSecretaryGeneral for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher warned of famine in South Sudan The worlds youngest nation stands at a dangerous crossroads Conflict up Displacement up Hunger up Disease up Attacks on aid workers up Fletcher told the Security Council in a briefing on the situation in South SudanTwothirds of the population in the country needs humanitarian support this year yet the world bodys humanitarian plan for South Sudan which requires 146 billion is only 22 per cent funded he saidI therefore fear my next briefing to you on South Sudan will speak of famine he told the Security Council via a video linkMore than 75 million people will need food assistance this year All of this is unfolding as floods are expected to continue cutting communities off and hitting livelihoods he saidHunger across South Sudan is tightening its grip Emergency levels of food insecurity are expected for some populations across all of South Sudans 10 states during the lean season from now through July he warnedSince late December renewed fighting in Jonglei state has forced more than 250000 people to flee across multiple states another 110000 into Ethiopia said FletcherAccording to the World Health Organization 135 million people across Jonglei state have lost access to health care after 26 facilities were destroyed or forced to close he saidThe situation in neighbouring Upper Nile state in the northeast corner is just as alarming he said adding that fighting access restrictions and interference with humanitarian operations are blocking aidThe war in Sudan with the Kordofan region just across the border is pushing more people into South Sudan with 439000 Sudanese refugees and 917000 South Sudanese returnees said FletcherTo prevent South Sudan from sliding toward fullscale famine and collapse Fletcher called on the Security Council to take three decisive and immediate actionsFirst press for rapid unhindered humanitarian access including the immediate removal of red tape checkpoints high fees and the guarantee of predictable sustained air access Second swiftly step up flexible funds especially through this lean season Third use the councils influence on the parties to demand full respect for international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians and infrastructure Xinhua news agency reportedFletcher also asked for support for renewed political efforts to strengthen adherence to ceasefire agreements and move toward implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement noting that only peace can end this crisis IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/un-humanitarian-chief-warns-of-famine-in-south-sudan-669980.html Sat, 18 Apr 2026 08:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-president-made-7-claims-all-false-iran-warns-of-closing-hormuz-amid-naval-blockade-669985.html Tehran April 18 Iranâs Parliament Speaker Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf has warned US President Donald Trump that Tehran could shut down the Strait of Hormuz if the United States continues its naval blockade This came shortly after the US President indicated that the restrictions would remain in âfull forceâIn a post on X Ghalibaf asserted that maritime movement through the strategic waterway would be regulated strictly by Iran âWith the continuation of the blockade the Strait of Hormuz will not remain openâ he said adding that passage would be allowed only along a âdesignated routeâ and with âIranian authorisationâHis remarks came just hours after Iran announced that the Strait of Hormuz remained open to commercial shipping during the ongoing ceasefire Iranâs Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated âIn line with the ceasefire in Lebanon the passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of the ceasefire on the coordinated route as already announced by Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Rep of IranâResponding to Tehranâs position Trump maintained that the naval blockade would continue until a broader âtransactionâ with Iran is finalised He suggested that the process would conclude âvery quicklyâ claiming that key sticking points had already been negotiatedRejecting the US position Ghalibaf said âThey did not win the war with these lies and they will certainly not get anywhere in negotiations either Whether the Strait is open or closed and the regulations governing it will be determined by the field not by social mediaâThe Iranian Parliament Speaker further alleged that Trump had made âseven claims in one hourâ describing all of them as âfalseâ though he did not specify the statements in questionThe Strait of Hormuz remains one of the worldâs most critical energy corridors handling nearly a fifth of global oil supply IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-president-made-7-claims-all-false-iran-warns-of-closing-hormuz-amid-naval-blockade-669985.html Sat, 18 Apr 2026 09:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/un-chief-urges-future-guided-by-rule-of-law-not-raw-power-669991.html United Nations April 18 UN SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres has called on the international community to choose a future governed by the rule of law rather than one driven by raw power in The Hague the Netherlands Marking the 80th anniversary of the International Court of Justice ICJ on Friday local time Guterres noted that violations of international law are unfolding before our eyesIt is precisely because the international system is under such strain that adherence to international law matters more than ever especially in this era of shifting power dynamics the UN chief saidGuterres warned that weakening international law risks eroding the foundations of global stability When the law of force replaces the force of law instability becomes contagious he cautionedIwasawa Yuji president of the ICJ echoed these concerns pointing to troubling signs of disengagement from international obligations growing resistance to compliance and increasing scepticism toward multilateralism reports Xinhua news agencyThe Court responds to these challenges by carrying out its judicial function by interpreting and applying international law rigorously and in good faith he saidThe ICJ the UNs highest tribunal is the only international court that settles disputes between the 193 UN member states This means that it makes an important contribution to global peace and security providing a way for countries to resolve issues without resorting to conflictEstablished in 1945 and based in the Peace Palace in The Hague the ICJ held a solemn sitting on Friday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of its inaugural session The event was attended by Dutch King WillemAlexander alongside senior international and Dutch officials IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/un-chief-urges-future-guided-by-rule-of-law-not-raw-power-669991.html Sat, 18 Apr 2026 10:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-koreas-oppn-party-nominates-incumbent-oh-se-hoon-as-candidate-for-seoul-mayor-669992.html Seoul April 18 South Koreas main opposition People Power Party PPP said on Saturday it has chosen incumbent Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon as its candidate for the mayoral race in the June 3 local elections Oh beat PPP Rep Park Soomin and former PPP Rep Yun Heesuk in a threeway primary Rep Park Dukhyum the partys nomination committee chief said setting him up against candidate Chong Wono of the ruling Democratic Party DP in the mayoral electionOh will be aiming to win his third consecutive and fifth nonconsecutive term as mayor of Seoul reports Yonhap news agencyIn a press conference after the announcement Oh cast the Seoul mayoralty as the last safeguard against the recklessness of the Lee Jae Myung administrationThese local elections are not routine elections held every four years but the final battleground for the restoration of the rule of law and balanced democracy he said at the partys headquartersOh pledged that in the event he is reelected he will take it as the citizens command to rebuild the opposition party The mayor appeared to refer to the disarray within the PPP following former President Yoon Suk Yeols martial law declaration in 2024While accusing the ruling party of failed real estate policies Oh laid out a fivepoint vision for the capital city centred on the theme of coprosperity and affordable home ownershipOn his DP rival he said Chongs administrative philosophy will likely end up hurting him and he expects citizens to make a wise choiceIn a Facebook post Chong congratulated Oh on the nomination and said he looks forward to a fair and honourable contest that reflects the dignity of Seouls citizensBorn in 1961 Oh entered politics in 2000 after winning a parliamentary seat in Seouls Gangnam district Though he announced his retirement from politics four years later he made a comeback in 2006 by becoming the first Seoul mayor in their 40sOh won reelection but resigned after staking his mayoralty on the results of a referendum on free school meals in 2011After 10 years of absence from the political scene he returned to City Hall by winning the April 2021 byelection and won reelection in 2022 IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-koreas-oppn-party-nominates-incumbent-oh-se-hoon-as-candidate-for-seoul-mayor-669992.html Sat, 18 Apr 2026 10:46:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/air-canada-to-suspend-some-flights-to-us-over-jet-fuel-costs-669993.html Ottawa April 18 Air Canada has announced it will suspend service on several routes to the United States due to soaring jet fuel costs According to a statement from Canadas largest carrier on Friday local time jet fuel prices have doubled since the start of the Iran conflict rendering some routes and flights no longer economically feasibleThe suspensions affect a mix of transborder and domestic services Service from Montreal and Toronto to New Yorks John F Kennedy International Airport will be paused from June 1 to October 25Air Canada will also suspend its TorontoSalt Lake City route on June 30 with a tentative return set for 2027The total impact on the airlines planned capacity is roughly 1 per cent of annual available seat miles the statement saidMeanwhile the United States Department of the Treasury has extended a waiver permitting the delivery and sale of sanctioned Russian oil already loaded onto vessels pushing the deadline to May 16 according to a document released on its official website The earlier 30day waiver had expired on April 11The renewed license issued on Friday local time is part of the administrations broader effort to stabilise global energy prices which have surged amid the ongoing USIsraeli conflict with Iran The decision comes against the backdrop of several countries facing problems with the impact of rising energy costs and supply disruptionsAt the same time the waiver continues to impose strict restrictions on dealings involving certain countries The move comes shortly after remarks by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent who had indicated that Washington does not intend to continue such waivers indefinitely amid rising geopolitical tensionsMeanwhile global oil prices saw a sharp decline of around 9 per cent on Friday settling near 90 per barrel after Iran temporarily reopened the Strait of Hormuz a key global energy transit route However the broader conflict has already triggered what the International Energy Agency described as the worst disruption to global energy supplies in historyThe war which entered its eighth week on Saturday has reportedly damaged more than 80 oil and gas facilities across West Asia IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/air-canada-to-suspend-some-flights-to-us-over-jet-fuel-costs-669993.html Sat, 18 Apr 2026 10:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/displaced-lebanese-people-begin-returning-despite-danger-warnings-un-669997.html United Nations April 18 Following the IsraelLebanon ceasefire thousands of the 12 million people displaced in southern Lebanon are returning home despite warnings of unexploded ordnance UN humanitarians said The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs OCHA on Friday local time said its partners reported that displaced families are starting to return to Beiruts southern suburbs and southern Lebanon including parts of Nabatieh and TyreHowever OCHA warned that risks to peoples safety remain including unexploded ordnance in many residential areas across the South and Nabatieh governoratesAccording to partners and local authorities thousands of people were seen travelling south early this morning with major roads congested particularly near the villages of Qasmiyeh and Zefta in southern Lebanon despite extensive damage to bridges and infrastructure OCHA saidThe office said that temporary fixes were installed at river crossings in the South governorate and along the coastal route of Qasmiyeh to facilitate returns reports Xinhua news agencyOCHA said that by Friday evening local time there were 113000 people in collective shelters down from the 141000 registered on ThursdayPartners continue to support the humanitarian response in close coordination with the local authorities the office saidThe 10day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon took effect at midnight between Thursday and Friday local timeUN SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres welcomed the announcement of the ceasefire his chief spokesman Stephane Dujarric said ThursdayHe reaffirms the support of the United Nations to all efforts to end hostilities and alleviate the suffering of communities on both sides of the Blue Line Dujarric said The secretarygeneral hopes that this ceasefire will pave the way for negotiations toward a longterm solution to the conflictThe UN peacekeeping mission patrolling the Blue Line between northern Israel and southern Lebanon said that peacekeepers did not detect any projectiles fired into Israel or Israeli airstrikes in the area of their operations since the ceasefire began IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/displaced-lebanese-people-begin-returning-despite-danger-warnings-un-669997.html Sat, 18 Apr 2026 10:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indonesia-explores-energy-cooperation-with-russia-670000.html Jakarta April 18 Indonesia is exploring potential energy cooperation with Russia including plans to develop oil refineries and storage facilities the countrys Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia has said The initiative forms part of the governments broader efforts to strengthen national energy security and expand downstream capacity in the oil and gas sectorThe proposed cooperation is expected to support Indonesias drive to boost domestic refining capacity and reduce reliance on imported fuel Lahadalia said on Friday Local timeIn addition to refinery development Lahadalia noted that the inclusion of storage facilities would be strategic in enhancing national energy reserves and ensuring supply stability particularly amid global oil market uncertainties reports Xinhua news agencyHe added that the government remains open to foreign investment that aligns with national interests especially in the energy sectorThe potential partnership with Russia reflects Indonesias strategy to diversify energy partners while accelerating infrastructure development to meet growing domestic demand he said Meanwhile the United States Department of the Treasury has extended a waiver permitting the delivery and sale of sanctioned Russian oil already loaded onto vessels pushing the deadline to May 16 according to a document released on its official website The earlier 30day waiver had expired on April 11The renewed license issued on Friday local time is part of the administrations broader effort to stabilise global energy prices which have surged amid the ongoing USIsraeli conflict with Iran The decision comes against the backdrop of several countries facing problems with the impact of rising energy costs and supply disruptionsAt the same time the waiver continues to impose strict restrictions on dealings involving certain countries The move comes shortly after remarks by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent who had indicated that Washington does not intend to continue such waivers indefinitely amid rising geopolitical tensionsMeanwhile global oil prices saw a sharp decline of around 9 per cent on Friday settling near 90 per barrel after Iran temporarily reopened the Strait of Hormuz a key global energy transit route However the broader conflict has already triggered what the International Energy Agency described as the worst disruption to global energy supplies in historyThe war which entered its eighth week on Saturday has reportedly damaged more than 80 oil and gas facilities across West Asia IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indonesia-explores-energy-cooperation-with-russia-670000.html Sat, 18 Apr 2026 11:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/positive-news-australian-pm-welcomes-strait-of-hormuz-reopening-670003.html Sydney April 18 Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Saturday that Australia welcomes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and will consider deploying military assets to secure shipping in the region Speaking to reporters in Sydney Albanese welcomed Irans announcement that the Strait has completely reopened for all commercial vessels during the ceasefire between Israel and LebanonThis was positive news that we received last night Albanese said We want to see though this fragile arrangement confirmedAsked if Australia would deploy military assets to ensure shipping remains open Albanese said the government would consider any such requestsAustralia obviously is a long way away as well from the Strait compared with European nations Its fair to say that well give consideration to requests which are made when we come together he saidAlbanese was speaking alongside Energy Minister Chris Bowen who said that Australia has increased its strategic fuel reserves over the last week reports Xinhua news agencyBowen said that Australia had 46 days worth of petrol in the national stockpile as of Saturday as well as 31 days worth of diesel and 30 days worth of jet fuelEarlier on Friday Irans Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said that in line with the truce in Lebanon the passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of the ceasefire between Tehran and WashingtonHe made the remarks in a post on social media platform X hours after a 10day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon took effect following more than a month of deadly escalation between Israel and Hezbollah which has claimed over 2000 livesAraghchi stressed that vessels can cross the Strait via the previously announced coordinated route announced by Irans Ports and Maritime OrganizationIn reaction to the announcement US President Donald Trump thanked Iran for the announcement of a full reopening of the Strait of HormuzIran tightened control over the Strait of Hormuz by denying safe passage to vessels belonging to or affiliated with Israel and the United States after they launched joint attacks on the country on February 28The United States has also imposed a blockade on the strait preventing ships travelling to and from Iranian ports from transiting the waterway following the failure of peace talks between the Iranian and US delegations in Pakistans capital Islamabad on Saturday and early Sunday IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/positive-news-australian-pm-welcomes-strait-of-hormuz-reopening-670003.html Sat, 18 Apr 2026 11:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/puppet-label-failed-leadership-hafiz-saeed-at-centre-of-lashkar-e-taiba-rift-670007.html New Delhi April 18 Signals of rifts within the Pakistan establishment relating to the revival of terror groups and leadership changes have emerged It is a well known fact that Pakistans Field Marshal and Army Chief Asim Munir is unhappy with the manner in which the ISI has been functioningHe has demanded accountability over the number of mysterious shooting of terrorists within Pakistan a trend that has been visible since 2023Field Marshal Asim Munir is also upset that Pakistans Intelligence has failed miserably when it came to the activities of both the TehreekeTaliban Pakistan TTP and Balochistan Liberation Army BLAHowever for the ISI and Pakistan Army the bigger problem is the major rift that has hit the LashkareTaiba This terror group is Pakistans favourite proxy It prefers the LashkareTaiba over the JaisheMohammad as it has never rebelled against the establishmentAn Intelligence Bureau official said that the rift is over the leadership Many within the outfit are questioning the effectiveness of Hafiz Saeed still leading the outfitThey feel Saeed is past his prime and should make way for a younger leader Further many within the outfit also feel that Saeed is a puppet and once in a way must question the establishment the official saidAt the centre of all is this Saifullah Kasuri the number two within the LashkareTaiba todayKasuri is 58yearsold and feels that he should be leading the group He has on numerous occasions expressed the need to effect a leadership change and says that it is time that the 76year old Hafiz Saeed to goWhile Kasuri does enjoy the support of the younger cadre the old guard is however not keen on letting Hafiz Saeed goAn official said that the tensions have been simmering for nearly two years and all this had been kept under wraps However the lid blew off when the Indian armed forces carried out Operation Sindoor to avenge the Pahalgam terror attack This not only made the LashkareTaiba question the Pakistan establishment but the leadership as wellMany including Kasuri said that Hafiz Saeed ought to have spoken out against the establishment and its lack of ability to protect themDespite the LashkareTaiba losing its primary training facility at Muridke Hafiz Saeed did not utter a wordAnother official said that many within the LashkareTaiba feel that Hafiz Saeed is too old to lead They say he has done his bit and should move on and make way for Kasuri This aspect is also another reason why the ISI and Army are not on the same page on several issuesThe Army wants Kasuri to lead while the ISI wants to stick on to Hafiz SaeedThe ISIs argument is that Hafiz Saeed is tried and tested and his loyalties would never shiftKasuri on the other hand is a loose cannon and has the capability of revolting against the establishment and this is something that the ISI wants to avoid the official saidWhile the leadership change remains the top reason for this major rift there are other issues too which are causing issuesKasuri is of the belief that the LashkareTaibas only focus should be Jammu and KashmirHafiz Saeed on the other hand has meekly surrendered Pakistans changing tactics be it against the TTP or Afghan TalibanOfficials say that Operation Sindoor did manage to expose the faultiness within the LashkareTaibaThe operation only made it worse for the outfit which has been doing all it can to rebuildThis has been another sticking point and the cadre have largely lost faith with the leadership of Hafiz Saeed who proved to be completely ineffective both during and after Operation Sindoor the official added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/puppet-label-failed-leadership-hafiz-saeed-at-centre-of-lashkar-e-taiba-rift-670007.html Sat, 18 Apr 2026 12:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/oil-prices-in-cambodia-plunge-further-after-iran-announces-opening-hormuz-670017.html Phnom Penh April 18 Retail fuel prices in Cambodia have dropped further after Iran declared the opening of the Strait of Hormuz the Ministry of Commerce said In an announcement late on Friday local time the ministry said a litre of regular gasoline is now priced at 4950 riels 124 US dollars from this Saturday until the next notice down 29 per cent from 5100 riels 128 dollars in the last three daysDiesel now costs 5700 riels 142 dollars per litre down 109 per cent the announcement addedCambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said last Saturday that the General Department of Customs and Excise GDCE has subsidised approximately 50 million dollars a month to minimise the impact of rising fuel pricesThe subsidies have been made through the reduction of import duties and taxes on oil and gas and the reduction of import duties on electric vehicles passenger plugin hybrid electric vehicles electric stoves and solarpowered devicesThe Southeast Asian country entirely relies on imported petroleum and dieselEarlier on Friday Irans Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said that in line with the truce in Lebanon the passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of the ceasefire between Tehran and WashingtonHe made the remarks in a post on social media platform X hours after a 10day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon took effect following more than a month of deadly escalation between Israel and Hezbollah which has claimed over 2000 livesAraghchi stressed that vessels can cross the Strait via the previously announced coordinated route announced by Irans Ports and Maritime OrganizationIn reaction to the announcement US President Donald Trump thanked Iran for the announcement of a full reopening of the Strait of HormuzIran tightened control over the Strait of Hormuz by denying safe passage to vessels belonging to or affiliated with Israel and the United States after they launched joint attacks on the country on February 28The United States has also imposed a blockade on the Strait preventing ships travelling to and from Iranian ports from transiting the waterway following the failure of peace talks between the Iranian and US delegations in Pakistans capital Islamabad on Saturday and early Sunday IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/oil-prices-in-cambodia-plunge-further-after-iran-announces-opening-hormuz-670017.html Sat, 18 Apr 2026 12:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/macron-says-irans-announcement-of-reopening-hormuz-goes-in-right-direction-670019.html Paris April 18 French President Emmanuel Macron said that Irans announcement of reopening the Strait of Hormuz goes in the right direction Macron made the remarks in a joint declaration following a conference cohosted by France and Britain in Paris on Friday local time which brought together 49 countries to discuss securing freedom of navigation in the Strait of HormuzBritish Prime Minister Keir Starmer German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni attended the meeting while officials from across Europe Asia Latin America and the Middle East joined by video conference reports Xinhua news agencyMacron welcomed the ceasefire in Iran and Lebanon describing it as a positive development However he stressed that its necessary to remain vigilantWe all oppose any restriction any agreement regime that would effectively amount to an attempt to privatise the strait and obviously any toll system he said He also announced that a neutral independent mission would be set up to ensure the openness of the Strait of Hormuz noting that a planning meeting was scheduled for the following week in LondonStarmer for his part expressed the hope that talks would resume and a lasting agreement would be reachedHe said France and Britain will lead a multinational mission to safeguard shipping as soon as conditions allow noting that the mission will be strictly defensive and intended to reassure shipping and support mineclearing operationsAround a dozen countries were ready to contribute assets to the defensive mission Starmer notedMeloni said that it was necessary to ensure the absence of mines and guarantee the safety of vessels transiting through the strait in order to reassure the maritime shipping sector adding that Italy stood ready to deploy its naval units in a strictly defensive postureGermany will participate in the ongoing military planning discussions and we would welcome if possible participation from the United States Merz said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/macron-says-irans-announcement-of-reopening-hormuz-goes-in-right-direction-670019.html Sat, 18 Apr 2026 12:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/crackdown-on-illegal-immigration-pushes-overground-terror-operatives-underground-670039.html New Delhi April 18 India has been facing the menace of illegal immigration for long Migrants coming in illegally from Bangladesh and Myanmar have settled in various parts of the country and the government in its new policy said that all states must detect and deport such persons The Intelligence agencies say that with such drives ongoing in the country many illegal immigrants roped in by terror groups have been ordered to go underground These persons were specifically sent to India to take part in terror activities They have been instructed to remain underground and wait for further instructionsThese persons who have been told to stay off the radar were pushed into India to be part of terror cells However they operate differently They blend into the migrant population and work as ordinary labour Their brief is to explore places and gather information about sensitive locations they have been told aboutThey have been asked to gather information not about the military or other sensitive departments They are told to scan bus stands railway stations and crowded markets These persons who have now come under the scanner of the agencies are part of either the HarkatulJihadi Islami HuJI or the JamaatulMujahideen Bangladesh JMB Both terror groups report to the ISI and have been tasked with handling operations in West Bengal the northeastern states and certain parts of South IndiaAn official said that what is interesting is that these persons who come in as illegal immigrants and are tasked with carrying out attacks are normally housed in Kerala or Tamil Nadu There are many camps which house Bengalispeaking people These migrants blend in easily and stay part of this groupAnother official said that they maintain a very low profile and go about their work daily Their job to undertake reconnaissance is not a daily chore To avoid detection they carry out such tasks just once a week or once every 15 days Such acts are very hard for the Intelligence agencies to detect When the reconnaissance activity is being undertaken these persons normally go in a group The group would mostly comprise people who are legally living in India This in fact eliminates the risk of detectionOfficials say that these persons who are tasked with gathering information will not be asked to carry out the attack For this the HuJI and JMB have a select set of trained operatives who are yet to cross over Once all the information is gathered the plan is made following which the trained operatives are sent in the official addedThe agencies are currently noticing a pattern whereby many have gone underground This has been done on the instructions of their handlers The JMB had hoped to strike during the West Bengal elections However the scrutiny is too high at the moment and multiple drives are ongoing to identify illegal immigrantsOfficials say that they are just waiting for the heat to reduce before they can resume their activities Counterterrorism experts say that this is not just a problem It is a ticking time bomb and could go on to become Indiaâs biggest security headache if left uncheckedAs part of its new deportation policy the Ministry of Home Affairs has told all states to form a Special Task Force in every district to detect and deport illegal migrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar A nationwide verification drive targeted at the border states is also underway to identify and deport illegal immigrants Over 4000 have been identified and deported as part of this drive IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/crackdown-on-illegal-immigration-pushes-overground-terror-operatives-underground-670039.html Sat, 18 Apr 2026 12:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/rising-paediatric-hiv-infections-expose-healthcare-lapses-in-pakistan-670075.html Karachi April 18 A dramatic increase in the number of paediatric human immunodeficiency virus HIV cases has been recorded at three hospitals in Pakistans Karachi over the last nine months and their numbers continue to grow according to a latest report The Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital and Research Centre SIDHampRC admitted 10 HIV positive children in 2024 and in 2025 their numbers rose to over 70 30 children with HIV posive status were admitted to the hospital this year reports leading Pakistani daily DawnMeanwhile 144 HIV positive patients were reported at the Indus Hospital in 2024 and in 2025 the numbers rose to 17 Additionally 69 HIV patients have been reported in the first quarter of this year alone at this facilityDr Samreen Sarfaraz Chair of Infection Control Services and consultant infectious diseases at the Indus Hospital told Dawn There has been an alarming surge in paediatric cases registered at our hospital Since August 2025 to date 72 children less than 14 years of age have been registered of which 68 per cent are under five years of ageAccording to Sarfaraz unsafe healthcare practices are the reason for the majority of their registered paediatric HIV cases She said that the reuse of syringes needles intravenous drip sets and cannulas use of contaminated or improperly sterilised medical instruments and transfusion of unscreened blood are major causes of HIV transmission in the healthcare settingsSarfaraz also mentioned that due to commercial reasons many doctors in the public sector prefer drips and injections over oral medications Additionally the suspension of USAID United States Agency for International Development funding according to her has led to the shortages of both antiretroviral and antituberculosis drugs across PakistanThe report also mentioned that in all of the World Health Organisation Eastern Mediterranean WHO EMRO Pakistan has the fastestgrowing HIV epidemic according to Sarfaraz She also called for strict disciplinary action against rampant malpractices like reuse of syringes cannulas drip sets and multidose vials as well as enforcing the National Action Plan for Injection Safety 2019 IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/rising-paediatric-hiv-infections-expose-healthcare-lapses-in-pakistan-670075.html Sat, 18 Apr 2026 14:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/violence-mistrust-derail-anti-polio-drive-in-pakistan-670092.html Islamabad April 18 The fight against polio in Pakistan is on a path to derail and it is not only due to the stubborn virus but also violent and persistent campaigns against those who are actively trying to eradicate this virus according to a latest media report According to a report published in Pakistans leading newspaper Dawn police escorts were killed and polio workers were abducted in recent attacks in KPs Hangu and Bannu besides parts of Balochistan The attacks were in coordination with the immunisation drive being conducted nationwide to administer the drops to millions of children thousands of administrative workers fanned out through the country The report said that these campaigns were targeted by militants often branding them as intelligence fronts or foreign plots These campaigns made progress unevenly due to vaccine refusal and disruption campaigns With each attack compounding the challenge entire pockets are left unprotected as vaccinators withdraw These setbacks are visible in data as Pakistan is one of the two countries where polio is still endemic In recent years cases have fallen to single digits but periodic spikes in cases are driven by missed children and these small gaps can allow the virus to resurface after circulating said the report The report further added that though protection for frontline workers is nonnegotiable the states response cannot be limited to security alone It also mentioned that rebuilding trust is a more durable solution which requires engagement with local communities in a meaningful way including engagement with religious leaders mosques and clerics who can influence at the grassroots level Earlier on April 13 a police constable was killed and four others were injured after a law enforcement party heading to provide security for polio teams in the Hangu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa The incident happened in Thall tehsil of Hangu on the first day of the vaccination campaign scheduled for April 1319 In a statement the Hangu District police said that unidentified assailants opened fire on a police party killing a police personnel and injuring four others Pakistans leading daily Dawn reportedIn February a police personnel was killed when unidentified assailants opened fire on a police vaccination team in Chaman district of Pakistans BalochistanIn a similar incident in February polio teams were attacked in different areas of Pakistans Lahore as parents did not allow them to administer polio drops to their children IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/violence-mistrust-derail-anti-polio-drive-in-pakistan-670092.html Sat, 18 Apr 2026 15:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-welcomes-israellebanon-ceasefire-every-step-leading-towards-peace-669966.html New Delhi April 17 India on Friday welcomed the ceasefire announced between Israel and Lebanon expressing support for every step that leads towards peace While addressing a weekly media briefing in New Delhi on Friday Ministry of External Affairs MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said We welcome the ceasefire We welcome every step that leads towards peaceMEAs statement comes after the US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon aimed at bringing a temporary coolingoff along another front linked to the Iran conflictLebanon is not directly engaged in a formal war with Israel but Hezbollah controls large parts of southern Lebanon and has carried out attacks on Israel prompting retaliatory strikes Unable to rein in Hezbollah Lebanon has borne the brunt of Israeli retaliationWhen asked about Israel requesting India to designate Hamas as a terrorist organisation and Indias policy about disarming Hamas Jaiswal responded We have a process in place and those issues are addressed under that processOn Thursday Israels Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Saar stressed the importance of Hamas being designated as a terror organisation by India during his interaction with a group of distinguished Hindu leaders from around the worldI stressed the importance of Hamas being designated as a terror organisation by India Hamas has ties with all other radical Islamist terror organisations including LashkareTaiba Saar during the virtual interactionThe Israeli Foreign Minister stated that he was honoured to brief the group of distinguished leadersI spoke about the positive trends in the strengthening of Israels relations with India and the great importance we attach to this relationship I also spoke about the historic campaign Israel had been forced to fight for the past 25 years against radical Islam Their declared objective is the elimination of Israel and they act to achieve that goal Saar posted on XIsrael demonstrated on all fronts that it has the upper hand It dramatically weakened the terror octopus of radical Islam headed by the Iranian regime This struggle has and will have implications beyond the Middle East he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-welcomes-israellebanon-ceasefire-every-step-leading-towards-peace-669966.html Fri, 17 Apr 2026 18:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/10-day-ceasefire-between-israel-lebanon-goes-into-effect-669866.html Jerusalem April 17 A 10day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon took effect at midnight between Thursday and Friday following an earlier announcement by US President Donald Trump The truce aims to end more than a month of deadly escalation between Israel and Hezbollah which has claimed over 2000 livesIn a statement Israels military said that it struck more than 380 Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon over the past day including militants launchers and headquarters Xinhua news agency reportedIsraels rescue service Magen David Adom claimed that Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel during the final hours before the ceasefire went into effect resulting in three injuriesIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a videotaped statement that Israel will maintain a 10km security zone in southern Lebanon during the ceasefire periodHe cited security needs rejected withdrawal and highlighted a historic opportunity for peace between Israel and Lebanon alongside a demand to disarm HezbollahMeanwhile Trump said Thursday he will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House over the next week or twoI think were going to have a meeting Trump told reporters at the White House noting the talks would be the first in 44 yearsI think we will have an agreement between Lebanon and theyre going to take care of Hezbollah Trump saidThe remarks came hours after he announced on social media that Israel and Lebanon agreed to a 10day ceasefireThe ceasefire is expected to pause hostilities that escalated when Israel opened a new front targeting Iranaffiliated HezbollahLebanon is not directly engaged in a formal war with Israel but Hezbollah controls large parts of southern Lebanon and has carried out attacks on Israel prompting retaliatory strikesUnable to rein in Hezbollah Lebanon has borne the brunt of Israeli retaliationThe durability of the ceasefire is likely to depend on Hezbollah refraining from further attacksWhile Hezbollah is not formally part of the agreement media reports indicated that the group may halt attacks if Israel also exercises restraint IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/10-day-ceasefire-between-israel-lebanon-goes-into-effect-669866.html Fri, 17 Apr 2026 07:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-says-he-had-very-good-talk-with-pm-modi-669867.html Washington April 17 US President Donald Trump said he had a âvery good talkâ with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi while expressing optimism about a ceasefire effort between Israel and Lebanon âI had a very good talk with himâ heâs doing greatâ Trump said of Modi describing the exchange as positiveIn the same interaction with White House reporters Trump said he could travel to Pakistan if a deal tied to ongoing diplomacy is finalised âI would go to Pakistan yeahâ Islamabad Iâll be â I might goâ he said âIf the deal is signed in Islamabad I might goâ they want meâHe described ties with Pakistan in favourable terms âPakistan has been great theyâve been so greatâ he saidTrumpâs remarks come as the United States advances multiple diplomatic tracks across the Middle East including negotiations with Iran and efforts to halt hostilities along the IsraelLebanon borderHe said a ceasefire arrangement involving Israel and Lebanon was taking shape and could include Hezbollah âTheyâre all agreeingâ itâs a very nice little package for about a weekâ he saidTrump said he had spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanonâs leadership âWeâre going to be meeting with Bibi Netanyahuâ and the President of Lebanonâ he saidHe described the development as significant âItâs very exciting because itâs 48 yearsâ he saidHe also pointed to the possibility of direct engagement between Israel and Lebanon âWeâre going to have a meetingâ first time in 44 yearsâ he said adding it could take place at the White HouseOn Hezbollah Trump said he expected compliance with the ceasefire âI think they willâ he saidHe said the aim was to reduce violence âWeâre not going to have lots of bombs droppingâ weâre going to see if we can make peace between Lebanon and Israelâ he saidTrump indicated progress could come soon âOver the next week or twoâ he said when asked about timingHe added that Lebanon would play a role in handling Hezbollah âTheyâre going to take care of Hezbollahâ theyâll be working on Hezbollah right nowâ he saidThe President also signalled he could travel to the region if talks advance âI would certainly go thereâ at the right timeâ he saidThe remarks highlight Washingtonâs widening diplomatic outreach spanning South Asia and the Middle East as it seeks progress on Iran and regional stability IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-says-he-had-very-good-talk-with-pm-modi-669867.html Fri, 17 Apr 2026 07:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/netanyahu-says-israel-to-maintain-10-km-security-zone-in-southern-lebanon-during-ceasefire-669870.html Jerusalem April 17 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that even after the ceasefire with Hezbollah takes effect Israel will maintain a 10km security zone in southern Lebanon Netanyahus videotaped statement followed US President Donald Trumps announcement of a ceasefire agreed to by Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun set to take effect at 5 pm US Eastern Time 2100 GMTThe Israeli prime minister noted that he had rejected Hezbollahs demand for an Israeli withdrawal to the international border and that Israeli forces would remain in a security zone in Lebanon Xinhua news agency reportedHe argued that this buffer zone would help prevent invasions and antitank fire into northern Israeli communitiesNetanyahu also said We have an opportunity to make a historic peace agreement with Lebanon adding that Trump intends to invite him and Aoun to advance such a dealHe claimed that this opportunity exists because Israel has fundamentally changed the balance of power in Lebanon noting that Israel has received calls from Lebanon over the past month for direct peace talksThe prime minister noted that Israel has two main demands in these talks the disarmament of Hezbollah and a lasting peace agreementTurning to Iran Netanyahu claimed that Trump told him that he was tremendously determined to continue both the naval blockade and to dismantle Irans nuclear capability what is left of itHe described these as two very important moves that could fundamentally change our security and political situation for years to comeTrump on Thursday announced a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon aimed at bringing a temporary coolingoff along another front linked to the Iran conflictHe said that after speaking with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Lebanonâs President Joseph Aoun the two sides agreed to a 10day ceasefire beginning at 5 pm Washington timeThe ceasefire is expected to pause hostilities that escalated when Israel opened a new front targeting Iranaffiliated HezbollahLebanon is not directly engaged in a formal war with Israel but Hezbollah controls large parts of southern Lebanon and has carried out attacks on Israel prompting retaliatory strikes IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/netanyahu-says-israel-to-maintain-10-km-security-zone-in-southern-lebanon-during-ceasefire-669870.html Fri, 17 Apr 2026 07:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/australia-to-import-250-000-tonnes-of-fertiliser-urea-from-indonesia-669872.html Canberra April 17 Australia will import 250000 tonnes of fertiliser urea from Indonesia under a deal announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Friday Albanese said in a joint statement with Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong and Minister for Agriculture Julie Collins that the deal between Australian supplier Incitec Pivot Fertilisers and manufacturer PT Pupuk Indonesia will supply 20 per cent of Australias fertiliser needs for the current seasonThis is a significant outcome for our farmers We understand how critical fertiliser is for Australian farmers for our food production system and the food security of our region he saidIt comes after Collins on Thursday announced that Australia would streamline the import process for fertilisers to mitigate supply issues caused by the conflict in the Middle EastAround 60 percent of Australias fertiliser urea imports were transiting through the Strait of Hormuz prior to the outbreak of the conflictCollins said on Friday that the Australian and Indonesian governments had worked to facilitate the deal Xinhua news agency reportedThis will mean Australia can continue to play an important role supporting food security in Indonesia and our region at a time of global uncertainty she saidAustralia is one of the worldâs biggest exporters of crops including wheat barley and canola but relies on fertiliser imports that are threatened by âthe war on Iran which has cut supply from the Middle East a major urea producerThe price of urea a source of nitrogen that fuels plant growth has risen by around 60 per cent in Australia since the war began in late FebruaryMany farmers now sowing winter crops are considering planting less to reduce their need â for fertiliser which even if available may cost too much Fuel costs have also shot âup adding to pressure on farm budgetsAustralia has enough fertiliser for the coming weeks but must import â around 13 million â tonnes of urea to meet its needs during the remainder of the winter crop season the government said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/australia-to-import-250-000-tonnes-of-fertiliser-urea-from-indonesia-669872.html Fri, 17 Apr 2026 08:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/oil-refinery-fire-to-have-minimal-impact-on-australian-fuel-supply-pm-albanese-669875.html Melbourne April 17 Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Friday that a major fire that broke out at one of Australias two oil refineries will have a minimal impact on fuel production Albanese on Friday returned early from an official trip to Brunei and Malaysia to inspect the damage at Viva Energys refinery southwest of Melbourne after equipment failure caused a major fire on Wednesday night The fire was extinguished around midday on ThursdaySpeaking to reporters at the refinery Albanese said that the timing of the fire was regrettable amid the oil supply crisis caused by the conflict in the Middle East but that it would have a minimal impact on productionThe advice that weve received today is that 80 per cent of diesel production is continuing 80 per cent of aviation fuel is continuing said Albanese who was in Brunei and Malaysia for talks on fuel securityPetrol production at the facility which provides 10 per cent of Australias national fuel supply was at 60 per cent of capacity on Friday and there are hopes that it can ramp up in the coming days Albanese saidHe said that the government would provide its regular weekly update on fuel stockpile levels on Saturday Xinhua news agency reportedAuthorities said on Thursday that equipment failure caused a major fire at an Australian oil refinery that is expected to affect the national fuel supplyThe fire broke out at Viva Energys refinery in the city of Geelong 65 km southwest of Melbourne around 11 pm local time on Wednesday and was continuing to burn on Thursday morningThe facility is one of only two operational refineries in Australia and produces about 10 per cent of the national fuel supplyMichelle Cowling deputy commissioner of the fire and rescue service in the state of Victoria told Australian Broadcasting Corporation ABC radio that equipment failure in the refinery caused the fire IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/oil-refinery-fire-to-have-minimal-impact-on-australian-fuel-supply-pm-albanese-669875.html Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:09:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korean-president-lees-approval-rating-edges-down-to-66-per-cent-669926.html Seoul April 17 South Korean President Lee Jae Myungs approval rating inched down slightly for the first time in three weeks to 66 per cent a poll showed Friday The survey by Gallup Korea conducted Tuesday through Thursday on 1000 respondents aged 18 and over showed that the positive assessment of Lees overall performance fell 1 percentage point from the previous week Yonhap News Agency reported In the previous survey Lees approval rating stood at 67 per cent for the second consecutive week marking the highest level since taking officeThe negative assessment rose 2 percentage points to 26 per cent while 8 per cent were undecidedLees handling of the economy and peoples livelihoods was cited most frequently as the reason for positive evaluation at 17 per cent followed by diplomacy at 14 per cent and competence at 11 per centAmong the negative responses 17 per cent pointed to concerns over the economy and the high exchange rate followed by diplomacy at 12 per cent and excessive welfare policies at 9 per centThe approval rating for the ruling Democratic Party remained unchanged at 48 per cent maintaining its highest level since the current administration took office for the third straight weekSupport for the main opposition People Power Party fell 1 percentage point to 19 per centThe survey had a margin of error of plus or minus 31 percentage points at a 95 per cent confidence levelOn Thursday Cheong Wa Dae said South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will attend talks led by Britain and France this week over freedom of navigation in the Strait of HormuzThe virtual gathering to be hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer late Friday Seoul time aims to ensure free and safe passage through the crucial waterwayâAs the freedom and security of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz serve the interests of all parties and are vital to our national interests we are continuing efforts to work in solidarity with countries that share similar positionsâ a senior official told reportersLee is preparing a message addressing energy supply chains Seouls stance on the Middle East situation and the importance of international solidarity to ensure free passage through the crucial shipping route the official saidThe leaderlevel meeting follows earlier consultations including a Franceled video conference of top military officials on March 26 and a Britainled ministerial meeting on April 2 both of which South Korea attendedThe United States is not expected to attend the meeting while Chinas and Japans participation has yet to be confirmed the official said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korean-president-lees-approval-rating-edges-down-to-66-per-cent-669926.html Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/australia-man-hospitalised-after-southwest-sydney-stabbing-669928.html Sydney April 17 Police are investigating after a man was hospitalised following a latenight stabbing attack in southwest Sydney with a teenage boy charged over a separate stabbing that occurred on Tuesday The police force in the state of New South Wales NSW said on Friday that emergency services were called to a report of concern for welfare in Kingsgrove 13 km southwest of central Sydney at 1150 pm on Thursday and arrived to find a man with stab wounds to his shoulderPolice officers were told that the 44yearold man had stopped his vehicle when two unknown men approached and stabbed him before fleeing the scene on motorcycles Xinhua News Agency reported The man was treated by ambulance paramedics and taken to hospital in a stable condition while police established a crime scene and commenced an investigationIn a separate statement NSW Police said on Thursday night that a 15yearold boy has been arrested and charged over a machete attack on a light rail service on Tuesday nightIt will be alleged in court that the 15yearold was one of two boys who assaulted a third boy also aged 15 on the service in central SydneyThe 15yearold victim was hospitalised in a stable condition with a stab wound to the left armThe alleged perpetrator was arrested by officers at a home in Sydneys innerwest on Thursday morning and charged with wounding a person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm Police said that investigations to locate the second boy are ongoing Earlier in February one person died and two others were hospitalised with critical injuries following a stabbing attack in western SydneyThe police force in the Australian state of New South Wales NSW said that emergency services responded to the stabbing on a main street in the suburb of Merrylands 20 km west of central Sydney around 10 am local time on February 17Police officers arrived at the scene and were told that a man had stabbed multiple people before leaving the area on footThree victims with serious injuries were treated by ambulance paramedics but one died at the sceneThe other two were taken to the hospital in critical conditionPolice established a crime scene and a man was arrested nearby following a major searchThe NSW Police Force asked for anyone with information about the attack to contact detectives IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/australia-man-hospitalised-after-southwest-sydney-stabbing-669928.html Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pak-linked-drug-flow-via-golden-crescent-increases-india-intensifies-multi-agency-crackdown-669930.html New Delhi April 17 The focus of the Indian security agencies dealing with the menace of narcotic smuggling has been largely on the contraband originating from the Golden Crescent of PakistanAfghanistan The Indian agencies have said that activities through the Golden Crescent have gone up considerably There is a push by Pakistan to smuggle huge quantities of narcotics into IndiaRamping up activities at the Golden Crescent is a clear sign that the Pakistanbased operatives are trying to raise money to fund terror activities against IndiaEstimates by the security agencies show that 65 per cent of the narcotics that come into India are from the Golden Crescent The remaining come in from the Golden Triangle which comprises Myanmar Laos and ThailandOfficials say that the Pakistanbased narcotic smugglers are pushing more drugs into South India today and the drugs are reaching Kerala and Tamil NaduOnce the domestic needs are catered to then the drugs are smuggled into Maldives and Sri Lanka Prior to the drugs reaching the southern states they are smuggled into Gujarat and Maharashtra With this strategy the cartels plan to cover both North and South India significantlyWhen it comes to the northeastern states the cartels operating from the Golden Triangle handle the job an official saidWith Intelligence inputs suggesting that the Pakistanbased narcotic smugglers are ramping up operations a high level meeting was held between the officials of the Narcotics Control Bureau NVB National Technical Research Organisation NTRO and the Indian NavyIt was decided to intensify surveillance to detect drugs coming in from the Golden Crescent The agencies are keeping a close watch on high speed motor boats and smaller fishing boatsOf late the cartels are also relying on commercial shipping containers through which they are attempting to smuggle in larger quantity of drugs The drugs that come in from the Golden Crescent largely comprise charas and methamphetamineWith inputs suggesting a major rise in drug smuggling activity India has also been working closely with international agencies to put a halt to the menaceIt is important that apart from taking steps on our own we coordinate with international agencies as well an official saidIndia would however be taking the lead role as it is a landing point owing to its geographical proximity to the Golden Crescent the official also saidWhile constant attempts are being made to step up drug smuggling activity officials report that in the last three months the activities have been down The vigil has been stepped up and multiple agencies are working in tandem to keep the menace at bayIn addition to disruptions being reported in the Golden Crescent supply chains due to regional stability the Indian agencies too have resolved to fight this problemOfficials say that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made it clear that the Centre wants India to be drug freeUnion Home Minister Amit Shah said that all departments of the government of India should prepare a road map up to 2029 and establish a timebound review mechanism for its implementationHe said that during the next three years a campaign would be carried out collectively across the country to move fast towards making India drug freeAn Intelligence Bureau official said that if supplies from the Golden Crescent fall then every attempt will be made to scale up operations from the Golden TriangleThe cartels from these regions are interconnected and hence they cannot be treated as separate entitiesThe road map ahead would be to have coordinated efforts by multiple agencies to deal with cartels that operate both from the Golden Crescent as well the Golden Triangle the official also added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pak-linked-drug-flow-via-golden-crescent-increases-india-intensifies-multi-agency-crackdown-669930.html Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/australia-melbourne-police-issue-warning-over-arson-attacks-669931.html Melbourne April 17 Police in Australias Melbourne on Friday warned the public to be alert for suspicious activity following a string of arson attacks and a driveby shooting targeting hospitality venues The police force in the state of Victoria said in a statement that detectives from the arson and explosives squad are investigating potential links between and the motivation behind five arson attacks and a shooting at hospitality venues in metropolitan Melbourne since TuesdayTwo of the arson incidents occurred in Melbournes central business district CBD and the other three targeted venues in the citys innersouthern suburbs police said Xinhua News Agency reportedThe shooting occurred around 410 am on Friday when a shot was fired from a vehicle towards a CBD venue No injuries were reported On April 1 a man was hospitalised in a critical condition after he was shot by police in the Australian state of QueenslandThe Queensland Police Service QPS said that officers were conducting a welfare check at a property in the suburb of Arana Hills 12 km northwest of central Brisbane at around 1230 pm when an altercation occurred involving a man armed with a knifeThe man was subsequently shot by officers who provided first aid at the scene before he was taken to the hospital in a critical conditionLocal media reported the man was aged 19 and that police officers twice deployed tasers before he was shotThe QPS said the incident would be investigated by ethical standards and anticorruption bodiesEarlier in March Police in the Australian state of New South Wales NSW began a search for a man who shot another man before stealing money and a car south of SydneyThe NSW Police Force said in a statement on Saturday that emergency services were called to reports of a shooting at a hotel in the coastal town of Narooma 280 km south of SydneyOfficers were told at the scene that an unknown man had entered the hotel before shooting a 31yearold man threatening other patrons and stealing cashThe perpetrator then approached a vehicle in an adjacent car park and produced a firearm to demand that the 17yearold driver get out of the car which he subsequently used to flee the sceneThe 31yearold shooting victim was treated at the scene by ambulance paramedics before being taken to the hospital in a stable conditionA short time later police said the stolen vehicle was located on fire on a major highwayPolice commenced an investigation into the incident and asked anyone with information to come forward IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/australia-melbourne-police-issue-warning-over-arson-attacks-669931.html Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/lack-of-funds-hinder-free-treatment-of-cancer-patients-in-pakistans-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-669932.html Islamabad April 17 Free treatment of cancer patients at three major medical teaching institutions of Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has been hampered due to lack of funds local media reported on Friday citing officials Pakistans Health Secretary Shahidullah Khan said he was in contact with the Planning and Development Department for reappropriation of funds to resume treatment of cancer patients the daily Dawn reported However over 1000 poor patients already registered for cancer treatment were waiting for drugs at Hayatabad Medical Complex HMC and Khyber Teaching Hospital KTH Peshawar and Ayub Teaching Hospital ATH AbbottabadAccording to sources the government needed to release Pakistani Rupees PKR 1500 million for the free treatment programme for the year 202526 However it had provided PKR 820 million so far and the remaining PKR 680 million was yet to be releasedSo far 347 patients have received free drugs from ATH from August 2025 to till now The hospital last received medicines in December 2025 but now the stock is about to run out Similarly there is no stock available in KTH and 623 registered patients are awaiting drugs Dawn reportedOncologists linked with the free medication initiative stated that over 10000 patients had benefited from the programme since its beginning The oncologists said the programme was launched for all patients and the hospitals could not deny treatment to those who were in the last stage of cancer According to oncologists the stoppage of free medication might cause the death of many patients as medicines are very expensiveMeanwhile prices of medicines have increased in the open market and the pharmaceutical hub of Bohor Bazaar in Pakistans Rawalpindi with prices rising from 50 per cent to as high as 500 per cent local media reportedPrices of essential medicines including those for diabetes and hypertension antibiotics gastrointestinal conditions and cough have increased The price of an insulin injection device in the open market has increased from Pakistani Rupees PKR 2200 to PKR 4720 The Express Tribune reportedThe cost of vitamin B supplements has increased from PKR 500 to PKR 600 Similarly the price of a packet of indigestion and acidity medication has increased from PKR 530 to PKR 620 The price of a pack of nutritional supplements and vitamin tablets has increased from PKR 480 to PKR 510The price of thyroid medicine has increased from PKR 85 to PKR 290 Meanwhile the price for a commonly used typhoid treatment has increased from PKR 805 to PKR 930 Prices of several other lifesaving medicines have also increasedCritics have termed the increase unbearable stressing that insulin devices reaching between PKR 2000 and PKR 5000 deprive patients with lowincome to access essential treatment and have urged the government to intervene IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/lack-of-funds-hinder-free-treatment-of-cancer-patients-in-pakistans-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-669932.html Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trying-to-get-little-breathing-room-trump-says-israel-lebanon-talks-to-take-place-today-669716.html Washington April 16 US President Donald Trump has said that IsraelLebanon talks will take place on Thursday Trying to get a little breathing room between Israel and Lebanon It has been a long time since the two leaders have spoken like 34 years It will happen tomorrow Trump wrote on Truth SocialIsrael and Lebanon on Tuesday held a meeting in Washington where Israel insisted on Hezbollahs disarmament and Lebanon called for a ceasefire and concrete measures to ease the severe humanitarian crisis resulting from the USIsraeli war with Iran according to a statement from the US State DepartmentAll sides agreed to launch direct negotiations at a mutually agreed time and venue said the statementThe meeting marked the first major highlevel engagement between Israel and Lebanon since 1993 it saidEarlier in the day the United States clarified that a possible ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon is not part of its negotiations with Iran even as Washington steps up diplomatic efforts to ease tensions along Israels northern borderA senior administration official said the US had not asked for a truce in Lebanon and that it was not part of the peace negotiations with Iran However the official added that President Donald Trump would welcome the end of hostilities in Lebanon as part of a peace agreement between Israel and LebanonThe remarks come a day after rare direct talks between Israel and Lebanon were hosted at the State Department by Secretary of State Marco Rubio the first such engagement between the two countries in yearsThe discussions were described by US officials as a step towards reducing tensions and potentially opening a pathway to a broader agreementThe United States wants to see a durable peace but did not demand an immediate ceasefire another senior official said outlining Washingtons calibrated approach to the conflictInstead the focus remains on confidencebuilding measures between the two sidesThe United States focus is on building trust between the two governments so that we can create space for a peace deal and so that any future understandings can be durable the official said Both sides need to build political momentumThe renewed diplomatic push also comes as the US continues efforts to stabilise its fragile truce with Iran with regional flashpoints like Lebanon seen as potential spoilers if not carefully managed IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trying-to-get-little-breathing-room-trump-says-israel-lebanon-talks-to-take-place-today-669716.html Thu, 16 Apr 2026 11:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pm-modi-holds-bilateral-talks-with-austrian-chancellor-christian-stocker-at-hyderabad-house-669736.html New Delhi April 16 IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker held a bilateral meeting at New Delhis Hyderabad House on Thursday focusing on enhancing cooperation in trade investment green technology and critical sectorsEarlier in the day the Austrian Chancellor paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at RajghatnbspIn a post on X the Ministry of External Affairs MEA said Remembering Bapu and his ideals Federal Chancellor Dr Christian Stocker of Austria paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat laying a wreath and reflecting on Gandhijis enduring message of peace nonviolence and global harmonyStocker arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday This is his first official visit to India aimed at strengthening bilateral ties across key sectors including trade investment and emerging technologiesEarlier on Wednesday External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar called on the Austrian Chancellor expressing confidence that his talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to be held on Thursday will open new avenues for greater cooperation between the two nationsDelighted to call on Federal Chancellor Dr Christian Stocker of Austria as he begins his first official visit to India Confident that his discussions with PM Narendra Modi tomorrow will open new avenues for greater cooperation across various domains EAM Jaishankar posted on XEarlier in the day Stocker hailed the growth of India stressing that it is investing massively in infrastructure and technology and is the European Unions EU most important trading partner in South AsiaIndia is growing at around seven per cent per year investing massively in infrastructure and technology and is today the EUs most important trading partner in South Asia For Austria a small but highly innovative export nation this is an enormous opportunity that we want to actively seize Stocker posted on X after his arrivalEspecially in times of global uncertainties stable partnerships are the key to economic success That is why I will be in New Delhi for the next three days to create concrete framework conditions so that Austrian companies can benefit from this growth through new cooperations deepened partnerships and even better access to this dynamic market he addedThis visit marks Stockers first trip to India and his maiden official visit to Asia since assuming office in 2025Stocker is accompanied by a highlevel delegation including senior ministers government officials and business leaders underlining the strong economic focus of the visit Both sides are expected to explore opportunities to deepen collaboration in areas such as advanced manufacturing digital innovation and renewable energyThe visit comes amid growing economic engagement between the two countries Discussions are also likely to cover regional and global issues of mutual interest as well as cooperation in multilateral forumsIndia and Austria share longstanding friendly relations rooted in shared democratic values The visit builds on the momentum generated by PM Modis visit to Austria in 2024 and is expected to further strengthen the IndiaAustria partnership opening new avenues for strategic and economic cooperationIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pm-modi-holds-bilateral-talks-with-austrian-chancellor-christian-stocker-at-hyderabad-house-669736.html Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/faridabad-to-nashik-changing-profile-of-terror-modules-raises-security-concern-669755.html New Delhi April 16 The Faridabad module case linked to the Delhi car bomb blast in November last year has served as a stark wakeup call for Indian security agencies While several whitecollar modules have been uncovered in the past the Faridabad network operated on a far larger and more organised scale An Intelligence Bureau official said that emerging patterns point to a growing preference among terror groups for whitecollar operatives indicating a shift in recruitment and operational strategyThe Tata Consultancy Services case in Maharashtras Nashik also falls within the ambit of such modules Unlike the Faridabad network which was geared towards executing attacks across Delhi and other parts of North India the Nashik module focused primarily on conversion and radicalisationIn Faridabad the network was led by medical professionals whereas in Nashik it comprised IT professionals and an HR manager reflecting the changing profile of those involvedWhile such modules are eventually detected their professional backgrounds often delay suspicion allowing them to function undetected for extended periods the officials saidBoth the Nashik and Faridabad modules are believed to have remained active for three to four years By the time they are uncovered considerable damage has often been done underlining the need for a reassessment of current strategies to counter this evolving threatOfficials indicate that terror groups are likely to place greater emphasis on whitecollar operatives for both terror activity and radicalisation efforts Such individuals often require only minimal prompting as they can access methods and instructions online and act independentlyTheir familiarity with encrypted platforms and secure communication channels further enhances their ability to operate discreetlyIn the Faridabad case members relied on ghost SIM cards and encrypted applications In Nashik the group used dedicated WhatsApp groups to circulate material and identify targetsOrganisations such as the Islamic State and AlQaeda may limit their role to providing initial direction while encouraging these modules to sustain themselves over time These networks may focus either on radicalisation or on carrying out attacks an official saidWhile recent crackdowns have brought these operations into sharper focus officials note that Pakistanbased terror groups have long invested in developing networks involving whitecollar operatives The ISI has in the past targeted schools and colleges in Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the country as part of this effortOfficials say the investment is aimed at encouraging radicalisation at the school and college level By the time these individuals complete their education they can form networks focused on both radicalisation and potential terror activity While the involvement of medical professionals came into focus after the Faridabad module was exposed officials note that such efforts have long been part of an ISIbacked approachFunding support has reportedly been extended to select individuals for their education Instead of being sent to Pakistan many were encouraged to pursue engineering or medical studies in Turkey and parts of EuropeOfficials believe such locations offer greater scope for targeted indoctrination while also keeping these individuals away from the scrutiny of Indian agencies On returning they are expected to influence others and draw more youth into similar networks There are indications that both the ISI and groups such as the Islamic State may continue to place emphasis on this modelAgencies are examining possible links between the modules that have been uncovered so far However one official pointed out that many of these networks may function independently which allows them to operate longer with a lower risk of detectionFor the ISI officials say the priority appears to be the expansion in number rather than direct coordination between modules IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/faridabad-to-nashik-changing-profile-of-terror-modules-raises-security-concern-669755.html Thu, 16 Apr 2026 13:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-austria-to-strengthen-partnership-in-defence-semiconductors-and-quantum-pm-modi--669760.html New Delhi April 16 IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced that India and Austria will strengthen their partnership in defence semiconductors quantum and biotechnologynbspAddressing a joint press meet with visiting Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker PM Modi stated that India and Austria will ensure reliable technology and supply chains for the entire world by combining Austrias expertise with Indias speed and scaleIndia and Austria have remained trustworthy partners in infrastructure innovation and sustainability Be it the Delhi Metro or the Atal Tunnel Austrias tunnelling expertise has made a strong impactFrom green energy to urban development Austrian companies have been actively contributing to Indias engineering projects he saidChancellor Stockers visit will bring new enthusiasm in trade and investment We are glad that he has come to India with a big vision and a large business delegation By combining Austrias expertise with Indias speed and scale we will ensure reliable technology and supply chains for the entire world We will also strengthen our partnership in the areas of defence semiconductors quantum and biotechnology the PM addedExtending a warm welcome to the Austrian Chancellor PM Modi expressed happiness at Stocker choosing India for his first visit outside EuropeWe are pleased that India is your first destination outside Europe This reflects your strong commitment to your vision and to strengthening IndiaAustria relations The Austrian Chancellors visit to India after four decades is highly significant Following the IndiaEuropean Union Free Trade Agreement a new chapter has begun in IndiaEU relations Through Chancellor Stockers visit we are taking IndiaAustria ties into a new eraHe announced that India and Austria would promote mobility in the nursing sector He also announced that the two nations will launch a Working Holiday Programme to encourage youth exchangeIndias talent has the potential to enhance Austrias innovation and productivity In 2023 we signed a Migration and Mobility Agreement with Austria Under this framework we will now promote mobility in the nursing sector We will further boost joint research and startup cooperation To encourage youth exchange we are launching the IndiaAustria Working Holiday ProgrammeCalling for reform of global institutions amid the ongoing tensions in the world PM Modi said Today the entire world is passing through a very serious and tense situation Its impact is being felt on all of us In such a tense global environment India and Austria are in agreement that military conflict cannot resolve problems Whether it is Ukraine or West Asia we support stable sustainable and lasting peace We also agree that reforming global institutions is essential for addressing the growing global challenges and eradicating terrorism is our shared commitmentIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-austria-to-strengthen-partnership-in-defence-semiconductors-and-quantum-pm-modi--669760.html Thu, 16 Apr 2026 13:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/voice-of-india-carries-lot-of-weight-bilaterally-and-in-international-forums-austrian-chancellor-stocker-669778.html New Delhi April 16 Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker on Thursday hailed Indias role bilaterally and in international forums saying that New Delhis voice carries a lot of weight Stocker stated that he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi agree that peace in all conflicts can be achieved through negotiations While addressing a joint press meet with PM Modi following their talks in New Delhi on Thursday Stocker stated that he and Prime Minister Modi support a rulesbased order and not a world where might is rightStocker stated We are living in an age of geopolitical upheaval and disruption Power centres are shifting new alliances are being created and conflicts are becoming more complex At times like this stability trust and reliable partnerships are not just words but a strategic necessity And that is why India is such a reliable partner and is valued by Austria The largest democracy in the world shares common interests and fundamental values At a time when geopolitical challenges are getting stronger such partnerships are even more valuable Together we represent an international order in which we can live in freedom and securityWe are in favour of a rulesbased world order and not a world in which might is right Mr Prime Minister and I share the view that peace in all conflicts can only be achieved through negotiation and the voice of India carries a lot of weight bilaterally and also in international forums In a vibrant democracy parliaments also play an important role We have very important priorities in many areas and we believe that dynamic technological cooperation will be important and will connect us he addedHailing Indias growth he said India has an impressive growth rate of about 7 per cent per year and its one of the most dynamic global markets and a key strategic partner for us Austrian companies will in the future benefit more strongly from this dynamismHe stated that the Free Trade Agreement FTA between India and the EU will reduce trade barriers and create new opportunities for exports investments and industrial cooperation He called the IndiaEU FTA important in times of geopolitical challengesTerming his visit to New Delhi a milestone for bilateral ties he said My visit is in fact a milestone for AustrianIndian relations and I am very pleased and I also think its a great honour to be the first federal Chancellor to visit India in more than 40 years Mr Prime Minister you visited Vienna in the summer of 2024 and I think we can truly say that the diplomatic relations that weve had for the last 75 years are much stronger than ever before and we will be trying to build on this positive dynamism And thank you very much Mr Prime Minister for your invitation and also for your very friendly welcome and your hospitalityBut I havent come to India alone I am accompanied by 60 highranking business leaders The whos who of the Austrian business world This delegation is led by our Minister for economic affairs and the Vice President of the Austrian Economic Chamber Our close political ties are also of benefit for our business landscape he addedCalling India one of the most important trading partners outside the EU for Austria he noted that the bilateral trade between the two nations has increased to about three billion euros in the last 10 years He stated that about 160 Austrian companies are active in the Indian market in important frontier technologies like semiconductor production renewable energies automotive and infrastructureHe announced that India and Austria will be strengthening cooperation in security and defence through strategic dialogueHe said As far as our enterprises are concerned we want to have good ideas that can be implemented much more quickly and that investment takes place and that decisions are taken more quickly and that problems are resolved In terms of food security we want clear standards We believe in cooperation and knowledge transfer Reliable quality strengthens markets It creates trust We will be intensifying our cooperation in the fields of security and defence through a strategic dialogueAnd so as far as combating terrorism is concerned its clear that security does not end where our borders end And this is something that can only be tackled at a global level All this shows that our partnership covers a lot of areas We have economic dynamism academic and scientific cooperation and responsibility as far as security policy is concerned he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/voice-of-india-carries-lot-of-weight-bilaterally-and-in-international-forums-austrian-chancellor-stocker-669778.html Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-can-play-key-role-in-helping-africas-green-energy-push-669781.html New Delhi April 16 India can play a key role in helping Africa scale up its renewable energy as the country has over the last decade successfully added over 130 gigawatts of solar and wind capacity with renewables now accounting for just over half of installed electricity capacity according to an article Across Africa the energy transition is not a distant policy target it is a practical attempt to turn sunlight wind and mineral wealth into hospitals with steady power farms that can irrigate after sunset and factories that can plug into something more reliable than expensive diesel generators according to the India Narrative articleIt points out that 600 million people in Africa are still without electricity although access rates are increasing and renewable energy projects are being set up It sees immense potential for India to provide technology and institutional experience to drive this transition aheadIndiaâs expansion has been driven by competitive auctions clear policy signals and a focus on distributed solar that reaches small town grids and rural households For African governments some of those lessons transparent tenders predictable tariffs and a strong domestic engineering base are transferable even if the exact regulatory design must be adapted to local conditionsâ the article written by Zuri Amondi statesThe African continent receives more solar radiation than almost any other region and between 2020 and 2025 African governments and private investors have already committed roughly 25 gigawatts of renewable capacity with another 11 gigawatts secured through private sector deals and solar alone now accounts for a majority of new capacity Besides in many African countries new solar power is cheaper than building new gasfired plants especially when transmission and fuel price volatility are factored in the article pointed outIt also highlights that Africa is a central piece of the global clean energy supply chain through its critical minerals endowment The continent hosts a substantial share of the worldâs cobalt copper manganese platinum group metals and a growing share of lithiumâmaterials that underpin batteries electrolysers and wind turbines which would enable Africa to participate in the global industrial economyThe article points out that Indian utilities have already begun sharing experience with African counterparts on grid modernisation energy storage and the integration of variable renewables Power Grid Corporation of India for example has partnered with Africa50 and other African institutions on transmission projects which can help pool solar and wind across countries and reduce reliance on isolated fossil fuel plantsIndia can help by scaling up patient financing sharing hardwon lessons on grid integration and solar pump schemes and supporting Africanled rules for critical minerals value addition If those elements are aligned under strong African institutions and transparent contracts the IndiaâAfrica renewable energy partnership can become a model of how two large developing regions can build growth resilience and cleaner power together the article said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-can-play-key-role-in-helping-africas-green-energy-push-669781.html Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-austria-partnership-to-get-more-innovation-centric-and-future-ready-pm-modi-669795.html New Delhi April 16 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed confidence that the partnership between India and Austria will get more innovationcentric and futureready PM Modis statement came after he met Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker and discussed ways to deepen cooperation in areas like innovation infrastructure and sustainabilityHe stated that both nations are committed to adding new energy to trade and investment linkagesHeld very productive discussions with Chancellor Stocker of Austria We in India are glad that he selected our nation as his first destination to visit outside Europe after he assumed office This reflects his vision and commitment to IndiaAustria relations Equally special is the fact that this is the first visit by an Austrian Chancellor in four decades His visit also comes in the wake of the historic IndiaEU Free Trade Agreement which has ushered in a new chapter in IndiaEU ties PM Modi posted on XOur talks today covered ways to deepen cooperation in areas such as innovation infrastructure and sustainability We are committed to adding new energy in trade and investment linkages Sectors like defence semiconductors futuristic technologies and StartUps present immense potential for closer relations I am confident that the IndiaAustria partnership will get even more innovationcentric and futureready he addedStocker thanked PM Modi for his invitation to India and his hospitality He stated that his visit to New Delhi marks a new chapter in IndiaAustria friendshipIn a post on X Stocker said Thank you Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the invitation to India and your kind hospitality It is a great honour to be in New Delhiâas the first Austrian Chancellor to visit India in over four decades This visit marks a new chapter in a friendship that has grown stronger for more than 75 years In times of increasing geopolitical uncertainty reliable partners connected by shared values are more important than everEarlier in the day the Austrian Chancellor paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at RajghatIn a post on X the Ministry of External Affairs MEA said Remembering Bapu and his ideals Federal Chancellor Dr Christian Stocker of Austria paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat laying a wreath and reflecting on Gandhijis enduring message of peace nonviolence and global harmonyStocker arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday for his first official visit to India after assuming office aimed at strengthening bilateral ties across key sectors including trade investment and emerging technologiesEarlier on Wednesday External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar called on the Austrian Chancellor expressing confidence that his talks with Prime Minister Modi would open new avenues for greater cooperation between the two nations IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-austria-partnership-to-get-more-innovation-centric-and-future-ready-pm-modi-669795.html Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-five-coal-miners-killed-in-balochistan-mining-accidents-669825.html Quetta April 16 Five coal miners were killed and another injured in two separate mining accidents in Bolan and Duki coalfield areas of Pakistans Balochistan local media reported on Thursday Officials said three miners died after they were trapped underground while methane gas accumulated in a coal mine in the Bolan coal mining field near Mach area Other miners were able to escape from the affected mine and informed authorities about the incident Pakistans leading daily Dawn reportedRescue teams from the Mines and Minerals Department and local workers started an operation to rescue trapped miners However the miners had died due to suffocation caused by inhaling methane gas The bodies of workers were found in the mine and taken to the hospitalWe received three bodies of coal miners who died from inhaling poisonous methane gas said hospital officialsThe impacted coal mine was shut and an investigation into the incident has been orderedIn a separate incident two coal miners were killed and another was injured in an accident in the Duki coal mining areaPolice said that three coal miners were seriously injured after a trolley carrying coal hit them They were immediately rushed to the hospital where two miners succumbed to their injuries The injured miner is undergoing treatment at the hospitalIn February a report by the Pakistan Central Mines Labour Federation revealed that 89 coalminers had died in mines in Balochistan in 2025According to the report accidents in these mines in Balochistan have increased by several times Furthermore accidents that occur in Balochistan are more than the accidents that happen in other provinces of Pakistan The report revealed that 618 miners have died in Balochistan in the past eight years Dawn reportedWith the workers being paid daily wages without job security no health provisions and no education support for children the condition of miners in Pakistan has been termed as inhuman by several agenciesMiners navigate unsafe tunnels with outdated tools without oxygen systems helmets masks and basic gear Furthermore they work for 1012 hours for a meagre irregular wages IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-five-coal-miners-killed-in-balochistan-mining-accidents-669825.html Thu, 16 Apr 2026 16:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/imf-cuts-pakistan-growth-forecast-to-35-pc-raises-inflation-outlook-669827.html New Delhi April 16 The International Monetary Fund IMF lowered Pakistanâs economic growth forecast to 35 per cent for the fiscal year 202627 and raised its inflation outlook a report has said In its latest World Economic Outlook released during the Spring Meetings the IMF cut down the growth projection from its earlier estimate of 41 per cent citing the impact of the ongoing Middle East conflict while warning that the global economy could face significant disruptions if the war escalatesFor the current fiscal year the growth forecast has been retained at 36 per cent broadly in line with projections by other global institutions as per The Express Tribune reportThe global lender also raised Pakistanâs inflation forecast to 84 per cent for the next fiscal year up from 7 per cent estimated earlierFor the ongoing fiscal year inflation is now expected to come in at 72 per cent higher than the previous projection of 63 per centThe elevated inflation outlook could put pressure on the countryâs central bank to maintain or tighten interest rates as per the reportThe IMF further revised Pakistanâs external outlook more than doubling the current account deficit projection to 09 per cent of GDP or roughly 5 billion for the next fiscal year while maintaining the estimate at 04 per cent for the current yearThe report noted that Pakistan remains particularly vulnerable to the Middle East conflict as it sources nearly 90 per cent of its energy imports from the regionRising oil and gas prices coupled with supply disruptions are expected to strain the countryâs macroeconomic stabilityBeyond Pakistan the IMF warned of broader risks to the global economy Under its baseline scenario global growth is projected at 31 per cent in 2026 and 32 per cent in 2027 lower than the recent average of around 34 per centGlobal inflation is expected to rise to 44 per cent in 2026 before easing to 37 per cent in 2027 as per the report IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/imf-cuts-pakistan-growth-forecast-to-35-pc-raises-inflation-outlook-669827.html Thu, 16 Apr 2026 16:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indias-technology-talent-key-in-global-crypto-race-669681.html Washington April 16 Indiaâs deep pool of technology talent is emerging as a critical factor in the global race to build digital asset infrastructure participants at a policy discussion have said The discussion held under Chatham House Rules on Wednesday local time highlighted Indiaâs growing importance in the crypto ecosystem driven by its large base of software developers and expanding digital capabilitiesParticipants said the shift towards digital assets including stablecoins tokenised securities and blockchainbased finance is increasing demand for specialised engineering talent India they noted is wellpositioned to meet that demandThe country accounts for a significant share of global software development activity Its experience in building and scaling digital systems was cited as a key advantage in the next phase of financial innovationNoting that the opensource nature of blockchain technology lowers barriers for new entrants the participants said this creates opportunities for Indian firms to compete globally without the legacy constraints seen in traditional financial systemsSome participants pointed to the potential for Indian companies to emerge as major players in digital finance including the rise of new fintech firms focused on crypto infrastructure and paymentsAt the same time Indiaâs regulatory approach remains cautious Concerns around monetary sovereignty capital controls and financial stability continue to shape policy discussions particularly on privately issued digital currenciesParticipants said this caution reflects broader risks associated with crossborder digital assets especially for large and complex economiesIndiaâs digital public infrastructure including realtime payments and identity systems was cited as a strong foundation for future growth Participants said these systems could support the integration of new technologies into financial servicesThere was also growing interest among global firms in India as both a talent hub and a longterm market A large consumer base rising digital adoption and strong technical expertise make the country strategically important participants saidThe discussion noted that global developments could influence Indiaâs policy choices over time As digital assets gain traction in major financial centres countries may face pressure to adaptDigital assets are increasingly moving into mainstream finance with regulators in the United States Europe and parts of Asia developing frameworks to oversee their use India has taken a measured approach so far balancing innovation with stability concernsParticipants said Indiaâs challenge will be to leverage its talent advantage while managing risks Its policy choices could shape its role in the future of global digital finance IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indias-technology-talent-key-in-global-crypto-race-669681.html Thu, 16 Apr 2026 09:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/we-feel-good-about-prospects-of-deal-us-signals-progress-in-iran-talks-669683.html Washington April 16 The White House has stated negotiations with Iran remain âproductive and ongoingâ even as tensions over the Strait of Hormuz continue to shape the pace and outcome of the talks White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Wednesday local time that the United States remained actively engaged in negotiations with Iran pushing back against reports that Washington had formally sought an extension of the current ceasefireâAt this moment we remain very much engaged in these negotiations in these talksâ Leavitt said adding that discussions were âproductive and ongoingâShe said conversations with Iran were continuing at multiple levels with possible inperson meetings under consideration but not yet finalisedâIâve also seen some reporting about the potentiality for inperson discussions again Those discussions are being had but nothing is official until you hear it from us here at the White Houseâ she saidSpeaking about the mediation efforts Leavitt said âThe Pakistanis have been incredible mediators throughout this processâ she said adding âThey are the only mediator in this negotiationâShe said while several countries had expressed interest in facilitating talks the administration was focused on maintaining a streamlined negotiation track through IslamabadLeavitt indicated that the next round of discussions if confirmed would likely take place at the same location as earlier meetingsThe White House expressed cautious optimism about the trajectory of the talks âWe feel good about the prospects of a dealâ she said referring to ongoing diplomatic effortsAt the same time Leavitt stressed that the administration was not setting timelines for an agreement âI will never set timelines on behalf of the president of the United Statesâ she saidShe added that President Donald Trump had made his negotiating position clear âHeâs made his red lines in these negotiations very clear to the other sideâ she saidThe White House also clarified its position on maritime operations in the region noting that while a blockade targeting Iranianlinked shipping was in place US forces continued to support freedom of navigation for other vesselsâOur US forces in the region are supporting the freedom of navigation for vessels that are transiting the Strait to and from nonIranian portsâ Leavitt saidShe emphasised that enforcement measures applied to âvessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian portsâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/we-feel-good-about-prospects-of-deal-us-signals-progress-in-iran-talks-669683.html Thu, 16 Apr 2026 09:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-eyes-global-crypto-rules-india-central-to-future-framework-669684.html Washington April 16 The United States is pushing for global alignment on digital asset regulations with India seen as a key partner in shaping future standards according to participants at a policy discussion The conversation held under Chatham House Rules on Wednesday local time underscored that digital assets by their nature operate across borders making international coordination essential to avoid regulatory fragmentationParticipants said Washington is increasingly focused on building interoperable frameworks that can be adopted across jurisdictions The goal is to reduce compliance complexity lower costs and enable smoother movement of capital in a rapidly digitising global economyThere was broad agreement that no single country can regulate digital assets in isolation Crossborder cooperation both bilateral and through multilateral forums such as the G20 was identified as critical to developing common standardsIndia was highlighted as an important player in these discussions given its scale growing digital economy and experience in building large public digital systemsParticipants said that Indiaâs role in earlier global policy efforts on digital finance has already been significant and future engagement could deepen as the technology maturesSeveral participants noted that while the United States is moving towards a more innovationdriven framework India has taken a more cautious stance particularly on issues such as capital controls and monetary sovereigntyParticipants noted that these differences reflect varying economic structures and policy priorities but said there is still scope for convergence over timeCrossborder payments were one area of potential cooperation identified during the discussion Digital assets could reduce friction in international transactions an issue of particular relevance to countries like India with large remittance flowsThere was also emphasis on the importance of setting global norms Participants stated that countries that move early to establish credible regulatory frameworks are more likely to shape international standardsIn this context collaboration between major economies such as the United States and India could influence how digital asset markets evolve globallyAt a broader level participants said digital assets are becoming part of a larger shift in financial infrastructure alongside advances in artificial intelligence and digital paymentsThey stressed that cooperation between democracies will be important in ensuring that emerging technologies are governed by transparent and rulesbased systemsParticipants said the challenge ahead will be to balance national priorities with the need for global coordination as digital finance continues to expand across bordersThey added that deeper engagement between the United States and India could play a decisive role in shaping the future architecture of digital asset regulation IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-eyes-global-crypto-rules-india-central-to-future-framework-669684.html Thu, 16 Apr 2026 09:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/tax-gains-driven-by-overtime-relief-small-business-benefits-drive-uptake-white-house-669685.html Washington April 16 Tax exemptions on overtime and targeted relief for small businesses have emerged as key drivers behind the uptake of President Donald Trumpâs tax cuts according to the White House US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told reporters at a news conference that the most widely used provision in the new tax framework was the exemption on overtime income with more than 25 million filers claiming the benefitHe said the policy was designed to reward additional work âIf you want to work longer hours you get to keep more of your moneyâ Bessent saidThe average deduction for overtime stood at about 3100 according to Treasury data while millions of workers in service sectors also benefited from the notaxontips provisionOfficials said early feedback from employers and workers suggested an increase in willingness to take on additional shifts particularly in sectors facing labour shortagesBessent said the administration viewed overtime incentives as a way to address workforce gaps âWhat better way to fill that gap than with overtime for hardworking Americans and for them to keep more of itâ he saidSmall Business Administration Administrator Kelly Loeffler said the tax package was also delivering significant gains for small firms which she described as a âmassive economic engineâ accounting for the majority of businesses in the countryShe said 12 million small businesses had seen average tax savings of about 7000 with provisions such as the permanent 20 per cent passthrough deduction helping firms plan for growthLoeffler said the tax cuts were enabling expansion and hiring She pointed to examples of manufacturers increasing shifts and reinvesting savings into new jobs and facilitiesIn one case she said a manufacturing firm in Georgia was ramping up operations after benefiting from the tax measures while another business used savings to construct new infrastructureOfficials also cited increased activity in industrial sectors linking tax provisions such as full expensing of equipment and research incentives to a push for domestic productionLoeffler said the changes were contributing to what she described as a broader revival of manufacturing and small business confidence with firms âin growth modeâ and planning to hireShe added that small businesses were benefiting alongside workers particularly through provisions that reduce tax burdens on wages earned through additional workThe administration has positioned these measures as central to its economic strategy focusing on increasing takehome pay and incentivising productivity while supporting domestic industry IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/tax-gains-driven-by-overtime-relief-small-business-benefits-drive-uptake-white-house-669685.html Thu, 16 Apr 2026 09:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-backs-lebanon-peace-push-not-truce-669686.html Washington April 16 The United States has clarified that a possible ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon is not part of its negotiations with Iran even as Washington steps up diplomatic efforts to ease tensions along Israelâs northern border A senior administration official said the US had ânot asked forâ a truce in Lebanon and that it was ânot part of the peace negotiations with Iranâ However the official added that President Donald Trump âwould welcome the end of hostilities in Lebanon as part of a peace agreement between Israel and LebanonâThe remarks come a day after rare direct talks between Israel and Lebanon were hosted at the State Department by Secretary of State Marco Rubio the first such engagement between the two countries in yearsThe discussions were described by US officials as a step towards reducing tensions and potentially opening a pathway to a broader agreementâThe United States wants to see a durable peace but did not demand an immediate ceasefireâ another senior official said outlining Washingtonâs calibrated approach to the conflictInstead the focus remains on confidencebuilding measures between the two sidesâThe United States focus is on building trust between the two governments so that we can create space for a peace deal and so that any future understandings can be durableâ the official said âBoth sides need to build political momentumâThe clarification comes amid reports that Israel is considering a shortterm ceasefire in Lebanon that could pause its conflict with Iranbacked HezbollahAccording to officials cited in those reports the proposed truce could last about a week though discussions remain fluid and subject to political and military considerations It is also unclear whether Hezbollah would agree to such a moveUS officials stressed that while Washington supports deescalation it is not linking different negotiation tracksâNegotiations between the US and Iran are not linked to ongoing peace talks between Israel and Lebanonâ the official saidThat separation reflects broader US concerns about managing multiple conflicts in the region without allowing one track to complicate anotherThe Lebanon front has remained volatile since Israel launched a military campaign earlier this year following rocket attacks by Hezbollah The conflict has displaced large numbers of civilians and raised fears of a wider regional escalationWashingtonâs current approach appears aimed at creating incremental progress rather than forcing an immediate settlementOfficials emphasised that building trust and sustaining dialogue could eventually lead to a more stable outcome than a rushed ceasefireThe renewed diplomatic push also comes as the US continues efforts to stabilise its fragile truce with Iran with regional flashpoints like Lebanon seen as potential spoilers if not carefully managed IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-backs-lebanon-peace-push-not-truce-669686.html Thu, 16 Apr 2026 09:46:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/global-conflicts-strain-developing-economies-669687.html Washington April 16 Global conflicts and supply chain disruptions are adding to economic stress in developing countries with the Intergovernmental Group of TwentyFour G24 warning that recent gains on inflation and growth are at risk Speaking at a press briefing during the Spring Meetings G24 Chair Olawale Edun said âNumerous political crises and conflicts globally have significantly impactedâ populations and further strained the fragile global economy with particularly adverse consequences for developing nationsâHe said disruptions in supply chains especially in energy markets are worsening conditions âOilimporting countries face increased current account pressures inflation may affect various sectorsâ undermining the progress made recentlyâ Edun saidRising interest rates and exchange rate volatility are pushing up borrowing costs This is increasing debt risks in emerging markets and developing economies At the same time âtighter financial conditions and heightened risk aversionâ could reduce the flow of private capitalâ he addedThe group called for stronger multilateral support Edun said âMultilateral support and enhanced development assistance remain essential for vulnerable countriesâCentral banks face a difficult policy choice Akhtar Javed First ViceChair said âitâs really difficult for the central banks to strike a balanceâ adding they must âbehave prudently andâ strike a balanceâIyabo Masha Director of the G24 Secretariat said current inflation pressures are largely supplydriven âSupplyside constraints do not respond well to monetary policy like an interest rate hikeâ she said She urged a âwait and seeâ approach while staying datadrivenEdun warned of risks on both sides Raising rates âtoo early and too highâ can do damageâ he said But delaying action can also allow inflation to riseOn fiscal policy the group backed targeted support Edun said governments should focus on âtargeted and temporary relief particularly for the poor and the most vulnerableâ instead of returning to broad subsidiesHe said the energy shock is affecting both oil importers and exporters Even oilproducing countries face rising costs through higher prices for inputs such as gas and foodThe G24 also called for more support from global institutions âWe would definitely like them to provideâ additional liquidity risk management tools that bring down the cost of financingâ Edun saidMasha said reforms are underway but âthe gap remainsâ especially on the debt side on how they bring down the cost of borrowingâOn trade Edun said the global system is weakening He pointed to âfragmentation bilateralism and a breakdown of supply chainsâ This is pushing developing countries to focus more on domestic production and regional marketsHe also flagged risks from new technologies Artificial intelligence could âcreate inequality before finally maybe helping to close the gapâ he saidThe warning comes as geopolitical tensions continue to disrupt global markets For countries like India a major oil importer higher energy prices can fuel inflation and widen external imbalancesThe IMF and World Bank have expanded support tools in recent years But developing countries continue to seek lower borrowing costs stronger financial safety nets and reforms to reflect their growing role in the global economy IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/global-conflicts-strain-developing-economies-669687.html Thu, 16 Apr 2026 09:46:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/equipment-failure-blamed-for-major-fire-at-australian-oil-refinery-669688.html Melbourne April 16 Authorities said on Thursday that equipment failure caused a major fire at an Australian oil refinery that is expected to affect the national fuel supply The fire broke out at Viva Energys refinery in the city of Geelong 65 km southwest of Melbourne around 11 pm local time on Wednesday and was continuing to burn on Thursday morningThe facility is one of only two operational refineries in Australia and produces about 10 per cent of the national fuel supplyMichelle Cowling deputy commissioner of the fire and rescue service in the state of Victoria told Australian Broadcasting Corporation ABC radio that equipment failure in the refinery caused the fireTherell be a thorough investigation into the failure of how this fire started she saidSpeaking earlier on Thursday federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen said that the fire would impact petrol production but that there is no reason to believe it will affect the production of diesel or jet fuelIm sure that petrol production will continue but it may be impacted for some time he told ABC televisionHe said that the fire was not great timing amid the oil supply crisis caused by the conflict in the Middle East and that the government would update Australians with the latest information when the full impact of the fire is determinedThe federal government in March struck a deal to continue subsidising the operation of the Geelong refinery and Australias other oil refinery in Brisbane into the 2030s Xinhua news agency reported Fire Rescue Victoria FRV had said the fire started in the refinerys motor gasoline unit and that flames reached up to 60 metres in heightIt had said that all emergency responders and workers were accounted for and no injuries were reportedFRV Assistant Chief Fire Officer Michael McGuinness told ABC radio that the fire was being fueled by various types of hydrocarbon fuel and that it was expected to continue burning for several hours on Thursday morningIt was burning in an area of approximately 30 metres by 30 metres There have been several small explosions he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/equipment-failure-blamed-for-major-fire-at-australian-oil-refinery-669688.html Thu, 16 Apr 2026 09:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/world-bank-group-aims-to-secure-water-access-for-1-billion-by-2030-669689.html Washington April 16 The World Bank Group has launched a global initiative to improve water security for one billion people by 2030 linking access to reliable water directly to jobs economic growth and stability across developing economies The platform called Water Forward aims to align reforms financing and partnerships to expand water services and strengthen resilience to droughts and floodsâWater is foundational to how economies function When water systems work farmers produce businesses operate and cities attract investmentâ World Bank President Ajay Banga said on Wednesday local timeHe warned that without functioning water systems âeconomies donât workâ adding that water is ânot a side issueâ but âfoundational and fundamentalâThe initiative comes as water scarcity affects an estimated 4 billion people globally while waterdependent sectors already support more than 17 billion jobs according to the BankThe World Bank said it will aim to reach 400 million people directly with partner institutions expected to take the total beyond one billionAt the core of the initiative are countryled âwater compactsâ where governments commit to reforms strengthen institutions and outline investment pipelines Fourteen countries announced such compacts at the launchThe push also seeks to unlock private capital by improving regulation utility performance and project preparationBusiness leaders echoed the economic case for water investments Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote said water must be treated as core infrastructure warning that âwhen water systems fail labour markets agriculture industry health and human capital sufferââOne thing that would be importantâ is to make sure that those most affectedâ get the help they deserveâ Banga said noting the need for targeted support amid global economic strain driven by conflict and debt pressuresSpeakers from developing countries highlighted how water shortages affect schooling agriculture and business activity One youth advocate said âWater is not only about thirstâ it is about whether you go to school whether you keep your jobâMultilateral development banks and institutions pledged support with commitments targeting hundreds of millions of people across regions including Asia Africa and Latin AmericaThe initiative also drew backing from the United Nations with SecretaryGeneral António Guterres calling water access essential to sustainable development and warning that billions still lack safe water and sanitationHe said the global system has failed to direct resources where needed citing a financing gap of around 1 trillion annually in the water sector IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/world-bank-group-aims-to-secure-water-access-for-1-billion-by-2030-669689.html Thu, 16 Apr 2026 09:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/at-least-11-dead-in-bus-accident-in-ecuador-669690.html Quito April 16 At least 11 people were killed and 22 others injured after an interprovincial bus veered off the road and fell into a river in southern Ecuador authorities said The accident occurred on Wednesday on the CuencaMolleturo road near the El Chorro bridge Cuenca canton where the bus veered off the road and broke through guardrails before falling into a shallow river according to the Cuenca fire departmentThe vehicle later caught fire and was completely burned images shared on social media showedRescue teams including firefighters the Red Cross and health authorities were dispatched to the scene to assist the injured and recover bodiesCuenca Fire Chief Sixto Heras said some victims were found inside the bus while others were located in the river Several of the injured were reported to be in critical conditionAuthorities said the death toll could rise as recovery operations continue The cause of the accident remains under investigation Xinhua news agency reportedThe road has been closed while rescue efforts are ongoing Traffic accidents are a leading cause of death in Ecuador often linked to speeding and driver error authorities saidEarlier on Nov 16 2025 a bus crash in Simiatug in central Ecuador killed at least 12 people the countrys disaster agency said on social media and injured at least 10The bus was driving an interprovincial route between that cities of Simiatug and Ambato the attorney generals office said in its own postEcuador has one of the highest rates of road accidents in Latin America due to careless driving speeding and badly maintained vehicles There have been many deaths including British nationals In Ecuador road conditions varyDuring the first three months of 2025 4759 traffic accidents were recorded in the country according to data from the National Institute of Statistics and Census INEC This represents a 224 per cent decrease compared to the same period last yearThe main cause continues to be lack of skill and recklessness behind the wheel During this period alone 1814 accidents were linked to human errorAlthough there was a slight decrease in the number of incidents 565 people were reported dead between January and March equating to a death rate of 1187 per 100 registered accidents The majorityâ6188 per centâoccurred in urban areas IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/at-least-11-dead-in-bus-accident-in-ecuador-669690.html Thu, 16 Apr 2026 09:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/war-debt-risks-strain-global-finances-imf-669693.html Washington April 16 The global economy is facing renewed strain from the West Asia conflict with elevated debt levels and limited fiscal space constraining governmentsâ ability to respond the International Monetary Fund IMF has said âThe world economy is being tested again with the consequences of the war in the Middle Eastâ Rodrigo Valdes Director of the IMFâs Fiscal Affairs Department said on Wednesday local time warning that âpublic finances are more stretched in many many countriesâThe IMF urged governments to avoid broad fiscal stimulus despite rising pressure from higher fuel and food prices Instead it called for targeted and temporary support to protect vulnerable households while preserving market price signalsâFiscal policy should steer clear of discretionary demand stimulusâ Valdes said adding that such moves would make âharder the central bankâs job in terms of inflation controlâThe Fund cautioned against broadbased energy subsidies describing them as âfiscally costly regressive and hard to unwindâ while also distorting price signals and creating global spilloversThe IMF officials said attempts by multiple countries to suppress prices could worsen global inflation âIf everybody does that weâre in big troubleâ Valdes noted stressing the need to âreflect scarcities through pricesâThe current shock differs from the Covid crisis officials said as it is primarily supplydriven âIf you try to undo a supply shock by trying to prop up demand you will end up with more inflationâ ValdÃs saidDeputy Director Era DablaNorris highlighted that governments now face tighter fiscal constraints than during the pandemic âCountries have much less fiscal space room for manoeuvre Debt levels are high in many parts of the worldâ she saidWhile governments have deployed a mix of tax cuts subsidies and pricing controls the IMF noted that responses so far have been more restrained than during the 2022 energy shock However the Fund warned that poorly targeted measures could impose significant longterm fiscal costsBeyond the immediate crisis the IMF flagged worsening mediumterm debt dynamics Global public debt is projected to rise to 99 per cent of GDP by 2028 with risks skewed to the upside In a severe scenario debt could reach 121 per cent within three years reflecting risks from geopolitical fragmentation market volatility and financial repricingHigher interest rates are compounding the challenge with real borrowing costs about 06 percentage points above prepandemic levels At the same time shorter debt maturities and increased reliance on private investors are making markets more sensitive to shifts in sentimentThe IMF called for rebuilding fiscal buffers once conditions stabilise âRebuild fiscal buffers once conditions stabilise and do so without delayâ Valdes said warning that postponing consolidation would make future adjustments more difficultFor lowincome countries the Fund stressed the need to boost domestic revenue mobilisation as external aid declines and fiscal pressures mountThe IMF also pointed to emerging structural challenges including the fiscal implications of artificial intelligence While AI could improve tax administration and public service delivery it may also âreshape jobsâ and âincrease inequalityâ placing additional strain on social protection systems DablaNorris saidThe IMFâs assessment comes as governments grapple with persistent inflation geopolitical uncertainty and rising borrowing costs Policymakers globally face the dual challenge of managing immediate shocks while ensuring longterm fiscal sustainability IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/war-debt-risks-strain-global-finances-imf-669693.html Thu, 16 Apr 2026 09:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-democrats-push-votes-to-end-illegal-war-669459.html Washington April 15 Senate Democrats escalated pressure on President Donald Trump over the conflict with Iran announcing plans to force repeated votes to end what they called an âillegal war of choiceâ as Republicans defended the administrationâs strategy and actions Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer said Democrats would âforce that choice week after week after weekâ accusing Republicans of creating âchaos abroadâ and âchaos hereâ by backing the president and blocking funding measuresDemocratic senators sharply criticised the warâs impact Senator Tammy Baldwin said the conflict âhas not made us any saferâ and âhas simply gone off the railsâShe cited casualties and rising costs noting â13 American service members are deadâ and that âgas prices have surged more than a dollar per gallon upâSenator Tammy Duckworth said the president lacked a clear strategy âTheir commanderinchief not only has no idea what the end state looks like in his war of choice he probably doesnât even know what the term end state means at allâ she saidShe also criticised a potential blockade in the Strait of Hormuz calling it âa dangerous complex partial military blockadeâ with no justification explanation or even a concept of a planâSenator Andy Kim raised concerns about transparency saying he had sought a Pentagon briefing but was refused âTheyâre not just saying no to me theyâre saying no to the American peopleâ he saidRepublicans pushed back defending the administrationâs actions Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the military effort had been âextraordinarily successfulâ and aimed to secure the Strait of HormuzHe said efforts were underway to ensure âthere can be traffic in and out of thereâ and to âbegin to see this thing wind downâThe two sides also clashed over domestic issues including funding for the Department of Homeland Security Schumer said Republicans were prolonging a shutdown to avoid accountability while Thune said Democrats had âblockedâ attempts to fund agencies through the appropriations processRepublicans are pursuing a reconciliation bill to secure funding for border and law enforcement agencies Thune said the aim was to ensure they are âfunded not only today but well into the futureâDemocrats said they would continue to force votes on war powers resolutions Baldwin said Congress must âdo its job to be a check on this presidentâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-democrats-push-votes-to-end-illegal-war-669459.html Wed, 15 Apr 2026 07:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-hosts-rare-israel-lebanon-talks-669460.html Washington April 15 The United States convened a rare highlevel direct meeting between Israel and Lebanon The first such engagement in over three decades set the stage for direct negotiations Secretary of State Marco Rubio who hosted the talks at the State Department called it âa historic opportunityâ and said the effort aimed beyond an immediate ceasefire âThis is about bringing a permanent end to 20 or 30 years of Hizballahâs influence in this part of the worldâ he saidHe added that âthe Lebanese people are victims of Hizballahâ and âvictims of Iranian aggressionâ and said the process would take time âThis is a process not an event This is more than just one dayâ Rubio saidAccording to a State Department statement the meeting brought together senior US officials and the ambassadors of Israel and Lebanon It âmarked the first major highlevel engagement between the governments of Israel and Lebanon since 1993â with discussions described as âproductiveâAll sides agreed to launch direct negotiations at a mutually agreed time and venueThe United States expressed support for Lebanonâs plans âto restore the monopoly of force and to end Iranâs overbearing influenceâ while reaffirming Israelâs âright to defend itself from Hizballahâs continued attacksâ It also said any agreement to cease hostilities must be reached between the two governments and ânot through any separate trackâIsrael said it supports disarming âall nonstate terror groupsâ and dismantling âall terror infrastructure in Lebanonâ It also committed to direct negotiations aimed at achieving âa durable peaceâLebanon stressed the need to fully implement the November 2024 cessation of hostilities It underscored âterritorial integrity and full state sovereigntyâ and called for a ceasefire and steps to address the countryâs humanitarian crisisThe Washington Post reported that Lebanese and Israeli diplomats met facetoface in Washington in what was described as a working group aimed at reaching a ceasefire and addressing crossborder hostilities The meeting lasted more than two hours The New York Times reported that the talks came as fighting continued in southern Lebanon highlighting the fragility of the situation and the risk to a broader USIran ceasefire effort It noted that Israel and Lebanon do not have formal diplomatic relations Rubio said the talks could help build âthe framework upon which a permanent and lasting peace can be developedâ allowing Israelis to live âwithout fearâ and Lebanese citizens to have âthe kind of future they deserveâIsrael and Lebanon have a long history of conflict shaped by border disputes and the presence of Hizballah an Iranbacked militant group Efforts at direct engagement have been rare and often shortlived IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-hosts-rare-israel-lebanon-talks-669460.html Wed, 15 Apr 2026 07:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/global-growth-to-slow-as-conflicts-bite-g-24-669461.html Washington April 15 The Intergovernmental Group of TwentyFour G24 warned of a sharp deterioration in global economic conditions citing conflicts supply disruptions and financial pressures that could weigh heavily on emerging economies In a communique issued after its ministerial meeting in Washington the G24 said global growth is projected to decline in 2026 compared to 2025 as the fallout from the war in the Middle East and other crises ripples across energy markets and supply chainsâThe war in the Middle East is causing deterioration in the wellbeing of affected populations as well as damage to civilian infrastructureâ the group said noting that these developments are taking âa significant toll on an already weak global economy with particularly devastating effects on emerging market and developing countriesâThe group underscored the risk of rising inflation driven by higher energy food and fertiliser prices alongside increasing supply chain costs It also stressed the need to safeguard maritime routes and called for âcessation of attacks on energy infrastructureâ warning that restoring damaged assets is costly and timeconsumingOil market stability remains a concern The G24 noted that efforts by OPEC Declaration of Cooperation countries to use alternative export routes have helped reduce volatility but warned that disruptions continue to pose risks to global supplyThe mediumterm outlook remains uncertain with mounting pressure on oilimporting nationsâ current accounts and the possibility of rising borrowing costs due to higher interest rates and exchange rate pressures it said Tighter financial conditions and increased risk aversion could further limit capital flows to developing economies it addedThe group also called for strengthening the global financial safety net placing the International Monetary Fund at its centre It urged timely completion of quota reforms to enhance the representation of emerging and developing economies and protect the share of the poorest membersâThe need for a strong Global Financial Safety Netâ is now more important than everâ the communiquà said adding that the IMF must remain âproactive and agileâ in responding to evolving risksOn the development front the G24 highlighted the role of the World Bank Group in boosting job creation infrastructure investment and financing for vulnerable countries It called for expanded lending capacity and greater mobilisation of private capital particularly for micro small and medium enterprisesThe group also flagged rising debt vulnerabilities urging coordinated and timely sovereign debt restructuring and greater transparency in debt management It welcomed progress under the G20 Common Framework and called for further reforms to the international debt architectureClimate financing and multilateral cooperation were identified as critical priorities The G24 urged developed countries to honour commitments including the target of 300 billion annually by 2035 for climate finance and called for increased technology transfer and concessional fundingFinally the group warned against protectionist trade measures saying unilateral tariffs and sanctions undermine global integration It reiterated the need for a ârulesbased nondiscriminatoryâ multilateral trading system to restore confidence and support global growthThe G24 comprises developing countries from Africa Asia and Latin America and plays a key role in coordinating positions on international monetary and development issues particularly at the IMF and World Bank India is a member of the Asian group within the blocThe communique comes as global policymakers gather in Washington for the Spring Meetings of the IMF and World Bank amid heightened geopolitical tensions and growing concerns over the resilience of the world economy IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/global-growth-to-slow-as-conflicts-bite-g-24-669461.html Wed, 15 Apr 2026 07:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/europe-plans-hormuz-mission-without-us-report-669463.html Washington April 15 European countries are preparing a postwar plan to secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz without direct US involvement as tensions from the Iran conflict reshape transAtlantic ties The proposal led by the UK and France would create a broad coalition to restore confidence in the waterway after hostilities end It would include mineclearing operations and naval deployments but exclude âbelligerentâ parties such as the United States Israel and Iran according to officials cited in a Wall Street Journal reportFrench President Emmanuel Macron said the mission would be defensive in nature European ships would not operate under American command The goal is to reassure shipping companies that it is safe to return once the fighting stopsThe plan would be launched only after calm is restored French Foreign Minister JeanNoel Barrot said the coalition would coordinate with countries bordering the strait including Iran and Oman That suggests any deployment may require Tehranâs approvalGermany is expected to play a key role Berlin has long been cautious about overseas military operations But officials say it could contribute ships and surveillance assets making the mission more substantialThe plan has three main aims First to put logistics in place so hundreds of ships stuck in the strait can leave Second to carry out largescale demining after Iran mined parts of the waterway early in the conflict Third to deploy naval escorts and surveillance to ensure safe passageAnalysts say demining will take time Europe has more such capabilities than the United States which has reduced its minesweeping fleet Even after a ceasefire a Western naval presence may be needed to reassure insurers and shippers âThere will need to be at some point an escort system or some convoy to protect shipsâ said Mujtaba Rahman of Eurasia GroupThe plan is modelled partly on the European Unionâs Operation Aspides in the Red Sea That mission coordinated naval escorts to protect commercial vessels from Houthi attacks The Hormuz effort would be separate from a larger USled operation previously deployed in the regionThe proposal comes amid growing differences between Europe and Washington US President Donald Trump has urged European allies to help reopen the strait by force European leaders have pushed back They warn such a move could escalate the conflict and expose ships to missile threatsOfficials said China and India have been invited to discussions though it is unclear if they will take partThe Strait of Hormuz carries about a fifth of the worldâs oil Any disruption affects global energy markets including major importers such as IndiaThe plan reflects a broader shift European countries are preparing to take on more security responsibility especially in critical trade routes as questions grow over longterm US military leadership IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/europe-plans-hormuz-mission-without-us-report-669463.html Wed, 15 Apr 2026 07:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/global-markets-resilient-despite-middle-east-volatility-imf-warns-of-rising-debt-risks-669464.html Washington April 15 Global financial markets have remained resilient despite volatility triggered by the Middle East conflict the International Monetary Fund said and warned that rising debt levels and limited policy space could amplify risks if conditions worsen Presenting the latest Global Financial Stability Report IMF Financial Counsellor Tobias Adrian said markets have so far absorbed geopolitical volatility without major disruption âThe financial system has been resilient so farâ he said noting that markets have functioned âin an orderly mannerâ despite episodes of escalation and deescalation in the conflictAdrian said the war has led to âbouts of volatilityâ but not the sustained stress seen in past liquidity crises There have been no widespread margin calls or forced deleveraging and banks remain âwell capitalised and liquidâHowever he cautioned that resilience is not guaranteed Elevated public and private debt rollover risks and the growing role of nonbank financial institutions are key vulnerabilities that could destabilise markets âThe resilience is not assured in all states of the worldâ he saidA central concern flagged by the IMF is the limited policy space available to governments after years of crisis support âThe policy space has been drawn down in many countriesâ Adrian said urging policymakers to closely monitor risks and remain ready to inject liquidity if neededThe conflict has also pushed up oil prices feeding into inflation expectations globally Adrian said the initial impact has been a rise in inflation expectations though markets currently see this as temporary âInflation expectations remain well anchored further out into the futureâ he said suggesting the shock is not yet seen as persistentThis outlook has implications for central banks The IMF said policymakers may prefer a âwait and seeâ approach given uncertainty over how long the energy shock will last âThe option value of waiting in many cases is highâ Adrian said though some central banks may still tighten policy depending on inflation dynamicsEmerging markets face additional pressures particularly from volatile capital flows and higher energy costs Nonbank financing flows dominate in many such economies and are sensitive to shifts in global risk appetite At the same time vulnerable populations are already feeling the impact of rising energy and food prices IMF officials notedDespite these challenges emerging markets have shown relative resilience so far supported by credible monetary policies âEmerging marketâ has been fairly resilient through this period so farâ an IMF official said adding that central banks must act decisively if inflation pressures intensifyThe report also highlights risks linked to artificial intelligence particularly cybersecurity threats The IMF warned that AI can be âused for good and for badâ calling for stronger regulatory frameworks and operational readiness to address potential threats to financial stabilityOn private credit markets the IMF said risks appear contained for now even under stress scenarios Default rates could rise but remain manageable while mechanisms such as redemption gates in funds help limit systemic spilloversOverall the IMF stressed that while financial markets have weathered recent shocks the combination of geopolitical tensions high debt levels and constrained policy space leaves the global system exposed to future stress IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/global-markets-resilient-despite-middle-east-volatility-imf-warns-of-rising-debt-risks-669464.html Wed, 15 Apr 2026 08:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/middle-east-conflict-threatens-global-growth-sparks-inflation-fears-669466.html Washington April 15 War in the Middle East is threatening to slow global growth and push up prices IMF officials warned as supply disruptions spread across energy markets and trade flows The International Monetary Fund said the conflict has created âexceptional uncertaintyâ in the global outlook forcing a reassessment of forecasts Deputy Managing Director Bo Li said all scenarios now point to âhigher price and lower growth and slower growthâThe impact is already visible across the Middle East and neighbouring regions âFor those countries most directly affected their output will remain below their prewar trends for the near term and also for the medium termâ Li said adding that the effects are âvery uneven very asymmetricalâOil exporters are facing disruptions to production and exports Importdependent economies are dealing with rising energy and food prices That is eroding purchasing power and putting pressure on public finances Lowincome and fragile states are the most exposed due to reliance on imported fuel and fertiliserPakistanâs Finance Minister Mohammad Aurangzeb said the immediate challenge is securing energy supplies Shipping times have lengthened sharply raising costs âEven if the molecule is availableâ logistics have to be kept in mindâ he saidHe said the government initially shielded consumers from price increases But it has since moved to âfull transmission with targeted subsidiesâ as fiscal pressures increased Support is now focused on transport small farmers and vulnerable groups Fertiliser stocks have helped limit food risks for now he addedMarkets are reflecting a supplydriven shock rather than financial panic Mike Pyle of BlackRock said both equities and bonds have weakened at the same time That points to a structural disruption rather than a traditional riskoff cycleBlackRock estimates the conflict could cut global growth by 20 to 30 basis points Europe is expected to take a larger hit Asia will see uneven effects The United States is likely to be relatively insulated due to domestic energy dynamics he saidEnergy markets are under strain Tim Gould of the International Energy Agency said oil supply losses now total about 13 million barrels a day That is more than double the scale of the 1970s oil shocks âEven in percentage terms this is a larger shockâ he saidGas supplies are also disrupted Key liquefied natural gas exports are affected The impact is expected to intensify in the coming weeks as earlier shipments run out and supply tightens furtherThe crisis is likely to accelerate policy shifts Countries are expected to diversify energy sources and expand reserves Investment in renewables and nuclear power may increase âThere will be efforts to diversifyâ and also efforts to expand strategic reservesâ Li saidThe global economy had shown resilience last year with growth stronger than expected But the IMF has warned that geopolitical shocks especially in energy and supply chains remain a major risk to the outlook IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/middle-east-conflict-threatens-global-growth-sparks-inflation-fears-669466.html Wed, 15 Apr 2026 08:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/north-korea-calls-for-loyalty-to-leader-kim-on-founders-birth-anniversary-669467.html Seoul April 15 North Korea called on party members and citizens for increased loyalty to leader Kim Jongun on Wednesday the birth anniversary of state founder Kim Ilsung highlighting the two leaders shared peoplecentered policies The ruling Workers Party of Koreas newspaper Rodong Sinmun made the call in an article as the country marks the 114th birth anniversary of founder Kim Ilsung the current leaders grandfatherThe newspaper said the founders policy of serving the people as the sky lives on under the current leaders leadership calling the peoplecentered approach a perpetual political philosophy of the ruling party and the stateWith unwavering loyalty we should uphold the ideology and leadership of respected general secretary Kim Jongun who carries forward the sacred history of supreme leader Kim Ilsungs peoplecentered policy the newspaper saidThe newspaper also called for greater resolve and a march toward the day when the ruling partys top priority of improving peoples welfare is fully realizedNorth Korea observes the founders birthday known as the Day of the Sun as one of the countrys most important national holidays although it has refrained from using the honorific term in recent years apparently in a bid to shift the focus of loyalty to the current leader North Korea however appears to have reduced its use of the honorific term for the founders birthday the âDay of the Sunâ in recent years including this year as it seems to be shifting allegiance to his grandson the current leader Kim JongunThe Korean Central News Agency KCNA separately said the Socialist Womens Union of Korea the Union of Agricultural Workers of Korea and other social groups have held events marking the founders birth anniversary pledging allegiance to the current leaderYouths and students were to hold an outdoor rally at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang on Wednesday evening to celebrate the anniversary according to state media IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/north-korea-calls-for-loyalty-to-leader-kim-on-founders-birth-anniversary-669467.html Wed, 15 Apr 2026 08:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/ambedkars-constitutional-morality-can-strengthen-multilateralism-in-fragmented-world-p-harish-669484.html New York April 15 BR Ambedkarâs concept of constitutional morality can strengthen multilateralism in a world beset by conflicts and political fragmentation according to Indiaâs Permanent Representative P Harish Speaking at the Ambedkar Jayanti observance here on Tuesday he said that the Indian Constitutions architectâs vision of morality and law when applied to multilateralism can help in reforming the UN and revitalise itThe Jayanti observed here on the 135th birth anniversary of Ambedkar was marked by a discussion of âDr B R Ambedkarâs Vision of Constitutional Morality and its Relevance for MultilateralismâRaja Sekhar Vundru a scholar of Ambedkarâs work said that having lived through two world wars and seeing the creation of the UN he recognised the importance of multilateralismVundru who is an additional chief secretary of the Haryana government is the author of âAmbedkar Gandhi and Patel The Making of Indias Electoral SystemâHe said that the Indian constitution that Ambedkar drafted reflects the spirit of the UNâs Charter in striving for peaceAmbedkarâs ideas of constitutional morality can promote multilateralism and adherence to the UN CharterSantosh Raut a visiting professor at Harvard Divinity School said that Ambedkar viewed the Constitution as a vehicle for social justice and economic transformation ideas that have relevance to the UNâs goals in these areasMorality is the force that enables the implementation of the spirit of written texts like the UN Charter and Ambedkar had foreseen it said the scholar of Buddhism IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/ambedkars-constitutional-morality-can-strengthen-multilateralism-in-fragmented-world-p-harish-669484.html Wed, 15 Apr 2026 11:01:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/texas-attorney-general-launches-probe-into-athletic-apparel-company-over-possible-pfas-presence-669535.html Texas April 15 Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into Canadian athletic apparel company Lululemon over whether its products contain Per and Polyfluoroalkyl substances PFAS commonly known as forever chemicals Paxton has issued a Civil Investigative Demand to the companys US subsidiary as part of a probe into whether the company has misled consumers about the safety quality and health impacts of its products according to a statement released by his office on MondayThe investigation will examine whether Lululemons athletic apparel contains PFAS that healthconscious consumers would not expect based on the brands marketing as a wellness and sustainabilityfocused companyThe attorney generals office will also review the companys Restricted Substances List testing protocols and supply chain practices to assess whether its products comply with its stated safety standards reports Xinhua news agencyLululemon said in a statement that it does not use PFAS in its products and has phased out the substances in fiscal year 2023 noting that they had previously been used in a small portion of waterrepellent productsThe company said its products meet or exceed global regulatory safety and quality standards and that it requires vendors to conduct regular thirdparty testing for restricted substances including PFAS to ensure ongoing complianceLululemon also said it is aware of the inquiry and is cooperating by providing the requested documentationPFAS are a group of over 14000 synthetic chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products according to the US Centers for Disease Control and PreventionStudies suggest that exposure to some PFAS might result in harmful health outcomes including cancer increased cholesterol levels and immune system effects IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/texas-attorney-general-launches-probe-into-athletic-apparel-company-over-possible-pfas-presence-669535.html Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/retail-fuel-prices-in-cambodia-drop-following-two-week-ceasefire-in-west-asia-669536.html Phnom Penh April 15 Retail fuel prices in Cambodia have declined further after the United States and Iran agreed to a twoweek ceasefire the Ministry of Commerce said In an announcement the ministry said a litre of regular gasoline is priced at 5100 riels about 128 US dollars from this Wednesday until the next notice down 19 per cent from 5200 riels about 13 dollars in the past five daysDiesel now costs 6400 riels about 16 dollars per litre down 724 per cent while the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas is unchanged at 3900 riels about 097 dollars per litreCambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said last Saturday that the General Department of Customs and Excise has subsidised about 50 million dollars a month through the reduction of import duties and taxes to minimise the impact of rising fuel pricesEarlier on April 10 in an announcement the Ministry of Commerce announced that a litre of regular gasoline costs 5200 riels 13 US dollars until the next notice down 54 per cent from 5500 riels 137 dollars in the past three daysDiesel is now priced at 6900 riels 173 dollars per litre down 158 per cent from 8200 riels 205 dollars the announcement addedMeanwhile the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas is flat at 3900 riels 097 dollars per litreThe General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia said on Wednesday that it has subsidised about 47 million US dollars a month to minimise the impact of rising fuel prices caused by the Middle East conflictThe subsidies have been made through the reduction of import duties and taxes on oil and gas and the reduction of import duties on electric vehicles passenger plugin hybrid electric vehicles electric stoves and solarpowered devicesThe Southeast Asian country entirely relies on imported petroleum and diesel as its seabeds oil reserves have not been exploited yet IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/retail-fuel-prices-in-cambodia-drop-following-two-week-ceasefire-in-west-asia-669536.html Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-will-never-get-nuclear-weapon-trump-669201.html Washington April 14 US President Donald Trump said Iran âwill not have a nuclear weaponâ and confirmed that a US naval blockade had begun as he signalled pressure on Tehran to return to negotiations Speaking during an unscheduled press gaggle outside the Oval Office Trump said the dispute with Iran centred on nuclear capabilities âIt was over the fact that they will never have a nuclear weapon Iranâ Iran will not have a nuclear weaponâ he saidHe added that Tehran had not agreed to that condition during talks âWe agreed to a lot of things but they didnt agree to that and I think they will agree to it Im almost sure of it In fact I am sure of it If they dont agree theres no dealâ Trump saidThe President indicated that Iran had reached out to resume negotiations âWeve been called by the other side Theyd like to make a deal very badly very badlyâ he saidOn the military front Trump confirmed that a blockade was underway âYeah it started 1000â he said when asked whether the naval blockade had begunHe described the move as part of broader efforts to counter Tehranâs actions âWe cant let a country blackmail or extort the world because thats what theyre doing Theyre really blackmailing the world Were not going to let that happenâ Trump saidTrump suggested the blockade could serve multiple purposes including forcing Iran back to the negotiating table and stabilising global energy markets âMaybe everything I mean both of those things certainly and moreâ he saidHe emphasised that the United States did not depend on the Strait of Hormuz for its energy needs âWe dont use the strait We dont need the strait We have our own oil and gas much more than we needâ Trump said adding that the US produces âsubstantially moreâ oil than Saudi Arabia and RussiaAt the same time he underscored the global importance of the waterway âSo we dont need it but the world needs itâ he saidTrump claimed that Iranâs military capabilities had been severely degraded âDont forget their Navy is gone their air force is gone their antiaircraft is gone their radar is gone and their leaders are goneâ he saidHe also warned of consequences if a deal is not reached âIt wont be pleasant for themâ Trump said declining to elaborateThe President noted that other countries had offered to assist in enforcing the blockade âOther countries are going to alsoâ theyve offered their servicesâ he said adding that further details could be announced soonOn Chinaâs role Trump said Beijing had not directly reached out but wanted the situation resolved âWe have a very good relationship with China He would like to see this ended alsoâ he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-will-never-get-nuclear-weapon-trump-669201.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 07:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/un-chief-calls-on-us-iran-to-continue-talks-669203.html United Nations April 14 UN SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres calls on USIranian negotiations to continue said his spokesman While no agreement was reached at the talks hosted by Pakistan between the United States and Iran in Islamabad the discussions themselves underscored the seriousness of their engagement and constituted a positive and meaningful step toward renewed dialogue said Stephane Dujarric the spokesman in a statementGiven the deeply rooted differences an agreement cannot be reached overnight and the secretarygeneral calls on the talks to continue constructively for an agreement to be reached he saidAfter weeks of destruction and distress it is clear that there is no military solution to the current conflict said the spokesmanAt the same time the ceasefire must absolutely be preserved said Dujarric adding that all violations must cease Xinhua news agency reportedThe secretarygeneral stresses that all parties to this conflict must respect freedom of navigation including in the Strait of Hormuz in line with international law he addedDisruptions in the maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz have already had a direct effect well beyond the immediate region with increased global economic fragility and insecurity in many sectors noted the spokesmanThe disruption of fertilizer and its inputs further exacerbates food insecurity for millions of vulnerable people around the world adding to the rising cost of living due to impacts from fuel transportation and supply chain disruptions he saidGuterres stressed that all parties to the conflict must respect freedom of navigation including in the Strait of Hormuz in line with international law Theâcriticalâmaritime corridor located south of Iran lies between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman The US announced plans to blockade ships entering and leaving Iranian ports which took effect on Monday Meanwhile some 20000 seafarers remain stranded on ships in the Persian Gulf and are âfacing increasing hardships dailyâ the UN statement recalled IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/un-chief-calls-on-us-iran-to-continue-talks-669203.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 07:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/world-bank-approves-financing-for-caspian-pollution-biodiversity-project-669204.html Baku April 14 The World Bank has approved a fiveyear project worth 824 million to strengthen pollution monitoring and biodiversity protection in the Caspian Sea Report news agency said The initiative titled Blueing the Caspian Sea Building Capacities for Pollution Management and Biodiversity Conservation is expected to benefit Azerbaijan Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan The project will receive 1174 million in grant financing from the Global Environment Facility Xinhua news agency reportedThe implementation will be coordinated by the United Nations Environment Programme while the United Nations Office for Project Services will receive a 183489 dollar grant to develop environmental and social framework tools and strengthen crosscountry cooperationWorld Bank funding will support two components pollution monitoring management worth 315 million aimed at developing systemic approaches and comparable water quality assessments and biodiversity planning management worth 425 million to improve protected area management and track population statusThe project seeks to enhance pollution control systems and increase the effectiveness of marine protected areas across the Caspian Sea which hosts around 400 endemic species The bank warned that the seas level has decreased significantly in recent decades and could drop by 8 to 30 meters by 2100 due to climate change and economic use of water resourcesIn Azerbaijan the initiative will assist the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources in developing a marine pollution monitoring scheme including policy tools a national seminar and staff training The project will also support biodiversity measures focused on Caspian seals and sturgeon alongside plans to expand marine protected areas within Absheron National Park IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/world-bank-approves-financing-for-caspian-pollution-biodiversity-project-669204.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 07:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/irans-irgc-says-to-use-new-capabilities-if-conflict-continues-669205.html Tehran April 14 Irans Islamic Revolution Guards Corps IRGC has vowed to use new military capabilities if the war with the United States and Israel continues the semiofficial Fars news agency reported We have not yet used our capabilities and if the war continues we will unveil capabilities that the enemy has no idea about IRGC spokesperson Hossein Mohebbi saidMeanwhile Irans Defence Ministry spokesperson Reza Talaeinik said Monday that the Iranian armed forces capabilities are increasing with sufficient missiles drones weapons ammunition and other military equipment to continue offensive and defensive operations in the future Xinhua news agency reported quoting Irans official news agency IRNAAlso on Monday Irans Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei wrote on social media platform X that the US attempt to impose a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz is a revenge of choice against the global economyDelegations from Iran and the United States held extended negotiations in Islamabad on Saturday and early Sunday to ease tension in the Middle East The talks which failed to produce an agreement took place after a ceasefire was announced on Wednesday between Iran the United States and Israel following 40 days of fightingEarlier on Monday the US military announced the start of its blockade of all Iranian ports and coastal areas saying it will only allow ships traveling between nonIranian ports to transit the Strait of Hormuz US President Donald Trump also warned on Truth Social that the US military will eliminate any Iranian ship if it comes close to the US blockade on the straitIrans Navy is laying at the bottom of the sea completely obliterated 158 ships What we have not hit are their small number of what they call fast attack ships because we did not consider them much of a threat Trump saidWarning If any of these ships come anywhere close to our BLOCKADE they will be immediately ELIMINATED using the same system of kill that we use against the drug dealers on boats at Sea Trump said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/irans-irgc-says-to-use-new-capabilities-if-conflict-continues-669205.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 07:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/vietnam-warns-of-rising-dengue-fever-cases-669225.html Hanoi April 14 Vietnams Ministry of Health has warned that dengue infections may continue to rise noting that the country has recorded 31927 cases including four deaths since the beginning of the year local daily Nhan Dan reported on Tuesday Most cases have been concentrated in southern localities the report saidThe warning comes amid an early onset of hot and humid weather irregular rainfall and favourable breeding conditions for mosquitoesVo Hai Son deputy director of the Vietnam Administration of Disease Prevention said infections could continue to increase in the near future if prevention and control measures are not implemented strictly and consistently Xinhua news agency reportedThe health sector is working closely with local authorities to monitor and contain outbreaks while stepping up public communication on disease prevention according to the reportThe country recorded more than 181000 dengue fever cases in 2025 including 36 fatalitiesDengue breakbone fever is a viral infection that is spread from mosquitoes to people It is more common in tropical and subtropical than in temperate climatesMost people who get dengue do not have symptoms For those who do the most common symptoms are high fever headache body aches nausea and rash Most get better in 1â2 weeks Some develop severe dengue and need care in a hospitalIn severe cases dengue can be fatalYou can lower your risk of dengue by avoiding mosquito bites especially during the dayDengue is treated through pain management as there is no specific treatment currentlyIndividuals who are infected for the second time are at greater risk of severe dengue The symptoms of severe dengue often come after the fever has gone away and may include severe abdominal pain persistent vomiting rapid breathing bleeding gums or nose and fatigueThe incidence of dengue has grown dramatically worldwide in recent decades with the number of cases reported to WHO increasing from 505 430 cases in 2000 to 146 million in 2024 The vast majority of cases are asymptomatic or mild and selfmanaged and hence the actual numbers of dengue cases are underreported The disease is now endemic in more than 100 countriesIn 2024 more cases of dengue were recorded than ever before in a 12month period affecting over 100 countries on all continents During 2024 ongoing transmission combined with an unexpected spike in dengue cases resulted in a historic high of over 146 million cases and more than 12 000 denguerelated deaths reported The Region of the Americas contributed a significant proportion of the global burden with over 13 million cases reported to WHOSeveral factors are associated with the increasing risk of spread of the dengue epidemic including the changing distribution of the responsible vectors chiefly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus especially in previously denguenaive countries climate change leading to increasing temperatures higher rainfall and humidity fragile and overburdened health systems limitations in surveillance and reporting and political and financial instabilities in countries facing complex humanitarian crises and high population movements IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/vietnam-warns-of-rising-dengue-fever-cases-669225.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/rights-body-alleges-extrajudicial-killing-of-two-more-baloch-youths-in-balochistan-669227.html Quetta April 14 A leading human rights organisation has alleged that two more Baloch youths were extrajudicially killed in Balochistan by Pakistani security forces adding to concerns over continuing human rights violations in the region Human rights body Baloch Yakjehti Committee BYC alleged that 18yearold Muhammad Khalid was brutally killed by Pakistanâs Eagle Squad personnel on April 10 while travelling to the provincial capital Quetta with two friends to sell their motorbike and purchase furnitureAccording to the rights body the Eagle Squad personnel opened fire without any warning throwing Khalidâs friends off the motorcycle Khalid was reportedly isolated beaten and shot at close rangeInstead of receiving medical assistance the BYC stated that Khalid was taken to an unknown location where he was subjected to further violence He was later taken to Civil Hospital Quetta in critical condition where he was allegedly physically abused and tortured before succumbing to his injuriesâThe systematic pattern of killing is deeply concerning where excessive use of force and mistreatment of victims and their families are escalating The current situation in Balochistan is suffocating where no one is safe Women children and youth are all in constant fear not knowing when or where they will be unjustly killedâ the BYC statedâLaw and order have failed in Balochistan No court or institution can provide security as they themselves are complicit in the atrocities being committed in Balochistan The international medias silence over the Balochistan genocide is another grave concernâ it addedIn a separate incident the BYC revealed that another 18yearold student Chakar Baloch was extrajudicially killed by a Pakistanbacked death squad on April 9 in the Kech districtThe rights body stated that Chakar was targeted at his shop where armed men affiliated with a death squad opened fire on him killing him on the spot Condemning the brutal killing the BYC said âSuch acts constitute grave violations of international human rights law particularly Article 6 Right to Life of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights ICCPR which strictly prohibits the arbitrary deprivation of life under all circumstancesâThe rights body expressed grave concern stating that the latest incidents highlight the absence of accountability amid the ongoing human rights crisis in Balochistan with families suffering while perpetrators continue to operate with impunity The BYC called on international human rights organisations and the United Nations to immediately press for independent and transparent investigations to ensure accountability and to prevent further loss of life in Balochistan IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/rights-body-alleges-extrajudicial-killing-of-two-more-baloch-youths-in-balochistan-669227.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 10:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/two-us-congress-members-to-resign-amid-sexual-misconduct-allegations-669233.html New York April 14 Two members of the US House of Representatives who are facing expulsion over sexual misconduct allegations have announced that they are resigning Democrat Eric Swalwell who was also running for governor of California announced on X on Monday that he was resigning from Congress even as he made a contradictory statement insisting the allegations were false but also saying he was sorry for âmistakes in judgmentâSwalwell who was seen as a rising star in the party had announced on Sunday that he was suspending his campaign for governorRepublican Tony Gonzales who had resisted calls to quit after a staffer committed suicide amid allegations he coerced her to have an affair also announced his intention to resign with a cryptic line âThere is a season for everything and God has a plan for us allâSwalwell is facing a criminal investigation in New York City where one of the four women who have made allegations against him said he sexually attacked her at a city hotelThe other three women alleged sexual misconduct and harassment by Swalwell who is a married father with three childrenThe House Ethics Committee said that it was investigating the allegations against him and a Republican House member had said she would bring a motion in the chamber to expel himRegina SantosAviles who worked for Gonzales committed suicide last year by setting herself on fireGonzales denied he had an affair with her or that he was connected to her death but later admitted to the affairText messages he had sent her and her message to another staffer about her affair surfaced adding to the pressure on himAnother staffer accused Gonzales who is married and has six children of allegedly asking for nude pictures and for sexSwalwell dropping out of the governorâs race raised hopes for his party that faced the prospect of being shut out of the gubernatorial election because of the way California primaries are set upIn California the primaries are nonpartisan and the two top candidates run in the election regardless of party affiliationAt least ten Democrats were running in the primary and it was feared that if the partys votes were split among them the two Republicans could emerge as the top two candidates and run in November ensuring that the Republicans win with either of themSwalwell was among the four Democrats at the top of the polls with none exceeding 16 per cent and his dropping out of the race raising the possibility of voters coalescing around one of them opening the possibility that a Democrat would be among the top two in the primary IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/two-us-congress-members-to-resign-amid-sexual-misconduct-allegations-669233.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 10:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/dawood-linked-fake-currency-syndicate-goes-local-as-border-routes-tighten-669271.html New Delhi April 14 Indian agencies have reported a sharp rise in counterfeit currency seizures pointing to a renewed push by organised networks to expand operations Investigators say the syndicate linked to Dawood Ibrahim operating from Pakistan is increasingly directing operatives in India to print fake notes locally instead of relying on crossborder smuggling routes through Pakistan and BangladeshThe trend points to a deliberate attempt to scale up production with signs of a coordinated effort to undermine the Indian economy Recent months have seen multiple seizures in border regions due to tighter security At the same time attempts to drop counterfeit currency using drones are being detected and intercepted with increasing frequencyAn Intelligence Bureau official said that the syndicate is now directing its operatives in India to print fake notes locally and circulate them within the market They have been advised to keep operations small but frequent to maintain overall volume while avoiding attentionâTo reduce the risk of detection members are also shifting bases regularly making it difficult for agencies to track and pin down a single locationâ the official addedThe route through the Bangladesh border has also become increasingly difficult for smugglers to use Enhanced security measures have tightened surveillance making it harder for operatives to push counterfeit currency into IndiaAnother official said the strategy now is to expand printing across multiple states including Gujarat Uttar Pradesh Rajasthan and Punjab In the past the syndicate had set up a localised unit in Malda West Bengal where highquality counterfeit notes were produced and were difficult to detectâHowever after the unit was uncovered intensified action by agencies led to a sharp decline in operationsâ the official saidAnother official said printing capacity in Malda has dropped by more than half after agencies including the National Investigation Agency NIA intensified investigations and enforcementOfficials added that efforts are underway to push in raw materials needed to set up fresh units to expand local production If these consignments reach operatives in India output could increase again Even as the focus shifts to domestic printing attempts to move counterfeit currency across the border using drones are expected to continueLast month the Border Security Force BSF and Amritsar Police seized counterfeit currency worth Rs 25 lakh which officials believe may have been a trial run While drones have been intercepted carrying drugs arms and ammunition on several occasions their use for moving fake currency has emerged as a growing concernAgencies said the syndicate is now relying on smaller consignments that are harder to detect on radar and surveillance systems An official noted that operatives are adopting varied methods to increase the circulation of counterfeit notesEven as local production gathers pace the use of drones is expected to continue The broader objective officials said is to generate funds for terror activities and to inflict economic damage through the sustained circulation of fake currency IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/dawood-linked-fake-currency-syndicate-goes-local-as-border-routes-tighten-669271.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 13:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/-nepali-leaders-wish-nations-prosperity-on-new-year-2083-669277.html Kathmandu April 14 As Nepal celebrates the New Year 2083 Bikram Sambat BS on Tuesday the countryâs top leaders have wished for happiness peace and prosperity for the nation Unlike many other countries Nepalâs government and private institutions conduct their activities based on the Bikram Sambat calendar and the first day of the New Year usually falls in midAprilPrime Minister Balendra Shah began the greetings on the occasion with Sanskrit verses wishing happiness for all âMay happiness health and wellbeing prevail in all our lives May there always be auspiciousness freedom from obstacles and relief from sufferingâ he wrote on Facebook âOn this sacred occasion marking the beginning of the New Year 2083 I extend my heartfelt wishes for happiness peace and prosperity to everyoneâPresident Ram Chandra Paudel wished for peace prosperity good health and happiness urging Nepalis to review the past and make resolutions for future progress In his message the Head of State also highlighted the recent conclusion of the House of Representatives which according to him provided an exit from the adverse situation the country had been facingThe country had been facing an uncertain future following the Gen Z revolt in early September last year The elections held on March 5 brought a new political forceâthe Rastriya Swatantra Partyâinto the driving seat of state affairs and a new leader Prime Minister Balendra Shah took charge of the governmentâThrough the HoR election people have given a mandate to their representatives for the rule of law sustainable peace good governance and social justice reinforcing the federal democratic republicâ President Paudel saidVice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav also extended greetings urging Nepalis to use the New Year as an occasion to cultivate positive thinking discipline and fraternity while highlighting the need for collective resolve to address challenges in the economy public health environmental conservation and climate changeThe year 2082 BS was forgettable for former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli as he was not only ousted from power but his partyâCommunist Party of Nepal Unified Marxist Leninist or CPN UML also performed poorly in the March 5 elections and was taken into custody for alleged homicidal crimes during the Gen Z movement in September last year Oli who is also facing investigation on money laundering charges wrote on Facebook wishing the best for everyoneâSuccess or failure opportunity or challenge weaknesses or achievements â 2082 has now become historyâ he wrote âReflecting on the lessons of the past and looking ahead to the future may the New Year 2083 create a meaningful synergy between âseasoned experienceâ and âyouthful energyâ for a secure and prosperous NepalâOn Monday Nepalâs former king Gyanendra Shah also issued a message to the Nepali people on the occasion of the New Year 2083 He pointed out the instability Nepal has experienced over the past several years which has pushed the country behind in terms of prosperityâWe remained constantly engaged in experiments and the search for alternatives As a result our country has remained merely a laboratoryâ he said hinting at transitions from monarchy to republicanism and from a unitary to a federal systemHe also lauded the growing participation of the younger generation in Nepalâs politics following the March 5 elections as the countryâs legislative bodyâthe House of Representativesâhas witnessed a large number of young lawmakersâIt is encouraging to see increasing participation of the younger generation in politics and state affairs We believe that the involvement of educated informed technologically skilled and enthusiastic individuals will contribute positively to nationbuildingâ the former monarch said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/-nepali-leaders-wish-nations-prosperity-on-new-year-2083-669277.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 14:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-check-posts-road-blockades-spark-frustration-among-residents-in-islamabad-669280.html Islamabad April 14 People in Pakistans Islamabad have expressed anger over heavy police check posts and road blockades set up on almost every major and minor road within the city Residents have said that they are feeling daily inconvenience due to the measures implemented by the authorities Commuters have said that their routine travel has become a nightmare due to long queues frequent vehicle searches and traffic jams Pakistans leading daily The Express Tribune reported A resident said Schools offices and hospitals are all affected This is not security this is harassment Peoples frustration has further increased after the murder of a prominent businessman in Islamabad Residents and traders have demanded immediate relief from the authorities An increasing number of people have demanded removal of check posts from from inside the city limits and restricted only to entry and exit points of Islamabad A local trader association member stated that placing barriers on every internal road is pointless and counterproductive stressing that it has caused problems for residents and gives criminals time to escapeSeveral social media campaigns and resident welfare groups have urged Islamabad Capital Territory ICT administration and police to review the security strategy The Express Tribune reported Meanwhile Islamabad police officials have defended the checkpoints saying they were put in place after intelligence reports of possible threats However they admitted that they had received several complaints about traffic disruption and promised to review the placement of some barriersOn April 10 the Islamabad Police spokesperson announced several traffic and security restrictions in Islamabad stating that the Red Zone and Extended Red Zone will remain shut for all types of traffic movement due to the talks between Iran and the US Pakistanbased ARY News reportedAccording to the spokesperson Shakarparian Road and the route from Chand Tara Chowk to Seventh Avenue will remain shut while Jinnah Avenue Khayaban Chowk to Blue Area and Faisal Chowk to Trail 3 on Margalla Road will also remain closed He mentioned that all government and private offices and markets in the Extended Red Zone of Islamabad will remain shut due to security arrangements People travelling between Bhara Kahu and Islamabad or Rawalpindi were asked to use alternative routes ARY News reported Islamabad police asked people to cooperate with law enforcement agencies during the restrictions and plan their travel accordingly IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-check-posts-road-blockades-spark-frustration-among-residents-in-islamabad-669280.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 14:15:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-residents-in-karachi-face-problems-due-to-unannounced-gas-outages-669281.html Islamabad April 14 Residents in Pakistans Karachi have been facing difficulties as the Sui Southern Gas Company SSGC has failed to ensure gas supply even during meal hours three times a day local media reported on Tuesday The SSGC claimed that it was providing gas to households from 6 am to 1030 pm local time without any disruption However over the past two weeks people of Karachi have complained about unannounced gas outages in their localities The gas shortage has triggered widespread frustration among people in Karachi with many households turning to roadside vendors restaurants and LPG suppliers for alternative cooking options Pakistans leading daily Dawn reportedRehan Danish a resident termed the situation chaotic He said I had to rush back home from my office in Saddar buying food for my children for lunch after my wife told me that our kitchen was shut down due to the unannounced gas suspensionA woman revealed that she had to cancel a planned family dinner as there was no gas supply Another woman criticised the gas utility for unannounced gas cutes during the few scheduled hours of supply three times a dayAnother furious woman said Why doesnât the SSGC let people know about the gas cuts in advance or do they just want to pile misery on their customersAs people faced difficulties in finding alternatives long queues formed at LPG stations and shops as the refilling took long time LPG was not available at many shops further adding to peoples difficultiesA resident waiting at an LPG shop said âI waited for half an hour only to be told that the gas would arrive late He asked âItâs frustrating Canât the gas utility manage their schedules properly so we can prepare ourselvesâMany people even took to social media to express their anger against the gas utility company Meanwhile the SSGC claimed that it was ensuring proper gas supply throughout the meal times Dawn reportedMeanwhile prices of roti and chapati have increased in Karachi as Pakistan continues to experience a severe Liquified Petroleum Gas LPG crisis further increasing financial burden on people who are already facing difficulty with inflationTandoor owners have hiked prices by Pakistani Rupees PKR five citing higher production costs due to the rise in LPG price which is widely used in the absence of natural gas Pakistans another leading daily The Express Tribune reportedTandoor owner Manzoor Hussain said the majority of tandoor owners in Karachi have started using LPG causing an increase in operational costs Due to the rise in LPG prices we have no choice but to increase the rates of roti and chapati The Express Tribune quoted him as sayingAfter the hike lowweight roti is being sold at PKR 25 heavier roti at PKR 30 and chapati is sold at PKR 20 in various parts of Karachi People of Karachi have voiced concern over the continuous increase in prices of essential items and urged the government to take immediate steps to control prices and provide relief to the people IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-residents-in-karachi-face-problems-due-to-unannounced-gas-outages-669281.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 14:15:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-sends-vaccines-to-afghanistan-for-child-immunisation-programme-against-tb-669309.html Kabul April 14 India on Tuesday delivered 13 tonnes of BCG vaccines and related dry material to support Afghanistans child immunisation programme to fight Tuberculosis TB In a post on X Ministry of External Affairs MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated India delivers 13 tonnes of BCG vaccines and related dry material to Afghanistans Ministry of Public Health to augment Afghanistanâs child immunisation programme against tuberculosisOn April 5 India sent humanitarian assistance and disaster relief material HADR to Afghanistan due to the problems faced by people due to recent floods and earthquakesJaiswal expressed Indias solidarity with the people of Afghanistan and commitment to extending humanitarian assistance during this challenging timeAt this time of hardship being faced by the Afghan people due to recent floods and earthquakes India delivers HADR materials including kitchen sets hygiene kits plastic sheets tarpaulins sleeping bags and more India stands in solidarity with the people of Afghanistan and remains committed to extending humanitarian assistance and support during this challenging time Jaiswal posted on XEarlier in March India delivered a 25tonne consignment of emergency medicines medical disposables kits and equipment to Afghanistan to support the medical treatment of those injured in Pakistans recent attack on a hospital in KabulTo support the medical treatment and swift recovery of those injured in the heinous attack on 16 March India delivers a 25tonne consignment of emergency medicines medical disposables kits and equipment to Kabul India stands in solidarity with the Afghan people and will continue to extend all possible humanitarian support in this difficult hour Jaiswal posted on XIndia provided assistance to Afghanistan after a Pakistani strike targeted the 2000bed Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabulâs PuleCharkhi area killing over 400 people and injuring more than 250 othersIndia also condemned the Pakistani airstrikes on a hospital and rehab centre in Kabul and said that Islamabad is now trying to dress up a massacre as a military operationUnequivocally condemning the attack MEA said This is a cowardly and unconscionable act of violence that has claimed the lives of a large number of civilians in a facility which can by no means be justified as a military target Pakistan is now trying to dress up a massacre as a military operationIndia said that the heinous act of aggression by Pakistan is also a blatant assault on Afghanistans sovereignty and poses as a direct threat to regional peace and stability IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-sends-vaccines-to-afghanistan-for-child-immunisation-programme-against-tb-669309.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:18:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/geopolitics-rattles-pakistan-stocks-kse-100-crashes-4-800-points-669312.html New Delhi April 14 IANS Pakistans benchmark KSE100 Index witnessed sharp volatility this week plunging in early trade on Monday after USIran talks failed to yield a breakthrough before staging a strong rebound a day later on hopes of renewed diplomacynbspThe index tumbled nearly 4800 points within minutes of the market opening on Monday reflecting panic selling across sectorsDuring early trade on the same day the gauge was trading at 16239621 down 479516 points or 287 per centThe selloff was broadbased with heavy losses seen in automobiles cement banking oil and gas power and refining stocksKey indexheavy stocks such as Attock Refinery Limited Hub Power Company Mari Energies Limited Oil and Gas Development Company Pakistan Oilfields Limited Pakistan Petroleum Limited Pakistan State Oil Sui Southern Gas Company Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited and Wafi Energy Pakistan all traded in the red dragging the benchmark lowerThe decline came after comments by JD Vance who said that his negotiating team was leaving Pakistan after nearly 21 hours of talks with Iran ended without a breakthroughHe pointed to disagreements over US conditions particularly those linked to commitments on nuclear weapons developmentEchoing the uncertainty Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf signalled limited expectations for an immediate agreement citing deep mistrust despite the latest round of indirect negotiations facilitated by PakistanThe setback reversed the optimism seen last week when the KSE100 had gained 167387 points or 101 per cent to close at 16719138 amid hopes that easing geopolitical tensions between Washington and Tehran would support investor sentiment and reduce regional risk premiumsHowever sentiment turned positive again on Tuesday with Pakistans stock market surging sharplyThe KSE100 jumped nearly 4000 points as investors bet on the possibility of fresh USIran peace talksIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/geopolitics-rattles-pakistan-stocks-kse-100-crashes-4-800-points-669312.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-not-to-travel-to-israel-for-i-day-celebrations-report-669328.html Jerusalem April 14 US President Donald Trump will not travel to Israel to attend the countrys 78th Independence Day celebrations next week in view of the ceasefire schedule with Iran the Israeli media reported on Tuesday Israeli news media outlet Ynet reported that Trump will not come to Israel on Independence Day and he will not participate in the Israel Prize ceremony â not even via a video speechIn December Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that breaking with several decades of tradition the country will award Trump the Israel Prize the countrys highest cultural honourWe decided to break a convention or create a new one and that is to award the Israel Prize which in almost our 80 years weve never awarded it to a nonIsraeli and we are going to award it this year to President Trump Netanyahu said while standing alongside the US President during a news conference in Florida on December 29Trump is scheduled to receive the award on his next visit to IsraelYnet reported on Tuesday that singer Noa Kirls participation at the event has also been postponed as she was supposed to sing in honour of the American President with Trumps granddaughters also possibly performing along with herIt should be noted that the White House has not officially announced that Trump will not come to Israel but Jerusalem already understands that given the timetable for the ceasefire with Iran and its end on April 21 the chance that he will come is close to zero as the ceremony is scheduled to take place on April 22 During the Israel Prize ceremony there will be a mention of Trumps win in the video but as mentioned the awarding of the prize will be postponed to a separate ceremony to be held in his honour when he arrives in Israel later Ynet reported The report mentioned that however Argentine President Javier Milay will participate in the Israeli Independence Day celebrations as an agreement on his arrival was reached even before the ceasefire with Iran and Milay is expected to land in Israel on April 18 during the Sabbath IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-not-to-travel-to-israel-for-i-day-celebrations-report-669328.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/global-pharma-giants-escape-us-regulation-while-testing-drugs-in-chinas-xinjiang-report-669329.html New Delhi April 14 Multinational pharmaceutical giants with RampD investments and human trials running in Chinaâs Xinjiang region and at Chinese military hospitals are escaping US regulation that prohibits drug development or clinical testing according to an article in The Wire a New Yorkheadquartered global digital magazine Data put together by The Wire China and WireScreen from ClinicalTrialsgov a medical trial database maintained by the US National Library of Medicine shows that multinational companies have for years actively been sponsoring medical trials taking place in Xinjiang and at Peopleâs Liberation Armyaffiliated sitesThe true scope of this testing is difficult to measure ClinicalTrialsgov requires registered trials to conform to regulations from regional authorities but some trials only list the city where the test is held not the hospital PLA hospitals also do not always openly identify their military affiliation China has 165 PLA hospitals across each of its provinces according to WireScreen dataTesting at multiple locations allows companies to collect data on how medicine impacts a variety of people under different conditions The results are used by companies seeking approval from regulatory agencies to market the final productThe report cites the example of a Covidera treatment developed by UKheadquartered AstraZeneca which illustrates the role Xinjiang played in the testing of a medicine that received regulatory approval in the United States The treatment which was eventually sold under the name Evusheld was trialed at a hospital in Xinjiang and at other sites across China the United States Europe Latin America and JapanEvusheldâs Xinjiang clinical trial was just one of hundreds sponsored by AstraZeneca between 2021 and 2023 Yet its example illustrates how the pharmaceutical industry can operate in Xinjiang and bring products to market in the United States without facing regulatory requirements addressing forced labour concerns in the region Several foreign governments and the United Nations UN have said that human rights violations are rife in Xinjiang the article statesUnlike agricultural and technology firms operating in the region drug manufacturers were exempt from sanctions under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act according to a 2024 report from the Washingtonbased research group Center for Advanced Defense Studies The act passed in 2021 prevents the import of all goods mined produced or manufactured in Xinjiang unless a forced labourfree supply chain is otherwise provenAs a result the industry has been able to continue testing medicines on patients in Xinjiang and at military hospitals Data identified by the report shows the top multinational sponsors of trials over the past fifteen yearsThe article highlights that the lack of oversight prompted the House of Representativesâ bipartisan Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party to address the Food and Drug Administration FDA in 2024 and call for more information on pharmaceutical trials conducted in Xinjiang and at PLA hospitalsâChina runs trials at PLA military hospitals and in Xinjiang where there has been a documented history of people being coerced into medical studies amid the Chinese Communist Partyâs genocide targeting Uyghur Muslims and other minoritiesâ the select committeeâs chairman John Moolenaar RMI said in a March 18 hearing on the generic drug supply chain according to the articleâIn spite of this forced testing the FDA currently allows companies to use data from uninspected Chinese trial sites to advance drug applications in the United Statesâ he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/global-pharma-giants-escape-us-regulation-while-testing-drugs-in-chinas-xinjiang-report-669329.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-australian-counterpart-penny-wong-discuss-west-asia-conflict-669331.html New Delhi April 14 External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar spoke to his Australian counterpart Penny Wong on Tuesday discussing the ongoing West Asia conflict Following their conversation EAM Jaishankar wrote on X Appreciated the exchange of views today with Senator Penny Wong of Australia on the West Asia conflictThe phone call between two ministers took place amid tense security situation in the region after negotiations between the US and Iranian officials failed to produce an agreementOn April 8 the US and Iran agreed to a twoweek ceasefire in the war which erupted on February 28 following joint USIsrael joint strikes in Iran which killed Irans former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and top military officials In response Iran launched missile and drone strikes against Israel US bases and USallied countries in the West AsiaOver the past few weeks EAM Jaishankar has spoken with his counterparts from several nations as India remains in touch with the governments of the region as well as other key partners over the conflict in West AsiaEarlier in the day EAM Jaishankar held a telephonic conversation with his Israeli counterpart Gideon Saar discussing West Asia situation and the Strait of HormuzHad a telecon this afternoon with Israel FM Gideon Saar Our discussion covered different aspects of the West Asia situation EAM Jaishankar posted on XSaar stated that he told EAM Jaishankar that the US stance in the negotiations that would prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons is important for the international communityA good conversation as always with my friend Indiaâs Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar We discussed Iran the Strait of Hormuz and Lebanon I said that the firm American stance in the negotiations on conditions that would prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons no enrichment in Iran removal of enriched material from Iran is critical for the entire international community the Israeli Foreign Minister posted on X after the callI also said that Iranâs harm to freedom of navigation and the global economy through economic terrorism in the Strait of Hormuz requires action that will ensure the freedom of navigation for all countries including India and our friends in the Gulf he addedThe Strait of Hormuz which links the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea is one of the worldâs most critical oil transit routes carrying nearly a fifth of global oil shipments IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-australian-counterpart-penny-wong-discuss-west-asia-conflict-669331.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/demand-for-crude-oil-to-see-biggest-quarterly-slump-since-covid-pandemic-iea-669335.html New Delhi April 14 The International Energy Agency IEA warned on Tuesday that demand for crude oil will likely see the biggest slump in the second quarter Q2 2026 since the Covid pandemic slashed fuel consumption Oil demand is expected to contract by 80000 barrels per day kbd this year as the Iran war upends our global outlookThis is 730 kbd less than in last monthâs Report and a forecast 15 mbd 2Q26 decline would be the sharpest since Covid19 slashed fuel consumption Initially the deepest cuts in oil use have come in the Middle East and Asia Pacific mainly for naphtha LPG and jet fuel However demand destruction will spread as scarcity and higher prices persist the agency said in its reportGlobal crude throughputs continue to struggle with disruptions to feedstock supplies and infrastructure damage that are tightening global product marketsOil prices posted their largestever monthly gain in March in the wake of the most severe oil supply shock in historySpot crude benchmarks and differentials soared outpacing futures markets as refiners anxiously scrambled to replace lockedin Middle Eastern cargoes said the reportThe IEA said that the twoweek ceasefire provided some welcome respite to global oil markets just as the impact of disruptions to supply and trade was spreading globallyHowever at the time of writing it remains unclear whether the ceasefire will turn into a lasting peace and a return to regular shipping flows through the Strait of Hormuz said the reportWith oilimporting nations scrambling to source replacement barrels from an increasingly shrinking pool of supply physical crude oil prices surged to record levels near 150bbl far above the prices in futures markets with the physicalfutures disconnect becoming increasingly acuteEven steeper gains have been seen for refined products with middle distillate prices in Singapore reaching alltime highs above 290bblThe IEA said that resuming flows through the Strait of Hormuz remains the single most important variable in easing the pressure on energy supplies prices and the global economyThe latest development in the fastevolving situation is the announced US blockade on vessels entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areasConsumers and refiners alike are tapping into oil inventories to mitigate the immediate impact of supply disruptionsIn March global observed oil stocks fell by 85 mb despite an accumulation of both onland and offshore inventories in the Middle East and further builds in ChinaThe largest decline came from oil on water following the near halt to sailings from Gulf producers dependent on the Strait Crude oil stocks in importing countries in Asia dropped by 31 mb with further declines expected in AprilâThe prospects for a lasting negotiated settlement to the conflict remain unclear at this stage We present a forecast that assumes a resumption of regular deliveries of oil and gas from the Middle East to international markets by midyear although not back to preconflict levelsâ said the report IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/demand-for-crude-oil-to-see-biggest-quarterly-slump-since-covid-pandemic-iea-669335.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistans-mediation-claim-media-driven-optics-not-substantive-strategic-influence-report-669360.html Islamabad April 14 The temporary truce between the United States and Iran should not be considered an independent diplomatic achievement of Pakistan Rather it reflects Washingtonâs pursuit of managed deescalation from an increasingly costly and complex conflict that had become âstrategically economically and geopoliticallyâ counterproductive a report said on Tuesday The Iran ceasefire reflects US strategic recalibration and Pakistans constrained diplomatic role Washington sought a managed exit from an escalating conflict that threatened energy security strained alliances and fuelled domestic opposition Pakistan acted as an intermediary not an autonomous negotiator driven by fears of regional destabilisation economic fragility and obligations to Gulf partners Imran Khurshid wrote in New Delhibased International Centre for Peace StudiesâWhile the episode gave Islamabad visibility it underscored its dependence on external powers and risked straining ties with Gulf states India rejecting mediation benefited indirectly from deescalation safeguarding energy and remittance flows Ultimately Pakistanâs role highlights visibility without substantive strategic influence it addedAccording to the report while Pakistan may present the mediation efforts as a diplomatic success the internal consequences appear less favourable with Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir potentially leveraging the narrative to further consolidate controlâThis is not good news for those who want democracy to take root in Pakistan For the Pakistani diaspora working from abroad to restore democracy this is also not encouraging With Imran Khan already imprisoned and democratic institutions under strain this development could further strengthen the militaryâs narrative of strategic indispensability Figures like Asim Munir may use this to consolidate power and further suppress dissentâ it mentionedThe report stressed that much of the perception of Pakistanâs growing importance is largely mediadriven hype with domestic outlets portraying its mediation as a diplomatic victory over India â though visibility should not be conflated with influenceâPakistan remains a constrained state economically dependent on institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and on countries including the United States China and Gulf states While it may gain shortterm visibility this does not translate into substantive strategic influence It continues to face structural constraints across economic geopolitical and strategic domains and remains reliant on IMF bailoutsâ it notedAs a result the report said Pakistan will remain primarily concerned with securing the successive debt tranches and managing its repayment obligations rather than exercising independent strategic decisionmaking comparable to more autonomous statesThe report further said âForeign policy must never be assessed through a shortterm lens While Pakistan may celebrate its momentary visibility its longterm strategic position appears more constrained In contrast Indiaâs calibrated and pragmatic approach is likely to yield positive dividends over timeâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistans-mediation-claim-media-driven-optics-not-substantive-strategic-influence-report-669360.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 18:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/turkey-16-injured-after-former-student-opens-fire-in-school-669370.html Ankara April 14 At least 16 people were injured after a young man opened indiscriminate fire in the corridor of his former school in Siverek district of Turkey on Tuesday The attacker died later after committing suicide local media reported Sanliurfa Governor Hasan Sildak met the injured people at Siverek State Hospital in connection with the shooting incident at Ahmet Koyuncu Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School Speaking to reporters outside the hospital he stated that 16 people were injured in the incident occurred after the suspect entered the school and fired randomly Turkeybased Anadolu Agency reportedOf the 16 injured 4 are teachers 10 are students one is a police officer and one is a canteen worker Thankfully there were no fatalities Four of the injured two teachers and two students were transferred to hospitals in the city centre because their health condition was assessed as moderate Currently the other 12 injured are receiving treatment at Siverek State Hospital Anadolu Agency quoted him as sayingHe mentioned that the incident is being probed from multiple angles The attacker is a former student of the school only attending here in the 9th grade He later enrolled in an open high school programme Born in 2007 he took his own life while being apprehended by the police We have evacuated the school This incident which we deeply regret will be investigated thoroughly including its backgroundHasan Sildak offered condolences to people of Siverek and Sanliurfa He stated that judicial and administrative processes will be examined and necessary investigation will be conducted He stressed that such isolated incidents can happen despite taking all necessary precautions about the security of schools in Turkey Anadolu Agency reportedSildak stated that the attack was being investigated thoroughly and the perpetrator had no prior criminal record He said that Chief Prosecutors Office will handle the judicial aspects and the administrative investigation mechanism will be activated to shed light on the incident at the earliest IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/turkey-16-injured-after-former-student-opens-fire-in-school-669370.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 19:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-to-blockade-ships-entering-or-exiting-iranian-ports-after-talks-fail-669091.html Washington April 13 The United States will begin enforcing a sweeping maritime blockade of vessels entering or exiting Iranian ports from April 13 escalating tensions after highstakes talks between Washington and Tehran failed to yield agreement on key issues including Iranâs nuclear programme The move announced by US Central Command CENTCOM follows a presidential directive and will target âall maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian portsâ including those along the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of OmanâThe blockade will be enforced impartially against vessels of all nationsâ CENTCOM said adding that US forces would not impede ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from nonIranian ports The blockade would begin at 730 pm IST on Monday as per a CENTCOM releaseCommercial mariners have been advised to monitor official navigation warnings and remain in contact with US naval forces while operating in the regionThe announcement came hours after US President Donald Trump declared that negotiations with Iran had stalled over its nuclear ambitions despite progress on other frontsâMost points were agreed to but the only point that really mattered NUCLEAR was notâ Trump said announcing that the US Navy would begin âthe process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter or leaveâ the Strait of HormuzHe accused Iran of âWORLD EXTORTIONâ by leveraging threats of naval mines in the strait a critical global energy corridor âNo one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seasâ he said adding that US forces would also âbegin destroying the mines the Iranians laid in the StraitsâIran however pushed back sharply suggesting the blockade derailed nearfinal negotiationsIranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Tehran had engaged âin good faith to end warâ and was âjust inches awayâ from an agreement before encountering âmaximalism shifting goalposts and blockadeââGood will begets good will Enmity begets enmityâ he saidAnalysts tracking the conflict say the dispute centres on Iranâs use of uncertainty around naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz to pressure global shipping The Institute for the Study of War said Iran had declared a âhazardous areaâ covering key shipping lanes forcing vessels into Iranian territorial waters where they were subjected to âprotection feesââThis protection racket is illegal under maritime lawâ the group said noting that no state bordering a strait can restrict passage or extract fees under international conventionsThe threat of mines â reportedly fewer than a dozen â has driven up oil prices and shipping insurance costs even without direct attacks analysts saidUS naval forces have begun operations to counter that strategy Destroyers including USS Frank E Peterson and USS Michael Murphy have transited the strait to demonstrate safe passage and begin mineclearing efforts CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper said safe routes would be shared with civilian shipping âas soon as possibleâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-to-blockade-ships-entering-or-exiting-iranian-ports-after-talks-fail-669091.html Mon, 13 Apr 2026 08:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/former-us-secretary-of-state-antony-blinken-warns-of-strategic-failure-on-iran-669092.html Washington April 13 Washington risks turning battlefield gains against Iran into a longterm strategic setback former US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said urging restraint and renewed diplomacy as a fragile ceasefire holds In an interview to CNNâs Fareed Zakaria Blinken said recent developments may amount to âtactical successâ but strategic failureâ arguing that Iran retains key capabilities despite military pressureâYou can have a tactical successâ butâ what are we left with at the end of thisâ he said noting Iran still has âhighly enriched uraniumâ centrifugesâ and missilesâHe added that Tehran now has âa new huge advantage the Strait of Hormuzâ describing the situation as a turning point that increases Iranâs leverageThe comments come after 21 hours of USIran talks in Islamabad failed to produce a lasting agreement leaving only a tenuous ceasefire in placeBlinken said President Donald Trump faces a difficult choice if negotiations do not yield results escalation or compromiseâIt is an optionâ to restart the war he said but warned such a move would be âhighly risky highly costlyâHe urged the administration to avoid further military action âDonât go back to fightingâ Keep the pressure on the Iranians by other meansâ and engage in diplomacy for however long it takes to get a dealâ he saidBlinken said any deal would require concessions âA deal is going to involve some compromise Decide where youâre willing to compromiseâ he said adding that control and access to the Strait of Hormuz should be central to negotiationsDrawing on his experience with the 2015 nuclear deal Blinken said reaching an agreement with Iran is inherently slow and complexâIn the whole history of the Revolutionary Republicâ theyâve only made a fundamental compromiseâ twiceâ he said referring to the end of the IranIraq war and the nuclear agreementHe said one challenge is internal divisions within Iran âOne of the biggest mistakesâ is to see it as a political monolith It wasnâtâ he saidAt the same time Blinken described Iranian negotiators as highly skilled âThese are master negotiatorsâ incredibly challenging to deal withâ he said recalling how talks often extended even after agreements appeared completeHe said there may still be room for compromise on uranium enrichment suggesting a deal could allow Iran to enrich âat very low levels with a very small stockpileâ offering a facesaving arrangement without recognising a formal rightBlinken also reflected on efforts by the Biden administration to revive the nuclear deal after the US withdrawal under Trump He said talks stalled partly because Iran sought guarantees that future administrations would not abandon an agreement againâIncredibly hard to do with our politicsâ he saidHe added that negotiations were further complicated by Iranâs expanded nuclear programme and domestic political pressures in both countriesBlinken said diplomacy remains the only viable path âYouâve got to have strategic patienceâ the record shows that this can be doneâ he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/former-us-secretary-of-state-antony-blinken-warns-of-strategic-failure-on-iran-669092.html Mon, 13 Apr 2026 08:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/nikki-haley-says-iran-talks-not-worth-time-669094.html Washington April 13 Republican Indian American politician Nikki Haley said the US was right to walk away from Iran talks backing President Donald Trumpâs blockade plan and warning Tehran was using the Strait of Hormuz to âhold the global economy hostageâ Negotiations between Washington and Tehran had failed to make progress with both sides entering discussions far apart âThe US had a 15 point plan Iran had a 10 point plan They really were miles apartâ she told CNN in an interview adding that âthe Iranians were not willing to give up their nuclear productionâ or their control over the strategic waterwayShe supported Vice President J D Vanceâs decision to end the talks saying âWere not gonna continue talks This isnt worth our timeâ and argued that the Trump administration was now moving decisively âWere gonna go after Iran where it hurtsâ she saidHaley framed the blockade as part of a broader economic strategy to weaken Iran âThe part to really bring Iran to its knees is to go after it economicallyâ she said stressing that keeping the Strait of Hormuz open was critical to global tradeShe warned that Iran was attempting to leverage its position to increase pressure on the US and its allies âIran sees winning as putting as much political and economic pressure on Trump and the Gulf allies as they can This is a game of chickenâ she saidHighlighting the global stakes Haley noted that â20 per cent of oil 20 per cent of liquified natural gasâ and âa third of the fertilizerâ move through the strait She said disruptions were already visible âTypically 135 ships would go through the strait a day Now weve got maybe a handfulâ Youve got a backlog of 400 shipsâ she saidHaley said the objective was not a prolonged conflict âWe dont want an endless war This needs to be completed fastâ she said noting that US naval forces in the region were already positioned to secure the passageOn Iranâs nuclear programme Haley said the campaign would not be complete unless enriched uranium was removed âPresident Trump has said that he doesnt want Iran to have a nuclear weaponâ she said adding that Gulf allies supported that goalShe suggested that a targeted military operation may be required âI think thats probably what its gonna come down toâ It would take about a week to 10 days to get doneâ she said describing it as a âspecial force missionâ that would be âdangerousâHaley also accused China and Russia of aiding Iranâs military capabilities âChina has suppliedâ hundreds of ballistic missilesâ she said adding that Beijing could soon provide additional air defence systemsShe questioned whether Trump should proceed with a planned summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping âI question whether the summit should go onâ she said urging a tougher US stance unless China halts its support to IranDespite her criticism of Trump during the 2024 campaign Haley said he was handling adversaries firmly âHes dealing with our adversaries in a way thats strong and not weakâ she said while adding that his approach can sometimes âcause chaosâShe also flagged domestic concerns saying the US economy and rising debt remained the âbiggest issueâ at home pointing to a national debt nearing 40 trillion and pressure on entitlement programmes IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/nikki-haley-says-iran-talks-not-worth-time-669094.html Mon, 13 Apr 2026 08:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/irans-irgc-warns-any-wrong-move-by-enemy-in-strait-of-hormuz-to-have-lethal-consequences-669096.html Tehran April 13 The Navy of Irans Islamic Revolution Guard Corps IRGC said that any erroneous move by the enemy in the Strait of Hormuz will have deadly consequences It issued the warning in a post on social media platform X sharing drone surveillance footage of the real situation in the Strait of HormuzThe IRGCs Navy said all movements and nonmovements in the Strait of Hormuz are under complete control of the Iranian armed forces adding that Any erroneous maneuver will trap the enemy in deadly whirlpools in the straitUS Central Command CENTCOM said Saturday that two US warships transited the Strait of Hormuz and began mineclearing operations in the Gulf Irans main military command Khatam alAnbiya Central Headquarters rejected that account strongly denying CENTCOMs claim that American vessels had entered the strait Xinhua news agency reportedIn an exclusive report on Sunday Irans staterun Press TV said the US militarys attempt to sail two destroyers through the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday ended as a failed propaganda stunt timed to coincide with TehranWashington talks in IslamabadThe Press TV identified the US destroyers as USS Michael Murphy and USS Frank E Peterson saying they were forced to retreat by Irans naval forcesAlso on Sunday the IRGC said in a statement that any military vessels that intend to approach the Strait of Hormuz under any title or pretext will be considered a ceasefire violation and will be dealt with severelyOn February 28 Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and several other Iranian cities killing Irans then Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei along with senior military commanders and civilians Iran responded with waves of missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and US assets in the Middle East and tightened control over the Strait of Hormuz by restricting passage by vessels belonging to or affiliated with Israel and the United StatesA twoweek ceasefire between Iran and the United States took effect on Wednesday followed by the holding of lengthy talks between the Iranian and US delegations in Islamabad which failed to lead to an agreement IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/irans-irgc-warns-any-wrong-move-by-enemy-in-strait-of-hormuz-to-have-lethal-consequences-669096.html Mon, 13 Apr 2026 08:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-says-iran-desperate-as-blockade-looms-669098.html Washington April 13 US President Donald Trump said that Iran was in âvery bad shapeâ and âpretty desperateâ as he confirmed a planned blockade would take effect within hours Speaking to reporters on the tarmac after returning from Miami Trump said a ceasefire in the region was âholding wellâ but signalled no softening in Washingtonâs position ahead of the blockade set to begin at 10 am MondayâThe blockade will go into effect tomorrow at 10 amâ Trump said adding that âthere are many boats heading toward our country to fill up with oilâHe indicated that other countries were cooperating with efforts to curb Iranâs oil sales though he did not identify them âOther nations are working so that Iran cannot sell oilâ he saidOn prospects for renewed negotiations with Tehran Trump struck a dismissive toneâI think Iran is in very bad shape I think theyâre pretty desperate Iran will not have a nuclear weaponâ he saidAsked how long he would wait for Iran to return to the negotiating table the President said âI donât care if they come back or not If they donât come back Iâm fineâThe remarks underscore a hardened US posture as tensions with Iran continue with Washington combining economic pressure and maritime measures to restrict Tehranâs energy exportsTrump also used the brief exchange with reporters to criticise NATO expressing frustration with the allianceâs roleâIâm very disappointed in NATO they werenât there for us We pay trillions of dollars for NATO and they werenât there for usâ he saidHe declined to respond to questions about Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbanâs reported electoral loss ending the exchange after about six minutes and departing the tarmacThe planned blockade marks a significant escalation in US efforts to pressure Iran particularly targeting its oil exports which remain a critical source of revenue for Tehran Washington has long argued that restricting these revenues is key to curbing Iranâs nuclear ambitions IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-says-iran-desperate-as-blockade-looms-669098.html Mon, 13 Apr 2026 08:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-calls-pope-leo-weak-on-crime-669099.html Washington April 13 US President Donald Trump launched a sharp attack on Pope Leo XIV in a lengthy social media post accusing the pontiff of being âweak on crimeâ and criticising his stance on foreign policy Iran and US domestic issues âPope Leo is WEAK on Crime and terrible for Foreign Policyâ Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform setting off a fresh escalation in tensions between the White House and the VaticanIn the post Trump accused the Pope of focusing on criticism of his administration while ignoring past restrictions on religious gatherings during the COVID19 pandemicâHe talks about âfearâ of the Trump Administration but doesnât mention the FEAR that the Catholic Churchâ had during COVID when they were arresting priests ministers and everybody else for holding Church Servicesâ Trump wroteThe President also targeted the Popeâs position on Iran asserting disagreement with what he characterised as leniencyâI donât want a Pope who thinks itâs OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weaponâ he saidTrump further defended US actions abroad including Venezuela linking them to concerns over drugs and crime entering the United StatesâI donât want a Pope who thinks itâs terrible that America attacked Venezuela a Country that was sending massive amounts of Drugs into the United Statesâ he wrote adding that the country was âemptying their prisonsâ into our CountryâThe post also turned personal with Trump comparing the Pope unfavourably to his brotherâI like his brother Louis much better than I like him because Louis is all MAGA He gets it and Leo doesnâtâ he saidTrump went on to defend his own presidency citing electoral victory crime reduction and economic performanceâIâm doing exactly what I was elected IN A LANDSLIDE to do setting Record Low Numbers in Crime and creating the Greatest Stock Market in Historyâ he wroteIn a striking claim Trump suggested the Popeâs election was linked to his own presidencyâLeo should be thankful becauseâ he was a shocking surpriseâ If I wasnât in the White House Leo wouldnât be in the Vaticanâ he saidHe also criticised the Popeâs interactions with political figures singling out former adviser David AxelrodâLeo should get his act together as Popeâ stop catering to the Radical Left and focus on being a Great Pope not a Politicianâ Trump addedThe remarks reflect a deepening rift between Trump and the Vatican with both sides increasingly diverging on issues ranging from war and diplomacy to immigration and domestic policyPope Leo XIV the first Americanborn pontiff has in recent weeks spoken out against war and called for restraint and dialogue in global conflicts including tensions involving Iran IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-calls-pope-leo-weak-on-crime-669099.html Mon, 13 Apr 2026 08:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-blames-us-maximalism-as-near-final-islamabad-mou-collapses-669100.html Tehran April 13 Iran has accused the United States of derailing a potential breakthrough agreement saying that maximalism shifting goalposts and blockade tactics prevented what was inches away from becoming the proposed Islamabad MoU after 21 hours of intense negotiations ended without a deal In a post on X Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran had entered into its highestlevel direct engagement with Washington in 47 years with sincerity and intent to help bring an end to the ongoing conflict but lamented that there were zero lessons earned His assertion that both sides were inches away from finalising an agreement highlighted how close the talks had come to success before tensions escalated sharply at the final stage In intensive talks at highest level in 47 years Iran engaged with US in good faith to end war But when just inches away from Islamabad MoU we encountered maximalism shifting goalposts and blockade Zero lessons earned Good will begets good will Enmity begets enmity Araghchi posted on XIranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said that the possibility of a diplomatic breakthrough with the United States still exists provided Washington changes its approach He urged the US to abandon what he termed totalitarianism and to respect Irans rights suggesting that such a shift could pave the way for an agreementIf the American government abandons its totalitarianism and respects the rights of the Iranian nation ways to reach an agreement will certainly be found Pezeshkian said in a post on X while praising members of the negotiating delegationMeanwhile the United States announced that it will begin enforcing a sweeping maritime blockade of vessels entering or exiting Iranian ports from April 13 escalating tensions after highstakes talks between Washington and Tehran failed to yield agreement on key issues including Irans nuclear programme The move announced by US Central Command CENTCOM follows a presidential directive and will target all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports including those along the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of OmanThe blockade will be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations CENTCOM said adding that US forces would not impede ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from nonIranian ports Commercial mariners have been advised to monitor official navigation warnings and remain in contact with US naval forces while operating in the regionThe announcement came hours after US President Donald Trump declared that negotiations with Iran had stalled over its nuclear ambitions despite progress on other fronts IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-blames-us-maximalism-as-near-final-islamabad-mou-collapses-669100.html Mon, 13 Apr 2026 08:46:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/tropical-cyclone-maila-kills-at-least-11-in-pngs-bougainville-669102.html Melbourne April 13 At least 11 people have died including eight in a landslide after Tropical Cyclone Maila hit the autonomous Bougainville region of Papua New Guinea PNG PNG media reported on Monday that 11 people were killed in Bougainville located over 950 km northeast of Port Moresby in the Solomon Sea amid widespread destruction caused by the cycloneAccording to the National Broadcasting Corporation of PNG at least eight people were killed by a landslide that destroyed homes in Asiko Village in Central BougainvilleTwo more women died after being hit by fallen trees the NBC reported and around 12 other people have been hospitalised with various injuriesTropical Cyclone Maila reached Category 5 strength in the Solomon Sea and caused major flooding and destruction across eastern PNG and the Solomon IslandsIn a statement issued on Sunday PNG Prime Minister James Marape said that the government has begun mobilising essential relief supplies including food rations clean water medical supplies and temporary sheltersWe will make sure we reach every place every island and every community that has been affected he saidTropical Cyclone Maila was initially forecast to hit the southeastern tip of the island of New Guinea as a Category 2 or 3 storm but has since been downgraded to a tropical low Xinhua news agency reportedThe system has been a destructive force through the Pacific region destroying buildings creating huge waves storm surges and landslidesEarlier on April 8 three people had been reported missing in the Solomon Islands as emergency warnings remain in place in eastern Papua New Guinea PNG after Tropical Cyclone Maila reached Category 5 strength in the Solomon SeaAustralias Bureau of Meteorology had said that Tropical Cyclone Maila was a Category 5 storm in the Solomon Sea around 425 km west of Honiara and 980 km east of Port Moresby IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/tropical-cyclone-maila-kills-at-least-11-in-pngs-bougainville-669102.html Mon, 13 Apr 2026 08:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/ajmer-cleric-meets-indian-envoy-in-russia-calls-for-deeper-cultural-and-spiritual-ties-669160.html Jaipur April 13 In a notable engagement linking diplomacy with civilisational heritage Haji Syed Salman Chishty cleric of Ajmer Sharif Dargah and Chairman of the Chishty Foundation met Ambassador Neelam Rani Consul General of India in St Petersburg The interaction focused on strengthening IndiaRussia ties through art culture spiritual traditions and peopletopeople engagement Dargah officials said on MondayThe meeting took place during Chishtyâs official visit to Russia which included St Petersburg and Moscow Against the historic setting of St Petersburg both sides underlined that the IndiaRussia partnership long built on mutual trust should expand beyond defence and trade Cultural outreach and spiritual heritage were identified as key avenues for cooperationDiscussions included proposals for cultural festivals Sufi music and qawwali programmes classical art exchanges and curated exhibitions reflecting shared traditions A major focus was on strengthening interfaith dialogue and spiritual cooperationChishty noted that the Sufi message of âpeace with allâ finds resonance in Russiaâs diverse religious landscape Regions such as Tatarstan Dagestan Bashkortostan and the Caucasus were highlighted for their strong Sufi traditions offering scope for collaboration Both sides explored structured interfaith dialogues academic exchanges and joint spiritual delegations to translate shared heritage into active engagementEmphasising that lasting international ties rest on human connections the two also identified youth exchanges academic partnerships and cultural immersion programmes as priority areas These efforts aim to widen the reach of bilateral ties beyond official channelsThe discussion also touched upon longstanding intellectual links between the two countries including Leo Tolstoyâs engagement with Indian philosophy and the influence of Mahatma Gandhi on Russian thoughtChishty said the Neelam Rani represents the countryâs civilisational approach to diplomacy and added that IndiaâRussia relations are grounded in shared values of peace and humanity He reiterated his commitment to promoting the message of harmony associated with Khwaja Gharib Nawaz across bordersThe Indian envoy welcomed the visit and appreciated efforts to promote Indiaâs spiritual and cultural heritage She reaffirmed the Consulateâs support for initiatives that deepen cultural ties and strengthen peopletopeople connections between India and Russia IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/ajmer-cleric-meets-indian-envoy-in-russia-calls-for-deeper-cultural-and-spiritual-ties-669160.html Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/from-ghaziabad-to-mumbai-isis-expansive-spy-network-fed-data-for-planned-strikes-669161.html New Delhi April 13 The ISIbacked espionage module which the Ghaziabad Police first busted had surveyed sensitive locations such as naval facilities and airport zones in Mumbai They were in the process of installing solarpowered CCTV cameras at these locations and were planning to send the live feed to their handlers in Pakistan An investigating official said that the module was not just limited to conducting a reconnaissance in Delhi Ghaziabad Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir They had a reach up to Maharashtra as well The questioning of the prime accused Suhail Malik revealed that he was working as a daily wager at a bakery In reality he was on the ISIs payrollWhile residing in Pune Malik had transmitted information about sensitive locations both in Pune and Mumbai Following this he moved to Ghaziabad and continued to work for the ISI He had been heading the espionage module that was busted by the Ghaziabad policeThe espionage module had managed to set up solarpowered CCTVs at railway stations and other crowded locations The agencies are now closely probing the activities undertaken by this module in Mumbai and Pune Malik was in Mumbai for five years between 2020 and 2025 During this period he had conducted a reconnaissance of several locations and provided the ISI with informationAn official said that the targets of this module were largely Army cantonment areas railway stations and the movement of the security personnel The official added that the probe suggests that these persons were focusing heavily on the Indian RailwaysThe espionage module was entrusted with only providing information and was not involved in planning any attack The ISI was in the process of setting up another module to carry out attacks at railway stations and Army cantonment areasAnother official noted that the cameras to capture live feed were not set up overnight It has been in the works for several years and now the security agencies are analysing the extent of information that has been passed on This module was providing information at a very low cost to the ISI so that attacks could be carried out at multiple locations over a period of time The scale of this operation was massive and the busting of this module has managed to avert a major catastrophe an official notedSuhail according to investigators was paid Rs 8000 to install each CCTV camera He has managed to install it at multiple locations over the years investigating officials have learnt This new playbook of the ISI to gather live feed from sensitive and crowded locations has prompted a thorough audit of CCTV cameras being soldFollowing the busting of this module the Maharashtra government has ordered an audit of CCTV systems Further the procurement of CCTV cameras linked to Chinese companies has been put on hold The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation BMC and Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority will now have to obtain police clearance before putting up surveillance systemsAn Intelligence Bureau official said that the module had a wide reach and had managed to procure sensitive information from many states The police personnel of these respective states would need to coordinate and gather as much information as possible This cannot be viewed as an isolated module that was just gathering informationIt is equally important that the agencies learn about what has been done with the data collected and how the ISI was looking to use it the official also added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/from-ghaziabad-to-mumbai-isis-expansive-spy-network-fed-data-for-planned-strikes-669161.html Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indias-2047-vision-rooted-in-policy-vinay-kwatra-669005.html Washington April 12 Indiaâs journey to becoming a developed nation by 2047 is anchored in informed academic and policy discourse Indiaâs Ambassador to the United States Vinay Kwatra said while addressing a major conference in Texas Kwatra made the remarks during his virtual address at the inaugural Austin India Conference themed âIndia at 100 Decades of Decisionsâ hosted by the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas AustinCommending the organisers for bringing together scholars students and practitioners he said such forwardlooking initiatives are critical to deliberating on Indiaâs pathway towards Vision 2047 or âViksit BharatâHe underscored that the decisions shaping Indiaâs growth are rooted in deep policy discussions which form the foundation for the countryâs transformative progress in the coming decadesIndiaâs development and innovation journey would generate shared benefits for both India and the United States he said adding that there is a deepening of strategic and economic convergence between the two countriesThe conference organised under the theme of Indiaâs longterm development trajectory brought together stakeholders to examine the countryâs evolving policy landscape and development prioritiesIn a separate session titled âThe Growth Triangleâ Indiaâs Consul General in Houston D C Manjunath said IndiaUS relations continue to strengthen across multiple pillars including governmenttogovernment businesstobusiness and peopletopeople engagementHe highlighted that these three pillars have underpinned the steady upward trajectory of bilateral ties reinforcing cooperation across sectorsPointing to the growing importance of subnational partnerships Manjunath identified collaboration between India and Texas as a key component of the broader IndiaUS relationshipHe noted that such regional linkages are playing an increasingly significant role in driving economic engagement innovation and institutional cooperationThe event also provided insights into Indiaâs policy evolution and development priorities reflecting a surge in academic and policy interest in the countryâs growth storyManjunath expressed appreciation to the leadership and faculty of the University of Texas Austin and reaffirmed the Consulateâs commitment to expanding collaboration with academic and research institutions across TexasHe said such engagement would help nurture dialogue foster innovation and advance a shared vision of growth and progress IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indias-2047-vision-rooted-in-policy-vinay-kwatra-669005.html Sun, 12 Apr 2026 11:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-intel-sees-china-weighing-iran-support-669007.html Washington April 12 US intelligence assessments cited by American media suggest China may be weighing a more active role in Iranâs conflict even as Beijing seeks to avoid a wider war A report in The New York Times said US agencies have gathered information pointing to possible Chinese support to Iran though officials stressed the intelligence is not definitiveThe report said there is âno evidence that the Chinese missiles have yet been used against American or Israeli forces during the conflictâ underscoring the uncertainty around the findingsStill US officials view even the possibility of Chinese involvement as significant given the broader geopolitical stakesThe report noted that Beijing appears cautious Chinese officials are seen as eager to project themselves as a neutral party even as internal discussions about supporting Iran indicate a more complex stanceFormer officials cited in the report said Iran relies on China for key components used in missiles and drones Beijing however can argue such parts have civilian uses allowing it to maintain plausible deniabilityChina is also believed to have provided some intelligence support according to the report though details remain limitedThe developments come as US and Iranian officials hold direct talks in Islamabad to stabilise a fragile ceasefire after weeks of conflictUS officials are watching closely whether any external backing could affect the negotiations or shift the balance on the groundAnalysts say Beijingâs approach reflects a careful calculation China has deep economic ties with Iran and is its largest oil customer but it also has strong incentives to avoid escalation that could disrupt global tradeThe report said debate within China over sending missiles highlights the tension between those interestsAt the same time Beijingâs public posture has emphasised restraint Chinese officials have sought to protect their image as a neutral actor particularly as they expand diplomatic and economic engagement in the Middle East IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-intel-sees-china-weighing-iran-support-669007.html Sun, 12 Apr 2026 11:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-media-track-marathon-iran-talks-tensions-669008.html Washington April 12 US media coverage of the ongoing Iran talks in Islamabad on Saturday focused on prolonged negotiations deep divisions over key issues and heavy security measures surrounding the highlevel meetings in the Pakistani Capital Reports by The New York Times The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post described the talks as a marathon diplomatic effort between longtime adversaries with discussions stretching late into the night and into early SundayThe New York Times said negotiations between US and Iranian officials extended âpast 5 am local time on Sundayâ calling it a âhistoric encounterâ as both sides sought to broker peace after weeks of conflictThe report noted that the length of the talks â more than 15 hours â suggested both sides âremained engaged and still had topics to discussâ even as no breakthrough had emergedIt identified control of the Strait of Hormuz as the central sticking point describing it as an âeconomically vital waterwayâ at the heart of the dispute between Washington and TehranThe paper added that while the talks had yet to yield results direct facetoface engagement at this level was âextraordinaryâ given decades of hostility between the two countriesThe Wall Street Journal focused on conditions in Islamabad reporting that the Pakistani capital had turned into a âghost townâ as authorities imposed sweeping security measuresAccording to the report central Islamabad was placed under lockdown Roads were closed shops and offices shut and thousands of police and security personnel deployed Streets ânormally buzzing with cars and motorbikes were almost emptyâ it saidThe paper described tight security at the venue where journalists passed âa dozen guntoting police officersâ and underwent multiple checks before entering the press centreSecurity concerns were linked to fears that âno spoiler can jeopardize the talksâ amid a fragile ceasefire and recent violence in the regionThe Washington Post described the negotiations as the highest level of direct engagement between the United States and Iran in decades led by Vice President JD VanceThe report said talks âstretched well past midnightâ and had moved into technical discussions signalling limited progress but continued engagementIt added that both sides were seeking âa more permanent end to the warâ after agreeing to a temporary ceasefire but remained âfar apart on key issuesâAcross outlets coverage highlighted the lack of clarity on the outcome The New York Times noted that the White House had ânot provided any details about the status of the negotiationsâ despite their duration IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-media-track-marathon-iran-talks-tensions-669008.html Sun, 12 Apr 2026 11:15:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-us-peace-talks-extended-for-another-day-media-669009.html Tehran April 12 Negotiations between delegations from Iran and the United States will be extended for another day at Pakistans proposal and at the two sides consent the semiofficial Tasnim news agency reported early Sunday The report said given the illogical and excessive demands of the United States and the Iranian delegations insistence on ensuring national interests Pakistan proposed to hold another round of negotiations on Sunday and the two sides agreed Xinhua news agency reportedThis occurred at the end of the latest round of Pakistanimediated talks that ended early Sunday in Islamabad and after the two delegations exchanged texts according to TasnimThe negotiations started at 1 pm local time 0800 GMT on Saturday and continued for more than 14 hours the report saidTasnim said earlier that certain serious differences still remain between the two sides adding that the ball is now in the US court to put aside its usual excessive demands and replace its ambitious approach with a realistic oneIt quoted an informed source as saying that despite the initial progress achieved in the negotiations between the two sides expert teams the delegations still have serious differences over the Strait of Hormuz and a number of other issues and no tangible change has occurred in the talks due to the US excessive demandsThe report stressed that some Western media are exaggerating the talks positive atmosphere to control global energy pricesRegarding the latest round Tasnim said Given the US excessive demands this round appears to be the last chance given by the Iranian team to the Americans to achieve a joint frameworkDelegations from Iran and the United States are in Islamabad for talks aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East following a ceasefire reached earlier this week after more than a month of fighting IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-us-peace-talks-extended-for-another-day-media-669009.html Sun, 12 Apr 2026 11:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/iraqi-parliament-elects-former-environment-minister-nizar-amedi-as-countrys-new-president-669010.html Baghdad April 12 The Iraqi Parliament elected former environment minister Nizar Amedi as the countrys new president following a decisive voting session held in the capital Baghdad Parliament Speaker Haibet alHalbousi officially announced Amedi as the winner after he secured 227 votes in the runoff vote Following the announcement the presidentelect took the constitutional oath Xinhua news agency reportedThe pivotal session was attended by approximately 250 lawmakers from the 329seat parliament exceeding the constitutional quorum of 220 members required for the presidential electionAccording to the televised session Amedi the candidate of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan PUK led the first round with 208 votes while his primary competitors Muthanna Amin from the Kurdistan Islamic Union and current Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein received 17 and 16 votes respectivelyThe election moved to a second round between Amedi and Amin as no candidate secured a twothirds majority in the initial ballotAmedi head of the Political Bureau of the PUK in Baghdad previously held the post of Iraqi environment minister from 2022 to 2024 and has acted as an adviser to former Iraqi presidentsUnder the Iraqi constitution the newly elected president has 15 days to nominate the leader of the largest parliamentary bloc as the prime ministerdesignate The nominee will then have 30 days to form a new cabinet and seek a confidence voteIraq held parliamentary elections in November last year The vote concludes a long period of political deadlock The election of the new president had been stalled due to a lack of consensus between the major Kurdish parties and the failure to achieve the required twothirds parliamentary quorum in previous attemptsUnder Iraqs post2003 powersharing system the presidency is reserved for a Kurd while the parliamentary speaker is a Sunni and the prime minister is a Shiite IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/iraqi-parliament-elects-former-environment-minister-nizar-amedi-as-countrys-new-president-669010.html Sun, 12 Apr 2026 11:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-two-firefighters-killed-in-cold-storage-warehouse-fire-669050.html Seoul April 12 A fire broke out at a cold storage warehouse in a southwestern county on Sunday leaving two firefighters dead as the blaze intensified during rescue operations South Korean authorities said The fire started at around 825 am at a fisheries processing companys warehouse in the county of Wando South Jeolla Province prompting authorities to mobilise more than 100 firefighters It was extinguished after about three hours according to the Wando Fire Station Yonhap News Agency reportedTwo firefighters became trapped inside the warehouse and were later found dead it notedAccording to fire authorities the blaze is believed to have started while workers were using a torch to remove paint from the building as part of floorlevelling and repaving workA fishery company official inhaled smoke and was sent to a nearby hospital but was not in lifethreatening conditionLee Minseok chief of the Wando Fire Station said the two firefighters were unable to escape after reentering the site to extinguish residual flames following the initial operationOil mist presumed to have been floating near the ceiling exploded Lee said at a press briefing The operations chief ordered seven firefighters to evacuate after spotting black smoke and flames via radio communication but two were unable to exitFire authorities said they plan to investigate the exact cause of the blazeInvestigators suspect that epoxy flooring which is highly flammable may have contributed to the rapid spread of the flames compounded by the presence of sandwich panels in parts of the structure which likely hampered firefighting effortsSouth Korean President Lee Jae Myung was briefed on the incident and instructed fire authorities to mobilise all available resources to put out the fire and carry out rescue operations presidential spokesperson Kang Yujung said in a written briefingIn a post on social media platform X Lee extended condolences to the deceased firefighters aged 44 and 30 and their bereaved familiesThey rushed to the most dangerous scene to protect the lives and safety of the people and fulfilled their duties to the very end Lee wrote I bow my head in tribute to their courage and dedicationLee said the government takes the incident seriously and will make efforts to ensure a safer environment for firefighters to carry out their missions IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-two-firefighters-killed-in-cold-storage-warehouse-fire-669050.html Sun, 12 Apr 2026 14:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-hikes-electricity-tariff-in-double-whammy-after-fuel-price-rise-669051.html New Delhi April 12 Pakistanâs National Electric Power Regulatory Authority NEPRA has delivered a major shock to the countryâs consumers with an increase in electricity tariffs by Rs 142 per unit under the monthly fuel cost adjustment citing a variation in fuel charges for February 2026 The Rs 142 per unit rise for Februaryâs fuel adjustment will now be collected from consumers in April bills and according to some reports the overall additional burden consumers now have to shoulder comes to around Rs1057 billion according to an editorial piece in Pakistanâs The News InternationalAside from conserving fuel the austerity measures the government has taken in the wake of the Middle East conflict can also be seen as a way to help people save money However in this country be it the pump or the home there does not appear to be anywhere people can hide from price and tariff hikes And for now the global energy future remains murky As such Pakistanis could well find themselves paying more for fuel and for power through this month the article laments There is also the impact on the countryâs beleaguered industry to consider A representative of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry FPCCI has reportedly said that the industrial sector has already borne an aggregate burden of Rs 5647 billion over the past three years and that further increases would be detrimental to sustainability and industrial viability the article observes However Pakistanâs power malaise long predates the Middle East turmoil In FY202425 Pakistanâs power distribution sector bled a combined Rs 397 billion due to transmission and distribution losses and weak bill recoveries If this is not in the control of the authorities it should be So should the hefty fixed payments made to power producers regardless of output and the low utilisation of power plants the report points out IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-hikes-electricity-tariff-in-double-whammy-after-fuel-price-rise-669051.html Sun, 12 Apr 2026 14:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-markets-stay-shut-in-rawalpindi-peoples-woes-mount-669052.html Islamabad April 12 People are facing series of problems from buying edibles to daily essentials in Pakistans Rawalpindi as the markets have remained shut at the behest of district administration local media reported on Sunday Markets in Rawalpindi remained shut due to the security reasons as USIran talks were held in Islamabad The worstimpacted regions of Rawalpindi were Peshawar Road Murree Road and areas which shared border with Islamabad Pakistans leading daily Dawn reported All shops including milk shops tandoors and grocery shops remained shut The main grain market in Raja Bazaar of Rawalpindi also remained shutRawalpindi Traders Association leader Shahid Ghafoor Paracha said that shopkeepers were told to keep their shops shut on Saturday and Sunday as per the district administrations instructionsMeanwhile residents faced problems in buying edibles as milk shops and bakeries remained shut Mohammad Qamar a resident said I had to get roti from the inner streets of Raja Bazaar as the tandoor was closedMohammad Riaz a resident said many vegetable shops were shut in the market and it was difficult to make chapati at home due to low pressure of gas in many parts of the city Dawn reportedSajid Mehmood a resident said that shops had been shut for the past two days and it was difficult to buy vegetables and milkPeople also faced problems in commuting as there was a shortage of public transport on the roads A passenger said Taxi cabs and rickshaw drivers are cashing in on the situation and charging higher faresThe markets remained shut as the authorities asked traders to not open shops due to the security reasons for the negotiations between US and Iran which failed to produce an agreementUS Vice President J D Vance said negotiations with Iran failed to produce an agreement after more than 20 hours of talks in Islamabad warning that Tehranâs refusal to accept Washingtonâs terms was âbad news for Iran much more than its bad news for the United States of AmericaââWe have been at it now for 21 hours and weve had a number of substantive discussions with the Iranians Thats the good news The bad news is that we have not reached an agreementâ Vance told reporters at a press conference in the early hours of Sunday morning The Vice President said US negotiators had clearly outlined their position but Tehran declined to accept the termsâWeve made very clear what our red lines are what things were willing to accommodate them on and what things were not willing to accommodate them on and weve made that as clear as we possibly could and they have chosen not to accept our termsâ he said Vance emphasised that the core US objective remained preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons capabilityâThe simple fact is that we need to see an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon and they will not seek the tools that would enable them to quickly achieve a nuclear weaponâ he said He added that Washington was seeking longterm assurances from Tehran not temporary commitments IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-markets-stay-shut-in-rawalpindi-peoples-woes-mount-669052.html Sun, 12 Apr 2026 14:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-calls-on-uae-president-expresses-gratitude-for-ensuring-well-being-of-indian-community-669063.html Abu Dhabi April 12 External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar called on UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi on Sunday and conveyed greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi During the meeting EAM Jaishankar expressed gratitude to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for ensuring the wellbeing of the Indian community in the UAE during the conflict in West AsiaCrown Prince of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was also present during the meetingDeeply honoured to call on President of UAE HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi today Conveyed warm greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and our gratitude for ensuring wellbeing of the Indian community during the West Asia conflict Thank him for his guidance on further strengthening the IndiaUAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership EAM Jaishankar posted on XIn another post he wrote Good to see HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum during the call Conveyed the appreciation of our Government for ensuring the welfare of the Indian community in DubaiEAM Jaishankar is on a twoday official visit to the UAE On Saturday he held talks with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the evolving situation in West Asia and its wider implicationsThe External Affairs Minister expressed confidence that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations will advance furtherA real pleasure to meet DPM and FM of UAE Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi this evening Our conversation focused on the evolving regional situation and its implications Conveyed our deep appreciation for ensuring the wellbeing of the Indian community in the UAE Confident that our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will advance further he wrote on XEAM Jaishankar also interacted with the members of the Indian community on Saturday During his interaction he highlighted the Indian governments ongoing efforts towards the security and wellbeing of its nationals amidst the West Asia conflictStarted my visit to the UAE interacting with the members of the Indian Community Spoke about GOIs efforts towards their wellbeing and security amidst the West Asia conflict Appreciated their contributions to the local society during these difficult times As well as the support of the Government of the UAE in ensuring welfare of the Indian community the minister posted on X after the meetingEAM Jaishankar arrived in the UAE on Saturday for a twoday official visit after concluding his visit to Mauritius where he participated in the 9th Indian Ocean Conference and met the countrys leadership IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-calls-on-uae-president-expresses-gratitude-for-ensuring-well-being-of-indian-community-669063.html Sun, 12 Apr 2026 15:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/china-may-exploit-middle-east-conflict-to-expand-influence-in-asia-report-669070.html New Delhi April 12 IANS The ongoing conflict in the Middle East could create strategic openings for China to expand its influence across Asia particularly at a time when the United States is heavily engaged in another theatre according to a reportnbspThe war in the Middle East is also reshaping the strategic environment in ways that extend far beyond the region the report by Japan Forward said adding that by tying down American attention and resources the conflict is leaving other regions more vulnerable than they appear creating conditions that China has historically been adept at exploitingnbspnbspThe analysis underscores that Beijing does not necessarily need to trigger crises to gain an advantage Chinas strategic approach does not rely on precipitating crises in Asia it often benefits more from their absence particularly when the United States is preoccupied in another theatreDrawing on historical patterns the report points out that periods of intense US engagement in the Middle East have coincided with significant Chinese activity in Asia The years of the Iraq War offer an early example eijing expanded its footprint in the South China Sea with relatively limited external resistance the report statesSimilarly during the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 China increased military pressure around Taiwan The report noted Taiwan recorded more than 900 sorties by the Peoples Liberation Army into its Air Defense Identification Zone reflecting a strategy of sustained pressure below the threshold of open conflictThe report also highlights the impact of US military deployment patterns stating that when key assets such as carrier strike groups are stationed in regions like the Eastern Mediterranean or Red Sea they are necessarily absent from the Western Pacific This shift it argues can alter the strategic balance in the IndoPacificAccording to Japan Forward China has increasingly relied on incremental and calibrated actions including military exercises and infrastructure development to reshape the regional landscape without triggering direct confrontation Each calibrated action has remained below the threshold of an allout crisis Yet together they have reshaped the strategic environment in ways difficult to reverse the report notesThe report also draws parallels with developments along Indias northern borders referencing the 2020 Galwan Valley clash and subsequent infrastructure buildup as part of a broader pattern of strategic positioningIn conclusion Japan Forward emphasises that Chinas approach is driven by timing and opportunity stating that the objective has not been to trigger confrontation but to reshape realities gradually in ways that avoid immediate escalationIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/china-may-exploit-middle-east-conflict-to-expand-influence-in-asia-report-669070.html Sun, 12 Apr 2026 16:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/fuel-price-shocks-ripple-pakistans-economy-hit-households-668966.html New Delhi April 11 IANS As geopolitical tensions rise following Israels attack on Lebanons Hezbollah Pakistans already fragile economy is facing added pressure with rising fuel prices rippling across the broader economy driving up the cost of essential goods and straining households a report has saidnbspAccording to a Business Recorder report fuel price adjustments typically driven by global crude oil trends exchange rate movements and fiscal pressures have had a more pronounced impact in Pakistan due to structural weaknesses and limited regulatory oversightIt further stated that fuel is a key input across sectors and any increase in prices quickly feeds into transportation costs which in turn raises the prices of food and other essential commodities As supply chains become more expensive the burden is passed on to consumers amplifying inflationary pressuresIn Pakistans case fuel price increases do not remain confined to energy costs they cascade through the entire economy the report saidThe situation is further exacerbated by loosely regulated markets where intermediaries often pass on higher costs while adding margins leading to price increases that exceed the actual impact of fuel hikesThe report also highlighted the role of psychological inflation where expectations of rising costs prompt businesses to increase prices in advance compounding the effect on consumersFor households particularly those with limited incomes and savings the cumulative impact is significant Rising fuel costs translate into higher daily expenses reduced purchasing power and growing uncertainty over future spendingPakistans fiscal constraints including commitments linked to International Monetary Fund IMF programmes have limited the governments ability to absorb price shocks through subsidies making such adjustments unavoidableHowever concerns remain over policy consistency with abrupt price revisions and occasional reversals adding to market uncertainty According to the report clearer communication and predictable pricing mechanisms could help moderate the wider economic impactUntil then fuel price shocks are likely to continue reverberating across Pakistans economy intensifying inflationary pressures and deepening the strain on householdsIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/fuel-price-shocks-ripple-pakistans-economy-hit-households-668966.html Sat, 11 Apr 2026 19:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/neighbourhood-first-policy-india-mauritius-deepen-ties-during-eam-jaishankars-visit-668893.html New Delhi April 10 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankarâs visit to Mauritius has delivered a series of impactful outcomes across health education infrastructure and green mobility reaffirming Indiaâs commitment to its Neighbourhood First policy Vision MAHASAGAR and support for the Global South According to the Ministry of External Affairs the visit underscored a shared focus on sustainable and peopleâcentric partnership Among the key outcomes was the signing of a Letter of Exchange between the governments of India and Mauritius for the implementation of projects under the Special Economic Package 2025 Eleven High Impact Community Development Projects were inaugurated across Mauritius covering areas such as sustainable development energy sports and infrastructureThe visit also marked the launch of the first dedicated iGOT Karmayogi platform for a partner country aimed at enhancing capacity building and governance In the health sector Jaishankar inaugurated a Renal Transplant Unit at Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital while India handed over 90 electric buses to Mauritius to promote green mobilityEducational cooperation was strengthened through a Memorandum of Understanding between the University Grants Commission of India and the Higher Education Commission of Mauritius Additionally India handed over a royalty cheque of USD 45000 from the sale of nautical charts in line with the protocol on navigational chart salesIndia and Mauritius share deep historical and cultural ties with Mauritius hosting one of the largest Indian diasporas Bilateral relations have been marked by close cooperation in trade investment and development projects India has consistently supported Mauritius in areas ranging from infrastructure to capacity building reflecting its broader commitment to the Indian Ocean region under Vision MAHASAGARAmbassador Randhir Jaiswal noted that the visit highlighted Indiaâs role as a proactive partner in sustainable development while Mauritius reaffirmed its appreciation for Indiaâs continued support IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/neighbourhood-first-policy-india-mauritius-deepen-ties-during-eam-jaishankars-visit-668893.html Sat, 11 Apr 2026 08:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/iranian-delegation-arrives-in-islamabad-for-talks-668897.html Islamabad April 11 A highlevel Iranian delegation led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf arrived in Islamabad on Saturday to participate in the upcoming talks with the United States Pakistans foreign ministry said in a statement The delegation also includes Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas AraghchiAccording to the statement the Iranian delegation was received upon arrival by Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar along with National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshall Syed Asim Munir and Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza NaqviIshaq Dar expressed hope that the parties would engage constructively and reiterated Pakistans willingness to continue facilitating efforts toward a lasting and durable solution to the conflict Xinhua news agency reportedThe United States and Iran are scheduled to begin negotiations on Saturday morning during the diplomatic window of a twoweek conditional truce announced on Tuesday more than one month after the start of USIsraeli joint military strikes on IranThe ceasefire between the United States and Iran has been strained as Israel continues striking Hezbollah the Iranbacked militant group in Lebanon Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf have stressed that stopping the attacks on Lebanon is an integral part of the ceasefireMeanwhile Irans Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf on Friday demanded a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of Irans blocked assets prior to the commencement of negotiations with the United StatesHe made the remarks in a post on social media platform X while elaborating on Irans preconditions for taking part in the talks to ease tensions in the Middle East which are expected to take place in Pakistans capital Islamabad following the announcement of a twoweek ceasefire between the warring partiesAlso Foreign Minister Araghchi earlier on Friday called on the United States to fulfill its commitments under the ceasefire regarding the necessity to stop Israels attacks against Lebanon the official news agency IRNA reportedHe made the remarks in a phone call with Irans proposed ambassador to Lebanon Mohammad Reza Sheibani on Friday afternoon while condemning Israels ongoing military aggressions and crimes against Lebanon and underlining the full support and solidarity of the Iranian government and people for and with Lebanons legitimate resistance against Israel IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/iranian-delegation-arrives-in-islamabad-for-talks-668897.html Sat, 11 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/un-chief-welcomes-us-iran-talks-in-pakistan-spokesperson-668898.html United Nations April 11 UN SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres welcomes the USIran talks scheduled to start in Islamabad over the weekend his spokesperson said He calls on the parties to seize this diplomatic opportunity to engage in good faith toward a lasting and comprehensive agreement with a view to deescalation and the prevention of a return to hostilities spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said at a daily briefing Xinhua news agency reportedThe SecretaryGeneral reiterates that there is no viable alternative to the peaceful settlement of international disputes in full accordance with international law including the UN Charter Dujarric saidThe UN chiefs personal envoy for the Middle East conflict and its consequences Jean Arnault continues to be in the region to support diplomatic efforts Dujarric addedThe temporary ceasefire between Iran the United States and Israel was achieved early Wednesday despite which Israel has continued its attacks on Lebanon Meanwhile a highlevel Iranian delegation led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf arrived in Islamabad on Saturday to participate in the upcoming talks with the United States Pakistans foreign ministry said in a statementThe delegation also includes Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas AraghchiThe United States and Iran are scheduled to begin negotiations on Saturday morning during the diplomatic window of a twoweek conditional truce announced on Tuesday more than one month after the start of USIsraeli joint military strikes on IranThe ceasefire between the United States and Iran has been strained as Israel continues striking Hezbollah the Iranbacked militant group in Lebanon Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf have stressed that stopping the attacks on Lebanon is an integral part of the ceasefire IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/un-chief-welcomes-us-iran-talks-in-pakistan-spokesperson-668898.html Sat, 11 Apr 2026 09:01:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/colombia-to-impose-100-pc-tariffs-on-ecuador-in-tit-for-tat-move-amid-tensions-668901.html Bogota April 11 Colombias trade ministry said that it will raise tariffs on imports from neighboring Ecuador to 100 per cent from 30 per cent matching a decision made a day earlier by Quito as tensions between the two countries escalate Trade Minister Diana Morales said on Friday in a statement that Ecuadors latest tariff hike from 50 per cent to 100 per cent forced Colombia to align its policy accusing the Quito move of distorting competition and harming domestic producers of both countriesThe process to implement the new measure would begin immediately she said adding that Colombia had pursued dialogue with Ecuador but received no positive responseWe have exhausted all diplomatic efforts and kept channels of dialogue open with the government of Ecuador seeking a solution that benefits both countries business people and above all the communities on both sides of the border she saidHowever we have not received a positive response We are therefore forced to adjust our tariff measures to match Ecuadors new rate she said adding that the Colombian government will introduce support measures including credit lines and financing access to help affected businessesCiting a trade deficit and accusing Colombia of failing to effectively fight drug trafficking at the shared border Ecuador has in recent months hiked tariffs against its larger neighbor while Colombia has denied the allegationsThe two countries have also clashed over Colombian President Gustavo Petros comments that Ecuadors former Vice President Jorge Glas is being held as a political prisoner and should be freed Xinhua news agency reportedThe escalating tensions between Ecuador and Colombia come within the final months of Petroâs presidency Elected in 2022 Petro is Colombiaâs first leftwing president and a former rebel involved in the countryâs sixdecadelong armed conflict IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/colombia-to-impose-100-pc-tariffs-on-ecuador-in-tit-for-tat-move-amid-tensions-668901.html Sat, 11 Apr 2026 09:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/congress-faults-govts-diplomacy-as-us-accords-new-role-to-pak-in-west-asia-peace-talks-668910.html New Delhi April 11 IANS Amid the USIran talks in Islamabad the Congress on Saturday targeted the Union government for its diplomatic inability to prevent the US from according to Pakistan a new role in the West Asia peace processnbspJairam Ramesh Congress General Secretary Communications InCharge on social media platform X said The USIran meeting is beginning today in Islamabad The entire world including India are hoping that this is the beginning of a durable peace process between the two countries that will not get derailed by Israels continuing aggression in its neighbourhoodPeace in West Asia must return quickly The Strait of Hormuz must once again revert to the situation that prevailed before the USIsrael assault on Iran began on Feb 28 the Congress leader saidHe noted that Pakistans reported role undermines Indias longstanding strategy of diplomatically isolating Islamabad over terrorismIn a post on X made hours after the ceasefire announcement Ramesh said The entire world will cautiously welcome the twoweek ceasefire in the West Asia conflict between the US and Israel on the one side and Iran on the other The conflict had begun on Feb 28 with the targeted assassinations of the topmost echelons of the regime in IranThe veteran Congress leader also linked the developments to Indias diplomatic positioning saying that the hostilities began shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Israel which he claimed diminished Indias global stature and standingRamesh also questioned why India could not outshine Pakistan in the Gulf conflictrelated talksWhy didnt India as the current President of BRICS launch any peace or mediation initiative especially since Iran the UAE and Saudi Arabia are members of the BRICs the Congress leader asked in a post on XRamesh raised questions on Indian diplomacy saying How has Pakistan managed to carve out a new role for itself despite its role in the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack of April 2025 and the diplomatic engagement India mounted to isolate it following the terror attackThe veteran Congress leader said This failure is especially damming because the Manmohan Singhled Congress government had very effectively isolated Pakistan after the Mumbai terror attacks in November 2008IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/congress-faults-govts-diplomacy-as-us-accords-new-role-to-pak-in-west-asia-peace-talks-668910.html Sat, 11 Apr 2026 15:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-mauritius-strengthen-ties-with-enhanced-strategic-partnership-668703.html Port LuisNew Delhi April 9 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during his visit to Mauritius reaffirmed Indiaâs commitment to deepening bilateral relations with the island nation In a message to Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam Jaishankar congratulated Mauritius for hosting the 9th Indian Ocean Conference and expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegationHighlighting the progress made in just over a year Jaishankar recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modiâs state visit to Mauritius in March 2025 when both governments elevated their ties to an âEnhanced Strategic Partnershipâ He noted that this decision reflects the enduring bonds of history culture and trust between the two nations while also expanding cooperation across key sectorsJaishankar emphasised the importance of development partnership citing the Special Economic Package jointly announced last year which is now being implemented through the Exchange of LettersHe also underscored Indiaâs support in healthcare inaugurating a Renal Transplant Unit at Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital and pointed to ongoing projects such as the AYUSH Centre of Excellence and community development initiatives across Mauritius Rodrigues and Agalega Sustainable energy cooperation featured prominently in his remarksIndia has supported Mauritius with ebuses solar power projects and collaborations under the International Solar Alliance and Global Biofuels Alliance An Indian enterprise is also developing Mauritiusâ first floating solar power projectOn defence and security Jaishankar announced the forthcoming appointment of a Defence Attache in Mauritius strengthening maritime cooperation and joint hydrography servicesHe also highlighted capacitybuilding initiatives including the launch of the iGOT Karmayogi portal for Mauritian civil servants making Mauritius the first country to receive a dedicated version of the platform Education and labour cooperation were also noted with agreements between the University Grants Commission and Mauritiusâ Higher Education Commission alongside operationalisation of the labour MoU memorandum of understandingEnergy security remains a priority with India and Mauritius finalising a governmenttogovernment agreement for oil and gas supplyJaishankar concluded by reaffirming Indiaâs commitment under its âNeighbourhood First Policy Vision Mahasagar and Global Southâ priorities stressing that the partnership with Mauritius is both unique and enduring IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-mauritius-strengthen-ties-with-enhanced-strategic-partnership-668703.html Fri, 10 Apr 2026 08:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/conflicts-in-middle-east-could-reshape-global-economy-says-world-bank-chief-ajay-banga-668705.html Washington April 10 Rising geopolitical tensions are beginning to reshape economic expectations with the World Bankâs president Ajay Banga warning that prolonged conflict could dampen growth fuel inflation and strain vulnerable economies Speaking at the Atlantic Council World Bank President Ajay Banga said the ongoing conflict in the Middle East combined with existing crises such as the war in Ukraine is already exerting pressure on global economic conditionsâThe emerging markets are more stressedâ because they already start from a more complicated fiscal and debt situationâ he said adding that advanced economies will also feel the effectsBanga said global growth previously projected at around 28 to 3 per cent could decline by up to one percentage point in a more severe scenario Inflation he added is likely to rise with increases of up to two percentage points depending on the scale and duration of disruptionsâIf you looked at the world having a probable GDP growth of 28 to 3 per centâ youâre probably impacting thatâ all the way to a one plus percent in the more challengingâ scenarioâ he saidHe pointed to the ripple effects of conflict on global supply chains particularly in energy and commodities such as fertiliser and chemicals which are critical for economies across Asia and AfricaThe World Bank he said is preparing to respond with liquidity support for affected countries According to Banga nations could access between 20 billion and 25 billion in the near term potentially rising to 60 billion to 70 billion over a sixmonth periodâThese are learnings we drew during COVIDâ he said referring to emergency financing tools developed during the pandemicHowever he cautioned governments against unsustainable fiscal responses urging them to focus on targeted and temporary support measures rather than broad subsidies that could worsen longterm debt burdensâYou gotta be carefulâ that you donât end up using that moment to increase your fiscal challengesâ he saidBanga also highlighted the broader implications of overlapping crises noting that conflicts in different regions are contributing to a more volatile global environmentâThe crisis isnât only whatâs going on todayâ there is more in the worldâ he said citing Ukraine and Gaza alongside the Middle East conflictBeyond the immediate economic impact he suggested that geopolitical instability is reinforcing the need for countries to rethink energy security and resilienceHe said governments must consider a mix of energy sources â including gas nuclear and renewables â to ensure reliable supply while managing longterm sustainability goals IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/conflicts-in-middle-east-could-reshape-global-economy-says-world-bank-chief-ajay-banga-668705.html Fri, 10 Apr 2026 08:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/iranian-fm-warns-us-against-letting-netanyahu-kill-diplomacy-668706.html Tehran April 10 Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi warned the United States against allowing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to kill diplomacy as a fragile ceasefire took hold following 40 days of fighting In a post on social media platform X Araghchi said Netanyahus criminal trial resumes on Sunday A regionwide ceasefire including in Lebanon would hasten his jailingHe added that if the United States lets Netanyahu kill diplomacy that would ultimately be its choice We think that would be dumb but are prepared for itMeanwhile Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf wrote on X that time is running out stressing that Lebanon and the resistance axis are inseparable parts of the ceasefireAlso on Thursday Araghchi discussed the ceasefire with his Russian French Spanish and German counterparts in separate phone calls Xinhua news agency reported quoting statements released by the Iranian Foreign MinistryAraghchi told Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that Iran took a responsible approach and that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz promised for two weeks under the ceasefire will be provided if the United States adheres to its commitmentsIn a call with French Foreign Minister JeanNoel Barrot Araghchi expressed regret over Israeli ceasefire violations and attacks on Lebanon urging international action Barrot welcomed the ceasefire and stressed the need to stop Israeli attacks against LebanonSpanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares called the attacks on Iran illegal and urged all parties to remain committed to the diplomatic pathA twoweek ceasefire between the United States and Iran took effect on Wednesday with peace talks scheduled to begin later this week in Islamabad Pakistan The Iranian side will be reportedly headed by QalibafIsrael has said the ceasefire does not cover the conflict in Lebanon a position disputed by Iran and mediator Pakistan Hours after the ceasefire came into effect Israel launched its largest singleday attack on Lebanon which has killed more than 300 and injured over 1100 IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/iranian-fm-warns-us-against-letting-netanyahu-kill-diplomacy-668706.html Fri, 10 Apr 2026 08:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/world-bank-president-ajay-banga-backs-jobs-push-cites-india-model-668707.html Washington April 10 Underscoring job creation as the core of global development strategy World Bank president Ajay Banga has pointed to models like Indiaâs cooperative sector as examples of scalable growth solutions Speaking at the Atlantic Council ahead of the annual Spring meeting of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund Banga said development efforts must shift focus from individual projects to broader outcomes centred on employment and economic opportunityâDevelopment isnât a charity Itâs a strategyâ he said stressing that creating jobs is essential to sustaining growth and stabilityHe highlighted a looming demographic challenge noting that 12 billion young people are expected to reach working age over the next 15 years while far fewer jobs are likely to be createdâIf you donât get these young people to have the opportunity of a jobâ dignity and hope come from the chance to have a jobâ he saidBanga outlined a threepart framework for driving job creation built on infrastructure development businessfriendly governance reforms and access to catalytic financeThe first pillar focuses on physical and human infrastructure including roads energy education and healthcare The second centres on reforms that enable businesses of all sizes to operate and expand The third emphasises financing tools such as blended capital and insurance mechanisms to support investmentHe also identified five key sectors for employment generation infrastructure agriculture primary healthcare valueadded manufacturing and tourismDrawing from his own background Banga referenced Indiaâs dairy cooperative model as a successful example of how technology and organisation can transform rural livelihoodsâI grew up in Indiaâ he said adding that cooperative structures like those in the dairy sector helped small producers access better markets and pricingHe warned that failure to create sufficient employment opportunities could have farreaching consequences including rising migration pressures and social instabilityâImagine the impactâ if 800 million peopleâ are not able to get hope and dignityâ he said linking job shortages to broader global challengesBanga emphasised that development strategies must be tailored to individual country conditions particularly in fragile or conflictaffected states However he said the overall framework remains consistentHe added that governments play a critical role in creating an enabling environment for businesses while maintaining necessary regulatory safeguardsThe World Bank he said is shifting its focus from inputs such as project numbers and financing volumes to measurable outcomes âIâm trying to moveâ from inputâ to outcomes which is jobs and growthâ Banga saidHe also stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in development efforts noting that outcomes must be visible and measurable IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/world-bank-president-ajay-banga-backs-jobs-push-cites-india-model-668707.html Fri, 10 Apr 2026 08:15:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/delaware-eyes-india-as-key-partner-for-economic-growth-says-governor-matt-meyer-668709.html Washington April 10 After his first official overseas trip Delaware Governor Matt Meyer is betting on Indiaâs economic rise to bring investment and innovation to his state framing the partnership as a longterm economic strategy âThis was my first foreign trip as governor My first official tripâ Meyer told IANS in an exclusive interview describing his recent India visit designed to prioritise substance over symbolism âWeâ went on a trip that was all about building real relationships not just doing stuff for media but real relationships that create real opportunity for Delaware and strengthen the broader partnership between India and the United StatesâFor Meyer the choice of India was deliberate He described it as âthe most populous country in the world the largest democracyâ and one of the most dynamic places in the world for innovation talent entrepreneurship and growthâThe trip spanned New Delhi Mumbai and Hyderabad and focused on attracting investment building research partnerships and positioning Delaware as a destination for Indian companies looking to expand in the United StatesMeyer said the visit yielded âincredible accomplishmentâ pointing to agreements in clean energy and advanced manufacturing A Delawarebased company signed a deal with a major Indian solar energy provider to integrate hydrogen technologies into renewable energy systems âItâs infusing hydrogen energy into the green solar energyâ proliferating across Indiaâ he saidThe governor also highlighted growing interest from Indian firms in establishing operations in Delaware Referring to a renewable energy company he said its executives are expected to visit the state âto begin site selection for manufacturingâ that theyâre now expanding to DelawareâAnother potential investment came from an international medical air transport provider âTheyâre interested in establishing operations in the United States Like so many others theyâre choosing Delawareâ Meyer saidA key outcome of the trip was a formal partnership between Hyderabadâs THub and the Delaware Prosperity Partnership the stateâs economic development agency âThat partnership is already delivering resultsâ Indian startup companiesâ looking to grow beyond Indiaâs bordersâ and American companies looking to partner to get into Indiaâs marketsâ Meyer saidHe also pointed to engagement with Indiaâs technology industry body âWe had a great meeting with Nasscomâs leadershipâ and about 15 leading Indian companiesâ he said adding that some of those companies were already visiting Delaware to continue discussionsBeyond business deals Meyer framed the visit as part of a broader economic alignment between democracies âWhen democracies work together across borders we can create jobs togetherâ expand opportunityâ andâ make progress on the biggest challenges facing the worldâ he saidHe also reflected on Indiaâs economic transformation âThe tremendous growth story that is Indiaâ the number of peopleâ emerging out of poverty building a middle classâ he said adding that his objective was to ensure Delaware becomes part of that trajectoryTo Indian businesses Meyer offered a direct pitch Delaware he said is more than a legal domicile for corporations âDelaware is the number one place for companies to incorporateâ Over two thirds of the Fortune 500â have their corporate home in Delawareâ he notedâWhat weâre trying to tell them is that itâs not just a place to file your corporate legal work Itâs also a great place to open a headquartersâ extremely business friendlyâ the public and private sector are hustlingâ to make sure your business can thrive and growâ he addedMeyer also emphasised the role of the Indian diaspora in shaping the stateâs economic landscape âIndian Americans come to Delaware they thriveâ in just about every sectorâmedical legal finance IT and techâ chemical industryâ andâ the political space as wellâ he saidThat success he suggested can serve as a bridge for future investment and collaboration âHow do we make sure that more Indiansâ choose Delawareâ he askedAt the same time Meyer offered a candid assessment of the broader policy environment âIâm not a fan of many of our presidentâs policiesâ we need to reduce barriersâ create incentives for Indian investorsâ andâ lower the costs for Delaware companies going to Indiaâ he saidHe acknowledged that federal actions could influence perceptions abroad âI think itâs badâ thereâs definitely a concernâ that the thingsâ are doing active harm to our relationship withâ countries like Indiaâ Meyer saidStill he underscored the importance of statelevel engagement in sustaining ties âAmerica is not just what you see on TVâ there are states here who are open for businessâ he said describing such outreach as a counterbalance to national policy uncertaintiesThe visit also included meetings with senior Indian leaders including the foreign minister and ministers handling science technology and education as well as statelevel leadership in Maharashtra and Telangana reflecting a multilayered engagement strategyLooking ahead Meyer said the trip should be seen as a starting point rather than a oneoff initiative âOur goal in this trip is for it to be a relationshipâ a leap forward in a continuing relationship between India andâ Delawareâ he saidDelawareâs outreach reflects a broader trend of US states increasingly engaging directly with foreign partners to attract investment talent and technology Despite its small size Delaware plays an outsized role in global business due to its corporatefriendly legal system and concentration of registered companies IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/delaware-eyes-india-as-key-partner-for-economic-growth-says-governor-matt-meyer-668709.html Fri, 10 Apr 2026 08:15:00 +0530