DailyWorld News - The First International Newspaper From India https://dailyworld.in/ Tue, 30 Jun 2026 01:39:25 +0530 en https://dailyworld.in/international/us-iran-to-halt-strikes-for-now-to-meet-in-doha-over-hormuz-strait-report-689417.html Washington June 29 The United States and Iran have agreed to pause mutual attacks for now and hold talks on Tuesday in Doha the capital of Qatar to work out their dispute over the Strait of Hormuz US media outlet Axios reported The two sides will stand down for now and vessels can move freely as technical talks are set to continue a US official was quoted as sayingThe Tuesday talks were originally set to be held in Switzerland and focused on Irans nuclear program However renewed tensions in the Strait of Hormuz prompted the talks to be moved to Doha shifting the focus to shipping security in the strategic waterway Xinhua news agency reportedDuring negotiations in Switzerland a week ago the US delegation agreed with Iran to establish a hotline between the US military and Irans Islamic Revolution Guard Corps to coordinate traffic in the straitHowever as of Saturday the hotline still wasnt operational according to the reportThe United States conducted strikes on Iranian targets on Friday and Saturday citing continued Iranian aggression against commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz Iran responded by striking US military positions in the regionMeanwhile US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the United States had launched fresh air strikes on Iranian military targets after accusing Tehran of again violating the ceasefire agreement by attacking a commercial oil tanker near the Strait of Hormuz warning that the Islamic Republic âwill no longer existâ if the attacks continueThe US Central Command CENTCOM said the strikes were carried out at the Presidentâs direction after Iran allegedly launched a oneway attack drone that hit the Panamaflagged tanker MT Kiku at 430 am ETThe tanker was transiting near the Strait of Hormuz carrying more than two million barrels of crude oilIn a Truth Social post Trump said US aircraft had struck Iranian missile and drone storage locations as well as coastal radar sitesâUnited States aircraft just struck Iranian missile and drone storage locations and coastal radar sites for violating the Cease Fire Agreement AGAIN It is very possible that they will never learnââThere may come a point when we are no longer able to be reasonable and will be forced to militarily complete the job that we very successfully started If that happens the Islamic Republic of Iran will no longer existâ the President wroteCENTCOM said Iran had been given an opportunity to comply with the ceasefire after Fridayâs US strikes in response to the attack on MV Ever Lovely IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-iran-to-halt-strikes-for-now-to-meet-in-doha-over-hormuz-strait-report-689417.html Mon, 29 Jun 2026 10:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/venezuela-quake-death-toll-rises-to-1-450-689418.html Caracas June 29 Venezuelan National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez said that the death toll from two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela Wednesday has risen to 1450 After the two powerful magnitude 72 and 75 earthquakes Venezuela has recorded 430 light to moderate aftershocks Rodriguez said in the latest government update on the national emergencyEarlier on Saturday he said on state television that 3238 people have been injured and 3142 families affected by the disaster Xinhua news agency reportedOn behalf of Venezuelan authorities Rodriguez offered his deepest condolences to the thousands of victims of the natural disasterHe said tens of thousands of people are still working around the clock on search and rescue operationsMeanwhile the Venezuelan Foundation for Seismological Research Funvisis reported on Saturday that a magnitude41 earthquake was felt across the central region of the South American country further unsettling a population already on edge following two devastating quakes earlier this weekThe state seismological agency said the epicentre of the latest tremor was located approximately 35 km west of La Guaira a key port city along the central coast that has been declared a disaster zone after sustaining severe damage from Wednesdays two powerful earthquakesThe agency reported that the quake occurred at a shallow depth of 5 km which typically amplifies ground shaking and increases the potential for structural damageResidents in Caracas and surrounding areas reported feeling the tremor with many rushing out of buildings in fear of further collapse The quake comes just days after the region was struck by two significant seismic events on Wednesday that caused widespread destruction including collapsed buildings landslides and casualtiesOfficials have been struggling to coordinate relief efforts as rescue teams work tirelessly to reach affected communities in coastal and mountainous regions IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/venezuela-quake-death-toll-rises-to-1-450-689418.html Mon, 29 Jun 2026 11:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/africa-cdc-who-launch-unified-platform-to-support-ebola-response-689422.html Addis Ababa June 29 The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Africa CDC the World Health Organization WHO and the Ugandan government have officially launched the Joint Continental Incident Management Support Team IMST to support continental health emergency capabilities amid the ongoing Ebola outbreak The Africa CDC in a statement issued late Saturday said the newly launched IMST establishes a unified operational platform to strengthen Africas capacity to prepare for coordinate and respond to public health emergencies while supporting the ongoing Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease responseLaunched at Makerere University in Ugandas capital Kampala on Saturday the IMST will support Uganda the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighboring atrisk countries through integrated technical assistance operational coordination and multidisciplinary expertise it was notedThe launch marks a significant milestone in strengthening Africas public health emergency architecture and reflects a shared commitment by Africa CDC WHO and African Union AU member states to build faster more coordinated and countryled responses to increasingly complex public health threats the Africa CDC saidThe new platform reinforces regional preparedness and crossborder collaboration as essential pillars of Africas health security the AUs specialised continental public health agency addedThe agency highlighted that the IMST guided by the principles of one team one plan and one budget brings together specialists in surveillance laboratory systems case management infection prevention and control emergency logistics and operations risk communication information management and partner coordination to strengthen outbreak response across the region Xinhua news agency reportedEbola disease is a severe often fatal illness affecting humans and other primatesThe virus is transmitted to people from wild animals such as fruit bats porcupines and nonhuman primates and then spreads in the human population through direct contact with the blood secretions organs or other bodily fluids of infected people and with surfaces and materials eg bedding clothing contaminated with these fluidsThe average Ebola disease case fatality rate is around 50 Case fatality rates have varied from 25â90 per cent in past outbreaksThe first Ebola disease outbreaks occurred in remote villages in Central Africa near tropical rainforests The 2014â2016 Ebola virus disease outbreak in West Africa was the largest and most complex Ebola outbreak since the virus was first discovered in 1976 There were more cases and deaths in this outbreak than all others combined It also spread between countries starting in Guinea then moving across land borders to Sierra Leone and Liberia IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/africa-cdc-who-launch-unified-platform-to-support-ebola-response-689422.html Mon, 29 Jun 2026 11:09:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/over-1-300-excess-deaths-linked-to-europe-heatwave-who-689426.html Geneva June 29 More than 1300 excess deaths have been recorded across Europe since June 21 linked to high temperatures World Health Organization WHO DirectorGeneral Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on social media platform X Right now 150 million people are living under extreme heat hundreds have died schools are shut grids are buckling Tedros said on X on SundayHe warned that heat stress is often called the silent killer and European homes workplaces and schools were not built for these temperaturesEurope is the fastestwarming continent on Earth heating at twice the global average Tedros notedDriven by climate change and global warming the phenomenon of the onceinageneration heatwave is now occurring nearly annually he saidThe WHO is working with its members and partners to address the health threats posed by extreme heat through focusing on preparedness prevention and stronger health system responses Tedros called on European countries to implement heat health action plans as part of the broader agenda to protect health against climate changeSeparately the WHO has published practical tips for keeping cool during extreme heat on its website The guidance recommends staying out of the heat by avoiding outdoor activity during the hottest time of day staying in the shade and spending two to three hours daily in a cool place Yonhap news agency reportedTo keep homes cool the WHO advises using night air to cool down homes after dark closing windows and covering them with blinds during the day when outdoor temperatures are higher than indoors and turning off as many electrical devices as possibleThe guidance also warns that electric fans should only be used when temperatures are below 40 degrees Celsius in temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius fans will heat the body If using air conditioning the WHO recommends setting the thermostat to 27 degrees Celsius and turning on an electric fan which will make the room feel 4 degrees Celsius cooler and can save up to 70 percent on electricity bills for coolingTo keep the body cool and hydrated the WHO suggests wearing light and loosefitting clothing taking cool showers wetting skin with a damp cloth or spray and drinking water regularly at least one cup per hour and two to three liters per dayThe guidance also emphasises checking in regularly with vulnerable people especially those over 65 and those with heart lung or kidney conditions disabilities or living aloneThe WHO also warns people never to leave children or animals in parked vehicles to avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours and never to cover an infant stroller with dry fabric which makes it hotter inside but instead use a wet thin cloth and rewet as necessary IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/over-1-300-excess-deaths-linked-to-europe-heatwave-who-689426.html Mon, 29 Jun 2026 11:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pm-modi-emplanes-for-new-delhi-after-concluding-state-visit-to-seychelles--689441.html Victoria June 29 IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday emplaned for New Delhi after concluding his threeday State visit to SeychellesnbspPrior to his departure PM Modi greeted members of Indian community gathered outside the airport to meet him People carrying Indian flags chanted Modi Modi and Vande Mataram as he interacted with themEarlier in the day PM Modi paid floral tributes at the Mahatma Gandhi statue at Peace Park in Seychelles He also interacted with members of the Indian diaspora who had gathered to welcome himHe also offered prayers at Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple and interacted with members of the Indian diaspora gathered outside the templeOn Sunday PM Modi attended the golden jubilee celebrations of Seychelles National Day as the Guest of Honour at the invitation of Seychelles President Patrick HerminieIn a post on X PM Modi said Honoured to participate in the National Day celebrations of Seychelles marking the Golden Jubilee of the nations Independence The occasion was a fitting tribute to the remarkable journey of the Seychellois people over the past fifty yearsIndia is proud to stand alongside Seychelles as a trusted friend and partner in its development journey Our partnership continues to grow stronger with shared values and closer peopletopeople ties I am confident our friendship will grow even further in the times to come he addedPM Modi was conferred the Guardian of the Blue Horizon Seychelles highest distinction for leadership in environmental conservation and sustainable developmentThe award acknowledges PM Modis longstanding push for sustainable growth and his green visionPM Modi and President Herminie on Sunday discussed new opportunities in industries connectivity technology and digital infrastructure PM Modi expressed Indias support for Seychelles in various sectors like housing healthcare transport skilling food security education and defenceHeld wideranging discussions with Dr Patrick Herminie at the State House earlier this morning My visit is taking place at a historic moment when Seychelles is completing 50 years of its Independence and we are also celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles Our talks focussed on how to add further momentum to this close partnership PM Modi posted on XPresident Herminie and I took stock of the economic partnership between India and Seychelles We discussed new opportunities in industries connectivity technology digital infrastructure and more India will keep working with Seychelles in sectors such as housing healthcare transport skilling food security education and defence he addedIndia and Seychelles signed agreements to strengthen bilateral ties across trade digital technology and agriculture following talks between the leadersThe two countries agreed on several major initiatives including the umbrella line of credit agreement for Rs 1250 crore between the ExportImport Bank of India and the Ministry of Finance Economic Planning Trade and Investment of Seychelles according to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs MEAHe also addressed the National Assembly of Seychelles and spoke about the partnership between the two nationsAddressed the National Assembly of Seychelles today Expressed my gratitude for the warmth and friendship extended by the people of Seychelles Spoke about the longlasting partnership between our two nations that is built on shared values It was also an honour interacting with the Members of the Assembly PM Modi posted on XAccording to the MEA India and Seychelles share a longstanding partnership rooted in shared historical cultural and peopletopeople ties As a key maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean Region Seychelles holds a special place in Indias Vision MAHASAGAR Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across RegionsIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pm-modi-emplanes-for-new-delhi-after-concluding-state-visit-to-seychelles--689441.html Mon, 29 Jun 2026 15:46:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistans-interior-ministry-orders-arrest-of-afghan-nationals-without-valid-visas-from-july-10-689469.html Islamabad June 29 Pakistans Ministry of Interior has ordered the immediate arrest of any Afghan national found living in the country without a valid visa from July 10 local media reported on Monday In an order issued to the Chief Secretaries of all provinces and the Islamabad Capital Territory the ministry said that the directive has been issued as per the decisions taken during a review meeting on the Illegal Foreignersâ Repatriation Plan IFRP on June 1 the daily Dawn reportedIn the notification the ministry said that during the meeting all provincial governments special area governments and the ICT Administration were directed to expedite the repatriationdeportation of Afghan nationals including visa overstay cases and to ensure strict implementation of the IFRPWith effect from July 10 2026 any Afghan national found residing in Pakistan without a valid visa shall be arrested immediately it readIt further said that necessary directives must be issued to all Deputy Commissioners district administrations police and other law enforcement agencies to ensure effective implementation of these ordersThe ministry has also ordered to prepare a report which has details about the number of Afghan nationals without valid visas in Pakistan action taken against them and their present status as of July 11The deportation drive launched by Pakistan in 2023 was renewed in April last year when the government rescinded hunÂdreds of thousands of residence permits for Afghans and warned them of arrests if they did not leaveOn May 22 United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk warned against the continued forced repatriation of Afghan refugees and asylumseekers from host countries to Afghanistan calling it a violation of international human rights and refugee lawAfghan women children and men continue to be pushed out of countries where they had sought safety forcing them to return to Afghanistan against their will and exposing them to grave risk he saidAccording to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR nearly 270000 Afghans have been deported to Afghanistan since the beginning of the year mainly from Iran and Pakistan with relatively smaller numbers from Turkey and Tajikistan This comes in addition to the over 12 million Afghan refugees deported from Iran and 150000 from Pakistan last yearThe UN human rights agency stressed that women and girls individuals affiliated with the former Afghan government and its security forces media workers civil society and members of the LGBTIQ community remain at grave risk of reprisals and human rights abusesReturning individuals at serious risk of human rights violations involuntarily to Afghanistan runs contrary to the core international law principle of nonrefoulement I urge States to abide by their international legal obligations and protect Afghans by not taking any action that exposes them to irreparable harm upon return Turk said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistans-interior-ministry-orders-arrest-of-afghan-nationals-without-valid-visas-from-july-10-689469.html Mon, 29 Jun 2026 19:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/venezuela-quake-death-toll-rises-to-1-430-689333.html Caracas June 28 The death toll from the earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday has risen to 1430 Venezuelan National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez said Rodriguez on Saturday said on state television that 3238 people have been injured and 3142 families affected by the disasterAfter the two powerful magnitude 72 and 75 earthquakes Venezuela has recorded 430 light to moderate aftershocks Rodriguez said in the latest government update on the national emergency Xinhua news agency reportedOn behalf of Venezuelan authorities Rodriguez offered his deepest condolences to the thousands of victims of the natural disasterHe said tens of thousands of people are still working around the clock on search and rescue operationsMeanwhile the Venezuelan Foundation for Seismological Research Funvisis reported on Saturday that a magnitude41 earthquake was felt across the central region of the South American country further unsettling a population already on edge following two devastating quakes earlier this weekThe state seismological agency said the epicentre of the latest tremor was located approximately 35 km west of La Guaira a key port city along the central coast that has been declared a disaster zone after sustaining severe damage from Wednesdays two powerful earthquakesThe agency reported that the quake occurred at a shallow depth of 5 km which typically amplifies ground shaking and increases the potential for structural damageResidents in Caracas and surrounding areas reported feeling the tremor with many rushing out of buildings in fear of further collapse The quake comes just days after the region was struck by two significant seismic events on Wednesday that caused widespread destruction including collapsed buildings landslides and casualtiesOfficials have been struggling to coordinate relief efforts as rescue teams work tirelessly to reach affected communities in coastal and mountainous regionsSeismologists continue to monitor the region closely with Funvisis maintaining roundtheclock surveillance The agency has called on the public to stay informed through official channels and avoid spreading unverified information that could cause panic IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/venezuela-quake-death-toll-rises-to-1-430-689333.html Sun, 28 Jun 2026 13:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/61-magnitude-earthquake-strikes-off-japans-iwate-689341.html Tokyo June 28 An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 61 struck off Iwate Prefecture in northeastern Japan early Sunday the countrys weather agency said No tsunami warning was issued The temblor occurred at 521 am local time off Iwates eastern coast at a depth of about 40 km measuring lower 5 on Japans seismic intensity scale of 7 in parts of Aomori and Iwate prefectures reports Xinhua quoting the Japan Meteorological AgencyNo abnormalities were reported at the Higashidori nuclear power plant in Aomori or at the Onagawa nuclear power complex in Miyagi Prefecture according to their operatorThe quakes epicentre was located at a latitude of 402 degrees north and a longitude of 1424 degrees eastA 72magnitude earthquake jolted the same region on Thursday injuring at least 10 people Friday saw two quakes a 56magnitude and 58magnitude strike near Tokyo with shaking clearly felt in the capital At least 10 people were injuredAt 1149 am on Friday a 41magnitude earthquake hit southern Ibaraki Prefecture with tremors also clearly felt in the capital Meanwhile on Thursday at least four people were injured after a 72magnitude earthquake struck northeastern JapanThe temblor revised up from a preliminary magnitude of 69 occurred at around 730 am local time off the eastern coast of Iwate Prefecture at a depth of about 40 km It measured upper 6 the secondhighest level on Japans seismic scale of 7 in Hashikami Town and lower 6 in Hachinohe City both in Aomori Prefecture the Japan Meteorological Agency JMA saidAn intensity of lower 6 means it is difficult to remain standing and unsecured objects like furniture may topple over and windows may be damaged reports Kyodo News quoting the agency IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/61-magnitude-earthquake-strikes-off-japans-iwate-689341.html Sun, 28 Jun 2026 13:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/five-injured-after-car-hits-pedestrians-in-london-689342.html London June 28 Five people were injured after a car rammed into multiple pedestrians in west London with a man having been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder police said The incident occurred shortly before 230 pm local time 1330 GMT on Saturday in Ealing Broadway Two people were treated at the scene while three others were taken to a hospital according to the Metropolitan Police None of the injuries is believed to be lifethreatening Xinhua news agency reportedThe vehicle failed to stop at the scene but was intercepted shortly afterward in nearby Grange Park Its driver a 34yearold Somaliaborn British man was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and attempted murderPolice said counterterrorism officers had been consulted during the initial inquiries because of the nature of the incident Investigators are keeping an open mind regarding the motive but the case is not being treated as terrorismThe London Ambulance Service said it sent multiple ambulance crews paramedics and other emergency personnel to the scene while Londons Air Ambulance was also deployedRoad closures remained in place as police continued their investigation into the incidentCounter Terrorism Policing London carried out the initial inquiries but authorities said the case is not being treated as terrorismThe Metropolitan Police said a Somaliaborn British man was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and attempted murder According to the force he was detained in nearby Grange Park a short time laterPolice said none of the injuries sustained in the incident were lifethreatening or lifechanging While two people were taken to hospital for treatment two others were treated at the scene and did not require hospitalisationVideos circulating on social media which purportedly show the incident appear to capture bystanders running alongside a white car kicking the vehicle and attempting to open the driversside door before the car accelerated away The authenticity of the footage has not been independently verified IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/five-injured-after-car-hits-pedestrians-in-london-689342.html Sun, 28 Jun 2026 13:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/adb-approves-13-milion-package-to-boost-urban-development-in-bhutan-689345.html Manila June 28 The Asian Development Bank ADB approved a 13millionUSD financing package to help Bhutan strengthen resilient urban infrastructure and expand affordable rental housing for lowincome and vulnerable households The package comprises a 5 million concessional loan and an 8 million grant the bank said in a statement on SaturdayBhutans rapid urbanisation has outpaced infrastructure development leaving economically disadvantaged households vulnerable to flooding landslides and substandard housing Xinhua news agency reported quoting the BankThe ADB said the project is expected to provide rental housing units for vulnerable households and improve urban infrastructure such as drainage water supply and roadsBhutans cities are growing fast and this project ensures that growth is safe inclusive and resilient said ADB Country Director for Bhutan Sonomi Tanaka By investing in essential municipal infrastructure affordable housing and stronger urban planning systems we are helping build safer more livable communities while reinforcing Phuentsholingâs role as a resilient gateway city and expanding opportunities for lowincome and vulnerable householdsAccording to ADB the project will improve core urban infrastructure in the Ammochhu local area plan including drainage water supply sewerage roads pedestrian walkways and flood protection These investments will complement ADBfunded infrastructure under the Phuentsholing Township Development Project while helping reduce service gaps boost resilience to natural hazards and unlock additional urban development opportunities in PhuentsholingThe project incorporates strong measures to promote the protection of women and girls through onthejob training and employment opportunities for women in urban development At least 30 per cent of affordable housing units will be allocated to womenheaded householdsADF provides grants to the poorest and most vulnerable countries in Asia and the Pacific During 2021â2024 the fund helped 384000 people emerge from poverty and generated around 500000 jobs IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/adb-approves-13-milion-package-to-boost-urban-development-in-bhutan-689345.html Sun, 28 Jun 2026 13:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/our-vision-is-to-make-indian-ocean-into-ocean-of-opportunity-pm-modi--689371.html Victoria June 28 IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that the Indian Oceans security sustainability and prosperity are shared responsibilities of nations as he stressed that Indias vision for it is to make it an Ocean of OpportunityAddressing a joint press meet with Seychelles President Patrick Herminie following their meeting PM Modi said We believe the Indian Ocean is our shared home Its security sustainability and prosperity are our shared responsibility This sentiment is the basis of our MAHASAGAR visionIndia wants the Indian Ocean to pave the way for economic prosperity along with maritime security he saidThe message of my visit to Seychelles is clear India envisions an Indian Ocean where economic prosperity grows alongside maritime security where our partnerships are based on mutual respect and trust rather than size and where we move forward not merely in proximity to one another but together Our vision is to make the Indian Ocean into an Ocean of OpportunityPM Modi expressed gratitude to President Herminie for the warm welcome and honouring him with the Guardian of the Blue Horizon awardI express my heartfelt gratitude to President Herminie for our warm welcome and gracious hospitality Being honoured by him with the Guardian of the Blue Horizon is a matter of immense joy for me and 14 billion Indians While humbly accepting this honour I dedicate it to all those countries that are fighting the challenge of climate change and consider environmental conservation their duty towards future generationsHe noted that the Indian Ocean has nurtured the ties between India and Seychelles for years and has fostered trade culture and human connections between the two nationsMy visit takes place at a historic occasion as Seychelles marks 50 years of its independence and we celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles Over the course of these 50 years we have transformed friendship into trust trust into cooperation and cooperation into public welfare The Indian Ocean has nurtured the relationship between India and Seychelles for centuries its waves have continuously fostered trade culture and human connections between us he saidPM Modi announced that India and Seychelles will continue to explore new opportunities for the industries of both nations and efforts will be made to enhance connectivity between the two nationsThe joint vision issued during the Presidents visit to India in February of this year has laid the blueprint for our future partnership Building upon this our cooperation across all sectors is strengthening Today we discussed making our economic cooperation more resilient and futureready We will continue to explore new opportunities for the industries of both our nations Efforts will also be made to enhance connectivity between India and Seychelles This will not only boost our trade but also strengthen ties with East Africa and the Indian Ocean regionPM Modi termed digital technology an effective means to bridge the distance between the two nations and announced that India will share its successful experiences in digital public infrastructure with SeychellesIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/our-vision-is-to-make-indian-ocean-into-ocean-of-opportunity-pm-modi--689371.html Sun, 28 Jun 2026 16:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/chinas-industrial-profit-growth-slows-as-domestic-demand-remains-weak-689380.html New Delhi June 28 Chinas industrial profit growth slowed in May for the first time in six months indicating that stronger exports and rising producer prices were insufficient to fully offset persistent weakness in domestic demand a report has said Data released by Chinas National Bureau of Statistics NBS showed that industrial profits increased 211 per cent yearonyear in May easing from the 247 per cent growth recorded in April The moderation marked the first slowdown in profit growth since November according to The Edge Singapore reportDuring the JanuaryMay period industrial companies reported a profit increase of 188 per cent from a year earlier slightly below market expectations of 19 per centThe softer growth comes despite improving conditions in Chinas industrial sector The country emerged from more than three years of factorygate deflation in March while producer prices rose in May at their fastest pace since 2022 Strong overseas demand and the global boom in artificial intelligence investments have supported Chinas advanced manufacturing industriesAccording to the statistics bureau the rawmaterials manufacturing sector accounted for 102 percentage points of the overall profit growth during the first five months of the year Hightech manufacturing contributed eight percentage points while equipment manufacturing added 52 percentage pointsThe NBS said rising demand linked to artificial intelligence applications boosted earnings in the electronics industry as well as in nonferrous metals sectors such as aluminium and copper Higher commodity prices partly driven by disruptions in global energy markets due to tensions in the Middle East also supported industrial profitsHowever analysts said the latest figures highlight the continued pressure from weak domestic demand Sluggish investment activity and cautious household spending have limited the strength of the broader economic recovery reducing the benefits from stronger exports and improving industrial pricesThe profit figures also benefited from a low comparison base as industrial earnings had fallen 91 percent in May last yearTotal industrial profits reached 314 trillion yuan during the first five months of 2026 remaining below the level recorded during the same period in 2022The problem of strong supply and weak demand within the country remained outstanding and companies in some industries were still facing difficulties NBS analyst Yu Weining said in a statement IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/chinas-industrial-profit-growth-slows-as-domestic-demand-remains-weak-689380.html Sun, 28 Jun 2026 17:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-renews-push-for-voter-id-689292.html Washington June 27 US President Donald Trump has called for sweeping election reforms urging Congress to pass the SAVE America Act and require voters to show photo identification and proof of citizenship Speaking at the Faith amp Freedom Coalitions Road to Majority conference Trump said the legislation was needed to protect US electionsAnd now we have to pass the SAVE America Act to protect our sacred American elections Trump saidHe said the proposed reforms should include voter identification citizenship checks and limits on mailin votingAll voters must show photo ID Trump said All voters must provide proof of citizenshipHe said mailin ballots should be allowed only in limited casesWe want no mailin ballots except for illness disability and military deployment or travel Trump said Well be very judiciousTrump criticised Democrats and some Republicans for opposing the measure He singled out Senator Lisa Murkowski of AlaskaWhere youre finding the Democrats and a few Republicans who are doing a tremendous disservice to this country Trump said We have a few Republicans that are fighting it Lisa Murkowski of AlaskaHe urged supporters to pressure herYou should call her and tell her to get on the ball Trump said She has got to vote Its called the SAVE America ActTrump also attacked Californias election system and claimed vote counting there took too longLook whats happening in California where the ballots still arent in he said Theyre still not can you believe it weeks afterwardsHe alleged fraud without providing evidence in the speechYou know whats happened Theyre cheating Trump saidTrump referred to Spencer Pratt and Steve Hilton while criticising the states votecounting processI said they just rigged the election Trump said And then they tried to hurt Steve Hilton tooHe said he had called a US attorney and asked for the matter to be examinedI called the US attorney and I said you have to look into this because Steve Hilton did great Trump saidTrump contrasted California with Colombia saying the South American country counted 30 million votes on election nightThey had 30 million votes by 930 in the evening every single vote was counted and there were no complaints he saidHe argued that long vote counts created opportunities for manipulationHow many votes do we need How many votes Thats why they take their time Trump saidTrump framed the issue as central to the coming midterm elections He told supporters they had to turn out and protect what his administration had doneEveryone needs to get out and vote in the midterms Trump said We have to win this election This election is very vitalThe President returned to election grievances later in the speech again saying the 2020 election was riggedBut we did it again and we did we got it right too big to rig Trump said We made it too big to rigThe election reform remarks came during a broader address focused on religion immigration national security the economy and the 250th anniversary of American independence IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-renews-push-for-voter-id-689292.html Sat, 27 Jun 2026 07:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-panel-targets-church-state-doctrine-689293.html Washington June 27 A presidential commission on religious liberty has urged the Justice Department to formally clarify the constitutional understanding of the Establishment Clause arguing that the phrase separation of church and state has been wrongly used for decades to limit religious expression in American public life The recommendation presented to President Donald Trump on Friday is among the commissions most significant proposals and could reshape how federal agencies interpret disputes involving religion in schools government institutions the military and healthcareCommission Chairman Dan Patrick said testimony from 103 witnesses over seven months revealed a common concern among people who appeared before the panelThe overwhelming majority of our witnesses said that they were attacked and punished and what was used against them was one phrase thats not in the Constitution Patrick said And that phrase is separation of church and statePatrick argued that the phrase which he said came from one line out of one of hundreds of letters by Thomas Jefferson had been used to batter and hammer people of faith for the last 70 to 80 yearsThe commissions first recommendation calls on the Department of Justice to issue guidance clarifying the proper understanding of the Establishment Clause and the separation of church and state It also recommends that federal agencies issue Know Your Rights guidance for students parents teachers religious leaders healthcare workers and military service membersPatrick also proposed that government officials invoking separation of church and state against individuals exercising their religious beliefs should be required to explain in writing how the persons conduct violates the ConstitutionIf they allege separation of church and state that public official must in writing explain how that person has violated the Constitution Patrick saidBecause again the separation of church and state is not in the ConstitutionPresident Trump said his administration would review the report and continue working to protect religious libertyWe will closely study this report that is being presented to me as president today and my administration will continue to work with the really the pillars of protecting religious liberty for all Americans Trump saidCommission member Ryan T Anderson said witnesses repeatedly described instances where religion had been excluded from public lifeWe saw over and over again students being told they can form a club but not if its a religious club They can speak at commencement but not if they mention God Parents can get vouchers but not if they use it at a religious school Anderson saidTelevision personality Phil McGraw a commission member said witnesses described discrimination extending beyond places of worship into everyday lifeIts not just the liberty to choose which house of worship they want its actually getting into their daily life and theyre being persecuted in their jobs in their professions McGraw said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-panel-targets-church-state-doctrine-689293.html Sat, 27 Jun 2026 07:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pm-modi-arrives-in-seychelles-receives-warm-welcome-from-prez-herminie-and-diaspora-at-airport-689309.html Victoria June 27 IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday began a threeday State Visit to Seychelles to attend the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the countrys National Day as the Guest of Honour and further strengthen the bilateral cooperationIn a special gesture Seychelles President Patrick Herminie and several top ministers and senior dignitaries welcomed PM Modi at the airportPrime Minister Modi also shared some glimpses from the warm welcome at the airport in Seychelles and thanked the Indian diaspora for the affectionLanded in Seychelles Deeply appreciate the warm welcome extended at the airport by Dr Patrick Herminie Seychelles is a valued maritime partner and a close friend in the Indian Ocean Looking forward to a productive visit aimed at further strengthening our longstanding ties and enhancing cooperation for the benefit of the people of our nations PM Modi wrote on X after his arrivalEarlier in his departure statement PM Modi expressed confidence that his visit to Seychelles would enhance maritime cooperation while also advancing the vision of a secure peaceful and prosperous Indian Ocean Region IORDuring the June 2729 visit PM Modi is scheduled to participate in the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the National Day of Seychelles as the Guest of HonourPM Modi said that Seychelles is a valued maritime neighbour and a key partner in Indias Vision MAHASAGAR and the countries shared commitment to the Global SouthThis year we also mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relations which are rooted in mutual trust shared democratic values respect for diversity and deep affinity between our peoples he saidPM Modi will hold bilateral talks with Herminie who had visited India in February 2026 and is also scheduled to address the Seychelles National Assembly and interact with members of the Indian diasporaTogether we will work to advance the progress of our peoples and promote security and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region said Prime Minister ModiOn being set to become the first Indian Prime Minister to address the National Assembly of Seychelles PM Modi said This historic opportunity reflects the strong democratic values and parliamentary traditions that bind our two nationsI also look forward to interacting with the vibrant Indian community in Seychelles who have been nurturing the special friendship between India and Seychelles for generations and serving as a living bridge between our two nations he further saidI am confident that my visit will further deepen the longstanding bonds between the two countries enhance maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean region and advance our shared vision of a secure peaceful and prosperous Indian Ocean region PM Modi addedIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pm-modi-arrives-in-seychelles-receives-warm-welcome-from-prez-herminie-and-diaspora-at-airport-689309.html Sat, 27 Jun 2026 16:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-reaffirms-taiwan-policy-arms-review-on-689204.html Washington June 26 The Trump administration reaffirmed that its longstanding policy towards Taiwan remains unchanged even as it reviews a proposed 14 billion arms package for the selfgoverning island amid rising military pressure from China Appearing before the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific Michael G DeSombre Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs told lawmakers the administration remained committed to the Taiwan Relations Act and the longstanding framework governing USTaiwan tiesOur long standing policy on Taiwan has not changed which is guided by the Taiwan Relations Act the three joint communiques and the six assurances DeSombre saidHe added We remain committed to preserving peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and oppose any unilateral change to the status quoTaiwan dominated much of the hearing with Democratic and Republican lawmakers pressing the administration on military assistance deterrence and Chinas growing pressure on the islandRepresentative Young Kim who chaired the hearing said the Trump administration and Congress had stood firmly with Taiwan against daily CCP threats and coercionShe welcomed the administrations approval of an 11 billion arms package for Taiwan and noted that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had informed lawmakers that a 14 billion follow on package is now under reviewRepresentative John Johnny O Olszewski Jr questioned whether recent comments by President Donald Trump about discussing Taiwan arms sales with Chinese President Xi Jinping were consistent with Washingtons longstanding commitments to TaiwanResponding DeSombre said Taiwan arms sales were routinely raised by Beijing during bilateral meetingsWhenever we meet with China they raise the questions of Taiwan and Taiwan arms sales he said That is a part of almost every discussion that we have with themHe added That is not in any way a deviation from the six assurancesPressed repeatedly on when the administration would notify Congress about the proposed 14 billion package DeSombre said only that the President is reviewing it and hell make that decisionRepublican Representative Andy Barr defended the administrations record on Taiwan arguing that the already approved 11 billion package demonstrated an unprecedented commitment to the islands defenceBarr said the package included HIMARS rocket systems ATACMS missiles howitzers and drones and argued that there has never been an administration that has demonstrated the commitment to Taiwan shown by the current oneHe also urged Congress to help address delays in delivering more than 32 billion worth of previously approved military equipment to Taiwan by strengthening the US defence industrial baseDeSombre agreed that expanding manufacturing capacity and facilitating investment in the American defence industry were essential to accelerating foreign military salesYoung Kim also urged Taiwan to increase its own defence spending noting that while its legislature had approved a 25 billion defence package it had not fully funded capabilities such as dronesDeSombre said the United States was encouraging Taiwan to approve additional budgetary support for further weapons purchasesUnder the Taiwan Relations Act the United States provides Taiwan with defensive arms while maintaining a policy of strategic ambiguity over whether it would intervene militarily in the event of a Chinese attack Beijing regards Taiwan as part of its territory and has stepped up military activity around the island in recent yearsWashington officially recognises Beijing rather than Taipei but remains Taiwans principal security partner and largest supplier of defensive military equipment Taiwan continues to occupy a central place in USChina relations and remains one of the most sensitive issues between the two powers IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-reaffirms-taiwan-policy-arms-review-on-689204.html Fri, 26 Jun 2026 11:09:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-seeks-new-powers-to-stop-drone-threats-689207.html Washington June 26 The US Department of Homeland Security is seeking broader legal powers from Congress to counter rapidly evolving drone threats with Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin warning lawmakers that unmanned aerial systems pose growing risks to border security critical infrastructure and major public events Appearing before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security Mullin said existing laws had not kept pace with rapidly advancing drone technology and urged lawmakers to provide the department with additional authorityCongress is going to have to lean on this a little bit Mullin said This is a threat thats changing every single dayHe said current technology could deal with hobbyist drones but more sophisticated systems were becoming increasingly difficult to interceptThe issue that we have is the ones that have it on fibre Mullin said The only way for us to be able to bring them down is be kineticHe said expanding counterdrone capabilities required new legal authorities because of issues involving aviation safety collateral damage and overlapping federal jurisdictionsWere exploring that but Congress is going to have to look at this as a whole he saidDeputy Homeland Security Secretary Troy Edgar said drone activity had risen sharply along the USMexico borderJust from the beginning of this fiscal year till yesterday they had 11000 drones basically registered at the border Edgar told lawmakers We need to have a better strategy thats funded and we have the authoritiesMullin said the department was considering establishing a joint counterdrone task force because multiple DHS agencies currently operate separate programmesWe have 22 components now he said I have eight that have their own counter UAS measuresThe secretary said the growing threat had prompted the department to deploy counterdrone systems on an unprecedented scale during the ongoing FIFA Club World CupFor the first time in history we have all 11 stadiums covered with counter UAS Mullin saidHe added that authorities had already neutralised dozens of unauthorised drones over major sporting eventsWhen you have an enthusiast that flies a drone over FIFA I think we brought down over 60 drones to date he said During F1 we brought down eight During Augusta we brought down 12Mullin also said DHS was working closely with the FBI to expand counterdrone training for state and local law enforcement agenciesWe have more people asking to get into the school than he has space to do it he said referring to the FBIs training programmeThe rapid spread of commercial drone technology has emerged as a major security concern worldwide Governments are increasingly investing in counterdrone capabilities to protect airports military installations critical infrastructure and large public gatherings from surveillance smuggling and potential attacksThe United States has significantly expanded investment in counterdrone systems ahead of major international events and along its borders Homeland Security officials argue that stronger legal authorities improved technology and closer coordination among federal state and local agencies will be essential to keep pace with increasingly sophisticated unmanned aerial threats IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-seeks-new-powers-to-stop-drone-threats-689207.html Fri, 26 Jun 2026 11:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/death-toll-from-venezuelan-earthquakes-climbs-to-235-689208.html Caracas June 26 Venezuelas health ministry raised the death toll to at least 235 on Thursday evening after two powerful earthquakes struck the country Venezuela is racing against time to rescue hundreds believed trapped beneath collapsed buildings after twin powerful earthquakes left more than 200 people dead and many injured while authorities warned the toll could rise further as rescuers struggled to reach the worsthit areasThe shallow earthquakes measuring magnitudes of 72 and 75 and striking just 40 seconds apart Wednesday were the strongest to hit the South American country in more than a century and the deadliest in decades Xinhua news agency reportedThey devastated parts of the countrys central coast and the capital Caracas triggering widespread building collapses power and communications outages while raising fears of further destruction from continuing aftershocksVenezuelas National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez told a press conference Thursday that about 200 people remained trapped under rubble We are racing against time in the hope of rescuing as many people as possible Rodriguez saidThe earthquakes were both shallow occurring at a depth of just 10 km allowing much of their energy to be released near the surface The two strong shocks struck less than a minute apart while repeated aftershocks have increased the risk of secondary building collapsesThe epicenters proximity to Caracas one of the countrys most densely populated areas further amplified its destructionExperts have noted that Venezuela has experienced no major earthquakes for roughly half a century leaving many residents with limited disaster preparednessYears of underinvestment in infrastructure have also heightened concerns over the vulnerability of aging buildings to strong seismic activityRodriguez has introduced three key measures for rescue and reconstruction efforts after two devastating earthquakes struck the countrys northern regionsThe acting president has ordered mobilising debrisremoval equipment from private companies establishing a 200millionUSD assistance fund and providing special credit lines to affected business owners as essential measures in response to the powerful earthquakes unseen over decades in the countrys historyMeanwhile the country is taking necessary steps to coordinate international assistance Foreign Minister Yvan Gil said Thursday At least a dozen countries from the region and other parts of the world have expressed solidarity and offered assistance IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/death-toll-from-venezuelan-earthquakes-climbs-to-235-689208.html Fri, 26 Jun 2026 11:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-expands-crackdown-on-asian-scam-gangs-689209.html Washington June 26 The Trump administration said it is stepping up efforts with Southeast Asian governments to dismantle transnational criminal networks behind online scam operations that defrauded Americans of billions of dollars last year Appearing before the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific Michael G DeSombre Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs said the administration was pursuing a whole of government effort to combat criminal syndicates operating across the regionTogether with US Interagency Partners EAP supports US engagement to combat transnational crime across the IndoPacific targeting the fentanyl supply chain pressing China and other countries to take concrete law enforcement actions and working to dismantle transnational criminal organizations running online scam operations that defrauded Americans of more than 125 billion in 2025 DeSombre saidAccording to him the Department of Justice has restrained more than 15 billion in cryptocurrency from scam centers since October 2025 while the administration was advancing targeted sanctions and diplomatic pressure to hold governments accountable for enforcementRanking Member Ami Bera highlighted the rapid growth of scam compounds operating along the Mekong region saying he had seen Chinese criminal organisations exploiting special economic zones in Vietnam Cambodia and LaosBera said the syndicates were also linked to drug trafficking and often forced civilians into working in online fraud operationsResponding DeSombre said the scale of the problem continued to growWe estimate that they defrauded Americans out of 125 billion in 2025 which is actually a 25 per cent increase from 2024 he saidSo the problem is not getting better Its still getting worseDeSombre said the administrations priority was not simply to shut scam centres but to dismantle the criminal organisations behind themThe goal is to make sure we arrest the bad guys and make sure they dont ever do it again he saidHe said Cambodia had shown signs of progress in tackling the networksWe are seeing interestingly some positive developments out of Cambodia he said adding that Prime Minister Hun Manet has definitely made it a priority for his government and we have seen positive movements in that regardHowever DeSombre warned that enforcement action in Cambodia had pushed criminal groups into neighbouring countriesWe now see scam centers cropping up in Malaysia Indonesia even in TimorLeste and other places he saidWhile describing that development as not good he said it had encouraged wider regional cooperation because more governments were now experiencing the impact of organised cyber fraudTo strengthen coordination DeSombre said he had recently organised a contact group involving US allies partners and several Southeast Asian nations to improve intelligence sharing and law enforcement cooperation against the criminal syndicatesOnline investment fraud cryptocurrency scams and romance scams have become one of the fastestgrowing forms of transnational organised crime in Southeast Asia Criminal networks have established large compounds in several countries often using trafficked workers to target victims around the world through sophisticated digital fraud schemes IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-expands-crackdown-on-asian-scam-gangs-689209.html Fri, 26 Jun 2026 11:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-to-rebuild-cyber-agency-amid-rising-threats-689210.html Washington June 26 The Trump administration plans to rebuild the US governments cyber defence agency and strengthen its ability to counter increasingly sophisticated cyber threats from China Iran Russia and North Korea Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin told lawmakers Testifying before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security Mullin said the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency CISA would play a central role in protecting government networks businesses and critical infrastructure from foreign cyber attacksWe have adversaries that are attacking not just our government but attacking our businesses every single day Mullin said The one that has that authority to do it is CISAHe acknowledged that the agency had lost direction in recent years but said the administration intended to rebuild itIt probably got a bad rap because it wasnt utilising its authority Mullin said Were hiring the best peopleMullin said the administration planned to appoint new leadership and recruit additional specialists to restore the agencys capabilitiesWe want to stand it up and be not just average he said We want to be the go person for cybersecurity in the nationHe said DHS believed CISA was operating at roughly half the staffing level it requiredDo we need to hire everybody back No Do we need to hire about 600 people back YesThe secretary said rebuilding the agency would take timeOnce hes in place its going to take me probably 12 months to build this back Mullin said referring to the incoming CISA directorHe also urged closer cooperation between government and the private sector arguing that technology companies could not confront statesponsored cyber threats on their ownWe cant expect Meta or Google to do it on their own Mullin said Theyre fighting an armyHe said DHS was also reviewing its own internal regulations to remove bureaucratic obstacles that slowed cyber operationsMullin added that DHS might eventually seek additional guidance from Congress as artificial intelligence and rapidly evolving cyber technologies created new legal and operational challengesCybersecurity has become a central element of US national security strategy as governments and private companies face increasingly sophisticated attacks targeting critical infrastructure financial systems healthcare networks and government agenciesThe United States has steadily expanded cooperation with allies including India on cybersecurity critical technologies and the protection of digital infrastructure Cyber resilience has also become an increasingly important pillar of the broader US strategy to secure emerging technologies and counter statesponsored cyber threats IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-to-rebuild-cyber-agency-amid-rising-threats-689210.html Fri, 26 Jun 2026 11:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-steps-up-pacific-push-to-counter-china-689213.html Washington June 26 The Trump administration said it is expanding its diplomatic economic and security engagement across the Pacific Islands to counter Chinas growing influence in a region it described as strategically vital to US national security Michael G DeSombre Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs told the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific that the State Department had made the Pacific one of its top prioritiesThis is an area that is receiving tremendous focus from the State Department DeSombre saidHe said Washingtons strategy centred on strengthening the resilience of Pacific Island nations while offering an alternative to Chinas expanding economic and strategic footprintThe first one is trying to build up economic resilience DeSombre said Really working with the Pacific Islands to figure out ways that we can get more American or other Western allied investments into these countriesCongresswoman Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen of American Samoa said Pacific Island nations sit between the United States and the IndoPacific but continue to face increasing Chinese influence through infrastructure financing and rising debtShe pointed to Chinas expanding presence in Fiji Tonga the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu and asked what Washington was doing to help reduce the islands dependence on BeijingDeSombre said one major initiative involved expanding secure communications infrastructureWere also really deploying large amounts of foreign assistance to help with various infrastructure and communication subsea cables being a great example he saidHe added that the United States was working with Australia and Japan to ensure Pacific nations were connected through secure undersea communications links that did not rely on US adversariesAnother priority he said was increasing highlevel American engagement across the regionWe are after all a Pacific nation DeSombre said We want to ensure that we are part of the Pacific and that they know that were part of the PacificHe cited what he described as encouraging political developments in the Solomon Islands saying the countrys new leadership was reassessing ties with Beijing and looking to work with traditional security partnersCongressman James Moylan of Guam highlighted the growing role of the US Coast Guard in supporting Pacific Island nations and countering illegal fishing drug trafficking and other transnational crimesDeSombre said Washington was increasing Coast Guard deployments across the regionMy understanding is that we are moving from two to four Coast Guard cutters in Guam he saidHe added that the United States was also considering expanding Coast Guard operations in Australia and had recently deployed additional cutters to Subic Bay in the PhilippinesDeSombre said shiprider agreements with Pacific Island nations had become an important tool for helping local authorities police their exclusive economic zones against illegal fishing and narcotics traffickingHe also stressed Guams strategic importanceGuam is an important gateway to the Pacific he said We are a Pacific nation and Guam is part of us being a Pacific nationThe Pacific Islands have become an increasingly important arena in strategic competition between the United States and China Beijing has expanded its diplomatic presence infrastructure investment and security engagement across the region in recent years prompting Washington and its allies to intensify their own outreachThe United States has responded by strengthening partnerships with Pacific Island governments expanding maritime security cooperation investing in digital infrastructure and increasing its military and Coast Guard presence to reinforce a free and open IndoPacific IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-steps-up-pacific-push-to-counter-china-689213.html Fri, 26 Jun 2026 11:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/operation-sindoors-psychological-impact-pakistan-tries-to-boost-military-morale-at-the-cost-of-people-689220.html New Delhi June 26 IANS The impact Operation Sindoor had on the morale of the Pakistan Army is becoming increasingly visible Post the operation that was carried out by the Indian armed forces to avenge the Pahalgam attack Pakistan falsely claimed that it had in fact managed to gain the upper hand over India Officials say that Operation Sindoor did not just have an impact on the Pakistan Armys morale but the same is visible among the rest of the security forces in the countrynbspOne could say that it caused a ripple effect among all the forces within Pakistan the official also notedThe official said that promoting himself to the rank of Field Marshal immediately after the operation itself was a sign that Asim Munir wanted to send a strong message to his army He pressurised the Shehbaz Sharif government to award him the rank the second only in Pakistans historyMunir wanted the army and the people of his country to get a feeling that Pakistan was victorious during the operation and hence he was being rewarded with the rank of Field MarshalAnother official said that Munirs move was also aimed at boosting the morale of the remaining security forces who are engaged in a battle with the Balochistan Liberation Army BLA and TehreekeTaliban Pakistan TTPMany desertions are being reported among the ranks of both the security forces as well as army personnel This has in fact demoralised many and hence they are fleeing from their posts the official saidAnother move that raised eyebrows was the 18 per cent hike in military spending for the year 2026 Although the Sharif government tried to resist this considering the doldrums Pakistans economy is in Munir was hellbent The increase in military spending was demanded by him as he feels that the country would be in a better position to respond after the Indian armed forces carried out Operation SindoorPakistans federal budget of the fiscal year 2026 allocated a record PKR three trillion for defence This accounts for roughly 16 per cent of the countrys total federal spendingUnable to bear the pressure from the army the Sharif government eventually gave in and this came at the cost of public welfare officials say To accommodate defence spending the government squeezed the Public Sector Development Programme and limited federal development to just PKR one trillion This means there would be aggressive cuts to infrastructure schools and local projectsFurther the federal government pressured the provincial leaders to trim development plans and surplus cash from the Punjab and Sindh provinces was redirected to the federal capital The government then drastically phased out energy and utility subsidies This means that the people of Pakistan would have to absorb the full cost of electricity and gasTo bridge the deficit thanks to the 18 per cent hike in defence spending the government targeted the common Pakistani with an aggressive collection of taxes The target set was PKR 1526 trillionAn official said that while these moves failed to boost the morale of the defence personnel and security forces the government was forced to change the pay structureThe new pay structure would apply to all ranks and would be implemented with immediate effectAn Intelligence Bureau official said the new pay structure would mean that the defence personnel across ranks would get a 25 per cent hike The official said that Munir immediately approved this and currently it is in effect The official said that Munir would go all out to keep the security forces and the defence personnel happyThis is a coverup and is meant to act as a morale booster after the humiliating defeat during Operation Sindoor the official pointed outThe official also said that in addition to trying to boost the morale of the forces this decision was taken to retain personnel in the armed forcesThe Indian operation and the situation in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa KP have all contributed to the declining morale of the personnel Although Pakistan has lost every war with India in the past this is probably the first time that it is facing a situation such as thisExperts say that Operation Sindoor was a strategic operation and in just a few minutes major terror infrastructure was taken down that included the headquarters of the JaisheMohammad and the training facility of the LashkareTaibaAn official said the operation had a psychological effect on Munirs men and hence he is going all out to keep them happy even though these decisions are affecting the common man a great deal the official addedIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/operation-sindoors-psychological-impact-pakistan-tries-to-boost-military-morale-at-the-cost-of-people-689220.html Fri, 26 Jun 2026 13:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistani-forces-torch-several-civilian-homes-in-balochistans-kech-689240.html Quetta June 26 Several civilian homes were set ablaze by Pakistani forces during an operation in the Tump area of Balochistanâs Kech district local media reported Citing sources The Balochistan Post reported that the houses belonging to a civilian Dad Muhammad in the Kohad area of Tump were torched during the military operation conducted on ThursdayThis was not an isolated incident as several of his houses had previously reportedly been raided and property damaged during earlier operationsPakistani forces also carried out raids and maintained a presence in the Rodban area of Tump though arrests or casualties were not immediately availableIn a separate development a largescale military operation was reported in Kulanch and the adjoining mountainous areas of Gwadar district The Balochistan Post reported citing sourcesReports suggest that a large contingent of Pakistani forces personnel entered the area in the morning and moved towards various mountainous areasMeanwhile the violence in Tump came just days after dozens of homes were reportedly set on fire by Pakistani forces during an operation in the Gomazi area while women children and elderly residents were subjected to physical abuse and intimidationCondemning the incident the Baloch Women Forum BWF said âThese actions constitute a grave violation of fundamental human rights and represent a deeply troubling practice of collective punishment the militarization of civilian spaces and the erosion of the rule of law The deliberate targeting of civilian communities the destruction of private property and the mistreatment of vulnerable populations constitute serious violations of human rightsFurthermore the Baloch Students Organisation BSOAzad sharply criticised the military operation alleging that the demolition of residential houses the threat against families and the looting of valuable assets constituted âan act of terror aimed at intimidating civilians and discouraging resistance against oppression by Pakistani authoritiesâThis is a clear sign of state desperation against the legitimate Baloch Liberation Struggle they cannot hold their forceful occupation on Baloch land nor can they confront the legitimate Baloch struggle so they have come up with these terror tactics The recent incident of Gomazi Tump is clear evidence that reveals state desperation over the Baloch struggle the BSO posted on XâThe concerned international organizations must make Pakistan accountable for its crimes in Balochistan Itâs true that the Pakistani state has no legitimacy to rule Balochistan that is the reason for its barbarism But Baloch national resistance of independence will never be weakened by such actsâ it added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistani-forces-torch-several-civilian-homes-in-balochistans-kech-689240.html Fri, 26 Jun 2026 16:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/operation-sindoors-psychological-impact-pakistan-tries-to-boost-military-morale-at-the-cost-of-people-689244.html New Delhi June 26 The impact Operation Sindoor had on the morale of the Pakistan Army is becoming increasingly visible Post the operation that was carried out by the Indian armed forces to avenge the Pahalgam attack Pakistan falsely claimed that it had in fact managed to gain the upper hand over India Officials say that Operation Sindoor did not just have an impact on the Pakistan Armyâs morale but the same is visible among the rest of the security forces in the country One could say that it caused a ripple effect among all the forces within Pakistan the official also notedThe official said that promoting himself to the rank of Field Marshal immediately after the operation itself was a sign that Asim Munir wanted to send a strong message to his army He pressurised the Shehbaz Sharif government to award him the rank the second only in Pakistans historyMunir wanted the army and the people of his country to get a feeling that Pakistan was victorious during the operation and hence he was being rewarded with the rank of Field MarshalAnother official said that Munirâs move was also aimed at boosting the morale of the remaining security forces who are engaged in a battle with the Balochistan Liberation Army BLA and TehreekeTaliban Pakistan TTPMany desertions are being reported among the ranks of both the security forces as well as army personnel This has in fact demoralised many and hence they are fleeing from their posts the official saidAnother move that raised eyebrows was the 18 per cent hike in military spending for the year 2026 Although the Sharif government tried to resist this considering the doldrums Pakistans economy is in Munir was hellbent The increase in military spending was demanded by him as he feels that the country would be in a better position to respond after the Indian armed forces carried out Operation SindoorPakistanâs federal budget of the fiscal year 2026 allocated a record PKR three trillion for defence This accounts for roughly 16 per cent of the countryâs total federal spendingUnable to bear the pressure from the army the Sharif government eventually gave in and this came at the cost of public welfare officials say To accommodate defence spending the government squeezed the Public Sector Development Programme and limited federal development to just PKR one trillion This means there would be aggressive cuts to infrastructure schools and local projectsFurther the federal government pressured the provincial leaders to trim development plans and surplus cash from the Punjab and Sindh provinces was redirected to the federal capital The government then drastically phased out energy and utility subsidies This means that the people of Pakistan would have to absorb the full cost of electricity and gasTo bridge the deficit thanks to the 18 per cent hike in defence spending the government targeted the common Pakistani with an aggressive collection of taxes The target set was PKR 1526 trillionAn official said that while these moves failed to boost the morale of the defence personnel and security forces the government was forced to change the pay structureThe new pay structure would apply to all ranks and would be implemented with immediate effectAn Intelligence Bureau official said the new pay structure would mean that the defence personnel across ranks would get a 25 per cent hike The official said that Munir immediately approved this and currently it is in effect The official said that Munir would go all out to keep the security forces and the defence personnel happyThis is a coverup and is meant to act as a morale booster after the humiliating defeat during Operation Sindoor the official pointed outThe official also said that in addition to trying to boost the morale of the forces this decision was taken to retain personnel in the armed forcesThe Indian operation and the situation in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa KP have all contributed to the declining morale of the personnel Although Pakistan has lost every war with India in the past this is probably the first time that it is facing a situation such as thisExperts say that Operation Sindoor was a strategic operation and in just a few minutes major terror infrastructure was taken down that included the headquarters of the JaisheMohammad and the training facility of the LashkareTaibaAn official said the operation had a psychological effect on Munirâs men and hence he is going all out to keep them happy even though these decisions are affecting the common man a great deal the official added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/operation-sindoors-psychological-impact-pakistan-tries-to-boost-military-morale-at-the-cost-of-people-689244.html Fri, 26 Jun 2026 16:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-residents-in-karachi-struggle-during-muharram-due-to-power-gas-outages-689252.html Islamabad June 26 Residents in Pakistans Karachi faced difficulties in preparing sehri and iftar meals for Ashura due to gas and electricity outages local media reported on Friday KElectric has claimed that it has exempted several areas from scheduled loadshedding till Muharram 11 However people in many areas had to use alternate options to ensure electricity during religious gatherings Pakistanbased daily Dawn reportedLarge parts of the city including Saddar Burns Road Lyari Clifton Defence Housing Authority Federal B Area North Karachi Liaquatabad Malir Korangi Shah Faisal Colony Orangi Town Keamari and Baldia Town faced prolonged power cuts beginning late on Wednesday nightAlthough KElectric claimed that the power supply remained uninterrupted as per schedule however local residents complained of power outages in several areasGas supply already short in many areas of Karachi completely vanished in several regions especially during iftar resulting in people struggling to make food during MuharramA large number of people purchased food for iftar from restaurants and snack shops in almost every area of the cityMany residents faced water shortage due to power outages as electricity was needed for pumping water to their tapsPeople took to social media to complain about gas and power outages in Karachi Dawn reportedZafar Hasan questioned utility services for their failure to provide services during important days He said Donât they realise that people should be provided uninterrupted gas and electricity particularly during the observance of religious days when it is needed mostAnother resident slammed the provincial government for their failure to coordinate with utility providers before Muharram to ensure uninterrupted supplyEarlier this month people in Hyderabad city of Pakistans Sindh province did not receive gas supply during the ninehour daily schedule announced by the gas utility sparking concern among residents especially women who are struggling to manage household work amid scorching heat local media reportedAs per Sui Southern Gas Companys SSGC schedule gas should be supplied for three hours each in the morning afternoon and night However residents from several areas of Hyderabad have said that the gas utility company has not been able to supply the fuel during this limited schedule Pakistanbased daily The Express Tribune reportedIn some of the areas which received gas supply residents complained of extremely low pressure that made cooking nearly impossible According to the residents gas pipelines during the scheduled time carry only air for 1520 minutes before gas starts to flow Women said they repeatedly light stoves to check if the gas supply has begun leaving burners open so the air can escape leading to a rise in monthly bills as the meter keeps runningA resident of Latifabad complained We are paying for air in our gas bills while spending hours in the kitchen to cook a single meal IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-residents-in-karachi-struggle-during-muharram-due-to-power-gas-outages-689252.html Fri, 26 Jun 2026 16:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/japanese-pm-takaichi-to-visit-new-delhi-next-week-for-india-japan-annual-summit-689261.html New Delhi June 26 Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will travel to New Delhi for an official visit from July 13 to attend the 16th IndiaJapan Annual Summit Takaichi will be travelling to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi This will be her first official visit to India after assuming officeDuring the Summit both sides are expected to review and strengthen the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation as well as discuss regional and global issues of mutual interest according to a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs MEAThis visit follows Prime Minister Modiâs visit to Tokyo in August 2025 for the 15th IndiaJapan Annual Summit and reflects the shared commitment of the two countries to further enhance IndiaâJapan Special Strategic and Global Partnership the statement saidEarlier on June 16 PM Modi met PM Takaichi on the sidelines of the Group of Seven G7 Summit in France and stated that India and Japan will continue to deepen ties across diverse sectorsHad a great interaction with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of Japan India and Japan will continue to deepen ties in diverse sectors with a priority on trade and investment PM Modi posted on XIn May Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi called on PM Modi in New Delhi and reaffirmed the vital role being played by the IndiaJapan Special Strategic and Global Partnership in advancing peace and stability across the IndoPacificâDelighted to receive Mr Toshimitsu Motegi Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Reaffirmed the vital role of the IndiaJapan Special Strategic and Global Partnership in advancing peace stability and prosperity across the IndoPacific and beyondâ PM Modi wrote on X after the meetingMotegi stated that based on the JapanIndia Joint Vision for the Next 10 Years announced during PM Modis visit to Japan last year various initiatives are being pursued in the areas of security economy investment innovation and peopletopeople exchanges Furthermore both sides agreed to cooperate in realising a strong and prosperous IndoPacific under an evolved Free and Open IndoPacific FOIP according to the statement released by the Japanese Foreign MinistryBoth sides confirmed that they will work together to achieve concrete results in areas such as economic growth through investment innovation and knowledge circulation as well as cooperation in the field of economic securityMinister Motegi met External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar in New Delhi and discussed various facets of bilateral cooperationIndia and Japan share a âSpecial Strategic and Global Partnershipʼ Friendship between the two nations has a long history rooted in spiritual affinity and strong cultural and civilizational ties There is synergy between Indias ActEast Policy IndoPacific vision based on the principle of SAGAR and IndoPacific Oceans Initiative IPOI on one hand and Japanʼs Free and Open IndoPacific Vision on the other IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/japanese-pm-takaichi-to-visit-new-delhi-next-week-for-india-japan-annual-summit-689261.html Fri, 26 Jun 2026 16:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-uae-underscore-growing-depth-of-defence-relations-689268.html New Delhi June 26 IANS United Arab Emirates UAE Land Forces Deputy Commander Brigadier General Staff Mohamed Khamees Mohamed AlHassani on Friday called on Indian Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi here and held discussions on enhancing bilateral military cooperationnbspBrigadier General Staff Mohamed Khamees Mohamed AlHassani Deputy Commander United Arab Emirates Land Forces called on General Upendra Dwivedi COAS The interaction underscored the growing depth of IndiaUAE defence relations with discussions focused on enhancing bilateral military cooperation expanding professional exchanges and identifying new avenues for collaboration between the two armies the Indian Armys Additional Directorate General of Public Information wrote on XAccording to the ADGPI both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening institutional ties fostering mutual trust and advancing a shared vision for regional security and stabilitynbspIn January this year UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan paid an official visit to India and held extensive discussions with Prime Minister Narendra ModinbspDuring their discussions both leaders acknowledged steady and strong bilateral defence and security cooperation as a core pillar of the Comprehensive Strategic PartnershipThey welcomed the momentum generated by the recent exchange of visits by the respective Service Chiefs and Commanders of the Army Navy and Air Force of both countries and the successful conduct of bilateral military exercises They welcomed the signing of the Letter of Intent towards the conclusion of a Strategic Defence Partnership according to the joint statement issued after the meetingGeneral Dwivedi also paid an official visit to the UAE in January as part of Indias continued engagement to strengthen defence cooperation and militarytomilitary ties with friendly foreign countries During his visit the COAS called on senior leadership of the UAE Armed Forces and received briefings on the structure roles and capabilities of the UAE ArmynbspHe also visited key military establishments and interacted with officers and troops underscoring the growing defence partnership between India and the UAEIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-uae-underscore-growing-depth-of-defence-relations-689268.html Fri, 26 Jun 2026 19:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/russia-eyes-gasoline-imports-from-india-amid-refinery-disruptions-report-689160.html New Delhi June 25 IANS Russia is working to launch largescale seaborne gasoline imports from India to address a widening domestic fuel shortfall caused by a wave of Ukrainian drone strikes on refinery infrastructure a new report has saidnbspThe report from Ukrainebased Kyiv Post said draft amendments to Russias Tax Code would extend an existing subsidy mechanism for companies undertaking gasoline imports from IndiaUnder the proposed rules the subsidy would be calculated based on an indicative gasoline price on the Indian market and the cost of shipping fuel from Indian ports to Russia the report saidThe State Dumas budget and tax committee has backed the bill the media house said citing an RBC reportRussias subsidy support for Indian refined crude follows a sharp deterioration in Russian refining capacity as attacks intensified in 2026India became Russias largest buyer of crude purchasing 15 to 2 million barrels following the fullscale invasion of UkraineIt reached a record of 266 million barrels per day in June 2026 a part of which is processed in Indian refineries and reexported as petroleum products including gasolineIndias total gasoline exports reached a record high of 4 lakh barrels per day in 2025 majorly imported by Asian countriesStrikes on refineries have pushed Russias crude processing to its lowest level in two decades cutting gasoline output by roughly 25 per centOperating refineries are producing about 85000 tonnes of gasoline per day against summer demand of around 111 lakh tonnes leaving a structural daily shortfall of roughly 25000 tonnesThe shortfall now amounts to about 20 per cent of domestic consumption and has pushed wholesale gasoline prices above 100 rubles the report saidRussian light aircraft operators have begun substituting automobile gasoline for aviation fuel due to shortage and aviation fuel price surge it notedIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/russia-eyes-gasoline-imports-from-india-amid-refinery-disruptions-report-689160.html Thu, 25 Jun 2026 16:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/11th-brics-energy-ministers-meet-to-be-held-in-gurugram-today-689083.html New Delhi June 25 India is set to host the 11th BRICS Energy Ministers Meeting starting Thursday in Gurugram on the outskirts of the national capital under its BRICS Chairship 2026 The meeting will bring together Energy Ministers and senior officials from all BRICS member countries to advance cooperation on energy security sustainability and innovationIndias BRICS Chairship in 2026 is guided by the overarching theme Building for Resilience Innovation Cooperation and Sustainability BRICS Within the Energy Track India has adopted the theme of Energy for All reflecting the shared commitment of BRICS nations to ensuring universal energy accessBRICS today comprises Brazil China Egypt Ethiopia India Indonesia Iran Russia Saudi Arabia South Africa and the United Arab Emirates which together account for nearly half of the worldâs population and around 40 per cent of global GDPThe BRICS Energy Ministers Meeting comes at a time when countries across the world are working to balance energy security affordability and sustainability while addressing the challenges of climate change technological transformation and growing energy demandThe priorities of the BRICS Energy Agenda resonate strongly with Indias own sustainable development pathway focusing on meeting its growing energy demand while enhancing energy security and energy access strengthening grid resilience diversifying supply sources and expanding the share of clean energy in its energy mixIndias Presidency has structured the BRICS Energy Agenda around three broad priorities which include energy security and sustainability energy access and equity and technology and innovationAs the worlds thirdlargest producer and consumer of electricity and one of the fastestgrowing major economies India views secure affordable and sustainable energy as a cornerstone of its Viksit Bharat 2047 visionThe meeting will provide India with an opportunity to showcase its significant progress in building a sustainable and futureready energy system Over the past decade India has expanded its solar power capacity by more than 50 times deployed over 60 million smart meters and set an ambitious target of achieving 410 GWh of energy storage capacity by 2032India has also undertaken significant reforms to strengthen its power transmission and distribution infrastructure The country has expanded its national transmission network to facilitate the largescale integration of renewable energy and has accelerated the development of Green Energy CorridorsBesides the country has made notable strides in the biofuels sector including achieving 20 per cent ethanol blending and the recent rollout of E85 fuel a highethanol blend containing 80â85 per cent ethanolAt the global level India has emerged as a leading advocate for clean energy cooperation through pioneering initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance and the Global Biofuels Alliance reinforcing its role in advancing an inclusive and sustainable energy futureAs Chair India will also seek to advance the priorities of the Global South while promoting practical cooperation on energy security resilient supply chains innovation and sustainable development In an increasingly uncertain global energy environment stronger cooperation among BRICS countries assumes particular significanceThe energy ministers meeting is expected to further strengthen BRICS cooperation on energy security innovation and sustainable development while advancing practical collaboration towards secure affordable sustainable and futureready energy systems the statement added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/11th-brics-energy-ministers-meet-to-be-held-in-gurugram-today-689083.html Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:15:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/powerful-earthquakes-rock-japan-and-venezuela-689084.html TokyoCaracas June 25 A powerful earthquake measuring a preliminary magnitude of 69 struck northeastern Japan on Thursday morning shaking a wide area across the countrys northeast and briefly disrupting transport services However authorities said there was no tsunami threat according to local media reports The quake struck off the Pacific coast of Iwate Prefecture at around 730 am local time and occurred at a depth of 50 kilometres according to the Japan Meteorological Agency The agency reported that the tremor registered an upper 6 on Japanâs seismic intensity scale of 7 in Hashikami and a lower 6 in Hachinohe both located in Aomori Prefecture It also recorded upper 5 shaking in Sannohe in Aomori Prefecture and in Morioka and several other areas of Iwate Prefecture Strong tremors were felt across Miyagi Hokkaido Akita Yamagata and Fukushima prefectures while the shaking was also experienced in Tokyo and neighbouring regions reports Kyodo NewsExplaining the severity of the shaking the weather agency said that an intensity of upper 6 means it becomes nearly impossible for people to remain standing or move around without crawling It added that most unsecured furniture is likely to shift while many objects can topple over due to the force of the quakeRail services were also affected in the aftermath of the earthquake East Japan Railway Company JR East temporarily suspended Tohoku Shinkansen bullet train operations between Sendai and ShinAomori stations as a precautionary measure while safety inspections were carried outMeanwhile Venezuela was struck by two major earthquakes within the span of a minute raising concerns over possible casualties and widespread destruction The tremors caused buildings to collapse in the capital city of Caracas according to reportsThe US Geological Survey USGS reported a magnitude 71 quake followed just one minute later by an even stronger 75magnitude tremor with both hitting near the coastal town of Moron about 160 km west of Caracas reports Xinhua news agencyThe quakes were shallow at a depth of 10 km which could intensify their destructive impactThe USGS said high casualties and extensive damage are likely after the two quakes IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/powerful-earthquakes-rock-japan-and-venezuela-689084.html Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:15:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/dr-congo-reports-1-118-confirmed-ebola-cases-291-deaths-689086.html Kinshasa June 25 The Democratic Republic of the Congo DRC has reported 1118 confirmed Ebola cases including 291 deaths as of Tuesday the DRC government said in the latest situation update on the outbreak The update posted on X by the DRCs Ministry of Communications and Media on Wednesday local time showed that 122 people have recovered while 408 patients are under care The case fatality rate stood at 26 per centEpidemiological surveillance remains active leading to the identification of 138 suspected cases while the contact followup rate stood at 771 per cent according to the updateAs the eastern Ituri province remains the epicentre of the outbreak the South Kivu province has reported no new transmission since May 26 while surveillance patient care and contact tracing efforts continue in affected areas said the updateThe global risk posed by the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Africa remains low despite rising case numbers in the affected region World Health Organization DirectorGeneral Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Wednesday reports Xinhua news agencyEarlier on Tuesday Abdirahman Mahamud director of Health Emergency Alert and Response Operations at the WHO told a press briefing in Geneva This is the largest number of confirmed cases in the first month of an Ebola disease outbreak in AfricaMahamud pointed to encouraging signs that the response was expanding to keep pace with the spread Treatment capacity has increased over the past two weeks going from a handful to over 500 beds across 19 health zones he saidLaboratory capacity has also been sharply expanded from around 30 tests per day in the capital Kinshasa at the start of the outbreak to more than 2000 tests per day through a network of eight decentralised laboratories across Ituri North Kivu and South Kivu provinces he saidDRC President Felix Tshisekedi said Tuesday that he would soon travel to Ituri province the epicentre of the outbreak to follow up on response operations on the groundHe made the remarks at a joint press conference in Kinshasa with visiting Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye whose country currently holds the rotating presidency of the African UnionPrior to the press conference the two leaders were briefed on the DRCs epidemiological situation and response measures at a meeting with the Central African countrys national Ebola response task forceTo contain the Ebola outbreak Tshisekedi also called for stronger regional cooperation based on prevention epidemiological surveillance and rapid informationsharingNdayishimiye urged African countries and the wider international community not to close borders IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/dr-congo-reports-1-118-confirmed-ebola-cases-291-deaths-689086.html Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/nato-allies-let-us-down-trump-tells-nato-chief-rutte-689087.html Washington June 25 President Donald Trump has said several NATO allies had let us down during the conflict with Iran and declared that while the United States did not need military assistance it expected greater loyalty from its partners Speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House on Wednesday local time ahead of next months NATO summit in Ankara Trump said the United States had acted decisively in Iran but was disappointed by the response of some European alliesWe were let down We didnt need help on this at all We demolished them in literally the first week but it would have been nice if they would have said Wed like to help Trump saidHe singled out several allies saying I was disappointed with Italy I was disappointed with the UK We were disappointed with Germany and France We were disappointed with most of themRutte acknowledged there had been a reason for disappointment in some cases but argued they were isolated cases He stressed that European countries had provided critical logistical support through bilateral arrangements with WashingtonI would argue it would have been very difficult to do Iran without having Europe as a power projection platform for the United States Rutte said noting that between 4000 and 5000 US planes had taken off from European air bases during the conflictTrump also renewed pressure on NATO members to raise defence spendingThe big question is are they paying the five per cent They agreed six months ago to pay five per cent And for the most part theyre not paying he saidRutte defended the alliances progress saying Germany Poland Denmark the Baltic states and other allies were sharply increasing defence budgets He credited Trumps leadership with driving the increase in military spending across Europe and CanadaThe President said his primary expectation from allies was not financial supportI just want their loyalty We dont need their money we dont need anything We have the most powerful military in the world by far but I just want loyalty Trump saidThe meeting also focused heavily on Iran Rutte praised Trumps handling of the crisis saying preventing Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons was vital for global securityI really want to make clear how important it is what you are doing in Iran Rutte said Iran having its hands on the nuclear capability would be a danger to the whole worldTrump said negotiations with Tehran were progressingWere doing great in our negotiations with Iran he said adding earlier in the day that Iran is making very big concessionsAsked whether he would accept any future agreement allowing Iran to impose fees on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz Trump replied It would be unacceptable to me I wouldnt allow it there eitherThe President also spoke warmly of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ahead of the NATO summit in AnkaraHes a friend of mine Trump said He loves Turkey and hes doing a great jobOn Turkeys longpending request for F35 fighter aircraft Vice President JD Vance said the administration was reviewing whether all legal requirements had been metWere running the traps and confirming thats happened This is really a congressional thing and ensuring that Turkey has complied with American law Vance saidAsked about Ukraine Trump said President Volodymyr Zelensky was doing pretty well and was holding his own while describing him as courageousThe NATO summit in Ankara on July 78 is expected to focus on implementing last years agreement for allies to work towards investing 5 per cent of GDP on defence and security by 2035 alongside strengthening defence industrial production and continued support for Ukraine NATO leaders have also maintained that Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/nato-allies-let-us-down-trump-tells-nato-chief-rutte-689087.html Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/655-million-people-worldwide-still-live-without-electricity-un-report-689088.html United Nations June 25 There are still 655 million people or 8 per cent of the global population living without electricity with the majority in SubSaharan Africa a latest UN report has shown In addition 18 billion people currently use polluting fuels and technologies for cooking which has put their health and wellbeing at risk according to the latest edition of Tracking Sustainable Development Goal SDG 7 The Energy Progress Report released on Wednesday local timeSubSaharan Africa bears a disproportionate share of these gaps with over 560 million people living without electricity and 970 million lacking access to clean cooking The report said the pace of electrification must triple in this region to achieve universal access by 2030Despite these challenges the report highlighted encouraging progress in several areas of sustainable energy Renewable energy for example continued its strong expansion accounting for over 30 per cent of global electricity consumption reports Xinhua news agencyHowever the report warned that without urgent and scaledup action the world will fall short of achieving SDG 7 targets to ensure universal access to affordable reliable sustainable and modern energy by 2030 Moreover while the current global energy crisis is still unfolding its impact on energy markets and the broader economy is expected to be significantThe report highlighted that stronger political leadership improved crosssector coordination and a strategic focus on countries and communities most at risk of being left behind remain crosscutting priorities in the leadup to 2030It also stressed that clear policy signals and sustained implementation are essential to diversifying the national energy mix expanding renewable energy reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports and strengthening macroeconomic resilience against global supply chain disruptionsWe have seen encouraging progress in expanding access to affordable reliable and clean energy in recent years said Li Junhua UN undersecretarygeneral for economic and social affairsHowever this years report shows that millions of people still lack access making clear that progress is not keeping pace with the ambition of Sustainable Development Goal 7 and that disparities across countries remain significant Li said adding that the current global energy crisis presents an opportunity to accelerate the transition to clean energy in support of energy securitySeizing this opportunity will require substantial scalingup of international support and investment We cannot afford complacency The time to act with greater urgency and ambition is now Li said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/655-million-people-worldwide-still-live-without-electricity-un-report-689088.html Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-signals-progress-on-f-35-deal-with-turkey-689090.html Washington June 25 US President Donald Trump has praised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as a friend and signalled potential progress on Turkeys longrunning bid to acquire F35 fighter aircraft while Vice President JD Vance said the administration was reviewing whether Ankara had met all legal requirements Speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House on Wednesday local time Trump repeatedly commended Erdogans role during the recent conflict with Iran and confirmed he would attend next months NATO summit in Ankara largely out of respect for the Turkish leaderHes a friend of mine and he stayed out of the war Trump saidThe President said he had personally urged Erdogan not to become involved in the conflictHe was a prime candidate to go into the war with Iran maybe on the Iran side because hes not a big fan of Israel as you know And I asked him to stay out he stayed outTrump also said he had made similar requests to other world leadersYou know who else was great President Xi of China I asked him to please stay out and he didReferring to Erdogan Trump added He loves Turkey and hes doing a great job Hes a respected man a respected leader and hes been a friend of mineAsked whether he would arrive in Ankara with a big gift bag for Erdogan including approval for Turkeys request for F110 jet engines and F35 fighter aircraft Trump replied Yeah I think soHes a member of NATO Some people dont consider him so but he really is Hes a strong member of NATO Yeah Im going to probably do something thats going to make him very happyTrump then invited Vice President JD Vance to answer a question on the F35 programmeWere running the traps and confirming thats happened Vance said This is really a congressional thing and ensuring that Turkey has complied with American law so they can get the F35sHe said the administration would make an announcement once the review was completeTrump defended Erdogans record saying the Turkish leader had been helpful to Washington on several occasionsA lot of times when they have a problem with Erdogan they call me and they say Would you talk to himThe President also indicated that Erdogans role as host of the NATO summit had influenced his decision to attendIf not for the fact that it was being held in Turkey by President Erdogan I dont think I would have gone to it Trump saidRutte echoed Trumps remarks describing Turkey as an important contributor to the allianceTurkey has a huge defence industrial base 3000 companies working all over the alliance also here in the United States the NATO Secretary General saidTrump added that Turkey possessed a very strong military and noted that it already operated significant quantities of American military equipmentPeople dont know how big Turkey is in terms of the military he saidThe NATO summit in Ankara on July 78 is expected to focus on implementing the alliances new defence spending commitments expanding defence industrial production and coordinating continued support for Ukraine Turkey NATOs secondlargest military after the United States occupies a strategically important position linking Europe the Middle East and the Black Sea region IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-signals-progress-on-f-35-deal-with-turkey-689090.html Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/rutte-credits-trump-for-12-trillion-defence-spending-surge-in-nato-689093.html Washington June 25 NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte credited President Donald Trump with driving a sharp increase in defence spending across the alliance saying European allies and Canada were investing hundreds of billions of dollars more in security while creating thousands of jobs in the United States Standing alongside Trump in the Oval Office on Wednesday local time Rutte used a series of charts to argue that the Presidents sustained pressure on allies had transformed NATOs approach to defence spendingThe Trump trillion shows you the increase Europeans and Canadians are paying into defence since you took office in 2017 Rutte saidHe said European allies and Canada had committed an additional 12 trillion in defence spending during Trumps two presidenciesAccording to Rutte the effect of Trumps current term alone was already evidentWhen you look at the effect of Trump 47 You see almost 140 billion extra spent on defence by the Europeans and the CanadiansHe added that spending would rise by another 120 billion this year bringing the increase over two years to over 250 billionI can assure you this is because of Russia because of the threat but Im also absolutely convinced that you being president of the United States have been consistently pushing allies to increase defence spending Rutte saidThe NATO chief also highlighted the economic benefits for the United StatesHe said investments by European companies were supporting 83000 jobs in America while European purchases from US defence manufacturers supported another 112000 jobsLast year they spent 54 billion on US defence industrial output There is now an order backlog of 300 billion Rutte saidHe argued that expanding defence production would be a central theme of the NATO summit in Ankara next monthWe can spend as much as we want but we need the interceptors the missiles we need the tanks we need the artificial intelligenceTrump welcomed the figures but questioned whether allies were moving quickly enough to meet NATOs new defence spending targetThe big question is are they paying the five per cent Trump said For the most part theyre not payingRutte acknowledged that not every country had reached the target but said progress was acceleratingGermany has doubled its defence spending between 2021 and 2029 he said adding that Poland Denmark the Baltic states and other allies were also making significant increasesLater speaking to reporters outside the West Wing Rutte said the latest spending figures demonstrated that NATO members were delivering on the commitments agreed at last years summitIn one year we had an almost 20 per cent increase he saidHe also said Trumps leadership had been instrumental in securing the agreementOne of his biggest foreign policy successes in 2025 was the NATO summit the commitment to spend 5 per centRutte said the stronger defence relationship was benefiting both sides of the AtlanticThere is now a fair deal he said noting that European investment and defence purchases were supporting close to 200000 jobs in the United StatesNATO leaders agreed at last years summit that allies would work towards investing 5 per cent of GDP annually on defence and security by 2035 with annual national plans tracking progress The alliance says European members and Canada have accelerated defence spending following Russias invasion of Ukraine and amid growing security challenges IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/rutte-credits-trump-for-12-trillion-defence-spending-surge-in-nato-689093.html Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-orders-probe-into-fuel-prices-689098.html Washington June 25 US President Donald Trump has said his administration was investigating major oil companies over suspected price gouging arguing that falling crude oil prices had not translated into lower prices at American petrol stations Speaking after his meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House on Wednesday local time Trump said the Department of Justice was examining whether energy companies were passing on lower costs to consumersWe are not seeing anything at the pump by comparison to what it should be Trump saidWe should be in my opinion at 225 right now at the pump and were higher than thatThe President named several of the worlds largest energy companies including ExxonMobil Chevron Shell and BPIts ExxonMobil its Chevron its Shell its BP Its a lot of them he saidTrump said oil prices had fallen sharply but retail fuel prices had not declined at the same paceThe gasoline prices should be much lower at the pump and the oil companies are possibly gougingHe warned that companies found to be exploiting consumers would face consequencesI hope theyre not otherwise theyre going to be in big trouble Theyre going to be in big trouble were not going to play gamesAsked whether he had personally spoken to oil executives Trump replied I told them Dont gouge our peopleThe President linked lower fuel prices to broader efforts to reduce the cost of living for AmericansWe are sending out think of it 19 million barrels came out yesterday That is a flood thats like a gusher he saidTheyre not reducing the prices commensurate with whats happeningTrump argued that lower energy prices would help improve affordability across the economyWere doing great he said The Democrats gave us a tremendous affordability problem and were reducing prices a lotThe President also returned to his longstanding call for lower interest rates saying they remained the key to improving the US housing marketI know housing better than anybody maybe anywhere Trump saidIts all about the interest rate Lower the interest rates you can have all the housing you wantHe said he remained concerned about protecting homeowners while making housing more affordableI dont want to hurt people that own houses tooWhat you want to do is whats good for everyone get the interest rates downTrump also reiterated that he would not sign the housing legislation currently before him saying he wanted to focus instead on electionrelated legislationI said Im not signing the housing bill he saidThe United States is one of the worlds largest oil producers and changes in American fuel prices are closely watched by global energy markets Crude oil prices influence transport manufacturing and inflation worldwide making US energy policy significant well beyond its borders IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-orders-probe-into-fuel-prices-689098.html Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/australias-social-media-ban-for-under-16s-shows-limited-early-impact-study-689104.html Sydney June 25 Australias worldfirst social media age restrictions for users under 16 have had a limited early impact on adolescent use a new study has revealed Researchers found more than 85 per cent of under16s continued to use restricted platforms with many accessing services through their own accounts as well as alternative or shared accounts according to a statement from Australias University of Newcastle UON released on ThursdayThe UONled study tracked 408 adolescents aged 12 to 17 before and three months after the introduction of the Online Safety Amendment Social Media Minimum Age Act 2024 which came into effect in December 2025 and requires major platforms including TikTok X Facebook Instagram YouTube and Snapchat to take reasonable steps to block underage account holders reports Xinhua news agencyAround twothirds reported encountering age verification measures most commonly selfdeclared age or photobased checks according to the study published in the British Medical JournalThere was also clear evidence of circumvention for example using fake accounts or accounts belonging to friends or family said the studys lead investigator UON public health researcher Courtney BarnesThe study showed that around 1519 per cent of adolescents reported using a fake account to access platforms Between 9 per cent and 29 per cent reported accessing platforms through someone elses account Up to 11 per cent reported using private browser modes to bypass restrictionsOverall usage patterns showed little change Daily social media use remained stable among 1213yearolds declined slightly among 1415yearolds and increased among those over 16 it saidThis is one of the first evaluations of its kind which is important because other countries are watching Australia closely Barnes said adding the findings provided an important early snapshot of policy implementationAustralias introduction of a social media ban for under16s has attracted widespread global attention Countries including Britain France Spain Greece Norway and Turkey have since moved to advance similar legislation aimed at strengthening controls on children and young peoples use of social media platformsCoauthor UON behavioural scientist Professor Luke Wolfenden noted that effectiveness is likely to depend on how robustly and consistently age assurance systems are enforced over timeThe research team acknowledges that the full impact of the legislation may take years to emerge and that longerterm evaluation will be critical IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/australias-social-media-ban-for-under-16s-shows-limited-early-impact-study-689104.html Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/venezuela-declares-state-of-emergency-following-two-powerful-earthquakes-689106.html Caracas June 25 Venezuelas Acting President Delcy Rodriguez has announced a State of Emergency after two powerful earthquakes struck the South American nation causing widespread damage Following the strong earthquakes recorded this afternoon in the country we have declared a State of Emergency throughout the national territory We call on all citizens to remain alert safe and as calm as possible Rodriguez said in a post on XShe also announced that the Maiquetia airport has been closed due to earthquake damage She assured that the security bodies medical services and civil protection teams are deployed across the country to carry out rescue and relief operationsTwo powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela in quick succession both causing strong tremors in the capital of CaracasThe US Geological Survey USGS reported a magnitude 71 quake at 2204 GMT on Wednesday evening followed just one minute later by an even stronger magnitude 75 tremor Both struck near the coastal town of Moron about 160 km west of CaracasThe quakes were shallow with a depth of 10 km which could intensify their destructive impactVenezuelas Interior Justice and Peace Minister Diosdado Cabello said the strong earthquakes have caused damage in cities across the countrySeveral buildings collapsed in the eastern part of the Caracas metropolitan area Cabello said giving no immediate details on casualties or injuriesCabello urged Venezuelans to avoid staying inside buildings in the coming hours due to the risk of strong aftershocks that could cause further collapses while calling on the public to remain calm and united as the country deals with the quakes aftermathMeanwhile Colombian media reported that the quake was also felt strongly in several cities in neighbouring ColombiaThe USGS said the two quakes are likely to result in high casualties and extensive damage IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/venezuela-declares-state-of-emergency-following-two-powerful-earthquakes-689106.html Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/at-least-32-dead-700-injured-in-venezuelan-earthquakes-acting-president-689121.html Caracas June 25 At least 32 people were killed and more than 700 injured after two powerful earthquakes jolted Venezuela the countrys acting President Delcy Rodriguez said in an official update on Thursday Rodriguez said the coastal state of La Guaira in northern Venezuela was the hardest hit describing it as a disaster zone where dozens of buildings had completely collapsedLa Guaira state is a true tragedy Rodriguez said on Venezuelan state television Xinhua news agency reportedThe preliminary toll of 32 deaths and 700 injuries did not include La Guaira state as connectivity problems are currently affecting the area she saidThe US Geological Survey USGS reported a magnitude 71 quake at 2204 GMT on Wednesday evening followed just one minute later by an even stronger magnitude 75 tremor Both struck near the coastal town of Moron about 160 km west of CaracasThe quakes were shallow with a depth of 10 km which could intensify their destructive impactVenezuelas Acting President Delcy Rodriguez has announced a State of Emergency after two powerful earthquakes struck the South American nation causing widespread damageFollowing the strong earthquakes recorded this afternoon in the country we have declared a State of Emergency throughout the national territory We call on all citizens to remain alert safe and as calm as possible Rodriguez said in a post on XShe also announced that the Maiquetia airport has been closed due to earthquake damage She assured that the security bodies medical services and civil protection teams are deployed across the country to carry out rescue and relief operationsVenezuelas Interior Justice and Peace Minister Diosdado Cabello said the strong earthquakes have caused damage in cities across the countrySeveral buildings collapsed in the eastern part of the Caracas metropolitan area Cabello said giving no immediate details on casualties or injuriesCabello urged Venezuelans to avoid staying inside buildings in the coming hours due to the risk of strong aftershocks that could cause further collapses while calling on the public to remain calm and united as the country deals with the quakes aftermathMeanwhile Colombian media reported that the quake was also felt strongly in several cities in neighbouring ColombiaThe USGS said the two quakes are likely to result in high casualties and extensive damage IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/at-least-32-dead-700-injured-in-venezuelan-earthquakes-acting-president-689121.html Thu, 25 Jun 2026 14:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-calls-for-greater-global-cooperation-invokes-vasudhaiva-kutumbakam-at-jeju-forum-in-seoul-689123.html Seoul June 25 External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar on Thursday underscored the need for greater international cooperation in tackling global challenges invoking Indias ageold philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam the world is a familyas a guiding principle for fostering a more collaborative world order Addressing the Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity 2026 in South Korea the EAM said Paradoxically the challenges we confront have only further strengthened the centripetal side Whether it is pandemics like Covid acts of terrorism or the impact of extreme climate events these cannot be contained within political jurisdictions International cooperation is a mustBecause our primary identity and decisionmaking instincts are fundamentally national it does not happen automatically Cultivating an openness towards the world is therefore essential In India we know it traditionally as Vasudaiva Kutumbakam the world is a family Much of the current turbulence we see is about societies that challenge that belief he addedHighlighting the challenges confronting the international order the EAM said that the world is witnessing growing weaponisation heightened risktaking and the increasingly assertive deployment of capabilities stressing that broader international cooperation will be essential to counter these trendsAs the interests of a few are openly prioritised the costs to the many are less considered This can only be countered by cooperation on more issues with greater players At the end of the day we will see whether multipolarity really delivers he mentionedEAM Jaishankar noted that in an increasingly fragmented world cooperation must be reinvented through five steps Firstly he called for derisking the international economy and diversifying production and supply chains emphasising that resilience and redundancy are essential to limit economic coercionSecondly he advocated for forging new understandings and closer relationships among influential nations arguing that such partnerships would help stabilise the global order and address issues and problems through agendaspecific cooperationThirdly he emphasised the need to enhance awareness of the costs of narrow thinking and confrontation while underscoring the importance of collectively protecting and promoting international law and regimes citing UNCLOS United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea as a good exampleFourthly he stressed the need to encourage the power of aspiration by providing the Global South with greater capacity and opportunities This would also create new factors of global growth EAM Jaishankar statedFinally he called for the provision of global goods through common and shared endeavoursWe cannot rely on a few to uphold rules and norms The world must take more control over its own future This amongst others must be expressed in reformed multilateralism EAM statedEAM Jaishankar further said that these five factors would make a powerful case for India and South Korea to cooperate more closelyWe have complementarities in fields like shipbuilding digital health infrastructure or defence just waiting to be exploited The value of our economic and technology partnership political and strategic cooperation and closer peopletopeople ties were the subjects of my bilateral meetings yesterday he concluded IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-calls-for-greater-global-cooperation-invokes-vasudhaiva-kutumbakam-at-jeju-forum-in-seoul-689123.html Thu, 25 Jun 2026 14:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-calls-for-greater-global-cooperation-invokes-vasudhaiva-kutumbakam-at-jeju-forum-in-south-korea-689124.html Seoul June 25 External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar on Thursday underscored the need for greater international cooperation in tackling global challenges invoking Indias ageold philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam the world is a familyas a guiding principle for fostering a more collaborative world order Addressing the Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity 2026 in South Korea the EAM said Paradoxically the challenges we confront have only further strengthened the centripetal side Whether it is pandemics like Covid acts of terrorism or the impact of extreme climate events these cannot be contained within political jurisdictions International cooperation is a mustBecause our primary identity and decisionmaking instincts are fundamentally national it does not happen automatically Cultivating an openness towards the world is therefore essential In India we know it traditionally as Vasudaiva Kutumbakam the world is a family Much of the current turbulence we see is about societies that challenge that belief he addedHighlighting the challenges confronting the international order the EAM said that the world is witnessing growing weaponisation heightened risktaking and the increasingly assertive deployment of capabilities stressing that broader international cooperation will be essential to counter these trendsAs the interests of a few are openly prioritised the costs to the many are less considered This can only be countered by cooperation on more issues with greater players At the end of the day we will see whether multipolarity really delivers he mentionedEAM Jaishankar noted that in an increasingly fragmented world cooperation must be reinvented through five steps Firstly he called for derisking the international economy and diversifying production and supply chains emphasising that resilience and redundancy are essential to limit economic coercionSecondly he advocated for forging new understandings and closer relationships among influential nations arguing that such partnerships would help stabilise the global order and address issues and problems through agendaspecific cooperationThirdly he emphasised the need to enhance awareness of the costs of narrow thinking and confrontation while underscoring the importance of collectively protecting and promoting international law and regimes citing UNCLOS United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea as a good exampleFourthly he stressed the need to encourage the power of aspiration by providing the Global South with greater capacity and opportunities This would also create new factors of global growth EAM Jaishankar statedFinally he called for the provision of global goods through common and shared endeavoursWe cannot rely on a few to uphold rules and norms The world must take more control over its own future This amongst others must be expressed in reformed multilateralism EAM statedEAM Jaishankar further said that these five factors would make a powerful case for India and South Korea to cooperate more closelyWe have complementarities in fields like shipbuilding digital health infrastructure or defence just waiting to be exploited The value of our economic and technology partnership political and strategic cooperation and closer peopletopeople ties were the subjects of my bilateral meetings yesterday he concluded IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-calls-for-greater-global-cooperation-invokes-vasudhaiva-kutumbakam-at-jeju-forum-in-south-korea-689124.html Thu, 25 Jun 2026 14:09:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-launches-air-suvidha-20-for-passengers-arriving-from-ebola-affected-nations-689128.html New Delhi June 25 The Ministry of Civil Aviation in collaboration with Delhi International Airport Limited DIAL on Thursday launched AIR SUVIDHA 20 an upgraded and fully contactless Passenger Health SelfDeclaration Portal aimed at enhancing public health surveillance at international Points of Entry amid concerns arising from the ongoing Ebola disease outbreak officials said The upgraded platform has been introduced following the World Health Organizationâs WHO declaration of the EbolaBundibugyo virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo DRC and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern PHEIC on May 17 under the International Health Regulations IHR 2005Officials noted that the current outbreak has been confirmed as Bundibugyo virus disease BVD while countries sharing borders with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda including South Sudan have been categorised as highrisk areas for potential transmission according to the latest WHO assessmentâDeveloped in collaboration with the Directorate General of Health Services DGHS Ministry of Health amp Family Welfare the portal enables international arriving passengers to submit a mandatory online Health SelfDeclaration covering 21day travel history exposure history and related symptoms if any prior to immigration clearanceâ officials saidThe AIR SUVIDHA 20 portal has been designed to facilitate efficient health monitoring while ensuring a smooth and hasslefree experience for passengers arriving in India Authorities said the upgraded system allows realtime sharing of passenger data with multiple agencies including the Airport Health Officer Bureau of Immigration Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme IDSP and State Surveillance OfficersAccording to officials the integrated datasharing mechanism will help authorities rapidly identify travellers who may be at risk and ensure timely referral monitoring and necessary public health interventions At the same time the process is intended to remain seamless and fully contactless eliminating the need for physical declaration forms upon arrivalOfficials explained that the Air Suvidha Self Declaration Form SDF can be completed up to 24 hours before arrival in India International passengers have been advised to submit the form before boarding their flights preferably during the web checkin process to facilitate faster processing and clearance after landingOnce the declaration is completed passengers will only be required to present the downloaded Self Declaration Form at the International Travel Health Desk or the Immigration Counter reducing delays and simplifying arrival proceduresâAll International travellers are requested to complete their SelfDeclaration accurately and in advance in the interest of passenger safety and Public Healthâ officials added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-launches-air-suvidha-20-for-passengers-arriving-from-ebola-affected-nations-689128.html Thu, 25 Jun 2026 14:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/grandfather-of-9-year-old-australian-girl-killed-in-police-firing-in-pakistan-demands-justice-689143.html Canberra June 25 The grandfather of a nineyearold Australian girl Hania Ahmed who was killed in police firing in Pakistan has demanded justice local media reported Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has previously demanded a transparent probe into the incidentWhether we get justice because of him Anthony Albanese or police we just want justice Australiabased ABC News quoted Mazhar Hussain Chohan as sayingChohan spoke about the hours that followed the police shooting in Pakistan after the family was robbed at gunpoint Hania along with her family had travelled from Australia to Pakistan to visit her familyThe family had gone to a relatives house for dinner in Chakwal district of Pakistans Punjab province Chohan said he left while Hania stayed at the relatives house with her family Chohan said that three hours later he received a call where he was informed that his son had met with an accidentChohan said I had no idea about the bullets After he went to hospital he saw the dead body of his granddaughter I saw the dead body of my granddaughter on a stretcher and my son and grandson were injured police and doctors were working ABC News quoted him as sayingThe incident which started as a robbery escalated into a shootout Two robbers held Hanias family at gunpoint outside their relatives home and demanded their jewellery Pakistans Crime Control Department CCD has claimed that the robbers started firing at an officer who responded at the site of the incident however Hanias father Ahmed said the police were the first to fireAs the family tried to drive away from the chaos an officer continued firing at their car thinking that robbers were inside claiming the life of Hania while her brother and father were injured Medical notes from a postmortem examination indicate Hania was hit by at least five bullets and died immediatelyThe CCD was set up in 2025 to crack down on crime in Pakistans Punjab However rights groups including Human Rights Commission of Pakistan HRCP even before Hanias death have voiced concerns about the departments use of forceEarlier in February the HRCP condemned Pakistans CCD in Punjab province for pursuing a deliberate policy of staged encounters resulting in extrajudicial killings that fundamentally undermines the rule of law and constitutional protections in the provinceCiting various media reports the HRCP documented at least 670 CCDled encounters over the course of eight months in 2025 resulting in the deaths of 924 suspects with two police officers killed during the same periodâThe extreme casualty imbalance â averaging more than two fatal encounters daily â combined with the uniformity of operational patterns across districts indicates an institutionalised practice rather than isolated incidents of misconduct The factfinding mission has therefore called for an urgent highlevel judicial enquiry into these deathsâ the HRCP statedThe organisation documented a pervasive climate of fear among victimsâ families One family reported pressure from police officials to bury the deceased immediately and claimed they were warned that other relatives could be killed if they pursued the case further Such intimidation it said constitutes criminal conduct and represents a fundamental obstruction of justiceThe practice of police encounters as a method of crime control has a long and troubling history in Pakistan Successive provincial governments especially in Punjab and Sindh have defended such actions as necessary to combat crime militancy or systemic inefficiencies within the criminal justice system the HRCP statedHowever the organisation highlighted that Pakistani courts civil society organisations and human rights bodies have repeatedly raised concerns regarding extrajudicial killings the surrounding lack of accountability and violations of the right to life guaranteed under Article 9 of Pakistans ConstitutionAs per the HRCP findings CCD operations fail to comply with the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials which require that lethal force be absolutely necessary and proportionate and that violators be held accountableThe nearly uniform narrative in CCD press releases and First Information Reports â that the suspects fired first that the police acted in selfdefence and that those killed were necessarily âhardenedâ criminals â appeared in virtually every case reviewed suggesting orchestrated messaging rather than independent operational outcomes the rights body stressedThe HRCP emphasised that sustainable public safety cannot be achieved through lethal shortcuts that bypass investigation prosecution and judicial accountabilityAmong other measures the report called for an immediate provincewide moratorium on all encounter operations until comprehensive legal safeguards and independent oversight mechanisms are establishedâWithout immediate corrective action â including the establishment of mandatory independent investigations accountability for those responsible and structural reforms to ensure compliance with constitutional and international human rights standards â the normalisation of state violence will permanently damage Pakistans legal system its democratic institutions and its standing in the international community the HRCP noted IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/grandfather-of-9-year-old-australian-girl-killed-in-police-firing-in-pakistan-demands-justice-689143.html Thu, 25 Jun 2026 16:09:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-finances-under-strain-as-foreign-debt-burden-surges-report-689150.html New Delhi June 25 The Bangladesh governmentâs foreign debt service burden is projected to almost double to 76 billion in FY29 from 411 billion in FY25 due to rising interest payments shorter loan maturities and repayments for several mega projects which poses a serious threat to the countryâs financial stability according to a report in The Daily Star a Dhakabased newspaper According to the Finance Divisionâs MediumTerm Macroeconomic Policy Statement for FY27FY29 the foreign debt servicing costs for FY202829 will include 43 billion in principal repayments while interest payments are projected at Tk 40300 crore equivalent to around 33 billion at the prevailing exchange rateFor the current fiscal year the revised debt servicing estimate stands at 494 billion It is projected to rise to 562 billion in the upcoming fiscal yearAccording to finance ministry data Bangladeshâs foreign debt stock is projected to increase to 123 billion by FY202829 from 7727 billion at the end of the last fiscal year and 51 billion in FY202021 said the reportThe report cites Zahid Hussain former lead economist at the World Bankâs Dhaka office as saying that the rise is inevitable as debt stocks expand He identified three major reasons behind the higher servicing burden rapid debt accumulation following the Covid19 pandemic shorter repayment periods than in the past and rising interest ratesHe also pointed to the repayment structure of World Bank loans under which borrowers repay 1 per cent interest annually during the first 10 years 2 per cent in the next decade and progressively higher amounts thereafter As older loans enter later repayment phases annual obligations rise A stronger US dollar is adding further pressure he addedThe report further highlights that repayment schedules for large bilateral loans are also becoming due Annual repayments for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant loan are expected to require around 600 million while repayment of Russiaâs 12 billion loan for the project will begin in September 2028 Chinese loans also require faster repayments due to shorter grace periods and maturitiesAccording to an Economic Relations Division ERD report Bangladesh borrowed about 9 billion from China under a package until June of which around 500 million has already been repaid excluding interest The interest rate is 2 percent the grace period is only five years and the repayment period is 15 years the report added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-finances-under-strain-as-foreign-debt-burden-surges-report-689150.html Thu, 25 Jun 2026 16:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-south-korean-counterpart-cho-hyun-review-ties-opportunities-in-startups--689049.html Seoul June 24 IANS External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar held a meeting with his South Korean counterpart Cho Hyun in Seoul on Wednesday and reviewed cooperation across shipbuilding trade investments defence technology clean energy culture and P2P domainsEAM Jaishankar and Cho Hyun also spoke about opportunities in startups fintech and multilateral foraFollowing their meeting EAM Jaishankar in a post on X wrote Pleased to meet FM Cho Hyun of RoK in Seoul today Our discussions followed upon the outcomes of recent visit of President Lee Jae Myung to India We reviewed our cooperation across political shipbuilding trade investments defence technology clean energy culture and P2P domains As well as opportunities in startups fintech and multilateral fora Also exchanged views on development in our respective regions and around the worldCho Hyun noted that President Lee Jae Myungs State visit to India in April last year provided the momentum to elevate South KoreaIndia ties to a new level Cho Hyun said he and EAM Jaishankar assessed the swift progress on followup measures in areas like trade investment and finance as agreed during last Aprils summit and discussed ways to advance them furtherThis week the Prime Ministers Office of India is hosting Korea Week fulfilling Prime Minister Modis commitment made during the summit to directly explore solutions to the challenges faced by our companies in India While expressing my gratitude for Indias full support I also conveyed that we will soon hold a similar roundtable for Indian companies entering the Korean market Cho Hyun posted on XOver the subsequent lunch Minister Jaishankar and I engaged in an indepth discussion on the rapidly changing global situation Our two countries also agreed to maintain close communication in responding to the economic ripple effects stemming from changes in the Middle East situation Minister Jaishankar and I are scheduled to meet again tomorrow at the Jeju Forum I look forward to his sharp perspective and profound insights on bilateral relations and the international landscape shining through once more he addedIn his opening remarks at the meeting with Cho Hyun EAM Jaishankar said Its a great pleasure to be back in Seoul and to meet you and your team today for our discussions And I agree with you I think our meeting is very timely Timely partly because we are following up on a presidential visit just recently But timely also because of the state of the world and the importance of our relationship in this somewhat complicated worldEAM Jaishankar recalled that he and Cho Hyun met in New York Kuala Lumpur Washington at the G7 Foreign Ministers Meeting and during the South Korean Presidents recent visit to IndiaHighlighting the role of both foreign ministers to advance bilateral ties he said I do think today that as foreign ministers it is clearly our responsibility to take this relationship forward to oversee what different parts of the government and different parts of our economy of our country do with each other in their interactions In coordinating that and in really I would say fashioning a more forwardlooking a more contemporary relationship in a more difficult worldAnd that world minister particularly requires I think countries that are likeminded countries with shared values countries that have strong mutual trust to work with each other Again as you noted the presidential visit and the meeting of our prime minister with your president Lee Jaemyung at the G7 in Hiroshima these have been recent leadership occasions where guidance has been given to us on how to take those ties forward he addedIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-south-korean-counterpart-cho-hyun-review-ties-opportunities-in-startups--689049.html Wed, 24 Jun 2026 15:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/inga-ruginiene-resigns-as-lithuanias-prime-minister-688992.html Vilnius June 23 Inga Ruginiene on Tuesday resigned as Lithuanias Prime Minister after just over nine months in power The outgoing cabinet held its last meeting on Tuesday during which ministers unanimously approved a resolution on their resignation local media reported During the meeting Ruginiene said Despite all the difficulties we have much to be proud of and each of you has made a significant contribution to the welfare of our state and the improving lives of our peopleToday we take the decision to resign and return the governments powers to the President of the Republic she addedSpeaking to reporters after the meeting Ruginiene spoke about her time in office Lithuanian public broadcaster Lithuanian Radio and Television LRT reportedShe said In politics you can learn many things â how to look good how to speak fluently â but you cannot learn courage or humanity She noted that empathy the ability to listen to the people and the courage to act were the qualities that helped her not to lose her way during difficult choices and responsibilitiesShe suggested that some people were unsettled by the fact that she did not fit the established stereotypical image of what a prime minister should be how they should speak how they should behave how they should look However she stated that she had never believed a leader should be built as per someone elses readymade templateInga Ruginiene rejected claims that she as being sacrificed by her own party saying the transition was a normal political process according to LRT reportThe resignation resolution will be given to Lithuanias President Gitanas Nauseda on Tuesday Nauseda will ask the outgoing cabinet to continue in a caretaker capacity until a new government is formed Under the coalition agreement the President must submit a candidate for PM to parliament within 15 days Social Democratic leader Mindaugas Sinkevicius has been nominated for PMs positionAfter getting approval by parliament the incoming prime minister will have up to 15 more days to present a cabinet and government programme for parliamentary endorsement The new ruling majority includes the Union of Democrats For Lithuania the Social Democrats and the Lithuanian Farmers Greens and Christian Families UnionAt least four ministerial portfolios will have change in leadership under the coalition agreement the Democrats will take agriculture energy and health portfolios while Social Democrats will have environment ministry Ruginiene is expected to take up the role of Lithuanias minister of social security and labour in the new cabinetPrior to assuming office as Lithuanias PM in September 2025 Inga Ruginiene served as Minister of Social Security and Labour in the 19th government She has experience in leadership roles including serving as the President of the Lithuanian Trade Union Confederation Vice President of the European Trade Union Confederation ETUC Vice President of the International Trade Union Confederation European Region ITUCPERC and Chairperson of the Lithuanian Federation of Trade Unions of the Forest and Forest Industry She has been a Member of Lithuanias Parliament Seimas since 2024 IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/inga-ruginiene-resigns-as-lithuanias-prime-minister-688992.html Tue, 23 Jun 2026 16:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/security-agencies-flag-hamas-attempt-to-expand-south-asian-network-through-regional-tie-ups-688994.html New Delhi June 23 Indian security agencies are closely monitoring what they describe as a growing pattern in Hamass efforts to expand its influence in South Asia Intelligence inputs suggest that the Palestinian militant group is seeking to strengthen ties with extremist organisations across the region particularly in Pakistan Bangladesh and Sri Lanka Pakistan has on several occasions hosted senior Hamas leaders who have reportedly been seen interacting with members of terror outfits such as LashkareTaiba LeT and JaisheMohammad JeM Security officials also point to similarities between the Pahalgam attack and the tactics used during Hamass October 7 attack on IsraelWhile Hamass links with Pakistanbased terror groups have long been viewed as an open secret by intelligence agencies officials now say the outfit is attempting to widen its reach beyond Pakistan into Bangladesh and Sri LankaAccording to intelligence inputs Hamas is seeking to establish a broader footprint in South Asia by forging connections with multiple extremist organisations Traditionally focused on Palestine and its conflict with Israel the group is now believed to be pursuing a wider regional presence following its engagement with Pakistanbased networksAn Intelligence Bureau official said Hamas is unlikely to operate directly under its own banner in these countriesIt would work along with outfits such as the LashkareTaiba AlQaeda in Bangladesh JamaatulMujahideen Bangladesh JMB and proHamas groups in Sri Lanka the official saidThe broader objective officials believe is to move beyond Gaza and create a support network across South Asia By cultivating multiple partnerships Hamas could significantly increase its regional reach and influenceAnother official noted that Hamas may not necessarily participate directly in operational activities alongside these groups Instead the value of such alliances lies in expanding the organisations influence visibility and support infrastructureThe official added that these partnerships could also provide logistical advantages while helping Hamas raise funds through networks established across South AsiaSecurity agencies assessed that such efforts could eventually extend into Nepal Myanmar and the MaldivesHamas would not find it difficult to undertake these operations another official saidAccording to the intelligence agencies Pakistans InterServices Intelligence ISI played a key role in facilitating Hamas engagement with networks in the region Officials allege that the Pakistani spy agency has encouraged Hamas leaders to visit various South Asian countries and cultivate alliances with local organisationsSuch arrangements officials believe serve the ISIs interests by expanding its influence and strengthening connections among extremist groups operating across the regionAn official said that the immediate concern is not necessarily the launch of coordinated terror operations Rather agencies are worried that a Hamaslinked network could significantly enhance recruitment efforts for multiple extremist organisationsAll these terror groups would also benefit from the Hamas branding The alliance partners of Hamas all have a common enemy in Israel and hence this combination would work out best for all of them the official saidOfficials fear that recruitment could increase substantially if such alliances deepen Security officials also warn that Hamas could contribute to radicalisation efforts through ideological outreach and support networks further strengthening extremist groups in the regionRecently Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar in an interview said that Hamaslinked activities had been taking place in Pakistan and Bangladesh He expressed concern that the organisations influence could spread beyond the Middle EastAzar further stated that Hamas has been active in Pakistan and Bangladesh since the October 7 attacks on IsraelFrom Indias perspective officials say Hamas efforts to build relationships with extremist groups in neighbouring countries remain a significant security concern They warn that such networks could eventually seek to radicalise and recruit Indian youth creating longterm challenges for regional security IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/security-agencies-flag-hamas-attempt-to-expand-south-asian-network-through-regional-tie-ups-688994.html Tue, 23 Jun 2026 16:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/uk-prime-minister-keir-starmer-announces-resignation-688907.html London June 22 IANS Keir Starmer on Monday announced that he is stepping down as the British Prime Minister and leader of the governing Labour PartynbspMaking a statement outside 10 Downing Street Starmer said that he will however remain in post as Prime Minister until a new Labour leader is chosen in the coming weeksnbspThe question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question and I accept that answer with good grace Every decision Ive taken has been about putting the country I love first That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour party I have spoken to His Majesty the King this morning to inform him of my decision said StarmerAfter having led the Labour party to a massive election win in July 2024 the first in 14 years Starmer has been facing criticism for the policies adopted by his governmentnbspStarmer however said on Monday that he aimed to change Britain for the better and to build a fairer country with dignity and respect where everyone is seen everyone is valued and wealth and opportunity is available to all not just the privileged fewA page in our countrys history turned after years of disappointment and despair the chance to change the lives of millions of people for the better Thats what I came into politics for The journey to that point was not easy Six years ago I inherited a Labour party that was politically financially and morally bankruptnbspI was told time and time again that my party was finished that we were consigned to history that a majority at the general election let alone a landslide majority was impossible We proved those people wrong because we changed our party ripping out the poison of antisemitism restoring trust on the economy defence and national security and becoming a party that once again stood proudly with God against our national flag he said on MondayStarmer has come up hard against the reality that the support isnt there the Observer reported over the weekendnbspThe truth is everyone knows this is no longer a sustainable proposition Theres a sadness to it all of course but sometimes theres just an inevitability in politics and as Boris Johnson said When the herd moves it moves it mentionednbspIt is anticipated that Andy Burnham could replace Starmer as the countrys next PM with the number of MPs supporting him for the Labour leadership having increased after his victory in the Makerfield byelection last weekIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/uk-prime-minister-keir-starmer-announces-resignation-688907.html Mon, 22 Jun 2026 14:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-to-visit-mongolia-south-korea-to-boost-strategic-economic-ties-688912.html New Delhi June 22 IANS External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will undertake an official visit to Mongolia and the Republic of Korea from June 22 to 25 aimed at strengthening Indias bilateral partnerships and advancing cooperation across strategic economic and technological sectorsnbspAnnouncing the visit the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement on Monday that EAM Jaishankar will visit Mongolia on June 22 and 23 before travelling to South Korea on June 24 and 25EAM will visit Mongolia on 22 and 23 June 2026 During the visit EAM will meet with the Mongolian leadership and hold discussions with his counterpart Foreign Minister B Battsetseg the ministry saidThe statement further noted EAM will visit Republic of Korea on 24 and 25 June 2026 EAM will hold discussions with ROK Foreign Minister Cho Hyun during the visit He will also deliver the keynote speech at the Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity in Jeju on 25 June 2026The Mongolia leg of the visit is expected to focus on reviewing bilateral cooperation and strengthening longstanding ties between the two countriesIndia and Mongolia share a close relationship rooted in cultural spiritual and democratic values India and Mongolia established diplomatic relations on December 24 1955 Mongolia opened its embassy in New Delhi the following year while India established its resident mission in Ulaanbaatar in 1971 paving the way for the steady expansion of bilateral cooperation across political economic and cultural spheresThe visit also comes months after Jaishankar met Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa during the latters visit to India on October 13 2025 an interaction seen as an important step in further deepening bilateral relationsIn South Korea discussions are expected to focus on advancing the IndiaRepublic of Korea Joint Strategic Vision road map following the state visit of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung to India in April 2026 Key areas of engagement are likely to include cooperation in semiconductors Artificial Intelligence critical minerals and emerging technologiesThe two sides are also expected to review efforts to strengthen supply chain resilience enhance defence cooperation and assess progress under the IndiaKorea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement CEPAThe visit is expected to provide fresh momentum to the growing strategic partnership between New Delhi and Seoul while reinforcing Indias engagement with key partners in the IndoPacific regionIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-to-visit-mongolia-south-korea-to-boost-strategic-economic-ties-688912.html Mon, 22 Jun 2026 15:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-to-visit-mongolia-south-korea-for-strategic-economic-talks-688914.html New Delhi June 22 IANS External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will undertake an official visit to Mongolia and the Republic of Korea from June 22 to 25 aimed at strengthening Indias bilateral partnerships and advancing cooperation across strategic economic and technological sectorsnbspAnnouncing the visit the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement on Monday that EAM Jaishankar will visit Mongolia on June 22 and 23 before travelling to South Korea on June 24 and 25EAM will visit Mongolia on 22 and 23 June 2026 During the visit EAM will meet with the Mongolian leadership and hold discussions with his counterpart Foreign Minister B Battsetseg the ministry saidThe statement further noted EAM will visit Republic of Korea on 24 and 25 June 2026 EAM will hold discussions with ROK Foreign Minister Cho Hyun during the visit He will also deliver the keynote speech at the Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity in Jeju on 25 June 2026The Mongolia leg of the visit is expected to focus on reviewing bilateral cooperation and strengthening longstanding ties between the two countriesIndia and Mongolia share a close relationship rooted in cultural spiritual and democratic values India and Mongolia established diplomatic relations on December 24 1955 Mongolia opened its embassy in New Delhi the following year while India established its resident mission in Ulaanbaatar in 1971 paving the way for the steady expansion of bilateral cooperation across political economic and cultural spheresThe visit also comes months after Jaishankar met Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa during the latters visit to India on October 13 2025 an interaction seen as an important step in further deepening bilateral relationsIn South Korea discussions are expected to focus on advancing the IndiaRepublic of Korea Joint Strategic Vision road map following the state visit of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung to India in April 2026 Key areas of engagement are likely to include cooperation in semiconductors Artificial Intelligence critical minerals and emerging technologiesThe two sides are also expected to review efforts to strengthen supply chain resilience enhance defence cooperation and assess progress under the IndiaKorea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement CEPAThe visit is expected to provide fresh momentum to the growing strategic partnership between New Delhi and Seoul while reinforcing Indias engagement with key partners in the IndoPacific regionIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-to-visit-mongolia-south-korea-for-strategic-economic-talks-688914.html Mon, 22 Jun 2026 15:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/uk-pm-starmer-may-possibly-resign-on-monday-688795.html London June 21 IANS UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to resign on Monday and is reportedly preparing to present a timetable for an orderly departure from Downing Street British media reports saidnbspStarmer who has long insisted he would fight any challenge to his leadership now recognises his position is untenable after speaking with his government ministers party funders and trade union leaders over the past two days the Observer reportedStarmer has come up hard against the reality that the support isnt there the daily cited a source as telling it The truth is everyone knows this is no longer a sustainable proposition Theres a sadness to it all of course but sometimes theres just an inevitability in politics and as Boris Johnson said When the herd moves it movesThe number of MPs supporting rival Andy Burnham for the Labour leadership has increased after his triumphant victory in the Makerfield byelection last week Italian news agency Adnkronos reportedEarlier in the morning British Trade Secretary Peter Kyle told Sky News that Starmer was spending the weekend reflecting on the political realities he faces Speaking on behalf of the government Kyle refused to offer guidance on the Prime Ministers plans or what he himself would suggest to himAsked if Starmer truly intended to resign on Monday Kyle replied that he had no reason to believe so adding that the Labour leader would reflect on what it means to put the country first at a time like thisDuring the interview Kyle did not dismiss the idea that a change in Downing Street was imminent after Burnhams victory Stating that he had spoken at length with Starmer on Friday Kyle declared that he was certain that the Prime Minister had had conversations with a very wide range of people including myself and that he is working very hard this weekendI believe he is taking time to reflect on the political realities challenges and opportunities he faces I think thats what people expect him to do at this timeIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/uk-pm-starmer-may-possibly-resign-on-monday-688795.html Sun, 21 Jun 2026 17:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-envoy-gor-hm-shah-discuss-enhancing-cooperation-to-combat-terrorism--677710.html New Delhi June 18 IANS US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday and held discussions on enhancing collaboration to combat terrorism and protecting the people of the two nations from narcotics and illicit drugsnbspHad an excellent meeting with Honorable Home Minister Amit Shah We had a fruitful discussion on enhancing collaboration to combat terrorism shield our people from narcotics and illicit drugs secure our borders and jointly bring criminals to justice in both nations Gor wrote on X after their meetingThe meeting came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the Group of Seven G7 Summit in Frances Evian and the two leaders reviewed the progress in bilateral cooperation in trade energy defence technology and peopletopeople tiesPleased to meet President Trump in Evian We reviewed the sustained progress in our bilateral cooperation in trade energy defence technology and peopletopeople ties Conveyed Indias appreciation on the progress in the efforts for restoring peace and stability in West Asia Keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is vital for the global economy Reiterated the importance of ensuring the safety and security of civilians including seafarers PM Modi posted on XUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio during his visit to India last month said that India and the US are strategically aligned on several key global issues including critical minerals supply chains and terrorism He called India one of the most important strategic partners for the US in the worldAddressing a joint press briefing with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar Rubio noted that India and the US as democracies understand the importance of public scrutiny and accountabilityHe also said that India and the US have suffered due to global terrorism networks and stressed that there is strong counterterrorism alignment between the two nationsHighlighting strong counterterrorism alignment between India and the US Rubio said On the issue of terrorism both of our countries have suffered both directly and indirectly because of global terrorist networks There is a strong counterterrorism alignment as a result of thatIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-envoy-gor-hm-shah-discuss-enhancing-cooperation-to-combat-terrorism--677710.html Thu, 18 Jun 2026 13:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/chinese-fm-wang-yi-to-visit-india-for-brics-nsa-meeting-677719.html Beijing June 18 IANS Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit India to attend the 16th Meeting of BRICS National Security Advisors NSAs and High Representatives on National Security set to be held from June 2223nbspConfirming the visit spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday that Wang Yi will visit India at the invitation of National Security Advisor NSA Ajit DovalnbspAt the invitation of Indias National Security Advisor Ajit Doval Wang Yi Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs will attend the 16th Meeting of BRICS National Security Advisors and High Representatives on National Security to be held in India from June 22 to 23 the ministry spokesperson posted on XIndia holds the BRICS chair in 2026 guided by the theme of Building for Resilience Innovation Cooperation and Sustainability reflecting a peoplecentric and humanityfirst approach articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 17th BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro in 2025nbspOn May 15 Chinas Ambassador to India Xu Feihong congratulated India for successfully hosting the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting He stated that BRICS Chairs statement and outcome document demonstrate broad consensus on international and regional issues the future development of BRICS and the reform of global governance and the multilateral systemIn a post on X Xu Feihong stated Congratulations to India on successfully hosting the BRICS FMM In the face of a complex global landscape BRICS countries engaged in indepth and constructive discussions on a wide range of issuesnbspThe Chairs Statement and Outcome Document demonstrate broad consensus on international and regional issues the future development of BRICS as well as reform of global governance and the multilateral system As incoming Chair China stands ready to work with all partners to deepen solidarity and cooperation and looks forward to welcoming colleagues to China next year he addedIndia issued a Chairs statement instead of a joint statement at the conclusion of the twoday BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting in New Delhi insisting that there were differing views among members with regard to the situation in West Asia and the Middle EastnbspThe highlevel gathering was chaired by External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar and witnessed participation of foreign ministers and senior representatives from BRICS member countries and partner nationsIn February Chinas Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu visited India to participate in the BRICS Sherpa Meeting During the visit Ma Zhaoxu and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held the IndiaChina Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi during which both sides discussed bilateral ties The officials of two nations also exchanged views on global regional situations and other multilateral issuesIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/chinese-fm-wang-yi-to-visit-india-for-brics-nsa-meeting-677719.html Thu, 18 Jun 2026 15:18:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bodies-of-two-sailors-killed-in-mt-settebello-attack-repatriated-says-indian-embassy-in-oman--677660.html Muscat June 17 IANS The mortal remains of two Indian seafarers who lost their lives in the attack on vessel MT Settebello have been repatriated to India the Indian Embassy in Oman said on WednesdaynbspIn the statement shared on X the Embassy offered condolences to the bereaved familiesnbspThe mortal remains of Mr Aditya Sharma and Mr Shivanand Chaurasiya who tragically lost their lives in the attack on MT Settebello have been repatriated to India Our heartfelt condolences remain with their families during this difficult time it postednbspOn Tuesday the Embassy stated that all 21 rescued Indian crew members of MT Settebello are returning to India safely from Oman Prior to their departure back home Indias Ambassador to Oman Prashant Pise interacted with themsAccording to the Indian embassy 21 Indian nationals were rescued and three others lost their lives following an attack on the Palauflagged vessel MT Settebello about 30 nautical miles off the coast of Sohar in Omannbsp21 Indian crew members of MT Settebello are returning home safely Prior to their departure Ambassador interacted with the crew members conveyed his best wishes and appreciated their resilience during a difficult period The Embassy remains committed to the welfare and safety of Indian nationals the Embassy said on XMT Settebello Palauflagged vessel was about 30 Nautical Miles off the coast of Sohar Oman at the time of attack Oman Maritime Security Centre was intimated forthwith based on which relevant Omani authorities were alerted for Search and Rescue SAR While 21 Indian crew members have since been successfully rescued 3 seafarers lost their lives in the tragic incident at sea it addednbspOn June 13 External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar spoke to the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and lodged a strong diplomatic protest with the United States after the latters Navy strike on a commercial vessel in the Gulf of Oman killed three Indian seafarersEarlier the Ministry of External Affairs MEA also summoned the US Charge dAffaires CDA Jason Meeks to lodge a strong protest regarding the continuing attacks by the US naval forces on commercial vessels carrying Indian sailors in the Gulf of Oman which have already resulted in the tragic and avoidable loss of three Indian livesnbspThe Ministry once again conveyed its deep concern over the use of lethal and deadly force against civilian shipping adding that such actions are unacceptable and undermine the safety security and stability of international maritime commerce in a sensitive region at a difficult timeThe US CDA was requested to convey Indias strong concerns to its authorities and to ensure that US forces operating in the region take all necessary measures to prevent the loss of civilian life the MEA added in the statementnbspThe US military acknowledged carrying out the strike on the vessel According to US Central Command American forces targeted the tanker after it allegedly failed to comply with instructions from US naval personnel and was attempting to transport oil from Iran in violation of an ongoing American blockadenbspIn a statement CENTCOM said one of its aircraft fired on the vessel in the Gulf of Oman disabling it after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with directions from US forcesIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bodies-of-two-sailors-killed-in-mt-settebello-attack-repatriated-says-indian-embassy-in-oman--677660.html Wed, 17 Jun 2026 14:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/unga-convenes-5th-interactive-dialogue-with-candidate-for-next-un-secretary-general-677551.html United Nations June 16 The UN General Assembly UNGA convened its fifth interactive dialogue with a candidate for the position of next UN secretarygeneral During the dialogue on Monday Maria Fernanda Espinosa former UNGA president and former foreign minister and defence minister of Ecuador nominated by Antigua and Barbuda in May presented her vision statement and answered questions from UN member states and civil society representatives regarding her leadership abilities experience and skills UN reform and the three pillars of the United Nations peace and security human rights and development Xinhua news agency reportedIn her vision statement Espinosa said she seeks the office of UN chief at a moment when the world does not need another restatement of multilateral ideals but needs results a United Nations that prevents crisis earlier responds more coherently delivers more effectively and restores confidence in the value of collective actionShe said her vision is organised around five interconnected pillars of transformation peace and security development digital and energy transformation closing the delivery gap and rebuilding credibilityThis is not an extensive comprehensive action plan because comprehensive political and financial leadership must come from the Member States Rather it highlights areas where the SecretaryGeneral can act most effectively within her remit to restore UN credibility and confidence by delivering results Espinosa saidIn late April the UNGA conducted a twoday interactive dialogue with four candidates for the next UN chief Michelle Bachelet former Chilean president and former UN high commissioner for human rights nominated by Brazil and Mexico Rafael Grossi current director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency nominated by Argentina Macky Sall former president of Senegal nominated by Burundi and Rebeca Grynspan economist and former vice president of Costa Rica nominated by Costa RicaThe term of Antonio Guterres the current and ninth secretarygeneral of the United Nations will expire at the end of this year The next UN secretarygeneral will take over the role on January 1 2027 IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/unga-convenes-5th-interactive-dialogue-with-candidate-for-next-un-secretary-general-677551.html Tue, 16 Jun 2026 11:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-embargo-inflicts-severe-humanitarian-toll-on-cuba-report-677552.html Havana June 16 The US embargo against Cuba has caused incalculable humanitarian damage and become the main obstacle to the Caribbean countrys social development local media reported Citing a study by the Center for Economic and Policy Research Cuban online news outlet Cubadebate said Cubas infant mortality rate rose from 4 deaths per 1000 live births in 2018 to 99 in 2025 an increase of 148 per centThe report says that the sharp rise in infant mortality during that period may have been mainly caused by the tightening of US sanctions against Cuba which began during US President Donald Trumps first term in 2017 Xinhua news agency reportedCuban officials including Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez and Deputy Public Health Minister Carilda Pena have recently denounced the impact of the US embargo on Cubas healthcare system particularly the effects of executive orders issued on Jan 29 and May 1 this yearAccording to official statistics cited by Cubadebate the survival rate for children with cancer in Cuba has fallen from 85 per cent to 65 per cent since the United States imposed restrictions on oil supplies to the island and intensified its sanctionsThe US measures described by Havana as collective punishment have affected more than 100000 patients awaiting surgery including 5152 cancer patients and nearly 12000 children the outlet saidCubas Public Health Ministry has also reported adverse impacts on 2888 patients receiving hemodialysis whose treatment depends on supplies water and specialised equipmentThe restrictions have made it harder for Cuba to obtain raw materials equipment and financial resources needed to sustain domestic production of vaccines basic medicines and diagnostic tools for diseases such as cancer Cubadebate saidThe US oil restrictions have worsened Cubas energy crisis with power outages exceeding 20 hours in Havana and a daily electricity shortfall of about 2000 megawatts the outlet saidSo far in 2026 Cuba has received only one fuel shipment delivered by Russian tanker Anatoly Kolodkin which carried 100000 metric tonnes of crude oilThe fuel crisis has prevented more than 100000 children from receiving statesubsidized milk as transport from production centers to cities has been disrupted according to food industry officials cited by CubadebateIn addition 170 containers of essential goods worth 63 million US dollars have not been distributed across CubaHumanitarian organizations including the United Nations Development Programme the United Nations Childrens Fund and the World Food Programme have also reported difficulties distributing containers carrying food aid in Cuba Cubadebate said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-embargo-inflicts-severe-humanitarian-toll-on-cuba-report-677552.html Tue, 16 Jun 2026 11:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/ambassador-vinay-kwatra-unveils-swami-vivekananda-statue-at-indian-consulate-in-chicago-677559.html Chicago June 16 Indiaâs Ambassador to the United States Vinay Mohan Kwatra unveiled a lifesize statue of Swami Vivekananda at the Consulate General of India CGI in Chicago The event was organised by the Consulate General of India in Chicago in collaboration with the US Indian Community FoundationThe unveiling was followed by a discussion attended by elected officials diaspora associations and community leaders bringing together members of the Indian diaspora and dignitaries to mark the occasionThe Consulate General of India in Chicago on Tueday posted on X âConsulate General of India was honored to host along with the US Indian Community Foundation the unveiling of Swami Vivekanandaâs Statue by Ambassador Shri Vinay Mohan Kwatra followed by a discussion attended by elected officials diaspora associations and community leadersâThe event also featured a rendition of Vande Mataram along with remarks from dignitaries highlighting Swami Vivekanandaâs message of service harmony and universal brotherhoodAddressing the gathering Ambassador Kwatra spoke about Indiaâs rapid economic growth ongoing socioeconomic transformation and the expanding IndiaâUS partnershipHe also underscored the continued relevance of Swami Vivekanandaâs teachings in promoting unity service and interfaith harmonyThe ceremony was seen as a symbolic celebration of Indiaâs cultural heritage and its strong engagement with the Indian diaspora in the United StatesEarlier in April a lifesize bronze statue of Swami Vivekananda was unveiled at Westlake Square in downtown Seattle marking what officials described as a firstofitskind installation hosted by a city government in the USThe statue was jointly unveiled by Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson and the Consul General of India in Seattle Prakash GuptaThe installation is located at Westlake Square a central public space in downtown Seattle that draws more than 400000 daily visits and millions of visitors each month The site is within walking distance of major landmarks including the Amazon headquarters the Seattle Convention Center and the Seattle Center MonorailOfficials said the monument represents the first time a US city government has hosted a statue of Vivekananda The unveiling ceremony drew several political leaders from the Greater Seattle area including mayors from Kent Auburn Tukwila Normandy Park and Kirkland along with city council members and community leaders from the Indian American diasporaIn her remarks Wilson said the installation reflects Seattleâs âinclusive spiritâ and underscores the cityâs commitment to strengthening cultural ties with India particularly in a region known for its diverse and globally connected technology ecosystem IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/ambassador-vinay-kwatra-unveils-swami-vivekananda-statue-at-indian-consulate-in-chicago-677559.html Tue, 16 Jun 2026 12:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/slovak-pm-fico-sees-off-pm-modi-as-he-departs-for-france-677584.html Bratislava June 16 IANS In a special gesture Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico saw off Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the hotel before he embarked for France after concluding his twoday state visit to Slovakia on TuesdaynbspDescribing his visit to Slovakia historic and productive PM Modi stated that the outcomes of his visit will strengthen bilateral tiesnbspConcluding a historic and productive visit to Slovakia The outcomes of this visit will go a long way in strengthening bilateral ties between our nations Stronger trade relations will greatly benefit our youth Gratitude to the Slovakian government and people for the warmth I am very grateful to Prime Minister Fico for coming to see me off PM Modi posted on XMinistry of External Affairs MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal announced on X After a successful visit to Slovakia which resulted in elevation of IndiaSlovakia ties to Comprehensive Partnership PM Narendra Modi has departed for Evian in France to attend the G7 summit PM was seen off by PM Robert Fico at the hotelnbspDuring his visit PM Modi met his Slovakian counterpart Fico and President Peter Pellegrini During their meeting PM Modi and Slovak President Peter Pellegrini discussed diverse subjects during their talks at the Presidential Palace in BratislavaAfter the meeting PM Modi posted on X Todays talks with President Pellegrini covered diverse subjects such as closer ties in manufacturing transport innovation and investment linkages energy biofuels and more There is also immense scope to cooperate in the field of digital technology We also talked about deepening peopletopeople linkagesnbspAhead of the International Day of Yoga on June 21 a Yoga camp was organised at the Presidential Palace of Slovakia Slovakian youth practised Yoga in the presence of PM Modi and President Pellegrini as both leaders met at the palacePM Modi and President Pellegrini witnessed an exhibition centred on Varanasi including works by Slovak artists who had recently visited the city at the Presidential Palace in BratislavaSharing his experience on the social media platform X PM Modi wrote A Banaras connect in Bratislava At the Presidential Palace in Bratislava yesterday President Pellegrini and I viewed a fascinating exhibition centred on Varanasi including works by Slovak artists who had recently visited the city Art and culture truly have a unique ability to bring people closer My compliments to all those whose works featured in this exhibitionnbspSlovakia on Monday conferred its highest honour the Order of the White Double Cross 1st Class on PM Modi This is the 33rd global honour bestowed by a country upon PM ModiIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/slovak-pm-fico-sees-off-pm-modi-as-he-departs-for-france-677584.html Tue, 16 Jun 2026 14:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korean-president-lee-wraps-up-visit-to-italy-heads-to-france-to-attend-g7-summit-677586.html Rome June 16 IANS South Korean President Lee Jae Myung left Italy on Tuesday en route to EvianlesBains France to attend a Group of Seven G7 summitnbspThe presidential plane carrying Lee and his entourage took off from Leonardo da Vinci International Airport for Geneva from where the South Korean President will travel by land to the French resort town of Evian the final stop of his ongoing tripnbspThe President has been in Europe since last Tuesday his first visit to the region since taking office a year earlier to expand South Koreas diplomatic outreach to Europe Yonhap News Agency reportednbspIn Italy the second stop of his trip following his earlier visit to Belgium Lee held talks with President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni agreeing to elevate their countries bilateral relations to a special strategic partnership and explore cooperation in semiconductors artificial intelligence AI and other strategic areasnbspHe also held talks with Pope Leo XIV and reaffirmed the Vaticans support for Seouls efforts to build peace on the Korean PeninsulaIn Evian Lee is scheduled to attend the G7 summit later in the day and on Wednesday as the leader of an invited partner country marking the second consecutive year South Korea has been invited to the gatheringnbspOn Monday President Lee Jae Myung invited Pope Leo XIV to visit South Korea next year on the occasion of the countrys hosting of World Youth Day 2027 a presidential official saidnbspLee offered the invitation during his meeting with the Pope at the Vatican held during the Presidents visit to the Holy See as part of his broader trip to EuropeThe two leaders agreed to cooperate closely to ensure a successful hosting of World Youth Day 2027 and Lee officially invited Pope Leo XIV to visit South Korea on that occasion national security adviser Wi Sunglac said in a press briefingnbspLee also gave a briefing to the Pope on South Koreas initiative to build peace on the Korean Peninsula and the Vatican reaffirmed its unwavering support for facilitating peace on the peninsula Wi notedAnother senior South Korean official said separately that the meeting between Lee and the Pope also covered interKorean issues with both sides sharing the view that crossborder dialogue and cooperation should be pursued despite difficulties in political situationsnbspThe late Pope Francis had repeatedly expressed willingness to visit the NorthIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korean-president-lee-wraps-up-visit-to-italy-heads-to-france-to-attend-g7-summit-677586.html Tue, 16 Jun 2026 14:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pm-modi-welcomes-us-iran-peace-deal-hope-it-helps-restore-peace-and-stability-in-west-asia-677479.html Bratislava June 15 IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday welcomed the understanding reached between the US and Iran on ending the conflict in West Asia and expressed Indias hope that the implementation of this understanding will help restore peace and stability in the regionnbspPM Modis statement came after US President Donald Trump announced that the United States and Iran had completed a deal that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the US naval blockade marking what he described as a major breakthrough after months of conflict that rattled global energy markets and raised fears of a wider regional warI welcome the understanding reached between the United States and Iran on ending the conflict in West Asia which has caused serious economic disruption across the world and led to loss of life in many countries PM Modi said in a post on XnbspIndia hopes that the implementation of this understanding will help restore peace and stability in the region and ensure the freedom of navigation and commerce We look forward to deliberations on the remaining issues reaching a sustainable final agreement he addedAnnouncing the deal the US President in a post on Truth Social wrote The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete Congratulations to all I hereby fully authorize the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz and simultaneously herewith authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade Ships of the World start your engines Let the oil flownbspIn a second post Trump cast the agreement as a historic diplomatic achievement This Great Deal will bring Peace and Security to the whole Region he wroteMany presidents have tried to make Peace with Iran and all have failed before menbspThe Leaders of the Region have for the first time found a President who can help them achieve real Peace he addednbspTrump said the agreement would be formally signed on Friday and linked the reopening of the Strait to efforts to remove mines from the waterwaynbspWith the opening of the Strait upon the signing of the Deal on Friday for purposes of mine removal oil will flow on both ends again for the Region and the World he saidThe US President did not disclose details of the agreement and no official text was immediately released by the White House His posts also did not address broader issues that have long divided Washington and Tehran including Irans nuclear programme and US sanctionsnbspHowever Trumps statements suggested that the immediate focus of the agreement is restoring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and removing barriers to commercial shippingIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pm-modi-welcomes-us-iran-peace-deal-hope-it-helps-restore-peace-and-stability-in-west-asia-677479.html Mon, 15 Jun 2026 14:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/opportunities-to-collaborate-invest-and-scale-in-india-have-never-been-more-promising-piyush-goyal-677515.html New Delhi June 15 IANS Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday said that it has invited global businesses to partner in Indias growth story saying the opportunities to collaborate invest and scale in the country have never been more promising as India advances towards becoming a global hub for innovation and manufacturingnbspSharing details of his visit to Sophia Antipolis widely regarded as Europes first and largest science and technology hub Goyal said the ecosystem offers a compelling example of how research talent and enterprise can come together to drive economic growth and technological advancementAs India advances towards becoming a global hub for innovation and manufacturing the opportunities to collaborate invest and scale together have never been more promising he said in a post on social media platform XnbspThe minister said he visited the technology park after participating in Bharat Innovates 2026 and engaged with industry leaders operating in the innovation hubnbspHe highlighted that more than 2600 companies are based in Sophia Antipolis working across a range of cuttingedge sectorsA fascinating visit to Europes Silicon Valley Building on the momentum of Bharat Innovates2026 visited Sophia Antipolis Europes first and largest science and technology hub Goyal mentionednbspWith over 2600 companies operating across cuttingedge sectors the technology park offers a compelling example of how research talent and enterprise can come together to drive economic growth and technological advancement he mentionednbspGoyal said he held discussions with industry captains and encouraged them to become active partners in Indias development journey under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra ModiEngaged with industry captains and invited them to become active partners in Indias remarkable growth story under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi the minister addednbspThe visit forms part of the governments broader efforts to showcase Indias growing capabilities in technology innovation and advanced manufacturing while attracting greater foreign investment into the countrynbspGoyal noted that innovationdriven ecosystems such as Sophia Antipolis demonstrate the importance of fostering collaboration between academia research institutions and businesses to create sustainable economic growth and technological leadershipIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/opportunities-to-collaborate-invest-and-scale-in-india-have-never-been-more-promising-piyush-goyal-677515.html Mon, 15 Jun 2026 18:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-iran-peace-deal-to-be-signed-today-677434.html Washington June 14 US President Donald Trump said that a peace deal with Iran is scheduled to be signed on Sunday and that the Strait of Hormuz will reopen immediately afterward Trump earlier announced on Truth social The Deal is scheduled to get signed tomorrow and immediately after it is signed the Hormuz Strait is OPEN TO ALLTrump also claimed that Iran now no longer wants a Nuclear Weapon and suggested the United States will work with Iran to remove enriched uranium at an appropriate timeHe said the signing of the deal would make US relations with Iran different and better but warned that we have the ultimate alternative unless the process moves forward quickly easily and smoothlyFor global markets Trumps reference to the Strait of Hormuz is likely to attract particular attention The narrow waterway is one of the worlds most critical energy transit routes carrying a substantial share of internationally traded crude oil and liquefied natural gasIndia one of the worlds largest importers of crude oil closely monitors developments in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz because of their direct impact on energy security and shipping costsTrump also sought to distinguish the proposed agreement from the Obamaera nuclear deal by stressing that no financial transfers would be involvedâUnlike Obamaâs Hundreds of Billions of Dollars in payments to them including 17 Billion Dollars in green cold cash no money will exchange handsâ he wroteThe President further suggested that nuclear material remaining in Iran would eventually be removed and destroyedHowever Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei reportedly denied that a memorandum of understanding MoU between Iran and the United States to end the conflict would be signed on Sunday citing what he described as the other sides hesitationBaqaei also stressed that any potential MoU between Iran and the United States would merely serve as a framework for continuing talks and should not be regarded as a final agreement He added that discussions on the nuclear issue are expected to continue over a 60day period according to Iranian state media reports IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-iran-peace-deal-to-be-signed-today-677434.html Sun, 14 Jun 2026 07:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/funeral-for-irans-late-supreme-leader-to-begin-on-july-4-in-tehran-677436.html Tehran June 14 The funeral for Irans late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is scheduled to begin here on July 4 Iranian media reported Farewell ceremonies will be held at Imam Khomeinis Mosalla prayer hall in Tehran on July 45 followed by funeral processions in the capital and the central city of Qom on July 67 read a statement released by the headquarters responsible for Khameneis commemoration which was carried by Iranian mediaAccording to the statement the final funeral ceremony will be held in the northeastern city of Mashhad on July 9 following which the late leader will be laid to rest at the holy shrine of Imam Reza the eighth Imam of Shiite Muslims in the same city and on the same dayThe longserving supreme leader of Iran was killed in a joint USIsraeli airstrike on February 28 His son Mojtaba Khamenei was selected as Irans new supreme leader in early March Xinhua news agency reportedEarlier in March Khamenei was killed in an epochal attack by the US and Israel marking an inflection point in the 46year Shiatheocratic rule as Tehranâs retaliation set off conflagrations in a swath of the Middle EastUS President Donald Trump announced then the killing of the 86yearold cleric ending his ironfisted rule over Iran for 36 yearsTrump said on Truth Social âHe was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and working closely with Israel there was not a thing he or the other leaders that have been killed along with him could doâFour relatives of Khamenei including his daughter grandchild and soninlaw were also killed in the USIsraeli strikes reported Irans Fars News Agency on Sunday citing sources IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/funeral-for-irans-late-supreme-leader-to-begin-on-july-4-in-tehran-677436.html Sun, 14 Jun 2026 07:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-aims-to-become-worlds-innovation-partner-piyush-goyal-677437.html NiceNew Delhi June 14 IANS India is working to transform itself into the worlds innovation partner and deepen global collaboration in emerging technologies Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on SundaynbspAddressing the gathering at the inauguration of the Bharat Innovates summit in Nice France Goyal said that while the theme of Bharat Innovates is to serve as a global accelerator for Indias innovation ecosystem the broader objective is to translate that vision into concrete action and position India as a trusted innovation partner for the worldWhile the theme of Bharat Innovates is a global accelerator for Indias education system the real spirit is to concretise our efforts to be the worlds innovation partner he saidThe year 2026 which is being celebrated as the IndiaFrance Year of Innovation gives this initiative an appropriate setting Friends we are meeting at a moment of uncertainty when the churn in the world of geopolitics is meeting the churn of frontier technology Goyal notedUnderscoring the growing strategic partnership between India and France Goyal noted that bilateral ties were elevated to a Special Global Strategic Partnership this yearHe said both countries have been working closely to shape global conversations around innovation and artificial intelligenceThe minister recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi cochaired the AI Action Summit in Paris in February 2025 while French President Emmanuel Macron joined India for the AI Impact Summit in February 2026To our French partners I urge you to use this opportunity to build meaningful partnerships And I would invite our French friends to visit India invest in India design in India innovate in India and manufacture in India both for the large domestic market and export from India to the rest of the world Goyal mentionedThe Bharat Innovates summit was jointly inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi and French President MacronThe event brings together startups investors entrepreneurs technology leaders and policymakers from India France and other countries to explore new avenues for innovation investment and crossborder collaborationIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-aims-to-become-worlds-innovation-partner-piyush-goyal-677437.html Sun, 14 Jun 2026 15:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-embassy-reports-incident-involving-indian-vessel-virat-1-off-oman-coast-677452.html Muscat June 14 IANS The Indian Embassy in Oman said on Sunday that it has learnt of an incident involving the Indian Flagged Mechanised Sailing Vessel Virat 1 off the coast of Oman The vessel is reported to have 14 Indian crew on boardnbspThe Embassy stated that search and rescue efforts are being coordinated with the Omani authorities and vessels in the vicinity of the incidentnbspIn a statement on X the Indian Embassy in Oman stated The Mission has learnt of an incident involving an Indian Flagged Mechanised Sailing Vessel Virat 1 off the coast of Oman reportedly embarked with 14 Indian crew Search and Rescue is being coordinated with the Omani authorities and vessels in vicinity of the incidentEarlier on Friday the Ministry of External Affairs MEA summoned US Charge dAffaires Jason Meeks to lodge Indias strong protest against the continuing attacks by US naval forces on commercial vessels carrying Indian seafarers in the Gulf of Oman stressing that Washingtons actions are unacceptable and undermine the safety security and stability of international maritime commerce in a sensitive regionnbspA strong protest was lodged with him regarding the continuing attacks by US naval forces on commercial vessels carrying Indian mariners in the Gulf of Oman which have already resulted in the tragic and avoidable loss of three Indian lives the MEA said in a statementThe Ministry once again conveyed its deep concern over the use of lethal and deadly force against civilian shipping Such actions are unacceptable and undermine the safety security and stability of international maritime commerce in a sensitive region at a difficult time it addednbspThe MEA stated that the US Charge dAffaires was requested to convey Indias strong concerns to US authorities and ensure that US forces operating in the region take all necessary measures to stop the loss of civilian lifeThis marked the second time that the US official has been summoned by the MEA in recent days over the attacks on commercial vessels in the Gulf of Oman Earlier on Wednesday India had summoned the US Charge dAffaires to lodge a strong protest over recent attacks on commercial vessels off the coast of Oman including the commercial ship Settebello where three Indian seafarers were killednbspOn Thursday the Indian Embassy in Muscat said that all 20 Indian crew members on board MT Jalveer were rescued with the support of Omani authoritiesDuring the interministerial briefing on recent developments in West Asia on Thursday Additional Secretary Ministry of Ports Shipping and Waterways Mukesh Mangal said that all 20 Indian seafarers on board MT Jalveer are safe after the vessel came under attack off the Shinas port in OmannbspOn Wednesday an attack was reported on a commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman Of the 24 Indian crew members onboard the vessel 21 were rescued while three others were killednbspThe first incident involved MT Marivex on June 8 when a fire erupted aboard the vessel carrying 24 Indian seafarers south of the Strait of HormuzIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-embassy-reports-incident-involving-indian-vessel-virat-1-off-oman-coast-677452.html Sun, 14 Jun 2026 16:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pm-modi-meets-global-investors-ahead-of-bharat-innovates-summit-in-france-677454.html NiceNew Delhi June 14 IANS Ahead of the inauguration of the Bharat Innovates Summit in Nice Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday interacted with select investors and venture capital leaders from India France and several other countriesnbspThe innovationfocused summit is set to be jointly launched by Prime Minister Modi and French President Emmanuel MacronnbspThe event will bring together leading startups investors entrepreneurs and technology stakeholders to explore opportunities for collaboration investment and innovationdriven partnerships between India France and the wider global ecosystemThe interaction with investors comes as India and France seek to deepen cooperation in emerging technologies innovation and entrepreneurship under their Special Global Strategic PartnershipnbspThe Bharat Innovates Summit is expected to serve as a key platform for fostering crossborder investment and strengthening ties between startup ecosystems in the two countriesnbspPrime Minister Modi and President Macron are also expected to hold bilateral talks in Nice where they will review the entire spectrum of IndiaFrance relationsnbspDiscussions are likely to focus on innovation technology trade defence cooperation and broader strategic issues reflecting the expanding scope of engagement between the two nationsPM Modis visit to France which runs from June 13 to June 18 will cover three key cities Nice Evian and ParisnbspMeanwhile shortly after arriving in France PM Modi shared glimpses of his interaction with members of the Indian community in NicenbspA memorable welcome from the Indian community of Nice Although they are several kilometers from their country the bond of our diaspora with India remains stronger than ever Prime Minister Modi wrote on social media platform XPrior to that upon arriving in Nice the Prime Minister had shared details of his France visit in a post on X saying that his engagements would span Nice Evian and ParisnbspI have just landed in Nice Beyond Nice this visit to France includes programs in Evian and Paris PM Modi statedIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pm-modi-meets-global-investors-ahead-of-bharat-innovates-summit-in-france-677454.html Sun, 14 Jun 2026 16:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-now-acts-as-a-solution-contributor-rather-than-a-solution-consumer-pm-modi-677458.html NiceNew Delhi June 14 IANS India has transformed from being a consumer of global solutions to a contributor of solutions for the world Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on SundaynbspSpeaking after inaugurating the Bharat Innovates 2026 event in Nice France PM Modi said Indias innovation ecosystem is rapidly expanding and increasingly playing a role in addressing global challenges through technology and entrepreneurshipnbspIndia now acts as a solution contributor rather than a solution consumer the Prime Minister saidThe Prime Minister further stated that India is innovating at both speed and scale with a focus on creating sustainable solutions that benefit not only its own citizens but also the global communitynbspBharat innovates with speed and scale Bharat innovates for a sustainable future Bharat innovates for the whole world PM Modi said while addressing the innovationfocused event jointly inaugurated with French President Emmanuel MacronnbspEmphasising Indias approach towards technological development the Prime Minister said the countrys priority is technology for humanity and humancentric innovationHe added that innovation is deeply embedded in Indias culture and way of thinking Innovation is in Indias DNA Prime Minister Modi explainednbspThe Prime Minister also praised the growing partnership between India and France describing it as a relationship rooted in shared values mutual trust and common interestsnbspHe noted that cooperation between the two countries spans a wide range of sectors from security and strategic affairs to sustainability and innovationnbspIndiaFrance partnership covers security to sustainability PM Modi saidMacron who shared the stage with PM Modi at the event described the Prime Ministers presence at Bharat Innovates as a matter of great honour for FrancenbspHe also congratulated PM Modi on completing 12 years as Indias leader and praised his role in strengthening ties between the two countriesnbspThe Bharat Innovates event has brought together leading startups venture capital funds innovators and technology leaders from India France and several other countriesIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-now-acts-as-a-solution-contributor-rather-than-a-solution-consumer-pm-modi-677458.html Sun, 14 Jun 2026 17:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-marks-250-years-of-virginia-rights-charter-677380.html Washington June 13 US President Donald Trump marked the 250th anniversary of the Virginia Declaration of Rights calling it a foundational document that helped shape the United States Declaration of Independence Constitution and Bill of Rights In a message issued by the White House Trump said on Friday that the June 12 1776 declaration was the first official statement of individual liberties in the American colonies and played a central role in the development of American democracyOn June 12 1776 Virginia unanimously proclaimed the Virginia Declaration of Rightsâthe first official declaration of individual liberties in the American Colonies and one of the most consequential documents in the history of human freedom Trump saidThe statement comes as the United States continues commemorations linked to America 250 a nationwide programme marking the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026Trump said the Virginia Declaration emerged as colonial leaders sought to establish a new system of selfgovernment while breaking away from British ruleDetermined to cast off the chains of British tyranny they fought to secure what no king could take away the right to govern themselves to speak freely to worship as they chose and to be judged by their fellow citizens rather than the decrees of a distant crown he saidThe President credited George Mason one of Virginias leading statesmen with crafting a document whose influence extended far beyond the colonyAccording to the White House message the declaration was inspired by Enlightenment thinkers including John Locke and asserted that all men are by nature equally free and independent and possess rights that are endowed by our Creator and beyond the reach of any earthly powerTrump said the document established the principle that political power resides with the people and affirmed protections including freedom of the press trial by jury religious liberty and the separation of powersThe Declaration also affirmed the timehonored principles of separation of powers checks and balances freedom of the press trial by jury and the free exercise of religionâenduring pillars of liberty that remain the bedrock of our Republic today he saidThe President also linked the declaration to two of Americas most influential founding figures He said Thomas Jefferson drew upon its language and ideals while drafting the Declaration of Independence weeks later while James Madison later relied on its principles in developing the Bill of RightsAs we celebrate the 250th anniversary of its adoption we renew our solemn pledge to preserve and defend the sacred principles enshrined in the Virginia Declaration of Rights Trump saidHe added that the United States would continue protecting these liberties bestowed upon us by Almighty God upholding equal justice under the law and carrying forward this glorious inheritance of freedom for generations to comeAdopted in Williamsburg on June 12 1776 the Virginia Declaration of Rights is widely regarded as one of the earliest constitutional statements of individual freedoms and representative government Drafted primarily by George Mason it became a model for later rightsbased constitutional frameworks in the United StatesHistorians have long viewed the document as an important influence on democratic governance beyond America IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-marks-250-years-of-virginia-rights-charter-677380.html Sat, 13 Jun 2026 10:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-says-us-military-killed-tren-de-aragua-leader-in-joint-operation-with-venezuela-677383.html Washington June 13 US President Donald Trump said that the US military had killed the alleged leader of the Venezuelan criminal group Tren de Aragua in a military operation coordinated with Venezuela In a post on Truth Social Trump said US Southern Command carried out a swift and lethal kinetic strike that killed HÃctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores known as NiÃo Guerrero whom he described as the infamous leader of Tren De Aragua one of the most bloodthirsty Terrorist Organizations on Planet EarthAt my direction the United States Southern Command delivered a swift and lethal kinetic strike to successfully execute NiÃo Guerrero Trump wroteThe US President said the operation fulfilled a campaign pledge to target violent criminal groups that he says entered the United States through the southern borderDuring my Campaign I pledged to expel these monsters from our Country and bring Justice to the families of those they slaughtered Trump saidHe linked the action to the deaths of several Americans including the precious 12yearold Jocelyn Nungaray 22yearold Laken Reilly and countless other beautiful soulsWith this action the United States Military has brought retribution for them their families and their loved ones he addedTrump also criticised former President Joe Bidens immigration policiesBefore I returned to office Joe Biden opened our Southern Border to millions of Illegal Criminals and allowed this foreign army to rape maim and murder American Citizens with total impunity he wroteThe President said his administration had designated Tren de Aragua as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and intensified efforts against criminal networks operating across the AmericasEarly in my Administration I delivered on my promise to designate Tren de Aragua as a Foreign Terrorist Organization deport thousands of evil criminals and wage war against the Cartels Trump saidHe said the operation had been carried out in cooperation with Venezuelan authoritiesThis action was coordinated closely with our friends in Venezuela with whom we are working very well Trump wroteAs a result Tren de Aragua terrorists no longer have safe haven in Venezuela or anywhere else and under my leadership we will find these vicious murderers and drugs lords anytime anyplace and send them to the depths of hell where they belongTren de Aragua originated in Venezuela and has expanded its presence across several Latin American countries US authorities have linked the group to drug trafficking human smuggling extortion kidnapping and other organised criminal activities IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-says-us-military-killed-tren-de-aragua-leader-in-joint-operation-with-venezuela-677383.html Sat, 13 Jun 2026 10:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pm-modi-embarks-on-france-slovakia-visit-to-attend-bilateral-talks-g7-summit-677384.html New Delhi June 13 IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday departed on a visit to France and Slovakia outlining a packed diplomatic itinerary that includes bilateral talks multilateral engagements and a strong focus on economic and cultural cooperationnbspn a post on X PM Modi said Over the next few days I will be in France and Slovakia to attend various programmes including bilateral talks multilateral engagements and interaction with the Indian diaspora The focus will be on boosting economic as well as cultural linkagesThe visit will begin with programmes in Nice notably Bharat Innovates in which President Macron will be present As India and France are marking the IndiaFrance Year of Innovation Bharat Innovates will be a vibrant platform that brings together innovators StartUps and those related to the world of innovation he addedIn Nice PM Modi will also hold talks with President Macron where both leaders will review the IndiaFrance Special Global Strategic PartnershipAccording to the Ministry of External Affairs MEA the two leaders will also jointly inaugurate the Bharat Innovates event which will bring together leading startups innovators and venture capital funds from India France and other countries The MEA noted that the initiative being held during the IndiaFrance Year of Innovation reinforces the vibrant innovation partnership that exists between the two countriesFollowing his France engagements PM Modi will undertake a state visit to Slovakia from June 14 to 16 at the invitation of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico This will mark the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia since its independence in 1993During the Slovakia visit PM Modi will hold delegationlevel talks with Prime Minister Fico and meet Slovak President Peter Pellegrini The discussions are expected to explore new opportunities for cooperation in trade investment automobile manufacturing and railway infrastructureThe MEA stated that the visit will reaffirm Indias commitment to strengthening its bilateral relationship with Slovakia across various sectorsPM Modi will then return to France to participate in the G7 Summit in Evian on June 1617 where he will engage with leaders of G7 countries and invited partner nations along with heads of international organisationsOn June 18 the Prime Minister will travel to Paris for additional bilateral meetings and attend the VivaTech Summit Europes largest technology and startup event He is also expected to address members of the Indian community during his Paris visitIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pm-modi-embarks-on-france-slovakia-visit-to-attend-bilateral-talks-g7-summit-677384.html Sat, 13 Jun 2026 10:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/ebola-cases-in-congo-rise-to-689-death-toll-reaches-139-677385.html Kinshasa June 13 The number of confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo DRC has risen to 689 including 139 deaths according to the latest situation report released by the countrys health authorities A total of 17 new confirmed cases including five deaths were reported on Thursday all in the eastern province of Ituri the report said The outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus has affected 29 health zones across three eastern provinces namely Ituri North Kivu and South KivuA total of 168 suspected cases including 64 deaths had been reported as of ThursdayThe report also highlighted several operational challenges including reluctance to undergo postmortem swabbing insufficient capacity in Ebola treatment centers shortages of infection prevention and control materials in North Kivu weak alert reporting across the three provinces and a funding gap of 215 millionTwo Ebolarelated deaths have been reported in a camp for internally displaced people in Ituri according to a report released on Thursday by the United Nations High Commissioner for RefugeesThe current outbreak officially declared on May 15 by the DRCs health ministry is the countrys 17th Ebola outbreak since the virus was identified in 1976 Xinhua news agency reportedAn Ebola outbreak was confirmed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in Uganda in May 2026 The Bundibugyo species of Ebola involved is one for which there is no vaccine or specific treatment though work is ongoing to test promising candidates The outbreak is occurring in a challenging context humanitarian crisis and a remote and densely populated area combined with insecurity and high population and trade movementsEbola disease first occurred in 1976 in two simultaneous outbreaks one outbreak was of Sudan virus disease in Nzara in what is now South Sudan and the other outbreak was of Ebola virus disease in Yambuku in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo The latter occurred in a village near the Ebola River from which the disease takes its name IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/ebola-cases-in-congo-rise-to-689-death-toll-reaches-139-677385.html Sat, 13 Jun 2026 10:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/elon-musk-becomes-worlds-first-trillionaire-after-record-breaking-spacex-market-debut-677389.html Washington June 13 Elon Musk became the worlds first trillionaire after SpaceX completed the largest initial public offering in history with investors pushing the rocket and satellite companys market value to about 21 trillion on its first day of trading Shares of SpaceX closed at 16095 up more than 19 per cent from their IPO price of 135 capping one of the strongest major market debuts in recent years The surge lifted the value of Musks stake in the company and cemented his position as the wealthiest person in historySpaceX shares gained 19 per cent on their first trading day following Wall Streets biggestever IPO valuing the company at more than 2 trillion CNN reported that Musk who owns nearly half the company became the worlds first trillionaire as a result of the listingThe Wall Street Journal reported that SpaceX sold 75 billion worth of shares in the offering giving the company an initial valuation of 177 trillion By the close of trading that figure had climbed to 21 trillion placing SpaceX among the most valuable publicly traded companies in the United StatesThe blockbuster debut marks a milestone not only for Musk but also for the commercial space industry which SpaceX helped transform over the past two decadesFounded in 2002 SpaceX started as a highrisk venture focused on developing reusable rockets The company survived multiple launch failures and periods of financial uncertainty before securing NASA contracts that helped establish it as a major force in the global space sectorThe New York Times reported that SpaceXs early years were marked by repeated setbacks and nearcollapse before the companys Falcon rocket programme succeeded The newspaper quoted Musk as saying on Friday I told people this Its probably going to fail But we should give it a tryToday SpaceX dominates the global commercial launch market and operates Starlink the worlds largest satellite internet network The company also plays a central role in NASA missions and US national security space programmesThe Wall Street Journal reported that the US government is SpaceXs largest single customer generating about 4 billion in revenue for the company in 2025 Starlink meanwhile produced 114 billion in revenue and turned a profit helping offset losses in other parts of the businessThe Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post said SpaceX filings outline plans to expand into artificial intelligence infrastructure including satellite networks and orbital computing systems designed to support future AI applications SpaceX estimates its total addressable market at 285 trillion with the overwhelming majority linked to artificial intelligence opportunitiesThe Washington Post reported that SpaceXs future plans include large satellite constellations that could support spacebased data centres while its Starshield network is expected to serve government and national security customersThose ambitions have also raised concerns among analysts and policy experts about the growing concentration of economic and strategic influence around Musk and his companiesThe Washington Post quoted Clayton Swope of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies as saying US space power is built on the back of SpaceX Period Full stop He added It means SpaceX has incredible leverage over the government right nowThe IPO also underscored how deeply SpaceX has become embedded in the broader US technology and strategic landscape Beyond launching satellites and astronauts the company now sits at the intersection of space exploration communications artificial intelligence and national security IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/elon-musk-becomes-worlds-first-trillionaire-after-record-breaking-spacex-market-debut-677389.html Sat, 13 Jun 2026 10:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/shrinking-civic-space-in-pakistan-fuels-concerns-over-democratic-sliding-report-677430.html Colombo June 13 Pakistanâs shrinking civic space reflects a wider struggle over dissent accountability and state authority in an increasingly polarised political climate The growing use of cybercrime laws counterterrorism legislation and digital restrictions has raised alarm among journalists activists and civil society groups who see these measures as part of a steady erosion of democratic freedoms a report has stated According to a recent report in Sri Lankan newspaper âDaily Mirrorâ the pressure is evident across several fronts including eroding media independence tighter controls on online expression curbs on public assembly and heightened scrutiny of civil society activitiesThe silence in Pakistan is becoming increasingly political Protest slogans disappear before they gather momentum Journalists weigh every sentence against the risk of legal retaliation Human rights activists operate under growing surveillance Social media users face arrests for posts that challenge official narratives while public gatherings encounter mounting restrictions under security laws and emergency powersâ the report detailedâAcross Pakistan dissent is no longer merely contested it is increasingly criminalised What many observers once described as isolated pressure on political opponents or media organisations has evolved into a broader contraction of civic space that now affects journalists activists lawyers students and ordinary citizens alikeâ it addedThe report highlighted repeated warnings from human rights organisations international watchdogs and civil society groups that Pakistan is experiencing one of its most severe democratic regressions in recent years marked by âexpanding state powers weakening judicial independence and shrinking protections for freedom of expressionIt added that these concerns have deepened amid growing political instability economic hardship and security challenges fostering an environment where criticism of state institutions involves legal professional and personal risksThe deterioration of civic space in Pakistan is especially reflected in increasing pressure on journalists and independent media organisationsOver the past two years several prominent journalists television anchors and digital commentators have faced arrests intimidation campaigns travel restrictions or legal notices linked to their reporting and political commentary Media organisations have repeatedly accused authorities of using regulatory bodies advertising pressure and cybercrime laws to silence critical coverage The Pakistan Press Foundation documented hundreds of incidents involving threats harassment and attacks against journalists in recent yearsâ the report mentionedâReporters covering politically sensitive subjects including civilmilitary relations enforced disappearances and election controversies continue to face heightened risks Digital censorship has intensified alongside traditional media pressure Social media platforms frequently experience restrictions during politically sensitive periods while internet shutdowns and bandwidth disruptions have become increasingly common during protests or electoral tensionsâ it statedStressing that the shrinking of civic space is undermining access to information public debate legal accountability and societyâs ability to question power without fear of reprisal the report said that in Pakistanâs increasingly fragile political environment this erosion is becoming increasingly evident with each passing crisis IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/shrinking-civic-space-in-pakistan-fuels-concerns-over-democratic-sliding-report-677430.html Sat, 13 Jun 2026 15:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/hardeep-puri-underscores-pm-modis-commitment-to-indian-nationals-abroad-677076.html New Delhi June 10 IANS Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri on Wednesday underlined Prime Minister Narendra Modis commitment towards the safety and welfare of Indian nationals living abroadnbspIn an exclusive interview with IANS Puri recalled that PM Modi is the only world leader who decided to bring back Indian students who were stranded in Ukraine when the conflict between Moscow and Kyiv broke out in 2022 and assured that the Indian government will make similar efforts if the need arises in the futureHe mentioned that the Indian government had also repatriated Indian students who had passports of other nations like the US during the conflict in UkraineWhen asked about the Government of Indias advisory urging Indian nationals in Iran to leave the country immediately Hardeep Singh Puri said I dont want to speculate about how long this war will continue especially since I am speaking here as a Union Minister in the Central Government But I can share my experience Whenever there has been any global crisis after 2014 for example when the RussiaUkraine war started in February 2022 our 2600030000 students were studying in Ukraine Due to the war and bombings their hostels were damaged Modi ji is the only leader in the world who said that we will bring our children back from thereWe were absolutely clear that if you are stranded we will repatriate our citizens Even American citizens Indian origin children whose passports were American we brought them too So these flights were organised A film has also been made on that But apart from that when there was civil strife in Sudan people were also brought from there I hope that such a situation should not arise again But if need arises I am sure that Modi Jis decision going by experience he will have feelings and commitment towards the Indian origin communities and Indian nationals he addedIndia has reiterated its travel advisory for Iran amid fresh escalation in the region urging its nationals to avoid travelling to it and those there to leave the country by all available meansNotably the Government of India under PM Modis leadership has carried out several evacuation and repatriation operations safely bringing back Indian citizens from conflict zones natural disasters and health emergencies The evacuation operations undertaken by the government include Operation Raahat Operation Devi Shakti and Operation GangaIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/hardeep-puri-underscores-pm-modis-commitment-to-indian-nationals-abroad-677076.html Wed, 10 Jun 2026 12:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/white-house-vows-appeal-in-h-1b-fee-case-677024.html Washington June 9 The White House defended President Donald Trumps 100000 H1B visa fee and vowed to appeal after a federal judge struck down the policy ruling that the administration exceeded its authority and imposed an unlawful tax âPresident Trump has clear legal authority to restrict entry of any class of aliens he determines is not in Americaâs best interests and that is exactly what he didâ White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers told IANSâThe H1B program has been abused for decades and President Trump finally took action to fix it A federal judge in Washington already upheld a nearly identical order and the Administration is confident this order will be reversed on appealâ she said in response to a questionThe response came hours after US District Judge Leo T Sorokin of Massachusetts invalidated the policy and vacated it nationwideIn a sharply worded ruling Sorokin concluded that the administration had imposed a tax without congressional authorisationâThe Court finds that the Policy imposes a tax on H1B petitions without the requisite delegation by Congressâ the judge wrote âThere are no statutory powers authorizing Defendants to implement a 100000 tax on H1B petitionsâThe court rejected the administrations argument that broad presidential powers under immigration law permitted the feeâWhile âthe Executive has broad discretion over the admission and exclusion of aliensthat discretion is not boundlessââ Sorokin wrote He added that such authority âmay not transgress constitutional limitationsâ or âthe statutory authority conferred by CongressâThe ruling specifically challenged the legal foundation of the proclamation signed by Trump in September 2025 which required employers filing new H1B petitions to pay an additional 100000The judge further found that immigration statutes cited by the administration did not give the President authority to impose such a chargeâThese considerations preclude reading INA  212f and 215a as delegating Congressâs exclusive power to taxâ Sorokin wroteThe court also criticised the agencies that implemented the policy finding they had bypassed required rulemaking procedures and failed to adequately justify the feeAt the conclusion of the ruling Sorokin declared that âThe Policy implementing the Proclamation is declared unlawful and is VACATED in its entiretyâThe White House did not indicate when it would file an appeal but administration officials signalled they intend to continue defending the measure as part of Trumps broader effort to tighten oversight of the H1B programme IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/white-house-vows-appeal-in-h-1b-fee-case-677024.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 06:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/china-ship-row-puts-trump-under-pressure-677028.html Washington June 9 Two senior Democratic senators have urged the Trump administration to restore proposed port fees on Chinese ships arguing that the move is essential to rebuilding Americas shrinking shipbuilding industry and reducing dependence on China in a sector increasingly viewed as critical to national security In a letter to US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer Senators Elizabeth Warren and Mark Kelly said the administration should reinstate Section 301 fees and restrictions on Chinese vessels entering American portsâSection 301 port fees are critical to revitalizing US shipbuilding Presidents of both parties have long recognized the serious threat that Chinese shipbuilding dominance poses to the United States andâthese fees and restrictions on Chinese vessels would have protected American shipbuilding businesses and workersâ the senators wroteThe intervention comes as Washington and Beijing continue negotiations over trade and economic issues following recent talks between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi JinpingThe lawmakers argued that Chinas rise as a global shipbuilding power has coincided with a dramatic decline in US shipyard capacity According to the letter China produced less than five per cent of the worlds commercial ships in 2000 Last year Chinese shipyards accounted for more than half of global commercial ship production while US shipyards produced just 01 per cent of the worlds oceangoing vesselsWarren and Kelly said the trend poses both economic and strategic risks for the United StatesThey noted that both Republican and Democratic administrations have investigated Chinas maritime logistics and shipbuilding sectors alleging that Beijing used extensive state support and subsidies to dominate the industryThe previous Biden administration launched a Section 301 investigation into Chinas shipbuilding practices Building on that effort the Trump administration proposed fees on Chineseowned operated and built vessels entering US portsAccording to the senators even the prospect of those fees produced resultsâWithin months of the announcement orders at Chinese shipyards had dropped precipitously orders were down 235 percent in the first nine months of 2025â the letter saidHowever the senators criticised the administrations subsequent decision to suspend the fees and restrictions for one year amid broader trade negotiations with ChinaThey argued that Beijings restrictions on critical minerals used in military technology and semiconductor production led Washington to make concessions including pausing the shipping measuresThe senators claimed that the suspension quickly benefited Chinese shipbuilders They pointed to a rise in orders at Chinese shipyards and warned that delaying the measures could undermine efforts to rebuild the American maritime industrial baseThe criticism also targets a key element of the administrations maritime strategyEven after suspending the fees the administration has called for efforts to âreclaim Americaâs maritime strengthâ and generate âdemand for USbuilt ships shipyards and marinersâ through its Maritime Action PlanâWithout meaningful fees on Chinese vessels this âplanâ is meaninglessâ the senators wroteWarren and Kelly asked Greer whether the administration intends to reinstate the fees what impact the pause has had on American workers and whether Washington secured any significant concessions from Beijing in return for delaying the restrictionsâWe urge the Administration to stand up for American shipbuilders and reinstate the fees and restrictions imposed pursuant to USTRâs section 301 investigation into Chinese shipbuildingâ they wroteThe issue has gained prominence as the United States seeks to strengthen domestic manufacturing and secure supply chains amid intensifying strategic competition with China Shipbuilding has emerged as a particular concern because of its links to commercial trade military readiness and global logisticsKelly is the lead sponsor of the bipartisan Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security SHIPS for America Act while Warren is a cosponsor of the legislation IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/china-ship-row-puts-trump-under-pressure-677028.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 08:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/illegal-and-unacceptable-un-special-rapporteur-condemns-detention-of-afghan-women-over-dress-code-677055.html Kabul June 9 The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan Richard Bennett has expressed concern over the detention of Afghan women for violating the Talibans dress code terming the action illegal and unacceptable and calling for their immediate release Bennetts statement comes after Taliban morality police detained at least 21 women and girls in Herat for alleged noncompliance with the dress code Amu TV reported citing local sourcesIn a post on X Bennett stated I am deeply alarmed that for a 3rd consecutive day scores of women in Herat continue to be arbitrarily arrested and detained for violating the Talibanâs dress code It is illegal and unacceptable The arrests must stop and the women must be released immediatelyThe sources revealed that Afghan women and girls were detained in several parts of Herat including the southern road Almas Market and the Qasr area as per the report The women who have been detained reportedly include a nurse who worked at Herat Regional HospitalThe arrest of Afghan women and girls comes after the Talibanâs Directorate for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice in Herat issued a directive which ordered male family members to ensure that women follow the Talibanâs interpretation of Islamic dress requirementsAccording to the directive women seen in public without a prayer veil uncovered faces or wearing tight clothes or makeup could face detention and will be taken to a womenâs detention facility Amu TV reportedThe latest incident comes amid reports of increased implementation of the Talibanâs morality law in several parts of AfghanistanHuman rights groups said the law has increased restrictions on women with monitoring of their clothes movement and participation in public lifeSince seizing power in Afghanistan in 2021 the Taliban has imposed restrictions on Afghan women and girls including banning girls from attending secondary schools beyond the sixth class prohibiting women from studying at universities and imposing restrictions on employment and access to public spaces IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/illegal-and-unacceptable-un-special-rapporteur-condemns-detention-of-afghan-women-over-dress-code-677055.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 13:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-mp-raises-concern-over-worsening-law-and-order-situation-677057.html Dhaka June 9 Bangladeshi independent lawmaker Rumeen Farhana expressed grave concern over the worsening law and order situation in the country local media reported Citing statistics from Transparency International Bangladesh TIB she said that the incidents of murder abduction and violence against women had surged during the Tarique Rahmanled Bangladesh Nationalist Party BNP governmentâs first 100 days in officeAddressing the Parliament she drew attention to the vacant seat of Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed saying âHe was supposed to be present today Monday but his chair is empty What can I do I must speak in his absenceâSpeaking on an issue of urgent public importance Rumeen said that Bangladesh witnessed 605 murders 294 muggings 90 robberies and 196 abductions in March and April alone She added that police came under attack in 129 incidents while 2214 theft cases were also recorded Bangladeshs leading newspaper The Daily Star reportedHighighting the violence against women and children Rumeen noted that 3496 cases of abuse were reported during the period including 78â102 rapes 30â36 gang rapes and 49â71 child rapesâThese figures clearly show how fragile and alarming the law and order situation has become in just three monthsâ she saidRumeen argued that economy and law and order are key benchmarks for determining a governments success or failure âHad the home minister been present it would have been easier to spell out his failuresâ she added Last week Dhakabased Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation MSF raised serious concerns over public safety the rule of law and the dire human rights situation in the countryIn its latest findings MSF reported that at least 32 people were killed in separate incidents in May while 53 unidentified bodies were recovered from various parts of the country local media reportedAs per the findings 71 people were critically injured in at least 69 separate incidentsâmarking a sharp rise from April when 21 deaths and 49 injuries were recorded The Daily Star reportedThe number of people killed in mob violence rose from 21 to 32 in May reflecting a clear rise in the tendency of people to take the law into their own hands MSF said in the reportThe figures indicated a sustained surge in fatalities with 19 deaths recorded in March 18 in February and 21 in January this year and 10 in December 2025Among the 32 deaths recorded in May 14 were killed in allegations of theft while four died following altercations Additionally two each were killed over allegations of robbery and rape or sexual assault IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-mp-raises-concern-over-worsening-law-and-order-situation-677057.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 13:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indians-travel-abroad-today-with-greater-confidence-stronger-sense-of-pride-eam-jaishankar-on-12-years-of-modi-govt-677058.html New Delhi June 9 Hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar said on Tuesday that the Ministry of External Affairs MEA and Indias foreign policy have undergone a transformation in the past 12 years and highlighted the initiatives introduced by the government EAM Jaishankar stated that passport issuance and attestation of documents have become a seamless experience for people and the MEA has provided full support to Indians living abroad through Embassies and increased use of the Indian Community Welfare FundHe mentioned that digital platforms for grievance redressal and feedback have been set upThe EAM noted that India has effectively responded to crisis situations in the world including the evacuation of Indians from conflicthit Ukraine Afghanistan Sudan and IsraelAccording to the External Affairs Minister the MEA has facilitated Indians accessing the global workplace and mentioned that 21 mobility partnerships have been made to date He stated that Indian businesses have been supported in getting market access abroad and enhancing exportsIn the statement posted on X EAM Jaishankar stated Enabled entry of Indian products and services into new markets through development projects Instituted welfare measures for Indian students abroad Promoted Indian culture and enhanced appreciation of our heritage and traditions in other nationsOpened 44 Embassies and Consulates to address the needs of Indians living and going abroad Indian diplomacy works 247 for the nation Indians travel abroad today with greater confidence and a stronger sense of pride he addedIndian diplomacy works 247 for the nation Indians travel abroad today with greater confidence and a stronger sense of pride EAM Jaishankar addedPM Modi is set to complete 12 years at the helm of the Union government on June 10 From his first swearingin ceremony in 2014 to securing successive mandates in 2019 and a historic third consecutive term in 2024 PM Modi has emerged as one of Indiaâs longestserving leadersOn June 10 PM Modi will surpass independent Indias first PM Jawaharlal Nehru to become Indias longestserving continuously elected Prime Minister with 4399 daysNehru was first elected to the post in 1952 his previous stint from 194752 was as head of an interim government as elections were yet to be institutionalised and held Indira Gandhi had a fractured tenure totalling 14 years PM Modi has an unbroken tenure of 12 years as the PM and still has three more years to go for the current tenure IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indians-travel-abroad-today-with-greater-confidence-stronger-sense-of-pride-eam-jaishankar-on-12-years-of-modi-govt-677058.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 13:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-launches-four-missile-barrages-against-israel-regional-countries-close-airspace-amid-renewed-tensions-676869.html JerusalemTehran June 8 The Israeli military said Sunday night that Iran has so far fired four missile barrages towards the country There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage The missiles have triggered sirens across northern IsraelEffi Defrin spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces said Sunday that Iran has made a grave mistake by firing missiles at Israel adding that the military is prepared for more possible missiles Xinhua news agency reportedIDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir is holding a situational assessment and approving plans for the next steps Defrin said without elaboratingFollowing the Iranian attacks Israels Home Front Command tightened civil defense restrictions across the country banning gatherings of more than 200 people in open areasIndoor gatherings are limited to up to 500 people in venues with a standard protected space while schools and beaches are also closed it said noting that the instructions took effect immediatelyThe Israeli military also instructed civilians to remain near shelters and safe rooms citing fears of further missile fireMeanwhile Irans Islamic Revolution Guard Corps said Sunday in a statement that it targeted Israels Ramat David Airbase with ballistic missiles in response to its widespread crimes in LebanonAccording to Irans semiofficial Fars news agency Chief Commander of Irans Khatam alAnbiya Central Headquarters Ali Abdollahi said Sunday night that if Israel expands its attacks on southern Lebanon and Dahieh district south of the Lebanese capital Beirut or responds to Irans actions it will face more crushing and regretinducing blowsIrans attacks came after Israel launched airstrikes on Beiruts southern suburbs earlier in the day which Lebanons Public Health Emergency Operations Center said killed at least two people and injured 20 othersAlso on Sunday Jordanian Minister of Government Communication Mohammad Al Momani said on the social media platform X that Jordans airspace was breached by a number of missiles at nightIraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah an ally of Iran threatened on Sunday night to attack US military bases and interests if the United States strikes Iran while Yemens Houthi group on Sunday vowed support for the Iranian attacks against IsraelAmidst the renewed regional tensions Iraq announced on Sunday night the temporary closure of its airspace to all flights for 72 hours as a precautionary measure Syria announced the temporary closure of its southern air routes for 12 hours and the suspension of operations at Damascus International AirportAccording to Irans semiofficial Tasnim news agency Iran also announced on Sunday night the closure of its western airspace until further notice IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-launches-four-missile-barrages-against-israel-regional-countries-close-airspace-amid-renewed-tensions-676869.html Mon, 08 Jun 2026 10:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-urges-iran-to-halt-missile-launches-676871.html Washington June 8 US President Donald Trump urged Iran to stop launching missiles at Israel and return to negotiations after Tehran fired a fresh barrage of ballistic missiles What I would suggest to Iran Youve shot your missiles thats enough Trump told Fox News Get back to the table and make a dealTrump also claimed that Washington and Tehran had been close to reaching an agreement before Iran launched the missiles earlier in the day Xinhua news agency reportedWere very close I would say an agreement would be signed on Monday Tuesday or Wednesday of this coming week And now this takes place he saidIts certainly not going to help negotiations Trump saidIn another interview with US media outlet Axios Trump said he will call Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and press him not to retaliate for Irans missile attackI am going to call Bibi right now and tell him not to retaliate Each of them had their fun Israel had its strike and Iran had its strike We dont need another one Trump saidAccording to CNN Iran fired at least 10 ballistic missiles toward Israel in at least three separate waves on Sunday The Israeli military said all of the missiles were interceptedTwo Israeli sources cited by CNN said Israel would deliver a powerful response to the attack raising concerns about further escalation in the regionThe Israeli military said Sunday night that Iran has so far fired four missile barrages towards the countryThere were no immediate reports of injuries or damage The missiles have triggered sirens across northern IsraelEffi Defrin spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces said Sunday that Iran has made a grave mistake by firing missiles at Israel adding that the military is prepared for more possible missilesIDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir is holding a situational assessment and approving plans for the next steps Defrin said without elaboratingFollowing the Iranian attacks Israels Home Front Command tightened civil defense restrictions across the country banning gatherings of more than 200 people in open areas IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-urges-iran-to-halt-missile-launches-676871.html Mon, 08 Jun 2026 10:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-launches-missiles-at-israel-for-first-time-since-april-ceasefire-676872.html JerusalemTehran June 8 Iran on Sunday evening launched several waves of missiles against Israel and warned the latter not to retaliate in the first such strikes since a ceasefire was reached in April The missiles triggered sirens across northern Israel There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage Israel Defense Forces IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said the military will strike the enemy with determination as soon as the order is givenIrans Islamic Revolution Guard Corps confirmed in a statement that it targeted Israels Ramat David Airbase with ballistic missiles in response to its widespread crimes in LebanonAccording to Irans semiofficial Fars news agency Chief Commander of Irans Khatam alAnbiya Central Headquarters Ali Abdollahi said Sunday night that if Israel expands its attacks on southern Lebanon and the Dahieh district south of Beirut or responds to Irans actions it will face more crushing and regretinducing blowsIn a statement released in the wee hours of Monday Irans Foreign Ministry said that the Iranian armed forces struck a number of targets inside Israel the night before within the framework of the countrys legitimate right to selfdefense following Israels repeated aggressive actions against Lebanon and Iran and frequent violations of the April ceasefire Xinhua news agency reportedIDF spokesperson Effie Defrin said that Iran has made a grave mistake by firing missiles at Israel adding that the military is prepared for more possible missilesFollowing the Iranian attacks Israels Home Front Command tightened civil defense restrictions across the country banning gatherings of more than 200 people in open areasIndoor gatherings are limited to up to 500 people in venues with a standard protected space while schools and beaches are also closed it said noting that the instructions took effect immediatelyIsraels Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories announced later that several crossings into Gaza have been closed until further notice following the Iranian missile attacksAlso on Sunday evening Irans Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi discussed the latest developments in the region with his counterparts in Britain France and Türkiye as well as with Qatars leader and Pakistani mediators according to Irans IRNA news agencyDuring the separate conversations they discussed Irans response to Israels repeated violations of the ceasefire in Lebanon according to the reportsIrans attacks came after Israel launched airstrikes on Beiruts southern suburbs earlier in the day which Lebanons Public Health Emergency Operations Center said killed at least two people and injured 20 othersAlso on Sunday Jordanian Minister of Government Communication Mohammad Al Momani said on the social media platform X that Jordans airspace was breached by a number of missiles at nightIraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah an ally of Iran threatened on Sunday night to attack US military bases and interests if the United States strikes Iran while Yemens Houthi group voiced support for the Iranian attacks against IsraelAmidst the renewed regional tensions Iraq announced on Sunday night the temporary closure of its airspace to all flights for 72 hours as a precautionary measure Syria said it had closed its southern air routes for 12 hours and suspended operations at Damascus International AirportAccording to Irans semiofficial Tasnim News Agency Iran announced on Sunday night the closure of its western airspace until further notice An IRNA report said that Iran also suspended flights at Imam Khomeini International AirportIn response to the Iranian attack US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he would call Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to urge him not to strike back because he did not want USIran ceasefire negotiations to collapse according to Israels Channel 12 NewsOn February 28 the United States and Israel launched a largescale military campaign against Iran plunging the Middle East into renewed warfare and sending shockwaves across the worldIn early April the parties reached a ceasefire yet the situation has remained tense Iran insists that the ceasefire should also include an ending of fighting in Lebanon but Israel has recently escalated its military campaign in Lebanon in pursuit of Hezbollah IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-launches-missiles-at-israel-for-first-time-since-april-ceasefire-676872.html Mon, 08 Jun 2026 10:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/tsunami-advisory-issued-for-japans-pacific-coasts-as-78-magnitude-quake-hits-philippines-676882.html Tokyo June 8 Japans weather agency on Monday issued tsunami advisories for the coastal areas from Ibaraki Prefecture on the countrys eastern Pacific coast to the island prefecture of Okinawa in the south after a strong earthquake struck the Philippines A 78 magnitude earthquake hit the waters in the southern Philippines on Monday morning according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said that the tectonic earthquake occurred at 737 am local time at a depth of 33 km with the epicentre 32 km southwest of the coast of Maasim town in Sarangani Province on Mindanao Island reports Xinhua news agencyThe institute issued a tsunami warning to nine coastal provinces strongly advising residents in those areas to immediately evacuate to higher ground or move farther inland following the quakeIt is forecast that the first tsunami waves will arrive on Monday morning and continue for hoursThe local media reported that the quake damaged some buildings and caused a power outage Tremors were felt in neighbouring provincesThere were no initial reports of significant damage or deaths in either Indonesia or the Philippines although officials indicated that areas nearest to the epicentre experienced strong tremors The quake occurred offshore near Mindanao the secondlargest island in the Philippines situated in one of the most seismically active areas worldwide as per local media accountsThe Philippines experiences frequent seismic activity due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire a zone of major tectonic plate boundaries known for earthquakes and volcanic eruptionsAdditionally Indonesias Meteorology Climatology and Geophysics Agency issued a bulletin on Monday morning launching an early tsunami warning for the coastal areas of northeastern Indonesia following a strong earthquake in the southern Philippines IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/tsunami-advisory-issued-for-japans-pacific-coasts-as-78-magnitude-quake-hits-philippines-676882.html Mon, 08 Jun 2026 10:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-protest-over-ballot-shortage-in-local-elections-enters-fourth-day-676885.html Seoul June 8 Hundreds of protesters rallied for a fourth straight day Monday outside a votecounting facility in Seoul South Korea demanding a new election over ballot shortages during last weeks local elections As of 930 am approximately 950 protesters surrounded the SK Olympic Handball Gymnasium in Songpa Ward according to an unofficial police estimate Protesters blocked the stadiums 10 entrances to prevent the removal of ballot boxesIt marked a sharp drop in the number of protesters after around 8000 people gathered around midnight Sunday reports Yonhap news agencyThe protests have continued after voting was temporarily suspended at 22 polling stations nationwide on Wednesday due to a lack of ballot papers according to the National Election Commission NECProtesters have demanded a rerun of the local elections with some claiming electoral fraudThe police have deployed around 350 personnel to the scene to prevent accidental clashesAs part of an investigation into the ballot shortages the police said they have secured chat room records of election officials and questioned election workers and people who were unable to cast their ballots due to the shortageThey also separately called in a civic activist for questioning over a complaint his group filed against senior NEC officials including its chief who offered to resign last week for dereliction of duty over the ballot shortagesKim Soonhwan secretary general of the group Peoples Welfare Countermeasure Committee called for a thorough probe into the incident as he appeared at the Seoul Gangdong Police Station in eastern SeoulThe police plan to look into whether the election watchdog properly followed ballot paper distribution standardsOn Sunday President Lee Jae Myung voiced deep regret over the ballot shortages and ordered the launch of a thorough joint investigation by prosecutors and police into the incident IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-protest-over-ballot-shortage-in-local-elections-enters-fourth-day-676885.html Mon, 08 Jun 2026 10:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/libyas-structured-dialogue-concludes-un-mission-676887.html Tripoli June 8 Libyas Structured Dialogue a core component of the UNfacilitated political roadmap has concluded During the final plenary meeting on Sunday local time participants presented their final recommendations aimed at creating conditions for holding national elections unifying and strengthening state institutions and helping address the longterm root causes of the conflict the United Nations Support Mission in Libya UNSMIL said in a statementWhat began as a shared commitment has grown into a dynamic and meaningful process driven by your dedication your expertise and your belief in your countrys future said Hanna Tetteh the UN secretarygenerals special representative for Libya in her opening remarksThe next phase will focus on supporting the implementation of the dialogues recommendations while UNSMIL will continue advancing other elements of the roadmap Tetteh addedThe dialogue brought together around 120 Libyan participants from across the country including representatives of youth women cultural components and persons with disabilities the UN envoy said adding that the discussions were also informed by broad public consultations involving more than 10000 people reports Xinhua news agencyLaunched in December 2025 the Structured Dialogue was designed as a consultative forum to foster consensus Its recommendations are advisory and nonbindingThe Special Representative highlighted the key lessons learned from the process noting that it had touched on a strong desire for change coupled with a firm determination that this change must be Libyanled and Libyanowned We have witnessed serious attempts to reconcile the ambitious goals pursued by Libyans with the practical realities that must be addressed seeking common ground that is realistic while continuing to push for progress This has often led to the adoption of phased sequencing and gradual approaches aimed at achieving realistic and implementable progress Tetteh added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/libyas-structured-dialogue-concludes-un-mission-676887.html Mon, 08 Jun 2026 11:01:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/five-killed-in-78-magnitude-philippines-earthquake-tsunami-waves-up-to-14-metres-676891.html Manila June 8 At least five people have been reported dead after a 78magnitude offshore earthquake that hit the southern Philippines according to a local disaster official Agripino Dacera the disaster management chief in General Santos City said authorities are still verifying the extent of the fatalities and damage reports Xinhua news agencyThe Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said the tectonic earthquake occurred at 737 am local time at a depth of 33 km with the epicentre 32 km southwest of the coast of Maasim town in Sarangani Province on Mindanao Island close to General Santos with a population of some 700000The institute said the highest wave recorded reached 14 meters The local media reported that some buildings collapsed and caused power outages Tremors were felt in neighbouring provincesThe institute issued a tsunami warning to nine coastal provinces strongly advising residents in those areas to immediately evacuate to higher ground or move farther inland following the quakeIt is forecast that the first tsunami waves will arrive on Monday morning and continue for hoursThe local media reported that the quake damaged some buildings and caused a power outage Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos ordered disaster response and monitoring efforts across affected areas and urged residents to move to higher ground for evacuationThe quake occurred offshore near Mindanao the secondlargest island in the Philippines situated in one of the most seismically active areas worldwide as per local media accountsThe Philippines experiences frequent seismic activity due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire a zone of major tectonic plate boundaries known for earthquakes and volcanic eruptions IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/five-killed-in-78-magnitude-philippines-earthquake-tsunami-waves-up-to-14-metres-676891.html Mon, 08 Jun 2026 11:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/nepal-foreign-minister-shishir-khanal-to-visit-china-following-india-trip-report-676898.html Kathmandu June 8 Nepalâs Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal is scheduled to visit China next week after concluding his trip to India local media reported on Monday Quoting sources local media portal Onlinekhabar reported that Khanal will depart for Beijing on June 14 Official meetings are scheduled for June 15 and 16During the visit he is expected to hold talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Liu Haixing head of the International Department of the Communist Party of ChinaKhanal will also interact with members of the Nepali diaspora during the visit He is scheduled to return on June 17Nepalâs Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet officially announced the dates and agenda of Khanalâs visit to the northern neighbourSandwiched between its two giant neighbours India and China Nepal seeks to maintain balanced relations with both Prime Minister Balendra Shah has repeatedly stated that his government will adhere to the longstanding principles of Nepalâs foreign policyIn the annual budget for fiscal year 2026â27 the Nepali government stated that it would strengthen balanced foreign relations based on mutual benefit national dignity and sovereign interests while mobilising soft power to promote economic prosperityâWe will strengthen balanced foreign relations based on mutual benefit national dignity and sovereign interests while mobilising soft power for economic prosperityâ the budget document statesâAt a time when China is concerned about how the new government will approach Chinarelated issues Foreign Minister Khanalâs visit will be important for Beijing to understand the new governmentâs position on Chinaâs core interestsâ former Nepali ambassador to China Bishnu Pukar Shrestha told IANSâTibet and Taiwan are two of Chinaâs core security interests and China will work with any government in Nepal that upholds the OneChina policyâ he saidShrestha added that China would also like to see faster implementation of projects under the Belt and Road Initiative BRI as little progress has been made on identified BRI projects in NepalâFor Nepal Chinese support in the areas of the three Csâconnectivity communication and climateâis importantâ he saidEarlier in its draft of the National Commitment Paper circulated for national political consensus the government stated that it would pursue a policy of maintaining âequal distance and equal proximityâ with all countries based on the belief that military alliances arms races and wars undermine global peaceIn practice Nepal maintains a multifaceted relationship with India due to shared geography culture and religion as both countries have Hindumajority populationsNepal will also pursue a âbalanced and dynamic diplomacyâ aimed at transforming the evolving global geopolitical environment into opportunities for development while placing the countryâs sovereignty territorial integrity and national interests at the forefront The government has pledged to advance national interests through trilateral economic partnerships and regional connectivity while firmly establishing Nepal on the global stage as an independent neutral and nonaligned nationKhanal concluded a threeday visit to India on Sunday his first bilateral visit as foreign minister During the visit Nepal and India reached agreements on several issues including crossborder digital payment systems IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/nepal-foreign-minister-shishir-khanal-to-visit-china-following-india-trip-report-676898.html Mon, 08 Jun 2026 11:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-koreas-pm-nominee-vows-to-put-top-priority-on-improving-peoples-livelihoods-676930.html Seoul June 8 South Koreas Prime Minister nominee Han Seongsook said Monday she will put top priority on improving the peoples livelihoods if confirmed as the countrys No 2 official President Lee Jae Myung designated Han as successor to outgoing Prime Minister Kim Minseok on Sunday An information technology expert Han has served as Lees first minister for mediumsized enterprises SMEs and startupsThe prime ministers replacement comes as Kim is preparing to run for leader of the ruling Democratic PartyIf Im given the heavy responsibility of prime minister I will devote all my energy to resolving the emergency situation in peoples livelihoods Han told reporters after arriving at the office set up for preparations for her parliamentary confirmation hearingAt a time when artificial intelligence accelerates the industrial reorganisation and the complex global crisis situation is ongoing I will put spurs to the grand AI transition and focus on accelerating innovation We also have to make sure that the fruits of such efforts will lead to opportunities and growth for all people I will put forth all my strength she saidHan also expressed gratitude to outgoing Prime Minister Kim saying he achieved tangible accomplishments as the first prime minister of the Lee administration while vowing to build on Kims achievements and make visible changes that people can directly feel reports Yonhap news agencyLee said during a press conference marking his first year in office that he picked Han rather than a career politician for prime minister because she is the right person to do a good job from a practical standpoint as the ruling party can take care of political aspectsOur Cabinet is going to run at full speed under the given circumstances and I have determined that SMEs Minister Han is the right person She works very hard and does a great job Lee said adding jokingly Civil servants under her are said to have complained they were having a hard time because she made them work too much I wanted to have other public servants experience that suffering tooHan 59 began her career as a reporter at a local computer journal after graduating from Sookmyung Womens University in 1989In 1997 she joined Empas a local web search engine and web portal as a founding memberA decade later she moved to NHN a predecessor of online portal giant Naver where she played a leading role in transforming the company into South Koreas top internet platformIn 2017 Han was appointed the chief executive officer CEO of Naver becoming the companys first female leaderShe was named one of Fortune Magazines 50 Most Powerful Women in the World from 2017 to 2020Following her resignation as CEO Han continued to serve as head of Navers European business and later as a company adviserDuring her one year leading the Ministry of SMEs and Startups Han led initiatives such as Startup for All aimed at supporting youth entrepreneurship and was credited with strengthening support programs for small businesses and selfemployed workersIf confirmed by the National Assembly Han would become the Lee Jae Myung governments first female prime minister and South Koreas second female prime minister since Han Myeongsook who served in the post from 2006 to 2007 IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-koreas-pm-nominee-vows-to-put-top-priority-on-improving-peoples-livelihoods-676930.html Mon, 08 Jun 2026 13:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-urges-nationals-to-avoid-travel-to-iran-leave-country-676933.html Tehran June 8 India on Monday reiterated its travel advisory for Iran amid the ongoing developments in the region urging its nationals to avoid travelling to it and those there to leave the country by all available means In a statement shared on X the Indian Embassy in Iran said In view of the latest developments in the region the Embassy reiterates its earlier advice to all Indian Nationals to avoid any travel to IranIndian Nationals presently in Iran are also advised to exit the country by available means of transport it addedThe advisory comes as tensions continue to escalate in West Asia following recent exchanges between Iran and IsraelThe Israel Defence Forces IDF said that it has struck several targets at the petrochemical complex in Irans Mahshahr areaIn another statement the Israeli military said that all the Iranian missiles launched at Israel on Monday morning were interceptedThe IDF stated that the impact reported in an open field in the West Bank was likely a large fragment after an interception Furthermore an allclear was given in the Jerusalem area after an early warning was issued for an Iranian missile attack The Times of Israel reportedOn Sunday Ali Abdollahi chief commander of Irans Khatam alAnbiya Central Headquarters warned that Israel will face more crushing and regretinducing blows if it expands its attacks on southern Lebanon and the Dahieh district south of the Lebanese capital Beirut or responds to Irans actionIn a statement aired by Irans semiofficial Fars news agency on Sunday local time he stressed that Israel must stop its attacks on southern Lebanon and Dahieh otherwise devastating attacks will begin against Israel and its supportersIsrael has increased its malicious actions against Lebanese people on a daily basis with the US greenlight and international organisations lack of response and is perpetrating war crimes by using banned weapons including phosphorus bombs Abdollahi saidDespite Irans earlier warnings Israel has increased its attacks on southern Lebanon and has targeted Dahieh by crossing all red lines he saidThe ongoing tensions in West Asia erupted following the USIsraeli strikes on Iran on February 28 which killed Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and top military officials In response Iran launched drone and missile attacks targeting the US and Israeli facilities regional capitals and allied forces in West AsiaA ceasefire between Iran the United States and Israel took effect on April 8 In recent weeks Iran and the United States have reportedly exchanged several proposals outlining conditions for peace and are working to finalise a memorandum of understanding aimed at formally ending the conflict IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-urges-nationals-to-avoid-travel-to-iran-leave-country-676933.html Mon, 08 Jun 2026 13:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/israel-strikes-targets-across-iran-explosions-heard-in-several-cities-676936.html Tehran June 8 Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps IRGC said early Monday that Israel attacked targets inside Iranian territory The attacks were carried out with airlaunched ballistic missiles the IRGC was quoted by the official news agency IRNA as sayingThe IRGC made the remarks after Iranian state media reported explosions in multiple cities across the country including Tehran Tabriz Isfahan and Karaj reports Xinhua news agency quoting IRNAThe Israel Defense Forces IDF said on Telegram that the Israeli Air Force struck military targets in western and central IranThe Karun petrochemical plant in Mahshahr in southwestern Iran was hit and partly damaged by an Israeli projectile Irans semiofficial Fars news agency reported Monday citing a provincial official The Israeli military later confirmed it on X Meanwhile the Israeli military said it intercepted a missile from Yemen Monday morningThe IDF said in a statement that it identified and intercepted the missile launched from Yemen towards Israeli territoryMedia reports said the missile attack triggered sirens in central Israel including the city of Tel AvivThe attack came after Israels strikes on Iran earlier on Monday which Israel said hit military targets in western and central IranThe IRGC forces on Sunday launched ballistic missiles targeting the Ramat David Air Base in northern Israel in response to increased Israeli military attacks in southern LebanonAccording to Irans semiofficial Fars news agency Chief Commander of Irans Khatam alAnbiya Central Headquarters Ali Abdollahi said Sunday night that if Israel expands its attacks on southern Lebanon and the Dahieh district south of Beirut or responds to Irans actions it will face more crushing and regretinducing blowsThe missiles triggered sirens across northern Israel There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage Israel Defense Forces IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said the military will strike the enemy with determination as soon as the order is given IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/israel-strikes-targets-across-iran-explosions-heard-in-several-cities-676936.html Mon, 08 Jun 2026 14:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indonesia-lifts-tsunami-warning-hours-after-evacuation-orders-over-philippines-quake-676939.html Jakarta June 8 Indonesias Meteorology Climatology and Geophysics Agency BMKG on Monday lifted its tsunami warning hours after ordering evacuations of northern coastal areas threatened by tsunami waves following a strong earthquake in the Philippines In a statement BMKG said the tsunami warning status ended after observations showed that sea level conditions had returned to normalOn Monday morning minor tsunami waves were detected at several coastal monitoring stations in northern Indonesia the agency addedThe powerful earthquake in the Philippines has caused panic among residents in some coastal areas of northeastern Indonesia local media reported on Monday The tremor was felt across various cities and villages but there have been no immediate reports of casualtiesThe Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said a magnitude 78 offshore earthquake hit waters in the southern Philippines on Monday morning In response Indonesias Meteorology Climatology and Geophysical Agency has issued a tsunami warning for the countrys northeastern coastal areasAt least five people have been reported dead according to a local disaster officialAgripino Dacera the disaster management chief in General Santos City said authorities are still verifying the extent of the fatalities and damage reports Xinhua news agencyThe Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said the highest wave recorded reached 14 meters The local media reported that some buildings collapsed and caused power outages Tremors were felt in neighbouring provincesThe institute issued a tsunami warning to nine coastal provinces strongly advising residents in those areas to immediately evacuate to higher ground or move farther inland following the quakeIt is forecast that the first tsunami waves will arrive on Monday morning and continue for hoursPhilippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos ordered disaster response and monitoring efforts across affected areas and urged residents to move to higher ground for evacuationThe quake occurred offshore near Mindanao the secondlargest island in the Philippines situated in one of the most seismically active areas worldwide as per local media accountsThe Philippines experiences frequent seismic activity due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire a zone of major tectonic plate boundaries known for earthquakes and volcanic eruptions IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indonesia-lifts-tsunami-warning-hours-after-evacuation-orders-over-philippines-quake-676939.html Mon, 08 Jun 2026 14:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/asim-munirs-multi-front-gamble-backfires-as-pok-unrest-spreads-globally-676956.html New Delhi June 8 For Field Marshal Asim Munir it is becoming a classic case of trying to bite off more than he can chew Seeking to divert attention from the major setback and embarrassment inflicted by the Indian armed forces during Operation Sindoor Munir appears to have opened multiple fronts simultaneously widening the scope of his challenges He simultaneously took on the Afghan Taliban the TehreekeTaliban Pakistan TTP and the Balochistan Liberation Army BLA opening multiple fronts at once As a result a significant portion of Pakistanâs security apparatus is now engaged in one conflict or anotherThis has eventually led to significant security lapses in Pakistanoccupied Kashmir PoK The region which is illegally occupied by Pakistan is now showing signs of developing into a larger international concern Protests have already erupted across parts of PoK and a recent clash in Rawalakot reportedly resulted in the deaths of five Pakistani security personnelAn Intelligence Bureau official said that these developments that have taken place in the last 24 hours have led to major crackdowns and blocking of internet and mobile services The official said while fighting a battle on multiple fronts Pakistan realised that all its resources from PoK have been utilised in regions such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa KP and BalochistanâThey are clearly falling short of manpower and this is the reason why the tight grip they had in PoK has collapsed the official explainedAnother official said that Pakistanâs challenge now extends far beyond the unrest in PoK The alleged human rights violations developmental neglect and lack of democratic freedoms in the region are no longer being viewed merely as internal matters According to the official these issues have increasingly drawn international attention placing Pakistanâs human rights record under greater scrutinyThe official said that following the atrocities and protests in PoK scores of protesters gathered outside the Pakistan High Commission in London They condemned the crackdown on the Joint Awami Action Committee JAAC and said that a peaceful and nonviolent political movement was being suppressedThe official said that while this may appear to be a single protest a detailed assessment indicates that it could trigger a broader chain reaction Similar demonstrations being planned in different parts of the world are expected to remain peacefulâHowever their larger impact the official noted would be to challenge and expose what protesters describe as the Pakistan establishmentâs misleading narrative on human rightsâ the official notedThe protesters in the United Kingdom were heard openly speaking about the atrocities faced by their family members in PoK They said that due to the mobile and internet shutdown they are unable to contact their family members in PoKOfficials say that the protests in PoK and other countries are unlikely to die down The Pakistani security forces can put down the protests in PoK by using brute force However they will not be able to contain the voices that are getting louder in the rest of the world the official addedObservers say the situation in PoK is increasingly becoming a major challenge for Pakistan drawing attention on several fronts While residents and activists have been raising concerns about alleged human rights violations and the lack of development in the region recent events have also placed Pakistanâs security apparatus under heightened scrutinyâMany personnel within Pakistanâs security forces have begun questioning their superiors over the need to commit atrocities against their own peopleâ the officials saidThis continued reliance on brute force has also eroded the effectiveness of intelligence agencies as local communities have increasingly stopped cooperating with security forces and are reluctant to share inputs with them The resulting information vacuum has led to multiple intelligence failuresThe ability of the TTP and the BLA to carry out precise and targeted attacks on Pakistani forces is a clear indication that the countryâs intelligence network has virtually collapsed the official added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/asim-munirs-multi-front-gamble-backfires-as-pok-unrest-spreads-globally-676956.html Mon, 08 Jun 2026 15:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/iranian-missile-hits-west-bank-settlement-israeli-media-676959.html Jerusalem June 8 An Iranian missile or debris from an interception struck a settlement in the occupied West Bank on Monday damaging three homes Israels Channel 12 News reported Video footage shared on social media showed a large plume of smoke rising from the area There were no immediate reports of casualties according to Israels Magen David Adom rescue serviceThe attack triggered airraid sirens in the Jerusalem area and parts of the West Bank while explosions were heard as air defence systems attempted to intercept the incoming missiles reports Xinhua news agencyLater a second wave of missiles was launched from Iran prompting the military to instruct residents in central Israel to seek shelterThe escalation came amid USIran talks and followed Israeli airstrikes in Beirut Lebanon on Sunday that killed at least two people Iran responded with a barrage of missiles and Israel retaliated early Monday with strikes targeting sites in western and central Iran Meanwhile Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps IRGC said early Monday that Israel attacked targets inside Iranian territoryThe attacks were carried out with airlaunched ballistic missiles the IRGC was quoted by the official news agency IRNA as sayingThe IRGC made the remarks after Iranian state media reported explosions in multiple cities across the country including Tehran Tabriz Isfahan and Karaj reports Xinhua news agency quoting IRNAThe Israel Defense Forces IDF said on Telegram that the Israeli Air Force struck military targets in western and central IranThe Karun petrochemical plant in Mahshahr in southwestern Iran was hit and partly damaged by an Israeli projectile Irans semiofficial Fars news agency reported Monday citing a provincial official The Israeli military later confirmed it on X Meanwhile the Israeli military said it intercepted a missile from Yemen Monday morningThe IDF said in a statement that it identified and intercepted the missile launched from Yemen towards Israeli territoryMedia reports said the missile attack triggered sirens in central Israel including the city of Tel Aviv IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/iranian-missile-hits-west-bank-settlement-israeli-media-676959.html Mon, 08 Jun 2026 15:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/gps-attack-could-disrupt-economy-us-lawmakers-warn-676807.html Washington June 7 US lawmakers this week warned that a successful attack on the Global Positioning System GPS could severely disrupt the American economy as a House panel examined growing threats from China and Russia and debated competing technologies to provide backup positioning navigation and timing services At a hearing of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology members of both parties agreed that GPS has become deeply embedded in modern life and that growing incidents of jamming and spoofing pose risks to national security transportation networks communications systems and critical infrastructureDuring the hearing Subcommittee Chairman Richard Hudson said GPS today supports far more than navigation apps serving sectors ranging from communications and energy infrastructure to financial transactions and emergency responseâPut simply a catastrophic failure of GPS as a result of adversary spoofing or jamming would be devastating to our economyâ Hudson said noting that Russia and China are developing capabilities that threaten satellitebased services He pointed to a recent incident in which a British military aircraft reportedly lost GPS signals due to suspected Russian jammingRanking Member Doris Matsui said Americans often overlook how dependent they have become on GPSâGPS helps keep your internet running your payments moving and your bank account safer from fraudâ she said âIt helps keep first responders find you when you call 911â She warned that a major disruption could affect communications networks aviation energy systems agriculture and supply chains across the countryCommittee Chairman Brett Guthrie said the risks are already evident overseasâOverseas our adversaries are actively jamming and spoofing GPS in conflict zones putting our service members at even greater riskâ he said âA disruption to GPS here at home has the potential to be catastrophic for the economyâWitnesses told lawmakers that while GPS remains remarkably reliable the United States needs a more resilient and layered approach to positioning navigation and timing commonly known as PNTLisa Dyer Executive Director of the GPS Innovation Alliance described GPS as âone of Americas greatest innovationsâ and noted that since becoming operational in 1995 âGPS has not experienced a single system wide outageâ She said the GPS constellation currently includes 32 satellites and delivers signal availability of 9999 per centAt the same time Dyer awarned the lawmakers that localised jamming and spoofing incidents are increasingly affecting aviation and maritime operations She urged stronger enforcement against illegal interference and called for accelerated modernisation of GPS infrastructureSeveral witnesses promoted alternative and complementary systems that could continue operating if GPS signals were disruptedSam Matheny of the National Association of Broadcasters outlined the Broadcast Positioning System BPS which uses existing broadcast towers and licensed spectrum He said the system was designed to address a âmore than 1 billion a day economic and national security riskâ created by overreliance on GPSMariam Sorond chief executive officer of NextNav argued that the United States remains vulnerable because it lacks a terrestrial backup networkâChina and Russia have built ground based backups to GPS The United States has notâ she said Calling GPS âa national treasureâ Sorond added that it is also âa single point of failureâThe hearing also highlighted sharp disagreements over proposals involving the lower 900 MHz spectrum band Consumer groups technology companies and industry representatives warned that changes could interfere with existing services used by utilities public safety agencies retailers transportation operators and agricultural businessesLawmakers repeatedly stressed that any future backup system must be thoroughly tested and should strengthen resilience without imposing significant costs on consumers or disrupting existing servicesGPS was originally developed by the US military and later opened for civilian use It now serves billions of users worldwide and supports sectors ranging from aviation and telecommunications to banking logistics and precision agriculture IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/gps-attack-could-disrupt-economy-us-lawmakers-warn-676807.html Sun, 07 Jun 2026 09:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/telangana-youth-shot-dead-in-us-while-delivering-pizza-676821.html Hyderabad June 7 A youth from Telangana was shot dead in the United States while he was delivering pizza after receiving what is suspected to be a fake order Anshul Kuncha 28 was shot multiple times resulting in his death in the northeastern city of Philadelphia PennsylvaniaAccording to information received by his family in Gundlapochampally of Medchal Malkajgiri district in Telangana the youth was killed on the intervening night of Friday and SaturdayAnshul who was employed in a multinational company was also working parttime as a pizza delivery executive on weekends to earn extra money He was shot at pointblank range when he went to a location to deliver pizza in what is alleged to be a fake orderAccording to information reaching his family he received a fake delivery order to a deserted location past midnight When he reached the location two unidentified men opened fire and shot Anshul multiple times in the head before fleeing the scene He died on the spotNothing was stolen from the victim raising questions about the motive behind the killing Reports cited by the family indicate that two masked gunmen carrying backpacks were seen in the area around the time of the attackAnshuls family alleged that the pizza delivery was a trap to kill himHe was told to deliver pizza in an abandoned area but we later learned it was a decoy There was no one there it was a trap meant solely to kill him We do not know what they gained or what their intentions were They took my brother and killed him Anshulâs sister Tanvi saidThey also said that Anshul had previously been the victim of a robbery in the US during which his chain phone and cash were stolenAnshul had gone to the US in 2023 to pursue a Masters in Business AdministrationHis family has appealed to the Central and State governments to help in bringing the body to India The US authorities are likely to hand over the body on Monday The family has requested that the process be expedited so that the body could be brought home without delay The Consulate General of India in New York stated that it is in touch with local authorities and the bereaved family while extending all possible assistanceWe are deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Mr Anshul Kuncha an Indian national in Philadelphia PA Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time The Consulate is in touch with Anshuls family and is extending all possible assistance it said in a post on X IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/telangana-youth-shot-dead-in-us-while-delivering-pizza-676821.html Sun, 07 Jun 2026 11:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-forces-down-2-iranian-drones-threatening-traffic-in-strait-of-hormuz-676824.html Washington June 7 The US military said it shot down two Iranian drones after they allegedly threatened traffic in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday Indian time Earlier today US forces in the Middle East shot down two Iranian oneway attack drones that threatened international maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz the US Central Command CENTCOM said on XCENTCOM said on Friday that US forces had intercepted multiple ballistic missiles and drones launched by Iran toward the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf neighboursIran has not responded to it so farIt was the latest clash between Washington and Tehran as tensions in the Middle East escalated anew The two countries have been engaged in weeks of indirect talks on how to end the conflicts reports Xinhua news agencyEarlier on Friday the United States military announced that it shot down four Iranian attack drones headed towards the Strait of Hormuz and later carried out strikes on Iranian coastal radar installations marking a fresh escalation in tensions in one of the worlds most critical maritime corridors The US Central Command CENTCOM said its forces acted after detecting what it described as an immediate threat to shipping in the regionMoments ago CENTCOM forces shot down four Iranian oneway attack drones that were launched toward the Strait of Hormuz CENTCOM saidThe military said the drones posed an immediate threat to regional maritime trafficAccording to CENTCOM US forces then launched retaliatory strikes against Iranian surveillance infrastructure along the countrys southern coastUS forces subsequently struck Iranian coastal surveillance radar sites in Goruk and on Qeshm Island to defend against further attacks the statement saidCENTCOM did not provide details on casualties damage assessments or the type of aircraft and weapons used in the operation The statement also did not indicate whether any commercial vessels were directly targeted by the drones IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-forces-down-2-iranian-drones-threatening-traffic-in-strait-of-hormuz-676824.html Sun, 07 Jun 2026 12:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/12-people-wounded-in-shooting-near-us-ohio-festival-676825.html Washington June 7 At least 12 people were shot near a community festival in Toledo US state of Ohio with two in critical condition The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon local time It appeared there were at least two people who were probably shooting at each other Toledo Deputy Police Chief Joe Heffernan said adding that police are still searching for the suspects and advise the public to avoid the surrounding areasToledo Police Department officers responded to a report of a person shot in an area near the Old West End Festival at approximately 537 pm local time 2137 GMT and discovered multiple shooting victims The injured were taken to hospitals for treatment reports Xinhua news agencyThe Old West End Festival is a twoday event featuring live music food markets house tours and shoppingEarlier on Wednesday a teenager was killed and three people wounded in a shooting after a US California high school graduation ceremony according to local mediaThe shooting occurred in the parking lot of a high school in Northern California CBS reported citing a local police spokespersonOn May 18 at least five people were killed in a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego ICSD in southern California including three victims and two suspected shooters according to policeThe San Diego Police Department said on X that officers were on scene at ICSD located in the 7050 block of Eckstrom Avenue following reports of an active shooter situationThe threat was later neutralised the department said in a followup postPolice officers told reporters at the scene that authorities received reports of an active shooter at the centre at about 1143 am local time 1843 GMT on May 18 Officers arrived within four minutes and found three deceased individuals outside the buildingMeanwhile police also received reports of additional gunfire a few blocks away from the centreA landscaper working nearby was also shot at but was uninjured according to policeShortly afterwards officers found a vehicle in the middle of the street in the 3800 block of Hatton Street with two dead men inside believed to be the shooters involved in the incidentThe two suspects were identified as teenagers aged 17 and 18 They appear to have died from selfinflicted gunshot wounds San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl saidPolice said that because of the location of the attack they are considering the incident a hate crime until proven otherwise IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/12-people-wounded-in-shooting-near-us-ohio-festival-676825.html Sun, 07 Jun 2026 12:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-court-set-to-rule-on-ex-president-yoons-drone-infiltration-charges-this-week-676826.html Seoul June 7 A court in South Korea is set to deliver its verdict this week on former President Yoon Suk Yeols charges of ordering drone incursions into Pyongyang during his tenure as a pretext to declare martial law officials said on Sunday The Seoul Central District Court will hold the hearing for Yoon on Friday on charges that include benefiting the enemy and abuse of authority according to judicial officialsYoon is accused of ordering the South Korean military to fly drones over Pyongyang in October 2024 as a pretext to declare martial law on December 3 the same yearA special counsel team led by Cho Eunsuk earlier demanded a 30year prison term for Yoon reports Yonhap news agencyEarlier a special counsel team questioned Yoon on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of rights in connection with messages allegedly used to justify his declaration of martial lawYoon arrived at the office of the team led by special counsel Kwon Changyoung in Gwacheon just south of Seoul for questioning at about 10 am and left around 430 pm It marked his first appearance before the team since its launch in February Yoon reportedly denied the main allegations during the questioningMeanwhile the court is also expected to rule on former Defence Minister Kim Yonghyun Yeo Inhyung former head of the Defence Counterintelligence Command and Maj Gen Kim Yongdae former chief of the Drone Operations CommandThe former defence minister who is accused of leading the drone operation at the time was charged with abuse of authority and destruction of military installations among othersThe special counsel team claimed the drone infiltration led to heightened military tensions between the Koreas and resulted in the leak of military secretsYoon was sentenced to life in prison for his botched martial law bid in a court ruling in February in what marked the first ruling on the case IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-court-set-to-rule-on-ex-president-yoons-drone-infiltration-charges-this-week-676826.html Sun, 07 Jun 2026 13:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-meets-indonesian-counterpart-sugiono-discusses-comprehensive-strategic-ties--676853.html New Delhi June 7 IANS External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar and his Indonesian counterpart Sugiono cochaired the 8th IndonesiaIndia Joint Commission Meeting in New Delhi on Sunday discussing key priorities under the Comprehensive Strategic PartnershipnbspSugiono stated that he looked forward to Prime Minister Narendra Modis upcoming visit to IndonesianbspDelighted to cochair the 8th IndonesiaIndia Joint Commission Meeting with Dr S Jaishankar External Affairs Minister of India in New Delhi 76 We discussed key priorities under the IndonesiaIndia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership from trade and maritime security to digital connectivity infrastructure health and peopletopeople ties Indonesias Minister of Foreign Affairs posted on XnbspLooking forward to Prime Minister Narendra Modis upcoming visit to Jakarta The visit will be an important opportunity to further deepen our cooperation and deliver tangible benefits for our peoples he addedEAM Jaishankar also took to X and said A pleasure to cochair the 8th India Indonesia Joint Commission meeting alongside FM Sugiono Our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has witnessed a strong growth in recent yearsnbspHeld substantive discussions on our political defence ampamp security maritime ampamp shipping trade fintech health pharmaceuticals fertiliser critical mineral as well as tourism education and cultural cooperation he saidnbspThe EAM said that they also discussed the regional developments advancing multilateral coordination between the two nations and deepening IndiaASEAN tiesnbspEarlier in the day Sugiono arrived in New Delhi for the 8th IndiaIndonesia Joint Commission MeetingnbspA Joint Commission Mechanism JCM was established at the level of the Foreign Ministers following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding MoU in January 2001nbspEarlier on May 14 EAM Jaishankar held a meeting with Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting in Delhi During the meeting the two ministers reviewed progress on the IndiaIndonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and ASEAN cooperationIn January 2025 Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto arrived in New Delhi for a State Visit during which he also attended the 76th Republic Day celebrations in India as the Chief Guest This coincided with the 75th Anniversary of IndiaIndonesia Diplomatic RelationsnbspBoth nations elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018 during Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Jakarta Both countries also welcomed the adoption of the Shared Vision on Maritime Cooperation in the IndoPacific between India and Indonesia which has led to further deepening of the bilateral relations in the defence sectorIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-meets-indonesian-counterpart-sugiono-discusses-comprehensive-strategic-ties--676853.html Sun, 07 Jun 2026 16:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-says-iran-situation-going-quite-well-676742.html Washington June 6 US President Donald Trump has addressed developments involving Iran and said that the situation is going quite well without giving further details The situation with Iran seems to be going quite well Trump told reporters on Friday local timeThe White House has in recent weeks focused heavily on tensions involving Iran energy markets and maritime security in the Gulf region Trumps latest comment suggested confidence about ongoing developments though he did not provide additional details during the brief exchangeAddressing the reporters on Friday local time Trump hailed strongerthanexpected employment figures and said the situation with Iran appeared to be progressing positivelyThe job numbers were fantastic today Its like nobody thought pos many times what they thought they would be Trump saidThe President linked the jobs report to broader economic momentum arguing that manufacturing investment was accelerating across the United StatesWe have factories and plants being built all over our country at a number that weve never had before ever in our history And were doing really well he saidTrumps remarks came as the administration continued to highlight economic indicators as evidence of growth and investment under its policies The President said the latest employment data had exceeded expectations and pointed to a wave of new industrial projects across the countryDuring that exchange Trump repeatedly praised the latest jobs report calling the numbers fantastic and far better than even anticipatedHe argued that economic growth was not necessarily linked to inflation and said stronger economic performance should be viewed positively by financial marketsWe have great growth Trump said And that doesnt mean inflationTrump also said he would like to see lower interest rates while leaving decisions on monetary policy to Federal Reserve leadershipThe Presidents Wisconsin appearance came amid a busy period for the administration with attention focused on economic performance artificial intelligence policy energy markets and foreign affairsHis brief comment on Iran is likely to draw attention because of continuing international concerns over Tehrans nuclear programme and regional security issues The administration has repeatedly stated that Iran will not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-says-iran-situation-going-quite-well-676742.html Sat, 06 Jun 2026 10:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/far-better-than-expected-trump-hails-jobs-surge-signals-ai-stakes-676743.html Washington June 6 US President Donald Trump has celebrated strongerthanexpected employment figures renewed his call for lower interest rates and suggested Americans could eventually benefit financially from artificial intelligence companies He also mentioned that Washington was making progress in preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weaponSpeaking to reporters aboard Air Force One Trump repeatedly pointed to the latest jobs report as evidence that the US economy remains strongSo we had incredible job numbers today You saw that Trump said The job numbers just came out and they were fantastic far better than even anticipatedHe argued that strong economic growth should be viewed positively by financial markets and rejected the notion that growth necessarily fuels inflationAnd you dont have to have inflation by having growth and we have great growth he said So I hope the market starts to learn that when you have good numbers the market should go up not downAsked whether the Federal Reserve should cut interest rates Trump said he would leave such decisions to Kevin Warsh whom he described as a very talented guy while making clear his own preference for lower borrowing costsId like to see lower interest rates Trump said adding that each percentagepoint change has a significant impact on government financesOn national security Trump said he was interviewing five candidates to permanently lead the Office of the Director of National Intelligence while Bill Pulte serves in an interim capacityBill Pultes very good Hes very talented Trump said adding that he would not object if staffing levels at the office were reduced If he cut I wouldnt mind thatTrump also outlined a potentially significant new idea involving the artificial intelligence industry He said the administration was examining ways for the American public to share directly in the financial success of leading AI firmsTheres something very interesting about it where it almost becomes a partnership with the American public he saidTrump said he had spoken with major AI executives and planned to host a White House meeting with industry leadersAll the big ones he said when asked which companies would attend Theyre all coming to the White House probably next weekHe added that the administration was exploring mechanisms through which citizens could benefit from the sectors rapid growthWere talking about it where the American people can benefit from the success of AI Trump said Its probably the biggest industry maybe that weve ever seenOn energy markets and the Middle East Trump expressed confidence that oil prices would remain under control despite regional tensionsWere having great success with Iran he said Theyre not going to have a nuclear weapon and theyre in no position to have a nuclear weaponTrump also said significant volumes of oil were moving through international shipping routes despite concerns over regional instabilityA lot of oil is coming into our country A lot of oil is coming into the world that people dont even know about he saidThe President indicated that his administration was reviewing a proposed arms package for Taiwan and said he remained willing to speak with Taiwans presidentWere looking at that Trump saidOn Ukraine Trump welcomed prospects for direct engagement between Moscow and Kyiv and suggested a resolution could be approachingI think were getting close to where Russia Ukraine should have its a war that should have never happened he saidThe latest US employment data comes as investors continue to debate the timing of future Federal Reserve policy moves Strong labour market performance has remained a key indicator of economic resilience amid uncertainty over inflation growth and interest rates IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/far-better-than-expected-trump-hails-jobs-surge-signals-ai-stakes-676743.html Sat, 06 Jun 2026 10:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-says-irans-nuclear-ambitions-finished-one-way-or-another-676744.html Washington June 6 President Donald Trump has said that the confrontation with Iran is nearing an end and declared that Tehrans nuclear ambitions would be stopped one way or the other Speaking at an agriculture roundtable in Chippewa Falls Wisconsin on Friday local time Trump said the United States had already largely achieved its objective of preventing Iran from becoming a nucleararmed stateWe had to extinguish a nuclear weapon Trump said We werent going to let that happenWeve largely finished that youll see and one way or the other its finished he addedIts either finished with a piece of paper or finished a more difficult wayTrump did not provide details on any ongoing negotiations or possible military actions However he suggested that developments involving Iran would soon become clearerThe President also linked the situation to energy markets and costs faced by American farmersYour fertiliser prices are going to go way down Trump told the gathering Your fertilisers down your energys down your oil and your gas is all coming way downTrump said he expected the outcome of the Iran situation to help ease economic pressuresWere at a point were going to come out of Iran very quickly and its going to be very strong he saidThe remarks came during a wideranging speech focused largely on agriculture trade and the economy Trump repeatedly argued that lower energy prices would benefit farmers and rural communitiesHe also referenced military operations against Iran claiming significant damage had been inflicted on Iranian naval assetsWith Iran they have no Navy Trump said 159 ships in four daysHe described the operation as evidence of US military strength and said the blockade imposed during the conflict was unprecedentedTheres never been a blockade like that he saidTrump returned to the issue near the end of the event saying his administration was still addressing unfinished business involving IranWere straightening out a little unfinished business in Iran he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-says-irans-nuclear-ambitions-finished-one-way-or-another-676744.html Sat, 06 Jun 2026 10:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/turkey-nearing-point-of-no-return-on-democracy-us-lawmakers-warn-676745.html Washington June 6 Senior US lawmakers and policy experts have issued a stark warning that Turkey is moving steadily away from democratic governance with concerns mounting over political repression judicial independence and the imprisonment of opposition leaders ahead of a key NATO summit in Ankara next month At a hearing of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission lawmakers from both parties questioned whether President Recep Tayyip Erdogans government would allow meaningful political competition as critics described an accelerating crackdown on opponents journalists and civil societyThe title of todays hearing poses a question of immense importance Can Turkey find its way to freedom Commission CoChair Rep Christopher Smith saidSmith argued that democratic institutions in Turkey have been weakened to the point where it will be very difficult to restore civil and political freedom in its most basic aspects the rule of law free and fair elections judicial independence religious freedom and respect for internationally recognised human rightsHe pointed to the March 2025 arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu widely regarded as Erdogans strongest political challenger calling it a critical turning pointHis arrest in March of 2025 came on the very day that his party was expected to nominate him as its candidate for the next presidential election Smith saidCommission CoChair Rep James McGovern said the situation had deteriorated since previous congressional reviews of TurkeyMy impression is that things are getting worse McGovern said citing reports from human rights organisations that documented pressure on opposition groups and journalistsSeveral expert witnesses described Turkey as moving beyond what political scientists call competitive authoritarianism toward a system where elections may no longer produce political changeAndrew ODonohue a scholar at Harvard University and Carnegie Endowment for International Peace told lawmakers that Turkey was approaching a decisive momentTurkey today stands at a dangerous inflection point he said Turkey is transitioning from competitive authoritarianism a system in which elections are unfair but still winnable for the opposition toward full authoritarianism a system in which the opposition cannot win power at the ballot boxODonohue said the imprisonment of Imamoglu and legal actions targeting the main opposition Republican Peoples Party had raised doubts about whether voters would be able to choose new leaders through electionsHenri Barkey an adjunct senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations argued that power had become increasingly concentrated around ErdoganWhat has emerged over the past decade is not merely democratic backsliding in the abstract but a system of personal rule a regime increasingly organised around the political survival institutional prerogatives and personal preferences of a single individual he saidFormer political prisoner and US citizen Serkan Golge gave emotional testimony about spending nearly three years in Turkish prisons after being accused under antiterror lawsI survived prison but survival is not justice Golge told lawmakersDescribing the impact on his family he recalled his son pleading during a border inspection after his release No dad not again not againGolge argued that Turkeys antiterrorism laws were being used to criminalise lawful conduct and urged Washington to press Ankara to comply with rulings of the European Court of Human RightsThe hearing also focused on the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara scheduled for July Witnesses urged the Trump administration to raise human rights concerns directly with ErdoganThe Turkish government wants cooperation with the United States ODonohue said It is within our capacity as a democracy to condition that bilateral cooperation on increased movement by the Turkish government towards protecting human rights and democracy IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/turkey-nearing-point-of-no-return-on-democracy-us-lawmakers-warn-676745.html Sat, 06 Jun 2026 10:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/israeli-military-says-hezbollah-launches-surface-to-air-missiles-at-air-force-aircraft-676746.html Tel Aviv June 6 The Israel Defense Forces IDF has said that it detected surfacetoair missile launches by Hezbollah targeting Israeli Air Force aircraft In a statement Friday night the IDF added that the incident concluded with no injuries or damage to the aircraftThe launch activated air raid sirens in the city of Kiryat Shmona and eight villages in northeast Israel close to the Lebanese border sending thousands of residents rushing to shelters reports Xinhua news agencyThe developments came despite Israel and Lebanon agreeing on Wednesday to implement a ceasefire following trilateral negotiations in WashingtonMeanwhile Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has slammed Iran for using Lebanon as a bargaining chip in negotiations with the United States and criticised Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem saying the Lebanese people were tired of war and deserved to live in peaceAoun made the remarks in an interview with CNN chief international anchor Christiane Amanpour which was released by the Lebanese Presidency on Friday local timeOn Thursday Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said in a statement that Irans primary condition for accepting the April 8 truce with the United States and Israel was a comprehensive ceasefire on all fronts including LebanonThis is not your country it is our country said Aoun in the interview noting it was unacceptable for regional powers to use Lebanon to advance their own interests while Lebanese civilians continued to bear the consequences of conflict through deaths displacement and destructionThe Lebanese president stressed that negotiations remain the only viable way to end the conflict between Lebanon and Israel He noted that the Lebanese state and government must address the Hezbollah issue domestically by tackling the root causes behind the groups armed presence including Israels withdrawal from Lebanese territory and an end to the conflictAoun noted that the overwhelming majority of Lebanese from all sects and regions were exhausted by decades of conflictThey are the Lebanese people not Naim Qassems people said Aoun commenting on statements by Qassem opposing the agreement and threatening to bring down the government through street protests IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/israeli-military-says-hezbollah-launches-surface-to-air-missiles-at-air-force-aircraft-676746.html Sat, 06 Jun 2026 10:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-touts-strongest-jobs-growth-in-may-attacks-fed-over-interest-rates-676747.html Washington June 6 President Donald Trump has hailed strongerthanexpected US jobs growth in May saying the latest employment figures showed the economy was outperforming forecasts despite ongoing tensions with Iran Speaking at an agriculture roundtable in Chippewa Falls Wisconsin on Friday local time Trump said the US economy added 172000 jobs in MayFor the third month in a row the jobs numbers smashed all expectations Trump saidHe said economists had projected far fewer jobs172000 jobs were created in May Trump said Experts predicted 30000 jobsTrump described the figures as the strongest employment report of his current administrationThese are the strongest job numbers of the entire administration so far he saidThe President also pointed to gains in manufacturing and construction employmentIn a single month we added 7000 new manufacturing jobs and 17000 new construction jobs Trump saidHe said earlier employment reports had also been revised higherThe previous two months were revised upward by nearly 100000 jobs Trump saidTrump used the occasion to criticise the Federal Reserves approach to interest rates arguing that economic growth rather than tighter monetary policy was the best way to contain inflationWhen you have great job numbers the stock market goes down because they think interest rates will go up he saidYou know what else stops inflation Growth actually stops inflationThe President also renewed criticism of Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell whom he has frequently accused of keeping interest rates too highTrump said former Federal Reserve governor Kevin Warsh would do a fantastic jobBeyond the labour market Trump argued that investment commitments and factory construction were driving economic momentumWere building more plants than at any time in the history of our country he saidTrump claimed the United States had attracted 18 trillion in investment commitments since he returned to officeHe also highlighted wage growth particularly for manufacturing workersFor manufacturing workers wages are up more than 8 per cent since I took office Trump saidThe President linked the economic gains to his administrations trade energy and tax policies He argued that lower energy prices and increased domestic investment would continue to support growth in the months ahead IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-touts-strongest-jobs-growth-in-may-attacks-fed-over-interest-rates-676747.html Sat, 06 Jun 2026 10:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/cuba-rejects-rubios-claim-that-us-does-not-block-oil-shipments-676748.html Havana June 6 Cuba has rejected remarks by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Washington does not block oil shipments to the island citing an American measure that imposes penalties on countries supplying oil to Cuba Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez wrote on the social media platform X on Friday local time that Rubio had repeatedly claimed the US government does not block oil shipments to Cuba reports Xinhua news agencyRodriguez pointed to Executive Order 14380 signed by US President Donald Trump on January 29 which authorises punitive tariffs on imports from countries that directly or indirectly supply oil to CubaAccording to Rodriguez any country that trades oil with Cuba faces the threat of commercial retaliation in the US marketIs that not blocking the entry of oil into Cuba Rodriguez wrote describing the measure as a form of economic coercion against third countriesHe was responding to remarks Rubio made Tuesday before a US Senate committee where the secretary of state defended the White Houses position on Cubas energy crisisCuba relies heavily on imported fuel to meet domestic demand According to official figures the island requires about eight fuel shipments a month to operate normallySo far this year Cuba has received only one crude oil shipment the Russian tanker Anatoly Kolodkin carrying about 100000 tonnes of oil Earlier on Wednesday Cuba rejected the terror accusations made by Rubio in the US SenateRodriguez said on X that Cubas inclusion on the US list of alleged state sponsors of terrorism is based on political criteria rather than evidenceRodriguez said the designation is so arbitrary and devoid of moral sense that the US Secretary of State himself lacks arguments before that countrys Congress to justify the imposition of this criminal measureHe said Rubios remarks showed Washingtons intention to keep pressure on CubaHis mask crumbles His political motivation and sole aim become clear to strangle the Cuban economy by every possible means provoke a humanitarian crisis and promote military intervention in Cuba Rodriguez saidThe Cuban foreign minister also said it was alarming that the congress allows the lie of a public servant to standRubio made the remarks during a Senate hearing where he defended the Trump administrations decision to keep Cuba on the list of alleged state sponsors of terrorism IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/cuba-rejects-rubios-claim-that-us-does-not-block-oil-shipments-676748.html Sat, 06 Jun 2026 10:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-promises-lower-energy-fertiliser-costs-for-farmers-676749.html Washington June 6 President Donald Trump has promised to lower energy and fertiliser costs for American farmers and said his administration was working to expand export markets and strengthen farm incomes Speaking at an agriculture roundtable in Chippewa Falls Wisconsin on Friday local time Trump said farmers would see improving conditions in the coming monthsYoure going to see some very good things happen over the next 90day period Trump saidI told Ken 90 days watch what happens youll be better better than you were four months agoTrump linked the outlook to falling energy prices and efforts to resolve tensions involving IranYour fertiliser prices are going to go way down he said Your fertilisers down your energys down your oil your gas is all coming way downThe President said his administration remained committed to supporting farmers through trade expansion tax relief and regulatory changesWere with you 1000 per cent Trump told the gatheringAgriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the administration inherited what she described as a major agricultural trade imbalance but had since opened new markets for US farm productsWhen he came back into office we inherited an almost 50 billion agricultural trade deficit Rollins saidBut in just a little over one year 19 new trade deals have been struckShe said exports of dairy corn ethanol and other agricultural products were expected to reach record levelsWe are going to break every record for dairy for tree nuts for corn for ethanol Rollins saidSeveral farmers at the roundtable stressed that they were seeking expanded market access rather than government subsidiesHost farmer Ken Custer said producers wanted the ability to compete globallyWe can compete with anybody in the world Custer said We need fair tradeTrump recalled hearing a similar message from farmers during his first termThey said we dont want a subsidy we just want an even playing field he saidThe President also highlighted export growth for agricultural productsAccording to Trump dairy exports have risen sharply including increases of 41 per cent to Japan 48 per cent to the Middle East 61 per cent to the European Union 63 per cent to South Asia and 85 per cent to AustraliaTrump used the event to promote several agriculturerelated policies including yearround sales of E15 fuel expanded crop insurance tax provisions for farmers and the elimination of the federal estate tax on family farmsHe also urged Congress to approve a new farm billWere very well on our way to getting the farm bill finished and approved Trump saidThe President argued that his administrations policies were helping improve farm profitability and rural economic conditions after several years of high inflation and rising input costsAgriculture remains a critical sector of the US economy and a major export industry American farmers have faced challenges in recent years from higher fuel fertiliser and borrowing costs as well as uncertainty in global commodity marketsTrade access remains a major issue for US agricultural producers Markets in Asia including South Asia are increasingly important destinations for American farm exports ranging from dairy products and soybeans to meat and ethanol IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-promises-lower-energy-fertiliser-costs-for-farmers-676749.html Sat, 06 Jun 2026 10:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/dr-congos-confirmed-ebola-cases-rise-to-452-with-82-deaths-govt-676750.html Kinshasa June 6 The number of confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo DRC has risen to 452 including 82 deaths according to the latest situation report released by the countrys health ministry According to the report health authorities reported 71 new confirmed cases on June 4 including 21 deaths in Ituri and North Kivu provinces a sign of rapid and continuing community transmission amid the outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the virusA total of 258 patients are in isolation or hospital care while eight people have recovered reports Xinhua news agencyContact tracing remains a major gap the report said noting that of 4766 contacts under followup across the three provinces only 2755 have been seen representing an overall followup rate of 578 per centThe DRC health authorities listed the main challenges facing the response including resistance to postmortem swabbing insufficient standardised Ebola treatment capacity weak contact tracing shortages of essential medicines inadequate infectionprevention supplies in North Kivu poor alert reporting and a 215millionUSdollar funding gapUganda has also confirmed three new Ebola cases bringing the cumulative number of infections to 19 the Ugandan Ministry of Health said on FridayThe Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC and the World Health Organization WHO on Friday launched a continental Ebola outbreak preparedness and response plan aiming to raise 518 million US dollars to support African countries in preparing for rapidly detecting and responding to the outbreak for the period between June and NovemberAccording to the Africa CDC and WHO a total of 34 health workers have been infected with the Ebola virus so far among whom seven died and six recoveredAfrica CDC and WHO have also highlighted major operational challenges including a lack of available medical countermeasures to the Bundibugyo Ebola strain weak health infrastructure and pressure on health systems already battling multiple health emergencies with resource constraints high population mobility insecurity and displacement health worker infections and misinformation and mistrust further compounding the situationTo better coordinate efforts to contain the outbreak the two institutions during the press conference launched a continental Ebola outbreak preparedness and response plan aiming to raise 518 million US dollars to support African countries to prepare for rapidly detect and respond to the outbreak for the period between June and November IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/dr-congos-confirmed-ebola-cases-rise-to-452-with-82-deaths-govt-676750.html Sat, 06 Jun 2026 10:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-lawmaker-introduces-bill-seeking-major-h-1b-overhaul-676751.html Washington June 6 A Republican Congressman has introduced legislation that would sharply reshape the US H1B visa programme a move that could have significant implications for thousands of highly skilled foreign professionals including many from India who use the visa to work in the United States Representative Chip Roy of Texas this week unveiled the American WhiteCollar Worker Jobs Act of 2026 proposing sweeping changes to the programme used by US employers to hire foreign workers in specialised occupationsThe legislation would replace the current H1B lottery system with a wagebased selection process require employers to demonstrate efforts to hire American workers first and prevent companies that have recently conducted layoffs from hiring H1B workersâFor its nearly fortyyear history the H1B visa has been abused allowing employers to routinely sideline American STEM workers in favour of cheap foreign labour while masking layoffs and wage suppression as âshortagesâ Itâs time to end this lotterybased pipeline and replace it with a system that prioritises merit enforces real wage standards and puts American whitecollar workers firstâ Roy saidThe bill would also end the use of H1B visas as a pathway to permanent residency and eliminate the Optional Practical Training OPT programme which allows many foreign students graduating from US universities to remain and work in the country after completing their studiesAccording to the legislation employers seeking H1B workers would have to certify that qualified American workers are not available for the position Companies would also be required to advertise jobs domestically and offer positions to equally or better qualified US workers before hiring foreign professionalsThe proposal would retain the annual cap of 65000 H1B visas but would prioritise petitions linked to higher salaries instead of distributing visas through a lottery system The bill would also reduce the duration of H1B status from six years to two calendar years and limit admissions from any single country to seven per cent of the annual allocationThe measure builds on legislation introduced by Representative Eli Crane of Arizona who has proposed a threeyear pause on H1B visa issuances followed by broader reformsâAn H1B program overrun with abuse betrays the interests of hardworking Americans by allowing businesses to replace qualified employees with cheaper foreign labour Congress should be doing everything in our power to prioritise our own citizens rather than facilitating their displacementâ Crane saidSeveral immigrationrestriction groups endorsed the proposal Kevin Lynn President of US Tech Workers said the bill would address âmany of the egregious aspects of the H1B visa programâ Grant Newman of the Immigration Accountability Project said it would convert the programme âfrom a cheap labour pipeline into a functioning guestworker program for the truly skilledâThe Federation for American Immigration Reform also backed the legislation saying it would âtighten H1B requirements prioritise higherpaying positions and empower American workers to hold corporations accountableâThe H1B programme is widely used by technology companies consulting firms healthcare providers and research institutions to recruit specialised talent from overseas IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-lawmaker-introduces-bill-seeking-major-h-1b-overhaul-676751.html Sat, 06 Jun 2026 10:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-house-passes-farm-funding-bill-amid-cuts-row-676753.html Washington June 6 The US House of Representatives has narrowly passed a 263 billion agriculture spending bill advancing Republican priorities on farm support food safety rural development and national security despite Democratic objections that the measure cuts nutrition and other domestic programmes The Agriculture Rural Development Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2027 passed the House by a vote of 213210 and now moves to the Senate for considerationThe legislation provides 2627 billion in discretionary funding for the US Department of Agriculture the Food and Drug Administration FDA and related agencies a reduction of about 14 per cent from the fiscal 2026 enacted level The bill is the second of the 12 annual appropriations measures to clear the House this yearAgriculture Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Andy Harris said the measure supports American farmers and rural communities while eliminating unnecessary spendingThis bill advances American agriculture by backing the farmers and ranchers who feed our nation support millions of jobs and power rural economies Harris saidHe added that the legislation eliminates unnecessary spending while preserving investments that strengthen agricultural production and food securityHouse Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole said the bill reflects a simple principle a strong America begins with a strong agricultural sectorThe House floor is not where the soil is tilled livestock is raised or crops are harvested but it is where we stand behind the hardworking people who make those things possible Cole saidAccording to House Republican leaders the legislation continues investments in agricultural research rural development loan programmes animal and plant health programmes and food safety initiatives It also increases resources for frontline meat and poultry inspectors and supports nutrition programmes for lowincome AmericansThe bill includes provisions aimed at strengthening food and agricultural security These include improved tracking of foreignowned agricultural land additional oversight of certain foreign land transactions and greater transparency regarding agricultural research involving foreign governmentsRepublicans also highlighted funding for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service including efforts to protect US agriculture from foreign pests and diseases The measure provides 116 billion for the agency and includes funding to combat the New World screwworm a parasite viewed as a threat to the American cattle industryDemocrats opposed the legislation largely because of spending reductions arguing that cuts would affect rural development conservation and nutrition programmes During House debate Democratic lawmakers criticised a reduction in funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women Infants and Children WIC warning that lower funding levels could affect vulnerable familiesRepublicans countered that the programme remains fully funded based on projected participation levels and available carryover fundsThe Trump administration backed the legislation but also expressed concerns that funding levels exceeded its original budget request The administration said it would work with Congress on issues related to hempderived products and broader agricultural prioritiesThe legislation also calls for increased inspections of foreign drug manufacturing facilities in China and India as part of broader efforts to strengthen oversight of pharmaceutical and food supply chains It further directs additional scrutiny of agricultural transactions involving countries including China Russia North Korea and IranThe Senate is expected to begin work on its version of the agriculture spending bill in the coming weeks Any differences between the House and Senate versions would need to be reconciled before the legislation can be sent to President Donald Trump for his signatureAgriculture appropriations legislation is among the most significant annual spending measures considered by Congress because it funds farm programmes food safety oversight agricultural research and nutrition assistance that affect millions of Americans The legislation also shapes federal support for rural communities and agricultural producers across the country IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-house-passes-farm-funding-bill-amid-cuts-row-676753.html Sat, 06 Jun 2026 10:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/marginal-unsc-reform-inadequate-adding-permanent-members-essential-india-676756.html United Nations June 6 India has said that a âmarginal reformâ of the Security Council was inadequate to make it fit to face the contemporary challenges and a meaningful reform requires adding permanent members âThe marginal reform in the 1960s that expanded only the nonpermanent category has not changed the fundamental mode of functioning of the Security Council in any impactful mannerâ Indiaâs Permanent Representative P Harish told the General Assembly on FridayâExpansion of both permanent and nonpermanent categories is central to implementing real and meaningful reformâ he said during the discussion of the Security Council Annual Report to the General AssemblyThe current structure of the Council reflects the realities of 1945 and it has hobbled its effective functioning he saidâWe all recognise the importance of reform of the Security Council to make it fitforpurpose to handle contemporary and future challenges we faceâ he said The 1965 reform which expanded the number of nonpermanent members of the Council from 11 to 15 but not the permanent members left the 1945 power structure of the UNâs highest decisionmaking body unchangedâExpansion of both permanent and nonpermanent categories is central to implementing real and meaningful reformâ he saidIn 2026 the Council retains the structure devised in 1945 by the five main victors of World War II who made themselves permanent members with veto powersMeanwhile as colonialism crumbled around the world the UNâs membership has nearly quadrupled from 51 in 1945 to 193 now and the global power structure has also changed with countries like India emerging as economic and geopolitical powersAfrica where most of the Councilmandated peacekeeping operations are located has been shut out of the chamberThe UN Charter mandates that the Councilâs annual report to the General Assembly ensure transparency and a modicum of accountabilityCriticising the format of the report Harish said it should be more analytical highlighting the âareas of improvement and gaps if any with regard to discharging Councilâs core mandate of maintenance of International Peace and SecurityâAlthough âpeacekeeping is an important tool available at the disposal of the Security Council to fulfil its critical responsibilitiesâ the reportâs template âlargely excludes finer points pertaining to operational modalities associated challenges the review of respective mandates etc with regard to peacekeepingâ he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/marginal-unsc-reform-inadequate-adding-permanent-members-essential-india-676756.html Sat, 06 Jun 2026 10:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/renewed-violence-in-dr-congo-threatens-civilians-amid-ebola-outbreak-un-676759.html United Nations June 6 Increased deadly attacks in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo DRC this week isolate communities and threaten the Ebola response UN humanitarians have warned The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs OCHA on Friday local time said the intensifying violence is claiming civilian lives and severely restricting humanitarian access in North Kivu and South Kivu provincesOCHA said that in North Kivu local authorities reported an armed attack in Beni territory on Tuesday night that killed at least 24 civilians and triggered fresh displacementIn neighbouring Masisi territory heavy clashes on Wednesday prompted more residents to flee their homes compounding a crisis that has displaced 270000 people as of MayThe renewed violence has compelled humanitarian organisations to restrict movements in several areas further limiting access to affected populations said OCHAThe office said that in South Kivu local authorities reported hostilities on Wednesday in the Fizi and Mwenga territories which reportedly involved the use of drones sparking more displacement Over the past two years insecurity in the areas has cut off more than 165000 people from regular assistance reports Xinhua news agencyOCHA expresses grave concern that ongoing violence in the two eastern provinces could hinder the response to the Ebola epidemic as well as ongoing humanitarian assistance the office saidStephane Dujarric spokesperson for UN SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres said Friday that there have been Ebola cases reported in North Kivu and South Kivu provincesEbola and the insecurity make humanitarian work which is already challenging even more complicated he saidOCHA said lifesaving assistance continues wherever possible despite the challenges Since April humanitarian partners have provided cash assistance to more than 8000 people in Beni territoryOCHA said the United Nations is calling on all parties to respect international humanitarian law and provide unimpeded safe and sustained humanitarian access IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/renewed-violence-in-dr-congo-threatens-civilians-amid-ebola-outbreak-un-676759.html Sat, 06 Jun 2026 10:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indias-mango-magic-event-held-in-seattle-us-retail-giants-explore-growing-demand-676761.html Seattle United States June 6 The second edition of Mango Magic Promotion and Tasting Event of Indian Mangoesâ was organised in Seattle bringing together more than 100 leading importers of Indian fruits along with senior representatives from major US retailers including Costco to sample some of Indiaâs finest mango varieties according to the Consulate General of India in Seattle The event showcased seven premium varieties of Indian mangoes highlighting the countryâs rich agricultural diversity The varieties on display included Alphonso and Kesar from Maharashtra Banganapalli and Himayat from Andhra Pradesh Langra and Dussehri from Uttar Pradesh and ripe Rajapuri from GujaratAddressing the gathering on Friday local time Denny Heck Lieutenant Governor of Washington State welcomed the growing presence of Indian mangoes in the US market and expressed appreciation for the introduction of a wider range of Indian varieties to consumers in Washington State particularly through major retail chains such as CostcoSeveral prominent dignitaries attended the event and sampled the featured mangoes Among them were Washington State Senators Tina Orwell Manka Dhingra and Vandana Slatter along with the Consuls General of Japan and Uzbekistan The event provided an opportunity for participants to experience the distinct flavours and characteristics of mango varieties sourced from different regions of IndiaIn a statement the Consulate General of India noted that efforts to introduce Indian mangoes in the Seattle region began on July 10 2025 Since then the Consulate has worked closely with stakeholders in India and the Greater Seattle area to facilitate the entry of premium Indian mango varieties into major retail outlets including Costco which is headquartered in SeattleAccording to the Consulate these efforts gained considerable momentum following a meeting with Costcoâs Chief Executive Officer in April 2026 After that engagement Maharashtraâs Bhagwa variety of pomegranates was introduced at Costco stores in the region followed by the launch of Kesar mangoes in May 2026The Consulate stated that in the third week of May 2026 Costco imported its first consignment of Indian Kesar mangoes to stores located across Greater Seattle including Seattle Kirkland Issaquah Woodinville Lynnwood and Redmond The rollout also extended to Costco outlets in Las Vegas and multiple locations in New Jersey and the Greater Los Angeles regionCostco representatives reportedly observed that âall the Indian mangoes were sold out from these locations within two hours of their arrival on the shelvesâ a response that underscored the significant demand potential for Indian mangoes in the United States marketThe Consulate General further highlighted Indiaâs position as the worldâs largest producer of mangoes with annual production exceeding 26 million metric tonnes and more than 1000 identified varieties It noted that exports of Indian mangoes to the United States which resumed in 2007 after an 18year suspension have witnessed substantial growth in recent yearsAccording to the statement the value of Indian mango exports to the US reached 10 million in the financial year 202324 marking an increase of nearly 130 per cent from 436 million recorded in FY 202223The Consulate also noted that US mango imports are projected to grow by another seven per cent in 2026 while the overall American mango import market crossed the 1 billion mark in value during 2025Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modiâs recent âMann Ki Baatâ address the Consulate recalled how the Prime Minister highlighted the extraordinary diversity of Indian mangoes ranging from Maharashtraâs Alphonso and Gujaratâs Kesar to Uttar Pradeshâs Dussehri and Langra Biharâs Zardalu and Andhra Pradeshâs Banganapalli and Totapuri He also praised Indiaâs mango growers for successfully taking their produce âfrom the village to the global marketâThe statement said the Seattle edition of Mango Magic further showcased the export potential of Indiaâs regional mango varieties and highlighted opportunities for expanding their presence among consumers across the US Pacific Northwest and other international marketsOrganised in partnership with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority APEDA the event also featured a special luncheon where guests were served a range of Indian dishes prepared using the seven mango varieties showcased during the programme offering participants a broader experience of Indiaâs culinary and agricultural heritage IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indias-mango-magic-event-held-in-seattle-us-retail-giants-explore-growing-demand-676761.html Sat, 06 Jun 2026 10:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/united-nations-honours-fallen-peacekeepers-676764.html United Nations June 6 The United Nations has paid tribute to the nearly 4500 peacekeepers who lost their lives in the line of duty over the past 78 years on the occasion of the International Day of UN Peacekeepers observed annually on May 29 Across the globe the UN Blue Helmet is a symbol of hope for communities in their darkest hour UN SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres said in remarks at the ceremonies to present the Dag Hammarskjold Medal the Captain Mbaye Diagne Medal for Exceptional Courage and the UN Woman Police Officer of the Year and UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year awards after laying a wreath at the Peacekeepers Memorial on the North Lawn of the UN headquarters in New York on Friday local timeUnderscoring that UN peacekeeping has proven to be one of the international communitys most effective responses to conflict Guterres said the peacekeepers are curbing violence enabling political solutions supporting elections delivering humanitarian assistance clearing landmines and so much moreThey do so in the face of acute danger displaying levels of bravery and initiative that stir the heart said the UN chief adding that we pay the highest tribute to their service and sacrificeThe secretarygeneral bestowed the Dag Hammarskjold Medal on 68 peacekeepers from 33 nations including 59 killed last year They represent the best of humanity people prepared to risk everything to keep others safe he saidTwo peacekeepers were honoured for their bravery receiving the Captain Mbaye Diagne Medal for Exceptional Courage the late Sergii Prykhodko of Ukraine and Matias Reyes of Uruguay reports Xinhua news agencyAbhilasha Barak of India deployed with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon received the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year award and Stephanie KÃnigs of Germany who served at the UN Mission in South Sudan received the UN Woman Police Officer of the Year awardAccording to the United Nations currently more than 51000 civilians military and police personnel are employed across the globe in 11 UN peacekeeping missions and over the 78 years since the United Nations began its peacekeeping work more than 2 million peacekeepers have served in 71 peacekeeping missions on four continentsThe UN General Assembly adopted a resolution in 2003 to designate May 29 as the International Day of UN Peacekeepers IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/united-nations-honours-fallen-peacekeepers-676764.html Sat, 06 Jun 2026 11:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-confirms-2nd-new-world-screwworm-case-in-texas-676768.html Washington June 6 The US Department of Agriculture USDA has confirmed a second detection of the New World Screwworm NWS in Texas marking another case in the same county where the first US detection in decades was reported earlier this week According to the USDA the latest case was identified in a onemonthold calf in Zavala County approximately 9 km from the first confirmed case reported on Wednesday which involved a threeweekold calfNWS is a serious parasitic pest that affects livestock pets wildlife and in rare cases humans Its larvae infest living tissue by burrowing into wounds and feeding on flesh causing severe damage to infected animalsThe USDA said it is working closely with Texas authorities to respond to the detections An emergency response team from the US Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has been deployed to the site with mobile response units on the ground and sterile screwworm fly releases underway totalling about 6 million flies per week through aerial and ground operationsMovement control zones have been established and surveillance has intensified Treatment supplies are being provided through the Texas Animal Health Commission the USDA saidUS Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said on Thursday that federal and state authorities are fully implementing an emergency response plan to prevent the pest from spreading within the countryAuthorities are also expanding the targeted release of sterile NWS flies increasing trapping for NWS flies along the border and enhancing wildlife monitoring Rollins said approximately 8 million sterile flies are being released weekly through both aerial and groundbased operationsAlthough eradicated from the United States decades ago the pest remains present in parts of South America where infections in animals and humans continue to occur In recent years however the pest has spread northward through Central America and Mexico according to the USDA IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-confirms-2nd-new-world-screwworm-case-in-texas-676768.html Sat, 06 Jun 2026 11:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-must-break-negotiation-deadlock-says-iranian-supreme-leaders-advisor-676777.html Tehran June 6 A senior advisor to Irans supreme leader has called on US President Donald Trump to make decisions independently of Israel stop the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and release Irans frozen assets The negotiations between the two sides are at a deadlock and Trump must break this deadlock Mohsen Rezaei military advisor to Irans Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said in an exclusive interview with CNN on Friday local time in TehranIf Trump wants to reach an agreement with Iran the release of frozen Iranian assets is a test that America must pass and the path will be opened Rezaei saidRezaei rejected the prospect of a potential meeting between Trump and Khamenei This will not happen Right now we are in the first stage of negotiations and Mr Trump has brought the negotiations to a standstillTrump told reporters on Thursday that he would be open to meeting with Khamenei if the two sides reach a peace dealRezaei former chief commander of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps told CNN that Iran would drag the war beyond the Persian Gulf if Washington resumes the conflict reports Xinhua news agencyFollowing a ceasefire that took effect between Iran the United States and Israel on April 8 after 40 days of fighting Tehran and Washington initiated a diplomatic process with Pakistans mediation to end the war The two sides have reportedly exchanged several proposed plans over the past few weeks outlining conditions for peace through Pakistans mediation and are working to finalise a memorandum of understanding to end the warIran has tightened its grip on the Strait of Hormuz from February 28 barring safe passage of vessels belonging to or affiliated with Israel and the United States following their joint strikes on Iran The United States has also imposed a naval blockade on the strait preventing ships travelling to and from Iranian ports from transiting the waterwayTensions have continued around the Strait of Hormuz as Washington and Tehran carried out fresh attacks in recent days IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-must-break-negotiation-deadlock-says-iranian-supreme-leaders-advisor-676777.html Sat, 06 Jun 2026 12:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/australian-study-identifies-early-blood-marker-for-lung-cancer-risk-676778.html Melbourne June 6 A newly identified blood signature may predict lung cancer risk more than five years before diagnosis offering a potential pathway to earlier prevention a study has revealed The findings published in Cell could help identify people who would benefit from preventative drugs even before they receive a lung cancer diagnosis said a statement from Australias Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research WEHI released FridayThe study analysed over 48000 blood samples identifying a 14protein signature that predicted lung cancer risk within five years and was validated across eight international datasets including in nonsmokersResearchers suggested that the signature does not come from the tumour itself but reflects an altered inflammatory lung environment that precedes cancer highlighting a predisease phase in which intervention may be possible reports Xinhua news agencyLung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths globally and current screening programs are limited to older people with a history of smoking leaving many cases undetected until late stages the study notedWEHI laboratory head Clare Weeden a corresponding author on the paper said the study could lead to more inclusive and effective screening approaches for people in Australia and across the worldIn doing so these findings bring us closer to a future where early intervention is possible even before the cancer has a chance to develop said Weeden who conducted the research during her time at the Francis Crick Institute in BritainCharlie Swanton clinical research director at the Crick Institute said the study supports a growing idea that some common agerelated diseases share a common presymptomatic state of inflammation and that the signature could eventually help predict and prevent lung cancer and other lung diseases IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/australian-study-identifies-early-blood-marker-for-lung-cancer-risk-676778.html Sat, 06 Jun 2026 12:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/violation-of-rights-pti-accuses-pak-govt-of-denying-medical-access-to-imran-khan-bushra-bibi-676789.html Islamabad June 6 Pakistan TehreekeInsaf PTIled provincial government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa accused the federal government of denying adequate medical treatment to former Prime Minister and PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi local media reported on Saturday The leaders also accused the Pakistani government of obstructing access for family members and party officials arguing that these restrictions constitute a violation of rightsAddressing a press conference at Peshawar Press Club Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information and Public Relations Minister Shafi Jan alleged that both Khan and Bushra Bibi were being denied proper healthcare and contact with family members despite growing concerns over their healthHe said that Khan had been battling an eye ailment for the past four months and that his vision has not yet fully recovered Jan claimed that both Khan and Bushra Bibi were taken to a hospital at night for medical treatment in a manner that breached jail regulations He alleged that while the party was informed that the treatment continued for three hours no verified medical details had been shared as reported by the Pakistani daily DawnThe minister called on the authorities to grant Khan and Bushra Bibi access to their personal physicians and facilitate their transfer to Shifa International Hospital for comprehensive medical treatmentRaising concerns over alleged unequal treatment of political leaders Jan claimed that former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had access to extensive facilities and visitors during his incarceration whereas similar privileges were being denied to KhanThe minister claimed that continued curbs on meetings with Khan were in violation of court orders and constituted contempt of courtHe further slammed the federal government over economic challenges alleging that inflation and unemployment had reached critical levels while recent hikes in fuel prices had intensified pressure on the publicLast month Khans sister Aleema Khan had approached the Islamabad High Court IHC against the alleged solitary confinement of her brother local media reportedThe petition filed by Aleema Khan has contended that keeping Khan in solitary confinement is unlawful and not backed by any judicial order Pakistans leading Geo News reportedThe former PM has remained in prison since August 2023 after convictions that PTI has termed politically motivated Since his ouster from office in 2022 through a noconfidence vote Imran Khan has faced several cases including allegations involving state gifts and an unlawful marriage caseEarlier in January 2025 Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were convicted in the Â190m AlQadir University Project Trust case Khan was sentenced to 14 years in prison while Bushra Bibi received a sevenyear jail term IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/violation-of-rights-pti-accuses-pak-govt-of-denying-medical-access-to-imran-khan-bushra-bibi-676789.html Sat, 06 Jun 2026 14:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-says-targeted-us-bases-in-kuwait-bahrain-676791.html Tehran June 6 Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps IRGC said Saturday that it attacked US military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain earlier in the day in retaliation for US attacks on Qeshm Island and Sirik County in southern Iran In a statement on its official news outlet Sepah News the IRGC identified the targeted US bases as the Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait and the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in BahrainAt 130 am local time on Saturday 2200 GMT Friday four oil tankers guided by the US army sought to illegally exit the Strait of Hormuz without coordination and paying attention to the IRGC Navys frequent warnings it saidAfter the warnings one of the oil tankers was targeted and the rest of the violating vessels turned back it said adding that following the confrontation US drones attacked communications towers on Qeshm Island and in Sirik County at 230 am local time 2300 GMT FridayIn response IRGCs aerospace division immediately fired ballistic missiles at the Ali Al Salem Air Base and the remaining important facilities in the US Fifth Fleet headquarters it saidThe US Central Command said in a post on the social platform X that US forces struck some of Irans radar sites on Friday reports Xinhua news agencyThe General Staff of the Kuwaiti Armed Forces said that Kuwaiti air defence systems on Saturday intercepted missile and drone attacksAny explosions heard in different areas were the result of air defence systems intercepting hostile targets the General Staff said in a statement on XIt urged the public to follow safety and security instructions issued by the relevant authoritiesThe latest escalation came days after Kuwait accused Iran of launching 13 ballistic missiles and 17 drones toward the Gulf stateOn Wednesday Kuwaiti authorities said one person was killed and 63 others injured in the attacks which damaged facilities at Kuwait International Airport and temporarily disrupted air trafficIran tightened its grip on the strait since February 28 when it barred safe passage of vessels belonging to or affiliated with Israel and the United States following joint strikes on Iranian territoryThe United States has also imposed a naval blockade on the strait preventing ships travelling to and from Iranian ports from transiting the waterway IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-says-targeted-us-bases-in-kuwait-bahrain-676791.html Sat, 06 Jun 2026 15:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/islamabad-records-432-sexual-assault-kidnapping-cases-so-far-this-year-report-676796.html Islamabad June 6 At least 432 cases of sexual assault and kidnapping were registered by Pakistani police in Islamabad between January and May this year local media reported Citing police sources Pakistans leading daily Dawn reported that a total of 55 cases of sexual assault were recorded during the reporting periodAmong the 55 sexual assault cases 15 were registered in the Soan Zone followed by 13 in the Sadar Zone 12 in the Rural Zone 9 in the Industrial Area Zone and 6 in the City ZoneAdditionally a zonewise breakdown of the 377 kidnapping cases revealed that the Sadar Zone recorded the highest number at 99 followed by the Soan Zone with 89 the Rural Zone with 76 the City Zone with 44 and the Industrial Area Zone with 29 casesOf the kidnapping cases one involved a victim who was reportedly kidnapped from Islamabad and was later found murdered in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province In a separate incident three persons allegedly raped a boy in the area of Pindorian on February 28 and recorded the heinous actThe data further revealed a series of sexual assaults across Islamabad In one incident a girl was reportedly gangraped by five persons in the area of I16 on March 19 while another case involved sexual assault of a boy by three persons in Sihala on March 31In another 24 cases of sexual assault registered during the period the victims included 15 girls three women and a boy It added that the 15yearold boy was assaulted at gunpoint by two persons in Mehrban Town on April 15 Dawn reportedReports suggest that police registered 69 cases under Section 365 which pertains to kidnapping or abduction with the intent to secretly and wrongfully confine a person The cases involved 64 male and five female victims In one such incident a man was allegedly abducted from outside his residence in Sector F61 on May 4 and his body was recovered from Mardan the following dayLast month a report highlighted that the sexual assault of a young 19yearold mother in Pakistans Rawat area in Islamabad was not an isolated incident but reflected a broader pattern raising concerns about systemic challenges in addressing genderbased violence in the countryIt stressed that the case had brought attention to these interconnected issues underscoring how structural weaknesses continue to shape the safety and security of womenAccording to the report in Asian News Post the persistence of sexual violence in Pakistan is closely connected to the perception of impunity where perpetrators believe they can escape without facing consequences IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/islamabad-records-432-sexual-assault-kidnapping-cases-so-far-this-year-report-676796.html Sat, 06 Jun 2026 15:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-is-hardly-an-interlocutor-they-are-just-courier-service-ex-army-chief-naravane-on-iran-us-war-676803.html Kolkata June 6 Former Indian Army chief General Retired MM Naravane on Saturday said that Pakistan is hardly an interlocutor and is merely acting as a courier serviceâ amid its attempts to position itself as a mediator between the United States and Iran His remarks come at a time when Pakistan has been trying continuously to project itself as a mediator in the USIran war and had facilitated interactions between the two countries a few months agoSpeaking to reporters Gen Retd Naravane said âThere is no question of anybody being overlooked or not overlooked And Pakistan is hardly an interlocutor they are just a courier serviceâCommenting on the IranUS conflict and its potential impact on global trade and security Gen Naravane said that national security and economic security are closely interconnectedâNational security has always been linked to economic security In fact it is the economy that drives everything else Therefore our effort has always been to be selfsufficient and selfreliant of course within the context of global trade It is not possible to completely isolate ourselves from the shocks that occur across the world However our efforts are focussed on diversifying sources and supply chains and giving importance to our domestic production so that we are prepared for any future shocksâ he saidHighlighting the need for adaptability in a rapidly changing world the former Army chief noted that geopolitical uncertainties are not a new phenomenonâThe global situation has always been in a state of flux It is not something that has happened only today In the past as well situations at the global level have always been dynamic Therefore the need of the hour is to adapt to these changes While adapting we must always keep our national interests in mind and consider what is good for the country and its people If that remains our guiding principle then all decisions taken will serve the longterm interests of the nationâ he saidOn the modernisation of the Indian Armed Forces he described it as a continuous processâMilitary modernisation is an ongoing process it never ends This is part of the continuous modernisation efforts of the Army Navy and Air Force The focus will be on acquiring indigenous equipment as much as possibleâ he saidResponding to questions about IndiaBangladesh relations Gen Naravane expressed confidence that bilateral ties are improving despite periodic challengesâRelations between countries always experience ups and downs A downturn should not necessarily be viewed negatively After a low phase there is often an upward movement again I believe the trajectory of relations between India and Bangladesh is once again moving upwardâ he saidAddressing the issue of border fencing along the IndiaBangladesh border Gen Naravane said the project has been underway for more than a decadeâThere is nothing new about it Border fencing with Bangladesh has been an ongoing effort for over a decade It is a particularly challenging border to fence because of the riverine nature of the terrain The work has continued for a long time and the stretches that remained especially between West Bengal and Bangladesh are now being covered so that the entire border can eventually be fencedâ he saidOn the growing role of drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles UAVs in modern warfare Gen Naravane said recent conflicts have demonstrated their strategic importanceâNot just quadcopters but all kinds of UAVs have played a major role in the wars we have witnessed in recent years from Ukraine to the present conflict involving Iran and the US Learning from these experiences the Indian Armed Forces have significantly increased their focus on procuring drones for the Army Navy and Air Force In this area indigenous companies and MSMEs have a major role to play in producing drones in large numbersâ he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-is-hardly-an-interlocutor-they-are-just-courier-service-ex-army-chief-naravane-on-iran-us-war-676803.html Sat, 06 Jun 2026 16:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/china-under-fire-in-us-congress-over-fentanyl-676398.html Washington June 5 A congressional hearing on Thursday sharply focused on Chinas role in the global fentanyl supply chain with Republican lawmakers accusing Beijing of failing to curb the flow of precursor chemicals that fuel Americas deadly opioid crisis while witnesses called for stronger enforcement sanctions and international cooperation The House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific convened a hearing titled Beijings Poison Pipeline The CCPs Role in the Fentanyl Crisis to examine what lawmakers described as Chinas continuing role in supplying chemicals used by Mexican cartels to manufacture fentanylOpening the hearing Representative Young Kim chair of the subcommittee said the Peoples Republic of China remains the primary enabler of the fentanyl epidemic that kills tens of thousands of Americans every yearWhile Mexican cartels manufacture and traffic the final product the deadly supply chain starts and is engineered in China Kim said arguing that Chinese companies continue to produce precursor chemicals that are later transformed into fentanyl and smuggled into the United StatesKim also alleged that Beijing had failed to act against individuals and companies linked to fentanyl trafficking despite US indictments and sanctions Why does Beijing allow these factories of death to remain open Because the Chinese Communist Party sees strategic value in Americans suffering she saidRanking member Representative Ami Bera a physician by training urged a broader approach to the crisis While supporting efforts to disrupt supply chains Bera stressed that prevention education and treatment were equally importantThis is not a partisan issue Its an issue that is impacting tens of thousands of Americans lives every day he saidAmong the witnesses Steve Yates of the Heritage Foundation argued that Chinas role in the fentanyl trade remains central and ongoingThe PRC remains the primary global source of precursors and pill pressing equipment for the Mexican cartels Yates told lawmakers He contended that Beijing had taken only limited steps while continuing to allow precursor chemicals and related financial networks to operateYates whose daughter died after consuming fentanyllaced pills in 2023 described the crisis as a national security emergency and urged Congress to strengthen sanctions and reduce US dependence on Chinese pharmaceutical supply chainsDavid Luckey who helped inform the 2026 National Drug Control Strategy said China remains the primary source of precursor chemicals in the global synthetic opioid supply chain He called for greater bilateral and multilateral cooperation improved monitoring of chemical exports and stronger action against money laundering networks linked to drug traffickingHowever Zongyuan Zoe Liu offered a more nuanced assessment She said there was no evidence that Beijing deliberately directs illicit fentanyl shipments into the United States but described the problem as a serious supply chain governance failure in ChinaThe point is not that China created American demand Liu said The problem is that Chinalinked chemical logistics and financial networks help make illicit fentanyl easier to produce cheaper to scale and harder to stop IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/china-under-fire-in-us-congress-over-fentanyl-676398.html Fri, 05 Jun 2026 12:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/munirs-quest-for-absolute-control-risks-pushing-pakistan-deeper-into-unrest-676473.html New Delhi June 5 Pakistan is a democracy but only technically After Asim Munir took over as the chief of the Pakistan Army he has managed to get almost all institutions under his control While major agencies such as the ISI are under the control of the Pakistan Army Field Marshal Asim Munir now proposes to get all the police forces under him An official said that the proposal is to have a single command and every major institution relating to security would under the control of the Pakistan ArmyMunir has become the allimportant man in Pakistan and today even has a say over the countryâs budgetThe Pakistan budget which is the need of the hour for the people owing to a collapsed economy has been facing delays due to unwarranted demands by the ArmyMunir wants the defence spending to increase multifold a demand that the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif government has been resisting Both sides have not been on the same page and the Sharif government feels that defence allocation has to be lower and more has to be spent for the peopleOfficials say that Munir does not care about Sharifâs point of view and hence has been sparring over defence spending Munirâs demand is that defence spending should be increased by 25 per cent which the government feels is unreasonableMunir has been linking all his decisions to the failure on the part of the security forces to rein in the Balochistan Liberation Army BLA and TehreekeTaliban Pakistan TTPHe feels that if all the security forces work under one command there would be better coordination and enhanced Intelligence sharingWhile Munir cites militancy as the reason the fact is that he wants absolute control of the country He feels that he could rein in the BLA and TTP if all forces come under one command and do not remain under state controlThe army chief wants to take away the distinction between the civilian law enforcement agencies and the external defence forcesIf he manages to enforce this then he has complete control over the provincial governments as well an official explainedAn Intelligence Bureau official said that all this has a lot to do with Munirâs failure as an army chief He has failed the people by taking over the political class He has not managed to rein in the TTP or BLA Ties with the Afghan Taliban have vanished under his watch And yes there was Operation Sindoor which left him exposed the official addedAnother official said that Munir is once again being blind to the real problems Such a decision would have a disastrous effect on the already troubled regions of Sindh Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa KPThe people are already distressed and in regions such as Balochistan and KP the people are in an all out war against the Pakistan establishmentThe official said that the people here are distressed by the lack of development in the region They have been complaining that all their rich resources are being taken away and diverted to cities such as Islamabad Karachi and RawalpindiEven the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor Project CPEC is being opposed in Balochistan as they feel that they would benefit nothing out of itThis explains the large number of attacks by the BLA on this project which has left Beijing fumingPakistan watchers and experts say that Munir feels controlling the security forces of these regions would have him and his army in control It may work but very briefly and eventually the anger of the already distressed people will take overThe regions which are already witnessing large scale violence will only witness an increase in the number of attacks the experts say They also add that the Pakistan army chief is flirting with danger and his bid to have complete control over everything will eventually backfire badly IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/munirs-quest-for-absolute-control-risks-pushing-pakistan-deeper-into-unrest-676473.html Fri, 05 Jun 2026 14:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/congo-criticises-spain-after-chile-friendly-cancelled-over-ebola-concerns-676474.html Madrid June 5 The Democratic Republic of Congo has condemned a decision by Spanish authorities to cancel its preWorld Cup friendly against Chile on June 9 due to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the African nation The match was scheduled to be played in La Linea de la Concepcion in southern Spain but on Tuesday the towns mayor Juan Franco announced that it would not go ahead on public health groundsI have signed the decree banning the holding of the 9 June match between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Chile announced Franco adding that a report by the head of the local health service of La Linea advised categorically against hosting the match given the health risks which might ariseThe DR Congo team has been training in a health bubble in Belgium ahead of its World Cup campaign Its reported that none of the 26 players plays is based in the country or traveled directly from there to the training camp although some members of the support staff and potentially some fans may have done soSpeaking at a virtual press conference organised by the World Health Organization DR Congos Minister of Communication Patrick Muyaya lamented the situation Xinhua news agency reportedWe are having serious problems with the Spanish authorities because they have decided that the second match our national team is scheduled to play cannot be played due to Ebola he saidI believe that none of our players play in Kinshasa or in the Democratic Republic of Congo They have all been in Belgium for about three weeks now training for the World Cup so this type of decision could be considered discrimination added MuyayaAccording to the World Health Organization Ebola disease is a severe often fatal illness affecting humans and other primatesThe virus is transmitted to people from wild animals such as fruit bats porcupines and nonhuman primates and then spreads in the human population through direct contact with the blood secretions organs or other bodily fluids of infected people and with surfaces and materials eg bedding clothing contaminated with these fluids IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/congo-criticises-spain-after-chile-friendly-cancelled-over-ebola-concerns-676474.html Fri, 05 Jun 2026 14:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/why-united-nations-established-23-june-as-international-widows-day-676477.html New Delhi June 5 On June 23 each year the world turns its attention to a humanitarian crisis that has remained largely unspoken for centuries the discrimination poverty and social exclusion endured by widows The United Nationsâ decision in 2010 to formally adopt June 23 as International Widows Day was not simply a symbolic gesture It was a recognition that millions of widows particularly in South Asia Africa and Latin America continue to face systemic injustice because their husbands have diedThis global observance has deep Indian roots It was born from a personal tragedy in Punjab and transformed into an international movement through the tireless advocacy of the Loomba Foundation founded by Lord Raj Loomba CBE in memory of his mother Shrimati Pushpa Wati Loomba who became a widow on June 23 1954Her suffering like that of countless widows across India became the catalyst for a global campaign that ultimately reached the United Nations General Assembly This year marks the 16th UN International Widows Day and the Loomba Foundation will observe it with two significant events one at the British Council in New Delhi and another at the House of Lords in LondonThese parallel gatherings reflect the global scale of the issue and the international leadership India has shown in bringing widowhood out of the ShadowsThe Hidden Crisis the World IgnoredWidowhood has long been treated as a private tragedy rather than a public policy concern Yet the numbers reveal a global emergency Today there are an estimated 300 million widows worldwide and more than 500 million children dependent on themMany live in extreme poverty Millions face harmful traditional practices property dispossession sexual exploitation and social ostracism In India widows have historically been subjected to some of the harshest forms of discrimination Although practices like sati were abolished long ago the social stigma attached to widowhood persists in many communities Widows are often excluded from family rituals denied inheritance and blamed for their husbandsâ deathsIn parts of Africa widows may be forced into degrading âcleansingâ rituals or coerced into marriage with a male relative Despite the scale of the problem widowhood remained largely absent from global development agendas until the early 2000s There were no international conventions no dedicated policies and no global statistics Widows were in effect invisibleWhy the UN Chose 23 JuneThe Loomba Foundation launched International Widows Day on 23 June 2005 the anniversary of Lord Loombaâs motherâs widowhood The date was chosen deliberately it symbolised not only personal loss but the beginning of a lifelong struggle faced by millions of widows Over the next five years the Foundation mobilised global support It engaged parliamentarians civil society leaders and UN agencies It organised events in more than 40 countries published groundbreaking research and built a coalition of voices demanding recognition for widowsThis sustained advocacy culminated in a historic moment On 21 December 2010 the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted 23 June as International Widows Day acknowledging widowhood as a global development and human rights priorityIndia played a pivotal role in championing the resolution and highlighting the urgency of addressing the injustices faced by widows worldwide The UNâs adoption of the day was a watershed moment For the first time the international community recognised that empowering widows is essential to achieving gender equality reducing poverty and strengthening families and communitiesWhy International Widows Day Still MattersSixteen years after its adoption International Widows Day remains as relevant as ever Widowhood intersects with some of the worldâs most pressing challenges Conflict and displacement have created millions of new widows in regions such as Syria Ukraine Sudan and Afghanistan HIVAIDS has left widows across subSaharan Africa vulnerable to stigma and property grabbing Pandemics and natural disasters disproportionately affect women who depend on informal labour and lack social protection Cultural norms continue to restrict widowsâ rights to remarry inherit property or participate in community lifeThe UN has repeatedly emphasised that widows must be included in national policies on social protection education healthcare and economic empowerment Without targeted interventions widows and their children risk being trapped in intergenerational poverty India and the UK Mark the 16th UN International Widows DayThis year the Loomba Foundation will observe the 16th UN International Widows Day with two major events British Council New Delhi â 23 June 2026 remains central to the global widowhood movement The New Delhi event will bring together policymakers NGOs philanthropists and community leaders to discuss the challenges faced by widows in India and the innovative solutions emerging from grassroots organisations The focus will be on economic empowerment skills training and social reintegrationOn the same day the Foundation will host a parallel conference at the House of Lords focusing on widows in Africa The themeââWidows in Africa Perspectives on Justice Dignity and Economic Powerâ reflects the urgent need to address the legal and cultural barriers that continue to marginalise widows across the continent These simultaneous events underscore the global nature of the issue and the leadership role the Loomba Foundation continues to play in shaping international policy and public AwarenessThe UNâs decision to establish 23 June as International Widows Day was a recognition that widowhood is not a private tragedy but a public responsibility India where the movement began has a special role to play By strengthening legal protections expanding social welfare programmes and challenging harmful cultural norms India can lead the world in ensuring that widows live with dignity security and opportunityAs the Loomba Foundation marks the 16th UN International Widows Day in New Delhi and London the message is clear widows must no longer remain invisible Their rights are human rights Their empowerment strengthens families communities and nations And their voices long silenced must now be heard IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/why-united-nations-established-23-june-as-international-widows-day-676477.html Fri, 05 Jun 2026 14:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-people-in-karachi-struggling-with-foul-smell-as-offal-lingers-week-after-eid-676481.html Islamabad May 5 Sanitation conditions in several parts of Pakistans Karachi continue to remain poor as foul smells from animal offal and sacrificial waste linger even after more than a week following Eidul Azha local media reported on Friday Animal remains are still lying at garbage collection points and open spaces in some of the areas of Karachi At many places of Karachi waste has been removed however authorities have not properly cleaned the sites or applied adequate quantities of lime to neutralise the smell causing inconvenience for residents Pakistans daily Dawn reportedPeople in Karachi have complained that offal was removed from several places after a considerable delay while animal remains are still lying in the open They said that they are not able to breathe as the smell has permeated large parts of the cityPeople living in several areas like District Central West East South and Korangi complained of foul odour from decomposing sacrificial waste Animal remains and other waste lying on road in several places of Karachi pose potential public health risks apart from contributing to the foul odour People living and working in the areas have complained of headaches nausea and general unease linked to the foul smell Dawn reportedPeople living around Numaish have said that locations from which waste had been removed has not been cleaned properly causing a persistent foul smell A resident of Orangi Town said that smell had started impacting everyday life and breathing comfortably inside the city had become increasingly difficultSpeaking to Dawn he said Forget about stepping outside to enjoy fresh air Even sitting at the dining table inside the house has become difficult Last night when I started eating dinner I thought the curry had gone bad because of the smell When I mentioned it to my sister and other family members they told me the smell wasnât coming from the food It was coming from outside There are three garbage dumping points within about 500 metres of our house and the stench from them continues day and nightThe situation has been worse in Pir Colony where the dumping point established by the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board SSWMB for sacrificial animals is present on the main road People have also dumped routine household waste at the site Pakistans another daily The Express Tribune reportedAccording to the residents SSWMB staff remained absent for the first two days of Eid resulting in animal remains and garbage lying throughout the area Some cleaning was conducted on the third day of Eid as the waste collection vehicles arrived However the daily garbage of households has not been removed resulting in garbage lying at several places The Express Tribune reportedResidents in Soldier Bazaar and Garden stated that waste collection employees came only during the first two days of Eid and then disappeared resulting in large piles of garbage lying in both areas IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-people-in-karachi-struggling-with-foul-smell-as-offal-lingers-week-after-eid-676481.html Fri, 05 Jun 2026 14:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/afghanistan-university-entrance-exams-start-in-kabul-without-girls-for-fourth-year-676482.html Kabul May 5 The third round of university entrance exams began in Afghanistans Kabul without girls for the fourth consecutive year local media reported on Friday Talibanrun National Examination Authority has started holding the third round of Afghanistans university entrance examinations known as the Kankor on Thursday with thousands of candidates appearing in the tests at Kabul University Afghanistans leading news agency Khaama Press reported The exam is being held for 12th grade graduates from Kabul province The students will appear for exams on Friday as wellRahimullah Haqqani the administrative and technical deputy head of the National Examination Authority said over 110000 candidates appeared in the first three rounds of the examinations in Afghanistan Officials expect the total number of students appearing for exams to reach around 120000 after the completion of a fourth round of testing Registration for the fourth round will remain open until June 8The exams are being conducted without the girls for the fourth consecutive year in AfghanistanSince seizing power in Afghanistan in August 2021 the Taliban has banned girls from attending secondary schools beyond sixth class and prohibited women from studying at universities The restrictions have prevented female students from appearing in the Kankor examinations which is required to pursue higher education in AfghanistanThe United Nations foreign governments and human rights groups have criticised Talibans exclusion of girls from education calling for reversal of the restrictionsEarlier in March the new academic year in Afghanistan schools began without girls returning to classrooms above sixth class for the fifth consecutive year The classes started amid calls for reopening schools for girls above sixth classThe Talibans Education Ministry said that the new academic year started with senior officials attending a formal ceremony while classes also resumed in colder provinces Khaama Press reportedIn May former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai reiterated his call for reopening of schools and universities to girls and allowing women to work in the countryWhile extending wishes to people on Eid he described Afghanistan as the shared home of all its people and said that all the citizens should feel a sense of ownership in their homelandAfghanistan is the shared home of all the people of this ancient land Our country needs prosperity and progress But we can achieve progress and a prosperous life only when we become a united and educated nation all our compatriots feel a sense of ownership in their homeland and we have a strong human resource equipped with knowledge technology and expertise among our youth Karzai statedTo reach this goal once again I express the hope that the doors of schools and universities be opened before our girls as soon as possible and opportunities for participation in work and affairs be provided to women and trained cadres he addedIn another part of his message Karzai expressed sympathy with families affected by recent floods in Afghanistan He also paid tribute to those killed in Pakistans recent attacks on Afghanistan IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/afghanistan-university-entrance-exams-start-in-kabul-without-girls-for-fourth-year-676482.html Fri, 05 Jun 2026 14:46:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/batticaloa-to-tamil-nadu-intelligence-agencies-track-isis-radicalisation-push-676503.html New Delhi June 5 There is a varied difference in the way terror operations are conducted in North and South India In the North of India the ISI makes an aggressive push to launch multiple attacks at important locations However in South India the push is a soft one The ISI has maintained this style with the sole focus being on radicalisation and demographic changes Two key states that the ISI has focused on are Tamil Nadu and Kerala in South India The Intelligence agencies have on several occasions flagged ISI operations in Sri Lanka aimed at hitting the South Indian states With the ISI looking to increase operations down South the Indian Intelligence agencies are keeping a close watch on Batticaloa district which is described as the centre of Wahhabism in Sri LankaAn Intelligence Bureau official said that this district is an area of concern not just for South India but also for Sri Lanka The official said that a few politicians who control this district have ties with Saudi Foundations These ties have led to an increase in Wahhabi activity in the district The official warned that these elements would look to increase activity in the Southern Indian states alsoAnother official said that with the ISI backing these elements would try what they did in Kerala Since the early 2000s there has been a flurry of Wahhabirelated activity in the state thanks to scores of preachers visiting there With the Intelligence agencies flagging such activity that led to a mindset change among a large number of people the Wahhabis from Saudi Arabia gradually reduced their visits to Kerala However now through elements in the Batticaloa district the ISI hopes to push more Wahhabi culture into Tamil NaduA clear pattern to make South India a soft target began in the 2000s However such activity soared in 2013 and the following year the National Investigation Agency NIA busted an ISI module involved in spying In September 2014 Arun Selvarajan became the third person to be arrested by the agency for ISI links Before this one Mohammed Sakir Hussain was arrested in Chennai followed by Mohammed Hussain Suleman in MalaysiaInvestigations showed that the plot was to recruit and radicalise youth from the Maldives and then instruct them to carry out attacks on the US and Israeli Consulates in Chennai and BengaluruAnother official said that in addition to making a push to increase Wahhabirelated activity in Tamil Nadu the ISI has also been trying to tap former LTTE operatives to carry out attacks in South India The ISI is getting in touch with these elements and reminding them of the military action taken by Sri Lanka against the LTTEThe ISI has been trying to exploit the antistate sentiment that these people have and use this as a recruitment tool Officials say that while the push for espionage and terror modules is ongoing the worry is about the cultural changes that the Wahhabi elements are trying to bring about in South India This explains why the agencies have their eyes on the activities in Batticaloa district the official addedThis district has had a history of nurturing and promoting radical elements Zahran Hashim the mastermind of the Sri Lankan Easter Bombings hails from the Batticaloa district Investigations showed that Hashim rose to prominence in this district and he was heavily radicalised He had even visited Tamil Nadu on many occasions with the sole intention of radicalising the youthInvestigators say that he did manage to undertake a radicalisation drive and both the Coimbatore and Mangaluru bombers Jamesha Mubin and Mohammad Shariq were his prodigies Another area of concern is the rise in activity by the Rabita Trust Officials say that the ISI is trying to use this trust to spread its radical ideology in Tamil Nadu and other southern states The trust has maintained close ties with AlQaeda leaders including Ayman alZawahiri Ayman alZawahiri and Sobhi Abdel Aziz Mohamed el Gohary Abu SinnaThe Rabita Trust is a nongovernmental organisation NGO based in Pakistan which has provided logistical and financial support to AlQaida The Rabita Trust has also had close ties to AlQaida leaders and other listed individuals and entities including Aiman Muhammed Rabi alZawahiri Sobhi Abdel Aziz Mohamed el Gohary Abu Sinna deceased Makhtab alKhidamat and the Armed Islamic Group the United Nations database statesOfficials say that with the help of such entities the ISI is making a hard push to infiltrate states such as Tamil Nadu The approach is twopronged with the primary focus now being on widespread radicalisation Eventually the plan is to recruit people from Sri Lanka and the Maldives and then hit the southern states the official also said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/batticaloa-to-tamil-nadu-intelligence-agencies-track-isis-radicalisation-push-676503.html Fri, 05 Jun 2026 15:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-faces-funds-crunch-as-govt-fails-to-roll-out-tax-reforms-report-676504.html New Delhi June 5 Pakistanâs failure to carry out tax reforms has left its tax base narrowing over the years resulting in shrinking revenues for the government to implement welfare schemes for the poor As the country prepares for a new budget for FY27 there is little hope that things will improve going by the past track record according to local media reports âEvery budget over the past 10 years and more is pretty much the same with minor differences usually in the gimmickry being advanced in the name of a ârevenue planâ And it will be no different this time round when the budget for FY27 is announcedâ according to an article in the Karachiheadquartered Dawn newspaperA little more than a decade and a half ago Pakistan finally abandoned its last attempt to try and get serious tax reform through Since then successive governments have been rolling out various gimmicks from amnesty schemes to âpoint of sale machinesâ to do something that cannot be done with gimmicks They are trying to document the growing services sector of the economy with these gimmicks which is like trying to measure the ocean with a teacupâ the report laments It points out that since the 1980s the single fastestgrowing sector of the economy has been services It was slightly less than half of Pakistanâs GDP back in those days Today it is touching 60 per cent while the shares of industry and agriculture have shrunk But today services contributes less than 40 per cent of total revenues while the share of manufacturing can be as high as 55 per centThe crux of the problem is that the fastestgrowing sector in Pakistanâs economy has made a diminutive contribution to its revenue effort Successive governments have failed to undertake the kind of tax reforms necessary to keep abreast of the changes sweeping the economy where the services sector is driving growth For now the bulk of the revenues contributed by this sector comes from banking and telecom which are being overtaxed the article points out In some shape or form VAT was always on the agenda as a crucial structural reform measure of every IMF programme that Pakistan signed between 1988 and 2008 and there were many In 2008 it was supposed to be updated and modernised but the government of the time failed to ensure passage of the legislation so spectacularly that the IMF simply dropped it from all future reform agendas Since then it has been abandoned the article states The failure to widen the tax net has resulted in Pakistanâs taxtoGDP ratio stagnating in single digits and intensified political struggles around the shrinking resource envelope of the state This has forced the government to lean harder on fuel taxes and print more money to help make ends meet at the centreThe growing resort to gimmickry was the state thrashing around within the shrinking confines of its resource envelope when it could not generate resources in quantities sufficient to keep pace with its expenditure growth And they squeezed out a decade for themselves like this the article further laments IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-faces-funds-crunch-as-govt-fails-to-roll-out-tax-reforms-report-676504.html Fri, 05 Jun 2026 15:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korean-president-lee-to-visit-europe-next-week-attend-g7-summit-in-france-676508.html Seoul June 5 South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will travel to Europe this month to take part in the Group of Seven G7 summit in France a senior presidential official said Friday Lees trip will last from June 918 and include visits to Belgium Italy and the Vatican according to National Security Advisor Wi SunglacLees attendance at the G7 summit set for June 1517 comes at the invitation of the grouping Wi told a press briefing Yonhap News Agency reported On the first leg of the trip Lee will visit Brussels from Tuesday to Wednesday and hold separate summit talks with the leaders of Belgium and the European Union EU the security advisor saidFrom Thursday to Saturday Lee will pay a state visit to Italy at the invitation of President Sergio Mattarella and hold a summit with him followed by talks with Prime Minister Giorgia MeloniOn the third leg of the trip Lee will visit the Vatican from June 1415 and meet with Pope Leo XIV before attending the G7 summit from June 1617 the presidential official notedLees trip to Belgium comes as the two countries mark the 125th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year according to WiOn Wednesday the president will hold talks with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever and King Philippe where he is expected to seek ways to expand cooperation with Belgium including securing a stable foothold in the European market for South Korean companies the presidential official saidBelgiums Port of AntwerpBruges is Europes secondlargest seaport and cooperation with the country would help South Korean companies make inroads into the broader European market he notedThe same day Lee will hold a summit with the EU where he plans to sign an agreement as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation in diplomacy and economy with the economic bloc which is South Koreas thirdlargest trading partnerOn Thursday Lee will attend an official welcome ceremony hosted by Mattarella and hold a summit with the Italian president before the two leaders make a joint press announcementThe South Korean president will hold talks with Meloni on Friday and visit Florence the following day under Italys special protocol for state guests according to WiOn June 15 Lee will attend Mass at St Peters Basilica before holding talks with the pope the following day At the Mass Lee plans to deliver a speech expressing South Koreas commitment to global solidarity for peace and seek the Vaticans support for Seouls efforts to build peace on the Korean PeninsulaOn June 16 Lee will participate in a session of the G7 summit in France where he may stress the groups role in bridging advanced and developing countriesThe trip will mark South Koreas second consecutive participation in G7 leaders meetings Wi notedLees tripmay serve as an opportunity to expand his administrations diplomatic outreach to Europe while increasing Seouls participation in discussions on key issues of the international community he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korean-president-lee-to-visit-europe-next-week-attend-g7-summit-in-france-676508.html Fri, 05 Jun 2026 15:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/remain-committed-to-ceasefire-but-irans-security-sovereignty-remain-our-red-line-iranian-envoy-676533.html New Delhi June 5 Irans Ambassador to India Mohammad Fathali on Friday expressed Irans commitment to the ceasefire and dialogue However he emphasised that Irans security and sovereignty remain their red line and warned of reciprocal response at the same level if Iran faces an attack In an interview with IANS Fathali stated that Iran has never initiated war and has consistently called for peaceful and political solutions and accused the US forces of violating the April 8 ceasefire He defended Irans actions in response to the US and Israels strikes saying that these attacks were conducted within the framework of their legitimate right to selfdefenceWhen asked about reports suggesting that tensions between Iran and the US have escalated again despite ongoing diplomatic efforts Fathali responded We have previously declared that we are prepared for both war and peace We welcome dialogue and negotiation and we firmly believe that disputes and differences can be resolved through diplomacy The Islamic Republic of Iran has never initiated war or tension and has consistently emphasised political and peaceful solutions Regrettably however the ceasefire that was announced on April 8 has been repeatedly violated by US forces in recent daysConsequently Iranian military forces have responded to these attacks within the framework of their legitimate right to selfdefence While we remain committed to the ceasefire and have chosen the path of dialogue Irans national security and sovereignty remain our red line Any attack or aggression against our countrys territory will be met with a reciprocal response at the same level and if necessary with greater severity At the same time we believe there is still an opportunity for diplomacy and reaching an understanding provided that the opposing party also abides by its commitments and refrains from escalatory actions and ceasefire violations he addedThe ongoing tensions in West Asia erupted after the USIsraeli strikes on Iran on February 28 which killed Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and top military officials In response Iran launched drone and missile attacks targeting the US and Israeli facilities regional capitals and allied forces in West AsiaIran the US and Israel reached a ceasefire on April 8 after 40 days of fighting Following the truce Iranian and US delegations held first round of peace talks in Pakistan on April 11 and 12 which failed to yield an agreement Over the past weeks the two sides have reportedly exchanged several proposed plans outlining conditions for ending the conflictMohammad Fathali expressed hope that US will accept that Iran holds an important regional and international standing and recognise the legitimate rights of the Iranian nation He expressed Irans readiness for engagement and cooperation based on mutual respect and shared interestsWhen asked about the message Iran wants to send to the US and the international community about peace and stability he responded Iran is a country with a civilization spanning over seven thousand years which throughout history has always been a messenger of peace coexistence and friendship among nations Our historical identity and culture are built upon constructive dialogue and cooperation with other nations Historical reality demonstrates that Iran has not initiated any war in more than three centuries and has always supported peaceful mechanisms for dispute resolution The logic of the Islamic Republic of Iran is the logic of dialogue diplomacy and engagement based on mutual respectIn the current environment where the world faces increasing challenges and uncertainties Iranâs message to the United States and the international community is clear Sustainable peace stability and security can only be achieved through respect for the rights of nations adherence to the principles of international law and equal constructive dialogue We hope that the United States will accept the reality of a powerful independent Iran that holds an important regional and international standing and that it will recognize the legitimate rights of the Iranian nation Iran has always been ready for engagement and cooperation based on mutual respect and shared interests and believes that a more secure and stable future for all nations is achievable through diplomacy and mutual understanding he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/remain-committed-to-ceasefire-but-irans-security-sovereignty-remain-our-red-line-iranian-envoy-676533.html Fri, 05 Jun 2026 16:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-and-japan-set-to-deepen-ties-during-takaichis-possible-visit-next-month-676545.html Tokyo June 5 Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi may visit India as early as July to hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi local media has reported Arrangements are being made for Takaichis visit to Assam where she will hold her secondin person meeting with PM Modi The two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral cooperation across various sectors including security and economy based on JapanIndia joint vision for the next decade announced during PM Modis visit to Japan in 2025 NHK Japan Broadcasting Corporation reportedAmid ongoing tensions in West Asia Takaichi and PM Modi are expected to discuss issues like ensuring the stability of energy supplies and making critical mineral supply chains resilientTakaichi wants to strengthen bilateral ties by establishing regular mutual visits by the leaders of both countries NHK WorldJapan reportedIn February PM Modi congratulated Takaichi on her victory in Japans House of Representatives election In his message PM Modi expressed confidence that he and Takaichi will continue to take the friendship between India and Japan to greater heightsCongratulations Sanae Takaichi on your landmark victory in the elections to the House of Representatives Our Special Strategic and Global Partnership plays a vital role in enhancing global peace stability and prosperity I am confident that under your able leadership we will continue to take the IndiaJapan friendship to greater heights he wrote on XTakaichi thanked PM Modi for his wishes and stated that she is looking forward to working with him to strengthen the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between the two nationsThank you very much Prime Minister Narendra Modi for your warm congratulations on the House of Representatives election I look forward to continuing to work together with you to strengthen the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between Japan and India and to cooperate in realising a Free and Open IndoPacific FOIP Takaichi posted on XBoth leaders had met on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg last November discussing ways to add momentum to bilateral cooperation in sectors like innovation defence and talent mobilityHad a productive meeting with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of Japan We discussed ways to add momentum to bilateral cooperation in areas such as innovation defence talent mobility and more We are also looking to enhance trade ties between our nations A strong IndiaJapan partnership is vital for a better planet PM Modi posted on X IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-and-japan-set-to-deepen-ties-during-takaichis-possible-visit-next-month-676545.html Fri, 05 Jun 2026 16:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/new-buddhist-centre-inaugurated-in-hanoi-reinforcing-india-vietnam-civilisational-ties-676317.html Hanoi June 5 In yet another significant step towards reinforcing civilisational ties between India and Vietnam a new Buddhist centre was opened in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi In a statement shared on Friday on X the Indian Embassy in Hanoi stated Buddhism is the civilisational bond between the people of India and Vietnam Buddhism has and will continue to play a key role in further strengthening the close friendship between India and Vietnam The Dharma Centre of the Vajrayana Drigung Kagyu Samten Ling was opened in Hanoi on 4 June 2026âThe opening ceremony was graced by Most Venerable Thich Minh Nghiem Abbot of Gian Pagoda and Member of the Central Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha His Eminence Khentrul Khunga Konchok Tenzin Rinpoche other Revered Khenpos Members of the Sangha and believersâ it addedAccording to the Indian Embassy the Dharma Centre will serve as an abode for spirituality and culture while further enhancing the close peopletopeople linkages between the two nationsIndian Ambassador to Vietnam Tshering W Sherpa addressed the gathering with the Indian mission expressing gratitude to the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha for its continued support and partnershipLast month Ambassador Sherpa attended the Vesak Day celebrations at Yen Phu Pagoda in Hanoi During the event he emphasised that the spiritual and philosophical bond of Buddhism continues to influence the relationship between India and Vietnam in the contemporary eraOn May 6 Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that ties between India and Vietnam had been elevated to Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic PartnershipWhile addressing a joint press meet with Vietnamese President To Lam following their talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi PM Modi called Vietnam a key pillar of Indias Act East policy and Vision MahasagarExtending a warm welcome to the Vietnamese President PM Modi said âPresident To Lam of Vietnam started his visit to India from Bodh Gaya This reflects the shared civilisational and spiritual heritage of our two nations Through his visit and our meaningful discussions we are transforming the goodwill between us into concrete outcomesâPM Modi stated that more than 15 crore people had darshan of Buddhist relics when they were exhibited in Vietnam in 2025 He noted that heritage and development hold significance in the IndiaVietnam partnership IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/new-buddhist-centre-inaugurated-in-hanoi-reinforcing-india-vietnam-civilisational-ties-676317.html Fri, 05 Jun 2026 11:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/rising-drug-abuse-moral-decline-fuels-crime-surge-in-bangladesh-676576.html Dhaka June 5 Bangladesh has witnessed a troubling deterioration in social safety indicators with cases of child abuse rape domestic violence and sexual harassment in educational institutions regularly making headlines across the country a report has highlighted Citing social analysts and psychologists Pressenza International Press Agency reported that the terrifying surge in crime is being fuelled by four key factors widespread drug abuse declining moral values weak social oversight and a persistent culture of impunityâThe availability of narcotics in Bangladesh has reached unprecedented levels spreading from urban centres to the remotest rural villages Drugs ranging from Yaba marijuana and Phensedyl to the highly lethal âIceâ crystal meth are currently engulfing a vast segment of the youth and younger populationâ the report detailedAccording to the report the experts warn that drug addiction severely impairs an individualâs judgement and capacity for selfcontrol â fostering a âdistorted and violent mindsetâ within society making women and children the easier targets of abuseIt noted that crime data in Bangladesh suggest that most cases of sexual violence and mugging have a direct or indirect connection to drug abuseThe report highlighted that despite repeated crackdowns by law enforcement agencies the failure to eradicate narcotics stems from the presence of a highly powerful and wellorganised syndicateâThis network involves complicity across various influential strata of society When a criminal enterprise becomes immensely lucrative temporary crackdowns are insufficient to suppress it Breaking this cycle is impossible without deeprooted longterm political will capable of uprooting the network entirelyâ it mentionedâThe most devastating blow has struck the realm of morality Horrific incidents of child sodomy and sexual abuse are coming to light even in spaces traditionally considered the safest for children such as madrasas orphanages residential schools and religious institutionsâ it further statedThe report stressed that no profession or social standing should place the offender above the lawâWhether the perpetrator is a teacher an imam a politician a physician or an ordinary citizen they are solely a criminal in the eyes of the law Society must break away from the culture of shielding criminals behind the cover of power or institutional attireâ it addedHighlighting the wider implications of the persisting cases of child abuse the report said âTo sustain Bangladesh as a safe and humane state the government society families and religious institutions must unite on a single platform Ensuring the safety of children is not the responsibility of a single entity it is a collective moral obligation of the entire society Action must be taken to stand against this social degradation before time runs outâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/rising-drug-abuse-moral-decline-fuels-crime-surge-in-bangladesh-676576.html Fri, 05 Jun 2026 17:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-treasury-secretary-bessent-defends-trumps-economic-agenda-in-heated-hearing-676321.html Washington June 5 US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Thursday vigorously defended President Donald Trumps economic agenda during a contentious House Ways and Means Committee hearing rejecting Democratic criticism over inflation tariffs and the administrations handling of the economy Appearing before the committee to discuss the administrations 2027 budget Bessent argued that Trumps tax trade and deregulation policies were delivering benefits to working Americans while Democrats repeatedly challenged his claims and pointed to rising costs faced by householdsToday his policies are driving lower taxes bigger paychecks and broader prosperity Bessent said in his opening testimonyThe hearing quickly exposed sharp partisan divisions over the state of the US economyCommittee Chairman Jason Smith praised what Republicans call the working families tax cuts saying tax refunds totalled nearly USD 325 billion this filing season and that more than 62 million Americans claimed at least one of Trumps signature tax relief measuresBessent said approximately USD 325 billion in tax relief was delivered this filing season and that the average refund increased by more than 11 per centAccording to the Treasury Secretary approximately 62 million filers claimed at least one of the administrations priorities including no tax on tips no tax on overtime deductions for auto loan interest and relief for seniorsHe told lawmakers that just over 70 percent of those receiving tax cuts earned less than USD 100000 annuallyDemocrats however painted a very different pictureRanking Member Richard E Neal argued that Americans were facing rising costs and weakening economic conditions despite administration promisesWorkers and families are being forced to stretch their dollars further every day Neal saidSeveral Democratic lawmakers linked higher prices to tariffs and the conflict involving Iran citing increases in fuel grocery and household costsRepresentative Judy Chu said gas prices had risen sharply and argued that lowerincome households were bearing the burden of inflationBessent rejected those characterisationsWe have had real wage increases every month since President Trump took office except for the month of April he saidHe also maintained that inflation pressures linked to energy markets would easeWe are experiencing a shortterm elevation of prices due to the Iran conflict that will come down Bessent told lawmakersThe Treasury Secretary repeatedly highlighted what he described as improvements in economic fundamentals including manufacturing investment job creation and privatesector growthThe economy is very strong he said We are creating jobs And importantly Congressman these are jobs for AmericansDemocratic lawmakers pressed Bessent on the matter while the Treasury Secretary repeatedly declined to comment citing ongoing litigation and Justice Department guidanceAt one point exchanges became heated with members talking over one another and accusing political opponents of distorting economic factsBeyond domestic issues Bessent addressed international tax matters saying the administration was pushing back against digital services taxes imposed by foreign governmentsWe are pushing back on these digital service taxes he said They cannot take advantage of our companiesThe hearing came as the Trump administration continues to promote its economic agenda ahead of budget negotiations and amid ongoing debate in Washington over inflation trade policy federal spending and economic growth IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-treasury-secretary-bessent-defends-trumps-economic-agenda-in-heated-hearing-676321.html Fri, 05 Jun 2026 11:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/eu-faces-scrutiny-over-gsp-plus-benefits-to-pakistan-amid-human-right-violations-676581.html Washington June 5 The European Union EU has faced growing criticism for allegedly enabling Pakistans severe abuses of human rights standards since at least 2014 with observers repeatedly warning of the consequences and calling for significant change Brusselsbased organisation Human Rights Without Frontiers HRWF for example described the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus GSPplus status granted to Pakistan as the bad deal between the EU and Pakistan adding that The GSPplus should be suspended as long as there is no substantial human rights progress a report has statedPakistan has failed to demonstrate meaningful progress in implementing international human rights standards since the agreement came into effect in 2014 The countrys Christian community also continues to face serious human rights abuses and is most adversely impacted by the resulting failure Uzay Bulut a Turkish journalist wrote in American media outlet PJ MediaâChristians compose less than two per cent of Pakistans population enduring severe systemic and societal persecution They frequently face mob violence deadly blasphemy laws economic exclusion or exploitation abductions rapes and forced conversions The EU however keeps rewarding the country with a massive economic lifelineâ Bulut highlightedâPakistan has been a significant beneficiary of the European Unions GSPplus since 2014 They are granted dutyfree or preferential tariff access to the EU market for over 66 per cent of its tariff lines However Pakistans government continues to abuse the EUs generosity as well as the basic human rights of its minority citizensâ she addedHighlighting the plight of religious minorities across Pakistan Bulut cited the case of a 14yearold girl who was abducted on May 12 by a married Muslim man Her father and legal counsel alleged that the man forcibly converted her to Islam and married her while exploiting her mental health vulnerabilities to sexually abuse herHer father Abbas Masih a daily wage labourer and member of a local Brethren church in Lahoreâs Gulbahar Colony told Christian Daily InternationalMorning Star News that his daughter Nisha Bibi went missing while working as a domestic helper in a Muslim householdâLegal religious and cultural norms reinforce extreme gender inequality in Pakistan with Christian girls vulnerable to abduction forced conversion and marriageâ Bulut statedExpressing concerns over the persecution of minorities she further said that despite the human rights violations Pakistan continues to significantly benefit from the trading opportunities under the GSP schemeâThe country continues to fail in all those same fields in which it has pledged to make progress human and labour rights as well as good governance particularly when minorities are involvedâ Bulut noted IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/eu-faces-scrutiny-over-gsp-plus-benefits-to-pakistan-amid-human-right-violations-676581.html Fri, 05 Jun 2026 17:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/un-chief-alarmed-by-exchange-of-fire-between-us-iran-676109.html United Nations June 4 UN SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres is alarmed by the reported exchange of fire overnight between the United States and Iran and by reports that Iran has targeted Kuwait and Bahrain his spokesperson has said The UN chief is deeply troubled by reports of civilian casualties spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told a daily briefing on Wednesday local timeThe SecretaryGeneral calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to avoid any further escalation that risks undermining ongoing diplomatic efforts said Dujarric stressing that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries must be fully respectedHe said the secretarygeneral condemns all attacks on civilian infrastructure and recalls that international humanitarian law strictly prohibits the targeting of civilian objects and calls on all parties to uphold their obligations under international law and to take all feasible precautions to protect civilians reports Xinhua news agencyThe SecretaryGeneral reaffirms his full support for all ongoing mediation efforts including those led by Pakistan and urges all parties to engage constructively and in good faith with diplomatic initiatives said the spokespersonMeanwhile Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps IRGC said on Wednesday its navy had targeted a US destroyer in the Gulf of Oman that sought to approach Iranian territorial watersIn a statement published by its official outlet Sepah News the IRGC said its navy tracked US aggressive actions violations of the regulations of the Strait of Hormuz and malicious acts against Iranian commercial vessels in the Gulf of Oman identified the command centre aboard a US destroyer and struck itThe IRGC said its navy is closely watching US and Israeli enemies and will respond instantly to any hostile moveThe US Central Command later denied the claim on the social media platform X saying US military assets at sea continue to operate safely and unimpededSeparately the IRGC denied firing any missile or drone at a passenger terminal at Kuwait International Airport saying the damage to the terminal was caused by a malfunctioning US Patriot missile system according to Sepah NewsEarlier on Wednesday Kuwaiti authorities said one person was killed and dozens of others were injured after ballistic missiles and drones struck civilian and vital facilities across the country including the airport in attacks they attributed to Iran Meanwhile the IRGC confirmed launching missile and drone attacks on US bases in Kuwait and BahrainIran tightened its grip on the Strait of Hormuz beginning February 28 when it barred safe passage of vessels belonging to or affiliated with Israel and the United States following their joint strikes on Iranian territoryThe United States has also imposed a naval blockade on the strait preventing ships travelling to and from Iranian ports from transiting the waterwayThe latest developments came as Iran and the United States have over the past weeks reportedly exchanged several proposed plans outlining conditions for peace through Pakistans mediation and are working to finalise a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the war IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/un-chief-alarmed-by-exchange-of-fire-between-us-iran-676109.html Thu, 04 Jun 2026 09:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/five-countries-elected-non-permanent-members-to-un-security-council-676110.html United Nations June 4 Austria Kyrgyzstan Portugal Trinidad and Tobago and Zimbabwe were elected nonpermanent members of the UN Security Council on Wednesday for a twoyear term The election marked the first time Kyrgyzstan would serve on the Security CouncilThe newly elected members will replace the outgoing nonpermanent members Denmark Greece Pakistan Panama and Somalia and assume their seats on January 1 2027 and serve until December 31 2028A candidate must obtain the support of twothirds of the UN member states present and voting at the General Assembly session in order to secure a nonpermanent seat on the Security Council regardless of whether the candidacy is contested or not A minimum of 129 positive votes is required to win a seat if all 193 member states are present and voting Member states that abstain are considered not votingThere were seven candidates for the five seats available this year Austria Portugal Trinidad and Tobago and Zimbabwe were elected in the first round of voting reports Xinhua news agencyThree more rounds of voting were held before Kyrgyzstan defeated the Philippines in a contested raceThe Security Council has 15 members five of which are permanent Britain China France Russia and the United States The 10 nonpermanent seats of the council are allocated by geographic region with five replaced each yearThe five newly elected countries represent the African AsiaPacific Latin American and Caribbean and Western European and Other groups The Eastern European group is not contesting this year as its seat currently held by Latvia through 2027 comes up for election every other yearThe Security Council is considered the most powerful body of the United Nations The council tasked with maintaining international peace and security can make legally binding decisions and has the power to impose sanctions and authorise the use of force IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/five-countries-elected-non-permanent-members-to-un-security-council-676110.html Thu, 04 Jun 2026 09:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/austria-to-advocate-for-multilateralism-as-unsc-member-president-676111.html Vienna June 4 Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen has said that the country will uphold multilateralism as a member of the United Nations UN Security Council Austria was elected a nonpermanent member of the UN Security Council on Wednesday for a twoyear term and will assume its seat on January 1 2027 and serve until December 31 2028Austria will steadfastly advocate in the UN Security Council for multilateralism based on international law and human rights Van der Bellen said on social platform XCalling for efforts to strengthen the UN he warned that peaceful cooperation between countries is being threatened by arbitrary exercise of power by the stronger parties and ruthless shortsighted interest politicsIn addition to Austria Kyrgyzstan Portugal Trinidad and Tobago and Zimbabwe were also elected nonpermanent members on the same day The newly elected members will replace the outgoing nonpermanent members Denmark Greece Pakistan Panama and Somalia and assume their seats on January 1 2027 and serve until December 31 2028A candidate must obtain the support of twothirds of the UN member states present and voting at the General Assembly session in order to secure a nonpermanent seat on the Security Council regardless of whether the candidacy is contested or not A minimum of 129 positive votes is required to win a seat if all 193 member states are present and voting Member states that abstain are considered not votingThere were seven candidates for the five seats available this year Austria Portugal Trinidad and Tobago and Zimbabwe were elected in the first round of voting reports Xinhua news agencyThree more rounds of voting were held before Kyrgyzstan defeated the Philippines in a contested raceThe Security Council has 15 members five of which are permanent Britain China France Russia and the United States The 10 nonpermanent seats of the council are allocated by geographic region with five replaced each yearThe five newly elected countries represent the African AsiaPacific Latin American and Caribbean and Western European and Other groups The Eastern European group is not contesting this year as its seat currently held by Latvia through 2027 comes up for election every other yearThe Security Council is considered the most powerful body of the United Nations The council tasked with maintaining international peace and security can make legally binding decisions and has the power to impose sanctions and authorise the use of force IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/austria-to-advocate-for-multilateralism-as-unsc-member-president-676111.html Thu, 04 Jun 2026 09:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-to-respond-if-israel-attacks-beirut-talks-with-us-still-ongoing-araghchi-676112.html Tehran June 4 Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has warned that Iran would respond if Israel attacks Beirut saying Tehran has informed all parties that it will not tolerate an assault on the Lebanese capital and that such a move could trigger a return to war In an interview broadcast by Lebanese broadcaster Al Mayadeen on Wednesday local time Araghchi said Irans armed forces are prepared to respond and remain ready to strike Israel if Beirut comes under attackAraghchi accused Israel of violating the ceasefire in both Iran and Lebanon in recent days adding that Iran considers the fate of Lebanon and Iran inseparable in the current conflict and that any ceasefire or settlement must encompass both countries reports Xinhua news agencyHe said communications between Tehran and Washington have continued through exchanged messages though no major progress has been made He added that both sides are reviewing texts that have been exchanged and working toward a final formulationHe reiterated that Iran seeks peace and security based on dignity and honour and does not seek war stressing that Tehran has responded positively to requests for negotiations However he said Irans armed forces are ready to resume military operations at any moment and possess the capability to sustain a long warIran and the United States have over the past weeks reportedly exchanged several proposed plans outlining conditions for peace through Pakistans mediation and are working to finalise a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the warHowever Irans semiofficial Tasnim news agency reported Monday that Tehran had halted the exchange of messages with Washington via mediation in protest against Israels latest actions in Lebanon Hours later US President Donald Trump denied the report saying USIran talks are continuing at a rapid paceEarlier on Wednesday Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps IRGC said it had carried out missile and drone attacks on US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain in retaliation for the overnight US attack on an IRGC communications tower on Irans southern Qeshm Island IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-to-respond-if-israel-attacks-beirut-talks-with-us-still-ongoing-araghchi-676112.html Thu, 04 Jun 2026 09:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/zimbabwean-president-hails-un-security-council-election-victory-676113.html Harare June 4 Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has thanked United Nations member states for overwhelmingly supporting the countrys bid for a United Nations Security Council UNSC nonpermanent seat for the 20272028 term Today Zimbabwe marks a significant diplomatic milestone as the nation has been elected as a nonpermanent member of the United Nations Security Council Mnangagwa said on Wednesday Local timeHe noted that the resounding victory underscores the effectiveness of Zimbabwes engagement and reengagement agenda demonstrating the global communitys confidence in Zimbabwes leadership and commitment to international peace reports Xinhua news agencyAs we assume our seat on the global stage Zimbabwe is poised to contribute meaningfully to international peace security and multilateral cooperation championing a fairer and more equitable global order while amplifying Africas voice Mnangagwa saidAustria Kyrgyzstan Portugal Trinidad and Tobago and Zimbabwe were elected nonpermanent members to the UNSC on Wednesday for a twoyear term Zimbabwes election to the UNSC marks the countrys third time on the powerful body having previously served as a nonpermanent member in 19831984 and 19911992 The newly elected members will replace the outgoing nonpermanent members Denmark Greece Pakistan Panama and Somalia and assume their seats on January 1 2027 and serve until December 31 2028A candidate must obtain the support of twothirds of the UN member states present and voting at the General Assembly session in order to secure a nonpermanent seat on the Security Council regardless of whether the candidacy is contested or not A minimum of 129 positive votes is required to win a seat if all 193 member states are present and voting Member states that abstain are considered not votingThere were seven candidates for the five seats available this year Austria Portugal Trinidad and Tobago and Zimbabwe were elected in the first round of voting reports Xinhua news agencyThree more rounds of voting were held before Kyrgyzstan defeated the Philippines in a contested raceThe Security Council has 15 members five of which are permanent Britain China France Russia and the United States The 10 nonpermanent seats of the council are allocated by geographic region with five replaced each yearThe five newly elected countries represent the African AsiaPacific Latin American and Caribbean and Western European and Other groups The Eastern European group is not contesting this year as its seat currently held by Latvia through 2027 comes up for election every other yearThe Security Council is considered the most powerful body of the United Nations The council tasked with maintaining international peace and security can make legally binding decisions and has the power to impose sanctions and authorise the use of force IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/zimbabwean-president-hails-un-security-council-election-victory-676113.html Thu, 04 Jun 2026 09:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/over-1-000-aid-pallets-enter-gaza-un-humanitarians-676114.html United Nations June 4 Despite significant delays introduced at a new Israeli checkpoint aid partners collected more than 1000 pallets of essential supplies for Gaza in one day UN humanitarians have said The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs OCHA on Wednesday local time said the pallets collected at the Kerem ShalomKarem Abu Salem crossing on Tuesday included hygiene kits tarpaulins blankets and medicineOCHA said convoys travelling to Kerem ShalomKarem Abu Salem to collect humanitarian cargo through the newly established southern Gaza checkpoint are still experiencing significant delaysYesterday Tuesday congestion at the new checkpoint prevented six fuel tankers from reaching Kerem Shalom which significantly reduced the volume of fuel that could be collected from the crossing OCHA said A steady flow of fuel is critical to keep hospitals desalination plants and other lifesustaining services running in the absence of a functioning electricity gridThe Kerem ShalomKarem Abu Salem crossing is the sole access point for humanitarian cargo into Gaza reports Xinhua news agencyOn the health front OCHA said that during the last two weeks of May nearly 100 patients and more than 130 caregivers evacuated Gaza through the Kerem ShalomKarem Abu Salem and Rafah crossings with support from the World Health Organization and partnersHowever the office said that thousands of patients many suffering from lifechanging injuries still require specialised medical care not available in Gaza Referral pathways to medical facilities in the West Bank including East Jerusalem remain blocked by the Israeli authoritiesScaling up health services in Gaza is urgently needed and this requires facilitating the entry of more critical equipment and medical supplies OCHA saidHumanitarian partners focusing on water reported that the overall water production in Gaza dropped by about 20 per cent in May compared with two months earlier largely due to shortages of chemicals and spare partsOCHA called once again for the sustained entry of spare parts pumps pipes engine oils and water treatment chemicals to ensure water and other critical services reach people in need across Gaza IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/over-1-000-aid-pallets-enter-gaza-un-humanitarians-676114.html Thu, 04 Jun 2026 09:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-us-ties-rebounding-after-tough-2025-ex-diplomat-nisha-biswal-676116.html Washington June 4 India and the United States have succeeded in stabilising their relationship after a difficult period in 2025 but rebuilding trust and restoring the ambition that characterised the partnership in recent years will take time former senior US diplomat Nisha Desai Biswal has said Speaking in an exclusive interview with IANS Biswal said Secretary of State Marco Rubios recent visit to India helped reinforce ongoing cooperation but did not fundamentally alter some of the underlying tensions that remain between the two countriesWhat I would say is you know weve seen USIndia relations kind of climb back after a very tough 2025 Biswal said And theres been I think concerted efforts by both sides to kinda improve the relationship and stabilise the relationshipShe said Rubios trip continued that trajectory of ensuring that there is strength and stability in the US India relationship However she cautioned that some areas of concern remain unresolvedFor example I think that there is some concern in India you know the USPakistan relationship and how the US is engaging with Pakistan I dont know that Secretary Rubio was able to materially address those concerns she saidDespite those concerns Biswal said the foundations of the relationship remain strong and cooperation continues to deepen across several strategic sectorsI think that there are many many areas where the US and India are gonna continue to do strong solid work to deepen our ties she said citing critical minerals digital technologies and the TRUST partnership among areas where cooperation is expandingAccording to Biswal one of the strongest drivers of convergence is the emerging competition over technology and digital infrastructureI think that we have deep convergence on the kind of emerging dichotomy in the technology and AI and digital infrastructure space she said She added that the United States India Europe and Japan would continue to work together on technology critical supply chains pharmaceuticals and other sensitive sectorsBiswal rejected suggestions that recent developments had undone decades of progress in bilateral tiesI would say that its undone I would say that you know the ambition on how high the relationship can go in the current context that has changed she saidThe aspiration is to stabilise the relationship and maintain the things that have been built up and keep those moving forward But whether the relationship can break new ground go higher create more ambition and aspiration I think that theres some hesitation there and theres some erosion of trust thereOn trade negotiations Biswal expressed confidence that both sides were approaching a breakthroughI do think that they are in the final stretches she said So Im confident that well have a trade agreement in in the near future She added that a firstphase agreement could pave the way for addressing broader issues involving manufacturing digital ecosystems and nontariff barriersBiswal served as Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs from 2013 to 2017 and oversaw the USIndia strategic partnership during a period of significant expansion She currently serves as a partner at The Asia Group and advises companies on geopolitical and economic developments across the IndoPacificThe United States and India have expanded cooperation over the past two decades across defence trade critical technologies energy and peopletopeople ties The relationship has increasingly been viewed in Washington and New Delhi as a key pillar of stability in the IndoPacific regionBoth countries are also members of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue which focuses on promoting a free open and inclusive IndoPacific amid growing strategic competition in the region IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-us-ties-rebounding-after-tough-2025-ex-diplomat-nisha-biswal-676116.html Thu, 04 Jun 2026 09:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/24-million-people-need-humanitarian-aid-across-sahel-un-676118.html United Nations June 4 Some 24 million people across the Sahel region need humanitarian assistance a UN spokesperson has said Speaking to reporters at a daily briefing on Wednesday local time Stephane Dujarric spokesperson for the UN secretarygeneral said this years Humanitarian Needs and Response Overview warns that the crisis is deepening across Burkina Faso Chad Mali Niger northern Cameroon and northeast NigeriaViolence continues to spread across the region with armed groups expanding their presence across the Central Sahel and the Lake Chad Basin he said The insecurity has displaced communities and forced the closure of schools and health facilities reports Xinhua news agencyClimate shocks are further worsening the situation Dujarric said noting that the Sahel is warming faster than the global average In 2025 alone floods affected about 590000 people while recurring droughts and advancing desertification have damaged farmland and threatened the livelihoods of millionsIn response the United Nations and its humanitarian partners are expanding cashassistance programs strengthening anticipatory action and increasing support for local organisations to help communities better cope with growing needs he said Additionally UN SecretaryGeneral spokesperson Stephane Dujarric on Wednesday announced that nearly 5 million people or one in two people across 12 governmentcontrolled areas in Yemen experienced high levels of acute food insecurity between March and May this year Citing the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification analysis Dujarric stated that to tackle the situation the Food and Agriculture Organization the World Food Programme and the United Nations Childrens Fund jointly called on the international community to urgently scale up funding for humanitarian food assistance nutrition services health agriculture and resilience programmingBetween June and September this year an estimated 54 million people living in the governmentcontrolled areas including Aden Hadramawt Marib and Taiz are projected to face high levels of acute food insecurity Dujarric saidThe agencies warned that without immediate sustained and scaledup action millions of vulnerable people risk falling deeper into hunger malnutrition and irreversible livelihood loss the spokesperson noted Dujarric added that the United Nations and its humanitarian partners published the 2026 Yemen Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan in March seeking 216 billion US dollars to provide lifesaving humanitarian assistance to 12 million people across Yemen IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/24-million-people-need-humanitarian-aid-across-sahel-un-676118.html Thu, 04 Jun 2026 09:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/nasa-ends-decade-long-mars-mission-after-spacecraft-loss-676121.html Los Angeles June 4 The Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution MAVEN NASAs first mission devoted to observing the Martian atmosphere and its evolution has officially come to an end after losing contact with its spacecraft last December the agency has announced Blasting off on November 18 2013 the spacecraft entered Mars orbit on September 21 2014 Originally designed for a oneyear primary mission the spacecraft operated at the Red Planet for more than 11 years and exceeded its planned mission life by more than a decade according to NASAThe spacecraft was last heard on December 6 2025 when it experienced an unexpected loss of signal after it passed behind Mars reports Xinhua news agencyNASA convened an anomaly review board in February to evaluate recovery efforts and assess the spacecrafts conditionThe review board has determined that the MAVEN spacecraft is not recoverable and it is no longer capable of performing its science and data relay mission which is consistent with the mission teams findings NASA said on Wednesday Local timePreliminary findings suggest the spacecraft entered a highrate rotation after passing behind Mars disrupting its orbit trajectory and eventually draining its batteries The resulting loss of power to the communications system left MAVEN unable to contact EarthThe agency noted that the root cause of the anomaly remains under investigation and a final report is expected later this yearNASA has begun the formal process of decommissioning the mission following standard procedures to archive the full mission dataset for the science and exploration communitiesThe science MAVEN has given us is key to informing what kind of radiation protection and safety measures we must take before sending humans to Mars said Louise Prockter director of the Planetary Science Division at NASA Headquarters in Washington IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/nasa-ends-decade-long-mars-mission-after-spacecraft-loss-676121.html Thu, 04 Jun 2026 09:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/australia-commits-funding-to-support-ebola-response-676129.html Canberra June 4 The Australian government on Thursday committed funding to support the global response to the Ebola outbreak in Central Africa and prevent the spread of the disease Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong and Minister for International Development Anne Aly said in a joint statement that Australia will provide 5 million Australian dollars around 36 million US dollars to the initiativeAustralias funding directed through the International Federation of the Red Cross and the World Health Organization WHO will provide vital medical care and supplies water and sanitation services support outbreak surveillance and preparedness and strengthen local health systems the statement readThere have been 344 confirmed cases of the disease and 60 deaths in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as well as 15 cases and one death in Uganda in the ongoing outbreak according to the WHO reports Xinhua news agency The WHO said at a press conference in Geneva on Wednesday that with concerted efforts and coordination the response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo DRC is catching upWHO DirectorGeneral Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus who just returned from a visit to the DRC said he was very encouraged by the level of commitment he saw in the country What I saw gave me hope although challenges remainTedros said that in the DRC 344 cases have been confirmed including 60 deaths in 24 health zones across three provinces while the number of suspected cases has been reduced to 116 from over 1000 last weekTedros said WHOs risk assessment remains unchanged very high at the national level high at the regional level and low at the global level The outbreak had a big head start and were still behind but under the leadership of the Government of DRC we are catching up he saidNonetheless Tedros noted several challenges which include scaling up laboratory and diagnostic capacity to reduce delays in case confirmation and support faster response decisions contact tracing in the DRC travel restrictions that are disrupting supply chains and hindering the response community mistrust and the fact that there are currently no licensed vaccines or specific therapeutics for the Bundibugyo ebolavirus strain IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/australia-commits-funding-to-support-ebola-response-676129.html Thu, 04 Jun 2026 10:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-meets-venezuelas-acting-prez-rodriguez-discusses-strengthening-bilateral-ties-676150.html New Delhi June 4 External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar on Thursday called on Venezuelas Acting President Delcy Rodriguez in New Delhi appreciating her sustained commitment to strengthening the partnership between India and Venezuela The EAM expressed hope that Rodriguezs meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi would further enhance the bilateral cooperationFollowing the meeting EAM Jaishankar took to X and said Pleased to call on Acting President Delcy Rodriguez of Venezuela in New Delhi today Deeply value her longstanding commitment to the IndiaVenezuela relationship Her meeting with PM Narendra Modi will further strengthen our cooperationLater in the day Rodriguez will hold a meeting with PM Modi with discussions involving the full spectrum of IndiaâVenezuela relations and exploring avenues for further cooperation in areas of energy security trade and investment pharmaceuticals health care transportation and renewable energyRodriguez arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday for a fiveday visit to India aimed at further deepening ties between the two nationsA warm welcome to Acting President Delcy RodrÃguez of Venezuela on her arrival in New Delhi During her visit Acting President Delcy Rodriguez will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi The visit will further deepen IndiaâVenezuela ties and build on the momentum in the bilateral partnership the Ministry of External Affairs MEA posted on XAccording to the MEA the Venezuelan delegation accompanying Rodrigues will visit several sites connected with energy pharmaceuticals and auto sectors to gain insights into Indias technological and industrial capabilities and to explore opportunities for collaborationIndia has been an important partner of Venezuela in the areas of energy and investment Indian PSUs have made significant investments in Venezuela in the energy sector and they are keen to explore opportunities for further enhancing their presence the MEA statedIndia and Venezuela enjoy warm and friendly relations underpinned by cooperation in the energy sector trade and shared commitment to the Global South The visit is expected to further strengthen bilateral ties and deepen engagement between the two countries across diverse sectors the MEA mentionedRodriguez was sworn in as Venezuelas interim president on January 5 after the US attacked the South American nation and captured President Nicolas Maduro and his wife IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-meets-venezuelas-acting-prez-rodriguez-discusses-strengthening-bilateral-ties-676150.html Thu, 04 Jun 2026 12:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-banking-on-graffiti-and-propaganda-to-sustain-anti-india-campaign-intel-676154.html New Delhi June 4 Post Operation Sindoor Pakistan has indulged in multiple misadventures in India The idea is to overcome the shame and humiliation that Pakistan especially Field Marshal Asim Munir had endured during the operation that was carried out to avenge the Pahalgam terror attack The infiltrations have virtually dried up and multiple modules have been busted This has forced Islamabad to change track and indulge in soft terror in India An Intelligence Bureau official said that Pakistan apart from focusing on a fake propaganda campaign is now trying to heavily radicalise and recruit youth to carry out a graffiti war in IndiaThe main agenda is to highlight a nonexistent group called the TehreekeTaliban Hindustan TTH The larger idea is to link the TTH to the TehreekeTaliban Pakistan and pass it off as an Indiacreated outfit The official said that the ISI is looking to recruit scores of youth and instruct them to paint graffiti at important locations The graffiti would highlight the TTH and Indiaâs role in its creation The graffiti would also focus on the Kashmir and Khalistan issues with the message that India is an aggressorFurther there would be a heavy emphasis on promoting false narratives about Indiaâs human rights record It is part of the soft terror policy that Pakistan wants to indulge in another official said The idea is to have such graffiti appear at regular intervals across multiple locations The main intention is to set up a narrative against the Narendra Modi government This campaign is not about bombing properties or attacking them with guns This is to attack the mindset of the youth particularly those in colleges who are impressionable Such graffiti could lead to many youth questioning the Indian state and this could lead to protests and violence the official addedOfficials say that the focus of the ISI is on the border states They are looking to recruit youth from these states and instruct them to engage in a graffiti war These youth are paid small sums of money to carry out the job There is a special focus on those youth who are drug addicts the official addedThese people need money and would not think twice before carrying out such tasks Painting graffiti does not look like a heinous crime and this is why such youth end up biting the bait In reality if such graffiti comes up at regular intervals and at various locations such as railway stations college buildings government offices and bus stands it does create a sense of panic This is the larger goal that the ISI wants to achieve in India officials sayAnother official warned that the focus in the months to come would be heavy on amplifying the TTH The official said that while one part of the strategy is to create panic the other is to cover the Pakistan armyâs back In Pakistan the security forces have been facing huge losses at the hands of the TTP They have wreaked havoc on the security forces and this has led to many being on the retreat Asim Munir is also under pressure from his own people about the TTP This led to the creation of a nonexistent group called the TTH and Pakistan wants to pass this off as a subsidiary of the TTPMunir has been aggressively pushing the narrative that the TTP has the backing of the Indian agencies He wants to show that India is the aggressor and hence has unleashed the TTP on Pakistan The same tactic was used in Afghanistan where the Pakistanis accused the Afghan Taliban without proof that the TTP was being backed by them Munir used this as an excuse to go to war with AfghanistanOutfits such as the TTP and Balochistan Liberation Army BLA have not just been detrimental to the Pakistani security forces Several Chinese investments have come under attack and pressure from Beijing is only increasing by the day An official said that all these factors have hurt Pakistan badly and hence it wants to run a fake campaign by indulging in a graffiti war to show that India is behind all the attacks that have taken place in recent monthsMeanwhile the agencies are keeping a close watch on recruitment activities in the bordering states The agencies have managed to bust underworldlinked terror modules several spying rings and also an operation in which solarpowered CCTV cameras were being installed at key locations to allow the ISI live access With these plans failing the ISI hopes it could win the battle against India by indulging in fake narrative campaigns and a graffiti war the official also said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-banking-on-graffiti-and-propaganda-to-sustain-anti-india-campaign-intel-676154.html Thu, 04 Jun 2026 12:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/taiwan-president-lai-ching-te-demands-china-to-face-up-to-tiananmen-square-past-676164.html Taipei June 4 Taiwanese President Lai Chingte on Thursday demanded that China face up to the Tiananmen Square Massacre on its 37th anniversary and acknowledge the loss of lives caused by Beijings Army in response to peoples fight to express their opinions freely In his statement shared on Facebook he expressed hope that China initiates reconciliation and dialogue where people can freely express their views and people of different stances and generations can participate in public decisionmakingRecalling the incident he said Thirtyseven years is enough time for a baby to grow into an adult start a family and embark on their own path to success But 37 years ago today thousands of young people in the prime of their lives full of ideals and aspirations were mercilessly shot and crushed by the army and tanks on the streets of Beijing Tiananmen Square and throughout ChinaThose who were shot and crushed back then were not only the lives and youth of those who participated in the democracy movement but also the aspirations and practices of an entire generation in China for freedom and democracy he addedLai Chingte stressed that the strength of a democratic nation does not depend on grand narratives or topdown dominant themes but it comes from the diverse views of its people and their united will He stressed that a sound government and society should make efforts to support the next generation enabling them to live better lives than they did instead of using violence surveillance or other means to stifle their dreams and erase their opinionsA truly great nation should not be obsessed with powerful ships and cannons or engage in militarism but should be tolerant of different voices protect the peoples right to pursue their dreams and have the courage to face the wounds of history Lai Chingte said in a statement posted on FacebookI sincerely hope that China can face up to the June Fourth Incident 37 years ago acknowledge the truth heal the wounds and initiate reconciliation and dialogue that people can freely express their opinions and that people of different generations and with different stances can participate in public decisionmaking In particular the voices of the younger generation should be heard because their vision for the future is the driving force for a countrys continued progress he addedIn the statement Lai said that Taiwan will continue to stand with those who strive for freedom and democracy until the truth is revealed and until no one has to sacrifice their lives for seeking freedomRecalling his discussion last week with highschool students the President said that their views made him hopeful for Taiwanâs futureThe events leading to the Tiananmen Massacre began in April 1989 when students workers and others gathered peacefully in Beijingâs Tiananmen Square calling for free expression democratic reform and an end to corruption On June 4 of that year the Chinese army opened fire on protesters and bystanders in BeijingThe Chinese government has never provided a full public accounting of the death toll Governments rights organisations and activists around the world continue to mark the anniversary each year and call for greater transparency about the events of 1989 IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/taiwan-president-lai-ching-te-demands-china-to-face-up-to-tiananmen-square-past-676164.html Thu, 04 Jun 2026 14:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/delhi-police-identify-nine-of-12-foreigners-killed-in-malviya-nagar-fire-676166.html New Delhi June 4 IANS The Delhi Police have identified nine of the 12 foreign nationals who lost their lives in the Malviya Nagar fire incidentnbspTwentyone people died in the tragic fire at the Hotel Flourish Stays in Malviya Nagar Of these 21 nine were Indians while 12 were foreigners from countries such as Bangladesh Liberia Nigeria and MozambiquenbspThe Delhi Police have sent a list of all foreign nationals to the Ministry of External Affairs to assist in the repatriation of their bodies to their home countries according to the officialsThe identification of these foreign nationals was based on the passports found at the scene of the incidentnbspThe police have completed DNA profiling for all the foreign nationals involved This profiling was conducted after receiving permission from the embassies of their respective countriesnbspOfficials further stated that postmortem examinations on the bodies of all foreign nationals were performed with authorisation from their respective embassiesThe blaze affected the basement ground floor and the other 5 floors of the building with heat and smoke damage while an investigation into the incident is ongoing according to the Delhi Fire ServicesnbspThe fire erupted during the early morning hours and quickly spread through several levels of the multistorey buildingnbspnbspRescue teams managed to evacuate 47 people from the building while 26 injured individuals continue to receive treatment at various hospitals across the citynbspMeanwhile the Delhi Police have arrested Lavkesh Bajaj the owner of the hotel building where the fatal fire broke out on Wednesday Bajaj was taken into custody hours after authorities launched a search operation to trace him and his wife against whom a Look Out Circular LOC had earlier been issuedThe arrest comes as investigators probe alleged safety violations regulatory lapses and possible negligence that may have contributed to the scale of the tragedy Authorities are examining whether mandatory fire safety measures were in place and whether the property was operating in accordance with legal requirementsThe Municipal Corporation of Delhi MCD currently governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party BJP has also assured strict action against those found responsiblenbspAccording to officials action against those found guilty is expected within a week of the reports submissionnbspPolice have registered a case under provisions related to culpable homicide and other relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita BNS Investigators are focusing on allegations that serious negligence and violations of safety regulations may have played a role in the high casualty countIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/delhi-police-identify-nine-of-12-foreigners-killed-in-malviya-nagar-fire-676166.html Thu, 04 Jun 2026 14:15:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/after-canada-shift-khalistan-groups-find-new-platform-in-azerbaijan-676174.html New Delhi June 4 Justin Trudeauâs exit as Canadian Prime Minister marked a significant turning point in IndiaCanada relations During Trudeauâs tenure bilateral ties had deteriorated considerably largely due to differences over the Khalistan issue India had repeatedly urged Canada to act against proKhalistan elements operating from its soil but these concerns were often not addressed with Trudeau facing domestic political constraints Under Prime Minister Mark Carney however both India and Canada have recognised the issue and acknowledged the need to address itMore importantly both India and Canada increasingly view Khalistani extremism as a threat to their national security This changing assessment has prompted Khalistanlinked groups to alter their strategy Instead of operating primarily from Canada they are now seeking to expand their activities across multiple countries and are increasingly relying on pressure groups and think tanks to amplify their narrative Among the organisations drawing attention in this context is the Baku Initiative Group BIG a think tank backed by AzerbaijanThe BIG has traditionally centred its activities around anticolonial narratives In recent years however it has increasingly organised largescale events that provide a platform for separatist causes This aligns with the objectives of Khalistan groups which continue to advocate for the creation of a separate Khalistan state carved out of PunjabAccording to an official this reflects a calculated shift in strategy by Khalistan elements Faced with mounting pressure from India these groups are seeking new avenues to sustain their activities having realised that countries such as Canada the United States and the United Kingdom can no longer be viewed as safe havensKhalistanlinked groups are increasingly working with the BIG to amplify their demands on international platforms âThis collaboration forms part of a broader global strategy aimed at keeping the Khalistan movement relevant and visibleâ an official saidAs part of these efforts an event titled âThe Baku Conference Racism and Violence Against Sikhs and Other National Minorities in India The Realities on the Groundâ was held in Baku on January 16Global Khalistani figures from Canada the US and the UK were in attendance along with Ramesh Singh Arora the Minister for Human Rights and Minority Affairs for Pakistanâs Punjab Province All those who attended the conference observed a moment of silence for slain terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar Further this thinktank has also published papers such as âThe Khalistan Movement Past Roots Global Dimensions and Modern LandscapeâOfficials say âThese publications are circulated in international networks The aim is to widen the reach of the Khalistan movement and drum up an antiIndia narrative Disinfo Lab a group of researchers who investigate Infowarfare and Psywar has amplified this newfound bonhomie in detailâIt also refers to a conference titled June 1984 Amritsar Events Indiaâs Transnational Repression Against Ethnic Minorities in the Context of Genocide The event was hosted at the same venue in Baku where the January 16 conference had taken place Notably Azerbaijan has only a very small Sikh population making the choice of venue particularly significantAccording to Disinfo Lab the hosting of international conferences on alleged Sikh genocide by a country with virtually no Sikh community points to a broader statebacked agenda rather than a purely humanitarian concern The report further argues that the emerging PakistanAzerbaijanTurkey axis plays a significant role in these developments It notes that both Baku and Islamabad view Armenia as an adversary and have experienced tensions in their relations with IndiaThe BIG was established on July 6 2023 at the initiative of Air Centre an Azerbaijani think tank The first agenda was to speak out against French colonialism BIGâs copublisher is the Sikh Federation International SFI In March 2026 the SFIâs legal counsel Prabjot Singh drafted a joint report in which he referred to Nijjar as an activist He also demanded sanctions on Indiaâs Intelligence chiefs while calling for Indiaâs INTERPOL Red Corner Notices against Khalistani operatives to be treated as persecutionAn Intelligence Bureau official said that Khalistanlinked groups appear to be recalibrating their strategy in response to changing circumstances In countries such as Canada these groups have often been associated with incidents of violence By aligning with organisations such as BIG they are attempting to present a different image of the movement on international platforms According to the official the emphasis is increasingly being placed on claims of persecution and on raising what they describe as human rights concerns relating to SikhsâThese efforts bear the hallmarks of a strategy backed and coordinated by Pakistanâ the official saidIslamabad has been regularly engaging with Azerbaijan in recent years Pakistanâs Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif recently flew to Baku for the World Urban Forum and set up a joint working group on trade and investment Pakistan backs Azerbaijan against Armenia in the OIC In turn Azerbaijan backs Pakistan by condemning India as it did post Operation Sindoor Pakistan also gets Bakuâs backing on the Kashmir issueAnother official says that Azerbaijan appears to be making the same mistake that the UK and Canada had committedThe Khalistan elements are adept at infiltration They usually begin by building a narrative around the alleged persecution of Sikhs in India Over time they seek to penetrate political systems as was seen in Canada The official said that these countries need to view the issue in a broader context Such elements comprising terrorists and gangsters eventually establish narcotics and extortion networks in the countries they infiltrate âAzerbaijan is the latest destination in this effortâ the official added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/after-canada-shift-khalistan-groups-find-new-platform-in-azerbaijan-676174.html Thu, 04 Jun 2026 14:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/people-in-karachi-protest-over-delayed-justice-for-gul-plaza-fire-victims-676178.html Islamabad June 4 The Human Rights Council HRC of Pakistan staged a protest outside the Karachi Press Club demanding justice for the victims and the 84 affected families of the Gul Plaza fire tragedy According to the rights body during the protest held on Wednesday speakers expressed grave concern over the nondisclosure of the judicial commission report submitted to the Sindh provincial government on the incidentThey highlighted that despite the report being complete it has yet to be made public The protestors strongly urged the Chief Minister of Sindh to immediately release the report to ensure transparency and accountability the HRC of Pakistan notedThe protest led by HRC Pakistan Chairman Jamshed Hussain and Mehboob Noonari President of HRC Sindh brought together civil society representatives human rights activists and members of the aggrieved familiesThe demonstrators demanded strict and decisive action against the individuals and institutions whose negligence led to the disasterThey sharply criticised several critical failures including delays in the provision of water during firefighting operations utter negligence by the Sindh Building Control Authority SBCA in enforcing building safety codes and fire safety regulations and the highly irresponsible conduct of Chief Fire Officer Humayun KhanThe protestors also demanded the immediate removal of Chief Fire Officer Humayun Khan from his post in light of the commissions findingsHighlighting the prolonged wait for justice by the affected families the HRC of Pakistan called on the government of Sindh to take immediate legal action against the responsible elementsThe demonstration concluded with a renewed demand for justice transparent accountability and the strict enforcement of building safety laws to prevent such tragedies in the future it notedThe Gul Plaza tragedy that occurred on January 17 this year claimed dozens of lives The incident triggered public outrage with people slamming the Sindh government and the Karachi mayor for the delayed actionReports suggest that the judicial commission set up to probe the Gul Plaza tragedy submitted its report to the Sindh provincial government in April however the findings have not been made public for unknown reasonsCiting official sources the Pakistani daily Express Tribune reported that the findings highlighted inadequate fire safety arrangements at Gul Plaza as well as several factors that hampered rescue operations These reportedly included encroachments around the building regular traffic congestion on MA Jinnah Road and Green Line project construction work in front of the building all of which impeded emergency response operationsStressing that the judicial commissions report should be released immediately Muttahida Qaumi MovementPakistan MQMP Deputy Parliamentary Leader Taha Ahmed Khan said This is not merely a procedural matter but a matter of human lives People were burned alive families were destroyed and those who lost their loved ones have the right to know what happened and who is responsible Keeping the report confidential creates the impression that the Sindh government failed seriously in preventing the tragedy IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/people-in-karachi-protest-over-delayed-justice-for-gul-plaza-fire-victims-676178.html Thu, 04 Jun 2026 15:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-senators-press-dhs-on-h-1b-fee-for-rural-doctors-675975.html Washington June 3 US senators from both parties raised concerns about the impact of a 100000 H1B visa fee on rural hospitals pressing Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to consider relief for foreign doctors recruited to underserved communities During a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on the Department of Homeland Securitys fiscal year 2027 budget request Senator Susan Collins of Maine raised the issue of difficulties that the rural healthcare providers face in attracting specialised medical professionalsCollins told the hearing that a hospital in Presque Isle a rural community in northern Maine recently had to pay the fee to secure a muchneeded surgeon from overseas She argued that medical providers serving remote areas should be treated differently from employers recruiting highly skilled workers in sectors with larger domestic labour poolsWould you be willing to consider carving out an exemption for medical professionals from this fee when a community can demonstrate that there is not a medical professional available Collins askedMullin acknowledged the challenge and said the department was willing to examine possible solutions although he cautioned that creating a broad exemption could prove difficult under existing rulesWe do have some authority and flexibility to be able to waive some of this on a case by case Mullin saidThe Homeland Security Secretary said DHS had received about 286000 H1B applications so far in fiscal year 2026 According to Mullin more than 200000 applicants opted to pay the 100000 fee because it allows applications to be processed more quicklyIn fact when we do that were able to process them in about 15 days he said adding that applicants seeking exemptions or alternative pathways often face waits of around seven and a half monthsMullin said the department would be willing to work with lawmakers on possible changesWere happy to look into it look at language try to get it better because I agree From a very rural area I understand how hard it is to get doctors he saidCollins argued that healthcare staffing shortages present a different challenge from workforce needs in technology hubsI would suggest that theres a huge difference between bringing in a computer expert from another country to work in wealthy California and Silicon Valley versus a much needed surgeon to work at a rural hospital in northern Maine she saidThe discussion later broadened to other employmentbased visa programmes Collins also urged DHS to explore reforms to the H2B seasonal worker visa system including possible exemptions for returning workers and employers with strong compliance records Mullin said he was open to streamlining the process but noted that some changes would require congressional action IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-senators-press-dhs-on-h-1b-fee-for-rural-doctors-675975.html Wed, 03 Jun 2026 08:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/visa-delays-threaten-us-doctor-shortage-senator-warns-675976.html Washington June 3 Hundreds of foreigntrained doctors could be forced to leave the United States because of delays in processing J1 visa waivers worsening physician shortages in rural communities Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has warned In a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr the New York Democrat said an administrative backlog at the Department of Health and Human Services HHS is preventing qualified international medical graduates from taking up jobs at hospitals across the country including in some of New Yorks most underserved areasâThe current administrative bottleneck within the Office of Global Affairs OGA is preventing hundreds of qualified foreigntrained physicians from beginning their service around the United States including at healthcare facilities in some of New Yorkâs most rural and medically underserved areasâ Gillibrand wroteThe issue could have particular significance for India which is one of the largest sources of international medical graduates working in the United StatesGillibrand said New York relies heavily on overseastrained physicians to fill staffing gaps especially in rural communities struggling to recruit doctorsâInternational medical graduates are absolutely critical to New Yorkâs physician workforce especially in rural areas of our stateâ she said âNew Yorkâs healthcare providers cannot afford to lose qualified doctors to administrative red tapeâAccording to the senator international medical graduates account for more than onethird of New Yorks physician workforce a higher proportion than in nearly every other stateShe cited a 2025 report showing severe healthcare shortages across rural New YorkâA 2025 report highlights that 16 of the stateâs rural counties face alarming gaps in care with several counties lacking even a single pediatrician or OBGYN On average these counties have only four primary care physicians per 10000 residents which is less than half the statewide ratioâ Gillibrand wroteHospitals in those communities often depend on the J1 visa waiver programme which allows foreign physicians to remain in the United States if they agree to work in federally designated Health Professional Shortage AreasGillibrand said monthslong delays in processing waiver recommendations are preventing doctors from beginning work and creating uncertainty for hospitals planning staffing levels for the coming yearâMy office has received multiple reports from New York hospitals and constituent physicians who have received employment offers from major hospital systems but have remained in administrative limbo for months without clear guidance from HHSâ she wroteâThese administrative hurdles are not merely inconvenient they threaten the stability of our healthcare system and the wellbeing of New Yorkers who face delays in treatment or an inability to access care altogetherâThe senator warned that the delays are becoming increasingly urgent because many physicians completing residency programmes face a July 30 deadline to avoid being required to return to their home countriesâIf their waivers are not recommended by HHS in time for subsequent processing by the State Department and US Citizenship and Immigration Services these doctors may be forced to leave the country and New Yorkers will bear the consequencesâ she wroteGillibrand also noted that HHS had informed her office in April that the Office of Global Affairs was processing a large volume of applications while implementing procedural improvements However she said the agency had not provided a timetable for resolving the backlogShe asked HHS to provide answers by June 15 on the number of pending applications processing times and whether expedited reviews would be considered for physicians with contracts in highneed areasThe J1 visa waiver programme has long served as a pipeline for international medical graduates willing to work in medically underserved parts of the United States Many rural hospitals rely on the programme to recruit physicians in primary care and other hardtofill specialties IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/visa-delays-threaten-us-doctor-shortage-senator-warns-675976.html Wed, 03 Jun 2026 08:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-lawmaker-flags-china-linked-car-security-risk-675977.html Washington June 3 A senior US lawmaker has raised concerns over a Commerce Department decision allowing a foreign automaker with significant ties to China to continue selling and producing connected vehicles in the United States This could expose sensitive data undermine national security safeguards and create loopholes in restrictions aimed at keeping Chinese technology out of the American auto market Representative Debbie Dingell a Michigan Democrat warnedIn a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick he questioned a recent authorisation granted by the Office of Information and Communications Technology and Services OICTS despite the administrations connected vehicle security restrictionsThe Department of Commerce finalized these rules because connected vehicle technologies present clear national security risks Dingell wroteShe said modern connected vehicles are capable of collecting and transmitting large amounts of sensitive information including geolocation data driving patterns infrastructure mapping operational diagnostics and personal consumer informationThese systems can enable remote access to vehicle functions As the Department itself recognized these technologies are vulnerable to exploitation by our adversaries and could be leveraged for surveillance intelligence gathering or disruption of critical infrastructure she saidDingell argued that the authorisation appears to create a pathway for companies with substantial ownership operational or governance ties to the Peoples Republic of China PRC to continue accessing the US market despite the intent of the connected vehicle ruleThis authorization appears to create a pathway for entities with substantial ownership operational or governance ties to the PRC to continue accessing our market despite the intent of the underlying connected vehicle rule she wroteThe congresswoman said Congress and successive administrations have recognised that Chinese companies operate under laws that can compel cooperation with Beijing and its intelligence servicesThese concerns cannot be mitigated simply through corporate restructuring branding distinctions or supply chain adjustments she addedDingell also warned that existing waiver and authorisation processes could weaken the effectiveness of the rule if exemptions are granted to companies linked to ChinaThe decision also raises broader concerns about whether existing authorization and waiver processes may inadvertently create loopholes that undermine the effectiveness of the rule she wroteIf entities tied to the PRC are permitted to continue operating in our market through exemptions or special authorizations it risks weakening the very protections the rule was designed to establishBeyond security concerns Dingell said Chinas automotive industry benefits from extensive state support industrial overcapacity unfair trade and labor practices and distorted market conditions that threaten the longterm competitiveness of the US auto sectorWe cannot afford to repeat the mistakes that allowed critical manufacturing sectors to be hollowed out through unfair competition and foreign subsidization she wroteThe lawmaker requested a briefing from the Commerce Department on the basis for the authorisation and its implications for implementation and enforcement of the connected vehicle rule She asked what criteria were used to determine that the approval would not pose a national security risk what safeguards were imposed on the company and what coordination occurred with intelligence and national security agencies before the decision was madeDingell also sought clarification on whether similar authorisations could be granted to other entities linked to foreign adversaries and how the department plans to prevent companies from circumventing restrictions through corporate affiliations joint ventures licensing arrangements or indirect ownership structuresThe issue is being closely watched by the global automotive industry as vehicles become increasingly connected through software sensors and data networks Concerns about data security supply chains and foreign influence have become central to policy debates in major markets including the United States and Europe IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-lawmaker-flags-china-linked-car-security-risk-675977.html Wed, 03 Jun 2026 08:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-lawmakers-seek-h-1b-relief-for-foreign-teachers-675978.html Washington June 3 Concerns over the impact of a 100000 H1B visa fee extended beyond healthcare and into education as lawmakers urged the Department of Homeland Security to consider relief for foreign teachers recruited to work in remote and underserved communities During a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on the Department of Homeland Securitys fiscal year 2027 budget request Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska said school districts in rural areas face challenges similar to those confronting hospitals trying to recruit doctors from overseasWhile the hearings primary discussion on employmentbased visas focused on doctors and healthcare shortages Murkowski signalled that educators are facing many of the same workforce pressures particularly in isolated communities where local recruitment has proved difficultIll follow up with you about the issue that I raised previously with regards to H1B visas for teachers Murkowski told Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin near the end of the hearing I know Senator Collins raised it for medical professionals but were really anxious about this as school districts are looking to bring on and hire more of our teachersThe remarks came after a separate exchange between Mullin and Senator Susan Collins who pressed the administration to consider exemptions for doctors serving rural hospitals that struggle to recruit qualified medical professionalsDuring that discussion Mullin acknowledged concerns about staffing shortages in remote communities and said DHS was willing to examine possible solutionsWe do have some authority and flexibility to be able to waive some of this on a case by case Mullin saidHe added that the department was open to reviewing proposals aimed at improving the systemWere happy to look into it look at language try to get it better Mullin said during the exchange on visa feesAlthough Murkowski did not provide specific examples during the hearing Alaskas remote communities have long relied on recruiting educators from outside the state to address shortages in schools serving sparsely populated regionsThe H1B visa programme allows US employers to hire foreign professionals in specialised occupations requiring advanced skills or education While the programme is most commonly associated with technology workers it is also used by educational institutions healthcare providers and research organisations IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-lawmakers-seek-h-1b-relief-for-foreign-teachers-675978.html Wed, 03 Jun 2026 08:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/blue-economy-seen-as-key-to-us-security-675979.html Washington June 3 The United States must strengthen its fisheries maritime infrastructure shipbuilding capacity and workforce development to remain competitive in the rapidly expanding global blue economy lawmakers and industry leaders told a Senate hearing At a Congressional hearing on âThe Blue Economy Advancing American Fisheries Maritime Industry and Coastal Economiesâ Sen Dan Sullivan said Americaâs oceans coasts and waterways are central to economic growth food security and national defenceâThe blue economy encompasses the industries activities and of course the communities that rely on our oceans coasts Great Lakes to create economic opportunities support jobs strengthen national security and sustain coastal communitiesâ Sullivan said He noted that in 2022 the sector generated more than 470 billion in goods and services and supported 24 million jobsSullivan said commercial fisheries maritime transportation ports tourism and recreation were all critical pillars of the sector He described seafood competitiveness as both âeconomic security and even national securityâ and warned that illegal unreported and unregulated fishing continued to threaten global fish stocks and fair competitionSen Lisa Blunt Rochester the ranking member highlighted the importance of coastal economies to states across the country She said Delawareâs coastal economy supports more than 100000 jobs and generates over 22 billion in economic output However she criticised proposed cuts to federal maritime and coastal programmes arguing they would undermine economic growth and sustainable developmentWitnesses repeatedly stressed that investment in workforce development would be essential for future growthTommy Sheridan director of the Alaska Blue Economy Center at the University of Alaska Fairbanks warned that many coastal communities were losing young families because of economic stagnation and rising costsâWhen families leave coastal Alaska we dont just lose a line on a census report We lose a classroom We lose a volunteer firefighter We lose our futureâ Sheridan said He urged Congress to invest in STEM education fisheries science workforce development and innovationJeremy Woodrow executive director of the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute said Alaska seafood reached more than 90 countries and played an important role in global food security But he warned that American producers faced intense competition from foreign rivals especially Russia along with growing tariff and regulatory challengesâAlaska seafood tells a uniquely American story one of stewardship resilience and leadershipâ Woodrow said calling for continued federal support for science infrastructure and market developmentNathan Wardwell a hydrographic surveying specialist argued that mapping Americaâs waters was fundamental to commerce navigation and national security He said 46 per cent of US coastal ocean and Great Lakes waters remained unmapped to modern standards while 62 per cent of Alaskaâs waters lacked modern mappingâThe blue economy cannot function without hydrographic servicesâ Wardwell said âHydrographic data is not a government overhead cost It is the infrastructure the blue economy is built onâClay Hale of Crowley Maritime Corporation defended the centuryold Jones Act saying it remained essential to supporting American shipbuilding maritime jobs and military readiness He warned that prolonged waivers allowing foreign vessels to operate in domestic trade routes could discourage investment and weaken the US maritime industryThe hearing reflected growing bipartisan concern over Americaâs maritime competitiveness as policymakers seek to counter expanding Chinese and Russian influence in global shipping fisheries and port infrastructure IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/blue-economy-seen-as-key-to-us-security-675979.html Wed, 03 Jun 2026 08:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-dhs-chief-clashes-with-democrats-on-court-rulings-675981.html Washington June 3 US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin repeatedly clashed with Democratic senators over immigration enforcement court orders and the rule of law exposing deep divisions over the Trump administrations handling of border security and deportation policies The sharpest exchange came during a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing when Senator Christopher Murphy of Connecticut questioned whether the Department of Homeland Security would comply with federal court rulings that found agency actions unlawfulMurphy accused DHS of operating outside legal boundaries and cited a federal court decision involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement ICEICE has likely violated more court orders in January 2026 than some federal agencies have violated in their entire existence Murphy said referring to a ruling by a Republicanappointed judgeThe senator argued that Congress faced difficulty funding an agency that was repeatedly being challenged in courtThis is a really important discussion for us to have because this is whether you want to believe it or not at the root of our disagreement is that it is very hard for us to figure out how to fund an agency that is violating the law Murphy saidSeeking a direct commitment Murphy asked whether DHS would comply with court orders when judges determined that agency actions were unlawful or unconstitutionalMullin rejected accusations that DHS was acting illegally and defended the departments enforcement effortsI will tell you that we will never break the Constitution and were not going to break the law but were going to enforce our nations laws he saidThe exchange intensified when Murphy pressed the Secretary to answer whether DHS would implement court orders regardless of political considerationsIf we didnt think courts were politicised then I would probably be able to answer that Mullin said But we see courts over and over again that use their bench for their political opinion not just the rule of lawMurphy warned that selective compliance with judicial decisions could undermine the countrys constitutional frameworkOur federal system falls apart if you are telling me that administrations can ignore court orders because they disagree with them he arguedMullin maintained that DHS would continue enforcing laws passed by Congress and insisted that some lowercourt decisions were later overturned by higher courtsWere going to enforce the law and never break the Constitution he said repeatedly throughout the hearingThe hearing comes as the Trump administration continues an aggressive immigration enforcement agenda that has triggered numerous legal challenges across federal courts Immigration policies deportation procedures and detention practices have become central issues in ongoing battles between the administration states advocacy groups and the judiciary IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-dhs-chief-clashes-with-democrats-on-court-rulings-675981.html Wed, 03 Jun 2026 08:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/chinas-belt-and-road-initiative-faces-new-us-pushback-675982.html Washington June 3 Two Republican lawmakers have introduced legislation aimed at countering Chinas Belt and Road Initiative BRI arguing that Beijing is using infrastructure financing and investment deals to expand its economic and strategic influence around the world Congressman Scott Fitzgerald of Wisconsin and Congressman Zach Nunn of Iowa on Tuesday unveiled the Thwarting Regional Adversary Investments Now TRAIN Act and the Build Responsible Infrastructure Development for the Global Economy BRIDGE ActThe measures seek to strengthen the US response to what the lawmakers described as Chinas growing use of economic leverage through overseas investments loans and infrastructure projectsChina has turned the Belt and Road Initiative into a weapon of economic coercion building leverage through debt controlling critical infrastructure and pulling countries deeper into Beijings orbit Fitzgerald saidThe TRAIN Act helps countries avoid walking into those traps in the first place and the BRIDGE Act ensures the United States is better positioned to address this challenge he addedAccording to Fitzgeralds office the TRAIN Act would direct the State Department to assist partner governments that are not considered adversarial in analysing and mitigating legal and financial risks before accepting investment or lending from China or other foreign adversariesThe lawmakers said the effort is intended to help countries better evaluate the longterm implications of infrastructure financing and investment arrangementsThe BRIDGE Act would establish it as US policy to counter efforts by the Peoples Republic of China and the Chinese Communist Party to create what the legislation describes as an integrated economic and political order under Beijings leadership that could threaten US national security foreign policy and economic interestsUnder the proposal the Secretary of State working with the Secretary of Commerce the chief executive officer of the US International Development Finance Corporation and other agencies would be required to submit a report to Congress within 180 days assessing Chinas use of BRI to advance its global objectivesThe legislation comes amid continuing debate in Washington over how to respond to Chinas expanding economic footprint in developing countriesFitzgeralds office noted that more than 150 countries and 32 international organisations have signed cooperation documents linked to the Belt and Road Initiative since its launch The programme spans regions including subSaharan Africa Europe and Central Asia and East Asia and the PacificAccording to the lawmakers BRI engagement in 2025 reached an estimated 2135 billion in construction contracts and investments while cumulative engagement since 2013 is approaching 14 trillionNunn argued that the issue carries direct economic consequences for American workers and exportersChina has spent decades buying up the ports power grids and trade routes of developing nations trapping them in debt and rigging the global market in their favor he saidThat hits Iowa directly our farmers and manufacturers compete to feed and supply the world and they cant win on a field Beijing is tilting in their own favorHe said the legislation would provide a coordinated wholeofgovernment strategy to counter Chinas investtocontrol strategy of economic coercion help partner nations walk away from a bad deal with Beijing and keep the playing field fair for IowaThe lawmakers said the bills form part of a broader legislative effort to address Chinas growing economic and strategic influence with additional measures expected in the coming daysChina launched the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013 as a global infrastructure and connectivity programme linking Asia Africa Europe and other regions through ports railways highways energy projects and industrial investments Beijing has described the initiative as a platform for development and economic cooperationThe Belt and Road Initiative has also become a major point of strategic competition between the United States and China Washington and its allies have increasingly promoted alternative infrastructure financing mechanisms including the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment and projects supported by the US International Development Finance Corporation as they seek to offer developing countries financing options beyond Chinesebacked investments IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/chinas-belt-and-road-initiative-faces-new-us-pushback-675982.html Wed, 03 Jun 2026 08:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-prepares-massive-security-operation-for-2026-world-cup-dhs-chief-says-675983.html Washington June 3 Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said Tuesday that US authorities are preparing for an unprecedented security operation ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup describing the tournament as 78 Super Bowls in 38 days as millions of fans are expected to travel across North America for the event During Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on the Department of Homeland Securitys fiscal year 2027 budget request lawmakers questioned the departments readiness to secure one of the largest sporting events in historySenator Bill Hagerty of Tennessee noted that the tournament would bring millions of visitors to the United States beginning later this month and asked what steps DHS was taking to ensure public safety amid growing global security concernsHow are we going to protect our homeland given the fact Hagerty askedMullin said extensive planning was already underway involving federal state and local authoritiesIve learned more about it than I ever have in my life when it comes to football or soccer what we call it here in the US Mullin told lawmakersThe Secretary said the World Cup presented a unique security challenge because of the number of matches venues and visitors involvedThe fact that I got to inherit this is pretty neat he said before describing the scale of preparationsAccording to Mullin DHS is working closely with local governments and law enforcement agencies across host cities to secure venues and manage crowdsWe are going to be prepared and were working every single day on it and were locking down stadiums with sweeps were pushing out perimeters were killing choke points creating traffic control he saidHe added that authorities were coordinating extensively with state and local partnersWere working with the states And every city were working in they have cooperated with us even in sanctuary cities because I think all of us want to highlight the greatness of the United States during this World Cup Mullin saidSumming up the scale of the task the Secretary remarked We have 78 Super Bowls in 38 days and hopefully well pull it off with complete safetyMullin acknowledged that previous government shutdowns had complicated some planning efforts but insisted DHS remained fully focused on ensuring the tournament proceeds without major security incidentsThe 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States Canada and Mexico and is expected to be the largest edition of the tournament ever staged The expanded competition will feature 48 teams and a record number of matches spread across multiple cities in North AmericaThe tournament is expected to attract millions of international visitors and generate billions of dollars in economic activity US federal agencies including DHS the FBI Customs and Border Protection the Secret Service and local law enforcement departments have been developing security plans for years to address potential threats ranging from terrorism and cyberattacks to crowd management and transportation disruptions IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-prepares-massive-security-operation-for-2026-world-cup-dhs-chief-says-675983.html Wed, 03 Jun 2026 08:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/forced-labour-import-curbs-us-proposes-up-to-125-pc-tariff-on-60-countries-including-india-675999.html Washington June 3 The United States Trade Representative USTR under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 has proposed to impose an additional up to 125 per cent tariff on India and 59 other economies over allegations of using forced labour to produce imported goods In a statement USTR claimed that 60 economies have failed to enforce rules against imported goods made via forced labourUnder Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 that the acts policies and practices of 60 economies related to the failure to impose and effectively enforce a prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labor is unreasonable and burdens or restricts US commerce and are thus actionable under Section 301b of the Trade Act the statement readAmbassador Jamieson Greer said the failure of âour most important trading partners to address the importation of goods made with forced labor is unacceptableââThis creates a dynamic where American workers are forced to compete globally on an unlevel playing fieldâ Greer addedâWe will no longer tolerate this disparity Some trading partners have taken initial steps to prevent the importation of forced labor goods including through USMCA and commitments in Agreements on Reciprocal Trade However each of our trading partners must do more to ensure that trade does not perversely encourage and entrench forced labor globallyâ he mentionedFor economies that impose a forced labour import prohibition that have committed to impose and enforce such a prohibition through an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade or economies that have imposed a partial regime with the effect of preventing the importation of certain forced labour goods the US Trade Representative proposes 10 as the rate of additional dutiesFor all other economies the US Trade Representative proposes 125 per cent as the rate of additional dutyThe USTR also proposes a textile mechanism that would allow for a certain volume of apparel and textile imports from certain economies to enter the United States at a reduced Section 301 tariff rate said the statementThe USTR will hold hearings about the proposed actions on July 7 2026 IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/forced-labour-import-curbs-us-proposes-up-to-125-pc-tariff-on-60-countries-including-india-675999.html Wed, 03 Jun 2026 11:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistans-punjab-govt-employees-battle-rising-expenses-amid-inflation-676013.html Islamabad June 3 Leaders of the All Government Employees Grand Alliance AGEGA Punjab have said that the soaring inflation in Pakistan has reduced the purchasing power of government employees making it difficult for them to manage household expenses from their limited incomes according to local media reports on Wednesday In a joint statement AGEGA leadership stated that provincial government employees especially those in Punjab and other provinces have not yet received the 30 per cent disparity allowance announced in the Federal Budget 202526 Pakistans daily The Express Tribune reported They stated that Punjab governments recent amendments to leave encashment rules have deprived employees of substantial leave encashment benefits which they receive after retirementThe alliance alleged that retired and serving employees of Punjab are facing reductions in pension gratuity and leave encashment benefits They urged Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to announce measures for government employees in the Federal Budget 202627They have called for extension of the 30 per cent disparity allowance announced in the Federal Budget 202526 to employees of all provinces an additional 15 per cent increase and the withdrawal of pension reforms The Express Tribune reportedIn addition they have demanded merger of all ad hoc relief allowances into the basic pay scale and a comprehensive revision of pay structures a rise of at least 50 per cent in salaries and pensions as per the current inflation and a minimum fivefold hike in house rent medical and conveyance allowancesEarlier in May the Human Rights Council HRC of Pakistan strongly condemned the recent increase in petroleum product prices in the country calling it a âdirect assaultâ on the publicThe remarks came after the Pakistani government again increased the petrol prices by Pakistani Rs1492 per litre and those of highspeed diesel HSD by Pakistani Rupees PKR 15 per litreAccording to the Petroleum Divisionâs press release the revised rates â PKR 41478 per litre for petrol and PKR 41458 for HSD â came into effect on SaturdayâThis increase is not merely a change in numbers but a direct assault on the daily lives of millions of poor workingclass and middleclass families For the people already crushed under the burdens of inflation unemployment and low income this decision is intolerable When fuel becomes expensive its not just vehicles that come to a halt the prices of flour lentils vegetables milk medicines and other essentials also start touching the skiesâ the HRC of Pakistan statedâThis decision is proving to be particularly devastating for rickshaw drivers daily wage labourers transport workers students and the whitecollar class The poor man is now not only under economic pressure but also grappling with severe mental stress helplessness and fear of the futureâ it addedThe rights body called on the Pakistani authorities to immediately reverse the increase in the petroleum product prices and provide urgent relief to the public by reducing the unnecessary privileges enjoyed by the elite class IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistans-punjab-govt-employees-battle-rising-expenses-amid-inflation-676013.html Wed, 03 Jun 2026 13:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-engaged-with-us-on-section-301-proceedings-and-bilateral-trade-talks-govt-676017.html New Delhi June 3 IANS India remains engaged with the US on the Section 301 proceedings announced by Washington and is also parallelly engaged with the US for finalisation of a framework agreement on bilateral trade as was announced on February 2 this year and in accordance with the joint statement released on February 7 the Commerce Ministry said on WednesdaynbspThe Commerce Ministry explained that the United States Trade Representative USTR has concluded investigations against 60 economies including India regarding measures these economies have taken to prevent the import of goodsAs a result the USTR has proposed imposing additional tariffs on imports from the 60 economies under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974 Products covered under section 232 tariffs and certain other products are excluded from these tariff proposals A special mechanism has also been proposed for textile and apparel products that could allow a certain volume of imports from selected economies to enter the US at lower tariff ratesAs per the report the proposed tariffs are not yet final and stakeholders can submit requests to participate in public hearings by June 22 2026 Written comments can be submitted until July 6 2026 Public hearings will be held on July 7 The USTR will consider the comments and testimony received before taking a final decision on the proposed measures the statement saidSenior officials from India and the United States currently holding a threeday round of talks in New Delhi to finalise the interim bilateral trade agreement that is expected to lead to a reduction in tariffsThe February 7 IndiaUS joint statement established the framework for a historic interim trade agreement to achieve mutually beneficial reciprocal trade while committing both nations to broader Bilateral Trade Agreement BTA negotiationsThe US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said recently that the US was looking forward to completing the details of a new bilateral trade agreement with India that will expand market access reduce barriers and create greater certainty for businesses on both sidesIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-engaged-with-us-on-section-301-proceedings-and-bilateral-trade-talks-govt-676017.html Wed, 03 Jun 2026 14:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pm-modi-meets-nepals-ruling-rsp-chief-rabi-lamichhane-says-looking-forward-to-close-cooperation-676020.html New Delhi June 3 IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Nepals ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party RSP chief Rabi Lamichhane and welcomed his interest in collaborating closely with India for a shared and prosperous future for both nationsIn a post on X PM Modi said Delighted to meet the Chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party of Nepal Mr Rabi Lamichhane I welcome and fully share his desire to work closely together for a shared and prosperous futureNepal is a priority partner under our Neighbourhood First policy and we look forward to collaborating with the new government to elevate the special and multifaceted relationship between our two countries to greater heights he addedEarlier on Tuesday Union Home Minister Amit Shah interacted with a Nepalese delegation led by RSP chief Rabi Lamichhane reaffirming the commitment to enhance ties between the two countriesIn a post on X the Union Home Ministry said Union Home Minister Amit Shah with the Nepalese delegation led by Rabi Lamichhane Rastriya Swatantra Party RSP Chairman in New Delhi todayThe Home Minister congratulated Lamichhane on RSPs victory in the elections and conveyed Indias best wishes for the success of the new government Both sides expressed their firm resolve to work together for enhancing the special ties between India and Nepal the Union Home Ministry addedFollowing the meeting Lamichhane said It was a pleasure meeting with Indias Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji during my visit to New Delhi We held a constructive dialogue on strengthening the NepalIndia relationship enhancing security cooperation and fostering greater collaboration between our parties to promote democratic values and mutual interestsThe Nepalese delegation also met Bharatiya Janata Party BJP President Nitin Nabin on Tuesday who shared an overview of the partys ideological foundations and Prime Minister Narendra Modis governance modelAs part of the Know BJP initiative Nabin welcomed the delegation and shared insights on the partys organisational structure and its approach to public engagementNabin emphasised the deeprooted and historic ties between India and Nepal describing the relationship as one built on shared civilisational heritage cultural affinity and strong peopletopeople connectionsNabin also discussed the growing influence of Generation Z in politicsBoth sides exchanged views on the role of young people in shaping democratic participation influencing public discourse and emerging as future political leadersIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pm-modi-meets-nepals-ruling-rsp-chief-rabi-lamichhane-says-looking-forward-to-close-cooperation-676020.html Wed, 03 Jun 2026 14:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bnm-condemns-military-siege-by-pakistani-forces-in-balochistans-mashkai-flags-humanitarian-concerns-676029.html Quetta June 3 The Baloch National Movement BNM strongly condemned the strict curfew imposed by Pakistani forces in the Mashkai area of Balochistanâs Awaran district where residents have been confined to their homes for the past two weeks under what it described as a âmilitary siege In a statement the BNM said that markets shops hospitals and educational institutions remain closed with people unable to leave their residences for their daily livelihood activitiesThe group added that in Gajjar village and other small bazaars the military occasionally allows limited opening for only one hour a day under its supervisionâDuring this short window only nearby residents are able to purchase essential food supplies while people from distant villages remain deprived and face severe difficulties in accessing basic necessitiesâ it addedThe BNM accused the Pakistani military of summoning residents of small towns and villages to military camps in the morning and detaining them until evening where they were allegedly subjected to mental and physical tortureIt further said that even during the recent Eid celebrations people were not permitted to leave their homes for essential shoppingAccording to the BNM in the last year alone over 20 people were killed in Mashkai by the Pakistani military after being called to camps or taken into custody and subjected to torture while several others were arrested and killed after detention this year as wellHighlighting the brutality of the Pakistani authorities the group said that after arresting and killing Baloch civilians their bodies are desecrated and in some cases burned in an attempt to destroy evidence and spread fearThe BNM warned the international human rights organisations that failure to take notice of the undeclared curfew in Mashkai and other areas of Balochistan could further worsen the humanitarian crisisIt also called on Baloch political and human rights activists to raise their voices on social media using the hashtag MashkaiUnderSiege to draw global attention to the dire situation in the regionMeanwhile human rights organisation Baloch Voice for Justice BVJ raised serious concern over Pakistani military operations across several regions in Balochistan including Zehri Kalat Mastung and Quetta amid allegations of drone strikes in civilian areas and casualtiesAccording to the BVJ the arrest and alleged enforced disappearance of several individuals including Sardar Naseer Ahmed Moosiani and his sons Zehri Khan and Khalil Ahmed as well as curfew in Mashkai have further heightened tensions and concern across the provinceThe rights body called on the United Nations and international human rights organisations to examine the situation and ensure that allegations of human rights violations in Balochistan are properly investigated IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bnm-condemns-military-siege-by-pakistani-forces-in-balochistans-mashkai-flags-humanitarian-concerns-676029.html Wed, 03 Jun 2026 15:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/cease-such-attacks-india-strongly-condemns-attack-on-kuwait-airport-that-killed-indian-national-676078.html New Delhi June 3 IANS India on Wednesday strongly condemned the attack on Kuwait International Airport which resulted in the death of one Indian national and injured several others New Delhi also reiterated its call to not target civilian population civilian infrastructure and urged parties to stop such attacksnbspWe condemn the attack on the Kuwait International Airport today in which an Indian national has died and several of our nationals are injured Since the onset of the conflict in West Asia we have strongly urged that civilian population and civilian infrastructure must not be targeted We again call upon parties to cease such attacks read a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs MEAOffering condolences to the families of the victims the MEA assured that the Indian Embassy is extending all possible assistance to those injurednbspWe remain in close contact with local authorities for the welfare of Indian nationals Indian Missions and Posts across the region are on alert and continue to proactively support our community the statement addednbspEarlier the Embassy of India in Kuwait confirmed the death of an Indian national in the attack carried out on Kuwait International AirportnbspEmbassy of India in Kuwait expresses its deepest condolences at the tragic demise of an Indian national due to an attack on the airport in Kuwait today The Embassy is in touch with the bereaved family and is closely coordinating with the Kuwaiti authorities to render all possible support and assistance to the bereaved family as well as those injured in the incident it wrote on XKuwaits Ministry of Foreign Affairs also expressed the countrys condemnation and denunciation in the strongest terms of the brutal and ongoing Iranian attacks using ballistic missiles and drones targeting once again civilian and vital facilities including Kuwait International Airport resulting in the death of one individual injuries to others and damage to vital facilities including diplomatic missionsnbspThe Ministry affirms the State of Kuwaits categorical rejection of Irans overt aggressive attacks which lead to increased escalation heightened tension and undermine the security and stability of the region constituting a flagrant violation of the rules of international law the United Nations Charter and Security Council Resolution 2817 of 2026 read a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign AffairsAccording to the official spokesperson for Kuwaits Ministry of Health a comprehensive health mobilization has been in place since the first hours of the brutal Iranian aggression against the State of Kuwait with 63 injury cases received and seven major emergency surgeries performednbspThe health system continues to enhance its readiness around the clock it statednbspKuwaits Ministry of Defence official spokesman Brigadier General Saud Abdulaziz AlOtaibi stated that armed forces are monitoring the situation in coordination with the relevant authorities and expressed readiness to deal with any developmentsIn a statement posted on X Kuwait Army stated The Official Spokesman for the Ministry of Defense Brigadier General Saud Abdulaziz AlOtaibi stated that a number of hostile drones targeted today the passenger building T1 at Kuwait International Airport as a result of the criminal Iranian aggression which resulted in significant material damage to the building and injuries to a number of individuals who received the necessary medical careHe affirmed that the armed forces are monitoring the situation in coordination with the relevant authorities and they are in a state of complete readiness to deal with any developments and to take all necessary measures to preserve the security of the country and its stability it addedIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/cease-such-attacks-india-strongly-condemns-attack-on-kuwait-airport-that-killed-indian-national-676078.html Wed, 03 Jun 2026 19:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bjp-chief-nitin-nabin-meets-delegates-of-nepals-rastriya-swatantra-party--675974.html New Delhi June 2 IANS BJP National President Nitin Nabin on Tuesday interacted with a delegation of Nepals ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party RSP led by Rabi Lamichhane sharing an overview of the partys ideological foundations and Prime Minister Narendra Modis governance modelAs part of the Know BJP initiative Nabin welcomed the delegation and shared insights on the partys organisational structure and its approach to public engagementHe explained how the party functions from the national level down to the booth level highlighting the crucial role played by BJP workers in maintaining continuous contact with citizens and addressing issues at the grassrootsNabin emphasised the deeprooted and historic ties between India and Nepal describing the relationship as one built on shared civilizational heritage cultural affinity and strong peopletopeople connectionsHe said such interactions play an important role in strengthening democratic dialogue and fostering closer engagement between political parties in the two neighbouring countriesThe RSP delegation expressed interest in understanding the BJPs membership process candidate selection mechanism and methods of identifying and nurturing grassroots leadershipResponding to their queries Nabin explained that the BJPs organisational strength stems from sustained public outreach boothlevel engagement and active participation of ordinary citizens in the democratic processThe BJP president also highlighted the governance model under PM Modi stating that development public service good governance and effective welfare delivery remain central pillars of the partys political and governance philosophyNabin also discussed the growing influence of Generation Z in politics Both sides exchanged views on the role of young people in shaping democratic participation influencing public discourse and emerging as future political leadersThe meeting was attended by several senior BJP leaders including Arun Singh Member of Parliament Sanjay Jaiswal Member of Parliament Bansuri Swaraj and Vijay ChauthaiwaleAs part of their visit the Nepalese delegation toured the BJP Media Centre and the partys Central Library gaining insights into the partys communication and knowledgemanagement systemsThe interaction concluded with a lunch meeting attended by several prominent BJP leaders including Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta Members of Parliament Manoj Tiwari Ramvir Singh Bidhuri and Praveen Khandelwal and Union Minister of State and Delhi BJP chief Harsh MalhotraThe meeting is being viewed as part of the BJPs broader efforts to engage with political parties and democratic institutions across South Asia while showcasing its organisational model and governance experience through the Know BJP initiativeIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bjp-chief-nitin-nabin-meets-delegates-of-nepals-rastriya-swatantra-party--675974.html Tue, 02 Jun 2026 17:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pm-modi-reaffirms-indias-readiness-to-support-peace-and-dialogue-in-myanmar-675840.html New Delhi June 1 IANS India and Myanmar on Monday decided to advance bilateral ties and collaborate further in areas of trade investment connectivity development partnership capacity building security and border management In the extensive discussions held at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing agreed to further deepen the bilateral ties between both neighbouring nationsnbspDuring the meeting PM Modi reiterated Indias readiness to support peace and dialogue in Myanmar including by sharing federal governance and economic growth experiencesPM Narendra held wideranging discussions with President U Min Aung Hlaing of Myanmar on further deepening IndiaMyanmar bilateral ties Anchored in the enduring historic and peopletopeople relationship both sides agreed to advance IndiaMyanmar partnership for peace progress and prosperity and to further collaborate in areas of trade investment connectivity development partnership capacity building security and border management the Ministry of External Affairs MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on XPM conveyed that India remains Myanmars trusted neighbour a reliable partner and steadfast first responder in times of crisis in line with Indias Neighbourhood First Act East and MAHASAGAR policies PM reaffirmed Indias readiness to support peace and dialogue in Myanmar including by sharing federal governance and economic growth experiences he addedLater in the day President U Min Aung Hlaing will meet President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan He is also scheduled to visit The Light and the Lotus Relics of the Awakened One cultural exposition at Raipithora cultural complex in the capitalThis is President U Min Aung Hlaings first visit to India after assuming office He is also scheduled to travel to Mumbai for business interactions and site visits For his visit he is accompanied by a highlevel delegation comprising several cabinet ministers senior officials and business leadersOn Sunday National Security Advisor NSA Ajit Doval called on President Hlaing in New Delhi On May 30 External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar had also called on U Min Aung Hlaing and expressed appreciation for his positive sentiment towards deepening bilateral cooperationPresident U Min Aung Hlaing began his fiveday visit to India by offering prayers at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bihars Bodh Gaya on SaturdayMyanmar lies at the confluence of Indias Neighbourhood First Act East and MAHASAGAR policies The official visit of President U Min Aung Hlaing to India is expected to further strengthen and deepen the multifaceted relations between the two countries the MEA statedIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pm-modi-reaffirms-indias-readiness-to-support-peace-and-dialogue-in-myanmar-675840.html Mon, 01 Jun 2026 15:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/german-fm-expresses-great-concern-over-israeli-advance-in-southern-lebanon-675849.html Berlin June 1 German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul expressed great concern over the further advance of the Israeli army in southern Lebanon urging all conflict parties to immediately cease hostilities and return to an agreed ceasefire In a statement Wadephul noted that while the Israeli military action is a reaction to ongoing attacks by Hezbollah on northern Israel any further escalation will aggravate an already tense situation and trigger new waves of displacement within LebanonIf civilians are the ones who pay the price of a military escalation and parts of Lebanon become permanently uninhabitable it will not make Israels neighborhood safer in the long term he saidThe Israel Defense Forces IDF on Sunday said it had captured Beaufort Castle after entering the Beaufort Ridge and Wadi alSaluki areas in southern LebanonAccording to the IDF the operation is focused on establishing operational control over the Beaufort Ridge and the Wadi alSaluki area as well as degrading Hezbollahs capabilities in the regionLast night our heroic fighters captured the Beaufort Castle They proudly raised the flag of the State of Israel and the flag of the Golani Brigade there Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on SundayI remind you that 44 years ago this place was a symbol of a heroic battle by our fighters but it was also a symbol of deep division among us Today we returned to Beaufort differently We returned united determined and stronger than ever he addedAccording to the IDF Hezbollah directed military and combat activities from the Beaufort Ridge and carried out numerous attacks from the areaPrime Minister Netanyahu also said he had instructed the IDF to expand its incursion into LebanonOur forces have crossed the Litani River They took dominant terrain They captured the Beaufort Ridge And now my instruction is to deepen and expand our hold on places that were under Hezbollahs control Netanyahu saidHe also described the capture of Beaufort as a dramatic stage and a significant shift in the policy being pursued by his government IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/german-fm-expresses-great-concern-over-israeli-advance-in-southern-lebanon-675849.html Mon, 01 Jun 2026 16:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/thousands-affected-by-blackouts-after-damaging-storms-hit-australia-675851.html Sydney June 1 Tens of thousands of homes in Western Australia WA have been hit by blackouts after severe storms swept across the state over the weekend damaging properties and power lines The stateowned Western Power said that around 70000 customers in WA including in the capital of Perth were without electricity as of Monday morning following damaging storms that hit the southern half of the state on Saturday and SundayWind speeds exceeding 100 kilometers per hour were recorded across south and southwest WA amid 24 hours of severe storm activity that caused widespread damage and floodingThe State Emergency Service said it had received around 700 calls for assistance as of Monday morning most of which related to roof damage structural damage and fallen trees Authorities said on Monday that no injuries had been reportedAn apartment building in the coastal western Perth suburb of Cottesloe had its roof torn off the Department of Fire and Emergency Services said and nearby residents have been warned to stay indoorsAn 11yearold boy who was reported missing from Perths western suburbs on Saturday evening was found safe and well on Sunday morning police saidWestern Power estimated that most electricity outages would be resolved by Monday night local time Xinhua news agency reportedCyclonestrength winds were recorded in some areas including Cape Naturaliste where there was a gust of 135 kilometres per hourWestern Power is working to restore power to 69000 customers who have been cut off across WA with more than 250 stormrelated outages in the South WestWestern Power estimated most outages would be resolved by around 630pm but said the restoration effort would be an enormous taskThere are about 1300 incidents weâve got on the network at the moment so itâs definitely not a small event Western Powers head of operational maintenance Brett Hovingh saidThere are reports of fallen trees power lines and debris on the roads across Perth and the southern and western coastlines and Main Roads is urging motorists to drive with caution IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/thousands-affected-by-blackouts-after-damaging-storms-hit-australia-675851.html Mon, 01 Jun 2026 16:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/deadly-blast-in-myanmar-village-kills-55-rescue-ops-on-675852.html Yangon June 1 At least 55 people were killed and several were injured after a powerful explosion ripped through a village in Myanmars Shan State local media reported on Monday A rebel armed group stated that the incident was caused by the accidental detonation of materials allegedly stored for mining purposesThe blast occurred around noon on Sunday in Kaung Tat village located in Namhkam Township near Myanmars border with China The area is currently under the control of the Taang National Liberation Army TNLA which has been engaged in a longrunning conflict with Myanmars military governmentAccording to media reports the explosion caused extensive devastation across the village and resulted in a significant loss of life Local sources cited by the BBC said that at least 55 people were killed in the incident including 25 women and 30 menRescue and recovery efforts continued throughout the day and into the evening Emergency teams combed through the debris in search of survivors while also retrieving bodies trapped beneath collapsed buildings and damaged structuresLocal media reports indicated that more than 100 houses were damaged in the blast with entire sections of the village affected by the powerful explosion Several buildings were reportedly reduced to rubble leaving many families displaced and in urgent need of assistanceIn a statement shared through Telegram the political wing of the TNLA the Palaung State Liberation Front expressed grief over the loss of lives and the destruction caused by the incidentThe Palaung State Liberation FrontTNLA expresses its deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives were injured and suffered damage as a result of the explosion the group saidThe organisation stated that the explosion occurred at around noon local time and added that an investigation had been launched to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incidentAccording to the group any individual or entity found responsible for the explosion would be held accountable following the completion of the inquiryThe TNLA also said that efforts were being made to support those affected by the tragedy and assured that assistance would be extended to the victims and their familiesAuthorities and local organisations continue to assess the scale of the damage as rescue personnel work through the debris in search of any remaining survivors IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/deadly-blast-in-myanmar-village-kills-55-rescue-ops-on-675852.html Mon, 01 Jun 2026 16:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-seeks-to-modify-us-iran-deal-to-end-war-675855.html Washington June 1 US President Donald Trump is planning to modify the terms of the agreement with Iran to end the war even as Tehran prepares to introduce new elements an American media outlet has reported In an endless pingpong the White House awaits a new response from Iran in a negotiation that as three sources told The New York Times risks starting from a more backward square According to one of the officials interviewed by the newspaper Trump would like to accelerate negotiations by putting more pressure on the counterpart but has to deal with the complex Iranian hierarchy reports Adnkronos news agencyFinal approval in Tehran rests with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei Any modification to the memorandum of understanding which forms the basis of the agreement inevitably prolongs the negotiation times After Trumps relaunch in any case Iran will seek to introduce new amendments to the draft agreement as reported by the Tasnim news agencyTrump according to information gathered by Axios would like to make more detailed provisions regarding the management of 60 per cent enriched uranium stockpiles still held by Tehran and the modalities for reopening the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic The draft agreement currently includes Irans commitment not to pursue the development of nuclear weapons and a 60day period during which the two countries would negotiate Tehrans nuclear obligations and the fate of the accumulated fissile materialThe US President a source reports intends to insert more precise indications on the timing and methods by which the United States would acquire such material The only guarantee I need to have is that there will be no nuclear weapons They have accepted this Trumps certainty expressed to Fox News Initially they said We will not develop a nuclear weapon I replied Okay but what happens if you buy a nuclear weapon So now the text says We will not develop or acquire a nuclear military weapon in any way Its a big difference Trump stated adding They are very tough negotiators and it takes a long time but Im not in a hurry The White House however continues to express confidence in the conclusion of the agreement There will be an agreement a senior official said adding that the finalisation could take from a few days to over a weekTalks and exchange of messages with the United States are ongoing and until they produce a concrete result it is not possible to judge them Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told state TV adding Everything said at this stage is speculation and should not be given too much importance From Tehran however come the words of several heavyweights Araghchis conciliatory tones were opposed by those of Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf speaker of parliament We will not approve any agreement until we are sure that we have guaranteed the rights of the Iranian people he said Those involved in diplomacy do not trust the words or promises of the United States Ghalibaf continued emphasising that any changes to the countrys development plan will be examined by specialised parliamentary committees with particular attention to reconstruction after the war damageIn a framework that is to say the least complex Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reportedly submitted a letter of resignation to Mojtaba Khamenei as revealed by a source to Iran International an Iranian opposition website based in London The news was immediately denied by the Tehran government which accused the lying media In the letter sent on Sunday Pezeshkian reportedly wrote that the president and the government have been de facto excluded from the most important and vital decisionmaking processes in the country and that the vacuum created by this situation has allowed intransigent factions within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to take control of the situationPezeshkian reportedly added that under such circumstances he is unable to lead the government and fulfil his responsibilities and for this reason he would have asked to resign immediately It is not yet clear Iran International continues whether Khamenei will accept the presidents commitment but the content of the letter indicates a deep and unprecedented fracture at the highest levels of powerTehran will seek to introduce new amendments to the draft agreement with the United States This was announced by the Iranian news agency Tasnim considered close to the Revolutionary Guards citing a source familiar with the details According to the agency Tehrans decision was made after US President Donald Trump first made changes to the proposed text IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-seeks-to-modify-us-iran-deal-to-end-war-675855.html Mon, 01 Jun 2026 16:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/macron-calls-for-swift-us-iran-deal-reopening-of-strait-of-hormuz-675865.html Paris June 1 French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a rapid agreement between the United States and Iran urging the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz without conditions and in accordance with international law Macron said on social media on Sunday local time that he has spoken with Saudi Arabias Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Omans Sultan Haitham bin Tariq United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Egyptian President AbdelFattah alSisiHe said he delivers the same message to all these leaders stressing that it is essential for the United States and Iran to reach an agreement quicklyAccording to Macron the priority is to secure a ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz without any conditions and in accordance with international law Discussions should then continue with a view to reaching a comprehensive and robust agreement on other issues particularly Irans nuclear and ballistic missile programs and regional stabilityMacron said France stands ready to play its part including through a multinational initiative jointly led with Britain to help safeguard maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz reports Xinhua news agencyThe French President said regional stability must begin with Lebanon and called on all parties to cease hostilities He added that France will continue supporting Lebanons efforts to restore state sovereignty and territorial integrityAccording to Lebanons Public Health Emergency Operations Center an Israeli airstrike on Sunday struck an area adjacent to Hiram Hospital in the southern city of Tyre injuring 13 hospital staff members and causing extensive damage to the facility Meanwhile US President Donald Trump is planning to modify the terms of the agreement with Iran to end the war even as Tehran prepares to introduce new elements an American media outlet has reported In an endless pingpong the White House awaits a new response from Iran in a negotiation that as three sources told The New York Times risks starting from a more backward squareAccording to one of the officials interviewed by the newspaper Trump would like to accelerate negotiations by putting more pressure on the counterpart but has to deal with the complex Iranian hierarchy reports Adnkronos news agencyFinal approval in Tehran rests with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei Any modification to the memorandum of understanding which forms the basis of the agreement inevitably prolongs the negotiation timesAfter Trumps relaunch in any case Iran will seek to introduce new amendments to the draft agreement as reported by the Tasnim news agency IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/macron-calls-for-swift-us-iran-deal-reopening-of-strait-of-hormuz-675865.html Mon, 01 Jun 2026 16:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/ecuador-lifts-100-pc-tariff-on-colombian-goods-from-today-675866.html Quito June 1 Ecuadors customs authority has issued a resolution to abolish a 100 per cent tariff on Colombian goods starting June 1 Monday ending a trade dispute that had strained relations between the two countries in recent months The security surcharge on imports originating in or coming from Colombia will be reduced to zero per cent Sandro Castillo director general of Ecuadors National Customs Service wrote on X on Sunday local time saying the measure opens a new stage of cooperation between the two countries in security trade and developmentCastillo said the customs authority will ensure the effective implementation of the decision to strengthen legal trade regional integration and joint efforts to combat illicit economies reports Xinhua news agencyEcuadorian President Daniel Noboa announced the measure on Friday after talks with Colombian presidential candidate Abelardo de la EspriellaEcuador announced the surcharge on goods from Colombia in January citing border security concerns and what it described as a lack of reciprocity in efforts to fight drug trafficking along their shared borderThe rate was initially set at 30 per cent later increased to 50 per cent and finally raised to 100 per cent on May 1The measure applies to all goods of Colombian origin or shipped from Colombia based on their customs valueAuthorities said the move was aimed at strengthening border security and customs controlsHowever exceptions included strategic sectors such as oil and energy as well as special regimes like temporary admission customs transit and reexport Private tourist vehicles were also excludedBusiness groups had warned the measure could disrupt supply chains affect trade flows and impact employmentColombia responded with tariffs of up to 75 per cent on some Ecuadorian products and temporarily suspended electricity exports to EcuadorThe dispute was brought before the General Secretariat of the Andean Community which ordered both countries to remove the trade restrictions imposed during the conflict in accordance with the regional blocs rules IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/ecuador-lifts-100-pc-tariff-on-colombian-goods-from-today-675866.html Mon, 01 Jun 2026 16:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-faces-new-terror-threat-as-non-designated-modules-proliferate-675888.html New Delhi June 1 Security analysts are pointing towards a new and emerging trend whereby terror groups are not directly involved in acts of terror Almost all modules that have been busted in recent months do not have any direct involvement of major terror groups such as the LashkareTaiba AlQaeda Islamic State or the JaisheMohammed Each of these modules is either affiliated with or inspired by and this is a deliberate Pakistani ploy to keep the Financial Action Task Force FATF heat away Moreover the terror groups mentioned are all designated by the United States the United Nations and India Such a designation makes it easier for security agencies to track their networksMoreover being designated a terror group also calls for internationallevel cooperation when it comes to dealing with their activities An official explained that Pakistan is using the same strategy when it comes to dealing with groups which are calling for a separate Khalistan nationThe ISI has been using the gangster network and has deliberately kept the direct involvement of groups such as the Babbar Khalsa International BKI The BKI is a designated terror group and its networks are easier to track when compared to those run by the gangsters the official addedAn Intelligence Bureau official said that it is a wellknown fact that Pakistan funds all these terror groups On the one hand it needs to keep terror activities against India alive and on the other Islamabad cannot afford to come under the radar of international agencies such as the FATF The monitoring agency is closely watching how funds are being used in PakistanPakistan has been placed in the Grey List in the past and with a lot of difficulty managed to come out of it Another official said that getting back into the list would have a devastating consequence for Pakistan Given the state of its economy and the events that are unfolding around the globe coming under the FATF radar would mean a complete collapse for Pakistan the official addedPakistan watchers say that there is also immense pressure from countries such as China which has invested heavily in the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor Project CPEC China would not take it kindly if Pakistan returned to the Grey List The Chinese are already breathing down the neck of the Pakistanis as they have failed to provide security guarantees Beijing has faced huge losses due to attacks on its projectsSecurity officials note that while there are many practicalities for Pakistan the fact remains that the ISI and army would never allow terror attacks against India to stop It has to keep the pot boiling and would do anything and everything to ensure India is on the boil The ISI has been tapping its resources in India to help set up modulesThere is also a major push when it comes to literature aimed at radicalising the youth The official explained that any terror group formed in India will have Pakistanâs blessings but the direct involvement would be missing The decision to use gangsters for the Khalistan battle and the Dawood network for terror attacks in the rest of the country is all part of the ISIâs tactic to avoid being confronted about its direct roleOfficials say that India would increasingly have to deal with such modules These modules would not be linked to just one terror group There would be terror groups which could follow the ideology of the JaisheMohammad or Islamic State or AlQaeda One would also get to see modules that take inspiration from multiple terror groupsThe police have busted a group which was inspired by AlQaeda and the JaisheMohammed This makes it very hard for investigators to nail the trail It would make the probe an extremely challenging one and at times it could hit a dead end owing to the confusion the official addedAnother official explained that if a terror attack is carried out for example by the LashkareTaiba and JaisheMohammed and the same is claimed by them investigators would at least have a lead to begin with The attack style the networks and the funding trails are all present in the various dossiers prepared by the agencies for many years These new modules do not follow the strategy and style of the terror groups that they are inspired by Hence the start of such investigations will always remain a challenge the official also added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-faces-new-terror-threat-as-non-designated-modules-proliferate-675888.html Mon, 01 Jun 2026 18:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/isi-revives-1993-playbook-deploys-underworlds-deadly-jhingada-bhatti-combination-against-india-675890.html New Delhi June 1 Pakistan has unleashed a lethal combination comprising Dawood Ibrahim aide Munna Jhingada and ISI asset Shahzad Bhatti to carry out coordinated attacks in India On Saturday the Special Cell of the Delhi police busted a Dawoodbacked module and arrested nine peopleInvestigations reveal that the ISI has been pushing the underworld hard to carry out attacks in IndiaIn a bid to do so the network that the DSyndicate already has in India has come in handy to carry out terror operationsWhile Mudassar Hussain Sayyed alias Munna Jhingada was handling the module Bhatti was in charge of recruitments and planningAn official said that the ISI wants to recreate what it did in 1993 It roped in the Dawood module to carry out the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts The entire operation which included smuggling arms deciding targets logistics and execution was carried out by the underworldThe ISI on its part helped with the funding and also the training ahead of the blasts Post the 1993 blasts the ISI largely kept the underworld in India away from executing terror attacks The underworld was only used to fund terror groups in Pakistan with the money that it made from narcotics tradeAnother official said that Pakistan now wants to repeat the same tactics and is writing a pretty similar script that it had in 1993The underworld has a much better network and its members are often regarded as criminals and not terroristsA similar modus operandi was busted a few years back when the Indian agencies picked up information about Dawood being told to recruit sharpshooters The aim was to target scores of Hindu leaders in Gujarat and other parts of the countryOfficials who are probing the case say that post the 1993 operation the module that was busted on Saturday was probably the biggest in which the underworld and terrorists came togetherAn Intelligence Bureau official said that the ISI has been strategically using its assets to carry out attacks in IndiaJhingada is familiar with India and he has been one of the most strategic assets for Dawood Ibrahim He is originally a resident of Jogeshwari in Mumbai and had been arrested in Thailand after he made an attempt to kill Chhota RajanHe had served in a Thailand jail for 10 years When India made the extradition request Pakistan went all out in the legal battle claiming that he is their citizenJhingada had entered Thailand on a Pakistani passport and this is what helped Islamabad get a ruling in their favourDuring his time in jail he had met with one Lama Aung Kami a resident of Nepal Kami 66 was one of the nine members arrested by the Delhi police on Saturday He was tasked with coordinating the logistics and financesAn official said that in addition to the problem that the DSyndicate is posing to national security the menace that is being created by Bhatti is immense He has blended in with the underworld and both work seamlessly on recruiting and planning attacks on Indian soilBhatti has been using the social media extensively to propagate hate against India It is his primary recruitment tool and he has managed to target several youngsters in India to be part of the underworldterror moduleThe combination is a lethal one and getting the two together only shows how desperate the ISI is to wreak havoc in IndiaFor now both the JaisheMohammad and LashkareTayiba are on the backfoot In addition to reeling from the losses thanks to Operation Sindoor there is also a major trust deficit between these groups and the establishment in PakistanOfficials say that this has led to the ISI looking to rope in the underworld to carry out attacks in IndiaThe official warned that the underworld will look to step up activities and also create many more modules Part of the plan would be to identify local gangsters and other youth On their radar would be religious places railway stations and important people the official also added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/isi-revives-1993-playbook-deploys-underworlds-deadly-jhingada-bhatti-combination-against-india-675890.html Mon, 01 Jun 2026 18:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pay-in-monthly-parts-how-installments-became-pakistans-survival-strategy-675902.html New Delhi June 1 As Karachiâs summer heat tightens its grip every June Hinaâs living room turns into a monthly budgeting war room The old pedestal fan circulates hot air while her son wipes sweat from his forehead doing homework on the sofa a report has said On the table lies an electricity bill folded several times over while her husband silently scrolls through airconditioner prices on shopping apps comparing installment options they still are not sure they can afford according to The Express Tribune reportThe family had promised themselves an AC last year But school fees rose Fuel prices climbed Milk became more expensive One unexpected expense after another quietly swallowed their savings the report saidEvery month began with the same hopeful promise ânext month weâll save properlyâ only for the money to disappear into groceries transport rent and emergencies before the middle of the month arrivedHinaâs story reflects a growing reality for Pakistanâs salaried middle class where incomes are struggling to keep pace with inflation and everyday life increasingly depends on installments and Buy Now Pay Later BNPL schemesFor many households the month now feels shorter than the calendar itself Salaries arrive bills are paid and within days families begin calculating how to stretch whatever remainsBy the final week survival often depends on borrowing from friends delaying payments or relying on credit from neighbourhood kiryana storesIn this economic squeeze paying upfront for major purchases has started to feel unrealistic Instead installment plans are quietly becoming part of daily lifeAirconditioners mobile phones laptops bikes furniture shoes and even Qurbani animals are now being divided into smaller monthly payments that feel easier to absorb than one large expense the report saidâIf I try to save I end up using the moneyâ said Areeb Javed a university student in Karachi âInstallments force me to be disciplinedâLike many students Areeb has purchased his phone sneakers and gaming accessories through monthly payment plansHe says inflation makes traditional saving almost pointless because prices often rise before enough money can be set asideâIf I save for months for a phone worth Rs80000 the price may increase again by the time I can buy itâ he explained in the report by The Express TribuneFreelancers and workers with irregular incomes are facing similar pressures Yousuf Ahmed a web designer in Lahore said delayed client payments make large upfront purchases feel riskyFor him installment plans have become a financial buffer against uncertain cash flow the report statedEconomists said that the rise of BNPL services reflects more than changing shopping behaviourIt highlights the shrinking financial stability of Pakistanâs urban middle class where stagnant incomes and inflation are steadily eroding the ability to save the report mentioned IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pay-in-monthly-parts-how-installments-became-pakistans-survival-strategy-675902.html Mon, 01 Jun 2026 18:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistani-traders-on-warpath-as-market-hours-cut-to-conserve-fuel-675913.html New Delhi June 1 A prominent Pakistani tradersâ union has warned of nationwide protests if the government reimposes its decision to close markets early calling on authorities to put an end to lockdowns aimed at conserving energy amid soaring fuel prices triggered by the Middle East conflict a report has said The report by Arab News highlighted that as part of its plan to reduce the consumption of costly imported fuels the Pakistani government in April issued orders for shops markets and shopping malls to close by 8 pm while restaurants bakeries grocery stores and wedding halls were directed to shut down by 10 pm Earlier in May the government announced it was easing market restrictions till May 31 in light of the Eid alAdha festivalThe austerity measures were imposed after the USIran war drove up fuel prices The closure of the Strait of Hormuz a key passageway through which roughly 20 per cent of the worldâs oil and gas supplies transit remains mostly closed for ships leading to a shortfall in petroleum products With the end of the IranUS war there is no longer any justification for lockdownsâ Kashif Chaudhry president of the Central Association of Traders in Pakistan a prominent tradersâ union said in a statement âIf a lockdown is imposed after June 1 we will relaunch a nationwide protest movementâTraders have demanded an end to the restrictions on early market closures complaining that such lockdown measures have hurt their earningsChaudhry demanded that the prime minister issue a notification announcing the permanent lifting of restrictions on June 1 He urged traders across the country to prepare to keep their businesses open after June 1âDuring the intense summer season business activity begins after 7 pmâ he said âForcing shops to close at 8 pm is equivalent to destroying businessesâ He said the increase in petroleum prices has hurt consumersâ purchasing power noting that traders and the general public pay high power tariffsâHigh fuel and electricity prices along with inflation have eroded the purchasing power of 120 million peopleâ Chaudhry saidPakistanâs government has said that the restrictions were aimed at reducing energy consumption controlling electricity production costs and safeguarding lowerincome segments of the population from higher fuel prices in Pakistan which imports most of its energy needs IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistani-traders-on-warpath-as-market-hours-cut-to-conserve-fuel-675913.html Mon, 01 Jun 2026 18:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/israel-orders-military-to-strike-beiruts-southern-suburbs-675914.html Jerusalem June 1 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz on Monday said in a joint statement that they had ordered the military to strike Beiruts southern suburbs According to the statement the order was given following repeated Hezbollah violations of the ceasefire in Lebanon including rocket and drone attacks targeting northern Israeli citiesIsraels Channel 12 News reported that the move came after the United States approved Israels requests to expand military activity in Lebanon shifting from an initial focus on the countrys south to include airstrikes in the capital city reports Xinhua news agencyMeanwhile Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said Sunday that Hezbollah is committed to a comprehensive and immediate ceasefire calling for efforts to compel Israel to halt its military operations Lebanons National News Agency reportedBerri said the conflict does not lie in the resistances position on a ceasefire but rather in the continuation of Israeli military operations in Lebanon which he said have displaced thousands of Lebanese civilians and continue to demolish villages and homes in various areasAny effort to deescalate the conflict requires genuine guarantees that would oblige Israel to fully stop its attacks he addedAdditionally the IDF on Sunday said it had captured Beaufort Castle after entering the Beaufort Ridge and Wadi alSaluki areas in southern Lebanon According to the IDF the operation is focused on establishing operational control over the Beaufort Ridge and the Wadi alSaluki area as well as degrading Hezbollahs capabilities in the regionAccording to the IDF Hezbollah directed military and combat activities from the Beaufort Ridge and carried out numerous attacks from the areaPrime Minister Netanyahu also said he had instructed the IDF to expand its incursion into LebanonEarlier Monday an Israeli soldier from an elite commando unit was killed in southern Lebanon by an explosive drone launched by Hezbollah Three other Israeli soldiers were wounded one of them seriously in the village of YohmorThe Israel Defense Forces said that throughout Monday morning Hezbollah continued to launch rockets and drones towards northern Israel some of which were successfully intercepted and others fell in open areas without casualtiesThe Israeli military also said that it destroyed the launcher from which Hezbollah fired rockets Sunday night towards Tiberias a city in northeastern Israel with no injuries reported IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/israel-orders-military-to-strike-beiruts-southern-suburbs-675914.html Mon, 01 Jun 2026 18:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/over-100-injured-after-police-use-water-canons-tear-gas-shells-on-protestors-in-dhaka-675917.html Dhaka June 1 Several protestors and police personnel were injured in Bangladesh after the law enforcement authorities used water cannons tear gas shells and sound grenades to disperse demonstrators outside the Islami Bank head office in Dhakas Dilkusha commercial area on Monday morning local media reported The demonstration organised under the banners of the Islami Bank Disgruntled Customers Coordination Council and Islami Bank Customer Forum was held to protest the appointment of former central bank Deputy Governor Md Khurshid Alam as the banks new Chairman local media reportedThe protesters warned that Alam would not be allowed to enter the bank under any circumstances describing his appointment as controversialAccording to the protestors more than 100 people were injured during the police crackdown though the claim could not be independently verified Bangladeshi daily UNB reportedThe demonstrators staged a road blockade and chanted slogans displaying banners and festoons while calling for the immediate resignation of the newly appointed Chairman and reinstatement of Managing Director Omar Farooq Khan who was recently placed on mandatory leaveThe situation reportedly escalated after a large contingent of police equipped with water cannons and riot gear was deployed to disperse the crowdCiting witnesses UNB reported that law enforcers fired tear gas shells and used water cannons triggering panic and leading to a chase and counterchase throughout the commercial hub areaDhaka Metropolitan Police DMP Deputy Commissioner Media and Public Relations NM Nasiruddin said the demonstrators blocked major roads in the Motijheel area causing severe traffic congestion and pelted police with brickbatsA group of dismissed Islami Bank employees had applied for rally permission which was denied by the DMP headquarters The customer group on the other hand did not seek any prior permission at all Nasiruddin told UNBHe said police resorted to tear gas and water cannons to bring the situation under controlThe DMP said that 10 police personnel including the Assistant Commissioner Patrol of the Motijheel Zone were injured in stonepeltingMeanwhile the organisers alleged at least 30 demonstrators sustained gunshot wounds during the confrontation a claim the DMP rejected insisting that it did not open fireReports suggest that the people injured during the incident are receiving treatment at various hospitals across the capitalCondemning the police actions Nurnabi Manik President of the Islami Bank Disgruntled Customers Coordination Council said We were holding a democratic and peaceful human chain to protect our deposits from being plundered by structural cronies of the fallen regime The unprovoked and brutal use of force by the police on ordinary citizens is entirely unacceptableManik further alleged that the bank is facing a severe liquidity crisis with retail customers unable to withdraw cash through its branches and automated teller machines ATMsHe called on the central bank of Bangladesh to immediately revoke Alams appointment and reconstitute a board consisting of genuine stakeholders IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/over-100-injured-after-police-use-water-canons-tear-gas-shells-on-protestors-in-dhaka-675917.html Mon, 01 Jun 2026 18:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/rajnath-singh-australian-counterpart-marles-discuss-ways-to-enhance-defence-cooperation-675833.html New Delhi June 1 IANS Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Australian counterpart Richard Marles cochaired the second IndiaAustralia Defence Ministers Dialogue in New Delhi on Monday discussing ways to enhance defence cooperationDefence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and other officials were present during the meetingFollowing the meeting Rajnath Singh in a post on X wrote Had an excellent meeting with Australias Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Mr Richard Marles in New Delhi Together we reviewed the full range of bilateral defence cooperation and discussed ways and means to enhance it furtherThe IndiaAustralia Defence Partnership is poised to make steady progress in the years to come he addedRichard Marles also Australias Deputy Prime Minister stated that he and Rajnath Singh spoke about turning IndiaAustralia deep strategic trust into practical defence cooperationThis week we held the second annual AustraliaIndia Defence Ministers Dialogue where Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh and I spoke about turning our deep strategic trust into practical defence cooperation Peace and prosperity in the IndoPacific rely on us working closely with our partners Thank you to Minister Singh for hosting me Marles posted on XEarlier in the day Australias High Commissioner to India Philip Green extended a warm welcome to Richard Marles and noted that his visit to India highlights the momentum strategic depth and enduring dosti defining the IndiaAustralia Comprehensive Strategic PartnershipWelcome to India Richard Marles Australias Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister is in Delhi for our annual Defence Ministerial Dialogue The visit highlights the momentum strategic depth ampamp enduring dosti defining the AustraliaIndia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Philip Green wrote on XOn Sunday the Ministry of Defence noted that Marles visit to India follows the inaugural Dialogue held in Australia in October 2025 and reflects the growing momentum in the IndiaAustralia Comprehensive Strategic PartnershipAustralia is a key partner in Indias vision of a free open inclusive and prosperous IndoPacific The visit underscores the growing depth and maturity of the IndiaAustralia defence partnership the Ministry of Defence said in a statementIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/rajnath-singh-australian-counterpart-marles-discuss-ways-to-enhance-defence-cooperation-675833.html Mon, 01 Jun 2026 14:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indias-merchandise-exports-to-oman-expected-to-jump-by-50-pc-as-fta-kicks-in-675839.html New Delhi June 1 IANS Indias merchandise exports to Oman are officially targeted to grow by 50 per cent over the next three years as the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement CEPA with the Gulf nation came into force on MondaynbspThe agreement aims to drive merchandise exports from the baseline of roughly 406 billion past the 6 billion mark with a mediumterm goal of reaching 10 billionOman has offered zeroduty access on 9808 per cent of its tariff lines covering 9938 per cent of Indias exports to Oman All major labourintensive sectors including Gems ampamp Jewellery textiles leather footwear sports goods plastics furniture agricultural products engineering products pharmaceuticals medical devices and automobiles receive full tariff eliminationnbspIndia is offering tariff liberalisation on 7779 per cent of its total tariff lines which covers 9481 per cent of Indias imports from Oman by value For the products of export interest to Oman and which are sensitive to India the offer is mostly a tariffrate quota TRQ based tariff liberalisationTo safeguard its interest sensitive products have been kept in the exclusion category by India without offering any concessions especially agricultural products including dairy tea coffee rubber and tobacco products gold and silver bullion jewellery other labourintensive products such as footwear sports goods and scrap of many base metalsThe Finance Ministry on Sunday issued notification on duty concessions on Omani goods under trade pact with India which came into effect from June 1India and Oman signed the CEPAin December last year during Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to MuscatThe Services sector a strong driver of Indias economy will also see wideranging benefits Omans substantial global services imports amounting to 1252 billion with the share of Indias exports in Omans global imports basket as 531 per cent indicating significant untapped potential for Indian service providersThe agreement features a comprehensive and forwardlooking services package with Oman extending substantial commitments across a broad spectrum of sectors including Computer Related Services Business and Professional Services Audiovisual Services Research and Development Education and Health ServicesThese commitments are expected to unlock significant new opportunities for Indian service providers promote highvalue job creation and support expanding commercial engagement between the two countriesA major highlight of the CEPA is the enhanced mobility framework for Indian professionals For the first time Oman has offered wideranging commitments under Mode 4 including a notable increase in the quota for IntraCorporate Transferees from 20 per cent to 50 per cent together with a longer permitted duration of stay for Contractual Service Suppliers extended from the existing 90 days to two years with the possibility of a further twoyear extensionThe agreement also provides for more liberal entry and stay conditions for skilled professionals in key sectors such as accountancy taxation architecture medical and allied services supporting deeper and more seamless professional engagementIndia has signed similar deals with the UK on July 2025 and New Zealand in April 2026 and concluded talks for a free trade agreement FTA with the European Union 27nation bloc on January 27 this year as part of the accelerated efforts to diversify trade amid the dramatic shift in the global economic landscape triggered by the US tariff turmoilIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indias-merchandise-exports-to-oman-expected-to-jump-by-50-pc-as-fta-kicks-in-675839.html Mon, 01 Jun 2026 14:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/ukranian-president-zelenskyy-warns-of-major-russian-strike-675814.html Washington May 31 IANS Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Russia is preparing a fresh largescale assault involving drones cruise missiles and ballistic missiles while urging the United States to accelerate the supply and production of air defence interceptors that Kyiv says are critical to protecting civiliansnbspIn an interview with CBS News Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan Zelenskyy said Ukrainian intelligence and information shared by Western partners indicated a high probability of a major Russian attack in the coming daysToday at night or tomorrow at night high percent of course nobody knows 100 per cent but there is a high percent Zelenskyy said adding that Ukrainians would be urged to use bomb shelters and take extra precautionsThe Ukrainian leader said Russia continued to launch daily attacks and had recently carried out one of its largest barrages of the warLast massive attack it was 600 drones and about 30 plus ballistic missiles he said describing ballistic missile defence as Ukraines biggest deficitZelenskyy revealed that he had sent letters to both the White House and the US Congress requesting additional support particularly antiballistic missile systems and interceptorsThis is the priority for us and big big challenge he said We have deficit with anti ballistic This is big problemThe Ukrainian President argued that the issue was no longer one of funding but of manufacturing capacity He said current production levels were insufficient to meet growing global demand 60 65 missiles per month for todays challenges its nothing he said We need to do production widerZelenskyy again pressed Washington to allow Ukraine to manufacture Patriot missile components under licenceI asked previous administration I am asking todays administration give Ukraine licenses We will increase the production of Patriot missiles he saidThe Ukrainian leader also said Russia appeared to be testing NATO responses through drone incidents involving neighbouring countriesRussia uses this just to attack politically and by weapon pressure on NATO countries to look at the reaction he said referring to reported drone incidents affecting Romania and other countries near UkraineOn diplomacy Zelenskyy said he remained willing to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin but argued that stronger sanctions were needed to bring Moscow to serious negotiationsI think we need more sanctions I think we need more pressure he said More sanctions more pressure they will be ready for the dialogueHe also suggested that Britain France and Germany could play leading roles in future European mediation efforts while noting Turkiyes previous involvement in prisoner exchangesZelenskyy criticised recent easing of some sanctions on Russian oil exports arguing that such moves indirectly strengthened Russias war effortLifting sanctions is a help for the soldiers of Russia Its very helpful for their defence industry he saidThe Ukrainian President also renewed allegations that Russia had forcibly removed thousands of Ukrainian children He said Kyiv had identified about 20000 children and managed to return roughly 2200We need more help We need more help We need thousands children to get them back he saidZelenskyy further disclosed that Ukraine was pursuing drone technology partnerships with European and Middle Eastern countries and hoped to finalise a major agreement with the United StatesHe said cooperation between American artificial intelligence firms and Ukrainian battlefield innovators could become the most powerful in the worldAsked what was needed to move the proposed drone partnership forward Zelenskyy replied Yes we need President Trump to say yesRussias fullscale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022 and has become Europes largest conflict since World War IIThe war has resulted in hundreds of thousands of military casualties and widespread destruction across Ukraine while prompting extensive Western military and financial support for KyivIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/ukranian-president-zelenskyy-warns-of-major-russian-strike-675814.html Sun, 31 May 2026 22:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-defers-final-determination-on-draft-deal-with-iran-675640.html Washington May 30 US President Donald Trump deferred his final determination on a draft deal with Iran after meeting for about two hours with his national security team at the White House Situation Room The Situation Room meeting has concluded and lasted approximately two hours President Trump will only make a deal that is good for America and satisfies his redlines Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon a White House official said in a statement on FridayIt was not immediately clear why Trump did not reach a decision reports Xinhua news agencyEarlier on Friday Trump outlined conditions for a deal with Iran in a post on Truth Social claiming he will be meeting his national security team to make a final determination on the dayAmong the US key demands are the elimination of Irans enriched nuclear materials reopening the Hormuz Strait with no tolls and removing water mines leftIran must agree that they will never have a Nuclear Weapon or Bomb The Hormuz Strait must be immediately open no tolls for unrestricted shipping traffic in both directions All water mines bombs if any will be terminated Trump wroteThe US Naval blockade will now be lifted said TrumpIrans enriched nuclear material the socalled nuclear dust which has been buried deep underground due to US bombing in June last year will be unearthed by the United States in close coordination and conjunction with Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency and destroyed said TrumpIranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said in a phone interview with Iranian state media on Friday that current negotiations were limited in scope and did not include the nuclear issue IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-defers-final-determination-on-draft-deal-with-iran-675640.html Sat, 30 May 2026 12:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/myanmar-president-u-min-aung-hlaing-to-begin-five-day-india-visit-today-675642.html New Delhi May 30 Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing will begin a fiveday official visit to India on Saturday at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi starting his trip from Bodh Gaya Bihar During his visit President U Min Aung Hlaing will hold talks with PM Modi on June 1 on further strengthening the ties between the two countries according to a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs MEA This will be President U Min Aung Hlaings first visit to India after assuming officeU Min Aung Hlaing will also participate in a business forum in India For his visit he will be accompanied by a highlevel delegation comprising several cabinet ministers senior officials and business leadersOn June 2 he will also travel to Mumbai for business and industry interactions and site visitsMyanmar lies at the confluence of Indiaâs Neighborhood First Act East and MAHASAGAR policies The official visit of President U Min Aung Hlaing to India is expected to further strengthen and deepen the multifaceted relations between the two countries the MEA said in a statementEarlier this month Vietnamese President To Lam also began his India visit from Bodh Gaya the place where Lord Buddha achieved enlightenment and offered prayers at the Mahabodhi TempleIn April Union Minister of State MoS for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh visited Myanmar to attend the swearingin ceremony of U Min Aung Hlaing as Myanmars PresidentOn April 10 Singh called on U Min Aung Hlaing and gave him a letter of felicitations from PM Modi on his assumption of office as Myanmars President He expressed Indias commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation under its âNeighbourhood Firstâ âAct Eastâ and âMAHASAGARâ policies and extending developmental assistance for the benefit of the people of MyanmarCalled on U Min Aung Hlaing and handed over a letter of felicitations from Honble Prime Minister Narendra Modi to him on his assumption of office as the President of Myanmar today Kirti Vardhan Singh posted on X following the meetingMyanmar and India are close partners with ageold ties as well as land and maritime neighbours India remains committed to further strengthening its multifaceted bilateral cooperation with Myanmar under its âNeighbourhood Firstâ âAct Eastâ and âMAHASAGARâ policies and to extending developmental assistance for the benefit of the people of Myanmar he addedU Min Aung Hlaing was elected Myanmars President on April 3 In the days leading up to his election he stepped down as CommanderinChief after having ruled the country since 2021 following a military coupIn August last year PM Narendra Modi met Myanmarâs then State Security and Peace Commission Chairman Min Aung Hlaing during the SCO Summit in Tianjin China where the two reviewed bilateral relations IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/myanmar-president-u-min-aung-hlaing-to-begin-five-day-india-visit-today-675642.html Sat, 30 May 2026 12:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-says-no-agreement-finalised-with-us-yet-stresses-right-to-manage-hormuz-strait-675643.html Tehran May 30 Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said that no agreement has been finalised with the United States yet and the exchange of messages between the two sides is continuing Baghaei made the remarks in a telephone interview with staterun IRIB TV after US President Donald Trump outlined conditions for a deal with Iran and said he would soon make a decision reports Xinhua news agencyBaghaei reiterated that Irans current focus in the negotiations is on ending the warWe have no talk on details of the issues pertaining to Irans uranium enrichment or enriched uranium at this stage he saidSpeaking about the possible reopening of the Strait of Hormuz Baghaei said future management of the strait concerns only Iran and OmanEarlier in the day in a social media post US President Donald Trump outlined his demands saying Iran must agree that they will never have a Nuclear Weapon or BombThe Hormuz Strait must be immediately open no tolls for unrestricted shipping traffic in both directions All water mines bombs if any will be terminated Trump said noting that the US naval blockade will now be liftedHe also said Irans enriched uranium stockpiles will be unearthed by the United States in coordination with Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency and destroyedIn terms of the financial compensation for the war demanded by Iran Trump said No money will be exchanged until further noticeIran the United States and Israel reached a ceasefire on April 8 after 40 days of fightingOver the past weeks the two sides have reportedly exchanged several proposed plans outlining conditions for ending the conflict through Pakistani mediation They are reportedly working to finalize a memorandum of understanding IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-says-no-agreement-finalised-with-us-yet-stresses-right-to-manage-hormuz-strait-675643.html Sat, 30 May 2026 12:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/conflict-related-sexual-violence-up-sharply-worldwide-in-2025-un-report-675644.html United Nations May 30 Verified cases of conflictrelated sexual violence more than doubled globally in 2025 over the previous year according to a UN report Cases of conflictrelated sexual violence verified by the United Nations in 2025 rose sharply from 2024 marked by extreme brutality and overwhelmingly targeted women and girls said the annual report of the UN secretarygeneralA total of 9788 cases of conflictrelated sexual violence were documented in 2025 more than doubling the figure from 2024 with 4617 cases according to the report which was submitted to the Security Council on Thursday and was made available to the press on Friday Xinhua news agency reportedThe report notes that the cases of conflictrelated sexual violence should be understood not as the full picture as violations remained largely unseen and underreported when ongoing conflict insecurity and restrictions on humanitarian access increasingly obstructed reporting and documentation which was further undermined by mission drawdowns and budget cuts in which specialised capacity on gender and womens protection were often the first to be reducedA total of 77 parties including state and nonstate actors are listed for cases of conflictrelated sexual violence in this 17th annual report which covers 21 conflictaffected countries for which information verified by the United Nations was availableTwo new state actors are listed the Israeli armed and security forces and the Russian armed and security forces Three new nonstate actors operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are listed in this reportThe report says that in 2025 documented cases of sexual violence as a tactic of war torture terrorism and political repression surged while multiple and overlapping political security and humanitarian crises worsened Civilians were targeted with rape gang rape abductions and sexual slavery by state and nonstate actorsSexual violence and exploitation in the context of abduction and trafficking in persons continued to be observed as a tactic of terrorism Displaced refugee and migrant women and girls faced elevated risks of sexual violence Sexual violence was perpetrated in detention in multiple settings such as in Israel and the State of Palestine Russia and Ukraine according to the reportImpunity for conflictrelated sexual violence persisted in 2025 Overall the level of compliance by parties to conflict with applicable international norms remained low Over 65 per cent of the parties listed in the annex to the present report are persistent perpetrators appearing in the annex for five or more years without taking remedial or corrective action according to the report IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/conflict-related-sexual-violence-up-sharply-worldwide-in-2025-un-report-675644.html Sat, 30 May 2026 12:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-delays-decision-on-iran-deal-after-situation-room-talks-675645.html Washington May 30 US President Donald Trump ended a twohour Situation Room meeting on a proposed Iran agreement without announcing a decision media reports said Trump had earlier said he would make a final determination on a proposal aimed at extending a ceasefire with Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz and launching negotiations over Tehrans nuclear programmeHowever after the meeting concluded the White House offered no indication that a final decision had been reachedCNN reported that a White House official said only that the meeting had lasted about two hours and reiterated the administrations position that Iran must never possess a nuclear weaponAccording to The Washington Post the proposed memorandum of understanding would extend the current ceasefire for 60 days while Washington and Tehran negotiate details of a broader agreement including the future of Irans enriched uranium stockpileBefore the meeting Trump outlined conditions he said Iran would need to meet including reopening the Strait of Hormuz removing mines from the waterway agreeing never to develop a nuclear weapon and allowing the United States to remove or destroy highly enriched uraniumIran signalled that negotiations remain incompleteCNN reported that Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said contacts between Tehran and Washington were continuing but that a memorandum of understanding had not yet been finalisedThe New York Times separately reported that Iranian officials continue to object to several US demands and that internal opposition from hardline factions in Tehran remains a hurdle to any agreementDespite the lack of a final announcement officials on both sides appeared to suggest that negotiations were continuingThe Washington Post reported that Iranian negotiators are seeking the release of frozen assets and relief from economic restrictions while US officials continue to push for measures addressing Irans nuclear activities and regional security concernsAccording to The New York Times administration officials believe the two sides are close to an agreement although several issues remain unresolved including the possible unfreezing of Iranian fundsThe Strait of Hormuz remains central to the negotiations Roughly onefifth of the worlds oil supply passes through the strategic waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to global marketsCNN reported that Irans Revolutionary Guard navy said it fired warning shots at four vessels near the strait on Friday claiming they were attempting to transit the waterway without prior authorisationThe economic stakes remain highAccording to CNN the heads of the International Energy Agency International Monetary Fund World Bank Group and World Trade Organization warned that prolonged disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could increase risks to fuel security and broader economic stabilityFinancial markets responded positively to signs that diplomacy remained active The New York Times reported that oil prices fell and US stocks rose on hopes that negotiations could eventually restore normal shipping through the waterwayThe New York Times and CNN also reported that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the United States had seized approximately 1 billion in Iranian cryptocurrency assets as part of its pressure campaign against TehranThe negotiations follow months of conflict involving the United States Israel and Iran that have raised fears of a wider regional confrontation and disrupted global energy markets IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-delays-decision-on-iran-deal-after-situation-room-talks-675645.html Sat, 30 May 2026 12:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/thousands-rally-in-tokyo-against-takaichi-governments-dangerous-policy-moves-675647.html Tokyo May 30 Around 10000 people gathered in front of Japans National Diet Building in Tokyo for an antiwar rally protesting what they described as a series of dangerous policy moves pursued by the government of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi Held under the theme Dont Let War Happen the rally saw participants holding banners reading No to Lethal Weapons Exports and Stop War Profiteering while chanting slogans such as No War No Military Buildup and Protect Peace to express opposition to the governments recent policy directionOne protester identified as Matsuzawa told Xinhua that he strongly feels Japan is becoming increasingly militarized and militaristic citing the Takaichi governments efforts to revise Article 9 of the Constitution and push antiespionage legislationHe said My child is in elementary school If things continue this way I dont think we will be able to leave a peaceful Japan to the next generation adding that these moves remind him of developments in Japan before World War IIWhile pushing military expansion at home the Takaichi administration is also ramping up security cooperation with neighboring countriesOn Thursday Takaichi held talks with visiting Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos during which the two sides reached a number of agreements on defense issues including advancing Japans planned export of destroyers to the Philippines Xinhua news agency reportedSpeaking to Xinhua at the rally a female protester said she strongly opposes Japans export of lethal weapons arguing that such actions violate the ConstitutionShe warned that these moves would heighten regional tensions and expressed hope that diplomatic efforts could help bring peace to AsiaAccording to Asahi Shimbun coordinated protest events were held at around 150 locations across Japan on the same dayEarlier in March about 8000 people had gathered in central Tokyo to protest the dangerous policies pursued by the government of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi including the deployment of missiles and the push to ease lethal arms exports IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/thousands-rally-in-tokyo-against-takaichi-governments-dangerous-policy-moves-675647.html Sat, 30 May 2026 12:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/cambodia-hits-2025-hiv-targets-health-minister-675657.html Phnom Penh May 30 Cambodia achieved its 959595 HIV treatment targets last year and is on track to eliminate AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 the countrys Minister of Health Chheang Ra has said The targets mean 95 per cent of the people who are living with HIV know their HIV status 95 per cent of the people who know that they are living with HIV are on lifesaving antiretroviral treatment and 95 per cent of people who are on treatment are virally suppressedHIV is the virus that causes AIDSChheang Ra disclosed this significant milestone during a meeting in Phnom Penh with Patricia Ongpin country director of UNAIDS for Cambodia Laos and Malaysia on Friday according to a Ministry of Health press release issued late on FridayAchieving the 959595 targets is a clear testament to the progress and effectiveness of Cambodias National AIDS Programme he saidIt shows that Cambodia is firmly on track towards ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030The minister added that the country will continue integrating HIV prevention testing and treatment into its health system and expanding PreExposure Prophylaxis and selftesting services while boosting funding sustainability for AIDS programmesFor her part Ongpin congratulated Cambodia on its remarkable progress in its AIDS response saying that UNAIDS will prepare to formally validate and recognise the countrys achievement of the 959595 targets in line with international standards Xinhua news agency reportedCambodia has approximately 76000 people living with HIVAIDS according to a 2025 Ministry of Health reportThe report noted that nearly 700 AIDSrelated deaths and about 1200 new HIV infections were recorded last yearHIV is a virus that attacks the bodyâs immune system Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome AIDS occurs at the most advanced stage of infectionHIV targets the bodyâs white blood cells weakening the immune system This makes it easier to get sick with diseases like tuberculosis infections and some cancersHIV is spread from the body fluids of an infected person including blood breast milk semen and vaginal fluids It is not spread by kisses hugs or sharing food It can also spread from a mother to her babyHIV can be prevented and treated with antiretroviral therapy ART Untreated HIV can progress to AIDS often after many years IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/cambodia-hits-2025-hiv-targets-health-minister-675657.html Sat, 30 May 2026 12:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-australia-review-strategic-defence-cooperation-during-bilateral-talks-675661.html Singapore May 30 Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh on Saturday held bilateral discussions here with his Australian counterpart Meghan Quinn During the meeting on the sidelines of the ShangriLa Dialogue both sides reviewed the progress of the IndiaAustralia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership discussed upcoming highlevel engagements and explored opportunities to further strengthen defence cooperation in areas of mutual interestDefence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh held bilateral discussions with Defence Secretary Australia Ms Meghan Quinn Both sides reviewed the progress of the IndiaAustralia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership discussed forthcoming highlevel engagements and explored avenues to further strengthen Defence Cooperation in areas of mutual interest the Defence Ministry said in a post on XOn Friday Singh met Canadas Senior Associate Deputy Minister of National Defence Kelvin Brosseau on the sidelines of the dialogueBoth sides discussed ways to strengthen IndiaCanada defence cooperation and explored opportunities for deeper collaboration across key domains reflecting the growing convergence of strategic interests between the two nations the Ministry of Defences Directorate of Public Relations said in a post on XSingh also met Seychelles Chief of Defence Forces Major General Micheal Rosette and discussed ways to further strengthen defence cooperation and maritime security collaboration in the Indian Ocean Region it said adding The interaction reaffirmed Indiaâs commitment to advancing peace security and stability with its trusted partners in the regionThe ShangriLa Dialogue being held in Singapore features plenary debates led by government ministers and important opportunities for bilateral discussions among delegationsEarlier on Friday the Defence Secretary held a meeting with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation NATO Military Committees Chair Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone with discussions focused on enhancing strategic dialogue and evolving global security challenges the Defence Ministry said adding that the interaction reaffirmed Indiaâs commitment to constructive engagement with key multilateral defence organisationsSingh also met US IndoPacific Command Commander Admiral Samuel J Paparo with discussions focused on strengthening militarytomilitary cooperation enhancing collaboration in the IndoPacific and addressing emerging security challenges reaffirming the shared commitment towards deepening IndiaUS strategic defence ties the directorate posted on XOn the sidelines of the ShangriLa Dialogue the Defence Secretary engaged with leading think tanks and academia on strengthening the IndoPacific security architecture defence industrial collaboration and emerging technology partnershipsAddressing a distinguished gathering on Indiaâs Defence Diplomacy for a Stable Secure and Inclusive IndoPacific he shared Indiaâs vision for regional security and strategic engagement High Commissioner of India to Singapore Dr Shilpak Ambule also joined the interaction the Directorate of Public Relations posted on XOn Thursday Singh visited the Digital Operations Technology Centre DOTC of the Digital and Intelligence Service of the Singapore Armed Forces The Ministry of Defence stated that the visit provided valuable insights into Singaporeâs advanced digital and technical capabilities and explored avenues for collaboration with the Indian Armed Forces in niche and emerging domains of warfareSingh also cochaired the 16th Defence Policy Dialogue with his Singaporean counterpart Joseph LeongDefence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh cochaired the 16th Defence Policy Dialogue with Permanent Secretary Defence Singapore Mr Joseph Leong The dialogue reaffirmed the robust bilateral defence partnership between the two nations Wideranging discussions were held on key areas of defence cooperation security collaboration and avenues to further strengthen the strategic relationship between IndiaSingapore the Ministry of Defence said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-australia-review-strategic-defence-cooperation-during-bilateral-talks-675661.html Sat, 30 May 2026 13:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/myanmar-president-arrives-in-india-for-5-day-visit-offers-prayers-at-mahabodhi-temple-in-gaya-675662.html Gaya May 30 Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing arrived in Gaya in Bihar on Saturday as he kicked off his fiveday visit to India He then offered prayers at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya Taking to X the Ministry of External Affairs MEA said Strengthening civilisational links with our neighbour A warm welcome to President U Min Aung Hlaing of Myanmar on his arrival in Bodh Gaya He was received by Honble Governor Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain Retd at the airportThe visit reflects the strong spiritual historical and peopletopeople ties that bind our two countries and the depth of our ongoing cooperation the Ministry added The Myanmar President will also visit the Mahabodhi Ekta Dhamma Monastery later in the dayDuring his visit President U Min Aung Hlaing will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 1 on further strengthening the ties between the two countries according to the MEA This is President U Min Aung Hlaings first visit to India after assuming officeU Min Aung Hlaing will also participate in a business forum in India For his visit he will be accompanied by a highlevel delegation comprising several cabinet ministers senior officials and business leadersOn June 2 he will also travel to Mumbai for business and industry interactions and site visitsMyanmar lies at the confluence of Indias Neighbourhood First Act East and MAHASAGAR policies The official visit of President U Min Aung Hlaing to India is expected to further strengthen and deepen the multifaceted relations between the two countries the MEA said in a statementIn April Union Minister of State MoS for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh visited Myanmar to attend the swearingin ceremony of U Min Aung Hlaing as Myanmars PresidentOn April 10 Singh called on U Min Aung Hlaing and gave him a letter of felicitations from PM Modi on his assumption of office as Myanmars President He expressed Indias commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation under its Neighbourhood First Act East and MAHASAGAR policies and extending developmental assistance for the benefit of the people of MyanmarU Min Aung Hlaing was elected Myanmars President on April 3 In the days leading up to his election he stepped down as CommanderinChief after having ruled the country since 2021 following a military coupIn August last year PM Narendra Modi met Min Aung Hlaing Myanmars then State Security and Peace Commission Chairman during the SCO Summit in Tianjin China where the two reviewed bilateral relations IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/myanmar-president-arrives-in-india-for-5-day-visit-offers-prayers-at-mahabodhi-temple-in-gaya-675662.html Sat, 30 May 2026 13:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/piyush-goyal-highlights-renewed-momentum-in-india-canada-ties-after-visit-675670.html New Delhi May 30 IANS Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday shared highlights of his visit to Canada and said that engagements reaffirmed the renewed momentum in IndiaCanada relationsnbspIn a social media post titled Glimpses of my highly productive visit to Canada Goyal said that the visit also reaffirmed shared commitment to advancing mutual growth and prosperityThe video posted by Goyal shared glimpses of his meetings with Canadian PM Mark Carney Canadas Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu and Foreign Minister Anita AnandIt captured his address to the opening ministerial plenary session in Toronto and interaction with industry leaders at a reception hosted by Maninder SidhuThe video showed his participation in a Canada investment roundtable engaging with representatives of regional chambers in the IndiaCanada corridor and meeting members of the CanadaIndia FoundationHe also visited the Ontario Centre of Innovation and held discussions with Indian business delegates several CEOs and heads of business and industry chambers to explore trade and investment opportunitiesWith IndiaCanada bilateral trade currently standing at approximately 85 billion both governments remain committed to their shared and ambitious target of expanding it to 50 billion by 2030 Piyush Goyal said as he concluded a highly productive and landmark threeday visit to Canada according to an official statement earlier this weekThe threeday visit aimed at advancing bilateral trade and economic ties between India and Canada with a particular focus on accelerating the ongoing negotiations for the IndiaCanada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement CEPAGoyal highlighted Indias thriving startup and innovation ecosystem and outlined how Canada can partner meaningfully in these highgrowth sectors He also underlined the vast potential for bilateral cooperation in AI cleantech agritech and deeptech sectors where both countries possess complementary strengthsGoyal called on Doug Ford Premier of Ontario and discussed opportunities to deepen IndiaOntario collaborationThe two leaders explored avenues for cooperation across manufacturing technology infrastructure clean energy food processing and critical minerals sectors of strategic importance to both sides while reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral trade and investment partnershipsIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/piyush-goyal-highlights-renewed-momentum-in-india-canada-ties-after-visit-675670.html Sat, 30 May 2026 13:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-african-deputy-president-paul-mashatile-to-arrive-in-india-today-675595.html JohannesburgNew Delhi May 29 South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile will arrive in New Delhi on Friday for a sixday visit to India He will be accompanied by his wife Humile Mashatile The last official visit by a Head of State from South Africa was in 2019 when President Cyril Ramaphosa was ChiefGuest at Indiaâs Republic Day celebrations Mashatile who will be South Africas second Deputy President to visit India will hold talks with External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar on June 2 He will also call on President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on the same day the Ministry of External Affairs MEA stated Through this Working Visit Deputy President Mashatile is expected to cement the bilateral relations with the business leaders and investors from India through a Roundtable discussion which aims to attract more investment for both countries the South African Presidency said in a statement Deputy President Mashatile will be accompanied by South Africas Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi Minister of Small Business Development Stella Ndabeni Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Thandi Moraka Deputy Minister of Science Technology and Innovation Nomalungelo Gina and Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Mondli GungubeleAfter concluding his engagements in Delhi he will emplane for Hyderabad South Africa and India enjoy a long relationship together which is based on shared history cultural ties and a shared vision of the world through its principled approach on nonalignment and supporting the development of the Global South through its promotion of SouthSouth partnerships read the statement issued by the South African Presidency Both South Africa and India are represented in many multilateral formations that promote this commitment to the development of the Global South and include membership to the NonAligned Movement NAM BRICS IBSA G20 and IORA it addedOn May 13 EAM Jaishankar held a meeting with his South African counterpart Ronald Lamola in New Delhi discussing various aspects of strategic partnership and multilateral issues of mutual interestGlad to meet FM Ronald Lamola of South Africa this evening Reviewed different aspects of our Strategic Partnership Also discussed multilateral issues of mutual interest Agreed on the need to intensify our interactions through institutional mechanisms EAM Jaishankar posted on X after the meetingLamola thanked India for its efforts in promoting international discourse on topical and forwardlooking issues by hosting BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting He expressed South Africas commitment to strengthening ties with India on a bilateral levelThank you Minister S Jaishankar and the Government of India for hosting the South African delegation and for Indiaâs efforts to promote international discourse on topical and forwardlooking issues by hosting the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting Lamola wrote on XSouth Africa and India have enjoyed close and meaningful relations since the establishment of Diplomatic Relations over 30years ago and that the relationship is one of significance to South Africa We are committed to deepening and strengthening ties with India on a bilateral level and to ensure that the relationship with India reaches its full potential for the benefit of both populations he addedLast November Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited South Africa to attend the 20th G20 Leaders Summit On the sidelines of the summit PM Modi also met South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and other world leaders IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-african-deputy-president-paul-mashatile-to-arrive-in-india-today-675595.html Fri, 29 May 2026 17:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/factory-closures-job-losses-hit-chinas-toy-industry-amid-global-headwinds-report-675605.html New Delhi May 29 Factory closures and job losses have hit Chinaâs toy industry amid weakening global demand rising production costs and ongoing supply chain disruptions a report has said According to an analysis of PML Daily the industry which was once a key pillar of Chinaâs export manufacturing base reportedly facing one of its most severe downturns in decades with orders falling sharply across multiple production hubs Manufacturers are increasingly under pressure from higher raw material prices elevated logistics costs and declining overseas demand the report saidIt further stated that several factories in key industrial clusters have either suspended operations or shut down in recent months reflecting broader stress in exportoriented manufacturing sectors In one instance cited multiple toy production units in Yulin Guangxi were shut down on the same day leading to sudden job losses for thousands of workersThe closures reportedly triggered worker protests over unpaid wages and pending dues highlighting growing labourrelated tensions in affected industrial zones Local authorities were deployed in some areas to manage the situationIn addition the industry has been impacted by rising transportation costs with shipping expenses on major trade routes reportedly increasing significantly over the past year due to global geopolitical tensions and disruptions in key maritime corridors Higher crude oil prices have further pushed up the cost of plastics and other input materials squeezing margins for manufacturersAccording to the report container freight rates on some routes have more than doubled compared to previous levels adding further strain on exporters already dealing with weak demand from key markets As a result several firms have scaled back production or shut down operations entirely it addedIt pointed out that Chinaâs toy industry which is heavily dependent on export markets remains vulnerable to global demand cycles and external shocks The report said the sectorâs challenges reflect broader pressures on Chinaâs exportled manufacturing model particularly in labourintensive industries where margins are thin and global competition is intense IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/factory-closures-job-losses-hit-chinas-toy-industry-amid-global-headwinds-report-675605.html Fri, 29 May 2026 18:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-imports-nearly-40-pc-of-generics-from-india-because-we-trust-india-ambassador-sergio-gor-675612.html New Delhi May 29 IANS The United States imports nearly 40 per cent of its generic medicines from India because of the trust it has in the countrys pharmaceutical capabilities US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said on FridaynbspSpeaking at the Advancing Partnership in Research and Innovation event at Indian Institute of Technology here Gor said IndiaUS ties have expanded significantly across sectors including trade defence technology health and space cooperationOn pharmaceuticals we import close to 40 per cent of our generics from India There is a reason the United States does that it is because we trust India These are critical lifesaving ingredients that are needed in the United States Gor saidnbspThe US Ambassador described the IndiaUS relationship as one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century and said bilateral trade between the two countries has increased sharply over the past two decadesIn just over two decades bilateral trade has grown from 20 billion dollars to over 220 billion dollars in goods and services Thats not just volume it reflects deeper broader engagement and stronger economic integration he saidnbspGor also expressed optimism about the proposed interim trade agreement between India and the United States saying negotiations were in their final stagesnbspOur current interim trade agreement is on the table for us to finalise that will unlock prosperity for both of our countries We fully expect that the trade deal will be signed over the next few weeks and months he saidHighlighting growing American investments in India Gor said major US technology companies are significantly expanding their presence in the countrynbspAccording to him Amazon plans to invest 35 billion dollars in India by 2030 to support AIdriven digitisation exports and job creationnbspHe added that Microsoft has announced an investment of 175 billion dollars in India including the expansion of hyperscale cloud infrastructure while Google recently began work on a subsea cable landing terminal project valued at around 15 billion dollarsThese are incredible things that we have seen just from a handful of companies Gor said adding that many investors visiting the US Embassy regularly ask whether India is a safe destination for investment and partnership Our answer to them is yes he saidIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-imports-nearly-40-pc-of-generics-from-india-because-we-trust-india-ambassador-sergio-gor-675612.html Fri, 29 May 2026 20:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/piyush-goyal-engages-with-over-50-global-business-leaders-at-new-york-roundtable-675480.html New Delhi May 29 IANS Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Friday said he engaged with over 50 global business and industry leaders at a roundtable held in New YorknbspTaking to the microblogging platform X he stated that the meeting was hosted by the Consulate General of India in New York in collaboration with the USIndia Strategic Partnership Forum USISPFIn a post the minister highlighted Indias strong growth story reformdriven business environment and expanding opportunities for global investors under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra ModiHe said discussions focused on further deepening IndiaUS trade investment innovation and supply chain partnerships for shared prosperityThe engagement comes amid Indias broader efforts to intensify economic diplomacy with major partner countries following a series of recent highlevel international interactions aimed at boosting trade and investment tiesEarlier in the week the minister said that with IndiaCanada bilateral trade currently at approximately 85 billion both governments remain committed to their shared ambitious target of expanding it to 50 billion by 2030He added that he had a packed schedule of highimpact engagements in Toronto spanning academia innovation government business councils institutional investors and the diaspora communityThe threeday visit covering Ottawa on May 25 and Toronto from May 26 to 28 was aimed at strengthening bilateral trade and economic ties between India and Canada with a special focus on accelerating ongoing negotiations for the IndiaCanada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement CEPAEarlier in May the minister said that the deliberations took place between him and a delegation led by Jeff Shockey Executive Vice President Government Operations Global Public Policy ampamp Corporate Strategy at BoeingIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/piyush-goyal-engages-with-over-50-global-business-leaders-at-new-york-roundtable-675480.html Fri, 29 May 2026 12:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/middle-east-war-leads-to-34-pc-fall-in-global-air-passenger-demand-in-april-675513.html New Delhi May 29 IANS Global air passenger demand fell 34 per cent yearonyear YoY in April 2026 marking a sharp slowdown primarily driven by the impact of the ongoing war in the Middle East according to data released by the International Air Transport Association IATA on FridaynbspTotal demand measured in revenue passenger kilometers RPK declined 34 per cent compared to April 2025 while total capacity measured in available seat kilometers ASK dropped 29 per centGlobal load factor stood at 831 per cent down 04 percentage points from the yearago periodIATA said the downturn was largely caused by a steep collapse in travel demand for Middle Eastern carriersExcluding the Middle East region global passenger demand would have recorded a 12 per cent increase during the monthTotal demand measured in revenue passenger kilometers RPK was down 34 per cent compared to April 2025 IATA saidTotal capacity measured in available seat kilometers ASK decreased 29 per cent yearonyear The load factor was 831 per cent 04 ppt compared to April 2025 it addedInternational passenger traffic fell 53 per cent yearonyear in April with capacity declining 51 per centHowever excluding Middle Eastern airlines international demand grew 19 per centThe 466 per cent fall in demand for carriers in the Middle East due to war in the region was so acute that it dragged overall demand down 34 per cent The situation for air transport remains highly volatile The cost of jet fuel more than doubled in April which is pushing airfares up said Willie Walsh IATAs Director GeneralWalsh added that forward schedule data indicates airlines are reducing planned services in the coming months as they respond to weaker demand and rising fuel costsMiddle Eastern airlines recorded the steepest decline among all regions with passenger demand plunging 481 per cent yearonyear in AprilCapacity fell 384 per cent while load factor dropped sharply to 701 per cent down 131 percentage points from a year earlierIATA said traffic in the region continued to be affected by the Iran war although the pace of decline moderated slightly after an uneasy ceasefire came into effectIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/middle-east-war-leads-to-34-pc-fall-in-global-air-passenger-demand-in-april-675513.html Fri, 29 May 2026 14:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/nearly-2-000-ships-await-gulf-transit-us-secretary-bessent-675514.html Washington May 29 Nearly 2000 vessels are waiting to leave the Gulf amid disruptions linked to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said The disclosure by a top Trumpâs Cabinet member offers a rare glimpse into the scale of the shipping backlog that has developed around the strategic waterway through which a significant portion of the worlds oil and liquefied natural gas exports normally passThere are almost 2000 ships waiting to come out of the gulf Bessent told reporters during a White House briefingDespite the congestion he expressed confidence that global markets would be able to absorb the disruption once shipping resumesI think the oil markets going to be very well supplied on the other side of this and that we could see prices come down very quickly he saidThe Strait of Hormuz has become a central issue in the Trump administrations ongoing discussions with Iran with Bessent repeatedly stressing that restoring freedom of navigation is one of Washingtons key objectivesThe Strait of Hormuz has to free transit Navigation of the seas has to be free and open as it was before he saidThe shipping bottleneck comes at a time when governments and businesses worldwide are watching closely for signs of prolonged disruption to energy supplies and commercial tradeBessent argued that the market remains resilient and suggested that a surge in shipments could follow once restrictions easeAs the strait opens up were going to see this burst of ships come out he saidWe may actually see how quickly can it be refined how quickly can it get to its destinationThe Treasury Secretary said the administration believes energy markets remain adequately supplied despite the delays and noted that oil prices had fallen during MayWhat weve seen is actually oil prices are down about 10 per cent in May he saidThe comments appeared aimed at reassuring markets concerned that a prolonged disruption in Gulf shipping could trigger a fresh spike in energy prices and inflationThe Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea and is widely regarded as one of the worlds most critical maritime chokepoints Energy exports from Saudi Arabia Iraq Kuwait the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf producers rely heavily on the routeFor India the implications extend beyond oil The Gulf region is a major trading partner and an important source of energy imports fertilisers and petrochemicals Any prolonged disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz can affect freight costs supply chains and energy security across South Asia making developments in the waterway a matter of close strategic and economic interest IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/nearly-2-000-ships-await-gulf-transit-us-secretary-bessent-675514.html Fri, 29 May 2026 14:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/china-trails-us-in-ai-race-says-bessent-675515.html Washington May 29 Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent declared the United States the worlds leading artificial intelligence power arguing that China remains significantly behind as Washington seeks to maintain its technological edge in one of the most consequential strategic competitions of the century The US is the AI leader in the world Bessent said during a White House briefingWere an AI superpower China is second they are trailing substantiallyThe remarks reflect the Trump administrations broader view that technological leadership is increasingly central to national security economic growth and geopolitical influenceBessent said the administration was working closely with leading American AI companies as policymakers seek to strike a balance between innovation and safeguardsWere working very closely with the large language labs Theyve been excellent partners he saidWe are going to get a solution that solves for the maximum calculusHis comments came in response to questions about risks posed by advanced AI models and whether additional government measures may be needed to protect critical infrastructure and the financial systemRather than signalling tougher restrictions Bessent emphasised the importance of preserving Americas lead while addressing safety concernsWhat we want to do the US is the AI leader in the world he saidWe are working on the exact calculus between innovation and safety and we want to optimise for thatThe administrations approach appears aimed at encouraging continued investment and technological development while avoiding regulatory measures that could slow innovationBessent also highlighted cooperation between the federal government and major AI developersWe have great collaboration between all of the labs that have the large language models but between the US government and the labs he saidHis remarks underscore how AI has become a central front in the broader strategic rivalry between Washington and BeijingAmerican officials increasingly view leadership in artificial intelligence as critical not only for economic competitiveness but also for military capabilities cybersecurity advanced manufacturing and future productivity growthThe debate has intensified as governments around the world grapple with how to regulate increasingly powerful AI systems while ensuring that domestic companies remain globally competitiveThe United States and China are investing heavily in artificial intelligence semiconductors and advanced computing infrastructure with both nations seeking to secure leadership in technologies expected to shape the global economy for decades IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/china-trails-us-in-ai-race-says-bessent-675515.html Fri, 29 May 2026 14:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-says-pressure-brought-iran-to-nuclear-talks-675516.html Washington May 29 The Trump administration claimed that its campaign of military and economic pressure has succeeded in bringing Iran to the negotiating table on its nuclear programme with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent arguing that Tehran is now discussing issues that previous US administrations could not get it to address Bessent told reporters at a White House news conference that recent developments marked a significant shift in Irans position and suggested that Washingtons strategy was producing resultsPresident Trump has done something that no other administration is able to do Bessent told reportersWe have gotten the Iranians to talk about their nuclear program and to perhaps commit to not having oneThat has never happened before It had been off the tableThe comments came as the administration continued to signal optimism about ongoing contacts with Tehran while declining to confirm reports of a tentative agreementBessent repeatedly stressed that any future deal would depend on Iran meeting key US demands including surrendering its highly enriched uranium abandoning any pursuit of a nuclear weapon and restoring free navigation through the Strait of HormuzAt the same time he argued that the combination of military action and economic sanctions had altered Irans calculationsI think when you look at the results of the kinetic action of our economic pressure it has worked to bring them to the table and have a discussion on this he saidThe Treasury Secretary suggested that sanctions relief would remain contingent on concrete Iranian concessions and indicated that negotiations were still ongoingNothing is going to be on the table until we see the Strait of Hormuz open and the Iranians agree that they have to turn over the highly enriched uranium and that they cant have a nuclear program he saidBessent also portrayed the Iranian leadership as weakened and struggling to coordinate its response following recent developmentsThe Iranian government such as it is is three pillars It is the elected government it is the IRGC and it is the clerics and they are having trouble communicating he saidWhile emphasising that President Donald Trump preferred diplomacy Bessent also warned that the administration was prepared to increase pressure if talks failedPresident Trump always prefers a peace deal he saidWe do not have unlimited patienceIf President Trump doesnt think he can get a peace deal then kinetic is backThe administrations comments reflect a broader effort to portray its Iran policy as a combination of pressure and diplomacy with officials arguing that sanctions and military actions have strengthened Washingtons negotiating position rather than undermined it IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-says-pressure-brought-iran-to-nuclear-talks-675516.html Fri, 29 May 2026 14:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/irans-air-defences-intercept-us-aircraft-over-bushehr-province-report-675517.html Tehran May 29 Irans air defences were activated Thursday night in the southern province of Bushehr with an invading US drone destroyed Irans media reported The semiofficial Tasnim news agency cited a military source as saying that Irans air defenses intercepted an invading US drone near Bushehr by firing missilesMeanwhile the semiofficial Fars news agency said Irans armed forces fired missiles at certain targets from the countrys southern regions with some local sources reporting the possibility of clashes in the Gulf Xinhua reportedConcurrently the semiofficial Mehr news agency said the Iranian armed forces fired warning shots at four vessels near the Strait of Hormuz that sought to cross the waterway without coordination with IranEarly Thursday Iranian media reported three explosions east of the port city of Bandar AbbasMultiple US media outlets reported later that the US military carried out fresh overnight strikes in Iran targeting a military site that Washington said posed a threat to US forces and commercial vessels in the regionIrans Islamic Revolution Guard Corps said it carried out strikes Thursday morning targeting a US air base in response to the US attacks against Bandar Abbas Meanwhile earlier on Tuesday Iran has demanded the release of its frozen assets worth 24 billion US dollars during the negotiations with the United States on ending the war Tasnim reportedIran the United States and Israel reached a ceasefire on April 8 after 40 days of fighting Following the truce Iranian and US delegations held peace talks in Islamabad the capital of Pakistan on April 11 and 12 which failed to yield an agreementOver the past weeks the two sides have reportedly exchanged several proposed plans on conditions for ending their conflict via Pakistani mediation IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/irans-air-defences-intercept-us-aircraft-over-bushehr-province-report-675517.html Fri, 29 May 2026 14:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/usha-vance-promotes-literacy-at-team-usa-centre-675518.html Washington May 29 Second Lady Usha Vance visited the US Olympic amp Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs to promote childhood literacy using a stop at one of Team USAs premier training facilities to encourage children to read during the summer break The Second Lady joined twotime Olympian and sixtime World Champion wrestler Adeline Gray in reading If You Can Dream it Be It by Team USA bobsled pilot Riley Tejcek to a group of local studentsWhat an honor it was to visit such an incredible space and meet the Team USA athletes who are representing our country so well Team USA fosters excellence and inspires children to fulfill their potential â something I also hope to cultivate by encouraging childhood literacy Usha Vance saidThe event was part of the Second Ladys Summer Reading Challenge an initiative aimed at combating summer learning loss among studentsGray said the visit combined two important influences in childrens livesIt was great to welcome the Second Lady and a group of local children for their first experience at the Olympic amp Paralympic Training Center As a mother myself inspiring kids to be curious dream big and develop a love for both sport and reading is incredibly important she saidThe Colorado Springs facility serves as a training base for many of Americas Olympic and Paralympic athletesThe Second Lady has made literacy a key focus of her public engagement efforts Earlier this year she visited AcadeMir Academy Charter School West in Doral Florida where she read to students and worked with faculty on ways to address summer learning lossShe has also launched a podcast Storytime with the Second Lady featuring celebrities and public figures reading childrens books Recent guests have included Paralympic medallist Brent Poppen NASCAR driver Danica Patrick actor Cheryl Hines Inter Miami CF player Ian Fray and Vances mother Dr Lakshmi ChilukuriThe visit also reflected Vances continuing support for Team USA athletes She travelled to Milan with Vice President JD Vance in February for the 2026 Olympic Winter GamesSummer learning loss remains a concern for educators across the United States who have long warned that students can lose academic ground during extended school breaks Reading programmes are widely used by schools libraries and community organisations to help children maintain literacy skills during the summer monthsColorado Springs is home to several major US Olympic and Paralympic facilities and has long been a centre of American elite sport The training centre hosts athletes preparing for international competition including future Olympic and Paralympic Games IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/usha-vance-promotes-literacy-at-team-usa-centre-675518.html Fri, 29 May 2026 14:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/chinese-cars-face-new-us-border-ban-bill-675519.html Washington May 29 Two US Democratic lawmakers introduced legislation to block Chinese connected vehicles from entering the United States through Canada and Mexico warning that the vehicles pose national security risks and threaten the American auto industry Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens and Senator Elissa Slotkin announced the Protecting America from Chinese Cars Act at the Mackinac Policy Conference in MichiganThe bill would prohibit connected vehicles from China and other adversarial nations from entering the United States including vehicles manufactured in China or produced by Chinese companiesâThe Chinese Communist Party should never have access to sensitive information about American drivers roads or critical infrastructure The Protect America from Chinese Cars Act closes dangerous loopholes that currently allow Chinese connected vehicles to enter the United States through Canada and Mexicoâ Stevens saidâThis bill is about staying laser focused on protecting American national security and standing up for Michigan autoworkers who build the best vehicles in the worldâ she addedThe lawmakers said the measure responds to Chinas growing presence in global vehicle markets Chinese automakers heavily subsidised by Beijing have rapidly expanded in Europe and South America according to the bills sponsorsThey noted that Chinese vehicles now account for roughly 15 per cent of the Mexican market They also pointed to Canadas January 2026 trade agreement with China that will significantly reduce tariffs on tens of thousands of Chinese vehiclesâThe threat of connected vehicles from China is now at both of our backyards to the North and Southâ the lawmakers saidSlotkin said the issue extends beyond economicsâThis is an economic security issue and a national security issue and we must prevent these vehicles from driving over our border and into our communitiesâ she saidâTheyâre surveillance packages on wheels â fully capable of geolocating individual drivers collecting fullmotion video and mapping sensitive infrastructure sites including our militaryâShe said the legislation âbuilds on my bipartisan Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026 and bans fully finished Chinese vehicles from driving over in any capacity even just for the dayâUnder the proposal vehicles manufactured or designed in China would be barred from entering the United States The restrictions would also apply to vehicles produced by companies in which Chinese firms hold more than a 15 per cent stakeThe bill would create a process allowing manufacturers to seek specific authorisations for otherwise prohibited vehicles Any such approvals would be subject to strict conditions transparency requirements and congressional oversightIt would also require US Customs and Border Protection to establish enforcement procedures and compile a list of prohibited vehicles within 90 days of enactmentThe legislation builds on earlier efforts in Washington to limit the entry of Chinese connected vehicle technology into the United States Policymakers from both parties have increasingly raised concerns that modern vehicles collect large amounts of data through cameras sensors and internetconnected systems IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/chinese-cars-face-new-us-border-ban-bill-675519.html Fri, 29 May 2026 14:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-bound-oil-tanker-crosses-strait-of-hormuz-675520.html New York May 29 An oil tanker carrying sorely needed petroleum for India has cleared the Strait of Hormuz according to several sites that track maritime traffic The Nissos Keros is on its way to Vishakapatnam and is expected to reach its destination on June 3 according to multiple sitesThe ship flying under the Marshall Islands flag left Shajrah on May 21 and was reported at 6 am Indian Standard Time on Friday in the Northern Arabian Sea off the west coast of IndiaIranâs news agency IRNA reported on Thursday that the Islamic Revolutionary Guards IRGC Navy allowed 23 commercial vessels including oil tankers and container ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz in the previous 24hour periodIt said that according to the Iranian military âall transits were conducted following formal coordination with IRGC naval authoritiesâIt was unclear whether the ships had to pay a fee to pass through the StraitIran which has said it would require payments to cross the Strait announced earlier this month that it was setting up an agency the Persian Gulf Strait Authority PGSA to regulate maritime traffic in the areaThe United Nations has declared it illegal to levy fees for sailing through international watersThe US has demanded that Iran restore free navigation through the Strait which Tehran has mined and attacked ships on it after the US joined Israel in bombing Iran in FebruaryFree navigation through the Strait is a major issue holding up a deal to end the Iran warâThe Strait is going to be open to everybodyâ US President Donald Trump said on WednesdayIrans action has put a chokehold on 20 per cent of the worldâs gas and oil that go through it creating a global energy and economic crisisOut of the blue Trump threatened on Wednesday to blow up Oman which is across the Strait from Iran if it made an arrangement with Tehran to collect fees to transit itAukevisser which keeps a roster of ship information lists Nissos Kerosâs owner as Arethusa Shipping Corporation and the operator as Kyklades Maritime CorporationThe Hyundaibuilt ship is 333 meters long and has a capacity of 318744 tonnes or 338648 cubic metres according to itAccording to the International Maritime Organisations SecretaryGeneral Arsenio Dominguez about 1500 ships are trapped in the Persian Gulf IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-bound-oil-tanker-crosses-strait-of-hormuz-675520.html Fri, 29 May 2026 14:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-american-teen-wins-spelling-bee-title-675521.html Washington May 29 IndianAmerican teenager Shrey Parikh won the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee correctly spelling 32 words in a spelloff to claim the championship and set a new competition record The 14yearold eighthgrader from San Bernardino California secured the title with the word bromocriptine defined by organisers as a polypeptide alkaloid that is a derivative of ergot and mimics the activity of dopamineParikh representing the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools in California emerged victorious following the third spelloff in the Bees history His total of 32 correctly spelled words established a new spelloff recordThe champion attends Day Creek Intermediate School in California and entered this years contest with considerable experience on the national stageAccording to his official Scripps National Spelling Bee biography Parikh first competed in the national Bee in 2022 when he tied for 89th place He returned in 2024 and finished tied for third place before capturing the title this yearThe victory capped years of preparation for the young speller who has developed interests well beyond language and vocabulary competitionsHis official biography describes a student who enjoys tennis reading mathematics and chess He also plays percussion in his school band and has performed on instruments including the snare drum bass drum timpani toms triangle glockenspiel and marimbaParikh spends much of his free time solving mathematics problems or spending time with his brother and sister according to the biography One of his proudest recent achievements was qualifying for the California state Mathcounts competition this yearThe biography also notes his strong connection to India Parikh has travelled to many countries and particularly enjoys visiting India to spend time with his grandparentsThe Scripps National Spelling Bee is one of the most prestigious academic competitions in the United States It brings together top young spellers from across the country and several international locations after they advance through local and regional contestsFounded in 1925 the competition tests spelling vocabulary and language skills through multiple rounds of increasingly difficult words Participants must generally be no older than 15 and may not have progressed beyond the eighth gradeStudents of Indian origin have been among the most successful competitors in the Bee over the past two decades winning a large share of national titles and regularly dominating the final rounds Their success has made the annual competition a closely followed event in IndianAmerican communities across the United StatesParikh now joins a distinguished list of champions whose victories have become part of the Bees long tradition of academic excellence and perseverance IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-american-teen-wins-spelling-bee-title-675521.html Fri, 29 May 2026 14:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-sanctions-multiple-entities-vessels-in-iran-oil-trade-clampdown-675532.html Washington May 29 The United States sanctioned many companies individuals and vessels as part of a sweeping new crackdown on Irans oil and petrochemical trade accusing them of helping facilitate transactions involving Iranianorigin products The US Department of State announced sanction on several companies linked to what it called Irans shadow oil economy saying the measures are intended to cut off revenue used by Tehran to fund destabilising activities and support its military apparatusThe action formed part of a broader sanctions package targeting traders shipping companies and vessels allegedly involved in transporting Iranian petroleum and petrochemical productsTodayâs sanctions action also targets three companies trading Iranian petrochemical products and one of their principal executive officers the State Department said It added that such companies provide valuable revenue for the Iranian regimeThe sanctions targeted companies based in Qatar Singapore Hong Kong the United Arab Emirates and the Marshall IslandsThe State Department designated eight vessel management companies and identified eight vessels as blocked property It alleged that the companies were involved in the purchase acquisition sale transport or marketing of Iranian petroleum and petrochemical productsAccording to the department Iranian exports are moved through networks of shipping facilitators operating across multiple jurisdictions It accused some vessels of engaging in dark activity and other deceptive shipping practices while transporting Iranian cargoesAt the same time the US Treasury Department sanctioned what it described as an oil sales network that facilitated the movement of tens of millions of barrels of Iranian oil The State Department said the network directly funded the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps IRGC Irans Armed Forces General Staff and other elements of Irans military establishment IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-sanctions-multiple-entities-vessels-in-iran-oil-trade-clampdown-675532.html Fri, 29 May 2026 15:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/cornered-by-china-bla-and-possible-desertions-asim-munir-resorts-to-false-narrative-drive-675549.html New Delhi May 29 The battle in Balochistan has been anything but easy for the Pakistani security forces Recently the Balochistan Liberation Army BLA carried out a coordinated train bombing targeting security personnel aboard the Zaffar Express For Field Marshal Asim Munir Balochistan is a ticking time bomb China has in recent months stepped up the pressure immensely and the Pakistan establishment is finding it hard to provide answers For China the safety of the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor Project CPEC is at stake Chinese investments and their personnel have frequently been targeted in BalochistanAt the time of signing up for the project Pakistan had made tall claims about the security of the CPEC China had made it clear that it would invest in the project but it would be up to the Pakistanis to ensure its safety An official said that Asim Munir is under immense pressure and he is looking for a way out of this mess He has used all the tools at his disposal but in Balochistan each one of them failed badlyAnother official said that Munir now needs a major diversion and hence he has been indulging in a narrative campaign He was at the western frontier where he delivered a powerful address that was entirely focused on Indiabashing Instead of boosting the morale of his forces and finding solutions he just stuck to one point and that is blaming New Delhi for everything wrong that is taking place in BalochistanAn Intelligence Bureau official said that the troops are demoralised and there is every chance of massive desertions taking place This has put the administration in panic mode and Munir has no idea how to handle this Munir has put more troops on the ground to fight BLA but there has hardly been any success He has not been able to provide security to the CPEC and this has led to mounting pressure from ChinaIn another desperate move he roped in the LashkareTaiba and Islamic State Khorasan Province ISKP to fight alongside the Pakistani troops against the BLA However this tactic too has failed The Pakistani army chief even told LashkareTaiba founder Hafiz Saeedâs son Talha Saeed to negotiate with the BLA For this he had even met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharifâs close aideAn official said that this gambit too is bound to fail as the BLA has zero trust in the Pakistan administration or even its terror proxies With no cards left Munir felt it would be best if diverts attention from the real issue During his visit on EidulAzha with frontline troops in Zhob and Quetta he went on Delhibashing Officials say that Munir has no choice but to divert attention from complete administrative failureOfficials say that those part of the administration are panicking and many in Pakistan feel let down by what is happening in Balochistan Officials say that the visit ideally should have focused on security gaps Intelligence failures and administrative lapses Had he stuck to this and admitted to the gaps and found solutions his troops would have gotten their morale booster Instead he sought to shift blame while not addressing the real problemAnother official said there are enough inputs to suggest that many would be deserting the army and other security forces They have no answers against outfits such as the BLA and TehreekeTaliban Pakistan TTP Their repeated requests to make the desired changes have fallen on deaf ears The official said that currently they are demoralised but over a period of time the desertions would take place in large numbersOfficials say Munir is frantic Beijing has stepped up the pressure immensely and is demanding security guarantees The increasing number of losses that the Chinese are incurring due to the failure of Pakistan has left Beijing fuming One can imagine the pressure that Munir must be under But instead of addressing issues he has decided to indulge in a fake narrative drive against India to divert attention from the real problem an official said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/cornered-by-china-bla-and-possible-desertions-asim-munir-resorts-to-false-narrative-drive-675549.html Fri, 29 May 2026 15:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/isi-eyes-deported-illegal-immigrants-as-potential-assets-with-deep-knowledge-of-india-675554.html New Delhi May 29 Massive gatherings have been reported at the IndiaBangladesh border following an aggressive campaign launched by the newly formed BJP government in West Bengal to drive out illegal immigrants The government has directed the administration to detect detain and deport illegal immigrants Many who entered the country illegally have been selfdeporting themselves as they do not want to be put in detention centres However Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has explicitly ordered officials to expedite the repatriation processHe instructed the state police to bypass traditional judicial court proceedings when dealing with illegal immigrants from Bangladesh An official said that the drive is much needed as illegal immigrants have stressed the Indian systemsIndian agencies are keeping a very close watch on the developments as the ISI would look to activate its radicalisation wings along the border areas to tap those persons who have been deported An Intelligence Bureau official said that the ISI would look to capitalise on the situation and with the JamaateIslami winning handsomely in the bordering areas it would be an added advantage for Pakistan to go ahead with its plan the official addedUsanas Foundation CEO Dr Abhinav Pandya says that the agencies have long neglected issues of demographic change and the Islamisation of India The ISI had a malicious ambition of enforcing demographic change in India and they had hoped that there would be complete Islamisation of IndiaAnother official said that there are scores of touts across the border who are in charge of sending in illegal immigrants They are being contacted by ISI elements to hold as many persons who come into Bangladesh and then send them to radicalisation camps the official addedDr Pandya says that Pakistan has realised that it cannot beat India in a conventional war They had hoped that demographic change would be the ultimate solution They want to do in the rest of India what they did in Kashmir he addedHe further states that all these persons being sent out will have grievances The ISI would tap as many people as possible and recruit them into terror groups After all they have lived in India for a long time and have good knowledge of the country This would make them perfect for recruitment Dr Pandya addedLt Col Ujjual Abhishek Jha Retd an Intelligence veteran and analyst says that Pakistan would use this to build up a strong narrative about India being the oppressor The ISI would collude with the JamaateIslami and indulge in radicalisation activities The Jamaat has a strong support base along the West BengalBangladesh border he addedSpeaking about the longterm plans of the ISI he said that those radicalised would be connected with terror modules Further Pakistan would look to use this issue to strain IndiaBangladesh relations The ties between the two countries are currently delicate and as attempts are being made to improve relations Pakistan would use this issue to derail the processAn official said that they are closely watching the developments The borders are on very high alert All ISIbacked activity is being closely monitored and the agencies will ensure that those radicalised elements are blocked from reentering the country the official also added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/isi-eyes-deported-illegal-immigrants-as-potential-assets-with-deep-knowledge-of-india-675554.html Fri, 29 May 2026 15:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistani-police-arrest-afghan-journalist-amid-uncertainty-over-charges-675556.html Kabul May 29 Pakistani police has arrested Afghan journalist Seyed Qasim Hashemi on the AbbottabadIslamabad highway local media reported on Friday citing sources familiar with the incident According to sources Hashemi was arrested by Pakistani authorities on the AbbottabadIslamabad highway on Thursday at around 1219 pm Afghanistanbased Khaama Press reported Authorities have not yet released a statement regarding the reason for his arrest or his current conditionThe exact location of his detention is not known and efforts being made by his colleagues and acquaintances to find information about his status have so far remained unsuccessfulIn recent months Pakistani authorities have increased arrests and deportations of Afghan refugees including journalists as part of the crackdown launched against immigrants sparking criticism from rights groupsOn May 20 Pakistani police have arrested Afghan journalist Parwiz Aminzada in Islamabad during ongoing enforcement actions against Afghan citizens Local sources revealed that Aminzada was arrested in the Faisal Town area of Islamabad Khaama Press reportedHuman rights groups have repeatedly voiced concerns over the treatment of Afghan asylum seekers and journalists who fled Afghanistan after Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in 2021After the Taliban takeover hundreds of Afghan journalists left Afghanistan fearing retaliation censorship and restrictions on independent media Many moved to neighbouring countries including Pakistan and Iran while waiting for resettlement opportunities in Western nationsOn May 8 the Afghanistan Media Support Organisation AMSO said that Afghan refugees in Pakistan have been facing arbitrary arrests mistreatment extortion and the threat of forced deportationIn a report released on May 8 the AMSO said that more than 34 million Afghan migrants have been deported from Pakistan and Iran since 2023 amid escalating crackdowns on undocumented foreigners Khaama Press reportedAccording to the report 683 per cent of surveyed Afghans said they have been arrested or imprisoned while 964 per cent of detainees reported facing abuse during arrest or detentionAs per the report 857 per cent of respondents were forced to pay money to avoid arrest or get released from detention facilitiesThe report said that 756 per cent of respondents faced threats humiliation and other forms of psychological abuse while 724 per cent of respondents were detained for more than 48 hours without judicial review Khaama Press reportedThe organisation said that none of the deported individuals received an individual risk assessment before deportation from PakistanThe AMSO added that the report was prepared jointly with the World Organisation Against Torture and presented to the United Nations Committee Against TortureThe findings were based on a survey conducted of 41 Afghan nationals with six indepth interviews and documentation from organisations including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees the International Organisation for Migration Amnesty International and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistani-police-arrest-afghan-journalist-amid-uncertainty-over-charges-675556.html Fri, 29 May 2026 15:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-meets-counterparts-from-eu-countries-in-cyprus--675424.html Nicosia May 28 IANS External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar met his counterparts from Estonia France Romania Slovakia Poland and Netherlands on the sidelines of the Informal Meeting of the European Union EU Foreign Ministers in Cyprus on ThursdaynbspnbspA quick catch up with DPM and FM Radoslaw Sikorski FM of Romania Toiu Oana and FM Tom Berendsen of Netherlands in Cyprus today EAM Jaishankar posted on X after his meetingsnbspHe also met his Slovakian counterpart Juraj Blanar on the sidelines of the meetingnbspAlways nice to meet FM JeanNoel Barrot of France this time in Cyprus stated EAM Jaishankar after meeting his French counterpartEAM Jaishankar also met his Estonian counterpart Margus Tsahkna and European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Suica on the sidelines of the meetingnbspEarlier the External Affairs Minister participated in the Informal Meeting of the EU Foreign MinistersnbspDuring the meeting the ministers discussed opportunities practical collaborations and shared interests in the emerging multipolar ordernbspGreat to be in Limassol to join the informal Gymnich meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Ministers Our partnership with EU and the region continues to deepen across a wide range of domains Discussed opportunities practical collaborations and our shared interests in the emerging multipolar order EAM Jaishankar posted on XEAM Jaishankar was invited to attend the EUs Informal Meeting of Foreign Affairs Ministers Gymnich in Cyprus Limassol on May 2728nbspOn the sidelines of the meeting he held a meeting with his Spanish counterpart Jose Manuel Albares with discussions held on trade technology defence and peopletopeople tiesnbspA pleasure to meet FM Jose Manuel Albares of Spain on sidelines of Cyprus Gymnich meeting today Discussed further steps for our trade technology defence and P2P ties Appreciate his views on ongoing global and regional developments EAM Jaishankar posted on XEAM Jaishankar also met his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha with both ministers discussing the Ukraine conflict and exploring ways to deepen bilateral cooperationnbspA useful meeting with FM Andrii Sybiha of Ukraine Exchanged views on the Ukraine conflict Also discussed our bilateral cooperation he posted on XnbspEAM Jaishankar held a meeting with Saudi Arabias Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud where the two sides exchanged views on the regional development in West AsiaSharing the details of the interaction on X EAM Jaishankar stated A good meeting with FM HH Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud of Saudi Arabia Appreciate his assessments and insights on the evolving situation in West AsiaMiddle EastnbspHe also met EUs High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas and discussed IndiaEU cooperation and the geopolitical situation in West AsiaIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-meets-counterparts-from-eu-countries-in-cyprus--675424.html Thu, 28 May 2026 15:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/look-forward-to-hosting-pm-modi-soon-australian-pm-albanese-hails-bilateral-ties--675425.html Canberra May 28 IANS Hailing their bilateral relationship Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the ties between the two nations continue to deepen through culture education cricket and trade and that he looks forward to hosting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the near futurenbspIn his address at the Australian Parliament Albanese highlighted Indias economic growth and emphasised that the trade relationship between the two nations has been further enhanced by the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement ECTA He recalled his first visit to India in 1991 describing it as a wonderful experienceIndia of course has the largest population in the world but it will also grow to be the third largest economy in the world over this decade That is an extraordinary opportunity for us in our region We are a Pacific nation but we are also an Indian Ocean nation as well Our trading relationship has been enhanced by the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement and we are further drawn together through culture education and of course the international language of cricket One of my great honours has been my two visits so far to India as Prime MinisternbspWhen I first visited India as a backpacker way back in 1991 a long time ago I travelled a bit differently in those days I do want to say if you want to understand India get on a video bus or train It is a wonderful experience to see firsthand the warmth that is there Now likewise will have the privilege of hosting Prime Minister Modi here soon a privilege I look forward to repeating for the second time he addedAlbanese lauded the Indian communitys contribution to Australian society and how they have strengthened ties between the two nations He expressed the Australian governments commitment to supporting Indians and their interestsnbspLike last time Prime Minister Modis visit will be made extraordinary by so many of the millionstrong Indian Australian community the largest growing migrant community in Australia Thats a community that has added so much through their love of this country their spirit of generosity and through generations of hard work and aspiration that have strengthened our economy and enhanced our society not least of course all those wonderful small businesses that have benefited from the Indian diaspora he saidWhat these great Australians have done in the process is strengthen the important links between this land that is their home and future and the land of their extraordinary heritage I say to them were a better country because of you My government will always stand up for you and your interests We will reject any attempt to divide That is definitely worth noting that we need to celebrate the contribution that Indian migrants have made and will continue to make to this country he addedWhile sharing Albaneses video on X Australias High Commissioner to India Philip Green said When your Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks with so much conviction ampamp passion about India the country where you serve as the High Commissioner it makes your job infinitely more meaningful We look forward to welcoming you to Australia Prime Minister Narendra Modi jiIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/look-forward-to-hosting-pm-modi-soon-australian-pm-albanese-hails-bilateral-ties--675425.html Thu, 28 May 2026 15:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/russian-scientists-develop-vaccine-against-new-ebola-strain-moscow-675330.html MoscowCape Town May 27 Russia has announced that its scientists have developed a new vaccine for the new strain of the Ebola virus linked to the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo DRC The Russian Embassy in South Africa took to social media X on Tuesday local time and said Russian scientists have developed a vaccine against a new Ebola strain Health Minister Mikhail Murashko announced According to the Russian scientists the vaccine may also protect against the rare Bundibugyo strain linked to the outbreak in the DRCEarlier on May 25 the World Health Organisation WHO revealed that a rapidly spreading Ebola outbreak in the DRC has caused 220 suspected deaths as health officials struggle to catch up with the epidemicWhile 101 confirmed cases and 10 confirmed deaths have been recorded WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus had said the true scale is far largerThere are now more than 900 suspected cases and 220 suspected deaths Tedros had said at the Virtual Ministerial Briefing on the Bundibugyo Ebola Outbreak on MondayThe outbreak declared as a public health emergency of international concern on May 17 has also spread to Uganda which has five confirmed cases and one deathOn Tuesday DR Congo Health Minister Roger Kamba announced that the Ebola outbreak remained at an early stage but infections and deaths continue to riseHealth authorities have identified around 1000 suspected cases in affected areas of which 101 have tested positive Kamba told a press conferenceThe outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola which Kamba described as less lethal than the Zaire strain but still dangerous if infections continue to rise There is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for Bundibugyo EbolaAccording to the WHO Ebola disease is a severe often fatal illness affecting humans and other primatesThe virus is transmitted to people from wild animals such as fruit bats porcupines and nonhuman primates and then spreads in the human population through direct contact with the blood secretions organs or other bodily fluids of infected people and with surfaces and materials eg bedding clothing contaminated with these fluidsThe average Ebola disease case fatality rate is around 50 per cent Case fatality rates have varied from 25 to 90 per cent in past outbreaksThe first Ebola disease outbreaks occurred in remote villages in Central Africa near tropical rainforestsThe 2014â2016 Ebola virus disease outbreak in West Africa was the largest and most complex Ebola outbreak since the virus was first discovered in 1976 There were more cases and deaths in this outbreak than all others combined It also spread between countries starting in Guinea then moving across land borders to Sierra Leone and Liberia IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/russian-scientists-develop-vaccine-against-new-ebola-strain-moscow-675330.html Wed, 27 May 2026 12:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/govt-closely-monitoring-ebola-situation-no-confirmed-case-in-india-675342.html New Delhi May 27 The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has said it is closely monitoring the evolving situation of Ebola Virus Disease following recent outbreaks reported in parts of Africa The government stated that while exercising abundant caution it had placed an individual with recent travel history from Uganda under isolation at the staterun Epidemic Diseases Hospital in Bengaluru after the person reported mild symptoms of body acheOfficials clarified that the individual was otherwise healthy apart from mild body aches and a sample was collected and sent to the National Institute of Virology for laboratory testing The test result has now returned negative for Ebola Virus DiseaseThe Ministry in coordination with concerned state authorities said it is maintaining close surveillance and ensuring that all necessary public health protocols are being followed in accordance with World Health Organisation WHO guidelines It further confirmed that no case of Ebola Virus Disease has been confirmed in IndiaReiterating its preparedness the government said screening and surveillance measures are continuing at all designated points of entry including airports and border health facilities as well as across the wider public health system Citizens have been advised not to panic avoid spreading misinformation and rely only on official sources for updatesHealth authorities also emphasised that India remains vigilant in view of global disease patterns and continues to strengthen its early detection and response mechanisms to prevent any potential spread of infectionMeanwhile according to the latest statistics issued by the World Health Organisation WHO DirectorGeneral Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus the Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo DRC is likely much larger than currently confirmed figures warning that active transmission continues to expand across affected regionsSharing an update on the outbreak in a post on X Tedros said 101 cases have so far been confirmed in the DRC including 10 confirmed deaths However he cautioned that the actual scale of the epidemic is significantly higher with more than 900 suspected cases and 220 suspected deaths under investigationHe further noted that neighbouring nation Uganda has also reported fresh infections including two additional confirmed cases among healthcare workers taking the total number of confirmed cases in the country to seven including one deathHe added that the WHO and partner agencies are scaling up response measures with global health teams working to intensify contact tracing and surveillance to identify infected individuals at the earliest and break chains of transmission IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/govt-closely-monitoring-ebola-situation-no-confirmed-case-in-india-675342.html Wed, 27 May 2026 12:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/exiled-east-turkistan-authorities-slam-pakistan-for-endorsing-chinas-atrocities-in-xinjiang-675354.html Washington May 27 The East Turkistan GovernmentinExile ETGE accused Pakistan of repeatedly endorsing Beijingâs âgenocideâ and âcolonial occupationâ of East Turkistan also known as the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China The remarks came after Pakistan in a joint statement issued with Beijing on Tuesday reportedly backed âChinaâs just stance on issues concerning XinjiangâCondemning the move the ETGE alleged that Islamabad had become an âactive accompliceâ to what it described as the âgravest colonial occupation and genocideâ of the region by the Chinese authoritiesThe exiled authorities called on the Pakistani government to reverse its âtreacherous actionsâ and stop backing Beijings policies in the regionAccording to the ETGE the latest development was not an âisolated lapseâ but an annual ritual accusing Islamabad of routinely echoing Beijingâs position on Xinjiang through annual joint statements The group claimed that Pakistan had long ago traded its sovereignty for Chinese loans weapons and patronageâPakistan has now called âjustâ the internment of millions of Muslims in concentration camps mass enslavement through forced labour the forced sterilisation of Muslim women the seizure of over a million children to be raised as atheist Chinese the killing of tens of thousands of Muslims each year for their organs the demolition of more than 16000 mosques and the criminalisation of Muslim names prayer fasting the Quran and the practice of Islam itself in Occupied East Turkistanâ read a statement issued by the ETGEStressing that Pakistanâs complicity was not new the exiled authorities categorically rejected the joint statementâs reference to the socalled âETIMâ terming it âa label China fabricated after 911 by copying the acronym of the East Turkistan Independence Movement to recast a legitimate liberation struggle as terrorismThe ETGE claimed that it was in Pakistan known as Chinaâs âallweather ally that Beijing manufactured the narrative of a Uyghur âIslamistâ and âterroristâ threat through the establishment of the âEast Turkistan Islamic Partyâ in 1997 It further alleged that Pakistan helped build the âoriginal faceâ of the narrative nearly three decades ago and continues to keep it alive by justifying Chinaâs atrocities in East TurkistanâThat Pakistan a state that presents itself as a defender of oppressed Muslims would bless the genocide and colonial subjugation of tens of millions of Muslims and parrot their executionerâs propaganda exposes that claim as hollow Islamabadâs signature does not make genocide and colonial occupation justâ said Salih Hudayar Minister of Foreign Affairs and Security of the ETGEThe ETGE urged the people of Pakistan to reject their governmentâs endorsement of Chinaâs âgenocide and colonial occupationâ of East Turkistan and support the regions âswift liberation and independenceâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/exiled-east-turkistan-authorities-slam-pakistan-for-endorsing-chinas-atrocities-in-xinjiang-675354.html Wed, 27 May 2026 12:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/israel-says-hamas-military-chief-mohammed-odeh-killed-in-gaza-strike-675355.html Jerusalem May 27 Israel has announced that Hamas military commander Mohammed Odeh was killed in a targeted overnight strike in Gaza City Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described the operation as a major blow to the militant groups military structure According to Israeli authorities Odeh was killed during an operation conducted jointly by the Israel Defense Forces IDF and the Shin Bet after months of intelligence monitoring and surveillance of his movementsIn a post on X Katz said The fourth commander of the Hamas terror organisations military wing in Gaza was eliminated yesterday and sent to meet his partners in the depths of hellIsraeli officials said Odeh had only recently assumed charge as head of Hamass military wing following the killing of Izz alDin alHaddad earlier this monthAccording to Hamasaffiliated reports emerging from Gaza Odeh was reportedly killed along with his wife and sons during the strikePraising the operation Katz commended the Israeli military and intelligence agencies for what he called a brilliant executionWe pledged to eliminate everyone who led the October 7 massacre and that is what we will do Katz was quoted as saying by the Times of Israel They are all marked for death everywhereThe Israeli Defence Minister also reiterated Israels stated objective of dismantling Hamas rule in Gaza and advancing what he described as a plan for voluntary emigration from the enclaveEverything at the right time and in the right manner he addedIn a joint statement the IDF and Shin Bet confirmed that several buildings in Gaza City allegedly being used as hideouts by Odeh and his associates were targeted during the overnight strikeThe Israeli military further stated that an apartment belonging to another Hamas operative allegedly involved in the October 7 attacks was also hit during the operation according to the Times of IsraelAccording to the IDF Odeh had previously served as the head of Hamas intelligence before becoming the organisations military chief last weekIsraeli security agencies alleged that he played a key role in planning and coordinating Hamas October 7 assault on Israel and later directed attacks and intelligence operations against Israeli troops during the ongoing conflictThe agencies described Odeh as one of the last remaining senior Hamas military commanders linked to orchestrating the October 7 attacks and said his killing represented a significant blow to Hamas efforts to reorganise and rebuild its military capabilities IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/israel-says-hamas-military-chief-mohammed-odeh-killed-in-gaza-strike-675355.html Wed, 27 May 2026 12:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/un-chief-warns-of-dangerous-erosion-of-respect-for-international-law-675319.html United Nations May 27 United Nations UN SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres warned of a dangerous erosion of respect for international law Core principles sovereign equality territorial integrity political independence the prohibition of the threat or use of force are being challenged or ignored Violations go unanswered Impunity is spreading he told a highlevel open debate of the Security Council on upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and strengthening the UNcentered international system on Tuesday Xinhua news agency reportedThe UN Charter remains humanitys best hope for peace but its strength depends on the commitment of those responsible for upholding it Guterres said warning that geopolitical divisions are deepening mistrust is growing and consensus is becoming increasingly difficult to achieveAnd too often this council fails to act with unity and purpose When the Security Council is divided the consequences are felt far beyond this chamber he saidGuterres also expressed concern that conflicts are proliferating and intensifyingWe now face the highest number of conflicts since the founding of the United Nations And there is growing external interference including the provision of weapons such as drones which now frequently target civilians and civilian objects said the UN chief Violence is expanding in scale and complexity in the Middle East Sudan Ukraine and beyondGuterres also expressed concern about an accelerating and destabilising arms raceTo tackle the challenges he called for action in three areas conflict prevention and peacemaking respect for international law and reform of the UN Security CouncilHe stressed the need to strengthen the broader multilateral system and urged all members of the Security Council to uphold the UN Charter consistently act in the interests of peace rebuild trust through leadership and compromise and do their part to ensure that the United Nations truly live up to what it was meant to be a forum for solutions a guardian of international law and a force for peace and security IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/un-chief-warns-of-dangerous-erosion-of-respect-for-international-law-675319.html Wed, 27 May 2026 11:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-reaffirms-resolve-against-cross-border-terrorism-warns-pakistan-against-sponsoring-it-675321.html United Nations May 27 Warning Pakistan of Indiaâs resolve to defend itself against crossborder terrorism India said Islamabad would have to face the repercussions of sponsoring terrorism âPakistan must credibly and irrevocably end its support for all forms of terrorismâ Indiaâs Permanent Representative P Harish demanded on Tuesday at the Security CouncilâPakistan will have to accept that there are consequences to its sponsorship of crossborder terrorismâ he saidHe declared India has every right to defend itself from such crossborder terrorismâ Harish was responding to Pakistan Permanent Representative Asim Iftikhar Ahmadâs offtopic diatribe against India during the Council debate on âUpholding the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter and Strengthening the UNCentred International Systemâ Harish took a swipe against Ahmads claims of upholding the UN CharterâThe use of crossborder terrorism by Pakistan and its doctrine of bleeding India by 1000 cuts exposes its hollow rhetoric and the rhetoric of commitment to the UN Charterâ he saidâPakistans harnessing of the malevolent forces of terrorism religious extremism violent radicalism and antiIndia rhetoric has continued unabated since its creationâ Harish saidAhmad asserted that Council resolutions on Kashmir had not been able to resolve the issue and implied it was because of IndiaâFor nearly eight decades the Jammu and Kashmir dispute has remained unresolved despite clear and multiple Security Council resolutions promising the Kashmiri people their right to selfdetermination Ahamd claimedHowever it was Pakistan that had defied the fundamental demand of the Council on KashmirSecurity Council Resolution 47 adopted on April 21 1948 requires the Pakistani government to withdraw from Kashmir all its âtribesmenâ soldiers in disguise and nationals and to stop aiding those fighting there â the terroristsPakistan has complied with neither demand sending any Council involvement in Kashmir into the oblivion of historyKashmir âhad become a part of India as a result of their complete legal and irrevocable accessionâ Harish said âPakistan by waging several wars and inflicting unprovoked aggression against India and through its continued sponsorship of crossborder terrorism has violated the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity and peaceful coexistenceâ he addedTenacious in its forlorn obsession with Kashmir Pakistan came back as the Council session was about to be suspended saying it was exercising its right of reply to Harish with a preprepared screed that included attacks on what it called âHindutvaâIndia loftily ignored it rather than consider it worthy of serious consideration IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-reaffirms-resolve-against-cross-border-terrorism-warns-pakistan-against-sponsoring-it-675321.html Wed, 27 May 2026 11:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-administration-pushes-ndas-for-federal-workers-675322.html Washington May 27 The Trump administration has proposed a governmentwide nondisclosure agreement for federal employees The move critics say could chill speech and discourage whistleblower disclosures The proposal was issued Tuesday by the Office of Personnel Management OPM which said the draft agreement is intended to protect ânonpublic confidential or proprietary informationâ across federal agenciesThe proposed NDA could be used for both new and existing federal employees Agencies would decide whether to adopt it The agreement would become part of an employeeâs official personnel fileAccording to the proposal employees would be required to protect information tied to âinternal agency operations personnel matters procurement processes or any sensitive predecisional or deliberative material that is not currently publicly availableâThe Washington Post first reported that the proposed rule would expand nondisclosure agreements already used inside agencies including the PentagonâIn much of the private sector employees handling sensitive business or customer information are routinely required to sign confidentiality agreements and the federal government should not be held to a lower standardâ OPM Director Scott Kupor said in a statement quoted by both The Washington Post and The New York TimesThe administration said recent leaks involving immigration enforcement plans and a secret US raid in Venezuela showed the need for stronger controlsThe OPM filing said disclosures to The New York Times and The Washington Post about the Venezuela operation âput the lives of members of the armed forces at riskâThe New York Times disputed that claim The Washington Post reported that Times Executive Editor Joe Kahn said the newspaper âdid not have verified details before the raid and did not withhold publication at the request of the Trump administrationâCivil liberties groups and lawyers representing federal workers criticised the proposalâThe First Amendment applies most strongly to government employeesâ speech when the speech in question is in their private capacity and about matters of public concernâ Esha Bhandari of the American Civil Liberties Union told The New York TimesShe added âSuch broad gag orders would leave the public in the dark about how the government works preventing the kind of informed debate that is critical to democratic accountabilityâGreg Greubel of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression told The Washington Post that agencies âcannot use an NDA as a broad gag order to stop employees from speaking about misconduct workplace concerns or matters of public concernâThe administration said the proposal would preserve whistleblower protections and would not create new legal restrictions on speech The draft specifically says disclosures protected under federal law including reports to Congress and inspectors general would remain protectedThe proposal comes as the Trump administration intensifies efforts to stop leaks inside federal agencies The Washington Post reported that the Defence Department imposed NDAs and random polygraph testing last year as part of broader antileak measures IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-administration-pushes-ndas-for-federal-workers-675322.html Wed, 27 May 2026 11:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/congo-says-ebola-outbreak-still-at-early-stage-but-cases-rising-675325.html Kinshasa May 27 The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo DR Congo remains at an early stage but infections and deaths continue to rise Health Minister Roger Kamba said Health authorities have identified around 1000 suspected cases in affected areas of which 101 have tested positive Kamba told a press conferencePreliminary figures show that about 200 to 220 deaths are believed to be linked to the outbreak while 17 deaths have been confirmed through laboratory testingWe are still at the beginning of an epidemic Kamba said adding that the duration of the current growth phase would depend on the effectiveness of response efforts The minister said authorities are planning a response operation expected to last four to six monthsThe outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola which Kamba described as less lethal than the Zaire strain but still dangerous if infections continue to rise There is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for Bundibugyo EbolaTo contain transmission authorities are relying on surveillance testing isolation contact tracing community engagement and safe burials he saidOn Saturday the government suspended civilian passenger flights to and from Bunia the capital of Ituri Province and the epicentre of the outbreak while humanitarian flights remain in operation Xinhua news agency reportedKamba said the virus may have been circulating before the outbreak was officially declared on May 15 citing Ebolas incubation period of up to 21 days He added that health authorities have yet to identify the outbreaks patient zeroEarlier on May 26 the World Health Organization WHO had said that a confirmed case of Ebola virus disease is recovering in Goma an eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo DRC city with work underway to strengthen the response against the outbreakAnne Ancia WHOs acting representative in the DRC had made the remarks during a visit to Goma currently under the control of the March 23 Movement rebel groupThe confirmed patient is receiving treatment at a local hospital with very positive condition while contacts are being monitored regularly Ancia had saidShe had noted that current discussions focused on the citys health situation and measures to reinforce surveillance case management contact tracing and community engagement in response to the Ebola outbreak caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/congo-says-ebola-outbreak-still-at-early-stage-but-cases-rising-675325.html Wed, 27 May 2026 11:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/earthquake-risk-in-new-zealands-largest-city-higher-than-assumed-study-675326.html Wellington May 27 New research has identified an active fault near New Zealands largest city suggesting earthquake risk for Auckland may be higher than previously understood The Mangatangi Fault running along the Hunua Ranges about 50 km south of the city is capable of generating an earthquake of up to magnitude 68 said a press release by the University of Auckland on WednesdayThe study published in the New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics found the fault has ruptured within the past 10000 years Any fault that has moved in the past 125000 years is considered activeIf the whole fault ruptured there would likely be serious consequences for people living in South Auckland and possibly further into central Auckland as well said geologist James Muirhead from the University of Auckland the studys coauthorThis is the first time a faultline in the Auckland region has been radiocarbon dated highlighting limited knowledge of its seismic history Muirhead said adding that Aucklands hazard may be significantly higher than the public and policymakers believeAuckland experiences earthquakes every year but most are too small or distant to be noticed he notedThe findings come as Auckland expands southwest bringing more people and infrastructure closer to the fault Researchers say raising the citys hazard level would tighten building code requirements Auckland was exempted last year from earthquakeprone building rules due to its low riskThis is an active fault with the potential to generate a large earthquake in a region that doesnt expect one said Hannah Martin from the University of Auckland who was the lead author of the research Xinhua news agency reportedEarthquakes happen every day in New Zealand Instruments record the ground shaking from over 20000 earthquakes in and around the country each year Most are too small to be noticed but between 150 and 200 are big enough to be felt Between 1840 and 2016 earthquakes in New Zealand caused 501 deaths directly or indirectly IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/earthquake-risk-in-new-zealands-largest-city-higher-than-assumed-study-675326.html Wed, 27 May 2026 11:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/canada-introduces-temporary-border-measures-over-ebola-concerns-675327.html Ottawa May 27 The Canadian government announced a series of temporary border measures to reduce the risk of the Ebola virus entering and spreading within Canada According to a news release from the Public Health Agency of Canada in response to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and rising risks in Uganda and South Sudan Canada will suspend immigration documents for residents of these countries for 90 days starting Wednesday at 2359 Eastern TimeIndividuals of these three countries holding previously approved temporary resident visas electronic travel authorizations or permanent resident visas will be barred from traveling to Canada said the releaseThe processing of new applications from residents of these countries will also be temporarily paused added the releaseAccording to an additional measure effective May 30 at 2359 Eastern Time until August 29 Canada will enforce a mandatory 21day quarantine for Canadian citizens permanent residents persons registered under the Indian Act and foreign nationals who have visited the affected areas within the previous 21 days and do not have symptoms while travellers who have symptoms will be isolated at a hospital for further assessment under the Quarantine Act Xinhua news agency reportedWhile emphasising that the risk to people in Canada remains low and there are currently no cases of Ebola disease in North America the government said it is adopting a precautionary approach given the severity of the disease and the evolving international situation including the upcoming FIFA World CupAccording to the World Health Organization Ebola disease is a severe often fatal illness affecting humans and other primatesThe virus is transmitted to people from wild animals such as fruit bats porcupines and nonhuman primates and then spreads in the human population through direct contact with the blood secretions organs or other bodily fluids of infected people and with surfaces and materials eg bedding clothing contaminated with these fluidsThe average Ebola disease case fatality rate is around 50 per cent Case fatality rates have varied from 25â90 per cent in past outbreaksThe first Ebola disease outbreaks occurred in remote villages in Central Africa near tropical rainforests The 2014â2016 Ebola virus disease outbreak in West Africa was the largest and most complex Ebola outbreak since the virus was first discovered in 1976 There were more cases and deaths in this outbreak than all others combined It also spread between countries starting in Guinea then moving across land borders to Sierra Leone and Liberia IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/canada-introduces-temporary-border-measures-over-ebola-concerns-675327.html Wed, 27 May 2026 11:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/putin-signs-law-permitting-use-of-army-to-protect-russians-abroad-675140.html Moscow May 25 Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law allowing the Russian army to protect Russian citizens abroad local media reported The law applies in the event of a citizenâs arrest criminal prosecution or other legal action by foreign and international courts vested with jurisdiction without Russiaâs participation Russiaâs stateowned TASS news agency reportedThe law also states that government agencies will at the Presidents discretion take measures to protect Russian citizens in the event of their arrest criminal prosecution or other legal action by foreign courtsThe law was approved by the Federation Council at a plenary session and authorised by the State DumaUnder existing laws the Russian President already has the authority to deploy the countryâs armed forces to perform tasks beyond their intended purposeThis comes amid the arrest of Hilarion Alfeyev a retired bishop of the Russian Orthodox Church residing in the Czech RepublicHe was arrested on Sunday after Czech police found containers with an unspecified substance in the boot of his car according to a statement released by the Russian Foreign MinistryThe Russian Foreign Ministry is set to summon the head of the Czech diplomatic mission in Moscow in connection with the detention of Hilarion Alfeyev in Karlovy VaryThe Ministry said he was arrested in the Czech Republic on âtrumpedup chargesâAccording to the statement the police conducted a personal search of Hilarion and his driver and tested them for narcotics with negative resultsâWe regard this incident as a deliberate orchestrated provocation aimed at denigrating both the Metropolitan himself and through him Orthodoxy in principle which has recently been under attack in the Czech Republicâ the Ministry notedIt also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Hilarion Alfeyev and an end to the âfabricated investigationâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/putin-signs-law-permitting-use-of-army-to-protect-russians-abroad-675140.html Tue, 26 May 2026 06:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/quad-foreign-ministers-to-meet-in-new-delhi-today-675142.html New Delhi May 26 India will host the Quad Foreign Ministersâ Meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar set to welcome Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for highlevel discussions under the Quad framework According to the Ministry of External Affairs the meeting is expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in the IndoPacific region maritime security critical minerals emerging technologies supply chain resilience and regional geopolitical developments including the situations in West Asia and UkraineThe official statement said âIn keeping with the Quad vision for a Free and Open IndoPacific the Ministers will build on discussions held in Washington DC on 1 July 2025 They will exchange views on advancing Quad cooperation across priority areas review progress on ongoing Quad initiatives and reflect on recent developments in the IndoPacific region and other international issues of mutual concernâThe meeting is expected to focus on key areas of cooperation including maritime security resilient supply chains infrastructure development critical and emerging technologies climate action and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief The discussions will also review ongoing Quad initiatives aimed at strengthening regional stability and economic growthDuring their India visit the Foreign Ministers of Australia and Japan along with the US Secretary of State were also expected to hold bilateral meetings with EAM Jaishankar Earlier on Monday EAM Jaishankar met Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi ahead of Tuesdays Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting in New Delhi highlighting that the special strategic and global partnership between both countries remains rooted in their joint vision for a free and open IndoPacificBetween India and Japan of course we have a special strategic and global partnership and that signals that our ties have a larger implication larger importance larger impact and one example of that will be tomorrow when we meet in the Quad format to discuss how to advance free and open IndoPacific EAM Jaishankar said in his opening remarks during a meeting with the visiting Japanese Foreign MinisterDuring his stay in New Delhi the Japanese Foreign Minister is also scheduled to call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi with other ministers on TuesdayThe Quad meeting comes at a time when IndoPacific geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve with member countries seeking to deepen cooperation and coordination on shared regional and global challengesReports suggest the Quad countries may announce new measures to strengthen economic security and technology partnerships during the meeting Earlier on Sunday US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that India and the US are strategically aligned on several key global issues including critical minerals supply chains and terrorism He called India one of the most important strategic partners for the US in the worldWhile addressing a joint press briefing with EAM Jaishankar Rubio said that India and the US have suffered due to global terrorism networks He noted that India and the US as democracies understand the importance of public scrutiny accountabilityRubio said I have to go back and justify to the American people every decision we make and the president has to do the same on why its good for our country and our counterparts here in India have to do the exact same thing You have to respond to the people of India about why your partnership with the United States or your stance on any issue for that matter is to the benefit of your country I imagine this is true in every country in the world to some degree but it is particularly true for democracies IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/quad-foreign-ministers-to-meet-in-new-delhi-today-675142.html Tue, 26 May 2026 06:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-forces-strike-iranian-missile-launch-sites-mine-laying-boats-675143.html Washington May 26 The US military struck missile launch sites and minelaying boats in southern Iran on Monday according to the US Central Command CENTCOM US forces conducted selfdefence strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces CENTCOM spokesperson Tim Hawkins said in a statement Xinhua news agency reportedTargets included missile launch sites and Iranian boats attempting to emplace mines US Central Command continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire he said The strikes threatened an already fragile ceasefire that began April 8 as the United States and Iran struggle to reach an accord to end a war that has rattled the global economy with a severe disruption of energy flowsIran has maintained controls on Gulf shipping through the Strait of Hormuz despite the US Navy enforcing a blockade on Irans portsLast week US Central Command said the naval blockade on Iran had redirected 100 vessels and disabled fourThe blockade is allowing zero trade into and out of Iranian ports which has squeezed Iran economically CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper saidMeanwhile US President Donald Trump on Monday said negotiations with Iran were âproceeding nicelyâ and called for several Middle Eastern countries including Saudi Arabia Qatar and Pakistan to join the Abraham Accords as part of a broader regional settlementIn an extended Truth Social post Trump said the talks with the Islamic Republic of Iran could either result in a âGreat Deal for allâ or risk renewed conflictâIt will only be a Great Deal for all or no Deal at all â Back to the Battlefront and shooting but bigger and stronger than ever before â And nobody wants thatâ Trump wroteThe remarks came after Trump announced over the weekend that a broad regional understanding involving Iran and multiple countries in the Middle East and South Asia was nearing finalisation IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-forces-strike-iranian-missile-launch-sites-mine-laying-boats-675143.html Tue, 26 May 2026 07:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-outlines-different-options-for-destroying-irans-enriched-uranium-675147.html Washington May 26 US President Donald Trump said that Irans enriched uranium will be destroyed after being handed over to the United States in place or at another acceptable location The Enriched Uranium Nuclear Dust will either be immediately turned over to the United States to be brought home and destroyed or preferably in conjunction and coordination with the Islamic Republic of Iran destroyed in place or at another acceptable location with the Atomic Energy Commission or its equivalent being witness to this process and event Trump wrote on Truth SocialTrump did not specify how much enriched uranium was involved The International Atomic Energy Agency has previously monitored Irans nuclear activities under various inspection arrangements reports Xinhua news agencyEarlier on Monday Irans semiofficial Tasnim news agency reported that Tehran had not agreed to transfer enriched uranium abroad rejecting a report by Saudibased Al Hadath news channel claiming that Iran is prepared to remove its highly enriched uranium from its territoryTasnim said that the report about details of a potential memorandum of understanding MoU between Tehran and Washington was not trueIn the text of the MoU that exists to this day there is no statement declaring Irans readiness to remove nuclear materials and Iran has essentially made no commitment regarding nuclear actions in the memorandum according to TasnimThe Washington Post citing an Iranian official said Monday that in the first phase of a possible deal Washington will release 12 billion US dollars in frozen Iranian assets minesweeping in the Strait of Hormuz will begin and the US blockade will be liftedHowever the deal does not include a nuclear agreement the Iranian official was quoted as saying IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-outlines-different-options-for-destroying-irans-enriched-uranium-675147.html Tue, 26 May 2026 08:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/australia-power-prices-to-fall-for-most-households-from-july-regulator-675148.html Canberra May 26 Australias energy regulator said that electricity prices will fall for most households and small businesses on regulated default plans from July 1 reflecting easing costs across the power sector The Australian Energy Regulator AER said its final Default Market Offer DMO for 202627 would cut residential electricity prices by between 34 per cent and 5 per cent in the state of New South Wales and by 72 per cent in the southeast state of Queensland while the state of South Australia would see a slight 14 per cent increaseSmall businesses will see reductions across all three regions said an AER statement adding the DMO is a regulated safety net and benchmark price for households and small businesses on standing electricity plansAlthough the Northern Territory the states of Western Australia and Tasmania and regional parts of the state of Queensland are subject to separate pricing systems the DMO remains a key benchmark for broader electricity pricesMinister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said energy price declines coincide with Australias main grids surpassing 50 per cent renewable generation in late 2025 pushing wholesale energy prices down which is beginning to flow through to billsExpanded renewables and storage are reducing reliance on unreliable coal and putting downward pressure on bills Bowen saidAER Chair Clare Savage said lower wholesale energy costs reduced spot price volatility and increased output from renewable sources including wind and batteries drove the declines Xinhua news agency reportedWholesale energy costs had eased despite uncertainty created by conflict in the Middle East Savage saidThe regulator also announced a new solar sharer offer requiring retailers to provide optin plans with three hours of free electricity during midday for customers with smart meters to make better use of Australias abundant solar generation IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/australia-power-prices-to-fall-for-most-households-from-july-regulator-675148.html Tue, 26 May 2026 08:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indo-pacific-must-remain-driver-for-global-growth-stability-eam-jaishankar-at-quad-meet-675174.html New Delhi May 26 External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar said on Tuesday that India Japan Australia and the US as maritime democracies pluralistic societies and market economies share the responsibility towards a free and open IndoPacific while stressing that the region must remain a driver for global growth and stability In his opening remarks at the Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday EAM Jaishankar stated Meeting for the third time in less than 18 months we will be discussing and deciding our shared activities Obviously that will take into account the many challenges and opportunities in the world Our focus will clearly be on the IndoPacific which is the specific limit of the QuadEAM Jaishankar said that the ministers need to address supply chain resilience connectivity choke points manufacturing and resource concentrations and gaps in critical infrastructureHe stated that officials of the Quad in the past several months have advanced collaboration across key core priorities including maritime security critical technologies economic resilience and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief HADRAt the global level we have to address supply chain resilience connectivity choke points manufacturing and resource concentrations and gaps in critical infrastructure Each one of them offers a new argument for more partnerships stronger growth and realising the promise of technologies The IndoPacific has in addition its own particular concerns This will require enhancing strategic confidence ensuring maritime security promoting economic choices and fostering a deeper collaborative ethos and that is best done by promoting trusted and transparent partnerships EAM Jaishankar saidOver the past several months our officials have advanced collaboration across key core priorities including maritime security critical technologies economic resilience and HADR We have seen encouraging progress on many initiatives As maritime democracies pluralistic societies and market economies we share the responsibility towards a free and open IndoPacific The region must remain a driver for global growth and stability We will be underlining that today through our deliberations which I am confident will be useful and productive he addedThe Quad comprises Australia India Japan and the United States and focuses on strengthening cooperation across key sectors including maritime security resilient supply chains critical minerals infrastructure development disaster relief and emerging technologiesAustralian Foreign Minister Penny Wong Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio are attending the Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indo-pacific-must-remain-driver-for-global-growth-stability-eam-jaishankar-at-quad-meet-675174.html Tue, 26 May 2026 10:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/goal-is-to-intensify-cooperation-among-ourselves-while-assisting-others-eam-jaishankar-after-quad-meet-675210.html New Delhi May 26 External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar on Tuesday said that the goal of the Quad nations is to intensify cooperation among themselves while helping others While addressing the press along with Foreign Ministers of Japan Australia and the US following the Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday EAM Jaishankar said that the discussions during the meeting were focused on issues of particular relevance to the IndoPacificHe said that Quad nations will continue to deepen cooperation in several areas including surveillance and domain awareness logistics network undersea cables training capacity building and HADR activitiesEAM Jaishankar said This is our first meeting in 2026 We had met twice in 2025 Understandably much of the discussions and indeed the bilateral exchanges were devoted to the current state of the world Being Quad we naturally focused on issues of particular relevance to the IndoPacific because we are four maritime democracies located at different ends of the IndoPacific the exchange of perspectives was an exercise of considerable valueThe maritime domain has seen a steady expansion of collaboration including surveillance and domain awareness logistics network undersea cables training capacity building and HADR activities We will be continuing to deepen these areas in the times ahead We spent some time on the question of safe and unimpeded maritime commerce and reaffirmed the significance of scrupulously observing international law Our four nations are also market economies We believe strongly that economic resilience should be promoted the supply chains should be strengthened trusted and secure technologies diffused and production capacities enhanced Our deliberations touched on the current energy and fertiliser availability as well as that of critical minerals and resources The goal is to intensify cooperation among ourselves while also assisting others he addedEAM Jaishankar said that India the US Japan and Australia also discussed countering terrorism and stressed that there must be zero tolerance for terrorismHe emphasised that the IndoPacific will become more important to the world in the coming daysWe the Quad nations are open societies who foster innovation and creativity in our quest for growth and prosperity These forces are strengthened when we undertake more exchanges as we intend to do So whether it is in business forums healthcare initiatives or digital activities each facet of a joint effort makes the region that much better As democratic nations we also devoted attention to countering the common threat of terrorism There must be zero tolerance for terrorism and nations subject to terrorist attacks have the right to defend themselves he statedA free and open IndoPacific has many dimensions and facets Our meeting today took stock of the progress in many of them while encouraging exploration in others In the coming days whether it is economic activity energy trade or maritime commerce the IndoPacific will become even more important to the world The responsibilities of the Quad will grow commensurately and we must prepare for that he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/goal-is-to-intensify-cooperation-among-ourselves-while-assisting-others-eam-jaishankar-after-quad-meet-675210.html Tue, 26 May 2026 12:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/eid-gatherings-could-worsen-measles-outbreak-in-bangladesh-warn-health-experts-675228.html Dhaka May 26 As Bangladeshâs escalating measles outbreak claimed over 500 lives public health experts and physicians have warned that mass gatherings longdistance travel and family visits during Eid holidays could further accelerate the spread of the disease They advised families with young children to avoid unnecessary gatherings restrict movement and adhere to the preventive measures cautioning that approaching the hot season may intensify the transmission risks local media reported on TuesdayExperts noted that the lack of adequate treatment facilities in remote areas remains a serious concern especially for children who may fall sick while travellingIn this situation it is best for people to stay where they are Unnecessary movement should be limited as much as possible Bangladeshâs leading newspaper Dhaka Tribune quoting the Director of the Infectious Diseases Hospital FA Asma KhanomAddressing a programme at the Secretariat last week Bangladeshâs Health Minister Sakhawat Husain warned that unrestricted Eid travel and crowded public transport could fuel transmission of measlesStressing the contagious nature of measles he urged families not to expose infected or recently recovered children to crowded public spaces or relatives homesHe added that while vaccination significantly reduces the risk it does not provide 100 per cent protection noting that social distancing and public awareness remain key preventive measuresMeanwhile at least 17 more children have died from measles and measleslike symptoms in Bangladesh taking the total number of confirmed and suspected deaths to 545 since March 15 local media reportedAccording to the Directorate General of Health Services DGHS the deaths were reported in the 24 hours leading up to Monday morningAmong the 17 fatalities one was a confirmed measles death while the remaining 16 died with symptoms of the diseaseAs many as 64940 suspected measles cases have been logged in the country since March out of which 8719 were confirmed infectionsDhaka Tribune reportedAmid the rising fatalities Bangladeshâs Awami League party alleged that gross negligence and policy failures during the tenure of the former Muhammad Yunusled interim government have triggered a worsening measles outbreak in the countryThe party claimed that the recent remarks by the United Nations International Childrens Emergency Fund UNICEF have confirmed that this crisis was not an accident but the result of Yunusâ âdeliberate negligence and destructionâThe UN agency reportedly said that it had repeatedly warned the earlier interim government led by Yunus both through written communication and meetings with Health Ministry officials about vaccine shortages that could trigger a major health crisisCalling Yunus a âchildkiller the Awami League said that ignoring UNICEFâs warnings Yunus deliberately pushed children towards death IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/eid-gatherings-could-worsen-measles-outbreak-in-bangladesh-warn-health-experts-675228.html Tue, 26 May 2026 13:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-canada-trade-talks-industry-roundtables-b2b-engagements-next-on-agenda-675229.html OttawaNew Delhi May 26 IANS After highlevel trade talks in Ottawa Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will lead the Indian business delegation through an intensive programme of industry roundtables and B2B engagements in Toronto from May 2627 aimed at translating ministeriallevel commitment into concrete commercial partnerships across priority sectors the government said on TuesdaynbspThe visit carries forward the mandate set by Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Mark Carney during Carneys New Delhi visit in March 2026 and builds on sustained highlevel engagement between the two countries since mid2025With bilateral trade currently standing at approximately 85 billion both governments have set an ambitious shared target of expanding this to 50 billion by 2030Goyal arrived in Ottawa heading the largestever Indian business delegation to Canada comprising industry leaders from over 100 companies in a landmark step towards the full revival of IndiaCanada economic relations according to Commerce MinistrynbspThe threeday visit to Canada is aimed at advancing bilateral trade and economic ties between India and Canada with a particular focus on accelerating the ongoing negotiations for the IndiaCanada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement CEPA the ministry addedIn Ottawa Goyal held a series of highlevel meetings with senior Canadian leaders and Ministers to deepen bilateral cooperation across trade investment technology agriculture and strategic sectorsCalling on Carney Goyal conveyed warm greetings from Prime Minister Modi Both sides held forwardlooking discussions on further deepening bilateral cooperation across multiple domains and expressed optimism towards the early conclusion of the IndiaCanada CEPACarney affirmed that the proposed free trade agreement with India would be a game changer unlocking a massive new marketGoyal also held constructive bilateral discussions with Canadas Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu on advancing the IndiaCanada CEPA negotiations The CEPA is expected to strengthen economic partnerships and deliver tangible benefits to businesses and citizens of both countries deepening the bilateral economic relationship to its fullest potentialIn a meeting with Canadas Minister of Agriculture and AgriFood Heath MacDonald discussions centred on strengthening bilateral cooperation in agriculture with a focus on food security sustainability and agritechnologyGoyal also held wideranging talks with Canadas Foreign Minister Anita Anand and emphasised the importance of trade investment and technology linkages for the IndiaCanada Strategic PartnershipnbspHe highlighted Indias expanding infrastructure renewable energy logistics digital infrastructure and consumer sectors as offering significant opportunities for greater collaboration and longterm Canadian investmentsnbspIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-canada-trade-talks-industry-roundtables-b2b-engagements-next-on-agenda-675229.html Tue, 26 May 2026 13:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/marco-rubio-in-jaipur-today-traffic-restrictions-at-airport-amer-route-675116.html Jaipur May 25 IANS The capital city of Rajasthan was witnessing heightened security and major traffic diversions on Monday as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to arrive in Jaipur as part of his India tournbspnbspHe will land at Jaipur International Airport at around 2 pm and will visit Amer Palace and participate in cultural engagements during his brief stay before departing on Tuesday morningDuring his visit to Amer Palace Rubio may also visit the Elephant Village City Palace and selected markets within the walled city area He is expected to spend nearly an hour at Amer Palace where a traditional Rajasthani welcome has been plannedThe Jaipur administration and security agencies have enforced extensive traffic restrictions in view of the VVIP movementAccording to the Traffic Police the AirportAmer corridor will remain closed to general traffic and tourists between noon and 6 pm affecting movement along major stretches including JLN Marg Rubio is expected to travel from Jaipur Airport to Amer Palace with traffic movement along the entire route being suspended from around 1 pm until he arrives at Amer at approximately 230 pmLater he is scheduled to leave Amer around 430 pm for Rambagh Hotel during which traffic from Amer to Rambagh Crossing will remain closed between 4 pm and 530 pm Authorities said parking of all vehicles will be prohibited along the VVIP route extending from Jaipur Airport through OTS JDA Crossing Ramniwas Bagh Jawaharlal Nehru Marg New Gate Choura Rasta Tripolia Bazaar Hawa Mahal Bazaar and Subhash Chowk up to Amer However ambulances and essential service vehicles will be exempted from restrictionsTraffic police have arranged diversion routes through Tonk Road Jhalana Bypass Jawahar Nagar Bypass Janpath MI Road Govind Marg Delhi Road and other parallel roads Light commercial vehicles buses minibuses and slowmoving vehicles will face restrictions where required Amer Palace will remain closed to tourists from 1 pm to 5 pm following district administration orders issued for security reasonsRubio is expected to visit major sections of the palace including Sheesh Mahal DiwaneAam and Ganesh Pol where the Tourism Department has arranged a ceremonial reception featuring Ghoomar Kalbelia Kachhi Ghodi and Ravanahatha performancesSecurity has been tightened across Jaipur and the Police Commissionerate has imposed a twoday ban on drone operations in 24 police station jurisdictions on May 25 and 26 Legal action will be taken against violators under provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita BNSSIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/marco-rubio-in-jaipur-today-traffic-restrictions-at-airport-amer-route-675116.html Mon, 25 May 2026 12:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/marco-rubio-wife-jeanette-visit-taj-mahal-and-jaipurs-amber-fort--675138.html Agra May 25 IANS US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his wife Jeanette Rubio visited the iconic Taj Mahal in Uttar Pradeshs Agra and the Amber Fort in Rajasthans Jaipur on MondaynbspUS Ambassador to India Sergio Gor also accompanied them during their visit to both placesSharing pictures from their visit Gor stated Wonderful to be back at the iconic Taj Mahal with Secretary Rubio Jeanette Rubio and Robert Gabriel A breathtaking symbol of Indias extraordinary heritage and craftsmanshipLast year US Vice President J D Vance along with his wife and three children also visited Taj Mahal during his official visit to IndiaLater Rubio and his wife travelled to Jaipur as part their India visit This was Rubios first visit to JaipurPreparations for a ceremonial reception were being held at Jaleb Chowk inside the historic fort complex since early morningFolk artists and cultural troupes were mobilised to showcase Rajasthans traditional heritage and cultural performances as part of the welcome ceremonyIn view of the highprofile visit the Jaipur district administration police and security agencies were placed on a high alertOfficials inspected travel routes event venues and accommodation facilities linked to the visit Security agencies are maintaining close surveillance at hotels tourist sites and locations earmarked for the VVIP movementA detailed traffic and crowd management plan has been prepared to ensure smooth movement and avoid disruptions during Rubios stayCivic agencies have intensified cleanliness drives lighting arrangements and beautification work at major tourist sites particularly Amber Palace ahead of the visitRubio is currently on a fourday visit to India from May 23 to 26 covering Kolkata Agra Jaipur and New DelhiThe visit is focused on strengthening cooperation between India and the United States in areas such as trade defence energy and strategic affairsIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/marco-rubio-wife-jeanette-visit-taj-mahal-and-jaipurs-amber-fort--675138.html Mon, 25 May 2026 16:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/white-house-north-lawn-cleared-after-sound-of-gunshots-675003.html Washington May 24 The White House North Lawn was cleared by the US Secret Service on Saturday evening after the sound of apparent gunfire triggered a major security response near the White House complex according to US media reports Reporters on the White House grounds were instructed to sprint immediately into the White House press briefing room as security personnel moved swiftly to secure the area Streets surrounding the White House were flooded with dozens of police officers and law enforcement officials following the incident which caused a temporary lockdown around the presidential complexAccording to a statement released by the US Secret Service the shooting occurred shortly after 6 pm ET near the corner of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest just outside the White House grounds Officials said a person approached a security checkpoint âremoved a weapon from his bag and began firing at posted officersâFBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that federal agents were assisting in the response and investigation In a post on X Patel said âFBI is on the scene and supporting Secret Service responding to shots fired near White House grounds we will update the public as weâre ableâA US Secret Service official said that the suspect was later âdownâ and transported to a hospital Authorities have not yet released the identity or condition of the individual involvedWitnesses and media personnel reported hearing multiple rounds of gunfire during the chaotic moments Local media reported that dozens of shots were heard in the area before law enforcement secured the sceneThe White House was placed on lockdown immediately after the shooting while heavily armed officers and emergency response teams surrounded nearby streets and checkpointsAt the time of the incident US President Donald Trump was reportedly inside the White House working on efforts related to negotiations with Iran according to media reportsAuthorities said an investigation into the shooting has been launched No additional details about possible injuries to officers or civilians were immediately available Security agencies continue to monitor the situation as officials work to determine the motive behind the incident IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/white-house-north-lawn-cleared-after-sound-of-gunshots-675003.html Sun, 24 May 2026 14:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-california-declares-state-of-emergency-in-orange-county-after-chemical-incident-675004.html Los Angeles May 24 California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Orange County as emergency crews worked to cool down a tank containing volatile industrial chemicals at an aerospace manufacturing facility in Garden Grove The safety of Orange County residents is the top priority Newsom said in a statement on Saturday adding that California was deploying all available resources to support responders and affected communities Xinhua news agency reportedTaking to social media platform X Newsom posted Iâm proclaiming a state of emergency in Orange County as California continues to respond to the hazardous chemical incident in Garden Grove CalOES has been mobilized for over 24 hours and state agencies are supporting impacted communities to protect public safety and assist local officials as response efforts continue Please continue to follow guidance from emergency officialsThe emergency order allows the state to mobilize additional resources and accelerate coordination among local state and federal agencies responding to the crisis at the GKN Aerospace plant in Garden Grove where a tank holding methyl methacrylate MMA has remained at an unstable temperature for days MMA is a highly flammable industrial chemical used in acrylic plastics and aerospace manufacturingThe situation has grown more urgent as temperatures inside the compromised tank have continued to rise reaching about 90 degrees Fahrenheit 3222 degrees Celsius from 77 degrees 25 degrees Celsius a day earlierFire officials have warned that the worsening heat leaves two primary scenarios the tank could rupture leaking toxic chemicals or explode and potentially rupture other chemical tanks nearby IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-california-declares-state-of-emergency-in-orange-county-after-chemical-incident-675004.html Sun, 24 May 2026 14:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-says-tehran-washington-working-to-finalise-mou-on-ending-war-675005.html Tehran May 24 Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Iran and the United States are working to finalise a memorandum of understanding MoU on ending the war At this stage our focus is on ending the imposed war Baghaei told staterun IRIB news agency on Saturday following a visit to Tehran on Friday by a Pakistani delegation that included Army Chief Asim Munir and Interior Minister Mohsin NaqviOur intention has been to firstly agree on a MoU consisting of 14 clauses Baghaei said noting that within a period of 30 to 60 days they would reach a final agreementWe are at the stage of finalizing the MoU The issues that are being discussed are focused on ending the war on all fronts including Lebanon he said Among the major topics to be addressed in the MoU are the cessation of US maritime attacks or naval blockade as they themselves call it and other issues pertaining to the release of Iranian frozen assetsClarifying on the 30 to 60day period brought up in the MoUs text Baghaei said it will only begin once the document is formally agreed upon Xinhua news agency reportedWe should wait and see what will happen within the next three to four days he said adding that Irans nuclear issue is not a focus of the peace talks at this stageBaghaei also referred to Pakistan as the principal mediator in the talks highlighting its important role in ensuring the continued exchange of messages between Iran and the United StatesIran the United States and Israel reached a ceasefire on April 8 after 40 days of fighting that started with US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28Following the truce Iranian and US delegations held one round of peace talks in Pakistans Islamabad on April 11 and 12 which failed to yield an agreementOver the past weeks the two sides have reportedly exchanged several proposed plans outlining conditions for ending the conflict through Pakistani mediation IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-says-tehran-washington-working-to-finalise-mou-on-ending-war-675005.html Sun, 24 May 2026 14:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/no-tsunami-threat-after-60-magnitude-earthquake-jolts-us-hawaii-675012.html Los Angeles May 24 There is no tsunami threat to the US state of Hawaii after an earthquake with a magnitude of 60 jolted 12 km south of HonaunauNapoopoo on Hawaiis Big Island authorities have said The earthquake struck at 946 pm local time on Friday and the epicentre with a depth of 224 kilometres was initially determined to be at 1934 degrees north latitude and 15584 degrees west longitude according to the United States Geological Survey USGSThe earthquake was widely felt across the Hawaiian Islands There are no apparent impacts to Mauna Loa or Kilauea volcanoes said the USGS in a statementSeveral small aftershocks have occurred and may continue in the coming days reports Xinhua news agency quoting the US Geological SurveyModerate earthquakes are common in Hawaii Over the past 50 years 36 other earthquakes of magnitude 50 or greater have struck within 100 kilometres of Fridays quakeThe Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre did not issue a tsunami warning following the earthquake In a statement Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda said the earthquake was not large enough to cause a tsunami for the Island of Hawaii In the United States the tsunami alert has four types including a tsunami information statement a watch an advisory and a warningA tsunami advisory means that a tsunami with the potential to generate strong currents or waves to those in or near the water is imminent expected or occurring During this alert the public should stay out of the water and away from beaches and waterwaysA tsunami warning is issued when a tsunami with the potential to generate widespread inundation is imminent expected or occurring During this alert the public should move to high ground or inland IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/no-tsunami-threat-after-60-magnitude-earthquake-jolts-us-hawaii-675012.html Sun, 24 May 2026 14:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/nigerian-troops-repel-assault-on-military-facility-kill-12-suspected-terrorists-675013.html Abuja May 24 At least 12 suspected terrorists were killed in a gunfight with Nigerian troops after they attempted to attack a military facility in the northeastern state of Borno the army has said In a statement on Saturday local time Nigerian Army spokesperson Sani Uba said the suspected terrorists tried to infiltrate a military position in Kirawa town along the NigeriaCameroon border early Friday but were repelled by troops of the 153 Task Force Battalion and allied forcesAccording to Uba government troops responded with heavy fire forcing the attackers to retreat toward the Cameroon border areaThe military said several attackers escaped with possible gunshot woundsTroops also recovered weapons and ammunition including AK47 rifles rocketpropelled grenade launchers and a machine gun the statement said Earlier on May 19 the military announced that a total of 175 Islamic State fighters and top commanders had been killed by Nigerian troops and US forces in recent combined counterterrorism operations in the northeastern part of NigeriaIn a statement military spokesman Samaila Uba said the coordinated air and ground strikes which commenced over the weekend had delivered a major blow to the terrorist groups operational capacity destroying multiple IS checkpoints weapons caches logistics hubs military equipment and financial networks sustaining their activitiesUba said several highprofile IS commanders were among those killed including AbuBilal alMinuki described as the groups secondincommand globallyAccording to him alMinuki played a central role in IS external operations including coordination of terrorist financing recruitment logistics and attack planning targeting civilians His elimination is expected to severely disrupt the terrorist groups command structure operational coordination and external attack networks Uba explainedHe identified other key terrorist figures killed during the operations including Abdal Wahhab described as a senior leader of the Islamic State West Africa Province responsible for coordinating attacks and propaganda Abu Musa alMangawi another senior member and Abu alMuthanna alMuhajir a senior media production operativeThe military spokesman said the successes further underscored the sustained efforts of the armed forces of Nigeria in tracking and eliminating terrorist elements across the country adding that the joint operations would be continued to dismantle all terrorist networks threatening national and regional securityThe recent operations were conducted under a recently established counterterrorism and intelligencesharing partnership between Nigeria and the United States aimed at dismantling terrorist networks operating in the region IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/nigerian-troops-repel-assault-on-military-facility-kill-12-suspected-terrorists-675013.html Sun, 24 May 2026 14:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korean-president-calls-for-tougher-punishment-for-hateful-speech-conduct-675015.html Seoul May 24 South Koreas President Lee Jae Myung called on Sunday for a public debate on introducing tougher measures against those who post hateful and derogatory content online or engage in such behaviour Lee made the remarks in a post on X formerly known as Twitter sharing a report that young people believed to be linked to a farright online forum had engaged in provocative acts mocking former liberal President Roh Moohyun near the site of a memorial ceremony held on the anniversary of his deathThere are differing views on whether expressions that incite social division and conflict through mockery and insults such as those seen on Ilbe should be protected under freedom of expression or face sanctions including punishment Lee said in the postIlbe refers to Ilbe Storehouse a South Korean internet community known for extreme political views misogyny racism and hate speechLee raised the need for stricter conditions and measures such as punishment or even punitive damages for mocking and hateful expressionsHe also mentioned how there has been a debate over shutting down those online forums reports Yonhap news agencyWhat do you think I will also raise the matter at a Cabinet meeting he saidLees remarks came a day after he criticised Starbucks Korea over its 2024 promotional material that critics said evoked the 2014 Sewol ferry disasterStarbucks Korea introduced its Siren Classic Mug Collection on April 16 2024 the anniversary of the ferry sinking that killed more than 300 people mostly students on a school trip Critics said the use of Siren was inappropriate because sirens in Greek mythology are associated with luring sailors to shipwrecksThe coffee chain has come under fire for launching a Tank Day event on the anniversary of a 1980 prodemocracy movement that was violently suppressed by the military IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korean-president-calls-for-tougher-punishment-for-hateful-speech-conduct-675015.html Sun, 24 May 2026 14:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korean-president-vows-to-build-govt-that-saves-peoples-lives-on-buddhas-birthday-675016.html Seoul May 24 South Korean President Lee Jae Myung vowed Sunday to build a government that saves peoples lives and to uphold the teaching that all people are equally worthy as he attended a ceremony marking Buddhas Birthday Lee made the remarks during a ceremony hosted by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism as he has increasingly prioritised policies aimed at protecting public safety and addressing issues that directly affect peoples daily lives such as stalking crimes and other safetyrelated incidentsWe will build a country that looks after the lives of each and every citizen more carefully and listens to the voices of those at the lowest levels of society he said in his speech at Jogye TempleAbove all I will do my utmost to build a government that saves peoples lives and put into practice the teaching that all people are equally worthy and equal he saidLee said the Buddhas teachings have shared both hardship and joy over the years helping people heal pain and embrace marginalised neighbours whenever the country experienced crises and sorrow reports Yonhap news agencyEven at times of war poverty disasters and social conflict the lanterns at Buddhist temples never went out he said They allowed people to take a moment to pause and find peace of mind whenever they grew weary of lifeOur society today also urgently needs a spirit of consideration and understanding that embraces different views as well as a warmhearted pursuit of coexistence and shared prosperity rather than every person fending for themselves he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korean-president-vows-to-build-govt-that-saves-peoples-lives-on-buddhas-birthday-675016.html Sun, 24 May 2026 14:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/confident-of-having-productive-talks-as-strong-partners-says-eam-jaishankar-on-meeting-with-rubio-675028.html New Delhi May 24 External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar in his opening remarks during a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at New Delhis Hyderabad House said that he is looking forward and is confident of holding open and productive discussions In his remarks EAM Jaishankar said We have a comprehensive global strategic partnership which I think in plain language means that we have a very deep very broadbased cooperation And a relationship that impacts and influences other regions and the world And that is because we have converging interests on many issues and in many parts of the world So I look forward to our conversation today These are complicated times but as strong partners Im very confident well have very open and productive discussions Once again a very warm welcome he addedBoth leaders will then hold a delegationlevel meeting at the Hyderabad House with discussions focusing on strengthening cooperation in trade energy technology etcEarlier on Saturday Rubio called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and also extended an invitation on behalf of US President Donald Trump to visit the White House in the near future He briefed PM Modi on the sustained progress in bilateral cooperation across a wide range of sectors including defence strategic technologies trade and investment energy security connectivity education and peopletopeople ties the Prime Ministers Office PMO stated on Saturday In a post on X US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor stated that during the meeting both sides had a productive discussion on ways to deepen USIndia cooperation across various sectors He also mentioned that India remains a vital partner to the United StatesGreat to join Secretary Rubio for a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi We had a productive discussion on ways to deepen USIndia cooperation across security trade and critical technologies areas that strengthen both our nations and advance a free and open IndoPacific India is a vital partner to the United States Gor posted on XNews Secretary Marco Rubio extended an invitation on behalf of President Donald Trump for Prime Minister Modi to visit the White House in the near future he added in another post IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/confident-of-having-productive-talks-as-strong-partners-says-eam-jaishankar-on-meeting-with-rubio-675028.html Sun, 24 May 2026 14:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/dialogue-uninterrupted-maritime-trade-eam-jaishankar-outlines-indias-5-point-stand-during-talks-with-rubio-675035.html New Delhi May 24 External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar on Sunday outlined Indiaâs fivepoint approach on key regional and global issues stressing that New Delhi advocates dialogue and diplomacy for conflict resolution supports uninterrupted maritime commerce and strongly opposes the weaponisation of trade and resources Addressing a joint press briefing with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio after delegationlevel talks held at Hyderabad House EAM Jaishankar said India and the United States continue to maintain regular engagement and strategic coordination across a broad range of sectorsâThis is the Secretaryâs first visit to India but ever since he has assumed office we have been in regular touch This has included occasions in Washington DC and New York and also on the sidelines of other events the most recent one being in France We have had a continuous engagement which has facilitated our overseeing the broadbased and growing cooperation between our two nationsâ Jaishankar saidHighlighting the political understanding between New Delhi and Washington the External Affairs Minister said the IndiaUS strategic partnership is built on converging interests in several areas of mutual importanceâIn terms of the political understanding between India and the US we have a strategic partnership which emanates from a convergence of national interests in many areasâ he statedListing Indiaâs broad position on important regional and global matters Jaishankar said New Delhi remains committed to diplomacy lawful conduct economic resilience and trusted global partnershipsâOne that we advocate dialogue and diplomacy to address conflicts Two we support safe and unimpeded maritime commerce Three we demand scrupulous respect for international law Fourth we are against the weaponisation of market shares and resources And five we believe in the value of trusted partnerships and resilient supply chains to derisk the global economyâ the External Affairs Minister saidEAM Jaishankar also mentioned that Rubio had called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday during which the leaders discussed a range of global and regional developmentsHe said that during his own meeting with Rubio discussions were held on developments in West Asia the Indian subcontinent and East Asia along with deliberations related to his recent visit to the Caribbean regionâOur talks today over lunch will focus on the latest developments in the Gulf A few things have happened or seem to be happening overnight and also on the Ukraine conflict IndoPacific is also on the agenda for the Quad meeting which we will be doing on May 26â he saidOn defence and strategic cooperation EAM Jaishankar referred to the recently renewed 10year major defence partnership framework agreement between India and the United States He also highlighted the signing of a comprehensive underwater domain awareness roadmapâWe discussed the importance of taking into account the âMake in Indiaâ approach and lessons drawn from recent conflicts while going forward in the defence domainâ he addedSpeaking on economic cooperation the EAM said both countries discussed the importance of early finalisation of the IndiaUS interim trade agreement which is expected to pave the way for a larger bilateral trade pactâOn the economic front we spoke about the value of concluding at an early date the final text of the interim agreement regarding reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade This will be an important step towards a comprehensive bilateral trade agreement which was envisaged during Prime Minister Modiâs visit in February 2025â he saidThe External Affairs Minister also said energy security and nuclear cooperation figured prominently in the talks between the two sidesâWe spent some time today discussing energy issues and again youâre all aware that our governmentâs fundamental responsibility is to address the needs of 14 billion people Ensuring the accessibility and affordability of energy for them is our prime objective Secretary and I therefore welcome the expansion in our energy trade in recent months Diversified supplies are at the heart of energy security for Indiaâ EAM Jaishankar saidHe further noted that the passage of the Shanti Act had opened up fresh opportunities in nuclear cooperation between the two countriesâWe devoted some time to nuclear energy cooperation as well The passage of the Shanti Act has opened up new possibilities An American delegation was recently in India We hope to realise the potential of cooperation in the nuclear domain I also raised with the Secretary some regulatory issues that we have on the American sideâ he addedEAM Jaishankar also highlighted cooperation between India and the United States in emerging technologies critical minerals and artificial intelligenceâAll of you know the importance of critical minerals Our two nations have been cooperating bilaterally in the Quad format and also as a likeminded group India joined the Pax Silica and is part of the Forge initiative The AI Impact Summit in New Delhi in February highlighted the enormous potential of the IndiaUS relationship And we will naturally be encouraging our businesses dealing with AIâ he saidThe External Affairs Minister also underlined that India and the United States not only share common interests but also face several common challenges with terrorism remaining a major concernâOur position in that regard is very clear It is one of zero tolerance We appreciate the strong cooperation between the concerned agencies of our two countries in this domain I particularly recognised the extradition from the United States to India last year of a key planner of the 2611 Mumbai attacks Our two countries will intensify cooperation bilaterally as well as in relevant international forums We will continue to collaborate closely on countering illegal trade in narcoticsâ EAM Jaishankar said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/dialogue-uninterrupted-maritime-trade-eam-jaishankar-outlines-indias-5-point-stand-during-talks-with-rubio-675035.html Sun, 24 May 2026 14:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-sends-medical-supplies-protective-kits-to-africa-amid-ebola-outbreak-675040.html New Delhi May 24 Amid the Ebola outbreak in Africa India on Thursday dispatched the first tranche of urgent medical supplies and protective kits to Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention CDC In a post on X External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed Indias commitment to supporting Africa in responding to the emerging Ebola public health emergencyIndia dispatched the first tranche of urgent medical supplies and protective kits to Africa CDC today Committed to support Africa in responding to the emerging Ebola public health emergency EAM Jaishankar posted on XEbola disease EBOD is a rare but severe illness in humans and is often fatalMeanwhile the Indian government on Sunday advised Indian citizens currently residing in or travelling to Congo Uganda and South Sudan to strictly follow public health guidance issued by local authorities and maintain heightened precautions in light of the reported outbreak of Ebola disease in these countriesThe World Health Organization WHO has declared the situation to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern PHEICâIn view of the evolving situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other affected countries and in line with WHOâs recommendations Government of India advises all Indian citizens to avoid nonessential travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo Uganda and South Sudan until further noticeâ Health Ministry said in an advisoryIndia has not reported any case of Ebola Disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain the ministry addedThe Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention Africa CDC has officially declared the ongoing outbreak of Bundibugyo strain Ebola Virus Disease affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of Continental SecurityFurther the WHO IHR Emergency Committee on May 22 issued temporary recommendations to strengthen disease surveillance at Points of Entry to âdetect assess report and manage travellers with unexplained febrile illness arriving from areas with documented Bundibugyo virus detectionâ while also âdiscouraging travel to areas with documented Bundibugyo virus detectionâCountries bordering the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda including South Sudan are assessed to be at high risk of disease transmission according to the statement IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-sends-medical-supplies-protective-kits-to-africa-amid-ebola-outbreak-675040.html Sun, 24 May 2026 15:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-one-of-our-most-important-strategic-partners-says-marco-rubio-after-talks-675041.html New Delhi May 24 US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Sunday that India and the US are strategically aligned on several key global issues including critical minerals supply chains and terrorism He called India one of the most important strategic partners for the US in the world While addressing a joint press briefing with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday Rubio said that India and the US have suffered due to global terrorism networks He noted that India and the US as democracies understand the importance of public scrutiny accountabilityRubio said I have to go back and justify to the American people every decision we make and the president has to do the same on why its good for our country and our counterparts here in India have to do the exact same thing You have to respond to the people of India about why your partnership with the United States or your stance on any issue for that matter is to the benefit of your country I imagine this is true in every country in the world to some degree but it is particularly true for democraciesDemocracies respond directly to the people and you have to respond constantly and democracies you have opposition parties have a free and open media By the you have a lot of media We have media in our government you guys have a lot of media that means a lot of scrutiny and lot of attention But that begins to align our interests immediately because we both recognize and have mutual respect and understanding that every decision we make every announcement we make everything we work together on we ultimately have to go back and justify it to our voters to our people the people who put us in these positions to begin with he addedMarco Rubio stated that the strategic partnership between India and the US goes beyond regional cooperation He stressed that both nations are strategic allies on the idea that access to critical minerals and supply chains are essential issue in the 21st centuryHe said The second point I would make is that our partnership from a strategic standpoint is not limited to a regional one Now clearly there are regional issues in the IndoPacific that are important to both of our countries But the ability increasingly as we have conversations we are talking about strategic interests that align beyond simply the region Whether its your visit last weekend to the Western Hemisphere we have a lot of alignment Whether its our mutual interests of whats happening currently now in the Strait of Hormuz and beyond and then on the topics as wellIf you talk about the topics that we have a mutual interest on both countries are strategic allies on the idea that access to critical minerals and supply chains are an essential issue in the 21st century The overconcentration of reliance on a single source for anything particularly things that are vital for our economies is one of the great challenges of the 21st century and we are strategically aligned on that topic he addedHighlighting strong counterterrorism alignment between India and the US he said On the issue of terrorism both of our countries have suffered both directly and indirectly because of global terrorist networks There is a strong counterterrorism alignment as a result of that On innovation and ensuring that all of the promises of new technologies and new advances in the 21st century all of them come with risks and rewards Every technological advancement thats made individuals and societies more productive have always come with risks associated with them Managing those risks and maximizing those benefits is one of the great challenges of the 21st century and theres a tremendous strategic alliance between our countries in agreement on that pointHe described his visit to India phenomenal and termed India an important strategic partner of the USHe said Its been a phenomenal visit already and its only been a day and we have so much more work to do and its an honour to be here with all of you in this important visit to one of our most important strategic partners in the world and I want to highlight that point for a minute We obviously have relations and we work with countries all over the world and we need to just as India does and we have all kinds of alliances and partnerships with countries that we work on sometimes on discrete and individualized issues other times on broader issues that involve one region of the world or anotherA strategic partnership is something very different Its something much broader than that A strategic partnership is when your interests as two nations are aligned and you work together strategically to solve those problems and the list of issues that we work together with India on the breadth and scope of them is what highlights the fact that India is an important strategic partner of the United States one of our most important strategic partners in the world It begins with the fact of our shared values We are the two largest democracies in the world And so obviously that in and of itself begins to align our interests simply because our leaders respond directly to voters and people on a regular basis he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-one-of-our-most-important-strategic-partners-says-marco-rubio-after-talks-675041.html Sun, 24 May 2026 15:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/every-country-in-world-has-stupid-people-marco-rubio-on-racist-remarks-against-indians-in-us--675054.html New Delhi May 24 IANS US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday described the United States as a welcoming country and termed the racist comments made against Indians as the actions of stupid peoplenbspAddressing a joint press conference with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar Rubio stated that he takes such comments very seriouslyOn being asked about racist remarks against Indians in the US he responded I dont know how to address that but Ill take that very seriously about the comments Look Im sure that there are people who have made comments online and other places because every country in the world has stupid people Im sure there are stupid people here There are stupid people in the United States who make dumb comments all the time I dont know what else to tell you other than uh the United States is a very welcoming country Our nation has been enriched by people who come to our country have come from our country from all over the world have become Americans have assimilated into our way of life and have contributed greatly So thats all I can comment on that in regard to your pointHighlighting the contribution of the Indian community in the US economy Rubio said Over 20 billion dollars have been invested in the US economy by Indian companies We want that number to continue to increase and obviously the expertise as well that theyve provided to our economy has been very very valuableRubio also stated that the US is modernising its migration system and changes in immigration policy were applied across the world and not Indiaspecific He noted that over 20 million people had illegally entered the US over the past few years and stressed the importance of addressing that challengeOn concerns about the recent changes in J1 visa F1 H1B visa and his message to Indians in this regard Rubio said The changes that are happening now or the modernisation of our migration system into the United States is not focused is not Indiaspecific It is global its being applied across the world We are in a period of modernisation and Ill be frank and honest with you because its important to talk about this Weve had a migratory crisis in the United States This is not because of India but broadly we had over 20 million people illegally enter the United States over the last few years and weve had to address that challenge In addition to that challenge and I think this is true for India this is true for every country in the worldEverything that you do as a country needs to be in your national interest and that includes your immigration policyHe noted that immigration has enriched the country but stressed that the system must be adjusted with changing timesThe United States I believe is the most welcoming country in the world for immigration Every single year a million people roughly become permanent residents of the United States and contribute greatly My parents entered the United States as permanent residents in 1956 from Cuba and so its a process thats enriched us but it has to be a process thats adjusted in every era to the realities of the modern times in which you live and we are and its long overdue he addedRubio said that the US is currently undergoing a process of reforming the system and acknowledged that the transition could create some difficulties and friction points However he stated that the system that will be implemented after the process will be more efficient and better than the previous systemThe United States is currently undergoing a process of reforming the system by which we choose how many people come into our country who comes in when they come in etc Anytime you undertake a reform anytime you undertake a change in the system by which you admit people or frankly anytime you undertake a reform in any system not just on immigration there are going to be theres going to be a period of transition thats going to create you know some friction points and some difficulties and so forth Ultimately we think that when this process is in place once this process has been modernised and thats really what it is We are modernising the US immigration system for the 21st century so that it is an immigration system thats not just good for America but its also good for the people that are comingOnce we are complete and once weve done the work of modernising that system I think were going to going to wind up with a system thats more efficient and even better than the previous system and in some ways may prove to be even more beneficial than the previous system was to people from India who seek to enter the United States to work and innovate But obviously theres going to be a period of adjustment along the way So I just dont what I want to clear is that the changes while they may be having a disproportionate impact on a place like India that provides so many highskilled workers to the US economy it is not a system that is targeted at India It is one thats being applied globally But were in a period of transition and like any period of transition theres going to be some bumps on that road But we think ultimately our destination is going to be a better system a more efficient system one that works better than the one that we had embraced previously and more sustainable by the way he addedIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/every-country-in-world-has-stupid-people-marco-rubio-on-racist-remarks-against-indians-in-us--675054.html Sun, 24 May 2026 17:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/karachi-faces-water-crisis-due-to-consistent-lack-of-care-shown-by-successive-rulers-report-675063.html Islamabad May 24 Pakistans Karachi is facing a chronic water shortage creating a situation where access to this basic necessity is increasingly determined by either personal connections or financial capacity Those with means often turn to the socalled tanker mafia paying inflated rates for additional supply while others struggle to secure the limited governmentsupplied water tankers available each day a report said on SaturdayIn areas still privileged to receive piped water neighbours compete with each other to pull more than their fair share into their own water tanks Meanwhile the friendless and economically destitute must line up overnight at public pumps or black market dealers stealing from water mains for a bucket or two for their daily use It is a pitiable situation made galling by the consistent lack of care shown by successive rulers and administrators of the city towards its longsuffering residents an editorial report in Pakistani daily Dawn detailedWith the onset of summer the situation is expected to worsen considerably And the citys politicians have started preparing for the inevitable it addedThe report highlighted that Pakistani lawmakers from the Muttahida Qaumi Movement MQM on Wednesday raised the issue of Karachis water shortage in the National Assembly holding the Pakistan Peoples Party PPPled Sindh government responsible for the delays in the completion of the KIV water supply projectWhile the federal minister for water resources assured that the federal government and Pakistans Water and Power Development Authority WAPDA contribution to KIV would be completed within the current year an MQM leader countered saying that he feared the project may still not be completed by 2030Interestingly no credible solution seems to have been proposed or discussed during the session Sadly this is quite typical of the political leaderships general response to the difficulties Karachiites routinely face They drop a few headlineworthy quotes here and there make empty promises and then return to usual business the report notedThe script is rinsed and repeated year after year to be put into play the moment the citizenry starts crying out in distress This is admittedly a rather bleak view but what else can be said The progressively deteriorating state of the countrys commercial engine cannot be denied and it seems Karachi is fated for worse unless its leaders and representatives can be brought to see some incentive in improving its state it added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/karachi-faces-water-crisis-due-to-consistent-lack-of-care-shown-by-successive-rulers-report-675063.html Sun, 24 May 2026 18:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-minorities-face-fear-displacement-and-land-grab-pressures-report-675067.html New Delhi May 24 Minority communities in Bangladesh are facing growing insecurity amid incidents of violence land encroachment and sustained social intimidation linked to Islamist networks according to a report which warned that vulnerable religious groups continue to live under fear in several parts of the country The report said Hindu Buddhist and Christian minorities in Bangladesh are increasingly confronting attacks ranging from vandalism and intimidation to forced displacement with incidents allegedly forming part of a wider pattern aimed at weakening their presence in local communities and forcing them off ancestral landIt noted that such incidents have surfaced repeatedly across districts over the years often during periods of political unrest or after rumours related to blasphemy or religious tensions creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty for minority familiesAccording to Eurasia Review in an opinion piece by Ashu Mann violence against minorities in Bangladesh is not limited to isolated communal flareups but reflects a deeper and more organised pattern of coercionThe article said homes shops temples and monasteries belonging to minority communities have frequently been targeted leaving many residents feeling unsafe and increasingly vulnerableThe report said that a major underlying factor behind these incidents is land It alleged that organised intimidation and communal violence are often used as pressure tactics to force minority families to abandon valuable land and property which is then occupied or transferred illegallyThe oped described this as a longterm pattern that has steadily eroded both economic security and community confidence among minorities in several regionsThe Eurasia Review commentary also pointed to attacks on religious places as having a severe psychological impact Beyond physical destruction it said assaults on temples and monasteries have damaged the sense of security among communities and reinforced fears over religious freedom and equal citizenshipCiting past incidents of communal violence the article noted that several attacks had altered local demographics and affected social relations at the grassroots level with many families reportedly choosing migration over continued uncertaintyThe piece also said that Bangladeshs minority population especially Hindus has declined sharply over the decades It linked that decline to repeated cycles of insecurity targeted violence and the absence of adequate safeguards to protect vulnerable communitiesFor India this is not merely a humanrights concern but a strategic one The documented hostility of JamaateIslami to secular norms and minorities combined with its longstanding ideological links to Pakistan raises serious concerns that Bangladesh could become a more permissive environment for extremist networksThe report also raised concerns over alleged ideological and operational links between JamaateIslami and Pakistanbacked Islamist networks warning that the trend could deepen radicalisation and weaken Bangladeshs pluralistic traditionsIt concluded that the issue extends beyond Bangladeshs domestic politics and carries wider strategic implications for South Asia stressing that protecting minority rights ensuring justice and preserving communal harmony remain essential for longterm peace and regional stability IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-minorities-face-fear-displacement-and-land-grab-pressures-report-675067.html Sun, 24 May 2026 18:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistans-food-import-bill-soars-to-78-billion-raising-alarm-over-economic-stability-report-675070.html New Delhi May 24 Pakistanâs rising food import bill is emerging as a major threat to the countryâs fiscal stability and economic resilience exposing deep structural weaknesses in its agricultural and governance systems a report has said Latest trade data for the first 10 months of FY202526 showed that Pakistanâs food imports surged by 1381 per cent to 7848 billion while exports of raw food products declined by more than 32 percent to 419 billion according to the Business recorder reportThe widening gap between food imports and exports is increasing pressure on Pakistanâs already fragile external account at a time when the country remains dependent on IMF oversight external financing support and repeated fiscal adjustmentsEconomists warn that rising food imports are rapidly draining valuable foreign exchange reserves and adding to inflationary and exchangerate pressures the report saidAmong the biggest concerns is the sugar sector which has once again exposed serious policy contradictionsPakistan initially allowed sugar exports under claims of surplus production and excess inventoriesHowever within months the country was forced to import sugar at higher international prices after domestic shortages triggered a sharp rise in retail prices the report statedAccording to trade figures Pakistan imported more than 309000 tonnes of sugar during JulyApril FY26 compared to negligible imports during the same period last yearThe sugar import bill climbed to nearly 175 million after shortages emerged following exports and supply disruptions as per the reportAnalysts said the cycle has become a recurring feature of Pakistanâs economic managementAt the start of every crushing season sugar mill owners and industry representatives project bumper output leading the government to approve exportsOnce exports reduce domestic stocks prices begin rising accusations of hoarding surface and authorities eventually resort to emergency imports to stabilise the marketThe situation has raised concerns over weak governance poor stock monitoring and the influence of politically connected industry groups on policymakingCritics argue that private players benefit from export profits when international prices are favourable while the government and public bear the burden of costly imports later the report mentioned IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistans-food-import-bill-soars-to-78-billion-raising-alarm-over-economic-stability-report-675070.html Sun, 24 May 2026 19:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-struggling-amid-worsening-foreign-exchange-crisis-675071.html New Delhi May 24 Pakistan is grappling with a mounting foreign exchange crisis driven by pressure to repay roughly 48 billion of external debt weak investor confidence and falling foreign direct investment FDI according to an international media report The report in the Times of Oman stated that foreign direct investment in Pakistan plummeted by 33 per cent in FY26 to 1195 billion from 192 billion in 2023â24 and 183 billion in 2024â25 As a share of GDP FDI remained below 045 per centThe report highlighted that the declining confidence in the countryâs economy is also reflected in the exit and downsizing of several multinational companies in recent years Various policy measures announced by the government to revive investors confidence have failed to yield resultsThe report mentions Procter amp Gamble among the multinational giants that have decided to shut down manufacturing operations in Pakistan along with companies such as Shell Telenor Uber Yamaha Eni some foreign banks and pharmaceutical firms deciding to scale down or shut operations in PakistanThe report mentioned labour force survey data showing the unemployment rate rising to 63 per cent to 69 per cent from 2020â21 to 2024â25 with women and youth experiencing the biggest bruntPakistanâs external and fiscal vulnerabilities are apparent from public debt surging to Rs 8052 lakh crore by the end of FY25 while external debt and liabilities stood at 138 billion the report said Economic growth for the last three years has averaged about 17 per cent The governmentâs debt is worth 70 per cent of GDP and gross financing needs are among the highest in the world it addedThe report also points out that Pakistanâs economy remained highly exposed to West Asian shocks as the country spends about 4 per cent of GDP annually on fuel and fertiliser imports from the Gulf Due to heavy reliance on fuel food and remittances from West Asia and the Gulf the economy is under significant strain with Islamabad ordering austerity measures like the closure of schools and a reduced work week to deal with the oil crisis it said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-struggling-amid-worsening-foreign-exchange-crisis-675071.html Sun, 24 May 2026 19:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-ambassador-highlights-shared-values-after-rubio-visits-missionaries-of-charity-in-kolkata-674929.html New Delhi May 23 IANS US Ambassador Sergio Gor highlighted the role of shared humanitarian values in strengthening bilateral ties after accompanying US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a visit to the famed humanitarian organisation Missionaries of Charity in KolkatanbspnbspIn a post on X Gor wrote Joined SecRubio in Kolkata for a visit to the Missionaries of Charity Moments like these remind us the USIndia partnership rests not only on strong policies but also on shared values and the spirit of selfless service that transcends bordersRubios visit to Kolkata marks the beginning of his fourday official tour of India his first trip to the country since assuming office last yearHe landed in the city on Saturday morning and was received by senior officials upon arrival The US Secretary of State is expected to travel across multiple Indian cities including Agra and Jaipur during the visitAccording to US Ambassador Sergio Gor Rubio is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi later in the day in New Delhi The visit comes at a time when Washington and New Delhi are seeking to deepen cooperation on strategic and economic issues amid evolving global geopolitical challengesTaking to social media platform X Gor also posted Honoured to welcome my friend Sec Rubio to India We have an ambitious agenda ahead including the Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting focussed on advancing POTUS vision for an even stronger USIndia partnership Looking forward to great conversations and making real progress togetherThe top US diplomat is also scheduled to hold bilateral talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday He will later attend the Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday which will bring together foreign ministers from India the United States Australia and JapanThe Quad meeting is scheduled for May 26 in New Delhi where External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will host US Secretary of State Marco Rubio Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu MotegiDiscussions are expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in the IndoPacific region as well as expanding collaboration in Defence trade energy security and regional stability amid shifting geopolitical dynamicsIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-ambassador-highlights-shared-values-after-rubio-visits-missionaries-of-charity-in-kolkata-674929.html Sat, 23 May 2026 16:42:00 +0530