DailyWorld News - The First International Newspaper From India https://dailyworld.in/ Sat, 16 May 2026 17:13:43 +0530 en https://dailyworld.in/international/nearly-195-million-people-in-sudan-facing-acute-food-insecurity-un-674048.html Seoul May 16 Nearly 195 million people in Sudan are facing crisis levels of acute food insecurity a UN spokesperson said citing the Food and Agriculture Organization FAO the World Food Programme WFP and the United Nations Childrens Fund UNICEF While 14 areas are at risk of famine across Greater Darfur and Greater Kordofan conditions are expected to deteriorate further during the lean season between June and September Farhan Haq deputy spokesperson for the UN secretarygeneral told a daily briefing on Friday local timeMeanwhile humanitarian assistance remains critically inadequate compared with the scale of needs he saidBetween February and May humanitarian partners aimed to reach 48 million people per month but only an estimated 313 million people received assistance in February Haq saidFAO WFP and UNICEF have called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged the international community to urgently scale up funding for food emergency food production nutrition health and water and sanitation services as well as support for actions to rebuild livelihoods the spokesperson addedEarlier on May 13 UN humanitarians said that aid is being distributed in wartorn southwestern Sudan while an amount of 12 million US dollars is targeted for famine relief in the neighbouring country of South SudanThe UN and its humanitarian partners continue to respond to humanitarian needs across Sudan said the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs OCHAThe office said that in the Kordofan region aid organisations are providing lifesaving support to displaced people refugees and host communities with water and sanitation assistance reaching some 85000 people in the localities of Sheikan and Ar Rahad in the state of North KordofanHumanitarians distributed blankets mosquito nets and other household essentials to 2000 displaced families in Sheikan and cash assistance reached 200 families in the Taggat displacement site in AprilOCHA said that in South Kordofan state nearly 88000 people including South Sudanese refugees displaced people and host communities received water and sanitation supportHowever the office said it is alarmed that fighting continues to put civilians at grave risk IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/nearly-195-million-people-in-sudan-facing-acute-food-insecurity-un-674048.html Sat, 16 May 2026 11:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/israel-lebanon-to-extend-ceasefire-for-45-days-us-state-department-674049.html Washington May 16 Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a 45day extension of their ceasefire that took effect last month a spokesperson for the US State Department has said The April 16 cessation of hostilities will be extended by 45 days to enable further progress State Department spokesman Tommy Piggott said on X on Friday local timeIsrael and Lebanon will resume political negotiations at the US State Department on June 23 while their military delegates are set to launch parallel security talks at the Pentagon on May 29 Piggott saidThe two countries held their third round of direct talks here on Thursday and Friday which Piggott described as highly productiveDespite the ceasefire clashes between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon have continued Israeli strikes killed at least nine people and wounded dozens in southern Lebanon on Friday reports Xinhua citing the Lebanese National News AgencyHezbollah said it targeted Israeli drones troops military bulldozers and a Merkava tank in several areas of southern LebanonLebanons Public Health Emergency Operations Center said that Israeli attacks between March 2 and May 15 killed 2951 people and wounded 8988 others During the talks Israel was represented by its ambassador to Washington Yechiel Leiter and senior security officials while Lebanons delegation included its ambassador to Washington Nada Hamadeh Mouawad and former Lebanese Ambassador to the United States Simon KaramAccording to the Israeli official the talks are being held to disarm Hezbollah and reach an agreement to form official ties with LebanonIsrael wants to preserve freedom to carry out air and ground operations against Hezbollah until an agreement is reached while Lebanon is demanding an Israeli withdrawal from its territory a halt to Israeli strikes and an end to the destruction of villages near the borderThe current round of fighting began on March 2 as Hezbollah fired rockets towards Israel without causing damage Israel responded with massive airstrikes and a ground invasion IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/israel-lebanon-to-extend-ceasefire-for-45-days-us-state-department-674049.html Sat, 16 May 2026 11:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/un-agencies-call-for-urgent-action-to-prevent-famine-in-somalia-674050.html United Nations May 16 UN relief agencies have called for an urgent scaleup of lifesaving assistance to stave off a rapidly intensifying critical food insecurity emergency in Somalia The Food and Agriculture Organization the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs OCHA the UN Childrens Fund and the World Food Programme issued the plea said Farhan Haq deputy spokesperson for UN SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres on Friday local timeHaq said that according to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification report critical levels of food insecurity in Somalia affect 6 million people almost a third of the population including 19 million children 493000 of whom face severe malnutritionThe spokesperson said multiple shocks are driving the worsening crisis including severe drought insecurity extremely limited humanitarian assistance and the ripple effects of conflict in the Middle East reports Xinhua news agencyThis is also the first time since 2022 that Somalia is at risk of famine in Burhakaba district in Southwest State he said In 2022 famine was averted through massively scaledup and sustained humanitarian interventions in the aftermath of the longest drought on recordHaq said that humanitarian assistance in the mostatrisk areas is being scaled up but with severely constrained resources Coverage remains limited nationwide with nearly 90 per cent of people receiving little or no supportAccording to OCHA George Conway UN humanitarian coordinator in Somalia said there is a narrow but critical window of opportunity in the coming weeks to prevent famine through rapid and expanded humanitarian action According to a report released on Thursday an estimated 6 million people in Somalia are currently facing high levels of acute food insecurity through JuneThe updated Integrated Food Security Phase Classification IPC report details a worsening emergency driven by recurring drought conflict displacement rising costs and shrinking international aid This marks an increase of more than half a million people compared to initial projectionsThe IPC warned that in the Burhakaba district of the Bay region acute malnutrition has reached extremely critical levels with famine risks emerging under a plausible worstcase scenario unless assistance is urgently scaled upThe report also noted that the crisis is being intensified by global economic shocks linked to instability in and around the Strait of Hormuz and the wider Middle East crisis Disrupted supply routes have made humanitarian operations increasingly difficultAccording to the analysis nearly 188 million children are now expected to require treatment for acute malnutrition in 2026 42000 more than previously projected Without urgent treatment severely malnourished children face a significantly higher risk of mortality IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/un-agencies-call-for-urgent-action-to-prevent-famine-in-somalia-674050.html Sat, 16 May 2026 11:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/top-north-korean-parliament-official-meets-vietnam-fm-in-pyongyang-674051.html Seoul May 16 A top official of North Koreas rubberstamp legislature met Vietnams Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung for talks in Pyongyang earlier this week the Norths state media reported on Saturday Jo Yongwon chairman of the standing committee of the Supreme Peoples Assembly met Trung on Friday during his visit to the country as Vietnamese President To Lams special envoy the Korean Central News Agency KCNA saidThe KCNA dispatch did not offer details of the talks which included North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Pak Sanggil and Vietnamese Ambassador to North Korea Le Ba Vinh but noted that it took place in a friendly atmosphereJo is considered a top aide to North Korean leader Kim Jongun and one of the most influential officials in Pyongyang reports Yonhap news agency quoting KCNATrung arrived in Pyongyang on Tuesday and met North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Sonhui the next dayHis visit came amid warming ties between the two countries following a summit between Lam and Kim in Pyongyang in October which marked the first visit by a top Vietnamese leader to the North in 18 yearsEarlier Pyongyang held a celebratory event to mark the recent key party congress of both North Korea and VietnamThe photography exhibition hosted by the Vietnamese Embassy in Pyongyang was held at Taedonggang Diplomatic Club on Thursday featuring videos photos and archival materials highlighting the friendship and cooperation between the two countries leaders past and present the Korean Central News Agency saidThe event was attended by Pak Sanggil vice minister of foreign affairs and Vietnamese Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung who is currently visiting the North as a special envoy of Vietnamese President To Lam and Le Ba Vinh Vietnams ambassador to Pyongyang among othersNorth Korea held its ninth congress of the ruling Workers Party of Korea in February and Vietnam convened the 14th national congress of the Communist Party in January IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/top-north-korean-parliament-official-meets-vietnam-fm-in-pyongyang-674051.html Sat, 16 May 2026 11:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/brazils-supreme-court-opens-probe-into-funding-for-ex-presidents-film-674054.html Brasilia May 16 Brazils Supreme Federal Court has ordered an investigation into the possible diversion of parliamentary funds to cultural projects including a film about former President Jair Bolsonaro The order was issued by Justice Flavio Dino on Friday local time after a complaint filed earlier this year by lawmaker Tabata Amaral of the Brazilian Socialist PartyAmaral alleged that public funds allocated through parliamentary amendments may have been used for electoral marketing and audiovisual content linked to Bolsonaro who is serving a sentence for an attempted coup reports Xinhua news agencyAccording to the complaint several lawmakers from Bolsonaros Liberal Party allegedly transferred a total of 26 million reais about 514000 US dollars from parliamentary amendmentsThe case came amid media reports that Senator Flavio Bolsonaro the former presidents son and a presidential hopeful sought 130 million reais about 25 million dollars from a private banker currently jailed on fraud chargesThe funds were reportedly intended for a feature film titled Dark Horse about Bolsonaros lifeBrazilian authorities are seeking to determine whether public budget funds were illegally linked to the financing of the production The case remains under seal while evidence is being gathered Last week on May 9 Brazils Supreme Federal Court temporarily suspended a law that could shorten prison terms for individuals convicted over the January 8 2023 attacks on government buildings including former President Jair BolsonaroJustice Alexandre de Moraes who was assigned to review the laws constitutionality issued the decisionIn his ruling Moraes said the suspension was necessary to ensure legal certainty while the court determines whether the law is compatible with Brazils constitutionBolsonaro was sentenced by the Supreme Federal Court in September last year to 27 years and three months in prison for leading an attempted coup IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/brazils-supreme-court-opens-probe-into-funding-for-ex-presidents-film-674054.html Sat, 16 May 2026 11:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pm-modi-shares-some-glimpses-from-warm-welcome-by-indian-diaspora-in-netherlands-674057.html New Delhi May 16 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday shared some glimpses from the remarkable welcome by the Indian community in the Netherlands PM Modi took to social media X and said Yesterdayâs welcome by the Indian diaspora in the Netherlands was remarkable The welcome included a dance performance covering Kathak Odissi Bharatanatyam Kuchipudi and Mohiniyattam It also included a Garba performanceIn another post PM Modi said Sharing some more glimpses from the welcome by the Indian community in the NetherlandsMeanwhile PM Modi will hold bilateral talks with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands Rob Jetten and will also meet King WillemAlexander and Queen Maxima on Saturday as part of his official visit to the countryThe Prime Minister is also expected to address the Indian community and interact with leading business leaders from the Netherlands during his stayPM Modi will remain in the Netherlands till May 17 This marks his second visit to the country with his previous visit taking place in 2017 The current visit comes at an important juncture in IndiaNetherlands bilateral relations and is expected to further strengthen strategic cooperation between the two nationsPM Modi arrived in the Netherlands on Friday evening as part of his multination diplomatic tour to enhance Indiaâs strategic economic and technological partnerships across EuropeAnnouncing the Prime Ministerâs arrival Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X stating âGoedeavond Nederland PM narendramodi has arrived in the Netherlands The visit will provide an opportunity to further strengthen the multifaceted IndiaâNetherlands partnership and to engage with the largest Indian diaspora on mainland EuropeâEarlier during a special briefing on the Prime Ministerâs visit Secretary West in the Ministry of External Affairs Sibi George said âOur partnership has considerably deepened over the last few years across traditional sectors of trade investment and priority sectors of WAH â water agriculture and health â as well as peopletopeople ties In recent years cooperation has further expanded into strategic areas such as technology innovation defence security semiconductors renewable energy education and the maritime domainâPeopletopeople ties continue to remain a significant pillar of the IndiaNetherlands bilateral relationship The Netherlands is home to more than 90000 NonResident Indians and Persons of Indian Origin as well as over 200000 members of the Suriname Hindustani community Additionally around 3500 Indian students are currently pursuing higher education at various universities across the countryThe visit carries a rich and substantive agenda and is expected to consolidate the new strategic dimensions of the partnership that have emerged through the sustained efforts of both countries IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pm-modi-shares-some-glimpses-from-warm-welcome-by-indian-diaspora-in-netherlands-674057.html Sat, 16 May 2026 11:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-diaspora-in-netherlands-calls-meeting-pm-modi-a-blessing-674062.html The Hague May 16 Members of the Indian diaspora in the Netherlands on Saturday described themselves as fortunate to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally calling the experience one of the greatest honours of their lives A member of the Indian diaspora told IANS âWe are fortunate to meet PM Modi personally I would like to say that PM Modi is not just an Indian leader but a world leader He has put in a lot of effort into making India a strong nationâAnother member of the diaspora expressed excitement over the interaction and said âIt was amazing It was the honour of our lives Meeting PM Modi in person was truly a blessingâA member of the Muslim community in the Indian diaspora also shared happiness after meeting the Prime Minister and said âI am very happy I have grown up in India and today I got an opportunity to meet PM ModiâArtistes from the Netherlands who performed during the event also expressed gratitude and excitement over the opportunity to present Indian culture before the Prime MinisterOne artiste said âWe presented a beautiful Ram bhajan We were very honoured to perform in front of PM Modi It was blissful to see the twinkle in his eyes and it was truly a blessing to perform for himâAnother artiste said âIt was beautiful to present our classical art forms here in the Netherlands in front of PM Modi It truly feels like a blessed momentâA third performer described the occasion as a âunique experienceâ and said it was a great honour to perform before âone of the world leadersâEarlier in the day PM Modi shared some glimpses from the remarkable welcome by the Indian community in the NetherlandsPM Modi took to social media X and said Yesterdayâs welcome by the Indian diaspora in the Netherlands was remarkable The welcome included a dance performance covering Kathak Odissi Bharatanatyam Kuchipudi and Mohiniyattam It also included a Garba performanceIn another post PM Modi said Sharing some more glimpses from the welcome by the Indian community in the NetherlandsMeanwhile PM Modi will hold bilateral talks with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands Rob Jetten and will also meet King WillemAlexander and Queen Maxima on Saturday as part of his official visit to the countryThe Prime Minister is also expected to address the Indian community and interact with leading business leaders from the Netherlands during his stayPM Modi will remain in the Netherlands till May 17 This marks his second visit to the country with his previous visit taking place in 2017 The current visit comes at an important juncture in IndiaNetherlands bilateral relations and is expected to further strengthen strategic cooperation between the two nationsPM Modi arrived in the Netherlands on Friday evening as part of his multination diplomatic tour to enhance Indiaâs strategic economic and technological partnerships across Europe IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-diaspora-in-netherlands-calls-meeting-pm-modi-a-blessing-674062.html Sat, 16 May 2026 11:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-claims-total-military-victory-over-iran-says-us-strikes-severely-damaged-tehrans-capabilities-674066.html Washington May 16 US President Donald Trump defended US military operations linked to Iran and insisted Tehranâs military capabilities had been severely damaged Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One while travelling to Anchorage Alaska Trump said âWe had a total military victoryâ claiming the United States had destroyed Iranâs naval and air assets and degraded missile production facilitiesTrump also mentioned that he had agreed to the ceasefire despite reservations describing it as a move requested by other nations including PakistanâWe really did the ceasefire at the request of other nations I wouldnât have really been in favour of itââ Trump saidSpeaking on the ceasefire Trump did not elaborate on the exact nature of Pakistanâs involvement but his comments came during a wideranging interaction dominated by discussions on Iran China Taiwan and global security issuesAt the same time Trump suggested that diplomatic channels remained open He said Chinese President Xi Jinping shared Washingtonâs position that Iran should not possess nuclear weaponsâHe feels strongly they canât have a nuclear weaponâ Trump said while describing his recent talks with XiTrump also said the Strait of Hormuz remained effectively under US control following military operations in the regionâTheyâve done no business â literally theyâve done no business in the last two and a half weeksâ he said referring to Iranianlinked shipping activity through the strategic waterwayDuring the exchange Trump indicated he was still considering future military options against Iran if requiredâI can say this with very very strong conviction Iran will never have a nuclear weapon not going to happenâ he saidThe President additionally revealed that discussions with China covered artificial intelligence cooperation Taiwan tensions trade and denuclearisationOn Taiwan Trump said Xi opposed any move towards Taiwanese independence and warned against confrontation Trump added that he had made âno commitment either wayâ regarding future US policy IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-claims-total-military-victory-over-iran-says-us-strikes-severely-damaged-tehrans-capabilities-674066.html Sat, 16 May 2026 11:18:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-envoy-says-brics-can-showcase-failure-of-unipolar-security-model-674083.html New DelhiTehran May 16 Iranian Ambassador to India Mohammad Fathali on Saturday said that the 2026 BRICS Summit presents an important opportunity to underline how a global security framework dependent on guarantees from a single power has failed in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world order The remarks come amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran the United States and Israel and reflect Tehrans continued advocacy for multipolarity and collective approaches to global security and prosperity following its inclusion in the expanded BRICS groupingIn a post shared on X the Iranian envoy stated The BRICS Summit in India is an opportunity to highlight a key reality a security model based on guarantees of security and prosperity by a single power even a major one has failed in todays complex and rapidly evolving worldThe statement was made shortly after the conclusion of the twoday BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting held in New Delhi on Thursday and Friday under Indias chairship of the grouping The highlevel gathering was chaired by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and attended by foreign ministers and senior representatives from BRICS member nations as well as partner countriesEarlier on Thursday Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the foreign ministers and heads of delegation from BRICS nations in the national capital and reiterated that under Indias chairmanship the grouping would work towards strengthening multilateralism promoting sustainable development enhancing economic resilience and building a more inclusive global orderDuring the meeting EAM Jaishankar also expressed confidence that the deliberations among member nations would contribute towards achieving a more stable equitable and inclusive international systemHe stressed the importance of reformed multilateralism and called for reforms in the United Nations Security Council in both permanent and nonpermanent categoriesMeanwhile Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also raised the issue of reforming the United Nations Security Council during the BRICS meeting in New Delhi stating that such reforms were not a choice but a necessity for the survival of the United NationsAraghchi said Iran seeks a Security Council that truly represents all continents and regions of the world and added that BRICS nations should utilise their collective strength to reshape global governance and restore trust in multilateral institutionsWhat we see today in some international institutions is not multilateralism but an effort to preserve unilateralism under the cover of international law he remarkedHe further stated that the selective application of international law the use of unilateral sanctions and disregard for national sovereignty indicate a deepening crisis in the present global governance framework IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-envoy-says-brics-can-showcase-failure-of-unipolar-security-model-674083.html Sat, 16 May 2026 13:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-growth-highlights-deep-structural-weakness-in-economy-674130.html New Delhi May 16 Pakistanâs latest GDP data points to a fragile and uneven recovery with the economy growing 37 per cent in the current fiscal year below the governmentâs 4 per cent target and marginally under the nations State Bank projection range a report has said The report published in Dawn highlighted that the growth underscores the countryâs continued struggle to break out of a prolonged lowgrowth trap shaped by structural weaknesses external financing pressures and repeated inflationary shocksThe economy has expanded to over 452 billion with per capita income rising slightly to 1901 it saidThe uptick offers limited real relief to households facing high living costs stagnant wages and weak purchasing powerIt further noted that sectoral performance remains uneven Largescale manufacturing has rebounded after a period of contraction while services continue to dominate overall growth driven largely by consumption and state expenditure rather than productivity gains In contrast the agriculture sector experienced weak performance despite employing a large share of the workforceThe industrial recovery is also being viewed as cyclical emerging from a low base rather than reflecting sustained expansion For instance sharp increases in automobile production follow earlier declines caused by import restrictions and supply chain disruptions the report saidThe report flagged that the neighbouring country continues to lag in exportled industrial growth with investment tax mobilisation and productivity indicators remaining weak Despite stabilisation efforts and IMFbacked reforms helping avert immediate crisis risks longterm growth prospects remain uncertain according to the reportIn addition the State Bank of Pakistan has projected tepid growth ahead contingent on energy prices and geopolitical developments including ongoing regional tensions IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-growth-highlights-deep-structural-weakness-in-economy-674130.html Sat, 16 May 2026 16:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/xi-opposes-taiwan-independence-trump-674038.html Washington May 16 US President Donald Trump said Friday that Chinese President Xi Jinping strongly opposes any move toward Taiwan independence while also claiming the two leaders reached a âvery good understandingâ on Iran trade and artificial intelligence during talks in China Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Anchorage Alaska Trump described Xi as âan incredible guyâ and said the visit produced major commercial agreements including what he called a potentially record aircraft order involving Boeing and General ElectricâWe had a great stay It was an amazing period of timeâ Trump said âPresident Xi is an incredible guy Got along made a lot of great trade deals including over 200 planes from Boeing with a promise of 750 planesâTrump said Taiwan emerged as a major subject in his discussions with Xi According to Trump the Chinese leader warned against any push for independence on the selfruled islandâHe does not want to see a fight for independence because that would be a very strong confrontationâ Trump said âI heard him outâThe US President repeatedly declined to clarify whether Washington would militarily defend Taiwan in the event of a conflict with ChinaâI dont want to say thatâ Trump said when asked directly if the US would defend Taiwan âTheres only one person who knows that You know who it is meâTrump also indicated that his administration was reconsidering future arms sales to TaiwanâIll make a determination over the next fairly short period of timeâ he saidThe President said Xi had also expressed strong opposition to Iran acquiring nuclear weapons and favoured reopening the Strait of Hormuz a critical global oil shipping routeâHe feels strongly they cant have a nuclear weaponâ Trump said âHe wants them to open up the straitâTrump maintained that Iranâs military capabilities had been severely weakened following recent US operationsâWe had a total military victoryâ he said âWe knocked out their entire Navy We knocked out their entire Air ForceâHe also said the ceasefire was partly agreed to âas a favor to PakistanââWe did it as a favor to Pakistan who are terrific people the field marshal and the prime ministerâ Trump saidOn artificial intelligence Trump said Washington and Beijing discussed the possibility of working together on âguardrailsâ for emerging technologiesâAI is fantasticâ he said âBut its also got some drawbacksâTrump further claimed that Xi praised his handling of the American economy and criticised former President Joe BidenâHe said the US was declining for the last four yearsâ Trump said âWhat President Trump has done in the last 15 16 months has been virtually a miracleâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/xi-opposes-taiwan-independence-trump-674038.html Sat, 16 May 2026 10:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/drones-will-define-future-wars-us-army-674040.html Washington May 16 The US Army has told lawmakers that drones artificial intelligence and autonomous systems are rapidly reshaping modern warfare as senior military leaders pointed to lessons from the Ukraine conflict and warned that future battlefields will be dominated by lowcost scalable unmanned technologies Appearing before the House Armed Services Committee US Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll said the character of war was changing at unprecedented speed and militaries that fail to adapt risk being left behindâDrones are reshaping how humans will inflict violence on each other at a pace never witnessed in human historyâ Driscoll told lawmakers âThey are cheap modular precise multirole and scalableâHe said the Army was moving aggressively to integrate autonomous systems battlefield AI and openarchitecture command systems into future operations particularly as the Pentagon prepares for potential conflicts in the IndoPacificThe remarks came during a heated hearing on the Armyâs fiscal year 2027 budget request where lawmakers from both parties repeatedly cited battlefield lessons from Ukraine especially the growing role of cheap drones in surveillance targeting and mass attacksGeneral Christopher LaNeve said the Army was rapidly adapting training and operational doctrine based on combat experiences from Ukraine and the Middle EastâWere taking a lot of lessons learned from both Ukraine and OEFâ LaNeve said referring to Operation Enduring Freedom âIts moving at a much faster rate into our schoolhouse and into our doctrineâArmy leaders have launched a major integration effort called âOperation Jailbreakâ underway at Fort Carson Colorado where defence contractors and Army engineers are attempting to break down software barriers that prevent military systems from sharing battlefield data seamlesslyDriscoll said existing US military systems were often built as isolated âwalled gardensâ that restrict interoperabilityâEvery single system that creates a piece of data should be able to share that data anywhere we the United States Army need it to goâ he saidThe Army Secretary warned that modern drone warfare would require AIassisted battlefield decisionmaking because human operators alone would not be able to react fast enough against drone swarms and electronic attacksâWhen youre thinking of drone swarms and the threats to react a human being cannot do that aloneâ Driscoll saidLawmakers also questioned whether the Armyâs proposed drone procurement budget matched its rhetoric on future warfare Representative Eugene Vindman noted that funding for small unmanned aircraft systems had declined compared to previous yearsDriscoll responded that the Armyâs strategy was not simply to stockpile millions of drones in peacetime but to build an industrial ecosystem capable of rapidly scaling production during warâWhat Ukraine is producing I think its about 5 million drones Russia is about the sameâ he said âWe are not going to be at a place where we need to manufacture as a nation 5 million drones until were in conflict but we need to be able to get there really quicklyâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/drones-will-define-future-wars-us-army-674040.html Sat, 16 May 2026 10:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pentagon-drops-plans-to-deploy-over-4-000-us-based-troops-to-poland-674042.html Washington May 16 The Pentagon has scrapped plans to temporarily deploy more than 4000 USbased troops to Poland multiple US media outlets reported citing US officials The head of the US European Command received the instructions on the force reduction said Christopher LaNeve acting US Army chief of staff at a congressional hearing on Friday Xinhua news agency reportedIve worked with him in close consultation on what that force unit would be and it made the most sense for that brigade to not do its deployment in theater LaNeve said referring to the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat TeamSome elements of the unit had already been sent overseas and its equipment was in transit the general saidThe order to cancel the deployment came from US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseths office according to the general No formal announcement has been madeJeanne Shaheen a Democrat who sits on the Senate Committee on Armed Services said that Congress was not notifiedAs far as I know we werent notified about it she told reportersThe Pentagon announced two weeks ago that roughly 5000 US troops would be withdrawn from Germany over the next six to 12 monthsEarlier this month US President Donald Trump told Italian media that he is still considering relocating troops from bases in Italy adding that Italy was not there when we needed it local media reportedTrump had made the remarks in a phone interviewIn response to Trumps remarks about troop relocation Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said he cannot understand the reasoning behind that He noted that Italy is working with countries in a coalition to prepare a mission in the Strait of Hormuz focused on mine clearance and the protection of maritime navigationItalys ANSA news agency reported on May 1 that Trump said he may reduce US military presence in Spain and Italy slamming European allies for not helping in the USIsraeli war against IranData from the US Department of Defence shows that as of the end of 2025 around 12700 activeduty US troops are permanently stationed in Italy making it the secondlargest US military presence in Europe after Germany IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pentagon-drops-plans-to-deploy-over-4-000-us-based-troops-to-poland-674042.html Sat, 16 May 2026 10:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/usha-vance-promotes-reading-drive-in-florida-674045.html Washington May 16 As part of her effort to promote childhood literacy US Second Lady Usha Vance visited a charter school in Florida during which she highlighted her Summer Reading Challenge for students across the country During her visit to AcadeMir Academy Charter School East in Doral Florida the Second Lady read Ada Twist the Scientist by Andrea Beaty to students She also spoke about the importance of reading and answered questions from children and faculty membersâIt was such a joy to meet so many amazing kids in Miami and share the gift of reading with them I loved telling them about my upcoming Summer Reading Challenge and the fun updates weâve made since last yearâs challenge Iâm excited for children all over the country to learn and grow through stories this summerâ Vance saidSchool officials said the visit focused on literacy education and student developmentâTodayâs visit is especially meaningful as we unite in support of literacy learning and the transformative power of education through the Second Ladyâs Summer Reading Initiative At AcadeMir Charter Schools we believe reading opens the door to imagination opportunity and lifelong success We are proud to support this important initiative and remain committed to inspiring our students to become lifelong readers critical thinkers and future leadersâ said Olivia BernalThe Summer Reading Challenge is part of Vanceâs broader childhood literacy initiativeThe Second Lady recently launched a podcast Storytime with the Second Lady in which guests and celebrities read childrenâs stories aloudRecent guests have included former NASCAR driver Danica Patrick actor Cheryl Hines Inter Miami CF player Ian Fray and Vanceâs mother Lakshmi ChilukuriThe White House said additional information about the Summer Reading Challenge is available online The podcast is also available on Spotify and YouTubeVance the wife of Vice President JD Vance has made literacy and education outreach a visible part of her public role She is the first Indian American Second Lady of the United StatesReading and learning recovery have remained major issues in the United States since the Covid19 pandemic with educators and policymakers raising concerns about declining literacy levels among schoolchildren Several states and school districts have expanded reading and tutoring programmes in recent years IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/usha-vance-promotes-reading-drive-in-florida-674045.html Sat, 16 May 2026 10:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-special-counsel-seeks-75-yr-prison-term-for-ex-first-lady-in-bribery-case-674046.html Seoul May 16 A special counsel team in South Korea has sought a 75year prison term for former first lady Kim Keon Hee during her bribery trial on charges of receiving luxury gifts along with requests for government appointments and other favours Special counsel Min Joongkis team made the sentencing recommendation for Kim the wife of former President Yoon Suk Yeol at the trials final hearing at the Seoul Central District Court on Friday for violating a law on the acceptance of bribes for mediationKim is accused of receiving over 100 million won US66700 worth of jewellery including a Van Cleef amp Arpels necklace from the chairman of a construction company between March and May 2022 as well as a request for a government position for his soninlawShe also allegedly received a golden turtle ornament from Lee Baeyong former head of the National Education Commission in April that year in exchange for her appointment to the position reports Yonhap news agencyIn addition Kim is suspected of receiving a Vacheron Constantin watch from an entrepreneur in September 2022 and a painting by renowned artist Lee Ufan from a former prosecutor in February 2023Mins team also accused Kim of accepting a Dior bag worth 54 million won from a pastor in 2022 The exchange had raised controversy when it was unveiled by the media the next yearThe defendant while holding a position close to the president used that influence for transactions for personal interests the team saidLast month an appeals court sentenced Kim to four years in prison in a separate trial on corruption charges IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-special-counsel-seeks-75-yr-prison-term-for-ex-first-lady-in-bribery-case-674046.html Sat, 16 May 2026 11:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pm-modi-to-visit-uae-today-talks-to-focus-on-energy-strategic-ties-673942.html New Delhi May 15 Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay an official visit to the United Arab Emirates on Friday to advance the bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership During his visit PM Modi will meet the President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan exchange views on bilateral issues and energy cooperation and discuss ways to advance the bilateral relationsâThey will also discuss ways to advance the bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership underpinned by strong political cultural economic and peopletopeople linksâ the Ministry of External Affairs statedâThe visit will serve to promote the significant trade and investment linkages between the two countriesâ it addedEnergy security will be one of the key focus areas during PM Modiâs visit and two important MoUs in the areas of LPG and strategic petroleum reserves are likely to be concluded during it according to official sourcesAccording to MEA the UAE is Indiaâs thirdlargest trade partner and its seventhlargest source of investment cumulatively over the past 25 years With the UAE hosting a strong Indian community of over 45 million the visit will also be an opportunity to discuss their welfareBriefing the media Secretary West in the Ministry of External Affairs Sibi George stated that the Prime Minister will embark on a sixday visit to the UAE the Netherlands Sweden Norway and Italy For the second leg of his visit the Prime Minister will visit the Netherlands This will be the Prime Ministerâs second visit to the Netherlands since 2017 During the visit he will call on King WillemAlexander and Queen MÃxima and hold talks with Prime Minister Rob Jetten George saidFor the third leg of the visit PM Modi will travel to Swedens Gothenburg and hold bilateral talks with his Swedish counterpart Ulf Kristersson to review the entire gamut of bilateral relations and explore new avenues of cooperation to enhance bilateral tradeThe two Prime Ministers will also address the European Round Table for Industry a leading panEuropean business leadersâ forum along with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der LeyenGeorge further stated that during the fourth leg of his visit the Prime Minister will reach Norway on Monday for the 3rd IndiaNordic Summit and bilateral engagementsIn the final leg of his visit the Prime Minister will be in Italy on Tuesday During the visit PM Modi will call on the President Sergio Mattarella and hold talks with Prime Minister Georgia Meloni IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pm-modi-to-visit-uae-today-talks-to-focus-on-energy-strategic-ties-673942.html Fri, 15 May 2026 09:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/british-mp-resigns-paving-way-for-possible-starmer-challengers-return-to-westminster-673943.html London May 15 Josh Simons a British Labour member of parliament MP resigned so that Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham could replace him in his constituency through a byelection This would pave the way for Burnhams return to the House of Commons He is widely seen as a potential challenger to British Prime Minister Keir Starmers leadership in the Labour Party Xinhua news agency reportedIn Simons resignation letter on social media the Makerfield MP said the government failed to deliver the changes needed for his constituency so he decided to make way for a leader who has the radicalism energy and immense courage to meet the momentBurnham later confirmed on social media that he would be requesting permission from Labours National Executive Committee NEC to stand in the Makerfield byelectionA former MP in the House of Commons for 16 years Burnham has been the mayor of Greater Manchester since 2017 His previous effort to return to Westminster was blocked by the NEC earlier this yearAccording to British media Burnham is widely seen as capable of securing enough support within the Labour Party to mount a leadership challenge against Starmer However becoming an MP is a precondition for eligibility to contest the party leadershipMeanwhile Starmer is facing mounting pressure to resign after Labours fiasco in last weeks local elections British media reported that more than 90 Labour MPs had called on the prime minister to step down while several cabinet ministers rallied behind himBritish Health Secretary Wes Streeting resigned on Thursday afternoon in a letter that said he had lost confidence in Starmers leadership and could no longer remain in government honorably and on principleHe also implied that Starmer would not lead Labour into the next general election and urged the party to hold an open leadership debate In response Starmer said he was sorry to see Streeting resign and urged the party to rise to a battle for the soul of our nation and deliver on their promises to the countryOn Wednesday Starmer warned that a leadership challenge against him would plunge the Labour Party into chaos as speculation mounted over a possible move to replace him following the partys poor local election results IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/british-mp-resigns-paving-way-for-possible-starmer-challengers-return-to-westminster-673943.html Fri, 15 May 2026 09:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-military-defends-iran-strikes-673947.html Washington May 15 The Trump administrationâs Iran campaign came under intense scrutiny at a Senate hearing with US military commanders claiming Tehranâs military capabilities had been severely degraded even as lawmakers warned of rising economic and regional risks Appearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee Admiral Charles Cooper II defended Operation Epic Fury and said US forces had successfully crippled Iranâs ability to project military power across the Middle EastâIn less than 40 days Centcom forces achieved our military objectivesâ Cooper told lawmakers âWe degraded Iranâs ability to project power outside its borders and threaten the region and threaten our interestsâCooper said Iranâs missile drone and naval industrial infrastructure had been degraded by nearly 90 per cent He added that Tehranâs navy may not recover to its earlier strength âfor a generationâRepublican lawmakers strongly backed the administrationâs military campaignSenator Roger Wicker said Iran had spent decades supporting terrorism attacking US interests and developing nuclear and ballistic missile capabilitiesâThe Iranian regime has terrorised the region and made hostility to the United States a core tenet of its ruleâ Cooper said during his testimonySenator Tom Cotton argued that Iran was now âsignificantly less of a threatâ than before the operation began Cooper agreed and said Tehran could no longer carry out the kind of mass missile and drone attacks seen in recent yearsBut Democrats repeatedly questioned the administrationâs strategy and the longterm consequences of the conflictSenator Jack Reed said there was âno purely military solutionâ to the Iranian nuclear issue and criticised the administration for lacking âa credible strategy to winâSenator Tim Kaine accused the administration of abandoning diplomacy and warned against another prolonged conflict in the Middle EastâIf you make diplomacy impossible you will make war inevitableâ Kaine saidDuring the hearing several senators focused on the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and its impact on global trade and oil prices Lawmakers warned that disruptions in the strategic waterway were already increasing costs for American consumersCooper acknowledged Iran retained âsome residual capabilityâ to threaten shipping and infrastructure though he insisted those capabilities had been âdramatically degradedâThe hearing also turned to Africa where General Dagvin Anderson warned that the continent had become âthe epicenter of global terrorismâAnderson said ISIS and Al Qaeda affiliates were expanding across parts of the Sahel and Somalia while China and Russia were increasing their strategic influence through infrastructure projects military ties and information campaigns He also warned of growing intelligence gaps across parts of Africa IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-military-defends-iran-strikes-673947.html Fri, 15 May 2026 09:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/ai-arms-race-drives-pentagon-overhaul-673948.html Washington May 15 The Pentagon is aggressively restructuring its science and technology apparatus around artificial intelligence autonomous systems and lowcost weapons as senior US defence officials warned lawmakers that future battlefields will be defined by speed data dominance and mass deployment of affordable combat systems At a House Armed Services subcommittee hearing on science technology and innovation posture senior Department of Defense officials said the US military was racing to integrate AIenabled systems across combat operations while competing against rapid advances by China and other adversariesâWere moving from a fragmented siloed innovation ecosystem to a single unified model designed to transition technology from the lab to the warfighterâ Emil Michael Under Secretary of Defence for Research and Engineering told lawmakersMichael said the Pentagon had reduced its list of âcritical technology areasâ from 14 to six to sharpen focus on what he described as the technologies most likely to define future conflicts Those areas include applied artificial intelligence contested logistics technologies quantum systems battlefield information dominance directed energy and scaled hypersonicsThe hearing reflected growing bipartisan concern in Washington that the US risks losing its technological edge as China rapidly expands investments in AI autonomous weapons and militaryindustrial capacityCameron Stanley chief data and artificial intelligence officer at the Pentagon said AIenabled systems had already been deployed extensively during âOperation Epic Furyâ helping US forces strike âmore than 13000 targets in 38 daysââWhat once took days now takes secondsâ Stanley saidHe said Pentagon engineers and warfighters were now working side by side to rapidly deploy battlefield AI tools through systems such as the Maven Smart System an AIenabled commandandcontrol platform already being used across combatant commands and operational theatresStanley also warned that China was investing âupwards of 300 billion in energy and compute infrastructure to develop sovereign AIâ describing global competition over AI infrastructure as an emerging arms raceLawmakers from both parties repeatedly referenced lessons from the Ukraine war particularly the rapid evolution of drones electronic warfare and autonomous systemsOwen West director of the Defense Innovation Unit said the Pentagon was shifting away from reliance on expensive âexquisiteâ weapons towards a mix that included cheaper massproduced systemsâWhile we are winning every engagement we are losing on the cost exchangeâ West saidHe said the Pentagonâs new âDrone Dominanceâ initiative was designed to accelerate deployment of lowcost autonomous systems using commercial technology and venturebacked startups According to West 23 of the 25 finalists in the programme were new entrants or startupsMichael said the Pentagon had recently signed contracts with five new companies to build lowcost munitions using fixedprice arrangements instead of traditional âcostplusâ contractsSeveral lawmakers raised concerns about autonomous weapons oversight and civilian harm mitigation as AI systems become more integrated into military targeting operations Pentagon officials insisted that human decisionmaking remained central to the use of forceThe hearing comes as the Pentagon faces mounting pressure to modernise faster amid growing military competition with China in the IndoPacific US defence planners increasingly view AI drones cyber warfare and autonomous systems as decisive technologies for future conflicts particularly after battlefield lessons emerging from Ukraine and the Middle East IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/ai-arms-race-drives-pentagon-overhaul-673948.html Fri, 15 May 2026 09:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/global-legal-advocacy-group-writes-to-bangladesh-pm-over-bar-poll-irregularities-673977.html London May 15 A global legal advocacy group has written to Bangladeshâs Prime Minister Tarique Rahman expressing grave concern over the reported incidents of cancellation of nominations and obstructions of lawyers from participating in several district bar elections across the country In its letter to PM Rahman the Law Society of England and Wales said that the actions were inconsistent with the provisions in âUnited Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyersâ which are âcentral to safeguarding the independence security and professional autonomy of the legal professionThe Law Society of England and Wales the âLaw Societyâ is the body representing more than 200000 solicitors in England and Wales Its mission includes protecting lawyers from interference upholding the independence of the legal profession and promoting adherence to the rule of law globallyCiting several reports between February and April 2026 the group alleged that numerous Awami Leaguealigned lawyers and independent candidates were obstructed from participating in several district bar and Supreme Court Bar Association elections in Bangladesh It added that several candidates were prevented from submitting nomination papers and in some cases were subjected to physical harassmentThe Law Society further highlighted that in several instances nomination papers were officially rejected on the grounds of being âcollaborators of fascists Additionally it said that police also intervened by pressuring some candidates to withdraw from the race and denying others participation by âlabelling them as associates of the previous governmentâTaken together the reported incidents point to a pattern of interference that may erode the independence of the legal profession and weaken the rule of law Ensuring that lawyers can participate freely and safely in professional governance processes is essential not only for their individual rights but also for maintaining public confidence in an independent and impartial justice systemâ the letter statedThe Law Society called on the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure equal participation of all lawyers in the bar association elections without discrimination and to investigate allegations of âelectoral irregularities obstruction and harassment or violenceâ across all concerned bar associationsIt further urged to ensure that all lawyers in Bangladesh can perform their professional duties without fear of reprisal hindrance intimidation and harassment in order to safeguard the âindependence and integrity of the administration of justice and the rule of law IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/global-legal-advocacy-group-writes-to-bangladesh-pm-over-bar-poll-irregularities-673977.html Fri, 15 May 2026 11:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pm-modi-emplanes-for-uae-to-hold-talks-with-president-sheikh-mohamed-bin-zayed-674004.html New Delhi May 15 IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday emplaned for Abu Dhabi beginning his official visit to the United Arab Emirates aimed at further strengthening the bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countriesnbspDuring the visit PM Modi will hold talks with the President of the UAE Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on key areas of cooperation including trade investment energy security and peopletopeople ties The visit is expected to further deepen strategic and economic engagement between India and the UAE one of Indias key partners in the Gulf regionThe visit will serve to promote the significant trade and investment linkages between the two countries the Ministry of External Affairs statedEnergy security will be one of the key focus areas during PM Modis visit and two important MoUs in the areas of LPG and strategic petroleum reserves are likely to be concluded during it according to official sourcesAccording to MEA the UAE is Indias thirdlargest trade partner and its seventhlargest source of investment cumulatively over the past 25 years With the UAE hosting a strong Indian community of over 45 million the visit will also be an opportunity to discuss their welfareBriefing the media Secretary West in the Ministry of External Affairs Sibi George earlier stated that in the second leg of his visit the Prime Minister will visit the Netherlands This will be the Prime Ministers second visit to the Netherlands since 2017 During the visit he will call on King WillemAlexander and Queen Máxima and hold talks with Prime Minister Rob Jetten George saidFor the third leg of the visit PM Modi will travel to Swedens Gothenburg and hold bilateral talks with his Swedish counterpart Ulf Kristersson to review the entire gamut of bilateral relations and explore new avenues of cooperation to enhance bilateral tradeThe two Prime Ministers will also address the European Round Table for Industry a leading panEuropean business leaders forum along with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der LeyenGeorge further stated that during the fourth leg of his visit the Prime Minister will reach Norway on Monday for the 3rd IndiaNordic Summit and bilateral engagementsIn the final leg of his visit the Prime Minister will be in Italy on Tuesday During the visit PM Modi will call on the President Sergio Mattarella and hold talks with Prime Minister Georgia MeloniIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pm-modi-emplanes-for-uae-to-hold-talks-with-president-sheikh-mohamed-bin-zayed-674004.html Fri, 15 May 2026 13:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-among-worlds-worst-affected-countries-for-intimate-partner-violence-674018.html Dhaka May 15 Bangladesh continues to face alarming levels of intimate partner violence with global and national data analyses highlighting it as one of the most persistent and least addressed forms of abuse against women in the country according to local media reports As the world observes the International Day of Families on Friday the findings from Bangladesh reveal a troubling reality violence within intimate relationships remains pervasive affecting womenâs wellbeing and weakening the family structureAlthough intimate partner violence has long been a concern in Bangladesh the country continues to rank among the worldâs worstaffected countries for domestic violence with rates far higher than those of many neighbouring nations Bangladeshâs leading newspaper The Daily Star reportedAccording to data compiled by the World Health Organisation WHO Bangladesh ranks 11th globally for the prevalence of physical and sexual violence against women by intimate partners making it the secondworstaffected country in South Asia after AfghanistanAs per WHO data in 2025 nearly one in two women in Bangladesh have faced such violence which has continued at alarmingly high levels over the yearsAdditionally national surveys reviewed by The Daily Star further reflect the severity of the issueReports suggest that the latest survey conducted by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics BBS found that 467 per cent of women had experienced physical violence by an intimate partner while 285 per cent reported sexual violence The survey also recorded emotional abuse among 327 per cent economic violence among 97 per cent and controlling behaviour by partners among 501 per cent of respondentsThe Violence Against Women Survey 2024 released by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics in February 2025 revealed that 70 per cent of women aged 15 and above in Bangladesh faced at least one form of intimate partner violence during their lifetimeExperts warn that such violence not only causes severe physical and psychological harm to women but also destabilises families affects childrenâs development and reinforces cycles of fear silence and inequality across generationsMy research indicates that children from families where partner violence is common are more susceptible to trauma fear of intimacy avoidant behaviour and tendencies towards revenge The Daily Star quoted Zobaida Nasreen professor of anthropology at Dhaka University as saying IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-among-worlds-worst-affected-countries-for-intimate-partner-violence-674018.html Fri, 15 May 2026 14:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-traders-protest-against-smart-lockdown-in-peshawar-674024.html Islamabad May 15 The business community in Pakistans Peshawar held a protest rally against the smart lockdown imposed by the government local media reported on Friday The protest led by the KhyberPakhtunkhwa Traders Organisation witnessed participation of a large number of shopkeepers and businessmen who shouted slogans and called for an immediate rollback of the lockdown a reduction in petroleum product prices and taking immediate measures to curb inflation Pakistans daily The Express Tribune reportedWhile addressing the protesters on Thursday the organisations prominent leaders slammed the governments approachOne speaker said The lockdown has neither benefited the government nor the traders Shops are forced to shut down by 8 pm but during the scorching summer people begin their shopping only after evening This decision has failed to resolve the energy crisis and offers no relief to the public on petroleum productsProtesters said that the continuous increase in petrol prices has pushed basic commodities beyond the reach of ordinary citizensThey said Fuel prices have soared so high that an ordinary citizen can no longer afford basic necessities The lockdown decision must be reversed immediately and concrete steps must be taken to control inflationThe business community warned of further escalation if the government does not agree to their demands and pledged to continue their struggle until the government rolls back what they termed an illconceived and economically damaging policyOn May 9 transporters in Pakistans Peshawar and across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province held protests against a hike in prices of petroleum productsDozens of transport operators gathered at the Hajji Camp Terminal in Peshawar and demanded an immediate reduction in prices of petrol and diesel The Express Tribune reportedWhile addressing the protesters transport leader Zubair Ahmed Qureshi said that the prices of petroleum are increasing while CNG is unavailableThe protest was held as the transporters have increased fares for the fifth time within a single month after the latest fuel adjustment Fares of AC vehicles have witnessed a steep rise while the fares of nonAC buses have increased by five per cent as per the report IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-traders-protest-against-smart-lockdown-in-peshawar-674024.html Fri, 15 May 2026 14:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-holds-series-of-key-bilateral-meetings-on-sidelines-of-brics-meet-673792.html New Delhi May 14 External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar on Thursday held a meeting with Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono and reviewed progress on the IndiaIndonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and ASEAN cooperation In a post on X EAM Jaishankar said Glad to welcome FM Sugiono of Indonesia Reviewed the progress of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and our cooperation with ASEANThis meeting was held on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting being held in Delhi EAM Jaishankar will chair the meeting on ThursdayEarlier on Wednesday the EAM also held a bilateral meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov and discussed the cooperation between the two countries across various sectors This evening had a productive exchange of views with FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia here in Delhi Our conversation touched upon several aspects of the Special amp Privileged Strategic Partnership including trade amp investment energy amp connectivity science amp technology as well as facilitating mobility of skills amp talent Other global and multilateral issues of mutual interest were also discussed EAM Jaishankar posted on XHe also met Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira and exchanged views on bilateral regional and global issuesDuring his bilateral discussion with Maldivian Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam EAM Jaishankar highlighted Indias Neighbourhood First policy and reviewed the bilateral cooperation between the two nations He also reiterated Indias commitment to the Maldives progress and development These meetings come on the sidelines of the BRICS meet during which the Foreign Ministers of BRICS member countries will exchange views on global and regional issues of mutual interestAccording to the MEA BRICS Foreign Ministers and heads of delegations from member and partner countries will participate in the meeting and also call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-holds-series-of-key-bilateral-meetings-on-sidelines-of-brics-meet-673792.html Thu, 14 May 2026 10:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/growing-expectation-for-brics-to-play-constructive-stabilising-role-amid-global-uncertainty-says-eam-jaishankar--673811.html New Delhi May 14 External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar on Thursday said there is a growing expectation among emerging markets and developing countries that BRICS will play a âconstructive and stabilising roleâ amid global uncertainty conflicts and economic challenges He made the remarks while delivering his opening address at the BRICS Foreign Ministersâ Meeting being held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi under Indiaâs 2026 chairship of the expanded groupingForeign ministers and senior diplomats from BRICS member and partner nations arrived in the national capital earlier in the day to participate in the highlevel meeting EAM Jaishankar personally welcomed the visiting leaders and dignitaries at the venue before the start of the discussionsAddressing the gathering EAM Jaishankar said âIndiaâs chairship appreciates your support which has contributed to the steady progress of our workâHighlighting the current global situation he said the meeting was taking place at a time of significant changes and instability in international relationsâWe meet at a time of considerable flux in international relations ongoing conflicts economic uncertainties and challenges in trade technology and climate are shaping the global landscapeâ he saidEmphasising the significance of the BRICS grouping the EAM stated âThere is a growing expectation particularly from emerging markets and developing countries that BRICS will play a constructive and stabilising roleâReferring to the importance of the ongoing deliberations he said the discussions offered an opportunity to reflect on major global and regional developments and explore practical methods to strengthen cooperation among member nationsâIn this background our discussions today are an opportunity to reflect on global and regional developments and to consider practical ways to strengthen our cooperationâ he saidThe External Affairs Minister stressed that developmentrelated concerns continue to remain central to the BRICS agendaâMany countries face challenges in energy food fertiliser and health security as well as access to finance BRICS can help them respond more effectively Economic resilience is also key Reliable supply chains and diversified markets are its essential components We must focus on bothâ EAM Jaishankar saidAddressing climaterelated concerns the EAM said climate change continues to remain an urgent global issue requiring collective attentionâClimate change remains a pressing concern Our discussions must advance sustainable development while advancing principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilitiesâ he statedHe also underlined the growing impact of technological advancements on the global order and said these developments should be used to promote good governance and inclusive growthThe External Affairs Minister further stressed that issues related to peace and security remain central to the global order and highlighted the need for dialogue and diplomacy amid continuing conflicts across regionsâPeace and security issues remain central to the global order Recent conflicts only underline the importance of dialogue and diplomacyâ he said while also calling for stronger cooperation against terrorismEAM Jaishankar also thanked all participating delegations for their continued support towards strengthening cooperation within the BRICS frameworkâAs Chair I thank each delegation for its presence and for its continued commitment to strengthening cooperation within the BRICS framework All of us remain in close and regular contact through bilateral and multilateral engagements Gathering today for the BRICS meeting is a special occasion It allows us to exchange perspectives and encourages us to develop convergences In this complicated and uncertain world that is of evergreater importanceâ the External Affairs Minister saidAs the Chair of the meeting EAM Jaishankar said India would facilitate an âopen and constructive exchangeâ during the deliberations and encouraged participating delegations to present their perspectives freelyâYour inputs will help guide our discussions and contribute to meaningful outcomes I once again welcome you all and look forward to a productive discussionâ he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/growing-expectation-for-brics-to-play-constructive-stabilising-role-amid-global-uncertainty-says-eam-jaishankar--673811.html Thu, 14 May 2026 12:01:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/s-jaishankar-brics-expected-to-be-stabilising-force-amid-global-uncertainty-673834.html New Delhi May 14 IANS External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar on Thursday said there is a growing expectation among emerging markets and developing countries that BRICS will play a constructive and stabilising role amid global uncertainty conflicts and economic challengesnbspHe made the remarks while delivering his opening address at the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting being held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi under Indias 2026 chairship of the expanded groupingForeign ministers and senior diplomats from BRICS member and partner nations arrived in the national capital earlier in the day to participate in the highlevel meeting EAM Jaishankar personally welcomed the visiting leaders and dignitaries at the venue before the start of the discussionsAddressing the gathering EAM Jaishankar said Indias chairship appreciates your support which has contributed to the steady progress of our workHighlighting the current global situation he said the meeting was taking place at a time of significant changes and instability in international relationsWe meet at a time of considerable flux in international relations ongoing conflicts economic uncertainties and challenges in trade technology and climate are shaping the global landscape he saidEmphasising the significance of the BRICS grouping the EAM stated There is a growing expectation particularly from emerging markets and developing countries that BRICS will play a constructive and stabilising roleReferring to the importance of the ongoing deliberations he said the discussions offered an opportunity to reflect on major global and regional developments and explore practical methods to strengthen cooperation among member nationsIn this background our discussions today are an opportunity to reflect on global and regional developments and to consider practical ways to strengthen our cooperation he saidThe External Affairs Minister stressed that developmentrelated concerns continue to remain central to the BRICS agendaMany countries face challenges in energy food fertiliser and health security as well as access to finance BRICS can help them respond more effectively Economic resilience is also key Reliable supply chains and diversified markets are its essential components We must focus on both EAM Jaishankar saidAddressing climaterelated concerns the EAM said climate change continues to remain an urgent global issue requiring collective attentionClimate change remains a pressing concern Our discussions must advance sustainable development while advancing principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities he statedHe also underlined the growing impact of technological advancements on the global order and said these developments should be used to promote good governance and inclusive growthThe External Affairs Minister further stressed that issues related to peace and security remain central to the global order and highlighted the need for dialogue and diplomacy amid continuing conflicts across regionsPeace and security issues remain central to the global order Recent conflicts only underline the importance of dialogue and diplomacy he said while also calling for stronger cooperation against terrorismEAM Jaishankar also thanked all participating delegations for their continued support towards strengthening cooperation within the BRICS frameworkAs Chair I thank each delegation for its presence and for its continued commitment to strengthening cooperation within the BRICS framework All of us remain in close and regular contact through bilateral and multilateral engagements Gathering today for the BRICS meeting is a special occasion It allows us to exchange perspectives and encourages us to develop convergences In this complicated and uncertain world that is of evergreater importance the External Affairs Minister saidAs the Chair of the meeting EAM Jaishankar said India would facilitate an open and constructive exchange during the deliberations and encouraged participating delegations to present their perspectives freelyYour inputs will help guide our discussions and contribute to meaningful outcomes I once again welcome you all and look forward to a productive discussion he addedIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/s-jaishankar-brics-expected-to-be-stabilising-force-amid-global-uncertainty-673834.html Thu, 14 May 2026 13:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-flags-fragile-west-asia-situation-says-safe-waterways-vital-for-global-economic-well-being-673838.html New Delhi May 14 Highlighting the fragile security environment in West Asia External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar on Thursday said that persistent tensions in the region along with threats to shipping routes and energy infrastructure remain a matter of global concern Delivering the national statement at the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting in New Delhi under Indias 2026 chairship the EAM said The conflict in West Asia merits particular attention Continuing tensions risks to maritime traffic and disruptions to energy infrastructure highlight the fragility of the situation Safe and unimpeded maritime flows through international waterways including the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea remain vital for global economic wellbeingHe also reaffirmed Indias strong commitment to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity must remain the foundation of international relations Dialogue and diplomacy are the only sustainable means of resolving conflicts the EAM saidEAM Jaishankar further said that even as the challenges mount in the times of global uncertainties the multilateral system unfortunately weakens He said that the state of the United Nations which is at its core is particularly worrisome With each passing day the case for reformed multilateralism only gets stronger This includes the reform of the UN Security Council in both the permanent and nonpermanent categories Continued delay comes at a high cost he addedMeanwhile speaking at the opening address of the meeting EAM Jaishankar stressed the need for enhanced cooperation among BRICS member nations amid growing geopolitical and economic uncertaintiesWe meet at a time of considerable flux in international relations Ongoing conflicts economic uncertainties and challenges in trade technology and climate are shaping the global landscape There is a growing expectation particularly from emerging markets and developing countries that BRICS will play a constructive and stabilising role EAM statedIn this background our discussions today are an opportunity to reflect on global and regional developments and to consider practical ways to strengthen our cooperation he addedSeveral foreign ministers including Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono and senior representatives from BRICS nations and partner countries are attending the meetingMarking Tehrans first highlevel diplomatic outreach since the conflict in West Asia began Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday for a threeday official visitAraghchi is expected to hold wideranging bilateral talks with EAM Jaishankar with discussions likely to focus on deepening the crisis arising from the conflictAraghchi arrived aboard an aircraft named Minab168 a symbolic reference to the 168 schoolgirls killed in a missile strike on a school in the Iranian city of Minab after the outbreak of the conflict in West AsiaFollowing the worsening conflict in West Asia Iran called on India the current BRICS chair to play an independent role to bring an end to USIsrael hostilities against IranEarlier Irans Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi who is currently in New Delhi to participate in the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting said that Tehran views its active participation in mechanisms such as BRICS as a strategic step towards strengthening genuine multilateralism and promoting a more balanced and just international orderGharibabadi made the remarks while highlighting the significance of the BRICS platform amid ongoing discussions among member nations on global governance reforms economic cooperation and the role of the Global South in shaping international affairsIn a post shared on X the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister said the BRICS meeting presents an important opportunity for dialogue on the future direction of cooperation among developing nationsGharibabadi further said Irans participation in BRICS aligns with its broader strategic vision of enhancing equitable cooperation and contributing to a more inclusive international frameworkAccording to him Iran possesses significant geopolitical energy scientific transit and human capacities that can contribute meaningfully to the BRICS agendaIran with its geopolitical energy transit scientific and human capacities can play an effective role in the BRICS agenda for balanced development economic security regional connectivity and amplifying the voice of independent countries he saidThe Iranian minister also stressed the importance of opposing unilateral coercive measures and sanctions particularly those imposed by the United States describing them as harmful to economic justice and developmentIn this path opposition to Americas unilateral coercive measures and their illegal and antidevelopment effects is an inseparable part of defending economic justice and the rights of nations to development Gharibabadi addedThe escalating tensions in West Asia have also rattled global energy markets with oil and gas prices surging after Iran effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz the strategic shipping corridor between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman that carries nearly 20 per cent of the worlds oil and LNG liquefied natural gas supplies IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-flags-fragile-west-asia-situation-says-safe-waterways-vital-for-global-economic-well-being-673838.html Thu, 14 May 2026 13:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/isi-plans-countrywide-expansion-of-khalistan-style-gangster-terror-module-673865.html New Delhi May 14 The experiment that the ISI conducted with the Khalistan modules is now being replicated across other networks as well The idea of bringing gangsters and terrorists together to further operations in India is increasingly becoming a new norm investigations have revealed An official said that the ISI does not want terror groups and gangsters to operate separately The Pakistan spy agency realises that it would be best to get the two together so that the resources are common Shared resources and cooperation between criminals have always yielded results and this is what the ISI has been cashing in on the official addedWhat began as an experiment in Punjab is now spreading across to Maharashtra Gujarat and the Northeastern states as wellIn Punjab the ISI got together various gangsters working both within India and abroad to liaison with terror networks The gangster network which is better aware of the logistics aids terror groups which in turn carry out attacksThe gangster network also helps in the supply and circulation of narcotics and the funds generated are used to finance terror groups The gangster networks also help a great deal in recruitments and these persons are used to carry out small time attacksRaids in various states such as Punjab and now Maharashtra have revealed that the ISI wants both networks to operate as one entityAs compared to recruitment into terror groups roping in youth into gangster networks is relatively easier Terror groups come under much higher scrutiny when compared to the gangs It is this aspect that the ISI has been using of late to synchronise the two networks an official addedAn Intelligence Bureau official said when it comes to Punjab and the Khalistan movement the ISI has found a great deal of success in uniting the two networks From Punjab it has now moved on to other states and Maharashtra is the next laboratory for this experiment the official addedIn Maharashtra the Anti Terrorism Squad ATS has managed to unearth a massive gangsterterror network Raids were conducted across the state with the focus largely on Mumbai Pune Jalgaon Nagpur Nashik Nanded Mira Road and NalasoparaThe ISI backed elements had been using social media extensively to rope in the youth The idea is to get them to supply drugs and raise funds for terror networks The raids and subsequent investigations revealed that there is a welloiled mechanism in place to facilitate the sale of drugs The operations which were being overlooked by the Shahzad Bhatti network was being facilitated by the Dogar GangBhatti is originally from Lahore and has been on the payrolls of the ISI for several years now He operates largely from Dubai and PakistanAnother official said that the big plan of the ISI is to get gangs and terrorists together across the country They would be given a designated area to operate from For instance the gangsters who are aligned to the Khalistan terror network would not be used for operations in Maharashtra or the other states Similar would be the case when it comes to Delhi or Uttar PradeshThe official added that this modus operandi is becoming a headache for the security agencies What the coming together of both these networks does is create confusion for the agenciesTerror groups and gangster networks operate differently The gangsters are more cash driven but for terror groups it is largely ideology that mattersHowever for the ISI the primary focus is to unleash terror in India It could be in the form of blasts fidayeen strikes narcotics supply and financial terrorism The official explained that when it comes to terror in India the ISI follows no ideology The destruction of India or bleeding the nation by a thousand cuts is all that matters to PakistanOfficials say that the gangsterterror network is becoming a major headache The fact that the ISI plans to replicate a similar modus operandi across the country is something that the agencies would have to deal withThis would require cooperation between the central and state agencies Minoring the social media is very important as it has been found in all similar investigations that this medium is being used the most to run this network while also carrying out the recruitment process the official further added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/isi-plans-countrywide-expansion-of-khalistan-style-gangster-terror-module-673865.html Thu, 14 May 2026 14:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-measles-outbreak-claims-eight-more-lives-death-toll-climbs-to-43-673870.html Dhaka May 14 At least eight more people have died from measles and measleslike symptoms in Bangladesh taking the total number of confirmed and suspected deaths to 432 local media reported According to the Directorate General of Health Services DGHS the deaths were reported in the 24 hours leading up to Wednesday morningAmid a rapidly worsening measles outbreak in the country the number of confirmed and suspected measles cases crossed 60000 during the same periodThe DGHS recorded 1489 suspected cases in the last 24 hours taking the cumulative number of suspected infections to 53056 Additionally 126 confirmed cases were recorded raising the overall count to 7150 Bangladeshs leading newspaper The Daily Star reportedHealth experts have described the situation in Bangladesh as one of the largest measles outbreaks in recent yearsPublic health expert Mushtaq Hossain said that delays in timely vaccination efforts had resulted in the rapid spread of measles casesHad a proper tierbased treatment system been followed during the outbreak the mortality rate could have been significantly reduced Bangladeshi daily The Dhaka Tribune quoted Hossain as sayingHe further said that once cases surpass the 50000 mark a public health emergency should be declared adding that the lack of such a move had undermined coordinated response effortsHighlighting the abnormal rise in the number of measles cases this year virologist and public health specialist Mahbuba Jamil said If vaccination activities continue transmission may begin to decline within the next few weeks Areas where vaccination drives have been conducted are showing relatively better conditions She stated that Sylhet district is currently among the worstaffected areas in terms of infectionsAccording to health experts inadequate vaccination coverage last year along with malnutrition has played a major role in worsening the outbreakOn Wednesday a group of protestors under the banner of Socheton Nagorik Samaj reportedly formed a human chain in Dhakas Dhanmondi 27 area calling for the trial of the former interim governments chief advisor Muhammad Yunus and his health advisor Nurjahan Begum over the measlesrelated deaths along with compensation for the victims familiesAs measles has killed more than 400 individuals since midMarch across Bangladesh a recent report described the outbreak as an avoidable disaster and called for accountability from the previous interim government led by Yunus who dismantled a functional vaccine procurement system without the capacity to rebuild itThe countrys measles vaccination coverage rose steadily for two decades becoming an international model for lowincome countries That record has now been squandered with shocking negligence by the past interim government an editorial report in The Daily Star stated IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-measles-outbreak-claims-eight-more-lives-death-toll-climbs-to-43-673870.html Thu, 14 May 2026 15:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/latvian-prime-minister-evika-silina-resigns-673886.html Riga May 14 Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina on Thursday announced her resignation and termed it the right decision in this situation The government will continue to perform its duties until new cabinet ministers are approved local media reported on Thursday Latvia President has received Silinas resignation and a decision regarding formation of the new government will be made during consultations with representatives of the Saeima factions at Riga Castle on Friday Latviabased LSM reportedSilinas resignation implies collapse of the Latvian government which already fell on Wednesday when the coalition party Progressives announced withdrawal of the support from the governmentSilina said At this moment political jealousy and narrow party interests have taken precedence over responsibility Seeing a strong candidate for the post of defence minister Colonel Raivis Melnis whom SiliÅa nominated to replace the resigned Progressives minister Andris Spruds political windbags have chosen a crisis â a government crisis That is why I am announcing my resignation This is not an easy decision but it is the right decision in this situationEarlier on Wednesday Latvias Interior Minister Rihards Kozlovskis New Unity had said that SiliÅa does not plan to resign However leader of the Progressives parliamentary faction Andris Suvajevs said on Thursday that the government would collapse if a vote of no confidence against SiliÅa takes place in the Saeima Latvian parliament today LSM reportedLast week Latvian Defence Minister Andris Spruds stepped down after Ukrainian drones entered the countrys airspace from Russia and hit an oil storage facility Politico reportedOn May 10 Latvian PM Evika Silina said she asked Spruds to resign as it demonstrated that the political leadership of the defence sector has failed to fulfill its promise of safe skies over our countryDefence Minister Andris Spruds has lost my trust and that of the public I have made the decision to demand the resignation of Defense Minister Andris SprÅds The defense sector must henceforth be led by a professional Today I have informed the minister and coalition partners of this decision The drone incident that occurred this week clearly demonstrated that the political leadership of the defense sector has failed to fulfill its promise of safe skies over our country The public has entrusted the sector with the historically largest fundingânearly 5 per cent of GDP That is an enormous responsibility that demands clear results Silina posted on XI believe the sector requires a new professional approach I have invited Colonel Raivis Melnis to take the position of defense minister and he has agreed His previous experience in the National Armed Forces military education in London and current work in Ukraine provide confidence that the countrys defense will be led competently purposefully and beyond election rhetoric The safety of our country and its people stands above politics she added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/latvian-prime-minister-evika-silina-resigns-673886.html Thu, 14 May 2026 16:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bla-steps-up-offensive-as-pakistan-struggles-on-multiple-fronts-in-balochistan-673893.html New Delhi May 14 The Balochistan Liberation Army has upped the ante against Pakistani security agencies with intelligence assessments indicating that the attacks are likely to increase further in the coming months Pakistani security forces have suffered significant setbacks in recent months while the ongoing tensions involving Iran are understood to have added to Islamabadâs security challenges Indian security officials saidThe Balochistan Liberation Army BLA is also believed to have increased its recruitment with many young people joining the outfit amid concerns linked to security conditions economic distress and regional instability Officials added that border areas in Balochistan remain under considerable strain because of the situation along the Iran frontierFor years in Balochistan the smuggling of Iranian oil has remained a key source of livelihood for many residents Locals say the activity grew largely because of limited economic opportunities and what they describe as prolonged neglect by the Pakistani establishmentMany among the Baloch population have long alleged that the regionâs resources have been exploited without adequate benefits reaching local communities They argue that while foreign investments and development projects have expanded in Balochistan the primary gains have largely gone to influential sections of Pakistanâs political and economic establishment and to residents of major urban centresThis had led many in Balochistan to indulge in the smuggling of Iranian oil However the conflict in Iran has brought such operations to a standstill This has led to soaring prices and hardships among the people in the region Locals and observers say the Pakistani establishment has largely responded through intensified security measures rather than economic relief or outreachAnalysts and officials believe the prevailing discontent has contributed to increased recruitment by the BLA among sections of the youth Pakistani security forces have suffered repeated setbacks in recent weeks while intelligence operations in several parts of Balochistan are said to be facing difficulties amid growing local hostility towards the establishment Officials say this has complicated counterinsurgency efforts for the Pakistani forces operating in the regionThe challenges faced by Pakistani intelligence agencies were reflected in the recent attack in the Chamalang area where 11 security personnel including a Major were killed According to reports the BLA carried out the strike while security forces were engaged in an intelligencegathering operation Major Tausif of the Pakistan Army who was leading the operation was among those killedAn official said the BLAâs ability to target security forces while they were engaged in intelligencegathering pointed to a serious lapse in the intelligence network The official said âPublic support for the group was one factor behind the failure while another was Pakistanâs attempt to handle multiple security challenges at the same timeâThe divided focus has stretched the forces thin and contributed to the losses they are suffering the official addedWhile the BLA has invested heavily in recruitment and the modernisation of its weaponry it has also focused on training its cadres in local terrain and ground conditions Officials say this has given the group a tactical advantage as many personnel in the Pakistani security forces are unfamiliar with the difficult terrain in the regionAnother official said the BLA is likely to build on the Chamalang attack and carry out more such operations in the coming months The group is expected to rely on coordinated assaults backed by improvised explosive devices deployed across the battlefieldâFuture attacks could be more ambitious in scale posing a tougher challenge for the Pakistani security forcesâ the official saidIndian intelligence agencies have also gathered that the BLA may increasingly focus on targeting senior security officials in greater numbers rather than limiting its attacks to soldiers aloneThe aim is to send a stronger message to the Pakistani establishment an Intelligence Bureau official said According to the official Pakistan has attempted to bring together groups such as LashkareTaiba and Islamic State Khorasan Province to support the security forces in their fight against the BLA However the official claimed that these groups have so far been unable to match the operational strength of the BLA or the backing it receives from sections of the Baloch population IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bla-steps-up-offensive-as-pakistan-struggles-on-multiple-fronts-in-balochistan-673893.html Thu, 14 May 2026 16:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/eu-global-gateway-seen-as-alternative-to-chinas-bri-report-673917.html New Delhi May 14 The European Unionâs Global Gateway initiative is increasingly being seen as an alternative to Chinaâs Belt and Road Initiative BRI positioning itself as a more transparent and sustainabilityfocused model of global infrastructure financing a report has said The report by Kenyabased platform Capital News showed that the BRI launched by China over a decade ago as a flagship connectivity and infrastructure strategy across Asia Africa Europe and Latin America has expanded Beijingâs global footprint through largescale financing of railways highways ports and energy projectsHowever the initiative has come under growing scrutiny in recent years over concerns related to debt sustainability transparency in contracts and longterm financial stress on several developing economies that have undertaken Chinesefunded projects it saidIn contrast the EU launched the Global Gateway initiative in 2021 with an investment target of â300 billion for the period 2021â2027 The report highlighted that the programme aims to promote infrastructure development across digital connectivity clean energy transport health education and climaterelated projectsUnlike the centrally driven financing approach often associated with the BRI Global Gateway focuses on blending grants concessional financing and private investment with an emphasis on transparency sustainability and partnershipdriven developmentThe EU has outlined principles such as good governance democratic values environmental sustainability and private sector participation as key pillars of the initiativeIn addition major flagship projects under Global Gateway include the Lobito Corridor in Africa which aims to improve transport connectivity between Angola the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia reducing cargo transit times significantly and boosting regional trade integration the report saidThe report noted that the initiative has also expanded into Central Asia through transport and logistics corridors aimed at strengthening trade connectivity with Europe IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/eu-global-gateway-seen-as-alternative-to-chinas-bri-report-673917.html Thu, 14 May 2026 18:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-lawmakers-cite-indias-fertiliser-imports-amid-farm-cost-crisis-673755.html Washington May 14 Indiaâs massive fertiliser purchases and subsidydriven farm policies were cited repeatedly during a heated US Senate hearing this week as American lawmakers and farmers warned that global supply disruptions and soaring input costs were pushing US agriculture deeper into crisis At the hearing of the Senate Agriculture Committee witnesses said global fertiliser markets had become increasingly volatile due to geopolitical tensions export restrictions and supply bottlenecks linked to the Strait of HormuzSeveral senators and industry leaders pointed directly to Indiaâs growing role in the global fertiliser trade describing the country as one of the biggest buyers shaping international pricesCorey Rosenbusch President and CEO of The Fertilizer Institute told lawmakers that India the worldâs secondlargest fertiliser consumer after China had recently issued a major urea tender for 25 million metric tons at nearly 1000 per metric tonâIndia recently did another urea tender for 25 million metric tons of urea at nearly 1000 per metric tonâ Rosenbusch saidHe said the Indian government heavily subsidised fertiliser purchases to shield farmers from rising global prices a policy that was influencing worldwide demand and supply patternsâIn India the worldâs second largest consumer of fertiliser behind China their federal government procures their fertiliser they then heavily subsidise it to keep prices low for their farmersâ he told the committeeThe hearing came as US farmers complained of surging fertiliser costs shrinking margins and growing bankruptcies across rural America Lawmakers from both parties described the situation as a national security issue tied to food supply and geopolitical instabilityCommittee Chairman Sen John Boozman called the crisis âa generational eventâ for American agricultureSouth Dakota farmer Trent Kubik told senators fertiliser costs had nearly doubled in recent years forcing farmers to reduce fertiliser use and alter planting decisionsâIn 2025 we did not apply any phosphate on our farm because it just did not make economic sense for usâ Kubik saidKentucky farmer Eddie Melton said many producers were operating with little or no working capital while facing sharp increases in fertiliser pricesâSince February we have seen a 33 per cent rise in anhydrous prices a 55 per cent rise in urea prices and a 25 per cent increase in liquid nitrogenâ Melton saidWitnesses also pointed to disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz one of the worldâs most critical shipping routes for energy and fertiliser ingredients Rosenbusch told lawmakers that nearly 34 per cent of globally traded urea and half of the worldâs sulphur exports moved through the regionThe hearing among other things highlighted concerns over Chinaâs export restrictions on fertiliser products with witnesses warning that tightening global supplies were worsening price pressures for farmers worldwideSeveral senators backed bipartisan legislation aimed at improving fertiliser market transparency and increasing domestic US production capacityIndia is among the worldâs largest importers of fertilisers and remains highly dependent on global supply chains for urea potash and phosphatesAny prolonged disruption in Gulf shipping routes or spikes in international fertiliser prices could increase New Delhiâs subsidy burden and impact agricultural input costs ahead of key crop seasons IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-lawmakers-cite-indias-fertiliser-imports-amid-farm-cost-crisis-673755.html Thu, 14 May 2026 08:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/sandwich-generation-crisis-grips-millions-of-americans-673756.html Washington May 14 Millions of Americans caring simultaneously for ageing parents and young children are facing mounting financial emotional and professional strain lawmakers and witnesses told a Senate hearing as calls intensified for stronger federal support for family caregivers The Senate Special Committee on Ageing hearing focused on the socalled âsandwich generationâ Americans balancing work parenting and elder care at the same timeâMost are exhausted overwhelmed and doing it all quietly without complaintâ committee chairman Rick Scott said He noted that an estimated 11 million Americans are caring for both children and older adults simultaneouslyScott said one in five family caregivers had reduced work hours or left the workforce entirely He added that unpaid caregiving in the US now exceeds 600 billion annuallyRanking member Kirsten Gillibrand said sandwich caregivers were under âextreme stressâ and warned that cuts to home and communitybased services would deepen the burden on familiesAndy Kim gave a deeply personal account of joining the sandwich generation after his father lost the ability to walk and was later diagnosed with Alzheimerâs diseaseâI cannot be here at this hearing right now without having a caregiver there with my father right now to ensure his healthâ Kim saidThe New Jersey Senator announced new bipartisan legislation aimed at improving federal data collection on multigenerational caregiving He argued that policymakers cannot solve the crisis without understanding its full scaleWitnesses described caregiving as emotionally draining and financially destabilisingFlorida resident Megan Maher testified that she had ânever known motherhood without also being a caregiverâ after her mother was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer weeks after the birth of her first childâA dying parent in one room a baby in another and you in the middleâ she told senatorsMaher said caregiving forced her into selfemployment because traditional jobs could not accommodate the unpredictability of family care responsibilitiesJason Resendez president of the National Alliance for Caregiving said nearly 63 million Americans now provide ongoing care to a loved one with serious illness or disability a nearly 50 per cent increase in a decadeHe said sandwich caregivers provide an average of 22 hours of care weekly while also managing jobs and parenting dutiesâThe economic toll is severeâ Resendez said adding that many caregivers deplete savings take on debt or leave jobs entirelySeveral witnesses urged Congress to reauthorise and expand funding for the Older Americans Act which supports meal delivery respite care and caregiver counselling programmes nationwideJosh Protas of Meals on Wheels America said one in three providers now maintains waiting lists with some seniors waiting months or even years for supportThe hearing also highlighted growing bipartisan interest in policies such as caregiver tax credits paid family leave Social Security credits for unpaid caregiving work and expanded use of technology to help seniors age at home IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/sandwich-generation-crisis-grips-millions-of-americans-673756.html Thu, 14 May 2026 08:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/unifil-says-drone-incidents-endanger-peacekeepers-in-lebanon-673757.html Beirut May 14 The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon UNIFIL has said that a series of drone incidents near and inside its positions in southern Lebanon had endangered peacekeepers and damaged UN facilities UNIFIL said in a statement on Wednesday local time that several presumed Hezbollah drones detonated on Monday and Tuesday near its headquarters in the southern town of Naqoura where Israeli soldiers could have been presentAccording to the statement three drones exploded between 5 pm and 530 pm local time on Monday within meters of the headquarters followed by another drone explosion in the same area on Tuesday at around 520 pm reports Xinhua news agency Minutes later another drone detonated inside the headquarters damaging several buildings No injuries were reportedUNIFIL said it is increasingly concerned about the activities of both Hezbollah members and Israeli soldiers near UN positions adding that it had protested the presence and movement of Israeli troops and vehicles near its headquarters as well as the activities of nonstate actors near UN positionsMeanwhile Israels military chief Eyal Zamir said Wednesday that the countrys multifront military campaign across the Middle East including Iran Lebanon Gaza and the occupied West Bank is not overSpeaking about Lebanon a day after the military said Israeli troops had crossed the Litani River and established operational control in the area Zamir said troops were continuing operations in Lebanon including in the Litani River areaSeparately the Lebanese Health Ministry said at least eight people including two children were killed in three Israeli airstrikes targeting cars along the JiyehSaadiyat highway in southern LebanonMeanwhile the Israeli military said it had struck more than 40 Hezbollah infrastructure sites including weapon storage facilities and military structures across southern Lebanon over the past 24 hoursThe development came despite a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon that took effect at midnight between April 16 and 17 following weeks of intensified crossborder fighting linked to the wider regional conflict involving Iran IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/unifil-says-drone-incidents-endanger-peacekeepers-in-lebanon-673757.html Thu, 14 May 2026 08:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/lawmakers-debate-over-americas-ability-to-rebuild-manufacturing-without-higher-costs-673759.html Washington May 14 The Senateâs conversation about American manufacturing quickly became a broader argument about China tariffs technology and the meaning of economic independence as lawmakers and business leaders debated whether the United States can restore factory production without making life more expensive At a Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee hearing marking Americaâs 250th anniversary Republicans and Democrats sharply disagreed over how to revive domestic manufacturing protect small businesses and reduce dependence on foreign supply chainsThe hearing titled âAmerica 250 Industrialisation and the Rise of Small Manufacturersâ featured testimony from manufacturing executives historians and economic experts who repeatedly stressed the importance of innovation workforce training and federal support for smaller firmsSenator Jon Husted of Ohio who chaired the hearing described manufacturing as the backbone of the American economy and said the sector continues to drive innovation and wage growthâManufacturing mattersâ Husted said âManufacturing drives new capital investment and innovation which raises takehome pay for all AmericansâHusted said manufacturing accounts for only 12 per cent of the US economy but finances 55 per cent of American research and development spending He also noted that 98 per cent of manufacturing firms in the country are small businesses employing fewer than 500 workersBut Democratic Senator Edward Markey of Massachusetts used the hearing to criticise President Donald Trumpâs trade and economic policies arguing that tariffs and cuts to federal programmes were hurting small manufacturersâTrumpâs tariff taxes are making it harder and harder for small manufacturers to competeâ Markey said âFor too many small US manufacturers MAGA stands for manufacturers are going abroadâMarkey said the United States had lost 80000 manufacturing jobs since January 20 2025 and warned that rising energy prices and higher raw material costs were placing additional pressure on businesses and consumersSeveral witnesses described the tension between promoting âMade in Americaâ production and maintaining affordable prices for consumersBill Zoeller chief executive officer of Kentuckybased Zoller Pump Company told senators his company supports domestic manufacturing but still relies on imported machinery from Germany to expand production capacity in the United StatesâIn order to increase capacity in the US I believe that weâre going to need equipment to do that and some of that equipment is just not made hereâ Zoeller saidZoeller said Chinese knockoffs of his companyâs products were undercutting prices by about 40 per cent He credited federal trademark enforcement for helping stop counterfeit imports that copied his companyâs products and brandingRepublican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky warned that tariffs on industrial equipment could slow efforts to expand domestic manufacturingâWe want to make things in America but if you tariff the things that we need weâre going to have a problemâ Paul saidEdward Hill of the Ohio Manufacturing Institute argued that productivity gains and technological innovation were essential if the US hoped to compete globally while keeping costs manageableâProductivity is the sword that cuts the Gordian knotâ Hill said while cautioning that many smaller manufacturers lack the resources needed to integrate advanced technologies such as AI and Industry 40 systems into their operationsHill also defended federal investment in research and technology partnerships comparing modern industrial policy efforts to the manufacturing systems first encouraged under President George Washington IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/lawmakers-debate-over-americas-ability-to-rebuild-manufacturing-without-higher-costs-673759.html Thu, 14 May 2026 08:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/brics-foreign-ministers-meet-to-kick-off-in-delhi-today--673760.html New Delhi May 14 The BRICS Foreign Ministersâ Meeting is set to begin in New Delhi on Thursday under Indiaâs 2026 chairship of the expanded grouping at a time when geopolitical tensions in West Asia continue to escalate The highlevel gathering will be chaired by External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar and is expected to witness the participation of foreign ministers and senior representatives from BRICS member countries and partner nations Leaders and delegations have already started arriving in New Delhi for the highlevel meetingDelegates attending the summit are also scheduled to call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their visit to the national capitalThe meeting will mark the first major ministeriallevel engagement under Indiaâs BRICS chairship and is expected to play a significant role in shaping the agenda for the BRICS Leadersâ Summit scheduled to be held later this yearDuring a weekly media briefing in New Delhi the Ministry of External Affairs MEA confirmed that senior diplomats from participating nations would attend the summit and outlined the broad framework of discussions likely to take place during the twoday meetingAccording to the MEA deliberations are expected to centre on major regional and global developments strengthening multilateral cooperation among member nations and advancing reforms in international governance structures in view of evolving geopolitical realitiesâThe meeting of the BRICS Foreign Ministers is scheduled for the 14th and 15th May and we are presiding over itâ the MEA stated Participating countries would decide the level of their respective representation and more details regarding delegations would be shared once the representatives arrive in New Delhi according to the ministryIndia recently unveiled the official logo and dedicated website for its BRICS 2026 chairship under the theme âBuilding for Resilience Innovation Cooperation and SustainabilityâOfficials said the theme reflects Indiaâs âHumanity Firstâ and peoplecentric approach an idea that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had strongly emphasised during the 2025 BRICS Summit held in Rio de JaneiroThis will be the fourth occasion on which India hosts a BRICS summitlevel engagement highlighting New Delhiâs expanding role within the grouping as well as among countries of the Global South IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/brics-foreign-ministers-meet-to-kick-off-in-delhi-today--673760.html Thu, 14 May 2026 08:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-weeks-away-from-nuclear-threshold-warns-us-673762.html Washington May 14 Top US officials told senators that Iran remains only âweeks awayâ from weaponsgrade uranium enrichment as lawmakers raised concerns over rising global instability nuclear modernisation delays and energy disruptions linked to the Gulf conflict During a tense Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Wednesday local time US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Tehran was dangerously close to producing weaponsgrade uraniumâWhen youâre at 60 per cent you are although the numbers donât sound that way youâre way more than 90 per cent of the way there for the enrichment necessary for weaponsgrade uraniumâ Wright told lawmakers âItâs very concerningâThe hearing focused on the Department of Energyâs fiscal year 2027 budget request and the future of Americaâs nuclear security programme But much of the discussion centred on Iran China and the future of US nuclear deterrenceSenate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker warned that the United States was facing âa far more complex and dangerous worldâ as China and Russia continue expanding and modernising their nuclear arsenalsâChina is moving well beyond a minimum deterrentâ Wicker said âChinaâs building a far larger and more sophisticated nuclear forceâHe also criticised delays in rebuilding Americaâs nuclear infrastructure much of which dates back to the Manhattan Project era Wicker questioned whether the administration was moving with enough urgency to restore plutonium pit production and modernise the ageing stockpileEnergy Secretary Wright defended the administrationâs approach and said the National Nuclear Security Administration was restoring its focus on âdeterrence urgency and productionââThe surest way to prevent nuclear war is to ensure Americaâs strength is never in doubtâ Wright saidHe said the US was currently executing seven major warhead modernisation programmes at the same time and claimed all were ahead of scheduleDemocratic lawmakers pressed the administration on the economic fallout from tensions in the Gulf and disruptions around the Strait of HormuzRanking member Jack Reed said the conflict had already driven up fuel prices for American familiesâAccording to public reports this war has cost the American public as much as 37 billion in increased gas and diesel costs or about 289 per householdâ Reed saidLawmakers also questioned officials about whether the administration could resume explosive nuclear testingJacky Rosen asked Wright whether the administration would commit to avoiding renewed nuclear tests Wright replied âTo assure the reliability of our weapons there is no need for explosive testingâNNSA Administrator Brandon Williams said the US conducts âmore than a thousand tests on our nuclear stockpile every yearâ without nuclear detonationsArtificial intelligence and energy security also emerged as major themes during the hearing Williams said the agency would spend about 600 million this year on AIrelated initiatives supporting nuclear security and weapons designSenators from both parties argued that nuclear energy would play a major role in future US energy security as demand rises from artificial intelligence systems military infrastructure and advanced computing technologies IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-weeks-away-from-nuclear-threshold-warns-us-673762.html Thu, 14 May 2026 08:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/un-humanitarians-report-alarming-uptick-in-armed-violence-in-haitis-capital-673763.html United Nations May 14 UN humanitarians have reported an alarming escalation of armed violence since Sunday in a neighbourhood in Haitis PortauPrince metropolitan area The violence in Cite Soleil has forced more than 5300 people to flee their homes More than half of them have sought shelter in 12 sites while many others are being hosted by already overstretched communities said the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs OCHA on Wednesday local time citing figures from the International Organization for MigrationThe scale of violence has had immediate consequences for peoples access to lifesaving healthcare said OCHA adding that Doctors Without Borders on Monday was forced to evacuate and suspend its operations in Cite Soleil Hospital after treating more than 40 gunshot patients in under 12 hours and sheltering over 800 peopleThe same areas had already experienced armed violence in March and April resulting in the displacement of close to 8000 people and increased pressure on essential services said OCHADespite the insecurity humanitarian organisations have not suspended all activities in Cite Soleil Partners are conducting assessments in the areas where displaced people have relocated within Cite Soleil OCHA is bringing humanitarian partners together to prepare a collective humanitarian response in a rapidly evolving and volatile security environment said the officeFarhan Haq deputy spokesman for the UN secretarygeneral warned on Wednesday that once violence flares up the situation might become difficult reports Xinhua news agencyCertainly a lot of the problem in recent days as weve been talking about has involved the activity of different gangs and also the activity of different security forces dealing with the gangs said HaqWere hoping that we through our efforts can get the parties to step back from this violence But unfortunately as you know from the history of Haiti in recent years its extremely hard once these activities have begun And so we are worried about how the armed violence has escalated in various neighbourhoods in the capital he told a daily press briefingIts very clear when were talking about more than 40 patients who had gunshot wounds in a 12hour span that theres a lot of activity So it would be reasonable to believe that there have been some fatalities but we dont have those numbers he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/un-humanitarians-report-alarming-uptick-in-armed-violence-in-haitis-capital-673763.html Thu, 14 May 2026 08:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/sharia-debate-sparks-sharp-partisan-divide-in-us-congress-673766.html Washington May 14 Republican and Democratic lawmakers clashed sharply during a House Judiciary subcommittee hearing over whether political Islam and Sharia law pose a threat to the US Constitution with critics condemning the proceedings as antiMuslim fearmongering The hearing titled âShariaFree America Why Political Islam amp Sharia Law Are Incompatible with the US Constitution Part IIâ quickly descended into heated exchanges over religion immigration constitutional freedoms and national identitySubcommittee chairman Chip Roy argued that Sharia law threatened American values and constitutional protectionsâSharia is not a religious code or belief systemâ Roy said âIt is a repressive legal regime that betrays Americaâs founding principles and threatens our ConstitutionâRoy and several Republican lawmakers pointed to examples in Texas and Europe alleging that political Islam was attempting to establish parallel legal and cultural systems inside Western democraciesDemocrats strongly pushed backRanking member Mary Gay Scanlon called the hearing âa conspiracy theory about Muslim neighboursâ designed to divide voters during an election seasonâThereâs no evidence of any plot to impose Sharia law on nonbelievers of Islamâ Scanlon said âItâs just not happeningâRepresentative Jamie Raskin said the First Amendment already prohibited the establishment of any religion in government and dismissed the hearing as unnecessaryâWe donât need an antiSharia lawâ Raskin said âItâs called the First AmendmentâOne of the most closely watched moments came from Marco Hunter Lopez a 16yearold student from Wylie Texas who testified about disputes involving a Republican student club and Islamic literature distributed at his schoolLopez alleged that school administrators applied a âdouble standardâ by allowing outside Islamic groups on campus while scrutinising conservative student organisations He also said he later received threats after speaking publicly about the issueRepublican lawmakers repeatedly cited concerns about immigration terrorism and radicalisationRepresentative Wesley Hunt said âAmerica is a Christian nationâ and argued that no religious system should supersede the ConstitutionRepresentative Pramila Jayapal accused Republicans of using the hearing to fuel antiMuslim sentiment instead of addressing economic concerns and healthcare costsâThis hearing is unfortunately just part of a much larger antiMuslim strategyâ Jayapal saidAmanda Tyler executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty warned lawmakers against broadly targeting MuslimsâThereâs nothing inherently political about Islamâ Tyler said adding that the Constitution already prevents any religious law from overriding American lawConservative activist Amy Mecklenburg argued the opposite claiming Islamic organisations were building âparallel infrastructuresâ across the United States and seeking longterm influence inside American institutionsThe hearing reflected growing political tensions in the United States over immigration religion and national identity ahead of the 2026 midterm elections Debates over Sharia law have surfaced repeatedly in conservative political circles since the September 11 attacks and have intensified after the IsraelHamas war and rising political polarisationCivil rights and Muslim advocacy organisations have consistently argued that such hearings stigmatise Muslim Americans and distort constitutional protections for religious freedom American courts already prohibit any religious doctrine from superseding federal or state law under the Constitution IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/sharia-debate-sparks-sharp-partisan-divide-in-us-congress-673766.html Thu, 14 May 2026 08:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/uk-pm-starmer-warns-of-party-chaos-amid-speculation-over-leadership-change-673768.html London May 14 United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer has warned that a leadership challenge against him would plunge the Labour Party into chaos as speculation mounted over a possible move to replace him following the partys poor local election results Speaking amid growing unrest within Labour on Wednesday local time Starmer urged ministers not to destabilise the party further A leadership challenge on Thursday would 100 per cent do that Sky News quoted him as sayingThe warning came as British media reported that Health Secretary Wes Streeting is considering resigning and launching a leadership challenge as early as Thursday morning which means he would require the backing of 81 Labour members of Parliament including the candidate reports Xinhua news agencyStreeting was seen walking into No 10 Downing Street on Wednesday morning before the state opening of Parliament though he left less than 20 minutes laterPressure on Starmer has intensified since Labours disappointing showing in last weeks local elections Several junior government ministers resigned on Tuesday while several cabinet ministers publicly reaffirmed their support for the prime ministerMeanwhile 11 Labouraffiliated unions issued a joint statement calling for the party to prepare for a leadership transition Its clear that the Prime Minister will not lead Labour into the next election it said adding that at some stage a plan will have to be put in place for the election of a new LeaderAlso on Wednesday the Scottish National Party threatened to table a motion of no confidence against Starmer saying that the leadership circus cant go on any longer according to Sky NewsEarlier Britains King Charles III delivered the Kings Speech outlining Prime Minister Keir Starmers legislative agenda for the new parliamentary session but the governments policy plans were overshadowed by growing pressure on the Labour leader over his political futureThe speech which set out 34 proposed bills came after Labour suffered heavy losses in last weeks local elections and four junior ministers resigned from the government IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/uk-pm-starmer-warns-of-party-chaos-amid-speculation-over-leadership-change-673768.html Thu, 14 May 2026 08:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-warns-robot-fighters-may-surpass-human-pilots-673770.html Washington May 14 A top US Air Force official warned lawmakers that autonomous fighter aircraft could eventually outperform human pilots reflecting growing Pentagon concerns over the rapid evolution of artificial intelligencedriven warfare âThere will come a point where a robot fighter is better than a manned fighterâ Lieutenant General Christopher Niemi told a Senate Armed Services Subcommittee hearing on Airland on Wednesday local time âIt would be a tragic shame if the United States didnât have a better answerâDuring a Congressional hearing on Air Force modernisation officials repeatedly stressed the urgent need to adapt to changing battlefield realities shaped by artificial intelligence drones and autonomous systemsNiemi who is expected to become the Air Forceâs first Chief Modernisation Officer said the Pentagon sees autonomous combat aircraft as a critical part of future warfareâIâm very enthusiastic about the opportunities of the future for CCAtype aircraftâ he said referring to the Collaborative Combat Aircraft programmeThe Air Force is developing unmanned aircraft designed to fly alongside crewed fighters such as the F22 and the future F47 Officials said these systems could eventually perform surveillance electronic warfare and strike missions with varying levels of autonomyNiemi said the programme would also become one of the militaryâs primary platforms for testing practical uses of artificial intelligence in combatâInitially weâll employ that platform sort of under the supervision of an F22 pilot tetheredâ he saidBut he acknowledged that the longterm implications could fundamentally reshape air combatâThereâs no doubt in my mind that weâll find some disappointments and nasty surprises but weâre also going to discover some opportunitiesâ Niemi saidThe warning came as lawmakers questioned whether the US military is overly dependent on expensive fighter jets while adversaries increasingly invest in lowercost autonomous systems and drone swarmsSenator Richard Blumenthal pointed to lessons emerging from Ukraine where cheap drones have become central to battlefield operationsâOur adversaries could say weâre just going to focus on stuff we can use all over the world in great quantityâ Blumenthal said during the hearingNiemi agreed that future warfare would require both advanced manned aircraft and cheaper autonomous systems produced at scaleâIt takes a balance of both the high end and the low endâ he saidThe Air Force said it is already studying how to build unmanned aircraft that are modular easier to manufacture and capable of operating in highly contested environmentsOfficials also referenced growing concern over Americaâs ability to match the industrial scale of rivals and partners engaged in modern drone warfareâI heard today that the Ukrainians are building a million drones a monthâ Niemi told senatorsThe hearing highlighted broader Pentagon concerns about strategic competition with China which US officials believe is aggressively pursuing artificial intelligence autonomous weapons and nextgeneration military technologiesThe debate over autonomous combat systems is also drawing close attention from allies such as India which is rapidly modernising its military and expanding cooperation with the United States on advanced defence technologies drones and artificial intelligence India has already acquired American MQ9B drones and continues to deepen defence interoperability with Washington amid rising IndoPacific tensionsMilitary planners across the world are increasingly studying how artificial intelligence could transform air combat logistics and battlefield decisionmaking While fully autonomous fighter aircraft remain years away defence officials believe the technology is advancing far faster than many governments anticipated only a decade ago IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-warns-robot-fighters-may-surpass-human-pilots-673770.html Thu, 14 May 2026 08:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-faces-pressure-to-confront-china-on-rights-trade-ahead-of-meeting-with-xi-673771.html Washington May 14 US lawmakers from both parties intensified pressure on President Donald Trump ahead of his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping urging him to confront Beijing on issues ranging from North Korean refugees and political prisoners to trade barriers fentanyl and American manufacturing In one of the sharpest bipartisan appeals Congressman James Walkinshaw and Senator Tim Kaine urged Trump to press China to stop forcibly returning North Korean refugees warning that those sent back face âtorture forced labour in prison camps sexual assault imprisonment or executionâThe lawmakers said China was violating its obligations under the 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention by repatriating North Koreans despite knowing the dangers awaiting themâChinese authorities are systematically and knowingly forcing hundreds of North Koreans back to a place where they will face mistreatment and retributionâ the lawmakers wroteThe letter referred to the recent findings from the CongressionalExecutive Commission on China that Beijing forcibly repatriated 600 North Korean refugees in October 2023 described as the largest such operation on record followed by another 200 in April 2024The appeal was signed by lawmakers including Senators Chris Van Hollen Jeff Merkley and Peter Welch along with Representatives Ami Bera James McGovern and Suhas SubramanyamSeparately House lawmakers led by Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington pushed the administration to secure the removal of Chinaâs 10 per cent tariff on American cotton during the trade negotiationsThe lawmakers said China remained critical for US cotton exports because it operated âthe worldâs largest textile industryâ They noted that American cotton exports to China had fallen âby 87 per cent in 2025 due to Chinaâs unjustified retaliation against US enforcement actionsâThe letter also underlined Chinaâs massive role in global textile consumption saying âTogether China and India represent 55 per cent of world mill consumptionâTop Senate Democrats meanwhile accused Trump of weakening Americaâs strategic position against China ahead of the summit in BeijingâThe Trump Administrationâs China policy has been one failure after another for American taxpayers and US national securityâ Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and other Democratic senators said in a joint statementThe senators accused Trump of walking back export controls weakening alliances and failing to stop fentanyl flows into the United StatesSchumer also used a Senate floor speech to warn Trump against making concessions to Xi that could hurt American manufacturing and national securityâDonald Trump may have no interest in helping the American people get ahead but he certainly seems willing to give China a leg upâ Schumer saidHe warned that Trump could âsell out America on chips and AIâ and âsell out TaiwanâAt the same time the House prepared to vote on a resolution introduced by Congressman Chris Smith urging Trump to raise the cases of political prisoners during his talks with XiThe resolution highlighted jailed Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai detained pastors Uyghur detainees and American citizens imprisoned in ChinaâAmerica will not be silent while the Chinese Communist Party imprisons the innocent and reaches across borders to threaten their familiesâ Smith said during the House debateThe TrumpXi summit comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Beijing over trade technology Taiwan human rights and supply chain security IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-faces-pressure-to-confront-china-on-rights-trade-ahead-of-meeting-with-xi-673771.html Thu, 14 May 2026 08:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/two-chinese-nationals-sentenced-to-prison-for-filming-korean-us-air-bases-673772.html Seoul May 14 Two Chinese nationals were sentenced to prison Thursday for illegally filming fighter jets at several South Korean and US military facilities and attempting to intercept traffic control communications The Suwon District Court sentenced an 18yearold Chinese high school student to an indeterminate prison term of 1 12 to two years and a 20yearold Chinese man to two years in prison both for general treason An indeterminate sentence is applied to minors under the juvenile lawIt is the first time in South Korea that a foreigner has been found guilty of general treason under the Criminal ActThe court also ordered the confiscation of their cameras and other items used in the crime Yonhap news agency reportedThe two were arrested and indicted for taking hundreds of detailed photos of fighter jets taking off and landing at major air bases nationwide during multiple visits to South Korea between the second half of 2024 and March last year when both were high school studentsThey were found to have visited four South Korean and US military facilities in Suwon Osan Pyeongtaek and Cheongju as well as three major international airports Incheon Gimpo and Jeju They were caught by police in March last year after a resident reported them for illegally filming fighter jets taking off and landing at Suwon Air BaseThe court found the defendants guilty of all charges stating that they committed acts of treason that could infringe upon the military interests of South Korea It also said stern punishment is warranted because the photos exposed the aircraft deployment status and primary missions of the air bases seriously undermining national securityIn a separate case in Busan Chinese nationals have been indicted for illegally filming a US aircraft carrier but a verdict has not yet been handed down IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/two-chinese-nationals-sentenced-to-prison-for-filming-korean-us-air-bases-673772.html Thu, 14 May 2026 08:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/sierra-leone-declares-measles-outbreak-amid-rising-cases-673773.html Freetown May 14 Sierra Leone has declared a measles outbreak amid increasing confirmed infections with health authorities warning of active community transmission in its capital Freetown A total of 41 confirmed measles cases were recorded across eight districts between January and April according to the public notice issued by the National Public Health Agency in collaboration with the Health Ministry on Wednesday local timeThe Western Area Urban District was identified as the hardesthit district with 15 confirmed cases including nine infections reported in April aloneThe government said field teams have been deployed to affected districts especially the Western Area Urban District while ring vaccination campaigns surveillance contact tracing and infection prevention measures are being intensified reports Xinhua news agencyThe public was urged to seek immediate medical care for anyone showing symptoms such as fever cough runny nose red eyes and skin rashAuthorities said vaccination remains the most effective protection against measles and called on parents to ensure children receive the two free vaccine doses available nationwideAccording to health authorities measles is a highly contagious viral disease transmitted through the air when infected persons cough sneeze or breathe near others The disease can lead to severe complications and death particularly among children pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals Measles infects the respiratory tract and then spreads throughout the body Symptoms include a high fever cough runny nose and a rash all over the body Being vaccinated is the best way to prevent getting sick with measles or spreading it to other people The vaccine is safe and helps your body fight off the virus according to the World Health Organisation WHOIt further states that complications are most common in children under 5 years and adults over age 30 They are more likely in children who are malnourished especially those without enough vitamin A or with a weak immune system from HIV or other diseases IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/sierra-leone-declares-measles-outbreak-amid-rising-cases-673773.html Thu, 14 May 2026 08:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/jd-vance-announces-major-crackdown-on-healthcare-fraud-673775.html Washington May 14 Vice President JD Vance announced a sweeping crackdown on alleged Medicaid and Medicare fraud accusing several Democraticled states particularly California New York and Hawaii of failing to police abuse in federally funded healthcare programmes Speaking at the White House alongside officials leading the administrationâs antifraud initiative on Wednesday local time Vance said the federal government would defer 134 billion in Medicaid reimbursements to California while demanding stronger enforcement efforts from state authoritiesâThe state of California has not taken fraud very seriouslyâ Vance said âWe want California to get serious about this fraudâVance said the administration was also sending letters to all 50 state Medicaid programmes requiring them to demonstrate that they were âeffectively and aggressively prosecuting Medicaid fraudâ States failing to comply risk losing federal antifraud funding he saidâWe are gonna turn off the money that goes to these antifraud unitsâ he saidThe vice president repeatedly argued that fraud harmed both taxpayers and lowincome Americans who rely on public healthcare programmesâHow long are people gonna pay into programmes if they know that that money doesnât go to a lowincome kid who needs healthcare but that money goes into a fraudster getting richâ Vance saidAdministrator of the Centres for Medicare and Medicaid Services Mehmet Oz popularly known as Dr Oz said federal investigators had uncovered âmajor red flagsâ in Californiaâs Medicaid billing recordsâWeâve discovered 630 million in billing from the folks who are egregiously the top 5 per cent of outliers in billingâ Oz said âThis is numbers so big You canât imagine anyone billing for these numbers of patients and that much for each patientâOz also announced what he called the largest hospice fraud action in federal history saying 800 hospice providers in the Los Angeles area had been suspendedâWe believe that at least half of the hospices in the entire area around Los Angeles are fraudulentâ he saidAccording to Oz the suspended providers had billed the federal government nearly 14 billion last yearâ800 hospices that last year charged the federal taxpayer 14 billion will no longer be paidâ he saidThe administration also imposed a nationwide moratorium on new hospice and home healthcare providers while authorities review licensing and oversight mechanismsAndrew Ferguson who heads the antifraud task force accused some states of turning antifraud programmes into âa jobs programme for Blue State lawyersââIt should not have taken a brave kid with a cell phone camera to point the American people at this issueâ Ferguson saidKim Brant a senior official overseeing the Medicare fraud âwar roomâ said authorities had already stopped more than 2 billion in suspect payments over the past year by analysing claims before money left federal accountsVance also linked fraud concerns to broader immigration and fiscal debates alleging that undocumented immigrants were benefiting from taxpayerfunded healthcare in some statesThe Trump administration has made antifraud enforcement a central domestic policy theme during its second term arguing that reducing waste and abuse could extend the life of Medicare and Medicaid trust funds Federal officials have increasingly focused on healthcare fraud identity theft schemes and improper benefit payments across multiple welfare programmes IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/jd-vance-announces-major-crackdown-on-healthcare-fraud-673775.html Thu, 14 May 2026 09:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-xi-begin-summit-talks-over-trade-iran-taiwan-other-key-issues-673780.html Beijing May 14 US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held summit talks in Beijing on Thursday with trade the USIsraeli war on Iran Taiwan and technological competition likely to top the agenda Prior to their meeting at the imposing Great Hall of the People Trump received a ceremonial welcome marked by a handshake between the two leaders the performance of national anthems by a military band an inspection of the honour guard and greetings by young children waving flowers and US and Chinese flags reports Yonhap news agencyIts an honour to be with you Its an honour to be your friend and the relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before Trump said in his opening remarks during the summitTrump arrived in the Chinese capital on Wednesday evening for a threeday visit marking his first trip to China since November 2017 His trip came amid an impasse in peace talks between the United States and Iran on ending the Middle East war and reopening the crucial Strait of HormuzThe two leaders last met in person in Busan South Korea on the margins of the AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation summit where they reached a oneyear trade truce aimed at lowering existing tariffs and suspending further trade restrictions such as Chinas curbs on rare earth elementsAhead of his trip to China Trump underscored his focus on trade as a key agenda item as he seeks to secure more tangible economic achievements that would likely affect voter sentiment ahead of the US midterm elections slated for NovemberIn particular Trump is expected to seek Chinas commitments to bolster its purchases of US farm products such as soybeans and beef as well as Boeing aircraft and related componentsThe Middle East conflict is likely to figure prominently at the summit as Trump seeks an exit from the monthsold war with Iran and seeks to secure the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz a vital shipping lane for oil fertiliser and other key commoditiesChina itself has been apprehensive about the ongoing war as disruptions to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz could imperil its energy supplies China has sought to shift to alternative energy sources and maintains large oil stockpiles but the conflict has raised longerterm economic risks for the worlds secondlargest economyOther issues on the agenda are expected to include the security of Taiwan the selfgoverning democracy that China regards as part of its territory as well as the two countries technological competition particularly in the realm of artificial intelligenceSome observers said that Trump and Xi could touch on North Korea as the American president has repeatedly expressed his desire to resume diplomacy with North Korean leader Kim Jongun with China maintaining its influence over Pyongyang through steady diplomatic and economic exchangesAfter the summit the leaders are expected to visit the Temple of Heaven park an imperial complex and attend a state banquetOn Friday they will have tea and a working luncheon before Trump heads back homeThis weeks summit is the first in a series of possible bilateral talks between Trump and Xi this year including meetings on the margins of the AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen China in November and the Group of 20 gathering in Florida in December IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-xi-begin-summit-talks-over-trade-iran-taiwan-other-key-issues-673780.html Thu, 14 May 2026 09:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-africa-traces-97-contacts-linked-to-cruise-ship-hantavirus-cases-673611.html Cape Town May 13 The number of possible contacts with hantavirusinfected people has increased to 97 in South Africa Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has confirmed South African teams were working with the World Health Organisation WHO and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases NICD to track exposed passengers healthcare workers and airline contacts with infected persons Motsoaledi told the South African Broadcasting Corporation SABC News on MondaySo far we have identified 97 contacts 90 of whom have been reached already and advised and they are being watched he said We will watch them for the whole six weeks Xinhua news agency reportedFour of the contacts out of these 90 that have been reached are in the Western Cape 86 are in Gauteng he added Only one contact in the Western Cape developed some symptoms But up until Friday tests for the virus have come back negativeThe ministers update followed the confirmation of humantohuman transmissible Andes strain in two hantavirus cases in South Africa after the patients disembarked from a cruise ship linked to an outbreak of the disease including a British national hospitalised in intensive care in Johannesburg and a Dutch woman who collapsed at OR Tambo International AirportThe woman later died in South Africa Her husband identified as the patient zero died on board with his body removed to St HelenaThe three were passengers aboard the MV Hondius which departed Ushuaia Argentina on April 1 and travelled across the South Atlantic with multiple stopsGlobally 11 hantavirusrelated cases have so far been reported including three deaths according to the WHO Nine of the 11 cases have been confirmed as Andes infections while the remaining two are considered probable casesThe NICD said the Andes strain is the only known hantavirus strain capable of humantohuman transmission IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-africa-traces-97-contacts-linked-to-cruise-ship-hantavirus-cases-673611.html Wed, 13 May 2026 07:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-democrats-warn-against-wider-iran-war-673613.html Washington May 13 Democratic senators warned that the Trump administration risked dragging the United States into another prolonged Middle East conflict as a tense Senate hearing exposed deep divisions over the ongoing war with Iran and its rising economic and military costs During a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defence hearing on President Donald Trumpâs proposed 15 trillion defence budget several Democratic lawmakers compared the current crisis to past US wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and questioned whether the administration had a clear longterm strategySenator Chris Coons said the administration appeared focused on tactical battlefield gains without a broader political planâThere used to be a consensus in national security that America should only go to war when thereâs an imminent threat to our national security when all other options have been exhausted and when we have clear objectives and a plan for how it endsâ Coons saidCoons repeatedly pressed Secretary of War Pete Hegseth over the administrationâs inability to reopen the Strait of Hormuz where ongoing Iranian pressure on shipping has fuelled rising oil and fuel prices worldwideâMy concern Mr Secretary is that youâve achieved a series of tactical successes but are on the verge of a strategic lossâ Coons saidSenator Christopher Murphy also questioned whether the administration was underestimating Iranâs ability to endure prolonged economic and military pressureâThis is a highrisk strategyâ Murphy said warning that Iran might withstand sanctions and military pressure for years while American families suffered from soaring fuel costsMurphy argued that âtime is not on our side hereâ as rising oil prices were already hurting US farmers and householdsSenator Patty Murray sharply criticised the scale of the Pentagon budget request and accused the administration of prioritising military spending over domestic needsâYouâre spending familiesâ hardearned tax dollars on a war that many strongly opposeâ Murray said âYou want to increase the war budget for the next year by half a trillion dollarsâMurray quoted former President Dwight Eisenhowerâs famous warning about the costs of military expansion saying the proposed defence budget would leave Americans âcold and hungry to fund Trumpâs warâDemocrats also repeatedly challenged the administration over its legal authority for the conflict and whether Congress should formally authorise military operations against IranSenator Lisa Murkowski questioned whether the administration should seek an Authorisation for Use of Military Force from Congress as fighting and military deployments continued across the regionHegseth defended the administrationâs actions throughout the hearing arguing President Trump had succeeded where previous administrations failedâWe have more leverage than weâve ever hadâ Hegseth said while insisting the campaign was necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weaponThe Iran conflict has already cost an estimated 29 billion according to Pentagon officials with lawmakers warning that the final financial burden could rise much higher as military operations continue and damage to US facilities across the Middle East becomes clearerThe debate reflected growing concern in Washington that the conflict could evolve into a wider and longer confrontation at a time when the United States is already balancing tensions involving China Russia and ongoing support for Ukraine IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-democrats-warn-against-wider-iran-war-673613.html Wed, 13 May 2026 07:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/hegseth-defends-iran-war-china-trip-673614.html Washington May 13 US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth fiercely defended the Trump administrationâs military campaign against Iran clashed repeatedly with Democratic senators over the soaring costs of the conflict and insisted the United States still âholds all the cardsâ despite continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz Appearing before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defence alongside Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine Hegseth also sought to reassure allies in the IndoPacific ahead of President Donald Trumpâs upcoming visit to China saying the administration remained committed to freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and support for partners such as Japan Taiwan and the PhilippinesThe contentious hearing centred on Trumpâs proposed 15 trillion defence budget the ongoing war with Iran rising fuel prices linked to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and concerns from lawmakers over NATO Ukraine and ChinaSenate Appropriations Committee Chairman Mitch McConnell questioned why key military priorities such as missile defence munitions and drone warfare had not been fully incorporated into the Pentagonâs base budget request He also warned against weakening ties with allies at a time when âour adversaries are working together to undermine America and the WestâDemocratic senators repeatedly pressed Hegseth on the administrationâs Iran strategy and its economic falloutSenator Chris Coons said Americans were paying the price for a war that lacked âclear objectives and a plan for how it endsâ while Senator Patty Murray criticised the administration for seeking massive defence spending while Americans struggled with rising fuel and food pricesThe Pentagon estimated the Iran conflict has already cost about 29 billion though officials acknowledged damage to US military facilities had not yet been fully calculatedHegseth defended the military campaign aggressivelyThe Secretary of War insisted Iranâs military capabilities had been severely weakenedâFor 47 years weâve been attacked by Iran and theyâve been lying to pursue a nuclear weapon and President Trump had the courage to do something about itâ he saidâThe entirety of Iranâs conventional navy is at the bottom of the Persian Gulfâ Hegseth said arguing the administration now had âmore leverage than weâve ever hadâBut lawmakers from both parties questioned whether the administration had a viable plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz where commercial shipping disruptions have driven up global oil pricesAsked directly how Washington intended to reopen the strait Hegseth said there were âmost certainlyâ military options available but argued the preferred outcome remained a negotiated settlement under which Iran would stop acting as âpirates of international watersâGeneral Caine acknowledged Iran continued to hold âthe worldâs economy hostageâ through its military pressure in the strait but declined to discuss classified operational detailsThe hearing also highlighted deep divisions over Ukraine and NATOMcConnell praised European allies for increasing defence spending and supporting Ukraine while Coons warned the administration was sending âthe wrong signalâ by delaying military assistance approved by CongressHegseth defended the administrationâs approach arguing Washington needed âreal capable allies and partnersâ willing to share the burden in future conflictsChina also emerged as a major focus of the hearing McConnell asked Hegseth whether security commitments to Taiwan and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea would remain protected during Trumpâs upcoming talks in BeijingHegseth responded that the administrationâs objective was always to ensure that âAmerican interests are advancedâ and said that IndoPacific partnerships had been strengthened through operational cooperation and burdensharing IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/hegseth-defends-iran-war-china-trip-673614.html Wed, 13 May 2026 07:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pentagon-refuses-to-publicly-disclose-iran-damage-details-673615.html Washington May 13 Pentagon leaders refused to publicly disclose detailed battle damage assessments from the ongoing Iran conflict The issue became one of the sharpest points of confrontation during a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defence hearing on President Donald Trumpâs proposed 15 trillion defence budget as lawmakers pressed Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine for specifics on Iranâs remaining missile drone and naval capabilitiesDemocratic senators repeatedly questioned whether the administrationâs public claims about crippling Iranâs military infrastructure matched classified intelligence assessmentsSenator Christopher Murphy cited public reports suggesting Iran still retained as much as 70 per cent of its missile and drone capabilities despite weeks of US operationsMurphy directly asked Caine whether he disputed those intelligence estimatesâWith deep respect for the question Iâm not going to comment in this forum on what may or may not have been opined on by the ICâ Caine responded referring to the intelligence communityâIâm not going answer what you guys in the Congress considers decision criteria around continued funding or notâ the general added laterMurphy argued lawmakers could not properly evaluate the success of the campaign without transparent assessmentsâHow do we assess whether we should continue funding this if you canât state to us what the assessments areâ he askedHegseth also declined to discuss specific battlefield assessments in public âThis is not a classified setting We donât talk about those thingsâ the defence secretary saidAt another point Hegseth accused senators of relying on leaked intelligence reports âWhy would I validate what people may leak or not leakâ he askedThe tense exchange followed broader questioning from lawmakers about whether the administration had underestimated Iranâs ability to continue military operations particularly its use of drones and asymmetric naval tactics in the Strait of HormuzSenator Brian Schatz questioned whether the Pentagon had fully anticipated Iranâs retaliation capabilities after US strikesâThere are some data points that seem to indicate that we did not see all of this comingâ Schatz said while pointing to emergency troop movements redeployment of missile defence systems and damage to US military facilities across the regionHegseth rejected the suggestion that the Pentagon had been caught off guard âI can reassure you that it was all accounted forâ he saidThe administration has consistently maintained that the campaignâs primary objective is preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon Officials have also highlighted the destruction of large parts of Iranâs navy missile launch systems and defence industrial infrastructure IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pentagon-refuses-to-publicly-disclose-iran-damage-details-673615.html Wed, 13 May 2026 07:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-lawmakers-press-hegseth-on-trumps-china-trip-amid-allies-concerns-over-beijing-673617.html Washington May 13 US lawmakers pressed Secretary of War Pete Hegseth over President Donald Trumpâs upcoming trip to China warning that allies such as Taiwan Japan and the Philippines were closely watching whether Washington would stand firm against Beijingâs growing military and economic influence China emerged as a dominant theme during a lengthy Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defence hearing on Trumpâs proposed 15 trillion defence budget with lawmakers from both parties describing Beijing as Americaâs biggest longterm strategic challengeCommittee Chairman Mitch McConnell directly questioned Hegseth about whether IndoPacific allies could trust the United States not to compromise their security interests during Trumpâs meetings in BeijingâWe all agree theyâre the greatest longterm military and economic challenge to US and our Western allies as wellâ McConnell said referring to China He added that âTaiwan Japan and Philippines look to usâMcConnell also sought assurances that freedom of navigation in the South China Sea would remain protected during the diplomatic engagement with BeijingHegseth declined to speak directly on Trumpâs negotiating strategy but insisted the administration remained focused on strengthening Americaâs position in the IndoPacificâEvery aspect of what he pursues inside this relationship is to ensure that American interests are advancedâ Hegseth said of TrumpThe defence secretary said the Pentagon had intensified cooperation with regional allies including Japan and the Philippines to build stronger military coordination and deterrenceâWeâve focused in that area of operations to ensure that Admiral Paparo has every option available to include with partners to create all the dilemmas necessary to give America every advantage possibleâ Hegseth saidPressed specifically on maritime security Hegseth declared âAmerican ships should sail freelyâSeveral lawmakers tied China directly to the broader crises involving Iran and RussiaSenator Chris Coons warned that Russia China North Korea and Iran were increasingly coordinating against the United States and its allies He argued Beijing and Moscow were helping Iran replenish military supplies including drones used to threaten shipping in the Strait of HormuzRepublican Senator Lindsey Graham accused China of financially sustaining both Iran and Russia through largescale oil purchasesâChina buys a very large percentage of Iranian oilâ Hegseth acknowledged during the hearingGraham argued Beijing had the power to significantly influence the wars in both Ukraine and the Middle East if it chose to cut economic ties with Tehran and MoscowâUltimately China has a lot of leverageâ Hegseth respondedSenator Jerry Moran who recently returned from China warned that Taiwan remained âat the forefrontâ of Beijingâs ambitions and asked whether the Pentagon budget sufficiently reflected the need for stronger deterrence in the IndoPacificHegseth said the Pentagonâs fiscal 2027 request had heavily incorporated the priorities of IndoPacific Command chief Admiral Samuel Paparo including stronger partnerships access arrangements and operational readiness across the regionChinaâs growing military expansion increasing pressure on Taiwan and deepening strategic partnerships with Russia Iran and North Korea have become major concerns in Washington The IndoPacific is now widely viewed by US defence planners as the primary arena for longterm geopolitical competition between Washington and Beijing IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-lawmakers-press-hegseth-on-trumps-china-trip-amid-allies-concerns-over-beijing-673617.html Wed, 13 May 2026 07:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-womens-economic-bill-targets-south-asia-673618.html Washington May 13 US Congresswoman Julie Johnson has introduced legislation aimed at strengthening womenâs economic security across South and Central Asia The bill links the initiative directly to broader American foreign policy and regional stability goals The proposed legislation titled the EMPOWER Act seeks to establish US policy to promote âwomenâs economic security and advancement in South and Central Asia as an integral part of our foreign policy objectives in the regionâAnnouncing the bill on Tuesday Johnson said womenâs participation in the economy was closely tied to poverty reduction and longterm regional stabilityâWe know that womenâs labor force participation asset ownership and economic security are key drivers of poverty reduction and longterm stability including in South and Central Asia North Texas is home to a large and vibrant South and Central Asian community and the connections between our region and that part of the world make this work even more meaningfulâ she saidJohnson also criticised the Trump administrationâs policies while arguing for sustained American engagement in the region through economic partnerships and development initiativesâWhile the Trump administration has pursued a reckless culture war at the expense of our national security interests Congress must remain committed to smart investments in global stabilityâ she saidâThis important bill strengthens the publicprivate partnerships and policy efforts of the State Department reaffirming our commitment to advancing womenâs economic mobility employment entrepreneurship and access to education around the worldâ Johnson addedAccording to the legislation Congress found that âwomenâs full and unfettered political economic and social participation is vital to realising universal human rights global prosperity peace and securityâThe bill further noted that womenâs labour force participation asset ownership and economic security act as âdevelopment multipliersâ promoting family financial resilience educational attainment and poverty reduction across South and Central AsiaThe findings section of the bill highlighted that women make up âabout 33 per cent of South Asiaâs labor force among the lowest female labor force participation rates in the worldâ while adding that gender parity in employment could increase South Asiaâs Gross Domestic Product âby between 19 to 58 per centâThe legislation would direct the Secretary of State to âmaintain and seek to expand existing womenâs councils and other publicprivate partnershipsâ involving governments businesses civil society groups and universitiesThese include the USPakistan Womenâs Council the USIndia Alliance for Womenâs Economic Empowerment and the Alliance for Afghan Womenâs Economic ResilienceThe bill also outlined areas that should receive support including womenâs financial inclusion mentorship opportunities asset ownership scaling womenowned businesses procurement access educational opportunities and support for women in science technology engineering the arts and mathematicsThe legislation would additionally establish a dedicated unit within the State Departmentâs Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs to oversee these partnerships The office would be led by a Special Advisor for Womenâs Economic Security reporting to the Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-womens-economic-bill-targets-south-asia-673618.html Wed, 13 May 2026 07:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/h-1-b-visa-scam-suit-targets-chinese-linked-firm-673619.html Washington May 13 Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued a North Texas company and its Chinese owner alleging they operated fake childcare businesses to fraudulently obtain H1B visas and deceive regulators The lawsuit filed in Collin County accuses Golden Qi Holdings LLC and Yuan Yao a citizen of the Peopleâs Republic of China of advertising childcare and autism therapy services that allegedly did not existPaxton said the case emerged from a broader investigation into alleged abuse of the H1B visa programmeâLet this be a warning to anyone considering trying to scam the H1B visa programme I will continue fighting to ensure that the H1B programme serves the interests of Americans not Chinese nationals and that those who abuse the programme are held accountable to the fullest extent of the lawâ Paxton saidâMy office will continue to work to stop any foreign national from entering this country unlawfullyâ he addedAccording to the lawsuit Yao owned and managed several Texas entities including Golden Qi Holdings that allegedly used websites to portray themselves as operational childcare facilities in Allen TexasOne of the businesses Allen Infant Care Center described itself online as a place âwhere every baby blossomsâ and invited parents to âcome visit us to see the loving care we provideâBut the suit says Blaze Media reporter Sara Gonzales visited the listed address and instead found âan empty building and a playground overgrown with vegetationâThe petition states that an individual familiar with the property told Gonzales that the facility had not operated âfor some timeâ and alleged that Yao âsells visasâThe lawsuit further claims that the businesses filed visa petitions with US Citizenship and Immigration Services and the State Department for workers ranging from software developers to supply chain analystsTexas also alleged that Golden Qi Holdings submitted 20 Labour Condition Applications between 2024 and 2026 for positions including software engineer market research analyst app developer financial analyst and business intelligence analystThe state said neither Allen Infant Care Center nor DFW ABA Center had licences to operate childcare facilities in Texas It also alleged that neither Yao nor Golden Qi Holdings possessed childcare licencesThe complaint seeks temporary and permanent injunctions to halt the alleged operations remove advertisements for childcare services and stop the defendants from sponsoring H1B visas tied to the Allen addressTexas is also seeking civil penalties of up to 10000 for each alleged violation of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act along with additional penalties under the Texas Human Resources CodeThe H1B visa programme allows US employers to temporarily hire foreign workers in specialised occupations particularly in technology engineering and finance Indian professionals constitute the overwhelming majority of H1B recipients every year making developments involving visa scrutiny closely watched in IndiaThe lawsuit comes amid intensifying political debate in the United States over immigration enforcement foreign influence concerns and alleged misuse of employmentbased visa programmes Texas under Paxton has increasingly pursued aggressive legal action tied to immigration and national security issues IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/h-1-b-visa-scam-suit-targets-chinese-linked-firm-673619.html Wed, 13 May 2026 07:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/melania-trump-touts-foster-care-push-673620.html Washington May 13 First Lady Melania Trump highlighted a series of foster care reforms launched by the Trump administration 180 days after President Donald Trump signed the âFostering the Futureâ executive order The White House said the initiative aims to improve housing education and career support for young people leaving foster care Several federal agencies are involved in the effortAmong the key steps was the creation of a new âFostering the Future Fundâ The White House said the fund could redirect up to 32 million in unused federal foster care and adoption money to support youth transitioning out of foster care through the Chafee Foster Care Program The proposal is included in President Trumpâs Fiscal Year 2027 budgetThe Department of Health and Human Services also launched a new online platform FosteringTheFutureGov Officials said the website would help foster youth access housing education and career resources The platform was developed with input from foster youth and state child welfare leadersThe administration said the Foster Youth to Independence programme received 30 million under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026 The programme has now been renamed after Melania Trump According to the White House it has supported more than 1400 housing vouchers nationwide since January 2025Mrs Trump also joined a bipartisan roundtable organised by the House Ways and Means Committee in April Lawmakers discussed reforms to the Chafee Foster Care Program The White House said the committee later approved six bills with bipartisan supportThe administration also pushed states to stop diverting Social Security survivor benefits meant for foster youth The White House said nine more states changed their policies after receiving letters from the administrationOther measures included expanded parental leave guidance for federal workers who foster or adopt children new housing partnerships with faithbased groups and a technology incubator aimed at modernising foster care systems using artificial intelligence and predictive analyticsOfficials also announced a new public dashboard comparing foster care outcomes across states The White House said the tool would improve transparency and accountabilityThe Office of the First Lady said the Departments of Health and Human Services Housing and Urban Development Treasury and Education worked together on the initiativeFoster care remains a major issue in the United States Many young adults leaving the system face problems related to housing education and jobs Advocacy groups have long called for stronger support programmesMelania Trump has focused on child welfare issues during both of President Trumpâs terms in office Her earlier âBe Bestâ campaign also centred on children and youth issues IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/melania-trump-touts-foster-care-push-673620.html Wed, 13 May 2026 07:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-american-author-simplifies-hinduism-for-young-minds-673623.html Washington May 13 A new illustrated childrenâs book Discovering Hinduism The Timeless Path of Kindness Truth amp Love attempts to explain one of the worldâs oldest living traditions in simple language for young readers while presenting Hinduism as a faith rooted in âkindness truth and loveâ Written by Ohiobased Indian American author Usha Mahajan the 63page book is designed for âfamily reading and classroom useâ and is aimed particularly at children between six and 12 years oldThe book avoids heavy theological debate Instead it introduces Hindu philosophy through short explanations stories symbols and moral lessons The language remains direct and conversational throughout often linking spiritual ideas to everyday life for childrenâHinduism is one of the worldâs oldest religions It began in India and teaches kindness truth and respect for all living beingsâ the introduction saysMahajan structures the book around core Hindu concepts including Dharma Karma Ahimsa Moksha and Seva Each idea is explained using simple examples The section on Dharma says it means âliving in the right way in everyday lifeâ through âtruthfulnessâ âcompassionâ ânonviolenceâ and âcharityâThe bookâs strongest feature is its accessibility Complex philosophical themes are broken down into short lessons supported by vivid illustrations of temples families sages and festivals The section on âOne God Many Formsâ compares divine reality to âa single stream of lightâ appearing as âmany colors of the rainbowâRather than presenting Hinduism only through rituals the book repeatedly returns to ethics and behaviour âBe kind Tell the truth Respect all life Remember Godâ one chapter says while addressing misconceptions about HinduismSeveral chapters directly tackle what the author describes as myths surrounding Hinduism One chapter rejects the idea that Hinduism teaches caste discrimination arguing that original teachings focused on roles based on âabilities and actions not birthâ Another chapter explains that Hindus âdo not worship stone or clayâ but use Murtis as sacred forms helping devotees connect with GodThe book also devotes considerable space to Hindu scriptures and epics The Ramayana Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita are presented not as distant religious texts but as practical guides teaching courage devotion and responsibilityIts tone remains inclusive throughout The chapter âUnity in Diversityâ says Hinduism teaches âthere is one Truth but people understand and express it in many different waysâAt times the bookâs simplified approach leaves little room for historical complexity or competing interpretations within Hindu traditions Yet its purpose is clear from the outset to provide young readers with a gentle and positive introduction to Hindu thought and cultureMahajan a retired mental health professional who cofounded a mental health and substance use treatment centre in Ohio says her work is rooted in âHindu philosophy and valuesbased learningâBooks introducing Hindu philosophy to children have gained greater visibility in recent years particularly among Indian diaspora families in the United States seeking culturally rooted educational material for younger generations Themes such as yoga meditation karma and mindfulness have also entered mainstream global discourse beyond religious settings IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-american-author-simplifies-hinduism-for-young-minds-673623.html Wed, 13 May 2026 08:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-meets-chilean-fm-mackenna-discusses-strengthening-bilateral-ties-673692.html New Delhi May 13 External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar on Wednesday held bilateral discussions with his Chilean counterpart Francisco Perez Mackenna focusing on further strengthening the cooperation across various sectors In a post on X EAM Jaishankar Delighted to meet FM Francisco Perez Mackenna of Chile this morning Had a very good discussion on strengthening our bilateral cooperation to diversify markets and sourcing promote export of priority items and facilitating the services economyAgreed to work closely in plurilateral and multilateral formats he addedMackenna arrived in India on May 9 for a sevenday official visit This visit will be a great opportunity to strengthen ties between Chile and India further We look forward to deepening our partnership expanding trade and investment opportunities and advancing cooperation across a wide range of areas he said in a post on X upon his arrival in New Delhi On Tuesday Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held discussions over breakfast with Chiles Foreign Minister and members of the Chilean delegation Following the meeting Goyal said India and Chile reviewed the progress of negotiations for the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement CEPA and discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral trade investment and strategic cooperation between the two countries Held a delightful discussion over breakfast today with HE Francisco Perez Mackenna Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Chile along with members of the Chilean delegation he saidWe reviewed the progress of CEPA negotiations and discussed ways to further deepen our trade investment and strategic partnership Goyal mentionedThe minister added that India values its longstanding partnership with Chile and remains committed to expanding economic engagement and peopletopeople ties for shared growth and prosperityIndia values its warm and longstanding partnership with Chile and we remain committed to expanding our economic engagement and peopletopeople ties for shared growth and prosperity Goyal addedThe discussions come at a time when India is actively pursuing multiple trade agreements with key global partners to strengthen exports attract investments and diversify supply chains amid global economic uncertaintiesLater Mackenna also held a roundtable discussion alongside the Indian and Chilean business leaders focusing on boosting trade and investment between the two nations IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-meets-chilean-fm-mackenna-discusses-strengthening-bilateral-ties-673692.html Wed, 13 May 2026 12:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/migration-becomes-isis-new-tool-to-derail-india-bangladesh-ties-reset-673698.html New Delhi May 13 Migration remains a sensitive issue between India and Bangladesh which have recently sought to reset ties on several fronts following Tarique Rahmanâs victory Bilateral relations had strained after the fall of the Awami League government Ties which deteriorated under the interim government improved significantly after Rahmanâs Bangladesh Nationalist Party BNP won the elections Officials said migration is a sensitive issue and would be handled maturely by the two countriesThe worry is that many ISIbacked elements are trying to exploit this and spread a false narrative The ISI which has several of its stooges in Bangladesh has been instructed to drum up a narrative about migration and spread false news about itThis is not only to create communal discord but also to ruin bilateral ties between the two countries The ISI since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government has managed to expand its footprint across Bangladesh It has managed to set up several networks aimed at working against the interests of India and Bangladesh another official saidAn Intelligence Bureau official said that currently Pakistanâs ISI is operating covertly It is trying to tap into ideologically driven groups in Bangladesh The digital campaigns against India are being increased and the primary focus would be on migration the official addedWhile this would be the first phase of the plan the second would be to activate modules in the bordering states Outfits such as the HarkatulJihadi Islami HuJI and JamaatulMujahideen Bangladesh JMB are all active currently Most of their cadres have made several visits to Pakistan and have undergone training They have managed to set up several of their modules in the areas that border India and BangladeshPost the disinformation campaign that the ISI plans to run the next step would be to get these modules to act For India and Bangladesh sharing good ties is of utmost importance The relations are a pillar of stability in eastern South Asia Relations between the two countries are also important as it helps reduce crossborder terror battle insurgents all of which are crucial to peace in the northeastern statesBangladesh watchers say that there will be repeated attempts to drum up false narratives by these ISIbacked groups The Pakistanis have been attempting to make a strong imprint in Bangladesh and for this to happen derailing ties with India is something that they would try to doExperts say that the ISIâs Bangladesh project is nothing new It has been in place since the Liberation War This time around it wants to enhance its operational reach and hence there is a sudden surge in activity the experts also point outOfficials say the thaw in relations between the two countries has not gone down too well for the Pakistanis Since the BNP came to power both India and Bangladesh have been closely working on border management consular service and Joint River Commission meetings Both countries are looking to sort out the problem of illegal immigration amicablyBangladesh High Commissioner to India Riaz Hamiduallah flew to Dhaka on Tuesday to consult with the political leadership on how to engage with the Indian government on this issue The Intelligence agencies are keeping a close watch on the ISIrelated activities that are taking place in Bangladesh On the radar are the hardliners some influencers who are proPakistan and also the two terror groups HuJI and JMB which could prove detrimental to Indiaâs national security if not kept under check IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/migration-becomes-isis-new-tool-to-derail-india-bangladesh-ties-reset-673698.html Wed, 13 May 2026 13:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/operation-sindoor-sparks-rare-lashkar-pushback-against-isi-pakistan-army-673714.html New Delhi May 13 IANS The LashkareTayiba has been infected by the JaisheMohammad bug Both outfits have been witnessing internal discord and while the JaisheMohammad has been attempting to rebuild its infrastructure that is not the case with the LashkareTayibanbspBoth these terror groups had faced immense losses when the Indian armed forces carried out Operation Sindoor to avenge the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed in KashmirOfficials say that the LashkareTayiba is not responding to both the Pakistan Army as well as the ISI since the past couple of weeksThe founder and chief of the LashkareTayiba Hafiz Saeed has gone into a shell and has not been mingling with any of his cadreThe official said that what is interesting is that while Saeed refuses to speak some of his other commanders have been publicly acknowledging the losses incurred by their outfit during the operationRepeated calls to rebuild the Muridke training facility have been ignored Neither do any of the commanders nor the top brass seem to be interested in putting the training facility back in shapeThe Indian Intelligence agencies have been able to gather that there is no activity there and initial reports of it being put back in place do not appear to be trueAn Intelligence Bureau official said that this is a deliberate strategy by the LashkareTayiba The reality is something else and the Pakistan establishment wants everyone to believe that they came out victorious during Operation SindoorWhile at first the leadership did play along today that dynamic has drastically changed The outfit and its members do not want the army to take credit for a battle that it clearly did not win the official addedWhile the army and ISI want the people to believe theyre part of the story outfits such as the JaisheMohammad and LashkareTayiba do not want to play alongAt first the LashkareTayiba did play along and showed some signs of staging a major comeback However there are plenty of indications that Operation Sindoor has changed the dynamicsThe cadres are constantly questioning the leadership as to why it is silent about the war that Pakistan got into with the Afghan TalibanSecond the fact that the LashkareTayiba is being expected to team up with the Islamic State to fight against the TehreekeTaliban Pakistan TTP and the Balochistan Liberation Army BLA has not gone down well with several members of the outfitAnother official said that these developments are extremely interesting There appears to be a revolt against the ISI and army What makes this interesting is that this is the first time that the Lashkar is not playing along with what the ISI and army expects them to doEven the JaisheMohammad had revolted in the past and attempted the assassination of former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf That has never been the case where the LashkareTayiba is concerned the official addedPrior to the Mumbai 2611 attacks the ISI had noticed that many within the LashkareTayiba were trying to step away and revolt against the leadership They wanted to go to Afghanistan and fight alongside the Taliban who were battling the western forcesThe Mumbai attack originally planned by Ilyas Kashmir the head of the 313 Brigade of the AlQaeda was then sanctioned to be carried out by the LashkareTayiba This was a move made by the ISI to keep the cadres distracted and also away from Afghanistan as the establishment did not want to anger the western forcesOperation Sindoor has changed that equation and it is no longer a LashkareTayiba that would listen entirely to the establishment another official saidThe official explained that Operation Sindoor did not just take down terror infrastructure but also broke the morale of these terror groupsIf the LashkareTayiba indeed revolts then that would be a massive change in dynamics between the terror group and the ISI and army the official explainedIANSnbsp https://dailyworld.in/international/operation-sindoor-sparks-rare-lashkar-pushback-against-isi-pakistan-army-673714.html Wed, 13 May 2026 15:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/australia-hikes-budget-outlay-to-boost-ties-with-india-to-253-million-673718.html New Delhi May 13 The Australian government will commit 253 million in the 202627 budget to strengthen bilateral economic strategic and maritime relations with India amid the drastic change in the global geopolitical landscape following Donald Trump taking over as President of the United States âThe funding forms part of the next phase of Australiaâs Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with India and is aimed at helping Australian businesses tap into Indiaâs expanding market seed new areas of cooperation through Maitri grants and strengthen maritime security in the Indian Oceanâ according to a report in The Australia TodayThe increased allocation in the Budget is expected to support stronger business links between the two countries at a time when Australian companies are looking to diversify markets and build deeper commercial ties across the IndoPacific the report statesIndia has become an increasingly central part of Australiaâs regional strategy with both countries working more closely on trade education clean energy technology defence and Indian Ocean securityThe report cites Australiaâs Foreign Minister Penny Wong as saying that the Budget reflected Australiaâs focus on regional stability and longterm partnerships At a time of global uncertainty Australia will remain a reliable partner our region can count on she addedThe Indian funding comes as the government warns that the global development and economic landscape is facing major pressure from aid cuts trade disruption and energy insecurity linked to conflict in the Middle East The government said these pressures risk undermining development gains and increasing instability across the IndoPacific according to the reportMeanwhile the IndiaâAustralia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement IndAus ECTA has completed four years since it was first signed and has played a key role in propelling Indiaâs exports and enhancing trade between the two countriesIndiaâs exports to Australia have more than doubled rising from USD 4 billion in FY 2020â21 to USD 85 billion in FY 2024â25 During 2024â25 total bilateral trade stood at USD 241 billion while Indiaâs exports to Australia recorded an 8 per cent growth over the previous year In FY 2025â26 up to February Indiaâs total trade with Australia stood at USD 193 billion according to data compiled by Indiaâs Commerce MinistryUnder the IndiaâAustralia ECTA India granted preferential market access on 703 per cent of its tariff lines covering 906 per cent of trade value while Australia granted preferential market access to 100 per cent of imports from India Of this 983 per cent of tariff lines became dutyfree immediately upon implementation while the remaining 17 per cent 113 tariff lines are being phased out over five years From 1st January 2026 all Indian exports are eligible for zeroduty market access into Australia IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/australia-hikes-budget-outlay-to-boost-ties-with-india-to-253-million-673718.html Wed, 13 May 2026 16:01:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-rising-sexual-assaults-underscore-deep-rooted-structural-problems-673733.html Islamabad May 13 The sexual assault of a young 19yearold mother in Pakistanâs Rawat area in Islamabad is not an isolated incident but reflects a broader pattern raising concerns about systemic challenges in addressing genderbased violence in the country The case has brought attention to these interconnected issues underscoring how structural weaknesses continue to shape the safety and security of women It was meant to be an ordinary errand A young mother barely 19 stepped out to buy Eid clothes for her children â a moment that should have carried the quiet anticipation of a festive season Instead the journey turned into a brutal episode that has once again forced Pakistan to confront an uncomfortable realityâ a report in Asian News Postâ detailedâAllegedly assaulted inside a moving vehicle filmed during the act and left to bear the trauma in silence the survivorâs ordeal reflects not only an individual crime but a wider pattern of systemic failure that continues to define the countryâs response to genderbased violenceâ it addedAccording to the report the Rawat case has once again placed Pakistanâs law enforcement and judicial institutions under renewed scrutinyIt cited recurring reports of âdelayed responses inconsistent investigations and prolonged legal proceedings in sexual violence cases noting that these patterns reinforce a perception of uncertain and often delayed accountabilityâPolicing challenges play a central role in this dynamic Limited resources procedural inefficiencies and gaps in training affect the ability of law enforcement agencies to respond effectively to such incidents The result is a system in which initial investigations can falter evidence collection may be compromised and cases risk losing momentum before reaching the courtsâ the report mentionedâJudicial delays further complicate the process Sexual assault cases often take years to conclude during which survivors face significant social and psychological pressures The length of proceedings combined with the uncertainty of outcomes can discourage reporting and reinforce a sense of impunity among perpetratorsâ it addedThe report highlighted that the recurrence of such incidents in Pakistan represents a wider pattern of normalisation Although sexual violence cases often spark immediate outrage this response fades quickly allowing attention to shift while systemic issues remain unresolvedStressing that the question of accountability lies at heart of the issue the report said that the persistence of sexual violence in Pakistan is closely connected to the âperception of impunityâ where perpetrators believe they can escape without facing consequencesIt further noted that repeated occurrences of similar incidents over time point to a deeply embedded problem extending beyond isolated cases to the systems that govern them IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-rising-sexual-assaults-underscore-deep-rooted-structural-problems-673733.html Wed, 13 May 2026 18:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/tax-export-and-energy-reforms-remain-pakistans-weak-spots-report-673735.html New Delhi May 13 Taxation exports and energy reforms continue to remain Pakistanâs weakest economic areas due to poor implementation policy inconsistency and entrenched institutional constraints a report has said The report published in Business Recorder showed that Pakistan have repeatedly failed to implement reforms in a sustained and consistent manner resulting in low growth weak exports and continued dependence on external financing supportThe countryâs export sector reflects the broader reform challenge it saidOver the years authorities introduced multiple trade policy frameworks exporter incentives and institutional reforms such as the Pakistan Single Window PSW and WeBOC systemsDespite these measures exports have shown only temporary gains and failed to achieve sustained growth while competing economies continued diversifying exports and moving up the global value chainThe report also pointed to weaknesses in Pakistanâs taxation system According to the report tax authorities have failed to effectively broaden the tax base or bring sectors such as retail real estate services and agriculture fully into the formal tax networkIt further identified the energy sector as another major concern citing continued reliance on subsidies and repeated delays in fuel price adjustments because of political sensitivitiesThese delays have contributed to the buildup of circular debt and recurring fiscal imbalances according to the reportPakistanâs reform failures are rooted in a system that favours administrative discretion exemptions and shortterm political considerations over rulesbased governance and longterm policy continuityThe report warned that while ordinary citizens bear the burden of economic adjustment through higher taxes and reduced subsidies deeper structural distortions often remain unaddressedIt added that unless Pakistan addresses these institutional barriers and builds broader support for consistent reforms the country may continue facing recurring economic crises weak growth and external financing pressures IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/tax-export-and-energy-reforms-remain-pakistans-weak-spots-report-673735.html Wed, 13 May 2026 18:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/11-guides-reach-everest-summit-as-nepal-opens-2026-spring-climbing-season-673737.html Kathmandu May 13 Eleven climbers reached the summit of Mount Everest on Wednesday as they completed fixing the ropes officially opening the route to the worldâs highest peak for the spring 2026 climbing season The Department of Tourism said in a statement that the ropefixing team successfully reached the summit of Everest at 1025 am on Wednesday paving the way for climbers attempting the mountain during the ongoing spring expedition seasonThe Nepali government had assigned the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee SPCC to manage the climbing route through the Khumbu Icefall from Everest Base Camp to Camp II The Expedition Operators Association Nepal EOANepal was entrusted with fixing ropes above Camp II to the summitThey deployed icefall doctors and mountain guides to fix the rope on the route to the summit of Mt EverestIcefall doctors are a specialised team of highly experienced Nepali Sherpas responsible for creating and maintaining the often dangerous route through the Khumbu Icefall on Mount EverestThey are not medical doctors but are nicknamed doctors because they heal the route fixing ladders and ropes to ensure climbers safely navigate the unstable glacier preventing fatal accidentsIn a press release the Department of Tourism said the task was completed through coordination among various agencies despite geographical challenges seasonal weather variations and operational risks in the high HimalayasThe Department said eight icefall doctors and 11 climbing guides participated in the operation Among those who reached summit include Mingma Dorchi Sherpa Pasang Tashi Sherpa Lopsang Bhutia Ming Nurbu Sherpa Chhomba Tenji Sherpa Guru Bhote Pam Dorjee Sherpa Mingma Tenje Sherpa Ming Temba Sherpa Dendi Sherpa and Pasang Nurbu Sherpa according to the departmentSpring is considered the main Everest climbing season attracting hundreds of climbers and support staff to Nepal each year By Friday as many as 492 mountaineers received climbing permits for Mt Everest which is the record high for the spring season according to the tourism department IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/11-guides-reach-everest-summit-as-nepal-opens-2026-spring-climbing-season-673737.html Wed, 13 May 2026 18:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/blf-claims-responsibility-for-targetting-pakistani-forces-in-balochistan-673749.html Quetta May 13 The Balochistan Liberation Front BLF has claimed responsibility for a wave of attacks against Pakistani forces across the province which resulted in the death of seven soldiers local media reported In a statement issued to the media BLF spokesperson Major Gwahram Baloch said the groups fighters ambushed a Pakistani military convoy on May 10 in the Baincha area of Surab districtThe convoy was attacked with rockets light machine guns and other automatic weapons while it was travelling between military camps The group claimed that two military vehicles sustained heavy damage while five soldiers were killed and four others injuredThe spokesperson added that security personnel from a nearby checkpoint advanced towards the area shortly after the attack but were compelled to retreat following further clashes with BLF fighters The Balochistan Post reportedIn a separate attack on the same day the BLF claimed it targetted a Pakistanâs Frontier Corps FC checkpoint located on the main bridge in the Tagazzi area of Kharan districtThe group said that the attack carried out with rockets grenade launchers and automatic weapons resulted in the death of two FC personnel and injuries to three othersIt further added that the fighters targetted a communications tower equipped with surveillance equipment in the Malaar Damb area of Kolwah on May 7 disabling the tower and setting related machinery ablazeThe BLF further claimed that its fighters intercepted a police Eagle Force patrol in Mastung on May 6 briefly detaining the police personnel and confiscating a Kalashnikov rifleSeparately the Baloch Republican Guards BRG claimed responsibility for an attack on electricity infrastructure in the Naseerabad district of BalochistanIn a statement the BRG spokesperson Dostain Baloch said the groupâs fighters planted explosive devices on two electricity transmission towers in the Mirwah area carrying power from the Uchh Power Plant to Quetta It added that the explosions resulted in the complete destruction of two towers and severe damage to two othersThe BRG stated that the operations would continue until the âfreedom of Balochistanâ from PakistanThese latest incidents come against the backdrop of escalating attacks by Baloch groups targetting Pakistani military and police forces across Balochistan in recent days resulting in heavy casualties and damage to the infrastructure IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/blf-claims-responsibility-for-targetting-pakistani-forces-in-balochistan-673749.html Wed, 13 May 2026 18:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-women-activists-participate-in-aurat-march-despite-restrictions-tighter-scrutiny-673750.html Karachi May 13 Despite restrictions imposed by Pakistani authorities on Aurat March in Karachi hundreds gathered at Seaview to raise issues that continue to impact countless women across the country Over the years Aurat March has become one of Pakistans most visible platforms for discussion on womens rights and social justice a report has stated Among the most poignant moments was the tribute to Shanti the 19yearold bride from Lyari whose tragic death after alleged sexual violence reignited difficult but necessary conversations around marital abuse and the silence that often surrounds it The significance of such gatherings lies in the space they create for conversations society is often reluctant to confront openly an editorial in leading Pakistani daily The Express Tribune statedPakistans constitution guarantees freedom of speech and the right to peacefully assemble at a place These rights are not reserved for one class and belong to each citizen irrespective of whether their opinions are popular or controversial The role of Pakistani authorities is not to support every message made at a public gathering but to ensure that people can exercise their constitutional freedoms safely and responsibly The Express Tribune statedOn May 6 the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan HRCP condemned the detention of Aurat March organisers and volunteers outside the Karachi Press Club where they had gathered to hold a press conferenceThe rights body stated that preventing people from holding press conference showcases an increasingly repressive approach to governance where dissent is considered a threat instead of a democratic necessity leading Pakistani news network Geo News reportedThe HRCPs statement came after police briefly arrested several Aurat March leaders including activist and artist artist Sheema Kermani outside the Karachi Press ClubHRCP strongly condemns the arrest of several organisers and volunteers of Aurat March from outside the Karachi Press Club where they were scheduled to address a press conference This incident is not isolated overreach but rather part of a broader and deeply troubling pattern the systematic denial of public space to citizens seeking to articulate their rights HRCP posted on XThe rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are constitutionally guaranteed Preventing citizens particularly women and marginalised groups from even convening a press conference reflects an increasingly repressive approach to governance where dissent is treated as a threat rather than a democratic necessity it added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-women-activists-participate-in-aurat-march-despite-restrictions-tighter-scrutiny-673750.html Wed, 13 May 2026 18:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-african-parliament-to-restart-ramaphosa-impeachment-process-after-court-ruling-local-media-673337.html Johannesburg May 12 South Africas National Assembly will reopen impeachmentrelated proceedings against President Cyril Ramaphosa following a Constitutional Court ruling local media reported The Constitutional Court on earlier ruled that the countrys parliament acted unconstitutionally when it rejected an independent panel report on the Phala Phala matter involving Ramaphosa reopening the possibility of impeachment proceedings against the head of state Xinhua news agency reportedCiting a statement from National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza the South African Government News Agency reported that the parliament will comply with the courts decision and restart the Section 89 process related to the independent panel report into the Phala Phala farm matterThe matter relates to the alleged theft of about 580000 from Ramaphosas private game farm in Limpopo Province in 2020 which later sparked public controversy over whether the funds were properly declared and reported to authoritiesDidiza said that she would determine the program timelines and institutional support necessary to ensure the impeachment committee completes its work effectively fairly and within the framework of the Constitution and National Assembly rulesDetails regarding the committees composition and operational arrangements are expected to be announced through official channels in due courseThe independent panel chaired by former Constitutional Court judge Sandile Ngcobo found prima facie evidence suggesting possible constitutional and legal violations by the president in relation to the Phala Phala matterIn response Ramaphosa said Monday that he accepted and respected the Constitutional Courts ruling reaffirming his firm commitment to the Constitution the independence of the judiciary and the rule of lawIn his address to the nation on Monday night Ramaphosa insisted that he did not engage in wrongdoing Since a criminal complaint was laid against me in June 2022 I have consistently maintained that I have not stolen public money committed any crime nor violated my oath of office he saidRamaphosa said that from the beginning he had committed to cooperating with all competent institutions and such cooperation has continued through all investigations and enquiries into the matter and will be sustained going forwardTurning to the findings of the independent panel submitted in December 2022 Ramaphosa reiterated his disagreement with its conclusions and reasoning He said that they were based on hearsay and that no evidence let alone sufficient evidence had been produced to support claims of constitutional or legal violations or serious misconductIn his address Ramaphosa reiterated that he will not resign saying I fully intend to continue serving the people of South Africa and to advance their interests IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-african-parliament-to-restart-ramaphosa-impeachment-process-after-court-ruling-local-media-673337.html Tue, 12 May 2026 08:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-to-undergo-annual-medical-evaluation-673338.html Washington May 12 US President Donald Trump will visit the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on May 26 for his annual dental and medical evaluations and meetings with American service members the White House said The White House said the visit would include the Presidentâs âroutine annual dental and medical assessments as part of his regular preventive health careâTrump will also âspend time with service members and staff at Walter Reed in recognition of their service professionalism and dedication to the nationâ according to the statementâPresident Donald J Trump will visit Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on May 26 for his annual dental and medical evaluations and to visit with the men and women of the militaryâ the White House saidNo additional details were immediately released regarding the duration of the visit or whether the Presidentâs physician would issue a public medical summary after the examinationâAdditional details regarding the Presidentâs schedule will be released at a later dateâ the statement addedWalter Reed located in Bethesda Maryland is the premier medical facility for the US military and regularly handles presidential medical examinations and treatment for senior American officialsThe facility is also known for treating wounded military personnel returning from combat zones and supporting veterans activeduty troops and military familiesPresidential medical examinations traditionally attract significant attention in Washington because they provide rare public insights into the health and fitness of the commanderinchiefTrump has previously described his medical visits to Walter Reed as part of his routine healthcare During a followup medical visit to the same facility last year Trump told reporters âI think Iâm in great shape but Iâll let you knowâ He added âPhysically I feel very good Mentally I feel very goodâAccording to a medical memo issued last year Trump had undergone âadvanced imaging laboratory testing and preventive health assessmentsâ while âcomprehensive laboratory studies performed in conjunction with the visit were exceptional including stable metabolic hematologic and cardiac parametersâThe same memo written by presidential physician Capt Sean Barbabella stated that Trump âcontinues to demonstrate excellent overall healthâ The report also said Trump had received annual flu and updated Covid19 booster vaccinations during that visitThe White House has in recent months highlighted the administrationâs outreach to military personnel and veterans Trump has frequently used public appearances to emphasise support for the armed forces military readiness and national security IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-to-undergo-annual-medical-evaluation-673338.html Tue, 12 May 2026 08:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/chinas-shipbuilding-threat-tops-us-senators-warning-to-trump-673339.html Washington May 12 A bipartisan group of four US senators has urged President Donald Trump to take a hard line against Chinaâs shipbuilding practices during his upcoming summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping arguing that Beijingâs policies have crippled the American maritime industry and weakened US national security In a letter released Monday Senators Tammy Baldwin Mark Kelly Todd Young and Tim Scott warned Trump against offering concessions to China on shipbuilding and maritime tradeâThe United States is at an inflection point and cannot cede additional ground to the Peopleâs Republic of China PRCâ the senators wrote âThe PRCâs decadeslong effort to decimate American shipbuilding as part of their effort to position themselves as the dominant global shipbuilding power affords them no grace or opportunity for compromiseâThe lawmakers said Chinaâs rise as the worldâs dominant shipbuilder was driven by âunfair and discriminatory tacticsâ including subsidies statebacked financing and nonmarket practices that weakened US shipyards over the past two decadesAccording to the letter China accounted for more than 60 per cent of global commercial shipbuilding orders in 2025 while the United States lagged behind countries including South Korea Japan Vietnam the Philippines Taiwan Italy and GermanyThe senators said the decline of American shipbuilding was not only an economic issue but also a national security concernâThese US shipyards and their suppliers are major employers that provide a pathway to the middle class through goodpaying and often union jobs and keep the knowledge and skill to build vessels used for military purposes and to carry goods around the world made in Americaâ the lawmakers wroteThe senators praised actions already taken by the Trump administration including announced fees on Chinesebuilt ships docking at US ports and additional charges on companies using Chinesebuilt vesselsThey pointed to a reported 25 per cent drop in Chinese shipyard orders between March and May 2025 after the US Trade Representative determined that China had used nonmarket practices in the sectorâThe sudden decrease in Chinese shipping orders shows that when your Administration acts on this issue the global maritime industry pays attentionâ the senators wroteThe lawmakers also urged Trump to support the bipartisan Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security or SHIPS for America Act aimed at revitalising the domestic maritime industrySenator Baldwin who has pushed for expanding shipbuilding capacity in the Great Lakes region said rebuilding the sector would strengthen American manufacturing and create jobsThe letter comes as Washington and Beijing remain locked in broader strategic competition over trade technology military power and industrial policy Shipbuilding has emerged as a growing concern for US defence planners who argue that Chinaâs rapidly expanding naval and commercial fleet gives Beijing a longterm strategic advantage in the IndoPacific IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/chinas-shipbuilding-threat-tops-us-senators-warning-to-trump-673339.html Tue, 12 May 2026 08:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/chinese-cars-face-us-ban-over-spying-fears-673340.html Washington May 12 A bipartisan group of US lawmakers has introduced legislation to ban Chineselinked connected vehicles software and hardware from American roads citing national security risks unfair trade practices and threats to the domestic auto industry The proposed âConnected Vehicle Security Actâ was introduced on Sunday by Congressman John Moolenaar a Republican from Michigan and chairman of the House Select Committee on China along with Democratic Congresswoman Debbie DingellâThe American auto industry is vital for jobs national security and the future of Americaâs manufacturing baseâ Moolenaar said in a statement announcing the billâChina cheats in every industry and in autos it is overproducing vehicles and components and selling them for cheap in hopes they will put our companies out of businessâ he saidMoolenaar also accused some Chinese firms of using âslave laborâ to gain a pricing advantageâIn some cases Chinese companies including CATL and BYD use slave labor to undercut the fair wages of hardworking Americans These companies should not be allowed to do business in America and their products shouldnât be in our cars or threatening our infrastructureâ he saidDingell said the legislation was aimed at protecting American manufacturing jobs and preventing a repeat of past industrial declineâThis bipartisan legislation will ban Chinese vehicles from coming into our country and undercutting our workers through massive government subsidies unfair trade practices and slave laborâ she saidâI am not interested in repeating the mistakes that hollowed out manufacturing communities across this country while politicians told workers globalization would somehow magically work itself outâ Dingell addedThe bill would prohibit the importation manufacture sale or introduction into interstate commerce of connected vehicles originating from or controlled by âcovered foreign adversary countriesâ beginning January 1 2027The legislation specifically targets China Russia North Korea and IranIt would also ban connected vehicle software linked to those countries starting in 2027 while restrictions on connected vehicle hardware would take effect from January 1 2030According to the bill connected vehicles collect and transmit âvast amounts of sensitive data including geolocation operational and personal informationâ and can potentially be remotely accessed or controlledThe legislation said China exports nearly 8 million vehicles annually âapproximately twice the volume exported by any other countryâThe proposal directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish compliance mechanisms including declarations of conformity advisory rulings and waiver procedures for industry participants Violations could trigger civil penalties of at least 15 million per transactionThe bill reflects growing bipartisan concern in Washington over Chinese technology entering critical sectors of the US economy particularly electric vehicles batteries and advanced telecommunications Chinese automakers including BYD have rapidly expanded globally in recent years raising alarms among US lawmakers over cybersecurity supply chain dependence and industrial competition IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/chinese-cars-face-us-ban-over-spying-fears-673340.html Tue, 12 May 2026 08:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-senators-urge-trump-to-approve-taiwan-arms-deal-ahead-of-xi-summit-673341.html Washington May 12 A bipartisan group of US senators has urged President Donald Trump to move ahead with a 14 billion arms package for Taiwan ahead of his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week warning that any weakening of American support for Taipei would embolden Beijing and destabilise the IndoPacific In a letter led by Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Senator Thom Tillis the lawmakers urged the administration to formally notify Congress of the longpending arms sale package which they said was preapproved in January 2025âWe strongly encourage your administration to formally notify the 14 billion in US arms sales to Taiwan that Congress preapproved in January 2025â the senators wroteThe lawmakers said Taiwanâs Legislative Yuan had approved a ârobust special defense budget of 25 billionâ aimed at strengthening the islandâs selfdefence capabilities amid growing military pressure from BeijingAccording to the letter much of the new Taiwanese defence spending would go toward âUSprovided defensive arms pending notification to Congress including counterdrone assets an integrated battle command system and mediumrange munitionsâThe senators also cautioned Trump against using Taiwan as leverage during trade or geopolitical discussions with XiâYou should make clear to Beijing that as you seek to level the economic playing field American support for Taiwan is not up for negotiationâ the lawmakers wroteThe letter was signed by Democratic and Republican senators including Chris Coons John Curtis Tammy Duckworth Jacky Rosen Andy Kim and Elissa Slotkin underscoring the bipartisan backing in Congress for Taiwanâs securityThe lawmakers argued that Taiwanâs defence partnership with the United States has served as âan effective bulwark against Chinese military action that would plunge the world into a catastrophic warâ They said the proposed package included âdrones antiship missiles radar systems and minesâ intended to make a Chinese invasion âprohibitively costlyâThe senators said Taiwanâs political leaders had overcome âpersistent and overt pressure from Beijingâ to pass the defence spending bill and urged Washington to demonstrate similar resolveâJust as Taiwanâs leaders demonstrated unity in support of their peopleâs defense so too must we move ahead with pending US arms sales vital to our own national interestsâ the letter saidThe lawmakers also framed the issue in economic terms for American households warning that a Chinese move against Taiwan would trigger global instabilityâIn a world in which Beijing moves decisively to seek control of Taiwan American families would suffer from severe and longterm inflation supply chain disruptions that would destroy manufacturing jobs at home and steep hikes in the cost of livingâ they wroteThe letter comes as tensions between Washington and Beijing remain elevated over trade technology restrictions military activity in the Taiwan Strait and competing influence in the IndoPacific China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and has repeatedly vowed to bring the selfgoverned island under its control including by force if necessary IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-senators-urge-trump-to-approve-taiwan-arms-deal-ahead-of-xi-summit-673341.html Tue, 12 May 2026 08:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/progress-not-enough-to-meet-global-forest-goals-un-report-673343.html United Nations May 12 The world is not moving fast enough to meet the Global Forest Goals by 2030 according to a United Nations report released The Global Forest Goals Report 2026 found that only seven of the 26 targets have been broadly achieved while 17 are partially on track and two remain off targetDrawing on voluntary national reports from 48 countries that account for 51 per cent of global forest coverage along with the latest international data the report offers the most current assessment of progress under the UN Strategic Plan for Forests 20172030 and its six Global Forest GoalsThe report noted that global forest area shrank by more than 40 million hectares between 2015 and 2025 It also highlighted a major shortfall in financing for sustainable forest managementDespite these setbacks many countries have introduced policy reforms expanded forest restoration programs strengthened governance and increased international cooperation on forest protectionProgress however remains uneven across regions The report cited improvements in protected forest areas longterm management planning and forest monitoring systems but warned that deforestation climate change wildfires pests and illegal activities continue to threaten forests worldwideThe report outlines pathways for accelerating action including halting deforestation restoring degraded lands expanding protected and sustainably managed forests strengthening forestrelated governance closing the financing gap for sustainable forest management and advancing innovative financing mechanismsThe report was released at the opening of the 21st session of the UN Forum on Forests at UN Headquarters where member states and partners are gathering to advance implementation of the Global Forest Goals Xinhua news agency reportedThe Global Forest Goals are six voluntary and universal targets within the United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests 2017â2030 designed to halt deforestation restore degraded forests and promote sustainable management Aimed at 2030 they support the UN Sustainable Development Goals SDGs and seek to increase global forest area by 3 per centâroughly 120 million hectares IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/progress-not-enough-to-meet-global-forest-goals-un-report-673343.html Tue, 12 May 2026 08:46:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/malaysian-pm-anwar-ibrahim-congratulates-vijay-on-tamil-nadu-cm-win-673345.html Kuala Lumpur May 12 Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has extended warm congratulations to actorturnedpolitician C Joseph Vijay after he was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu marked a dramatic political shift in the southern Indian state In a post on X Anwar Ibrahim wrote that he âwarmly congratulates my friend Vijay on being elected Chief Minister of Tamil Naduâ adding a lighthearted reference to the actorâs cinematic legacy âFor many years his adoring fans watched him defeat corrupt politicians and assorted villains within three hoursâ The people of Tamil Nadu have now entrusted Vijay with a responsibility far greater than any role performed on screenâ he said invoking Vijayâs popular slogan âOru Viral Puratchiâ onefinger revolution and expressing optimism about future MalaysiaâTamil Nadu cooperationVijay president of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam TVK was sworn in on Sunday at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai in a ceremony administered by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath ArlekarNine ministers also took the oath alongside him as part of the new council of ministersThe swearingin marks a historic political transition in Tamil Nadu ending nearly six decades of alternating governance between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam DMK and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam AIADMKThe TVKled alliance secured the backing of 120 MLAs in the 234member Assembly comfortably crossing the 118seat majority mark despite falling short of an outright solo majorityThe ceremony drew highprofile attendance including the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi along with film personalities party workers and thousands of supporters Authorities deployed heavy security across Chennai with intensified vehicle checks and strict access control around the venueThe swearingin of Vijay marks a watershed moment in Tamil Nadu politics as a nonDravidian party has come to power in the state for the first time since 1967 Political observers view the development as a major realignment in the stateâs political landscape long dominated by the DMK and AIADMK IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/malaysian-pm-anwar-ibrahim-congratulates-vijay-on-tamil-nadu-cm-win-673345.html Tue, 12 May 2026 08:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/preliminary-positive-hantavirus-pcr-test-confirmed-among-mv-hondius-evacuees-in-spain-673347.html Madrid May 12 One of the 14 Spanish evacuees from the hantavirushit cruise ship MV Hondius on Sunday has tested preliminarily positive for the virus Spanish Health Minister Monica Garcia has said Garcia wrote on X on Monday local time that one of the Spanish passengers currently under isolation at Madrids Gomez Ulla hospital had tested preliminarily positive in a PCR test conducted upon arrivalThe person remains in isolation without symptoms and in general good health under continued clinical observation in accordance with established safety and epidemiological protocols she wroteThe other 13 Spaniards tested provisionally negative while final results were expected in the coming hours the minister saidAccording to health authorities and the World Health Organization WHO the outbreak is believed to involve the Andes strain of hantavirus a variant known for possible persontoperson transmission through close contact The virus is typically transmitted through exposure to infected rodent urine or droppingsThe Spanish evacuees were transferred to Madrid as part of an evacuation operation launched after the MV Hondius arrived in Spains Canary Islands over the weekend reports Xinhua news agencyMultiple confirmed and suspected cases have so far been linked to the outbreak including passengers transferred to several countries for treatment and monitoringThe final group of evacuees left the ship on Monday after the vessel briefly docked at the Port of Granadilla on the Spanish island of Tenerife due to adverse weather conditions The ship later departed for Rotterdam in the NetherlandsMeanwhile the European Commission said Monday that it is coordinating and supporting national authorities response to a hantavirus outbreak while the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control ECDC assesses the risk to the general population in Europe as very lowSince Spain activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism on May 6 the EUs Emergency Response Coordination Centre has been facilitating the safe evacuation of people aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship which was anchored off TenerifeFive repatriation flights coordinated by the EU took place on Sunday and were carried out by France Spain the Netherlands Greece and Ireland A sixth and final flight operated by the Netherlands departed on Monday according to the CommissionThe EU is also mobilising response capabilities and stockpiles from its strategic reserve A medical evacuation aircraft from the EU fleet hosted by Norway has been prepositioned in Tenerife while additional transport and logistics capacities as well as protective equipment are ready to be deployed if neededThe Emergency Response Coordination Centre has deployed a liaison officer to Tenerife to support onsite coordination with relevant authorities The ECDC also deployed two experts from the EU Health Task Force to the ship before passengers disembarkedAccording to the Commission the EU is working closely with EU members countries participating in the Civil Protection Mechanism the ECDC the World Health Organization and G7 partners in responding to the outbreakCommissioner for Equality Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib said health threats can easily cross borders and coordination is therefore essential IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/preliminary-positive-hantavirus-pcr-test-confirmed-among-mv-hondius-evacuees-in-spain-673347.html Tue, 12 May 2026 09:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/israel-passes-law-to-establish-special-tribunal-for-suspects-of-october-7-hamas-attack-673349.html Tel Aviv May 12 Israels parliament has approved a law to establish a special military tribunal for Palestinians suspected of involvement in the Hamasled attack on October 7 2023 The tribunal is authorised to impose the death penalty a sentence that has not been carried out in Israel since 1962The law has drawn widespread criticism from rights groups The bill denies suspects the basic procedural protections essential to a fair trial Adalah a legal group for Arab minority rights in Israel said in a statement on Monday local timeIt added that any resulting death sentence would constitute an arbitrary deprivation of life absolutely prohibited under international law and potentially a war crimeThe new law follows legislation approved in late March that made the death penalty a default punishment for Palestinians convicted of deadly attacks reports Xinhua news agencyThe legislation passed on March 30 drew sharp international criticism with opponents describing it as discriminatory and unconstitutional Critics argue that the law creates a differential legal framework based on identity and raises serious human rights concernsUnder the new law the death penalty would apply to Israelis convicted of murder only if the act was committed with the intent of ending Israels existence a clause that critics say effectively ensures that the punishment will disproportionately target Palestinians while excluding Jewish Israelis accused of similar offencesThe law also mandates that executions be carried out within 90 days of sentencing allowing only limited grounds for delay and providing no provision for clemency Courts retain the option to impose life imprisonment instead but only under undefined special circumstancesThe October 7 attack killed about 1200 people in Israel with over 250 hostages kidnapped according to Israeli figures It triggered the massive Israeli military operation across Gaza that left the Palestinian enclave in ruins and killed at least 72737 people according to Gazabased health authorities IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/israel-passes-law-to-establish-special-tribunal-for-suspects-of-october-7-hamas-attack-673349.html Tue, 12 May 2026 09:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/mexico-sends-5th-ship-with-humanitarian-aid-to-cuba-673350.html Mexico City May 12 Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said that Mexico is sending a fifth ship with humanitarian aid to Cuba in response to the growing shortages faced by the Cuban people During her morning press conference on Monday local time Sheinbaum reiterated Mexicos rejection of the economic commercial and financial blockade Washington has maintained against Cuba since 1962We are going to continue sending humanitarian aid In fact a ship carrying humanitarian aid is leaving for Cuba today Mexico will always be fraternal and in solidarity with all nations of the world and particularly with Cuba said SheinbaumMexicos humanitarian aid does not include oil given that Russia has been supplying Cuba with that resource she said adding that Mexico focuses on providing other essential items to alleviate the scarcity of basic goods reports Xinhua news agencyIn recent weeks the US government has issued two executive orders to intensify sanctions against the country blocking access to the fuel Cuba needs and penalising several Cuban companiesEarlier on Friday Cuba denied remarks by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio about an alleged US offer of 100 million dollars in humanitarian aid to the island countryCuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said on X that Rubio had fabricated the claim to justify Washingtons actions against CubaRubio told reporters on Friday that the United States had provided 6 million dollars in humanitarian aid to Cuba through Caritas a Catholic Church agency and had offered the Cuban government 100 million dollars but it refused to distribute itWhere have they gone What would he have used them for Rodriguez wrote dismissing the claimRodriguez said what is publicly known is the billions of dollars that the US economic warfare is costing CubaHe is also well aware of the ruthless human damage caused by that warfare and the restrictions in terms of revenues technologies food fuel and medicines it imposes Rodriguez added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/mexico-sends-5th-ship-with-humanitarian-aid-to-cuba-673350.html Tue, 12 May 2026 09:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/nepali-mountain-guide-dies-in-mt-qomolangma-region-673356.html Kathmandu May 12 A Nepali mountain guide passed away in the course of acclimatisation in the Mount Qomolangma region said a government official He died on Sunday reports Xinhua news agencyBijay Ghimire 35 who had successfully been to the 884886meter peak three times in 2016 2019 and 2023 died of altitude sickness He died while performing his responsibility as a mountain guide said Himal Gautam information officer at the Department of Tourism in a statement on Monday eveningThe department has issued a record 492 permits to climbers to conquer the peak this spring seasonEarlier on May 5 two climbers an Indian mountaineer and a Sherpa guide were injured after a serac collapse along the Khumbu Icefall route on Mt Everest hit them Nepals Department of Tourism said The injured have been identified as Nimish Kumar Singh 40 from India and Pembha Tenduk Sherpa 44 a mountain guide from NepalAccording to the department the incident occurred at around 545 am on Tuesday when a serac collapse caused falling ice to reach the main climbing route striking members of the expedition teamA serac is a large unstable block or pinnacle of glacial ice often formed by intersecting crevasses on a glaciers surface or on steep icefallsAt the time of the incident permitholding climbers and Sherpa guides from multiple expedition agencies were heading toward Camp I from Camp II via the Khumbu Icefall as part of the acclimatisation process They had earlier reached Camp II after ascending from Everest Base CampThe Khumbu Icefall one of the most hazardous sections of the Everest climbing route is known for frequent ice shifts and serac collapses particularly during the early climbing seasonImmediately after the incident a team of Sherpa guides from Pioneer Adventure Pvt Ltd and Summit Force Expedition carried out a prompt rescue and informed officials stationed at Everest Base CampFrom the base camp a team from Seven Summit Trek Pvt Ltd quickly coordinated a helicopter evacuation At around 630 am a helicopter arrived at the incident site from Lukla airport near Mt Everest and airlifted the injured to Kathmandu for treatmentNepal has attracted a large number of mountaineers this spring season particularly those attempting to climb Mt Everest despite the government raising the royalty fee for climbers to 15000 from 11000 per person and flight disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia between the United States and Iran IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/nepali-mountain-guide-dies-in-mt-qomolangma-region-673356.html Tue, 12 May 2026 09:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/dutch-hospital-quarantines-12-staff-over-hantavirus-exposure-precautions-673358.html The Hague May 12 Radboud University Medical Center Radboudumc in the Netherlands has placed 12 employees in quarantine for six weeks as a precaution after incorrect procedures were followed while caring for a patient infected with hantavirus The hospital said on Monday that the issue involved procedures for drawing and processing blood samples as well as the disposal of the patients urine reports Xinhua news agencyThis blood was processed according to standard procedure Due to the nature of the virus this blood should have been processed according to a stricter procedure Radboudumc said in a statement without specifying what the stricter measures should have entailedThe hospital added that it became clear on Saturday that the latest international guidelines for disposing of the patients urine had not been followedAs a result 12 employees have entered preventive quarantine for six weeks Although the risk of actual infection is very low these measures have a significant impact on everyone involved said Bertine Lahuis chair of the Executive Board of RadboudumcOn Thursday Radboudumc admitted a hantavirusinfected patient from the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius Meanwhile Spanish Health Minister Monica Garcia on Monday announced that one of the 14 Spanish evacuees from the hantavirushit cruise ship MV Hondius on Sunday has tested preliminarily positive for the virusGarcia wrote on X that one of the Spanish passengers currently under isolation at Madrids Gomez Ulla hospital had tested preliminarily positive in a PCR test conducted upon arrivalThe person remains in isolation without symptoms and in general good health under continued clinical observation in accordance with established safety and epidemiological protocols she wroteThe other 13 Spaniards tested provisionally negative while final results were expected in the coming hours the minister saidAccording to health authorities and the World Health Organization WHO the outbreak is believed to involve the Andes strain of hantavirus a variant known for possible persontoperson transmission through close contact The virus is typically transmitted through exposure to infected rodent urine or droppingsThe Spanish evacuees were transferred to Madrid as part of an evacuation operation launched after the MV Hondius arrived in Spains Canary Islands over the weekend reports Xinhua news agencyMultiple confirmed and suspected cases have so far been linked to the outbreak including passengers transferred to several countries for treatment and monitoringThe final group of evacuees left the ship on Monday after the vessel briefly docked at the Port of Granadilla on the Spanish island of Tenerife due to adverse weather conditions The ship later departed for Rotterdam in the Netherlands IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/dutch-hospital-quarantines-12-staff-over-hantavirus-exposure-precautions-673358.html Tue, 12 May 2026 09:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/airstrikes-drone-attacks-claim-dozens-of-lives-in-sudan-un-673361.html United Nations May 12 Airstrikes and drone attacks in Sudans Kordofan and Darfur states have killed dozens of civilians including women and children UN humanitarians have said The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs OCHA on Monday local time said its local sources reported that on Friday strikes in South Kordofan and North Kordofan states killed at least 26 civilians Armed clashes and additional airstrikes were also reported around El Obeid and the town of Bara in North KordofanOCHA said that on Saturday according to local sources more than 17 people were killed in a strike on a civilian truck travelling from Khumi village toward the Abu Zabad area in West Kordofan state reports Xinhua news agencyDeadly drone strikes were also reported in North Darfur and South Darfur states in recent days said the officeThe UN Human Rights Office warned that drone attacks accounted for at least 880 deaths more than 80 per cent of all conflictrelated civilian fatalities recorded between January and April this year in SudanThis increasing reliance on drones allows hostilities to continue unabated in the approaching rainy season which in the past has brought about a lull in ground operations said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk An intensification of hostilities in the coming weeks as the parties seek to gain or consolidate control of territory amid shifting conflict dynamics risks hostilities expanding even further to central and eastern states with lethal consequences for civilians across enormous areasThe insecurity is also forcing more people to flee their homes said OCHAThe International Organization for Migration said that heightened insecurity in Blue Nile state displaced more than 4600 people from villages in Al Kurmuk locality on Thursday aloneParties must respect international humanitarian law and protect civilians and civilian infrastructure OCHA said adding that aid must be allowed to reach people in need quickly safely and without obstruction IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/airstrikes-drone-attacks-claim-dozens-of-lives-in-sudan-un-673361.html Tue, 12 May 2026 09:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/five-killed-two-injured-in-residential-building-fire-in-chinas-hunan-673364.html Changsha May 12 A fire at a residential building in central Chinas Hunan Province has left five people dead and two others injured according to the local emergency management bureau The blaze occurred around 3 am Tuesday in Yanfeng District of Hengyang City The injured are receiving medical treatment The cause of the fire is under investigationEarlier on May 5 Chinese President Xi Jinping had ordered an investigation after an explosion ripped through a fireworks factory in central China and the surrounding area killing at least 26 people and injuring 61Xiâs order came a day after the explosion at the Huasheng fireworks plant in Liuyang a city of 15 million people in central Hunan province Xi stated that âthose responsible must be held accountableâ and urged âallout efforts to search for people who were still unaccounted forâ according to the Xinhua news agency The local government dispatched 482 emergency personnel to the site and evacuated nearby areas due to the risk of further explosions at the factoryâs warehouses state media reportedOn May 2 a fire broke out at a foot massage parlour in Lingbao City central Chinaâs Henan Province leaving six trapped people dead after emergency treatment failed the local fire and rescue department had saidThe Lingbao 119 emergency centre dispatched rescue teams to the site immediately after receiving the alertApart from the six trapped people who were pulled out and later had died despite emergency treatment five others were rescued without injuries Strong traces of smoke and scorching were found at the sceneEarlier on April 25 a fire at a residential building in Shuangliu District of Chengdu the capital of southwest Chinaâs Sichuan Province left five people dead and two injured the local firefighting and rescue bureau had saidThe blaze was reported to the local fire emergency call centre IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/five-killed-two-injured-in-residential-building-fire-in-chinas-hunan-673364.html Tue, 12 May 2026 10:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/two-evacuation-planes-from-hantavirus-hit-cruise-lands-in-the-netherlands-673374.html Eindhoven May 12 The last two evacuation flights carrying passengers and crew from the hantavirushit cruise MV Hondius landed at Eindhoven Air Base in the Netherlands on Tuesday According to the Dutch Foreign Ministry the first flight operated by Australian authorities carried six passengers The second a Dutchorganized flight transported 22 crew members from the luxury cruise vessel including one Dutch national and 21 individuals of other nationalitiesThe first aircraft landed at about 1230 am local time 2330 GMT on Monday The six passengers from this plane are expected to continue onward to Australia The second Dutch flight landed about 15 minutes laterThe Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment said on Sunday that all repatriated passengers will undergo thorough medical screening A sample will be taken from everyone at the airport for laboratory testingThe agency said that a quarantine hotel has been arranged for crew members and foreign passengers who cannot immediately return home Xinhua news agency reportedMeanwhile Oceanwide Expeditions the Dutch operator of MV Hondius said in a statement on Monday that the vessel has departed the Spanish island of Tenerife and is en route to Rotterdam the Netherlands The vessel is expected to take about six days to complete the journey with a provisional arrival scheduled for this SundayAccording to the World Health Organization Hantaviruses are zoonotic viruses that naturally infect rodents and are occasionally transmitted to humans Infection in people can result in severe illness and often death although the diseases vary by type of virus and geographical location In the Americas infection has been known to lead to hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome HCPS a rapidly progressive condition affecting the lungs and heart while in Europe and Asia Hantaviruses have been known to cause haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome HFRS which primarily affects the kidneys and blood vesselsWhile there is no specific treatment that cures hantavirus diseases early supportive medical care is key to improve survival and focuses on close clinical monitoring and management of respiratory cardiac and kidney complications Prevention depends largely on reducing contacts between people and infected rodentsTransmission of Hantaviruses to humans occurs from contact with contaminated urine droppings or saliva of infected rodents Infection may also occur although less commonly through rodent bites Activities that involve contact with rodents such as cleaning enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces farming forestry work and sleeping in rodentinfested dwellings increase exposure risk IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/two-evacuation-planes-from-hantavirus-hit-cruise-lands-in-the-netherlands-673374.html Tue, 12 May 2026 11:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/nearly-200-pro-awami-league-lawyers-barred-from-contesting-bar-elections-in-bangladesh-673399.html Dhaka May 12 At least 200 lawyers in Bangladesh associated with the Awami League have been banned from contesting in at least 13 bar association elections since January local media reported on Tuesday citing members of lawyers associations across the country Although many attempted to contest as independent candidates they were reportedly prevented from collecting or submitting nomination papers with several nominations cancelled by bar associationsAmid growing concerns over the restrictions on the proAwami League lawyers the Supreme Court Bar Association SCBA is set to hold a twoday election from Wednesday Bangladeshs leading newspaper The Daily Star reportedRecently the SCBA had rejected the nomination papers of 42 lawyers out of 90 candidates for the May 1314 elections on grounds of alleged links to the Awami LeagueAccording to several legal experts and rights activists the exclusion of proAwami League lawyers from bar association elections weakens democratic norms and contradicts the constitutional provisions of freedom of associationManzill Murshid Bangladeshs Supreme Court lawyer said that proAwami League lawyers along with those linked to the 14party alliance and some independent candidates had their nomination papers cancelledThe issue is no longer confined to one political party it raises broader concerns about the democratic environment within professional bodies The Daily Star quoted Murshid as sayingCondemning the restrictions another Supreme Court lawyer Sara Hossain said The right to contest elections to professional bodies is directly related to the enjoyment of the rights to freedom of association and expressionAdditionally emphasising the importance of professional values over political identities Supreme Court lawyer Mohammad Shishir Manir said We all have to strive for professional excellence A free and fair environment is required for a participatory electionLast week several proAwami League lawyers accused Bangladesh Nationalist Party BNPbacked lawyers of obstruction and assault while attempting to collect nomination papers for the Chattogram District Bar Association CDBA election scheduled for May 21 local media reportedThe incident unfolded on May 4 at the Bar Library entrance when a group of lawyers led by proAwami League presidential candidate Abdur Rashid went to collect nomination forms under the banner of Sadharan Ainjibi ParishadThe recent pattern of alleged discrimination against legal professionals and the cancellation of candidacies of proAwami League lawyers in bar association polls across several districts in Bangladesh solely on the basis of political ideology has sparked international outrage and drawn criticism from the global community IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/nearly-200-pro-awami-league-lawyers-barred-from-contesting-bar-elections-in-bangladesh-673399.html Tue, 12 May 2026 13:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/un-warns-of-deteriorating-hunger-and-food-security-in-afghanistan-673400.html Kabul May 12 The United Nations has stated that hunger and food security are deteriorating in Afghanistan with women and children facing the most consequences amid economic and humanitarian challenges local media reported on Tuesday The UN agencies said that Afghanistan continue to face problems due to overlapping crises including economic collapse unemployment and climaterelated shocks that have impacted livelihoods across the country Increasing regional tensions have caused an increase in food prices placing additional pressure on vulnerable people Afghanistanbased Ariana News reportedThe United Nations World Food Programme UNWFP stated that continuous funding cuts have reduced supplies of specialised nutritional food needed for the treatment of malnourished women and children Millions of children face the risk of severe hunger resulting in humanitarian organisations calling for sustained international support to prevent the situation from worsening furtherOn Monday the International Organisation for Migration IOM said that around 2000 families have been affected by the recent floods in Afghanistans Nangarhar provinceThe IOM said emergency relief items have been given to impacted families as humanitarian teams continued assessing urgent needs in floodaffected people Afghanistans leading news agency Khaama Press reportedThe agency said many people lost homes agricultural land and household property after flooding in Nangarhar deteriorating humanitarian challenges faced by the vulnerable families of the provinceThe IOM stated that additional humanitarian assistance is planned for at least 250 additional families in Nangarhar as recovery and emergency operations are underway in impacted regionsAccording to the organisation similar aid operations are being conducted in Laghman and Kunar where recent flooding has caused damage to residents and infrastructureHumanitarian agencies said extreme weather conditions including floods harsh winters and droughts have impacted Afghanistan in recent years putting additional pressure on millions of people already struggling with poverty and displacement Khaama Press reported IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/un-warns-of-deteriorating-hunger-and-food-security-in-afghanistan-673400.html Tue, 12 May 2026 13:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistans-karachi-witnesses-rise-in-street-crimes-violence-incidents-673402.html Islamabad May 12 Karachi has witnessed a rise in street crime with people being robbed of hundreds of vehicles and mobile phones alongside an increase in killings and extortion cases from JanuaryApril period this year local media reported on Tuesday citing the data released by the CitizensPolice Liaison Committee CPLC During the JanuaryApril period people in Karachi were robbed of 611 cars and 13346 motorcycles collectively worth millions of rupees demonstrating the scale of vehiclerelated crime in the metropolis During the same period 5567 mobile phones were stolen from citizens during street crime incidents Pakistans daily The Express Tribune reportedIncidents related to violence were also reported in Karachi with 176 people killed in various incidents of murder Furthermore 61 cases of extortion were reported during this periodAccording to the data 22 cars were snatched and 111 were stolen while 469 motorcycles were snatched and 2723 were stolen in April alone During the same 30day period 1624 mobile phones were snatched from people while 42 people were killed in separate incidentsMeanwhile the Police Women and Child Protection Cell has revealed that at least 388 adults and 10 minors faced domestic violence harassment abuse and related crimes in Karachi from January to April this yearThe report showcases how abuse unfolded behind closed doors in Karachi with domestic violence being the most widely reported issue Authorities have received 297 complaints about domestic abuse from January to April Among these 190 complaints were resolved while nearly 100 cases remain pending demonstrating delays in providing relief to victims The Express Tribune reported Police lodged three formal cases in domestic violence incidentsKarachi has been witnessing a rise in harassment cases The protection cell received 83 complaints related to harassment and intimidation Among these complaints 42 were resolved while action on 41 complaints is still being taken Officials said that one formal case was lodged in a case involving harassment The Express Tribune reportedFurthermore the cell received 19 complaints related to sexual assault and other forms of intimidation Among these nine complaints were resolved while 10 cases are still pending investigation and legal action IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistans-karachi-witnesses-rise-in-street-crimes-violence-incidents-673402.html Tue, 12 May 2026 14:01:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indias-ethanol-blended-petrol-makes-a-splash-amid-global-oil-shock-report-673408.html New Delhi May 12 IANS Amid global supply disruptions due to the Middle East crisis and soaring crude prices ethanolblended petrol is rapidly gaining ground as a sustainable fuel of the future with India emerging as one of the worlds most closely watched biofuel success stories according to a report in The Times Kuwait newspapernbspIt points out that Indias longterm ethanol blending strategy has paid dividends by enabling the worlds fastest growing economy to cushion the oil supply shock amid the closure of the Strait of Hormuz that has roiled global marketsnbspIt highlights how starting from a modest 5 per cent ethanol blending target in 2003 India accelerated its switch to biofuels and has now achieved nearly 20 per cent ethanol blending in petrol ahead of its original target schedule The country is now preparing for E85 petrol containing 85 per cent ethanol as well as E100 fuels for flexfuel vehicles capable of operating on multiple ethanol blendsThe article points out that even by 2014 Indias average ethanol blending level stood at only 153 per cent However steady policy support investment in distillery capacity and longterm planning laid the foundation for the rapid expansion seen todayThe major turning point came in 2018 with the introduction of the National Policy on Biofuels which significantly broadened the programmes scopeEthanol production was expanded beyond sugarcane molasses to include damaged food grains surplus rice maize and agricultural residues The move reduced dependence on waterintensive sugarcane while bringing grainproducing regions in northern and central India into the ethanol economy the article points outWhat initially began as an environmental initiative aimed at lowering carbon emissions has now evolved into a broader national strategy focused on energy security economic resilience and rural development it observesThe programme is helping India save billions of dollars in foreign exchange by reducing dependence on imported crude oil particularly at a time when instability in West Asia continues to create uncertainty across global supply chains the article statesThe ethanol push is also generating significant benefits for Indias rural economy Rising demand for biofuel feedstock is supporting sugarcane farmers grain producers distilleries and biofuel infrastructure developers while creating new employment opportunities across agriculture transportation logistics and manufacturing sectors it addedIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indias-ethanol-blended-petrol-makes-a-splash-amid-global-oil-shock-report-673408.html Tue, 12 May 2026 14:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pak-gangster-shahzad-bhatti-network-under-scanner-as-india-pushes-for-extradition-673440.html New Delhi May 12 The name of Pakistanbased gangster Shahzad Bhatti has surfaced repeatedly in multiple investigations linked to terror recruitment radicalisation and espionage activities in India over the past several months More than a dozen cases have reportedly been registered against him by various agencies Bhatti a Lahorebased gangster has allegedly been operating out of Dubai for several years while frequently travelling between Pakistan the UAE and other countries in the Middle East according to investigating agencies With multiple cases linked to terror recruitment and radicalisation being registered against him Indian agencies are now prioritising efforts to secure his extradition and bring him to trialAn Indian security agency official said Bhatti had managed to exploit certain legal and jurisdictional gaps to stay beyond the reach of Indian investigatorsâHe is not an Indian national and belongs to Pakistan Moreover he has never travelled to India which has made the extradition process more complicatedâ the official saidAnother official said that although the extradition process would be complicated it was still achievable Agencies are expected to coordinate with countries where Bhatti is believed to be operating in an effort to bring him to India for trial the official addedOfficials pointed to previous terror investigations to underline that such extraditions though difficult are possible One of the key accused in the 2611 Mumbai attacks was extradited to India after exhausting all legal appeals in courts in the USIn the case of David Headley extradition could not proceed because of a plea bargain agreement with US authorities Under the pact Headley was allowed to remain in the US and could not be extradited to India Indian investigators however were permitted to question him and later appeared through video conferencing during the trial proceedingsOfficials describe Bhatti as a highvalue operative who is likely to receive protection from Pakistanâs InterServices Intelligence ISI According to security agencies there are concerns that he may return to Pakistan if Indian efforts to secure his extradition begin to gain tractionAn Intelligence Bureau official said the immediate priority was to dismantle Bhattiâs recruitment network which investigators believe has been functioning largely through social media platforms Bhatti and several of his Pakistanbased associates are alleged to have used online channels extensively to identify and recruit operativesInvestigators said youngsters from various states were allegedly targeted with promises of money influence and recognition They are made to believe they will become heroes âFinancial incentives and the lure of power have also been used during recruitmentâ the official saidInvestigators believe Bhattiâs recruitment network was intended to facilitate attacks in different parts of the country Initially agencies suspected that the recruitment drive was largely focused on carrying out strikes in PunjabBhattiâs name first surfaced prominently in March 2024 after a grenade attack near the residence of Punjabi YouTuber Rozer Sandhu in Jalandhar Punjab Investigators had also linked his network to the murder of Nationalist Congress Party leader Baba Siddique in Mumbai in October 2024Several arrests made this year are also believed to be connected to Bhattiâs network Recently the Special Cell of Delhi Police arrested nine persons from Uttar Pradesh Madhya Pradesh Jammu and Kashmir Punjab and GujaratAccording to investigators all the accused had allegedly been recruited by Bhatti and were instructed to target a major temple in Delhi a military camp in Haryana and a popular eatery along the DelhiSonipat highwayIn April two people were arrested in Madhya Pradesh after investigators found that they were allegedly planning grenade attacks outside crowded restaurants in Delhi Agencies are also probing possible links between Bhattiâs network and the lowintensity blasts reported near the Border Security Force headquarters and Amritsar Cantonment on May 5According to investigators Bhatti has claimed to have established networks in 16 countries and to command nearly 200 operatives His recruitment activities are not confined to any single region in India with youths from several states allegedly being drawn into the network This has prompted closer coordination among police forces across different statesInvestigators further said the recruitment pattern suggests that operatives are often used for a single assignment and then discarded âIt functions like a disposable module Once a recruit completes a task he is usually not used again for another operationâ an official saidThe recruitment operations need to be stopped at the earliest otherwise the situation could spiral out of control the official said adding that agencies were simultaneously pursuing efforts to secure Bhattiâs extradition IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pak-gangster-shahzad-bhatti-network-under-scanner-as-india-pushes-for-extradition-673440.html Tue, 12 May 2026 15:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/singapore-playing-key-role-in-chinas-plan-to-globalise-yuan-report-673442.html New Delhi May 12 Singapore has emerged as a key hub in Chinaâs strategy to internationalise its currency the renminbi RMB and reduce dependence on the US dollardominated global financial system The city state facilitates Chinaâs monetary and capital flows across other countries in Southeast Asia according to a new report Chinaâs structural limits like restricted capital mobility and regulatory uncertainty constrain the RMBâs global acceptance Consequently Singapore acts as a stable external gateway while diversifying financial opportunities and risks and enabling China to shape a gradual regionally anchored RMB ecosystem according to an article published on the website of the Organisation for Research on China and Asia ORCA The article cites the Peopleâs Bank of Chinaâs 2025 RMB Internationalisation Report as stating that Singapore now ranks among the top offshore RMB hubs globally only behind Hong Kong It accounts for 276 billion RMB worth of deposits contributing to a growing share of RMB trading and crossâborder settlements in Southeast AsiaThe recent announcement to designate DBS Bank as Singaporeâs second RMB clearing bank further strengthens its role in global offshore RMB markets Singaporeâs emergence as an RMB hub is therefore not accidental For Beijing it offers a politically neutral globallytrusted platform at a time when Beijingâs securitydriven priorities for Hong Kong are increasingly affecting its financial roleFor Singapore aligning with RMB internationalisation is a strategic bet to embed itself in ChinaâASEAN economic integration while diversifying its financial opportunities and risksThe recent initiatives on the expanded access to Chinaâs bond market now exceeding 25 trillion USD enable Singaporeâbased institutions a greater role in facilitating foreign participation in the RMB market the article by Omkar Bhole points outSingaporeâs offshore RMB liquidity ecosystem has strengthened significantly in recent years The city now hosts two RMB clearing banks â ICBC Singapore appointed in 2013 and DBS designated in 2025 â enhancing direct access to Chinese financial markets Singapore now accounts for 97 trillion RMB payments clearing in 2024 the article statesThree Singapore banks have also become a part of Chinaâs crossborder interbank payment system CIPS an alternative to SWIFT which reduces payment costs and clearing time for RMB transactions This not only makes these institutions an attractive option for RMBbased settlements but also allows China to gain more acceptance in strengthening an alternative financial system the article observes It also highlights that Singaporeâs own strategic calculus is equally important in this growing ecosystem As a global financial centre dependent on crossborder capital flows the internationalisation of RMB opens an opportunity for Singapore to capture a growing share of Chinalinked trade settlement wealth management and capital market activity particularly as ASEAN economies continue to deepen integration with China IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/singapore-playing-key-role-in-chinas-plan-to-globalise-yuan-report-673442.html Tue, 12 May 2026 16:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/how-china-chokes-foreign-banks-673483.html New Delhi May 12 Although foreign banks have been in China for decades they have failed to grow and currently account for a mere 5 per cent of the countryâs total banking assets according to a media article When Chinaâs accession to the World Trade Organisation in December 2001 was finalised the promise extended to foreign financial institutions was one of gradual meaningful integration However this has not taken place the article by Dr Shalini Kumar in the UKs Asian Lite newspaper noted Foreign banks are allowed to function but their growth has been checked by multiple regulators who have put in place a complex set of rules that banks find it difficult to comply with Besides taxes on foreign banks are higher and they are not allowed to repatriate their profitsThe daytoday functioning of foreign banks is monitored by three institutions the Peopleâs Bank of China the National Financial Regulatory Administration and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange This means that a foreign bank is not dealing with a single regulator but with multiple authorities at the same time Routine activities such as lending foreign exchange transactions and compliance reporting fall under overlapping oversight the article statedIt highlights that foreign banks in China are expected to submit close to a thousand reports every year These are not limited to annual disclosures but include daily weekly fortnightly monthly halfyearly and annual submissions A typical week for a compliance team in a foreign bank involves preparing multiple filings at the same time Daily liquidity and transaction reports may be due alongside weekly summaries and monthly statements At the same time banks must keep track of deadlines for halfyearly and annual submissions which require more detailed documentationDelays or errors in these submissions are not treated lightly Even a missed deadline can attract monetary penalties This means that compliance is not just about meeting regulatory standards but about meeting them on time the article points outThe financial side of the equation adds another layer of pressure Foreign banks in China pay around 18 per cent tax to the Chinese government along with a 6 per cent valueadded tax on the interest they earn Interest income is the core of banking When a bank lends money the margin it earns on that loan is its primary source of profit Applying VAT directly to this income means that taxation cuts into the main business activity itself For a foreign bank operating on a smaller scale compared to domestic competitors this has a noticeable impact Margins are tighter and the room to expand lending or offer competitive rates is reduced Regulatory costs and tax burdens do not operate separately Together they shape how much a foreign bank can realistically earn and reinvest the article observedPerhaps the most significant constraint comes after profits are earned Foreign banks are not freely allowed to transfer overseas the profits they make from interest income Instead they are expected to retain and reinvest those earnings within China This changes the basic logic of operating in a foreign market the article added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/how-china-chokes-foreign-banks-673483.html Tue, 12 May 2026 19:01:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/cm-vijay-urges-eam-jaishankar-to-secure-release-of-arrested-tn-fishermen-from-sri-lankan-custody-673494.html Chennai May 12 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Tuesday urged the External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar to take immediate diplomatic steps to secure the release of six fishermen from the state arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy and to retrieve their seized fishing boat In a letter addressed to Union Minister Jaishankar Chief Minister Vijay expressed concern over the continuing arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen by Sri Lankan authorities and highlighted the growing distress among coastal communities in the state Drawing EAM Jaishankars attention to the latest incident the Chief Minister said six fishermen from Mandapam in Ramanathapuram district were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy on Tuesday for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line IMBL The arrested fishermen were identified as Alex Antony Rajan Santhana Arokiyas Arul DBritto Albert and Sahaya Selvasanu According to the letter the fishermen had ventured into the sea on May 10 in a country boat from the Mandapam coastal region for routine fishing operations before they were detained by the Sri Lankan Naval personnel on May 12 Chief Minister Vijay said that the repeated arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen had become a serious humanitarian and livelihood issue affecting hundreds of fishing families dependent on the Palk Bay region for their survival The Chief Minister also added that 54 Tamil Nadu fishermen are currently lodged in Sri Lankan prisons following earlier arrests by the Sri Lankan Navy In addition he noted that Sri Lankan authorities have so far seized 264 fishing boats belonging to fishermen from Tamil Nadu Stressing the need for urgent intervention by the Centre Chief Minister Vijay urged EAM Jaishankar to immediately engage with the Sri Lankan government through appropriate diplomatic channels to secure the fishermens release and ensure the return of their boats at the earliest The letter comes amid renewed tension in the Palk Strait region where incidents involving Tamil Nadu fishermen and the Sri Lankan Navy continue to recur despite repeated bilateral discussions between India and Sri Lanka on the longpending fishing dispute The Tamil Nadu government has consistently said that the livelihood concerns of traditional fishermen should be handled with sensitivity and has repeatedly sought permanent diplomatic and humanitarian solutions to prevent arrests and boat seizures in the future IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/cm-vijay-urges-eam-jaishankar-to-secure-release-of-arrested-tn-fishermen-from-sri-lankan-custody-673494.html Tue, 12 May 2026 20:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/intelligence-agencies-warn-aqis-could-use-mali-attacks-to-regroup-in-india-673294.html New Delhi May 11 Over 70 people were killed last week in a fresh wave of jihadist attacks in central Mali The attacks were claimed by the Jamaat Nusrat alIslam wal Muslimin JNIM a terror group closely linked to the AlQaeda Following the death of Osama Bin Laden and other senior functionaries of the outfit many had presumed that the AlQaeda is on its decline The outfit even launched its wing called the AllQaeda in the SubContinent AQIS The outfit was launched in Afghanistan with its primary focus being on India The outfit did not take off as it would have expected but it still remains a grave threatOfficials say that there is an emerging pattern that one notices where the outfit is concerned The AlQaeda has over the years made significant progress in Africa The attacks in Mali which falls in West Africa is testimony of how powerful the outfit is the official addedWhat the AlQaeda benefited from is that the world had taken its eyes off the outfit thinking that it had gone down None expected a resurgence and the fact that it was off the radar in fact helped the outfit rebuildThe same is in the case of the AQIS It has remained relatively quiet for several years now It has focussed its resources on online propaganda but has deliberately ensured that it is not as vocal as the Islamic StateAn Intelligence Bureau official says that such attacks like the one we saw in Mali are all factors that the AQIS would take into account to relaunch itself in a big way The law enforcement agencies cannot afford to take the AQIS lightly as it is capable of making a comeback in a very big wayMoreover the AQIS is capable of generating more traction in India when compared to the Islamic State Many especially within the southern states still consider Osama Bin Laden to be a hero Despite being gone for long Bin Laden is still a big draw and an extremely polarising figure the official addedAnother official said that the AlQaeda has learnt the art of deception Take the case of the attacks in Mali The JNIM is an affiliate of the AlQaeda and draws inspiration from its ideology and Bin Laden The official said that the AlQaeda would continue to operate through its affiliates For the terror group the important thing is to get the job done instead of claiming credit for attacksAn official said that the Mali attack serves as inspiration for the AQIS It would cite such attacks during its propaganda campaign and look to lure the youth into its fold The official said that in India the affiliate of the AQIS is the Base Movement This group which had been lying low for several years has started boosting up its online propaganda The Mali attacks would act as a booster for the Base Movement to step up operations in India the official addedOfficials also say that the AQIS and Base Movement have several operatives across the country They had deliberately kept a low profile for all these years The flurry of online activity that the Intelligence agencies are picking up recently suggest that these operatives are likely to come out and prepare for strikes in IndiaThe official added that the world is currently busy with the events in Iran Many countries which kept tabs on the AlQaeda are currently focussed elsewhere and this is something that the AlQaeda is taking advantage ofA similar trend is being noticed where the AQIS is concerned It is looking to take advantage of the fact that the attention of the world is elsewhere Taking advantage of the situation across the world and also the fact that it carried out a major attack in Mali the AQIS would use this to push their agenda and carry out major strikes in India the Intelligence agencies warn IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/intelligence-agencies-warn-aqis-could-use-mali-attacks-to-regroup-in-india-673294.html Mon, 11 May 2026 13:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/islamic-state-planning-sri-lanka-style-attacks-in-india-using-foreign-operatives-673303.html New Delhi May 11 The Islamic State has devised a new strategy whereby it would use its radicalised elements from various countries around India to carry out both propaganda and attacks When the Islamic State announced itself on the world stage in late 2013 there were plenty of people from India who left the country to join the outfit However over the years the agencies have managed to prevent many from leaving the country to join the Islamic State in Syria Iraq and AfghanistanThere have been successful deradicalisation campaigns which ensured that many who had plans of joining the outfit returned to the mainstreamAn Intelligence Bureau official says that while the problem is largely in check in India there are attempts now being made to push in recruits from other countriesThe Islamic State has dedicated wings in Pakistan Bangladesh Maldives and Sri LankaThe effects of the Islamic Stateâs Sri Lankan module was seen in Tamil Nadu and Mangaluru In both these places a radicalised individual part of the Islamic State attempted to carry out attacks However both failedThe common angle in these incidents is that the accused persons Jamesha Mubin and Mohammad Sharique were radicalised by the same individual from Sri Lanka Zahran Hashim the mastermind of the Easter Bombings in Sri Lanka was the leader of the Islamic State in the country He had visited South India and stayed for a considerable period of time during which both Mubin and Sharique were radicalisedOfficials say that the Islamic State is planning on pushing its recruits from Maldives Sri Lanka and Bangladesh into India Travel into India from these countries is relatively easier and the outfit is looking to take advantage of thatThe official added that the modules in Bangladesh are focussing heavily on pushing in recruits into West Bengal and Bihar On the other hand the push into the southern states would be made by Sri Lanka and Maldives the official addedAssessing the threat perception another official said that the push that is being attempted from Bangladesh is the highest A recent edition of Dabiq the mouthpiece of the Islamic State had an article titled The Revival of Jihad in Bengal aimed at calling the youth to dedicate themselves to JihadOfficials say that this was the first time that the Islamic State module in Bangladesh was attempting to push its agenda in IndiaAnother official said that the threat from Sri Lanka is the least Post the Easter Bombings a large part of the outfit has been eliminated although it would be wrong to assume that the group has shut shop in the country This explains why a major push is being attempted from Maldives into South India the official addedThe official further stated that the intended cause is to carry out attacks in India on the scale of which was carried out in Sri Lanka The Islamic State wants foreign players to carry out these attacks There are two reasons for this the official added There is hardly any information on foreign fighters Moreover it has also been noticed that the radicalisation of a foreign fighter is much higher when compared to an operative from IndiaThe Intelligence agencies say that while the aim is to strike big in India the other plan is to use this as a recruitment toolThe Islamic State has been pushing some of its India operatives to carry out strikes in India but they have failed many times Attacks by foreign operatives could set an example for the Indian operatives the Islamic State feelsSuch attacks could become a benchmark and the Indian operatives could inspiration from them and carry out strikes within the country an official said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/islamic-state-planning-sri-lanka-style-attacks-in-india-using-foreign-operatives-673303.html Mon, 11 May 2026 14:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-rights-body-calls-sindh-govts-ban-on-aurat-march-state-fascism-against-balochistan-673309.html Quetta May 11 Human rights organisation Baloch Yakjehti Committee BYC slammed Pakistanâs Sindh government for barring the organisation from participating in the Aurat March programme describing the move as âstate fascismâ against the people of Balochistan The rights body stated that declaring the BYC and Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz JSQM as banned organisations in the conditional permit issued for the march on Sunday demonstrated the âextreme of state fascismRaising questions over the governmentâs actions the BYC asked under what law or judicial ruling it had been declared a banned organisation The rights body asserted that no Pakistani court has banned the BYC arguing that it remains a peaceful political organisation with no legal basis for such a banHighlighting its role as a democratic public movement against âhuman rights abuses enforced disappearances extrajudicial measures and Baloch genocideâ in Balochistan the BYC said For the past year the state has been continuously attempting to crush this public movement through the use of violenceââThroughout this entire yearlong period the state has failed to present even a single legal piece of evidence against the BYC nor does the state possess any political or legal argument against the BYC therefore the state is resorting to the unrestrained use of force against the BYCâ it addedThe BYC alleged that its leaders have been illegally and unconstitutionallyâ detained for extended periods It further stated that despite facing bailable charges these leaders are being denied their fundamental right to bailAdditionally the BYC claimed that Pakistanâs antiterrorism laws are being weaponised against thousands of Baloch political activistsLegislation such as the AntiTerrorism Act ATA and the Fourth Schedule which were enacted to curb terrorism it said are being used by Pakistani authorities against peaceful political activists students and individuals advocating for human rightsâIn this context the imposition of such conditions by the Sindh government on the Aurat Marchâconditions that single out and declare the BYC as bannedâis an utterly shameful and condemnable act All these facts clearly demonstrate that the state is using law and force as weapons against the Baloch people in order to silence the Baloch voice against the wall in every possible wayâ the rights body stressedThe BYC reiterated its resolve to continue exposing the ongoing âhuman rights violations enforced disappearances political vendettas and state oppressionâ in Balochistan before the worldIt called on the human rights organisations worldwide womens movements democratic forces and justiceloving people to stand in solidarity with the BYC and the âpeaceful struggleâ of the people in Balochistan against Pakistans oppression IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-rights-body-calls-sindh-govts-ban-on-aurat-march-state-fascism-against-balochistan-673309.html Mon, 11 May 2026 15:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-measles-outbreak-death-toll-climbs-to-409-after-11-more-fatalities-673312.html Dhaka May 11 At least 11 people have died from measles and measleslike symptoms in Bangladesh taking the total number of confirmed and suspected deaths linked to the outbreak to 409 according to local media reports According to the Directorate General of Health Services DGHS the deaths were reported in the 24 hours leading up to SundayThe DGHS said that four people died from confirmed measles taking the overall confirmed deaths since March 15 to 65 while seven additional deaths linked to suspected cases were recorded bringing the total suspected deaths to 344 Bangladeshi daily Dhaka Tribune reportedDuring the same 24hour period 1503 suspected measles patients were recorded taking the overall tally since March 15 to 49159 Among these 205 were confirmed measles cases pushing the total confirmed cases to 6819Reports suggest that since March 15 hospitals have admitted 34909 patients with measles symptomsAs measles has killed more than 400 individuals since midMarch across Bangladesh a report described the outbreak as an avoidable disaster and called for accountability from the previous interim government led by Muhammad Yunus who dismantled a functional vaccine procurement system without the capacity to rebuild itâThe countryâs measles vaccination coverage rose steadily for two decades becoming an international model for lowincome countries That record has now been squandered with shocking negligence by the past interim governmentâ an editorial report in The Daily Star statedAccording to the report Bangladeshs Health Population and Nutrition Sector Programmeâwhich had been in place since 1998âwas scrapped in March 2025 without an adequate exit strategyIt stated that the stalled vaccine procurement dwindling medicine supplies to more than 14000 community clinics and exhausted buffer stocks during the tenure of the interim government had worsened the situationSlamming the interim governmentâs actions the report said âThe lack of accountability warrants a probe committeeâone with the authority to establish individual responsibility The deaths of children are tragic Those who dismantled this programme must answer for each of these deathsâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/bangladesh-measles-outbreak-death-toll-climbs-to-409-after-11-more-fatalities-673312.html Mon, 11 May 2026 15:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-restrictions-on-aurat-march-demonstrates-governments-double-standards-673318.html Islamabad May 11 The 28point restrictions imposed on Aurat March Karachi by the government of Sindh province in Pakistan showcases distressing example of familiar double standards as women who are celebrated during speeches and choreographed events are labelled as threats by the state when they start demanding their rights local media has highlighted An editorial in leading Pakistani daily Dawn stated that the organisers had requested authorities to allow them to hold a march peacefully for womens rights However they received a document dripping with authoritarian anxiety The message from the authorities could not have been clearer women can gather but only if they remain harmless politically it mentionedRather than facilitating peaceful assembly the administration chose to police slogans speech and even clothing The vague and sweeping conditions betray insecurity Why does a march calling attention to gender violence and economic inequality provoke such discomfort in official circles Why are women demanding bodily autonomy and constitutional rights treated as a threat Secure governments do not fear placards nor do they attempt to dictate what citizens may wear while exercising their rights the newspaper opinedAccording to the daily a majority of perpetrators of violence against women in Pakistan are men Women face harassment on roads workplaces and homes and are subjected to honour killings domestic abuse forced marriages and institutional discrimination However authorities instead of dealing with the structures that allow such violence regulate women The state seem unable to tolerate women who speak their mind without bureaucratic approvalJust consider in 2026 women in Pakistan must still seek permission to demand dignity while the state reserves the right to determine how loudly how politically and even how appropriately dressed they may be while doing so We have miles to go before we can claim to be a progressive society it mentionedOn May 5 the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan HRCP had condemned the detention of Aurat March organisers and volunteers outside the Karachi Press Club where they had gathered to hold a press conferenceThe rights body stated that preventing people from holding press conference showcases an increasingly repressive approach to governance where dissent is considered a threat instead of a democratic necessity leading Pakistani news network Geo News reportedThe HRCPs statement came after police briefly arrested several Aurat March leaders including activist and artist artist Sheema Kermani outside the Karachi Press ClubHRCP strongly condemns the arrest of several organisers and volunteers of Aurat March from outside the Karachi Press Club where they were scheduled to address a press conference This incident is not isolated overreach but rather part of a broader and deeply troubling pattern the systematic denial of public space to citizens seeking to articulate their rights HRCP posted on XThe rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are constitutionally guaranteed Preventing citizens particularly women and marginalised groups from even convening a press conference reflects an increasingly repressive approach to governance where dissent is treated as a threat rather than a democratic necessity it addedThe organisers of the press conference said that the detained people included Kermani transgender activist Shehzadi Rai Muniza and others IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-restrictions-on-aurat-march-demonstrates-governments-double-standards-673318.html Mon, 11 May 2026 16:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistans-karachi-witnesses-alarming-rise-in-domestic-violence-harassment-cases-673334.html Islamabad May 11 At least 388 adults and 10 minors faced domestic violence harassment abuse and related crimes in Pakistans Karachi from JanuaryApril this year according to the latest statistics revealed by the Police Women and Child Protection Cell The report showcases how abuse unfolded behind closed doors in Karachi with domestic violence being the most widely reported issue Authorities have received 297 complaints about domestic abuse from JanuaryApril Among these 190 complaints were resolved while nearly 100 cases remain pending demonstrating delays in providing relief to victims The Express Tribune reported Police lodged three formal cases in domestic violence incidentsKarachi has been witnessing rise in harassment cases The protection cell received 83 complaints related to harassment and intimidation Among these complaints 42 were resolved while action on 41 complaints is still being taken Officials said that one formal case was lodged in a case involving harassmentFurthermore the cell received 19 complaints related to sexual assault and other forms of intimidation Among these nine complaints were resolved while 10 cases are still pending investigation and legal action The Express Tribune reportedA report recently detailed that human rights abuses have increased in Pakistan particularly for the most vulnerable groups Women experience the most severe consequences of Pakistans structural inequalities in the form of a femicide crisisGenderbased violence including acid attacks forced and child marriage rape trafficking forced conversion and domestic abuse remain widespread in Pakistan Hundreds of women are killed each year in socalled honour killings often by relatives over perceived family shameAt least 405 cases were reported in 2024 however the real figures are likely more due to low reporting and weak and inconsistent enforcement according to a report in Genocide Watch More than 2000 domestic violence cases and 5000 accounts of rape were recorded in 2024 demonstrating Pakistanâs status as one of the most dangerous countries in the world for womenAccording to a 2025 United Nations report two out of every three Pakistani women are not given reproductive autonomy and they face abuse and pressure about their reproductive health In September the Lahore High Court ruled that marriages after puberty are valid under Islamic law as girl marriage remains widespread in Pakistan with millions married under the age of 18 years according to the report in Genocide WatchPakistan was ranked at the last spot in the World Economic Forumâs Global Gender Gap Index and it faces an education crisis with over 21 million children reportedly out of school due to poverty social pressures child labour and discrimination IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistans-karachi-witnesses-alarming-rise-in-domestic-violence-harassment-cases-673334.html Mon, 11 May 2026 18:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/russia-ukraine-accuse-each-other-of-violating-3-day-ceasefire-673232.html MoscowKyiv May 10 Russia and Ukraine on Sunday accused each other of violating a declared threeday ceasefire The Russian Defence Ministry said Sunday that Ukrainian forces committed 16071 violations of the ceasefire regime in the past 24 hours Xinhua news agency reportedRussian forces responded to the ceasefire violations in kind launching retaliatory strikes against multiple launch rocket system artillery and mortar positions as well as command posts and drone launch sites the ministry saidOn Saturday the ministry also reported 8970 ceasefire violations in multiple regionsUkrainian authorities said Sunday that at least one person was killed and 15 others were injured in Russian attacks across Ukraine despite the ceasefireThe General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said in a statement that Russian forces attacked Ukrainian positions 60 times on SundayRussia and Ukraine on Friday agreed to a threeday ceasefire from Saturday to Monday during the Victory Day celebrationsEarlier this month the Russian Ministry of Defence announced on that Russia declares a ceasefire from midnight on May 8 until May 10 in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine reported local mediaThis ceasefire is during the celebrations of the 81st anniversary of the Soviet peoples victory in World War IIIn accordance with the decision of the President of the Russian Federation Supreme CommanderinChief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin during the celebration of the 81st anniversary of the Soviet peoples victory in the Great Patriotic War from midnight on May 8 to May 10 the Russian side is declaring a ceasefire the Ministry said reported the State owned Russian news agency TASSEarlier on May 4 speaking at the 8th European Political Community Summit in Yerevan Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky said referring to Russiaâs Victory Parade on May 9 without any defence equipment âIf that happens it will be the first time in many many years They cannot afford military equipment â and they fear drones may buzz over Red Squareâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/russia-ukraine-accuse-each-other-of-violating-3-day-ceasefire-673232.html Mon, 11 May 2026 07:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-to-visit-china-amid-trade-push-673233.html Washington May 11 US President Donald Trump will travel to Beijing this week for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping focused on trade investment Iran Taiwan artificial intelligence and security concerns the White House said Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly told reporters that Trump will arrive in Beijing on Wednesday evening He will attend a welcome ceremony and hold a bilateral meeting with Xi on Thursday morningThat afternoon the two leaders will tour the Temple of Heaven Trump will attend a state banquet that evening On Friday he will join Xi for a bilateral tea and working lunch before leaving ChinaâThis will be a visit of tremendous symbolic significanceâ Kelly said âBut of course President Trump never travels for symbolism aloneâShe said the talks would seek to âfurther rebalance trade with Chinaâ and put âAmerican workers farmers and families firstâKelly said the agenda includes work on a USChina Board of Trade and a USChina Board of Investment The Board of Trade would cover governmenttogovernment management of trade in nonsensitive goods The investment board would be a forum to discuss investmentrelated issuesThe two sides are also expected to discuss possible agreements in aerospace agriculture and energyA senior US official said the potential Board of Trade could cover âdouble digit billionsâ in trade The official said Washington and Beijing have discussed possible purchase commitments including agricultural goods and aircraftâThereâs not a proposal out there for some massive investmentâ the official said rejecting reports of a major Chinese investment planOn Iran a senior US official said Trump has spoken with Xi several times about Chinaâs role including âthe revenue that China providesâ to Iran and Russia and concerns over dualuse goods components and partsThe official said Trump was expected to press Xi again on IranâI would expect the President to apply pressureâ the official saidOfficials also said the two leaders may discuss artificial intelligence One senior official said AI is âa rapidly evolving sectorâ and that the United States has security concernsAnother official said Washington wants to explore whether a communication channel on AI matters should be establishedOn Taiwan a senior US official said there has been âno change of US policyâ and no change is expected The official later said the administration has approved âsignificantly moreâ arms sales to Taiwan in its first year than the previous administration did in four yearsThe official also said Washington was disappointed that parts of Taiwanâs defence funding package were left out and wanted the rest fundedThe visit comes as Washington and Beijing continue to manage a tense relationship shaped by trade technology controls Taiwan cyber activity and Chinaâs ties with Russia and Iran IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-to-visit-china-amid-trade-push-673233.html Mon, 11 May 2026 08:18:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/british-passengers-from-hantavirus-cruise-ship-isolated-673234.html London May 11 Twenty British nationals evacuated from the hantavirusaffected cruise ship MV Hondius were isolated in a northwest England hospital upon their return as authorities stepped up outbreak containment and monitoring The passengers landed in Manchester earlier in the day before being transferred by bus to Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral Merseyside where they will remain under medical observation for 72 hours Xinhua news agency reportedIn a joint statement local National Health Service NHS authorities said the group would stay in a managed setting for clinical assessment and testing If they remain symptomfree they will later be allowed to return home and continue selfisolation for a further 42 daysThe British government said all passengers and crew members returning from the MV Hondius would undergo a total of 45 days of isolation and monitoring Followup work is also underway for individuals who may have been in contact with confirmed or suspected casesThe emergency measures follow a hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius which has resulted in at least eight confirmed or suspected cases and three reported deathsAs part of the broader response to the outbreak the British government also deployed a specialist military and medical team to Tristan da Cunha a remote British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic after a British national on the island tested positive for hantavirusAccording to the British Ministry of Defence six paratroopers and two military clinicians from 16 Air Assault Brigade parachuted onto the island while oxygen supplies and medical equipment were airdropped simultaneouslyTristan da Cunha a volcanic island group with a population of 221 people is regarded as Britains most remote inhabited overseas territory The islands have no airstrip and are normally accessible only by seaThe Defence Ministry described the mission as the first time the British military had deployed medical personnel via parachute to provide humanitarian assistanceThe British government said the risk to the general public remained very low IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/british-passengers-from-hantavirus-cruise-ship-isolated-673234.html Mon, 11 May 2026 08:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/north-korea-flags-hantavirus-danger-amid-cruise-ship-outbreak-673235.html Seoul May 11 North Korea has raised the alarm over the danger posed by the Hantavirus after an outbreak on a foreign cruise ship has killed three passengers echoing its response to the COVID19 pandemic years earlier The Rodong Simnum the ruling Workers Partys official newspaper reported Monday on the outbreak of the Andes strain of the virus on a ship sailing in the Atlantic Ocean describing it as raising concerns from the international communityThe US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a Level 3 emergency response over the outbreak activating its emergency operations center it addedThe paper urged the public to minimize contact with infected rodents maintain cleanliness at home and in the workplace and practice good personal hygiene to reduce the risk of infectionThe report followed an earlier dispatch Friday when it covered the first fatality aboard the MV Hondius which had departed from ArgentinaThe coverage appears intended to alert the public to the potential risk of the virus reaching the country It echoed Pyongyangs response to COVID19 when it sealed its borders for years to halt the spread of the virus Yonhap news agency reportedAt that time the shutdown effectively halted economic exchanges with its key trading partners China and Russia and is believed to have caused significant economic damageMeanwhile the Embassy of India in Madrid Spain stated on Sunday that two Indians who were aboard the Hantavirushit cruise ship are safe and asymptomaticThe Dutchflagged vessel MV Hondius with around 150 individuals including two Indian nationals arrived in Spain on SundayIn the context of the Hantavirus outbreak the ship anchored off the coast of the Canary Islands of Spain The passengers onboard disembarked from the ship in accordance with the protocol established by the WHO and the Spanish authorities stated the EmbassyThe two Indian nationals are healthy and asymptomatic As informed by the Spanish National Centre for Emergency Monitoring and Coordination CENEM the two Indian nationals who were travelling as crew members have been evacuated to the Netherlands where they will be quarantined as per relevant health safety protocol the embassy notedThe Embassy also highlighted that the Ambassador is in close contact with the Spanish authorities and the two Indian nationals crew members and is regularly monitoring the situation to ensure the wellbeing and safety of the Indian nationals IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/north-korea-flags-hantavirus-danger-amid-cruise-ship-outbreak-673235.html Mon, 11 May 2026 08:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/former-thai-pm-thaksin-released-on-parole-673236.html Bangkok May 11 Thailands convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was released from Bangkoks Klong Prem Central Prison on Monday after being allowed to complete the remaining four months of his oneyear sentence on parole Thaksin made a public appearance at around 740 am local time reuniting with family members in front of the prison where he had served twothirds of his sentence required by standard parole criteria Xinhua news agency reportedHe and his family paid tribute to the Thai flag expressed gratitude to the supporters and then left by car at around 755 am local timeAs he departed to report to a Bangkok probation office crowds of supporters wearing red shirts greeted the former prime minister as they gathered outside the prison compound under tight police securityAccording to the Department of Corrections Thaksin was among over 850 inmates granted early release at a parole committee meeting last month citing his age of over 70 and the fact that he had less than a year of jail time left to justify the eligibilityThe department has said that he must comply with strict probation conditions including wearing an electronic monitoring device accepting parole supervision reporting to the regulatory authorities on time and not leaving the country until his oneyear sentence formally concludes on September 9The Parole Committee under the Ministry of Justice of Thailand held a meeting on April 29 and decided to allow Thaksin to be released on parole on May 11Thaksin now 76 years old served twice as prime minister of the Southeast Asian nation winning elections in 2001 and 2005 A military coup in 2006 cut short his second term and he went into selfimposed exile in 2008Upon returning to Thailand in August 2023 he was taken into custody to serve eight years of imprisonment on three charges stemming from his time in officeAfter serving less than a day behind bars he was transferred from a Bangkok prison facility to a police hospital citing critical health concerns His sentence was subsequently commuted to one year following a royal pardon requestThaksin returned to prison on Sept 9 2025 after the Supreme Court ruled that his sixmonth hospital detention was unlawfully allowed and did not count toward time servedThe former prime minister remains embroiled in a separate royal defamation case after the attorney general filed an appeal against a lower courts decision to acquit him over remarks he made in a 2015 interview with foreign media IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/former-thai-pm-thaksin-released-on-parole-673236.html Mon, 11 May 2026 08:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/german-passengers-evacuated-from-hantavirus-hit-cruise-ship-673237.html Berlin May 11 Four German passengers have been evacuated from the cruise ship MV Hondius following a Hantavirus outbreak said German public broadcaster ARD on its news website Tagesschau Monday After landing in Eindhoven the Netherlands on Sunday evening they were met by specialists before being transported to Frankfurt Xinhua news agency reportedUpon arrival the passengers will return to their respective home states for quarantine said the report One passenger is scheduled to be admitted to the Charite hospital in BerlinApart from the four passengers a 65yearold German woman has already been admitted to a hospital in Duesseldorf Authorities said she had close contact with another passenger who died on board from the virus but so far no signs of infection have been detectedAccording to the report none of the returning passengers showed symptomsMeanwhile twenty British nationals evacuated from the hantavirusaffected cruise ship MV Hondius were isolated in a northwest England hospital upon their return as authorities stepped up outbreak containment and monitoringThe passengers landed in Manchester earlier in the day before being transferred by bus to Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral Merseyside where they will remain under medical observation for 72 hoursIn a joint statement local National Health Service NHS authorities said the group would stay in a managed setting for clinical assessment and testing If they remain symptomfree they will later be allowed to return home and continue selfisolation for a further 42 daysThe British government said all passengers and crew members returning from the MV Hondius would undergo a total of 45 days of isolation and monitoring Followup work is also underway for individuals who may have been in contact with confirmed or suspected cases IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/german-passengers-evacuated-from-hantavirus-hit-cruise-ship-673237.html Mon, 11 May 2026 08:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/north-korea-marches-in-russias-victory-day-parade-in-show-of-military-bond-seoul-673238.html Seoul May 11 The South Koreas unification ministry said on Monday that North Koreas participation in Russias Victory Day parade was to display the two nations deepening military ties By marching in Russias Victory Day parade for the first time North Korea showed off its military ties with Russia Yoon Minho the ministrys spokesperson said at a regular briefingOn Saturday North Korean troops marched at Red Square in Moscow carrying their national flag alongside a banner marking Victory Day which commemorates the Soviet victory over Germany in World War IIThe Korean Peoples Army combined ground naval and air forces contingent joined in the Moscow Victory Day Parade the Korean Central News Agency KCNA reported Sunday adding that the march took place at Moscows invitationFollowing the parade Russian President Vladimir Putin met the contingent commander and expressed his gratitude the KCNA addedThe parade marked the first time North Korean troops have publicly marched on Russian soil in such a ceremony Yonhap news agency reportedPyongyang deployed around 15000 combat troops to support Russia in the war after North Korean leader Kim Jongun and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a strategic partnership treaty in June 2024North Korean leader Kim Jongun sent a congratulatory message to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Russias Victory Day celebration reaffirming Pyongyangs commitment to prioritising and deepening ties with Moscow state media reported SaturdayKim also extended his sincerest congratulations on the occasion of the 81st Victory Day and expressed satisfaction with the current brilliant history of independence dignity peace and prosperity shared by the two countries according to the Norths state media Korean Central News Agency KCNAReaffirming the stand of the government of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea DPRK to give top priority to and steadily develop the alliancelike comprehensive strategic partnership between our two countries I affirm once again that we will always faithfully fulfil the obligations under the interstate treaty between the DPRK and Russia Kim said using the Norths official name IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/north-korea-marches-in-russias-victory-day-parade-in-show-of-military-bond-seoul-673238.html Mon, 11 May 2026 09:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-intensifies-intelligence-gathering-off-cuba-report-673257.html Washington May 11 US military intelligencegathering flights have increased off the coast of Cuba in recent months according to a media report published on Monday Since February 4 the US Navy and Air Force have conducted at least 25 flights mostly near Havana and Santiago de Cuba with some coming within 40 miles 64 km of the coast said the report analysing publicly available aviation data from FlightRadar24 a live flight trackerThe missions have predominantly involved P8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft designed for surveillance and reconnaissance while some have been conducted by other types of aircraft and drones specialising in signals intelligence gathering and highaltitude reconnaissance reports Xinhua news agency citing the CNN reportThe flights are unusual not only for their proximity to Cuban shores but also for their sudden frequency as such public activity had been rare in this region prior to FebruaryThe recent uptick in Cuba is new and deviates from where these aircraft have historically been deployed CNN said citing data aggregated by adsb exposedThe surge of flights came after US President Donald Trump ramped up rhetoric against the island nationIn January Trump reposted on Truth Social a comment by Fox News contributor Marc Thiessen which said the president would visit a free Havana before leaving office Just a few days after the post Trump ordered an oil blockade of CubaLast week the United States imposed new sanctions on key economic entities in Cuba including a CubanCanadian mining joint venture and a business conglomerate run by Cubas military insisting that they represent threats to US national security and foreign policyCNN noted that similar patterns have occurred in the leadup to US military operations in both Venezuela and Iran where escalated US rhetoric coincided with an uptick in publicly visible surveillance flightsThe Pentagon declined to comment on these findings it said adding that it has also reached out to the Cuban government IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-intensifies-intelligence-gathering-off-cuba-report-673257.html Mon, 11 May 2026 11:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-koreas-naval-destroyer-to-participate-in-fleet-review-international-field-training-in-us-673258.html WashingtonSeoul May 11 A South Korean naval destroyer will participate in a fleet review and multinational field exercise in the United States over the next two months the Navy said Monday The 4400ton ROKS Munmu the Great destroyer will leave a naval base on Jeju Island later in the day to take part in an international fleet review in New York scheduled for July 38 the Navy said in a releaseThe warship is among some 100 other naval vessels of around 50 countries participating in the fleet review including Canada Britain Japan and Spain reports Yonhap news agencyAhead of the fleet review the warship will take part in multinational field training at the end of next month It will be held on the east coast of Norfolk in Virginia home to a key US naval baseThe field exercise will be hosted by the US Second Fleet responsible for operations on the East Coast and in the North Atlantic OceanJoining the training will be about 30 naval vessels from 18 countries including Brazil France and BritainThe Munmu the Great named after a king of the Silla Kingdom 57 BC935 AD will also conduct promotional activities for South Korean naval ships and weapons systems at port calls in Mexico and ColombiaOn its way home the destroyer plans to make port calls in the Colombian city of Cartagena and San Diego in the US to carry out activities honouring veterans who fought alongside South Korea in the 195053 Korean WarMeanwhile the top defence chiefs of South Korea and the United States were set to hold talks in Washington on Monday focusing on advancing the transfer of wartime operational control OPCON from Washington to Seoul and Koreas push to acquire nuclearpowered submarines IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-koreas-naval-destroyer-to-participate-in-fleet-review-international-field-training-in-us-673258.html Mon, 11 May 2026 11:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/asian-nations-launch-alliance-to-enhance-regional-collaboration-in-rare-disease-care-673259.html Kuala Lumpur May 11 The Human Genome Project II Rare Disease Alliance of the AsiaPacific Region HGP2 RaDiAnceAPAC was launched here on Sunday to advance regional collaboration in rare disease care The launch meeting brought together clinical experts researchers in genomics and representatives from public health and policy sectors from 10 APAC countries including Malaysia India Vietnam Thailand Indonesia Nepal China the Philippines Cambodia and Pakistan reports Xinhua news agencyThe alliance coinitiated by Chinas BGI Group and regional partners from across the AsiaPacific aims to strengthen regional collaboration in rare disease diagnosis research in genomics capacity building and public health response while addressing persistent gaps in diagnostic capacity uneven access to precision medicine and fragmented standards and experiencesharing across the AsiaPacific regionDuring the event alliance members signed the Joint Declaration of the HGP2 RaDiAnceAPAC Initiative reaffirming their shared commitment to advancing regional collaboration in rare disease careNor Fariza Binti Ngah deputy directorgeneral of health research and technical support at the Malaysian Ministry of Health said that stronger regional cooperation on rare diseases across the AsiaPacific is of great importanceZilfalil Bin Alwi professor of medical genetics and senior consultant paediatrician and clinical geneticist at Universiti Sains Malaysia said the diversity and inclusiveness of the alliance demonstrate the significance of the initiativeHou Yong general manager of BGI Genomics a subsidiary of BGI Group said that HGP2 RaDiAnceAPAC will help advance the standardisation intelligent transformation and equitable accessibility of rare disease diagnosis and treatment across the AsiaPacific regionThong Meow Keong professor at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman and visiting consultant clinical geneticist at University Malaya Medical Centre said that the AsiaPacific region is currently advancing the HGP2 focusing on the development of rare disease diagnosis genetic technology and precision public healthWith millions of people worldwide affected by rare diseases he expressed his expectation that genetic technology and artificial intelligence will drive the transformation of healthcare systems in the field of rare diseases IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/asian-nations-launch-alliance-to-enhance-regional-collaboration-in-rare-disease-care-673259.html Mon, 11 May 2026 11:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/defence-chiefs-of-south-korea-us-set-to-hold-talks-amid-opcon-transfer-push-hormuz-ship-issue-673260.html Washington May 11 The top defence chiefs of South Korea and the United States are set to hold talks in Washington on Monday focusing on advancing the transfer of wartime operational control OPCON from Washington to Seoul and Koreas push to acquire nuclearpowered submarines Defence Minister Ahn Gyuback will meet US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to discuss followup steps on the OPCON transition and nuclearpowered submarines in line with the agreements reached between the leaders and at highlevel security talks last year Seoul officials saidThe upcoming talks also come a day after South Korea determined a strike by two unidentified flying objects was behind the May 4 explosion and fire on a South Koreanoperated cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz The issue could be raised in Mondays talks reports Yonhap news agencySouth Korea is seeking to retake wartime OPCON before the Lee Jae Myung governments fiveyear term ends in 2030 reportedly targeting 2028 for the transfer while US President Donald Trump is in officeHowever signs of differing views between the allies have emerged after US Forces Korea commander Gen Xavier Brunson told Congress last month that the two sides seek to meet conditions required for the transfer no later than the first quarter of 2029His proposed timeline suggests the OPCON transfer may not be ready even after Trumps term ends on January 20 2029South Korea handed over operational control of its forces to the USled UN Command during the 195053 Korean War It retook peacetime OPCON in 1994 but wartime operational command still remains in the US handsUnder a threephase framework conditions for the transfer include South Koreas capabilities to lead combined KoreaUS forces its strike and air defence capabilities and a regional security environment conducive to such a handoverIn last years annual Security Consultative Meeting Ahn and Hegseth agreed to develop a road map designed to expedite the implementation of conditions for the OPCON transfer and seek to certify the second part of the threestage programThe defence chiefs could also address Seouls findings on the ship blast as the suspected attack has raised the possibility that South Korea could reconsider its role in efforts to ease tensions in the Middle EastSeoul has shown reservations about Trumps calls for naval assistance to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz The government has said it is reviewing a US proposal for an international coalition aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation in the shipping route dubbed the Maritime Freedom Construct MFCOn Sunday Seoul indicated pursuing all possible measures to prevent a recurrence of incidents like the case of the HMM Namu cargo ship and that it is closely reviewing participation in the MFCAt Mondays talks the two sides are also expected to discuss Seouls push to build nuclearpowered submarines amid little progress since Trump gave the green light to the move during his summit talks with President Lee Jae Myung in October last yearBefore departing for Washington on Sunday Ahn expressed confidence about making progress in talks on the strategic vessels He did not rule out an inaugural meeting on nuclearpowered submarines taking place before the end of the first half IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/defence-chiefs-of-south-korea-us-set-to-hold-talks-amid-opcon-transfer-push-hormuz-ship-issue-673260.html Mon, 11 May 2026 11:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/one-american-tested-positive-for-hantavirus-673261.html Washington May 11 An American passenger from a hantavirushit Dutch cruise ship has tested positive for the virus and another has mild symptoms the US Department of Health and Human Services have announced All 17 American citizens from the MV Hondius cruise ship are currently en route via an airlift to the United States with the two travelling in the planes biocontainment units out of an abundance of caution the department wrote in a post on the social platform XThe airlift will first take passengers to the Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Center RESPTC at the University of Nebraska Medical CenterNebraska Medicine in Omaha Nebraska before transferring the passenger with mild symptoms to a second RESPTC at their final destination it saidUpon arrival at each facility each individual will undergo clinical assessment and receive appropriate care and support based on their condition the department said in the postAs of Saturday there were eight suspected cases associated with the outbreak and three deaths it saidThe incubation period for hantavirus from first exposure to symptoms is estimated at one to eight weeks according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reports Xinhua news agency The disease is usually spread by rodents but can in rare cases move from person to person and kills more than a third of people infectedMeanwhile in the United Kingdom 20 nationals evacuated from the hantavirusaffected cruise ship MV Hondius were isolated in a northwest England hospital upon their return on Sunday as authorities stepped up outbreak containment and monitoringThe passengers landed in Manchester earlier in the day before being transferred by bus to Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral Merseyside where they will remain under medical observation for 72 hoursIn a joint statement local National Health Service NHS authorities said the group would stay in a managed setting for clinical assessment and testing If they remain symptomfree they will later be allowed to return home and continue selfisolation for a further 42 daysThe British government said all passengers and crew members returning from the MV Hondius would undergo a total of 45 days of isolation and monitoring Followup work is also underway for individuals who may have been in contact with confirmed or suspected casesThe emergency measures follow a hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius which has resulted in at least eight confirmed or suspected cases and three reported deathsAs part of the broader response to the outbreak the British government also deployed a specialist military and medical team to Tristan da Cunha a remote British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic after a British national on the island tested positive for hantavirusAccording to the British Ministry of Defence six paratroopers and two military clinicians from 16 Air Assault Brigade parachuted onto the island while oxygen supplies and medical equipment were airdropped simultaneouslyTristan da Cunha a volcanic island group with a population of 221 people is regarded as Britains most remote inhabited overseas territory The islands have no airstrip and are normally accessible only by seaThe Defence Ministry described the mission as the first time the British military had deployed medical personnel via parachute to provide humanitarian assistanceThe British government said the risk to the general public remained very low IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/one-american-tested-positive-for-hantavirus-673261.html Mon, 11 May 2026 11:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistani-military-patronises-extremism-terrorism-to-destabilise-neighbours-sindhi-leader-673278.html Berlin May 11 Shafi Burfat Chairman of the Jeay Sindh Muttahida Mahaz JSMM accused the Pakistani military establishment of longstanding patronage of religious extremism and terrorism He stated that the continued domination of the military over Pakistans political economic ideological and social spheres poses a threat to democracy regional peace and longterm stability in South AsiaTaking to his social media platform X Burfat said By repeatedly overthrowing elected representatives hanging political leaders imprisoning and exiling dissenters and installing unelected puppet rulers the military has consistently remained the real power behind the state controlling politics media the judiciary and major sectors of the economyAs a result military chiefs have repeatedly attempted to portray themselves as victorious heroes through theatrical rhetoric militaristic speeches exaggerated displays of strength and fabricated ideological claims rooted in religious nationalism he addedSlamming the Pakistani Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir Burfat said that Munirs emotionally charged extremist nationalist slogans nuclear threats and aggressive rhetoric against neighbouring countries do not reflect strategic confidence or the image of a responsible military leadershipHe said that such speeches expose the internal contradictions political weaknesses and deep insecurities of a militarised state structure that has long used fear artificial religious nationalism permanent conflict and ideological manipulation as a tool to sustain its dominanceDescribing Pakistan as an unnatural state structure the Sindhi leader alleged that the countrys corrupt military establishment has repeatedly undermined democratic processes by toppling elected representatives manipulating elections and suppressing dissentHe further claimed that the military controls key governmental and judicial decisionmaking intimidates journalists and intellectuals imprisons political opponents and maintains indirect rule through obedient political factions and controlled civilian governmentsThe international community is fully aware that democratic voices within Pakistan including journalists students intellectuals political activists and advocates of national rights continue to face censorship imprisonment enforced disappearances torture political intimidation and restrictions on freedom of expression under the constant pressure of state agencies Burfat stressedHe said that the corrupt Pakistani military continues to violate constitutional norms through puppet rulers leaving the indigenous communities marginalised and subordinated while courts media institutions and elected representatives remain under the shadow of military supremacyHistorical evidence on a massive scale demonstrates that Pakistans military establishment has not only patronised extremist and terrorist groups but has repeatedly used them as instruments of regional destabilisation against neighbouring countries Burfat highlightedThe Sindhi leader called on the international community and defenders of international law to take serious notice of the irresponsible statements hostile language and dangerous intentions expressed by Pakistani military leadershipBurfat also urged them to recognise the violation of human rights and the threat to the national identity of what he described as oppressed historical nations inside Pakistan IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistani-military-patronises-extremism-terrorism-to-destabilise-neighbours-sindhi-leader-673278.html Mon, 11 May 2026 12:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/strengthen-smes-ecosystem-boost-farming-sector-eam-jaishankar-as-india-hands-over-agro-facility-in-trinidad-amp-tobago-673100.html Port of Spain May 10 External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar has jointly handed over an agroprocessing facility in Trinidad and Tobago along with the Caribbean nations Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar EAM Jaishankar said on Saturday that the commitment made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in July 2025 during his visit is being delivered nowThis project will strengthen Trinidad and Tobagos Small and Medium Enterprises SMEs ecosystem and provide fresh impetus to its farming sector the EAM wrote on social media platform XEarlier on Saturday EAM Jaishankar joined Trinidad and Tobagos Prime Minister for a Quick Impact Project QIP on Nelson Island where the first Indians arrived in island nationSupported by Indian assistance this will preserve and showcase the shared heritage of an enduring journey he said on X regarding the QIPOn Friday Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar said in the Trinidad and Tobago Parliament that India has honoured and delivered on its commitments to the Caribbean nation the Trinidad Express Newspaper reportedShe also mentioned that 800 citizens benefited from the prosthetic limb initiative supported by India and mentioned that Trinidad and Tobago will receive 20 hemodialysis units and two sea ambulances from India to strengthen healthcare delivery and emergency medical response the report notedThe EAM also joined Prime Minister PersadBissessar at the presentation ceremony of Made in India laptops for school children in Trinidad and TobagoReferring to Prime Minister Narendra Modiâs earlier commitment EAM Jaishankar said Joined PM Kamla PersadBissessar at the presentation of Made In India laptops to Trinbagonian schoolchildren Delivering on PM Narendra Modis commitment last year this is a message of learning awareness and opportunitySpeaking at the flagraising ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs the EAM underlined the historic relationship between the two countriesS Jaishankar said India had traditionally had very warm and friendly relations with Trinidad and Tobago and these ties have been shaped by shared history a struggle against colonialism and a very special bond of cricket People of the two countries share a lot in commonHe also announced the conclusion of several agreements during the visitIn another X post the EAM said Concluded Agreements today on Tourism on Solarisation of Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs building on Quick Impact Projects and on establishing Ayurveda Chair IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/strengthen-smes-ecosystem-boost-farming-sector-eam-jaishankar-as-india-hands-over-agro-facility-in-trinidad-amp-tobago-673100.html Sun, 10 May 2026 08:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/who-calls-everyone-aboard-hantavirus-hit-ship-high-risk-contacts-673102.html Geneva May 10 The World Health Organization WHO said that all people aboard a cruise ship affected by a hantavirus outbreak should be considered highrisk contacts and actively monitored for 42 days We classify everybody on board as what we call a highrisk contact Maria Van Kerkhove WHOs director of epidemic and pandemic preparedness and prevention told a media briefing She noted that currently nobody on board has any symptoms but recommended active monitoring and followup of all the passengers and crew who disembark for a 42day periodHowever she stressed that the risk to the public and people in the Canary Islands where the MV Hondius is expected to dock on Sunday remains lowAccording to a WHO Disease Outbreak News update on Saturday severe respiratory illness was first reported on the cruise ship on 2 May At the time there were 147 passengers and crew members onboard while 34 others had already disembarked All WHOs contact points in concerned countries have been informed and are supporting international contact tracing Xinhua news agency reportedAs of May 8 eight symptomatic cases have been reported including three deaths Six cases are laboratoryconfirmed as Andes virus ANDV hantavirus infectionsThe WHO urged the countries involved to continue public health coordination including contact tracing case management infection prevention and transparent communicationEarly symptoms of hantavirus infection include headache dizziness chills fever myalgia and gastrointestinal problems such as nausea vomiting diarrhoea and abdominal pain according to the WHOGiven that presymptomatic transmission in past ADNV outbreaks cannot be entirely ruled out WHO also recommends selfmonitoring medical evaluation and maskwearing for lowrisk contacts if symptoms occur IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/who-calls-everyone-aboard-hantavirus-hit-ship-high-risk-contacts-673102.html Sun, 10 May 2026 08:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-says-considering-troop-relocation-from-italy-media-673105.html Rome May 10 US President Donald Trump told Italian media that he is still considering relocating troops from bases in Italy adding that Italy was not there when we needed it local media reported Trump made the remarks in a phone interview during which he refused to comment on Irans response to a US peace proposal which had been expected on Friday according to the report by local newspaper Corriere della SeraOn Friday US Secretary of State Marco Rubio who was visiting Rome said Iran was expected to respond later in the day to Washingtons proposal on resolving their ongoing conflict Xinhua news agency reportedIn response to Trumps remarks about troop relocation Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said he cannot understand the reasoning behind that He noted that Italy is working with countries in a coalition to prepare a mission in the Strait of Hormuz focused on mine clearance and the protection of maritime navigationItalys ANSA news agency reported on May 1 that Trump said he may reduce US military presence in Spain and Italy slamming European allies for not helping in the USIsraeli war against IranData from the US Department of Defence shows that as of the end of 2025 around 12700 activeduty US troops are permanently stationed in Italy making it the secondlargest US military presence in Europe after GermanyEarlier in May Trump had said the United States will reduce its troop presence in Germany beyond earlier expectations âWeâre gonna cut way down and weâre cutting a lot further than 5000â he saidHe also criticised congressional scrutiny of military actions saying it weakens negotiations He said such moves are âhurting our negotiating ability which is infinite right nowâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-says-considering-troop-relocation-from-italy-media-673105.html Sun, 10 May 2026 08:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/un-chief-welcomes-ceasefire-exchange-of-prisoners-between-ukraine-russia-673106.html United Nations May 10 UN SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres welcomes a threeday ceasefire and a planned exchange of prisoners between Ukraine and Russia his spokesperson said The SecretaryGeneral reiterates his call for an immediate full unconditional and lasting ceasefire as a first step toward a just sustainable and comprehensive peace in line with the UN Charter international law and relevant UN resolutions Guterres spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statementRussia and Ukraine on Friday agreed to a ceasefire from Saturday to Monday and a thousandforthousand prisoner exchange Xinhua news agency reportedMeanwhile US President Donald Trump announced that a threeday ceasefire has been agreed between Russia and Ukraine describing it as a possible step toward ending the longrunning warâI am pleased to announce that there will be a THREE DAY CEASEFIRE May 9th 10th and 11th in the War between Russia and Ukraineâ Trump said in a statementHe said the ceasefire would coincide with Russiaâs Victory Day commemorations and noted Ukraineâs role in World War II âThe Celebration in Russia is for Victory Day but likewise in Ukraine because they were also a big part and factor of World War IIâ he saidAccording to Trump the agreement includes a halt to active combat operations âThis Ceasefire will include a suspension of all kinetic activityâ he saidHe added that both sides have also agreed to a large prisoner exchange âAnd also a prison swap of 1000 prisoners from each Countryâ Trump saidThe US President said the initiative was driven directly by him âThis request was made directly by meâ he said expressing appreciation to both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for agreeing to the terms IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/un-chief-welcomes-ceasefire-exchange-of-prisoners-between-ukraine-russia-673106.html Sun, 10 May 2026 08:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-concludes-trinidad-and-tobago-visit-highlights-ties-with-indo-trinidadian-community-673108.html New DelhiPort of Spain May 10 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday concluded his visit to Trinidad and Tobago with an interaction with the Indian community underscoring Indiaâs deep historical and cultural bonds with the IndoTrinidadian population and reaffirming New Delhiâs commitment to strengthening bilateral ties In a post on social media platform X Jaishankar said âConcluded my visit with an interaction with the Indian community Underlined the special bonds with the Girmitya community and discussed nurturing it further Spoke about India as a reliable and trusted partner responsive to the needs and aspirations of Trinidad and TobagoâDuring the visit the External Affairs Minister also addressed a gathering at the historic Nelson Island where the first Indian indentured labourers popularly known as Girmitiyas arrived in the Caribbean nation nearly two centuries ago He attended the event along with Kamla PersadBissessar highlighting the shared heritage and enduring peopletopeople ties between the two countriesJaishankar also visited the renowned Dattatreya Mandir one of the most prominent Hindu temples in the Caribbean Sharing details of the visit on X he wrote âBlessed to visit the Dattatreya Mandir in Trinidad and Tobago this evening Prayed for the wellbeing of our people and the continued strengthening of IndiaTrinidad and Tobago relationsâEarlier the minister described the country as a âhome away from homeâ while interacting with members of the IndoTrinidadian community in South TrinidadââHome away from homeâ A real pleasure to be among the IndoTrinbagonian community in South Trinidad The kinship was expressed in so many ways And the affection in even more Thank PM Kamla for the experienceâ he postedIn another major development during the visit Jaishankar and Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar jointly launched a permanent Prosthetics Centre in Penal Trinidad and Tobago following the success of Indiaâs Jaipur Foot camp that benefited more than 800 differentlyabled individualsCalling it a âpeoplecentric projectâ Jaishankar said the centre would serve as âa gift of mobility and dignity for Trinidad and Tobago and the wider CARICOM regionâThe External Affairs Minister arrived in Trinidad and Tobago on Saturday marking the final leg of his threenation official tour of the Caribbean after visits to Jamaica and Suriname IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-concludes-trinidad-and-tobago-visit-highlights-ties-with-indo-trinidadian-community-673108.html Sun, 10 May 2026 08:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/belarus-commemorates-81st-anniversary-of-victory-in-great-patriotic-war-673122.html Minsk May 10 Cities and towns across Belarus held solemn ceremonies exhibitions and cultural events to mark the 81st anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War On Saturday local time in the capital Minsk thousands of residents veterans students and public officials gathered at Victory Square to lay flowers at the Monument to the Heroic Defenders of the Motherland and the Eternal Flame honouring those who lost their lives in the fight against fascismOutside the capital the Glory Hill memorial complex hosted an exhibition of authentic wartime artefacts offering visitors a tangible connection to the struggles and sacrifices during the war reports Xinhua news agencyIn Mogilev a city in eastern Belarus high school students participated in a Victory Waltz dance event using body language to express reverence for fallen soldiers and celebrate the restoration of peaceThe city of Gomel marked the anniversary with a military parade on Lenin Square paying tribute to the soldiers who fought for Belaruss liberation and freedom during World War IIBelarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in his Victory Day address emphasised that May 9 1945 remains a sacred date for every BelarusianHe underscored Belarus responsibility to safeguard global peace warning against the resurgence of aggression and the dangers of historical amnesia He called on all nations to choose dialogue over confrontation development over destruction and to preserve the legacy of victory for future generations Russia too marked the 81st anniversary of the Soviet Unions victory in the Great Patriotic War The slogan No one is forgotten nothing is forgotten was displayed prominently throughout Moscow underscoring the enduring significance of Victory Day in the national memoryWhite blue and red banners emblazoned with the word Victory lined the capitals avenues and squares while commemorative decorations transformed the Hero City into a vast tribute to the Soviet triumph over Nazi Germany in World War IIOn Saturday morning a grand military parade was held on Moscows iconic Red Square to honour the wartime victory IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/belarus-commemorates-81st-anniversary-of-victory-in-great-patriotic-war-673122.html Sun, 10 May 2026 10:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/people-of-finland-support-eu-reducing-economic-and-technological-dependency-on-china-us-673194.html Helsinki May 10 People in Finland have expressed support for European Union lowering its economic and technological dependency on the US and China a new survey has revealed According to a survey published by the two thinktanks the statesupported Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra and the Finnish Business and Policy Forum Eva 77 per cent of respondents said that Europe must reduce its technological and economic reliance on the US even if it impacts bilateral ties However nine per cent of respondents were against it Finlandbased Yle reportedIn a statement the researchers said This is not direct antiAmericanism Finns seem to distinguish between security cooperation and economic and technological dependenceNearly threequarters of respondents back tighter restrictions on energy networks ports and other strategic assets for security reasons The same number of respondents stated that European firms should be supported in public procurement even if that means higher prices Nearly three out of four respondents express support for developing partnerships with emerging economies like India Brazil or Vietnam to reduce dependence on ChinaThe majority of respondents said security should be given more priority than climate goals when required Nearly twothirds back reducing Europes technological dependence on China like batteries and electric cars even if that would slow climate actionAsked about the issues that the EU should emphasise more in the future selfsufficiency and security were ranked highly by the respondents Yle reportedAs many as 65 per cent of the respondents said more emphasis should be given to common defence while 44 per cent said that the focus should be more on the fight against climate changeThe survey was conducted by Taloustutkimus in March and responses were taken from more than 2000 adults in mainland Finland and 34 invited EU experts It stated that the margin of error is 2â3 percentage points in either direction IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/people-of-finland-support-eu-reducing-economic-and-technological-dependency-on-china-us-673194.html Sun, 10 May 2026 15:18:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-transporters-hold-protest-against-hike-in-prices-of-petroleum-products-673195.html Islamabad May 10 Transporters in Pakistans Peshawar and across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province held protests against a hike in prices of petroleum products local media reported on Sunday Dozens of transport operators gathered at the Hajji Camp Terminal in Peshawar on Saturday and demanded an immediate reduction in prices of petrol and diesel The Express Tribune reportedWhile addressing the protesters transport leader Zubair Ahmed Qureshi said that the prices of petroleum are increasing while CNG is unavailableEid is approaching but hyperinflation has made shopping impossible Unemployment had already broken the poor This is a great oppression on the lowincome class Flour is now beyond the common mans reach More inflation means burying people aliveThe protest was held as their transporters have increased fares for the fifth time within a single month after the latest fuel adjustment Fares of AC vehicles have witnessed a steep rise while the fares of nonAC buses have increased by five per cent as per the reportFares have increased from Pakistani Rupees PKR 50500 for travelling from Peshawar to Nowshera Mardan Abbottabad Haripur Swat and Malakand Passengers who have to travel to Rawalpindi and Lahore have to now pay up to PKR 3000 more City buses in Peshawar have increased minimum fares from PKR 10 to 30 while goods transport vehicles have also increased pricesOn April 30 the Pakistan government raised the price of highspeed diesel HSD by Pakistani Rupees PKR 1939 per litre and the price of petrol by PKR 651 per litre for one weekAs per the notification issued by Pakistans Petroleum Division the price of HSD has been increased from PKR 38019 to PKR 39958 while petrol will be sold at 39986 per litre compared to the previous rate of Rs 39335 at PKR 39335 The Express Tribune reportedHighspeed diesel is used in the transport and agriculture sectors As the sowing season is underway the sharp rise in its price is expected to impact the agriculture sector Fertiliser prices have increased due to a hike in transportation costs IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-transporters-hold-protest-against-hike-in-prices-of-petroleum-products-673195.html Sun, 10 May 2026 15:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-australia-deepen-maritime-defence-cooperation-report-673205.html New Delhi May 10 Australia and India have reaffirmed their rapidly expanding strategic and defence partnership with both countries committing to deeper military cooperation enhanced maritime security coordination and stronger defence industry engagement according to a report The report by âThe Australia Todayâ stated that the two countries reviewed the progress of bilateral defence ties during the 10th Defence Policy Talks held in New Delhi on May 8The discussions were led by Joint Secretary International Cooperation in the Defence Ministry Amitabh Prasad and Australiaâs First Assistant Secretary for International Policy Bernard PhilipAccording to The Australia Today report the meeting reviewed developments under the IndiaAustralia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as both nations seek to strengthen defence and security coordination in the IndoPacific regionOfficials from both countries welcomed the expansion of bilateral defence cooperation including the establishment of the annual IndiaAustralia Defence Ministersâ Dialogue in 2025 the report said adding that the initiative reflected increasing trust and strategic alignment between Canberra and New DelhiThe report further noted that discussions focused on âenhancing interoperability across military domains increasing the scale and complexity of joint exercises and advancing maritime security cooperation amid growing regional strategic competitionâBoth sides also reviewed progress on commitments made during the 2024 IndiaAustralia Annual Leadersâ Summit including efforts to renew the Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation and formulate a Joint Maritime Security Collaboration RoadmapThe Australia Today reported that India and Australia confirmed plans to hold the first IndiaAustralia Joint Staff Talks later this year describing it as another significant step toward expanding institutional defence engagement between the two nationsTraining and officer exchange programmes also featured prominently during the talks The report highlighted initiatives such as the Gen Bipin Rawat Memorial Young Officers Exchange Programme and military academy exchanges between the Indian Military Academy and Australiaâs Royal Military College DuntroonOfficials said these initiatives were helping in building mutual trust peopletopeople links and shared strategic understanding according to the reportDefence industry cooperation emerged as another major area of focus The report pointed to several recent initiatives including the first IndiaAustralia Defence Industry Roundtable held in Sydney in 2025 Australiaâs first defence trade mission to India and a strategic defence industry roundtable conducted during the Raisina Dialogue earlier this yearThe developments come as India and Australia continue expanding collaboration across defence trade and regional security under their broader strategic partnership framework The Australia Today noted IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-australia-deepen-maritime-defence-cooperation-report-673205.html Sun, 10 May 2026 16:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/fairpoint-why-mamata-banerjees-defeat-resonated-beyond-india--673218.html New Delhi May 10 There was something unusual about the reaction to the Assembly election results this time State elections in India routinely produce celebrations accusations posturing and political drama But the outcome in West Bengal travelled far beyond Indias borders From Dhaka to Washington the result triggered reactions rarely seen after a state poll in India That alone suggested that what happened in Bengal was not being viewed merely as a regional political shift It was being read as something larger a strategic and ideological development in one of Indias most sensitive border states And the international attention it attracted was equally strikingUS President Donald Trump congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on what the White House described as a historic and decisive mandate in West Bengal Several international publications portrayed the result as a breakthrough moment for PM Modi in a state that had remained politically resistant to the BJP for yearsThe obvious question is why did a state election command such extraordinary global attention Victories in Haryana Rajasthan or Chhattisgarh do not evoke reactions of this scale abroad West Bengal however occupies a different place in Indias political imagination Geography and demography make it uniquely sensitive Sharing a long and porous border with Bangladesh the state has for years remained central to debates around illegal infiltration border security and demographic changeFor years the BJP has argued that the Mamata Banerjee government looked the other way while infiltration from Bangladesh continued unchecked The allegations are not newIronically Mamata Banerjee herself once raised similar concerns In 2005 as a Lok Sabha member she had dramatically protested in Parliament over infiltration from Bangladesh calling it a disaster for the country On the streets of West Bengal too she repeatedly accused the then Left Front government of using illegal immigrants as a political vote bankBut politics often reshapes positions faster than circumstances change After coming to power in 2011 Mamata Banerjees stand appeared to undergo a sharp reversal The issue that once formed the centrepiece of her political attacks gradually disappeared from her rhetoric Instead she became one of the fiercest critics of attempts to identify or deport illegal immigrantsThe sharpest example came during the Assam NRC exercise in 2018 While the Supreme Courtmonitored process sought to identify illegal immigrants in Assam Mamata Banerjee openly attacked the exercise warning of civil war and bloodbath if the Centre continued with the policy This opposition was aimed at protecting a political support base shaped over years of unchecked migrationThe BJP repeatedly built its Bengal campaign around this accusation Union Home Minister Amit Shah while speaking in Parliament during the debate on the Immigration and Foreigners Bill in March 2025 directly accused the Trinamool Congress government of enabling illegal immigration by facilitating the issuance of Aadhaar cards and voter IDs He claimed that many Bangladeshis caught in different parts of the country possessed documents originating from West Bengals border districts including the 24 ParganasInfiltration has remained a contentious issue in Bengal for decades Border districts have witnessed demographic shifts significant enough to alter political calculations Security agencies have repeatedly flagged concerns about illegal crossborder networks The issue is no longer viewed merely through the lens of economics or welfare distribution it is increasingly tied to questions of national security and internal stabilityThe reactions emerging from Bangladesh after the election have only added to these anxieties While sections of Bangladeshs political establishment reportedly sent congratulatory messages to the BJP leadership some Islamist voices reacted sharply against the Bengal verdictOne JamaateIslami leader reportedly made inflammatory remarks calling for resistance against Delhi and spoke irresponsibly about Bengals separation from India Such statements may represent fringe rhetoric but they underline why political developments in West Bengal are being watched so closely beyond Indias borders In Pakistan discussions were held on the development with many describing Mamata Banerjees defeat as a setback for the Indian oppositionThe intensity of these reactions reveals something important Beyond Bengal Mamata Banerjee had increasingly come to be viewed by many political and ideological groups as one of the strongest leaders capable of taking on Prime Minister Narendra Modi nationally Her politics often seen as centred around Muslim outreach had earned her support among sections that viewed the BJPs rise with concernThat is why her defeat generated unusually sharp reactions outside India as well While vested interests and ideological groups in neighbouring countries may interpret the result through their own political lens the verdict delivered by Bengals voters is clear and strongNow with the BJP forming the government in Bengal with a commanding mandate expectations will be enormous The party has promised a tougher stance on infiltration stronger border management expanded fencing and stricter enforcement against illegal residency networks Bengal has suffered enough through decades of political violence fear religious polarisation and uneven development This election was not merely a rejection of Mamata Banerjees 15year rule it was also an expression of exhaustion and aspirationThe people of Bengal have voted for security over violence and uncertainty development over appeasement and governance over perpetual conflict They want jobs for the youth better roads and infrastructure dignity in everyday life and the freedom to liveDeepika Bhan can be contacted at deepikabiansin IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/fairpoint-why-mamata-banerjees-defeat-resonated-beyond-india--673218.html Sun, 10 May 2026 16:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/chinas-supply-chain-dominance-likely-to-be-hit-by-tech-leap-in-west-673223.html New Delhi May 10 China is currently leveraging its driven by its dominance in critical minerals inputs required for the production in sectors such as New Energy Vehicles NEV to gain a geopolitical advantage through its capability to disrupt global supply chains However according to an article in The Diplomat this advantage is likely to be overturned in the near future with the leap in new technology that is taking place in Western countries with companies such as US tech giant Tesla forging ahead with new battery technology and driverless vehiclesThe article states that the only major manufacturing sector in which China has a genuine prospect of leading and maintaining global competitiveness is the NEV industry Other sectors such as semiconductors or robotics hold significant prestige and offer some hope of achievement but Chinaâs offerings remain far behind the international standardHowever while Chinaâs NEV sector rises Western technological advancements are bringing in new upgrades that threaten to render existing NEV supply chains obsolete as per the articleIt highlights that new battery technologies will determine who commands the postupgrade future marketThere is also the competition over integrated manufacturing costs While Chinese manufacturing had previously secured a relative advantage this edge is constantly at risk of being blunted by electric carmaker Tesla which is using highdensity production lines to reduce costs which can potentially outcompete Chinese NEV manufacturing Besides Tesla has a big lead in driverless vehicle technology which will represent a revolutionary leap forward it saidThese three technological advancements are seen as having the potential to render Chinaâs current supply chain strategy ineffectiveBased on average industrial cycles we estimate a window of three to five years In other words Chinaâs current advantages within specific segments of the supply chain are likely to erode within that timeframe Unless China can consistently achieve meaningful breakthroughs in technological advancement the window of opportunity remains remarkably narrow the article observed IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/chinas-supply-chain-dominance-likely-to-be-hit-by-tech-leap-in-west-673223.html Sun, 10 May 2026 18:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-announces-russia-ukraine-ceasefire-673046.html Washington May 9 US President Donald Trump said a threeday ceasefire has been agreed between Russia and Ukraine describing it as a possible step toward ending the longrunning war âI am pleased to announce that there will be a THREE DAY CEASEFIRE May 9th 10th and 11th in the War between Russia and Ukraineâ Trump said in a statementHe said the ceasefire would coincide with Russiaâs Victory Day commemorations and noted Ukraineâs role in World War II âThe Celebration in Russia is for Victory Day but likewise in Ukraine because they were also a big part and factor of World War IIâ he saidAccording to Trump the agreement includes a halt to active combat operations âThis Ceasefire will include a suspension of all kinetic activityâ he saidHe added that both sides have also agreed to a large prisoner exchange âAnd also a prison swap of 1000 prisoners from each Countryâ Trump saidThe US President said the initiative was driven directly by him âThis request was made directly by meâ he said expressing appreciation to both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for agreeing to the termsâI very much appreciate its agreement by President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyyâ Trump saidTrump framed the development as a potential turning point in the conflict which has continued for more than two years with heavy casualties and widespread destruction âHopefully it is the beginning of the end of a very long deadly and hard fought Warâ he saidHe also indicated that negotiations remain ongoing âTalks are continuing on ending this Major Conflict the biggest since World War II and we are getting closer and closer every dayâ Trump saidThe brief ceasefire if implemented would mark one of the most significant coordinated pauses in fighting since the conflict escalated Previous attempts at temporary truces have often been fragile and shortlivedThe announcement comes at a time when both sides have faced mounting pressure to explore diplomatic options even as fighting has continued across multiple frontsRussiaâs Victory Day on May 9 is one of its most important national events commemorating the Soviet Unionâs victory over Nazi Germany in World War II Ukraine also marks the legacy of the war though in recent years it has sought to distance itself from Sovietera symbolism IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-announces-russia-ukraine-ceasefire-673046.html Sat, 09 May 2026 09:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/qatar-pm-meets-us-vice-president-discusses-strategic-ties-regional-tensions-673047.html Washington May 9 Qatarâs Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim AlThani met US Vice President J D Vance in Washington The talks focused on strategic ties and regional tensions Both sides discussed âthe close strategic cooperation between the State of Qatar and the United States of Americaâ They also explored ways to strengthen cooperation âin various fieldsâ according to an official statementRegional issues were central to the meeting they said The two leaders reviewed âthe latest developments in the regionâ They also discussed âthe Pakistani mediation efforts aimed at deescalating tensions in a way that contributes to enhancing security and stability in the regionâAlThani urged wider support for diplomacy He âstressed the need for all parties to engage with the ongoing mediation effortsâ He said this would help âaddress the root causes of the crisis through peaceful means and dialogueâHe said such efforts should lead to âa comprehensive agreement that achieves lasting peace in the regionâQatar has played a mediating role in the region It works closely with the United States on diplomatic efforts The meeting reflects that ongoing coordinationThe United States has relied on regional partners such as Qatar to support diplomatic initiatives particularly in complex conflicts where direct engagement may be limitedQatar hosts a major US military base and has played a role in several highprofile negotiations in recent years Its approach has emphasised dialogue and engagement as a means to address conflicts and prevent further instability IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/qatar-pm-meets-us-vice-president-discusses-strategic-ties-regional-tensions-673047.html Sat, 09 May 2026 09:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/hindu-prayer-for-peace-unity-offered-at-white-house-event-673048.html Washington May 9 A Hindu prayer for peace and unity was delivered at the White House during the National Day of Prayer marking a moment of religious diversity as the United States approaches its 250th year A volunteer from the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha BAPS participated in the event offering prayers rooted in Hindu tradition BAPS saidâI request that we all please close your eyes and fold your handsâ the volunteer said opening the prayer with a call for reflectionThe invocation continued with repeated chants âShanti Ram Shanti Ram Shanti Ram Shanti Ram Shanti Ram Shanti Ram Shanti Ram Shanti Ram Om Shanti Shanti Shanti Sushanti BhavatuâThe prayer emphasised universal peace across all elements of existenceâMay there be peace in the sky and in spaceâ the speaker saidâMay there be peace across earth in water and for all beings May there be peace throughout nature and in the environment May the peace of heaven spread throughout the universeâThe prayer also extended to individual wellbeing stating âMay we all have peace physically mentally and spirituallyâThe speaker concluded by expressing gratitude on behalf of the organisationâOn behalf of the entire BAPS Sovereign Fellowship The Swaminarayan Ukshara County in Robbinsville New Jersey and our Guru Guru Hari Mohan Swami Maharaj we thank you for this opportunityâ the volunteer saidIn a post on social media BAPS Public Affairs said it was âhonored to participateâ in the National Day of Prayer at the White House The organisation added that âmoments like these remind us that faith service and shared values continue to strengthen our communitiesâOn National Day of Prayer President Trump earlier said in his message This National Day of Prayer we honor Americaâs enduring tradition of prayer faith and trust in Almighty God And as we celebrate 250 glorious years of American independence we pledge to never forget the countless blessings God has bestowed upon our people and our countryFrom the cradles of civilization in the ancient world to the Christian empires of medieval Europe and the miraculous founding of our own Nation the entire Western experience has been connected by a golden thread of devotion to God Americaâs faith was seen most prominently during our struggle for independence when the Second Continental Congress declared a day of humiliation fasting and prayer to seek Godâs providence and ask for His protection and blessing in their fight for freedom virtue and posterity he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/hindu-prayer-for-peace-unity-offered-at-white-house-event-673048.html Sat, 09 May 2026 09:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-pushes-ai-access-flags-security-risks-673049.html Washington May 9 The United States wants countries in South and Central Asia including India to have access to âworld class technologyâ while avoiding dependence on adversarial nations a senior State Department official said underscoring Washingtonâs push to expand AI cooperation with New Delhi Addressing the USIndia AI and Emerging Technology Forum Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Bethany Morrison said the focus is on ensuring technology access translates into tangible benefits for societiesâWe want to make sure that countries in our region have access to world class technology and are able to get that integrated into their society to deliver the best value results for their peopleâ she saidMorrison stressed that rapid advances in artificial intelligence must be matched with clear guardrails âBut in order to fully realise the benefits of this incredible technology we must be guided by the principles of openness as well as focus on our security and our interoperability and avoid any dependencies on adversarial nationsâ she saidMorrison said the United States aims to âexport that AI technology and practice to the worldâ aligning with a wider policy push to increase global access to USdeveloped AI toolsâAI is not the future the present and its made with American software hardware and large language modelsâ she said highlighting US leadership in innovationAt the same time Morrison pointed to growing Indian participation in the AI ecosystem calling the bilateral relationship a driver of âreal deals and real results for both Indian and AmericansâShe cited rising investment flows between the two countries noting that Indian firms are committing significant resources to US technology infrastructure while American companies are expanding operations in India âThese are incredible and cutting edge investments that will have high impact in both the American and the Indian societiesâ she saidThe official also emphasised the physical backbone of AI including data centres chips and energy supply âAI may seem like it conquers informationâ but its very physical technology that requires chips as data centres wires and electricityâ she said pointing to the need for resilient supply chainsMorrison said Washington and New Delhi are working together to build âsecure and trusted AI supply chainsâ and ensure longterm technological resilienceShe framed the current moment as a turning point in bilateral cooperation âWe are incredibly excited about this moment in terms of both the tech advancements and the US India partnershipâ she said adding that âthe opportunities are limitlessâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-pushes-ai-access-flags-security-risks-673049.html Sat, 09 May 2026 09:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-india-push-ai-defence-cooperation-673050.html Washington May 9 The United States and India must step up cooperation in artificial intelligence and defence as warfare shifts to data and algorithms experts said Speaking at a USIndia forum Vivek Lall Chief Executive of General Atomics Global Cooperation and Lt Gen Retd Raj Shukla said the nature of war is changing fast The session was moderated by Sameer Lalwani of the Special Competitive Studies ProjectShukla said AI is already shaping the battlefield âAI is not futuristicâ algorithmic warfare is arrived and it will change the workflows of combat foreverâ he saidHe said militaries must adapt quickly âMilitary is conservative organizations dont update their process once a yearâ in Ukraineâ software innovations are being delivered every two weeks hardware every four weeksâ he saidHe called for a major shift in defence systems âDepartments of Defenseâ now need to operate as software companiesâ he saidShukla said India needs stronger debate and thinking on these issues âIdeation in these domains in India has to strengthenâ he saidLall said no country can lead alone in new technologies âNo one country has remarked on the best ideasâ he saidHe said the US and India together can deliver results He pointed to the need for cooperation across industry and academia âUniversities vocational institutesâ play a great role because at the end of the day its global talentâ he saidLall listed key areas for joint work These include data sharing training and control of the electromagnetic spectrumShukla also flagged the cost factor in modern war âFor every 1 that the Iranians spentâ it took the Americansâ 28 to interceptâ he saidHe said India must break silos across sectors âCivil military private sector government Academyâ operated in scienceâ he saidBoth speakers said the partnership is at a key moment Lall said âWeâre at an inflection pointâ and added that the next decade could see âa lot of co development workâ a lot of co production workâThe United States and India have expanded defence ties over the past two decades This includes joint exercises and technology partnershipsAI and emerging technologies are now central to the relationship Both countries are working to build capabilities in data autonomous systems and nextgeneration warfare IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-india-push-ai-defence-cooperation-673050.html Sat, 09 May 2026 09:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-holds-talks-with-trinidad-and-tobago-pm-unveils-key-cooperation-initiatives-673064.html New DelhiPort of Spain May 9 IANS External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar held a series of highlevel engagements in Trinidad and Tobago during his official visit focussing on bilateral cooperation cultural ties education initiatives and regional partnershipsnbspUpon arriving in Trinidad and Tobago in the early hours of Saturday EAM Jaishankar posted on X A pleasure to be back in Trinidad and Tobago Thank FM Sean Sobers for the warm welcome Look forward to a productive visit over the next two daysDuring the visit Jaishankar met Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar and discussed bilateral and regional issues Sharing details of the meeting on X he wrote Such a pleasure to meet with PM Kamla PersadBissessar Value her guidance on bilateral cooperation and insights on regional issuesThe minister also joined Prime Minister PersadBissessar at the presentation ceremony of Made in India laptops for schoolchildren in Trinidad and Tobago Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modis earlier commitment Jaishankar stated Joined PM Kamla PersadBissessar PMKamla at the presentation of MadeInIndia laptops to Trinbagonian schoolchildren Delivering on PM narendramodis commitment last year this is a message of learning awareness and opportunitySpeaking at the flagraising ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Jaishankar underlined the historic relationship between the two countries He said India had traditionally had very warm and friendly relations with Trinidad and Tobago and these ties have been shaped by shared history a struggle against colonialism and a very special bond of cricket People of the two countries share a lot in commonJaishankar also announced the conclusion of several agreements during the visit In another post he said Concluded Agreements today on Tourism on Solarisation of mfcagovtt building on Quick Impact Projects and on establishing Ayurveda ChairThe External Affairs Minister was also welcomed at the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago Sharing the development he wrote Privileged to be welcomed in the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago Thank PM Kamla PersadBissessar for her gracious wordsAdding a cultural touch to the visit Jaishankar met legendary West Indies cricketer Brian Lara and shared a picture with him on X captioning it With the one and only BrianLaraIn another post Jaishankar wrote Honoured by the flag raising ceremony at mfcagovtt of Trinidad and Tobago Thank Brian Lara for joining usEAM arrived in Trinidad and Tobago marking the final leg of his threenation official tour in the Caribbean following his engagement in Jamaica and SurinameIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-holds-talks-with-trinidad-and-tobago-pm-unveils-key-cooperation-initiatives-673064.html Sat, 09 May 2026 12:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-bipartisan-bill-targets-chinese-farmland-purchases-near-sensitive-sites-672883.html Washington May 8 A bipartisan group of US lawmakers moved to tighten restrictions on Chinese and other foreign adversary purchases of American farmland and property near sensitive military and infrastructure sites reflecting growing concerns in Washington over national security and food security The push came as Select Committee on China Chairman John Moolenaar introduced the âProtecting US Farmland and Sensitive Sites from Foreign Adversaries Actâ while another bipartisan group announced plans for legislation to ban Chinese vehicles from American roadsâFood security is national security and we cannot allow foreign adversaries like China to buy up American farmland near our most sensitive military and critical infrastructure sitesâ Moolenaar saidHe said the legislation would âclose dangerous loopholesâ and âpresumptively bar foreign adversaries from purchasing landâ He added that it would also implement the Trump administrationâs âAmerica First Investment Policyâ and the US Department of Agricultureâs Farm Security Action PlanThe proposed legislation would expand the authority of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States CFIUS to review real estate deals involving entities linked to China Russia Iran and North Korea It would create a new category of âelevated risk real estate transactionsâ covering farmland ports telecommunications infrastructure and property near military and intelligence facilitiesThe bill also broadens the definition of âsensitive sitesâ to include military installations NASA facilities airports maritime ports data centres fibre optic nodes cloud computing facilities and critical communications infrastructureAccording to the bill text elevatedrisk transactions would be presumed to present âan unresolvable risk to national securityâ unless cleared through a high threshold review processThe legislation has bipartisan backing from Republican and Democratic lawmakers including Representatives Josh Gottheimer Jimmy Panetta and Mike ThompsonAt the same time Moolenaar and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell announced plans to introduce separate bipartisan legislation to ban Chinese vehicles from US roadsâEvery vehicle on American roads is a rolling data collection device capturing information on location movement people and infrastructure in real time and we cannot allow Chinese vehicles or components to be a part of that systemâ the lawmakers said in a joint statementThe measures come amid broader efforts in Congress to counter Beijingâs economic and technological influence in the United StatesIn Florida Congressman Greg Steube joined House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rick Crawford in a roundtable discussion on what lawmakers described as growing Chinese counterintelligence threatsSteube said the Chinese Communist Party was âactively working to undermine American security and expand its influence inside our countryâ He said Floridaâs âcritical infrastructure and strategic importance make it a high value targetâSeparately a bipartisan Senate delegation led by Steve Daines held meetings in Beijing with senior Chinese officials including Premier Li Qiang and Foreign Minister Wang Yi The delegation discussed fentanyl precursors supply chain security Iran and agricultural trade The latest proposals also come as Washington and Beijing remain locked in wider tensions over trade technology national security and Taiwan Lawmakers from both parties have increasingly argued that Chineselinked investments in strategic sectors could expose vulnerabilities in critical American infrastructure and supply chains IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-bipartisan-bill-targets-chinese-farmland-purchases-near-sensitive-sites-672883.html Fri, 08 May 2026 09:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-congress-moves-to-ban-prediction-bets-672884.html Washington May 8 Lawmakers in the US House of Representatives have move a legislation to ban members of Congress and their staff from trading on prediction markets It comes days after the Senate unanimously adopted similar restrictions amid growing scrutiny over potential insider trading and ethics concerns Republican Congresswoman Ashley Hinson of Iowa on Thursday introduced a resolution to amend House rules and prohibit lawmakers congressional staff and House officers from entering agreements tied to the outcome of specific events effectively banning participation in prediction markets such as Kalshi and PolymarketThe move follows the Senateâs adoption last month of S Res 708 a resolution led by Republican Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio which revised Senate rules to bar senators and staff from trading contracts linked to specific eventsâI think this is something we should be doing as fast as possibleâ Hinson saidâWhat I donât want to see is that because Congress is lacking action here that this is a loophole that people were able to take advantage ofâ she saidIn a statement accompanying the resolution Hinson said âMembers of Congress shouldnt be able to use insider knowledge to make a profit We should take immediate action to ensure DC politicians cant make money off of policies they are influencing I am calling on our House Republican leadership to bring this to the floor immediately â it should receive unanimous supportâUnder the proposed House rules change members delegates resident commissioners officers and employees of the House would be barred from entering âan agreement contract swap or transactionâ tied to âthe occurrence nonoccurrence or the extent of the occurrence of a specific event or contingencyâHinson said she coordinated the effort with Moreno after working with him on other issuesThe Iowa Republican is not alone in pushing the proposal Democratic Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada introduced a separate resolution in April that would also prohibit members and staff from trading on prediction markets though her proposal includes an exception for sports wagersâNo Member of Congress should be able to profit off their insider knowledge by placing informed bets on prediction market platforms like Kalshi and Polymarketâ Titus said in a statementThe push comes as prediction markets gain visibility in Washington and attract growing attention from lawmakers concerned that officials with advance knowledge of government actions could exploit the platforms for financial gainAccording to CQ a special forces soldier pleaded not guilty last month to allegedly using confidential information to place bets on Polymarket that Venezuelan President NicolÃs Maduro would leave office The report said the trades allegedly generated more than 400000âThis is a very clear line where people understand âHey you know things ahead of when the normal public doesââ Hinson said âIt certainly should apply to everyone but it absolutely should apply to members of CongressâMoreno framed the Senate action as part of a broader effort to restore trust in CongressâMy issue is letâs clean up Congress If there are going to be guardrails in prediction markets thatâs a longer conversation that should have hearingsâ Moreno said âBut we donât want to wait until that we just wanted to clean up Congressâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-congress-moves-to-ban-prediction-bets-672884.html Fri, 08 May 2026 09:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-appeals-court-rejects-indian-muslim-mans-bid-to-halt-deportation-672885.html Washington May 8 A US federal appeals court has rejected an Indian Muslim manâs bid to avoid deportation ruling that the violence he faced in India did not amount to persecution and finding no evidence that Indian authorities were complicit in the attack The United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit said local police had intervened to stop the 2016 attack on Sanaullah Khan Mohammed and noted that he could also relocate elsewhere within âthe very large country of IndiaââThe bumps scrapes and bruises Mohammed received in the May 2016 incident do not compel the conclusion that he suffered persecutionâ the court said in its ruling issued this weekâNor has Mohammed demonstrated that the Indian government allowed the violence Indeed local police stopped the attackâ the threejudge panel addedThe court further said Mohammedâs claims of future persecution were weakened because the slaughterhouse business linked to the dispute was no longer operatingâEven more Mohammed could live somewhere else within the very large country of Indiaâ the ruling statedMohammed who entered the US on a visitor visa on June 26 2016 and remained after it expired later that year applied for asylum in January 2019 well beyond the oneyear deadline under US immigration lawAccording to court records Mohammed came from a Muslim family in India that operated a slaughterhouse business dealing in cow meat The ruling said tensions arose with local Hindus âwho both considered cows sacred and claimed affiliation with the Bharatiya Janata PartyâMohammed alleged that in May 2016 a group confronted him and his mother threw rocks at him and beat him while demanding the closure of the slaughterhouseThe court however noted that local police responded after Mohammed called for help and dispersed the attackersAn immigration judge had earlier rejected Mohammedâs asylum application as untimely and also denied his request for withholding of removal and protection under the Convention Against TortureThe Seventh Circuit said it lacked jurisdiction to review the asylum claim because of existing legal precedent governing late asylum applicationsThe judges nevertheless devoted substantial discussion to the merits of Mohammedâs withholding of removal claim and concluded that the evidence did not establish either past persecution or a likelihood of future persecution if returned to India IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-appeals-court-rejects-indian-muslim-mans-bid-to-halt-deportation-672885.html Fri, 08 May 2026 09:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-highlights-indias-global-role-stresses-partnership-for-progress-in-suriname-672888.html Paramaribo May 8 External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar on Friday spoke on the theme Partnership for Progressâ in Paramaribo Suriname and highlighted Indias global role stressing the need for partnership for progress EAM Jaishankar took to social media X and said Spoke on the theme âPartnership for Progressâ at Paramaribo this evening Thank FM Melvin Bouva for his presence and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Suriname for organising the programmeMade the case that a tough world nevertheless requires progress And that is best achieved through partnerships Highlighted the characteristics of a trusted partner who can reconcile national interest with global good Described Indiaâs role in global politics in that context focusing on our development partnerships global workforce first responder record and new initiatives he saidIt is this India that will partner Suriname in its growth trajectory and jointly write the next chapter of the IndiaSuriname story EAM Jaishankar addedEAM Jaishankar also planted a sapling at India House in Suriname under Ek Ped Maa Ke NaamVery glad to plant a sapling at India House Suriname under EkPedMaaKeNaam EAM Jaishankar said in another postEarlier on Thursday EAM S Jaishankar handed over a fruitprocessing facility in Paramaribo city of Suriname which was established with financial assistance from IndiaIndia provided fruit processing machinery to Suriname funded under the USD one million Small and Medium Enterprises grant announced by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in 2025During his remarks at the event the Minister said âThis project also serves to underline a larger message of India as a partner of Suriname and of the Global SouthâHe said that Indiaâs commitment to Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam which means the world as a family is demonstrated not just in words but through particular projects and specific activities and noted that this is a very good illustration of itâIn the times to come as Suriname advances in its quest for progress and prosperity India will always be a reliable partnerâ he addedHe was joined by Suriname Foreign Minister Melvin Bouva and Agriculture Minister Nike Noersalim at the event IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-highlights-indias-global-role-stresses-partnership-for-progress-in-suriname-672888.html Fri, 08 May 2026 09:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/north-korea-to-deploy-new-long-range-artillery-along-border-with-seoul-this-year-kcna-672889.html Seoul May 8 North Korea plans to deploy a new selfpropelled howitzer along its border with South Korea by the end of this year state media said Friday as it seeks to bolster its defence capabilities According to the Korean Central News Agency KCNA North Korean leader Kim Jongun visited a munitions factory Wednesday to review production of a newtype 155 mm selfpropelled gunhowitzer destined for three battalions to be stationed at a longrange artillery unit along the southern borderThe selfpropelled gunhowitzer has a striking range exceeding 60 kilometres the report said which is enough to place Seoul within firing range of North Korean frontline positionsKim reaffirmed that the year 2026 will also record an unprecedented upgrade in the course of struggle for bolstering up the national defence capability of the country the KCNA said urging cadres to achieve signal successes every day through intensified efforts to strengthen military readinessIn a separate KCNA report Kim visited the 5000tonne warship Choe Hyon on Thursday to observe a maneuvering assessment test ahead of its commissioningPhotos released by state media showed Kims daughter Juae accompanying him on the inspectionHe boarded the destroyer and took part in a navigation test conducted in the Yellow Sea and inspected the vessels operational capabilities and combat readinessExpressing satisfaction with the ships construction progress Kim ordered it to be delivered to the navy by midJune as scheduled according to the reportPyongyang has conducted a series of strategic cruise missile tests from the destroyer which analysts believe may be capable of carrying nuclear warheads Yonhap news agency reportedNorth Korea unveiled the Choe Hyon destroyer in April last year as part of a broader push to modernise its naval forcesFollowing the launch of a similar destroyer the Kang Kon in June 2025 Kim ordered the construction of a third vessel of the same class in time for the ruling Workers Party of Koreas founding anniversary on October 10 IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/north-korea-to-deploy-new-long-range-artillery-along-border-with-seoul-this-year-kcna-672889.html Fri, 08 May 2026 09:46:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indias-resolve-to-fight-terrorism-strong-as-ever-kirti-vardhan-singh-672904.html United Nations May 8 Indiaâs Minister of State of External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh led a commemoration of Operation Sindoor that gave a resounding blow to Pakistan for defending and aiding terorrists Indiaâs resolve to fight terrorism remained as strong as ever he said on ThursdayThe meeting commemorating the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor paid tributes to Indiaâs UN Mission to âthe bravery and professionalism of our armed forces which is unparalleledâAfter Pakistanbased terrorists crossed into India and killed 26 Indian tourists at Pahalgam India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 2025 hitting terrorist centres within that countryThe Resistance Front a group affiliated with LashkareTayiba a terrorist outfit sanctioned by the UN said it was responsible for the attackIndia targeted those two groups and the JaisheMohammed terrorist outfit during the fourday operationIt spiralled into a conflict between India and Pakistan when Pakistanâs armed forces came to the defence of the terrorist groups and attacked IndiaAfter India repelled the Pakistani attacks and was in a commanding position Pakistanâs Director General of Military Operations DGMO Major General Kashif Abdullah called his then Indian counterpart Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai and asked for a ceasefireSeveral Pakistani air force and missile bases had been destroyed by India by thenThe UN Security Council condemned the Pahalgam massacreâTerrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and securityâ it said in its press statementIt said that terrorism is âcriminal and unjustifiable regardless of their motivation wherever whenever and by whoever committedâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indias-resolve-to-fight-terrorism-strong-as-ever-kirti-vardhan-singh-672904.html Fri, 08 May 2026 11:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/baloch-armed-group-attack-in-balochistan-damages-infrastructure-hits-pakistani-forces-672913.html Quetta May 8 The Baloch Republican Guards BRG claimed responsibility for attacks in Balochistanâs Sibi and Sohbatpur districts completely destroying two electricity towers and damaging two others while causing casualties and material losses to Pakistani Rangers according to local media reports In a statement issued to the media on Thursday BRG spokesperson Dostain Baloch said the groupâs fighters planted explosives in the Lemji area of Sibi on the night of May 6 resulting in the complete collapse of two electricity towers and severe damage to two othersHe added that the group attacked a Pakistani Rangers checkpoint in the Buskat area of Sohbatpur using small and heavy weaponsAccording to the statement the assault led to âcasualties and material lossesâ to the Rangers The Balochistan Post reportedThe group said that such operations would continue until âindependence of Balochistanâ from PakistanThese latest incidents come against the backdrop of escalating attacks by Baloch groups targeting Pakistani military and police forces across Balochistan in recent days resulting in heavy casualties and damage to the infrastructureIn a separate incident a pickup vehicle carrying eight people including women and children went missing between the Pasni and Shadi Kaur regions in Balochistanâs Gwadar district amid the Pakistani military operation in the regionCiting local sources The Balochistan Post reported that more than 50 people have been detained during the ongoing military operationReports suggest that the vehicle disappeared while travelling from Pasni to Shadi Kaur along with all its passengers including three women two children and three menThe passengers were returning to their village following treatment at Pak Oman Hospital in Pasni before they went missing Since the incident neither the passengers nor the vehicle had been tracedThe affected families on Wednesday called on the local administration and law enforcement agencies to take prompt actionPakistani military also launched operation in several areas of Balochistan including Zareen Kaur Tarati Goristani and Kabadi blocking routes and restricting movementAs violence against civilians escalates across the province the Pakistani forces conducted an operation in the Koshkalat region of the Kech district on Wednesday morning reportedly detaining several individuals and killing one as gunfire was heard in the areaBalochistan continues to reel under relentless atrocities by the Pakistani forces marked by enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings of Baloch civilians at an unprecedented level IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/baloch-armed-group-attack-in-balochistan-damages-infrastructure-hits-pakistani-forces-672913.html Fri, 08 May 2026 12:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistans-internal-policy-failures-fuelling-balochistan-insurgency-672957.html Islamabad May 8 Pakistans reliance on proxy militant networks its heavyhanded handling of local grievances and its failure to respond to emerging militant alliances have fuelled the current crisis in Balochistan Far from being a peripheral theatre the province is turning into the epicentre of a multilayered insurgency shaped by decades of strategic miscalculations by Pakistani authorities a report has detailed According to a report in Eurasia Review Balochistan has once again descended into violence with Islamabad continuing to portray the situation as part of an âexternal conspiracy However the recent wave of clashes across the province including the deadly confrontation at the 143 Wing post in Chaman and the April 26 ambushes near Dalbandin reveals a troubling reality âPakistanâs own security establishment has helped engineer the very conditionsâ fuelling regional instabilityCiting field reports it said a confrontation at the 143rd Wing post in Chaman resulted in heavy casualties among Pakistani border forces followed by intense fighting with Afghan Taliban fighters on April 26 leaving seven soldiers dead at a roadblockThe report said that these were not isolated incidents but âsymptoms of a deeper structural failure within Pakistanâs security frameworkPakistanâs security establishment spent decades exploiting militant networks as âinstruments of regional influence but today those same networks are directing violence inwardâThe attempt to move ammunition and fighters across the Chaman sector underscores how the border has become a twoway corridor for groups Islamabad once believed it could controlâ the report notedIt highlighted that the TehrikiTaliban Pakistan TTP and the Baloch Liberation Army BLA reportedly formalised an operational partnership in 2026 âa development that should have triggered alarm bells across Pakistanâs national security apparatus rather than the establishment downplayed the threatThe April 27 ambush along the N40 highway near Dalbandin killing four Pakistani soldiers underscores the widening operational reach of these groupsThe report emphasised that Pakistanâs military establishment has long framed the unrest in Balochistan as âexternally orchestratedâ yet the current escalation is driven by actors âonce cultivated tolerated or selectively ignoredâ by the Pakistani authoritiesThese developments suggest not âexternal manipulationâ but âinternal policy failuresâ that have enabled militant ecosystems to grow beyond the stateâs controlWarning of the wider implications the report said âIf Islamabad continues to deny the structural roots of the conflict the situation will deteriorate further The insurgency is no longer fragmented It is learning adapting and expanding while the state remains trapped in outdated narratives Balochistanâs future now hinges on whether Pakistanâs security establishment can confront the consequences of its own policies or whether it will continue down a path that has already cost lives territory and legitimacy IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistans-internal-policy-failures-fuelling-balochistan-insurgency-672957.html Fri, 08 May 2026 16:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/islamic-terrorism-unleashed-by-pakistan-not-merely-regional-issue-but-global-threat-report-672995.html Islamabad May 8 Pakistans role in fostering terrorism has for decades fuelled instability in the wider South Asian region At the same time preserving regional stability remains essential for US strategic interests given South Asiaâs proximity to Afghanistan and China a report has stated Writing for American media outlet PJ Media Turkish journalist Uzay Bulut said that the fight against terrorism by the United States and India should also be supported by policies aimed at restoring religious ethnic and cultural diversity of South Asia which she said has been severely damaged by Islamisation through force and violenceMarking the first anniversary of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack which witnessed Pakistanbacked terrorists gunning down 26 innocent tourists after identifying their religion Bulut cited US Congressman Brad Sherman calling on Pakistan to rein in terror groups such as LashkareTaiba LeTAddressing an exhibition organised by the Indian Embassy in Washington titled the Human Cost of Terrorism Congressman Sherman paid homage to the victims of the terror attackCondemning the attack the US lawmaker said the group behind the attack The Resistance Front TRF was âclearly an offshoot of the LeT an organisation which unfortunately has found sanctuary in PakistanââAnd as the world focuses on Islamabad where the talks are taking place or not taking place or might be taking place we have to use this as an opportunity to demand that the Pakistani government clamp down on the LeT and the JeM and other terrorist group organisations Sherman addedThe digital exhibition showcased major terrorist attacks perpetrated across the world including the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks and the Pahalgam attack It also highlighted the terror outfits which carried out the attacks including several Pakistanbased individuals and entities such as the LeTFollowing the Pahalgam terror attack India launched Operation Sindoor in May last year targeting terror infrastructure in both Pakistan and Pakistanoccupied Kashmir PoK The operation struck locations including the headquarters and training facilities linked to LeT and another terrorist group JaisheMohammad JeM from where attacks against India were orchestratedIndia commemorated Operation Sindoors first anniversary on ThursdayBulut further highlighted that antiHindu persecution in Kashmir dates back to the partition of India She further claimed that during the 1980s Islamic terrorism with alleged backing from Pakistanâs military and the InterServices Intelligence intensified across the Kashmir ValleyShe argued that Islamic terrorism is not merely a regional issue but a global threat Highlighting the persistent threats posed by what she described as Islamisation Bulut said the United States should confront the systematic religious and cultural erasure of nonMuslim communities in the South Asian region IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/islamic-terrorism-unleashed-by-pakistan-not-merely-regional-issue-but-global-threat-report-672995.html Fri, 08 May 2026 19:01:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-holds-wide-ranging-talks-with-top-leadership-in-suriname-to-deepen-bilateral-ties-672774.html Paramaribo May 7 External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar currently on a visit to Suriname held a series of talks with top leadership and other officials of the South American nation to discuss ways to further strengthen the bilateral ties between the two countries As he arrived in Paramaribo on Wednesday local time EAM Jaishankar was warmly welcomed by his counterpart Melvin BouvaBoth leaders later held a bilateral discussion Along with the Indian officials the EAM then met with Surinamese delegations and undertook a comprehensive review of bilateral ties under the aegis of the 9th Joint Commission Meeting in ParamariboFollowing the meeting EAM Jaishankar took to X and posted We covered trade digital amp investment defence amp energy development assistance amp capacity building health amp mobility and culture amp peopletopeople exchanges Confident that the outcomes of our deliberations today will further deepen and diversify our tiesEAM Jaishankar also called on Surinames President Jennifer GeerlingsSimons and discussed shared commitment to enhancing the enduring partnership between the two nationsPleased to call on President Jennifer GeerlingsSimons of Suriname this afternoon Conveyed warm greetings from India to the government and people of Suriname Our two nations are committed to realising the full potential of the deep and longstanding IndiaSuriname relationship EAM posted on XThe EAM also paid homage at the Monument for the Fallen Heroes in Surinames Marienburg commemorating the migrated Indian indentured labourers Girmitya who lost their lives during the fight against colonialism in 1902Their sacrifices in 1902 are an inspiration in the struggle against colonialism These Girmityas fought for dignity and freedom abroad even as countless others did in Bharat Our global story for liberty and justice must always be told and retold he statedHe then interacted with the Indian community in Suriname highlighting Indias ongoing transformation journey He reiterated New Delhis commitment to remaining a dependable development partner in Surinames growthSharing the details of the interaction on his social media platform X on Thursday Indian time EAM Jaishankar said Delighted to interact with the Indian community in Suriname this evening Shared with them various aspects of the transformation underway in India Underlined that we will be a reliable and trusted partner for Surinames growth development and prosperityDuring his visit EAM Jaishankar also paid tribute at the Baba and Mai monument which commemorates the first Indians who came to SurinameHe also paid respect at Mahatma Gandhis statue in central Paramaribo before commencing his bilateral engagements IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-holds-wide-ranging-talks-with-top-leadership-in-suriname-to-deepen-bilateral-ties-672774.html Thu, 07 May 2026 12:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/one-year-on-operation-sindoor-continues-to-shape-indias-security-doctrine-672785.html New Delhi May 7 IANS On the intervening night of May 67 the Indian armed forces carried out Operation Sindoor to avenge the Pahalgam attack in which innocent lives were lost The operation was so precise that it took down major infrastructure both in Pakistan occupied Kashmir PoK and PakistannbspSome of the major infrastructure that was destroyed included the JaisheMohammads headquarters in Bahawalpur and the LashkareTaibas primary training facility in MuridkenbspExperts say that the Indian armed forces fought on multiple fronts While taking down infrastructure the forces were dealing with a flurry of hostage drones that came from Pakistan While taking down terror infrastructure seamlessly every drone that came in from Pakistan was taken down effectivelynbspDuring this operation Pakistan decided to activate its propaganda wings These wings were in overdrive mode on social media spreading false narratives Officials say that this was done with the intention of demoralising the Indian armed forcesnbspThe Indian government however managed to counter every false narrative and ultimately revenge was sought for Pahalgam and the message to Pakistan was delivered While the primary intention was to hit terror infrastructure in Pakistan which has been used for years to carry out strikes in India the Operation also aimed at sending a larger messagenbspThe Indian doctrine changed and the message to Pakistan is that every terror attack will be treated as an act of war It has put Pakistan on the back foot and the country will think ten times before it plots an attack This explains the push for raising homegrown modules in India another official saidnbspDuring Operation Sindoor Pakistan also witnessed the power of the Indian Air Forces Integrated Air Command and Control System IACCS This was instrumental in providing the shield during the operationnbspPakistan sent dozens of drones At first it was just harmless drones that flew in meant to distract Later it was the larger drones and despite trying to confuse and divert them the IACCS managed to take down each onenbspPakistan was not just launching the drones against the Indian armed forces attempts were made multiple times to target civilian territory but they were shot down successfullynbspThe operation also made India realise the importance of upgrading technology for future scenarios Wars would be fought using drones largely and securing the nation against them has become a top priority for the Narendra Modi governmentnbspPost the operation the Government of India approved emergency procurements including replenishing S400 missile stocks drones counterdrone systems Javelin antitank guided missiles loitering munitions and precision munitions Further the IACCS equipment which is at seven sites is being refurbished with new components and equipmentnbspAccording to a request for proposal issued to the defence public sector undertakings by the IAF last week this was needed to mitigate a single point of failure in networked tactical nodes NTN This is critical for the IAFs operations in its air defence networknbspAn official added that Operation Sindoor was a huge success and the slew of diplomatic measures that were taken in its aftermath also had a major impact India suspended trade ties diplomatic relations and placed the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyancenbspAll this conveyed Indias strong stance against Pakistansponsored terrorismnbspOperation Sindoor also set an example of the jointness among the Indian armed forces The experts say that this was not just an operation to hit terror infrastructure It signalled a strategic shift in Indias approach towards national securitynbspPrime Minister Narendra Modi said that Operation Sindoor was a reflection of the nations resolve to ensure justice and securityIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/one-year-on-operation-sindoor-continues-to-shape-indias-security-doctrine-672785.html Thu, 07 May 2026 13:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/rights-flags-surge-in-sexual-violence-cases-in-bangladesh-madrasas-672812.html Dhaka May 7 A leading human rights organisation expressed grave concern over the rising incidents of sexual violence against children in madrasas across Bangladesh Dhakabased rights body Manusher Jonno Foundation MJF called for the immediate establishment of sexual harassment committees in all madrasas across the country in line with the High Courts directives for educational institutionsThe rights body highlighted that the High Court in 2023 directed all educational institutions in Bangladesh to form committees to prevent sexual harassmentCiting a recent case involving the rape and impregnation of an 11yearold student in Madan upazila of Netrokona district the MJF stressed the urgent need for systemic safeguards within these institutionsMadrasas are educational institutions there is no reason for these to stay outside the gambit of the High Court ruling said Shaheen Anam Executive Director of MJFIn its latest finding the Bangladesh Mahila Parishad found that in just the first four months of this year a total of 1028 women and girls have been subjected to various forms of violence including sexual violence The rights body noted that these data reveal an alarming pattern involving girl children with 479 incidents documented between January and AprilAccording to the MJF the case registered in the Netrokona incident alleged that a madrasa teacher had repeatedly abused a child since October The incident came to light on April 18 after a medical examination confirmed that the victim was in an advanced stage of pregnancyAlthough the accused reportedly denied the allegations online he was later detained by Bangladeshs Rapid Action Battalion RABThe right body cited another incident of sexual violence where a madrasa teacher in the Patuakhali district has been jailed over the alleged abuse of a 10yearold studentMJF urged the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure strict punishment of the perpetrator who has reportedly been arrestedDemanding justice for the victims the rights body called for full implementation of Bangladeshs Women and Children Repression Prevention Act 2000 which criminalises brutal acts of violence against women and childrenCases of sexual violence against children within madrassas are usually hushed up as these teachers exert much influence and power over their community It is time to expose these teachers and stop such heinous crimes against children both boys and girls through the implementation of relevant laws and ensuring accountability of concerned officials the MJF statedAsserting that both authorities and society in Bangladesh share equal responsibility for ensuring the safety and protection of children the rights body said that both have failed adequately to uphold that dutyThe MJF urged the government to implement the High Court directive and prioritise the pending Sexual Harassment Law awaiting enactment in parliamentThis demand comes amid growing concern over repeated abuse in madrasa settings raising serious questions about child safety and institutional accountability IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/rights-flags-surge-in-sexual-violence-cases-in-bangladesh-madrasas-672812.html Thu, 07 May 2026 15:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/china-linked-refurbished-electronics-fuel-bangladesh-e-waste-crisis-report-672815.html New Delhi May 7 Bangladesh witnessing a growing electronic waste crisis as rising imports of lowcost and refurbished electronics largely linked to China continue to overwhelm the countryâs weak waste management and regulatory systems a report has said According to a report by Mongabay despite the introduction of the Hazardous Waste EWaste Management Rules in 2021 illegal imports weak enforcement and an expanding informal recycling sector are turning Bangladesh into a potential dumping ground for global electronic waste environmental researchers warnedHighlighting a recent study the report said nearly 14985 tonnes of ewaste were illegally imported into the country between 2022 and 2024 while exports of ewaste components stood at only 4040 metric tonnes effectively making Bangladesh a net importer of electronic wasteThe study estimated the value of imported ewaste materials during the period at around 700000 though researchers cautioned that the actual volume could be significantly higher due to false declarations and underreportingMoreover Bangladeshâs dependence on Chinese electronics imports has sharply increased in recent yearsIn addition Bangladesh Bank BB data showed that the country spent more than 247 billion on imports of electrical appliances and accessories in fiscal year 202425 including nearly 18 billion worth of products from ChinaEnvironmental experts cited in the report said a substantial share of imported refurbished laptops smartphones and spare parts entering local markets have short operational lifespans and quickly become wasteMany imported devices are repaired repackaged and sold as lowcost alternatives after being rejected or returned abroad said Dr Shahriar Hossain senior technical adviser at the Environment and Social Development Organization ESDOThe expert warned that Bangladesh lacks adequate systems to safely manage the growing volume of discarded electronics batteries and solar equipmentThe report highlighted major gaps in enforcement and coordination among customs authorities the Department of Environment and trade regulators allowing illegal imports to continue despite existing regulationsAccording to the report researchers warned that informal recycling operations often involving unsafe dismantling practices and child labour pose serious risks to soil water and public health through exposure to toxic substances such as lead and cadmium IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/china-linked-refurbished-electronics-fuel-bangladesh-e-waste-crisis-report-672815.html Thu, 07 May 2026 15:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/iranian-media-denies-new-us-exchanges-rejects-reports-of-nearing-deal-672713.html Tehran May 7 Iran has said it has not exchanged any new written messages with the United States pushing back against reports that the two sides are close to a onepage agreement to end hostilities The semiofficial Fars news agency called recent media reports fabricated saying they were designed to influence global markets and drive down oil prices rather than reflect the situation on the groundFars citing two unnamed sources said Iran has not yet responded to the latest US message which was delivered through Pakistan Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran is still reviewing the US proposal and will respond after completing its assessment according to the Iranian Students News AgencyLast week Iran sent a 14point counterproposal to Washington through Pakistan in response to a ninepoint US plan outlining conditions for ending the conflict Tehran later confirmed it had received a reply from Washington reports Xinhua news agencyEbrahim Rezaei spokesman for the Iranian parliaments national security and foreign policy committee wrote on X that Axios had published a US wish list rather than reality He said Iran would not accept pressure and warned of a harsh response if attacked or provokedAxios reported that a potential deal could include Iran agreeing to suspend uranium enrichment in exchange for US sanctions relief with both sides easing restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz The duration of any enrichment pause remains under discussion with proposals ranging from five to 20 yearsSeparately Irans Tasnim news agency reported widespread GPS disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz for a third consecutive day with some marine tracking data showing vessels appearing to move on landThe United States and Israel conducted joint strikes on Tehran and other Iranian cities on February 28 killing senior Iranian officials and civilians including thenSupreme Leader Ali Khamenei Iran responded with missile and drone attacks against Israel and US interests in the region and tightened control over the Strait of HormuzA ceasefire took effect on April 8 Talks between the Iranian and US delegations in Islamabad on April 1112 ended without an agreement After negotiations collapsed the US imposed a blockade of the strait IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/iranian-media-denies-new-us-exchanges-rejects-reports-of-nearing-deal-672713.html Thu, 07 May 2026 08:18:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/they-want-to-make-a-deal-badly-trump-says-iran-talks-made-progress-672714.html Washington May 7 US President Donald Trump has said that Washington had made progress in talks with Iran and suggested a possible agreement could emerge soon while insisting that Tehran âcannot have a nuclear weaponâ âThey want to make a deal badlyâ Trump told reporters at the White House on Wednesday Local time âWeâve had very good talks over the last 24 hours and itâs very possible that weâll make a dealâTrump rejected suggestions that Iran remained defiantâWell why do you say they refused to submit You donât know thatâ he told a reporterThe President repeated his longstanding position that Tehran must never acquire nuclear weaponsâThey canât have nuclear weapons itâs very simpleâ Trump saidTrump also claimed Iranâs military infrastructure had been heavily damaged during the conflictâThey had a Navy with 159 ships and now every ship is blown to pieces and lying at the bottom of the waterâ he said âThey had an Air Force lots of planes and they donât have any planesâHe further claimed Iranâs antiaircraft systems radar capabilities and missile stockpiles had been âmostly decimatedââTheir leaders are all dead So I think we wonâ Trump saidAt the same time Trump said diplomacy remained possible and argued Iran would need decades to recover militarily if the conflict stopped nowâIf we left right now Iran it would take them 20 years to rebuildâ he saidTrump declined to set any timeline for negotiationsâNever a deadlineâ he said when asked if he expected a deadline for a deal with Tehran âItâll happenâThe President also defended the economic consequences of the conflict saying US financial markets had remained resilient despite fears of a severe oil shockâI thought oil prices would go to 200 250â Trump said âItâs at 100 nowâTrump said he had expected US markets to fall sharply during the conflict but instead claimed the stock market had reached new highsâThe stock market is higher now than when we started this warâ he saidTrump also referred to renewed interest by major US energy firms in Venezuela mentioning discussions with ExxonMobil and Chevron executives at the White HouseOn the other hand Iran said Wednesday it has not exchanged any new written messages with the United States pushing back against reports that the two sides are close to a onepage agreement to end hostilitiesThe semiofficial Fars news agency called recent media reports fabricated saying they were designed to influence global markets and drive down oil prices rather than reflect the situation on the groundFars citing two unnamed sources said Iran has not yet responded to the latest US message which was delivered through Pakistan Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran is still reviewing the US proposal and will respond after completing its assessment according to the Iranian Students News Agency IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/they-want-to-make-a-deal-badly-trump-says-iran-talks-made-progress-672714.html Thu, 07 May 2026 08:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/macron-urges-instant-reopening-of-hormuz-strait-672715.html Paris May 7 French President Emmanuel Macron has called for all parties to lift the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz without delay and without conditions after a telephone talk with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian We must return permanently to the regime of full freedom of navigation that prevailed before the conflict Macron said on social media platform X on Wednesday evening local time adding that the future multinational escort mission launched by France and Britain will contribute to the goalThis FrancoBritish initiative will by its nature be separate from the warring parties The prepositioning of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle is part of this effort he said calling on Iran to seize the opportunityHe also voiced his intention to discuss the matter with US President Donald Trump reports Xinhua news agencyThe French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle is currently heading toward the southern Red Sea to reduce the time required to implement the FrancoBritish initiative as soon as circumstances permit according to a press release issued Wednesday by the French defence ministryThis initiative to restore navigation in the Strait of Hormuz which would not be implemented as long as the USIranian hostilities continue has brought together more than forty nations according to the press release Additionally Macron held talks with Irans President Masoud Pezeshkian The Iranian President has said the country is ready to pursue diplomatic paths to end the war with the United States and Israel while insisting on safeguarding the Iranian nations rightsPezeshkian expressed deep distrust of the United States citing recent hostile actions including two attacks on Iran during bilateral talks which he described as stabbing Iran in the back according to a statement published on the website of his officeThe phone conversation came as Axios reported earlier in the day that the United States and Iran are closing in on a onepage memo to end their war reports Xinhua news agencyIt said a potential deal would involve Iran committing to a moratorium on nuclear enrichment and the United States agreeing to lift sanctions with both sides lifting restrictions on transit through the Strait of HormuzIran the United States and Israel reached the ceasefire on April 8 after 40 days of fighting that started with the US and Israeli attacks on Feb 28Following the truce Iran and the United States held one round of peace talks in Pakistans capital Islamabad on April 11 and 12 which failed to lead to an agreementOver the past weeks the two sides have exchanged a number of proposed plans to end the war with the latest one currently being reviewed by Iran IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/macron-urges-instant-reopening-of-hormuz-strait-672715.html Thu, 07 May 2026 08:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/americas-strength-lies-in-mothers-melania-trump-honours-military-families-672721.html Washington May 7 First Lady Melania Trump honoured military mothers at the White House ahead of Motherâs Day praising their sacrifices during what she described as âa time of military conflict for Americaâ Speaking at a White House event attended by military families on Wednesday local time administration officials and service members Melania Trump paid tribute to mothers of troops serving overseas and those who lost children in uniformâI often think about the brave people who make the ultimate sacrifice for our freedomâ she saidMelania Trump recalled visiting Dover Air Force Base last March to honour members of the 103rd Sustainment Command killed at Port Shuaiba in Kuwait while supporting Operation Epic FuryâWhen I went to honour the fallen servicemembers from the 103rd Sustainment Command at Dover Air Force Base last March I realised that words cannot comfort the allconsuming grief that family members and mothers in particular experienceâ she said âTheir loss is overwhelmingâThe First Lady said military mothers often endure loneliness and fear while loved ones serve abroadâIt is these military mothers who find themselves alone awake in their thoughts in the darkest hours of the nightâ she said âOf course we must also remember the mothers with a spouse overseas praying for a safe return so their family can become whole once againâShe described mothers as the âmoral foundationâ of American familiesâAt the very heart of Americaâs strength lies the boundless love and quiet power of mothersâ Mrs Trump said âIn doing so Americaâs mothers help build the soul of our nationâMelania Trump also praised President Donald Trump saying he never forgets that âevery American soldier is someoneâs childâVice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance attended the event along with senior administration officials and military familiesPresident Trump in his remarks praised military mothers and spoke about ongoing tensions involving IranâWeâre doing very well in Iranâ Trump said âThey want to make a deal They want to negotiateâThe President said the US military was stronger than ever and praised the Navyâs role in regional operationsâThe blockade is unbelievableâ Trump said âItâs like a wall of steelâTrump also highlighted the story of Melody Wolfe whose son Andrew Wolfe a member of the West Virginia National Guard survived a shooting while on patrol in Washington last yearâNobody thought our boy would make itâ Wolfe told the audience âWe have a strong faith in God and God is what brought our son through thisâTrump called the recovery âa miracleâ and praised Wolfeâs faith during her sonâs treatment IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/americas-strength-lies-in-mothers-melania-trump-honours-military-families-672721.html Thu, 07 May 2026 08:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/one-year-on-operation-sindoor-continues-to-shape-indias-security-doctrine-672723.html New Delhi May 7 On the intervening night of May 67 the Indian armed forces carried out Operation Sindoor to avenge the Pahalgam attack in which innocent lives were lost The operation was so precise that it took down major infrastructure both in Pakistan occupied Kashmir PoK and Pakistan Some of the major infrastructure that was destroyed included the JaisheMohammadâs headquarters in Bahawalpur and the LashkareTaibaâs primary training facility in Muridke Experts say that the Indian armed forces fought on multiple fronts While taking down infrastructure the forces were dealing with a flurry of hostage drones that came from Pakistan While taking down terror infrastructure seamlessly every drone that came in from Pakistan was taken down effectively During this operation Pakistan decided to activate its propaganda wings These wings were in overdrive mode on social media spreading false narratives Officials say that this was done with the intention of demoralising the Indian armed forces The Indian government however managed to counter every false narrative and ultimately revenge was sought for Pahalgam and the message to Pakistan was delivered While the primary intention was to hit terror infrastructure in Pakistan which has been used for years to carry out strikes in India the Operation also aimed at sending a larger message The Indian doctrine changed and the message to Pakistan is that every terror attack will be treated as an act of war It has put Pakistan on the back foot and the country will think ten times before it plots an attack This explains the push for raising homegrown modules in India another official said During Operation Sindoor Pakistan also witnessed the power of the Indian Air Forceâs Integrated Air Command and Control System IACCS This was instrumental in providing the shield during the operation Pakistan sent dozens of drones At first it was just harmless drones that flew in meant to distract Later it was the larger drones and despite trying to confuse and divert them the IACCS managed to take down each one Pakistan was not just launching the drones against the Indian armed forces attempts were made multiple times to target civilian territory but they were shot down successfully The operation also made India realise the importance of upgrading technology for future scenarios Wars would be fought using drones largely and securing the nation against them has become a top priority for the Narendra Modi government Post the operation the Government of India approved emergency procurements including replenishing S400 missile stocks drones counterdrone systems Javelin antitank guided missiles loitering munitions and precision munitions Further the IACCS equipment which is at seven sites is being refurbished with new components and equipment According to a request for proposal issued to the defence public sector undertakings by the IAF last week this was needed to mitigate a single point of failure in networked tactical nodes NTN This is critical for the IAFâs operations in its air defence network An official added that Operation Sindoor was a huge success and the slew of diplomatic measures that were taken in its aftermath also had a major impact India suspended trade ties diplomatic relations and placed the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance All this conveyed Indiaâs strong stance against Pakistansponsored terrorism Operation Sindoor also set an example of the jointness among the Indian armed forces The experts say that this was not just an operation to hit terror infrastructure It signalled a strategic shift in Indiaâs approach towards national security Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Operation Sindoor was a reflection of the nationâs resolve to ensure justice and security IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/one-year-on-operation-sindoor-continues-to-shape-indias-security-doctrine-672723.html Thu, 07 May 2026 09:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/russia-urges-evacuation-from-kyiv-in-note-to-foreign-diplomatic-missions-672725.html MoscowKyiv May 7 The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said it had sent a note to all foreign diplomatic missions and international organisations accredited with the ministry urging them to ensure the evacuation of personnel from Kyiv According to the statement the note referenced a warning on Monday by the Russian Defence Ministry about threats from the Ukrainian authorities to carry out attacks on Moscow during Victory Day celebrationsThe Russian Foreign Ministry called on governments and organisations to take the warning with maximum responsibility and ensure the timely evacuation of their staff and citizens from Kyiv given the inevitability of a retaliatory strike by the Russian forces against Kyiv if Ukraine interrupts the celebrations reports Xinhua news agencyThe ministry said Russian diplomatic missions abroad were also informing the countries of accreditation and international organisations of the situationOn Monday the Russian Defence Ministry warned that any attempts to disrupt the celebrations marking the 81st anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War would trigger a massive missile strike on central KyivVictory Day observed annually on May 9 to mark the Soviet Unions victory in the Great Patriotic War is one of Russias most important national holidays The Kremlin said in late April that a military parade would still be held in Red Square without military equipment because of security concernsMeanwhile Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Wednesday that Russia continues its military operations despite Ukraines proposal for a ceasefire and warned that Kyiv will respond in kindRussia has not stopped any of its military activity Unfortunately it has not ceased Ukraine will respond in a reciprocal manner Zelensky wrote on TelegramHe noted that Russia attacked seven Ukrainian regions on Wednesday despite a Kyivproposed ceasefire that took effect at midnightDepending on the situation tonight and tomorrow we will also decide on our fully fair response Zelensky saidHe emphasised that Ukraine remains committed to working for peace and seeks to end the conflict with dignityAlso on Monday Zelensky said Ukraine would implement a ceasefire with Russia starting Wednesday IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/russia-urges-evacuation-from-kyiv-in-note-to-foreign-diplomatic-missions-672725.html Thu, 07 May 2026 09:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/republican-lawmakers-from-texas-seek-h-1b-fraud-probe-672726.html Washington May 7 Republican lawmakers from Texas have urged the Trump administration to launch a coordinated federal investigation into alleged H1B visa fraud in North Texas arguing that abuse of the programme is harming American workers and undermining confidence in the US immigration system In a letter sent to Vice President JD Vance Secretary of State Marco Rubio Acting Secretary Keith Sonderling and Secretary Mullin four Texas Members of Congress called for an interagency probe into what they described as âreported H1B fraud activities in North TexasâThe letter was led by Representative Beth Van Duyne of Texas and signed by Representatives Pat Fallon Ronny Jackson and Brandon GillThe lawmakers said the alleged activities were concentrated in the DallasFort Worth region including Collin Dallas Denton and Tarrant countiesâThe concentration of these activities in North Texas a major economic hub for our nation raises additional concerns about localised exploitation of the systemâ the lawmakers wroteâWhen bad actors are able to manipulate visa pathways at scale it distorts local labour markets suppresses wages and erodes trust in lawful immigration processesâ they saidVan Duyne said recent investigative reporting by independent journalists had exposed what she called âflagrant abuseâ of the H1B visa programme in North TexasâIâm thankful for my fellow North Texas Members in joining me to urge the Administration to take immediate action to investigate and prosecute these egregious violations of our immigration lawsâ she said in a statement released MondayVan Duyne compared the alleged abuses to other fraud investigations previously uncovered in different parts of the countryâMuch like we saw with the Nick Shirley investigative journalism which exposed Somali welfare fraud in Minnesota and rampant hospice fraud in Los Angeles California North Texas independent journalists have repeatedly uncovered flagrant abuse of the H1B visa programme concentrated in the DallasFort Worth areaâ she saidâH1B visa abuse is an affront to our country it harms American workers depresses wages leaves graduating university students without job prospects in their area of study and it must be stamped out for economic and national security reasonsâ Van Duyne addedThe lawmakers also pointed to earlier actions by Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton who launched separate investigations this year into alleged H1B abuse and labour displacement practicesAccording to the press release state officials cited instances in which companies allegedly dismissed qualified Texas workers and replaced them with lowerwage H1B employees The release also referred to accusations involving sham companies allegedly operating from residential addresses or unfinished buildingsThe Members of Congress asked federal agencies to conduct a âcoordinated interagency investigationâ into employers thirdparty agents and associated entities linked to the alleged fraudThey also urged the administration to review current H1B adjudication and verification procedures to identify weaknesses that may allow fraudulent job offers wage misrepresentation or improper labour condition applicationsThe lawmakers further called for stronger enforcement measures including increased audits of H1B sponsors and harsher penalties for entities found engaging in fraudulent or deceptive practicesTheir recommendations also included better coordination between the Departments of Homeland Security Labour and State to enable realtime verification of employment legitimacy and visa compliance IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/republican-lawmakers-from-texas-seek-h-1b-fraud-probe-672726.html Thu, 07 May 2026 09:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-american-expert-ashley-tellis-espionage-case-dismissed-by-us-judge-672732.html Washington May 7 A federal judge in Virginia has dismissed without prejudice an Espionage Act case against IndianAmerican strategic affairs scholar Ashley J Tellis ruling in favour of a defence argument that prosecutors used the wrong statutory provision in charging him with unlawful retention of classified documents US District Judge Michael S Nachmanoff granted Tellisâ motion to dismiss on April 16 after hearing arguments from both sides in Alexandria Virginia The brief court order said the motion was âGRANTEDâ and that the case was âDISMISSED WITHOUT PREJUDICEâTellis a wellknown scholar of international security and US foreign policy had been charged under Section 793e of the Espionage Act with wilful retention of national defence information Prosecutors alleged he removed and stored classified documents at his residence while serving in senior positions linked to the US State Department and the Department of WarThe superseding indictment accused Tellis of retaining 11 classified documents containing national defence information The government alleged that he âexploited his access to classified information related to the national defence by secreting NDI from his secure workplaces and storing said NDI at his personal residence in hard copy and digital formâBut Tellisâ legal team argued that the government charged him under the wrong subsection of the Espionage Act In a detailed filing his lawyers said Section 793e applies only to people in âunauthorised possessionâ of classified information while the indictment itself acknowledged that Tellis held a highlevel security clearance and had been âentrustedâ with access to sensitive materialThe defence argued that Tellis âwas entrusted with the relevant documentsâ and therefore could not legally fall under the subsection prosecutors choseHis lawyers also noted that the government had not accused him of disseminating classified information or accessing files beyond his clearance authorityThe filing said prosecutors could have pursued other statutes including Section 793d or Section 1924 which deals with unauthorised removal and retention of classified material by government employees but âdeliberately chose to limit its indictment to the wrong provisionâFederal prosecutors had opposed attempts to relax Tellisâ strict bail conditions earlier in the case In one filing the government argued that Tellis remained both a flight risk and a danger to national security because he allegedly possessed âtens of thousands of pages of classified material including over 1000 pages of hardcopy TOP SECRET materialâThe government also alleged that some material involved information related to Chinaâs nuclear and military capabilities and said Tellis retained âdecadesâ worth of sensitive national defence information in his headâAfter the dismissal order Tellis filed an unopposed motion seeking release of his secured bond which prosecutors did not contest A separate court order later directed the government to respond to Tellisâ motion seeking the return of property seized during the investigationThe case drew attention in Washingtonâs national security and strategic affairs circles because of Tellisâ long career advising the US government on defence and IndoPacific policyCases involving alleged mishandling of classified information have intensified in recent years amid broader scrutiny of retention of sensitive national security material by current and former government officials IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-american-expert-ashley-tellis-espionage-case-dismissed-by-us-judge-672732.html Thu, 07 May 2026 09:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-lawmakers-warn-trump-on-chinese-ev-push-672735.html Washington May 7 More than 50 Republican lawmakers have urged the Trump administration to block Chinese automotive and battery companies from manufacturing in the United States arguing that such a move would threaten American jobs supply chains and national security In a letter led by Representatives Mike Kelly and Gus Bilirakis the lawmakers asked Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to reject any effort by Chinese firms to establish vehicle and battery manufacturing facilities in the US or wider North American marketThe letter comes ahead of an expected meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on trade issuesâWe must be cleareyed about Chinaâs goals in expanding its automotive footprint across the globe Chinaâs intent is not fair competition as evident by their actions in other critical sectorsâ the lawmakers wroteThe lawmakers said the US automotive industry contributes more than 5 per cent of the countryâs GDP and supports millions of manufacturing jobs They warned that heavily subsidised Chinese companies could use ânonmarket tacticsâ to gain control over global automotive supply chainsâIf Chinese automotive companies were granted access to manufacture and sell vehicles and batteries in the US we risk decimating US manufacturing eroding global market share for US auto companies and leaving consumers and businesses exposed to serious cybersecurity and surveillance threatsâ the letter saidThe lawmakers accused China of artificially inflating production through government subsidies and pushing companies to export vehicles at belowmarket pricesâChinaâs goal is not to compete in the US automotive market but instead to hollow it out and ultimately limit consumer choice to Chinese brandsâ they wroteThe letter also raised concerns over data security and connected vehicle technology According to the lawmakers Chinesemade vehicles could collect and transmit sensitive information from US citizens and infrastructureâFurthermore the technology in todayâs vehicles could allow for remote access and potentially give Chinese actors control of these vehicles operating on American roadsâ the lawmakers saidThe group urged the administration to maintain existing restrictions including the Commerce Departmentâs connected vehicle rule and Section 301 tariffs on Chinese electric vehiclesThe lawmakers also linked the issue to the upcoming review of the United StatesMexicoCanada Agreement USMCA They said Chinese stateowned enterprises were attempting to exploit North American trade frameworks to bypass US economic security measuresâEstablishing a formal foreign investment screening mechanism would help close this backdoor protect the agreementâs integrity and prevent further erosion of the US manufacturing baseâ the letter saidThe letter was signed by more than 50 House Republicans including lawmakers from Michigan Ohio Pennsylvania Texas and Florida states with strong automotive or manufacturing interestsChinese electric vehicle makers have rapidly expanded exports in recent years supported by largescale state subsidies and aggressive overseas investment The rise of Chinese EV companies has triggered trade and security debates in the US and Europe with governments increasingly scrutinising supply chains tied to batteries semiconductors and connected vehicle technologies IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-lawmakers-warn-trump-on-chinese-ev-push-672735.html Thu, 07 May 2026 09:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-forces-strike-iranian-flagged-unladen-oil-tanker-672739.html Washington May 7 US forces struck and disabled an Iranianflagged unladen oil tanker sailing toward an Iranian port the US Central Command said on X The strike took place at 9 am US Eastern Time on Wednesday when the targeted vessel Hasna was transiting international waters en route to an Iranian port on the Gulf of Oman said the command in a statementAfter Hasnas crew failed to comply with repeated warnings US forces disabled the tankers rudder by firing several rounds from the 20mm cannon gun of a US Navy FA18 Super Hornet launched from USS Abraham Lincoln CVN 72 the statement readHasna is no longer transiting to Iran it addedThe US blockade against ships attempting to enter or depart Iranian ports remains in full effect said the commandOne day earlier US President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he has halted Pentagons mission to guide commercial vessels out of the Strait of Hormuz while maintaining its blockade of Iranian ports in full force and effect reports Xinhua news agencyMeanwhile Trump has claimed Iranâs military infrastructure had been heavily damaged during the conflictâThey had a Navy with 159 ships and now every ship is blown to pieces and lying at the bottom of the waterâ he said âThey had an Air Force lots of planes and they donât have any planesâHe further claimed Iranâs antiaircraft systems radar capabilities and missile stockpiles had been âmostly decimatedââTheir leaders are all dead So I think we wonâ Trump saidâThey want to make a deal badlyâ Trump told reporters at the White House on Wednesday Local time âWeâve had very good talks over the last 24 hours and itâs very possible that weâll make a dealâTrump rejected suggestions that Iran remained defiantâWell why do you say they refused to submit You donât know thatâ he told a reporterThe President repeated his longstanding position that Tehran must never acquire nuclear weaponsâThey canât have nuclear weapons itâs very simpleâ Trump said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-forces-strike-iranian-flagged-unladen-oil-tanker-672739.html Thu, 07 May 2026 09:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/fake-labels-push-risky-chinese-goods-us-672759.html Washington May 7 The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has launched a nationwide crackdown on fake safety labels and counterfeit certification marks allegedly being used to push dangerous foreignmade products into American homes with a particular focus on products linked to China The federal agency on Wednesday local time announced a new enforcement initiative targeting companies and sellers accused of using counterfeit safety certifications to evade US consumer protection laws deceive buyers and undercut legitimate American businessesâFake safety labels are being used to push dangerous products into American homes while evading US law and undercutting honest businessesâ CPSC Acting Chairman Peter A Feldman said in a statementâWe will hold accountable those who cheat the system and put American families at riskâ Feldman addedThe Commission said many of the products under scrutiny originate overseas including from manufacturers operating in the Peopleâs Republic of ChinaAccording to the agency counterfeit certification marks are increasingly being used to bypass US safety requirements and move hazardous products through ecommerce platforms and other trade channelsThe crackdown comes as US regulators face growing concerns over the volume of imported consumer goods entering the country through online marketplacesAs part of the effort the CPSC has issued a formal request for information seeking public input on the scale and impact of fake consumer safety labels The agency said comments must be submitted within 60 days after publication in the Federal RegisterThe Commission is asking businesses consumer groups testing laboratories and consumers to provide information on the prevalence of counterfeit safety labels in retail and online stores the safety risks posed by such products methods used to detect fake markings and the broader economic impact on consumers and compliant businessesThe agency also wants recommendations on actions it can take under existing federal authoritiesUnder US law it is illegal to sell distribute or import consumer products carrying counterfeit certification marksThe Commission said information gathered through the public consultation process would help determine whether additional enforcement policy or regulatory measures are neededOfficials are also examining whether fake safety labels are part of wider schemes involving falsified testing documents deceptive import practices and coordinated attempts to bypass US consumer safety requirementsThe latest action builds on a broader CPSC campaign targeting unsafe imported products and tightening oversight of testing and certification systemsEarlier this year the agency withdrew accreditation from four Chinabased testing laboratories after identifying what it described as unreliable and falsified test results that could have allowed hazardous products into the American marketThe Commission has also recently taken action against imported products including leadleaching faucets dangerous electrical appliances and counterfeit toys that posed choking hazards IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/fake-labels-push-risky-chinese-goods-us-672759.html Thu, 07 May 2026 11:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-seeks-un-action-over-hormuz-threat-672532.html Washington May 6 The United States has proposed a UN Security Council resolution accusing Iran of threatening global shipping and destabilising one of the worlds most critical energy routes the Strait of Hormuz US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday that the Trump administration working with key Gulf allies had drafted the resolution to defend freedom of navigation in the strategic waterway through which a major share of global oil shipments passesThe Islamic Republic of Iran continues to hold the worlds economy hostage with its efforts to close the Strait of Hormuz threats to attack ships in the Strait laying of sea mines that pose a danger to shipping and attempts to charge tolls for the worlds most important waterway Rubio said in a US State Department statementThe proposal comes amid growing tensions in the Gulf region and renewed concerns over disruptions to global trade and energy suppliesThe Secretary of State said the draft resolution was prepared at President Trumps direction alongside Bahrain and Gulf partners Saudi Arabia the United Arab Emirates Kuwait and QatarAccording to the US State Department the resolution requires Iran to cease attacks mining and tolling in the Strait of HormuzIt also demands that Tehran disclose the number and location of the sea mines it has laid and cooperate with efforts to remove themThe draft further supports the establishment of a humanitarian corridor though the statement did not provide details on how such a corridor would operateThe United States looks forward to this resolution being voted on in the coming days and to receiving support from Security Council members and a broad base of cosponsors Rubio saidThe Strait of Hormuz is one of the worlds most strategically important maritime passages linking Gulf oil producers to global markets through the Arabian SeaAny disruption in the narrow shipping lane can rapidly affect crude prices shipping costs and international supply chainsThe UN Security Council has debated maritime security issues linked to Iran several times in recent years though divisions among major powers including China and Russia have often complicated efforts to pass coordinated measures targeting TehranChina one of the worlds largest importers of Gulf energy supplies closely monitors developments in the Strait of Hormuz because of its importance to global oil flows and trade routes IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-seeks-un-action-over-hormuz-threat-672532.html Wed, 06 May 2026 08:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-multi-party-delegation-in-taiwan-for-six-day-visit-till-may-9-672533.html Taipei May 6 A crossparty delegation of Indian political leaders arrived in Taiwan for a sixday visit till May 9 at the invitation of the Taiwan government the Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said The delegation includes new generation political leaders from major Indian political parties such as the Bharatiya Janata Party BJP the National Peoples Party NPP Congress and the Shiv SenaUBT the Ministry said on TuesdayThe Ministry expressed its sincere welcome to the delegation and added that during their stay in Taiwan the delegation will visit relevant government agencies and participate in related eventsThe Ministry said that it hopes the guests gain a better understanding of Taiwans current developments in areas such as democracy human rights economy and technology as well as education and culture and to further deepen friendly ties with TaiwanIndia is an important likeminded and friendly country in the IndoPacific region Under the comprehensive diplomacy policy the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to expand exchanges with India in various fields steadily enhance bilateral relations and jointly contribute to the peace stability and prosperity of the IndoPacific region the Ministry addedMeanwhile Taiwan news reported that the delegations visit comes as India and Taiwan are in the process of finalising a labour deal Under which Taiwan would accept 1000 Indian migrant workersIt also added that Labour Minister Hung Shenhan said the plan could proceed as early as this year depending on demand from Taiwanese businesses and whether Indias implementation plan meets Taiwans regulatory standardsIn March 2026 the Taiwan Foreign Ministry said that Taiwan and India completed the signing of an MoU on labour force cooperation on February 16 this yearIt added that this accord will bolster peopletopeople exchanges between the two countries and help alleviate labour shortages in Taiwans industriesThe statement also highlighted that Taiwan will spare no effort in advancing cultural exchanges and mutual understanding between the two countries with the aim of further elevating cooperation and partnership between Taiwan and India IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-multi-party-delegation-in-taiwan-for-six-day-visit-till-may-9-672533.html Wed, 06 May 2026 08:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-presses-china-over-iran-support-672542.html Washington May 6 US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stepped up pressure on China and Russia over the Strait of Hormuz crisis warning that countries helping Iran evade sanctions could face economic consequences from the United States Speaking during a White House briefing Rubio said the Trump administration was preparing a renewed push at the United Nations while also warning Beijing that its economic interests were being harmed by Iranâs actions in the GulfâWeâre going to the UNâ Rubio said âWeâre going to give it another chance to be a forum in which weâre not even asking people to commit troops to the regionâThe administration is seeking international condemnation of Iran over attacks on commercial shipping and the mining of international waters in the Strait of HormuzâAll weâre asking them to do is to condemn it to call on Iran to stop blowing ships to remove these mines and to allow humanitarian relief to come throughâ Rubio saidRubio acknowledged that a similar UN effort had previously faced resistance from China and RussiaâWeâve made some slight adjustments to the languageâ he said âI donât know if itâll avoid a veto or notâThe secretary of state described the crisis as a test of the credibility of the United Nations systemâWhat is the purpose of the UNâ Rubio asked âThe UN was supposed to be a place where you could peacefully resolve global conflictâRubio repeatedly accused Iran of unlawfully trying to control one of the worldâs most important shipping corridorsâThese guys are bombing commercial vesselsâ Rubio said âTheyâre not bombing naval vessels theyâre bombing commercial tankersâThe Trump administration has increasingly focused on Chinaâs economic relationship with Iran as Washington expands sanctions enforcementRubio warned that foreign financial institutions and companies helping Tehran bypass sanctions could face secondary sanctions and loss of access to the US financial systemâWeâre serious about our sanctionsâ Rubio said âA cost needs to be imposed on Iran for what they are doingâAsked specifically whether Chinese banks could face penalties Rubio declined to announce specific measures but indicated Treasury officials were actively examining enforcement optionsâIf you ignore our sanctions youâre going to face secondary sanctionsâ Rubio saidRubio also addressed the growing relationship between Beijing and Tehran following a recent visit by Iranâs foreign minister to ChinaâI hope the Chinese tell him what he needs to be toldâ Rubio said âThat what you were doing in the straits is causing you to be globally isolatedâThe secretary of state argued that Chinaâs exportdriven economy would also suffer if instability in the Strait of Hormuz disrupted global trade flowsâChina is an exportdriven economyâ Rubio said âWell you canât buy from them if you canât ship it there and you canât buy from them if your economy is being destroyed by what Iran is doingâRubio said it was in Chinaâs own interest to pressure Tehran to reopen the Strait and halt attacks on shippingâIt is in Chinaâs interest that Iran stop closing the straitsâ he said âItâs harming China as wellâThe briefing also touched on broader USChina tensions ahead of President Donald Trumpâs upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi JinpingRubio said Taiwan would likely remain a topic of discussion between the two leadersâI think both countries understand that it is neither one of our interests to see anything destabilise happen in that part of the worldâ Rubio said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-presses-china-over-iran-support-672542.html Wed, 06 May 2026 09:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-worlds-top-receiver-of-remittances-from-workers-overseas-672543.html United Nations May 6 India is the worldâs top receiver of remittances from workers overseas getting 1377 billion in 2024 up from 832billion in 2020 according to the International Organisation for Migration IOM Overall the IOMâs International Migration Report for 2026 released here on Tuesday said the US is the top source of remittances to all countries sending out 1032 billion followed by Saudi Arabia a distant second with 466 billionThe report said that South Asia was expected to have the highest growth in remittances at 118 per cent in 2024The worldâs fifthlargest âmigration corridorâ or the direction of migration is from India to the United Arab Emirates UAE and is made up mainly of migrant workers it saidIt said that there were more than 3 million Indians there the top nationality in the UAE A previous report gave a more precise number 347 million in 2020The India to US migration came next with about 32 million Indian migrants living there in 2024 making up the second largest foreignborn group after MexicansâThe number of international migrants from India has increased continuously and significantly over the last several decades with many arriving in the United States as highly skilled workers or international studentsâ the IOM saidIn Oceania the second largest migrant route was from India to Australia with about 876000 Indians thereOn the contribution of migrants to their home countries it said âBy acquiring knowledge about advanced technology capital and professional contacts they drive direct investment favour home country entities in outsourcing contracts and promote tourism collectively strengthening bilateral economic linkages and developmentââThe Indian diaspora has been instrumental in the expansion of Indiaâs technology sectorâ the report saidOn the political front it said âThe Indian diaspora in the United States particularly through organisations like the United StatesâIndia Political Action Committee USINPAC has influenced United StatesâIndia relationsââIndianAmericans have played a role in strengthening bilateral trade agreements defence cooperation and visa policies that benefit both countriesâ it addedNew Delhi has been reaching out to its migrants to involve them in their homeland it saidâIndiaâs brain gain efforts include annual diaspora conventions and innovation hubs to entice Indian scientists and entrepreneurs back or to mentor startups remotelyâ it saidThe report spoke of the investment opportunities countries offer their migrants through vehicles like diaspora bonds that give higher rates of returns and reinforce their âsentiments of patriotismâIndia raised over 10 billion through such bonds it saidWhile India does not have a specific disapora bond New Delhi encourages nonresident Indians to invest in a variety of government and public and private sector bondsCountries with dedicated diaspora policies see significantly higher remittance inflows and diaspora investments than those withoutâ it addedIndia ranked second for students abroad with over 620000 the report saidâWhen graduates return home it said âthey can spur innovation improve industry practices and contribute to economic and social developmentâThe report emphasised the need for overcoming âmobility inequalitiesâ through âgeographic freemovement arrangements â for âsafe orderly and regular migration globallyâAsked at the news conference to release the report about recent agreements India made with the European Union Britain Germany New Zealand and the European Union that cover labour movement IOM Spokesperson Zoe Brennan declined to comment IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-worlds-top-receiver-of-remittances-from-workers-overseas-672543.html Wed, 06 May 2026 09:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-administration-urged-to-reverse-russia-oil-waiver-672544.html Washington May 6 A group of US senators has accused the Trump administration of handing Russian President Vladimir Putin a financial windfall by pausing sanctions on Russian oil exports during a global energy crisis In a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent 13 top Democratic senators urged the Trump administration to immediately restore sanctions on Russian oil deliveries and intensify efforts to curb Moscowâs energy revenues amid the ongoing Ukraine warâWe urge the Trump Administration to resume the Russia oil sanctions your Department recently paused by issuing and then extending a General License on deliveries of Russian oilâ the senators wroteâWe also urge the Administration and your Department to take immediate additional steps to limit the windfall profits Russia and its intermediaries continue to earn due to elevated energy prices stemming from President Trumpâs unauthorized war with IranâThe letter was led by Senator Michael Bennet and signed by Senators Adam Schiff Alex Padilla Elizabeth Warren Tammy Baldwin Richard Blumenthal Jeff Merkley Raphael Warnock and othersThe lawmakers argued that the administration underestimated the impact of the Iran conflict on global energy markets especially the risk to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz a critical route for global oil and gas suppliesâDespite warnings from US government and outside experts the Trump Administration failed to anticipate or plan for the likelihood that an openended war with Iran would spike global energy pricesâ the senators wrote They noted that nearly 20 per cent of the worldâs oil and gas passes through the Strait of HormuzAccording to the senators higher oil prices have directly benefited MoscowâThe Presidentâs selfmade global energy crisis has predictably increased average national gasoline prices by over 85 cents a gallon and also raised the price of Russian oil risking the replenishment of funding for Putinâs war machineâ the letter said âEstimates suggest that Russiaâs oil revenue has doubled in AprilâThe senators also criticised the administrationâs March decision to temporarily ease restrictions on Russian oil cargoes already at sea They said the move weakened international pressure on Moscow without significantly lowering fuel prices in the United StatesâPausing these sanctions has had and will continue to have at best a limited effect on domestic gasoline costs or global oil pricesâ the lawmakers wrote âDoing so instead removed the stigma that had been driving discounted prices for Russian oil and allowed Russia to sell or resell cargoes to buyers now willing to pay higher pricesâThe letter also accused the administration of quietly extending the waiver despite earlier public statements suggesting it would not be renewedâWhen the initial sanctions pause expired after 30 days you stated publicly that the Administration would not seek further extensionâ the senators wrote âDespite this just days later in late April the Administration extended the pause for another 30day period without explanation on the reversal of policyâThe lawmakers warned that easing sanctions while reducing pressure on Russiaâs oil networks and âshadow fleetâ vessels could embolden Moscow and undermine US alliesâFailure to put more pressure on the Kremlin â would embolden Putin to continue waging his war against Ukraine aiding Iranâs attacks on US troops and threatening our NATO alliesâ the letter said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-administration-urged-to-reverse-russia-oil-waiver-672544.html Wed, 06 May 2026 09:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/rubio-warns-iran-of-total-defeat-672546.html Washington May 6 US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Iran it faced âeconomic collapseâ and âtotal defeatâ unless it abandoned efforts to control the Strait of Hormuz and agreed to a diplomatic solution over its nuclear programme At a White House briefing Rubio said the Trump administration was intensifying military economic and diplomatic pressure on Tehran following weeks of escalating tensions in the Persian GulfâThe time has come for Iran to make a sensible choiceâ Rubio said âThe alternative is growing isolation economic collapse and ultimately total defeatâRubio accused Iran of illegally mining international waters targeting commercial ships and threatening one of the worldâs most critical shipping lanesHe said the US military operation known as âProject Freedomâ was designed to restore freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz while broader sanctions continued to weaken Iranâs economyâThe blockade alone is costing Iran as much as 500 million a day in lost revenueâ Rubio said âNinety per cent of total Iranian trade has been haltedâThe secretary of state said Washington was prepared to continue increasing pressure unless Tehran returned to negotiations over its nuclear activitiesâThe president our president has proven time and again that his preference is peaceâ Rubio said âBut Iran must accept the reality of this situation and come to the negotiation tableâRubio repeatedly argued that Iran could not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons saying Tehranâs actions in the Strait demonstrated the danger it would pose if armed with nuclear capabilityâA nuclear armed Iran could do whatever the hell they want with the Straitsâ Rubio said âThatâs the world none of us want to leave behindâHe said Iran had long insisted it did not seek nuclear weapons while simultaneously pursuing activities consistent with military nuclear developmentâThey innovate and try to innovate longrange delivery missilesâ Rubio said âThey build these large underground centrifuges for enrichment activityâRubio also pointed to Iranâs stockpile of highly enriched uraniumâWe know for a fact that they retain highly enriched uranium at 60 per cent that they did so and that has no civilian useâ he saidThe secretary of state said diplomacy remained possible but warned that the US would continue using military and economic leverage while talks proceededâIf thereâs a real diplomatic path we continue to explore itâ Rubio said âThe diplomatic path could lead them to reconstruction to prosperity and to stabilityâAt the same time Rubio said recent US military operations had severely weakened Iranâs military capabilitiesâThey donât have a Navy leftâ Rubio said âThey donât have an Air ForceâHe said Iranâs missilelaunching capacity and defence industrial base had suffered extensive damageâTheir ability to build a shield behind which they could hide their nuclear programme was wiped outâ Rubio saidRubio also described Iranâs leadership as divided and increasingly isolated under mounting economic pressureâThere has to be a pressure point on them that causes them to realise they cannot continue to close the Straitsâ he saidThe Trump administration has linked sanctions enforcement directly to the maritime crisis warning foreign financial institutions and commercial actors against helping Tehran evade restrictionsâAny foreign financial institution or commercial actor that enables Iranâs sanctions evasion is going to face secondary sanctions exposureâ Rubio said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/rubio-warns-iran-of-total-defeat-672546.html Wed, 06 May 2026 09:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-arrives-in-suriname-to-hold-bilateral-talks-with-top-leadership-672547.html Paramaribo May 6 External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar on Wednesday Indian time arrived in Suriname in the second leg of his threenation visit and was welcomed by his counterpart Melvin Bouva In a post on X the EAM said Arrived in Paramaribo Suriname for my first visit Really touched to be personally received by FM Melvin Bouva Looking forward to our talks tomorrow He will hold a series of bilateral talks with the Suriname leadership during his visit to boost cooperationFollowing this EAM Jaishankar will also visit Trinidad and Tobago Earlier he visited JamaicaThe MEA said these countries share a special connection with India owing to the presence of Girmitiya communitiesGirmitiyas were Indian indentured labourers who left India in the mid to late 19th century to work in British colonies where many eventually settled The term Girmit is a mispronunciation of agreement referring to the contract under which they migratedMeanwhile the Ministry of External Affairs MEA said that India will be supplying 30 dialysis units along with 40 fishing boats with engines 200 GPS devices and related equipment to Jamaica EAM Jaishankar had announced the decision to supply dialysis units fishing boats and GPS devices as support to Jamaicas recovery following last years devastating Hurricane Melissa He also handed over 10 BHISHM emergency medical units to the Caribbean nation during the firstever bilateral visit by an External Affairs Minister of India to JamaicaDuring his May 24 visit EAM Jaishankar also called on Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness and held delegationlevel talks with Kamina Johnson Smith Jamaicas Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign TradeThe MEA stated that three Memoranda of Understanding MoU were signed between India and Jamaica in the areas of health cooperation solarisation of The Hugh Lawson Shearer Building and broadcasting Both sides also reviewed the status of implementation of existing agreements in digital transformation culture sports and digital payments and emphasised the importance of ensuring tangible outcomesAccording to the statement both sides discussed expanding cooperation in priority sectors including healthcare infrastructure digitalisation agriculture education tourism and capacity building India reiterated its commitment through enhanced ITEC training slots particularly for defence training from six to 34 slots They also discussed capacity building with ICCR scholarships and digital learning platforms such as EVidyabharati and iGOT KarmyogiIndia appreciated Jamaicas support for its candidature for a nonpermanent seat in the UN Security Council for 2028â29 it addedThe statement mentioned that both sides condemned terrorism in all its forms and reiterated the need for early finalisation of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism CCITEAM also announced a contribution of JMD two million for the celebration of India Arrival Day on May 10During his visit to Kingston he also interacted with the local business community members of the Indian diaspora and participated in a public conversation at the University of the West Indies Mona Campus IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-arrives-in-suriname-to-hold-bilateral-talks-with-top-leadership-672547.html Wed, 06 May 2026 09:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/australian-govt-announces-74-million-aud-for-security-hub-to-counter-online-extremism-672549.html Canberra May 6 Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke on Wednesday at a press conference announced 74 million Australian dollars about 488 million for a security centre to crack down on online violent extremism and terrorism The newly created Counter Terrorism Online Centre will be led by Australias security agency ASIO and the Australian Federal Police AFPBurke said the AFP had put in 31 charges under new offenses on online extremism and radicalization and 19 of them are minorsThis feature of young people being radicalised fast online is real and the agencies as is evident in those charges that have been brought to bear by the Australian Federal Police have been acting on this Burke saidAFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett noted that terrorists are manipulating vulnerable and susceptible individuals at rapid speed in part because emerging technology has blurred the boundary between the virtual and real worldsThe speed and scale of radicalisation is becoming one of our most significant challenges especially when it comes to youth she saidInvestigators and intelligence analysts will work together to monitor highrisk online spaces assess threats and disrupt extremist activities including through undercover online engagement Xinhua news agency reportedOnline extremism involves using the internet to spread hateful violent or radically intolerant ideologies often employing social media encrypted messaging and games to radicalise recruit and incite violence This digital landscape serves as a virtual training ground for propaganda logistics and organising terrorist acts Extremists are manipulating vulnerable young people at rapid speed with the median age of investigation dropping to 15 and some cases involving children as young as 12Extremists use mainstream platforms alttech sites encrypted messaging apps and sometimes video game platforms to share propaganda and foster filter bubbles that promote radical content IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/australian-govt-announces-74-million-aud-for-security-hub-to-counter-online-extremism-672549.html Wed, 06 May 2026 10:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-trade-gap-widens-india-deficit-narrows-672551.html Washington May 6 The United States trade deficit widened in March as imports outpaced exports even as the American goods gap with India narrowed compared to the same period last year according to official data The US Census Bureau and the Bureau of Economic Analysis said the overall goods and services deficit rose to 603 billion in March up 25 billion from a revised 578 billion in FebruaryUS exports in March stood at 3209 billion an increase of 62 billion from February while imports climbed by 87 billion to 3812 billionFor India the latest figures showed the US goods trade deficit with the country at 38 billion in March on a seasonally adjusted basis lower than the 74 billion deficit recorded in March 2025The detailed country data showed US exports to India rose to about 43 billion in March while imports from India totalled around 84 billionThe report comes at a time when India and the US are engaged in negotiations over trade access supply chains technology cooperation and tariff issues amid broader efforts to deepen economic tiesThe March increase in the overall US trade deficit was driven largely by a rise in the goods deficit which increased 41 billion to 887 billion The services surplus also widened by 16 billion to 284 billionExports of industrial supplies and materials increased sharply by 5 billion in March led by higher crude oil and petroleum product shipments Crude oil exports alone rose by 28 billionImports meanwhile were boosted by a surge in automotive products consumer goods and capital goods Imports of automotive vehicles parts and engines increased by 36 billion while passenger car imports rose by 28 billionImports of computer accessories increased by 2 billion reflecting continued demand for electronics and technology productsThe data also showed that the US goods deficit with China stood at 14 billion in March while deficits with Vietnam and Taiwan remained significantly higher at 192 billion and 206 billion respectivelyIndia ranked among the countries with which the US recorded sizeable trade deficits though the gap remained far smaller than those with China Mexico and VietnamYeartodate the US goods and services deficit declined by 2112 billion or 55 per cent from the same period in 2025 Exports rose by 1002 billion while imports fell by 111 billionThe report also noted that the average threemonth US trade deficit fell to 576 billion for the period ending March indicating some moderation despite the monthly riseIndia and the United States have steadily expanded bilateral trade over the past decade with sectors such as pharmaceuticals information technology services electronics energy and engineering goods driving growth Washington remains one of Indiaâs largest export destinationsTrade tensions however have persisted over tariffs market access digital trade rules and supply chain localisation Both governments have recently intensified talks aimed at strengthening economic cooperation while reducing friction in strategic sectors including semiconductors clean energy and advanced manufacturing IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-trade-gap-widens-india-deficit-narrows-672551.html Wed, 06 May 2026 10:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-launches-new-system-to-regulate-shipping-through-strait-of-hormuz-report-672552.html Tehran May 6 Iran has launched a new system to control ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz state media reported continuing a maritime standoff that now involves a US blockade and threats of military action Under the new rules all ships planning to pass through the narrow waterway must receive permission via email from Iranian authorities reports Xinhua news agency quoting staterun Press TV Iran is calling the initiative a sovereign governance systemShips would be required to adjust their operations accordingly and obtain permission before entering the waterway Press TV reported It described the initiative as a sovereign governance system now in effect in the strategic chokepointIran has tightened its approach to the Strait of Hormuz since February 28 when it said it would deny safe passage to vessels linked to Israel and the United States following joint strikes on Iranian territoryIrans parliament is also considering legislation that would formalise restrictions on vessels tied to Israel and the United States and introduce a toll system for other ships deemed nonhostileThe claims come amid heightened tensions over the waterway The United States has also imposed restrictions affecting ships travelling to and from Iranian ports following unsuccessful postceasefire negotiations with Tehran in Islamabad on April 11 and 12US President Donald Trump said Sunday that the United States would begin escorting ships out of the Strait of Hormuz starting Monday morning under what he called Project Freedom describing it as a humanitarian measureIn response Irans Khatam alAnbiya Central Headquarters the countrys joint military command warned in a statement carried by the official IRNA news agency that any foreign armed forces especially the aggressive US army will be attacked if they intend to approach and enter the Strait of Hormuz IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-launches-new-system-to-regulate-shipping-through-strait-of-hormuz-report-672552.html Wed, 06 May 2026 10:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/two-suspected-hantavirus-cases-to-be-evacuated-to-the-netherlands-672555.html The Hague May 6 Dutch cruise operator Oceanwide Expeditions has confirmed that two crew members suspected of having hantavirus will be evacuated to the Netherlands though no specific timeline has been provided The medical evacuation of two individuals currently requiring urgent medical care and the individual associated with the guest who passed away on May 2 will occur using two specialised aircraft that are en route to Cape Verde the company said in a statement late Tuesday local timeOnce the three individuals have been safely transferred and are on their way to the Netherlands the Dutchflagged cruise ship Hondius where the cases were detected will begin repositioning reports Xinhua news agencyOur plan is to proceed to the Canary Islands either Gran Canaria or Tenerife which will take three days of sailing the statement added noting that discussions with relevant authorities are ongoingThe World Health Organization WHO said on Monday that seven hantavirus cases had been reported aboard Hondius while emphasising that the overall risk to the public remains low On Tuesday the WHO said that Hantavirus victims on the ship Hundius in the Atlantic Ocean may have been infected prior to joining the cruise and humantohuman transmission on board cannot be ruled outThe agency received reports of a hantavirus outbreak on the Hundius on May 2 Seven individuals of the 147 passengers and crew have been reported ill and three have died The situation remains fluid WHOs chief of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention Maria Van Kerkhove told reporters in GenevaOne patient is in intensive care in South Africa although we understand that this patient is improving she said adding that two other patients still on board the ship are being prepared for medical evacuation to the Netherlands for treatmentVan Kerkhove stressed that the situation is being closely monitored As a precaution passengers have been asked to remain in their cabins while disinfection and other public health measures are carried outThe plan is and our highest priority is to medically evacuate these two individuals to make sure that they receive the required care and there are no other symptomatic patients on board she saidThe ship is set to continue on to the Canary Islands Spain and the WHO is working with the Spanish authorities to do a full epidemiologic investigation full disinfection of the ship she addedHantaviruses are carried by rodents and can cause severe disease in humans Thousands of infections are estimated to occur each year People usually get infected through contact with infected rodents or their urine their droppings or their salivaAs to the suspected origins of the virus Van Kerkhove said that the initial patients a husband and wife boarded the ship in ArgentinaWith the timing of the incubation period of hantavirus which can be anywhere from one to six weeks our assumption is that they were infected off the ship she saidWe do believe that there may be some humantohuman transmission thats happening among the really close contacts such as the husband and wife and others who have shared cabins she notedAccording to the WHO humantohuman transmission of infection with hantavirus between people is uncommon but limited spread has been reported among close contacts in previous outbreaks of the Andes virus which is part of the hantavirus groupThere are no specific treatments for hantavirus other than supportive care Typically people will develop respiratory symptoms so respiratory support is really important Van Kerkhove said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/two-suspected-hantavirus-cases-to-be-evacuated-to-the-netherlands-672555.html Wed, 06 May 2026 10:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/un-welcomes-russian-ukrainian-unilateral-ceasefires-672556.html United Nations May 6 The United Nations welcomes the unilateral ceasefires announced respectively by Ukraine and Russia said a UN spokesperson We welcome the unilateral ceasefire announced by Ukraine to begin on the night of 5 to 6 May as well as the one by the Russian Federation to take place over 8 and 9 May said Stephane Dujarric spokesman for UN SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres on Tuesday local timeThe secretarygeneral looks forward to their successful implementation and reiterates his call for a full immediate unconditional and lasting ceasefire leading to a just comprehensive and sustainable peace in line with the UN Charter international law and relevant UN resolutions Dujarric told a daily press briefingRussias Defence Ministry on Monday declared a Victory Day ceasefire on May 89 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Monday night that Ukraine will start a ceasefire with Russia starting Wednesday reports Xinhua news agency Earlier on the same day Ukrainian officials reported that at least 17 people were killed and 52 others injured on Tuesday in separate Russian aerial attacks on two Ukrainian citiesIn the southern city of Zaporizhzhia guided aerial bombs struck several enterprises killing 12 people and wounding 39 others regional Governor Ivan Fedorov wrote on TelegramThe strikes also caused fires and damaged private houses a vehicle service station and a car washIn the eastern city of Kramatorsk three highexplosive aerial bombs hit the central district killing at least five people and injuring 13 others according to regional Governor Vadym FilashkinFour administrative buildings and several apartment blocks and vehicles were damaged in the attack Filashkin wrote on Telegram adding that the exact number of victims was being established IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/un-welcomes-russian-ukrainian-unilateral-ceasefires-672556.html Wed, 06 May 2026 10:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-has-not-attacked-uae-in-recent-days-top-military-command-672558.html Tehran May 6 Irans main military command Khatam alAnbiya Central Headquarters said that the countrys armed forces have carried out no missile or drone operation against the United Arab Emirates UAE over the past days the semiofficial Fars news agency reported Headquarters spokesman Ebrahim Zolfaghari made the announcement on Tuesday local time stressing that if Iran had taken such actions we would announce it decisively and explicitlyHe rejected a report by the UAE that accused Iran of launching drone and missile attacks against the country calling on the UAEs officials and statesmen not to let their country fall into the trap laid by the United States and Israel reports Xinhua news agencyZolfaghari also urged them not to wage a media invasion against Iran and hurl unjustified accusations against the country noting that the UAE has become one of the main bases of the United States and Israel in the West Asia region and is home to a major part of their troops and military equipmentHe emphasised that Iran has exercised restraint so far in the face of the UAEs media hype and assistance to the Muslim worlds enemies solely for the sake of the security of the Arab states people warning that if any action is taken from the UAEs soil against Iranian islands and coasts we will give a crushing and regretinducing responseOn Monday the UAE said Iran had carried out renewed attacks using missiles and drones against the country hitting sites including the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone and injuring three Indian nationalsMeanwhile Iranian state TV IRIB citing a military source said Iran had no preplanned intention to target oil facilities It also blamed US military adventurism for creating conditions that allowed vessels to pass through what it called restricted areas of the Strait of Hormuz IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-has-not-attacked-uae-in-recent-days-top-military-command-672558.html Wed, 06 May 2026 10:09:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-job-openings-remain-unchanged-in-march-672559.html Washington May 6 US job openings remained unchanged in March at 69 million according to data released by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics The labour market has been volatile this year after a lacklustre year in 2025 with the Middle East conflict introducing significant uncertainty into the economic forecast and labour marketThe Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey showed that layoffs increased in March However hiring increased and more people quit their jobs evidence of confidence in the current state of the economyAfter peaking at 123 million in March 2022 job openings have decreased steadily Strong hiring has been discouraged by a combination of high interest rates uncertainty about policies and the impact of artificial intelligence according to US media reports on Tuesday local timeSo far this year the creation of jobs has been inconsistent being robust in January 160000 new jobs and March 178000 but sluggish in February when employers cut 133000 positions reports Xinhua news agency quoting US mediaThe US Department of Labor is slated to put out its employment report for April this Friday According to a survey from FactSet the report is forecast to show that firms government agencies and nonprofits added 57000 net jobs with a jobless rate at 43 per cent as reported by the Associated PressSome economists foresee a falloff in hiring going forward Dean Baker cofounder of the Center for Economic and Policy Research told Xinhua My guess is that we will see a falloff in hiring in April primarily in restaurants Higher gas prices are sapping peoples purchasing powerThe hiring and jobs situation could also have a political dynamic in the leadup to Novembers midterm electionsBrookings Institution Senior Fellow Darrell West told Xinhua There have been a number of job layoffs from major companies and people are worried about their economic futuresIndeed the issue is a thorny one for the Trump administration at a time of recordhigh prices for rent homeownership and food as well as high mortgage rates that have put a damper on many Americans ability to purchase a homeThis is challenging for President Donald Trump because he campaigned as a businessman who could revive the economy West saidCosts are rising and it is difficult for people to make ends meet West said adding that if Trump does not reverse course his Republican Party could fare poorly in the midtermsUnless he can reverse course Republicans face a dismal outlook in the upcoming midterm elections West said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-job-openings-remain-unchanged-in-march-672559.html Wed, 06 May 2026 10:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/mexican-president-warns-against-foreign-meddling-672560.html Mexico City May 6 Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum celebrated the Cinco de Mayo holiday by declaring that no foreign power should dictate the countrys course and that political opponents seeking support from abroad are destined to fail Commemorating the 164th anniversary of the Battle of Puebla on Tuesday local time when Mexican forces defeated a much larger invading French army Sheinbaum stressed that nothing is more important than sovereignty independence and the national interests of the Mexican peopleThose who seek foreign support as they lack the peoples support are destined for defeat Those who think the president is bowing down they are destined for defeat Sheinbaum said in a speech in the central state of PueblaHer remarks come just days after the US government requested the extradition of 10 Mexican citizens including the governor of northwest Sinaloa state Ruben Rocha Moya for alleged crimes in connection with arms and drug trafficking reports Xinhua news agencyThey also follow the recent revelation that two US CIA agents who were killed in an antinarcotics operation in northern Chihuahua state were operating on Mexican soil without the knowledge of the federal governmentTo our neighbours to the United States we say we are clear and resolute History tells us that the people of Mexico are not mistaken when it comes to defending national sovereignty no foreign power is going to tell Mexicans how to govern ourselves said SheinbaumAt the commemorative event the president swore in 31000 soldiers into the National Military Service and nearly 800 female volunteers whom she called upon to keep alive the memory of May 5 1862 as a symbol of resistance against foreign invasions and internal divisions IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/mexican-president-warns-against-foreign-meddling-672560.html Wed, 06 May 2026 10:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/new-zealand-unemployment-down-to-53-pc-in-q1-672563.html Wellington May 6 New Zealands unemployment rate eased to 53 per cent in the March 2026 quarter from 54 per cent in the December 2025 quarter Stats NZ said on Wednesday The statistics department reported the number of unemployed falling to 163000 in the March 2026 quarter from 165000 in the December 2025 quarter with the employment rate standing at 667 per cent reports Xinhua news agencyThe underutilisation rate a broader measure of untapped labour market capacity than unemployment remained the same at 129 per cent with 406000 underutilised people in the March 2026 quarter the department saidIt added that the measure includes unemployed and underemployed people as well as those in the potential labour forceMeanwhile annual wage inflation was 2 per cent in the March 2026 quarter compared with a 31 per cent rise in the consumer price index while average ordinarytime hourly earnings reached 4412 NZ dollars 2611 US dollars Stats NZ saidThe proportion of young people aged 15 to 24 not in employment education or training NEET rose to 144 per cent in the March 2026 quarter from 133 per cent in the December quarter it said highlighting the growing difficulty for young people entering the labour marketYoung women continued to face higher disengagement rates than men with the NEET rate for women aged 20 to 24 rising 19 percentage points to 203 per cent in the March 2026 quarter Stats NZ labour market spokesperson Abby Johnston was quoted as sayingEconomists warned that the Middle East conflict and rising fuel costs could dampen business sentiment likely leading firms to pause hiring in the coming months IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/new-zealand-unemployment-down-to-53-pc-in-q1-672563.html Wed, 06 May 2026 10:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/vietnams-prez-to-lam-accorded-ceremonial-welcome-at-rashtrapati-bhavan-672566.html New Delhi May 6 Vietnamese President To Lam was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi warmly welcomed the Vietnamese President upon his arrivalChildren in traditional costumes holding the Vietnamese national flag and the Tricolour also warmly welcomed the visiting leaderPresident To Lam arrived in Bihars Gayaji on Tuesday where Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary extended a warm welcome to him He then offered prayers at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya Later on Tuesday he landed in Delhi Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai welcomed the visiting leader at the airportLater National Security Advisor NSA Ajit Doval called on Vietnams President To Lam on Tuesday holding discussions on strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations NSA Shri Ajit Doval called on General Secretary President Mr To Lam of Vietnam They exchanged views on strengthening the multifaceted comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries Mr To Lam looked forward to his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the engagements scheduled over the next two days Ministry of External Affairs MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on XThe MEA stated that President To Lams visit to India will strengthen bilateral tiesChao mung Excellency General Secretary President of Vietnam Mr To Lam has arrived in New Delhi on his first State Visit to India He was accorded a warm welcome and received by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai Jaiswal posted on XThis year we are marking the milestone of 10 years of IndiaVietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership The visit will further strengthen our multifaceted and robust bilateral relations he addedTo Lam also the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam will be in India till May 7 This is his first visit to India after being elected as the President of Vietnam last monthFollowing this Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold wideranging discussions with President To Lam across the spectrum of bilateral relations along with regional and global issues of mutual interestPresident Droupadi Murmu will also hold a meeting with the visiting leader Other leaders are also expected to call on President To Lam in New DelhiDuring his visit President To Lam is also scheduled to travel to Mumbai He will visit the National Stock Exchange meet the Maharashtra Chief Minister and Governor He is also scheduled to attend a business forum in MumbaiIndia and Vietnam share historical and civilisational ties which have steadily deepened over the years President To Lams visit coincides with the special occasion of the two countries marking the 10th anniversary of the elevation of relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership agreed during the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Vietnam in 2016 the MEA stated earlierThe engagement between leaders is expected to provide fresh momentum to the robust bilateral relations and open new avenues for cooperation between India and Vietnam it added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/vietnams-prez-to-lam-accorded-ceremonial-welcome-at-rashtrapati-bhavan-672566.html Wed, 06 May 2026 10:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-companies-plan-to-invest-over-205-billion-in-us-sergio-gor-672574.html New Delhi May 6 Indian companies have lined up investments worth over 205 billion across sectors such as technology manufacturing and pharmaceuticals in the United States US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said on Wednesday describing the momentum as a direct outcome of President Donald Trumps economic leadership In a post on social media platform X the envoy said that 12 Indian companies announced fresh investments worth 11 billion in a single day adding to a growing pipeline of commitments that he said were creating âreal American jobsâ and strengthening supply chains between the two countriesâThese partnerships are creating real American jobs and building stronger supply chainsâ Gor wroteHe further added that the investment flow was âproof that when the worlds largest democracies do business together everyone winsâThe ambassadors remarks come at a time when India and the United States are deepening economic ties across multiple fronts with bilateral trade defence cooperation and technology partnerships all gaining pace under the current administrations in both countriesGor however did not disclose the names of the 12 Indian companies that announced investments in the USEarlier in March the US trade deficit widened as imports outpaced exports even as the American goods gap with India narrowed compared to the same period last yearThe US Census Bureau and the Bureau of Economic Analysis said the overall goods and services deficit rose to 603 billion in the month up 25 billion from a revised 578 billion in FebruaryMoreover US exports in March stood at 3209 billion an increase of 62 billion from February while imports climbed by 87 billion to 3812 billionThe detailed country data showed US exports to India rose to about 43 billion in March while imports from India totalled around 84 billion IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-companies-plan-to-invest-over-205-billion-in-us-sergio-gor-672574.html Wed, 06 May 2026 11:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pm-modi-vietnams-prez-to-lam-hold-bilateral-talks-at-hyderabad-house-672589.html New Delhi May 6 IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Vietnamese President To Lam in Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Wednesday and held wideranging discussions across the spectrum of bilateral relations along with regional and global issues of mutual interestEarlier in the day the Vietnamese President was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi warmly welcomed the Vietnamese President upon his arrivalChildren in traditional costumes holding the Vietnamese national flag and the Tricolour also warmly welcomed the visiting leaderLater the visiting President also paid homage to Mamata Gandhi at RajghatIn a post on X the Ministry of External Affairs said Paying homage to the Mahatma General Secretary President To Lam of Vietnam paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat Bapus principles and ideals continue to inspire IndiaVietnam relationsPresident To Lam arrived in Bihars Gayaji on Tuesday where Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary extended a warm welcome to him He then offered prayers at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya Later on Tuesday he landed in Delhi Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai welcomed the visiting leader at the airportLater National Security Advisor NSA Ajit Doval called on Vietnams President To Lam on Tuesday holding discussions on strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nationsnbspNSA Shri Ajit Doval called on General Secretary President Mr To Lam of Vietnam They exchanged views on strengthening the multifaceted comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries Mr To Lam looked forward to his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the engagements scheduled over the next two days Ministry of External Affairs MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on XThe MEA stated that President To Lams visit to India will strengthen bilateral tiesChao mung Excellency General Secretary President of Vietnam Mr To Lam has arrived in New Delhi on his first State Visit to India He was accorded a warm welcome and received by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai Jaiswal posted on XThis year we are marking the milestone of 10 years of IndiaVietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership The visit will further strengthen our multifaceted and robust bilateral relations he addedTo Lam also the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam will be in India till May 7 This is his first visit to India after being elected as the President of Vietnam last monthPresident Droupadi Murmu will also hold a meeting with the visiting leader Other leaders are also expected to call on President To Lam in New DelhiDuring his visit President To Lam is also scheduled to travel to Mumbai He will visit the National Stock Exchange meet the Maharashtra Chief Minister and Governor He is also scheduled to attend a business forum in MumbaiIndia and Vietnam share historical and civilisational ties which have steadily deepened over the years President To Lams visit coincides with the special occasion of the two countries marking the 10th anniversary of the elevation of relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership agreed during the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Vietnam in 2016 the MEA stated earlierThe engagement between leaders is expected to provide fresh momentum to the robust bilateral relations and open new avenues for cooperation between India and Vietnam it addedIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pm-modi-vietnams-prez-to-lam-hold-bilateral-talks-at-hyderabad-house-672589.html Wed, 06 May 2026 12:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-gas-supply-disrupted-in-balochistans-sohbatpur-after-assailants-blow-up-pipeline-672615.html Quetta May 6 Gas supply was disrupted in Sohbatpur district of Pakistans Balochistan after unidentified assailants blew up a gas pipeline local media reported on Wednesday The assailants on Tuesday targeted a sixinch diameter gas pipeline which passed under the Bahadur Ali Khoso Bridge in Bhand Sharif Goth and detonated explosives After the blast gas supply was disrupted in Sohbatpur Faridabad Bhand Sharif Hairdin Chatan Patti Dargai Jiani Daulat Ghari and other rural and urban areas Pakistans daily Dawn reportedFollowing the explosion police reached the site of the incident cordoned off the area and began a probeOn May 1 the Baloch Republican Guards BRG on Friday claimed responsibility for an attack on April 29 that damaged machinery at a road construction site near Pat Feeder Peropol in the Pakistani provincial city of Dera Murad JamaliAccording to police officials unidentified attackers fired rockets at the site which destroyed machinery and forced work to stop They added that an investigation was underway and no casualties were reported The Balochistan Post reportedBRG spokesperson Dostain Baloch stated in a media statement that the groups fighters had targeted a âmilitary companyâ working on government construction projects in the area claiming the companyâs machines were âcompletely destroyedâAccording to the statement the attack happened on the road near Pit Feeder Piropal in the Dera Murad Jamali area of ââNaseerabadThe spokesperson also warned local contractors to stay away from âstate projectsâ warning that they would be responsible for their own lives and financial lossesHe added that the organisation accepts responsibility for the attack and continues such operations âuntil the independence of BalochistanâLast month the Balochistan Liberation Front BLF and BRG claimed responsibility for several attacks on the Pakistani forces and installations in Awaran Jhao Basima and Sibi areas of Pakistans BalochistanThe BRG also took responsibility for damaging a major gas pipeline transporting fuel from Balochistans Sui gas field to Karachi in MarchAccording to the Spokesperson Dostain Baloch the explosion severely damaged the pipeline carrying natural gas from Sui to KarachiReiterating its opposition to what BRG described as the exploitation of Balochistans natural resources the group warned that it would continue targeting such activities The Balochistan Post reportedThese latest incidents come against the backdrop of escalating attacks by Baloch groups targeting Pakistani military and police forces across Balochistan in recent days resulting in heavy casualties and damage to the infrastructure IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-gas-supply-disrupted-in-balochistans-sohbatpur-after-assailants-blow-up-pipeline-672615.html Wed, 06 May 2026 13:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistani-forces-kill-two-forcibly-disappear-four-civilians-in-balochistan-rights-body-672627.html Quetta May 6 As violence against civilians escalate across Balochistan a leading human rights organisation brought to light the extrajudicial killing of two civilians and enforced disappearance of four others allegedly at the hands of Pakistani forces Condemning the brutal incidents Paank the Baloch National Movements Human Rights Department mentioned that the bulletriddled bodies of Ajmal Baloch and Saeed Ahmed were dumped on May 3 in the Nalent area of Pasni in the Gwadar districtAccording to the rights body Ajmal was abducted from Gwadar city on August 21 2025 by personnel of Pakistans Frontier Corps FC and Military agenciesFollowing his abduction he remained missing for nearly nine months with no access to legal recourse or communication with his familyCiting information Paank mentioned that Saeed Ahmed was forcibly taken from his hometown in the Jiwani area of Gwadar on December 9 2025 by personnel of the FCThe rights body described the incident as part of an ongoing pattern of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in Balochistan by Pakistani forcesHighlighting the atrocities against civilians across Balochistan Paank revealed that two brothers 41yearold Ghulam Rasool and 47yearold Abdulla Jan were abducted by personnel of Pakistanâs Counter Terrorism Department CTD on May 3 during a latenight raid on their residence in the Barkhan districtIn a separate incident another student 27yearold Nasrat Khan was forcibly disappeared in the early hours of May 3 from Brewery Road in the provincial capital Quetta by the CTD personnelâThe arbitrary detention of a student in a latenight operation raises serious concerns regarding due process and the continued pattern of enforced disappearances in Balochistan Nasrat Khanâs whereabouts remain unknown placing his life and safety at grave riskâ Paank notedThe rights body also strongly condemned the enforced disappearance of 23yearold bus driver Javid Baloch He was reportedly abducted on the evening of April 29 at Dhoor Checkpoint in Gwadar by personnel of Military IntelligenceEarlier on Tuesday a sitin protest staged by the students outside Bolan Medical College BMC in Quetta entered its fourteenth consecutive day with demonstrators demanding the release of Khadija BalochAccording to the Baloch Yakjehti Committee BYC Khadija was abducted on April 21 by Pakistani security forces from the BMC female hostel in Quetta and shifted to an undisclosed locationExpressing grave concern the BYC said âEvery day many people are becoming victims of enforced disappearance Along with Baloch men now Baloch women are also increasingly being subjected to enforced disappearances Khadija Baloch has now been missing for fourteen days and is being held in the stateâs dark cells Her only crime is her national identity because she is Baloch And being Baloch has become the greatest crime in the eyes of the stateâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistani-forces-kill-two-forcibly-disappear-four-civilians-in-balochistan-rights-body-672627.html Wed, 06 May 2026 14:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/japan-reports-4th-swine-fever-outbreak-this-year-672628.html Tokyo May 6 Japans agriculture ministry said that a new outbreak of swine fever has been confirmed at a farm in the central prefecture of Shizuoka marking the fourth such case reported in the country this year According to the Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries nearly 3000 pigs at the farm in the city of Fujinomiya will be culledLocal authorities received a report of piglet deaths from the farm on Monday and conducted an onsite inspection Test results confirmed that the pigs had been infected with classical swine feverThe ministry said that all pigs at the affected farm will be culled incinerated and buried An epidemiological investigation team will also be dispatched to trace the source of the infection while measures such as disinfection and preventing wild animals from entering the farm will be strengthenedSwine fever is a highly infectious viral disease It is not a danger to human health but it has devastating effects on pig populations and the farming economyThe virus is highly resistant in the environment meaning that it can survive on clothes boots wheels and other materials It can also survive in various pork products such as ham sausages or bacon Therefore human behaviours can play an important role in spreading this pig disease across borders if adequate measures are not takenPigs are a primary source of household income in many countries The spread of ASF across the world has devastated familyrun pig farms often the mainstay of peopleâs livelihoods and a driver of upward mobility It has also reduced opportunities to access healthcare and educationMoreover pork meat is one of the primary sources of animal proteins accounting for more than 35 per cent of the global meat intake Hence this disease poses a serious problem for food security worldwideThis disease is also a concern for biodiversity and the balance of ecosystems as it affects not only domestic farmed pigs but also wild boars including native breeds IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/japan-reports-4th-swine-fever-outbreak-this-year-672628.html Wed, 06 May 2026 14:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/isi-link-in-punjab-twin-blasts-suspected-aimed-to-create-panic-ahead-of-op-sindoor-anniversary-672630.html New Delhi May 6 The blasts that took place in Amritsar and Jalandhar in Punjab clearly have an ISI imprint the National Investigation Agency NIA has learnt The twin blasts were carried out on the instructions of ISIbacked handlers based in Pakistan the initial probe has found One significant angle that comes to the fore is the timing of these blasts They were carried out just days ahead of the anniversary of Operation SindoorThe operation was carried out by the Indian armed forces on May 7 to avenge the Pahalgam attack During the operation the armed forces took down a significant amount of terror infrastructure in Pakistan occupied Kashmir PoK and PakistanInvestigators suspect that the blasts in Punjab were meant to send out a message to the security agencies that Pakistan is still capable of hitting India despite Operation Sindoor While the timing of the blasts is one part of it investigators also say that the bigger aim was to create panic in the minds of the peopleThe blasts also took place at a time when the ISI has been desperately pushing for a Khalistan movement revival in Punjab An official said that the ISI has been looking for locals who are radicalised to carry out such attacksThe idea is to pick up radicalised youth and then guide them to carry out lowintensity blasts at regular intervals across the state of Punjab the official also said The role of some radical youth has come under the scanner of both the Punjab Police and the NIAAnother official said the ISI has been creating local cells in Punjab to execute such attacks They are guiding these persons to carry out blasts and also execute attacks using grenadesAn Intelligence Bureau official said the Punjab Police would need to be on alert as such activities are likely to rise in the days to come The ISI wants to shift focus away from Jammu and Kashmir temporarily while putting in all efforts into PunjabIt is the local units that the agencies need to worry about These persons are new to the trade and hence there is very little police scrutiny on them Further these locals are not used for multiple attacks They are told to strike and then go underground These persons are given their next assignment only after the cooling period is overThe official added that in order to continue with this strategy the ISI would look to recruit at least 100 such youth across the state the official addedOfficials say that the plan is to attack sensitive and crowded locations On April 28 the Patiala police busted a module that was backed by the ISIIt was learnt that this proKhalistan module had planned to carry out a blast on a railway track near Shambu Within 12 hours of the probe being launched the police arrested Pardeep Singh Khalsa Kulwinder Singh Satnam Singh and Gurpreet SinghAnother official said the instruction to carry out lowintensity blasts is a planned strategy Lowintensity attacks do not require heavy ammunition This makes preparation easier and the detection also remains lowThere is a greater chance of the plan being foiled if these proKhalistan elements attempt largescale attacks Planning attacks on a larger scale requires much more effort and time This in turn can lead to information getting leaked and the module being busted the official also addedThe NIA would look at the larger picture and the direct links that the ISI has to these attacksThe probe is crucial and comes at a time when the ISI has clearly decided to scale up its activities across Punjab in a desperate bid to revive the Khalistan movement IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/isi-link-in-punjab-twin-blasts-suspected-aimed-to-create-panic-ahead-of-op-sindoor-anniversary-672630.html Wed, 06 May 2026 14:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/six-more-child-deaths-push-bangladesh-measles-toll-to-317-amid-worsening-outbreak-672645.html Dhaka May 6 At least six children died from measles and measleslike symptoms in Bangladesh pushing the total number of confirmed and suspected deaths to 317 as the country grapples with an alarming health crisis according to local media reports According to the Directorate General of Health Services DGHS the deaths were reported in the 24 hours leading up to Tuesday morningThe DGHS stated that among the six fatalities two patients had tested positive for measles while four died with symptomsThe two confirmed deaths were recorded in the Dhaka division taking the total death toll to 54Additionally the four suspected measles deaths were reported including two from the Sylhet division and one each in the Khulna and Rajshahi divisions bringing the total death toll to 263 Bangladeshâs leading newspaper The Daily Star reportedReports suggest that 259 new confirmed cases were recorded during the same period taking the total tally of confirmed cases to 5726Additionally the DGHS recorded 1186 new suspected cases in the last 24 hours pushing the overall suspected cases to 42979Earlier on Monday morning Bangladesh registered the highest singleday death toll from measles and measleslike symptoms with 17 child fatalities reported over the preceding 24 hoursAs measles has killed more than 300 children since midMarch and infected more than 47000 across Bangladesh a report described the outbreak as an avoidable disaster and called for accountability from the previous interim government led by Muhammad Yunus who dismantled a functional vaccine procurement system without the capacity to rebuild itâThe countryâs measles vaccination coverage rose steadily for two decades becoming an international model for lowincome countries That record has now been squandered with shocking negligence by the past interim governmentâ an editorial report in The Daily Star statedAccording to the report Bangladeshs Health Population and Nutrition Sector Programmeâwhich had been in place since 1998âwas scrapped in March 2025 without an adequate exit strategyIt stated that the stalled vaccine procurement dwindling medicine supplies to more than 14000 community clinics and exhausted buffer stocks during the tenure of the interim government had worsened the situationSlamming the interim governmentâs actions the report said âThe lack of accountability warrants a probe committeeâone with the authority to establish individual responsibility The deaths of children are tragic Those who dismantled this programme must answer for each of these deathsâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/six-more-child-deaths-push-bangladesh-measles-toll-to-317-amid-worsening-outbreak-672645.html Wed, 06 May 2026 16:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-vietnam-elevate-ties-to-enhanced-comprehensive-strategic-partnership-pm-modi-672649.html New Delhi May 6 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced that ties between India and Vietnam have been elevated to Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership While addressing a joint press meet with Vietnamese President To Lam following their talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Wednesday PM Modi called Vietnam a key pillar of Indias Act East policy and Vision MahasagarPM Modi said One decade back during my first visit to Vietnam Vietnam became Indias first Comprehensive Strategic Partner in ASEAN Since then our relations have made rapid and comprehensive progress Along with the civilisational ties our trade technology and tourism ties have also strengthened Building on this strong foundation today we are taking our relations to the level of an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic PartnershipExtending a warm welcome to the Vietnamese President PM Modi said I am immensely pleased to extend a hearty welcome to President To Lam in India After becoming President of Vietnam his visit to India within just one month accompanied by a highlevel delegation along with several business leaders clearly demonstrates the priority he accords to IndiaVietnam relationsPresident To Lam of Vietnam started his visit to India from Bodh Gaya This reflects the shared civilisational and spiritual heritage of our two nations Through his visit and our meaningful discussions we are transforming the goodwill between us into concrete outcomes he addedPM Modi stated that more than 15 crore people had darshan of Buddhist relics when they were exhibited in Vietnam in 2025 He noted that heritage and development hold significance in the IndiaVietnam partnershipHe stated that the two nations share a common outlook in the IndoPacific region He announced that India will broaden its ties with ASEAN with Vietnams cooperationVietnam is a key pillar of Indias Act East Policy and Vision Mahasagar In the IndoPacific region as well we share a common outlook Through our strengthening defence and security cooperation we will continue to contribute to the rule of law peace stability and prosperity With Vietnams cooperation India will also broaden its relations with ASEAN he saidPM Modi expressed gratitude to Vietnam for condemning the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam and backing New Delhi in the fight against terrorismThe Prime Minister said We are grateful to Vietnam for strongly condemning the Pahalgam terror attack and for standing with us in our fight against terrorism In this period of global upheaval and economic challenges India and Vietnam are emerging as the worldâs fastestgrowing economies on the strength of their talent good governance and economic reforms IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-vietnam-elevate-ties-to-enhanced-comprehensive-strategic-partnership-pm-modi-672649.html Wed, 06 May 2026 16:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-india-partnership-can-rev-up-pace-of-ai-adoption-672651.html New Delhi May 6 India has the potential to give the US a further edge in the race for AI adoption with American tech giants such as Google Microsoft and Amazon already committing billions of dollars in investments to build AI hubs across India according to an article in Arab News These investments are aimed to ensure that USdesigned technology forms the backbone of the Global Southâs largest economy If the future of the digital world is built on USIndian infrastructure the world will remain open and secure But if it is built on Chinaâs proprietary technology stack the global order will fracture the article written by Ylli Bajraktari and Dhruva Jaishankar states Although the US maintains a decisive edge in frontier models and highend compute China has proven that its capacity for innovation is a force to be reckoned with To counter this the US needs the talent and dataset scaling that only India can provide the article opines âIndia offers more than just a massive market It provides populationscale datasets drawn from almost 15 billion people making it a vital theater for testing AI in realworld environments â from rural agriculture to urban healthcare Moreover with an AI talent pool projected to exceed 125 million by 2027 India provides the intellectual heft and human capital required to sustain a hightempo innovation cycleâ the article states Potential however is not the same as proficiency While Indiaâs talent pool is vast much more must be done to match skills to specific AI tasks Bridging this gap should be seen as a US imperative Integrating Indian talent into USled ecosystems is the only way for American firms to maintain their edge against a competitor that views technology as a tool of state control rather than a means of individual empowerment the article further states It presents a fourpoint plan to turn the current USIndia momentum in AI into a permanent strategic advantage It suggests that linking Indiaâs burgeoning startup ecosystem with the technological tools and capital available in the US can create common solutions for an array of global challengesSecond the two countries can cooperate in constructing resilient infrastructure and supply chains Their efforts should encompass not only critical minerals and semiconductors but also undersea cables open telecommunications networks and data centersThird India and the US will need to collaborate on creating a seamless highskill ecosystem for talent With rising antiimmigrant sentiments in the US and many other countries this will require navigating potentially treacherous political territoryLastly to enable all the above India and the US must align their technological standards intellectual property rights and cybersecurity policies far more than they do today Translating shared values into common agendas is the only way to reduce bilateral friction and accelerate cooperation the article observes IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-india-partnership-can-rev-up-pace-of-ai-adoption-672651.html Wed, 06 May 2026 16:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/a-mother-dies-from-preventable-complications-every-hour-in-afghanistan-who-672663.html Kabul May 6 A mother dies from preventable complications every hour in Afghanistan the World Health Organisation WHO said showcasing a health system still struggling to protect women during pregnancy and childbirth local media reported on Wednesday In a statement issued on International Day of the Midwife the WHO said the maternal mortality rate in Afghanistan remains among the highest across the world at 521 deaths per 100000 live births even as access to basic care has improved over the past 20 years Afghanistans Amu TV reportedMany of these deaths occurred due to conditions that can be treated or prevented including haemorrhage hypertension infection and hindered labour the WHO said The consequences are often longlasting and severe for women who survive such complicationsSince the late 2000s Afghanistan has witnessed progress in maternal and child health according to the WHO Antenatal care coverage has witnessed rise from 31 per cent to 76 per cent and the share of births attended by skilled health workers has risen from 24 per cent to 67 per cent The agency said child mortality has witnessed a drop from 129 deaths per 1000 live births in 2000 to 56 in 2023 However the WHO stated that women in rural and underserved areas face the greatest risksAccording to the WHO one of the most serious complications faced by women is obstetric fistula a condition caused mainly by prolonged obstructed labour that could result in women facing several medical problems and social stigma Amu TV reportedThe WHO said the condition remains underreported since many women lack access to specialised care or do not know that it can be treated In order to address these challenges the WHO said that it is increasing maternal and child health services in Afghanistan with the support of the Islamic Development BankLast month the United Nations International Childrens Emergency Fund UNICEF warned that Afghanistan risks losing up to 20000 women teachers and 5400 healthcare workers by 2030 amid continuing restrictions on girlsâ education and womenâs employment in the countryIn its latest analysis titled âThe Cost of Inaction on Girlsâ Education and Womenâs Labour Force Participation in Afghanistan UNICEF said that female representation in the civil services fell from 21 per cent to 177 per cent between 2023 and 2025It cautioned that the declining number of trained women professionals in schools and hospitals across Afghanistan would have devastating consequences for childrens education health outcomes and future opportunitiesâRestrictions on girlsâ and womens education and work are already costing the country US84 million annually in lost economic output with losses compounding over time as they remain blocked from education and employmentâ UNICEF mentionedAccording to the UN agency removing women from teaching and healthcare services in Afghanistan â two sectors where they are permitted to work and are critically needed â directly harms children as it will lead to fewer girls in schools and reduced care for women and childrenThe impact it said is particularly severe in healthcare where societal context often prevents women from receiving medical services from men while the declining number of female health workers will directly limit maternal newborn and child health services IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/a-mother-dies-from-preventable-complications-every-hour-in-afghanistan-who-672663.html Wed, 06 May 2026 17:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/rights-body-condemns-detention-of-aurat-march-leaders-in-pakistan-672681.html Islamabad May 6 The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan HRCP on Wednesday has condemned the detention of Aurat March organisers and volunteers outside the Karachi Press Club where they had gathered to hold a press conference The rights body stated that preventing people from holding press conference showcases an increasingly repressive approach to governance where dissent is considered a threat instead of a democratic necessity leading Pakistani news network Geo News reportedThe HRCPs statement comes after police on Tuesday briefly arrested several Aurat March leaders including activist and artist artist Sheema Kermani outside the Karachi Press ClubHRCP strongly condemns the arrest of several organisers and volunteers of Aurat March from outside the Karachi Press Club where they were scheduled to address a press conference This incident is not isolated overreach but rather part of a broader and deeply troubling pattern the systematic denial of public space to citizens seeking to articulate their rights HRCP posted on XThe rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are constitutionally guaranteed Preventing citizens particularly women and marginalised groups from even convening a press conference reflects an increasingly repressive approach to governance where dissent is treated as a threat rather than a democratic necessity it addedThe organisers of the press conference said that the detained people included Kermani transgender activist Shehzadi Rai Muniza and others South Superintendent of Police SSP Manzoor Ali stated that several women leaders were taken to a police station before being released shortly after After the incident police deployment around the Karachi Press Club was increased Aurat March organisers stated that the leaders had gathered for a press conference when the police detained them Geo News reportedOn May 2 media bodies and civil society organisations voiced concerns over increasing curbs on press freedom and growing risks to journalists in PakistanIn a joint statement released to mark the World Press Freedom Day the Joint Action Committee â comprising the Pakistan Broadcasters Association PBA the All Pakistan Newspapers Society APNS the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors CPNE the Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors AMEND and the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists PFUJ termed the past year challenging for journalism with growing restrictions around the world the daily Dawn reportedIt stated that the state of freedom of expression has not been satisfactory in Pakistan According to the statement journalists in Pakistan face harassment arrests violence and increasing pressure from state institutions while media outlets face editorial interference demonstrating how outlets are being controlled at various levels and tactics being used like government advertisements to get editorial control limiting the right to information through censorship and taking dissenting voices off air IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/rights-body-condemns-detention-of-aurat-march-leaders-in-pakistan-672681.html Wed, 06 May 2026 18:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/three-indians-injured-in-uae-after-irans-attack-672347.html Abu Dhabi May 5 The Indian Embassy in the United Arab Emirates UAE has said that three Indian nationals have been injured in todays attacks in Fujairah The Embassy said that it is in touch with local authorities to ensure adequate medical care and welfare of the affected Indian nationalsThe UAEs Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the renewed unprovoked Iranian aggression using missiles and dronesThe Ministry also confirmed that three Indian nationals were injured due to the results of Irans attack on civilian sites and facilitiesThe Ministry called the actions of Iran an unacceptable act of aggression and a direct threat to the UAEs security stability and territorial integrityIt said the attacks are in violation of the principles of international law and the Charter of the United NationsThe Ministry emphasises that the UAE will not tolerate any threat to its security and sovereignty under any circumstances and that the UAE reserves its full and legitimate right to respond to these unprovoked attacks in a manner that ensures the protection of its sovereignty national security territorial integrity and the safety of its citizens residents and visitors in accordance with international lawIt stressed the need to immediately halt these attacks and ensure full compliance with the cessation of all hostilitiesThe UAE holds Iran fully responsible for these unprovoked attacks and their repercussions the statement saidThe UAEs Ministry of Defence on Monday reported that it detected four cruise missiles launched from Iran towards various areas across the countryThe Ministry reported that the sounds heard in scattered areas of the country are the result of successful interception of the aerial threatsUAEs National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority NCEMA on X said that Air defence systems are currently responding to a missile threat Please remain in a safe location and follow official channels for warnings and updatesThe authority also asked the people not to approach touch or photograph any fragments or objects that have fallen as a result of successful air interceptions and allow the relevant authorities to assess the situation IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/three-indians-injured-in-uae-after-irans-attack-672347.html Tue, 05 May 2026 09:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-canada-kick-off-second-round-of-free-trade-talks-672348.html New Delhi May 5 India and Canada began the second round of negotiations for a bilateral free trade agreement with the two sides aiming to seal the deal by yearend The fiveday talks in New Delhi come on Monday ahead of the Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyals scheduled visit to Canada at the end of this month to accelerate the momentum of the economic engagement as the two countries target increasing bilateral trade to 50 billion by 2030 The attempt is to fasttrack talks so that the agreement can be concluded by the yearend as decided by the Prime Ministers of the two countries earlier this year a senior official told IANS The first round of negotiations for the pact officially called the IndiaCanada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement CEPA took place in March this year following Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carneys meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi Prime Minister Carneys visit to India set the tone for a marked improvement in diplomatic ties between the two countries that had hit rock bottom during his predecessor Justin Trudeau as Canadas Prime Minister The Trudeau government was seen to be encouraging Sikh extremists to pursue an antiIndia agenda in Canada Prime Minister Modi and his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney set a yearend target to complete the negotiations for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement CEPA between the two countries and agreed to deepen bilateral collaboration in the energy and critical mineral sectors during their meeting at New Delhi in March this year The leaders expressed confidence that a comprehensive trade framework would serve as a durable economic anchor for the partnership and support the shared aspiration of expanding bilateral trade to CAD 70 billionRs 465 lakh crore by 2030 according to joint statement issued after the summit between the two leadersIndiaCanada bilateral trade in goods stood at 866 billion in 202425 while Indias exports to the country touched 422 billionMajor items of Indias exports to Canada include pharmaceutical products machinery parts and mechanical appliances iron and steel articles electronic goods organic chemicals jewellery gems and precious stones garments and textiles seafood engineering goods and auto parts Indias major imports from Canada include pulses fertilisers mineral fuels wood pulp gems and precious stones aircraft parts machinery parts and iron and aluminium scrap Indias IT sector is the main contributor to services exports to Canada IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-canada-kick-off-second-round-of-free-trade-talks-672348.html Tue, 05 May 2026 09:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-us-conflict-on-brink-of-reigniting-as-washington-project-for-stranded-ships-sets-off-volleys-by-both-672351.html New York May 4 The conflict between Iran and the US was on the brink of reigniting as Washingtons Project Freedom to free ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz set off attacks by both sides with Tehran also striking neighbours US Central Command CENTCOM Chief Admiral Brad Cooper said on Monday that Iran sent a barrage of cruise missiles and drones at ships in the Strait and the US Navy retaliated shooting them downHe added that six Iranian speedboats that threatened ships were taken outBut beyond the Strait Iran appears to have resumed attacks on its neighboursThe United Arab Emirates reported that its Fujairah Oil Industry Zone was attacked by Iranian drones and its Defence Ministry said it was fending off drones and missilesOmans new agency ONA reported that a housing complex near the Strait was hit and two expatriates whose nationality was not disclosed were injuredIran appeared to be targeting other countries directly rather than the USAn official statement quoted by Irans PressTV said that it had sent missiles and drones near US warships rather than at them a nuanced differentiationUS President Donald Trump said on Truth Social that a South Korean ship had come under Iranian attackNo other ships were damaged he addedThe Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps IRGC Spokesperson Brigadier General Hossein Mohebbi had earlier warned that it would forcefully stop any ship trying to break through the blockade his country had imposed according to the Iranian governments PressTVIt also denied that any of its boats had been sunkThe US denied Iranian claims that two of its missiles had struck its shipsUS CENTCOM Chief Cooper said that ships belonging to 87 countries were stranded in the Strait and the US was reaching out to dozens of ships and shipping companies to encourage traffic through the StraitThe CENTCOM said that two USflagged ships had already gone through the Strait safelyOn Saturday an Indian gas ship operating under Marshal Islands flag managed to chart its way through the Strait but it was not known if there was a deal with Iran for itIran has been demanding tolls for ships to go through the Strait which the US has condemned and the United Nations has declared illegal under international lawNeither side has made headway on negotiations to end the confrontation between them defiant on their demandsThe US would theoretically be free of Congressional restraints from resuming the war full scale because the US CENTCOM Chief said the conflict that began February 28 was truncated by the April 7 ceasefire agreement short of the 60day limit for the Legislatures approvalHe could claim a new cycle was beginning if Iran resumed major attacks IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-us-conflict-on-brink-of-reigniting-as-washington-project-for-stranded-ships-sets-off-volleys-by-both-672351.html Tue, 05 May 2026 09:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/missiles-launched-towards-uae-from-iran-defence-ministry-672353.html Abu Dhabi May 5 The United Arab Emirates UAEs Defence Ministry has reported that it detected four cruise missiles launched from Iran towards various areas across the country The Ministry reported on Monday that the sounds heard in scattered areas of the country are the result of successful interception of the aerial threatsUAEs National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority NCEMA on social media platform X said that Air defence systems are currently responding to a missile threat Please remain in a safe location and follow official channels for warnings and updatesThe authority also asked the people not to approach touch or photograph any fragments or objects that have fallen as a result of successful air interceptions and allow the relevant authorities to assess the situationThe Authority issued a warning on Monday the last warning was on April 8 2026 according to their posts on XThe Ministry said that out of four cruise missiles three were engaged successfully over the countrys territorial waters while one fell in the seaOn April 3 the UAEs Ministry of Defence said that its air defence engaged 18 ballistic missiles four cruise missiles and 47 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles UAVs launched from IranAccording to the statement the UAEs air defences have engaged 475 ballistic missiles 23 cruise missiles and 2085 UAVs since the start of Iranian attacksThe attacks resulted in the martyrdom of two members of the armed forces while performing their national duty in addition to the martyrdom of a Moroccan civilian contracted by the Armed Forces as well as nine fatalities of Pakistani Nepali Bangladeshi Palestinian and Indian nationalities it addedA total of 203 people were also injured with injuries ranging from minor to moderate and severe The injured included nationals of the UAE Egypt Sudan Ethiopia the Philippines Pakistan Iran India Bangladesh Sri Lanka Azerbaijan Yemen Uganda Eritrea Lebanon Afghanistan Bahrain Comoros Turkey Iraq Nepal Nigeria Oman Jordan Palestine Ghana Indonesia Sweden and Tunisia the statement said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/missiles-launched-towards-uae-from-iran-defence-ministry-672353.html Tue, 05 May 2026 09:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/un-condemns-killing-of-yemeni-official-urges-protection-for-civil-servants-672354.html Sanaa May 5 The United Nations UN has called for accountability and stronger protection for civil society workers and public officials following the abduction and killing of a government official in Yemens southern port city of Aden In a statement posted on Monday on the social media platform X UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg strongly condemned the incidentI strongly condemn the abduction and assassination of Wissam Qaed in Aden His legacy must carry on Grundberg said Xinhua news agency reportedThe UN envoy also extended condolences to the victims family and expressed solidarity with the people of YemenSeparately UN Resident Coordinator for Yemen Laurent Bukera also condemned the killing I join the Yemeni people in condemning the murder Bukera said adding that such crimes cannot be tolerated and that those responsible must be brought to justiceAccording to a local security official the victim Wissam Qaed deputy executive director of the Social Fund for Development was abducted by unidentified gunmen near his residence in Aden on May 3 and was later found dead with multiple gunshot woundsEstablished in 1997 the Social Fund for Development operates under the Yemeni government and reports directly to the Cabinet playing a key role in development and poverty reduction programs Qaed had served as deputy executive director since 2019The incident underscores persistent security challenges in Aden despite efforts by authorities to stabilise the cityOn April 26 Yemeni security authorities said they had arrested suspected terrorists accused of plotting a series of assassinations in the southern port city of AdenCiting a security source staterun news agency Saba said the arrests described as part of efforts to enhance security and stability in Aden followed careful monitoring and surveillanceSeveral suspects were detained along with materials and evidence linked to the groups activitiesInitial investigations revealed plans to target social and religious figures in an attempt to incite chaos and destabilise the security and stability in Aden the source saidYemen has been mired in conflict since 2014 when Houthi forces seized the capital Sanaa triggering a prolonged war that has weakened state institutions and fueled instability IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/un-condemns-killing-of-yemeni-official-urges-protection-for-civil-servants-672354.html Tue, 05 May 2026 09:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-flags-iran-threat-to-shipping-lane-672355.html Washington May 5 US President Donald Trump has said that Iran had fired on vessels linked to unrelated nations amid tensions around a United Statesled maritime effort raising fresh concerns over security in a key global shipping route Iran has taken some shots at unrelated Nations with respect to the Ship Movement PROJECT FREEDOM including a South Korean Cargo Ship Trump said on Monday in a social media postHe urged greater allied participation in the mission Perhaps its time for South Korea to come and join the mission he addedThe comments come as Washington advances Project Freedom a maritime initiative aimed at securing commercial shipping lanesTrump said US forces had engaged Iranian boats Weve shot down seven small Boats or as they like to call them fast Boats Its all they have left he addedHe said there had been a limited impact on shipping so far Other than the South Korean Ship there has been at this moment no damage going through the Strait Trump addedTrump also announced a military briefing scheduled for Tuesday Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine will have a News Conference tomorrow morning he saidTrumps reference to a South Korean vessel suggests the risk of broader international involvement beyond direct USIran tensions His call for Seoul to join the effort signals Washingtons push for allied supportThe United States has increased naval activity in the region citing the need to protect shipping and maintain freedom of navigation Iran has warned against foreign military presence near its watersThe Strait of Hormuz between Iran and Oman is one of the worlds most critical oil transit routes A significant share of global crude flows through it each day IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-flags-iran-threat-to-shipping-lane-672355.html Tue, 05 May 2026 09:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/another-15-crew-members-of-us-seized-iranian-ship-released-media-672356.html Tehran May 5 Fifteen of the remaining 22 crew members of an Iranian container ship seized by the United States last month have entered Iran media reported The Iranianflagged vessel the Touska was boarded and seized by US forces off the coast of Irans southeastern port of Chabahar in the Gulf of Oman on April 19 under a US naval blockade targeting Iranian shipping Semiofficial Fars news agency said on Monday that the ship had a total of 28 crew members who were taken into US custody It added that six were released earlier Xinhua news agency reportedThe semiofficial Tasnim news agency also reported their arrivalThe United States imposed restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz following failed postceasefire negotiations with Iran in Islamabad on April 1112 according to earlier reportsThe cargo ship seized by US forces was part of a fleet linked to Chinese ports and suspected supply routes a media report saidThe MV Touska an Iranianflagged container vessel is tied to a network of ships that frequently sail to China and have been linked to transporting materials with potential military use The Wall Street Journal reportedThe ship was intercepted after attempting to breach a US naval blockade and was later boarded by American forces following warning shots that disabled its engine according to reportsShipping data cited by The Wall Street Journal showed the vessel had visited the southern Chinese port of Zhuhai twice in the weeks before it was seizedThe Touska is controlled by a sanctioned Iranian company accused of transporting items for Tehrans ballistic missile programme the report saidUS officials have not disclosed what the ship was carrying Analysts said the attempt to cross an active blockade suggests the cargo may have been important IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/another-15-crew-members-of-us-seized-iranian-ship-released-media-672356.html Tue, 05 May 2026 09:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/white-house-placed-on-lockdown-after-shooting-nearby-672358.html Washington May 5 The White House was briefly placed on lockdown after US Secret Service officers shot an armed individual near the National Mall following a confrontation in which the suspect opened fire officials said The incident unfolded around 330 pm when plainclothes Secret Service personnel patrolling the outer perimeter of the White House complex identified âa suspicious individual that appeared to have a firearmâ Deputy Director Matt Quinn told reportersUniformed officers were called in to engage the individual âUpon making contact that individual fled briefly on foot withdrew a firearm and firedâ in the direction of our agents and officersâ Quinn said âThey returned fire and engaged That individual was hitâThe suspect was taken to a hospital though officials said they had âno comments on his conditionâAt least one bystander described as a juvenile was also struck during the exchange Quinn said the child âdid not sustain any life threatening injuriesâ and was receiving treatmentOfficials indicated the bystander was likely hit by the suspectâs gunfire âEverything Iâve seen makes me to believeâ that he was struck by the suspectâ Quinn saidThe shooting occurred near 15th Street and Independence Avenue a few blocks from the White House Secret Service agents said the suspect had been under observation for a short period after officers detected what Quinn described as a âvisual print of a firearmâFollowing the gunfire the Secret Service ordered reporters on the White House North Lawn to move indoors The lockdown was lifted within minutes and President Donald Trump proceeded with a previously scheduled small business event inside the East RoomTrump did not directly address the shooting but used his remarks to highlight safety in the capital âWashington DCâ is now one of the safest cities in the United Statesâ he saidAuthorities said there was no immediate indication the suspect was targeting the president or the White House âWhether or not it was directed to the president or not I donât know but we will find outâ Quinn saidVice President JD Vanceâs motorcade had passed through the area shortly before the shooting but officials said there was no sign the suspect intended to attack it âNo not to my knowledgeâ Quinn said when asked if the motorcade had been targetedThe Secret Service confirmed that a weapon was recovered at the scene and said the Metropolitan Police Department would lead the investigation into the use of forceThe incident comes amid heightened security concerns in Washington following a separate shooting at the White House Correspondentsâ Association dinner in April where a suspect armed with guns and knives breached security and injured a Secret Service agent IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/white-house-placed-on-lockdown-after-shooting-nearby-672358.html Tue, 05 May 2026 10:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/vietnamese-president-to-lam-to-visit-india-today-672359.html New Delhi May 5 Vietnamese President To Lam will visit India on Tuesday for a State visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi To Lam also the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam will be in India till May 7 This is his first visit to India after being elected as the President of Vietnam earlier this monthHe will be accompanied by a highlevel delegation comprising several Ministers and senior officials of the Government of Vietnam A strong business delegation will also accompany the visiting dignitary the the Ministry of External Affairs MEA said earlierDuring his visit President To Lam will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan on May 6Following this Prime Minister Modi will hold wideranging discussions with President To Lam across the spectrum of bilateral relations along with regional and global issues of mutual interestPresident Droupadi Murmu will also hold a meeting with the visiting leaderOther leaders are also expected to call on President To LamAccording to the MEA the Vietnamese President will also visit Bodh Gaya and Mumbai during his visitThe Ministry further stated that the engagements between leaders will provide fresh momentum to the robust bilateral relations and open new avenues for cooperation between India and VietnamEarlier on April 7 PM Modi congratulated To Lam on his election as Vietnams President and expressed readiness to work with him further to deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nationsHe expressed confidence that the timetested friendship between the two nations will continue to grow under To Lams leadershipHeartiest congratulations to Mr To Lam on his election as President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam I am confident that under his leadership the timetested friendship between our two countries will continue to grow from strength to strength I look forward to working closely together to further deepen our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for the progress and prosperity of our people and the region PM Modi had posted on XIndia and Vietnam share historical and civilisational ties which have steadily deepened over the years President To Lams visit coincides with the special occasion of the two countries marking the 10th anniversary of the elevation of relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership agreed during the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Vietnam in 2016 the MEA said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/vietnamese-president-to-lam-to-visit-india-today-672359.html Tue, 05 May 2026 10:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-americans-hail-bjps-victory-in-bengal--672360.html Washington May 5 Indian American leaders across the United States welcomed the Bharatiya Janata Partyâs victory in West Bengal calling it a âhistoric mandateâ and a turning point for governance security and development in the state Eminent Indian American Dr Bharat Barai described the result as âa great victory for the people of West Bengalâ alleging that the previous regime had âunleashed a mafia kingdom using all resources of state and actively threaten voters with rape arson murder preventing them from votingâHe further claimed that âher goons taped and blocked voting buttons for BJP candidates on EVMâ and said democratic institutions had been undermined âby rein of terror in W BengalâDr Adapa Prasad president of Overseas Friends of BJP OFBJPUSA extended âHearty Congratulations to the people of Bengal and Assam in particular upon BJPâs phenomenal historic victory in Bengal and stupendous victory in Assamâ He added that the party also secured âa great victory in Puducherry and important gains in Keralam while BJP maintaining status quo in Tamilnadu in terms of seats wonâPrasad said the outcome carried broader implications stating âBJPâs Bengal win is very crucial for Bharatâs security Bengalâs bad days are overâ He added that the state had âendured 50 years of unhindered goondagardi and extortion violence infiltration demographic changes loss of industry and moreâDr Vasudev Patel general secretary of OFBJPUSA stressed the strategic importance of the state saying âThis frontier state of Bharat on the east is important for the security and integrity of the nationâ He said the organisation is planning victory celebrations across the United StatesCardiologist Dr Indranil BasuRay said decades of rule had led to âcomplete deindustrialization gross unemployment increasing poverty and a lack of basic resourcesâ along with âan extreme amount crime with a criminal syndicate ruling the streetsâHe said âthe BJP sweep in Bengal has come to fruition after over 50 years of patriotic Bengalis struggle to rank their state among the best in the countryâ The moment offers an opportunity âto regain the glory of Bengal and restore its spiritual gloryâ nhe addedâThis historic mandate reflects the peopleâs trust aspirations and desire for strong governance development and cultural prideâ he said adding that âthe end of AITCâs ineffective and inept rule marks the beginning of a new chapter for BengalâCommunity leader Amitabh Mittalsaid the victory brings renewed hope that Bengal will reclaim its past glory and move toward the growth prosperity and progress from which it has been kept away for far too longâ He congratulated âthe BJP leadership karyakartas supporters and voters who worked tirelessly to make this victory possibleâ and said the mandate should âusher in peace prosperity and a brighter future for Bengalâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-americans-hail-bjps-victory-in-bengal--672360.html Tue, 05 May 2026 10:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-pushes-tariffs-targets-china-672361.html Washington May 5 US President Donald Trump said tariffs would remain a central tool of US trade policy signalling tougher measures against China and other countries he accused of undercutting American businesses Speaking at the White House Trump said domestic firms had been hurt by cheaper imports âYouâre getting hurt by China and other countries making a product thatâs not as good but itâs less moneyâ he said ahread of his trip to China later this monthHe argued that tariffs were helping reverse that trend and boost revenues âBecause of the use of tariffs we have all this moneyâ Trump saidThe president indicated that current tariff levels may not be sufficient âThe tariffs really arenât high enough in my opinionâ he said pointing to sectors facing sustained pressure from foreign competitionTrump said companies could avoid tariffs by relocating production to the United States âIf they come in and build a business hereâ there are no tariffsâ he saidHe linked tariffs to a broader revival in US manufacturing âWe lost our car industryâ and theyâre all coming backâ Trump said describing what he called a manufacturing boomHe described USChina relationship as competitive but not adversarial âWeâre leading China in AIâ we have friendly competitionâ he said ahead of a planned meeting with Chinese President Xi JinpingAt the same time he criticised past trade policies âWeâve been ripped off in this country for decadesâ Trump said arguing that earlier administrations had failed to protect domestic industriesHe pointed to tariffs as a corrective measure âItâs made our country rich â really richâ he saidTrump highlighted specific sectors including furniture and manufacturing where he said tariffs would help bring production back to the US âWeâre going to bring all the furniture backâ youâre going to see itâ he saidHe acknowledged legal challenges to tariff policies but said alternative mechanisms were being used âWe have other ways of tariffingâ theyâre more tested theyâre strongerâ he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-pushes-tariffs-targets-china-672361.html Tue, 05 May 2026 10:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/mideast-countries-regional-blocs-condemn-iranian-attacks-on-uae-672362.html Cairo May 5 Countries in the Middle East and regional organizations condemned Irans attacks on the United Arab Emirates UAE saying the attacks represent a dangerous escalation threatening regional security and stability Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman spoke by phone with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan condemning the latest Iranian attacks Xinhua news agency reported quoting Saudi Press Agency SPAThe Saudi crown prince expressed the kingdoms strong condemnation and denunciation of the unjustified Iranian attacks targeting the UAE reaffirming Saudi Arabias support for the UAE in safeguarding its security and stabilityThe two also reviewed regional developments and discussed efforts to enhance regional security and stabilityIn a statement Jordans Foreign Ministry described the attacks as a blatant violation of the UAEs sovereignty and a dangerous escalation threatening its security stability and territorial integrityAlso on Monday Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi called his UAE counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan to reiterate Jordans unwavering solidarity with the UAE and its full support for the UAEs efforts to protect its sovereignty and securityQatar on Monday strongly condemned an Iranian attack targeting an Emirati oil tanker operated by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company while transiting the Strait of HormuzIn a statement Qatars Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the tanker was struck by two drones describing the incident as a blatant violation of international law and the principle of freedom of maritime navigation and a flagrant breach of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817The ministry reiterated Qatars categorical rejection of using the Strait of Hormuz as a tool of pressure calling for its unconditional reopening and stressing that freedom of navigation in this vital waterway is a firmly established principle that must not be compromisedIt warned that the continued closure of the strait would jeopardize the vital interests of countries in the regionThe ministry also called for an end to what it described as unjustified Iranian attacks on the property of neighbouring states reaffirming Qatars full solidarity with the United Arab Emirates and its support for all measures it may take to safeguard its assetsIn a statement issued on Monday the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its categorical rejection of any practices aimed at terrorizing civilians or destabilizing the Arabian Gulf region affirming its full solidarity and support for the measures taken by the UAE to protect its national assets and sovereigntyEgypt warned that the attacks represent a dangerous escalation that hinders efforts for calm and deescalation while constituting a flagrant violation of the principles of international law and the Charter of the United NationsAhmed Aboul Gheit SecretaryGeneral of the League of Arab States condemned in the strongest terms the renewed Iranian attacks against the UAE including the use of combat drones and missiles the targeting of a UAE tanker with combat drones while passing through the Strait of Hormuz as well as the drone attack on an oil facility in FujairahAboul Gheit stressed the need for an immediate end to all Iranian acts of aggression targeting the UAE or the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz holding Iran fully responsible for its unlawful actions that threaten international peace and securityThe SecretaryGeneral reaffirmed that Arab national security is indivisible expressing full solidarity and support for the UAE in the measures it takes to protect its security and territorial integrityJasem Mohamed Albudaiwi SecretaryGeneral of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf GCC also expressed the Councils condemnation and denunciation of the Iranian attacks targeting the UAEHe emphasised that this act of aggression represents a flagrant violation of the sovereignty of a GCC member state and a dangerous escalation threatening regional security and stabilityThe GCC SecretaryGeneral stressed that targeting the UAE is an unacceptable and condemnable behaviour by all standards reflecting an escalatory approach that disregards the rules of international law and the principles of good neighbourlinessAlbudaiwi called on the international community to assume its responsibilities to halt these repeated Iranian attacks and put an immediate end to irresponsible actions that undermine regional and international peace and security IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/mideast-countries-regional-blocs-condemn-iranian-attacks-on-uae-672362.html Tue, 05 May 2026 10:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/21-killed-61-injured-in-china-fireworks-plant-explosion-672363.html Changsha May 5 The fireworks plant explosion in central Chinas Hunan Province has left 21 people dead and 61 others injured authorities said Tuesday The explosion occurred at around 443 pm Monday at the plant of Huasheng fireworks manufacturing and display company in Liuyang a countylevel city under Changsha capital city of HunanMore than 480 rescuers in five teams have been mobilised for the rescue with three rescue robots deployedAs the explosion site is located near two black powder warehouses the rescuers have evacuated nearby residents and set up a buffer zone to prevent a secondary accidentAs of 8 am Tuesday the rescuers had confirmed the casualties following the first round of searching The injured have been rushed to hospital for treatment and the second round of searching is underwayThe Ministry of Emergency Management has dispatched experts to the scene to guide the emergency rescue effortsThe person in charge of the company has been detained by police and the cause of the accident is being investigated Xinhua news agency reportedRescue teams had to evacuate everyone within a 3km 19mi radius of the fireworks plant They also implemented measures like humidifying the area to prevent secondary accidents during the rescueChina President Xi Jinping has urged allout efforts to search for people who are still unaccounted for and save the injured Xi also called for an investigation into the accident to hold those responsible to account state media reportedLiuyang city is known for fireworks manufacturing touted in reports as the worlds largest producer of fireworksBlasts at fireworks factories and shops are not uncommon in China and are often deadly In February 12 people were killed in an explosion at a fireworks store in Hubei province IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/21-killed-61-injured-in-china-fireworks-plant-explosion-672363.html Tue, 05 May 2026 10:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-holds-series-of-bilateral-meetings-with-jamaican-ministers-business-leaders-672367.html Kingston May 5 External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar who is currently on a visit to Jamaica held a series of engagements in Kingston with the ministers and business leaders of the Caribbean nation discussing ways to expand cooperation across various sectors He called on Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness and held a meeting focusing on the economic and peopletopeople cooperationPleased to call on Prime Minister Andrew Holness in Kingston Conveyed the greetings of PM Narendra Modi Discussed deepening our political economic and peopletopeople cooperation Value his commitment towards further strengthening IndiaJamaica relations the EAM said in a post on XAdditionally he formally handed over 10 BHISHM Cubes as a gift from India to Jamaica in the presence of Jamaican PM Holness Health Minister Chris Tufton and FM Kamina J Smith The BHISHM Cube mobile hospital system designed for rapid deployment will help Jamaica during disasters and emergencies The gift of these cubes is a statement of friendship a commitment to disaster preparedness and an outcome of innovation he addedEAM Jaishankar then held a bilateral meeting with his Jamaican counterpart Kamina J Smith and other Cabinet Ministers for an indepth review of the various facets of the partnership between the two nationsDiscussed taking forward our ties in education and health agriculture and digital tourism sports and entertainment infrastructure capacity building and multilateral issues he saidHe then interacted with Jamaicas industry and business leaders and met Jamaican Industry Minister Aubyn Hill Emphasised that as we all diversify and seek reliable partners the imperative to deepen IndiaJamaican business ties is that much stronger The potential for our economic cooperation needs to be explored more vigorously both for bilateral and regional possibilities the EAM addedEAM Jaishankar will also visit Suriname and Trinidad and TobagoThe MEA said these countries share a special connection with India owing to the presence of Girmitiya communitiesGirmitiyas were Indian indentured labourers who left India in the mid to late 19th century to work in British colonies where many eventually settled The term Girmit is a mispronunciation of agreement referring to the contract under which they migrated IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-holds-series-of-bilateral-meetings-with-jamaican-ministers-business-leaders-672367.html Tue, 05 May 2026 10:09:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-fire-extinguished-on-hmm-operated-vessel-in-strait-of-hormuz-no-injuries-reported-672369.html SEOUL May 5 A fire that broke out after an explosion aboard a Panamaflagged bulk carrier operated by South Koreas HMM Co in the Strait of Hormuz has been extinguished and no injuries were reported the company said Tuesday The explosion occurred at about 840 pm Monday Korean time while the HMM Namu was anchored in waters off the United Arab Emirates HMM said The fire began in the engine room and crew members used carbon dioxide to fight the blaze for about four hoursHMM said security camera footage showed the fire had been put out and said it would later inspect the engine room to assess the damageThe freighter had 24 crew members on board six South Koreans and 18 foreign nationals No one was injured the company saidThe cause of the explosion and fire as well as the extent of the damage is currently under investigationIt remains unclear whether the incident was caused by an external attack or an internal malfunction an HMM official saidHMM said it plans to tow the freighter to Dubai a process expected to take several daysEarlier the South Korean government said authorities are working to determine the cause of the explosion and fireIn Washington US President Donald Trump said Monday that Iran has taken shots at a South Korean cargo ship and other targets as he called on Seoul to participate in a mission to reopen the crucial Strait of HormuzIndustry officials said South Koreanoperated ships in waters off the UAE were moving toward Qatar in line with government measures to steer clear of the Strait of Hormuz for safety Yonhap news agency reportedThe incident came after the United States launched an operation called Project Freedom this week to guide commercial vessels stranded by the USIsraeli war against Iran out of the waterwayHMM operates five vessels in the Strait of Hormuz including one container ship and two oil tankers IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/south-korea-fire-extinguished-on-hmm-operated-vessel-in-strait-of-hormuz-no-injuries-reported-672369.html Tue, 05 May 2026 10:09:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/two-us-destroyers-transit-strait-of-hormuz-after-dodging-iranian-attacks-report-672373.html Washington May 5 Two US Navy destroyers have passed through the Strait of Hormuz and entered the Gulf after navigating an Iranian barrage US media outlet CBS News reported The USS Truxtun and USS Mason supported by Apache helicopters and other aircraft faced a series of coordinated threats during the passage said the report citing Pentagon officials who spoke under condition of anonymity on Monday night local timeNo US warship was struck though Iran launched small boats missiles and drones against them as a sustained barrage the officials were quoted as sayingNone of the projectiles launched by Iran reached the US vessels they said adding that the US militarys assisting efforts bolstered by air support successfully intercepted or deterred each incoming threat reports Xinhua news agencyUS President Donald Trump told Fox News on Monday that the Iranians are more malleable than they were beforeIn a phone interview with Fox News the president threatened that if Iran targets US ships in the Strait of Hormuz as the Pentagon begins operations to restore commercial shipping transit through the strait they would be blown off the face of the EarthHowever in another phone interview with ABC News on Monday Trump stopped short of saying Irans Monday attacks had violated the USIran ceasefireIt was not heavy firing Trump said downplaying the attacksBrad Cooper chief of the US Central Command told reporters earlier on Monday that Iranian forces had launched multiple cruise missiles drones and small boats at ships we are protectingUS forces have sunk six Iranian small boats targeting civilian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and intercepted several Iranian missiles and drones said CooperIran later rejected the US claims saying that no commercial vessels or oil tankers have transited the Strait of Hormuz the semiofficial Tasnim News Agency reportedOn February 28 the United States and Israel launched joint strikes on Tehran and other Iranian cities killing thenSupreme Leader Ali Khamenei senior military commanders and civilians Iran responded with waves of missile and drone attacks on Israel and US targets across the region and restricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz for vessels linked to Israel and the United StatesA ceasefire took effect on April 8 followed by talks between Iranian and US delegations in Islamabad that ended without a deal IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/two-us-destroyers-transit-strait-of-hormuz-after-dodging-iranian-attacks-report-672373.html Tue, 05 May 2026 10:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/five-civilians-killed-in-us-attacks-on-cargo-boats-iranian-media-672377.html Tehran May 5 Five civilians were killed in US attacks on cargo boats Irans semiofficial Tasnim news agency reported on Tuesday Following the claim by the US military that it had targeted six Iranian speedboats and given that none of Irans combat vessels was hit local sources were consulted to verify the nature of the incident according to Xinhua which quoted the reportIt was determined that US forces had attacked two small civilian cargo boats which were travelling from Khasab along the Omani coast toward Iran killing five civilian passengers onboard it saidBrad Cooper chief of US Central Command said on Monday that the US military had sunk six Iranian small boats in the Strait of HormuzThe Iranian boats were struck by US Apache and MH60 Seahawk helicopters Cooper told a news conferenceMeanwhile two US Navy destroyers have passed through the Strait of Hormuz and entered the Gulf after navigating an Iranian barrage US media outlet CBS News reportedThe USS Truxtun and USS Mason supported by Apache helicopters and other aircraft faced a series of coordinated threats during the passage said the report citing Pentagon officials who spoke under condition of anonymity on Monday night local timeNo US warship was struck though Iran launched small boats missiles and drones against them as a sustained barrage the officials were quoted as sayingNone of the projectiles launched by Iran reached the US vessels they said adding that the US militarys assisting efforts bolstered by air support successfully intercepted or deterred each incoming threat reports Xinhua news agencyUS President Donald Trump told Fox News on Monday that the Iranians are more malleable than they were beforeIn a phone interview with Fox News the president threatened that if Iran targets US ships in the Strait of Hormuz as the Pentagon begins operations to restore commercial shipping transit through the strait they would be blown off the face of the EarthHowever in another phone interview with ABC News on Monday Trump stopped short of saying Irans Monday attacks had violated the USIran ceasefireIt was not heavy firing Trump said downplaying the attacksBrad Cooper chief of the US Central Command told reporters earlier on Monday that Iranian forces had launched multiple cruise missiles drones and small boats at ships we are protectingUS forces have sunk six Iranian small boats targeting civilian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and intercepted several Iranian missiles and drones said CooperIran later rejected the US claims saying that no commercial vessels or oil tankers have transited the Strait of Hormuz the semiofficial Tasnim News Agency reportedOn February 28 the United States and Israel launched joint strikes on Tehran and other Iranian cities killing thenSupreme Leader Ali Khamenei senior military commanders and civilians Iran responded with waves of missile and drone attacks on Israel and US targets across the region and restricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz for vessels linked to Israel and the United StatesA ceasefire took effect on April 8 followed by talks between Iranian and US delegations in Islamabad that ended without a deal IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/five-civilians-killed-in-us-attacks-on-cargo-boats-iranian-media-672377.html Tue, 05 May 2026 10:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/development-cooperation-important-pillar-of-india-jamaica-ties-eam-jaishankar-672397.html Kingston May 5 External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar has emphasised that development cooperation remains central to the IndiaJamaica relationship with both sides exploring new avenues to deepen bilateral engagement Addressing a press conference following his meeting with Jamaican counterpart Kamina J Smith on Monday local time EAM Jaishankar said Our talks today were comprehensive and very substantive and we reviewed the entire gamut of IndiaJamaica relations We identified new avenues for further strengthening our partnership He said that both the nations have signed several agreements and discussed effective implementations of MOUs which were recently concluded across the fields of digital transformation cultural exchange sports and digital payments to ensure tangible outcomes on the groundStressing that development cooperation remains a very important pillar of our copartnership the EAM welcomed the successful completion and handover of the Improving Rural Livelihoods project in Kingston Town in March The project was supported by India with US1 million under the IndiaUN Development Partnership Fund through the United Nations Office for SouthSouth Cooperation UNOSSCThe project has directly benefited over 200 individuals and has a wider positive impact on thousands in the Kingston Town community he notedEAM Jaishankar stressed that both sides explored the feasibility of the establishment of an artisan empowerment hub for Jamaica as part of New Delhis commitment under the IndiaCARICOM Development PartnershipHe also expressed satisfaction with Indias role in supporting Jamaicas recovery and reconstruction efforts following Hurricane Melissa last yearHighlighting health initiatives by India the EAM said There was a symbolic handing over of what was one of the consignments of 10 BHISHM Cubes We are also in the process of supplying 30 dialysis units to strengthen the health infrastructure in Jamaica This is in continuation of the earlier humanitarian assistance provided in the aftermath of the hurricane where over twenty tonnes of relief material were delivered through an Indian Air Force planeWe deployed a medical team to build local capacities And these efforts reflect our commitment as a reliable development partner for disaster response We have been discussing expanding our cooperation in several areas of mutual interest particularly defence and security healthcare digitisation agriculture education and infrastructure he addedEAM Jaishankar stated that his discussions with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness covered key regional and global developments with both sides reaffirming close cooperation in multilateral fora particularly on reformed multilateralism and priorities of the Global SouthWhile concluding he expressed confidence that the outcome of the discussions would contribute to a stronger more dynamic beneficial and trustbased partnership IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/development-cooperation-important-pillar-of-india-jamaica-ties-eam-jaishankar-672397.html Tue, 05 May 2026 12:15:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/targeting-civilians-unacceptable-pm-modi-condemns-attack-on-uae-that-injured-3-indians--672415.html New Delhi May 5 IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday condemned the attack on the UAEs Fujairah that resulted in injuries to three Indian nationals and termed the targeting of civilians and infrastructure unacceptablenbspnbspPM Modi expressed Indias solidarity with the UAE and reiterated support for the peaceful resolution of all issues through dialogue and diplomacyStrongly condemn the attacks on the UAE that resulted in injuries to three Indian nationals Targeting civilians and infrastructure is unacceptable India stands in firm solidarity with the UAE and reiterates its support for the peaceful resolution of all issues through dialogue and diplomacy Ensuring safe and unimpeded navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is vital for enduring regional peace stability and global energy security PM Modi posted on XPM Modis statement comes as three Indian nationals were injured in attacks in Fujairah on Monday local time The UAE held Iran responsible for these attacksEarlier on Monday the Indian Embassy in the UAE said that it is in touch with local authorities to ensure adequate medical care and welfare of the affected Indian nationalsThree Indian nationals have been injured in todays attacks in Fujairah We are in touch with local authorities for ensuring adequate medical care and welfare of the affected Indian nationals the Embassy statedMeanwhile the UAEs Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the renewed unprovoked Iranian aggression using missiles and drones It also confirmed that three Indian nationals were injured due to the results of Irans attack on civilian sites and facilitiesThe Ministry called the actions of Iran an unacceptable act of aggression and a direct threat to the UAEs security stability and territorial integrityIt said the attacks are in violation of the principles of international law and the Charter of the United NationsThe Ministry emphasised that the UAE would not tolerate any threat to its security and sovereignty under any circumstances adding that the country reserves its full and legitimate right to respond to these unprovoked attacks in a manner that ensures the protection of its sovereignty national security territorial integrity and the safety of its citizens residents and visitors in accordance with international lawIt stressed the need to immediately halt these attacks and ensure full compliance with the cessation of all hostilitiesThe UAE holds Iran fully responsible for these unprovoked attacks and their repercussions the statement saidIANS https://dailyworld.in/international/targeting-civilians-unacceptable-pm-modi-condemns-attack-on-uae-that-injured-3-indians--672415.html Tue, 05 May 2026 13:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/west-bengal-gears-up-for-crackdown-on-illegal-immigration-eyes-statewide-clean-up-672432.html New Delhi May 5 One of the key issues in West Bengal is illegal immigration It has been a problem that has been ongoing for years and with a complicit administration illegal immigrants flooded the state Prime Minister Narendra Modi while hailing the BJPs victory made it clear that illegal immigrants must be prepared to leave the state Union Home Minister Amit Shah too echoed the same sentiment Officials say that one could expect a clean up and more importantly fresh illegal immigration is likely to come down in the months to comeThe official added that illegal immigration into West Bengal and the other Northeastern states was not just an economic issue It has been a planned execution by the ISI and JamaateIslami since the late 1970s to effect a demographic change in IndiaFor the BJP illegal immigration was a major issue during the elections Even prior to the elections the issue has been raised by the party several timesAn Intelligence Bureau official said that to curb issues such as illegal immigration it is important that the state government is on board with the central agenciesWith the BJP keen to address the issue the state administration would move towards a zerotolerance policy where illegal immigration is concernedAnother official said that the first step would be to identify all illegal immigrants in the state Then the process to deport them legally would take place It would be a massive task for the state government since the numbers in West Bengal are hugeThe first step would be to look into the bordering districts of the state where the problem is immense the official said Districts such as Malda and Murshidabad would be the key areas to focus on since this is where most of the demographic changes have taken place the official addedFurther the state machinery would begin to hunt down the touts who are a major part of the problem There are touts both in India and Bangladesh who coordinate with each other to bring in illegal immigrantsAnother official said that the crackdown in West Bengal on illegal immigration would have a ripple effect across the country Most of these illegal immigrants who enter West Bengal have over the last couple of years started moving into other statesTheir presence apart from West Bengal and the northeastern states is most in the southern states where they work as cheap labour in plantations constructions among othersOnce the crackdown in West Bengal begins the trail would lead up to the other states in the country The entire racket is interconnected officials sayAnother official added that cracking down on the touts would be an important part of this exercise These touts have links in almost all states of the country It is a deep rooted network that facilitates the movement of illegal immigrants the official also addedIn addition to cracking down on illegal immigration and the network of touts the state administration in West Bengal along with the Central agencies would work closely on securing the borderDuring the election campaign the BJP had pledged to seal the border with Bangladesh Officials say that while this is a key aspect in the fight against illegal immigration cooperation with Bangladesh would also be the keyThere are certain parts of the border that cannot be fenced owing to rivers and dense forests India and Bangladesh would work closely to ensure that illegal immigrants do not use these routes to slip into the country the official added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/west-bengal-gears-up-for-crackdown-on-illegal-immigration-eyes-statewide-clean-up-672432.html Tue, 05 May 2026 15:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-plays-key-role-in-nigeria-turning-exporter-of-petroleum-products-report-672435.html New Delhi May 5 While the closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid the USIsrael war on Iran has disrupted supply chains of fuelimporting countries it has also opened up new opportunities for countries like Nigeria to step up exports of petroleum product from its coastal refinery that has been built with Indian and Chinese assistance according to a new report The Lagosbased refinery owned by Aliko Dangote Africaâs richest man is operating at full capacity of 650000 barrels per day and supplying fuel across West Central and East Africa according to an article in Business Insider Africa news portal The article states that cargoes have reached markets from Senegal to Mozambique with additional shipments extending into Europe including the Netherlands and the United Kingdom as well as parts of AsiaâThe refineryâs execution reflects a combination of Chinese industrial capacity and Indian engineering oversight underpinning both delivery speed and project scale compared with typically longer timelines associated with Western contractorsâ the article points outMore than eight Chinese firms have been involved in the project since inception providing the industrial backbone that enabled largescale deliveryIndiaâs role has centred on engineering management and project continuity In January Dangote Group renewed a 350 million contract with Engineers India Ltd EIL to support the expansion of the refinery and petrochemicals complex the article observesEIL will serve as Project Management Consultant and Engineering Procurement and Construction Management consultant replicating its role in the initial phase commissioned in 2024 At peak construction more than 30000 Nigerians were employed on the project alongside 6400 Indian and 3250 Chinese workers reflecting the scale and technical demands of the refineryAbout 11000 trained Indian workers were engaged drawing scrutiny from regional stakeholders although the company maintained that the refineryâs complexity required global expertise the article further statesIt highlights that between 2016 and 2018 the group sent Nigerian graduates to Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited in Mumbai for training in refinery operations maintenance and production as part of efforts to build local technical capacity ahead of commissioningThe programme covered about 800 Nigerians trained in batches of 50 over a 24month period providing exposure to largescale refining systems in India home to the Jamnagar Refinery the worldâs largest refining complexâNotably Indian engineer Devakumar V G Edwin who served as Vice President for Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries played a key role in the refineryâs technical development and operational rolloutâ the article statesThe article highlights that the refineryâs impact is beginning to show in trade flows with Nigeria becoming a net exporter of refined petroleum products in March for the first time reversing decades of import dependence IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-plays-key-role-in-nigeria-turning-exporter-of-petroleum-products-report-672435.html Tue, 05 May 2026 15:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/vietnam-president-to-lams-india-visit-likely-to-boost-trade-supply-chain-ties-672439.html New Delhi May 5 The India visit of Vietnam President To Lam is expected to inject fresh momentum into bilateral ties as India and Vietnam look to deepen cooperation and shape a new framework for growth under their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership a report has said The visit comes at a time when economic engagement between the two countries is witnessing strong expansion across sectors such as trade investment digital technology manufacturing and energy according to Vietnam News reportSince the establishment of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2016 both sides have steadily built political trust while strengthening practical collaborationBilateral trade has emerged as a key pillar of this relationship with total trade tripling from 54 billion in 2016 to a record 1646 billion in 2025 according to Vietnamâs Ministry of Industry and TradeThe growth momentum has continued into 2026 with trade reaching 48 billion in the first quarter alone marking a sharp 28 per cent increase yearonyearVietnamâs exports to India have been led by manufactured and processed goods such as electronics machinery and agricultural products while Indiaâs exports include textile materials plastics pharmaceuticals and steel that support Vietnamâs production and export ecosystemExperts note that the two economies are increasingly complementary with Indiaâs strengths in raw materials pharmaceuticals and software aligning well with Vietnamâs manufacturing capabilities and global trade integration as per the reportThis complementarity is helping both countries move beyond direct competition towards deeper supply chain integration and production linkagesAs global companies diversify manufacturing bases India and Vietnam are positioning themselves as key players in the ongoing restructuring of regional supply chains the report statedInvestment ties are also expanding with Indian businesses now operating projects across 20 provinces and cities in VietnamAt the same time Vietnamese companies are gradually increasing their footprint in India including major proposals such as Vingroupâs plan to set up an electric vehicle manufacturing facility in Tamil NaduNew areas of cooperation are also emerging Textiles and footwear are becoming important sectors for industrial collaboration supported by global supply chain shifts and complementary strengths in raw materials and manufacturing the report said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/vietnam-president-to-lams-india-visit-likely-to-boost-trade-supply-chain-ties-672439.html Tue, 05 May 2026 15:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/serac-collapse-injures-sherpa-guide-indian-mountaineer-on-everest-climb-672440.html Kathmandu May 5 Two climbers an Indian mountaineer and a Sherpa guide were injured early Tuesday morning after a serac collapse along the Khumbu Icefall route on Mt Everest hit them Nepals Department of Tourism said The injured have been identified as Nimish Kumar Singh 40 from India and Pembha Tenduk Sherpa 44 a mountain guide from NepalAccording to the department the incident occurred at around 545 am when a serac collapse caused falling ice to reach the main climbing route striking members of the expedition teamA serac is a large unstable block or pinnacle of glacial ice often formed by intersecting crevasses on a glaciers surface or on steep icefallsAt the time of the incident permitholding climbers and Sherpa guides from multiple expedition agencies were heading toward Camp I from Camp II via the Khumbu Icefall as part of the acclimatisation process They had earlier reached Camp II after ascending from Everest Base CampThe Khumbu Icefall one of the most hazardous sections of the Everest climbing route is known for frequent ice shifts and serac collapses particularly during the early climbing seasonImmediately after the incident a team of Sherpa guides from Pioneer Adventure Pvt Ltd and Summit Force Expedition carried out a prompt rescue and informed officials stationed at Everest Base CampFrom the base camp a team from Seven Summit Trek Pvt Ltd quickly coordinated a helicopter evacuation At around 630 am a helicopter arrived at the incident site from Lukla airport near Mt Everest and airlifted the injured to Kathmandu for treatmentBoth individuals were taken to HAMS Hospital in Kathmandu where they are undergoing treatment the department said adding Their condition is stable and they are out of dangerNepal has attracted a large number of mountaineers this spring season particularly those attempting to climb Mt Everest despite the government raising the royalty fee for climbers to 15000 from 11000 per person and flight disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia between the United States and IranAccording to the Department of Tourism 464 climbers from 47 teams had been granted permits to climb the worlds highest peak as of May 1 Among them 58 climbers representing 25 expedition teams are from India In total 1050 climbers from 125 teams have received permits to climb various peaks across Nepal IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/serac-collapse-injures-sherpa-guide-indian-mountaineer-on-everest-climb-672440.html Tue, 05 May 2026 15:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-economy-under-strain-as-debt-and-liabilities-spiral-to-rs-85-trillion-report-672474.html New Delhi May 5 Pakistanâs economy is under mounting pressure as its total debt and liabilities have surged to Rs 85 trillion over the past four years which highlights a steep rise in fiscal stress amid limited structural reform a report has said A report in The News Pakistan highlighted that the countryâs debt and liabilities have increased from around Rs 55 trillion four years ago to Rs 85 trillion at present an overall jump of nearly 55 per cent This translates into an average annual increase of about Rs 75 trillion highlighting the scale of continuous borrowing it saidOn a monthly basis liabilities have reportedly risen by around Rs 625 billion while on a daily basis the accumulation stands at nearly Rs 20 billion The report noted that this persistent rise underscores the pace at which fiscal obligations are building up in the economyMoreover the expansion in debt has not been matched by corresponding growth in productive assets or economic output that raised concerns over the sustainability of public finances The report highlighted that in the absence of meaningful reforms debt accumulation continues to outpace economic efficiency gains adding pressure on fiscal stability Moreover a similar trend is visible in the power sector where circular debt has increased from Rs 22 trillion to Rs 32 trillion an increase of around 45 per cent in four yearsThis suggested annual additions of about Rs 250 billion with persistent inefficiencies weak recoveries and continued losses Stateowned enterprises SOEs also remain a significant burden with more than 110 entities carrying liabilities exceeding Rs 30 trillion These enterprises collectively incur losses of Rs 800 billion to Rs 1 trillion annuallyIn addition on governance and expenditure Pakistanâs federal and provincial governments operate a fleet of around 85500 vehicles compared to just 86 used by the UK government Annual fuel expenditure stood at approximately Rs 114 billion or about Rs 95 billion per month according to the report IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistan-economy-under-strain-as-debt-and-liabilities-spiral-to-rs-85-trillion-report-672474.html Tue, 05 May 2026 18:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-and-myanmar-discuss-enhancing-maritime-security-in-bay-of-bengal-672485.html Naypyitaw May 5 Chief of Naval Staff CNS Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi held a meeting with Myanmar Navys CommanderinChief Admiral Htein Win in Naypyitaw discussing aspects related to growing bilateral ties Talks also focused on advancing naval engagements between both countries including on maritime engagement opportunities capacity building training exchanges and Mobile Training Teams MTTs hydrography and enhancing interoperability As part of the ongoing visit to Myanmar Adm Dinesh K Tripathi CNS held discussions with Adm Htein Win CommanderinChief of Myanmar Navy at Nay Pyi Taw on 04 May 26 On arrival CNS was received with a ceremonial Guard of Honour by the Myanmar Navy The meeting marks a significant milestone to foster deeper navy to navy ties and enhancing maritime security in the Bay of Bengal region MAHASAGAR the spokesperson for Indian Navy posted on XBoth Principals discussed aspects related to growing India Myanmar relations and advancing NavytoNavy engagements with a focus on maritime engagement opportunities capacity building training exchanges and Mobile Training Teams MTTs hydrography and enhancing interoperability The interaction highlighted shared perspectives on Maritime Security and the need for collaborative approaches to address emerging asymmetric threats at sea the spokesperson addedOn Monday Admiral Tripathi met Myanmars Defence Minister General Htun Aung and discussed the current canvas of bilateral tiesCNS Admiral Tripathi is scheduled to wrap up his fourday official visit to Myanmar later on TuesdayAs part of his ongoing visit to Myanmar Adm Dinesh K Tripathi CNS called on HE General Htun Aung Minister of Defence of Myanmar Discussions reviewed the current canvas of bilateral ties and identified priorities while also underscoring the strategiclevel impact of IndiaâMyanmar defence engagement in promoting regional stability and security Indian Navys spokesperson posted on XThe exchange included ongoing bilateral activities and further avenues of collaboration reflecting a steady forwardlooking partnership with growing strategic convergence between the two sides the statement addedOn Sunday Admiral Tripathi met Myanmar Navys Central Naval Command chief Rear Admiral Aung Aung Naing and Training Command chief Rear Admiral Khun Aung Kyaw with discussions focused on strengthening navytonavy cooperation bolstering the existing defence partnership and augmenting operational engagementsThe two sides also spoke about issues related to enhancing training cooperation and future avenues of collaborationDuring the ongoing visit to Myanmar Adm Dinesh K Tripathi CNS was received at the Central Naval Command Headquarters Yangon with a ceremonial Guard of Honour CNS held discussions with RAdm Aung Aung Naing Commander Central Naval Command Myanmar Navy and RAdm Khun Aung Kyaw Commander Naval Training Command the Indian Navy spokesperson stated on XIssues related to strengthening navytonavy cooperation bolstering existing defence partnership augmenting operational engagements maritime security and promoting shared goals for a stable and secure maritime environment were discussed Aspects related to enhancing training cooperation and future avenues of collaboration were deliberated emphasising the commitment to enhancing interoperability and training exchange programmes the spokesperson addedAdmiral Tripathi also visited the Naval Training Command in Myanmar where he handed over various projects executed with Indian assistanceAt the Naval Training Command CNS was briefed on Myanmar Navys training infrastructure and ongoing initiatives between the two navies including the effectiveness of Mobile Training Team MTTs reaffirming Indiaâs commitment to capacity building and professional exchanges CNS formally handed over various projects executed with Gol assistance including the Containerised Small Arms Simulator and the Rigid Inflatable Boat for augmentation of maritime security in the Bay of Bengal region in keeping with the vision of MAHASAGAR the spokesperson posted on XAccording to the Indian Navy the visit by the Chief of the Naval Staff reaffirms the longstanding IndiaMyanmar bonds of friendship anchored on mutual respect trust and a shared commitment for Maritime Security and Stability in the Indian Ocean Region IOR IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-and-myanmar-discuss-enhancing-maritime-security-in-bay-of-bengal-672485.html Tue, 05 May 2026 18:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/vietnam-president-to-lam-arrives-in-new-delhi-on-his-first-state-visit-to-india-672489.html New Delhi May 5 Vietnamese President To Lam on Tuesday arrived in New Delhi on a threeday State Visit to India Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai welcomed the visiting leader at airport Ministry of External Affairs MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that President To Lams visit to India will strengthen bilateral tiesChao mung Excellency General Secretary President of Vietnam Mr To Lam has arrived in New Delhi on his first State Visit to India He was accorded a warm welcome and received by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai Jaiswal posted on XThis year we are marking the milestone of 10 years of IndiaVietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership The visit will further strengthen our multifaceted and robust bilateral relations he addedEarlier in the day President To Lam offered prayers at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary extended a warm welcome to the Vietnamese President upon his arrival in GayajiTo Lam also the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam will be in India till May 7 This is his first visit to India after being elected as the President of Vietnam last monthDuring his visit President To Lam will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan on May 6Following this Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold wideranging discussions with President To Lam across the spectrum of bilateral relations along with regional and global issues of mutual interestPresident Droupadi Murmu will also hold a meeting with the visiting leader Other leaders are also expected to call on President To Lam in New DelhiDuring his visit President To Lam is also scheduled to travel to Mumbai He will visit National Stock Exchange meet Maharashtra Chief Minister and Governor He is also scheduled to attend a business forum in MumbaiIndia and Vietnam share historical and civilisational ties which have steadily deepened over the years President To Lamâs visit coincides with the special occasion of the two countries marking the 10th anniversary of the elevation of relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership agreed during the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Vietnam in 2016 the MEA stated earlierThe engagement between leaders is expected to provide fresh momentum to the robust bilateral relations and open new avenues for cooperation between India and Vietnam it added IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/vietnam-president-to-lam-arrives-in-new-delhi-on-his-first-state-visit-to-india-672489.html Tue, 05 May 2026 18:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/individual-debt-becomes-pakistans-burden-amid-lack-of-govt-oversight-672507.html New Delhi May 5 Pakistan is perhaps the only country in the world where individual debt has become the nationâs burden as those who borrow do not pay back and loan writeoffs are common together with defaults according to a new report Then there are kickback projects which are built on borrowed money with no framework for payback IMF has recently observed that there is no check on government spending says the report in Business Recorder âThere is no parliamentary oversight or debate only rules of procurement are defined need assessment and loan retirement is not consideredâ it addsTill October 1958 Pakistan was debt free Today the republic is mired under debt Only the external component is around 140 billion âThe entire federal budget is consumed by debt servicing and defence expenditure There is no money left to run the glutinous nonperforming state apparatusâ the report laments Under the National Finance Commission NFC award a major portion of tax money is transferred to the provinces âEven IMF International Monetary Fund the lender of choice has started imposing conditionalities before releasing funds Loan yes leaving alone no it is indeed getting serious nowâ the report mentionsDebt is a major fault line for the country that needs to be corrected Driving luxury automobiles on borrowed money is indeed shamefulâThe choice is between moratorium and default or a combination of both but business as usual cannot continue There should be a parliamentary committee for debt controlâ the report says All future borrowing should be stopped in the next budget starting July 1 2026 A fiveyear suspension of interest payments should be negotiated with the lenders Balance of payment must be achieved The import and export bills must be lumped together and tracked There must be a massive cut in state expenses it adds IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/individual-debt-becomes-pakistans-burden-amid-lack-of-govt-oversight-672507.html Tue, 05 May 2026 19:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/iranian-foreign-minister-travels-to-china-set-to-hold-talks-with-counterpart-wang-yi-672511.html Tehran May 5 Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi will arrive in China later on Tuesday as part of Tehrans ongoing diplomatic consultations with various nations local media reported During his visit Araghchi is scheduled to hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi where both ministers will discuss bilateral ties regional and international developments Irans semiofficial Tasnim News Agency reportedAraghchis visit to Beijing comes a few days after he had travelled to Pakistan Oman and RussiaOn April 27 Araghchi called on Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saint Petersburg as the Kremlin reiterated its support for bringing peace in the Middle East local media reportedFor our part we will do everything that serves your interests the interests of all the peoples of the region to ensure that this peace is achieved as quickly as possible You know our position well Russias Tass news agency quoted Putin as saying during the meeting with the visiting Iranian ministerDuring the meeting Araghchi conveyed wishes of Irans Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian to Putin He mentioned that people of Iran through their courage were able to resist US aggression He expressed gratitude to Putin and Russia for their support to Iran and stated that the ties between Iran and Russia share a strategic partnership at the highest level and will develop regardless of everything that happens Tass reportedAraghchi arrived in Russia after concluding his visit to Oman During his visit to Muscat Araghchi met Omans Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and briefed him about Irans stance on the latest developments in West Asia after the joint IsraelUS strikes against Iran He expressed appreciation for Omans support for dialogue and promoting efforts aimed at enhancing security and stability in the region especially considering the current regional challenges Irans Press TV reportedSultan Haitham highlighted Omans stance on advancing mediation efforts that would increase the chances of reaching sustainable political solutions and mitigate the impact of crises on the people of the region He stressed the importance of using dialogue and diplomacy to resolve issuesIran and the US reached a twoweek ceasefire starting on April 8 Later the two nations held the first round of talks on April 1112 aimed at ending the conflict However the talks collapsed after 21 hours of negotiations IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/iranian-foreign-minister-travels-to-china-set-to-hold-talks-with-counterpart-wang-yi-672511.html Tue, 05 May 2026 19:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/journalists-in-quetta-slam-peca-pledge-to-continue-struggle-for-freedom-of-expression-672265.html Quetta May 4 Journalists in Pakistans Quetta have expressed their commitment to defending media independence pledging to continue their struggle for freedom of expression and rejecting black laws restricting rights of press local media reported on Monday A large number of journalists carrying banners and placards highlighting their demands gathered outside the Quetta Press Club Journalists shouted slogans against restrictive legislation especially the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act PECA and other measures that erode press freedom Civil society activists also participated in the event expressing their solidarity with journalists the daily Dawn reportedAddressing the gathering Balochistan Union of Journalists BUJ President Manzoor Ahmed Rind Quetta Press Club President Irfan Saeed Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists PFUJ Assistant Secretary Noor Elahi Bugti BUJ General Secretary Shah Hussain Tareen and civil society activist Bahram Lehri spoke about the challenges faced by journalists in BalochistanThe speakers stated that journalists despite receiving threats from both state and nonstate actors have continued to fulfil their professional responsibilities without compromising on truth They paid tribute to over 50 journalists who lost their lives in the line of duty stressing that their sacrifices demonstrated the high stakes of independent journalism in the regionThey mentioned that the prevailing security situation and restrictive legislation like the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act PECA have created an increasingly difficult environment for journalistsThe speakers slammed PECA and stated that such legislation is often used for curbing dissent and silencing factual reporting They stated that restrictions on media have increased under democratic governments surpassing those seen during past authoritarian regimes Dawn reportedThe protesters called for withdrawal or review of PECA in consultation with stakeholders including the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists and other media organisations They demanded an end to restrictions on press freedom and urged authorities to ensure a safe and enabling environment for journalistsThe participants called for the immediate restoration of bureau offices of television channels and newspapers that have been shut in Quetta They demanded reinstatement of journalists and media workers who had lost their jobs guarantees for job security and timely payment of their salaries IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/journalists-in-quetta-slam-peca-pledge-to-continue-struggle-for-freedom-of-expression-672265.html Mon, 04 May 2026 18:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/rights-body-flags-erosion-of-press-freedom-in-bangladesh-amid-persistent-crackdown-672269.html Paris May 4 A leading human rights organisation expressed grave concern over the continuing intimidation harassment arbitrary detention and unjust imprisonment of journalists across Bangladesh for the legitimate exercise of their professional duties Extending solidarity with journalists in Bangladesh on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day observed on Sunday Justice Makers Bangladesh in France JMBF stated that the operational space for independent journalism in the country has been steadily and alarmingly shrinkingLegislative instruments ostensibly enacted to safeguard national security and public order are increasingly being misused to suppress dissent criminalise investigative reporting and cultivate a climate of fear among media practitioners the rights body statedJMBF raised alarm over the prolonged detention and ongoing persecution of several journalists and human rights defenders including Farzana Rupa Sakil Ahmed Shahriar Kabir Mozammel Hoque Babu and Shamal DattoCiting credible reports the rights body stated these individuals were arrested in 2024 without due process including the absence of arrest warrants and were subsequently implicated in multiple serious and in some cases questionable charges during the tenure of the former Muhammad Yunusled interim governmentIt further noted that their continued detention under the current Bangladesh Nationalist Party BNPled government raises serious concerns about the persistence of politically motivated prosecutions and the broader pattern of repression targeting independent voicesThese cases exemplify a troubling reality in which journalists are penalised not for criminal conduct but for fulfilling their professional responsibility to hold power to account The targeting of a female journalist such as Farzana Rupa is particularly concerning as it underscores the heightened and intersectional risks faced by women in the media sector including genderbased intimidation and discrimination the JMBF addedAsserting that these are not isolated incidents but rather reflect a systemic erosion of press freedom and democratic norms in Bangladesh the JMBF said Journalists across the country are increasingly exposed to arbitrary arrests intrusive digital surveillance strategic lawsuits against public participation SLAPPs legal harassment and in some instances physical violenceSuch an environment it said fosters widespread selfcensorship while undermining the publics fundamental right to access accurate and independent informationThe ongoing persecution arbitrary detention and systematic intimidation of journalists in Bangladesh reflect a deepening political and institutional crisis wherein state power is being deployed to suppress dissent and manipulate the public narrative The criminalisation of journalism represents a direct assault on democratic governance and the rule of law said Charlotte Jacquemart Advisor to JMBFThe international community must recognise these violations not as isolated occurrences but as part of a broader trajectory of democratic backsliding that necessitates urgent political accountability and sustained diplomatic engagement she addedThe JMBF called on the international community including governments intergovernmental bodies human rights organisations and global press freedom advocates to step up monitoring of the situation in Bangladesh and hold the relevant authorities accountable for violations against journalists and media institutions IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/rights-body-flags-erosion-of-press-freedom-in-bangladesh-amid-persistent-crackdown-672269.html Mon, 04 May 2026 18:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/australias-bondi-terror-attack-inquiry-begins-first-block-of-public-hearings-672275.html Sydney May 4 A landmark antisemitism inquiry established in the wake of the fatal terror attack at Sydneys Bondi Beach started its first block of public hearings on Monday The first block of hearings which is held by the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion will continue until Friday in SydneyCommissioner Virginia Bell a former High Court judge will preside over the first block of hearings which will examine the nature and prevalence of antisemitism in Australia and hear from a number of witnesses about their lived experience of antisemitism Xinhua news agency reportedThe circumstances surrounding the Bondi attack will be probed during the second hearing block slated for the end of May while the third block is set to explore the radicalisation that may be generated through online hate and antisemitism on social mediaBell last week handed down the commissions interim report which made 14 recommendations five of which were not released publicly for national security reasonsThe report said that federal state and territory governments should prioritise efforts to implement consistent firearms laws and a gun buyback scheme to remove surplus and illegal guns from the communityThe inquiry was established by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in January after 15 people were killed in a fatal mass shooting that targeted a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach on December 14 2025Alleged gunman Naveed Akram has been charged with murder and terrorism offences over the attack which authorities claim was motivated by Islamic State ideology His father and fellow alleged perpetrator Sajid Akram was shot dead at the sceneThe royal commission will not examine the intention and motivation behind the attack to avoid influencing criminal proceedingsIt will hand down its final report by the first anniversary of the attack IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/australias-bondi-terror-attack-inquiry-begins-first-block-of-public-hearings-672275.html Mon, 04 May 2026 18:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-launches-project-freedom-in-strait-of-hormuz-to-free-stranded-ships-672080.html Washington May 4 The United States will begin a major militarybacked operation to escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz as President Donald Trump announced a humanitarian effort to free ships stranded amid escalating tensions in the Middle East Trump said multiple countries had approached Washington for help citing vessels âlocked up in the Strait of Hormuzâ despite having âabsolutely nothing to doâ with the ongoing conflictâFor the good of Iran the Middle East and the United States we have told these Countries that we will guide their Ships safely out of these restricted Waterwaysâ he said describing the effort as âProject FreedomâThe operation is set to begin Monday morning Middle East time Trump said the move aims to assist âneutral and innocent bystandersâ and ensure ships can âfreely and ably get on with their businessâHe framed the initiative as a humanitarian intervention noting that several vessels were facing deteriorating conditions âMany of these Ships are running low on food and everything else necessary for largescale crews to stay on board in a healthy and sanitary mannerâ he saidTrump also indicated that diplomatic engagement with Iran was underway âI am fully aware that my Representatives are having very positive discussions with the Country of Iran and that these discussions could lead to something very positive for allâ he saidHowever he issued a warning against any disruption âIf in any way this Humanitarian process is interfered with that interference will unfortunately have to be dealt with forcefullyâ he saidThe US Central Command CENTCOM confirmed that its forces would support the mission starting May 4 to ârestore freedom of navigation for commercial shipping through the Strait of HormuzâThe Pentagondirected operation will involve a significant military deployment According to the CENTCOM statement support will include guidedmissile destroyers more than 100 land and seabased aircraft multidomain unmanned platforms and about 15000 service membersâThe mission directed by the President will support merchant vessels seeking to freely transit through the essential international trade corridor A quarter of the worldâs oil trade at sea and significant volumes of fuel and fertilizer products are transported through the straitâ CENTCOM saidâOur support for this defensive mission is essential to regional security and the global economy as we also maintain the naval blockadeâ said Adm Brad Cooper CENTCOM commanderThe operation will also be supported by a broader diplomatic and military coordination effort The State Department in partnership with the Department of War has launched the Maritime Freedom Construct to improve information sharing and cooperation among international partners IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-launches-project-freedom-in-strait-of-hormuz-to-free-stranded-ships-672080.html Mon, 04 May 2026 13:46:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/who-reports-hantavirus-outbreak-on-atlantic-cruise-ship-three-dead-one-critical-672081.html Geneva May 4 The World Health Organization WHO said on Monday that it is monitoring and supporting a public health incident aboard a cruise vessel sailing in the Atlantic Ocean where a hantavirus outbreak has been confirmed resulting in three deaths and multiple suspected infections In a post on X WHO stated âWHO is aware of and supporting a public health event involving a cruise vessel sailing in the Atlantic Ocean To date one case of hantavirus infection has been laboratory confirmed and there are five additional suspected cases Of the six affected individuals three have died and one is currently in intensive care in South AfricaâThe organisation added that investigations are ongoing and medical support is being provided to those affected âDetailed investigations are ongoing including further laboratory testing and epidemiological investigations Medical care and support are being provided to passengers and crew Sequencing of the virus is also ongoingâ WHO saidHantavirus is typically transmitted to humans from rodents through contact with their urine or faeces It can cause severe respiratory illness and in rare cases can spread between humans The disease is considered serious and requires close medical monitoring and supportive careThe outbreak has been reported aboard the MV Hondius a polar cruise ship operated by tour company Oceanwide Expeditions According to its published itinerary the vessel departed Ushuaia in southern Argentina on 20 March and was expected to complete its voyage in Cape Verde on 4 May The ship is a 1076metre 353 ft expedition cruise vessel designed to carry up to 170 passengers in 80 cabins along with 57 crew members 13 guides and one onboard doctorAmong the affected is a 69yearold British national who is currently in intensive care in Johannesburg South Africa Authorities have confirmed that one case is laboratoryconfirmed while five others remain under investigation as suspected infectionsWHO further noted that it is coordinating with member states and the shipâs operators to arrange medical evacuation for two symptomatic passengers and to conduct a full public health risk assessment for those still onboardâWHO is facilitating coordination between Member States and the Shipâs operators for medical evacuation of two symptomatic passengers as well as full public health risk assessment and support to the remaining passengers on board WHO is grateful for the rapid actions and coordinationâ the organisation saidThe agency has informed national focal points under the International Health Regulations and said a Disease Outbreak News report will be issued for public dissemination IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/who-reports-hantavirus-outbreak-on-atlantic-cruise-ship-three-dead-one-critical-672081.html Mon, 04 May 2026 13:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/german-chancellor-merz-pledges-continued-cooperation-after-us-troop-cut-plan-672082.html Berlin May 4 German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said despite the recent verbal tensions with US President Donald Trump he would not give up on cooperation with the US side The Pentagon announced on Friday that it is planning to withdraw about 5000 US troops from Germany This announcement came after Merzs remarks about the United States being planless in its military engagement in Iran and humiliated by the Iranian leadershipDuring an interview with public broadcaster ARD Merz also confirmed that the United States will not station Tomahawk cruise missiles in Germany for the time being but he believed that the plan has not been permanently abandoned Xinhua news agency reportedThe Tomahawk weapon systems were originally pledged by former US President Joe Biden in 2024 to bolster European deterrence Along with the troop cut announcement multiple US media outlets recently said the United States has also canceled the plan to reinforce European troopsThe Americans currently do not have enough themselves Merz said Calling the United States Germanys most important partner within NATO he noted that the US decision to withdraw US troops has no connection with his earlier criticism of TrumpTrump earlier said that the United States plans to withdraw a lot further than the 5000 troops the Pentagon said earlier this week will leave GermanyWere going to cut way down and were cutting a lot further than 5000 Trump told reporters before boarding Air Force One in the southeastern US state of FloridaIn response to Merzs planless remark Trump lashed out at the German leader saying he doesnt know what hes talking about and is indifferent to Irans nuclear ambitionsTrump wrote on social media on Wednesday that the United States is considering a possible reduction of troops in Germany and the decision will be made over the next short period of time He said Thursday that he may also reduce US military presence in Spain and ItalyWhy shouldnt I Italy has not been of any help Spain has been horrible Absolutely said Trump again slamming European allies for not helping in the USIsraeli war against Iran IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/german-chancellor-merz-pledges-continued-cooperation-after-us-troop-cut-plan-672082.html Mon, 04 May 2026 13:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-says-us-has-responded-to-tehrans-14-point-plan-to-end-war-672089.html Tehran May 4 Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said that the United States has responded to Irans 14point proposed plan to end the war He made the remarks in an interview with staterun IRIB TV while noting that the US response is being reviewedHe stressed that Irans plan is exclusively focused on ending the war and nothing pertaining to the nuclear fields details exists in itAt present we are focused on the parameters related to ending the war in the region including Lebanon Baghaei added stressing we have no nuclear negotiation at this stageIrans Foreign Ministry spokesman was quoted by state media as saying that at this stage we do not have nuclear negotiations a key demand by WashingtonIran has repeatedly denied it is seeking a bomb and says its programme is only for peaceful purposes though the country is the only nonnucleararmed state to have enriched uranium at near weaponsgrade levelAlso on Sunday Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi briefed his Omani and German counterparts on Irans latest diplomatic efforts and initiatives to end the war Xinhua news agency reportedIn separate phone calls Araghchi exchanged views with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on the latest regional and international developments according to statements released by the Iranian Foreign MinistryOn February 28 Israel and the United States launched joint strikes on Tehran and other cities killing Irans thenSupreme Leader Ali Khamenei senior commanders and civilians Iran responded with waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and US interests in the regionA ceasefire took effect on April 8 followed by talks between Iranian and US delegations in Islamabad that failed to produce a deal IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-says-us-has-responded-to-tehrans-14-point-plan-to-end-war-672089.html Mon, 04 May 2026 13:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/adb-pledges-70-billion-usd-to-boost-energy-digital-connectivity-in-asia-pacific-672108.html Samarkand May 4 The Asian Development Bank ADB said it will commit up to 70 billion USD by 2035 to two initiatives to integrate power grids expand crossborder electricity trade and strengthen broadband access across the AsiaPacific region ADB President Masato Kanda launched the PanAsia Power Grid Initiative and the AsiaPacific Digital Highway at the banks 59th annual meeting in Samarkand Uzbekistans secondlargest city Xinhua news agency reportedEnergy and digital access will define the regions future said Kanda adding that by linking power grids and digital networks across borders we can lower costs expand opportunity and bring reliable power and digital access to hundreds of millions of peopleAccording to Kanda the PanAsia Power Grid Initiative seeks to connect national and subregional power systems to enable the crossborder flow of renewable energy The AsiaPacific Digital Highway aims to close the digital infrastructure gap and help the region harness artificial intelligencedriven growthUnder the PanAsia Power Grid Initiative the ADB aims to mobilize 50 billion by 2035 for crossborder power infrastructure focusing on transmission lines substations storage and grid digitalizationUnder the AsiaPacific Digital Highway the ADB will mobilise 20 billion to finance digital corridors data infrastructure and AIready economiesThe ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive resilient and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific Founded in 1966 it has 69 members 50 from the regionEarlier on Wednesday the ADB slashed its GDP growth outlook for developing Asia and the Pacific to 47 per cent in 2026 from the previous 51 per cent forecastInflation for 2026 is projected to accelerate to 52 per cent in 2026 from 3 per cent in 2025 before easing to 41 per cent in 2027Our revised outlook is a significant downward revision for growth and a sharp increase in inflation following a special update to reflect the deepening crisis Kanda said at the time IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/adb-pledges-70-billion-usd-to-boost-energy-digital-connectivity-in-asia-pacific-672108.html Mon, 04 May 2026 13:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/friendship-written-in-runs-eam-jaishankar-inaugurates-india-gifted-electronic-scoreboard-to-jamaica-672124.html Kingston May 4 External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar joined Jamaican PM Andrew Holness to dedicate an electronic scoreboard gifted by India to Sabina Park a historic cricket venue in Kingston positioning the gift as a symbol of cultural bonds and future collaboration between the two nations In a post on X EAM Jaishankar said The IndiaJamaica story is written in runs written in respect written in friendship Joined Prime Minister Andrew Holness in formally dedicating the electronic scoreboard at Sabina Park gifted by IndiaMay this scoreboard count many great innings to come Among them that of IndiaJamaica friendship he addedHe also noted the absence of Jamaican cricket icon Chris GayleEarlier the EAM also met with the Indian diaspora in the Caribbean nation and discussed the progress India has made across various sectorsPleasure to interact with the Indian community in Jamaica Good to hear the Prime Minister of Jamaica speak so warmly about their many contributions EAM Jaishankar said in a post on XShared with them recent developments in IndiaJamaica ties Discussed the transformation underway at home especially in infrastructure human development and technologydriven governance and entrepreneurship he addedThe EAM also visited the Old Harbour the historic site where the first Indians arrived in Jamaica over 180 years ago Interacted with members of the Indian diaspora witnessing how they have preserved their culture traditions and identity Thank Ministers Olivia Babsy Grange and Edmund Bartlett for their gracious presence he addedEAM Jaishankar will also visit Suriname and Trinidad and TobagoThe MEA said these countries share a special connection with India owing to the presence of Girmitiya communitiesGirmitiyas were Indian indentured labourers who left India in the mid to late 19th century to work in British colonies where many eventually settled The term Girmit is a mispronunciation of agreement referring to the contract under which they migrated IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/friendship-written-in-runs-eam-jaishankar-inaugurates-india-gifted-electronic-scoreboard-to-jamaica-672124.html Mon, 04 May 2026 13:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/over-500-cases-filed-against-journalists-during-yunus-regime-in-bangladesh-report-672156.html Dhaka May 4 Bangladesh has seen growing concerns across various quarters over media freedom amid reports of oppression and legal cases against journalists during the 18month tenure of the previous Yunusled interim government Critics have called for ending the deadlock and the immediate release of journalists imprisoned in false cases local media reportedCiting the findings of the AntiRepression Journalist Front leading Bangladeshi daily Bangla Tribune reported that over 500 cases have been filed against journalists across the country since August 5 2024 Nearly 50 journalists have been arrested in connection with these cases while 13 have been killed Additionally nearly 1200 journalists have been dismissed and 168 accreditation cards have been revokedReports suggest that membership of more than 700 journalists from various press clubs including the National Press Club has been suspended or cancelled during the same period Amid the widening concerns allegations have also surfaced that over 50 journalists had their bank accounts frozen and have been banned from leaving BangladeshSpeaking to Bangla Tribune Front member secretary Sheikh Jamal said that journalists jailed on false charges are in poor health with many seriously illThere is no proper food and medical treatment for them in prison They are given food mixed with chemicals Those who are coming out of prison are experiencing problems with their blood urine kidneys and liver I myself have faced such diseases after being imprisoned on false charges Those who go to prison come back sick said JamalHe further said that several Bangladeshi journalists including Shyamal Dutta Mozammel Haque Babu and Farzana Rupa are in poor health condition and urgently require advanced medical treatmentManzil Morshed a senior Supreme Court lawyer and President of the human rights organisation Human Rights and Peace of Bangladesh HRPB told Bangla Tribune Jailed journalists are not being released due to legal obstacles the current system and professional failuresExpressing concerns over media freedom in Bangladesh Morshed said We still dont have media freedom Some journalists are still working with specific motives to please someone This is not good for independent mediaHe added that while allegations may arise against a journalist due to political views there are doubts whether the serious charges they are being held on including murder cases will withstand judicial standards200 million people across the country know that these allegations are nothing Morshed stressed IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/over-500-cases-filed-against-journalists-during-yunus-regime-in-bangladesh-report-672156.html Mon, 04 May 2026 14:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistani-forces-accused-of-extrajudicially-killing-three-civilians-in-balochistan-rights-body-672170.html Quetta May 4 Pakistani security forces carried out the extrajudicial killing of three civilians in Balochistan according to a leading human rights organisation Condemning the incident as a grave human rights violation Paank the Baloch National Movements Human Rights Department mentioned that Kuhda Peer Muhammad and his young son Abdullah were extrajudicially killed by Pakistanâs Frontier Corps FC on May 1 in the Zamuran region of the Kech districtCiting reports the rights body stated that personnel of the FC raided a house and forcibly detained both father and son before taking them to an FC camp where they were subsequently killedIn a separate incident Ayaz Baloch was killed on the night of April 30 near his home in the Tasp region of Panjgur district by a Pakistanbacked âdeath squadâThis incident represents a serious violation of fundamental human rights and underscores the ongoing pattern of unlawful killings in Balochistanâ Paank notedMeanwhile addressing the people of Balochistan on Monday Sabiha Baloch the central leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee BYC accused Pakistani forces of carrying out widespread operations across the province including killing raids and harassment inside residencesIn her message posted on BYCâs social media platform X Sabiha said The situation unfolding on Baloch soil has reached a critical point The state is deploying its full force into every Baloch home State forces and their facilitators are entering houses killing harassing and instilling fear They do not consider the Baloch to be human They dehumanise our people and exercise their full power against them as though Baloch lives hold no valueâShe warned that the âgenocide of the Baloch the systematic erasure of Baloch identity and the relentless escalation of brutality and crueltyâ have reached alarming levels leaving people unable to keep count and gradually losing their voiceâThere is not a single day that passes without someone being killed or disappearing and yet we have grown numb to that pain That numbness is the enemys victory We must not allow them to succeed We must count every act of oppression committed against our people It is human nature to rememberâ Sabiha addedAmid escalating violence against civilians across Balochistan a sitin protest staged by the students outside Bolan Medical College BMC in the provincial capital Quetta entered its twelfth consecutive day on Sunday with demonstrators demanding the release of Khadija BalochAccording to the Baloch Yakjehti Committee BYC Khadija was abducted on April 21 by Pakistani security forces from the BMC female hostel in Quetta and shifted to an undisclosed locationSlamming the Pakistani authorities oppressive actions the BYC said âDuring these twelve days Khadija Balochâs family has faced various difficulties Instead of ensuring her safe recovery the authorities have repeatedly harassed her family Photographs of the participants at the protest site are being taken and when they return home state personnel follow them and attempt to detain themâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pakistani-forces-accused-of-extrajudicially-killing-three-civilians-in-balochistan-rights-body-672170.html Mon, 04 May 2026 14:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/media-bodies-raise-concern-over-increasing-curbs-on-press-freedom-in-pakistan-672188.html Islamabad May 4 Media bodies and civil society organisations have voiced concern over increasing curbs on press freedom and growing risks to journalists in Pakistan local media reported on Monday In a joint statement released to mark the World Press Freedom Day the Joint Action Committee â comprising the Pakistan Broadcasters Association PBA the All Pakistan Newspapers Society APNS the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors CPNE the Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors AMEND and the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists PFUJ termed the past year challenging for journalism with growing restrictions around the world the daily Dawn reportedIt stated that the state of freedom of expression has not been satisfactory in Pakistan According to the statement journalists in Pakistan face harassment arrests violence and increasing pressure from state institutions while media outlets face editorial interference demonstrating how outlets are being controlled at various levels and tactics being used like government advertisements to get editorial control limiting the right to information through censorship and taking dissenting voices off airMeanwhile civil society representatives issued an open letter to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif where they mentioned that the media landscape in Pakistan was increasingly marked by intimidation legal pressure and economic vulnerabilityThe signatories stated that World Press Freedom Day meant to celebrate the role of a free press was a reminder of the risks faced by journalists They mentioned that a functioning democracy relied on strong institutions especially on independent media committed to factual reporting and accountability Dawn reportedIn the letter the signatories spoke about the increasing pattern of harassment under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act PECA which they said was often used to silence dissent instead of securing convictions In the letter the signatories mentioned several cases in which journalists were booked under the law but later released due to a lack of evidenceThe cases included Islamabadbased journalist Asad Toor who faced multiple legal actions over social media posts and Farhan Mallick founder of a digital news platform who was arrested in 2025 on allegations of antistate activity before being acquitted earlier this year The letter stated that the acquittals demonstrated concerns that such prosecutions were often fishing expeditions for intimidationLast week a report in Islamabadbased media watchdog Freedom Network detailed that Pakistans media landscape saw a reduction in space for free expression during the past year due to increasing legal regulatory and economic and other pressuresTitled Regulatory Repression of Freedom of Expression â Legal Controls and PECA Undermine Media and Journalism in Pakistan the report stated that the amended PECA law is the most consequential instrument being used to restrict journalists and free speech practitioners in the countryAccording to the report the provisions of PECA law were increasingly being used in 2025 and 2026 to criminalise lawful expression target dissent and intimidate journalists lawyers and political commentators Freedom Network released the report to mark World Press Freedom Day which is observed globally on May 3 each yearThe weaponisation of PECA has created a climate of fear where journalists are compelled to selfcensor to avoid legal repercussions said Freedom Network Executive Director Iqbal Khattak while terming it as one of the most serious threats to media freedom in Pakistan todayThe report has highlighted convictions of human rights lawyers including Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha as examples of how custodial sentences were being used to deter dissent Furthermore dozens of journalists have faced charges under increased provisions of PECA while defamation cases regulatory suspensions and internet shutdowns have further affected independent journalism IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/media-bodies-raise-concern-over-increasing-curbs-on-press-freedom-in-pakistan-672188.html Mon, 04 May 2026 15:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-warns-us-army-against-entering-strait-of-hormuz-672192.html Tehran May 4 Iran on Monday warned the US army against entering the Strait of Hormuz and said that they will be attacked if they intend to approach and enter the Strait We warn that any foreign armed forces especially the aggressive US army will be attacked if they intend to approach and enter the Strait of Hormuz said Irans main military command Khatam alAnbiya Central Headquarters in a statementThe warning came after the United States announced it would start on Monday to free ships stranded in the waterway Xinhua news agency reportedWe have repeatedly said the security of the Strait of Hormuz is in our hands and that the safe passage of vessels needs to be coordinated with the armed forces the Iranian army saidEarlier US President Donald Trump said multiple countries had approached Washington for help citing vessels âlocked up in the Strait of Hormuzâ despite having âabsolutely nothing to doâ with the ongoing conflictâFor the good of Iran the Middle East and the United States we have told these Countries that we will guide their Ships safely out of these restricted Waterwaysâ he said describing the effort as âProject FreedomâThe operation is set to begin Monday morning Middle East time Trump said the move aims to assist âneutral and innocent bystandersâ and ensure ships can âfreely and ably get on with their businessâHe framed the initiative as a humanitarian intervention noting that several vessels were facing deteriorating conditions âMany of these Ships are running low on food and everything else necessary for largescale crews to stay on board in a healthy and sanitary mannerâ he saidThe US Central Command CENTCOM confirmed that its forces would support the mission starting May 4 to ârestore freedom of navigation for commercial shipping through the Strait of HormuzâThe Pentagondirected operation will involve a significant military deployment According to the CENTCOM statement support will include guidedmissile destroyers more than 100 land and seabased aircraft multidomain unmanned platforms and about 15000 service members IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/iran-warns-us-army-against-entering-strait-of-hormuz-672192.html Mon, 04 May 2026 15:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-submarine-ins-sindhukesari-arrives-in-colombo-for-operational-turnaround-672225.html Colombo May 4 Indian Navy submarine INS Sindhukesari arrived in Sri Lankas Colombo for an operational turnaround reinforcing the growing maritime partnership between the two nations Indian Navyâs submarine INS Sindhukesari visited Colombo Sri Lanka reinforcing the growing maritime partnership between India and Sri Lanka towards a safer and more secure Indian Ocean Region an Indian Navy spokesperson said on XThe visit aimed at enhancing interoperability and operational synergy with Sri Lanka Navy The submarine and crew were ceremonially received by Sri Lanka Navy personnel and the Indian Defence Advisor Sri LankaDuring its stay INS Sindhukesaris crew is scheduled to participate in several programmes organised by the Sri Lankan Navy including visits to several tourist attractions in Sri Lanka according to the statement released by the Sri Lankan NavyINS Sindhukesari a submarine serving in the Indian Navy arrived at the port of Colombo on 03 May 26 to undertake Operational Turnarounds The visiting submarine was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in precision with naval traditions it saidINS Sindhukesaris visit comes after India and Sri Lanka participated in the fourth edition of the bilateral diving exercise INâSLN DIVEX 2026 conducted in Colombo from April 2128 The exercise witnessed participation of the Indian Navyâs Diving Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel INS Nireekshak and diving teams from both navies showcasing enhanced operational coordination and professional synergy according to the statement by the Ministry of DefenceA specialised engagement focusing on complex underwater operations INâSLN DIVEX aims to strengthen interoperability between the Indian Navy and the Sri Lankan Navy The exercise featured advanced deepsea diving evolutions including mixed gas diving drills Divers from both navies undertook extensive harbour and opensea dives demonstrating high levels of technical proficiency and operational expertise A key highlight was the conduct of mixed gas dives off Colombo over World Warera wrecks SS Worcester and SS Perseus the statement saidDivers from both navies executed deepsea dives beyond 55 metres enhancing joint capabilities in underwater search rescue and salvage operations During the exercise Sri Lankas Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Area Rear Admiral SJ Kumara visited INS Nireekshak and praised the Indian Navyâs continued support in advancing the training of Sri Lankan divers He highlighted the importance of sustained exchange of best practices and professional expertiseBeyond operational engagements the exercise fostered camaraderie through a series of joint activities including a beach cleanup drive at Galle Face friendly sports fixtures and yoga sessions strengthening bonds of friendship and mutual trust the Defence Ministry statement saidINS Nireekshaks Commanding Officer paid homage at the IPKF Memorial laying a wreath in honour of Indian soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the peacekeeping operations in Sri Lanka Two Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita and Maitri BHISM cubes were handed over under Indiaâs Aarogya Maitri initiative enhancing disaster response and medical preparedness IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-submarine-ins-sindhukesari-arrives-in-colombo-for-operational-turnaround-672225.html Mon, 04 May 2026 17:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/hantavirus-outbreak-3-dead-1-critical-as-who-monitoring-situation-672231.html Geneva May 4 Three people have died following a suspected Hantavirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship on the Atlantic Ocean the World Health Organization WHO said on Monday The MV Hondius ship travelling from Argentina to Cape Verde with 150 or so passengers recorded one confirmed and five suspected cases of the rare but dangerous diseaseThe WHO said it was monitoring and supporting the public health incident aboard a cruise vessel sailing in the Atlantic Ocean where a hantavirus outbreak has been confirmed resulting in three deaths and multiple suspected infectionsIn a post on X WHO stated âWHO is aware of and supporting a public health event involving a cruise vessel sailing in the Atlantic Ocean To date one case of hantavirus infection has been laboratory confirmed and there are five additional suspected cases Of the six affected individuals three have died and one is currently in intensive care in South AfricaâThe organisation added that investigations are ongoing and medical support is being provided to those affected âDetailed investigations are ongoing including further laboratory testing and epidemiological investigations Medical care and support are being provided to passengers and crew Sequencing of the virus is also ongoingâ WHO saidHantavirus is typically transmitted to humans from rodents through contact with their urine or faecesIt can cause severe respiratory illness and in rare cases can spread between humansThe disease is considered serious and requires close medical monitoring and supportive careThe outbreak has been reported aboard the MV Hondius a polar cruise ship operated by tour company Oceanwide Expeditions According to its published itinerary the vessel departed Ushuaia in southern Argentina on 20 March and was expected to complete its voyage in Cape Verde on 4 May The ship is a 1076metre 353 ft expedition cruise vessel designed to carry up to 170 passengers in 80 cabins along with 57 crew members 13 guides and one onboard doctorAmong the affected is a 69yearold British national who is currently in intensive care in Johannesburg South Africa Authorities have confirmed that one case is laboratoryconfirmed while five others remain under investigation as suspected infectionsWHO further noted that it is coordinating with member states and the shipâs operators to arrange medical evacuation for two symptomatic passengers and to conduct a full public health risk assessment for those still onboardâWHO is facilitating coordination between Member States and the Shipâs operators for medical evacuation of two symptomatic passengers as well as full public health risk assessment and support to the remaining passengers on board WHO is grateful for the rapid actions and coordinationâ the organization saidThe agency has informed national focal points under the International Health Regulations and said a Disease Outbreak News report will be issued for public dissemination IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/hantavirus-outbreak-3-dead-1-critical-as-who-monitoring-situation-672231.html Mon, 04 May 2026 17:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-says-us-plans-to-withdraw-troops-from-germany-a-lot-further-672024.html Washington May 3 US President Donald Trump said that the United States plans to withdraw a lot further than the 5000 troops the Pentagon said earlier this week will leave Germany Were going to cut way down and were cutting a lot further than 5000 Trump told reporters before boarding Air Force One in the southeastern US state of Florida Xinhua news agency reportedMeanwhile a senior defence official said earlier that the Pentagon is planning to withdraw about 5000 US troops from GermanyGerman Chancellor Friedrich Merzs recent remarks on the US war with Iran had been inappropriate and unhelpful the official who spoke on condition of anonymity was quoted by US media as sayingEarlier this week Merz criticized the United States for its planless military engagement in Iran saying that the United States is being humiliated by the Iranian leadershipIn response Trump lashed out at the German leader saying he doesnt know what hes talking about and is indifferent to Irans nuclear ambitionsTrump wrote on social media on Wednesday that the United States is considering a possible reduction of troops in Germany and the decision will be made over the next short period of time He said Thursday that he may also reduce US military presence in Spain and ItalyWhy shouldnt I Italy has not been of any help Spain has been horrible Absolutely said Trump again slamming European allies for not helping in the USIsraeli war against IranGermany is prepared for the possible reduction of the US troops in the country German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said ThursdayMore than 36000 US active duty troops were deployed to bases throughout Germany as of the end of last year along with nearly 1500 reservists and 11500 civilians according to Defence Department data Germany also hosts the headquarters of US European Command and US Africa Command and Ramstein Air Base serves as a key hub for US military operations IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-says-us-plans-to-withdraw-troops-from-germany-a-lot-further-672024.html Sun, 03 May 2026 17:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-warns-of-possible-re-strikes-as-he-reviews-irans-concept-of-deal-672025.html Washington May 3 US President Donald Trump said that he has been briefed on the concept of a potential agreement with Iran but is awaiting the final wording before making any decision â while cautioning that military action remains on the table if Tehran misbehaves Speaking to reporters before boarding a flight to Miami from West Palm Beach Florida Trump said âThey told me about the concept of the âdeal Theyâre going to give me the exact wording nowâHis remarks come amid heightened tensions and fragile diplomatic efforts with Washington signaling both openness to negotiation and readiness to escalate Trump underscored that the possibility of restarting strikes against Iran has not been ruled out reinforcing a dualtrack approach of pressure and diplomacyAccording to a senior Iranian official Tehran has put forward a proposal that if accepted would reopen shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz and bring an end to what Iran describes as a US blockade However the proposal reportedly defers detailed negotiations over Iranâs nuclear program to a later stage â a point that has so far been rejected by TrumpMeanwhile posting on his Truth Social platform Trump wroteâI will soon be reviewing the plan that Iran has just sent to us but canât imagine that it would be acceptable in that they have not yet paid a big enough price for what they have done to Humanity and the World over the last 47 years Thank you for your attention to this matterâOn the diplomatic front Iran has intensified outreach efforts Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi briefed foreign envoys in Tehran on Saturday outlining what officials describe as a renewed initiative to deescalate tensions with both the United States and IsraelIranian authorities said the proposal was transmitted via Pakistan which is acting as a mediator in indirect talks between Tehran and Washington During the briefing Gharibabadi emphasised that Iran remains committed to diplomacy rooted in national interests but warned that the country is fully prepared to respond decisively to any military escalationHe described the proposal as an effort to bring a âpermanent endâ to what Iran calls imposed hostilities while placing responsibility on the United States to choose between continued confrontation and meaningful dialogue IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-warns-of-possible-re-strikes-as-he-reviews-irans-concept-of-deal-672025.html Sun, 03 May 2026 17:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-reviews-iran-deal-hints-troop-cuts-672026.html Washington May 3 US President Donald Trump said he is reviewing a new Iranian proposal to end the conflict and signalled openness to further military and strategic moves including eliminating Tehranâs remaining missile capability and reducing American troop levels in Europe Trump spoke briefly to reporters on the tarmac before departure from Palm Beach âWeâre doing very well with regard to Iran They want to make a dealâ he saidHe confirmed he is examining a reported 14point proposal from Tehran âIâm looking at itâ Iâll let you know about it laterâ he saidIn separate remarks from the same exchange Trump described Iran as weakened âThey wanna make a deal theyâre decimated Theyâre having a hard time figuring out who their leader isâ he saidAsked about the remaining portion of Iranâs missile capability which he estimated at about 15 per cent Trump said he would like to see it removed âWell Iâd like to eliminate it Yeah Iâd like to Itâd be a start for them to build up again and yeah I would like to eliminate itâ he saidHe declined to specify conditions for further US military action but did not rule it out âIf they misbehave if they do something badâ itâs a possibility that could happen Certainlyâ he saidTrump also defended ongoing US enforcement measures in the region calling them stable âWell itâs a very friendly blockade Nobodyâs even challenging it Nobody at all is challenging itâ he saidOn the economic front he left open the possibility of American energy companies operating in Iran âCould be It could beâ he saidHe pointed to strong US oil shipments âWe have a lot of ships coming up to Texas and Louisianaâ literally hundreds of ships are in lineâ weâre selling a lot of oilâ he saidSeparately Trump said the United States will reduce its troop presence in Germany beyond earlier expectations âWeâre gonna cut way down and weâre cutting a lot further than 5000â he saidHe also criticised congressional scrutiny of military actions saying it weakens negotiations He said such moves are âhurting our negotiating ability which is infinite right nowâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-reviews-iran-deal-hints-troop-cuts-672026.html Sun, 03 May 2026 17:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-heritage-gallery-in-penang-showcases-rare-artefacts-highlights-indias-rich-cultural-legacy-report-672033.html George Town May 3 A newly opened Indian cultural facility in Malaysia is drawing attention for showcasing rare and historically significant artefacts that highlight the depth and diversity of Indias heritage The Indian Heritage Gallery and Cultural Centre at George Town in Penang has emerged as a unique space dedicated to preserving and presenting Indian art traditions and history to a global audience particularly the Indian diaspora in MalaysiaAmong its standout exhibits is a traditional Tanjore painting crafted on wood an art form that is rarely seen outside India The painting depicts a detailed Hindu wedding ceremony complete with priests conducting rituals around a sacred fire alongside musicians and guests offering visitors a vivid glimpse into classical Indian customs and artistic traditionsThe gallery also features a curated collection of traditional Indian artefacts including clay statues antique brass containers and coins from ancient South Indian dynasties such as the Chola and Chera empires as reported by The StarThese exhibits collectively narrate stories of Indias rich civilisational past and its cultural evolution over centuriesDesigned as an immersive storytelling space the centre aims to educate visitors about Indian heritage through visual displays and artefacts that reflect everyday life rituals and artistic expressions from different regions of IndiaIt provides an opportunity for both locals and tourists to engage with Indian culture beyond textbooks and performancesThe initiative is particularly significant in Malaysia which is home to a large Indianorigin community that has played a key role in preserving and promoting Indian traditions abroadCultural centres such as this serve as important bridges strengthening peopletopeople ties and fostering crosscultural understanding between India and MalaysiaThe article published in The Star authored by N Trisha notes that such exhibitions also contribute to soft cultural diplomacy by highlighting shared histories and artistic exchanges between the two nations reinforcing longstanding bilateral relations rooted in migration trade and cultural interactionThe opening of the gallery adds to a growing number of cultural initiatives aimed at showcasing Indian heritage globally ensuring that traditional art forms and historical artefacts remain accessible to future generations IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indian-heritage-gallery-in-penang-showcases-rare-artefacts-highlights-indias-rich-cultural-legacy-report-672033.html Sun, 03 May 2026 17:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/japanese-prime-minister-signals-revision-of-constitution-672036.html Tokyo May 3 IANS Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi once again signalled pursuing a revision of the countrys 1947 Constitution local media reported on SundaynbspTakaichi expressed her intent in a video message to a gathering of revision proponents on Constitution Memorial Day which falls on May 3 the report by Kyodo News agency saidnbspShe said that the ruling Democratic Party would advance discussions in the Diet aimed at reaching decisions while securing the cooperation of other parties and vowed to explain the potential amendments carefully to the public it addedJapans current constitution took effect in 1947 It is often referred to as a pacifist constitution because of its Article 9 which renounces war as a sovereign right and prohibits Japan from having war potentialnbspIt Should be periodically updated in accordance with the demands of the times Takaichi said regarding the postwar supreme law which serves as the foundation of the countrynbspTakaichi is pushing for these changes for the first time since the constitution came into effect after World War IIDiscussion must not be for the sake of discussion alone What politicians must engage in in order to fulfil the trust placed in them by the people is discussion aimed at making decisions she saidnbspThe signals to revise the constitution attracted protests in the previous months In February people gathered in Tokyo to protest the Prime Ministers attempt to revise the constitutionnbspThe protestors chanted slogans like No constitution revision Protect peace voicing their dissatisfaction with the decision Xinhua news agency reportedLast month at the Liberal Democratic Party LDP convention Takaichi said that we would like to hold next years convention with a proposal for a constitutional amendment in sight and declared that the time has come to reform the constitutionnbspAfter being appointed as Japans Prime Minister in October 2025 Takaichi the first woman to hold the post was reelected in February 2026IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/japanese-prime-minister-signals-revision-of-constitution-672036.html Sun, 03 May 2026 18:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/china-backed-hackers-hit-asian-govts-defence-sectors-nato-countries-report-672004.html New Delhi May 2 Chinaaligned hackers have targeted government and defence sectors across South East and Southeast Asia along with a NATO member in Europe in a fresh cyber espionage campaign a report has claimed A report by The Hacker News highlighted that the activity has been attributed to a threat cluster tracked as SHADOWEARTH053 which researchers assess has been active since at least December 2024 and shares overlaps with previously identified groups such as Earth Alux and REF7707The campaign primarily exploits known vulnerabilities in internetfacing Microsoft Exchange Server and Internet Information Services IIS systems to breach unpatched networks it saidIt further highlighted that security researchers stated that the group exploits Nday vulnerabilities in internetfacing Microsoft Exchange and IIS servers then deploys web shells for persistent access and stages ShadowPad implantsCountries targeted include India Thailand Malaysia Myanmar Sri Lanka Taiwan and Pakistan while Poland was identified as the only European nation affectedThe attackers deploy web shells such as Godzilla to maintain remote access and later install the ShadowPad malware using DLL sideloading techniques often leveraging legitimate signed executables to evade detectionThe report noted that the intrusions begin with the exploitation of security flaws to gain initial access followed by reconnaissance and lateral movement using tools such as Mimikatz and custom remote desktop protocol launchersIn some cases the campaign also involved the exploitation of a vulnerability dubbed React2Shell to distribute a Linux variant of Noodle RAT a remote access trojanThe attack chain has been linked by other researchers to a group known as UNC6595The report noted overlaps with another intrusion set SHADOWEARTH054 with nearly half of the observed targets particularly in Malaysia Sri Lanka and Myanmar â previously compromised though no direct operational coordination has been confirmedTo evade detection and maintain persistence the attackers also used opensource tunnelling tools such as IOX GOST and Wstunnel along with packing utilities to conceal malicious binaries according to the reportTrend Micro advised organisations to prioritise patching of Microsoft Exchange and IIS systems and deploy intrusion prevention or web application firewall solutions where immediate updates are not feasibleMeanwhile researchers flagged phishing campaigns by two other Chinalinked groups dubbed GLITTER CARP and SEQUIN CARP targeting journalists and civil society groupsHowever the campaigns first detected in April and June 2025 impersonated journalists organisations and technology firms in phishing emails aimed at stealing credentials or gaining access to accounts IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/china-backed-hackers-hit-asian-govts-defence-sectors-nato-countries-report-672004.html Sat, 02 May 2026 17:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/chinas-bri-investment-in-bangladesh-brings-uneven-progress-amid-delays-rising-costs-report-672006.html BeijingDhaka May 2 Bangladeshs engagement with the Chinesefinanced Belt and Road Initiative BRI over the past decade has produced significant but uneven progress especially in transport and energy infrastructure with delays rising costs and selective project revisions limiting its impact a report stated According to a report in the international magazine The Diplomat under the BRI framework Bangladesh was expected to receive around 40 billion in Chinese investments from China 26 billion for independent projects and 14 billion for joint venture projects â but the majority of the funding is yet to materialiseMoreover it said despite Chinas massive investments and pledges to Bangladesh in 2016 only a fraction has been delivered so farâThe slow pace of project implementation coupled with growing costs of the projects has hindered Bangladeshs plans for rapid infrastructure development while bureaucratic bottlenecks risks of corruption and concerns about debt sustainability have affected the countrys decisionmaking the report statedCiting commentators the report said that the BRI projects in Bangladesh are viewed as part of a wider Chinese strategy through which China is seeking to expand its geopolitical and geostrategic influence in the Bay of Bengal in order to resolve the Malacca Dilemma build a twoocean bluewater navy and counter the influence of its opponents in the regionIn particular it said critics argue that China seeks to leverage Bangladeshâs infrastructure particularly its seaports to advance Beijingâs strategic interestsThe report stressed that although Bangladesh holds geostrategic value for China the importance should not be exaggeratedâIf the Strait of Malacca is closed China can use Pakistani and Myanmar seaports for the transportation of goods but Bangladesh can hardly serve as an alternative route If China ever sought to transport goods via Bangladeshi seaports it would have to cross Indian or Myanmar territory on the way Given the current conditions of SinoâIndian relations and the intense conflict in Myanmarâs Rakhine and Chin States which border Bangladesh this route is unprofitable risky and unviableâ it mentionedIn a potential SinoIndian conflict the report said Bangladeshâs territory holds strategic value for China However it said Dhakaâs muted and neutral stance during the 2020 ChinaâIndia tensions and the 2025 IndiaâPakistan conflict suggests it is unwilling to be drawn into a regional war that could threaten its securityThe report noted that âeven if China sought to use BRIlinked infrastructure in Bangladesh for military purposes it would be practically unfeasible for Beijingâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/chinas-bri-investment-in-bangladesh-brings-uneven-progress-amid-delays-rising-costs-report-672006.html Sat, 02 May 2026 18:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/india-and-israel-on-parallel-paths-in-counter-terrorism-efforts-report-672013.html Washington May 2 The IndiaâIsrael partnership functions primarily as an operational cooperation aimed at saving lives and dismantling terror networks Today both nations face similar security environments confronting adversaries that exploit civilians use human shields and operate across borders while adopting doctrines that emphasise surgical strikes deterrence and minimising civilian harm a report has detailed Writing for USbased journal âThe Algemeiner Paushali Lass an IndianGerman intercultural and geopolitical consultant said that Israels recent backtoback observance of Memorial and Independence days served as a reminder that âstatehood comes at a cost both on the battlefield and in ordinary moments shattered by terrorâShe highlighted that a year ago in Pahalgam India faced the same reality again when Pakistanbased terrorists infiltrated Indian territory and brutally killed 26 men in front of their wives and childrenIt was not an isolated act of violence but a deliberate strike on civilians designed to fracture trust and deepen fearâ Lass statedIndiaâs response through Operation Sindoor she said marked a major shift including the suspension of key aspects of the Indus Waters Treaty following the Pahalgam terror attacksIndia had earlier provided Pakistan with hydrological data on river flows and water levels critical to its agriculture but this cooperation was suspended after the attacksâThis also aligns with Article 62 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties which allows suspension under a fundamental change in circumstances including sustained terrorism that undermines the basis of trustâ the expert statedLass emphasised that although India and Israel face similar threats and respond in comparable ways global reactions vary sharply with Israel facing sustained criticism over the âPalestinianâ issue while Indiaâs actions against Pakistanbased terrorism have received relatively less sustained outrageShe cited a prominent Muslim voice against antisemitism Soraya Deen who argued that âthe Palestinian cause has in some contexts taken on the role of a sixth pillar of Islam capable of mobilising mass sentiment across the worldâLass stated that India has managed the information domain effectively by presenting Operation Sindoorâs success through strategic outcomes rather than sensationalism while also exposing Pakistanbased disinformation networks and building public resilience through media literacy initiatives to counter fake newsâThis is where Israel may need to look next Intelligence and defence technology are no longer enough if they are not accompanied by clarity in communicationâ she stressedAsserting that both India and Israel understand terrorism cannot be fought alone Lass further said âGreater intelligence sharing with allies in Europe and the United States and a unified approach to countering terrorism â both physically and in the information domain â will be essentialâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/india-and-israel-on-parallel-paths-in-counter-terrorism-efforts-report-672013.html Sat, 02 May 2026 18:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/most-us-middle-east-military-sites-damaged-in-war-with-iran-report-671923.html Washington May 2 Iran and its allies have damaged at least 16 US military sites across eight Middle Eastern countries during the USIsraeli war with Iran starting on February 28 rendering some of those positions virtually unusable a CNN investigation has found The damaged facilities constitute the majority of US military sites in the region according to the CNN report citing a congressional aide familiar with the damage assessmentsThere has been a spectrum of assessments a source said From a pretty dramatic side of the whole facility is destroyed and needs to be shut down to leaders who say these things are worth repairing due to the strategic benefit they give the USSatellite images showed that Tehrans main targets included US advanced radar systems communications systems and aircraft deployed in the Middle East many of them expensive and difficult to replace said the report which drew on dozens of satellite images and interviews with sources in the United States and Gulf Arab nationsIts notable they really identified those facilities as the most costeffective targets to hit the congressional aide said Our radar systems are our most expensive and our most limited resources in the regionActing Pentagon Comptroller Jules Hurst III told lawmakers on Wednesday that the conflict with Iran had so far cost US taxpayers 25 billion USDRepairs to the US Navy Fifth Fleet headquarters could total 200 million alone one congressional official told The New York Times following a Pentagon assessment An external assessment from the American Enterprise Institute AEI shows Iranian forces also struck Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait a runway at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and a munitions storage facility at a military base in northern Iraq per NBC IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/most-us-middle-east-military-sites-damaged-in-war-with-iran-report-671923.html Sat, 02 May 2026 11:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/pentagon-plans-to-withdraw-5-000-us-troops-from-germany-media-671925.html Washington May 2 The Pentagon is planning to withdraw about 5000 US troops from Germany a senior defence official said German Chancellor Friedrich Merzs recent remarks on the US war with Iran had been inappropriate and unhelpful the official who spoke on condition of anonymity was quoted by US media as sayingEarlier this week Merz criticized the United States for its planless military engagement in Iran saying that the United States is being humiliated by the Iranian leadershipIn response Trump lashed out at the German leader saying he doesnt know what hes talking about and is indifferent to Irans nuclear ambitions Xinhua news agency reportedTrump wrote on social media on Wednesday that the United States is considering a possible reduction of troops in Germany and the decision will be made over the next short period of time He said Thursday that he may also reduce US military presence in Spain and ItalyWhy shouldnt I Italy has not been of any help Spain has been horrible Absolutely said Trump again slamming European allies for not helping in the USIsraeli war against IranGermany is prepared for the possible reduction of the US troops in the country German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said ThursdayEarlier Trump has lashed out at European allies for not doing more to assist the USIsrael war on Iran and had stated on Wednesday that he was thinking of pulling troops out of European countries deemed insufficiently supportiveMore than 36000 US active duty troops were deployed to bases throughout Germany as of the end of last year along with nearly 1500 reservists and 11500 civilians according to Defence Department data Germany also hosts the headquarters of US European Command and US Africa Command and Ramstein Air Base serves as a key hub for US military operations IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/pentagon-plans-to-withdraw-5-000-us-troops-from-germany-media-671925.html Sat, 02 May 2026 11:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-expands-sanctions-on-cuban-government-671926.html New York May 2 US President Donald Trump signed an executive order expanding sanctions on the Cuban government Trump ordered that all property and interests in property that are in and coming within the United States or are in or coming within the possession or control of US persons of the following persons are blocked and may not be transferred paid exported withdrawn or otherwise dealt in Xinhua news agency reportedThe following persons include those who operate in or have operated in the energy defense and related materiel metals and mining financial services or security sector of the Cuban economy or any other sector of the Cuban economy as may be determined by the Secretary of the Treasury in consultation with the Secretary of StateIt also includes those who own or control directly or indirectly any person whose property or interests in property are blocked pursuant to this orderThe order also seeks to limit Cubas access to the global banking system imposing secondary sanctions on people entities and financial institutions that conduct financial transactions with those already sanctioned because of their ties to CubaThe order authorizes the US government to penalize foreign financial institutions that have conducted or facilitated any significant transaction for or on behalf of anyone with ties to the Cuban governmentTrump authorised the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury to take all actions necessary to implement and effectuate the orderThe United States has maintained sanctions against Cuba for over 60 years with a comprehensive trade embargo officially instituted in February 1962 The sanctions have remained in place and at times tightened or slightly eased ever since IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-expands-sanctions-on-cuban-government-671926.html Sat, 02 May 2026 11:09:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/cuba-denounces-new-us-sanctions-as-unilateral-coercive-measures-671927.html Havana May 2 Cuba denounced new US sanctions as unilateral coercive measures saying that such actions demonstrate an intention to impose collective punishment on the Cuban people We firmly reject the recent unilateral coercive measures adopted by the US government Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said on XThese actions demonstrate an intention to impose collective punishment on the Cuban people Rodriguez saidHe noted that the announcement coincided with May 1 when millions of Cubans take to the streets to denounce the US blockade and the energy siege Xinhua news agency reportedThese measures are extraterritorial in nature and violate the United Nations Charter Rodriguez said adding that the United States has no right to impose measures against Cuba or against third countries or partiesThe comment came after US President Donald Trump on Friday signed an executive order imposing new sanctions on CubaTrump ordered that all property and interests in property that are in and coming within the United States or are in or coming within the possession or control of US persons of the following persons are blocked and may not be transferred paid exported withdrawn or otherwise dealt inThe following persons include those who operate in or have operated in the energy defense and related materiel metals and mining financial services or security sector of the Cuban economy or any other sector of the Cuban economy as may be determined by the Secretary of the Treasury in consultation with the Secretary of StateIt also includes those who own or control directly or indirectly any person whose property or interests in property are blocked pursuant to this orderThe order also seeks to limit Cubas access to the global banking system imposing secondary sanctions on people entities and financial institutions that conduct financial transactions with those already sanctioned because of their ties to CubaThe order authorizes the US government to penalize foreign financial institutions that have conducted or facilitated any significant transaction for or on behalf of anyone with ties to the Cuban government IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/cuba-denounces-new-us-sanctions-as-unilateral-coercive-measures-671927.html Sat, 02 May 2026 11:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/no-tax-on-social-security-tops-trumps-pitch-671928.html Washington May 2 US President Donald Trump on told a crowd of seniors in Florida that his administration has effectively delivered âno tax on Social Securityâ framing it as a central pillar of his economic and political pitch ahead of midterm elections Addressing residents at The Villages one of the largest retirement communities in the United States Trump said âwere here to celebrate a policy that benefits every American senior all across this land and its called no tax on Social Security Its doneâHe claimed the policy was part of what he described as a sweeping tax overhaul saying his âGreat Big Beautiful Bill was the largest tax cut in American historyâ adding that âmore than 51 million American seniors now pay a federal tax rate of zeroâTrump repeatedly contrasted his policies with those of his predecessor alleging that âunder crooked Joe Biden American seniors were ravaged by the worst inflation in the history of our countryâ and said his administration had reversed that trendThe President also highlighted measures targeting entitlement programmes stating that âweve removed nearly 300000 illegal aliens from the Social Security rollâ and âmore than 100000 migrants from Medicare eligibilityâ arguing that such steps were aimed at âsaving Social Security because it was so rife with fraudâOn healthcare Trump said his administration had âsecured the largest reduction in drug prices in American historyâ adding that under his pricing model âwe had the highest price for prescription drugs anywhere in the world and now we have the lowest prices anywhere in the worldâHe announced that starting July 1 Medicare would cover weightloss drugs at significantly reduced costs saying medicines such as Ozempic and Wegovy âwill be available for 50 a monthâTrump also touted broader economic indicators claiming âthe stock market is rocking and rolling your 401ks are at the highest theyve ever beenâ and said retirement accounts had seen substantial gains compared to previous yearsIn a direct appeal to seniors he said tax refunds had risen sharply noting that in Florida âweve issued 25 million Florida seniors over 13 billionâ and argued that the changes would translate into improved quality of life including âmore money to visit your grandkidsâ and âextra dinners out with your familyâMary Alice a resident invited to speak said the policy had tangible benefits âThe Big Beautiful Bill helped my husband and I so much this yearâ we were so shocked when we picked up our tax returnâ she said adding âthis is all because of the no tax on Social SecurityâTelevision personality Phil McGraw who also addressed the gathering supported the policy saying Social Security taxation amounted to âdouble taxationâ and that seniors were âpaying taxes twiceâTrump also touched on foreign policy and national security reiterating his stance that âwe cannot let lunatics have a nuclear weaponâ and referenced recent military actions saying the US had acted to ensure adversaries did not acquire such capabilitiesHe concluded with a political appeal urging supporters to mobilise ahead of upcoming elections saying âyou have to get out and vote in the midterms because theyll give them to you againâ if opponents return to power IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/no-tax-on-social-security-tops-trumps-pitch-671928.html Sat, 02 May 2026 11:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-ties-iran-action-to-market-resilience-671929.html Washington May 2 President Donald Trump said that US military action against Iran was carried out despite expectations of a sharp economic shock arguing that preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons outweighed risks to markets and oil prices Speaking at an event with seniors in Florida Trump said he had warned advisers that the move could rattle the economy âI thought the stock market would go down by 25 per cent I thought that oil prices would be at much higher than they are right nowâ he saidâBut we have no choiceâ he added âWe cant let them have a nuclear weaponâTrump said the US used B2 bombers in the operation âWe stopped them with B2 bombers If we didnt do that we would have had a nuclear weaponâ he saidHe said Iranâs military capacity had been severely damaged âThey have no navy they have no air force they have no antiaircraft equipmentâ he said adding that âtheir ships are goneâThe president said he expected broader regional fallout if Iran had advanced its nuclear programme âIsrael would have been blown to pieces the Middle East would have been blown to pieces I think Europe would have been blown to piecesâ he saidTrump said he had briefed economic officials before the action âWe just hit the highest price in the history of the stock marketâ he said âNow Im going to upset the apple cart for youâHe said the administration braced for turbulence but saw limited immediate impact âIm surprisedâ he said âI thought oil would be much much higherâ theyre not nearly as high as I thoughtâHe explained the global energy supply dynamics including the Strait of Hormuz a key oil transit route âIts all locked up in the Strait of Hormuzâ he said referring to oil shipments âWhen all of that comes out youre going to see prices dropping on gasoline like youve never seenâTrump linked the military move to what he described as a strong domestic economy âThe stock market is rocking and rollingâ he said âMore Americans are working todayâ than at any time in the history of our countryâHe said the decision reflected a broader strategy of pairing economic strength with security action âWe built up this great thing and thenâ we have to break the eggs a little bitâ he saidTrump also criticised allies saying the United States received âno help from NATOâ though he added âwe didnt need itâHe said operations were ongoing and cautioned against drawing early conclusions âI dont like talking about it until the jobs are finishedâ he saidThe Strait of Hormuz carries about a fifth of global oil supplies and has long been a flashpoint in tensions between the United States and Iran Disruptions there can quickly affect global prices with implications for major importers including IndiaUS policy toward Iran has shifted between diplomacy and military pressure over the years with Tehranâs nuclear ambitions at the centre of the dispute The latest remarks highlight the continuing volatility in West Asia and its impact on energy markets and global security IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-ties-iran-action-to-market-resilience-671929.html Sat, 02 May 2026 11:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/indias-digital-reforms-boost-small-firms-imf-671930.html Washington May 2 Indiaâs push to digitise public administration has raised productivity among microenterprises with states that adopted more reforms seeing stronger gains and narrower gaps between firms an International Monetary Fund working paper shows The study says âpublic administration digitalisation carried out statebystate in India between 2010 and 2015 led to an improvement in microenterprise productivitiesâ based on national survey dataResearchers examined firmlevel data from two nationwide surveys covering 201011 and 201516 They compared firms across states that implemented different levels of digital reforms in areas such as tax filing permits inspections and dispute resolutionâWe find that states that undertake more public administration digitalisation experience higher productivity growth and lower productivity dispersion among firmsâ the report saidThe reforms were part of a broader effort to improve the business climate In 2014 states agreed to a â98point action planâ aimed at simplifying regulations and expanding digital systemsThe paper groups reforms into six areas tax systems construction permits environment and labour compliance inspections commercial disputes and singlewindow clearances States that implemented more of these reforms recorded higher total factor productivityDigital tools reduced administrative burdens especially for small firms âDigitalisation of administrative processes can significantly reduce compliance costsâ the authors saidThe study says digitised systems â including online tax filing and automated approvals â improve transparency and cut delays They also reduce informal costs and limit discretionary decisionmakingâBy automating and making processes more transparent digitalisation levels the playing field for all businessesâ the report saidThe analysis shows firms in more reformoriented states consistently outperformed those in lessreformed states Gains were seen in both higher productivity and reduced dispersion between firmsThe report also finds that âthe greater the difference in business environment reforms the greater the gains in the total factor productivityâAt the same time returns diminished as reforms increased suggesting early reforms delivered the biggest gainsThe study uses a differenceindifference model with matched firms across states It also tests results using firms in border districts to control for regional variations with similar findingsThe reforms appear to improve how resources are allocated Lower dispersion in productivity suggests more efficient use of capital and labourIndiaâs micro small and medium enterprises sector is a key part of the economy The paper notes MSMEs account for âaround 35 percent of manufacturing outputsâ and employ âaround 110 million workersâMost of these firms operate informally and are sensitive to regulatory costsIndiaâs reform push in the mid2010s coincided with improvements in global business rankings and wider use of digital governance The IMF paper indicates these changes have delivered measurable gains particularly for small firms that dominate the economy IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/indias-digital-reforms-boost-small-firms-imf-671930.html Sat, 02 May 2026 11:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-touts-economy-iran-strikes-671931.html Washington May 2 US President Donald Trump said the United States would not allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon as he defended military operations and highlighted what he described as strong economic performance Speaking at a Forum Club event in Palm Beach Trump said âOur country is hot weâre doing a good jobâ adding that the âstock market just hit another high for the 59th time in one yearâHe said US actions had weakened Iranâs military âWeâve taken apartâ their air force is nonexistentâ their navyâ every single ship is at the bottom of the sea right nowâ he saidTrump warned against allowing Tehran to develop nuclear weapons âYou cannot give Iran a nuclear weaponâ they would use it on a place called Israel very quicklyâ he said âItâs not going to happenâHe acknowledged the risks of conflict âThereâs still danger thereâs always danger with warâ he said pointing to the war in Ukraine âIt was supposed to be a one day war and itâs four yearsâTrump described US naval operations in the region as a blockade âWe have a navy that is unbelievableâ itâs a blockadeâ he said recounting incidents where ships were ordered to turn backOn the economy he said growth and investment were strong âIn 11 months we took in over 18 trillionâ which is a recordâ he saidHe also pointed to energy production âWeâre producing more oil and gas now than we ever haveâ he said adding that the US was drilling âdouble Saudi Arabia and Russia combinedâTrump highlighted tax and healthcare policies âWe delivered no tax on tips no tax on overtime no tax on Social Security for our seniorsâ he saidHe said Medicare would expand coverage for certain drugs âStarting on July 1st weâll provide Medicare patients with coverage for weight loss drugsâ it will be availableâ 50 a monthâ he saidHe also said insulin costs had been reduced âWe got it down to 25 a monthâ he saidOn border security Trump said crossings had fallen sharply âWe went from 25 million people coming in to zeroâ he saidHe said crime had declined including in Washington The city is now âconsideredâ one of the safest cities in the countryâ he saidTrump said the US remained engaged in global diplomacy âWeâve settled eight warsâ that should be the ninthâ he said referring to ongoing effortsStill he signalled uncertainty over negotiations with Iran âMaybe weâre better off not making a deal at allâ he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-touts-economy-iran-strikes-671931.html Sat, 02 May 2026 11:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/un-refugee-agency-warns-mideast-crisis-hampering-aid-efforts-671932.html Geneva May 2 The Middle East crisis has generated farreaching ripple effects well beyond the region with growing consequences for global humanitarian supply chains and the delivery of aid the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR spokesperson warned Heightened insecurity and instability around key Gulf routes including the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted maritime traffic Rising fuel food and freight costs worldwide are driving up prices and delaying the delivery of critical supplies Carlotta Wolf said at a regular press briefingThese rising costs disproportionately affect people who are already living in emergencies including millions of refugees and displaced people who are among the hardest hit while also reducing the ability of aid agencies to deliver timely assistance she saidThe closure of key maritime routes has forced greater use of longer and more expensive alternatives leading to increased transit times and operational complexity Freight rates from key sourcing countries have risen by nearly 18 per cent since the start of hostilities while the capacity of UNHCRs global transport providers has dropped from 97 to 77 per cent since the start of this year Wolf saidFor some shipments costs have more than doubled such as transport costs for relief items from UNHCR global stockpiles in Dubai to our Sudan and Chad operations Wolf saidThe UNHCR spokesperson expressed particular concern about the situation for Africa home to many overlapping often tragically neglected displacement crisesIn Kenya where one of UNHCRs global stockpiles is located a recent fuel price increase of around 15 per cent triggered delays and reduced truck availability for shipments to Ethiopia the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan In Sudan the cost of delivering aid has doubled in recent months while rerouting shipments around the Cape of Good Hope adds up to 25 days in delivery times Xinhua news agency reportedIf instability in the Middle East persists rising costs delays and limited transport capacity are likely to constrain humanitarian operations further Wolf stressed IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/un-refugee-agency-warns-mideast-crisis-hampering-aid-efforts-671932.html Sat, 02 May 2026 11:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-warns-of-possible-disruption-to-global-oil-flows-amid-tensions-around-strait-of-hormuz-671933.html Washington May 2 US President Donald Trump signalled potential disruption to global oil flows warning that maritime congestion and military actions near key shipping routes could affect energy supplies Speaking at a Forum Club event in Palm Beach Trump described heavy vessel traffic around a critical Gulf corridor âYou see all of those shipsâ theyâre all over the placeâ hundreds and hundreds of shipsâ he saidHe said US naval operations had tightened control over the route âWe have a navy that is unbelievableâ itâs a blockadeâ he saidTrump added that the situation had left oil shipments stranded âThese ships are loaded up with oil they canât get out of the straitâ he said pointing to a buildup of tankers awaiting passageHe suggested that some flows were being redirected âYou see all of those big gorgeous shipsâ theyâre coming to Texas nowâ to load upâ he saidDespite the disruption Trump said supply remained ample âThereâs so much oilâ he said predicting prices would âdrop like a rockâ once movement resumedThe President also linked military operations to economic outcomes âThis is the first warâ where we actually have paid for the cost of the war by about 37 times alreadyâ he saidAt the same time he acknowledged uncertainty tied to conflict âWith war you never know what happensâ he saidTrump reiterated that US actions were aimed at limiting Iranâs capabilities including its energy exports âTheyâre unable to export any energy and theyâre crumbling as an economyâ he saidHe maintained that domestic production would cushion any shock âWeâre producing more oil and gas now than we ever haveâ he saidTrump did not rule out prolonged uncertainty saying negotiations remained unclear âMaybe weâre better off not making a deal at allâ he saidThe remarks come as global markets track developments in the Gulf particularly around the Strait of Hormuz a vital passage for a significant share of the worldâs oil shipments Any disruption in this corridor can tighten supply chains and push up pricesFor India which imports a large share of its crude from the Gulf stability in shipping lanes remains critical Prolonged congestion or restrictions could raise freight costs delay cargoes and feed into domestic fuel prices and inflation making developments in the region closely watched in New Delhi IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-warns-of-possible-disruption-to-global-oil-flows-amid-tensions-around-strait-of-hormuz-671933.html Sat, 02 May 2026 11:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-aircraft-carrier-gerald-r-ford-leaves-middle-east-671935.html Riyadh May 2 The USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier has left the Middle East after taking part in operations against Iran local media reported citing a US official The move leaves two US aircraft carriers in the region the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS George HW BushThe Ford had been at sea for more than 10 months breaking the postVietnam War record for a US aircraft carrier deploymentOn March 12 two sailors aboard the carrier were injured when a fire broke out in the main laundry spaces according to the US NavyThe Ford Carrier Strike Group began its latest deployment on June 24 2025 departing from the US state of Virginia for the US European Command area of responsibility later deploying to Latin America for counternarcotics operations and then to the Middle East as tensions with Iran escalatedMeanwhile President Donald Trump told lawmakers that the war against Iran has terminated as the military action which was launched without Congressional approval has reached a 60day legal deadline There has been no exchange of fire between the United States and Iran since April 7 2026 Trump was quoted by Politico as saying in a letter to congressional leadersThe hostilities that began on February 28 2026 have terminated Trump saidAccording to the report the latest move is an effort to quelch the fight over the need for Congress to approve the conflictUnder the War Powers Resolution adopted in 1973 the president after notifying Congress of the use of military force must terminate the action within 60 days unless Congress authorises continued military actionEarlier on Friday Trump said that negotiations with the Iranians remain uncertain warning he is not satisfied with current proposals while keeping both diplomacy and military action on the tableThey want to make a deal but Im not satisfied with it so well see what happens Trump told reporters before departing on Marine OneâHe described Irans leadership as fragmented and unable to reach a consensus They all want to make a deal but theyre all messed up he said adding the leadership was very disjointed and marked by internal divisionsâTrump argued that internal discord was weakening Tehrans negotiating position He said leaders are not getting along with each other and dont know who the leader is complicating talks IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-aircraft-carrier-gerald-r-ford-leaves-middle-east-671935.html Sat, 02 May 2026 11:18:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/us-believes-naval-blockade-costs-iran-48-billion-in-oil-revenue-report-671941.html Washington May 2 The Pentagon has estimated that Iran has suffered losses of around 48 billion in oil revenue due to a blockade imposed by the United States Navy on its ports according to a report by Axios which cited unnamed officials The report noted that two tankers have been seized during the course of the blockade In addition officials said that as many as 31 tankers carrying approximately 53 million barrels of oil are currently stuck in the Gulf highlighting the scale of disruption caused to Irans oil exportsAccording to the same officials some vessels are now opting for a costlier and longer route to deliver oil to China for fear of US maritime interdiction indicating that shipping patterns have been altered due to concerns over enforcement actions by US forcesThe blockade was imposed by the United States on Iranian ports during a temporary truce as part of efforts aimed at pressuring Iran to accept a Pakistanbrokered ceasefire that would permanently end the ongoing conflict involving Israel the United States and IranIran had stated last month that it had fully reopened the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping following the announcement of a 10day truce between Israel and the Iranianbacked Hezbollah in Lebanon However the waterway was subsequently restricted again after the US declined to lift its blockade maintaining that restrictions would remain in place until a permanent agreement to end the war with Iran is reachedMeanwhile US President Donald Trump told lawmakers that the war against Iran has terminated as the military action which was launched without Congressional approval has reached a 60day legal deadline There has been no exchange of fire between the United States and Iran since April 7 2026 Trump was quoted by Politico as saying in a letter to congressional leadersThe hostilities that began on February 28 2026 have terminated Trump saidAccording to the report the latest move is an effort to quelch the fight over the need for Congress to approve the conflict Xinhua reportedUnder the War Powers Resolution adopted in 1973 the president after notifying Congress of the use of military force must terminate the action within 60 days unless Congress authorises continued military actionThe United States and Israel launched major combat operations against Iran on February 28 The Trump administration formally notified Congress on March 2 of the military action meaning the 60day legal deadline would expire on May 1 IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/us-believes-naval-blockade-costs-iran-48-billion-in-oil-revenue-report-671941.html Sat, 02 May 2026 11:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/un-committee-expresses-concerns-over-coercive-action-by-pakistan-against-afghan-refugees-671943.html Geneva May 2 The United Nations Committee against Torture CAT expressed grave concerns over Pakistans mass deportation of Afghan refugees including children following the adoption of the 2023 Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan citing the absence of individual assessment of protection needs and risks of refoulement In its recent findings on Pakistans implementation of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment the Committee raised alarm over the coercive measures adopted by the authorities against Afghan nationals including registered refugees to pressure them to return to Afghanistan despite the risk of persecution torture or illtreatmentThese coercive measures reportedly include harassment and intimidation threats of deportation police abuse extortion raids and arbitrary detention it notedThe Committee urged Pakistani authorities to consider repealing or reviewing the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan warning of the serious risks it poses to noncitizens particularly Afghan nationalsIt also called for a thorough investigation into allegations of police abuse against Afghan refugees with those responsible to be disciplined or criminally prosecutedThe Committee also highlighted reports of torture and illtreatment and other forms of retaliation against human rights defenders civil society activists journalists lawyers political opponents protesters and other critics of the government across PakistanThese acts include intimidation threats harassment excessive use of force arbitrary arrest and detention prosecution on politically motivated charges including before military courts enforced disappearance and extrajudicial execution it addedThe Committee further called on the Pakistani authorities to take the necessary measures to ensure that these people are adequately protected from torture and illtreatment and other forms of reprisals and that all human rights violations are thoroughly investigated those responsible are brought to justice and victims are provided with effective remediesExpressing concerns over the situation of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi as well as other activists including Idris Khattak Ali Wazir and Mahrang Baloch the Committee noted that their arbitrary detentions were confirmed by the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention especially with regard to their lack of access to medical careIt is recommended that Pakistan as a state party to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment must review the situation of all individuals allegedly detained and imprisoned on political grounds or in retaliation for their work while ensuring their access to adequate medical care during detention IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/un-committee-expresses-concerns-over-coercive-action-by-pakistan-against-afghan-refugees-671943.html Sat, 02 May 2026 11:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/women-do-same-work-but-are-paid-less-stark-gender-wage-gap-persists-in-rural-bdesh-671982.html Dhaka May 2 Bangladeshs rural workforce continues to witness a significant wage disparity with women earning less than their male counterparts despite undertaking identical tasks according to a report Field observations and interaction with workers in the Thakurgaon district indicated that women are often paid lower wages than men despite working similar hours and putting in equal effort according to a report in the leading Bangladeshi newspaper The Daily StarDuring the conversation 40yearold Sumita Bala said that even after working all day in the sun and rain the female workers earn a maximum of Bangladeshi taka Tk 250300 a day whereas male workers receive Tk 400500Another female worker Nirmala Rani while measuring and packing dried chillies into sacks said Its the same work yet the pay is lowerOn the other hand 42yearold Rehana Begum questioned saying Do we work any less than men Then why are we paid lessLandowners say we women cannot perform all tasks like men which is why our wages are lower she addedAfiya Begum a housewife said that women shoulder multiple responsibilities from managing childcare and household chores to rearing livestock and assisting in agricultural work but their contributions remain undervaluedEven in day labour at fields and farms we are paid Tk 150 to Tk 200 less than male workers No one including the government speaks about this We are deprived in every way The Daily Star quoted Arfiya as sayingHighlighting that many women have come to accept the disparity as normal Nihar Rani said If we demand higher wages now we may not get work at allIn its 2025 quarterly report the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics BBS stated that the average daily wage in agriculture stood at Tk 625 for men and Tk 462 for women in December last yearMuhammad Shahid Uz Zaman Executive Director of the Eco Social Development Organisation ESDO said that despite their significant role women continue to endure long working hours lower wages and persistent discriminationHe said that inadequate monitoring of wage policies enables employers to exploit workers through lower pay noting that such disparity weakens womens economic empowerment and discourages their involvement in agricultureEmphasising that women are engaged in more than half of agricultural activities Md Mazedul Islam Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension DAE in Thakurgaon said that coordinated efforts are required to acknowledge their contributions and reduce wage gaps IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/women-do-same-work-but-are-paid-less-stark-gender-wage-gap-persists-in-rural-bdesh-671982.html Sat, 02 May 2026 15:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/women-do-same-work-as-men-but-are-paid-less-stark-gender-wage-gap-persists-in-rural-bdesh-671983.html Dhaka May 2 Bangladeshs rural workforce continues to witness a significant wage disparity with women earning less than their male counterparts despite undertaking identical tasks according to a report Field observations and interaction with workers in the Thakurgaon district indicated that women are often paid lower wages than men despite working similar hours and putting in equal effort according to a report in the leading Bangladeshi newspaper The Daily StarDuring the conversation 40yearold Sumita Bala said that even after working all day in the sun and rain the female workers earn a maximum of Bangladeshi taka Tk 250300 a day whereas male workers receive Tk 400500Another female worker Nirmala Rani while measuring and packing dried chillies into sacks said Its the same work yet the pay is lowerOn the other hand 42yearold Rehana Begum questioned saying Do we work any less than men Then why are we paid lessLandowners say we women cannot perform all tasks like men which is why our wages are lower she addedAfiya Begum a housewife said that women shoulder multiple responsibilities from managing childcare and household chores to rearing livestock and assisting in agricultural work but their contributions remain undervaluedEven in day labour at fields and farms we are paid Tk 150 to Tk 200 less than male workers No one including the government speaks about this We are deprived in every way The Daily Star quoted Arfiya as sayingHighlighting that many women have come to accept the disparity as normal Nihar Rani said If we demand higher wages now we may not get work at allIn its 2025 quarterly report the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics BBS stated that the average daily wage in agriculture stood at Tk 625 for men and Tk 462 for women in December last yearMuhammad Shahid Uz Zaman Executive Director of the Eco Social Development Organisation ESDO said that despite their significant role women continue to endure long working hours lower wages and persistent discriminationHe said that inadequate monitoring of wage policies enables employers to exploit workers through lower pay noting that such disparity weakens womens economic empowerment and discourages their involvement in agricultureEmphasising that women are engaged in more than half of agricultural activities Md Mazedul Islam Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension DAE in Thakurgaon said that coordinated efforts are required to acknowledge their contributions and reduce wage gaps IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/women-do-same-work-as-men-but-are-paid-less-stark-gender-wage-gap-persists-in-rural-bdesh-671983.html Sat, 02 May 2026 15:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/karachi-press-club-signal-pakistan-openly-backing-sfj-push-for-india-referendum-propaganda-war-671985.html New Delhi May 2 On April 29 the Sikhs for Justice SFJ launched a voter registration for a Khalistan Referendum targeting the Sikhs living in India The venue where the announcement was made was the Karachi Press Club The SFJ and its chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun are both proscribed by the Indian government Officials say that this shows the open support that the Pakistan establishment offers the SFJ despite the outfit calling for violent attacks in India and also the assassination of Prime Minister Narendra ModiAn official said that Pakistan is playing this game out in the open and is not even bothering to conceal the fact that it is backing a terrorist organisationThe SFJ has openly called for the assassination of Indian leaders It has praised the likes of Bhindranwale and considers those who carried out the Kanishka bombing as heroesOffering the SFJ space in the Karachi Press Club is a clear sign that the ISI wants to drive the Khalistan narrative from its soil as operations for this group have become harder in Canada and the United KingdomIt is a desperate move to rake up the movement in India after multiple attempts have completely failedEarlier this week the Punjab police uncovered a deeprooted conspiracy hatched by the ISI and Khalistan outfits The police recovered RDX RPGs and grenades which were meant to be used in massive attacks across the stateWith multiple such busts being reported in Punjab and neighbouring states the SFJ which is the mouthpiece of the Khalistani outfits decided to launch a voter registration for a Khalistan ReferendumPannun while launching the voter registration said that 18 million had taken part in the same worldwide He however added that in India it would be carried out in a phased mannerThe registration would be carried out with the Gurdwaras and would begin in Delhi and later move to Himachal Pradesh Haryana and lastly PunjabHe said that he would back Pakistan to the fullest in the event of future tensions with India He also generously praised Pakistan Army chief Asim MunirAn Intelligence Bureau official said that the SFJ has fudged numbers in the past They out an exaggerated figure trying to give an impression that there is a lot of traction for the movement Their numbers are highly doubtful the official said while adding that the very fact that there is no traction for the movement in Punjab suggests just thatOfficials are confident that attempts being made by the SFJ in India to launch the registration movement will fail There is hardly any traction in Punjab and other parts of North India and the SFJ will not succeed in its plans the official addedAnother official said that what is interesting is that Pakistan has allowed this terrorist group to launch a narrative and propaganda war from the Karachi Press ClubThe official however said that the agencies would need to be on high alert to prevent such a voter registration from taking placeThere may be no traction but sometimes a spark is sufficient to set off a fire the official saidThe agencies say that what they would need to watch out for is the narrative and fake propaganda war that the SFJ is set to undertake They would attempt to flood social media and other chat groups with a false narrativeThe focus would largely be on fake videos which would attempt to show the plight of the Sikhs in IndiaThe SFJ has also been playing with the idea of generating content using Artificial Intelligence to show Punjab in a bad state as it is part of IndiaThe Intelligence agencies are closely monitoring activities by the SFJ and will do everything to prevent such fake campaigns from going viral IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/karachi-press-club-signal-pakistan-openly-backing-sfj-push-for-india-referendum-propaganda-war-671985.html Sat, 02 May 2026 16:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/great-nicobar-project-means-strategic-depth-maritime-influence-for-india-report-671990.html New Delhi May 2 With the Great Nicobar Project India can convert locational advantage into economic leverage strategic depth and maritime influence according to a new report The island is remote the project is expensive and the execution risks are real But the underlying logic â that geography left dormant is geography surrendered â is sound writes Hans Kaufmann a distinguished economist specialising in global fiscal policy in India NarrativeAlso Great Nicobar does not âcontainâ China in a military sense â the distances and force ratios make that framing unrealisticWhat it does is give India persistent observation logistical depth and positional leverage near a sea lane that China depends on for economic survivalâIf India builds this right it will have made the most consequential maritime infrastructure decision since independence If it builds it carelessly it will have damaged an irreplaceable ecosystem in exchange for a halffunctional port The difference between those two outcomes is not ambition It is governanceâ he addsThe Great Nicobar Project work on which is underway aims to transform the Great Nicobar into a strategic maritime and economic hub by leveraging its proximity to the global EastâWest shipping route and reducing dependence on foreign transshipment ports keeping in view Indias defence and national security an official statement said on FridayThe project which will strengthen Indias strategic presence in the Andaman Sea and Southeast Asia seeks to balance portled economic growth with calibrated environmental safeguards and protection of indigenous communitiesAccording to the report the country sits astride the Indian Ocean commands one of the worldâs longest coastlines and yet for decades has quietly paid Singapore Colombo and Port Klang to handle freight that originates on Indian soilApproximately three million TEUs of Indian cargo are transshipped annually through foreign hubs with those three ports alone managing more than 85 percent of that flowThe lost annual port revenue is estimated at 200â220 millionâIndia has in effect been a subtenant in its own strategic neighbourhood The Greater Nicobar project is the first serious attempt to change that â and its ambitions extend well beyond shipping logisticsâ the report emphasisesNotably a functioning International Container Transshipment Terminal at Great Nicobar would allow India to capture freight revenue currently leaking abroad reduce feeder voyage times for Indian exporters and sharpen the competitiveness of Indian trade on the eastwest shipping corridorGovernment estimates project annual revenue potential of roughly 316 billion by 2040 against a total project outlay of 790â853 billionMoreover projections of 50000 jobs should be read as aspirational targets not guaranteed outcomes â but the macroeconomic logic underpinning the terminal is considerably more robust than a single employment figureâIndiaâs Maritime India Vision 2030 and the Sagarmala programme have both identified portled development as a structural priority Great Nicobar is where that ambition meets genuine geographic advantageâ says the report IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/great-nicobar-project-means-strategic-depth-maritime-influence-for-india-report-671990.html Sat, 02 May 2026 16:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/china-deeply-entrenched-corruption-exploitation-erodes-foundation-of-military-671991.html Abuja May 2 Chinaâs Peopleâs Liberation Army PLA long projected as the backbone of the countryâs rise stands exposed as a hollow force with soldiers enduring hardship while officers enjoy privileges a report detailed this week According to Ugandabased media outlet PML Daily behind the âpolished parades and the carefully choreographed propagandaâ lies a troubling reality as the PLA and its affiliated armed police forces are plagued by rampant corruption that weakened both their credibility and combat readinessIt added that what was often presented as a disciplined modernised force was in reality a âhollow giantâ undermined by corruption exploitation and abuseâAccounts from within the ranks reveal how soldiersâ meal allowances are mercilessly carved up leaving recruits with scraps instead of the full meals mandated by regulation Chicken necks fish tails and cabbage replace the whole chickens and fish that were supposed to sustain them The best cuts are syphoned off for officers and leaders a grotesque metaphor for how the hierarchy feeds itself at the expense of the rank and file the report detailedIt stressed that a military that fails to adequately provide for its personnel risks losing credibility beyond its borders When the basic needs of these soldiers are not met the image of discipline faltersâCorruption extends far beyond food In automobile companies military fuel is routinely syphoned off and sold for personal profit There are accounts of emergency assemblies where entire convoys of vehicles could not move because their fuel tanks had been emptied for resale Logistics units rather than serving operational needs become âgold minesâ for officers who have paid bribes to secure their positions and now seek to recoup their investments the report detailedâThis practice is not a rare aberration but a widespread norm The syphoning of gasoline the sale of military supplies and the falsification of equipment records are all part of a system where corruption is the rule not the exception it addedEmphasising that brutal treatment of new recruits further exposes deeper problems in Chinese forces the report said âBullying beatings and forced punishments are everyday occurrences Some recruits are driven insane others attempt escape only to be imprisoned on charges of desertion Such abuse reveals a military culture that thrives on fear and intimidation rather than discipline and respectThe report stated that entrenched corruption erodes the very foundation of Chinaâs military power While the Chinese Communist Party touts modernisation and readiness its forces are weakened by âgraft incompetence and exploitationââThe corruption within the military is symptomatic of a broader political system where loyalty is bought promotions are sold and survival depends on bribes From joining the Party to securing a posting everything has a priceâ the report noted IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/china-deeply-entrenched-corruption-exploitation-erodes-foundation-of-military-671991.html Sat, 02 May 2026 16:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/maritime-chokepoints-emerge-as-key-battlegrounds-amid-evolving-security-dynamics-report-671994.html Washington May 2 The Arabian Sea the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea form a connected maritime network that sustains critical global flows where disruption in one part can trigger cascading effects across the entire system The closure of the Strait of Hormuz disrupts global energy markets instability in the Red Sea complicates the rerouting of shipping routes and intensifies pressure on alternative corridors while maritime infiltration exposes vulnerabilities in coastal urban hubs a report has detailed According to a report in the USbased news website âHomeland Security Todayâ this interconnectedness highlights the need to view maritime space not as fragmented regions but as a single integrated infrastructure environment Within this landscape the critical flows underpinning economic and political stability are increasingly targetted by both state and nonstate actorsâThe Arabian Sea and its connected waterways form one of the most critical infrastructure corridors in the global system Linking the Strait of Hormuz to the Red Sea and onwards to the Suez Canal this maritime space underpins the movement of energy goods and data between Asia the Middle East Africa and Europe It is not simply a geographic expanse but an integrated system of critical infrastructure flows and increasingly a focal point of modern conflict the report mentionedâRecent developments demonstrate that this system is being targetted in distinct but interconnected ways by state actors proxies and terrorist organisations These threats can be understood through three models chokepoint disruption maritime infiltration and persistent maritime insecurity Taken together they illustrate how the maritime domain has evolved into a central arena for infrastructurefocused competition it addedThe report stressed that the most immediate and globally significant example of maritime infrastructure targetting is the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz This narrow channel connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman has drawn intense international attention since the United States and Israel launched military action against Iran in February 2026 In the wake of escalating hostilities Iran began targetting enemy merchant vessels transiting the straitâThese actions were not isolated incidents but part of a broader strategy that effectively rendered the waterway unsafe for all shipping The result was a neartotal halt in maritime traffic with vessels stranded and unable to pass through the chokepointâ the report mentionedAnother dimension of maritime threat it said is more covert but equally consequential It stated that Pakistanbased terrorist groups have demonstrated how the maritime domain can be used as a route of access enabling attacks on landbased infrastructureEmphasising the broader implications the report said âTaken together the maritime domain is no longer peripheral to security analysis It is a central component of critical infrastructure and a key arena in the evolving dynamics of both state and nonstate conflict IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/maritime-chokepoints-emerge-as-key-battlegrounds-amid-evolving-security-dynamics-report-671994.html Sat, 02 May 2026 16:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-backs-iraq-pm-nominee-ali-al-zaidi-signals-support-for-new-govt-671795.html Washington May 1 US President Donald Trump on Thursday congratulated Ali alZaidi on his nomination as Iraqâs next Prime Minister signalling support for the formation of a new government in Baghdad and expressing hope for closer bilateral ties In a post on his official social media platform Trump said âCongratulations to Ali alZaidi on his nomination to be the next Prime Minister of IraqâHe added that Washington wishes him success as he seeks to form a government capable of addressing security concerns and governance challengesâWe wish him success as he works to form a new government free from terrorism that could deliver a brighter future for Iraqâ Trump saidThe US President also pointed to the prospect of strengthening ties between the two countries under alZaidiâs leadershipâWe look forward to a strong vibrant and highly productive new relationship between Iraq and the United Statesâ he saidTrump described the development as a potential turning point in bilateral relationsâThis is the beginning of a tremendous new chapter between our nations â prosperity stability and success like never seen beforeâ he saidHe concluded his message with a personal note âAgain Ali congratulationsâThe statement comes as Iraq navigates a sensitive political transitionThe United States maintains a diplomatic mission in Iraq which American officials describe as focused on sustaining a longterm strategic partnership with the Government of Iraq and its peopleIn coordination with the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS the United States had supported Iraqâs efforts that led to the December 2017 milestone of liberating the country from ISIS controlAn official statement mentions that following the territorial defeat of ISIS the US increased efforts to stabilise liberated areas as Iraq continues to develop as a sovereign stable and selfreliant countryOfficials describe Iraq as a key partner for the United States in the region and a country playing an increasingly constructive role in the Middle EastIraq has functioning government institutions including an active legislature and the US continues broad engagement with Iraq on diplomatic political economic and security issues under the USIraq Strategic Framework Agreement SFA which forms the basis of bilateral relations IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-backs-iraq-pm-nominee-ali-al-zaidi-signals-support-for-new-govt-671795.html Fri, 01 May 2026 08:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/ceasefire-with-iran-pauses-60-day-clock-on-congressional-authorization-pete-hegseth-671801.html Washington May 1 US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said that he believes the ceasefire with Iran pauses a 60day clock on congressional authorization for war Hegseth made the remarks when asked by Democratic Senator Tim Kaine at a congressional hearing on Thursday about whether the Trump administration would seek authorization from Congress for the war with Iran on the 60day mark of the war as required by law Xinhua news agency reportedUltimately I would defer to the White House and White House counsel on that However we are in a ceasefire right now which our understanding means the 60day clock pauses or stops in a ceasefire Hegseth saidI do not believe the statute would support that Kaine said I think the 60 days runs out maybe tomorrow and thats going to pose a really important legal question for the administration thereOn February 28 Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and other Iranian cities killing Irans then Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei senior commanders and civiliansUS President Donald Trump notified Congress of the military campaign against Iran on March 2 making May 1 the 60day milestone at which point the US War Powers Act requires the president to start winding down a war unless he receives congressional authorization according to media reportsMeanwhile earlier this week Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump held a phone call discussing the recent shooting at the White House press dinner the situation in Iran and the Ukraine crisis the Kremlin saidPutin strongly condemned the assassination attempt against Trump at the White House Correspondents Association Dinner stressing in particular the unacceptability of any form of politically motivated violence said Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov on Wednesday after the phone conversation that lasted over an hour and a halfAmong the issues on the international agenda the two leaders focused primarily on the situation in Iran and the Persian Gulf according to the KremlinPutin viewed Trumps decision to extend the ceasefire as the right move as it will help stabilise the situation Ushakov said adding that Putin drew attention to the inevitable extremely dire consequences not only for Iran and its neighbours but also for the entire international community should the United States and Israel resort to force again IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/ceasefire-with-iran-pauses-60-day-clock-on-congressional-authorization-pete-hegseth-671801.html Fri, 01 May 2026 08:15:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-highlights-pm-modis-address-as-key-moment-at-hom-conference-stresses-3ts-in-diplomacy-671802.html New Delhi May 1 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modiâs address as the standout moment of the 11th Heads of Mission HoM Conference underlining the growing importance of trade technology and tourism â the â3Tsâ â in Indiaâs diplomatic strategy In a post on X Jaishankar said the conference deliberations also focused on the Neighbourhood First policy deeper engagement with the Indian diaspora and the need for resilience and derisking âThe Conference benefited from the views of prominent figures from the Government business and technology worlds The active exchange of ideas during its various sessions lived up to the theme âReforming Indian Diplomacy for 2047ââ he wrote in a postPM Modi on Thursday held discussions on foreign policy at the Heads of Missions conference in New DelhiThe 11th Heads of Missions HoMs Conference was organised by the Ministry of External Affairs from April 28 to April 30 at the National Agricultural Science Complex Pusa New DelhiAccording to the Ministry of External Affairs this yearâs HoMs Conference was centred around the theme Reforming Indian Diplomacy for 2047âPrime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Heads of Mission on Thursday and provided valuable guidance on promoting Indiaâs national interests abroad said the Ministry of External AffairsâWe had extensive discussions on strengthening Indiaâs global engagement through advancing trade technology and strategic partnerships while deepening the connection with our diasporaâ posted PM Modi on XExternal Affairs Minister S Jaishankar delivered the inaugural address on April 29He addressed Indiaâs High Commissioners Ambassadors and senior officials from the Ministry of External AffairsâOur interaction recognised the significant expansion of Indiaâs engagement with the world in the last decade In a volatile and turbulent world Indian diplomacy stands ready to advance national interest and secure national goalsâ the Minister posted on XOver the course of three days the Heads of Mission participated in yoga brainstorming sessions tabletop exercises and thematic discussions covering various geopolitical developments emerging technologies 3Ts Trade Technology and Tourism the Bharat story and futureready diplomacy the Ministry of External Affairs addedThe Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson shared that presentations were made to the Prime Minister on futureready diplomacy the promotion of the 3Ts Trade Technology and Tourism and amplifying the Bharat story IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/eam-jaishankar-highlights-pm-modis-address-as-key-moment-at-hom-conference-stresses-3ts-in-diplomacy-671802.html Fri, 01 May 2026 08:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-expands-ira-access-for-millions-671804.html Washington May 1 US President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at expanding access to retirement savings accounts for millions of Americans particularly lowincome workers and those without employersponsored plans Calling it a âhistoric executive orderâ Trump said the initiative would allow Americans to access retirement accounts similar to those available to federal employeesâThis afternoon Im thrilled to sign a historic executive order expanding access to highquality retirement savings accounts for millions of Americansâ he saidAccording to Trump lowincome Americans could receive âup to 1000 per year in matching funds deposited directly into their accountsâHe described the programme as transformative for workers outside traditional employment structures âFor millions of Americans who lack employer sponsored plans this will be really revolutionary because theyll be coveredâ he saidTrump illustrated the longterm impact with a projection âIf a 25 year oldâ invests just 165 a monthâ they will have an estimated 465000 in their account by the time theyre 65 years oldâ he said adding âIn other words theyll be richâNational Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said the policy targets structural gaps in retirement savings access âWhat youve done here is youve given the Match to low income people with incomes below 35000â he saidHassett added that the administration is already working on expanding eligibility âWere working with Congress to significantly expand this programâ he said noting that discussions include extending benefits to middleincome AmericansTrump acknowledged that further expansion would require legislative approval âTo take it to the next level we need Congressional approvalâ it should be bipartisanâ he saidThe programme will also allow charitable contributions into individual retirement accounts broadening participation beyond government matching Hassett said âWeve also made it clear that in the TrumpIRA charities can contribute to other peoples accounts as wellâTrump linked the initiative to broader economic performance pointing to job growth and investment âMore people are working right now than at any time in the history of our countryâ he saidThe US retirement system has long relied heavily on employerbased plans leaving gig workers and informal labour segments underserved Efforts to expand access have gained bipartisan attention in recent years IANS https://dailyworld.in/international/trump-expands-ira-access-for-millions-671804.html Fri, 01 May 2026 08:28:00 +0530