India, France join hands to boost global cooperation

Paris: India and France are deepening their long-standing strategic partnership with a renewed push into technology, trade, investment, and innovation, marking another step forward in their evolving global cooperation. The latest discussions were held in Nice, where India’s Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal participated in high-level engagements with city leadership, business representatives, academic institutions, and innovation networks under the ongoing “Year of Innovation” initiative between the two countries. Shared Vision for Future Growth Minister Goyal described the discussions as productive and forward-looking, highlighting strong interest from startups, investors,…

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Xi’s Pyongyang Visit Recaliberates Power Balance in Northeast Asia

Pyongyang: China’s renewed diplomatic outreach to North Korea has drawn global attention, highlighting a possible reconfiguration of alliances in Northeast Asia amid rising geopolitical uncertainty. Chinese President Xi Jinping recently visited Pyongyang on June 8–9, marking his first trip to the North Korean capital in seven years. The visit underscored the strengthening ties between Beijing and Pyongyang, while also signalling a broader strategic alignment involving Russia and North Korea. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un hosted Xi with high-level ceremonial honours, reflecting the continued importance both sides attach to their long-standing…

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Makerfield By-Election Could Reshape Labour’s Political Future Amid Leadership Speculation

 Photo – [Simon Speakman Cordall/Al Jazeera] London: A closely watched parliamentary by-election in north-west England is drawing national political attention, with analysts suggesting its outcome could influence the long-term direction of the governing Labour Party and the leadership of Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The vote is being held in the Makerfield constituency, near Manchester, where voters are selecting a new Member of Parliament. While by-elections are typically localised contests, this one has taken on wider significance due to its potential implications for internal Labour dynamics. High-Profile Candidacy Raises Stakes Much…

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UN Chief Visits Violence-Hit Haiti Amid Deepening Security and Humanitarian Crisis

Haiti: The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres is set to arrive in Haiti in a high-profile visit aimed at expressing solidarity with communities affected by escalating violence and prolonged instability in the Caribbean nation. The visit comes at a critical moment for Haiti, where worsening insecurity, political uncertainty and economic hardship have converged into one of the most severe crises in the region. Focus on Communities Trapped in Violence During his stay in the capital, Port-au-Prince, Guterres is expected to meet residents directly impacted by armed gang activity that has…

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G7 Leaders Confront Ukraine War and Escalating Middle East Tensions at France Summit

Paris: Diplomacy took centre stage in France as leaders of the world’s leading industrialised democracies gathered for a high-stakes G7 Summit 2026, with two global crises dominating discussions — the ongoing war in Ukraine and rising instability in the Middle East. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended the summit as a special guest, underscoring continued Western engagement with Kyiv amid the prolonged conflict with Russia. Ukraine Returns to the Forefront of Global Diplomacy Attention on the war in Ukraine has intensified again after recent global focus briefly shifted toward tensions involving…

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US, Iran olive branch, a good news for India & the World

New Delhi: Amid prolonged geopolitical strain that has weighed heavily on global markets, energy supply chains, and international diplomacy, reports of a potential understanding between the United States and Iran are being viewed as a significant relief by the global community. While the details and durability of any such agreement remain subject to implementation and ground realities, early reactions from financial and strategic circles suggest cautious optimism for a return toward stability. Global significance of easing US–Iran tensions Tensions between Washington and Tehran have long extended far beyond bilateral relations,…

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‘Azadi’ Slogans Echo Across PoK as Protests Against Pakistan’s Rule Intensify

New Delhi: Widespread protests have erupted across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), with thousands of residents taking to the streets against rising inflation, high electricity tariffs, and what they describe as denial of basic rights. Demonstrators were seen raising “Azadi” slogans and demanding greater political and economic freedoms, while accusing the administration and security forces of heavy-handed tactics. The unrest has spread across multiple towns, including Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Kotli and Bhimber, where shutdowns brought daily life to a standstill. Markets, shops and businesses remained closed as protestors continued sit-ins and rallies throughout…

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Iran Warns of Strong Retaliation After Israeli Airstrikes Hit Beirut Suburbs

Tehran: Iran has issued a stern warning of retaliation after Israel conducted airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, targeting areas linked to Hezbollah, escalating tensions across the region and raising fears of a broader conflict. The Israeli military said it struck what it described as a Hezbollah command centre and associated infrastructure in Dahiyeh, a stronghold of the Iran-backed group in southern Beirut. The strikes followed reports of rockets being fired from Lebanon toward northern Israel. Lebanese authorities said at least two people were killed and several others injured in the…

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G7 Summit Begins in France; India Joins as Partner Country for 13th Time

New Delhi: The 52nd G7 Summit has begun in Évian-les-Bains, France, bringing together leaders of the world’s major advanced economies along with several invited partner nations, including India. The three-day summit, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, will continue until June 17. The G7 grouping includes France, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Canada, along with the European Union. Leaders from invited countries such as India, Brazil, Kenya, and South Korea are also attending this year’s discussions. India is participating as a partner country for the…

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US–Iran Deal Raises Questions as World Waits for Official Text

New Delhi: The United States and Iran have announced what they described as an immediate halt to hostilities, with US President Donald Trump claiming that oil supplies will resume across key regional routes. However, the absence of an official published agreement has left major aspects of the deal unclear, keeping governments, energy markets, and shipping companies on edge. While both Washington and Tehran have spoken of a breakthrough, the full memorandum of understanding has not been released, leading to uncertainty over key provisions involving the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s nuclear…

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