Category: World

Pakistan’s proposed Fighter Experimental programme appears to be moving towards a larger, twin-engine stealth-oriented aircraft, with its latest concept image drawing visual comparisons to Russia’s Su-57 fighter. Islamabad: A newly surfaced concept image of Pakistan’s Fighter Experimental (PFX) programme suggests a significant evolution in the country’s ambitions to develop an advanced multirole combat aircraft. The design depicts a medium-weight, twin-engine fighter featuring several characteristics associated with low-observable, or stealth-oriented, aircraft. First showcased publicly at the IDEAS 2024 defence exhibition in Karachi, the PFX programme has been described by the Pakistan…

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Brussels: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged European Union leaders to provide at least €70 billion in additional assistance for 2027, warning that Ukraine will face substantial financial and military costs as its war with Russia continues. Speaking at an EU summit in Brussels, he also raised concerns over restrictions affecting the Starlink satellite communications network and criticised recent US dealings with Moscow. Zelensky said Ukraine’s war-related expenditure could reach €155 billion next year, calling for additional European funding to support defence, weapons procurement and national resilience. He described the…

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New Delhi: India and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations agency for migration, have discussed strengthening cooperation on migration and labour mobility, with a focus on ethical recruitment, skills recognition and safer employment opportunities for Indian workers abroad. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh met IOM Director General Amy Pope during her visit to India on Friday. Their discussions covered ongoing initiatives to deepen cooperation on migration and mobility. Earlier, MEA Secretary for Consular, Passport and Visa, and Overseas Indian Affairs, Sripriya Ranganathan, also…

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Dublin/Washington: Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith has cautioned that stricter US immigration policies could discourage highly skilled technology professionals from pursuing careers in the country, potentially affecting its long-term leadership in artificial intelligence and software development. Speaking to POLITICO on the sidelines of the International AI Summit in Dublin, Ireland, Smith raised concerns about restrictions affecting green card applications for skilled foreign employees at Microsoft and seven other companies. The restrictions followed allegations of visa fraud, which Smith strongly disputed in Microsoft’s case. Smith said many of the…

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Washington: US President Donald Trump has asked Attorney General Todd Blanche to examine whether the death penalty could be imposed on people who deliberately kill firefighters while they are responding to emergencies. Speaking at a White House event honouring first responders on Thursday, Trump said firefighters face serious dangers while protecting communities and argued that attacks on them should attract severe punishment. The proposal extends his stated support for capital punishment in cases involving the killing of police officers and other law enforcement personnel. Trump also recounted incidents in which…

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Abu Dhabi: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi to discuss bilateral cooperation and key regional and global developments. The meeting took place during Jaishankar’s official visit to the United Arab Emirates, as both countries seek to deepen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimy welcomed the Indian minister upon his arrival. In a post on X, Jaishankar described his meeting with Al Nahyan…

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Sofia: Bulgaria has summoned Russian Ambassador Eleonora Mitrofanova following reported drone attacks on commercial vessels operating in the country’s exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea. The incidents left one ship sunk, another damaged and 11 sailors missing, according to Bulgarian authorities. Prime Minister Rumen Radev met the Russian envoy on Tuesday, stressing the need to establish responsibility for the attacks. However, Bulgarian authorities have not publicly identified the source of the drones. According to the Bulgarian Government Information Service, Radev questioned why Ukraine would target its own vessels, noting…

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Paris: A suspected cyberattack targeting supermarket refrigeration systems in France has raised serious concerns about the vulnerability of connected retail infrastructure, after hackers allegedly manipulated refrigerator settings, causing temperatures to soar above 50°C and reportedly triggering fires in around 150 connected refrigeration units. According to reports cited in the supplied source, the Paris prosecutor’s office has confirmed that connected refrigeration systems used by major food retailers across France were affected. Investigators are examining how the attackers gained access to the systems and whether the incidents were part of a coordinated…

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Washington: US President Donald Trump has renewed his proposal to provide a $5,000 payment to every adult American citizen if Republicans win control of both chambers of Congress in the November 2026 midterm elections. The proposed benefit, which Trump has described as a “Trump Dividend”, is being presented as a potential payoff from his administration’s tariff policies and economic agenda. In a video posted on Truth Social, Trump linked the proposed payments directly to a Republican victory in the House of Representatives and the Senate. He argued that retaining or…

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Washington: US President Donald Trump has defended his administration’s decision to allow Russian diesel supplies to the United States, citing European purchases of Russian energy and arguing that domestic economic interests should remain a priority. The proposed arrangement has intensified debate over Western energy policy as the European Union expands sanctions against Moscow over the war in Ukraine. In a post on Truth Social on Monday, Trump claimed that the European Union had paid Russia $250 billion for energy and criticised media coverage of the issue. He said the US…

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