Category: World

Beijing: Chinese President Xi Jinping has invoked the legacy of the historic Long March, urging the Communist Party and the public to prepare for difficult times amid economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and strained relations with Western nations. His remarks came during an event in Beijing commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Long March, one of the defining episodes in the history of the Chinese Communist Party (CPC). According to China’s state news agency Xinhua, Xi highlighted the campaign’s historical significance and its enduring influence on the party’s development. His address…

Read More

Varanasi: Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW), formerly known as BAREKA, will close all its entry gates from 2 pm on Tuesday until the conclusion of Ravana Dahan as part of special security arrangements for Vijayadashami. The gates to be closed include the Kakar matta main entrance, FCI Gate, Nathupur Gate, Pahadi Gate and Kandwa Gate. During this period, railway employees will be permitted to enter the premises only upon presenting valid identity cards, while members of the public attending the Ramleela performance and Ravana Dahan must carry valid entry passes. The…

Read More

New Delhi: The proposed expansion of Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet services in India has brought national security, data sovereignty and regulatory oversight into sharper focus, highlighting the challenge of balancing digital connectivity with strategic interests. Satellite-based internet could help bridge India’s digital divide by bringing connectivity to remote villages, mountainous regions, islands and border areas where conventional telecommunications infrastructure is difficult or expensive to establish. However, the global reach of satellite networks, portability of user terminals and dependence on foreign-operated systems also raise concerns for regulators and security agencies.…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More