Category: World

Mentawai Islands, Indonesia: A tragic boat accident off the Mentawai Islands in West Sumatra has left 11 people missing, Indonesian authorities confirmed on Tuesday. The vessel, carrying 18 passengers, sank in rough seas on Monday morning around 11 a.m. local time. According to the local search and rescue agency, seven individuals have been rescued so far, while efforts continue to locate the missing. Ten of the passengers were officials from the local administration, raising further concern about the scale of the tragedy. The boat had departed from Sikakap and was…

Washington D.C.: In a major decision with far-reaching implications, the United States Supreme Court has allowed former President Donald Trump’s administration to move forward with its proposal to significantly reduce the size of the Department of Education. The ruling follows the Court’s 6-3 vote to lift an earlier injunction imposed by a federal district judge. The decision clears the path for the Trump administration to continue efforts to eliminate the Department of Education, a move that is part of a broader strategy to decentralize education governance and give more power…

Canberra: In a breakthrough initiative aimed at addressing both climate change and agricultural costs, scientists in Australia are exploring the potential of crushed volcanic rock to support more sustainable farming practices. Led by Dr. Binoy Sarkar of the University of South Australia’s Future Industries Institute, researchers are trialling crushed basalt—a low-cost by-product of mining and construction—as a natural soil enhancer. Priced at just AU$30 (US$19.69) per ton, the rock is being tested for its ability to lower soil acidity, improve crop yields, and capture carbon, all while utilizing standard farming…

Islamabad: Confusion and division have gripped Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) following Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s unexpected announcement of a 90-day protest timeline, replacing what was widely expected to be a singular demonstration on August 5—the second anniversary of former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s arrest. At a press briefing over the weekend, Gandapur unveiled what he described as a “final push” in the party’s protest strategy, declaring that the campaign had already commenced and would culminate in a “decisive confrontation” within the next three months. The announcement caught several…

Seoul: Chun Jae-soo, nominee for South Korea’s Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, has outlined an ambitious vision to transform the southeastern port city of Busan into a strategic maritime base for the emerging era of Arctic shipping. During his confirmation hearing held in Seoul, Chun emphasized the importance of relocating the ministry’s headquarters from Sejong to Busan by the end of the year. The move, he said, would pave the way for South Korea to capitalize on new trade routes opening through the Arctic Ocean and reduce the development imbalance…

Tokyo: Japan has expressed its willingness to resume long-stalled peace treaty negotiations with Russia once the situation permits, according to Akira Muto, Japan’s Ambassador to Moscow. Speaking to Russian state news agency TASS, Muto reaffirmed Japan’s consistent position on the need for a formal peace treaty that would resolve the territorial dispute and establish a clear, mutually recognized border. “A treaty that eliminates ambiguity and builds stable, law-based ties between our countries is essential. This will ultimately benefit both sides,” the ambassador stated. Highlighting remarks previously made by Russian President…