Dodoma: In a historic step to expand its maritime influence in Africa, India has kicked off its largest-ever joint naval exercise with African nations, signaling a strategic push to strengthen its presence in the Indian Ocean and counter China’s growing clout in the region. The six-day exercise, co-hosted by Tanzania, has brought together naval forces from over eight African nations, including Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, and South Africa. Indian Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, along with senior government and military officials, inaugurated the drill — hailed as a milestone…
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Trump Threatens to Strip Harvard’s Tax-Exempt Status Over Policy Dispute
Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump has issued another sharp warning to Harvard University, threatening to revoke its tax-exempt status if it fails to comply with recent White House policy directives. The warning comes just days after the Trump administration froze $2.2 billion in funding to the university, citing opposition from the institution’s leadership to federal efforts aimed at controlling campus activism. Taking to Truth Social on Tuesday, Trump wrote:“Maybe Harvard should lose its tax-exempt status and be taxed like a political entity. Why should it continue to enjoy tax breaks…
Read MoreTrump Softens Stance on Key Fronts, Eases Terms on Ukraine Minerals Deal
Washington: In a series of unexpected shifts, former U.S. President Donald Trump has continued to display a more conciliatory tone on multiple global fronts. After pausing reciprocal tariffs for 90 days and scaling back pressure on Iran over Israeli strikes on its nuclear facilities, Trump has now softened his stance on the war-ravaged Ukraine. According to U.S. media reports, Trump has agreed to ease terms on a critical U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal by dropping the demand for Ukraine to repay American military aid as a loan. This marks a notable shift…
Read MoreIndia Slams Pakistan Army Chief for Raking Up Two-Nation Theory and Kashmir Issue
Islamabad/New Delhi: India has strongly rebutted recent remarks made by Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir, who invoked the two-nation theory and reiterated Pakistan’s claim over Kashmir during a public address. Responding firmly on Thursday, India’s Ministry of External Affairs asserted that the only link Pakistan has with Jammu and Kashmir is to vacate the areas it has illegally occupied. Addressing the media, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. The only issue with Pakistan is the vacation of its illegal occupation from…
Read More“End the War, We’ll Release All Hostages”: Hamas Offers Ceasefire Deal
Gaza: In a significant turn in the prolonged Gaza conflict, Hamas has announced its willingness to release all Israeli hostages in exchange for a full Israeli military withdrawal and the release of Palestinian prisoners. The announcement, made by senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya during a televised address on Thursday, is being seen as a potential breakthrough in the ongoing 18-month war that has ravaged Gaza. Hamas Proposes Comprehensive Agreement Al-Hayya stated that Hamas is open to a comprehensive agreement that includes the release of all Israeli hostages, the return of…
Read MoreUS Vice President JD Vance to Visit India on April 21; NSA Michael Waltz to Accompany
New Delhi: In a significant development signaling deepening strategic ties between the United States and India, US Vice President JD Vance, a close confidant of President Donald Trump, is set to visit India on April 21, accompanied by National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, according to news agency PTI. While Vance’s trip is largely described as private, sources confirm that he will engage in official meetings during his stay in New Delhi. NSA Waltz’s visit, in contrast, will be purely official, focusing on pressing strategic matters, particularly concerning Indo-Pacific security. Both…
Read MoreSyria’s New President Ahmed Al-Shara Makes First Official Visit to UAE, Signals Regional Reset
Abu Dhabi: In a significant diplomatic development, Syria’s new President Ahmed Al-Shara made his first official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He was warmly received by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who extended his best wishes for Al-Shara’s leadership and Syria’s future stability. The visit comes four months after the ouster of longtime Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, following a surge in rebel offensives that forced Assad from power. Since then, the UAE has maintained a cautious approach toward Syria’s new government, led by former Islamist…
Read MoreTrump Considers Temporary Tariff Relief for Auto Sector as U.S.-China Trade Tensions Deepen
Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump said he is considering offering temporary relief from reciprocal tariffs to the auto industry, allowing car manufacturers time to realign their supply chains. The statement comes amid escalating trade tensions, particularly with China, and as the administration plans new tariffs on key tech components. Relief Likely for Automakers, Not Electronics Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, President Trump remarked, “I’m thinking about helping the auto manufacturers. They need time to shift production from Mexico and other places. They’re going to build in America, but…
Read MoreU.S. Deploys Second Aircraft Carrier to West Asia Ahead of Next Round of Nuclear Talks with Iran
Washington DC: In a significant show of military strength, the United States has deployed a second aircraft carrier to the West Asia region just ahead of a potential second round of nuclear talks with Iran. This move is widely being seen as a strategic pressure tactic ahead of sensitive diplomatic negotiations. USS Carl Vinson Joins USS Truman in Arabian Sea The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson has now been positioned in the Arabian Sea, joining the USS Harry S. Truman, which has already been stationed in the region. The U.S.…
Read MoreJapan’s Population Declines for 14th Consecutive Year Amid Record Birth Rate Drop
Tokyo: Japan’s population continues to shrink at an alarming rate, marking the 14th straight year of decline. According to a report by Kyodo News, government estimates show that the population stood at 120.3 million as of October 2024 — a staggering drop of 898,000 compared to the previous year. This marks the sharpest annual decrease ever recorded. Overall Population Falls, Including Foreign Residents When foreign residents are included, Japan’s total population was estimated at 123.8 million — a net decline of around 550,000 from the previous year. This figure underscores…
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