Blog

Washington: In a development that will escalate the West Asia crisis further, Wall Street Journal on Saturday reported that President Trump has rejected Iran’s proposal for a seven-day ceasefire. The report, which quoted US officials, suggested that the US President has told aides he expects to resume bombing Iran after the November midterms. Here’s what Trump said on Iran at UNGA The development comes after his open threat of annihilating Iran made during his speech to the UN General Assembly earlier this week. “I have a big decision to make. Will a deal be made with Iran that lets them…

India's response at the United Nations took aim at Pakistan's remarks on terrorism, Jammu and Kashmir, democratic rights and minority issues, with First Secretary at India's Permanent Mission to the UN Petal Gahlot delivering a sharp right-of-reply in New York. Responding to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's speech, Gahlot accused Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism and rejected its references to Jammu and Kashmir. She also questioned Pakistan's record on democracy, human rights and religious intolerance, while referring to the country's 27th Amendment and what she described as lifelong immunity for its "real ruler". The statements below are Gahlot's characterisations and…

At least 14 people were killed, including 2 senior military officials as plane crashed in Congo, the military said on Friday. The two senior military officials who died in the incident include Lieutenant General Mutombo Katalayi Tiende, head of the military court, and Lieutenant General Bakumi Likulia, auditor general of the armed forces. "In addition to the two general officers, twelve members of the delegation and the crew members also lost their lives in this accident," Major General Efomi Ekenge, spokesperson of the Congolese military, said in a statement. Plane developed a technical fault and crashed in Kenge The incident…

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday wrapped up his three-day visit to the US, saying his talks with President Donald Trump had added "new substance" to China-US relations and expressing hope for "more brighter prospects" for the bilateral relationship. The visit resulted in progress on trade discussions and an understanding between the two sides on a range of goods that could be traded on more favourable terms, while the two leaders also agreed to continue dialogue on artificial intelligence. However, there was no detailed announcement of all the outcomes of the visit at the time. Trump and Xi continued their…

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday responded to a Pakistani reporter who tried to heckle him, accusing India of fuelling terrorism in Pakistan during a press conference on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Jaishankar was addressing the media alongside Liberia's Sara Beysolow Nyanti when the Pakistani reporter raised the allegation. "A terrorist country is asking me that question," Jaishankar replied. Attacks on ships must stop: Jaishankar on safety of seafarers During the interaction, Jaishankar also spoke about the safety and security of seafarers, citing recent attacks on commercial shipping and merchant mariners. "You will all…