FIFA President Gianni Infantino withdraws FIFA forward enterprise proposal

A youth led protest movement in India has vowed to continue demonstrations demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan after violent clashes with police in New Delhi left nearly 180 people injured. The movement, known as the Cockroach Janta Party, cancelled plans for another march to parliament but said protests would continue at the Jantar Mantar demonstration site. Organisers said they wanted to avoid further injuries after Monday’s confrontation with security forces. The campaign began as an online satirical movement but has rapidly grown into one of the biggest public challenges facing Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his third term in office. It has attracted widespread support from young people angered by repeated examination paper leaks and allegations of corruption in India’s education system. Thousands of protesters from Delhi and nearby regions gathered outside parliament on Monday to demand accountability over a national medical entrance examination leak that affected more than two million students earlier this year. The exam had to be conducted again after question papers were leaked, while reports of several student suicides linked to the controversy intensified public outrage. Police used batons and tear gas to disperse demonstrators after violence broke out during the march. According to Delhi Police, more than 118 police and security personnel, along with around 60 protesters, were injured during the clashes. Most of those hurt received medical treatment and were later discharged from hospital. Authorities also detained around 70 protesters and said legal action would be taken against them. Police accused demonstrators of ignoring restrictions on public gatherings and behaving aggressively despite repeated warnings. On Tuesday, around 500 protesters gathered peacefully at Jantar Mantar despite light rain and heavy security across central Delhi. Paramilitary forces remained deployed while barricades were placed on several roads to prevent further unrest. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke apologised to supporters for the violence they faced during Monday’s protest. He expressed particular concern over female demonstrators who he claimed were assaulted by male police officers during the clashes. Dipke announced that while the movement would continue its campaign, organisers would not attempt another march towards parliament because they feared more young people could be injured. The protest movement gained significant momentum after social activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the campaign with a hunger strike in late June. Wangchuk was later moved to hospital by authorities, a move that further fuelled criticism of the government among supporters. The group’s demands include the resignation of the education minister, the release of Wangchuk and financial compensation for the families of students who reportedly died by suicide following the examination leak. Government officials have indicated they are open to discussions. Health Minister JP Nadda recently met representatives of the movement and requested time to consider their demands. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also called for calm and said ongoing talks should not be disrupted. Opposition parties criticised the government’s handling of the protests and accused authorities of using excessive force against peaceful demonstrators. Leaders of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party rejected those claims and argued that the violence appeared to have been deliberately provoked. Political analysts believe that even if negotiations reduce immediate tensions, the wider frustration among India’s younger generation is unlikely to disappear. Concerns over unemployment, repeated examination scandals and growing distrust in public institutions continue to drive dissatisfaction, making youth unrest an increasingly important political issue for the government.

Russian forces executed a coordinated overnight barrage of ballistic missiles targeting several Ukrainian urban centres, resulting in multiple civilian casualties and extensive structural damage shortly after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a national safety alert. A direct hit from an Iskander-M ballistic missile destroyed a family home on the outskirts of Kryvyi Rih, killing six people, including two young girls aged five and twelve, and leaving at least eight others wounded. In the capital city of Kyiv, emergency services confirmed one death alongside widespread fires across several municipal districts, whilst residential buildings in the western city of Lviv also sustained damage during the bombardment. The severe escalation prompted neighbouring Poland to scramble fighter jets and activate ground-based air defence systems to secure its own national airspace. In response to the wave of destruction, President Zelenskyy renewed his urgent appeal to international allies for additional air defence missiles to replenish depleted stockpiles and protect civilian infrastructure. Meanwhile, in Russia’s western Penza region, a Ukrainian retaliatory drone strike set fire to a large commercial warehouse, injuring one individual and forcing the emergency evacuation of approximately two hundred workers.

LONDON:  Senator Lt Gen (R) Abdul Qayyum (HI(M)), President of the Pakistan Ex-Servicemen Society, called for greater respect for international law, dialogue under the umbrella of the United Nations and enhanced cooperation among Muslim countries to address global security challenges, while Forum for International Relations Development (FIRD) Chairman Toaha Qureshi reaffirmed support for Pakistan’s armed forces, saying they remained the country’s defenders and that the Field Marshal had enhanced Pakistan’s reputation on the global stage. Addressing the Second International Conference on Global Peace, organised by FIRD in London, Senator Abdul Qayyum said lasting peace could only be achieved through diplomacy and adherence to international law. “Respect for international law and pursuing dialogue as a strategy for peace under the umbrella of the United Nations can help resolve even the most complex global challenges. Destructive wars can only lead to catastrophic consequences and bring suffering to humanity as a whole,” he said. During his address, the senator argued that the post-Cold War unipolar world had witnessed repeated violations of international law and human rights, weakening the effectiveness of institutions such as the United Nations and the International Court of Justice. Discussing global security, he said colonialism had evolved into neo-colonialism in the modern era and referred to the establishment of US military bases around the world. He also cited recent developments in the Middle East, saying they had highlighted the importance of national self-reliance in defence and strategic planning. Senator Abdul Qayyum said vulnerable states increasingly needed to strengthen their own defence capabilities while developing strategic partnerships through mutual defence agreements. Referring to recent tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States, he said the evolving regional security environment had prompted Gulf countries to reassess their strategic priorities and seek greater autonomy. He said Pakistan, with its strategic geographical location and strong defence capability, could play a constructive role in promoting closer cooperation among Muslim-majority countries. He added that greater unity among Muslim states, beyond sectarian divisions, could strengthen regional stability and collective security. The senator warned that unilateral actions and disregard for international law risked pushing the world towards another major global conflict. Referring to former US President Richard Nixon’s geopolitical doctrine, he said pragmatic diplomacy, a balance of power and economic stability remained essential foundations for international peace. Addressing interfaith harmony, Senator Abdul Qayyum said dialogue and mutual respect remained essential to strengthening relations between different faith communities. He expressed concern over the rise of Islamophobia and called for greater engagement, education and cooperation to counter prejudice and promote peaceful coexistence. Speaking at the conference, FIRD Chairman Toaha Qureshi said Pakistan’s armed forces were the guardians of the country’s sovereignty and deserved the nation’s continued support. “Pakistan’s armed forces are the protectors of the country. We need strong armed forces, and it is necessary that we continue to support this institution,” he said. Qureshi added that Pakistan’s Field Marshal had earned the country greater international recognition and enhanced its standing through his leadership. The conference also heard from educationist and businessman Mian Muhammad Jehangir, who stressed the importance of meaningful education in shaping future generations and driving national development. He said Pakistan’s youth possessed immense talent and potential, adding that investment in quality education, skills development and character-building was essential for the country’s progress. He praised the achievements, resilience and capabilities of Pakistan’s young people, expressing confidence that they would play a pivotal role in building a stronger, more prosperous and globally competitive nation.

Residents across Crimea are facing growing hardship after repeated Ukrainian attacks on energy infrastructure disrupted electricity and fuel supplies across the peninsula. Long power outages have forced many families to rely on community kitchens for hot meals as daily life becomes increasingly difficult. Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014, has experienced months of pressure on its energy network following Ukrainian strikes targeting power plants and other strategic facilities. Ukrainian officials say the campaign is aimed at weakening Russia’s military capabilities and bringing the effects of the war closer to Russian controlled territory. The attacks come as Ukraine continues to endure regular missile and drone strikes on its own cities since Russia launched its full scale invasion in 2022. In the town of Massandra, local authorities have organised public meal services for residents who are unable to cook because of prolonged electricity cuts. Large pots of buckwheat and reheated canned beef are prepared each day and distributed to around 200 people. Officials say many households depend entirely on electric stoves, leaving them without a way to prepare food when the power goes out. Massandra town administration head Oksana Madyud said the community kitchens were set up to support families facing ongoing disruptions. She explained that many residents have no alternative cooking methods and need access to hot meals until electricity supplies become more stable. Local workers continue preparing food every day to help elderly residents and vulnerable families cope with the difficult conditions. The prolonged outages have created serious challenges for many people, particularly those living in high rise apartment buildings. Marina, a local resident, said she was forced to search for a gas stove and fuel cylinders after losing electricity in her apartment. She explained that climbing down from her tenth floor flat has become painful because of a leg injury, yet she had little choice because her home has only an electric cooker that cannot be used during blackouts. Another resident, Alexandra, said she had spent ten days without electricity before power was finally restored. She joined the queue for a hot meal after being drawn by the smell of freshly prepared food. Although electricity had returned that afternoon, she remained uncertain whether the supply would continue once she reached home, reflecting the uncertainty many families now face. Fuel shortages have added to the difficulties across towns and cities in Crimea, making transport and everyday activities more challenging. The continuing disruption has increased pressure on local authorities to provide emergency support while residents adjust to frequent interruptions in essential services. As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, civilians on both sides are increasingly feeling the consequences. While Ukraine says its strikes are intended to weaken Russia’s military infrastructure, residents in Crimea are left dealing with power shortages, limited fuel supplies and an uncertain daily routine as the war continues to affect civilian life far from the front lines.