International

  • | |

    Pakistan, Kuwait agree to expand bilateral cooperation

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan and Kuwait have agreed to strengthen cooperation in several key areas, including trade, investment, energy, labour, agriculture, information technology, health, mining and minerals, and defence. The understanding came during delegation-level talks held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad on Wednesday. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah co-chaired the meeting. Sheikh Jarrah arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday for a two-day official visit aimed at reviewing Pakistan-Kuwait relations and discussing regional and international developments of mutual interest. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two sides reviewed the full range of bilateral ties and explored ways to expand economic cooperation and strengthen partnerships across various sectors. The two foreign ministers also agreed to improve institutional coordination by building stronger links between relevant institutions and maintaining regular high-level exchanges. Pakistan and Kuwait further reaffirmed their commitment to working closely at multilateral forums on matters of shared interest. During the talks, Sheikh Jarrah thanked the Pakistani government and people for their warm welcome and hospitality. He also appreciated Pakistan’s support to Kuwait during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • |

    Israel accused of AI influence campaign

    ByJustpaste.in

    Israel allegedly spent tens of millions of dollars on a digital campaign aimed at shaping how artificial intelligence systems respond to questions about the war in Gaza. The report claims that Brad Parscale, a former campaign manager for US President Donald Trump, and his company, Clock Tower X, secured a $46.5 million contract from the Israeli government to create an online network promoting Israeli viewpoints. The campaign reportedly sought to influence AI platforms such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and Perplexity. According to documents cited in the report, Clock Tower X created hundreds of articles on websites covering the Gaza war, Israel’s military operations and US-Israel relations. The strategy focused on producing large amounts of online content that search engines could index and AI systems could later use when generating answers. The report described the approach as a form of “LLM poisoning,” in which coordinated online content attempts to shape the information that large language models encounter during web searches, data collection or training. Websites reportedly linked to the campaign, including Allyvia.org, FactSignal.org and Paxpoint.org, published material supporting stronger US-Israel military cooperation, defending Israel’s actions in Gaza and disputing allegations against the Israeli military. Drop Site News also reported that some AI-powered services have already referenced content from the network. In one test, Perplexity reportedly cited Allyvia.org in response to a question about US military cooperation with Israel, while Microsoft’s Copilot also referenced websites associated with Clock Tower X. The report further claimed that content from the network entered Common Crawl, a widely used archive of web pages that developers and researchers rely on to build and train AI systems. The 10 websites allegedly connected to Clock Tower X appeared in Common Crawl records hundreds of times between January and June, potentially increasing their visibility to AI systems and influencing future AI-generated responses.

  • |

    Muslim student in Russia named in India protest case 

    ByJustpaste.in

      A Muslim student from India’s Bihar state has claimed that he was named in a police case related to protests against the alleged NEET examination paper leak, despite having lived in Russia for the past four months. The student, identified as Mohammad Sadaqat, belongs to Kishanganj district in Bihar. He alleged that his name was included in a First Information Report (FIR) registered after demonstrations held on July 24 against the alleged NEET paper leak, even though he was not in India at the time of the protest. In a video message shared on social media, Sadaqat said he has been residing in Russia for the last four months for educational purposes and therefore could not have participated in the protest. According to him, the case relates to a demonstration that took place at LRP Chowk, where people gathered to protest against the alleged irregularities surrounding the NEET examination. The student maintained that he was shocked to learn that his name had been included among those accused in the case. He said his passport and travel records clearly show that he was outside India when the protest occurred. He urged the authorities to verify the facts and remove his name from the police case, arguing that it was impossible for him to have taken part in the demonstration while living abroad. Sadaqat appealed to the district administration and police officials to conduct a fair investigation and correct what he described as an error. He emphasized that he was not present in India during the protest and requested that the allegations against him be withdrawn after proper verification. Meanwhile, Kishanganj Superintendent of Police Hari Mohan Shukla neither confirmed nor denied whether the student had been named in the FIR. Responding to questions from the media, the police chief said that anyone who has concerns regarding the protest-related cases is welcome to approach the police. He stated that authorities would examine any complaint submitted by an affected individual and review the available evidence before taking an appropriate decision. However, he did not specifically address Sadaqat’s claim or comment on the contents of the FIR. The Bihar Police’s official account on X (formerly Twitter) initially responded to the student’s viral video by assuring the public that the matter would be investigated. The response suggested that the allegations raised in the video would be looked into by the relevant authorities. However, the police later deleted the post without providing any explanation, prompting further discussion on social media. The deletion has raised questions among users, although officials have not commented on why the statement was removed. The controversy comes amid widespread protests in Bihar over the alleged NEET paper leak, an issue that has sparked public outrage and demands for accountability. During a statewide strike organized in connection with the controversy, police reportedly detained 694 people for allegedly participating in protests and violating public order. According to reports, nearly half of those detained were minors. The incident involving Mohammad Sadaqat has drawn significant attention online, with many social media users calling for a transparent investigation into his claims. Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the case, and the matter remains under official review.

  • | | |

    Pakistan welcomes Kuwait’s ratification of defen…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan has welcomed Kuwait’s ratification of the bilateral defence cooperation agreement, describing the move as a significant milestone in strengthening defence relations and strategic cooperation between the two friendly nations. In an official statement issued on Wednesday, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the ratification reflects the long-standing partnership between Pakistan and Kuwait and reinforces their shared commitment to expanding defence and security collaboration. According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, defence relations between Pakistan and Kuwait are built on a strong foundation established during the 1980s. The agreement is expected to enhance cooperation in several key areas, including military training, professional military education, joint exercises, and the exchange of expertise between the armed forces of both countries. The spokesperson noted that the agreement provides a comprehensive institutional framework designed to promote closer coordination and sustained engagement between the defence establishments of Pakistan and Kuwait. The framework is intended to strengthen institutional links while creating new opportunities for collaboration in defence-related fields. Pakistan also expressed its commitment to working closely with Kuwait to ensure the effective implementation of all provisions outlined in the agreement. The Foreign Office stated that both countries would continue coordinating on the execution of the pact in accordance with its agreed terms. Officials emphasized that the growing defence partnership is based on mutual trust, shared interests, and long-standing institutional cooperation. The agreement is expected to further expand bilateral military relations while supporting broader strategic objectives for both nations. Beyond strengthening military cooperation, Pakistan believes the agreement will contribute positively to regional peace, security, and stability. The Foreign Office highlighted that enhanced defence collaboration between Islamabad and Kuwait City reflects a common desire to promote security cooperation and maintain constructive relations in the region. The bilateral defence cooperation agreement was originally signed in June 2023 as part of ongoing efforts to deepen strategic engagement between the two countries. Kuwait’s formal ratification now paves the way for the agreement’s full implementation, allowing both sides to advance cooperation through structured military exchanges, joint training initiatives, and institutional partnerships. The latest development underscores the enduring friendship between Pakistan and Kuwait and signals a renewed commitment to strengthening defence ties in support of shared security interests and regional stability. Both governments are expected to continue expanding cooperation in the years ahead through regular dialogue and practical defence collaboration.

  • | |

    Neymar announces emotional retirement from international football 

    ByJustpaste.in

      Brazilian football icon Neymar has officially announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to one of the most celebrated careers in the history of the Brazil national team. The 34-year-old forward made the emotional announcement after Brazil’s disappointing elimination from the FIFA World Cup, saying he no longer intends to represent his country at the international level. Speaking to reporters after Santos secured a 4-2 victory over Venezuelan side UCV in the Copa Sudamericana on Tuesday, Neymar reflected on his journey with the national team and admitted that the time had come to move on. “My time with the national team is over. I made history, I was very happy, and I gave my blood and my life for Brazil. But now, I don’t want it anymore,” Neymar said, struggling to hold back tears as he addressed the media. Brazil’s World Cup campaign ended in heartbreak following a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16. Neymar scored Brazil’s only goal from the penalty spot, but it was not enough to prevent the five-time world champions from crashing out of the tournament earlier than expected. After the final whistle, the veteran forward emotionally confirmed that his international career had come to an end, saying simply, “It ends here.” The tournament marked Neymar’s return to the Brazil squad after an absence of nearly three years. Despite his reputation and experience, he featured for only 37 minutes across two World Cup matches, as the coaching staff carefully managed his playing time. Although his comeback generated excitement among supporters, Brazil’s early exit prevented him from making a greater impact on the competition. Neymar leaves international football as Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer and one of the country’s greatest-ever players. Throughout his career with the national team, he played a central role in numerous international tournaments, producing memorable performances and becoming one of the most recognizable figures in world football. His technical brilliance, creativity, and ability to score spectacular goals earned him admiration from fans across the globe. While his chapter with Brazil has come to a close, Neymar’s club career continues. He remains under contract with Santos until the end of the year as the Brazilian club battles to avoid relegation. Since returning to his boyhood club, Neymar has shown flashes of the quality that made him one of football’s biggest stars. Earlier this month, he scored twice in his first match back for Santos, delivering an impressive performance in response to criticism surrounding his recent off-field activities. Following one of his goals, Neymar celebrated with a card-dealing gesture, a light-hearted reference to the backlash he received after participating in a poker tournament while Santos were playing an away Copa Sudamericana fixture in Venezuela. For Tuesday’s second-leg clash against UCV, Neymar began the match on the substitutes’ bench. Even without him in the starting lineup, Santos produced a confident display and recorded a 4-2 victory to comfortably book their place in the Copa Sudamericana Round of 16. Although Neymar’s international career has ended on a disappointing note, his achievements with Brazil have secured his place among the nation’s football legends. His legacy will be remembered for his record-breaking goals, unforgettable performances, and his lasting influence on Brazilian football.

  • | |

    US commander warns troops over social media posts

    ByJustpaste.in

    The top US military commander overseeing American forces in the Middle East has warned troops that photos and videos shared on social media could help Iran quickly assess the damage caused by attacks on US bases. According to Reuters, US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper made the warning in a July 28 letter to service members. He said Iran was using media reports, along with images and videos posted by US troops, to determine whether its attacks had succeeded or failed. Cooper urged military personnel to follow operational security rules more strictly, although he did not outline any specific measures in the letter. Reuters reported that some US troops stationed in Jordan have been told that authorities could take away their mobile phones in the coming days. Another source said officials were also considering similar measures elsewhere in the region, although no final decision has been made.   US Central Command spokesman Captain Timothy Hawkins said the message aimed to remind troops about the importance of operational security. The warning followed the appearance of a video on social media earlier this month that showed a US service member recording himself while heading toward a bunker during an Iranian attack on Jordan’s Muwaffaq Salti Air Base. Cooper said the soldier recorded the video using Meta smart glasses, potentially giving Iran information about the troops’ location and their response to the attack. He said that without publicly available images, videos and reports, Iran would have a harder time determining whether its strikes hit their intended targets. However, such material can effectively provide Iran with a free assessment of battlefield damage. According to Reuters, 18 US service members have been killed and more than 600 injured since the conflict with Iran began on February 28. The US Department of Defense has limited the release of information about the attacks and military casualties due to security concerns.

  • |

    PNS Taimur rescues 19 fishermen in Arabian Sea

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Pakistan Navy successfully rescued 19 fishermen stranded in the northern Arabian Sea after their fishing boat developed an engine failure, officials said. Pakistan Navy ship PNS Taimur carried out the rescue operation after the fishing vessel became stranded around 120 nautical miles south of Gwadar. The boat was carrying 19 people, including 11 Pakistani nationals and eight Iranian citizens. The Joint Maritime Information Coordination Centre (JMICC) contacted the Pakistan Navy and requested assistance after the vessel ran into trouble at sea. In response, PNS Taimur launched a search and rescue operation and reached the stranded fishermen. Pakistan Navy personnel provided the fishermen with essential supplies, including food and drinking water, while also offering medical assistance to those on board. The naval crew then helped move the fishing boat safely towards the coast, ensuring that all 19 individuals reached safety. The successful operation highlights the Pakistan Navy’s role in protecting lives at sea and responding swiftly to maritime emergencies in the region. The rescue also reflects the Navy’s commitment to fulfilling its humanitarian responsibilities and supporting fishermen facing difficulties in challenging conditions. President Asif Ali Zardari praised the Pakistan Navy for safely rescuing the stranded fishermen and commended the personnel involved in the operation. The president said the safe rescue of both Pakistani and Iranian nationals demonstrated the Pakistan Navy’s high level of professionalism and operational capability. He also described the mission as a clear example of the Navy’s commitment to protecting human lives at sea and fulfilling its national and international responsibilities. The rescue operation also underscored the importance of coordinated maritime response efforts, with the JMICC and Pakistan Navy working together to provide timely assistance to the distressed fishing crew.

  • | |

    Saudi Defense Minister holds urgent talks with Trump

    ByJustpaste.in

    Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman held an urgent meeting with US President Donald Trump as Riyadh sought to convey a special message from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the American leadership, according to US media reports. The meeting came amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia reportedly pushing for de-escalation while also stressing its readiness to defend its territory and interests. Earlier, during a meeting with US Vice President JD Vance, Prince Khalid said Saudi Arabia wanted to reduce tensions with Iran. He reportedly argued that Iran-backed Iraqi militias had crossed a red line by attacking critical infrastructure and energy facilities, leaving Riyadh with no choice but to respond. However, the Saudi defense minister stressed that the military action in Iraq did not reflect a desire to escalate the regional conflict. He said the operation aimed to demonstrate that Saudi Arabia remains prepared to defend itself when necessary. Prince Khalid also reportedly told Vance that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was pushing for greater confrontation with Iran, while Saudi Arabia preferred a path of de-escalation, which it considers more beneficial for regional stability and its own interests. According to US media reports citing sources familiar with the discussions, Saudi Arabia also intended its strikes in Iraq to send a message to Yemen’s Houthi movement. Prince Khalid reportedly told the US vice president that Saudi Arabia has the capability to deal with the Houthis on its own and does not currently need direct US intervention on the issue. The Saudi defense minister also said Riyadh continues to engage in talks with the Houthis, indicating that Saudi Arabia remains open to diplomatic efforts alongside its military preparedness. The meetings highlight Riyadh’s attempt to balance military deterrence with diplomatic engagement as tensions involving Iran, Israel, Iraqi militias and the Houthis continue to shape the security situation across the region.

  • |

    Russian missile enters polish airspace, NATO jets put on alert

    ByJustpaste.in

    A Russian missile reportedly entered Polish airspace and exploded after crossing into the territory, prompting NATO and Polish forces to quickly deploy fighter jets and other surveillance aircraft. According to international media reports, the missile entered Polish airspace early Thursday as part of a large-scale Russian overnight attack on Ukraine involving ballistic missiles and drones. The wider strikes reportedly killed around eight civilians, including children, and injured more than 50 others. NATO officials said that allied forces immediately responded after detecting the unidentified object. Poland and other NATO members scrambled F-16 fighter jets, an aerial refueling aircraft and an early warning and surveillance plane to monitor the situation and protect allied airspace. A NATO spokesperson said the alliance would continue taking all necessary measures to safeguard its territory and maintain the security of its member states. Polish authorities reported that the missile exploded near the eastern village of Taranawa-Kolonia, leaving a large crater at the site. Officials said the incident caused no casualties or significant property damage. The incident has nevertheless raised fresh concerns over the potential expansion of the Russia-Ukraine war beyond Ukraine’s borders. European countries have repeatedly warned that continued attacks could increase the risk of the conflict spilling into NATO territory. The latest development is also likely to intensify tensions between Russia and NATO, particularly as Poland remains a key member of the alliance and a major logistical hub for international support to Ukraine. NATO has previously reinforced its eastern flank in response to security threats linked to the ongoing war.

  • | |

    Iran claims drone strike on US air base in Kuwait

    ByJustpaste.in

    Iranian forces have claimed responsibility for a drone attack targeting key US military and strategic facilities at Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base in Kuwait. According to Iranian officials, the operation came in response to recent US strikes against Iranian targets. The Iranian military said its forces launched the drone attack as a retaliatory measure following a US strike on a residential building on Iran’s Qeshm Island. Iranian news agency Tasnim, citing a statement from the military, reported that the drones targeted several strategically important locations at the air base. These reportedly included aircraft hangars, satellite communication systems, and warehouses containing military equipment. The Iranian military described Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base as a significant hub for US aerial surveillance and military operations in the region. The base plays an important role in supporting American air activities and maintaining regional military capabilities. The claims come amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States, with both sides warning of further military action in response to attacks. However, the extent of the reported damage and the impact of the drone strike have not been independently verified.