تازہ ترین

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    Guatemalan emergency services initiate community evacuations following eruption of Fuego volcano

    ByJustpaste.in

    Guatemalan disaster management authorities ordered the preventive evacuation of settlements surrounding the Fuego volcano after the geological structure entered a paroxysmal eruptive phase, sending plumes of volcanic ash and pyroclastic density currents down its flanks. The National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (CONRED) issued a nationwide institutional orange alert, while escalating departmental warnings to red across Sacatepéquez, Chimaltenango, and Escuintla. Emergency personnel coordinated the relocation of over 1,700 residents from high-risk communities, including El Porvenir and Las Lajitas in the San Juan Alotenango municipality. Monitoring reports from the National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology (INSIVUMEH) confirmed that high-temperature pyroclastic flows, composed of volcanic gases, ash, and incandescent rock, descended across five major ravines. Officials warned that dispersed ash clouds could affect municipalities up to 130 kilometres west and northwest of the crater. In response, regional transport authorities temporarily closed National Route 14 to civilian traffic, while the Ministry of Education suspended in-person schooling across nearby districts.

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    Pakistan, US boost anti-terror partnership

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation against terrorism during the fourth round of the Pakistan-US Counterterrorism Dialogue held in Washington. The meeting brought together senior officials from both countries to discuss the changing regional and global security situation. The dialogue was led by Pakistan’s Special Secretary Ambassador Nabeel Munir and the US Coordinator for Counterterrorism, Ambassador Gregory LoGerfo. Both sides reviewed the current terrorist threat environment. They exchanged views on security challenges facing the region. Officials also explored practical ways to strengthen cooperation in tackling terrorism and violent extremism. A joint statement issued after the meeting said both countries share a common interest in defeating terrorist organisations. It added that Pakistan and the United States remain committed to working together to improve regional and international security. The discussions focused on strengthening border security and improving coordination between the two countries. Officials also discussed measures to disrupt terrorist financing and facilitation networks. They agreed that closer cooperation is essential to prevent terrorist groups from expanding their activities. During the dialogue, both delegations identified several militant organisations that continue to threaten regional peace and stability. These included ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K), Al Qaeda, Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), along with affiliated groups. Both governments reaffirmed their determination to confront these organisations and protect their citizens from terrorism. The two countries also agreed to deepen cooperation through bilateral engagement and multilateral platforms. They stressed the importance of intelligence sharing, information exchange, and joint efforts to improve counterterrorism capabilities. Pakistan’s Foreign Office said the two sides held detailed discussions on regional and global terrorist threats. Both countries pledged to enhance collaboration in addressing security challenges and maintaining regional stability. The latest dialogue reflects improving relations between Islamabad and Washington after years of strained ties following the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan in 2021. Since then, both countries have gradually rebuilt engagement by focusing on areas of mutual interest instead of past differences. Besides counterterrorism, Pakistan and the United States have increased cooperation in trade, investment, climate change, and regional peace. Officials from both countries believe continued dialogue is essential to strengthen bilateral relations and promote long-term stability.

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    Cross-party US legislators introduce resolution demanding prompt elections in Caracas

    ByJustpaste.in

    A bipartisan group of US senators has introduced a resolution urging the swift organisation of free, transparent elections in Venezuela. The measure comes seven months after the American intervention that removed former President Nicolas Maduro and placed Vice President Delcy Rodriguez in charge as acting president. Spearheaded by Republican Senator Ted Cruz and Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the proposal demands the immediate release of political detainees and measures to protect political figures from violence or state retribution. The resolution highlights growing Congressional dissatisfaction with the current diplomatic stance of the White House, which lawmakers argue has failed to move the interim administration in Caracas toward establishing democratic processes. The action arrives as formal talks between the interim government and select opposition factions prepare to open without the inclusion of prominent opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado. Machado, currently living in exile following post-election repression, has signaled intentions to return home to assist with national recovery following severe earthquakes, despite reluctance from Washington officials who argue her return could destabilise the fragile political environment. Senatorial leadership emphasised that restoring elected governance remains vital to regional security, cross-border cooperation, and international democratic norms.

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    US, Iran and Oman near interim Strait of Hormuz ag…

    ByJustpaste.in

    WASHINGTON: A breakthrough agreement aimed at reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz could be announced as early as Wednesday, with the United States, Iran and Oman reportedly nearing a temporary deal designed to restore maritime traffic and reinforce the fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran. According to a report by the US news website Axios, citing two regional sources and a US official, negotiations have reached their final stage after weeks of intensive diplomacy. The agreement is expected to provide a 60-day interim framework that could later be extended if both sides remain committed to its terms. Under the proposed arrangement, ships entering the Persian Gulf would travel through the northern shipping lane under Iranian oversight, while vessels leaving for the Arabian Sea would use the southern lane within Omani waters, coordinated in consultation with Iran. During the interim period, no tolls or transit fees would be imposed on commercial shipping. The deal also includes a commitment to clear naval mines from the central navigation channel within 30 days. Once the route is declared safe, it is expected to become the primary passage for two-way maritime traffic under a longer-term management framework jointly coordinated by Iran and Oman. The reported agreement would address some of Iran’s longstanding demands for a greater role in managing navigation through the strategic waterway, one of the world’s most important energy corridors through which a significant share of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports passes. Regional diplomatic efforts played a crucial role in bringing the parties closer to an understanding. Sources familiar with the talks said officials from Qatar, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia supported mediation efforts alongside Oman, while the White House remained actively involved throughout the negotiations. The report added that US envoy Steve Witkoff, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi held several telephone discussions in recent days to finalize outstanding issues. Regional sources said Araghchi had agreed to the proposal in principle over the weekend, pending approval from Iran’s senior leadership and the Supreme National Security Council. A US official and another regional source indicated that Tehran completed its approval process on Tuesday, clearing the way for a formal announcement. If confirmed, the agreement could ease tensions in the Gulf, reduce risks to global energy supplies, and revive broader diplomatic efforts, including discussions on Iran’s nuclear programme and long-term regional stability.

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    Brasilia reduces diplomatic presence in Buenos Aires following verbal attacks by Argentine leadership

    ByJustpaste.in

    Brazil has formally downgraded its diplomatic representation in Argentina to the level of chargé d’affaires following renewed verbal insults directed by Argentine President Javier Milei toward Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Brazilian Ambassador Julio Bitelli will not be returning to his post in Buenos Aires. The decision was triggered after Milei referred to the Brazilian head of state using derogatory terms, including calling him corrupt and an ex-convict, during a television interview with Argentine broadcaster LN+. Bitelli had initially been recalled late last month after Milei openly criticized Lula while appearing in São Paulo alongside opposition candidate Flavio Bolsonaro during the formal launch of his presidential campaign. Argentine Ambassador Daniel Raimondi was officially notified of the administrative downgrade in Brasília. The move marks a formal escalation in the deteriorating relations between South America’s two largest economies, whose leaders have not held a formal bilateral summit since Milei assumed office.

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    Türkiye condemns Black Sea drone strikes on cargo…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISTANBUL: Türkiye has strongly condemned drone attacks on two commercial cargo vessels in the Black Sea, warning that continued assaults on civilian shipping could jeopardize international maritime trade and global food security. According to international media reports, the vessels were attacked shortly after departing Russia’s Black Sea port of Novorossiysk. Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that several crew members were injured in the incidents and said their condition is being closely monitored. In a statement, the ministry expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine in the Black Sea, noting that repeated warnings about the risks to civilian navigation have gone unheeded. It stressed that disruptions to commercial shipping could have serious consequences for global trade routes and food supply chains. Ankara urged all parties involved in the conflict to take immediate and effective measures to safeguard freedom of navigation and ensure the safety of commercial vessels operating in the region. Reports identified the targeted ships as Yasir and Nadezhda, sailing under the flags of Panama and Cameroon, respectively. Although registered abroad, both vessels are reportedly owned by Turkish companies. The attacks come amid a steady rise in hostilities across the Black Sea, where commercial shipping has increasingly been caught in the crossfire of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. In late June, an attack near Crimea on a Turkish fishing boat left one person dead and four others injured, while another Turkish cargo ship was reportedly struck by a drone at the end of May. Meanwhile, separate security incidents have further heightened regional tensions. In the Russian-controlled Crimean city of Sevastopol, four people, including a soldier, were killed after a serviceman allegedly opened fire on both military personnel and civilians before being taken into custody. Authorities have launched an investigation into the motive behind the shooting. Elsewhere, Russian officials reported that a Ukrainian drone strike on the industrial area of Novoselki near Moscow killed five people and injured ten others. The attack also triggered multiple fires across the industrial zone. Analysts say the intensifying military activity in the Black Sea is increasing the risks to international commerce, energy transportation, and global food supplies, while further complicating efforts to ease the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

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    New Delhi distances itself from scheduled online talk by ousted Bangladeshi leader Sheikh Hasina

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi has formally clarified that the Indian government maintains no connection to or responsibility for an upcoming online address by former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Officials confirmed that the press gathering is an entirely independent initiative arranged by a private press entity. The official statement came following direct enquiries from diplomatic authorities in Dhaka seeking clarity regarding New Delhi’s position. Sheikh Hasina, the ousted head of the Bangladesh Awami League, is scheduled to deliver a remote address on 5 August during an international media event hosted by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia in New Delhi. The date coincides with the second anniversary of the mass student-led demonstrations that brought an end to her administration in 2024. Addressing the matter during a press briefing, an official spokesperson for the Indian foreign ministry emphasized that the gathering is strictly a private affair organised by the media body, adding that the state framework remains wholly unassociated with its coordination or proceedings.

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    MQM-P rivals move toward reconciliation 

    ByJustpaste.in

    KARACHI: Signs of reconciliation have begun to emerge within the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) after a violent confrontation at the party’s Bahadurabad headquarters, with senior leaders initiating behind-the-scenes contacts to ease tensions and restore unity. Two days after the clash, senior party figures, including Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal and Anees Qaimkhani, visited the party’s central office to discuss organizational affairs. Speaking to reporters, Mustafa Kamal rejected speculation of an internal power struggle, insisting that the party remained united despite recent events. According to sources, communication has been established between the two rival camps—one led by Mustafa Kamal and the other by Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui—in an effort to defuse tensions. A joint press conference is reportedly being considered as part of efforts to present a united front, although party leaders have neither confirmed nor denied the possibility. Notably, close associates of Siddiqui, who also serves as the party’s convener, did not attend the meeting at the headquarters. Despite the passage of two days since the confrontation, which reportedly involved a physical altercation and aerial firing, police have yet to register a First Information Report (FIR). Officials said no faction of the party has formally approached law enforcement to lodge a complaint. If neither side files a case, authorities are expected to register one on behalf of the state. Police sources said a draft FIR has already been prepared and is awaiting approval from senior officials before being formally registered. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies have carried out raids and detained several MQM-P office-bearers and workers suspected of involvement in the violence. Officials said those currently in custody could face formal arrest once the FIR is registered, as investigations into the incident continue.

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    Mechanic nabbed in child apprentice abuse case

    ByJustpaste.in

    VEHARI: A motorcycle mechanic has been arrested in Punjab’s Vehari district after videos allegedly showing him assaulting two young brothers working as apprentices at his repair shop spread widely on social media, prompting swift police action. According to the incident took place within the jurisdiction of Karam Pur Police Station. The suspect, identified as Israr Ahmad, allegedly attacked the two boys—nine-year-old Faizan and 10-year-old Ali Ahmar—over what authorities described as a minor dispute while they were learning motorcycle repair skills at his workshop. Police said the frightened children ran to a nearby public bathhouse in an attempt to escape, but the mechanic allegedly chased them and continued the assault there. The incident gained widespread attention after videos of the alleged abuse went viral online. Following the public outcry, Vehari District Police Officer Tasawur Iqbal ordered immediate legal action against the suspect. Acting on the directive, Station House Officer Muhammad Zulfiqar Jatt and his team registered a case based on the complaint of a police official and arrested the accused. Authorities said the suspect has been booked under relevant sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, including charges related to criminal intimidation and child abuse, while investigators continue to examine the case. District Police Officer Tasawur Iqbal said violence against children would not be tolerated under any circumstances, adding that strict legal action would be taken against anyone found responsible for abusing minors or taking the law into their own hands.

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    Punjab steps up Urban flood management

    ByJustpaste.in

    FAISALABAD: The Punjab Water and Sanitation Authority (PWASA) has stepped up its monsoon preparedness by deploying advanced machinery, completing large-scale desilting operations, and launching a modern command and control system aimed at improving flood management and emergency response across the province. Speaking to reporters, PWASA Director General Tayyab Fareed said the authority has cleared nearly 650,000 tonnes of solid waste while completing the cleaning of drains, sewer lines, and manholes before the peak monsoon season. He added that a state-of-the-art Central Command and Control Room equipped with 13 digital dashboards is now providing real-time monitoring of rainfall and drainage conditions across Punjab. Fareed said PWASA was established under the Punjab Water and Sanitation Act in June 2024, initially taking over the province’s five existing Water and Sanitation Agencies (WASAs). Since then, the Punjab government has expanded the network in phases, bringing the total number of district-level WASAs to 41. He noted that this year’s monsoon arrived nearly two weeks later than usual, with heavy rainfall recorded during the second half of July across central and northern Punjab, including Lahore, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Sheikhupura, Okara, and Nankana Sahib. According to the PWASA chief, a province-wide 45-day desilting campaign was completed ahead of the rainy season, with all activities digitally tracked to improve transparency and operational efficiency. To strengthen sanitation services, the Punjab government has invested heavily in new equipment. Machinery worth Rs6.5 billion has been procured for 15 major cities, while an additional Rs7.5 billion has been allocated to equip smaller WASAs established during the latest expansion phase. In total, around 950 machinery units, including dewatering pumps, cranes, tractor-trolleys, backhoe loaders, and other specialized equipment, are planned for deployment across Punjab. More than 300 units have already been delivered to field teams. Fareed said the central control room coordinates directly with field staff while working closely with the Punjab Safe Cities Authority, Rescue 1122, and the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to ensure a faster and more effective response during heavy rainfall. He also highlighted several long-term infrastructure projects designed to improve water management. These include a proposed Rs55 billion wastewater treatment project in Lahore and another project of similar value that will treat water from the BRB Canal to provide a sustainable surface water supply, reducing dependence on groundwater. In addition, PWASA has constructed 18 underground rainwater storage tanks in Lahore and 10 more in Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Okara, and Sahiwal. The tanks are currently being used to collect rainwater during the monsoon and are emptied after rainfall to prepare for future weather events, helping improve urban flood management across the province.