देश-विदेश

PYONGYANG: North Korea has accused NATO of increasing preparations for future conflicts, claiming the alliance’s planned expansion of military fuel infrastructure reflects a shift toward a more aggressive military posture. In a statement carried by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Pyongyang criticised NATO’s reported plans to upgrade and expand its fuel supply network across Europe. The project reportedly includes new pipelines and fuel storage facilities aimed at improving military logistics between western Europe and newer eastern and northern member states. North Korea claimed the expansion of fuel infrastructure shows NATO is strengthening its ability to maintain strategic reserves and conduct large-scale military operations. It alleged that the alliance is preparing not only for conflicts in Europe but also for possible involvement in other regions, including the Asia-Pacific. The commentary accused NATO of increasing its military presence in the Asia-Pacific region and criticised the alliance’s cooperation with countries that Pyongyang considers hostile. North Korea claimed that NATO’s recent activities near the Korean Peninsula have contributed to rising regional tensions. Pyongyang also criticised NATO members’ participation in multinational military exercises, including the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) drills. It claimed such exercises demonstrate that the alliance views the Asia-Pacific as a possible area of future military confrontation. North Korea warned that NATO’s expansion of military capabilities and logistics networks could increase global instability. It said strengthening military infrastructure would encourage an arms buildup and create further tensions between major powers. The allegations come amid growing concerns over security developments in Europe and the Asia-Pacific. NATO, however, has repeatedly stated that its military posture is defensive and focused on protecting member countries and deterring potential threats.

KYIV: At least nine people were killed and 28 others injured after Russian ballistic missile strikes hit Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, on Saturday morning, Ukrainian officials said. The attack caused heavy damage in several areas of the city. Multiple explosions were reported as missiles struck residential areas and other locations. Emergency teams rushed to the affected sites to rescue people and control fires. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the capital came under a major missile attack. He said several explosions were heard across the city, while fires broke out and some areas faced power disruptions. Officials said the Darnytskyi district was among the worst-hit areas. At least seven people were killed there, while 14 others were injured. Two children were among those wounded in the strike. Another missile strike hit the Solomyanskyi district, killing two people and injuring eight others. A five-storey residential building was partially destroyed, trapping some residents inside. Rescue workers carried out operations to search for survivors and clear the damaged structure. The attack also affected the area around the Lithuanian embassy. Lithuania’s Foreign Ministry said a missile landed nearby, damaging windows and spreading debris inside the embassy compound. No casualties were reported among diplomatic staff. The latest strikes are part of an increase in Russian missile attacks on Kyiv in recent weeks. Ukrainian officials say Moscow has intensified the use of ballistic missiles, creating greater pressure on the country’s air defence systems. President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly called for additional air defence support, especially Patriot missile interceptors, which Ukraine says are essential for stopping ballistic missile attacks. Zelensky raised the issue during his recent meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington. He urged greater support for Ukraine’s air defence capabilities as Russian attacks continue. Trump said discussions over Ukraine’s request to produce Patriot interceptors are still ongoing. However, he expressed concerns about sharing advanced US military technology and said such decisions require careful consideration. Ukraine has faced shortages of Patriot systems as Russian air attacks have increased. Kyiv says these systems remain among the few weapons capable of intercepting high-speed ballistic missiles. Meanwhile, Ukraine has continued launching retaliatory strikes against Russian targets. Ukrainian officials say their operations are aimed at disrupting military supply routes and damaging facilities linked to Russia’s war efforts.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said he forgives students who shouted abusive slogans against him during last month’s nationwide demonstrations, describing them as “misled children” who should be guided instead of punished. Speaking in a video message, Modi said the protesters had used offensive language against him and his late mother during the demonstrations. Despite that, he said he did not want young people to face legal action or social persecution, stressing that they should be shown the “right path” rather than dragged into lengthy court proceedings. The protests emerged after controversy surrounding the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), one of India’s largest competitive examinations. The movement gained momentum after the exam was cancelled because of a paper leak, forcing more than two million students to retake the test. What began as an online campaign for education reforms quickly developed into a nationwide protest movement, drawing thousands of students onto the streets. The demonstrations eventually ended after the Indian government accepted several key demands, including the resignation of the education minister. Authorities also announced that criminal cases against protesters would not be pursued. However, reports indicate that police in several states later registered cases against hundreds of demonstrators, particularly those accused of clashing with security personnel or participating in protests where anti-government slogans were raised. The development has sparked criticism from opposition parties and student groups, who argue that it contradicts the government’s earlier assurances. The protests were accompanied by clashes between demonstrators and security forces in several cities. In New Delhi, police used tear gas, baton charges and other crowd-control measures to stop protesters attempting to march towards parliament. Some student activists have also alleged that participants, particularly female protesters, became targets of online harassment and threats on social media following the demonstrations. Rights advocates have expressed concern over the growing hostility directed at student activists during the protest movement. The opposition has intensified pressure on the government, demanding accountability for the police response to the demonstrations. Critics have also questioned the continued registration of cases against protesters despite earlier commitments to withdraw legal action. Meanwhile, the Indian government has introduced legislation aimed at strengthening laws against examination fraud. The proposed bill seeks tougher penalties, including longer prison terms and heavier fines, for those involved in examination paper leaks.

Yemen’s Houthi movement has rejected reports claiming it plans to charge commercial vessels for passing through the Red Sea, insisting that navigation through the strategic waterway remains free. In a statement issued by the Houthi-run Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC), the group said its safe transit service for ships using the Bab al-Mandeb Strait is voluntary and does not involve any fees. It emphasized that no authorized Houthi body is collecting payments from shipping companies. The HOCC also warned shipping operators against making payments or sharing sensitive information with unauthorized individuals or organizations claiming to represent the group. It said any such demands are fraudulent and should not be recognized as official. The clarification came after recent reports suggested that the Houthis were considering introducing transit charges for vessels passing through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. The reports claimed the proposal had been discussed during meetings with Iranian officials and that plans were being explored to establish a system for regulating such payments. The Bab al-Mandeb Strait is one of the world’s most important maritime routes, linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. Thousands of commercial vessels carrying oil, fuel and other goods use the passage every year, making it a vital corridor for global trade between Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Security concerns in the Red Sea have remained high since attacks on commercial shipping began in late 2023. The conflict significantly disrupted international shipping, forcing many companies to divert vessels to longer and more expensive routes around southern Africa. Although attacks temporarily declined following a ceasefire last year, commercial traffic through the region has yet to return to previous levels. Shipping companies continue to monitor the security situation closely before routing vessels through the area. The latest reports have also prompted regional efforts to strengthen maritime security. Saudi Arabia recently announced a multinational maritime coalition aimed at protecting freedom of navigation in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.