देश-विदेश

  • | | |

    Quaid-i-Azam’s statue unveiled at Pakistan Embas…

    ByJustpaste.in

    WASHINGTON: A statue of Pakistan’s founder, Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, has been unveiled at the Pakistan Embassy in Washington as part of the country’s Independence Day celebrations. Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Rizwan Saeed Sheikh inaugurated the statue during a ceremony attended by members of the Pakistani-American community, diplomats and media representatives. The statue was donated by the Quaid-i-Azam Foundation of Houston and will remain permanently installed at the embassy. The unveiling comes as Pakistan prepares to commemorate Jinnah’s 150th birth anniversary later this year, adding historical significance to the Independence Day event. Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Sheikh paid tribute to Jinnah’s constitutional struggle and leadership, saying his efforts transformed the vision of Pakistan into reality. He urged Pakistanis, particularly those living abroad, to follow the founder’s guiding principles of “Unity, Faith and Discipline.” The ceremony opened with the hoisting of Pakistan’s national flag and the national anthem, followed by Quranic recitation and the reading of messages from Pakistan’s president, prime minister and deputy prime minister. The ambassador also highlighted Pakistan’s growing importance in its relationship with the United States. His remarks came alongside a message from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who noted cooperation between the two countries in areas including regional mediation, critical minerals, energy, counterterrorism, cultural heritage, trade and investment. Pakistan’s role in regional diplomacy has gained particular attention amid efforts to ease tensions between the United States and Iran, with Islamabad seeking to use its ties with both countries to encourage dialogue. The event also featured an investiture ceremony for Waqar Ali Khan, who received the President’s Award for Pride of Performance in recognition of his long-standing contribution as a community leader and cultural ambassador in the United States.

  • |

    Epstein survivors urge UK PM to deliver justice

    ByJustpaste.in

    The UK Epstein Survivors Campaign has renewed its call for truth, accountability and justice, urging Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s government to take further action over the Jeffrey Epstein case. The campaign has expressed hope that the new government will be more willing to engage directly with survivors and address long-standing questions surrounding Epstein’s links to influential figures and institutions. A spokesperson for the campaign said survivors believed there was now an opportunity to obtain the truth they had been seeking for years. The group welcomed what it described as Burnham’s willingness to listen to victims and show compassion toward those affected by Epstein’s crimes. The campaign also called for greater transparency over how Epstein was able to gain access to powerful circles and continue his criminal activities for such a long period. The issue has also been raised by the government’s victims minister, whose responsibilities have reportedly been expanded to cover international matters. The minister has said that survivors and victims deserve a complete account of what happened so that those responsible can be held accountable. He has backed the idea of a full statutory public inquiry into Epstein’s access to the British establishment and the circumstances that allowed his abuse and criminal activity to continue. Supporters of the proposed inquiry argue that it should have sufficient legal powers to compel witnesses and obtain relevant communications, including messages and emails. They say such powers would be necessary to establish the full chain of events and determine whether individuals or institutions failed to act when concerns about Epstein were known. The campaign maintains that a comprehensive investigation is essential not only for survivors but also for preventing similar failures in the future. It wants the authorities to examine how Epstein built relationships with powerful people and why safeguards failed to stop his activities earlier. The renewed demand comes as pressure continues for greater transparency surrounding the wider Epstein case. Survivors and campaigners have repeatedly argued that accountability should extend beyond Epstein himself and include any individuals or institutions that enabled or overlooked wrongdoing.

  • | |

    SpaceX sets new launch record with 2 Falcon 9 miss…

    ByJustpaste.in

    SpaceX has achieved a new launch turnaround milestone after sending two Falcon 9 rockets into orbit less than 40 minutes apart, carrying separate missions for Globalstar and the US Space Force. The first Falcon 9 blasted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 9:12pm EDT on Saturday, deploying eight Globalstar satellites to reinforce the company’s low Earth orbit network. Its first-stage booster, designated B1090, completed its 14th mission before successfully returning to Landing Zone 40 roughly eight minutes after liftoff. Just 38.5 minutes later, another Falcon 9 launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, carrying the classified USSF-366 mission for the US Space Force. Details about the spacecraft’s payload were not disclosed because of the mission’s national security classification. The second rocket’s B1088 booster successfully landed on SpaceX’s droneship Of Course I Still Love You in the Pacific Ocean, marking the 650th successful Falcon booster landing and adding another milestone to the company’s rapidly expanding reusable-launch program. The Globalstar launch had originally been planned for May 17 but was postponed to allow additional preparation time for the satellites. Globalstar CEO Paul E. Jacobs described the successful launch as an important step toward maintaining and strengthening the satellite infrastructure used by the company’s customers. The latest mission also comes as Globalstar prepares for its planned acquisition by Amazon, a transaction expected to be completed in 2027. The deal is aimed at supporting Amazon Leo’s direct-to-device satellite connectivity services. Globalstar recently announced that it would pause further earnings calls and updates to its forward-looking guidance while the proposed transaction remains under consideration.

  • | | |

    Oil prices surge as US-Iran talks falter and suppl…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Global oil prices climbed on Friday as stalled efforts to end the conflict involving Iran heightened concerns over possible disruptions to crude supplies. Markets remained focused on developments in the tense US-Iran negotiations, with traders also weighing the risk of further military and economic escalation. Brent crude futures rose 1.45 per cent to $88.33 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude gained 1.26 per cent to $82.27. Both benchmarks were on course for substantial weekly gains as uncertainty surrounding regional oil supplies continued to influence trading. Concerns intensified after the United States indicated that economic pressure on Iran could be increased, including the possibility of extending a naval blockade. Analysts warned that any significant escalation in the conflict could cause a much sharper increase in energy prices by threatening supplies from the region. Market strategist Kyle Rodda of Capital.com said geopolitical uncertainty remained a major obstacle for financial markets despite otherwise supportive economic conditions. Investors have so far absorbed considerable uncertainty without demanding substantially higher risk premiums, but analysts cautioned that this balance could change quickly if tensions worsen. Rising crude prices also weighed on European equities, which ended the week lower and broke a four-week run of gains. In the United States, major stock indexes also declined, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling 0.14 per cent, the S&P 500 losing 0.19 per cent and the Nasdaq Composite dropping 0.39 per cent. Meanwhile, the US dollar weakened after disappointing retail sales data reduced expectations of another Federal Reserve rate increase. The softer dollar provided support to gold, with spot gold advancing 0.69 per cent to $4,380.03 an ounce. Currency markets also remained focused on Japan, where the yen edged higher against the dollar amid speculation that the Bank of Japan could raise interest rates as early as September. The currency nevertheless remained close to the 160-per-dollar level, which traders believe could prompt further intervention from Japanese authorities. Investors are now watching the next developments in US-Iran relations closely. A breakthrough in negotiations could ease pressure on energy markets, while any major escalation could trigger a renewed surge in oil prices and broader financial market volatility.

  • | | |

    Iran demands Qatar probe over missing pilots

    ByJustpaste.in

    TEHRAN: Iran has asked Qatar to allow an Iranian military fact-finding team to enter the country to investigate the fate of pilots Tehran says went missing after an incident involving Iranian aircraft, adding another layer of tension to already strained regional relations. Iranian military official Mohammad Baqerzadeh, commander of the Armed Forces General Staff’s Committee for the Search for Missing Persons, said an Iranian Air Force expert team had been waiting for months to travel to Qatar, according to Iranian media. Baqerzadeh accused Qatari authorities of repeatedly delaying the investigation and called on the International Committee of the Red Cross to intervene in the case. Qatar, however, has rejected Iran’s claim that it is holding Iranian pilots. Doha said its search-and-rescue teams recently recovered the remains of one pilot after Iranian aircraft entered Qatari airspace in March and failed to respond to repeated attempts to establish contact. Qatari authorities said they had contacted Tehran to coordinate the transfer of the remains and invited Iranian officials to examine details of the search-and-rescue operation. Qatar said it had not received a response. The dispute comes as Tehran continues to focus heavily on the security of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes. Iran says air defence capacity survived war Separately, an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps official claimed that more than 85 per cent of Iran’s air-defence production capacity survived the recent conflict. According to Iranian media reports, the official said attacks on military production facilities had not significantly reduced the production or delivery of missiles and air-defence systems. He also claimed that production in some areas had increased and that Iran’s operational air-defence capabilities were now stronger than at the beginning of the fighting. The claims could not be independently verified. Hormuz shipping talks continue Iran has also announced progress in negotiations with Oman over new shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran and Muscat had reached an agreement on a shipping-route map following weeks of technical discussions. The negotiations began after a memorandum of understanding was signed in June to develop safer navigation arrangements. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stressed that the technical talks with Oman should not be confused with negotiations over reopening the waterway. He said existing maritime routes were no longer functional and that Iran and Oman were working on a temporary route that could eventually become permanent. Tehran links security to US actions Iranian officials continue to insist that the full restoration of security in the strait depends on an end to what Tehran describes as US military pressure, threats and a naval blockade. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi also declared that the Strait of Hormuz would remain under Iranian control, while accusing Washington of suffering strategic setbacks. The statements underline the widening gap between Iran and the United States over the strategic waterway, despite technical discussions between Iran and Oman aimed at facilitating maritime navigation. Hezbollah commander reportedly killed Meanwhile, tensions have also continued along Iran’s regional front. Israel’s military said it killed Abu Hassan Alaa, described as a senior Hezbollah commander, in a strike in southern Lebanon. The Israeli army said the attack targeted a Hezbollah headquarters in the Ansar area. Hezbollah had not immediately commented on the claim. The developments show how multiple disputes remain intertwined across the region, from missing military personnel and air-defence claims to the sensitive question of shipping through Hormuz. For Tehran, however, control and security of the strait remain central. While Iran and Oman appear to be making technical progress on navigation arrangements, Iranian officials continue to maintain that any broader reopening of the waterway will depend on wider political and security conditions.

  • |

    Bangladesh PM won’t visit India until Hasina ext…

    ByJustpaste.in

    DHAKA: Bangladesh has said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will not travel to India until New Delhi takes steps to extradite former premier Sheikh Hasina, adding a new hurdle to efforts to improve relations between the two neighbouring countries. The statement came on Sunday as speculation grew over a possible visit by Rahman to India next week. Bangladesh Foreign Ministry official A.K.M. Shahidul Karim said the government wanted the necessary conditions to be created before any such trip. “We are of the view that a propitious environment needs to be created for the visit,” Karim told reporters, urging Indian authorities to speed up the extradition process involving Hasina and other fugitives. Hasina fled to India after deadly anti-government protests toppled her government in 2024. She has since remained in the neighbouring country while facing a death sentence in Bangladesh following her conviction on crimes against humanity charges. India has acknowledged receiving Bangladesh’s extradition request but has said the matter remains “under examination”. Relations between Dhaka and New Delhi have remained strained since the dramatic political upheaval that ended Hasina’s long rule. The former prime minister, once regarded as a key partner of India, has continued to make public statements from India, further complicating diplomatic efforts. Karim said recent media interactions by Hasina had also affected the environment for closer ties. “But the process has been vitiated by Sheikh Hasina’s open media interactions, despite her being a convict in crimes against humanity,” he said. The possibility of a Rahman visit had gained attention after Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi met the Bangladeshi prime minister last week. Karim confirmed that officials from both countries had also remained in contact in recent weeks over the possibility of a visit. Rahman assumed office in February and has already travelled to Malaysia and China. His decision not to make India his first overseas destination marked a departure from a longstanding pattern among Bangladeshi leaders. Meanwhile, Hasina has said she intends to return to Bangladesh in December, even if she faces imprisonment. Karim also outlined Dhaka’s broader foreign-policy approach, saying the government would pursue a “Bangladesh First” policy focused on national sovereignty and non-interference while maintaining mutually beneficial relations with India and other countries. The latest development highlights how Hasina’s presence in India remains a major obstacle in the already delicate relationship between the two South Asian neighbours.

  • |

    New lizard species “Syrax” discovered in Thailand

    ByJustpaste.in

    A new species of lizard has been discovered in Thailand. According to foreign media reports, the new species was discovered in western Thailand and has been given a name inspired by the popular series “House of the Dragon.” The lizard has been named “Syrax” after the dragon ridden by Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen in the series. Details about the discovery of the new lizard were published last month in the journal ZooKeys. The study found that the lizard belongs to a group known as mountain horned dragons and was discovered in the forests of the high-altitude areas of Mae Wong. Researchers explained that the name was chosen based on the lizard’s yellowish coloration, small size and large clutch size. Mountain horned dragons are known for the spiny projections on their necks and backs. The study also stated that further research is needed to fully understand the distribution of lizard species. Researchers also need to explore nearby mountain ranges to discover other hidden or previously undocumented species in the northern and western mountainous regions.

  • | | |

    Iran claims victory on military, political fronts

    ByJustpaste.in

    Iranian Parliament Speaker Bagher Ghalibaf has claimed that Iran has emerged victorious on both the military and political fronts of the ongoing conflict. Speaking about the situation, Ghalibaf said Iran was facing what he described as an unjust war imposed by the United States and Israel. He said the Iranian nation was confronting the conflict with courage and determination. According to Ghalibaf, Iran had successfully resisted pressure on both the military and political fronts. Ghalibaf said the Iranian people had remained united despite the challenges created by the conflict. He praised their resistance and said the nation had shown that it could withstand pressure from powerful opponents. His remarks came after the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces said that Iran would not retreat until the United States and Israel were completely defeated. The Iranian military leadership said resistance had become part of the mindset of Iran’s younger generation. It claimed that the legacy of resistance had been passed from one generation to another. According to the Iranian Armed Forces, the country’s new generation had remained firm in the face of what it described as the world’s most powerful military forces. The military leadership also said Iran would continue its struggle to protect what it called its legitimate rights. It said Tehran would not abandon its position until the opposing side surrendered. The Iranian Armed Forces further accused the United States of continuing its aggression to expand its influence and establish dominance in the region. Iranian officials have repeatedly presented the conflict as a struggle against foreign aggression. They have also stressed the importance of national unity and resistance in facing military and political pressure.

  • |

    Pope Leo urges end to West Bank violence

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pope Leo has called for an immediate end to violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. Speaking after the Angelus prayer at his residence in Castel Gandolfo near Rome, the Pope expressed concern over repeated violence targeting Palestinian civilians. He urged the international community to take practical steps to help end the conflict and advance efforts for a two-state solution. The Pope said lasting peace would require a fair political settlement that guarantees the rights and security of both Palestinians and Israelis. His comments come amid growing tensions in several parts of the West Bank. Violence involving Israeli settlers and Palestinians has increased, while restrictions and confrontations have added to concerns among local residents. The situation in the village of Qusra has also drawn attention. Reports have described severe restrictions on residents, including disruptions to essential services and movement. Rights organisations have raised concerns that increasing settler activity and pressure on Palestinian communities could contribute to further displacement and the expansion of Israeli settlements. The Vatican has consistently supported the establishment of a Palestinian state as part of a negotiated two-state settlement. More than 150 of the 193 UN member states recognise Palestine. The future of the West Bank remains one of the central issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Palestinians seek the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem as the basis of an independent state. Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank has remained a major source of international criticism. Palestinian officials and rights groups say the continued expansion threatens the possibility of establishing a viable Palestinian state. The Israeli government, however, disputes the international characterisation of the West Bank as occupied territory and considers it disputed land.

  • |

    Historic floods leave at least six dead in Indiana

    ByJustpaste.in

    At least six people have died in the US state of Indiana after severe storms brought record-breaking rainfall and triggered widespread flooding. Authorities said several areas received more than 11 inches of rain over two days. The heavy rainfall caused the White River to rise rapidly, flooding communities and forcing large-scale rescue operations. More than 90 people and 45 pets were rescued from flooded areas, according to local authorities. The worst flooding was reported along the White River, stretching from Hamilton County towards the northern suburbs of Indianapolis. Several neighbourhoods were left under water. In Indianapolis, floodwaters submerged vehicles and reached residential properties. Some residents used kayaks and small boats to move through streets that had turned into waterways. The White River rose above 24 feet in Anderson and Noblesville. The level exceeded records set during the major flooding of 1913, highlighting the severity of the disaster. Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett declared a local emergency and urged people living near the river to leave their homes if authorities advised evacuation. Emergency officials described the flooding as an unprecedented event. Marion County Emergency Management director Jacob Spence said the scale of the disaster was unlike anything recently experienced in the area. Several counties reported storm-related deaths. One woman, aged 58, was found dead in Delaware County after apparently attempting to drive through floodwaters. Authorities also confirmed fatalities in Jennings, White, Porter and La Porte counties. Indiana Governor Mike Braun said he had spoken with US President Donald Trump about the disaster. He said a request for a federal emergency declaration was being processed to speed up assistance for affected communities. Braun expressed sympathy for the families who lost loved ones and urged residents to remain cautious. He warned people to stay away from flooded roads and fast-moving water. The National Weather Service continued to issue flood warnings across parts of central Indiana. Officials warned that water levels were still rising in some locations. More severe weather was also expected. Emergency authorities urged residents to monitor official warnings and avoid unnecessary travel. The storms were not limited to Indiana. Tornadoes, intense rainfall and flash flooding affected several parts of the US Midwest. Damage was reported across a broad area stretching from the Chicago region towards western Pennsylvania.