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PYONGYANG: North Korea has warned that a new nuclear strategy being considered by the United States could trigger a fresh global arms race and increase the risk of nuclear conflict. A spokesperson for North Korea’s Foreign Ministry criticised the proposed US nuclear policy and accused Washington of using nuclear weapons for strategic dominance and political and military objectives. The spokesperson described the reported US strategy as a serious and dangerous development. North Korea said the policy could undermine the existing nuclear balance and accelerate the development and deployment of nuclear weapons around the world. According to the North Korean statement, continued expansion of nuclear capabilities could push the international security environment closer to the threshold of nuclear war. However, US Deputy Secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby said on Thursday that he did not expect any major or fundamental changes in the nuclear strategy currently under consideration. North Korea also criticised planned joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea. It warned that it would exercise what it described as its right to self-defence in response to what it considers hostile military activities. A statement carried by North Korean state media said Pyongyang would not tolerate what it described as an increasingly confrontational situation created by hostile states. The United States and South Korea are scheduled to begin their joint military exercises on August 17. The drills are expected to continue until August 27. The exercises are also expected to take into account possible lessons from North Korea’s involvement in Russia’s war in Ukraine, particularly its military experience and battlefield capabilities. The latest warnings came after North Korea conducted its second missile test in less than a week. On Wednesday, Pyongyang launched a ballistic missile from its eastern coast towards the sea. Six days earlier, it had conducted another test involving a short-range missile. North Korea’s latest military activity comes amid continued tensions with Washington and Seoul. Diplomatic efforts to restart talks have so far failed to produce a breakthrough. According to reports, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has largely rejected recent calls for renewed diplomatic engagement with the United States and South Korea. Since the collapse of diplomatic efforts involving former US President Donald Trump in 2019, Kim has instead focused on strengthening North Korea’s nuclear and missile capabilities. Analysts believe Pyongyang could eventually use its expanding nuclear capabilities as leverage to seek concessions from Washington. These could include relief from international sanctions and other measures imposed on North Korea over its nuclear and missile programmes.

At least 20 people have been killed after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia’s Flores Island early Saturday, triggering widespread panic, building damage and a series of strong aftershocks. The earthquake struck shortly before 5am local time at a depth of about 15 kilometres, according to Indonesia’s meteorological and geophysics authorities. The relatively shallow depth increased the potential for severe damage across affected areas. Indonesia’s disaster management authorities said several people were injured, with the figures still considered preliminary as rescue teams continue searching damaged buildings and assessing casualties. The strongest aftershocks included a 6.1-magnitude tremor, forcing residents to remain outdoors because of fears that weakened structures could collapse. Dramatic scenes were reported at the port of Maumere, where sections of a terminal building broke apart during the earthquake. A gangway leading to a ferry also collapsed, sending some passengers into the sea as people attempted to escape. East Nusa Tenggara Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena said some victims were killed while sleeping after rubble from collapsing structures fell on them. Residents described the earthquake as extremely frightening. People rushed out of their homes and moved towards safer areas, with many heading to higher ground after authorities issued a tsunami warning. The tsunami alert was later lifted about three hours after the earthquake when no significant rise in sea levels was detected. Authorities said around 2,000 people evacuated or moved to safer locations on their own during the warning. Officials reported fatalities in several provinces, including Sikka, Manggarai and East Manggarai. At least two people were seriously injured while 11 others suffered minor injuries. The earthquake also caused extensive structural damage. Initial assessments indicated that dozens of houses had been severely damaged along with healthcare facilities, places of worship, government buildings, an educational institution and a warehouse. Manggarai was identified as one of the worst-affected areas. Rescue and assessment teams are continuing to work in the region, although difficult mountainous terrain could make operations challenging. Authorities have urged residents to remain calm, avoid coastal areas and stay away from buildings that have been damaged or weakened by the earthquake and aftershocks.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered a review of state grants provided to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), alleging that facilities for Muslim passengers to perform ablution and pray could amount to religious discrimination. Abbott’s office said the matter has also been referred to the US Department of Transportation for investigation and possible action. According to a statement from the governor’s office, state grants provided to entities operating airports in Texas will be reviewed to determine whether existing funding should be withdrawn or whether the airports should be denied future state funding. Abbott has argued that providing facilities specifically associated with one religion at government-owned facilities could raise concerns under religious discrimination laws. The governor’s office said DFW International Airport is planning to establish a dedicated ablution facility for Muslim passengers. At George Bush Intercontinental Airport, a similar facility has reportedly already been established, along with a designated space for prayer. Abbott has written to US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, asking the Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to immediately review the existing or proposed religious facilities at both airports. He has also called for corrective or legal action if federal authorities determine that any violations have occurred. The Texas governor maintains that both airports receive federal funding and are therefore required to comply with federal laws prohibiting discriminatory practices. In his statement, Abbott said the proposed ablution facilities appear to provide a special accommodation to a particular section of the population based on religion, which he considers potentially unlawful. He further argued that because the airports are publicly owned, government authorities cannot give preference to one religious viewpoint over others. Abbott reiterated his position on social media, saying that government facilities funded by taxpayers should not allow what he described as unlawful religious discrimination.

WASHINGTON: The United States has taken an unusual step in its fight against international cybercrime by allowing selected private companies to conduct government-approved hacking operations against foreign criminal organisations. President Donald Trump has signed a memorandum directing the departments of Justice and Homeland Security to establish a framework under which approved private-sector partners can investigate, infiltrate and disrupt transnational cybercrime networks. The move is aimed at tackling growing threats including ransomware attacks, online fraud and so-called sextortion schemes. The White House said such crimes caused more than $20 billion in losses to Americans during 2025. Under the new framework, authorised companies could potentially infiltrate cybercriminals’ computer systems, deploy spyware or disrupt servers used to conduct criminal activities. However, each operation would require approval from the US government before any action is taken. Participating companies would also be required to provide a bond of at least $1 million. Operations involving actions that could cause death or physical injury would remain prohibited. Activities that could qualify as the use of force under international law would also be excluded. The initiative has drawn comparisons with privateering, a practice used centuries ago when governments authorised private vessels to attack or seize enemy ships. Supporters argue that private technology companies possess specialised cyber expertise and access to data that government agencies may not have. They believe combining those capabilities with government authority could help disrupt criminal networks more effectively. However, cybersecurity experts have raised concerns about accountability, oversight and the possibility of unintended consequences. Critics warn that allowing private companies to conduct offensive cyber operations could create diplomatic complications and make it difficult to control activities once they begin. The policy also represents a notable shift in the Trump administration’s previous position. Earlier this year, senior US officials had indicated that the government was not interested in using private companies to fight cybercriminals through offensive operations. It remains unclear what prompted the change in policy. Some cybersecurity specialists believe the programme contains important safeguards because operations will be conducted under government authorisation. Others remain concerned that existing oversight institutions may not be strong enough to monitor such activities effectively. The initiative could also expose participating technology companies to new risks. Experts warn that firms involved in government-sanctioned cyberattacks could become targets themselves and face retaliation from criminal groups or foreign governments. The Trump administration has 60 days to finalise the programme’s operational framework, while some details are expected to remain classified.

At least eight workers were killed and five others were reported missing after toxic gas leaked from a vessel at a shipbreaking yard in Bangladesh on Friday. The incident occurred at the Ferdous Steel Shipbreaking Yard and Recycling Factory in Chittagong, a major hub for ship dismantling on the country’s southeastern coast. Witnesses said they heard cries from inside the facility before fellow workers rushed several affected employees to nearby hospitals. Police said eight people had died while a search operation was underway for those still unaccounted for. Authorities have formed an investigation committee to determine the cause of the accident and ordered a safety audit of the shipbreaking facility. Officials said the vessel involved had previously been used to transport liquefied natural gas. Although the yard was reportedly classified as a compliant facility, fire service officials raised concerns about whether proper safety procedures had been followed before dismantling work began. According to fire service officials, vessels must be completely cleared of hazardous gases before workers begin cutting them apart. They said workers who were closest to the gas leak died, while others farther from the affected area survived. Firefighters recovered three bodies from the site and rescued several workers who were found unconscious. The injured were transported to hospitals for treatment. The shipbreaking industry along Chittagong’s coast stretches for around 25 kilometres and provides employment to tens of thousands of people. Bangladesh is one of the world’s major shipbreaking centres, but the industry has repeatedly faced criticism over workplace safety, labour conditions and environmental risks. One of the workers killed in the accident was identified as Palash Jaladas. His family was left devastated by the tragedy, with relatives saying his wife, Bhoumika Jaladas, is eight months pregnant.

Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day was celebrated with patriotic spirit at Pakistani diplomatic missions in New Delhi, Dhaka and Tehran. Diplomats, Pakistani communities and local guests participated in the ceremonies. In New Delhi, the Pakistan High Commission organised a special Independence Day ceremony. Chargé d’Affaires Saad Ahmad Waraich attended the event along with officers, staff members and their families. Waraich hoisted the national flag at the Chancery lawn. The national anthem was played after the flag-hoisting ceremony. Messages from President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif were also read out. In his address, Waraich highlighted the importance of the Two-Nation Theory. He said the creation of Pakistan fulfilled the longstanding desire of Muslims of the subcontinent to determine their own political future. He also paid tribute to the sacrifices made during the Pakistan Movement. Children took part in the New Delhi celebrations. They performed national songs and presented colourful tableaux. Their performances added to the festive atmosphere and reflected their patriotic spirit. Independence Day was also celebrated at the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka. Pakistan High Commissioner Imran Haider hoisted the national flag. The national anthem was played on the occasion. A large number of Pakistanis living in Bangladesh attended the ceremony. Bangladeshi friends also participated. Students, journalists and representatives of civil society were among the guests. Messages from President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar were read out during the Dhaka ceremony. The messages highlighted Pakistan’s national progress, unity and commitment to peace. The high commission also organised an essay-writing competition for Bangladeshi students. The competition was titled “Historical Places of Pakistan”. Prizes and certificates were distributed among the students who participated in the activity. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Independence Day was marked at Pakistan House in Tehran. A flag-hoisting ceremony was held in the Iranian capital. A large number of members of the Pakistani community attended the event. The national flag was hoisted during the ceremony. Participants also celebrated the occasion by cutting a cake. The atmosphere reflected the community’s enthusiasm for Pakistan’s Independence Day. The Pakistani ambassador in Tehran read out the messages of the President and Prime Minister. He also highlighted the contribution of the Pakistani community to relations between Pakistan and Iran. The ambassador said the Pakistani community was playing an important role in strengthening people-to-people ties between the two countries. He said Pakistan and Iran were committed to increasing bilateral trade to $10 billion.