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    US senator demands answers over USS Abraham Lincoln deployment

    ByJustpaste.in

    WASHINGTON: US Senator Richard Blumenthal has called on the Pentagon to explain why the USS Abraham Lincoln has remained at sea for more than 250 days, raising concerns about the health, safety and readiness of thousands of sailors and Marines aboard the aircraft carrier. Blumenthal, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, sent a letter to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao seeking detailed information about the carrier’s prolonged deployment. The senator said the USS Abraham Lincoln left Naval Base San Diego on November 21, 2025, for what was originally expected to be a seven-month mission. Its deployment was scheduled to end in May but has since been extended, with no publicly announced date for its return. According to Blumenthal, the carrier has spent more than 200 consecutive days without a port visit, setting a record for the length of time it has remained at sea without such a stop. The prolonged deployment has triggered concerns about conditions aboard the carrier, including reported shortages of basic supplies, water contamination, plumbing problems and difficulties with mail deliveries. Blumenthal also raised concerns about the mental health and morale of crew members, as well as deck safety and general living conditions. He said reports of fatigue, deferred maintenance and limited opportunities for rest could increase the risks faced by personnel working aboard an aircraft carrier. The USS Abraham Lincoln carries around 5,000 sailors and Marines and operates in an environment involving aircraft, fuel, weapons, heavy machinery and complex electrical systems. Blumenthal warned that prolonged exposure to these conditions could create additional safety risks if crews are exhausted or equipment maintenance is delayed. The senator asked the Pentagon to provide information about reported habitability problems aboard the carrier, including issues involving hygiene supplies, mould, toilets, laundry facilities and water systems. He also requested details about the Navy’s measures for monitoring crew fatigue, morale, mental health and operational readiness. Blumenthal wants officials to disclose whether the extended deployment has been linked to increases in safety incidents, medical problems or disciplinary cases. Reports cited by US military publications have also described incidents in which sailors aboard the carrier allegedly attempted to go overboard during its prolonged deployment, intensifying concerns about the psychological pressure on personnel. The senator has asked the Navy to explain what measures are being taken to address such concerns and protect the wellbeing of the crew. The extended deployment comes as the United States continues military operations and maintains a significant naval presence connected to tensions involving Iran and the wider Middle East. Blumenthal questioned the Pentagon about the strategic purpose of keeping the carrier deployed for such an extended period. He asked officials to explain the military objectives linked to the Lincoln’s continued presence in the region and how the Navy determines whether the carrier remains operationally necessary. The senator also sought details about every extension of the carrier’s deployment, including who approved the extensions and what operational requirements were cited. He further questioned whether the Navy’s existing fleet structure and deployment system can maintain the current demand for aircraft carriers without undermining crew welfare, equipment readiness and future maintenance requirements. Blumenthal warned that maintaining a high operational tempo for an extended period could create a readiness problem in the future if the impact on personnel and equipment is not properly addressed.

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    Meloni faces growing youth backlash ahead of Italy election

    ByJustpaste.in

    ROME: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is facing growing dissatisfaction among young voters as the country moves closer to a national election expected next year. Recent opinion polls indicate that voters aged 18 to 34 are increasingly moving away from Meloni’s right-wing coalition and towards opposition parties. Analysts say the shift could become significant if young Italians turn out in large numbers at the 2027 election. Lorenzo Pregliasco, head of polling agency Youtrend, said younger voters were clearly showing greater support for the centre-left. Meloni’s coalition, which includes her Brothers of Italy party, Matteo Salvini’s League and Antonio Tajani’s Forza Italia, now has less than 30% support among voters under 35. The opposition bloc, led by the Democratic Party, the 5-Star Movement and the Left-Green Alliance, commands close to half of the support among the same age group. The situation marks a major change from 2023, when Meloni’s party alone enjoyed support among young voters comparable to the combined backing now received by her coalition. Analysts attribute much of the discontent to Italy’s economic difficulties and limited opportunities for younger people. Critics argue that the government has failed to introduce major economic reforms capable of improving employment prospects and reversing the country’s long-standing youth unemployment problem. Eurostat data shows that Italy has the lowest employment rate among people aged 15 to 24 in the 21-member eurozone. The country also spends less on education than most of its European partners. The economic challenges have encouraged many young Italians to seek opportunities abroad. According to Bank of Italy data cited in the analysis, young graduates in Germany earn substantially more than their Italian counterparts. Meloni’s approval rating among voters under 35 stands at around 25%, compared with approximately 35% among the wider population. Political scientist Lorenzo De Sio of Rome’s Luiss University said the lack of movement on economic policy was a major source of frustration among young voters. Meloni is also facing competition from the far right. National Future, a party formed earlier this year by former army general Roberto Vannacci, has already gained around 7% support in some polls. The party has attracted middle-aged men but is also gaining attention among some young urban voters opposed to immigration. The government’s law-and-order policies have further contributed to tensions with sections of the younger population. Measures targeting rave parties, cannabis production, street protests, squatters and juvenile crime have drawn criticism from youth groups. A nationwide student protest known as “No Meloni Day” brought thousands of demonstrators onto the streets last year. Protesters criticised security measures, education spending and Meloni’s position on the Gaza conflict. The government has also proposed changes to rules governing criminal responsibility for minors. Under the proposed legislation, people aged 14 to 17 who commit crimes could be treated as fully responsible unless it is established that they did not understand the consequences of their actions. Youth dissatisfaction has previously been difficult to measure because turnout among younger Italians is traditionally low. Many young voters have tended to stay away from elections rather than support opposition parties. That pattern changed during a March referendum on a judicial reform backed by Meloni. Around 67% of voters under 35 participated, and 60% of them rejected the proposed reform. The result demonstrated the potential influence of young voters when they participate in large numbers.

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    Prolonged Iran mission puts US sailors under pressure

    ByJustpaste.in

    The prolonged deployment of the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in connection with the Iran conflict has raised concerns over the mental health and wellbeing of personnel serving aboard the vessel. US media reports say several sailors allegedly attempted to jump overboard during the carrier’s extended deployment in the region. According to reports, the carrier has remained at sea for more than 250 days, with around 5,000 sailors and Marines reportedly deployed aboard the vessel. The long period without a regular port visit has reportedly placed additional pressure on crew members. A sailor’s wife was quoted as saying that her husband attempted to jump from the carrier after struggling with the impact of prolonged and continuous duty. Reports also claim that crew members intervened in several incidents and prevented personnel from going overboard. The reports have raised wider concerns about the conditions faced by sailors during the extended deployment. Some US media outlets have also reported shortages of food and other basic supplies aboard the carrier. The situation has prompted US lawmakers to call for an investigation into the reported incidents and the overall conditions aboard the ship. Senators have sought information about the deployment, including the mental health of personnel, crew fatigue, living conditions and the impact of the prolonged mission on operational readiness. The US Navy, however, has rejected claims of a rise in suicide attempts or mental health problems among personnel aboard the carrier. The Navy has maintained that it continues to monitor the wellbeing of sailors and provide appropriate support during the deployment. The USS Abraham Lincoln’s extended mission comes amid continuing US military operations and heightened tensions involving Iran and the wider Middle East. The carrier’s unusually long deployment has also sparked questions about how long the US Navy can maintain such an operational tempo without affecting crew welfare, equipment maintenance and future readiness. The reported incidents have intensified scrutiny of the human cost of prolonged military deployments, particularly for personnel spending months at sea without regular opportunities for rest and recovery

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    CIA doubted Iran threat behind Trump plane switch

    ByJustpaste.in

    WASHINGTON: US intelligence officials had doubts about the credibility of an alleged Iranian threat against President Donald Trump that triggered an extraordinary security operation during his departure from Türkiye last month, according to a Washington Post report. The revelation adds a new twist to the dramatic episode in which Trump was secretly moved from an aircraft at Ankara airport and flown to Britain aboard a smaller military jet while another aircraft was used as a decoy. The Washington Post, citing current and former US officials familiar with the intelligence, reported that CIA analysts did not consider information provided by Israel sufficiently compelling. The analysts reportedly communicated their reservations to officials in the Trump administration. The intelligence was described by one US official as Israeli-derived rather than US-generated and assessed with “low confidence”, according to the report. The CIA has declined to comment publicly. Despite the doubts, the US Secret Service decided that the potential danger justified extraordinary precautions. Trump’s security team has faced several serious incidents during his presidency and officials have stressed that they were unwilling to take unnecessary risks. The unusual operation unfolded after Trump attended the NATO summit in Ankara on July 8. According to reports, the president was initially expected to leave Türkiye aboard Air Force One. Instead, he was covertly transferred to a C-32A military aircraft through an airport catering truck. Trump and a small group of close aides then travelled to Britain’s Mildenhall air base, with fighter jets providing protection. Meanwhile, the regular presidential aircraft continued as part of a carefully planned deception. The operation has attracted considerable attention because it involved not only a change of aircraft but also secrecy from journalists and some senior officials travelling with the presidential delegation. The Washington Post reported that close Trump aides Dan Scavino, Natalie Harp and Walt Nauta accompanied him during the covert transfer, while no Cabinet officials did. The White House has defended the decision, saying Trump faces numerous threats, including threats linked to Iran, and that the Secret Service’s primary responsibility is protecting the president. Trump himself said the decision to use another plane was made by the Secret Service and that he followed its instructions. Reuters also reported that US officials considered the threat serious enough to warrant the covert aircraft switch. The intelligence dispute has nevertheless raised broader questions about the information shared between Israel and Washington. Some current and former US intelligence officials reportedly believe Israeli reporting can sometimes be intended not only to warn American leaders but also to influence policy decisions. The episode comes amid heightened tensions between Washington, Israel and Iran, making intelligence assessments particularly sensitive. It also highlights the difficult balance between acting quickly on potential threats and determining how reliable those threats actually are. For the Trump administration, the incident has now become more than a story about an unusual plane switch. It has raised questions about intelligence credibility, presidential security and the influence of foreign-provided information on US decision-making.

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    Putin visits Japan-claimed Islands, Tokyo protests

    ByJustpaste.in

    MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin has visited Iturup, one of the disputed Kuril Islands claimed by Japan, in a move likely to further strain relations between Moscow and Tokyo and revive attention on a decades-old territorial dispute. Russian state media reported on Thursday that Putin travelled to Iturup after overseeing major naval exercises in Russia’s Far East. The visit was described by state news agency TASS as Putin’s first in-person trip to the island chain. Iturup, known as Etorofu in Japan, is among four islands that Tokyo calls the Northern Territories and considers its inherent territory. The territorial dispute has prevented Russia and Japan from signing a formal peace treaty to officially end the state of war left over from World War II. During his visit, Putin toured the Yasny fish-processing plant, where officials briefed him on the local fishing industry and the movement of fish in the surrounding waters. Russian television footage showed the president examining large tuna and halibut before sampling local fish roe. Putin also spoke with local residents, praising the island’s weather and comparing it with a resort. His informal interaction with residents highlighted Moscow’s efforts to portray the disputed territory as an active and integrated part of Russia. Japan responded sharply to the visit. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said Tokyo had lodged a strong protest, insisting that the Northern Territories, including Etorofu, belong to Japan based on history and international law. The visit came at a particularly sensitive moment in East Asia. A day earlier, North Korea, a Russian ally, fired a ballistic missile towards waters off the Korean Peninsula. The launch occurred shortly before major joint military exercises involving the United States and South Korea, which Pyongyang has repeatedly condemned. Putin’s appearance on Iturup also followed Russian naval drills in the Far East, adding a military dimension to an already sensitive diplomatic dispute. The latest development underscores the continuing complexity of Russia-Japan relations. Despite periods of diplomatic engagement and economic cooperation, the unresolved island issue remains a major obstacle to a formal postwar peace agreement. For Tokyo, Putin’s visit represents another challenge to its territorial claims. For Moscow, the high-profile trip reinforces its control over the disputed islands and signals that the territorial question remains firmly within Russia’s strategic agenda.

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    New Indian chargé d’affaires takes charge in Pa…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Dr. Styanjal Pandey has formally assumed his responsibilities as the new Indian chargé d’affaires in Pakistan. He will serve as the head of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. Pandey took charge of the position on August 1, 2026, according to diplomatic sources. His appointment comes after the completion of the tenure of former Indian chargé d’affaires Geetika Srivastava. Srivastava has completed her diplomatic assignment in Pakistan and has returned to India. After assuming his new responsibilities, Pandey also visited Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad. During the visit, he held a formal meeting with Sajjad Haider, Director General for South Asia at the Foreign Office. The meeting was part of his initial diplomatic engagements after taking charge of the Indian mission. Pandey also met other relevant officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meetings focused on diplomatic engagement and matters concerning bilateral relations between Pakistan and India. Pandey’s arrival marks a change in leadership at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad at a time when relations between the two neighbouring countries remain closely watched. As chargé d’affaires, he will oversee the functioning of the Indian diplomatic mission in Pakistan and represent New Delhi in official diplomatic engagements. Diplomatic sources said Pandey has begun his official engagements following his appointment. His meetings with Pakistani officials are expected to provide an opportunity for continued diplomatic communication between the two countries. The Indian High Commission in Islamabad plays a key role in maintaining official contacts between Pakistan and India.

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    Japan backs stronger, deeper Pakistan partnership

    ByJustpaste.in

    Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan Akamatsu Shuichi has reaffirmed Tokyo’s commitment to further strengthening its longstanding relationship with Pakistan. In a message ahead of Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day, the Japanese envoy conveyed greetings to the Pakistani government and people on behalf of Japan. Speaking in Urdu in a video message, Ambassador Shuichi highlighted the longstanding friendship between the two countries and expressed hope for deeper cooperation in the coming years. He noted that Pakistan and Japan will mark the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2027. The ambassador said both countries would continue working as trusted partners to promote peace, development and stability. He also pledged to further strengthen friendly relations between Tokyo and Islamabad. Shuichi concluded his message by expressing confidence in the continued bond between the two nations and saying, “Japan-Pakistan Dosti Zindabad.” The ambassador’s message comes shortly after Pakistan and Japan signed a grant agreement worth 350 million Japanese yen, equivalent to around $2.2 million, to strengthen the Human Resources Development Scholarship Programme. The initiative, known as the JDS programme, will expand opportunities for Pakistani civil servants to receive postgraduate education and professional training in Japan. Under the agreement, 17 federal government officials will receive scholarships. Sixteen will pursue master’s degrees, while one official will undertake a PhD programme. Economic Affairs Secretary Muhammad Hameer Karim and Ambassador Akamatsu Shuichi signed the Record of Discussions for the programme. Senior Joint Secretary Miran Mohiuddin Soomro and JICA Chief Representative Yusuke Shinazaki signed the grant agreement. The scholarship programme is expected to contribute to human resource development and strengthen institutional links between Pakistan and Japan.

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    Luton student Nawal Qazi secures four A grades 

    ByJustpaste.in

      Talented student Nawal Qazi, who hails from Luton in the United Kingdom, has achieved an outstanding academic result by securing four A grades in her A-Level examinations. Her exceptional performance has earned her an offer to study law at Wadham College, one of the renowned colleges of the University of Oxford. Nawal’s achievement has been widely celebrated by her family and community, as her academic success marks an important milestone in her educational journey. Her offer from Oxford represents an opportunity to study at one of the world’s most prestigious universities and pursue a degree in law. Nawal is the daughter of Siraj Qazi and the granddaughter of the renowned personality Allama Qazi Abdul Aziz Chishti MBE. She received her education at Bedford Girls’ School, where she completed her studies before appearing in the A-Level examinations. In her A-Level examinations, Nawal demonstrated strong academic ability across a range of subjects. She achieved an A grade in History, English Literature and Chemistry. She also secured an A grade in the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), bringing her total achievement to four A grades. Her results reflect not only her academic performance but also her ability to excel in subjects requiring different skills. History and English Literature demand strong analytical and writing abilities, while Chemistry requires scientific understanding and problem-solving skills. Her success across these subjects demonstrates a broad academic profile. Nawal’s achievement in the Extended Project Qualification further highlights her commitment to independent academic work. The qualification allows students to undertake an extended research project, requiring them to develop a topic, conduct research and present their findings in a structured manner. Securing an A grade in the EPQ alongside three A-Level subjects further strengthened her academic record. The offer to study law at Wadham College, University of Oxford, is another major milestone in Nawal’s educational career. Oxford is internationally recognized for its academic excellence, and admission to one of its colleges is considered a significant achievement for students seeking to pursue higher education at the highest level. Nawal’s success has also brought pride to her family. As the daughter of Siraj Qazi and granddaughter of Allama Qazi Abdul Aziz Chishti MBE, her achievement adds another notable accomplishment to her family’s educational and professional legacy. Her journey from Bedford Girls’ School to an opportunity to study law at Oxford demonstrates the value of dedication, academic discipline and consistent effort. The combination of her strong A-Level grades and success in the EPQ helped establish an impressive academic profile and contributed to her receiving the opportunity to pursue her chosen field at Oxford. Nawal is now expected to begin the next stage of her education by studying law at Wadham College. Her achievement serves as an encouraging example for young students, particularly those from British Pakistani communities, who aspire to pursue higher education at leading universities. With four A grades and an offer from one of the world’s most prestigious institutions, Nawal Qazi’s academic success represents a proud moment for her family, school and wider community. Her achievement reflects both her personal dedication and the support she received throughout her educational journey, while her upcoming studies at Oxford are expected to open the door to further academic and professional opportunities.

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    England moves closer to eliminating Hepatitis C

    ByJustpaste.in

      Glasgow: England is moving closer to becoming one of the first countries in the world to achieve the goal of eliminating hepatitis C, a viral infection that primarily affects the liver. According to the National Health Service (NHS), significant progress has been made in diagnosing and treating people living with the disease. So far, around 80 percent of known hepatitis C patients have successfully completed treatment, while deaths associated with the disease have fallen by 36 percent over the past decade. Health authorities say the progress is the result of increased testing, early diagnosis and wider access to treatment. Several initiatives have been introduced to identify people who may have hepatitis C without knowing that they are infected. Among these measures are blood testing in emergency departments, screening when patients register with general practitioners (GPs), and the provision of free home testing kits. These programmes have helped health authorities identify thousands of people who were previously unaware that they had the infection. Following diagnosis, patients have been referred for treatment, allowing many to receive medical care before the disease could cause more serious liver damage. Official figures show that more than 100,000 people have been diagnosed and treated for hepatitis C in England since 2015. Health experts say this represents a major step forward in the country’s efforts to eliminate the disease as a public health threat. Hepatitis C is caused by a virus that can lead to long-term liver damage if it remains untreated. In some cases, chronic infection can result in serious complications, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. However, advances in medical treatment have significantly improved the chances of recovery. Experts say modern antiviral medicines have transformed the treatment of hepatitis C. Patients generally take direct-acting antiviral medicines for between eight and 12 weeks. These treatments are highly effective, with approximately 95 percent of patients able to achieve a complete cure. The availability of effective treatment has also strengthened England’s ability to meet international targets for hepatitis C elimination. Health officials believe that combining widespread testing with rapid access to treatment can help identify remaining cases and prevent further transmission. The NHS has emphasized that finding people who have the virus but do not know they are infected remains an important part of the elimination strategy. Because hepatitis C can sometimes remain without noticeable symptoms for years, individuals may not seek medical attention until significant liver damage has already occurred. Routine and targeted screening therefore plays an important role in identifying cases at an earlier stage. The decline in deaths over the past 10 years is another indication of the progress made against the disease. A 36 percent reduction in hepatitis C-related deaths suggests that improved diagnosis and access to effective treatment are helping reduce the most serious consequences of the infection. With more than 100,000 people diagnosed and treated since 2015, and around 80 percent of known patients successfully treated, England is now considerably closer to its hepatitis C elimination target. Health experts say continued testing, early diagnosis, treatment and public awareness will be essential to maintain this progress. With modern medicines capable of curing around 95 percent of patients within a relatively short treatment period, England is increasingly well placed to become one of the countries leading global efforts to eliminate hepatitis C as a major public health concern.

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    US and Iran agree to extend 60-day ceasefire

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: The United States and Iran have agreed in principle to extend their 60-day ceasefire, according to a Turkish news agency report citing Pakistani government sources. The report said both Washington and Tehran had informed mediators of their willingness to prolong the truce. The two sides are also exchanging messages to determine the length of the proposed extension, according to the report. The current ceasefire is due to expire on August 17. Mediators have been informed that both countries are prepared to continue the pause in hostilities. According to international media reports, the United States and Iran signed a 14-point memorandum of understanding on June 17. The agreement established a 60-day period for maintaining the ceasefire and completing negotiations aimed at bringing a permanent end to the conflict. The memorandum also included arrangements for keeping the Strait of Hormuz open to commercial shipping during the ceasefire. However, disagreements over the interpretation of several provisions have continued to create tensions between Washington and Tehran. Both sides have repeatedly accused each other of violating the terms or spirit of the understanding. The proposed extension could provide additional time for diplomatic efforts and negotiations aimed at addressing the outstanding issues between the two countries. Mediators are expected to remain engaged as Washington and Tehran work to settle the duration and other details of the extended ceasefire.