US deports thousands of Indians amid Trump immigration crackdown

The death toll from a powerful earthquake in western Colombia has crossed 250 as rescue teams continue searching through collapsed buildings for survivors. The 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the country’s coffee-growing region early Monday. It caused widespread destruction across several cities and surrounding areas. Local authorities reported that at least 254 people had died by Tuesday morning. Pereira recorded 101 deaths, while 95 fatalities were reported in Cali, Colombia’s third-largest city. Rescue workers have been operating around the clock in the worst-hit areas. They are using cranes, excavators and heavy machinery to remove huge sections of concrete. In some locations, rescuers have been forced to work with their hands. Volunteers have also joined the search, forming human chains to move debris away from collapsed structures. Families have gathered near damaged buildings while waiting for news of relatives who may still be trapped. Rescue workers have reported finding both survivors and bodies beneath the rubble. The earthquake severely damaged homes, apartment buildings, schools and medical facilities. Some structures were completely destroyed, while others were left unstable and unsafe for residents. Cali suffered major damage. Several upper floors of a hospital collapsed, including areas used for paediatric treatment. Hospital officials said some patients became trapped, while hundreds of others were treated outside the damaged facility. The city’s morgue reached capacity as authorities continued bringing in victims from affected areas. Medical and emergency services have been working under difficult conditions. The United Nations humanitarian office estimated that around 5,000 homes had been damaged. Dozens of buildings collapsed, while hundreds of other residences were destroyed or seriously affected. The earthquake also disrupted essential infrastructure. Electricity, water supplies, healthcare services and telecommunications were affected in several areas. Authorities also closed six airports because of damage. Roads were damaged in multiple locations, creating additional difficulties for rescue teams and the delivery of emergency supplies. The region near the epicentre has faced particularly severe disruption. Poor communications have made it difficult for authorities to assess the full scale of the disaster. Nearly 100 aftershocks were recorded by Tuesday morning. Officials have warned residents and rescue workers to remain cautious as damaged buildings could collapse during further tremors. President Abelardo De La Espriella visited the affected region and announced a three-month economic relief measure for residents of Risaralda. The government said the initiative was intended to support people and businesses affected by the disaster. International assistance has also begun. The United States announced $15.5 million in emergency support for shelter, food, protection and damage assessments. The Inter-American Development Bank said $50 million could immediately be made available for reconstruction support if requested by the Colombian government. The United Nations said it was expanding its presence in the affected region to support humanitarian operations. Officials cautioned that the final death toll and overall scale of the destruction could take several days to establish because communications remain disrupted in some of the hardest-hit areas.

Yemen’s Houthi movement is attempting to replicate Iran’s strategy in the Strait of Hormuz by disrupting maritime traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb strait, Yemeni Foreign Minister-designate Afrah al-Zouba warned on Monday. Speaking to reporters at the Yemeni Embassy in Riyadh, al-Zouba stated that an insufficient international response has emboldened the group to pursue control over critical Red Sea shipping corridors. The Red Sea has emerged as a major flashpoint following escalations linked to the broader regional conflict involving Iran. The Houthis have intensified operations against Saudi Arabia by launching drone and missile strikes and announcing a blockade on Saudi-bound shipping. In response, Saudi Arabia has conducted airstrikes targeting Houthi military positions and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting commercial maritime routes. The surge in hostilities threatens to unravel the fragile truce established in 2022, raising concerns among diplomats and officials over a potential return to full-scale war in Yemen. Al-Zouba confirmed that while military skirmishes persist along frontline positions stretching from the Red Sea to the Saudi border, neither side has launched a major ground offensive. She emphasised that the internationally recognised government is prepared for further escalation, asserting that the conflict must ultimately be resolved either diplomatically or by force.

A large number of Pakistanis and Kashmiris gathered outside the Indian High Commission in London on Wednesday to mark Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir, protesting against India’s August 5, 2019 decision to revoke the special constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir. The demonstrators raised slogans in support of the right to self-determination for the people of Kashmir and expressed opposition to the policies implemented in the region following the 2019 decision. Participants also chanted slogans in support of Pakistan and the Pakistan Armed Forces, while carrying banners and placards highlighting their concerns over the Kashmir issue. Addressing the gathering, speakers said that the August 5, 2019 move had affected the political identity and rights of the Kashmiri people. They urged the international community to pay attention to the situation in Kashmir and play a role in addressing the long-standing dispute. The protesters called for a peaceful and lasting resolution of the Kashmir issue and reiterated their commitment to continuing support for what they described as the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination. The demonstration concluded peacefully, with participants reaffirming solidarity with the people of Kashmir.

US President Donald Trump has approved a landmark civilian nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia, marking a major step in expanding strategic cooperation between the two countries. The proposed deal is expected to remain in effect for 30 years and is valued at tens of billions of dollars. The agreement is designed to support the development of Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear energy program while giving American companies a leading role in building the kingdom’s nuclear infrastructure. It is expected to create significant investment opportunities for US firms and strengthen long-term energy cooperation between Washington and Riyadh. Under the proposed framework, American companies could participate in constructing nuclear facilities across Saudi Arabia. The agreement also allows for the possibility of building a uranium enrichment plant in the kingdom if future joint studies by both governments determine that such a project is necessary. US officials say the deal will enable Washington to remain closely involved in the development of Saudi Arabia’s nuclear program. They believe this cooperation will help ensure that the kingdom’s nuclear activities remain focused on peaceful civilian purposes. The Trump administration is expected to submit the agreement to the US Congress in the coming days. The pact is being introduced under Section 123 of the US Atomic Energy Act of 1954, which provides the legal framework for civilian nuclear cooperation between the United States and foreign countries. Once submitted, Congress will have about 90 days to review the agreement. If lawmakers do not reject it during the review period, the agreement will automatically enter into force. Blocking the deal would require Congress to pass a joint resolution with enough votes to override a possible presidential veto. According to officials familiar with the proposal, the agreement does not include the “Gold Standard,” a condition that permanently bars partner countries from enriching uranium or reprocessing spent nuclear fuel. These activities can potentially be used in the production of nuclear weapons. The proposed agreement also reportedly does not include the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Additional Protocol. This protocol allows international inspectors to conduct broader inspections and monitor undeclared nuclear facilities. Its absence has raised concerns among some non-proliferation experts and lawmakers. US officials, however, insist that the agreement contains strong safeguards required under American law. They stress that the deal does not obligate the United States to transfer sensitive uranium enrichment technology or nuclear fuel cycle capabilities to Saudi Arabia. Instead, it establishes a legal pathway for future civilian cooperation while requiring separate approvals for any advanced technology transfers. The agreement follows earlier discussions between senior US and Saudi officials, who signed a preliminary framework last year to expand cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The proposal has generated debate in Washington. Several Democratic lawmakers, along with some Republicans, have argued that stronger safeguards should be included before the agreement is approved. They believe stricter restrictions are necessary to reduce the risk of nuclear weapons proliferation in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia has repeatedly stated that its nuclear program is intended to meet growing energy demands and diversify the country’s energy resources. However, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has previously said that if Iran were to acquire a nuclear weapon, Saudi Arabia would also seek similar capabilities. His remarks have fueled international concerns about a possible regional nuclear arms race.