International

Special welcome! PM Modi given key toGuyana’s Georgetown

PRIME Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived in Guyana on Wednesday -- the first visit by an Indian head of the state in more than 50 years -- said his visit “will deepen the friendship between our nations.” In an unprecedented gesture, Modi was received at the airport by Guyana President Irfan Ali, his counterpart Mark Anthony Phillips and over a dozen Cabinet ministers while at the hotel, they were joined by the Prime Ministers of Grenada Dickon Mitchell and Barbados Mia Amor Mottley too. Modi was ..

India remains in top 10climate performers

INDIA remained in the top 10 on a list of 63 countries assessed for efforts to combat climate change, despite dropping two spots compared to an year ago, thanks to its low per-capita emissions and rapid deployment of renewables, a report said on Wednesday. The Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI 2025) -- published by think tanks Germanwatch, New Climate Institute, and Climate Action Network International -- tracks the progress of the world’s largest emitters in terms of emissions, renewables, and ..

Modi meets several world leaders in Brazil

PRIME Minister Narendra Modi met leaders of several countries, including those from Italy, Indonesia, Norway, Portugal, Egypt and South Korea on the sidelines of the G20 Summit and discussed ways to improve and strengthen bilateral ties. Modi also met International Monetary Fund (IMF) Deputy Managing Director Gita Gopinath and European Union (EU) President Ursula von der Leyen. Modi, who arrived in the Brazilian city on Sunday after concluding a two-day trip to Nigeria, on Monday met his Italian counterpar..

UK to relaunch FTA talks with India

BRITISH Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that trade talks with India will relaunch in the new year, following his bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G20 Summit in Brazil. Starmer and Modi met on the sidelines of the summit in Rio de Janeiro on Monday after which Downing Street said the UK will seek a new strategic partnership with India, including a trade agreement as well as deepening cooperation in areas like security, education, technology, and climate change. Starmer’s ..

UK to relaunch FTA talks with India

BRITISH Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that trade talks with India will relaunch in the new year, following his bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G20 Summit in Brazil. Starmer and Modi met on the sidelines of the summit in Rio de Janeiro on Monday after which Downing Street said the UK will seek a new strategic partnership with India, including a trade agreement as well as deepening cooperation in areas like security, education, technology, and climate change. Starmer’s ..

‘Long way to agree on new climate finance package’

AZERBAIJAN,hosting thisyear’s UN climate conference, on Monday said that countries still havealong way to agree on a new climate finance package to support developing nations in reducing emissions and adapting to climate change. At a press conference, COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev expressed concern over slow progress in resolving key issues. He urged Ministers to take responsibility and act swiftly. “There is still a long way to go on theNewCollectiveQuantified Goal (NCQG). Politicians must engage ..

Brazil welcomes PM Modi with vedic chants

PRIME Minister Narendra Modi was welcomed by BrazilianVedic scholars chanting Sanskrit mantras upon his arrival in Brazil for the G20 summit on Monday. The group of Vedic scholars, comprising men and women of all ages, sang melodious Sanskrit shlokas in PM Modi’s presence. They were dressed in traditional Indian attire, and the Prime Minister keenly listened to their harmonious recitation. According to a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs, there is significant interest in India’s culture, ..

Trump names Karoline Leavitt as White House Press Secretary

US President-elect Donald Trump on Friday named Karoline Leavitt as White House Press Secretary. Leavitt, 27, would replace Karine Jean-Pierre as the White House Press Secretary on January 20, 2025 when Trump takes oath as the 47th President of the United States. She was the Trump Campaign’s National Press Secretary and has previously served in the Trump White House as Assistant Press Secretary. Announcing her nomination, Trump said, “Leavitt did a phenomenal job as the National Press Secretary on ..

Colombia's government eager for post-fossil fuels economy. But costs are barrier!

Colombia's government eager for post-fossil fuels economy. But costs are barrier!..

Shanghai, Tokyo, NY, Houston spew most greenhouse gas

CITIES in Asia and the United States emit the most heat-trapping gas that feeds climate change, with Shanghai the most polluting, according to new data that combines observations and artificial intelligence. Seven states or provinces spew more than 1 billion metric tons of greenhouse gases, all of them in China, except Texas, which ranks sixth, according to new data from an organisation co-founded by former US Vice President Al Gore and released Friday at the United Nations climate talks in Baku, ..

Trump vows to end Russia-Ukraine war

US PRESIDENT-ELECT Donald Trump has said his administration will focus on ending the Russia-Ukraine war, as he lamented the killing of people in the conflict. He also said his administration will also work on bringing peace to West Asia. “We’re going to work on the Middle East, and we’re going to work very hard on Russia and Ukraine. It’s got to stop,” Trump said during a gala for the America First Policy Institute held at his Mar-a-Lago estate on Thursday. This was his first major speech and public ..

New gen Russian fighter jet Su-57 makes waves at China's air show

New gen Russian fighter jet Su-57 makes waves at China's air show ..

For 3rd straight year Earth remains on a path to be 2.70C warmer

FOR the third straight year, efforts to fight climate change haven’t lowered projections for how hot the world is likely to get — and recent developments in China and the United States are likely to slightly worsen the outlook, according to an analysis on Thursday. The analysis comes as countries come together for the 29th edition of the United Nations climate talks, hosted in Baku, Azerbaijan, where nations are trying to set new targets to cut emissions of heat-trapping gases and figure out how much ..

Trump’s Republicans get control of US House

REPUBLICANS have won enough seats to control the US House, completing the party’s sweep into power and securing their hold on US Government alongside President-elect Donald Trump. A House Republican victory in Arizona, alongside a win in slow-counting California earlier on Wednesday, gave the GOP the 218 House victories that make up the majority. Republicans earlier gained control of the Senate from Democrats. With hard-fought yet thin majorities, Republican leaders are envisioning a mandate to upend ..

Tulsi Gabbard to serve as Director of National Intelligence

WASHINGTON :  US PRESIDENT-ELECT Donald Trump on Wednesday announced that Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democrat and the first-ever Hindu elected to the US Congress, would serve as Director of National Intelligence in his second term. A four-term Congressw..

Australia will require social media platforms to act to prevent online harm to users

Australia will require social media platforms to act to prevent online harm to users..

Trump promises to turn Washington upside down yet being welcomed back

Trump promises to turn Washington upside down yet being welcomed back..

COP 29 Developingcountriesdemand FAIR CLIMATE FINANCIAL SUPPORT

INDIA, as part of the Like-Minded Developing Countries bloc, stood firm in calling for equitable financial support from developed nations at the ongoing COP29 climate negotiations, multiple sources from the grouping said here. Concerns were also raised that nearly 69 per cent of reported finance came in the form of loans adding burdens on the already vulnerable countries. At the annual climate talks, India negotiates in key groupings such as the Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDCs), G77 and ..

Japanese regulators disqualify reactor under post-Fukushima safety standards for first time

Japanese regulators disqualify reactor under post-Fukushima safety standards for first time..

Some wealthy countries say trillions needed to fight climate change, rich nations must lead

Some wealthy countries say trillions needed to fight climate change, rich nations must lead..

35 KILLED, 43 INJURED as manrams car into crowd in China

THIRTY-FIVE peoplewerekilled and43others injuredwhena 62- year-old man rammed his car into a crowd of people exercising at a sports centre on Monday in the Chinese city of Zhuhai, which is currently hosting the country’s prestigious international air show. Terming it a “major vicious incident”, local police said the incident occurred around 7:48 pm on Monday when citizens wereexercisingatthesportscentre wherealargenumberofpeople gathered for physical workouts, the official media reported Tuesday...

COP29 adopts establishment of global carbon market under Paris Pact’s Art 6

IN A landmark decision on the first day of the global climate talks here, COP29 has officially adopted the new operational standards for a mechanism of the Paris Agreement under Article 6, setting the stage for a global carbon market. This adoption of article 6.4, achieved during the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA), sets the stage for operationalising Article 6, which has faced years of deadlock. Article 6 of the Paris Agreement facilitates ..

India confident of reaching $100 bn trade with Russia ahead of 2030 timeline: EAM

INDIA is confident of achieving USD 100 billion in annual bilateral trade with Russia well ahead of the timeline of 2030 and a more substantive relationship between the two nations has a larger global resonance, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday. There have been challenges to trade, especially with regard to payments and logistics and perceptible progress has been made in that regard, but there is still some work to be done, he said. The External Affairs Minister was speaking ..

For nearly decade, climate talks have been hashing out so-called Article 6. But what is it?

For nearly decade, climate talks have been hashing out so-called Article 6. But what is it?..

Japan mulls $65 billion in public support for AI, chips

Japan mulls $65 billion in public support for AI, chips..

COP29 begins: Fight delays climate talks

DEVELOPING countries, including China and India, sparred with rich nations over including “unilateral trade measures”, such as the European Union’s carbon border tax, in the agenda of the UN climate talks, delaying the formal start of the conference on Monday. Agenda disputes are common at UN climate conferences but this one is especially significant as countries have limited time to agree on a new climate finance goal to help developing countries adapt to and fight climate change, the central issue ..

Trump, Putin speak over phone, discuss endingwar in Ukraine: Media report; Kremlin denies

US PRESIDENT-ELECT Donald Trump spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin over the phone and discussed ending the war in Ukraine amongst many other important topics, according to a media report. However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov denied the media report of the phone call between Putin and Trump. After winning the recent presidential elections, Trump has spoken to over 70 world leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were among the firsts. “The two ..

First emperor penguin known to reach Australia found on tourist beach

First emperor penguin known to reach Australia found on tourist beach..

Singles' Day shopping festival loses its shine under China's lagging economy

Singles' Day shopping festival loses its shine under China's lagging economy..

New climate finance goal in self-interest of every nation: UN climate chief at COP29

New climate finance goal in self-interest of every nation: UN climate chief at COP29 ..

Keir Starmer first UK PM since Churchill to attend Armistice Day in France

Keir Starmer first UK PM since Churchill to attend Armistice Day in France..

Tiger found dead in Koriya Forest Division

   Our Correspondent Koriya,  A fully-grown tiger was found dead near Katwar village in the Koriya Forest Division, sparking concern and calls for action from conservationists and local authorities alike. Forest officials from th..

Trump 2.0 will alter global climate fighting efforts. Will others step up?

Trump 2.0 will alter global climate fighting efforts. Will others step up?..

Putin heaps praise on PM Modi, insists India now among great powers of world

Putin heaps praise on PM Modi, insists India now among great powers of world..

Australia plans social media ban for children under 16

THE Australian Government announced on Thursday what it described as world-leading legislation that would institute an age limit of 16 years for children to start using social media, and hold platforms responsible for ensuring compliance. “Social media is doing harm to our kids and I’m calling time on it,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said. The legislation will be introduced in Parliament during its final two weeks in session this year, which begin on November 18. The age limit would take effect ..

World leaders congratulate Trump for ‘historic’ comeback

CONGRATULATORY messages poured in on Wednesday from world leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his UK counterpart Keir Starmer, for Donald Trump after his “historic” comeback in the US presidential election. Starmer was among the first world leaders to issue a congratulatory message soon after Trump addressed a rally in Florida to claim victory in the US presidential race. He said, the “special relationship” between the UK and the US would continue to prosper under the ..

6 Indian Americans in US House of Representatives

SIX Indian Americans have won the elections to the House of Representatives, increasing their number from five in the current Congress. Indian-American lawyer Suhas Subramanyam created history by becoming the first from the community to be elected from Virginia and the entire East Coast. He defeated Mike Clancy of the Republican Party. He is currently a Virginia State Senator. “I am honoured and humbled that the people of Virginia’s 10th District put their trust in me to take on the toughest fights ..

Trump wins America again

FORMER President Donald Trump on Wednesday won the US presidency for a second term in one of the greatest political comebacks in American history, cruising past his Democratic rival Kamala Harris in a bitterly fought election. The 78-year-old Republican leader cleared the 270 electoral votes needed to clinch the presidency by securing a victory in the key battleground state of Wisconsin. According to races called by the Associated Press up to 4 pm (IST), 277 electoral votes had gone to Republican ..

World leaders congratulate Donald Trump on 'historic' presidential victory

World leaders congratulate Donald Trump on 'historic' presidential victory ..

Indian industry looks forward to fruitful Trump policies in energy, IT sectors

Indian industry looks forward to fruitful Trump policies in energy, IT sectors..

PRO-KHALISTAN PROTESTCanadian cop suspended

A CANADIAN police officer has been suspended for participating in a pro-Khalistan protest outside the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton, according to a media report. On Sunday, protesters carrying Khalistani flags clashed with people at the Hindu temple and disrupted a consular event co-organised by the temple authorities and the Indian Consulate. There were unverified videos circulating on social media about the protest. The videos appeared to show demonstrators holding banners in support of Khalistan, ..

AMERICA VOTES WORLD WAITS

MILLIONS of Americans headed towards polling stations across the United States on Tuesday to elect the 47th President between Republican leader Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris in an election billed as one of the most consequential contests for the White House in decades. The race remained stubbornly deadlocked for weeks, with some of the election forecasters giving 60-year-old Vice President Harris an edge over former President Trump, 78, in some of the key battleground states like ..

Qataris decide whether to end limited voting for legislative seats in shadow of US election

Qataris decide whether to end limited voting for legislative seats in shadow of US election..

Spain's king stood his ground under mud barrage. What will iconic moment mean for his reign?

Spain's king stood his ground under mud barrage. What will iconic moment mean for his reign?..

Khalistanis clash with Hindus at temple in Canada

PROTESTERS carrying Khalistani flags clashed with people at a Hindu temple in Brampton, triggering condemnation by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who said every Canadian has the right to practise their faith freely and safely. On Sunday, Peel Regional Police said that a protest occurred at the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton and unverified videos circulating on social media appeared to show demonstrators holding banners in support of Khalistan, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported. The videos ..

US to vote for 47th President today Trump vs Harris goes down to the wire: US polls

THE United States will on Tuesday vote to elect its 47th President in a fierce race between Republican nominee Donald Trump and Democratic leader Kamala Harris that is set to go down in history as one of the tightest fights for the White House in decades. The electoral battle appears to have gone to the wire, according to latest opinion polls. Harris, 60, is the nominee of the Democratic Party and Trump, 78, is the Republican nominee. Their party members and support bases are united with their respective ..

Chinese astronauts return to earth safely after six-month stint in space station

Chinese astronauts return to earth safely after six-month stint in space station ..

Quincy Jones, music titan who worked with everyone from Frank Sinatra to Michael Jackson, dies at 91

Quincy Jones, music titan who worked with everyone from Frank Sinatra to Michael Jackson, dies at 91 ..

Another example of Canadian strategy to ‘attack India’: MEA Canada names India in cyberthreat list

INDIA on Saturday slammed Canada for naming it in the list of countries considered cyberthreat “adversaries”, describing the “categorisation” as another example of the Canadian strategy to “attack” the country. The National Cyber Threat Assessment 2025-2026 report issued by the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, Canada’s technical authority on cyber security, alleged that Indian state-sponsored actors “likely conduct cyber threat activity against Government of Canada networks for the purpose of espionage”..

Iran threatens Israel, US with ‘crushing response’ over attack

IRAN’S supreme leader on Saturday threatened Israel and the US with “a crushing response” over attacks on Iran and its allies. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei spoke as Iranian officials are increasingly threatening to launch yet another strike against Israel after its October 26 attack on the Islamic Republic that targeted military bases and other locations and killed at least five people. Any further attacks from either side could engulf the wider Middle East, already teetering over the Israel-Hamas war in ..