Category: WORLD

Hyderabad, January 9:
The Iranian Consulate in Hyderabad on Thursday assured Indian citizens of their safety following ongoing protests and unrest in Iran. The consulate stated that while the situation in parts of the country remains tense, authorities are taking all necessary measures to ensure the protection and security of Indian nationals living or travelling in Iran.

Officials at the consulate advised Indian citizens to remain vigilant, avoid large gatherings, and follow local guidelines. They also provided emergency contact information for assistance and emphasised that consular services remain operational to address any issues arising from the unrest. The advisory comes amid increasing reports of demonstrations and security clampdowns in various Iranian cities, prompting several governments to issue precautionary notices to their citizens.

New Delhi, January 9:
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Thursday held a meeting with Costa Rica’s Ambassador to India to discuss avenues of cooperation in electoral processes and democratic governance. The discussions focused on sharing best practices, election management technologies, and strategies to enhance voter participation.

During the meeting, both sides explored opportunities for bilateral training programs, knowledge exchange, and technical support in areas such as digital voting systems, voter education campaigns, and election monitoring. The CEC emphasised India’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and highlighted the Election Commission’s initiatives to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections. The envoy welcomed the exchange, noting that Costa Rica seeks to benefit from India’s experience in managing large-scale electoral exercises.

Islamabad, January 9:
Bakeries across several provinces in Pakistan have shut down operations amid rising frustration over government inefficiency, officials and industry representatives said on Thursday. The closures, affecting both urban and rural areas, were reportedly triggered by a combination of regulatory delays, rising costs of raw materials, and inconsistent electricity and gas supply, leaving bakery owners unable to sustain daily operations.

Industry stakeholders warned that prolonged disruptions could impact food availability and increase prices of essential bakery products such as bread and pastries, putting pressure on households already grappling with inflation. Local business associations have called on provincial governments to address supply chain issues, streamline licensing procedures, and ensure timely provision of utilities to prevent further economic disruption. Meanwhile, consumers have expressed concern over shortages and the potential long-term effects on small businesses in the food sector.

Kyiv, January 8:
Overnight Russian missile and drone strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have left more than one million residents in the Dnipropetrovsk region without access to running water and heating amid freezing winter temperatures, Ukrainian officials said on Thursday. The large-scale attacks targeted critical facilities that supply electricity to centralised heating and water systems, causing widespread blackouts and service shutdowns that disrupted everyday life for households, hospitals and essential services across key areas. Repair crews are working under challenging conditions to restore services, but authorities warned that restoration could take time given the scale of damage and ongoing security threats.

Deputy Prime Minister and Restoration Minister Oleksii Kuleba said efforts are underway in an intensified mode to bring water and heating back to affected consumers, with some partial systems already being reactivated. In addition to Dnipropetrovsk, nearby regions such as Zaporizhzhia also faced power outages, though electricity was restored to some critical facilities. Ukrainian leaders condemned the strikes as a deliberate strategy to wear down civilians during the harsh winter, stressing the strain on emergency and utility workers trying to keep vital infrastructure running. The incidents have reignited calls for increased international support for Ukraine’s air defence capabilities to protect essential infrastructure from recurring attacks.

Washington, January 8:
The United States’ high-stakes policy towards Venezuela under former President Donald Trump has drawn renewed global attention, with analysts warning that recent actions may signal a broader geopolitical and energy strategy that extends beyond isolated military operations. Following a controversial military operation that resulted in the ousting of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, the Trump administration has taken steps to assert control over Venezuela’s vast oil reserves — the largest proven in the world — while proposing long-term influence in the region. U.S. officials, including Energy Secretary Chris Wright, indicated plans to exercise indefinite control over Venezuelan oil sales through U.S.-controlled accounts and negotiate production increases, a move framed as stabilising output and benefiting both nations’ economies. This approach highlights how energy considerations, particularly Venezuela’s substantial crude resources, have become intertwined with U.S. policy aims, even as critics question the legality and morality of such actions on the international stage. Axios+1

The evolving situation has raised concerns among regional actors and global observers about the broader implications of sustained U.S. involvement in Venezuela’s internal affairs. While the stated objectives include bolstering energy production and supporting economic recovery, opponents argue the strategy could deepen geopolitical friction, particularly with countries like China and Russia that maintain longstanding ties with Caracas. Moreover, the emphasis on controlling Venezuela’s oil infrastructure and sales underscores how strategic resource interests may drive foreign policy decisions, potentially shaping future U.S. diplomacy in Latin America and beyond. The developments also revive debates over sovereignty, international law and the long-term stability of a region grappling with political upheaval and economic challenges.

Bogotá, January 8:
Residents along Colombia’s border regions have expressed growing concern as the government stepped up military presence amid rising security tensions. Authorities cited cross-border smuggling, insurgent activity, and illegal armed groups as reasons for the deployment, stating that increased vigilance is necessary to maintain law and order and protect citizens. However, local communities fear that the heightened militarisation could disrupt daily life and escalate conflicts rather than resolve underlying issues.

Experts noted that while border security is crucial, a balance must be struck to avoid civilian hardships and prevent further escalation. Citizens reported increased checkpoints, patrolling, and temporary restrictions, prompting debates over civil liberties and safety. The government assured that the measures are temporary and aimed at stabilising the region, but Colombians living near the frontier remain wary, calling for dialogue alongside security measures to address long-term challenges in border management.

Washington, January 8:
Former US President Donald Trump has proposed a $1.5 trillion military budget for the fiscal year 2027, advocating a significant increase in defense spending to strengthen the country’s armed forces. Speaking at a policy event, Trump emphasized that the higher allocation is essential to maintain America’s global dominance, modernize the military, and ensure readiness against emerging international threats. He argued that underfunding in the past has weakened national security and that strategic investment is crucial for the future.

Trump outlined that the proposed budget would cover expansion of advanced weapon systems, increased troop readiness, cyber defense capabilities, and modernization of the nuclear arsenal. He claimed that a robust military not only safeguards the United States but also serves as a deterrent against global adversaries. Analysts noted that while the figure is well above current defense allocations, it reflects Trump’s long-standing approach of prioritizing military strength as a cornerstone of national policy.

Washington, January 8:
Former US President Donald Trump has once again asserted that he played a decisive role in ending multiple global conflicts during his tenure, claiming credit for stopping as many as eight wars. Speaking at a public event, Trump said his foreign policy approach helped prevent large-scale conflicts and de-escalate tensions in several regions, but alleged that his efforts were never acknowledged internationally.

Trump further criticised Norway, which hosts and awards the Nobel Peace Prize, saying it had “foolishly” denied him the honour despite what he described as his unprecedented contributions to global peace. He reiterated that other leaders had received the prestigious prize for far less, while his role in peace negotiations and diplomatic breakthroughs was ignored due to political bias.

Highlighting initiatives such as the Abraham Accords in the Middle East and dialogue efforts with North Korea, Trump argued that his administration prioritised direct negotiations over prolonged military engagements. He claimed these strategies reduced America’s involvement in foreign wars and saved countless lives, adding that history would eventually recognise his achievements even if international institutions did not.

Manila, January 7:
A powerful earthquake measuring 6.7 on the Richter scale struck near Baculin in the Philippines on Wednesday, causing widespread panic among residents and triggering emergency response measures. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that the tremor was shallow, intensifying shaking in the affected areas and damaging infrastructure, including roads, buildings and communication lines. Local authorities immediately activated disaster response teams and urged residents to stay outdoors and follow safety protocols as aftershocks continued to be felt throughout the region.

Officials stated that initial reports indicate no major casualties, though several injuries were reported due to falling debris and collapsed structures. Emergency shelters have been set up to accommodate displaced residents, and teams are conducting damage assessments to prioritise relief efforts. The quake also raised concerns about possible secondary hazards such as landslides and flooding in nearby provinces. Government agencies, in coordination with local authorities, are closely monitoring the situation and providing timely updates to the public. Residents and experts alike emphasised the need for heightened preparedness and awareness in the seismically active region of the Philippines, where earthquakes are a recurrent natural hazard.

Washington, January 7:
Former US President Donald Trump has withheld federal child care funding to five states after raising concerns over alleged financial irregularities and misuse of funds in child care assistance programmes. According to officials familiar with the decision, the move was taken following preliminary reviews that flagged potential fraud, lack of accountability and non-compliance with federal guidelines in the utilisation of funds meant to support low-income families. The withheld funding forms part of federal allocations designed to ensure affordable and accessible child care services, particularly for working parents and vulnerable communities.

The decision has sparked political debate, with critics arguing that suspending child care funding could adversely affect families who rely on government support, while supporters say strict oversight is necessary to prevent misuse of public money. Authorities have stated that the funding will remain on hold until the concerned states provide satisfactory explanations and corrective measures to address the alleged discrepancies. Observers note that the development highlights broader tensions over federal oversight, fiscal responsibility and social welfare funding in the United States, with the issue likely to feature prominently in ongoing political discussions surrounding governance and accountability.