Category: WORLD

Addis Ababa/New Delhi, Dec 17: During his landmark visit to Ethiopia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined three key pillars to strengthen and elevate ties between India and Ethiopia as the two nations transitioned their relationship into a Strategic Partnership. In discussions with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, Modi emphasised food and health security, capacity building, and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) as the core areas of enhanced cooperation. These focus areas are expected to drive shared development goals and deepen economic and social engagement between the two countries.

Under the first pillar of food and health security, both sides agreed to expand cooperation in sustainable agriculture, natural farming, agritech and public health initiatives to ensure long‑term food availability and wellbeing. The second pillar, capacity building, includes new programs in artificial intelligence, vocational training and a doubling of student scholarships, enabling more Ethiopian students to access higher education in India and strengthen youth‑to‑youth ties. The third pillar, Digital Public Infrastructure, aims to support technological innovation and growth through collaboration on digital systems and platforms. Leaders also discussed broader cooperation in pharmaceuticals, digital health, energy, mining and other sectors to support mutual prosperity and regional stability.

Los Angeles, Dec 17: Hollywood has been rocked by tragedy as Nick Reiner, 32, has been formally charged with two counts of first‑degree murder in connection with the fatal stabbing deaths of his parents, iconic filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, in their Brentwood home. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office announced that the charges include special circumstances for multiple murders and the use of a deadly weapon, meaning prosecutors may seek the harshest possible penalties, including life in prison without parole or, in theory, the death penalty — although a decision on capital punishment has not yet been made. Nick Reiner is currently being held without bail as the case moves forward.

The couple’s bodies were discovered on December 14 by their daughter after authorities responded to a welfare check at the upscale residence, with early reports indicating they suffered stab wounds. Law enforcement arrested Nick Reiner later that same night near the University of Southern California, and he was booked on suspicion of murder before prosecutors filed formal charges. The circumstances leading to the killings remain under investigation, and authorities have said they will present evidence in court as the case progresses. Rob Reiner, 78, was celebrated for his contributions to film and television over decades, while Michele Singer Reiner, 68, was a respected photographer and LGBTQ+ rights advocate, making the deaths a moment of profound shock and mourning both within Hollywood and among fans worldwide.

Muscat/New Delhi, Dec 17: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Oman, taking place on December 17–18, is centred on strengthening economic and strategic ties between India and the Sultanate, with the much‑anticipated Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) expected to be a key outcome. The two countries have maintained close commercial relations for decades, with bilateral trade exceeding USD ~10.6 billion in FY 2024‑25, up from earlier levels, driven largely by energy products and other key commodities. The CEPA, which has been under negotiation for the past two years and recently received Cabinet approval, aims to significantly reduce trade barriers such as customs duties, simplify regulatory procedures and expand market access for goods and services, creating a more favourable environment for businesses on both sides.

Economic experts and business leaders from Oman and India say the agreement could double bilateral trade volumes within five years by removing tariffs on a broad range of products and opening up new sectors for cooperation, including technology, logistics, tourism, agriculture, green energy and services. The strategic geography of Oman — positioned near major shipping routes and serving as a gateway to the GCC, Africa and beyond — is seen as an added advantage for Indian exporters and investors looking to expand regionally. Both governments also hope that simplified trade rules, investment incentives and stronger institutional linkages will boost employment opportunities, encourage joint ventures, and elevate mutual investment flows. PM Modi’s visit is expected to provide the political momentum needed to finalise the CEPA and set in motion a faster pace of economic engagement between the two countries.

Islamabad, Dec 17: Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s sons, Sulaiman and Kasim Khan, have voiced serious concerns over their father’s well-being, alleging that he is being subjected to psychological torture while lodged in jail. In an emotional public statement, they said they fear they may “never see him again,” citing prolonged isolation, limited access to family and lawyers, and deteriorating mental health conditions.

They accused Pakistani authorities of deliberately using harsh prison conditions to break Imran Khan’s spirit, calling it a violation of basic human rights and democratic values. The sons appealed to the international community to take note of their father’s situation, stressing that the treatment meted out to him goes beyond legal punishment and amounts to mental abuse amid Pakistan’s ongoing political turmoil.

Jamnagar, December 16: Football legend Lionel Messi on Monday departed from Jamnagar airport after completing his visit to Vantara, the wildlife conservation and rehabilitation centre. Visuals showed the Argentine star leaving amid tight security arrangements, with fans gathering near the airport hoping to catch a glimpse of the global football icon.

During his visit, Messi reportedly explored the facilities at Vantara and appreciated the conservation efforts aimed at animal welfare and ecological preservation. His visit has generated significant excitement among sports fans in India, with many hailing it as a memorable moment linking global sport with wildlife conservation initiatives.

Islamabad, December 16: Economic activity in Pakistan is facing fresh disruption as a cargo transport strike has affected the movement of essential goods across several regions, officials and traders said on Monday. The strike has reportedly led to delays in the supply of food items, fuel, and industrial raw materials, raising concerns among businesses and consumers.

Industry representatives warned that prolonged disruptions could further strain an already fragile economy, impacting prices and production schedules. Authorities said efforts are underway to hold talks with transporters to resolve the issue, while urging stakeholders to restore services to prevent shortages and economic losses.

Washington, December 16: Former US President Donald Trump drew criticism after mocking the death of filmmaker Rob Reiner, referring to him as a “struggling director” in a social media post. Trump’s remarks have sparked outrage among fans and industry colleagues, who condemned the comments as insensitive and disrespectful.

Political analysts noted that the former president has frequently used social media to target public figures, often stirring controversy. Reactions from the entertainment community highlighted the importance of respecting personal loss, while the incident continues to generate widespread discussion online.

Washington, December 16: Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid, estimated to be up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine, primarily used in medical settings for severe pain management. However, illegally manufactured fentanyl has driven a major drug crisis, particularly in the United States, where even a tiny dose can be fatal. It is often mixed with other drugs without users’ knowledge, sharply increasing the risk of overdose.

Former US President Donald Trump classified fentanyl as a “weapon of mass destruction” while highlighting its devastating impact on public health and national security. He used the term to underscore the scale of deaths caused by the drug and to push for stricter border controls and tougher action against drug trafficking networks. Officials and experts say the remark reflects the unprecedented toll of fentanyl-related overdoses rather than a formal weapons classification, as governments continue efforts to curb its illegal production and distribution.

Tokyo, December 16: Japanese authorities on Monday lifted the megaquake advisory issued earlier following a magnitude 7.5 earthquake that struck offshore regions, but urged residents to remain cautious of aftershocks and potential tsunamis. The quake, which rattled several prefectures, caused minor structural damage and temporarily disrupted transportation networks.

Officials advised citizens to stay alert, avoid coastal areas, and follow safety protocols, emphasizing that aftershocks could occur in the coming days. Emergency services continue to monitor affected regions, conduct inspections, and provide assistance to those impacted by the tremor.

Washington, December 16: Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid, estimated to be up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine, primarily used in medical settings for severe pain management. However, illegally manufactured fentanyl has driven a major drug crisis, particularly in the United States, where even a tiny dose can be fatal. It is often mixed with other drugs without users’ knowledge, sharply increasing the risk of overdose.

Former US President Donald Trump classified fentanyl as a “weapon of mass destruction” while highlighting its devastating impact on public health and national security. He used the term to underscore the scale of deaths caused by the drug and to push for stricter border controls and tougher action against drug trafficking networks. Officials and experts say the remark reflects the unprecedented toll of fentanyl-related overdoses rather than a formal weapons classification, as governments continue efforts to curb its illegal production and distribution.