world

Ottawa/New Delhi: The historic India-European Union free trade agreement has won praise from Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Tim Hogson, who described it as a prime example of rejecting the use of tariffs as an economic weapon. Speaking at India Energy Week in Goa on Tuesday, Hogson said the deal demonstrates how economies can strengthen multilateral trade relations and diversify supply chains to counter protectionism. Without mentioning the United States or President Donald Trump directly, Hogson noted, “The economic changes unfolding today are not gradual—they are profound. Major powers have decided that the rules-based order will no longer operate in the same way. In this context, India’s signing of the trade deal sends a strong message in favor of free trade and t...

Ankara/Tehran/Washington: The Middle East is on high alert as the United States deploys a second aircraft carrier toward the region, intensifying fears of a potential strike on Iran. The first carrier, USS Abraham Lincoln, has already arrived in the Gulf of Oman, accompanied by four warships, submarines, and supply vessels, forming a full carrier strike group. Amid growing regional uncertainty, Turkey is reportedly planning a buffer zone along its border with Iran to manage a potential influx of refugees in the event of political collapse in Tehran. According to sources cited by Middle East Eye, Turkish foreign ministry officials briefed parliament members on multiple contingency plans this week. One official said Ankara wants to ensure that any migration is controlled within Iranian te...

Doomsday Clock Moves Closer to Midnight: Humanity Just 85 Seconds Away from Potential Catastrophe Washington: Scientists have advanced the Doomsday Clock by four seconds, bringing it closer to midnight than ever before in its 80-year history. Now set at 85 seconds to midnight, the symbolic clock warns that humanity faces unprecedented risks, signaling the growing threat of global catastrophe. The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists announced the update on Tuesday. The decision reflects heightened global tensions, escalating conflicts, and accelerating technological dangers. Experts cited the increasing threat of nuclear warfare and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence as major factors pushing humanity perilously close to disaster. Urgent Call for Global Action Alexandra Bell...

Washington/New Delhi: The historic free trade agreement between India and the European Union—dubbed the “Mother of All Deals”—has reportedly drawn the ire of the United States. The deal strengthens the partnership between two major economies representing nearly 25 percent of the global GDP. The announcement comes at a sensitive time, as the Trump administration had previously imposed 50 percent tariffs on Indian goods to pressure New Delhi. US officials have increasingly voiced concerns over India’s trade and energy policies. On Tuesday, US Trade Representative Jamison Greer indicated that India would not receive immediate tariff relief, citing ongoing issues with its Russian oil purchases. In an interview with Fox Business, Greer acknowledged India’s progress in reducing imports of ...

Washington/Dallas: The state of Texas has announced a freeze on all new H-1B visa hiring, marking a major move that could impact foreign professionals seeking employment in the state. Governor Greg Abbott has issued directives to state agencies and public universities to immediately suspend all new H-1B applications. The freeze will remain in effect until May 31, 2027. In a letter to agency heads, Abbott cited concerns over the alleged misuse of the federal H-1B program and emphasized that American jobs should be reserved for US workers. Agencies and universities have also been instructed to submit detailed reports by March 27, 2026, outlining the number of new and renewed H-1B applications filed in 2025, current visa holders, their employment details, and countries of origin. Abbott...

Jerusalem/Washington: Tensions in the Middle East escalated as the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln reached the region, raising concerns of a potential strike against Iran. Amid this development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a direct warning to Tehran. Speaking at a press conference, Netanyahu stated, “If Iran makes the mistake of attacking Israel, we will respond with a force the likes of which Iran has never seen before.” He emphasized that any assault on Israel would be met with overwhelming retaliation. Netanyahu also referenced remarks by US President Donald Trump, who has warned Iran in recent days, signaling close coordination between the two allies. US-Iran Standoff On Monday, Trump told Axios that while the US possesses a massive fleet in the re...

London/Beijing: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has embarked on a long-awaited visit to China, marking the first such trip by a UK premier since 2018. The visit comes at a time of heightened interest in Europe and is expected to draw scrutiny from the United States, which has previously expressed concerns over independent Western engagement with Beijing. A Strategic Move Amid Strained US Ties Starmer’s China visit aims to soften bilateral relations and boost the UK economy, though it risks domestic criticism from hardliners advocating a tough stance on China. The trip follows Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent visit, which provoked a sharp response from US President Donald Trump, and there is anticipation that Trump may react similarly to Starmer’s engagement. During...

New York: United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for urgent reforms in the UN Security Council (UNSC), emphasizing the need to enhance its representation and effectiveness without delay. His remarks came shortly after India criticized the UN’s functioning in global peace and security matters. While Guterres did not name the initiative directly, his comments appeared to target U.S. President Donald Trump’s recently launched “Board of Peace.” Guterres’ Statement In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Guterres wrote, “The United Nations Security Council is the only body authorized to act on behalf of all member states on matters of peace and security. It alone takes decisions that are legally binding on all. No other body or ad-hoc coalition can legally compel all c...

India and the European Union (EU) have officially signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement, described by leaders as the “Mother of All Deals.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the deal alongside European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The deal has attracted global attention, but U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to be displeased. Analysts say the agreement challenges Trump’s recent efforts to exert pressure on India and Europe through trade. Over the past months, his administration imposed high tariffs on India—up to 50%—while repeatedly threatening European nations over issues including Greenland. Why Trump May Be Agitated Trump has sought to isolate India and Europe in trade matters, and the new India-EU deal dir...

Pakistan expressed its anger at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Monday, targeting India over last year’s Operation Sindur. Pakistani officials accused India of violating international law and questioned its military conduct, while also raising concerns over Kashmir and the Indus Water Treaty. Speaking at the UNSC, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative Asim Iftikhar Ahmed demanded that the council uphold international law. “Last May, India launched an attack without any military provocation, violating both international law and Pakistan’s sovereignty,” Ahmed said. He emphasized that respect for international norms is the only legitimate framework governing relations between states. Kashmir Dispute Highlighted Ahmed repeatedly addressed the Kashmir issue, accusing India ...