world

Ankara: Turkey is reportedly seeking to return the S-400 air defense systems it purchased from Russia nearly a decade ago, a move that could end a long-standing, controversial deal which strained its relations with the United States and other NATO allies. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has reportedly raised the issue directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin. If Russia agrees to take back the S-400 systems, it would resolve a major diplomatic stumbling block. The original purchase led to Turkey’s exclusion from the U.S.-led F-35 fighter jet program, as American officials expressed concerns that operating the Russian system could expose some of the stealth jet’s classified capabilities to Russian intelligence. Discussions Between Leaders According to sources familiar w...

Pakistan’s deteriorating relationship with the Taliban-led Afghan government has begun to exact a severe economic toll, with the suspension of cross-border trade inflicting losses estimated at $4.5 billion, according to Pakistani business bodies. As tensions escalate along the border, Pakistani traders are bearing the brunt of a political and security standoff that shows little sign of easing. The Pakistan–Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry has warned that the continued closure of border trade routes has pushed Pakistani exporters and transporters into crisis. The situation worsened after Pakistan carried out air strikes in Afghanistan, believing the show of force would pressure the Taliban into acting against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Instead, militant attac...

Fresh revelations in the investigation into the deadly terrorist attack on Jewish worshippers in Australia have turned the spotlight on the Philippines, raising troubling questions about why the father–son terror suspects travelled there shortly before carrying out the massacre. Philippine authorities have confirmed that the two accused terrorists—Sajid Akram and his son Naveed Akram—entered the country on Indian passports. Hyderabad Police have also verified that one of the attackers involved in the incident was an Indian national. Australian investigators say the duo visited southern Philippines, a region long associated with Islamist extremism, before launching the attack in Sydney. Initially, there was speculation that the attackers were linked to Pakistan, widely regarded as a g...

In a major geopolitical and economic development, Russia has expressed strong interest in India-operated Iran’s Chabahar Port and decided to integrate it into the strategically significant International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC). The move is expected to accelerate regional connectivity and deliver substantial gains for Iran and India, while strengthening Russia’s access to South Asian markets. Russia has described Chabahar Port as a key gateway to South Asia, capable of connecting Europe and Central Asia with South and East Asia through an efficient and independent trade route. The decision was taken during high-level bilateral talks between Russian and Iranian officials in Tehran, aimed at fast-tracking the operationalisation of the INSTC. High-Level Iran–Russia Talks ...

Pakistan has extended its ban on Indian aircraft using its airspace until January 24, 2026, further prolonging aviation restrictions between the two countries amid continuing diplomatic and security tensions. With this extension, Pakistani airspace will have remained closed to Indian aircraft for a total of 210 days. According to a fresh Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued on Wednesday by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA), the restriction will remain in force from December 16, 2025, to January 24, 2026 (PST). During this period, no aircraft registered in India—commercial or military—will be permitted to fly through Pakistani airspace. The PAA clarified that the ban applies to all Indian-owned, operated, or leased aircraft, including military flights, and is a continuation of the exis...

London/Islamabad: The sons of former Pakistani Prime Minister and PTI founder Imran Khan are preparing to travel to Pakistan in January to meet their father, who is reportedly being held in harsh conditions in prison. Residing in London, Kasim Khan told British news channel Sky News that he and his brother Sulaiman Khan have applied for visas and are planning their visit next month. The brothers expressed deep concern over their father’s current state in a so-called ‘death cell’, describing the conditions as extremely poor. Kasim mentioned that during an interview with journalist Yalda Hakim, both feared they might never get the chance to meet their father due to bureaucratic or political obstacles. Efforts to Secure Permission Kasim confirmed that the brothers are actively pursui...

Delhi: The national capital continues to struggle under severe air pollution, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) on Wednesday recorded at 329, placing it in the “very poor” category. With GRAP-4 restrictions in effect, Chinese officials have shared a six-step masterplan that helped Beijing tackle similar pollution challenges, offering a potential blueprint for Delhi. Vehicles Remain the Major PollutersResearch indicates that vehicular emissions are the largest contributors to poor air quality in Delhi. A spokesperson from the Chinese Embassy in India suggested adopting six measures successfully implemented in Beijing to curb pollution and improve air quality. China’s Six-Step Strategy Strict Vehicle Emission Standards:Beijing introduced ultra-strict emission standards (China 6NI, e...

Washington: A 60-year-old Indian-origin woman has been taken into custody by U.S. immigration authorities during her green card interview. Bubbly Kaur, who has been living in the United States since 1994, was detained at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office while attending a biometric appointment related to her green card application, according to her daughter Jyoti. Family Status and Legal BackgroundBubbly Kaur’s green card application was in its final stage and had approval from her daughter and husband. Her second daughter is a U.S. citizen, while her husband holds a green card. The family has lived in several cities in California, including Laguna Beach and Long Beach, before settling in Belmont Shore. Detention DetailsOn December 1, Bubbly Kaur was at the ICE ...

Addis Ababa: In a unique gesture of honor, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the airport with a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony—one of the country’s most sacred cultural rituals. Departing from the usual red-carpet protocol, this ceremony symbolizes respect, trust, and the strengthening of relationships, highlighting the deep emotional and cultural connection between India and Ethiopia. Ethiopia: The Birthplace of CoffeeEthiopia is widely recognized as the birthplace of coffee, and the beverage holds profound significance in its culture and history—comparable to the reverence Indians hold for the Ganges River. A local saying goes, “Buna Dabo Naw” meaning “Coffee is our bread,” reflecting its central role in daily life. Drinking...

Canada has made a significant change to its citizenship laws, now allowing children born or adopted abroad to claim Canadian citizenship. The move, effective from December 15, 2025, through Bill C-3, is expected to benefit many in the Indian diaspora, among other immigrant communities. Key Changes Under Bill C-3 Under the new rules, children born or adopted outside Canada to Canadian parents are now eligible for citizenship, provided that the parents have spent at least three years (1,095 days) physically in Canada before the child’s birth or adoption. The law also expands eligibility beyond the first generation born abroad, reflecting a more modern and inclusive approach to citizenship based on lineage. Why Bill C-3 Was Needed The amendment addresses limitations in previous re...