Latest news with #CONTINUES
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
13 hours ago
- Politics
- First Post
'Stopped war': Trump again makes a claim India has repeatedly refuted on 4-day Pakistan clash
Trump has once again claimed credit for 'stopping war' between India and Pakistan, this time saying he intervened to prevent a nuclear conflict. His remarks have drawn sharp criticism from the Congress, which questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence on the matter. read more US President Donald Trump has once again claimed credit for averting a war between India and Pakistan, drawing sharp criticism from the Congress, which questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's continued silence on the matter. Speaking at a reception at the White House on Tuesday (July 23, 2025), Trump said, 'We stopped wars between India and Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda.' He further claimed that five aircraft were shot down during the India-Pakistan confrontation and that the situation was close to spiraling into a nuclear conflict. 'It was going back and forth. I called them and said, 'No more trade. If you do this, it's not going to be good.' They're both powerful nuclear nations, and that would have happened. I stopped it,' Trump asserted. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD #WATCH | US President Donald Trump says, "We have stopped wars between India and Pakistan. They were probably going to end up in a nuclear war. They shot down five planes in the last attack. It was back and forth, back and forth. I called them and I said no more trade if you do… — ANI (@ANI) July 23, 2025 The congress said that this marks the 25th time in the past 73 days that Trump has repeated his claim of preventing a war between the two South Asian neighbours. Reacting to the remarks, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh took a swipe at PM Modi, saying while Trump has made a 'silver jubilee' out of his claim, the Indian prime minister remains conspicuously silent. 'He has trumpeted his claim 25 times in 73 days, yet the Prime Minister of India has not uttered a word—choosing instead to travel abroad and destabilise democratic institutions at home,' Ramesh said in a post on X. He also slammed the Modi government for refusing to give firm dates for a parliamentary debate on the Pahalgam-Sindoor issue, adding that the PM has not committed to responding in the House. Trump also expanded his list of purported diplomatic achievements, claiming the U.S. had 'taken out Iran's entire nuclear capability' and stopped conflicts in Kosovo and Serbia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While Trump has frequently credited his trade diplomacy for de-escalating global tensions, there has been no official confirmation from New Delhi or Islamabad regarding his role in the alleged ceasefire or the reported aerial engagement.
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
19 hours ago
- Politics
- First Post
FirstUp: Modi to visit UK, Ukraine-Russia to hold new round of peace talks… Big events of the day
Prime Minister Modi will depart for a visit to the United Kingdom today, where he will meet his British counterpart Keir Starmer and sign the India-UK free trade agreement (FTA). Russia and Ukraine will hold a third round of ceasefire negotiations today. The Indian cricket team will take on England in the fourth Test match at Manchester. Here's what else to expect read more Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on the sidelines of the G7 Summit at Kananaskis, in Alberta, Canada. File image/PTI Are you prepared for a news-packed day? Wednesday, July 23, is set to be a busy, busy day in the world of news as well as sports. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a two-nation tour to the United Kingdom and the Maldives from July 23 until July 26. Today, Russia and Ukraine are also all set to hold new peace talks as a follow-up to the two rounds of peace talks held in Istanbul. Also, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will hold talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Berlin on July 23, German government spokesperson Steffen Meyer said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In India, the funeral of VS Achuthanandan, Kerala's former chief minister, will be held today. Moreover, the Indian Air Force (IAF) will conduct a major, large-scale exercise in Rajasthan along the India-Pakistan border. Owing to this, a Notice to Airmen (Notam) has been issued in connection with the exercise. Today, also marks the start of the fourth Test match between India and England scheduled to be played in Manchester. Here's what to expect from this very busy Wednesday. Modi embarks on UK visit Starting today, July 23, PM Modi will begin his two-nation tour to the United Kingdom and Maldives. The Ministry of External Affairs said that Modi's visit to UK comes at the invitation of his British counterpart, Keir Starmer. This will be PM Modi's fourth visit to the nation since assuming office in 2014. 'The PM will embark on an official visit to the United Kingdom tomorrow, 23rd July, for discussions with Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. He will also call upon King Charles III. Interaction is also planned with the business leaders, both from India and the UK. This will be Prime Minister's fourth visit to the UK since assuming office,' Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced. Modi's visit to UK will see him signing the much-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Moreover, he will hold wide-ranging discussions with Starmer on the entire gamut of India-UK bilateral relations, including the issue of Khalistani elements on British soil. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that a third round of negotiations will be held today in Turkey. File image/Reuters Russia-Ukraine peace talks On Wednesday, a third round of ceasefire negotiations between Russia and Ukraine is set to take place in Istanbul, Turkey. This comes after previous talks in May and June failed to yield any results. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that talks will be held today. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has downplayed any chances of a positive outcome from the meeting. The Russian side said on Tuesday that there was no basis to expect miracles from a proposed third round of direct Russian-Ukrainian peace talks, and declined to give any time frame for a potential agreement to end the war. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Macron to meet Germany's Merz in Berlin French President Emmanuel Macron will travel to meet German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Wednesday in Berlin, where the two will discuss the 30 per cent tariffs Trump has threatened on all EU goods if no agreement is reached. The two leaders, according to a report in Le Monde, will also discuss nuclear energy at the meeting today. The meeting is intended to lay the groundwork for the Franco-German Council of Ministers, planned for late August. France has long advocated that nuclear energy should not be penalised in Brussels, as atomic power accounts for nearly 70 per cent of its primary energy production. After years of fierce debate between Berlin and Paris, France hopes for a policy shift with the return of conservatives to power in Germany, especially since Merz presented himself as a staunch supporter of nuclear energy. The Indian Air Force is set to carry out a major military exercise in Rajasthan. Representational image/PTI IAF to hold exercises in Rajasthan A Notice to Airmen (Notam) has been issued for a large-scale Indian Air Force (IAF) exercise scheduled for July 23–25 in Rajasthan along the India-Pakistan border. According to sources, the Indian Air Force is set to carry out a major military exercise in Rajasthan, covering areas from Barmer to Jodhpur. 'The exercise is scheduled to take place in Rajasthan near the International Border, is part of the IAF's regular operational readiness drills. It could be between two or three commands of IAF. We keep issuing Notam during such exercise to keep airspace cleared of any civilian aircraft,' said the official. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The intensive drill will including frontline fighter jets including Rafale, Mirage 2000, and Sukhoi-30 aircraft, along with air-defence system and support systems. The drill will also involve preparedness during night operations. VS Achuthanandan's funeral in Kerala The state of Kerala in India is in mourning after news broke that former chief minister and Communist stalwart VS Achuthanandan passed away. Achuthanandan, known widely as VS, will be cremated today at the Valiyachudukadu funeral ground in his home district of Alappuzha. Earlier on Monday, his remains were kept at the party's former state headquarters, AKG Study Centre, in Thiruvananthapuram before being taken to his house. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said VS's death marked the end of an era. 'His death is a loss for the party and the state. His life was a remarkable chapter in the history of Kerala as well as of the revolutionary movement. He has been a symbol of struggle, unflinching determination and uncompromising fighting spirit. As chief minister, he had been instrumental in taking Kerala forward. He got involved in several issues, including human rights, women's rights and the environment. He played a crucial role in bringing several social issues to mainstream politics,' Vijayan said. Indian captain Shubman Gill and coach Gautam Gambhir during a practice session. File image/PTI India take on England in fourth Test match The historic Old Trafford ground in Manchester will play host to the penultimate Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy from Wednesday. While India strive to bounce back from their painstaking defeat at Lord's and draw level at 2-2, the hosts will aim to seal the fate of the series with a decisive lead. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, things won't be easy for the Indian side. Nitish Kumar Reddy has been ruled out of the remainder while Arshdeep Singh will also miss it due to injury. England, meanwhile, has made just one change to their squad; Liam Lawson will replace Shoaib Bashir, who has also been ruled out of the remainder due to finger injury sustained in the 3rd Test. The match will start today at 3.30 pm IST. With inputs from agencies
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
a day ago
- Business
- First Post
India-UK FTA nearing completion, 'last-minute work' underway: Misri ahead of PM Modi's London visit
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced Tuesday that the long-delayed India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is nearing completion, with both nations finalising 'legal scrubbing' and other closing formalities read more PM Narendra Modi shakes hands with his UK counterpart PM Keir Starmer at the G20 Summit that took place in Brazil. Image courtesy: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a two-day state visit to the United Kingdom starting July 23, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announcing Tuesday (July 22) that the long-delayed India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is nearing completion, with both nations finalising 'legal scrubbing' and other closing formalities. 'We are working on legal scrubbing and other last-minute work that needs to be done,' Misri stated at a press conference ahead of Modi's London visit, where the trade pact is slated for signing on July 24. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'The UK is the sixth-largest investor in India, with cumulative investment of $36 billion. Interestingly, India is also a major investor in the UK, with nearly $20 billion in cumulative FDI,' he highlighted. During the visit, PM Modi will engage in comprehensive discussions with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, covering trade, defence, innovation, climate change, and education. Misri stressed the 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership' established in 2021 between the two countries, noting, 'There have been regular high-level exchanges between the two sides, and institutional mechanisms are in place to drive cooperation across financial, strategic, energy and scientific domains.' PM Modi will also embark on a state visit to the Maldives from July 25–26 at the invitation of President Mohamed Muizzu. This marks Modi's third trip to the Maldives and the first by a head of state or government during Muizzu's presidency. On July 26, Modi will serve as the 'Guest of Honour' at the 60th anniversary celebrations of Maldives' Independence. During the visit, he will hold talks with President Muizzu on shared interests and review progress on the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a 'Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership,' adopted during Muizzu's October 2024 state visit to India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'The visit reflects the importance India attaches to its maritime neighbour, Maldives, which continues to hold a special place in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and Vision MAHASAGAR. The visit will provide an opportunity for both sides to further deepen and strengthen the close bilateral relationship,' India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
15-07-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Nimish Priya's July 16 execution postponed: Reports quote Yemeni authorities
Indian officials have been in constant contact with Yemen's jail authorities and their efforts have reportedly led to this postponement read more Nimisha Priya's execution, initially set for Wednesday (July 16), has been delayed by Yemeni authorities, according to several media reports. The development comes as the Indian government has reportedly been supporting her case from the start, and has been working to buy more time for her family to negotiate a solution with the other party. Despite the delicate nature of the situation, Indian officials have been in constant contact with Yemen's jail authorities and prosecutors, and their efforts have led to this postponement, according to sources cited by news agency ANI. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD (More to follow)
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
15-07-2025
- Politics
- First Post
FirstUp: Jaishankar to attend SCO foreign ministers' meet in China, Shubhanshu Shukla to return to Earth... Top news today
External Affairs Minister Jaishankar is set to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) today in Tianjin, China. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, along with the rest of the crew of the Axiom-4 mission, will be returning to Earth after 18 days in the ISS. Nato chief Mark Rutte, who is on a two-day visit to Washington, DC, will hold meetings with US officials read more It is set to be a busy Tuesday with several events lined up for the day. Firstly, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is set to attend the SCO Foreign Ministers' meeting scheduled to take place today in China's Tianjin. Meanwhile, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is on a mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), will return to Earth today. Nato Secretary General, Mark Rutte, will be in Washington, DC to hold key meetings with top US officials. Foreign ministers from the European Union nations will meet in Brussels for a session of the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Here is all that is set to take place throughout the day. EAM Jaishankar to attend the SCO Foreign Ministers' meeting External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will be in China's Tianjin to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) conclave. The visit marks Jaishankar's initial visit to China since the bilateral relations deteriorated following the 2020 military confrontation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. Jaishankar's presence at the SCO meeting is a key engagement in his three-day diplomatic journey that also included a stop in Singapore. China, as the current chair of the SCO, is hosting these preparatory meetings ahead of the main SCO summit later this year. The CFM is expected to see foreign ministers from the 10 member states – China, Russia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Belarus – discuss the organisation's future, regional security, and other pressing international issues. Shubhanshu Shukla to return to Earth Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, along with other members of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission, is set to return to Earth after spending 18 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Their return journey began with the undocking of their SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft from the International Space Station (ISS) on July 14 at approximately 4:30 pm IST. Shubhanshu Shukla waves before departing for a launch to the International Space Station at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida on June 24, 2025. AP The 22.5-hour journey back to Earth involves a series of critical manoeuvres, including de-orbit burns and atmospheric re-entry, followed by a parachute-assisted splashdown. During his groundbreaking mission, Group Captain Shukla conducted over 60 scientific experiments, including seven India-specific payloads crucial for the nation's Gaganyaan human spaceflight program. His work focused on diverse fields such as space farming, including germinating moong and methi seeds, studying microalgae for sustainable life support, and researching human health in microgravity. Nato chief in Washington Nato's new Secretary General, Mark Rutte, who is on a two-day visit to Washington DC to hold key meetings with top US officials. Rutte's itinerary includes high-profile discussions with US President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. He is also slated to meet with members of Congress. The discussions are expected to cover a range of pressing issues, including strengthening Nato's collective defence and deterrence capabilities, bolstering long-term support for Ukraine and addressing broader security challenges. There is anticipation that the meetings will involve talks on a renewed plan for the US to potentially sell weapons to Nato allies, who would then transfer them to Ukraine, signifying a potential shift in the Trump administration's approach to military aid for Kyiv. EU foreign ministers meet in Brussels EU foreign ministers are convening in Brussels on Tuesday for a crucial session of the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC). Chaired by the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, the meeting will address a packed agenda dominated by critical geopolitical developments. A primary focus of the discussions will be the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine. Ministers will exchange views on the conflict, likely with an intervention from Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha via videoconference. The talks are expected to cover strengthening military and humanitarian support for Kyiv, as well as the potential approval of further sanctions against Russia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies
