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Pope Francis arrives in Indonesia to begin ambitious Asia-Pacific tour

Shasi Kumar
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Pope Francis arrives in Indonesia to begin ambitious Asia-Pacific tour

Jakarta, Indonesia (Reuters) – Dozens of excited Indonesians waved on Tuesday as a motorcade carried Pope Francis through the capital as he began the first leg of an ambitious Asia-Pacific tour expected to urge global action on climate change as part of his longest trip yet.


The 87-year-old pontiff, who will also visit East Timor, Singapore and Papua New Guinea over the next 10 days, was seated in a wheelchair as a lift disembarked him from a chartered aircraft at Jakarta airport.

READ MORE : Pope Francis meets at Vatican with relatives of Israeli hostages and Palestinians living in Gaza

Two children in traditional clothes presented a bouquet of local produce before the pope was greeted by Indonesia’s religious affairs minister, its Vatican envoy and several of its bishops on a red carpet flanked by honour guards.
Francis then drove off in a waiting car, waving and smiling. As his motorcade passed through Jakarta towards the Vatican embassy, where he is staying, small crowds of people were seen waving excitedly.

“I’m so happy, I feel so blessed,” said Enny Rahail, 52, who travelled 3,000 km (1,860 miles) to Jakarta from her home in southeast Maluku before standing for two hours in mid-day heat to wave to the pope outside the embassy.
“As Indonesians we are happy because the Catholic leader comes to our country,” said Enny, who called Francis an “advocate for peace” and said she cried as the pope arrived.
The ageing pope was not set to attend any public events on Tuesday, to allow him time for rest after the 13-hour overnight flight from Rome.

Pope Francis waves at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport during his apostolic visit to Asia, in Tangerang near Jakarta, Indonesia, September 3, 2024. REUTERS/Willy Kurniawa

But shortly after arriving at the embassy, Francis held an informal meeting with a group of refugees living in Indonesia.
The Vatican gave few details, but said the group included persons from Somalia, Sri Lanka and members of the persecuted Rohingya minority from Myanmar.
The pontiff is set to travel nearly 33,000 km (21,000 miles)on the 12 days of the Asia-Pacific tour, before he arrives back in Rome late in the evening of Sept. 13.
At the beginning of his flight to Jakarta, Francis spent roughly half an hour individually greeting the accompanying journalists, leaning on a cane as he walked slowly around the back of the aircraft, chatting and shaking hands.

He offered only a few words about the trip, saying the coming days would represent his longest voyage abroad.

DIVINE BLESSINGS

Francis, who is not only the leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics but also the Vatican’s head of state, wired customary greetings to every country he crossed on the way to Indonesia, including Iran, India, Pakistan and Turkey.
He offered prayers of peace, hopes for prosperity, or divine blessings, in messages varying with each country.
An address to Indonesia’s political leaders on Wednesday will be the pope’s first official event. The following day, he will participate in an inter-religious meeting at Southeast Asia’s largest mosque, the Istiqlal Mosque.
Francis, who pushed for the 2015 Paris climate pact, is expected to continue voicing appeals to confront the dangers of a warming globe.
Jakarta, the Indonesian capital home to at least 10 million people, is vulnerable to climate change, as it tackles chronic flooding and sinking land. The government is building a new capital, Nusantara, on the island of Borneo.
Just 3% of a population of about 280 million is Catholic in Indonesia, which is the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation.
“This is a very historic visit,” Indonesian President Joko Widodo told reporters before the pope’s arrival, offering Francis a warm welcome on a long-planned visit that had been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Indonesia and the Vatican have a similar commitment to cultivate peace and brotherhood as well as ensure prosperity for the people.”
(This story has been refiled to add the dropped word ‘who’ in paragraph 5)

Reporting by Joshua McElwee and Stanley Widianto; Additional reporting by Willy Kurniawan, Ananda Teresia and Gayatri Suroyo; Editing by Martin Petty and Clarence Fernandez FOR Reuters

South Korea Faces Uncertainty as Court Removes President Yoon Suk Yeol

Diplomat Times
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South Korea Faces Uncertainty as Court Removes President Yoon Suk Yeol

Seoul, South Korea — In a historic ruling, South Korea’s Constitutional Court has formally removed President Yoon Suk Yeol from office, setting the stage for a deeply polarized by-election while raising concerns about the future of the country’s democracy.

The unanimous court decision on Friday upheld Yoon’s impeachment, citing his unconstitutional imposition of martial law and attempt to deploy military force against lawmakers. With South Korea now required to elect a new president within 60 days, the political landscape is bracing for further upheaval.

A Divisive Leader Ousted but Not Silenced

Despite his removal, Yoon remains a powerful figure, rallying his conservative base while facing criminal charges of rebellion. His influence over the ruling party remains strong, with supporters calling for his reinstatement and questioning the legitimacy of the impeachment process. Analysts warn that Yoon’s continued presence in politics could further deepen the already severe ideological divide in South Korea.

The crisis began on December 3, when Yoon declared martial law and deployed troops to the National Assembly. Lawmakers defied military presence to overturn the order within hours, leading to Yoon’s impeachment on December 14. The Constitutional Court ruled that Yoon’s actions violated the nation’s laws, rejecting his argument that the martial law decree was merely symbolic.

Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol waves to his supporters as he comes out of a detention center in Uiwang, South Korea, on March 8, 2025. Photo : (Hong Hyo-shik/Newsis via AP, File

Election Ahead, But Stability in Question

South Korea now faces a crucial election within two months, one that experts predict will be among the most contentious since the country’s transition to democracy in the 1980s. Yoon’s removal has further inflamed political tensions, with his supporters already demonstrating against the ruling.

Concerns over election security are mounting, with fears of potential disruptions at polling stations and challenges to the legitimacy of the results. Political analyst Kim Su-min warned that distrust in the democratic process is reaching a dangerous tipping point.

“If people refuse to accept any election outcome that doesn’t favor them, it could create a cycle of political instability that threatens South Korea’s democratic foundations,” said Professor Kim Tae-hyung of Soongsil University.

As South Korea prepares for a new presidential race, the country finds itself at a crossroads—one that will test its democratic resilience and determine whether it can emerge from this crisis united or further divided.

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Netanyahu and Orbán Defy ICC in Bold Stand from Budapest

Diplomat Times
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Netanyahu and Orbán Defy ICC in Bold Stand from Budapest

Budapest, Hungary — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Budapest on Thursday to a warm reception from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, marking his first visit to a European Union nation since the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant against him in November 2024 for alleged war crimes in Gaza.

The visit underscored Hungary’s bold decision to withdraw from the ICC, a move Netanyahu hailed as a courageous stand against what both leaders decried as a biased and politicized institution.

READ MORE : Putin is not a war criminal”: Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban made a wonder statement

At a joint press conference held in the historic Carmelite Monastery overlooking the Danube, Orbán set the tone with a scathing critique of the ICC. “This is no longer an impartial court, a rule-of-law court, but rather a political court. This has become clearest in light of its decisions on Israel,” he declared, flanked by Netanyahu and their respective delegations.

The Israeli leader, visibly buoyed by the support, congratulated Orbán for displaying “extraordinary courage in the face of antisemitism” and praised Hungary’s withdrawal as a historic step. “Hungary is the first European state to walk away from this corruption, and it will resonate with many around the world,” Netanyahu said, prompting applause from his team.

The visit, which saw Netanyahu greeted with full military honors despite the ICC warrant, highlighted Hungary’s defiance of international legal norms. Orbán, who extended the invitation months ago with a promise to ignore the court’s directive, framed the decision as a defense of national sovereignty. The move positions Hungary as the third country—after Burundi and the Philippines—to exit the ICC, a process that could take up to a year but has already sent shockwaves through the international community.

Both leaders seized the opportunity to align their narratives, warning of shared threats to what they called “Judeo-Christian civilization.” Netanyahu pointed to “radical Islam” as an existential danger, singling out Iran and its proxies—“the three H’s: Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis.”

“Israel is determined to dismantle the Iranian axis of terror,” he asserted, casting his country’s actions as a bulwark for Europe as well as the Middle East. Orbán echoed this sentiment, tying his controversial immigration policies to the fight against antisemitism. “Illegal immigration into Europe is a driver of antisemitism, and the elites in Brussels are not dealing with it,” he charged, accusing the European Commission of neglecting Jewish safety. “We are showing zero tolerance, and Jews in Hungary can feel safe.”

The rhetoric drew sharp criticism from opponents. Hungary’s opposition Democratic Coalition condemned Orbán for hosting Netanyahu, accusing him of “intentionally provoking” EU and NATO allies. “Once again, Orbán distances himself from Hungary’s partners,” the social-democratic group said in a statement. Meanwhile, human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, labeled the visit a “cynical effort to undermine the ICC” and a blow to global accountability.

Hours after the press conference, Netanyahu’s office revealed that he and Orbán had spoken by phone with U.S. President Donald Trump, who reportedly endorsed Hungary’s ICC withdrawal. The call, details of which remain sparse, underscored the trio’s shared skepticism of international institutions—a stance Trump has championed since his return to the White House in January 2025.

Beyond his talks with Orbán, Netanyahu met with Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok, thanking him for Budapest’s unwavering support, according to state news agency MTI. The Israeli leader’s four-day itinerary includes a visit to Budapest’s Holocaust Museum, a symbolic gesture amid his defense of Israel’s policies.

The trip comes at a tumultuous time for Netanyahu domestically. In Israel, he faces a crisis over a Supreme Court ruling that suspended his government’s attempt to sack the head of the Shin Bet security service. Compounding the pressure is the “Qatargate” scandal, in which two of his close advisors are under arrest for allegedly accepting funds to advance Qatar’s interests in Israel. Despite these challenges, Netanyahu projected defiance in Budapest, framing his visit as a testament to resilience.

As the Israeli premier’s stay extends through Sunday, the Budapest summit has exposed deep fissures within the EU, where all 27 members are ICC signatories. While nations like Spain and Ireland have vowed to enforce the warrant, others, including Germany, have hinted at leniency. For now, Hungary’s gambit—backed by Netanyahu’s presence—casts a long shadow over the future of international justice, with Budapest emerging as a flashpoint in the clash between sovereignty and global accountability.

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Trump sets 10% global tariffs, hikes rates for Asia and EU

Diplomat Times
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Trump sets 10% global tariffs, hikes rates for Asia and EU

Washington, USA — United States President Donald Trump escalated his trade war on Wednesday by imposing a 10% global tariff on all imports, an increase rate of 34% for China and 20% for European Union products.

Trump decided instead to relieve Mexico and Canada, his main trading partners, by again postponing the imposition of tariffs on Mexican and Canadian products protected by the Agreement between the US, the United Mexican States, and Canada (USMCA).

“This is one of the most important days, in my opinion, in American history. It’s our declaration of economic independence,” the president said at the White House Rose Garden, surrounded by manufacturing workers.

The Republican leader, who has been calling the tariffs unveiling, the “liberation day” for weeks, gave details of the expected raft of tariffs he will impose in retaliation for barriers to US exports worldwide.

The global baseline tax will be 10%, although the US will sum up an additional tariff for those nations or economic blocs Washington deems the “worst offenders.”

Higher rates for Asia and Europe

The US will impose additional tariffs on very important trading partners of US companies: 34% on imports from China (currently at 54%), an additional 20% on the EU, and 24% on Japan.

Taiwan, a key semiconductor partner, will see a 32% increase; India, 26%; South Korea, a powerful exporter of cars or electronics, 25%; and Israel, 17%.

“You know, you think of European Union very friendly. They rip us off. It’s so sad to see it’s so pathetic,” Trump said.

The US president stressed that his tariffs were “friendly” in nature, as they were half of what the White House calculates each nation averages on US imports.

He showed a table that included 10% tariffs for several Latin American countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Peru, the Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica.

These countries will therefore only be subject to the 10% minimum imposed by the US.

Other Latin American countries will be subject to higher tariffs, such as Venezuela, which will pay 15% to export to the US, and Nicaragua, an exporter of gold and clothing to the US, at 18%.

According to a press conference with senior US officials, the minimum tariff of 10% will come into effect on Apr. 5, while the additional part affecting each country will be applied from Apr. 9.

Trump declared a “national emergency” to impose these tariffs, saying the current trade situation poses a security risk to the US, officials said.

Mexico and Canada dodge tariffs again

Mexico and Canada, which Trump has been threatening for months with tariffs in retaliation for the fentanyl trade and the flow of migrants, do not appear in the table presented by the Republican.

At the end of the event, the White House announced it was extending the imposition of 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada protected by the USMCA, which includes everything from agricultural products to auto parts and certain types of machinery.

Taxing these products would effectively spell the death of the trade deal that Trump signed in his first term.

Since his return to the White House on Jan. 20, the Republican has used tariffs as a bargaining chip with other countries.

On Wednesday midnight, for example, a 25% tariff will be imposed on all cars and car parts manufactured outside the US, except for auto parts made in Mexico and Canada.

Trump argued that the tariffs would cause companies to move production to the US, creating jobs, yet the tariff increases do not take into account poor or small nations with fragile economies or vulnerable to US giants.

Warnings from economists that such a policy could lead to higher prices for US consumers were dismissed by the New York tycoon.

On Wednesday, the White House invited steel and auto workers, as well as farmers and craftspeople.

Brian Pannebecker, a retired autoworker from Michigan, took the floor and said: “My entire life I have watched plant after plant after plant in Detroit and in the Metro Detroit area close. There are now plants that are underutilized, and Donald Trump’s policies are going to bring product back into those underutilized plants.”

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Yesterday, everyone got naked in the parliament… JDU in a tussle over the Waqf bill, Ghulam Rasool Baliavi got upset

Ahsan Ansari
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Yesterday, everyone got naked in the parliament… JDU in a tussle over the Waqf bill, Ghulam Rasool Baliavi got upset

Patna, Bihar — The passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha has ignited a fierce internal conflict within Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) (JDU), exposing deep fissures over the party’s stance on the controversial legislation. Muslim leaders within the JDU, long seen as a secular ally in India’s political landscape, have openly rebelled against the bill, with former MLC Ghulam Rasool Baliyavi leading the charge by announcing plans to challenge it in the Supreme Court.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Baliyavi launched a scathing attack on his own party, accusing it of abandoning its principles. “Yesterday, everyone was exposed in Parliament. There’s no difference left between secular and communal,” he said, his voice thick with frustration. Baliyavi revealed that he had exhausted every avenue to halt the bill’s progress, including appeals to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) tasked with reviewing the legislation and direct pleas to Nitish Kumar. “No one listened. No consideration was given,” he lamented, signaling a profound sense of betrayal.

The Waqf Amendment Bill, which seeks to overhaul the management of Waqf properties and has been criticized by opposition parties as an assault on Muslim autonomy, passed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday with JDU’s support—a move that has stunned its Muslim leadership. Baliyavi, undeterred, urged opponents of the bill to “use their brains” and join him in a legal battle. He hinted at convening a meeting in the coming days to strategize and confirmed his intent to file a petition in the Supreme Court, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown.

Baliyavi is not alone in his dissent. Senior JDU leader and former Rajya Sabha MP Ahmed Ashfaq Karim, alongside MLC Ghulam Gaus, have also publicly condemned the bill, accusing the party of bowing to pressure from its ally, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which dominates the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) coalition. “This bill undermines the rights of Muslims and the spirit of secularism we’ve stood for,” Karim said in a statement, echoing Baliyavi’s outrage. Gaus, meanwhile, warned that the decision could alienate the party’s Muslim voter base in Bihar, a state where communal harmony has long been a political tightrope.

The rebellion marks a rare fracture within JDU, which has prided itself on maintaining unity under Nitish Kumar’s leadership. Despite the vocal opposition from its Muslim leaders, the party’s parliamentary contingent toed the NDA line, voting in favor of the bill—a decision that analysts say could spark a broader revolt. “This is a turning point. The dissonance between the leadership and its Muslim representatives is now undeniable,” said political commentator Sanjay Yadav.

For Nitish Kumar, the controversy poses a delicate challenge. The veteran leader, who has navigated Bihar’s complex caste and communal dynamics for decades, now faces accusations of compromising JDU’s secular credentials to preserve his alliance with the BJP. Baliyavi’s threat of legal action and the prospect of a party meeting to rally dissenters signal that the unrest may not remain confined to rhetoric.

As the fallout unfolds, the JDU’s internal tussle could ripple beyond Bihar, complicating the NDA’s cohesion ahead of key state elections. For now, Baliyavi and his allies are digging in, determined to take their fight from the party room to the courtroom, with the Supreme Court looming as the next battleground in this escalating saga.

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United Hands of Hope Champions Talent Development at Kaani Lions Girls School

Shasi Kumar
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United Hands of Hope Champions Talent Development at Kaani Lions Girls School
United Hands of Hope (UHHC) Empowers Young Girls Through Talent Development to Combat Femicide

Nairobi, Kenya – United Hands of Hope, led by Gen. Michael Harrison, launched the 4th edition of its Talent Development Awareness Campaign at Kaani Lions Girls School, reinforcing the power of talent as a tool for social change.

Under the theme “Talent Development as a Tool to Fight Femicide,” the campaign aimed to empower young girls by nurturing their skills and talents, promoting respect, discipline, and purpose as key elements in preventing gender-based violence.

United Hands of Hope CEO, Gen. Michael Harrison, Angelique Harrison, and Capt. Allan Nicholas Maina, the organization’s director and Guest of Honor Dr. Marietta Reformado’s group photo. Photo : DT Staff

Serving as the chief guest, Dr. Marietta Reformado delivered an inspiring speech, urging students to embrace self-expression and skill-building as pathways to empowerment. “Harnessing one’s talents not only builds confidence but also creates opportunities for safer, more inclusive communities,” she emphasized.

The event was attended by United Hands of Hope CEO, Gen. Michael Harrison, alongside Angelique Harrison, Capt. Allan Nicholas Maina, the organization’s director, and Dr. Reformado as the Guest of Honor. Their participation underscored the organization’s commitment to mentorship, education, and leadership development as key strategies to steer youth toward positive engagement and away from violence.

Guest of Honor, Dr. Reformado, alongside the students of the school. Photo : DT Staff

Students participated in interactive workshops, mentorship sessions, and leadership activities, equipping them with practical tools for confidence-building and personal growth. Dr. Reformado stressed the importance of continuous support and guidance, stating, “With the right mentorship, these young minds can transform their talents into lasting success and positive societal change.”

As part of its ongoing efforts, United Hands of Hope announced a Talent Scouting event scheduled for March 30, 2025, designed to identify and nurture young talent while providing a platform for students to showcase their abilities.

MORE NEWS : Myanmar earthquake death toll exceeds 1,600 as Thailand rushes to rescue workers

This initiative is set to leave a lasting impact—not just on the students of Kaani Lions Girls School, but also on out-of-school youth and the broader Nairobi community. Through talent development, United Hands of Hope is championing a future where empowerment, respect, and purpose triumph over gender-based violence.

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Earthquake Update: Nations Mobilize Humanitarian Aid for Myanmar

Diplomat Times
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Earthquake Update: Nations Mobilize Humanitarian Aid for Myanmar

Yangon/New Delhi – The death toll from Myanmar’s powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake keeps climbing amid frantic rescue efforts, with the military government reporting Saturday that 1,644 people have been killed, over 3,400 injured, and dozens still missing. The earthquake struck midday Friday near the city of Sagaing, followed by several aftershocks, including a significant 6.4 magnitude tremor, unleashing widespread devastation across Mandalay, Naypyitaw, and surrounding regions. As the crisis deepens in this war-torn nation, the international community has rallied to provide urgent humanitarian aid.

RELATED NEWS : Myanmar earthquake death toll exceeds 1,600 as Thailand rushes to rescue workers

Rescue operations are in full swing, though collapsed infrastructure—airports, bridges, and roads—has severely restricted access to affected areas. In Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, survivors are sifting through rubble with bare hands due to a lack of heavy equipment. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports extensive damage to homes, religious sites, and critical supply lines, with power and communication networks crippled across the region.

Myanmar’s military junta, led by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, has issued a rare appeal for international assistance amid sanctions and ongoing civil strife. “We need and want the international community to provide humanitarian aid,” said junta spokesman General Zaw Min Tun. “We will cooperate to ensure the best care for the victims.”

Global Response Intensifies

Indian Air Force, Two C-17 aircraft carrying a 118-member Indian Army Field Hospital Unit, including Women & Child Care services, along with 60 tones of relief material, have arrived in Myanmar. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs via DT

India acted swiftly, sending nearly 15 tons of relief supplies—tents, blankets, water purifiers, and medicines—via an Indian Air Force aircraft to Yangon on Saturday. A National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team also landed in Naypyitaw, set to begin operations in Mandalay by Sunday.

A Chinese emergency rescue team arrives in Myanmar to assist in relief efforts following the devastating earthquake. The team brings specialized equipment and humanitarian aid to support ongoing search and rescue operations. Photo : @XHNews via DT

China has pledged 100 million yuan ($13.8 million) in emergency aid, including tents, blankets, and medical kits. An 82-person rescue team departed Beijing, joining responders from Yunnan province, which borders Myanmar. Additionally, 16 members of the Blue Sky Rescue Team from Ruili, Yunnan, arrived in Muse City, northern Myanmar, with 80 tents and 290 blankets. President Xi Jinping extended condolences to Min Aung Hlaing, noting minor injuries and damage in Yunnan, where two people were hurt and 847 homes affected.

Russian Emergency Ministry employees gather to board to one of two planes with rescuers to Myanmar following Friday’s earthquake, from a Moscow airfield, Russia. Photo : Russia Emergency Ministry press via AP

Russia has deployed significant resources, with two planes carrying rescue workers landing in Yangon. The Emergencies Ministry’s teams, equipped with endoscopes, acoustic devices, ground-penetrating radars, and thermal imagers, can search rubble up to 4.5 meters (nearly 15 feet) deep. A separate medical team, including specialists in infectious diseases, resuscitation, and traumatology, was sent to treat victims, according to Health Ministry official Alexey Kuznetsov.

Hong Kong dispatched a 51-member search-and-rescue team, including firefighters, ambulance personnel, and two search-and-rescue dogs, along with nine tons (18,000 pounds) of equipment—life detectors, masonry cutting machines, and a satellite tracking antenna system for network connectivity.

South Korea announced a $2 million humanitarian aid package, to be channeled through international organizations, with the Foreign Ministry pledging to monitor the situation for potential additional support.

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters confirmed his government will support relief efforts via the International Red Cross Movement, expressing solidarity on X: “Our thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones, and to everyone else affected.”

United States, despite tensions with the junta, has committed aid, with President Donald Trump stating, “It’s terrible what’s happened. We will be helping.” Malaysia and Singapore are also sending personnel and supplies.

The United Nations allocated $5 million from its Central Emergency Response Fund, with relief chief Tom Fletcher emphasizing rapid action. The World Health Organization (WHO) is delivering trauma supplies from its Dubai hub. However, experts warn that Myanmar’s civil war—displacing 3.5 million and leaving 20 million in need—may hinder aid distribution, particularly in opposition-held areas. UN Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews urged global pressure to ensure equitable access.

Regional Impact

In Thailand, the quake rocked greater Bangkok, claiming 10 lives, including eight in a collapsed 33-story building under construction. Rescue efforts continue amid aftershock fears. The tremor was felt in China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh, though casualties outside Myanmar and Thailand remain minimal.

A Nation in Crisis

As aftershocks persist and the death toll rises, Myanmar faces a race against time. “This earthquake could not have come at a worse time,” said Amnesty International’s Joe Freeman. “The people of Myanmar need the world’s support now more than ever.” With nations mobilizing resources and expertise, the focus remains on saving lives in a country already battered by conflict and hardship.

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Myanmar earthquake death toll exceeds 1,600 as Thailand rushes to rescue workers

Diplomat Times
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Myanmar earthquake death toll exceeds 1,600 as Thailand rushes to rescue workers

Burma/Bangkok – More than 1,600 people have lost their lives in Myanmar following a devastating magnitude-7.7 earthquake. Thai emergency teams worked tirelessly through Saturday night to locate survivors trapped in the rubble of a collapsed high-rise building.

Myanmar’s military junta raised the official death toll to 1,644, with 3,408 injured and 139 still missing, following Friday’s shallow tremor. The earthquake has created a dire humanitarian crisis, leveling hundreds of buildings in a country already struggling with poor infrastructure. In response, military authorities launched a large-scale rescue operation and issued a rare appeal for international aid.

“I have declared a state of emergency in all affected areas and have opened all possible channels to receive international assistance,” said military junta leader Gen. Min Aung Hlaing in a statement Friday night. “I invite any country or organization to come and assist the monks, nuns, and citizens in Myanmar who are in need.”

In this image provided by The Myanmar Military True News Information Team, Myanmar’s military leader Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, center, inspects damaged road caused by an earthquake Friday, March 28, 2025, in Naypyitaw, Myanmar. Photo : The Myanmar Military True News Information Team via AP

With communication lines down and reports slow to emerge, images from Mandalay showed overwhelmed hospitals, with patients and desperate family members spilling into the streets. Emergency workers manually administered IV drips to the injured, while many were forced to lie on makeshift beds outdoors. The disaster left much of the affected areas without electricity or water, pushing residents to seek refuge wherever they could.

Several countries, including Malaysia and India, pledged aid, with India dispatching search and rescue teams. China announced Saturday it would provide 100 million yuan (approximately $13.8 million) in emergency humanitarian assistance, including two rescue teams and essential supplies.

“On behalf of the Chinese government and people, (President Xi Jinping) expresses his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased, the injured, and all those affected by the disaster,” China’s embassy in Myanmar said. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi echoed similar sentiments on X, stating that India stands in solidarity with Myanmar and is expediting disaster relief and rescue operations.

Russia also contributed aid, dispatching two planes carrying rescue personnel and medical specialists, including orthopedists, anesthesiologists, and infectious disease experts.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed his condolences, writing on X, “My prayers go out to the people of Burma and Thailand impacted by the earthquake. We are in contact with these countries and, as President Donald Trump said, stand ready to provide assistance.”

Thailand’s Urgent Search for Trapped Workers

As of 7 PM Saturday, Thai authorities updated Bangkok’s death toll to 10, with 42 people rescued and 83 still missing. Rescue teams are particularly focused on a collapsed government high-rise under construction, as well as other affected sites.

At least 15 individuals trapped in the wreckage of the State Audit Office building were still alive, according to rescue officials. “Teams are trying to get food and water to them. Some are trapped about three meters deep,” said Suriyachai Rawiwan, director of Thailand’s disaster authority. “We have approximately 72 hours to save them, as that is the survival window without water and food.”

Bangkok’s Deputy Governor Tavida Kamolvej reported that those detected alive were grouped in numbers ranging from three to seven people, with the total missing potentially reaching 101. City officials deployed 130 engineers to inspect damaged buildings, responding to thousands of inspection requests. In the meantime, public parks have been kept open as temporary shelters for displaced residents.

Thailand’s King Vajiralongkorn extended royal medical care to the injured, with the palace announcing on X, “The King of Thailand graciously extends royal medical care to all victims injured in yesterday’s earthquakes.”

Zaw Zaw Soe, Myanmar’s ambassador to Thailand, visited the collapsed construction site Saturday morning, as fears mounted that many of the trapped workers were Myanmar nationals. Thailand relies heavily on migrant labor from Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos for construction and manual work, with many seeking better economic prospects or fleeing instability.

Meanwhile, despite the widespread destruction, Myanmar’s military junta reportedly continued its bombing of rebel-held areas, including Sagaing Region and Shan State, according to the opposition National Unity Government.

Myanmar sits in a highly active seismic zone, where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Friday’s earthquake is among the most powerful recorded in recent years. A similar event occurred in August 2016, when a magnitude-6.8 earthquake struck the country, though with significantly less devastation.

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South Korean PM Han Duck-soo Reinstated as Acting President After Impeachment Overturned

Diplomat Times
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South Korean PM Han Duck-soo Reinstated as Acting President After Impeachment Overturned

Seoul, South Korea – South Korea’s Constitutional Court has overturned the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, reinstating him as the country’s acting president on Monday. However, the court has yet to rule on the separate impeachment case of President Yoon Suk Yeol, who imposed martial law in December, triggering national and international controversy.

Moon Hyung-bae, acting chief justice of South Korea’s Constitutional Court, presides over the impeachment verdict for South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo at the Constitutional Court in Seoul Monday, March 24, 2025. (Kim Min-Hee/Pool Photo via AP)

Speaking with reporters after his reinstatement, Han welcomed the court’s decision, calling it “wise” and pledging to focus on pressing issues, including navigating the fast-changing global trade environment—an apparent reference to the Trump administration’s aggressive tariff policies. He also urged national unity, stating, “There’s no left or right—what matters is the advancement of our nation.”

Political Turmoil in South Korea

South Korea has been mired in political crisis since December 3, when President Yoon, a conservative, declared martial law and deployed hundreds of troops to the liberal-controlled National Assembly and other key locations in Seoul. His decree lasted only six hours before lawmakers managed to reconvene and vote it down. Days later, on December 14, the assembly impeached Yoon, accusing him of violating the constitution, suppressing legislative activities, and attempting to detain politicians.

South Korean impeached president Yoon Suk Yeol arrives for questioning after his arrest at the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials and police officials building in Gwacheon-city, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, 15 January 2025. EFE/EPA/LEE JONG-KEUN/KOREA POOL SOUTH KOREA/OUT

Yoon’s impeachment made Han acting president, but Han was also impeached in late December, accused of abetting Yoon’s martial law declaration, obstructing judicial processes, and interfering with efforts to restore the Constitutional Court’s full membership.

What’s Next?

The back-to-back impeachments of South Korea’s top two officials have deepened domestic divisions and raised concerns over the country’s diplomatic and economic stability. Han, during his time as acting president, sought to reassure international partners and stabilize financial markets. His reinstatement could embolden supporters of Yoon and intensify political conflict ahead of the Constitutional Court’s much-anticipated ruling on the president’s fate.

As the nation waits for the final verdict on Yoon, all eyes remain on South Korea’s highest court—and the future of its leadership.

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Delhi Assembly Budget Session Disrupted as AAP MLAs Stage Walkout

Diplomat Times
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Delhi Assembly Budget Session Disrupted as AAP MLAs Stage Walkout

New Delhi, India – The Delhi Assembly’s budget session was thrown into disarray on its first day as Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs staged a walkout to protest Speaker Vijender Gupta’s decision to skip the name of one of their legislators during a discussion under Rule 280, citing repetition of the matter. Under Rule 280, MLAs are permitted to raise issues pertaining to their constituencies, but the speaker’s move to bypass an AAP legislator sparked outrage among the party members.

RELATED NEWS : Who is Kunal Kamra, and why is he trending on X? Also, what is the Zero FIR filed against him?

Led by Leader of Opposition Atishi, AAP MLAs raised their voices in protest before exiting the Assembly, accusing the speaker of stifling their right to speak on critical constituency concerns. The dramatic walkout intensified political tensions in the capital, with the opposition alleging neglect of key public issues like healthcare and education funding in the budget.

Terming the action by AAP MLAs a “strategic disruption,” Speaker Gupta warned the opposition members against forcing him to take disciplinary action. He further remarked, “In some time, the CAG report is about to be tabled. I think the opposition doesn’t like that,” hinting at underlying motives behind the protest. The session continued amidst the standoff, with both sides trading barbs over accountability and governance. Further developments are awaited as the budget discussions proceed.

AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj took to X, blaming the BJP over the Delhi Budget Session dispute. He wrote, “Those who leaked the CAG report to the newspapers are now troubled by the budget leak. Suddenly, they are remembering the Constitution and traditions.”

SOURCE : PTI |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Who is Kunal Kamra, and why is he trending on X? Also, what is the Zero FIR filed against him?

Shasi Kumar
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Who is Kunal Kamra, and why is he trending on X? Also, what is the Zero FIR filed against him?

Mumbai, India – Kunal Kamra is dominating conversations on X due to a major controversy sparked by a recent stand-up performance in Mumbai. During a show at the Habitat Comedy Club in Khar, Kamra mocked Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, calling him a “gaddar” (traitor) in a parody song set to the tune of Dil To Pagal Hai.

The jibe referenced Shinde’s 2022 defection from the undivided Shiv Sena, a politically charged event that led to his rise as Deputy CM. A video clip of the performance, shared by Kamra himself on X, went viral, amassing over 360,000 views and igniting a firestorm of reactions.

The fallout was swift and intense. On March 23, 2025, Shiv Sena workers, enraged by the remarks, vandalized the Habitat Comedy Club and Hotel Unicontinental in Khar, where the show was recorded.

The incident led to an FIR being filed against Kamra at Mumbai’s MIDC police station by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel, who demanded an apology within 48 hours, threatening to restrict Kamra’s movement in Mumbai if he didn’t comply. Another FIR was registered against Shiv Sena members, including Yuva Sena general secretary Rahool Kanal, for the vandalism.

Shiv Sena leaders escalated the situation with public threats. MP Naresh Mhaske warned that Kamra “won’t move freely in India” without an apology, alleging he was a “hired comedian” paid by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray to target Shinde. Sanjay Nirupam, another Sena leader, promised to “teach Kamra a lesson” on March 24 at 11 AM. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) figures like Sanjay Raut and Aaditya Thackeray supported Kamra, with Raut calling it “Kunal Ka Kamal” and Thackeray labeling the vandalism “cowardly.”

Kamra’s response was characteristically defiant. On March 24, he posted a photo on X of himself holding a pocket edition of the Indian Constitution, captioned, “The only way forward,” signaling his intent to stand by his free speech rights. The incident has polarized X users, with some praising his courage and others condemning his provocation, fueling debates about comedy, politics, and censorship in India.

Who is Kunal Kamra?

Kunal Kamra is an Indian stand-up comedian, social media personality, and outspoken critic of political figures and policies. Born on October 3, 1988, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, Kamra initially worked in advertising before transitioning to comedy in 2013.

He gained prominence through his sharp political satire and observational humor, often targeting government policies, politicians, and societal issues. His YouTube channel, with over 2.29 million subscribers, features popular shows like Shut Up Ya Kunal, where he interviews public figures and discusses contentious topics.

Kamra’s comedic style is unapologetically bold, blending humor with biting commentary, which has earned him a loyal fanbase as well as significant controversy. Over the years, he has faced legal battles, including a contempt of court case in 2020 over tweets criticizing the Indian judiciary, and has been banned from several airlines after a verbal altercation with a news anchor on a flight. His global performances and online presence have solidified his reputation as a provocative yet influential figure in Indian comedy.

what is the Zero FIR filed against him?

A Zero FIR (First Information Report) is a type of FIR that can be filed at any police station, regardless of the location where the alleged offense occurred. Unlike a regular FIR, which is filed at the police station with jurisdiction over the crime scene, a Zero FIR is assigned a “zero” serial number and is later transferred to the appropriate police station for investigation. This mechanism, introduced in India following the 2013 Justice Verma Committee recommendations, ensures that victims or complainants can report a crime immediately without jurisdictional delays.

The Zero FIR Against Kunal Kamra

On March 24, 2025, the MIDC police station in Mumbai registered a Zero FIR against Kunal Kamra following a complaint by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel. This legal action stemmed from Kamra’s stand-up comedy performance at the Habitat Comedy Club in Khar, Mumbai, on March 23, 2025. During the show, Kamra performed a parody song set to the tune of Dil To Pagal Hai’s “Bholi Si Surat,” in which he indirectly referred to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as a “gaddar” (traitor). The remark alluded to Shinde’s 2022 defection from the undivided Shiv Sena, a politically sensitive topic that led to the collapse of the Uddhav Thackeray-led government.

The viral video of this performance, posted by Kamra on X and YouTube (titled Naya Bharat), triggered outrage among Shinde’s supporters. Shiv Sena workers vandalized the Habitat Comedy Club and Hotel Unicontinental in Khar on March 23, prompting dual legal actions: one against Kamra and another against the vandals.

Details of the Zero FIR

  • Filed By: Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel lodged the complaint at MIDC police station around 11 PM on March 23, 2025.
  • Legal Basis: The Zero FIR was registered under the following sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), India’s new criminal code effective from July 1, 2024:
    • Section 353(1)(b): Publishing or circulating false statements or rumors that may cause public mischief.
    • Section 352: Intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of peace.
    • Section 356(2): Defamation, defined as making or publishing an imputation intending to harm someone’s reputation.
  • Reason: Patel accused Kamra of defaming Eknath Shinde by making derogatory statements about his moral conduct and inciting hatred between political factions, specifically the Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT).
  • Transfer: The Zero FIR was initially filed at MIDC police station (not the jurisdictional station) and was formally transferred to Khar police station, which oversees the area where the comedy show took place, for further investigation.

Why a Zero FIR?

The use of a Zero FIR in this case likely reflects practical or tactical considerations. Patel filed the complaint late at night at MIDC police station, possibly due to proximity or urgency, rather than waiting to approach Khar police station directly. The Zero FIR ensured immediate registration, allowing the legal process to begin without delay, after which it was transferred to the appropriate jurisdiction.

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