होम ब्लॉग पेज 10

World Bank President Signals Shift, Willing to Lift Veto on Nuclear Energy

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Washington, D.C. – World Bank President Ajay Banga on Tuesday reaffirmed his intention to lift the organization’s longstanding ban on financing nuclear energy projects, signaling a potential shift in global development policy amid intensifying climate and energy security challenges.

Speaking at a panel hosted by the Bretton Woods Committee — a nonprofit advocating international financial cooperation — Banga said the World Bank will consider nuclear financing “wherever it deems appropriate,” with the issue set to be discussed by the Bank’s board of directors in June.

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“I would like to find a way for us to be a constructive partner in this,” Banga said during the institution’s spring meetings alongside the International Monetary Fund (IMF). “Now, that doesn’t mean I can see the World Bank going out tomorrow morning to finance $50 billion in some country, because we know that, whatever the calculation, it will take twice as long and twice as much.”

He added that nuclear, along with gas and renewables, will be on the agenda in June, when the board considers new tariff structures and strategies aimed at supporting the global energy transition. “We will talk about it as a way to help the transition, but also as a way to enable access to affordable energy around the world,” Banga said.

The World Bank has long avoided funding nuclear power due to concerns over safety, costs, waste management, and political sensitivities. Banga’s remarks suggest a more pragmatic approach that reflects growing international interest in small modular reactors and nuclear’s role in decarbonization, particularly in energy-hungry developing economies.


SOURCE : EFE. | Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Modi Cuts Saudi Visit Short After Deadly Kashmir Attack Kills 26 Tourists

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New Delhi, India – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to New Delhi on Wednesday, abruptly ending his official visit to Saudi Arabia following a brutal terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that left 26 civilians dead and over 20 injured. The assault is among the deadliest on civilians in the region in recent years.

RELATED NEWS : Pahalgam Terror Attack: 24 Killed, Over 20 Injured as TRF Targets Tourists in J&K

According to official footage, Modi convened an emergency high-level briefing at the airport immediately upon landing in the Indian capital. He was joined by Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to assess the situation and coordinate the government’s response.

The Attack in Pahalgam

The massacre occurred Tuesday in the Pahalgam region of Anantnag district, a popular tourist destination. According to survivors cited in Indian media, armed militants opened fire at close range in a grassland area, reportedly targeting individuals based on their religious identity.

Authorities suspect four insurgents were involved, though no arrests have been reported yet. A large-scale search operation is underway in the Baisaran area, involving both the Indian Army and Kashmir Police.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is expected to take over the probe. A senior official from the Kashmir divisional commissioner’s office confirmed that an NIA team would arrive in Pahalgam shortly.

A Dark History of Violence

This latest atrocity marks a serious escalation in a region long marred by conflict. The deadliest attack in recent memory was a 2019 suicide bombing that killed over 40 Indian paramilitary officers. Another notable civilian massacre occurred in March 2000, when 36 villagers were killed in a southern Kashmiri village.

Indian police officers and paramilitary soldiers stand guard as an ambulance crosses a road near Pahalgam, south of Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir. EFE/EPA/FAROOQ KHAN

The Kashmir dispute has remained unresolved since the partition of British India in 1947, with India and Pakistan claiming the region in full but controlling separate parts. Since 1989, an armed insurgency in Indian-administered Kashmir has claimed tens of thousands of lives. India accuses Pakistan of backing militants, a charge Islamabad denies.

Nationwide and International Condemnation

The Pahalgam attack has drawn widespread condemnation from Indian leaders and the international community. Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah both denounced the violence. Global leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, also condemned the killings and expressed solidarity with India.

Kashmir on High Alert

On Wednesday, the Kashmir Valley was placed under intensified security. Hundreds of police and military personnel patrolled the streets of Srinagar and nearby towns, including Pahalgam, where sirens echoed throughout the day. A complete shutdown was observed, with shops, businesses, and educational institutions closed. University exams scheduled for the day were postponed.

The entire region remains on edge as security forces continue their search for the perpetrators, and the nation mourns one of the most horrific civilian tragedies in recent memory.


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The UN Secretary-General will travel to Rome for Pope Francis’ funeral

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United Nations – UN Secretary-General António Guterres will travel to Rome on Saturday for the funeral and subsequent burial of Pope Francis , his spokesman, Stéphane Dujarric, said at his daily press conference on Tuesday.

Likewise, US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, and Brazilian President Luis Inácio Lula da Silva, among others, also confirmed their attendance today.

The spokesperson did not provide any further details about Guterres’ trip, but limited it to a mere “paying respects” to the memory of Pope Francis, and ruled out any speeches or messages he would deliver.

He also rejected the possibility that this moment would serve as a venue for a meeting, formal or informal, between Guterres and Donald Trump, who have not even spoken since last November, following the US president’s victory in the presidential elections.

The UN Secretary General’s similarities with Pope Francis

The spokesperson acknowledged that there was great agreement between Guterres and Pope Francis, especially on three issues: climate change, the defense of migrants, and always standing by the most vulnerable, such as victims of war or disasters

However, Dujarric declined to answer whether Guterres has any expectations for the next pope or what priorities he should have in the upcoming pontificate.

Guterres, a practicing Catholic, wrote a lengthy message on Monday after learning of the pope’s death in which he noted that during Francis’s papacy, the UN “was deeply inspired by his commitment to the goals and ideals of our organization.”

He also highlighted the fact that Francis was “a man of faith for all faiths,” as demonstrated by his work “with people of all beliefs and backgrounds,” referring to his ecumenical work and his conciliatory messages toward the world’s other religions.


SOURCE : UN/EFE. |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

Trump speaks with Netanyahu about tariffs and Iran, saying they are on the same page

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Washington, USA – US President Donald Trump held a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday regarding tariffs and talks with Iran on a nuclear deal, and asserted that they are “on the same page on all issues.”

“Just spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu on numerous topics including trade, Iran, etc. The call went very well. We are on the same page on all issues,” Trump posted on his Truth Social network.

File photo of US President Donald Trump with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. EFE/EPA/Shawn Thew

Trump and Netanyahu met on April 7 at the White House to discuss tariffs imposed on Israel, and during that meeting, the US president announced the start of negotiations with Iran for an agreement on its nuclear program.

“We are united in the goal of Iran never obtaining nuclear weapons. If it can be done diplomatically, the same way it was done with Libya, I think it will be good. But whatever happens, we must ensure that Iran does not obtain nuclear weapons,” Netanyahu told Trump during the meeting.

For her part, Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharen Heskel warned at a press conference on Tuesday that Iran “cannot have nuclear capabilities” while Washington and Tehran discuss the future of Iran’s nuclear program.


SOURCE : EFE. |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

Record Early Voter Turnout in Canada Ahead of April 28 General Election

Toronto, Canada – Approximately 7.3 million Canadians went to the polls between Friday and Monday at early voting centers across the country for the April 28 general election, marking a 25% increase compared to early voting in the 2021 elections, Elections Canada reported Tuesday.

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The independent electoral agency noted that the final tally is expected to rise, as data from some polling stations is still pending.

This surge in early participation reflects the high stakes many Canadians associate with this year’s election, which was called early on March 24. A large segment of the population considers it the most consequential vote in decades, citing growing concerns over threats to national sovereignty allegedly raised by U.S. President Donald Trump since his return to office on January 20.

Roughly 28 million Canadians are eligible to vote in the general election on Monday, which will determine the composition of the 343-seat House of Commons and, ultimately, the formation of the next federal government.

The Canadian General Election

With the election just days away, a new daily tracking poll conducted Tuesday by Nanos Research shows Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal Party leading with 42.6% support—holding a 5.5-point advantage over the opposition Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, which stands at 37.1%.

The New Democratic Party (NDP) follows with 10.4%, while the Bloc Québécois (BQ) trails at 5.9%.

Poll analysis released Tuesday by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) projects a decisive Liberal victory, forecasting an outright majority with 191 seats. The Conservatives are projected to win 123 seats, the BQ 23, and the NDP 5.

As the nation awaits the final results, the unprecedented early turnout signals a highly engaged electorate and a potentially historic shift in Canada’s political landscape.


SOURCE : EFE. |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Pahalgam Terror Attack: 24 Killed, Over 20 Injured as TRF Targets Tourists in J&K

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PM Modi to shorten Saudi Arabia visit following Jammu and Kashmir terror attack: Government sources

PAHALGAM, J&K, India — A brutal terrorist attack shattered the calm of Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Tuesday, killing at least 24 people and injuring more than 20. Victims included tourists from Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, as well as foreign nationals from Italy and Israel. The Resistance Front (TRF), an affiliate of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has claimed responsibility, marking this as one of the deadliest attacks in the region since Pulwama in 2019.

The assault began around 2:30 PM when two to three gunmen dressed in military-style uniforms opened fire on tourists riding horses in the scenic valley, often called “Mini Switzerland.” Around 50 shots were fired, sparking panic as people fled for their lives. One survivor told PTI, “My husband was shot in the head, and seven others were hit.” Eyewitnesses suggested the attackers may have targeted victims based on religion, though authorities have not confirmed this.

Among the dead was 47-year-old Manjunath Rao, a businessman from Karnataka. At least five people are in critical condition, while 12 others are being treated at Pahalgam Hospital and GMC Anantnag. One critically injured victim was flown to SKIMS Hospital in Srinagar for advanced care.

Swift Response and Nationwide Condemnation

Security forces responded immediately. The Indian Army’s Victor Force, J&K Police’s Special Operations Group, and CRPF launched a joint anti-terror operation, deploying Para Commandos and aerial surveillance to locate the attackers. Union Home Minister Amit Shah landed in Srinagar on Tuesday evening following an emergency meeting in Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the “cowardly” attack, vowing that those responsible “will not be spared.” President Droupadi Murmu described the assault as “dastardly and inhuman.” J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha assured full medical support for the injured and pledged justice. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has sent teams to coordinate relief efforts, while BJP leaders like JP Nadda and Rajnath Singh also strongly condemned the violence.

Targeting Tourism and Stability

The TRF, led by wanted terrorist Sheikh Sajjad Gul, is believed to be targeting the region’s growing tourism industry. Since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, tourist arrivals have surged in Kashmir. Intelligence reports had previously warned of a possible LeT-backed strike in Baisaran Valley, possibly linked to high-profile visits like that of U.S. Vice President JD Vance. With the Amarnath Yatra approaching, the attack raises alarms over further threats.

Emergency Measures in Place

The Anantnag Police have set up a 24-hour helpline (+91-9596777669, +91-01932225870, WhatsApp: +91-9419051940) to assist affected tourists. Panic has gripped the area, with videos circulating online showing tourists fleeing en masse. Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar called the attack “horrific,” while social media posts speculated on Pakistani involvement—though no official confirmation has been made.

Persistent Threat

The TRF has a history of deadly strikes, including the 2024 Ganderbal attack that left seven dead. In 2022, 108 out of 172 terrorists killed in J&K were affiliated with the TRF, indicating the group’s significant presence. Former CM Omar Abdullah described Tuesday’s massacre as “the most serious civilian-targeted attack in recent memory.”

As investigations continue and security operations intensify, authorities fear the death toll may rise. The attack has once again highlighted the fragile peace in Jammu and Kashmir—and the continued threat to civilians and visitors alike.

Global Leaders Condemn Pahalgam Terror Attack

World leaders have voiced strong condemnation of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, expressing deep sorrow and solidarity with India.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump called the incident “deeply disturbing” and reaffirmed America’s steadfast support for India in its fight against terrorism. He offered heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

Russian President Vladimir Putin denounced the attack as a “brutal crime” with no justification. He extended his sympathies to the bereaved families and conveyed best wishes for the recovery of the injured.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) also condemned the act of terror, reiterating its firm stance against all forms of violence and extremism. The UAE expressed sincere condolences and wished the injured a swift recovery.

International Solidarity poured in from leaders of France, Italy, Israel, Denmark, and others, who joined in condemning the attack and stressed the urgent need for united global action against terrorism.

This wave of global condemnation reflects the international community’s shared resolve to stand with India and confront the scourge of terrorism together.


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

Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates in mid-May

Washington, USA – U.S. President Donald Trump will visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates in mid-May, the White House announced on Tuesday.

According to government spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt, the Republican president’s tour of the Gulf states is scheduled for May 13 to 26. The trip will follow his attendance at Pope Francis’ funeral in Rome.

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Leavitt noted that the Persian Gulf tour was originally planned as President Trump’s first international visit since the start of his second term on January 20. However, the pontiff’s death necessitates a prior stop in Italy. While specific details of the president’s activities in the region were not disclosed, Leavitt stated the primary goal is to “strengthen ties” with Gulf nations through “numerous bilateral meetings and discussions.”

Donald Trump’s Persian Gulf Tour

The visit comes amid significant diplomatic activity involving the Gulf states.

Currently, the United States and Iran are engaged in negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program, with Oman serving as a mediator. The most recent round of talks took place last week in Rome and was described as “productive” by both parties. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia continues to play a key mediating role in U.S.-backed efforts to end the war in Ukraine.

Earlier this month, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan visited Washington, where he met with several Trump administration officials, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.


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

Dr. Javed Farooqui and Additional DCP Vishnu Kumar, IAS officer Avitek Srivastava Visit Nizamuddin Dargah

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New Delhi, India Malviya Nagar’s renowned social worker and General Secretary of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Dr. Javed Farooqui, who had been battling illness since December and spent three months hospitalized, is now showing signs of steady improvement.

On Sunday, April 20, 2025, a special prayer ceremony was organized at the historic Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah to invoke blessings for his full recovery. The gathering was led by Dargah head Syed Kashif Nizami, who honored each guest by tying a traditional turban on their head.

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Among those who paid their respects and participated in the prayers were Dr. Farooqui’s close friend, Rohini district’s Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (IPS) Vishnu Kumar, and 2019 batch IAS officer Avitek Srivastava. Both dignitaries offered their heartfelt wishes and praised Dr. Farooqui’s dedication to social causes in New Delhi and beyond.

Speaking at the event, Syed Kashif Nizami commended the community’s outpouring of support and expressed hope that Dr. Farooqui’s resilience would inspire others facing health challenges. “We come together not only in prayer but in solidarity,” he said, as attendees bowed their heads in silent invocation.

Dr. Farooqui’s wife, Mrs. Nusrat Farooqui, thanked the Dargah authorities and participants for their prayers and said her husband’s spirits remain high. “He sends his gratitude to everyone who has stood by him through this difficult period,” she remarked.

With his health on the mend, Dr. Farooqui is expected to resume light duties for the Lok Janshakti Party in the coming weeks, as he continues his lifelong commitment to serving underprivileged communities.


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

NCP Ajit Pawar Faction Stages Protest in Delhi Over Law and Order Breakdown in West Bengal

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New Delhi, India – The NCP Youth Wing held a powerful protest in the national capital on Saturday, condemning the deteriorating law and order situation in West Bengal under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s leadership.

The demonstration was led by National General Secretary and National Spokesperson Dr. Vimal Sharma, along with National Secretary and Delhi State In-charge Shri Yuvraj Singh. The protest was organized under the chairmanship of Harsh Madhavi, Executive President of Delhi State. Key office bearers including National General Secretary (Legal Cell In-charge) Anil Verma, Delhi Secretary Kumar Vishal, Joint Secretary Deepak, Amit Goyal, Subhash Chandra Gupta, Shivam, and several other party members were present in solidarity.

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The protesters voiced strong opposition to what they described as the “misrule” and “chaotic atmosphere” prevailing in West Bengal. Citing widespread violence, corruption, atrocities against women, and rising crime rates, the party alleged that the state government has completely failed to maintain law and order.

“The common citizens of West Bengal are living in fear. Political murders and daily violence have become the norm. Mamata Banerjee’s politics of appeasement and administrative negligence have plunged the state into complete anarchy,” said Dr. Vimal Sharma during the protest.

The Nationalist Youth Congress called on Mamata Banerjee to take responsibility for the current situation and demanded her immediate resignation as Chief Minister.


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

Thousands Flock to Khambra Church, Jalandhar for Ankur Narula Ministries’ Grand Easter Celebration

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Jalandhar, India — In a breathtaking display of devotion, Ankur Narula Ministries hosted its annual Easter celebration at the Khambra Church complex in Khambra on April 21, 2025. Nearly 70,000 worshippers gathered beneath a massive steel-roof pavilion to honor the resurrection of Jesus Christ, uniting in a powerful testament to His enduring love and transformative power.

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The “East Sabha” opened with vibrant worship, as the congregation danced and sang uplifting Christian hymns, filling the air with joy. A screening of the Live Christ movie followed, vividly depicting Jesus’ ministry of healing, deliverance, and sacrifice. Its closing message resonated deeply: “Jesus was whipped for you so that you can be healed” (Isaiah 53:5).

When Pastor Ankur Narula come the pulpit, the crowd erupted in chants of “Hallelujah!” Drawing from Scripture, he proclaimed, “Jesus came not to change anyone’s religion but to save souls. He rose from the dead so that our dead lives, dead finances, and dead relationships may also live” (John 10:10). His message of resurrection hope stirred hearts, reminding all of Christ’s promise to renew and restore.

The gathering of the Lord’s people is a thrilling one, women section. Photo : ANM

A moving testimony session followed, with believers sharing stories of God’s miraculous healing in their bodies and lives, echoing Psalm 30:2: “Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.” The service then transitioned to the Lord’s Supper, a sacred moment of unity as the congregation remembered Christ’s sacrifice (1 Corinthians 11:24-25).

The day culminated in fellowship, with volunteers serving hearty meals and festive sweets, embodying Christ’s call to feed the hungry (Matthew 25:35). Pastor Narula closed with a benediction, distributing sweets to each family as symbols of purity and new life. “Our theme, ‘Vision of Hope,’ has been fulfilled today,” he declared. “May we rise above challenges and walk in the light of His love” (1 John 1:7).

The gathering of the Lord’s people is a thrilling one, Men section. Photo : ANM

This extraordinary gathering not only celebrated the risen Savior but also showcased the living hope He brings, inspiring all to embrace His promise of abundant life.

The Church of Signs and Wonders, located on Nakodar Road in Khambra Village, has become a beacon of spiritual unity. With nearly three lakh members and branches across Punjab, as well as in the US, Canada, and Germany, the ministry has extended its outreach significantly.

Apostle Ankur Yoseph Narula, Senior Pastor and Overseer of The Church of Signs and Wonders, one of Punjab’s largest and fastest-growing ministries. 


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