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7 killed, 4 wounded in Ecuador pool hall shooting amid gang violence

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7 killed, 4 wounded in Ecuador pool hall shooting amid gang violence

Quito, Ecuador — At least seven people were killed and four others wounded after gunmen opened fire at a pool hall in northern Ecuador, police said Saturday.

The attack took place late Friday in Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas, about 130 kilometers west of Quito. Local police commander Col. Olga Benavides said the shooting was linked to an ongoing “territorial dispute” between rival criminal gangs.

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It was the second deadly pool hall shooting in the city in less than a month. On August 17, seven people were killed in a similar incident.

Police reported that one of the victims and two of the wounded in Friday’s shooting had prior criminal records, including charges related to drug trafficking, murder, and theft. Images circulating in local media showed several men dressed in black, wearing vests and caps, storming into the hall and opening fire. Authorities later discovered a burned vehicle believed to have been used by the attackers in another part of the city.

Local police stated several of the victims had prior arrests for drug charges so that’s likely the motivation behind the attack.

Ecuador has seen a sharp escalation in violence over the past four years, fueled by organized crime groups tied to Mexican and Colombian drug cartels. In January 2024, President Daniel Noboa declared an internal armed conflict and classified 22 criminal organizations as “terrorist” groups.

Despite these measures, killings have continued to rise. More than 5,500 homicides were recorded between January and July 2025, a sharp increase from the 3,697 cases reported during the same period in 2024, according to government data.

SOURCE : AP NEWS | Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Chinese FM Wang Yi Meets Slovenian Leaders in Ljubljana, Pledges Stronger Ties Amid Europe Visit

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Chinese FM Wang Yi Meets Slovenian Leaders in Ljubljana, Pledges Stronger Ties Amid Europe Visit

Ljubljana, Slovenia – Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar on Saturday held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is on an official visit to Slovenia.

Both sides expressed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation, particularly in the field of the economy. They also exchanged views on current international issues and underscored the importance of upholding multilateralism in addressing global challenges.

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Wang Yi also held separate talks with Prime Minister Robert Golob and President Pirc Musar. During the meeting with Golob, the two sides called for continued dialogue to deepen ties, while in discussions with the president, the emphasis was placed on the importance of multilateralism.

According to Beijing’s Foreign Ministry, Wang is on a three-nation visit to Austria, Slovenia, and Poland from Friday to Tuesday. He is scheduled to hold talks with Austrian Federal Minister for European and International Affairs Beate Meinl-Reisinger, Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon, and Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski during his trip.

Slovenia and China established diplomatic relations in 1992, and over the years have strengthened ties in areas such as trade, investment, education, and culture. China is one of Slovenia’s important trading partners in Asia, while Slovenia is seen by Beijing as a strategic entry point to Central Europe. Both nations have also cooperated within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, as well as in multilateral platforms like the United Nations.

The visit is seen as part of China’s broader diplomatic engagement with Europe, aimed at boosting bilateral relations and fostering greater economic collaboration.

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

US warns Russia it will defend ‘every inch of NATO territory’ after drone incursion

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US warns Russia it will defend ‘every inch of NATO territory’ after drone incursion

United Nations, USA – The United States told Russia on Friday that it will “defend every inch of NATO territory” after Polish authorities reported that at least 19 Russian drones entered its airspace earlier this week, making the first direct act of aggression against a NATO member since the war in Ukraine.

Poland called an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council after its air defenses shot down 19 drones that crossed from Ukraine into Polish territory between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

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Polish officials described the incident as a clear violation of sovereignty.

“This shows an immense lack of respect for the good-faith efforts of the US to end this conflict,” said Dorothy Shea, the US representative to the UN.

She noted that Washington has made “extraordinary efforts to bring this war to an end” but that Russia has escalated its attacks since the summit in August between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, which was aimed at negotiating peace.

Shea added that the drone incursion may have been “intentional or otherwise,” leaving open the possibility of error.

Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzia dismissed the allegations outright, calling them “baseless accusations against us.”

He insisted that the drones used in Russian strikes on Ukraine have a maximum range of 700 kilometers (434 miles), making it “physically impossible” for them to reach Polish airspace.

Nebenzia also accused European Union countries of reacting with a “hysterical outburst” and claimed that Kyiv was attempting to drag NATO allies further into the war.

The US emphasized that any violation of NATO territory, whether accidental or deliberate, would be treated seriously.

“We will defend every inch of NATO territory,” Shea told the Council, addressing Russia directly. 

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

Over 300 South Korean workers return home after in detention following a U.S. immigration raid

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Over 300 South Korean workers return home after in detention following a U.S. immigration raid

Incheon, South Korea — More than 300 South Korean workers returned home Friday after spending days in U.S. immigration detention, following a large-scale raid at a Georgia battery factory tied to Hyundai and LG Energy Solution.

A total of 316 South Korean workers returned, along with 14 foreign nationals, according to TV footage. They arrived at Incheon International Airport at 3:23 p.m. local time (0623 GMT) aboard a chartered Korean Air Boeing 747-8i, which had departed from Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport about 15 hours earlier.

RELATED NEWS : South Korean workers detained in immigration raid leave Atlanta and head home

The arrival came about a week after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents raided the construction site of an electric vehicle battery plant run by a Hyundai–LG joint venture on Sept. 4. In total, 475 individuals were detained, including more than 300 South Koreans who had since been held at a detention center in Folkston, Georgia.

At the airport, families embraced their loved ones in emotional scenes, while crowds shouted “Welcome back!” One returning worker responded, “I’m back! I’m free!” Senior officials, including presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik, greeted the group with applause.

Public anger has mounted in South Korea after U.S. authorities released video showing Korean workers shackled in chains around their hands, ankles, and waists. Seoul’s Foreign Ministry urged media to blur workers’ faces, citing privacy concerns.

Some of the returnees described the shock of the raid and the harsh conditions of detention, including cramped rooms with toilets inside. One anonymous worker said it was “hardest to share a room with another detainee with the toilet right next to where we ate and slept.”

The South Korean government said it had reached an agreement with Washington for their release, though U.S. President Donald Trump briefly halted their departure to consider whether some workers should remain to continue training American staff. Ultimately, only one worker chose to stay in the U.S. due to family ties.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, speaking at a press conference Thursday to mark his first 100 days in office, voiced concern about the incident’s impact on business ties.
“As it stands, our companies will inevitably be very hesitant about direct U.S. investment,” Lee said.

South Korea has long urged Washington to improve visa options for skilled Korean workers, noting that most detained had entered on short-term visitor visas, visa waivers, or permits that did not allow employment. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, who traveled to Washington to negotiate their release, said the two countries agreed to set up a working group to discuss new visa categories and quotas.

Despite the raid, LG Energy Solution CEO Kim Dong Myung said any disruption to the Georgia battery plant project would be “within a level we can manage.”

The raid has added strain to U.S.-South Korea economic ties, coming just weeks after a summit between Trump and Lee, and following Seoul’s announcement of a $350 billion U.S. investment plan in exchange for reduced tariffs.

SOURCE : AP NEWS |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Former VP Jagdeep Dhankhar Makes First Public Appearance at CP Radhakrishnan’s Swearing-In

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Former VP Jagdeep Dhankhar Makes First Public Appearance at CP Radhakrishnan’s Swearing-In

New Delhi, India – Former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday attended the swearing-in ceremony of his successor, C P Radhakrishnan, marking his first public appearance since his sudden resignation last month.

Dhankhar was spotted at the Rashtrapati Bhavan alongside his wife, Sudesh Dhankhar. In the same row, former Vice Presidents Hamid Ansari and Venkaiah Naidu, as well as Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, were also present.

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President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath to 67-year-old Radhakrishnan in a brief, dignified ceremony.

C P Radhakrishnan takes oath as Vice President from President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, on September 12, 2025. Photo: VP X Account

Dhankhar had stepped down on July 21, over two years before the scheduled end of his tenure on August 10, 2027. While officially citing medical reasons, sources suggested deeper issues, including a possible breakdown of trust with the Centre, which he had previously defended staunchly.

According to insiders, the tipping point came when Dhankhar refused to align with the government’s stand on the impeachment of Justice Yashwant Varma, instead accepting an Opposition-backed motion on the judge’s removal.

During the ceremony, Dhankhar appeared visibly calm and composed, casually conversing with Venkaiah Naidu and smiling while greeting dignitaries, including President Murmu. Seated near the chair of the newly elected Vice President, he seemed to make a conscious effort to remain at ease, reflecting his poised public demeanor despite recent political turbulence.

Following tradition, all living former Vice Presidents are invited to the swearing-in of a new Vice President, and Dhankhar’s presence underscored respect for the office despite his earlier exit.

Since resigning, Dhankhar has largely remained out of the public eye, reportedly spending time playing table tennis, one of his favorite hobbies. Days before the Vice Presidential election on September 9, he moved to the farmhouse of a political leader and has now been allotted a Type 8 bungalow on Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Road in Delhi.

This appearance marks a notable return to the public sphere for Dhankhar, even as political observers continue to speculate about the circumstances surrounding his early resignation.

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

Mirai Thrills Audiences with Teja Sajja and Rana Daggubati in Action-Packed Fantasy

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Mirai Thrills Audiences with Teja Sajja and Rana Daggubati in Action-Packed Fantasy

Mirai, the latest mythological fantasy, has opened to enthusiastic audiences across theaters. The film kicks off by introducing the backstory of Mirai, explaining its origin and formation while establishing a clear battle between good and evil within the first ten minutes. The narrative ambitiously blends folklore and mythological storytelling, creating a visually immersive world.

Teja Sajja makes a striking impression in his entry scene, complemented by a brilliant background score that elevates the storytelling. The plot follows Mirai’s journey across various locations to prevent the evil forces from misusing a magical holy scripture capable of wreaking havoc if fallen into the wrong hands. This high-stakes chase between good souls defending the scripture and the leader of the dark forces attempting to steal it keeps audiences engaged. Within the first half-hour, the film even surprises the crowd with a humorous, unannounced reference to Baahubali, eliciting laughter and delight.

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Shriya Saran shines as the mother goddess, bringing immense power to the screen. Her presence in the opening sequences effectively drives the story toward its central premise, though her screen time is brief, leaving audiences wanting more.

While the concept of a supreme power divided into multiple sacred scriptures echoes popular narratives like horcruxes or infinity stones, Mirai distinguishes itself with unique treatment and intricate plot layers. The journey of good versus evil unfolds through an engaging and suspenseful path, keeping viewers hooked.

Interestingly, the film steers clear of a conventional love story between the leads. Their bond is framed more as a guide-and-friend dynamic, with only subtle hints of romance that never overshadow the primary mythological narrative.

As the first half sets up this epic chase and the rich folklore behind it, anticipation is high to see how the second half unravels the layers of Mirai’s story.

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

With 51 Killed in Protests, Former Chief Justice Karki Seen as Interim PM Choice in Nepal

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With 51 Killed in Protests, Former Chief Justice Karki Seen as Interim PM Choice in Nepal

Kathmandu, Nepal – Nepal’s former chief justice, Sushila Karki, is set to become the country’s interim prime minister after days of violent anti-corruption protests forced the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, a source involved in the negotiations told Reuters on Friday.

The unrest, described as the Himalayan nation’s worst political upheaval in years, has left 51 people dead and more than 1,300 injured this week. Protests were initially triggered by a controversial social media ban, which has since been rolled back, but escalated into a nationwide movement against corruption and governance failures.

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“Her appointment will be made today,” said a constitutional expert who has been advising President Ramchandra Paudel and army chief Ashok Raj Sigdel. “Gen Z protesters want her, and their demand is clear.” The source requested anonymity given the sensitivity of the talks.

At 73, Karki is Nepal’s first and only female chief justice, widely respected for her integrity and uncompromising stance against graft. Her expected appointment follows a meeting scheduled at President Paudel’s residence, rescheduled from the morning to Friday afternoon.

Police spokesperson Binod Ghimire confirmed that among the dead were 21 protesters, nine prisoners, three police officers, and 18 civilians. Families across Kathmandu and beyond are now mourning loved ones lost in the chaos.

One victim, Ashab Alam Thakurai, 24, had been married just a month before. “The last we spoke to him, he said he was stuck with the protest. After that we lost contact… eventually we found him in the morgue,” said his uncle, Zulfikar Alam.

Nepal, wedged between India and China, has struggled with political turbulence and economic instability since the abolition of its monarchy in 2008. Millions of its citizens continue to seek work abroad, sending vital remittances back home.

By Friday, parts of Kathmandu showed early signs of calm, with shops reopening, cars returning to the roads, and police carrying batons instead of guns. Yet some streets remained blocked, and soldiers were still stationed in reduced numbers. At hospitals, grieving families waited for the release of victims’ bodies.

“While his friends backed off, he decided to go ahead,” said Karuna Budhathoki, who was collecting the body of her 23-year-old nephew at Kathmandu’s Teaching Hospital.

Karki’s anticipated appointment is seen as a move to restore stability, with protesters hailing her as a leader who embodies honesty and hope for a new political chapter.

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

1 dead, 1 injured as heavy rain, winds lash Tokyo area

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1 dead, 1 injured as heavy rain, winds lash Tokyo area

Tokyo, Japan – Torrential rain caused flooding in parts of Tokyo on Sept 11, with record downpours and strong winds believed to have killed one man and injured another at a container terminal.

Local police said the two men were crushed when several stacked containers collapsed at a port in Tokyo’s Ota Ward. One of the men, in his 40s, who had been operating heavy machinery to lift the containers, was pronounced dead at the scene, while his colleague, in his 60s, was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

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Transport services were also disrupted amid the heavy rainfall. JR Tokai said shinkansen services between Tokyo and neighbouring Kanagawa prefecture were temporarily suspended, affecting around 100,000 passengers. JR East also reported delays to some trains in the capital.

Heavy rains and thunderstorms also affected Tokyo’s Haneda airport, resulting in delays and cancellations of some services.

Tokyo’s Setagaya Ward saw 92.0 millimeters of rain and Ota Ward 88.5 mm in a single hour Thursday afternoon, the heaviest on record for the areas, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

Based on radar analysis, the agency estimated that certain areas in central Tokyo received over 100 mm of rain and issued a series of alerts.

The Yazawa River overflowed in Setagaya Ward, as did the Tachiai River in Shinagawa Ward. At one point, the Setagaya Ward office urged more than 1,200 households to evacuate.

Severe weather is expected to continue in parts of the country on Friday, with up to 200 mm of rain forecast in the Tokai and 100 mm in the Kanto-Koshin regions, including Tokyo, in the 24 hours through 6 p.m., the weather agency said.

SOURCE : KYODO NEWS |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Swiss Investments in India Poised to Grow as TEPA Takes Effect October 1

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Swiss Investments in India Poised to Grow as TEPA Takes Effect October 1

New Delhi, India – At a workshop on the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) held in the capital today, organized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, officials highlighted the growing footprint of Swiss companies in India.

Speaking at the event, a representative noted that Swiss firms are thriving across multiple sectors and states, from pharmaceuticals to engineering. “The strong presence of Swiss companies reflects the depth of our economic ties,” the official said.

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Swiss Ambassador to India, H.E. Maya Tissafi, has been working tirelessly to expand business opportunities and promote more trade deals between the two countries, underlining Switzerland’s commitment to deepening economic engagement with India.

On March 10, 2024, Member States of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) – Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland – and the Republic of India signed a comprehensive Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA). While the TEPA has yet to formally enter into force, businesses across the four EFTA States are already preparing for the new trade conditions, exploring investment opportunities, and strengthening commercial ties with Indian partners.

The EFTA Desk will play a key role in this process by providing practical support to companies from the EFTA States navigating the Indian market, facilitating partnerships, and enhancing trade cooperation. A detailed chapter-by-chapter fact sheet on the agreement is available to guide stakeholders.

With TEPA set to formally take effect on October 1, expectations are high for a surge in investment flows, technology exchange, and collaborative ventures between India and Switzerland. Industry observers believe the agreement will provide a further boost to bilateral trade, opening new opportunities for growth and innovation.

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

US Urges Japan, G7 to Target China and India With Tariffs Over Russian Oil Purchases, FT

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US Urges Japan, G7 to Target China and India With Tariffs Over Russian Oil Purchases, FT

Washington, USA – The United States is preparing to urge Japan and other Group of Seven nations to impose higher tariffs on China and India in response to their continued purchases of Russian oil, a senior official said Thursday.

The move, spearheaded by President Donald Trump’s administration, is part of Washington’s broader strategy to choke off Moscow’s revenue streams and hasten an end to the war in Ukraine.

A Treasury Department spokesperson confirmed that finance ministers from the G7 countries will convene online Friday to discuss the U.S. proposal.

“Chinese and Indian purchases of Russian oil are funding President Putin’s war machine and prolonging the senseless killing of the Ukrainian people,” the spokesperson said. “Earlier this week, we made it clear to our EU allies that if they are serious about ending the war in their own backyard, they need to join us and impose meaningful tariffs that will be rescinded the day the war ends. President Trump’s Peace and Prosperity Administration is ready, and our G7 partners need to step up with us.”

While the official declined to disclose precise figures, people familiar with the matter said Washington has proposed tariff levels ranging from 50 to 100 percent.

The United States last month raised tariffs on Indian imports to 50 percent over the country’s continued energy trade with Russia. In April, Trump sharply increased tariffs on Chinese goods before scaling them back in May following a market backlash.

Securing consensus among allies, however, is expected to be difficult. EU officials acknowledge that such steep tariffs on two of the bloc’s key trading partners could trigger serious economic consequences and possible retaliation from Beijing. The EU is also seeking to finalize a trade deal with India within weeks, complicating the bloc’s position.

For Japan, the pressure is equally sensitive. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba hosted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Tokyo in late August, where the two leaders pledged to deepen economic and security cooperation — a factor likely to weigh on Japan’s decision-making.

The G7, comprising Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States, along with the European Union, will now weigh Washington’s push for coordinated tariffs against the risk of straining crucial economic partnerships.

SOURCE : FT & AP NEWS |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

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