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Indonesia boat fire leaves five dead, 41 missing in Java Sea

Mega Komalasari
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Indonesia boat fire leaves five dead, 41 missing in Java Sea

Java, Indonesia — At least five people were killed and 41 others remain missing after the passenger vessel Mutiara Santosa 2 caught fire in the Java Sea north of Madura Island in Indonesia’s East Java province, prompting a large-scale search and rescue operation, the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) said on Sunday.

A total of 225 people were rescued from the burning vessel, which was carrying 271 people, including 232 passengers and 39 crew members, on its scheduled voyage from Surabaya in East Java to Makassar on Sulawesi Island.

According to authorities, the vessel was about 19 nautical miles (35.2 kilometers) off the coast when it was engulfed in flames. Passengers gathered on the bridge and at the bow of the ship as they waited to be evacuated while thick smoke and fire spread across the vessel.

Several nearby ships responded to the emergency and assisted in rescuing survivors before joint search and rescue teams arrived with additional vessels and personnel. The operation remains ongoing as rescuers continue searching for the missing at sea.

Officials said the cause of the fire has not yet been determined and an investigation has been launched.

The latest incident comes just weeks after another maritime tragedy in Indonesia. In June, search and rescue authorities suspended efforts to locate 14 people who remained missing after the KM Nurul Salsa passenger boat sank off South Sulawesi province. Of the 76 people on board, 58 were rescued, four were confirmed dead, and 14 were never found despite an intensive 10-day search. The vessel reportedly sank after suffering engine failure while traveling from Jampea Island to Benteng.

Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, relies heavily on sea transport, and maritime accidents remain a recurring challenge due to overcrowding, adverse weather, and safety compliance issues.

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

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IFS Ngulkham Jathom Gangte named India’s next ambassador to Mexico

Shasi Kumar
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IFS Ngulkham Jathom Gangte named India’s next ambassador to Mexico

New Delhi, India — The Government of India has appointed Shri Ngulkham Jathom Gangte (IFS: 1994) as the next Ambassador of India to Mexico.

Gangte, who is currently serving as Special Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), is expected to assume his new assignment shortly.

READ MORE : Senior Diplomat Dr K. Srikar Reddy appointed ambassador to Qatar

A distinguished career diplomat with more than three decades of experience in the Indian Foreign Service, Gangte was born in the Indian state of Manipur. He has held several significant diplomatic and administrative positions throughout his career. Prior to his current role in New Delhi, he served as Ambassador of India to Tunisia from 2021 and was concurrently accredited as Ambassador to Libya. Earlier, he was High Commissioner of India to Zambia from 2017 to 2021.

Throughout his diplomatic career, Gangte has also been posted to Indian missions in Egypt, Morocco, Ireland and Tanzania, while serving in key roles at the Ministry of External Affairs, including Deputy Secretary, Director and Joint Secretary.

An alumnus of Hansraj College, University of Delhi, where he studied Chemistry, Gangte is widely regarded as a seasoned diplomat with extensive expertise in African affairs, Europe and multilateral diplomacy.

His appointment comes at a time when India is expanding its strategic, economic and diplomatic engagement with Mexico and the broader Latin American region. His experience and diplomatic background are expected to further strengthen the growing partnership between India and Mexico across trade, investment, technology and international cooperation.

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

Sheikh Hasina ally Mohammed Shahabuddina resigns as Bangladesh’s president

Diplomat Times
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Sheikh Hasina ally Mohammed Shahabuddina resigns as Bangladesh’s president

Dhaka, Bangladesh —  Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin has resigned, ending the tenure of one of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s last remaining allies in public office amid growing political uncertainty over her possible return to the country.

Shahabuddin submitted his resignation on Friday, citing ill health, just days after Hasina told Reuters she intended to return to Bangladesh despite facing the death penalty over her government’s crackdown on the 2024 student-led protests that ultimately led to her removal from power.

Officials from the President’s Office confirmed that Shahabuddin signed his resignation letter on Friday afternoon. The letter has been submitted to Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, who is expected to assume the president’s responsibilities in an acting capacity until a successor is elected. According to Bangladesh’s Constitution, Parliament must elect a new president within 90 days.

The speaker is reportedly cutting short his medical visit to Thailand to return to Dhaka following the president’s resignation.

Shahabuddin had been under increasing pressure from leaders of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to step down. Although sweeping changes followed the July 2024 mass uprising that toppled Sheikh Hasina’s government, Shahabuddin remained one of the few senior figures from her administration to retain his position.

He continued serving during the interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus and even after the BNP secured a landslide victory in the February general election.

Despite his constitutional term running until 2028, Shahabuddin had signaled his desire to resign months earlier. In an interview with Reuters last December, he said he felt “humiliated” after the interim government removed his portraits from Bangladeshi embassies and consulates abroad. At the time, he said he would remain in office until elections were held and allow the incoming government to decide his future.

Widely regarded as a loyal ally of Sheikh Hasina, Shahabuddin became a target of the student movement that led the 2024 uprising. Protesters accused him of collaborating with the former prime minister’s administration and repeatedly demanded both his resignation and arrest.

His departure marks another significant shift in Bangladesh’s post-Hasina political landscape as the country prepares to elect a new head of state while uncertainty continues over the former prime minister’s future.

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

Japan earthquake death toll climbs to 13 as search for missing continues

Marietta Reformado
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Japan earthquake death toll climbs to 13 as search for missing continues

Kumamoto, Japan —  Rescue teams backed by Japan’s Self-Defense Forces continued a desperate search for survivors on Wednesday after a powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on the southern island of Kyushu, killing at least 13 people and leaving several others missing beneath collapsed buildings and industrial debris.

READ MORE : Death toll from Chongqing landslide in southwestern China climbs to 41

Emergency workers and soldiers searched through the wreckage of homes, damaged commercial buildings, and industrial facilities in a race against time to locate those trapped. One of the most critical rescue operations was underway at the Aeon Mall in Kashima, where a suspected gas explosion triggered by the quake caused the second floor to collapse, potentially trapping multiple people. Rescue efforts also continued at Nippon Paper Industries’ Yatsushiro factory, where a collapsed chimney buried workers under rubble. Officials said seven people were still believed to be trapped, while two survivors and two bodies had already been recovered.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the government was mobilizing every available resource for rescue and relief operations.

“There are people who are still waiting to be rescued, and it’s a race against time. We will go all out to find and rescue as many people as we can,” she said.

The earthquake severely disrupted essential services across the region. Government officials said approximately 36,900 households remained without electricity, around 9,500 homes were without gas, and communication networks were partially down in several affected areas. More than 9,000 residents evacuated to over 500 emergency shelters, where authorities rushed to install additional power supplies and air-conditioning units as the region faced a severe heat wave with temperatures expected to exceed 32°C (90°F).

Transportation infrastructure also suffered major disruptions. Kyushu Shinkansen bullet train services remained suspended while engineers inspected tracks and stations for structural damage. Aso Kumamoto Airport partially resumed operations after one runway was reopened, though flight cancellations and delays continued.

The quake also caused fresh damage to Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s most famous historic landmarks, where stone walls were damaged despite years of ongoing restoration following the devastating 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, which claimed at least 50 lives.

Residents described terrifying scenes as the powerful tremor struck. “The shaking reminded me of the Kumamoto quake 10 years ago, and I was frightened,” said Hiroki Shimoda, an official in Mifune town, who witnessed roof tiles crashing from nearby homes.

Authorities warned that aftershocks remain possible and urged residents to remain alert as damage assessments, rescue operations, and humanitarian relief efforts continue across the earthquake-hit region.

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

Death toll from Chongqing landslide in southwestern China climbs to 41

Diplomat Times
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Death toll from Chongqing landslide in southwestern China climbs to 41

Beijing, China — Teams recovering bodies from a landslide this month in southwestern China have identified 30 more victims over the past week to bring the overall toll in Chongqing to 41 dead with 20 people still missing, authorities said Tuesday.

Ten people also were injured on July 17 when massive amounts of rock and soil washed down a slope and buried at least 10 residential buildings as well as a passenger minibus in the outer Chongqing county of Pengshui.

Teams have been working their way through four major sections of the disaster site, and have used DNA analysis to identify remains, the county government said. Searchers found the wreckage of the missing minibus late Sunday.

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

Xi Jinping meets Slovak president for talks in Beijing

Shasi Kumar
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Xi Jinping meets Slovak president for talks in Beijing

Beijing, China —  Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini in Beijing on Tuesday, with both leaders pledging to deepen bilateral ties, expand cooperation in emerging technologies, and strengthen coordination on global and regional issues.

Welcoming Pellegrini on his state visit to China, Xi said Beijing is ready to work with Slovakia to build a strategic partnership based on mutual respect, trust, equality, mutual benefit, stability, and resilience. He emphasized that respect for each other’s development paths and a long-standing commitment to friendship have been the cornerstone of the strong relationship between the two countries.

Xi praised Slovakia for adhering to the one-China principle and reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting each other’s core interests and major concerns. He called for greater cooperation in high-growth sectors such as clean energy, the digital economy, robotics, and artificial intelligence, describing them as key areas for future bilateral collaboration.

The Chinese president also urged both sides to strengthen exchanges in culture, sports, tourism, youth, and local-level cooperation while making travel between the two countries more convenient.

On international affairs, Xi said China and Slovakia should work together to uphold the United Nations-centered international system and the international order based on international law. He stressed the importance of promoting an equal and orderly multipolar world and an inclusive form of economic globalization that benefits all nations.

Addressing China-EU relations, Xi said China views the European Union as an important partner and hopes Slovakia will play a constructive role in fostering stable and healthy ties between Beijing and Brussels.

President Pellegrini reaffirmed Slovakia’s commitment to its strategic partnership with China and expressed hope for expanding cooperation in trade, investment, artificial intelligence, the digital economy, robotics, and renewable energy. He also welcomed greater investment by Chinese companies in Slovakia.

As a member of the European Union, Pellegrini said Slovakia is prepared to promote dialogue and consultation between the EU and China to resolve differences and strengthen cooperation. He also emphasized Slovakia’s support for multilateralism, the principles of the UN Charter, and international law, while expressing interest in working closely with China on the global governance of artificial intelligence.

Before the formal talks, Xi hosted an official welcome ceremony for Pellegrini at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, followed by a state banquet in honor of the visiting Slovak president.

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

Assam floods leave thousands devastated as brothers Organization appeals for National support

Ahsan Ansari
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Assam floods leave thousands devastated as brothers Organization appeals for National support

Dr. Dibyajyoti Saikia Criticizes Political Apathy, Urges Long-Term Rehabilitation for Victims

Guwahati, Assam — The annual floods and severe riverbank erosion in Assam have once again disrupted the lives of millions, leaving thousands of families homeless and struggling for survival. Responding to the humanitarian crisis, Dr. Dibyajyoti Saikia, General Secretary of the social organization Brothers, nationally recognized human rights activist, and senior social worker, has issued an emotional appeal calling on people across India to come together and support those affected.

Through Brothers, an organization that has been engaged in social service for the past 27 years, Dr. Saikia urged citizens to extend humanitarian assistance to flood victims who have lost everything. He emphasized that people from marginalized and vulnerable communities are in desperate need of support and that every contribution, regardless of size, can help rebuild lives during this difficult time.

Expressing concern over the suffering of displaced families, Dr. Saikia said that every human life is precious and that saving people facing hunger, thirst, and uncertainty must be the highest priority. He noted that many remote flood-affected areas continue to face severe shortages of food supplies, safe drinking water, medicines, and essential healthcare, particularly for children and pregnant women.

Dr. Saikia also criticized the response of political leaders and parties, stating that many politicians actively engage with people and make promises during election campaigns but fail to remain present when disasters strike. According to him, during times of crisis, public representatives often limit themselves to statements while affected communities are left to struggle on their own.

Appealing to flood victims to remain patient and united, Dr. Saikia encouraged people not to be misled by distractions but instead to peacefully raise their voices for their rights and dignity. He urged the Assam government to move beyond temporary relief camps and short-term aid by ensuring permanent rehabilitation measures, including secure land, safe housing, and dignified resettlement for displaced families.

He further stressed that distributing emergency relief every year is not enough. Instead, the government should implement scientific and long-term solutions to prevent riverbank erosion and recurring floods, enabling millions of people to escape the cycle of displacement and humanitarian hardship permanently.

Fear grips parents as children join protest at Jantar Mantar amid army deployment

Shasi Kumar
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Fear grips parents as children join protest at Jantar Mantar amid army deployment

New Delhi, India — Anxiety gripped families on Friday as children and young students remained at the protest site at Jantar Mantar amid heightened security and the deployment of Army personnel in central New Delhi.

The protest, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), entered its second month with demonstrators continuing to demand education reforms and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. In recent days, sections of the protesters have expanded their demands to include the resignations of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Parents gathered near the protest venue expressed concern over the safety of their children as security was intensified around the area. The presence of Army personnel, combined with heavy police deployment, barricades and traffic restrictions, heightened fears among families as thousands of demonstrators assembled near Jantar Mantar.

The latest escalation follows clashes earlier this week during a march towards Parliament, when protesters attempted to reach the Parliament complex on the opening day of the Monsoon Session. Protest organisers alleged that hundreds of demonstrators were injured during confrontations with police, while authorities maintained that security measures were necessary to prevent breaches of restricted zones.

The movement gained additional momentum after environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk was taken to a hospital during his prolonged hunger strike in support of the students’ demands. Protest leaders said the development drew wider public support, with students, parents, farmers and civil society groups joining demonstrations in New Delhi and several other cities.

The CJP, a youth-led movement that emerged over repeated examination paper leaks, says it will continue its protests until its demands are addressed. The government has announced fast-track courts to deal with examination leak cases, but protesters argue that broader reforms and accountability are still needed.

With security remaining tight and protests continuing, Jantar Mantar has become the focal point of one of the country’s largest student-led demonstrations in recent years.

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

India, Israel conclude second round of free trade agreement Negotiations

Roshan Bilung
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India, Israel conclude second round of free trade agreement Negotiations

New Delhi, India — India and Israel have concluded the second round of negotiations for the proposed India-Israel Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with both sides making progress towards a balanced, comprehensive and mutually beneficial trade pact.

The four-day negotiations were held at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi, from July 20 to 23, where officials from both countries held detailed discussions across multiple chapters of the proposed agreement.

READ MORE : Indian President Murmu invites Romanian firms to join India’s growth story

According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the negotiations were conducted under the Terms of Reference (ToR) signed in November 2025, which provides the framework for strengthening bilateral trade, economic cooperation and the overall economic partnership between India and Israel.

During the latest round, technical experts from both sides discussed a wide range of issues, including trade in goods and services, rules of origin, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, technical barriers to trade, intellectual property rights, customs procedures, trade facilitation and economic cooperation.

The ministry said the discussions were constructive and forward-looking, with both sides engaging in detailed technical deliberations aimed at narrowing differences and identifying areas of convergence.

At the opening session, India’s Chief Negotiator and Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce, Ajay Bhadoo, reaffirmed India’s commitment to negotiating a balanced, comprehensive and mutually beneficial agreement that would further strengthen bilateral trade and economic ties.

Israel’s Chief Negotiator, Yifat Alon Perel, Senior Director, Trade Policy and Agreements and Deputy Trade Commissioner in the Foreign Trade Administration of Israel’s Ministry of Economy and Industry, appreciated the progress made since the first round of negotiations and emphasised the importance of maintaining momentum towards an ambitious and mutually beneficial agreement.

According to official data, merchandise trade between India and Israel stood at USD 3.93 billion in FY 2025–26. The two countries share strong complementarities across several sectors, and the proposed FTA is expected to create new opportunities for expanding bilateral trade, investment and economic integration.

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

Indian President Murmu invites Romanian firms to join India’s growth story

Shasi Kumar
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Indian President Murmu invites Romanian firms to join India’s growth story

Bucharest, Romania — President Droupadi Murmu on Friday invited Romanian companies to become active partners in India’s growth story, saying the country’s journey towards becoming a developed nation under the “Viksit Bharat 2047” vision offers unprecedented opportunities for investment, technology collaboration and long-term strategic partnerships.

Addressing the India-Romania Business Forum in Bucharest in the presence of Romanian President Nicușor Dan, government ministers, business leaders and industry representatives from both countries, President Murmu said India and Romania are well positioned to deepen economic cooperation amid a rapidly evolving global economy.

READ MORE : President Murmu calls for stronger India–Moldova trade and investment ties

Describing Romania as a natural and valuable partner, the President highlighted its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, highly skilled workforce, advanced industrial capabilities and strong integration with the European Union. She said these strengths make Romania an attractive destination for Indian investment and an important gateway to the wider European market. She also noted that the large Indian business delegation attending the forum reflected growing confidence in Romania’s economic potential.

Highlighting the recently concluded India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), President Murmu described it as one of the world’s most significant economic partnerships, covering nearly two billion people and an economy valued at approximately USD 25 trillion. She said its early implementation would provide a predictable business environment, boost investment flows, strengthen value chains and create new opportunities for MSMEs, startups and innovators across both regions.

The President also noted that India and the European Union are negotiating an Investment Protection Agreement and a Geographical Indications Agreement, which are expected to further strengthen bilateral economic engagement.

Emphasising India’s strong economic fundamentals, President Murmu said the country remains one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies, supported by sustained reforms, a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, a skilled workforce and a transparent, investor-friendly policy environment. She highlighted ongoing tax reforms and Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes that continue to attract global investment.

Calling for deeper sectoral collaboration, the President identified renewable energy, green hydrogen, solar power, sustainable biofuels, nuclear energy, hydropower and offshore wind as key areas for future cooperation. She also pointed to opportunities in chemicals and fertilisers, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, agriculture, food processing, transportation, logistics, ports, railways and multimodal connectivity.

President Murmu said India’s globally recognised Digital Public Infrastructure, thriving startup ecosystem and leadership in information technology complement Romania’s strengths in software engineering, cybersecurity, research and advanced technologies, opening new avenues for innovation-driven partnerships.

Highlighting strategic cooperation beyond trade, she said the India-EU Trade and Technology Council has emerged as an important platform for collaboration in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, telecommunications, clean energy and digital innovation. She also referred to the recently concluded India-EU Security and Defence Partnership, saying it would strengthen defence industry cooperation and complement India’s bilateral defence ties with Romania through joint production, technology partnerships, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), and defence research.

Expressing confidence in the growing partnership, President Murmu urged Romanian businesses to actively participate in India’s development journey.

“Our businesses can build resilient supply chains, generate employment, promote innovation and create sustainable prosperity for our peoples,” she said.

Earlier in the day, President Murmu held wide-ranging discussions with Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan at Victoria Palace, where both sides reviewed cooperation in trade, investment, clean energy, connectivity and emerging technologies.

She also held delegation-level talks with Romanian President Nicușor Dan at Cotroceni Palace following a ceremonial welcome and Guard of Honour. The two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and global developments.

During the visit, India and Romania signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering science and technology, sports, and the establishment of a Chair of Indian Studies at the University of Bucharest, further strengthening institutional cooperation.

Romania is the final stop of President Murmu’s three-nation State visit, aimed at expanding India’s political, economic and strategic engagement with its European partners.

SOURCE : Indian MEA/PIB |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

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