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Singapore named Best Global Seaport and Best Seaport in Asia

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Singapore named Best Global Seaport and Best Seaport in Asia

Hong Kong — The Port of Singapore reaffirmed its standing as one of the world’s leading maritime hubs after being named “Best Global Seaport” for the fourth time and “Best Seaport in Asia” for the 37th time at the 2025 Asian Freight, Logistics and Supply Chain (AFLAS) Awards, held in Hong Kong on September 3.

The dual honours underscore Singapore’s pivotal role in international trade and logistics. As one of the busiest ports in the world, Singapore continues to serve as a critical gateway linking Asia to global markets, with its efficiency, advanced infrastructure and service reliability frequently cited by shipping and logistics companies.

RELATED NEWS : China displays its military strength in a parade on the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII

Organised annually by Asia Cargo News, the AFLAS Awards recognise service excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction across the global logistics and supply chain industry. Winners are determined through open nominations and votes cast by more than 15,000 readers of the publication, including shippers, freight forwarders and supply chain professionals.

Mr Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, accepted the awards and highlighted the teamwork behind the achievement. “These awards reflect the contributions of our industry stakeholders, international partners, research community, and unions. We remain committed to developing Singapore as a global hub port and international maritime centre. Singapore will continue to strive to be a preferred port of call,” he said.

Singapore’s port has consistently ranked among the most efficient in the world, with round-the-clock operations, deep-water berths capable of handling the largest container ships, and extensive global shipping connections. It handles over 37 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of containers annually and connects to more than 600 ports in 120 countries.

The city-state has also been investing heavily in digitalisation and sustainability initiatives. The upcoming Tuas Port, billed as the world’s largest fully automated container terminal, is set to consolidate Singapore’s port operations under one roof, further strengthening efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

Industry analysts note that Singapore’s continued dominance comes despite intense competition from other Asian ports such as Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Busan. Its ability to maintain high service standards, coupled with a strategic location along vital shipping lanes, ensures that Singapore remains a preferred port of call for global carriers and logistics providers.

The latest recognition at the AFLAS Awards reinforces Singapore’s long-standing reputation not only as a maritime hub for Asia but also as a cornerstone of the global supply chain.

About the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)

MPA was established on 2 February 1996 with the mission to develop Singapore as a premier global hub port and international maritime centre, and to advance and safeguard Singapore’s strategic maritime interests.

MPA is the driving force behind Singapore’s maritime and port development, taking on the roles of maritime and port regulator and planner, international maritime centre champion, national maritime representative, and a champion of digitalisation and decarbonisation efforts at regional and international fora such as at the International Maritime Organization and the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation.

MPA partners industry, research community and other agencies to enhance safety, security, and environmental protection, facilitate maritime and port operations and growth, expand
multi-domain capabilities, and support the cluster of maritime ancillary services and manpower development.

MPA is responsible for the overall development and growth of the maritime multi-domain and the Port of Singapore.

SOURCE : SG PRESS |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |


Indian FM Sitaraman cuts GST on hundreds of consumer goods, including small cars, ACs and TVs

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Indian FM Sitaraman cuts GST on hundreds of consumer goods, including small cars, ACs and TVs

New Delhi, India — Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday announced sweeping cuts in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) covering hundreds of consumer items, ranging from soaps and toiletries to small cars, televisions and air conditioners. The move is aimed at boosting domestic demand and offsetting the strain of escalating tariffs imposed by the United States.

The GST Council, which includes finance ministers from all Indian states, approved the new measures during a late-night meeting in New Delhi. Speaking after the meeting, Sitharaman said the new GST regime will come into effect on September 22 and will simplify the structure by reducing the number of tax slabs to just two. Items previously taxed at 12 percent and 18 percent will now be brought down to the 5 percent bracket, making consumer products more affordable across the board.

RELATED NEWS : Record-Breaking Rainfall Floods Gurugram(gurgaon), Causes Traffic Chaos and Metro Disruptions

At the same time, the Council approved a much higher tax of 40 percent on so-called super luxury and sin goods, including cigarettes, carbonated beverages, and passenger cars with engine capacities above 1,500 cubic centimeters. Officials said this was meant to balance revenue losses while ensuring that the burden did not fall on essential or everyday items.

The rate cuts are expected to result in an estimated revenue loss of 477 billion rupees, according to West Bengal finance minister Chandrima Bhattacharya, who briefed reporters after the meeting. However, she said the decision was unanimous and reflected a shared priority across the states to revive consumption and investment at a time of global trade uncertainty.

The reforms are likely to provide a strong boost to India’s consumer sector. Analysts said that fast-moving consumer goods firms such as Hindustan Unilever and Godrej Industries, as well as electronics makers like Samsung, LG and Sony, stand to benefit from the lower rates. The automobile industry, including manufacturers such as Maruti Suzuki, Toyota and Suzuki Motor, is also expected to see improved sales as tax cuts make small cars more affordable to the middle class.

The push to slash taxes comes against the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for greater self-reliance in India. Last month, Modi vowed to bring down GST rates by October as part of his strategy to counter U.S. tariffs of up to 50 percent. His government has argued that easing the tax burden will stimulate consumption, strengthen local industry and help shield India from global trade pressures.

After the announcement, Modi welcomed the decision, calling the cuts “wide-ranging reforms” that would improve the lives of ordinary citizens and promote ease of doing business, particularly for small traders and entrepreneurs.

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

Lisbon funicular accident leaves 3 dead, 20 injured

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Lisbon funicular accident leaves 3 dead, 20 injured

Lisbon, Portugal — At least three people were killed and about 20 others injured on Wednesday after Lisbon’s historic Gloria funicular railway derailed and crashed, turning one of the Portuguese capital’s most beloved tourist attractions into the scene of tragedy. Authorities said three of the injured remain in critical condition.

Emergency services confirmed the fatalities and reported that dozens of ambulances and fire crews were dispatched to the site near Restauradores Square. Footage from local media showed the mangled upper car of the funicular, with rescuers pulling passengers from twisted metal as crowds gathered nearby.

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Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas and President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa expressed condolences to the victims’ families, with the president describing the accident as a “dark day” for the capital. “We mourn those who lost their lives, and we will seek answers swiftly,” Mr. de Sousa said, adding that investigators had already begun examining the wreckage.

The Gloria line, inaugurated in 1885, connects Lisbon’s downtown area with the Bairro Alto, a neighborhood famed for its nightlife and scenic views. Operated by the city’s public transport company Carris, the funicular consists of two cars attached to opposite ends of a haulage cable, powered by electric motors.

According to reports from CNN Portugal, the lower car of the funicular remained largely undamaged, but passengers were forced to jump out of its windows to escape after the derailment of the upper car. The cause of the crash remains unclear, though transport officials said technical experts had been dispatched to determine whether mechanical failure or a cable issue was to blame.

The Gloria funicular, along with its counterparts the Bica and Lavra lines, is not only a vital link between Lisbon’s steep districts but also a UNESCO-recognized symbol of the city’s heritage, drawing thousands of visitors every week.

For now, authorities have suspended the service and cordoned off the area, as investigators work to piece together how a 140-year-old icon of Lisbon’s transport network ended in catastrophe.

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

Russia launches over 500 drones and missiles at Ukraine as Zelenskyy seeks more support

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Russia launches over 500 drones and missiles at Ukraine as Zelenskyy seeks more support

Kyiv, Ukraine — Russia fired more than 500 drones and two dozen missiles at Ukraine overnight, authorities said Wednesday, as Ukraine’s president and European leaders pressed on with talks on how to strengthen Ukrainian defenses and boost as-yet unsuccessful U.S.-led peace efforts.

The main Russian nighttime targets were civilian infrastructure, especially energy facilities, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, as another winter approaches three years after Russia’s all-out invasion of its neighbor. The attacks targeted mainly western and central Ukraine and wounded at least five people, the Ukrainian air force said.

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Russia’s aerial assaults that hit civilian areas and its army’s drive to crush Ukrainian defenses along the 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line have not abated in recent months, despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s attempts to stop the fighting. While Zelenskyy has accepted Trump’s proposals for a ceasefire and face-to-face peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Kremlin has voiced reservations.

Putin said Wednesday he believed “that if common sense prevails, it is possible to agree on an acceptable option for ending the conflict,” adding that Trump has “a sincere desire” to find a settlement.

“It seems to me that there is a certain light at the end of the tunnel,” Putin said at a news conference in Beijing, wrapping up a four-day visit to China. “Let’s see how the situation develops. If not, then we will have to achieve our goal by military means.”

He said he was ready to receive Zelenskyy for talks in Moscow, but only if the meeting is “well prepared.” Kremlin officials have previously said a summit could happen only after a broad agreement has been hammered out first by lower-ranking delegations.

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian leader described the overnight strikes as “demonstrative.”

“Putin is demonstrating his impunity,” Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram Wednesday, urging tougher sanctions on Russia. “Only due to the lack of sufficient pressure, primarily on the war economy, does Russia continue this aggression.”

Meetings in Beijing bring together Russia’s supporters

As part of diplomatic maneuvering, Putin was in China meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, as well as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The three countries support Russia’s war effort, Washington says. Pyongyang has sent troops and ammunition to Russia, while China and India have bought Russian oil, indirectly helping its war economy.

The European Union’s foreign policy chief said that China’s alliance with Russia is supplying vital support for its invasion, including with products that can be used for both civilian and military purposes.

“Russia is not acting alone. China provides Russia with up to 80% of dual use imports,” Kaja Kallas said in a speech Wednesday at the annual European Union Institute for Security Studies conference in Brussels. “This allows the killing to continue in Ukraine.”

In his daily video address on Tuesday evening, Zelenskyy said the number of Russian drone attacks is growing, including in broad daylight, and reported “another buildup of Russian forces in some sectors of the front.”

He said it revealed “an open disregard by Russia for everything the world is doing to stop this war.”

Ukraine and its allies discuss new military aid

Zelenskyy arrived in Denmark on Tuesday for talks with Northern European and Baltic countries about new military aid and further diplomatic support for Ukraine. He said in Copenhagen that a program for weapons sourced from the United States and paid for by Europe for delivery to Ukraine already has commitments of more than $2 billion. The goal, he said, is to add around $1 billion to the fund each month.

British Defense Secretary John Healey, meanwhile, was in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv for meetings on how to strengthen Ukraine’s military.

French President Emmanuel Macron greeted Zelenskyy in Paris on Wednesday evening, ahead of a Thursday meeting there of European countries assessing what kind of postwar security guarantees they might be able to provide with the United States.

Macron said defense ministers of these countries confirmed and documented contributions from 35 coalition members at a meeting earlier in the day. He didn’t elaborate on what he said was a confidential agreement, but said it was the result of ″intense work in recent weeks″ and ″allows me to say that this preparatory work has been completed.″

″We are ready, we Europeans, to bring security guarantees to Ukraine and Ukrainians the day a peace deal is signed,″ Macron said. ″The question now is about the sincerity of Russia and its successive commitments since it proposed peace to the United States.’

Zelenskyy said that “unfortunately, so far we have not seen any signals from Russia that they want to end” the war. “But I am sure that our union, the union with Europe which has been with us since the beginning of the war, and the union of Europe with America will help us increase the pressure on Russia to move towards a diplomatic solution,” he said.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said earlier Wednesday he expected clarity after the Paris talks about what each country can provide.

Rutte said he is “discreetly part of all the conversations” alongside NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander, Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, because the plans would draw resources from alliance countries and officials need to “prevent spreading our resources too thinly.

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

China displays its military strength in a parade on the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII

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China displays its military strength in a parade on the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII

Beijing, China — China showcased its military might in a parade Wednesday marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II as it seeks to wield greater influence on the global stage.

Leader Xi Jinping, speaking before the parade, paid tribute to Chinese veterans of the war. Since coming to power in 2012, he has sought to build China into a country that cannot be bullied and is strong enough to stand up to foreign powers.

“The Chinese people are … not afraid of violence and are self-reliant and strong,” he said.

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The Chinese military showed off aerial and underwater drones, hypersonic missiles and fighter jets and bombers in a 90-minute event attended by the leaders of about two dozen countries, including Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un.

China’s Communist Party hails progress since World War II

The splashy commemoration of the anniversary is a way to boost support for Communist Party rule by showing the progress made by China. The country was a major front in the war and millions died during Japan’s invasion.

Xi, who has been positioning China as a stabilizing force in an unstable world, said humanity must choose between peace and war and dialogue and confrontation.

Military personnel take part in a military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Japan’s World War II surrender held in front of Tiananmen Gate in Beijing, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. Photo : AP/Ng Han Guan

“The Chinese people’s rejuvenation cannot be blocked, and the noble goal of the peaceful development of human civilization must triumph,” Xi said at the end of his speech.

An analyst at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore said the turbulence in U.S. policy is an opportunity for China.

“This is the right time for China to announce its arrival on the stage, to be a security guarantor, to fill the political, economic, military, diplomatic vacuums,” said James Char, an assistant professor in the China Program.

Parade showed off drone submarines and hypersonic missiles

Highlights of the weaponry in the parade included the AJX002 underwater drone, a long, black, tube-shaped craft that looks like a narrow submarine with a rear propeller.

Other weapons that got attention were hypersonic missiles designed to take out ships at sea and a new intercontinental ballistic missile, the DF-61, which could carry nuclear warheads to distant targets.

The hypersonic weapons are of particular concern to the U.S. Navy, which patrols the western Pacific from its 7th Fleet headquarters in Japan.

Fighter jets and bombers flew across the sky, some painting colored trails. Helicopters flew in formation, one group of 26 spelling out the number “80” for the war’s anniversary year.

The ceremony began with an 80-gun artillery salute, followed by the national anthem, the “March of the Volunteers,” a song composed in 1935 during the early years of resistance against invading Japanese forces.

Trump sends a message

As the parade got underway, U.S. President Donald Trump said on social media that the big question is whether Xi will recognize the contributions of Americans who fought in the war.

“Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America,” he added.

Military personnel take part in a military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Japan’s World War II surrender held in front of Tiananmen Gate in Beijing, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. Photo : AP/Andy Wong

“Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America,” he added.

Putin said that everyone with whom he had spoken during his four-day visit to China had “supported” his meeting with Trump in Alaska last month and expressed their hope that negotiations would end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“I’m saying this without irony, without joking, as public figures all over the world will see this as I say it, and they will understand,” Putin said.

Xi reviews troops and reminds them to defend China’s claim to Taiwan

The event began with troops marching in rhythmic lockstep, their boots echoing off the pavement, to be reviewed by Xi, who heads China’s military as chairman of the Central Military Commission.

Xi rode the entire length of their formations along Beijing’s central Chang’an Avenue in a classic black limousine. He stood up through the vehicle’s sunroof with four microphones lined in front of him and greeted flanks of personnel as he passed them and rows of armaments and military vehicles.

They shouted back mottos in unison, such as “We serve the people.”

The People’s Liberation Army is a heroic military “the people and the Party can trust and rely on completely,” Xi said, adding that the army’s task was to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and unification — a reference to China’s claim over the self-ruled island of Taiwan.

Across the Taiwan Strait, President William Lai said military might should not be used for aggression or territorial expansion.

“Taiwan does not use the barrel of a gun to commemorate peace,” he said in a Facebook post. “Instead, it recalls the martyrs, remembers the lessons of history, and upholds the belief in freedom and democracy.”

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

India appoints Rohit Rathish as next High Commissioner to Seychelles

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India appoints Rohit Rathish as next High Commissioner to Seychelles

New Delhi, India – Shri Rohit Rathish 2006 batch IFS, presently Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), has been appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Seychelles. He is expected to assume his new diplomatic assignment shortly.

Key Posting in Strategic Indian Ocean Region

Seychelles, a key maritime partner for India in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), holds immense strategic importance due to its proximity to major sea lanes and its longstanding bilateral cooperation with India in defence, security, and development. The appointment of a senior IFS officer like Shri Rathish reflects New Delhi’s commitment to further deepening this critical partnership.

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India and Seychelles enjoy close and enduring relations built on shared history, culture, and strong people-to-people ties. Cooperation spans maritime security, defence, renewable energy, health, education, and capacity-building. Shri Rathish’s appointment is expected to strengthen this collaboration further, especially in the context of evolving regional dynamics in the IOR.

Distinguished Career in Indian Foreign Service

Shri Rathish joined the Indian Foreign Service in 2006 after securing an impressive 3rd rank in the Civil Services Examination out of 433 successful candidates. Over the past 15+ years, he has served in several high-responsibility roles in India’s diplomatic and foreign policy ecosystem, gaining expertise in bilateral as well as multilateral engagements.

Known for his professionalism and policy acumen, Shri Rathish has contributed significantly to India’s external relations during his tenure in the MEA and in missions abroad. His leadership in key assignments has prepared him well to take on this new role in Seychelles, where India’s strategic and developmental partnership continues to expand.

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

US Secretary Rubio visits Mexico, holds talks with President Claudia

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US Secretary Rubio visits Mexico, holds talks with President Claudia

Mexico City, Mexico — Mexico and the United States reaffirmed their commitment to cross-border security cooperation on Wednesday during U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit, while stressing that efforts would be carried out within the framework of each nation’s sovereignty.

What had been expected to yield a formal bilateral security agreement instead resulted in a renewed pledge to strengthen existing collaboration. Both sides highlighted shared priorities: halting the flow of fentanyl and other synthetic drugs into the United States, curbing the smuggling of U.S.-purchased firearms into Mexico, and maintaining tighter control of migration, which has dropped sharply in recent months.

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A new element announced was the creation of a “high-level implementation group”, which will meet regularly to ensure that commitments translate into concrete action. “This is a high-level group that will meet and coordinate on a regular basis to make sure that all the things we are working on … are being implemented,” Rubio said.

Rubio, the first Latino U.S. secretary of state, is on his inaugural tour of Central America and the Caribbean since taking office, part of the administration’s effort to pivot renewed attention to Latin America. His trip to Mexico and Ecuador follows a U.S. military strike on a Venezuelan vessel in the Caribbean on Tuesday that Washington claimed was carrying illegal drugs—the first such action since President Donald Trump ordered a surge of warships to the region, escalating tensions with Caracas.

Trade also loomed over Rubio’s visit. While Mexico recently won a 90-day reprieve from Trump’s threatened 30% tariffs, it still faces previously imposed 25% fentanyl-related tariffs. Analysts expect the ongoing review of the USMCA trade agreement to remain a sticking point.

After meeting President Claudia Sheinbaum, Rubio underlined Washington’s desire to treat Mexico as a close partner in security, migration, and commerce. Sheinbaum, while pledging cooperation, reiterated concerns about U.S. overreach. “What our administration plans to agree to with the United States is a cooperation program about border security and the application of the law within the framework of our sovereignties,” she said.

The meeting came as Trump intensifies pressure on regional governments through tariffs, sanctions, and stepped-up deportations of undocumented migrants. Despite tensions, Rubio described the U.S.–Mexico relationship as “the closest cooperation we’ve ever had, maybe between any country.”

Rubio will continue his Latin American tour in Ecuador on Thursday.

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

Record-Breaking Rainfall Floods Gurugram(gurgaon), Causes Traffic Chaos and Metro Disruptions

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Record-Breaking Rainfall Floods Gurugram(gurgaon), Causes Traffic Chaos and Metro Disruptions

Gurugram, India — Heavy rainfall has created flood-like conditions in Gurugram, breaking a five-year record, officials said on Monday. The city witnessed its heaviest showers since 2020, with waterlogging reported in several areas, causing major traffic disruptions and hardship for residents.

Authorities said continuous downpours over the past 24 hours have left large parts of the city submerged, with underpasses and low-lying neighborhoods particularly affected. Roads across Gurugram were jammed, with commuters stuck for hours in traffic as vehicles crawled through waterlogged stretches.

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The Meteorological Department has issued a warning of more rain this month. Official data shows 251 mm of rainfall in July and 247.5 mm in August, compared to 150 mm in July and 292.3 mm in August during the last heavy spell in 2020.

The downpour also threw the Gurgaon Rapid Metro into chaos. At Sikanderpur station, packed platforms and long queues left commuters struggling to board trains as services slowed amid the waterlogging and surging passenger rush.

Emergency response teams have been deployed to drain water, clear traffic bottlenecks, and assist stranded residents. More showers are forecast in the coming days, raising concerns of further disruption.

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

Over 200 Arrested in USA During Labor Day Weekend Crackdown, Nearly 20 Illegal Guns Seized

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Over 200 Arrested in USA During Labor Day Weekend Crackdown, Nearly 20 Illegal Guns Seized

Washington, USA — More than 200 people were arrested across Florida over the Labor Day weekend in a statewide law enforcement sweep that also led to the seizure of nearly 20 illegal firearms, according to Attorney General Pam Bondi.

The crackdown, announced from Washington, was carried out in coordination with state and local agencies, targeting crime hot spots, DUI enforcement, and illegal weapons possession during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.

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Officials reported the largest spike in arrests on Sunday night, when 70 people were taken into custody and three firearms were recovered in a single sweep.

“Florida families should feel safe during holiday weekends, and our law enforcement officers are working tirelessly to ensure that,” Bondi said in a statement. “These arrests send a clear message: crime and illegal guns will not be tolerated.”

Bondi noted that the arrests included charges ranging from drug trafficking and impaired driving to violent offenses and unlawful firearm possession. Authorities said investigations are ongoing and additional charges may follow.

The attorney general’s office emphasized that the enforcement drive is part of a broader strategy to reduce gun violence and curb crime across the state. Similar crackdowns in the past year have led to hundreds of arrests and dozens of weapons seized.

Public safety experts cautioned that holiday weekends often see spikes in crime and accidents due to increased travel, social gatherings, and alcohol-related incidents. Officials confirmed that heightened patrols will continue into the week.

SOURCE : AG PB |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Sudan’s Marra Mountains Landslide Death Toll Surpasses 1,000 as Calls for Aid Grow

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Sudan’s Marra Mountains Landslide Death Toll Surpasses 1,000 as Calls for Aid Grow

Darfur, Sudan — A catastrophic landslide struck Tarasin Village in Sudan’s Central Darfur on Sunday, August 31, killing more than 1,000 people, according to the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM-A), the rebel group controlling the area.

The SLM-A said the tragedy was triggered by days of torrential rainfall that “completely leveled the village to the ground.” The group claimed that all residents perished except one survivor, describing the disaster as one of the deadliest in Sudan’s modern history.

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“Initial information indicates the death of all village residents, estimated to be more than one thousand people. Only one person survived,” the group said in a statement.

The death toll could not be independently verified due to limited access to the conflict-hit Marrah Mountains region. The SLM-A has called on the United Nations and international aid agencies to help recover bodies and provide urgent humanitarian assistance.

Footage shared by the Marrah Mountains news outlet showed a flattened settlement between mountain ranges as residents searched desperately through the debris.

The village of Tarasin, located in the volcanic Marrah Mountains southwest of El-Fasher, had become a refuge for families fleeing violence in North Darfur. According to earlier reports, many displaced people settled there after being forced from their homes by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The disaster comes as Sudan remains mired in a devastating civil war between the Sudanese military and the RSF, which erupted in April 2023. Fighting has killed more than 40,000 people, displaced over 14 million, and pushed parts of the country to the brink of famine. The Darfur region, including the Marrah Mountains, has been largely inaccessible to aid organizations because of ongoing conflict and restrictions.

The International Criminal Court is investigating alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity amid reports of ethnically motivated killings and atrocities across Darfur.

Sunday’s landslide is among the deadliest natural disasters in Sudan’s recent history. Seasonal rains between July and October often wreak havoc, with floods and landslides killing hundreds each year. In 2023, heavy rains caused a dam collapse in the eastern Red Sea Province, killing at least 30 people.

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

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