Jakarta, Indonesia – India and Indonesia on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors under their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with particular emphasis on human rights, justice, and people-centric governance.
Indian Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, met Indonesia’s Minister of Human Rights, H.E. Natalius Pigai, in Jakarta to review bilateral relations and identify new areas of collaboration. The discussions also touched upon enhancing mechanisms for bilateral consular cooperation and promoting democratic values as a foundation for governance.
Both sides underlined the importance of safeguarding human rights, fostering justice, and ensuring that bilateral cooperation delivers tangible benefits to the people of both countries. The meeting reflected the shared democratic traditions of India and Indonesia, two of Asia’s largest democracies, and their common vision for inclusive development and regional stability.
Officials noted that the talks are part of ongoing efforts to translate the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership into concrete outcomes, building on existing collaboration in trade, defense, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people ties.
“India and Indonesia remain steadfast partners with shared democratic values and a mutual commitment to advancing peace, prosperity, and human rights in the region,” a statement said.
“India has one of the strongest and most independent National Human Rights Commissions in the world. I wish to learn from its experience to strengthen our own National Commission as we draft the Human Rights Law, which is already part of the National Legislation Program. We have prepared a draft and an Inventory of Issues (DIM), nearly 80% complete. Hopefully, this year or the next, it will be passed by the Indonesian House of Representatives,” said H.E. Natalius Pigai on X.
Jammu & Kashmir, India – At least 32 people were killed and 20 others injured after heavy rains triggered a massive landslide near the Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra in Jammu & Kashmir’s Reasi district on Tuesday, officials and sources confirmed on Wednesday.
The tragedy struck around 3 p.m. on Tuesday when the mountainside gave way, sending huge stones, boulders and debris crashing down on pilgrims midway along the 12-km trek from Katra to the hilltop shrine. Rescue teams said the impact was so severe that several devotees were buried instantly under the rubble.
The yatra (pilgrimage) to the shrine was immediately suspended. Initially, the Himkoti trek route had been closed due to rains on Tuesday morning, but the old route remained open until 1:30 p.m., when authorities suspended it indefinitely following the disaster.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on social media, saying: “The loss of lives due to a landslide on the route to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple is saddening. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover at the earliest. The administration is assisting all those affected. My prayers for everyone’s safety and well-being.”
The loss of lives due to a landslide on the route to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple is saddening. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover at the earliest. The administration is assisting all those affected. My prayers for everyone's safety and…
Rescue and relief operations are being carried out by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local police and army personnel. Helicopters have been pressed into service to evacuate the injured to hospitals in Jammu and Udhampur. Officials warned that more people may still be trapped under the debris.
Meanwhile, incessant heavy rainfall across Jammu & Kashmir and several other northern states, including Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, has triggered flash floods, landslides, and large-scale damage to infrastructure. Thousands have been evacuated from low-lying areas, and red alerts remain in force across the region.
A section of the Tawi river bridge gave way after incessant rainfall in Jammu. Photo : PTI
The Vaishno Devi shrine, one of India’s holiest pilgrimage sites, attracts millions of devotees every year. Authorities are closely monitoring the weather before deciding when the pilgrimage can resume safely.
Heavy rains and flash floods have caused widespread destruction across northern India, with Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab among the worst-affected regions.
According to PTI, a flash flood washed away 10 residential houses and a bridge in the remote Margi area of Kishtwar district in Jammu & Kashmir. While no casualties were reported immediately, officials said more than 12 paramilitary personnel were feared trapped in floodwaters in Lakhanpur village of Kathua district, where rescue efforts are underway.
So far, over 3,500 residents have been evacuated to safer locations in Jammu. In the Kashmir Valley, the Jhelum River crossed the flood-alert mark of 21 feet at Sangam in Anantnag district and was only two feet below the alert level of 18 feet at Ram Munshi Bagh in Srinagar on Wednesday morning.
Amid the rising water levels, India issued fresh alerts to Pakistan over the “high probability” of flooding in the Tawi River, following the release of excess water from major dams due to incessant rains. The alerts, routed through the Ministry of External Affairs, were described by officials as being issued on “humanitarian grounds.” The Tawi originates in the Himalayas, flows through Jammu, and merges with the Chenab in Pakistan.
Very sorry to hear about the loss of lives of pilgrims on the Mata Vaishno Devi yatra route. My deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. May the departed souls rest in peace.” Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister on X,
Very sorry to hear about the deaths of the pilgrims on the Mata Vaishno Devi track. I send my condolences to the families of the deceased. May the souls of the deceased rest in peace.
Officials confirmed that severe damage to public infrastructure has been reported across the Union Territory, including several bridges, residential homes, and commercial establishments swept away by swollen rivers and flash floods.
In neighbouring Punjab, torrential rains have triggered flash floods in several districts, with major rivers including the Sutlej, Beas and Ravi, as well as seasonal rivulets, flowing above danger levels. Massive rescue and relief operations are underway, with the Army, NDRF and state disaster teams evacuating people from low-lying areas.
Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Fazilka, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur and Hoshiarpur districts are reported to be among the worst hit.
Bangkok, Thailand – In a significant rescue operation, the Embassy of India in Bangkok on Tuesday announced the successful repatriation of 37 Indian nationals who had been released from scam centers operating in Myanmar, close to the Thailand–Myanmar border. The repatriation took place through Mae Sot, Thailand, on August 26, 2025.
Officials said the rescued individuals had fallen victim to international human trafficking networks that lure unsuspecting job seekers with offers of lucrative employment in Southeast Asia. Once recruited, they were taken across borders and forced to work in online scam centers under harsh and exploitative conditions.
This marks the latest in a series of repatriation efforts carried out by the Government of India in collaboration with Thai and Myanmar authorities to secure the safe return of its citizens trapped in such rackets. Over the past year, dozens of Indians have been rescued from similar scam hubs across the region.
The Embassy of India in Bangkok reiterated its advisory urging Indian citizens to thoroughly verify the authenticity of overseas job offers before making travel plans. It further reminded travelers that while Thailand allows visa-free entry for short visits, such entry is not valid for employment purposes, and those seeking work must obtain the appropriate visa and work permit.
A statement from the embassy stressed: “The Government of India remains committed to protecting its citizens abroad and will continue to pursue all possible avenues to ensure the safety and welfare of Indians caught in exploitative conditions overseas.”
The incident highlights a growing concern across Southeast Asia, where transnational criminal syndicates have been operating scam centers in border regions, particularly in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, targeting vulnerable job seekers from South Asia and beyond.
Washington, USA – U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff said on Tuesday that President Donald Trumpwould chair a meeting on Gaza at the White House on Wednesday and added that Washington expected Israel’s war in the Palestinian territory to be settled by the end of the year. The U.S. State Department separately said Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar in Washington on Wednesday. It released the information in a regular next-day public schedule that said their meeting at the State Department would be held at 1515 ET (1915 GMT).
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT
Trump had promised a swift end to the war in Gaza during the 2024 U.S. election campaign and after taking office in January, but almost seven months into his term, that stated goal remains elusive. Trump’s term began with a ceasefire which lasted two months and ended when Israeli strikes killed around 400 Palestinians on March 18. In recent weeks, images of starving Palestinians in Gaza, including children, have shocked the world and fueled criticism of Israel over the worsening conditions.
KEY QUOTES
When asked on Fox News’ “Special Report with Bret Baier” show if there is a post-war plan for Gaza, Witkoff said: “Yes, we’ve got a large meeting in the White House tomorrow, chaired by the president, and it’s a very comprehensive plan we’re putting together on the next day.”
He did not elaborate further and did not list the meeting’s participants. When asked should Israel be doing anything differently to end the war and secure the release of the hostages, Witkoff said: “We think that we’re going to settle this one way or another, certainly before the end of this year.” Witkoff said Israel was open to continuing discussions with Palestinian militant group Hamas. He said Hamas had signaled it was open to a settlement.
CONTEXT
U.S. ally Israel’s devastating assault on Gaza since October 2023 has killed over 62,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities. It has also caused a hunger crisis, internally displaced Gaza’s entire population and prompted accusations of genocide and war crimes at international courts that Israel denies. The latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered in October 2023 when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 and taking about 250 hostages, Israeli tallies show.
Bogotá, Colombia – Colombia’s Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez confirmed on Tuesday that 34 Army soldiers were kidnapped during a military operation in rural El Retorno, Guaviare, southern region of Colombia, where a senior commander of FARC dissidents was killed.
The minister denounced the abduction as “an illegal and criminal act,” and said some civilians were allegedly involved, claiming they sought to establish a humanitarian corridor.
“That is a kidnapping; it goes against the will of the soldiers. We have called on the Ombudsman’s Office and the United Nations to demand their immediate release,” Sánchez told reporters after meeting with Attorney General Gregorio Eljach and other officials to review security ahead of the 2026 legislative and presidential elections.
Soldiers taken after guerrilla leader killed
The commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, Admiral Francisco Cubides, explained that the kidnapping took place after other clashes in the same area in which ten other guerrillas were killed.
“Continuing the military operations (…) that began last Sunday, Aug.24, yesterday troops from the Armed Forces engaged in combat with members of the self-styled Martín Villa Mobile Block, belonging to the FARC dissidents,” the admiral said in X.
The kidnapping took place in the same rural area where the Army on Sunday killed Willinton Vanegas Leyva, also known as ‘Dumar’ or ‘Chito,’ one of the top leaders of the Estado Mayor Central (EMC), the largest faction of FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) dissidents.
FARC dissidents are groups formerly part of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), who refused to lay down their arms after the Colombian peace process came into effect in 2016, or resumed their insurgency afterwards.
Dumar was considered the main commander of the EMC’s Martín Villa structure and a close ally of Iván Mordisco (Néstor Vera Fernández), the guerrilla leader most wanted by Colombian authorities.
According to Sánchez, Dumar’s role was to “consolidate strategic drug-trafficking corridors in Meta and Guaviare to strengthen the dissidents and expand their criminal apparatus.”
Government demands release, calls UN
Minister Sánchez stressed that the kidnapping disrupted an active military offensive against Mordisco’s group, which authorities have identified as the main threat in the region.
“This operation was being carried out in response to alerts from the Ombudsman’s Office to protect civilians from Mordisco’s criminal actions,” he said.
The Army reported that in the same operation that killed Dumar, another guerrilla was also killed, while six fighters were captured, including two women.
Rising security tensions in Colombia
The abduction of dozens of soldiers comes amid mounting security concerns in Colombia as the country prepares for elections in 2026.
The government has faced increasing attacks from FARC dissidents who rejected the 2016 peace deal, as well as from other armed groups expanding their presence in strategic regions.
Sánchez reiterated that the state “will not accept conditions or negotiations imposed by armed groups,” insisting that the priority remains the safe return of the kidnapped soldiers.
Ljubljana, Slovenia – Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar on Tuesday underscored her country’s support for Palestinian statehood, declaring that “Palestinians deserve peace, security and a dignified life in their own country.
She made the statement during her meeting with Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, who is visiting Ljubljana for high-level talks aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.
According to the president’s office, the meeting focused on the current situation in the Middle East, ongoing efforts to achieve peace, and opportunities to expand Slovenian–Palestinian cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
President Pirc Musar emphasized that a just and lasting solution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict is vital not only for regional stability but also for international peace and security. She reaffirmed Slovenia’s position that the two-state solution remains the only viable path to ensuring dignity, safety and prosperity for both peoples.
For his part, Foreign Minister Shahin thanked Slovenia for its continued support and welcomed Ljubljana’s efforts to advocate for Palestinian rights on the global stage. He noted that stronger cooperation between Slovenia and Palestine could pave the way for greater cultural, educational and economic exchanges.
The meeting comes at a time when international attention is once again focused on the Middle East, with growing calls in Europe and beyond for renewed diplomatic engagement to resolve the long-standing conflict. Slovenia, a member of the European Union, has repeatedly voiced support for peace initiatives that uphold international law and the right of Palestinians to an independent state.
Slovenia remains one of the most vocal supporters of Palestinian statehood and the two-state solution. We are calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, and respect for international law. Our first priority is the protection of civilians – starving the civilian population is unacceptable, She post on X formerly twitter.
New Delhi, India – The Supreme Court has ordered an independent investigation into Vantara, the sprawling wildlife rescue and rehabilitation park run by Reliance Foundation in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The project, spearheaded by Anant Ambani, son of billionaire Mukesh Ambani, houses over 1.5 lakh animals across 2,000 species and includes what it claims is the world’s largest elephant care facility.
The court’s directive came while hearing a batch of public interest litigations filed by wildlife groups alleging mistreatment of animals, irregularities in acquisitions, and lapses by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA). Though the bench noted that the allegations were “unsupported by proof,” it said an independent appraisal was necessary “in the ends of justice.”
A committee led by a retired Supreme Court judge will now examine animal acquisitions—particularly elephants—review complaints of a “vanity collection,” and assess compliance with India’s Wildlife Protection Act.
The panel has been asked to submit its report by September 12.
In a statement, a Vantara spokesperson said the facility remains “committed to transparency and legal compliance” and will fully cooperate with the inquiry. “Our mission and focus continues to be the rescue, rehabilitation and care of animals,” it added.
The Ambani family’s marquee project made headlines last year when it hosted part of Anant Ambani’s pre-wedding festivities, with international celebrities invited to tour the centre in themed “jungle fever” outfits. Earlier this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also visited the park, describing it as a “safe haven for animals” that furthers ecological sustainability.
Apart from leading Vantara, Anant Ambani serves as Executive Director at Reliance Industries and plays a key role in its telecom and technology arm, Jio Platforms.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inauguration of Vantara, a wildlife park run by Reliance Foundation in Jamnagar, had drawn flak from opposition leaders and activists, who questioned his close association with the Ambani family.
While Modi praised the project on X as a “safe haven for animals” and lauded Anant Ambani’s “compassionate effort,” critics pointed out that the Supreme Court has already ordered a probe into the facility over allegations of irregular animal acquisitions and violations of wildlife laws.
Rome, Italy – Kim Kardashian and her daughter North West turned heads on Saturday, August 22, as they stepped out in coordinated all-black ensembles during an evening in the Italian capital.
The SKIMS founder, 44, opted for a sleek black bodycon silk dress, while her 12-year-old daughter North made a bold fashion statement in a corset, skirt, and knee-high boots. With her striking electric-blue hair styled into two waist-length ponytails, North stood nearly eye-to-eye with her famous mom.
The mother-daughter duo later shared a TikTok on their joint account, dancing to Destroy Lonely’s “If Looks Could Kill” and showing off their matching outfits. Kardashian first revealed North’s vibrant blue hair back in June on Instagram Stories, captioning a photo of her daughter with a simple.
Fans have often noted the resemblance between Kardashian and her eldest child. In July, the reality star reposted a side-by-side photo comparison of her younger self and North, captioning it: “Like mom, like daughter.”
Kardashian, who is also mom to Psalm, 6, Chicago, 7, and Saint, 9, has previously admitted she sometimes turns to North for fashion feedback. Speaking at the 2025 Met Gala, Kardashian shared that her daughter isn’t afraid to critique her looks but does so with a positive outlook.
“She’s a big critiquer, but it’s pretty good,” Kardashian told Vogue’s Emma Chamberlain. “Even if something’s not her style, she always says, ‘Just be you, and if you like it, that’s what matters.’”
The proud mom added that bringing North along to events is always special: “She was such a positive force tonight. It was great.”
Jakarta, Indonesia – Indonesia and the United States began annual joint military exercises on Monday together with forces from a dozen other countries, as the U.S. pushes its allies to take threats from China more seriously.
Hosted by the Indonesian National Armed Forces, this year’s Super Garuda Shield focused on strengthening regional ties in an increasingly unstable global landscape, said Gen. Tandyo Budi Revita, the military’s Deputy Commander.
“It serves as a joint exercise where we stand together to respond every challenge quickly and precisely.” he said in his speech at kick-off ceremony along with Admiral Samuel Paparo, the Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.
The exercise has been held annually in Jakarta by U.S. and Indonesian soldiers since 2009. The list of participants expanded since 2022 to include Australia, Japan, Singapore, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Brazil and South Korea, bringing the total number of troops taking part in the drill to 6,500.
Paparo said the expanded participants symbolizes a commitment to partnership and to the sovereignty of each country through mutual respect.
“It represents deterring anyone that would hope to change the facts on the ground using violence with the collective determination of all participants to uphold the principles of sovereignty,” Paparo said.
Jakarta has expressed concern about what it sees as Chinese encroachment on its exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea, while maintaining generally positive ties with Beijing.
Commander of US Indo-Pacific Command Adm. Samuel Paparo, right, shakes hands with Deputy Commander of the Indonesian Armed Forces Gen. Tandyo Budi Revita during the opening ceremony of Super Garuda Shield 2025, an Indonesia-US annual large-scale joint military exercise that brings together forces from multiple countries, in Jakarta, Indonesia Monday, Aug. 25, 2025. Photo : AP
Several Asian countries also sent observers to the 11-day combat exercise in Jakarta and on Sumatra island. They will end on Sept. 4 with a combined live-fire drill.
The expanded drills have sparked concern from China, which accused the U.S. of trying to build an “Asian NATO” to limit China’s growing military and diplomatic influence in the region.
During a recent speech in Singapore, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth cautioned that seeking U.S. military support while relying on Chinese economic support carries risk.
Hegseth said Washington has been strengthening an arc of military alliances in the Indo-Pacific to reassure allies alarmed by Beijing’s increasing military and economic pressure from China and provocative actions in the disputed South China Sea.
Despite increased activities by Chinese coast guard vessels and fishing boats in the area have unnerved Jakarta, Indonesia has sought to avoid confrontation and continued economic initiatives with China.
Jakarta’s decision to sidestep the issue is consistent with its longstanding policy of keeping friction with Beijing behind closed doors, especially given the scale of Chinese trade and investment in the Indonesian economy, said Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat and Yeta Purnama, researchers at the Center of Economic and Law Studies or CELIOS.
“This dual-track diplomacy might seem inconsistent. But for Jakarta, it is strategic. Indonesia is embracing defense diversification, not alignment,” said Rakhmat of CELIOS.
The country has remained committed to Super Garuda Shield and continued purchasing U.S. and French arms and developing interoperability with Western militaries, he added.
“In a region defined by rising tensions and great power rivalry, Indonesia’s refusal to choose sides, at least in defense, might be its strongest asset,” Rakhmat said.
Washington, USA — South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Monday voiced hope that U.S. President Donald Trump would act as a “peacemaker” and open a new path for peace on the Korean Peninsula, as he looked forward to a potential Trump–Kim Jong-un meeting.
During their first high-stakes summit at the White House, Lee urged Trump “to bring peace to the Korean Peninsula, the only divided nation remaining in the world.” The talks were expected to center on alliance modernization and trade, following a recent agreement reducing U.S. tariffs on South Korean goods to 15 percent from a threatened 25 percent.
Trump, for his part, reiterated his willingness to meet North Korea’s Kim Jong-un this year, renewing calls for dialogue with the reclusive regime.
“I hope you will meet Kim Jong-un and even build a ‘Trump World’ in North Korea so that I can play golf there, and that you will firmly play the role of a historic peacemaker,” Lee said. He praised the stability of the Korean Peninsula during Trump’s first term, contrasting it with recent years marked by Pyongyang’s advancing nuclear and missile programs.
“It is not easy for inter-Korean relations to improve through my involvement alone. In fact, the only person who can truly resolve this issue is President Trump,” Lee added. “If you play the role of a ‘peacemaker,’ I will work hard as a ‘pacemaker’ to support you.”
Lee also expressed interest in strengthening cooperation with Washington in shipbuilding and manufacturing, saying, “A renaissance is taking place in the U.S. not only in shipbuilding but also in manufacturing, and I hope the Republic of Korea can join in that process.”
