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Trump Seeks Meeting With Kim Jong Un as South Korea’s New President Lee Visits White House

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Trump Seeks Meeting With Kim Jong Un as South Korea’s New President Lee Visits White House

Washington, USA — U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday he wanted to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and signaled openness to further trade talks with South Korea, even as he leveled fresh criticism at his visiting Asian ally.

South Korea’s new President, Lee Jae Myung, arrived at the White House for high-stakes talks just hours after Trump publicly criticized Seoul’s handling of investigations into the December martial law attempt by his conservative predecessor. The remarks cast a tense shadow over Lee’s first official visit since taking office in June following the impeachment and removal of Yoon Suk Yeol.

RELATED NEWS : Japan’s Ishiba, South Korea’s Lee agree closer cooperation before Lee meets Trump

Welcoming Lee to the Oval Office, Trump said he was open to revisiting aspects of the U.S.–South Korea trade deal and expressed interest in renewed dialogue with North Korea.
“I’d like to have a meeting,” Trump told reporters. “I look forward to meeting with Kim Jong Un in the appropriate future.”

President Lee, striking a conciliatory tone, praised Trump and voiced support for renewed U.S.–North Korea engagement. South Korea’s economy remains closely tied to the U.S., which underwrites its defense with troops and nuclear deterrence. Trump, however, reiterated his long-standing view that Seoul has been “a money machine” benefiting disproportionately from American protection.

The White House meeting also touched on sensitive domestic issues. When asked about Trump’s earlier social media post alleging misconduct linked to raids on churches, Lee sought to carefully clarify Seoul’s position.
“We didn’t directly investigate the U.S. base; we investigated the South Korean unit within the base. I will explain it to you more in detail later,” Lee told Trump.

Observers noted the unusual contrast between Trump’s sharp online remarks and his later effort to downplay them. After accusing Seoul of serious misconduct, Trump dismissed the issue during the press availability, saying: “I’m sure this was just a misunderstanding.”

The meeting comes at a pivotal time as Washington, Seoul, and Pyongyang weigh next steps on regional security, trade, and diplomatic engagement.

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

Zelenskyy met Norway’s Prime Minister Støre, Agree on Stronger Defense, Energy Cooperation, and Security Guarantees

Shasi Kumar
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Zelenskyy met Norway’s Prime Minister Støre, Agree on Stronger Defense, Energy Cooperation, and Security Guarantees

Kyiv, Ukraine — President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in Kyiv to discuss Ukraine’s defense needs, energy cooperation, and long-term security guarantees as the war with Russia continues.

The talks focused on diplomatic efforts for a “just peace,” strengthening Ukraine’s air defense, the return of abducted Ukrainian children, and closer cooperation with partners on arms procurement.

RELATED NEWS : Ukraine’s Zelenskiy says he discussed pressure on Russia with US envoy Kellogg

Zelenskyy thanked Norway for its “consistent and systemic support,” highlighting Oslo’s role in supplying NASAMS systems and confirming that Norway, together with Germany, will finance the purchase of two Patriot air defense systems and their missiles. He also expressed hope for joint NASAMS production with Norway.
“Our partners are well aware of our air defense needs. We hope that Norway’s example of assistance will be followed by other countries, particularly Scandinavian states,” Zelenskyy said.

Prime Minister Støre confirmed that Norway will maintain the same level of assistance in 2026, with part of the funds directed toward Ukraine’s drone production. “A strong and well-equipped Ukrainian army will be one of the most significant security guarantees for the future,” he noted.

Both leaders discussed frontline developments, arms procurement under NATO’s PURL program, and ways to strengthen Ukraine’s long-range drone capabilities as a means of pressuring Russia to seek peace.

The meeting also addressed energy resilience, with Norway pledging support for Ukraine’s gas purchases to help the country through the winter. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of this aid amid Russian strikes on energy infrastructure.

Special attention was given to the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. Norway reaffirmed its active role in the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children under Ukraine’s Bring Kids Back UA initiative.

Both sides reiterated that sanctions against Russia must remain in place until Moscow fully ends its aggression and occupation of Ukrainian territories.

SOURCE : UKRAINE PRESIDENT NEWS |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Fiji Prime Minister Rabuka Meets President Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Shasi Kumar
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Fiji Prime Minister Rabuka Meets President Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan

New Delhi, India — The Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji, Hon. Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka, called on the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, at Rashtrapati Bhavan today.

Welcoming Prime Minister Rabuka and his delegation, President Murmu fondly recalled her State Visit to Fiji in August 2024, where she was greeted with a traditional welcome by indigenous elders. She also highlighted her interactions with the Indian-origin community in Fiji, praising their role in strengthening the deep-rooted ties between the two countries.

RELATED NEWS : PM Modi to Visit Japan and China for High-Level Summits in August 29

Underscoring the enduring friendship between India and Fiji, the President said the contributions of the Girmitiya community have not only cemented bilateral bonds but also shaped Fiji’s multicultural identity and diverse economy.

President Murmu emphasized India’s commitment to Fiji’s socio-economic development, particularly in areas of health, training, capacity building, and climate resilience. She welcomed the signing of an MoU to establish a Super-Speciality Hospital in Fiji, calling it a milestone in healthcare cooperation.

Highlighting the importance of digital transformation, President Murmu noted that India’s experiences with UPI payment systems, Jan Dhan financial inclusion, and Aadhaar could serve as useful models for Fiji’s own development. She also stressed the role of ITEC training programmes in building capacities among Fijian officials.

The President further underlined India’s vision of closer engagement with the Pacific Island Countries (PICs), affirming that Fiji remains a “special partner” in the region.

Both leaders expressed satisfaction over the growing momentum in India–Fiji relations and voiced confidence that the visit would open new avenues of cooperation for the benefit of both peoples.

Meanwhile, in a joint statement following Prime Minister Rabuka’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the two leaders condemned in the strongest terms the Pahalgam terrorist attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. They reiterated their commitment to “zero tolerance” against terrorism and rejected any double standards on the issue.

The statement further said both countries recognized the need to counter radicalisation, curb terror financing, prevent misuse of emerging technologies by extremist groups, and strengthen cooperation against transnational organized crime through joint efforts and capacity building.

SOURCE : MFA INDIA |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Ukraine’s Zelenskiy says he discussed pressure on Russia with US envoy Kellogg

Diplomat Times
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Ukraine’s Zelenskiy says he discussed pressure on Russia with US envoy Kellogg

Kyiv, Ukraine – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Monday he and U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg had held a good meeting and discussed exerting pressure on Russia to hold “real talks” on ending more than three years of war.
“A good meeting with the special U.S. presidential envoy Keith Kellogg,” Zelenskiy wrote on the Telegram messaging app.

“We discussed how to exert influence on Russia, oblige them to hold real talks on ending the war … We are ready to talk in a format with leaders. This is needed to resolve key issues.”

Zelenskiy said Ukraine valued the “readiness of the United States to be part of Ukraine’s security architecture” and viewed security cooperation as important, particularly in regards to weapons purchases and development and sale of drones.

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


Israel Strikes Houthi Presidential Palace in Yemen After Cluster Munition Attack

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Israel Strikes Houthi Presidential Palace in Yemen After Cluster Munition Attack

Jerusalem, Israel — Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced Sunday that Israeli forces have destroyed the Houthi rebels’ presidential palace in Yemen’s capital, Sana’a, in a new wave of retaliatory airstrikes.

“The IDF has destroyed the Houthi presidential palace in Yemen and struck fuel depots and power plants,” Gallant said in a joint statement with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

RELATED NEWS : 21 countries call on Israel for ‘immediate reversal’ of E1 settlement plan

The Israeli military confirmed that its strikes targeted the presidential complex, two power plants, and a fuel storage facility. Images released by Netanyahu’s office showed him and Gallant at a Tel Aviv command center with IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, overseeing the operation.

Houthi officials said six people were killed and 86 injured. Earlier, the rebels’ Health and Environment Ministry had reported at least two deaths and 35 injuries.

The operation followed a Houthi missile strike on Friday that Israel said dispersed cluster munitions over central Israel. One bomblet landed in a residential yard in Ginaton, causing light damage but no casualties.

Netanyahu defended the strikes as a warning to Iran-backed groups: “Anyone who attacks us, we attack. Anyone planning to attack us, we attack them. The entire region is learning the strength and determination of the State of Israel.”

The IDF said it is investigating why the Houthi missile carrying cluster munitions—banned by over 100 countries—was not intercepted before impact.

Despite a ceasefire between the Houthis and the United States in May, the rebels have continued launching drones and missiles toward Israel, citing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Most have been intercepted by Israeli defenses.

Netanyahu confirmed all Israeli aircraft had returned safely following the strikes.

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

PM Modi to Visit Japan and China for High-Level Summits in August 29

Shasi Kumar
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PM Modi to Visit Japan and China for High-Level Summits in August 29

New Delhi, India — The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on an important diplomatic tour later this month, with back-to-back visits to Japan and China for high-level engagements.

At the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, PM Modi will visit Tokyo from August 29–30, 2025, to take part in the 15th India–Japan Annual Summit. This will be Modi’s eighth visit to Japan, but his first official summit with Ishiba, who recently assumed office.

During the summit, the two leaders are expected to review the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, which has become a cornerstone of India’s Indo-Pacific policy. Discussions will span a wide range of areas, including:

  • Defence and security cooperation under the free and open Indo-Pacific framework
  • Trade, economy, and technology partnerships, with emphasis on innovation and supply chain resilience
  • Clean energy, infrastructure, and connectivity projects
  • People-to-people exchanges, particularly educational, cultural, and youth cooperation
  • Regional and global issues, with a focus on peace, stability, and rules-based international order

The MEA noted that the visit will reaffirm the “longstanding special bond of friendship” and underscore Japan’s role as a key strategic partner and Quad member in India’s foreign policy matrix.

In the second leg of his tour, PM Modi will travel to Tianjin, China, from August 31–September 1, 2025, at the invitation of President Xi Jinping to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Leaders’ Summit. The SCO brings together major Eurasian powers, and India has been an active member since 2017, holding the presidency in 2022–23.

On the sidelines of the Tianjin summit, PM Modi is expected to hold bilateral meetings with several participating heads of state and government, providing an opportunity to advance India’s regional and global agenda.

The confirmation of Modi’s China visit comes shortly after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on the Prime Minister in New Delhi earlier this week to deliver President Xi’s formal invitation. The meeting was seen as a signal of Beijing’s intent to maintain dialogue channels amid complex regional dynamics.

With back-to-back visits to two major Asian powers, India is expected to use the August tour to strengthen its strategic partnerships, advance economic and technological cooperation, and reaffirm its voice in regional security architecture.

SOURCE : MFA INDIA |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Anil Ambani, Reliance Communications Face CBI Case in ₹30 Billion Fraud Allegation

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Anil Ambani, Reliance Communications Face CBI Case in ₹30 Billion Fraud Allegation

Mumbai, India – India’s federal probe agency, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), has registered a criminal case against industrialist Anil Ambani and his company Reliance Communications Ltd (RCom) over alleged fraud, following a complaint filed by the State Bank of India (SBI).

According to the CBI’s statement, searches were carried out on Saturday at Ambani’s residence in Mumbai and at the offices of the now insolvent Reliance Communications. The agency alleged that Ambani and his company diverted and misused bank funds, causing losses of nearly ₹30 billion ($344 million) to SBI.

A spokesperson for Ambani confirmed that the CBI team conducted searches, which concluded in the afternoon. “Mr. Ambani strongly denies all allegations and charges, and will duly defend himself,” the spokesperson said in a statement to Reuters.

SBI, India’s largest public sector bank, has not yet issued a formal response to media queries.

Previous Investigations

This is not the first time Anil Ambani’s Reliance Group has come under scrutiny. Just last month, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out raids at 35 locations linked to the group in connection with an alleged money laundering and public fund siphoning probe. At that time, a source within the Reliance Group denied the allegations, calling them “baseless.”

A Troubled Business Legacy

Anil Ambani, the younger brother of billionaire Mukesh Ambani, once headed one of India’s biggest telecom players through Reliance Communications. However, mounting debt, intense competition in the telecom sector, and regulatory challenges forced the company into insolvency proceedings in 2019.

The new CBI case deepens the financial and legal troubles facing the embattled tycoon, who has seen much of his business empire collapse over the last decade.

What’s Next?

Legal experts suggest the case could lead to a prolonged courtroom battle, with both the CBI and ED pursuing parallel investigations into fraud and money laundering allegations. If proven, the case could mark one of the largest banking frauds involving a high-profile corporate figure in India.

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

Japan’s Ishiba, South Korea’s Lee agree closer cooperation before Lee meets Trump

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Japan’s Ishiba, South Korea’s Lee agree closer cooperation before Lee meets Trump

Tokyo, Japan – Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung agreed on Saturday to closer security and economic ties ahead of Lee’s planned summit with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday.

On his first official visit to Japan since taking office in June, Lee met Ishiba at the premier’s residence in Tokyo to discuss bilateral ties between the East Asia neighbours, including closer security coordination with the United States under a trilateral pact signed by their predecessors.

RELATED NEWS : South Korean president will meet Japanese leader ahead of summit with Trump

“As the strategic environment surrounding both our countries grows increasingly severe, the importance of our relations, as well as trilateral cooperation with the United States, continues to grow,” Ishiba said in a joint announcement with Lee after their meeting.

The leaders agreed to resume shuttle diplomacy, expand exchanges such as working holiday programs, and step up cooperation in defence, economic security, artificial intelligence and other areas. They also pledged closer coordination against North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats.

The snap election victory of the liberal Lee – following the impeachment of conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol for declaring martial law – raised concerns in Tokyo that relations with Seoul could sour.

Lee has criticised past efforts to improve ties strained by lingering resentment over Japan’s 1910–45 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula.
The South Korean government last week expressed “deep disappointment and regret” after Japanese officials visited a shrine in Tokyo to Japan’s war dead that many Koreans see as a symbol of Japan’s wartime aggression.

In Tokyo, however, Lee reaffirmed support for closer relations with Japan as he did when he met Ishiba for the first time in June on the sidelines of a Group of Seven summit in Canada.
Despite their differences, the two U.S. allies rely heavily on Washington to counter China’s growing regional influence. Together, they host around 80,000 U.S. troops, dozens of American warships and hundreds of military aircraft.

We “agreed that unwavering cooperation between South Korea, the U.S. and Japan is paramount in the rapidly changing international situation, and decided to create a virtuous cycle in which the development of South Korea-Japan relations leads to stronger cooperation,” Lee said alongside Ishiba.

In Washington, Lee and Trump are expected to discuss security concerns including China, North Korea, and Seoul’s financial contribution for U.S. forces stationed in South Korea – something the U.S. leader has repeatedly pressed it to increase.
Japan and South Korea also share common ground on trade, with both agreeing to 15% tariffs on U.S. imports of their goods after Trump had threatened steeper duties.

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

Tour bus overturns on New York highway, leaving multiple dead

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Tour bus overturns on New York highway, leaving multiple dead

Pembroke, New York – A tour bus rolled over on Interstate 90 in western New York on Friday, leaving multiple people dead and dozens injured, including children, authorities said.

The accident occurred near Pembroke, about 30 miles east of Buffalo, according to the New York State Police. An unidentified state trooper at the scene told reporters that several passengers were still trapped inside the wreckage, while others had been ejected when the bus overturned.

Eyewitnesses described a devastating scene. “There was glass all over the road and people’s stuff all over the road,” said Powell Stephens of Medina, who drove past the crash site, speaking to The Buffalo News. “Windows were all shattered.”

Emergency crews launched a major rescue operation, with helicopters and ambulances from multiple agencies rushing to the site. Mercy Flight president Margaret Ferrentino said at least three helicopters were deployed to transport victims. “It’s a very active scene. At this time we’re praying for the victims,” Ferrentino told local media.

The New York State Thruway Authority said a long stretch of I-90 had been closed in both directions, urging drivers to avoid the area.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul said on X that she had been briefed on the “tragic tour bus accident” and that her office was working closely with state police and local officials.

Authorities said they were in contact with the bus operator, which has not yet been publicly identified. The number of fatalities and total passengers on board has not been confirmed.

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

All 55 million US visa holders under review for violations, Trump administration says

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All 55 million US visa holders under review for violations, Trump administration says

Washington, D.C. – The United States is carrying out a sweeping review of more than 55 million visa holders, assessing whether they have violated the conditions of their entry or stay, the State Department confirmed Friday.

A department spokesperson told the Associated Press that all foreign nationals with U.S. visas will now be subject to “continuous vetting.” Officials said visas could be revoked if holders are found to have overstayed, committed crimes, posed threats to public safety, engaged in terrorist activity, or supported terrorist organizations.

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The review reflects President Donald Trump’s hardline immigration agenda, which has become the cornerstone of his second administration. Trump has already enacted mass deportations, sweeping travel bans on multiple countries, and revoked thousands of student visas.

State Department officials indicated that the new vetting process, though time-consuming, is broader than ever before and could lead to abrupt cancellations even for individuals already legally present in the U.S. Prospective students and visitors will also face social media screening, with officials tasked to flag “any indications of hostility toward the citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles of the United States.”

Officers have additionally been instructed to identify people who support or aid designated foreign terrorist groups or engage in unlawful anti-Semitic harassment or violence.

Matthew Tragesser, spokesperson for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, said in a statement: “America’s benefits should not be given to those who despise the country and promote anti-American ideologies. We are committed to implementing policies that root out anti-Americanism.”

The announcement comes as Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S. would “immediately” suspend the issuance of worker visas for truck drivers, arguing foreign drivers endangered American lives and undercut domestic truckers’ livelihoods.

Since Trump returned to power in January, his administration has intensified immigration restrictions, including:

  • Arrests of foreign students at U.S. universities for protesting U.S. support of Israel’s war in Gaza.
  • Imposing a $15,000 deposit requirement on visitors from Malawi and Zambia.
  • Expanding travel bans to 12 countries, with partial restrictions on seven others.
  • Temporarily revoking the legal status of more than 500,000 migrants.
  • Renewed pledges to end birthright citizenship.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, there were 12.8 million green card holders and 3.6 million people on temporary visas in the U.S. last year. The new measures raise fears that millions of foreign residents—students, workers, and long-term visa holders—could suddenly lose permission to remain in the country.

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

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