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Fiji Prime Minister Rabuka Meets President Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan

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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 |

Mobile Payments und Jackpot‑Jagd im SpinGranny Casino: Dein Weg zum schnellen Gewinn

Roshan Bilung
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Mobile Payments und Jackpot‑Jagd im SpinGranny Casino: Dein Weg zum schnellen Gewinn

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

Diplomat Times
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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

Diplomat Times
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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

Diplomat Times
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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.

RELATED NEWS : Trump on China tariff deadline: “We’ll see what happens” ahead of August 12

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 |

Former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe arrested

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Former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe arrested

Colombo, Sri Lanka – Former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe was arrested on Friday by the country’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in connection with allegations of misusing state funds, according to local media outlet Ada Derana.

Police confirmed Wickremesinghe faces three charges linked to foreign trips he made while serving as president between 2022 and 2024. He was produced before a magistrates’ court in Colombo after giving a statement to CID investigators earlier in the day. Despite seeking bail on health grounds, the 76-year-old was remanded in custody.

RELATED NEWS : Thailand again accuses Cambodia of planting land mines as 3 soldiers are hurt by blast along border

Wickremesinghe, a veteran politician who served six terms as prime minister, assumed the presidency in 2022 after mass protests forced his predecessor Gotabaya Rajapaksa to resign and flee the country. He was credited with stabilizing Sri Lanka’s economy during its worst financial crisis, though he lost the 2024 presidential election to leftist leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

According to BBC Sinhala, Wickremesinghe undertook 23 overseas trips during his presidency at a cost of more than Rs 600 million ($2m; £1.4m). His arrest reportedly relates to a 2023 stopover in the UK on his return from a G77 summit in Cuba, where he and his wife attended a University of Wolverhampton ceremony.

Investigators allege the visit was private but funded with public money — an accusation Wickremesinghe has denied. The case was first referred to a Colombo court in June.

Wickremesinghe is the first former president of Sri Lanka to be arrested. A lawyer by profession, he has been a central figure in Sri Lankan politics since entering parliament in 1977. As leader of the United National Party (UNP) since 1994, he introduced reforms to curb corruption within the party and mounted multiple unsuccessful presidential bids before finally assuming office in 2022.

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

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