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Trump Awards Boeing $20 Billion Contract for Next-Generation Fighter Jet, the F-47

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Trump Awards Boeing $20 Billion Contract for Next-Generation Fighter Jet, the F-47

Washington, USA – On Friday, March 21, 2025, President Donald Trump announced that Boeing has secured a monumental $20 billion contract to develop the U.S. Air Force’s next-generation fighter jet, a move aimed at countering China’s growing military presence in the Pacific. The announcement, made in the Oval Office alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Air Force leadership, marks a significant step in modernizing America’s aerial arsenal.

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The new aircraft, dubbed the F-47 in a nod to Trump’s status as the 47th president, promises a technological leap forward with cutting-edge stealth capabilities and integration with a fleet of advanced drones. Designed to penetrate contested airspace undetected, the fighter jet boasts enhanced combat power and surveillance features, positioning it as a cornerstone of future U.S. military strategy. “This is next level,” Trump declared with a grin. “Level five is good—this is level six.”

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin hailed the project as a game-changer, stating, “We’re going to write the next generation of modern aerial warfare with this.” Defense Secretary Hegseth echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the geopolitical signal it sends: “This future fleet sends a very clear, direct message to our allies that we’re not going anywhere.”

The decision comes amid intense debate over the program’s cost and relevance. Critics point to the Pentagon’s struggles with the F-35, its current flagship fighter jet, which has ballooned to an estimated lifecycle cost of $1.7 trillion despite producing over 1,100 aircraft for the U.S. and its allies. Meanwhile, the Air Force is also investing heavily in the B-21 Raider stealth bomber, a $130 billion program for a fleet of about 100 aircraft, with the first units already in test flights. Both the F-35 and B-21 incorporate advanced materials, artificial intelligence, and stealth technologies similar to those planned for the F-47.

Military procurement analyst Dan Grazier, director of the national security reform program at the Stimson Center, questioned the necessity of another high-cost manned fighter jet. “With evolving drone and space warfare likely to be the center of any fight with China, is another exquisite manned fighter jet really the right platform going forward?” Grazier argued. He cautioned that the $20 billion contract is merely “seed money,” with total costs potentially reaching “hundreds of billions of dollars” over time.

Details about the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter remain scarce, though Trump revealed that early prototypes have been undergoing test flights for the past five years. Conceptual renderings from Boeing and rival Lockheed Martin depict a sleek, tailless aircraft with a sharp nose, optimized for stealth and agility. The Air Force has not disclosed the exact number of F-47s to be built, but Gen. Allvin confirmed it would exceed the 180 F-22 Raptors currently in service, which the new jet is set to replace.

Boeing’s selection follows a competitive process overseen by the Air Force, which included an independent analysis to determine the “best overall value to the government,” according to an official speaking anonymously. The decision is notable given Trump’s past criticism of Boeing over cost overruns and delays on the Air Force One program. Lockheed Martin, a key player in the F-35 and F-22 programs, was also in contention but ultimately lost out.

The NGAD program faced uncertainty under the Biden administration, when Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall paused its development in 2024 to reassess its strategic value. A subsequent review by think tanks and academic experts evaluated the aircraft’s role in a potential conflict with China, concluding that the NGAD remained essential. Kendall deferred the final contractor decision to the incoming Trump administration, according to a defense official.

As the Pentagon balances its ambitious modernization efforts, the F-47 contract underscores Trump’s commitment to bolstering U.S. military might. However, with escalating costs and shifting warfare paradigms, the program’s long-term success—and its ability to outpace China’s advances—remains under scrutiny.

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Turks protest as opposition remains defiant over Istanbul mayor’s detention

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Turks protest as opposition remains defiant over Istanbul mayor’s detention

Istanbul, Turkey — Thousands of Turks escalated protests across the country on Thursday, defying a government ban on street gatherings, to denounce what they call the undemocratic detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. The opposition has accused President Tayyip Erdogan of orchestrating the arrest to neutralize a formidable political rival, while the government insists the judiciary’s actions are independent.

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Demonstrators flooded streets outside municipal headquarters, police stations, universities, and public squares nationwide, with clashes breaking out in several areas. Police erected barricades, blocked roads, and deployed trucks with water cannons near the Istanbul police station where Imamoglu is being held. The 54-year-old two-term mayor, widely seen as Erdogan’s chief political opponent, was detained Wednesday on charges of graft and aiding a terrorist organization—allegations the opposition has branded a “coup attempt.” The arrest has ignited international criticism, particularly from European leaders, and fueled a growing domestic crisis.

Protests and Political Firestorm

The detention follows months of legal actions against opposition figures, which critics argue are politically motivated to suppress dissent and undermine electoral prospects—claims Ankara firmly denies. In Istanbul, crowds chanted anti-government slogans and hung banners featuring Imamoglu alongside Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, Turkey’s founding leader, and national flags. “They hastily detained our mayor, whom we elected with our votes,” said Ali Izar, an opposition supporter in central Istanbul. “I do not think this is a democratic practice, and I condemn it.”

From inside detention, Imamoglu took to the social media platform X, urging members of the judiciary and Erdogan’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) to resist what he called an injustice. “These events have gone beyond our parties or political ideals,” he wrote. “It is time to raise our voices.” Meanwhile, Ankara imposed a four-day ban on public gatherings and restricted access to some social media platforms to curb communication, detaining dozens for what authorities labeled “provocative posts.”

Opposition Points to Erdogan

Ozgur Ozel, chairman of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), accused Erdogan of targeting Imamoglu to eliminate a key rival ahead of future elections. Speaking from Istanbul’s municipal headquarters—where he vowed to remain overnight until Imamoglu’s release—Ozel claimed the president fears losing to the popular mayor. “If Imamoglu is barred from running for president, the public’s support for him will only grow stronger,” he said in an interview. The CHP plans to formally nominate Imamoglu as its presidential candidate at a vote scheduled for Sunday. “This nation has never forgiven attempts to undermine the legitimacy of the ballot box,” Ozel added.

Erdogan, 71, dismissed the opposition’s outrage as “theatrics” and “empty slogans” during a speech in Ankara. “Their issues are not the country’s issues but the problems of a handful of opportunists within their party headquarters,” he said, rejecting allegations of political interference. The government has warned against linking Erdogan or politics to the arrest, insisting the judiciary operates independently. “Turkey has no time for such distractions,” Erdogan added.

A Deepening Divide

Though national elections are slated for 2028, analysts suggest Erdogan may call an earlier vote if he seeks re-election, with some polls showing Imamoglu leading the president. The mayor’s detention has heightened political uncertainty, reviving memories of the 2013 Gezi Park protests, which sparked a violent state crackdown and marked a turning point in curbing civil disobedience in Turkey. Thursday’s demonstrations signal a rare resurgence of public defiance.

The government’s response—barricades, water cannons, and social media restrictions—has only intensified accusations of authoritarianism. “This is a blatant attempt to sever the opposition’s connection with Istanbul,” Ozel said, pointing to the city’s symbolic and electoral significance. Istanbul, a political and economic powerhouse, has been a battleground between Erdogan’s AKP and the opposition since Imamoglu’s landmark victories in 2019.

International Echoes and Domestic Stakes

The crisis has drawn sharp international scrutiny, with European leaders condemning the arrest as a blow to democratic norms. At home, it underscores a broader pattern of legal pressure on opposition figures, which critics say is designed to weaken their electoral prospects. As protests gain momentum and the opposition rallies support, Turkey faces a pivotal moment. With Imamoglu’s fate hanging in the balance, the standoff in Istanbul could reshape the nation’s political landscape—and Erdogan’s legacy—amid an increasingly volatile backdrop.

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Timor-Leste, a Southeast Asian nation, opens its embassy in India

Shasi Kumar
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Timor-Leste, a Southeast Asian nation, opens its embassy in India

New Delhi, India – Timor-Leste, a Southeast Asian nation, officially inaugurated its embassy in New Delhi, marking a significant step in strengthening diplomatic relations with India. This milestone follows India’s decision to establish its own embassy in Dili, the capital of Timor-Leste, underscoring a shared commitment to deepening bilateral engagement.

The embassy’s opening aligns with India’s “Act East” policy, which aims to bolster cooperation with Southeast Asian nations, particularly within the ASEAN framework. The event was attended by key diplomatic representatives, highlighting the growing partnership between the two countries.

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Francesco Fernandes, the Charge d’Affaires of the Timor-Leste Embassy in New Delhi, praised India’s leadership on global platforms such as the G20, BRICS, and the Global South. He emphasized that the reciprocal establishment of embassies—Timor-Leste in Delhi and India in Dili—marks a new chapter in their collaboration. Timor-Leste, strategically positioned between Southeast Asia and the Pacific, is seeking to strengthen its regional ties, including its anticipated accession to ASEAN, further enhancing its diplomatic and economic significance to India’s outreach in the region.

This diplomatic development builds on previous high-level interactions. At the ASEAN-India Summit in Jakarta on September 7, 2023, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced India’s decision to open an embassy in Dili, a move warmly welcomed by Timor-Leste. The reciprocal establishment of Timor-Leste’s mission in New Delhi was confirmed in anticipation of President Droupadi Murmu’s historic visit to Timor-Leste on August 10, 2024—the first-ever visit by an Indian head of state to the nation. During her visit, President Murmu reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic ties, with the embassy opening now materializing as a crucial step in that direction.

The newly inaugurated embassy is expected to facilitate increased economic and strategic cooperation. Fernandes extended an invitation to Indian investors, highlighting opportunities in key sectors such as construction, technology, infrastructure, logistics, and digital connectivity. With Timor-Leste’s strategic location as a potential logistics hub between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, the country’s diplomatic mission in India is poised to enhance trade and investment opportunities, complementing India’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy.

The strengthened “Delhi-Dili connect” comes at a time when both nations share a commitment to democratic values and pluralism. High-level meetings between leaders, including Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao’s engagement with PM Modi during the ASEAN Summit in Laos and President Jose Ramos-Horta’s participation in the Vibrant Gujarat Summit in 2023, have further cemented bilateral ties. Additionally, agreements signed during President Murmu’s visit, such as those related to medical education and visa facilitation for Indian students, signal a broadening of cooperation into educational and digital sectors, including the potential introduction of India’s UPI payment system in Timor-Leste.

The opening of Timor-Leste’s embassy in New Delhi on March 20, 2025, stands as a landmark event, reinforcing the growing friendship between the two nations. It reflects a shared vision for collaboration in economic, strategic, and cultural domains, positioning Timor-Leste as an emerging key partner for India in Southeast Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

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Pakistan Army captain and seven terrorists killed in operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Qaseem Hassan
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Pakistan Army captain and seven terrorists killed in operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan — A Pakistan Army captain and ten terrorists from the banned Khawarij group were killed during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Dera Ismail Khan district on Thursday, the military said. The operation, targeting a militant hideout in the Karri Malang area near the South Waziristan border, underscored Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in its volatile northwest.

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The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing, reported that security forces launched the IBO based on intelligence about the presence of Khawarij militants—a term often used by authorities to describe hardcore extremists, including members of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) splinter groups. “On 20 March 2025, security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in Dera Ismail Khan District,” the ISPR statement read. “During the conduct of the operation, own troops, after stealthily surrounding the Khawarij location, effectively engaged them and resultantly all ten Khawarij were sent to hell.”

The operation turned deadly when Captain Hasnain Akhtar, a 24-year-old officer from Jhelum district, led his unit into an intense firefight. “Captain Hasnain Akhtar, who was leading his troops from the front, having fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced Shahadat,” the ISPR said. Known for his bravery and daring actions in previous operations, the young captain’s death marked a significant loss for the military. Three other soldiers were injured in the exchange, sources confirmed.

Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the slain militants, who, according to the ISPR, were actively involved in numerous terrorist activities, including attacks on law enforcement agencies and targeted killings of civilians. A sanitization operation was underway late Thursday to eliminate any remaining threats in the area. “The security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country, and such sacrifices of our brave young officers further strengthen our resolve,” the ISPR added.

Escalating Violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

The operation reflects a broader surge in counterterrorism efforts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a province grappling with rising militancy near the Afghan border. Earlier this month, on March 15, security forces killed nine militants in separate raids in Mohmand and Dera Ismail Khan, though two soldiers also perished. Thursday’s clash in Karri Malang—a rugged, remote area known as a militant stronghold—further highlights the persistent challenge posed by groups like the TTP and its affiliates, which have intensified attacks since ending a ceasefire with the government in November 2022.

Local residents reported hearing heavy gunfire and explosions in the early hours of Thursday, though no civilian casualties were reported. The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) has noted a sharp uptick in violence, with 79 terrorist incidents recorded in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa last month alone, claiming 55 civilian and 47 security personnel lives. Analysts link the unrest to alleged militant sanctuaries across the border in Afghanistan—a charge Kabul denies—complicating Pakistan’s security strategy.

A Hero’s Sacrifice Amid a National Fight

Captain Hasnain Akhtar’s martyrdom has drawn tributes from military and civilian circles alike. Described as a courageous leader, his death underscores the human cost of Pakistan’s anti-terrorism campaign. “Such acts of bravery fortify our commitment to rooting out this scourge,” an ISPR spokesperson said, echoing a sentiment shared across social media posts on X, where users hailed the captain as a national hero.

As security forces press forward with their sanitization efforts, the operation in Dera Ismail Khan stands as both a tactical victory and a somber reminder of the stakes involved. With the Khawarij neutralized, Pakistan continues its relentless pursuit of stability in a region long plagued by insurgency.

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Germany reopens its embassy in Syria after 13 years of closure

Diplomat Times
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Germany reopens its embassy in Syria after 13 years of closure

Damascus, Syria — Germany reopened its embassy in Damascus on Thursday, marking its return to the Syrian capital after a 13-year closure triggered by the outbreak of the country’s civil war. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who presided over the reopening, emphasized the need for Europe to have “eyes and ears” on the ground as Syria navigates its ongoing political transition.

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The embassy’s reopening comes during Baerbock’s second visit to Damascus since the fall of former President Bashar Assad in December 2024. She met with interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa and other officials following the ceremony. Among the European Union’s 27 member states, Germany joins Italy—which reopened its embassy last year before Assad’s ouster—and Spain, which resumed operations after his departure, in restoring a diplomatic presence in Syria.

“With this embassy opening, we are saying very clearly that Germany is back in Damascus,” Baerbock told reporters. “Germany has a paramount interest in a stable Syria.” For now, the embassy will operate with a small team, supported by staff based in neighboring Lebanon, and will not offer consular or visa services.

It is currently led by a chargé d’affaires, with Baerbock noting that the appointment of a full ambassador hinges on future political and security developments. “We want the political process in Syria to move forward and to support it as well as is possible,” she said. “For that, we as Europeans and as the Federal Republic of Germany need our colleagues as eyes and ears on the ground.”

The move signals Germany’s intent to engage directly with Syria’s evolving landscape following years of conflict and isolation. While limited in scope, the embassy’s reopening reflects a cautious step toward rebuilding diplomatic ties as the country transitions under interim leadership.

Germany, one of the leading powers in the EU, has been a major destination for Syrian refugees over the past decade. If all the millions of Syrians who left the country returned at once, “Syria would collapse,” Baerbock said.

She said the return of those who want to go back would “have to be a step-by-step approach, especially starting with the direct neighboring countries.”

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Canada reports that China executed four Canadians earlier this year

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Canada reports that China executed four Canadians earlier this year

Ottawa, Canada — China executed four Canadian citizens in recent months, Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly announced Wednesday, a rare move that has deepened the rift between the two nations. Such executions of Western nationals by China are uncommon and have sparked outrage in Ottawa.

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Joly revealed that she and former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had personally sought clemency for the four individuals, all dual Canadian-Chinese citizens facing drug-related charges. Beijing, which does not recognize dual citizenship, proceeded with the executions despite these appeals. “We strongly condemn the executions,” Joly told reporters in Ottawa. “I asked personally for leniency … They were all dual citizens.” She noted that Canada consistently advocates for clemency in death penalty cases involving its citizens abroad but declined to disclose the identities of the executed individuals at the request of their families.

FILE : The Embassy of Republic’s of the China in Ottawa is shown on Thursday, Jan 17, 2019. Photo : The Canadian Press/ Sean Kilpatrick

A spokesperson for China’s embassy in Ottawa defended the executions, stating, “China always imposes severe penalties on drug-related crimes. The facts of the crimes committed by the Canadian nationals involved in the cases are clear, and the evidence is solid and sufficient.” The spokesperson emphasized that the rights of those executed were “fully guaranteed” and called on Canada to “stop making irresponsible remarks” about Beijing’s judicial sovereignty. China is believed to execute more people annually than the rest of the world combined, though exact figures remain a closely guarded state secret. Traditionally carried out by gunshot, executions in China have increasingly shifted to lethal injection in recent years, though the method used in these cases was not specified.

Global Affairs Canada spokeswoman Charlotte MacLeod reiterated the government’s opposition to the death penalty, calling it “irreversible and inconsistent with human dignity.” She confirmed that consular assistance is being provided to the families, who have asked the media to respect their privacy. MacLeod also noted that Ottawa continues to advocate for clemency for Robert Schellenberg, another Canadian sentenced to death in 2019 for drug smuggling, who was not among those executed.

The executions come amid heightened tensions between Canada and China, fueled by recent trade disputes and a history of diplomatic friction. Earlier this month, China imposed retaliatory tariffs on Canadian agricultural and food imports, following Canada’s October decision to levy duties on Chinese-made electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum products. These tit-for-tat measures echo broader global trade tensions involving the United States, China, and Mexico. “China is sending us a message that we have to take steps if we want to see an improvement in the relationship,” said Guy Saint-Jacques, a former Canadian ambassador to China.

The move has drawn sharp criticism from Canadian officials and observers. Opposition Conservative lawmaker Michael Chong called the executions “unprecedented,” arguing that “executing a number of Canadians in short order is clearly a sign that Beijing has no intention of improving relations with Canada.” Ian Brodie, former chief of staff to ex-Prime Minister Stephen Harper, remarked on social media, “It turns out agricultural tariffs weren’t the worst part of the PRC response to EV tariffs.”

Canada-China relations have been strained since 2018, when Canadian authorities arrested Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou at the request of the United States on fraud charges. Shortly after, China detained Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor in what was widely seen as retaliatory “hostage politics.” The two were released in 2021, the same day Meng returned to China after a deal with U.S. authorities. Despite China being Canada’s second-largest trading partner, bilateral ties remain fraught.

Human rights groups have also weighed in. Ketty Nivyabandi, head of Amnesty International Canada, described the executions as “shocking and inhumane,” urging Canada to reassess its approach to Beijing. For now, the executions stand as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Canada in navigating its relationship with an increasingly assertive China.

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International Commission of Culture and Diplomatic Relations Delegates Join UN Women Conference

Shasi Kumar
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International Commission of Culture and Diplomatic Relations Delegates Join UN Women Conference

New York, USA – Delegates from the International Commission of Culture and Diplomatic Relations participated in the UN Women Conference, reaffirming their commitment to gender equality, women’s empowerment, and cultural diplomacy as tools for social progress.

The conference, held at the United Nations headquarters, brought together global leaders, diplomats, and activists to discuss strategies for advancing women’s rights and ensuring gender inclusivity in policymaking. The delegates from the International Commission emphasized the role of cultural diplomacy in fostering global collaboration and creating inclusive societies.

During the event, the delegates engaged in discussions on key issues such as women’s leadership in diplomacy, economic empowerment, education, and the impact of cultural exchange programs on gender equity. They also highlighted successful initiatives led by the Commission to promote women’s participation in international relations and cultural heritage preservation.

Talking to Diplomat Times News, Dr. Srinivas Eluri, General Secretary of the organization, stated that the organization’s four-member delegation actively participated in the UN Women Conference, contributing to discussions on cultural diplomacy and gender equality.

Speaking at the conference, a representative from the Commission stated:
“Cultural diplomacy plays a crucial role in bridging gaps between societies. By integrating cultural understanding into diplomatic efforts, we can create stronger, more inclusive policies that uplift women worldwide.”

The participation of the International Commission of Culture and Diplomatic Relations underscores the growing recognition of diplomacy as a means to promote gender equality on a global scale. As discussions continue, the Commission remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that empower women and strengthen international cooperation.

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Dhaka Court Orders Freezing of 31 Bank Accounts Linked to Ousted PM Hasina and Family Over Corruption Allegations

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Dhaka Court Orders Freezing of 31 Bank Accounts Linked to Ousted PM Hasina and Family Over Corruption Allegations

Dhaka, Bangladesh – A Dhaka court on Tuesday ordered the freezing of 31 bank accounts associated with ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her family members, and their associates amid corruption allegations, according to media reports.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) stated that the frozen bank accounts belong to Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, daughter Saima Wazed Putul, sister Sheikh Rehana, nephew Radwan Mujib Siddiq Bobby, and several related organizations. These accounts collectively hold a total of Tk 394.6 crore (approximately INR 281.2 crore), according to a report by Prothom Alo.

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Among the organizations affected by the court’s decision are the Bangladesh Awami League and the Jatir Janak Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Trust, as reported by The Daily Star newspaper.

This development comes amid an ongoing investigation into financial irregularities allegedly committed during Hasina’s tenure as Prime Minister. The ACC has been actively probing corruption cases involving high-profile political figures in Bangladesh, with authorities pledging to hold those involved accountable.

Political analysts suggest that this move could have significant ramifications for Bangladesh’s political landscape, as Hasina’s party, the Awami League, continues to grapple with legal challenges and allegations of financial misconduct.

Further legal proceedings are expected, and the ACC has indicated that more actions may follow based on the findings of their investigation.

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Ukraine Open to Peace Talks but Firm on Sovereignty, Says Foreign Minister in India

Shasi Kumar
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Ukraine Open to Peace Talks but Firm on Sovereignty, Says Foreign Minister in India

New Delhi, India – Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated on Tuesday during his visit to India that Ukraine is committed to achieving a comprehensive and lasting peace in its conflict with Russia. Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue, a prominent geopolitical forum in New Delhi, Sybiha emphasized that recent discussions held in Jeddah with the United States had opened new opportunities to end the war within this year.

“After the meeting in Jeddah, we gained fresh momentum and additional opportunities to bring this war to an end this year. And we are ready for this. We are not the obstacle to achieving peace. Let’s see what Russia’s response is to a ceasefire,” Sybiha said.

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His remarks come shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy formally appointed a delegation to explore possible peace negotiations. The delegation, led by the head of the Presidential Office, Andriy Yermak, also includes Sybiha.

A crucial element of Sybiha’s address at the Raisina Dialogue was Ukraine’s unwavering stance on its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“There will be no compromises at the cost of Ukrainian territorial integrity and sovereignty. No third country has the right to block our will or our right to participate in any union, in any alliances; this is our principal position. We will never recognize any territories occupied by Russia,” Sybiha asserted.

US Leadership and Diplomacy

Sybiha also expressed optimism about the role of the United States in brokering peace, echoing sentiments previously shared by President Zelenskyy in Kyiv.

“We truly believe that under the leadership of President Trump, we could achieve a long-lasting, just peace,” he said.

Zelenskyy had earlier indicated that if Russia rejects a U.S.-led ceasefire proposal, he expects Trump’s stance toward Russian President Vladimir Putin to be “clear, tough, and direct.”

US-Ukraine Cooperation on Mineral Resources

Apart from diplomatic discussions, Sybiha also highlighted Ukraine’s readiness to cooperate with the U.S. in the area of mineral resources.

“We are prepared to sign an agreement regarding Ukrainian mineral resources with the United States. Several rounds of negotiations have already taken place, and the framework agreement is ready for signature. In Jeddah, we proposed that the American side move forward with signing this agreement,” he explained.

Current Military Situation

Despite Russian advances on the battlefield, Sybiha insisted that Ukraine remains strategically in control of the situation.

“Russia has not managed to achieve any strategic goals in Ukraine. Yes, they have made some advances due to various factors, but strategically, the situation remains under control. However, now is the time for diplomacy,” he stated.

As Ukraine continues to push for a diplomatic resolution, the world watches closely to see whether Russia will engage in meaningful peace talks or maintain its military aggression. Meanwhile, Ukraine remains steadfast in its principles, ensuring that any peace agreement does not come at the cost of its sovereignty.

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Brutal Murder of Class 12 Student in Pune, Two Friends, Including Minor, Arrested

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Brutal Murder of Class 12 Student in Pune, Two Friends, Including Minor, Arrested


Pune, India – In a shocking development, a 19-year-old youth was arrested and a minor boy detained on Tuesday for allegedly murdering their friend, a Class 12 student, in a gruesome crime that has rattled the community in Ahilyanagar district. The victim’s dismembered body parts were discovered dumped in two wells in Danewadi village, Shrigonda tehsil, near the Pune-Ahilyanagar border, police confirmed.

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The victim, identified as Mauli Satish Gavhane, a 19-year-old resident of Danewadi, went missing on March 6 after leaving home to attend his Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examination at an allotted center at CT Bora College in Shirur, Pune district. When he failed to return home and his family could not contact him, his parents lodged a missing person’s complaint with the Shirur police station under Pune rural jurisdiction on March 9.

The investigation took a grim turn when, on March 12, a sack containing severed human body parts—including a head, two hands, and one leg—was recovered from a well owned by Vitthal Dattu Mandge in Danewadi. Based on identification marks and an earring, the family confirmed the remains belonged to Mauli.

A subsequent search led to the recovery of another sack containing additional body parts on March 15 from a second well near the banks of the Ghodnadi River.

Police and local staff retrieving the victim’s body from the well. (Photo: News18 Marathi)

Police identified and apprehended two suspects: Sagar Dadabhu Gavhane, a 19-year-old from the same village, and a minor boy aged 17 years and nine months, both of whom were reportedly close friends of the victim. According to a senior officer from Ahilyanagar police, preliminary investigations suggest the motive stemmed from a personal dispute. “Prima facie, the accused suspected that Mauli had defamed them by spreading rumors about their closeness, possibly hinting at a same-sex relationship,” the official stated. However, the police are still verifying whether this was indeed the case or if other factors contributed to the crime.

The accused allegedly lured Mauli under a pretext—possibly using the guise of a game like Ludo, as suggested by some reports—and killed him by strangulating him before dismembering his body. “The accused confessed to using a sharp sword to murder the victim, though we suspect other tools were used to sever the body into pieces,” the officer added. The body parts were then stuffed into two sacks and dumped into separate wells to conceal the crime.

The investigation revealed that Mauli had not reached his exam center in Shirur as initially assumed. Despite a family member’s claim that he was spotted near the college gate around the exam time, police found no evidence to support this, indicating the murder may have occurred shortly after he left home on March 6. The accused had reportedly been planning the crime for over a month, pointing to premeditation.

Fact Check

Victim’s Identity and Disappearance: Confirmed. Mauli Satish Gavhane, a 19-year-old Class 12 student from Danewadi, went missing on March 6, 2025, after leaving for his HSC exam. His family filed a missing person’s complaint on March 9, consistent with police records.

Discovery of Body Parts: Verified. Severed body parts were recovered from two wells in Danewadi on March 12 and March 15, identified as Mauli’s by his family based on physical markers.

Arrests: Accurate. Sagar Dadabhu Gavhane, 19, was arrested, and a minor aged 17 years and nine months was detained on March 18, 2025, as confirmed by Ahilyanagar police.

Motive: Partially verified. Police state the accused suspected Mauli defamed them over their “closeness,” with a possible reference to a same-sex relationship rumor. However, this remains under investigation and is not fully substantiated yet.
Method of Murder: Under scrutiny. The accused claimed to have used a sword, but police suspect additional tools were involved in dismembering the body, pending forensic confirmation.

Community Response and Ongoing Investigation
The horrific nature of the crime has sparked outrage among villagers, who staged a roadblock protest near the Seventeen Arches Bridge in Shirur on March 17, demanding swift justice. The police have deployed multiple teams to probe the case further, focusing on technical evidence and witness statements to corroborate the accused’s confessions.

This incident adds to a disturbing trend of violent crimes in the region, leaving residents of Pune and Ahilyanagar districts in shock, especially given the victim’s young age and the brutality involved. Authorities have assured a thorough investigation to ensure all aspects of the case are uncovered and justice is served.

SOURCE : PTI/NEW18 MARATHI |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

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