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India Clinch Historic First ICC Women’s ODI World Cup Title; President Murmu and PM Modi Extend Congratulations

Samuel Bunny
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India Clinch Historic First ICC Women’s ODI World Cup Title; President Murmu and PM Modi Extend Congratulations

Navi Mumbai, India – In a night of unforgettable cricketing glory, the Indian women’s cricket team scripted history by defeating South Africa by 52 runs to lift their maiden ICC Women’s ODI World Cup title. The electrifying final at Navi Mumbai saw India’s all-round brilliance shine through, led by Deepti Sharma and Shafali Verma, who delivered match-winning performances with both bat and ball.

After being put in to bat, India posted a formidable 298 for 7, thanks to a composed 87-run knock by Shafali Verma. South Africa began their chase strongly, but Deepti Sharma turned the game on its head with a devastating spell. Her breakthrough dismissal of Annerie Dercksen triggered a collapse that saw the Proteas tumble from 209/5 to 246 all out. Deepti’s magical figures of 5 for 39 in 9.3 overs sealed India’s triumph and sent the Wankhede crowd into a frenzy.

Shafali Verma was named Player of the Match for her all-round brilliance, while Deepti Sharma earned the Player of the Tournament award for her consistent dominance throughout the competition.

The champions took home a record ₹37.3 crore prize purse, marking a 239% increase from the previous edition — a testament to the meteoric rise of women’s cricket in India.

President Droupadi Murmu hailed the victory as a “watershed moment” that would inspire generations of women athletes. “The girls have made India proud with their determination and excellence,” she said in a post.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the win as “spectacular and inspirational,” adding that the team’s performance reflected “remarkable skill, confidence, and teamwork throughout the tournament.”

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla praised the team for “winning the hearts of the entire nation,” while Union Home Minister Amit Shah called it a “crowning moment for India,” saying the team had “elevated the nation’s pride to the skies.”

This victory not only cements India’s place in cricketing history but also marks a transformative chapter for women’s sports — one that promises to inspire millions across the country and beyond.

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

March of Pride in Argentina raises its voice against hate speech and violence

Diplomat Times
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March of Pride in Argentina raises its voice against hate speech and violence

Buenos Aires, Argentina – Tens of thousands of people participated in the 34th Pride March in Buenos Aires amid strong calls for attention to the growing hate speech and violence suffered by the LGBT+ community in Argentina.

The event began Saturday morning with a festive atmosphere and colorful displays at the Pride Fair, as well as live shows in the Plaza de Mayo in front of the Casa Rosada, the seat of the Argentine government.

In the mid-afternoon, the march began towards Plaza de los Dos Congresos, where a stage was set up at the entrance of the Argentine Parliament, with concerts that lasted until nightfall.

“Against hatred and violence: more pride and unity” was chosen as the main slogan for this year’s march by the organizing committee, which consists of over 60 non-governmental, trade union, and political organizations.

The committee’s list of demands is extensive and includes ending the stigmatization of trans children and adolescents, reopening gender and diversity spaces and programs, and increasing public funds for health and education.

“This generates a lot of emotion and happiness for me. It’s the second time I’ve come, and it’s wonderful. It’s where I can be myself and fight for our rights,” said Daira Rebeca Maldonado, an 18-year-old nurse, in an interview with EFE.

Slogans at the march condemned the criminalization of protests in Argentina and requested a general strike against the government of Argentinian President Javier Milei’s adjustment policy.

María Rachid, leader of the Argentine LGBT+ Federation (FALGBT in Spanish) and member of the organizing committee of the march, explained to EFE that this year’s central slogan “is a response to the discrimination, violence, and hate crimes that have increased as a result of the Milei government’s legitimization of hate speech.”

“Hate speech is increasing and becoming real violence. In the first half of the year, violence in Argentina increased by 70%. Hate speech erodes democratic processes, and we must put a stop to it,” said Matías Cooke of the Zona Igualdad organization.

According to the LGBT+ Hate Crimes Observatory’s latest report, 102 crimes occurred in the first half of 2025 (70% more than in the first half of 2024), in which the sexual orientation, identity, or gender expression of the victims was used as a pretext for discrimination and violence.

Of the 102 cases, 17 were murders, deaths by structural violence, and suicides; the remaining 85 corresponded to injuries to physical integrity.

“Nowadays, when you go out into the street, you don’t know if you’re going to live or die. As a young transgender person, I have unfortunately experienced many things that have led me to consider suicide or made me feel uncomfortable in both public and private places,” said Maldonado.

It is the second Pride March since Milei took office in late 2023. In 2024, the demands focused on Milei’s austerity and state downsizing policies, which included shuttering the National Institute Against Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Racism (INADI in Spanish) and slashing public policies related to diversity.

“I’ve noticed that people in our community have retreated to their homes because society discriminates against us more than before. We must stress the importance of not transmitting hatred, regardless of political ideologies,” said Sasha Gestoso, a first-time participant in the Pride March, held in Buenos Aires since 1992. 

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

Keiko Fujimori announces fourth bid for presidency of Peru

Diplomat Times
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Keiko Fujimori announces fourth bid for presidency of Peru

Trujillo, Peru – Keiko Fujimori, daughter of Peru’s former leader Alberto Fujimori, announced on Friday she will run for president for the fourth time after a court dropped a money-laundering case against her.

She announced her 2026 presidential bid at a rally in the northern city of Trujillo, one of the areas most affected by the rise of organized crime, just one week after the Constitutional Court dismissed the case against her over irregular financing of her previous electoral campaigns.

She came runner-up in the last three elections in 2011, 2016, and 2021.

“Today, here, surrounded by the Fujimori family, and accompanied from afar by Peruvians watching us on social media, I want to announce my decision to be a candidate for president of the Republic for Fuerza Popular,” said Fujimori amid applause.

The leader of the Fuerza Popular clarified that Fujimori will only be a candidate for president and will not head her party’s Senate list because she does not want “a consolation prize” and because she neither wants nor needs immunity, referring to the so-called ‘Cocktail Case,’ for which she has been under investigation for nearly 10 years.

The candidate, whose nomination is still pending confirmation in the party’s internal elections and official registration with the electoral authorities, announced that former congressmen Luis Galarreta and Miguel Torres, two men she trusts implicitly, will be her running mates for first and second vice president, respectively.

“They have extensive political experience, they know all about public administration, and they have always been able to foster dialogue and consensus,” Fujimori said.

She claimed that the country already combated terrorism under the leadership of her father, who died in September 2014, and that with determination, they will overcome the violence that is particularly affecting Lima and Trujillo.

“Don’t be afraid, we must continue to dream. I believe we have the capacity to confront this violence, or rather, urban terrorism. But this urban terrorism cannot be confronted with speeches, pretty words, or by acting from behind desks. This damned violence must be faced in the streets, with the armed forces and with intelligence,” she stated. “Fujimorism will bring the authority that all Peruvians need.”

So far, the ultraconservative former mayor of Lima, Rafael López Aliaga, has announced his candidacy for Renovación Popular, as has businessman and former governor César Acuña, for the right-wing Alianza Para el Progreso. 

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

Jemimah Rodrigues Scripts Golden Chapter in Indian Cricket, Lifts India into World Cup Final with Magical Century

Diplomat Times
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Jemimah Rodrigues Scripts Golden Chapter in Indian Cricket, Lifts India into World Cup Final with Magical Century

Navi Mumbai, India — In a night that felt destined for greatness, Jemimah Rodrigues rose to the occasion like a true national hero, producing a once-in-a-generation knock to carry India into the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup final.

Playing on her home turf and under immense pressure, Rodrigues delivered a masterclass in grit, elegance, and fearless strokeplay, smashing an unbeaten 127 off 134 balls to guide India to a record-breaking five-wicket win over Australia — the most dominant team in women’s cricket history.

It was not just a match-winning innings.
It was a statement to the world.
A declaration that India’s new cricketing superstar has arrived.

Rodrigues remained ice-calm as she carved out 14 boundaries, anchoring the steep chase of 339 — the highest successful chase ever in a Cricket World Cup knockout, men’s or women’s. Her focus never wavered, even when the scoreboard pressure grew and Australia, unbeaten since 2022, threw every tactic at her.

When she reached her century, there was no wild celebration. No fist-pump. No theatrics.
Just a quiet nod.
She wasn’t chasing numbers — she was chasing history.

“This wasn’t about my hundred,” Rodrigues said after being named Player of the Match. “It was about India getting to the final. These last four months were tough not being in the setup. I didn’t even know I’d bat at No. 3 today. But I was ready. This still feels unreal.”

Partnering with captain Harmanpreet Kaur (89 off 88), Rodrigues built a towering 167-run stand that turned a daunting chase into a dream. And while wickets occasionally fell at the other end, her poise and determination never faltered.

Australia’s centuries from Phoebe Litchfield and powerful hitting from Ashleigh Gardner weren’t enough to stop the Rodrigues-powered Indian surge. Their 16-match unbeaten streak in World Cups shattered, along with their aura of invincibility.

With this innings, Rodrigues joined elite territory — one of only two players ever to score a hundred in a Women’s World Cup knockout, and arguably India’s most clutch World Cup knock since Harmanpreet’s 171* in 2017.

Now, India marches into a historic home final — and the nation has a new heartbeat in blue.

The World Cup dream continues.
And its brightest star right now is named Jemimah Rodrigues.

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

US says it killed 61, sank 15 boats in alleged Caribbean, Pacific drug strikes

Diplomat Times
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US says it killed 61, sank 15 boats in alleged Caribbean, Pacific drug strikes

Washington, D.C. — The United States military has confirmed it sunk 15 boats and killed 61 people in a series of 12 attacks across the Caribbean and Pacific, signaling a major escalation in Washington’s campaign against Latin American drug trafficking.

The Trump administration has defended the strikes as part of its “war on drugs,” framing the operations as a “direct armed conflict” against cartels designated as terrorist organizations.

The campaign began in August, when U.S. warships were deployed to the Caribbean, initially focusing on Venezuela, but has since expanded to include Colombian coastal waters in the Pacific.

Both Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and Colombian President Gustavo Petro, whom former President Donald Trump accuses of ties to drug cartels, have denounced the U.S. actions as “murders” and “extrajudicial executions.”

Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have questioned the legality of the operations, warning that such military strikes in international waters may violate international law.

📅 Timeline of U.S. Strikes

  • Sept. 2: First strike sinks a Venezuelan vessel; 11 killed.
  • Sept. 15: Second strike kills 3 Venezuelans.
  • Sept. 19: Third strike kills 3 near the Dominican Republic.
  • Oct. 3: Fourth attack in Caribbean waters kills 4.
  • Oct. 14: Fifth attack near Venezuela kills 6.
  • Oct. 16: Submarine targeted; 2 killed, 2 survivors repatriated.
  • Oct. 17: Strike on ELN-linked vessel kills 3.
  • Oct. 21: First Pacific strike near Colombia kills 2.
  • Oct. 22: Ninth attack near Colombia kills 3.
  • Oct. 24: Tenth strike in Caribbean kills 6.
  • Oct. 28: Deadliest operation—4 boats hit, 14 killed.
  • Oct. 29: Latest strike kills 4 in Pacific waters.

The operations, described by Pentagon officials as “ongoing and expanding,” have drawn sharp diplomatic backlash across Latin America and ignited debate over U.S. military engagement beyond its borders.

📍 This marks one of Washington’s most aggressive anti-narcotics offensives in decades, reshaping U.S. foreign policy dynamics in the Western Hemisphere.

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

BRICS Literature Award 2025 Shortlist Announced: Brazil’s Ana Maria Gonçalves Among Global Finalists

Shasi Kumar
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BRICS Literature Award 2025 Shortlist Announced: Brazil’s Ana Maria Gonçalves Among Global Finalists

JAKARTA, INDONESIA — BRICS Literature Award 2025 Shortlist Announced: Brazil’s Ana Maria Gonçalves Among Global Finalists— The BRICS Literature Award 2025 shortlist was officially unveiled in a grand event at the H.B. Jassin Literary Documentation Center in Jakarta, marking a major milestone in cultural cooperation among BRICS nations.

The announcement ceremony featured prominent figures including Dr. Ganjar Harimansyah (Secretary of Indonesia’s Agency for Language Development and Cultivation), Muhammad Shadiq Pasadique (Member of Indonesia’s House of Representatives), Nikita Shilikov (Director of the Russian House in Indonesia), and Vadim Teryokhin (Russian poet and Co-Chairman of the BRICS Literature Network). Doha Mustafa Assi, Egyptian writer and Member of Parliament, joined the event virtually.

Opening the ceremony, Sastri Bakry, National Coordinator of the BRICS Literature Network in Indonesia, said:

“This award not only recognizes outstanding literary works from BRICS nations but also strengthens cultural exchange and understanding. For Indonesia, it’s a bridge connecting our literary heritage to the global stage.”

🏆 About the Award

The BRICS Literature Award was founded in November 2024 during the first BRICS “Traditional Values” Forum in Moscow. The prize honors contemporary authors whose works reflect the cultural and spiritual values of BRICS nations, promoting translation, publishing, and literary dialogue across member countries.

The award process spans three stages:

  • Longlist — announced in Brasília
  • Shortlist — unveiled in Jakarta
  • Winner — to be announced on November 27, 2025, in Khabarovsk, Russia

✒️ 2025 Shortlist — 10 Authors Representing BRICS & Partner Nations

  • Brazil: Ana Maria Gonçalves
  • Russia: Alexey Varlamov
  • India: Sonu Saini
  • China: Ma Boyong
  • South Africa: Nthabiseng JahRose Jafta
  • United Arab Emirates: Reem Al Kamali
  • Ethiopia: Abere Adamu
  • Iran: Mansour Alimoradi
  • Indonesia: Denny JA
  • Egypt: Salwa Bakr

Announcing the list, Vadim Teryokhin emphasized the award’s global literary impact:

“The BRICS Award allows writers to understand their place in world literature and share their nations’ unique stories. It builds bridges of empathy and mutual understanding between our peoples.”

Teryokhin also called for stronger translation and publication networks, urging BRICS countries to hold joint festivals, seminars, and youth literary programs to strengthen cultural bonds.

🌍 Denny JA: “BRICS Literature Offers a New Compass for the World”

Representing Indonesia, acclaimed writer Denny JA described the award as an emerging global literary force on par with the Nobel Prize in Literature:

“The BRICS Literature Award is not here to dethrone the Nobel, but to complement it. It offers a new compass for world literature — more diverse, humane, and just.”

He hailed BRICS+ nations as the “spiritual heart of the Global South”, uniting half of the world’s population and giving voice to those long unheard:

“BRICS literature speaks for the colonized, the migrant, the indigenous, the woman at the margins. The South is not a subject to be studied — it is a chorus to be heard.”

In a stirring conclusion, Denny JA highlighted literature as the “gentlest form of diplomacy”:

“If the G7 speaks through policy, BRICS can speak through poetry. Literature is not propaganda — it is revelation. It reminds us that imagination, too, is a form of justice. When empires fall, what remains are stories — and through them, we remember who we are and who we dare to become.”

📖 The BRICS Literature Award continues to grow as a platform for cultural unity and literary diplomacy — celebrating voices from across the Global South and beyond.

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

ICCDR Marks United Nations Day in Hyderabad — Calls for India’s Permanent Seat at UN Security Council

Shasi Kumar
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ICCDR Marks United Nations Day in Hyderabad — Calls for India’s Permanent Seat at UN Security Council

Hyderabad, India — The International Commission of Culture and Diplomatic Relations (ICCDR), a Special Accredited organization with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), commemorated United Nations Day with a high-level symposium at Hotel Green Park, Hyderabad, emphasizing the urgent need for UN Security Council reforms and strongly advocating for India’s permanent membership.

Themed “Need to Reform the UN Security Council in the Changing World Scenario,” the event gathered eminent diplomats, administrators, and academics to discuss cultural diplomacy, global peacebuilding, and sustainable urban governance.

India’s Role in Global Leadership

Shri A.V. Ranganath, IPS, Commissioner, HYDRA, attended as Chief Guest, highlighting Hyderabad’s innovative efforts in environmental conservation, lake rejuvenation, and flood prevention. He stressed the importance of citizen participation and awareness to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to sustainable cities (SDG 11) and climate action (SDG 13).

Col. Bhupendra Budhori and Maj. S.P.S. Oberoi, Guests of Honour, underscored the significance of international cooperation and cultural diplomacy in shaping a more peaceful and inclusive global order.

Strengthening Regional and Cultural Diplomacy

The program featured insightful addresses by Padma Kanta Hazarika, Officer on Special Duty, Assam Tourism Development Corporation, and Sarsing Engti, Chairman, Dorothy Voluntary Association and former NDFB leader. They highlighted the transformative potential of tourism-led growth and inclusive development in India’s northeastern states, linking local initiatives to the SDG framework.

ICCDR–HYDRA–UN Collaboration Framework

During the symposium, ICCDR introduced a collaborative proposal between the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRA), the United Nations Disaster Management System, and ICCDR. The proposed framework focuses on disaster management, climate resilience, and sustainable urban planning, aligning with the Sendai Framework (2015–2030) and SDGs 11 & 13.

Advocating India’s UN Security Council Seat

Dr. Srinivas Eluri, Secretary General of ICCDR, reiterated that India’s long-standing leadership in peacekeeping, diplomacy, and sustainable development makes it a deserving candidate for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

“India’s global voice has consistently stood for peace, reform, and equity. A restructured Security Council must reflect the realities of the 21st century — and that means India at the table,” he said.

Honoring Champions of Sustainable Development

The event concluded with the presentation of ICCDR Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Awards, honoring distinguished individuals for their outstanding contributions in various sectors:

  • A.V. Ranganath, IPS (HYDRA): Sustainable Cities & Climate Action (SDG 11, 13)
  • Ms. Vedavathi Dinesh & Ms. Shalini Jadhav: Gender Equality (SDG 5)
  • Ms. Caroline Vaikuntam: Education (SDG 4)
  • J.V.S. Chandra Shekhar: Environment
  • Goddu Srinivas Rao: Energy
  • Y. Radha Krishna Reddy: Public Policy
  • Sarangapani: Friendly Policing
  • Radha Mohan: Arts & Culture
  • Rama Rao: Social Service
  • Dr. Naresh Kumar & Dr. N. Udaya Gowtham: Medical Sciences
  • Dr. Srinivas Radhika Srinivasan & Dr. Subha Basin: Education
  • Mr. Praveen Raju: Entrepreneurship & Innovation

The ICCDR also extended appreciation to event coordinators N. Sanjay Kumar, Managing Director of Sree Paper Products & Sri Books, and Mr. Dinakar Tyagaraj, Managing Director of Versant Group, for their support.

Special recognition was given to Dr. Suneetha Eluri, Assistant Secretary General, and Dr. Vedavathi Dinesh, Executive Committee Member, for their participation in the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW 69) at UN Headquarters, New York.

📍 The ICCDR event underscored India’s growing diplomatic influence and reaffirmed the nation’s call for a more representative and equitable United Nations system — one that truly reflects the voice of the Global South.

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

Celebrating a decade of strategic partnership between the European Union and Kazakhstan

Diplomat Times
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Celebrating a decade of strategic partnership between the European Union and Kazakhstan
Derya Soycal

Astana, Kazakhstan — As Kazakhstan celebrates its National Day on October 25, it also commemorates a milestone in its foreign policy: ten years since the signing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) with the European Union (EU), concluded in December 2015.

The EPCA laid the foundation for an advanced legal and institutional framework, elevating EU–Kazakhstan relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership spanning 29 sectors — from trade and energy to education, environment, and digital transformation.

Over the past decade, Kazakhstan has emerged as the EU’s strongest partner in Central Asia, demonstrating its reliability and geopolitical importance through consistent cooperation and reform. For the European Union, Kazakhstan has proven to be an indispensable partner, while for Astana, ties with the EU remain a cornerstone of foreign policy.

A Growing Partnership

In June 2025, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration during the 22nd meeting of the Kazakhstan–EU Cooperation Committee in Political Configuration (CCPC). The discussions, led by Luc Devigne, Managing Director for Europe and Central Asia at the European External Action Service (EEAS), and Roman Vassilenko, former Deputy Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan, focused on strengthening cooperation and evaluating the implementation of the EPCA.

According to The Astana Times, the meeting highlighted progress in multiple areas, including political dialogue, trade, and energy transition. The EU–Kazakhstan EPCA — the first such agreement signed by the EU with a Central Asian country — provides a framework for cooperation across key policy areas such as trade, investment, justice and home affairs, energy, transport, environment, climate action, employment, culture, education, and research.

Political Dialogue and Future Prospects

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev recently met with Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Kazakhstan, Ambassador Aleška Simkić, in Astana to mark the 10th anniversary of the strategic partnership.

During the meeting, both sides discussed prospects for further development of cooperation between Kazakhstan and the European Union, as well as ways to strengthen interregional connectivity within the “Central Asia–EU” format.

Minister Kosherbayev noted the high level of political dialogue and the sustainable dynamics of bilateral engagement, emphasizing the importance of consistent implementation of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, which continues to guide EU–Kazakhstan collaboration.

Both sides exchanged views on regional and international issues, including the development of transport and logistics corridors, the green transition, digitalization, and improving Kazakhstan’s business climate.

Ambassador Simkić underscored the solid and advanced nature of Kazakhstan–EU relations, highlighting the qualitatively enhanced character of the partnership. She reaffirmed the EU’s readiness to further strengthen cooperation in the interests of Kazakhstan’s sustainable development.

Concluding the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening mutually beneficial cooperation and maintaining an active political dialogue through upcoming reciprocal visits and joint events.

Economic and Trade Relations

The EU remains Kazakhstan’s largest trade and investment partner, accounting for 32.4% of its total trade, according to the EEAS. In 2024, bilateral trade reached $48.7 billion, a 16.9% increase from 2023, with exports valued at $38.1 billion and imports at $10.6 billion.

More than 3,000 European-affiliated enterprises currently operate in Kazakhstan, including Shell, TotalEnergies, Siemens, Airbus, and Schneider Electric. Since 2005, European investment has exceeded $200 billion, primarily in the energy, manufacturing, and technology sectors.

Critical Raw Materials: A Strategic Vector

A key dimension of EU–Kazakhstan cooperation lies in critical raw materials (CRM) — essential for Europe’s clean energy transition. In November 2022, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Partnerships covering sustainable raw materials, batteries, and renewable hydrogen.

President von der Leyen emphasized:
“A secure and sustainable supply of raw materials and renewable hydrogen is crucial for building a cleaner, more resilient foundation for our economies. This partnership with Kazakhstan reflects Europe’s commitment to a greener and more resilient future.”

Kazakhstan holds 33 of the 34 elements identified in the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act, positioning it as a pivotal supplier in Europe’s efforts to diversify supply chains and reduce dependency on fossil fuels. The Sarytogan graphite deposit in Karaganda, for example, has been recognized as a strategic project by the European Commission.

Energy and Green Transition

Kazakhstan, rich in oil, gas, uranium, and metals, accounts for two-thirds of Central Asia’s GDP and supplies over 21% of the EU’s uranium demand. Major European firms, including TotalEnergies, Shell, and Eni, hold significant stakes in Kazakhstan’s energy projects — from the Kashagan and Karachaganak fields to emerging renewables initiatives.

Under the EPCA’s energy and climate chapter, Kazakhstan and the EU have strengthened cooperation through the Subcommittee on Energy, Transport, Environment and Climate Change. During the Global Gateway Forum in Brussels, Kazakhstan’s Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov reaffirmed the nation’s target of carbon neutrality by 2060, signing new agreements with the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to finance renewable energy and infrastructure projects.

Connectivity and Transport Cooperation

Transport connectivity is another pillar of EU–Kazakhstan relations. Through the Global Gateway Initiative, the EU has pledged a €12 billion investment package to enhance infrastructure and connectivity in the region.

The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor) — linking China and Europe via Kazakhstan — is increasingly seen as a sustainable and secure overland trade route. Both sides view this corridor as a catalyst for regional development, trade diversification, and digital logistics.

Looking Ahead

Ten years after the EPCA’s signing, EU–Kazakhstan relations stand as a model of modern, strategic cooperation in Central Asia. Built on mutual trust and shared priorities — from sustainable development and energy transition to digitalization and education — this partnership continues to evolve dynamically.

As Kazakhstan and the European Union look toward the next decade, their Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement remains the cornerstone of a forward-looking, green, and interconnected Eurasian future.

SOURCE : KZA MEA & Derya Soycal |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

IFS Manish Gupta Appointed as India’s Next Ambassador to Ireland

Shasi Kumar
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IFS Manish Gupta Appointed as India’s Next Ambassador to Ireland

New Delhi, India – The Government of India has appointed Manish Gupta, a senior Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer of the 1998 batch, as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Ireland, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Friday.

Mr. Gupta, who is currently serving as the High Commissioner of India to Ghana, is expected to take up his new assignment in Dublin shortly, according to the MEA.

RELATED NEWS : Raj Kumar Singh Named India’s Next Ambassador to Honduras

A career diplomat with over 25 years of experience, Mr. Gupta has held several key positions both in India and abroad. His postings have included New Delhi, New York, Istanbul, Sydney, Dakar, and Brussels, where he represented India in multiple strategic and multilateral forums.

From 2009 to 2013, Mr. Gupta served at India’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York as Political Counsellor and Coordinator for India at the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee. He also represented India on the Executive Boards of the UNDP and UNICEF.

At the MEA headquarters, he served as Joint Secretary for Overseas Indian Affairs from 2016 to 2019, overseeing portfolios related to migration, labour, emigration policy, and the welfare of Overseas Indians. During this period, he also served as CEO of the India Centre for Migration (ICM), a think tank focused on international migration and diaspora engagement.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Gupta was a desk officer for Nepal in the Ministry’s Northern Division from 2005 to 2009. His extensive diplomatic experience underscores India’s focus on strengthening bilateral ties and expanding its engagement with the Irish government and diaspora community.

Mr. Gupta’s appointment reflects India’s continued emphasis on leveraging experienced diplomats to foster strategic partnerships and deepen international cooperation across economic, cultural, and political spheres.

As he prepares to take up his new assignment in Dublin, Mr. Gupta is expected to build upon the strong foundation of India-Ireland relations and work towards further enhancing bilateral cooperation in various sectors.

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

UN marks 80 years amid funding crisis and rising distrust in multilateralism

Diplomat Times
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UN marks 80 years amid funding crisis and rising distrust in multilateralism

United Nations – The United Nations marks its 80th anniversary this Friday amid a deep financial crisis and growing skepticism toward multilateralism, as the organization faces new global challenges ranging from climate change to artificial intelligence.

Founded on Oct. 24, 1945, after World War II by 50 nations aiming to preserve peace and security, the UN now counts 193 member states and two observers, the Holy See and Palestine.

Eight decades later, its mission and influence are being tested by new geopolitical realities and waning confidence in global cooperation.

Eroding faith in multilateralism

Distrust in the UN and the broader multilateral system has grown in recent years, fueled by nationalist leaders such as former United States President Donald Trump.

Speaking at the UN General Assembly in September, Trump criticized what he called the organization’s “enormous potential” that has become “empty words.”

The UN has also faced mounting criticism over the limited effectiveness of its Security Council, where five permanent members: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, hold veto power.

Calls for reform to make the body more representative have repeatedly stalled.

“The credibility of the Security Council is at stake,” said a European diplomat on condition of anonymity. “Without reform, the UN’s ability to respond to conflicts will continue to erode.”

The organization’s diminishing mediation role has further weakened its image.

While the UN struggles to broker ceasefires, the Trump administration advanced unilateral peace efforts, including its mediation between Israel and Hamas last year.

Severe funding shortfall

Amid these political challenges, the UN is also battling a severe funding shortfall.

As of Sep. 30, 57 countries owed the organization 1.87 billion dollars in mandatory contributions, of which 1.5 billion dollars is owed by the United States, according to UN figures.

At the opening of a new photo exhibition in New York marking the anniversary, Secretary-General António Guterres urged nations to renew their commitment to shared solutions.

“This exhibition invites us to ask: what more could we achieve if the world worked harder to forge common ground?” he said.

Historically, the US has been the UN’s largest donor, covering 22% of its regular budget and about 26% of peacekeeping operations.

China, the second-largest contributor with around 15%, has sought to expand its influence within the organization, presenting itself as a defender of multilateralism, though critics warn this serves Beijing’s political ambitions.

Under Trump, Washington scaled back contributions to key programs such as UNICEF and the UN Development Programme and withdrew from the Human Rights Council and the World Health Organization.

To address the current crisis, Guterres has proposed a comprehensive reform plan known as UN80, which includes a 15% cut to the Secretariat’s budget by 2026 and the elimination of more than 2,000 positions.

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

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