WORLD

UAE terror attack blatant violation of international law, UNSC should stand united in sending clear signal against such acts: India

United Nations, Jan 20 (PTI) Strongly condemning the drone strikes in Abu Dhabi in which two Indians were killed, India has termed the attacks on innocent civilians and infrastructure as a "blatant violation of international law", stressing that the Security Council should stand united in sending a clear signal against such heinous acts of terror.

Covid vaccine booster provides effective antibody protection against Omicron: Lancet study

London, Jan 20 (PTI) A third dose of COVID-19 vaccine increases the level of antibodies that can effectively neutralise the Omicron variant of coronavirus, according to a study published in The Lancet journal.

2 Indians, 1 Pakistani killed in Abu Dhabi tankers fire caused by small flying objects

Dubai, Jan 17 (PTI) Two Indians and a Pakistani national were killed and six others injured on Monday after a fire caused by "small flying objects", possibly drones, triggered an explosion that hit three petroleum tankers in the UAE's capital Abu Dhabi, police said. Another minor fire broke out in the new construction area of the Abu Dhabi International Airport, according to the state-run Emirates News Agency (WAM).

Drone attack may be behind Abu Dhabi tanker explosion, fire

Dubai, Jan 17 (AP) Drones may have sparked an explosion on three oil tankers in Abu Dhabi and may have sparked a separate fire at an extension of the emirate's main airport on Monday, according to a statement by police. Abu Dhabi police described the airport fire as minor and said it took place at an extension of Abu Dhabi's main international airport still under construction.

Pakistan NSA to visit Kabul on Tuesday; to discuss border fencing issue, humanitarian crisis with Taliban regime

Islamabad, Jan 17 (PTI) Pakistan's National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf will lead an inter-ministerial delegation to Afghanistan on Tuesday to discuss the issue of border-fencing and take stock of the humanitarian needs of the war-torn country with the Taliban regime, according to a media report.

Beijing reports first local omicron case ahead of Olympics

Beijing, Jan 16 (AP) Beijing has reported its first local omicron infection, according to state media, weeks before the Winter Olympic Games are due to start. The infected person lives and works in the city's northwestern district of Haidian and had no travel history outside of Beijing for the past two weeks.

Clap, don't chant: China aims for 'Zero COVID' Olympics

Beijing, Jan 15 (AP) Athletes will need to be vaccinated or face a long quarantine take tests daily and wear masks when not competing or training. Clapping is OK to cheer on teammates, not chanting. Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 will be sent into isolation and unable to compete until cleared for discharge.

Man arrested, charged with hate crime for attacking Indian-origin Sikh taxi driver in US

New York, Jan 15 (PTI) Authorities in the US have arrested and charged with hate crime a man, who attacked an Indian-origin Sikh taxi driver at JFK International Airport here, knocked off his turban and yelled at him "turbaned people, go back to your country". Mohamed Hassanain was arrested on Thursday for the January 3 attack on the Sikh taxi driver, who is being identified only as Mr Singh out of respect for his request for privacy.

Pak dismisses Indian Army chief's remarks about presence of 'launch pads' across LoC

Islamabad, Jan 13 (PTI) Pakistan on Thursday rejected what it called "unfounded allegations" by Indian Army chief Gen. M M Naravane about the presence of "launch pads" and "training" camps across the Line of Control.

UK trade minister to launch FTA talks in Delhi on Wednesday

London, Jan 10 (PTI) Britain's Secretary of State for International Trade Anne-Marie Trevelyan will launch Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations during a visit to New Delhi starting on Wednesday, the UK government has said. The schedule for the two-day visit to India will include bilateral talks between Trevelyan and Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday, the Department for International Trade (DIT) said on Sunday.

Strong earthquake shakes remote area in western China

Beijing, Jan 8 (AP) A strong overnight earthquake shook a sparsely populated area in western China early Saturday and forced the suspension of high-speed rail service because of tunnel damage, authorities said. Four people with minor injuries in Menyuan Hui Autonomous County had been treated and released, they said at a news conference. The magnitude 6.9 quake struck at 1:45 a.m.

Strict implementation of public health and social measures must to arrest COVID-19 surge: WHO

New Delhi, Jan (PTI) The World Health Organization on Saturday called for strict implementation of public health and social measures as COVID-19 cases surge in most countries of the South-East Asia Region. It also said though the Omicron variant of coronavirus may appear to be less severe, it should not be dismissed as mild'.

UK PM Johnson uses Christmas message to push COVID-19 boosters

London, Dec 24 (PTI) British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday used his annual Christmas message to push the get boosted now message for protection against COVID-19, amid an ongoing surge in cases of the Omicron variant in the country. In his video message, Johnson said a coronavirus booster jab would be a "wonderful" Christmas gift and also linked it to the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Pak-India ties: Too near yet far apart

Islamabad, Dec 23 (PTI) When Pakistan and India agreed to restore peace along the highly volatile Line of Control (LoC) in February 2021, it appeared that they were again ready to take a turn on the bumpy road of animosity and mistrust. The ensuing months, however, showed that it was yet another mirage. The story of Pakistan-India relations is a tale of the proverbial one step forward, two steps backward'.

Resolution of Kashmir issue important for regional peace and stability: Gen Bajwa

Islamabad, Dec 19 (PTI) Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa said on Sunday that the resolution of the Kashmir issue was important for regional peace and stability.

43 TN fishermen arrested, 6 boats seized by Sri Lankan Navy

Rameswaram (TN), Dec 19 (PTI) As many as 43 fishermen from Tamil Nadu were arrested and six boats seized by Sri Lankan Naval personnel, an official said here on Sunday. Demanding their immediate release, the fishermen association here said it would stage a protest on Monday and announced an 'indefinite strike' as well.

PM Imran slams political rivals, blames them for destroying Pakistan

Islamabad, Dec 18 (PTI) Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has hit out at his political rivals from the powerful Bhutto and Sharif families, blaming them for promoting corruption and destroying the country. In an interview to Al Jazeera news channel that was aired by Pakistan Television (PTV) on Saturday, Khan said Pakistan was rich in resources but the Bhutto and Sharif families used them unfairly.

Terror groups targeting India continue to operate from Pakistan: US report on terrorism

Washington, Dec 17 (PTI) Terror groups targeting India continue to operate from Pakistan which did not act against known terrorists, including JeM chief and UN-blacklisted Masood Azhar and 2008 Mumbai attack project manager Sajid Mir, who remain free in that country, according to a latest US report on terrorism.

Bangladesh accords red carpet welcome to President Ram Nath Kovind

Dhaka, Dec 15 (PTI) Bangladesh on Wednesday accorded a red carpet welcome to President Ram Nath Kovind upon his arrival here on a maiden three-day State Visit during which he will hold talks with his counterpart and attend the golden jubilee celebrations of Bangladesh's 1971 independence from Pakistan.

UK antitrust watchdog investigates Microsoft's Nuance deal

London, Dec 13 (AP) British antitrust regulators are opening an investigation into Microsoft's 16 billion acquisition of speech recognition company Nuance in the latest sign they're tightening scrutiny of big technology deals. The Competition and Markets Authority said in a brief statement Monday that it's looking into the purchase because of concerns that it could result in a "substantial lessening of competition" in the UK market.

Deadly tornadoes, storms strike US; roof collapse at Amazon

Tennessee, Dec 11 (AP) Tornadoes and severe weather were blamed for several deaths and injuries across parts of the Midwest and the South as a storm system caused significant damage at a candle factory in Kentucky, an Amazon facility in Illinois, a nursing home in Arkansas, and numerous homes and buildings. Many people were feared dead at the factory in Mayfield, Kentucky, where Gov.

Pakistan reports first suspected case of Omicron variant

Karachi, Dec 9 (PTI) Pakistan has reported its first suspected case of the new COVID-19 variant Omicron in a woman in Karachi, Sindh province Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho said on Thursday. She said that a genomic study was being carried out for confirmation. "Although the genomic study of the coronavirus patient's sample has not been completed but the way the virus is behaving, it seems like it is Omicron, she told the media.

Facebook broadens ban on military-linked Myanmar companies

Bangkok, Dec 8 (AP) Facebook's parent company Meta said Wednesday it has expanded its ban on postings linked to Myanmar's military to include all pages, groups, and accounts representing military-controlled businesses. It had already banned advertising from such businesses in February.

Kashmiri Pandits one of the most successful Indian American communities: Congressman Krishnamoorthi

Washington, Dec 7 (PTI) Kashmiri Pandits are one of the most successful Indian-American communities, a top US lawmaker has said, praising the community members for their contributions in America and the world. When you are running for your life, when you are dispossessed of possessions you know the real meaning of life.

Pak FM writes to top UN officials highlighting Kashmir issue

Islamabad, Dec 6 (PTI) Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has written another letter to the top UN officials highlighting the Kashmir issue, the Foreign Office said on Monday. The minister addressed the letter to the President of the United Nations Security Council and the United Nations Secretary General, it said.

US reports 1st case of omicron variant in returning traveller

San Francisco, Dec 2:The US recorded its first confirmed case of the omicron variant Wednesday in a vaccinated traveller who returned to California after a trip to South Africa as scientists around the world race to establish whether the new, mutant version of the coronavirus is more dangerous than previous ones. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the United States' top infectious-disease expert, announced the finding at the White House.

EU decides against emergency summit on omicron for now

Brussels, Dec 1: The European Union has decided against holding a special remote summit of the bloc's leaders on the omicron coronavirus variant for the time being, an official said Wednesday.

NATO debates the lessons of mission creep in Afghanistan

Riga (Latvia), Dec 1: Barely 3 months after the chaotic US-run troop evacuation from Afghanistan, NATO foreign ministers met on Wednesday to debate a rapidly compiled report on the lessons to be learned from the military organization's 18-year security presence in the conflict-ravaged country.

UN migration agency: COVID has 'radically altered' mobility

Geneva, Dec 1: The UN migration agency says the coronavirus pandemic has radically altered mobility around the world, projecting in a new report that the growth in the number of international migrants is likely to remain weaker as long as travel and other restrictions remain.

Global shares mostly rise despite mounting omicron worries

Tokyo, Dec 1: Global shares were mostly higher Wednesday amid nervous trading due to worries over the newest coronavirus variant. France's CAC 40 edged up 0.5% in early trading to 6,751.87, while Germany's DAX added 0.7% to 15,206.89. Britain's FTSE 100 jumped 1.1% to 7,137.60. U.S. shares were set to drift higher with Dow futures up 0.5% at 34,617.00. S&P 500 futures rose 0.8% to 4,602.50. Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 rose 0.

WHO chief: Omicron shows need for global accord on pandemics

Geneva, Nov 29 (AP) The World Health Organization on Monday is pushing for an international accord to help prevent and fight future pandemics amid the emergence of a worrying new omicron COVID-19 variant. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also said many uncertainties remain about just how transmissible and severe infection by the highly mutated omicron might be.

WHO chief: Omicron shows need for global accord on pandemics

Geneva, Nov 29 (AP) The World Health Organization is opening a long-planned special session of member states to discuss ways to strengthen the global fight against pandemics like the coronavirus, just as the worrying new omicron variant has sparked immediate concerns worldwide.

Muslim man, 3 sons charged with blasphemy over argument with cleric in Pak

Lahore: A Muslim man and his three sons in Pakistan's Punjab province have been booked under the tough blasphemy laws over an argument with a cleric who had refused to make an announcement about the funeral of a Christian neighbour from a mosque at a village bordering India.

Navjot Singh Sidhu bats for trade, 'new friendship chapter' between India and Pak as he visits Kartarpur

Lahore, Nov 20: Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu on Saturday visited the revered Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan and offered prayers and stressed on "opening of a new friendship chapter" and trade between the two countries, days after India reopened the visa-free Kartarpur corridor for Sikh pilgrims.

Pak terms arbitrary' its designation by US as country of particular concern'

Islamabad: Pakistan rejected its designation by the US as a country of particular concern' as an arbitrary and selective assessment , saying it was completely against the realities on the ground and raises serious doubts over the credibility of the exercise. The United States on Wednesday designated several nations, including Pakistan, China, Iran, North Korea and Myanmar, as countries of particular concern for violation of religious freedom.

Pak foreign policy sensitive to national aspirations and changing global environment: Minister Qureshi

Islamabad: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Pakistan is pursuing a proactive foreign policy that is sensitive to national aspirations and the rapidly changing global environment.

Terrorists enjoy free pass in Pakistan: India slams Pak at UNSC after Islamabad's envoy rakes up Kashmir issue

United Nations, Nov 17: Terrorists enjoy free pass in Pakistan, which has an established history and policy of actively supporting them and holds the ignoble record of hosting the largest number of militants proscribed by the UN Security Council, India has said, slamming Islamabad at the UN Security Council.

Will continue to take firm, decisive steps against cross-border terrorism: India's swipe at Pakistan during UNSC meet

United Nations: India will continue to take firm and decisive action against cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan, New Delhi's representation said here on Tuesday, asserting that the onus is on Islamabad to create a conducive atmosphere for any meaningful dialogue which can be held only in an atmosphere free of terror, hostility and violence.

'Do not travel to India-Pak border'; exercise caution due to crime and terrorism: US updates travel advisory to citizens

Washington: The US has issued level two and three travel advisories for India and Pakistan, saying while American citizens are urged to reconsider travel to Pakistan due to terrorism and sectarian violence, those going to India must exercise increased caution due to crime and terrorism.

CDC issues 'Level One' COVID-19 travel health notice for India

Washington, Nov 16: The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a 'Level One' COVID-19 notice for Americans traveling to India, saying the risk of contracting the infection and developing severe symptoms may be lower if one is fully vaccinated. The travel health notice has also been issued for Pakistan.

Pakistan, Afghanistan to resume 'Dosti' bus service next year

Two police constables killed in bomb blast in north-west Pakistan

Peshawar, Nov 13: Two Pakistani police constables guarding a dam were killed on Saturday when a roadside bomb exploded in the restive tribal region in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan, security officials said.

OIC delegation visits LoC; gets briefing by Pakistani military officials

Islamabad: A delegation of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) visited the Line of Control where it was briefed by the Pakistani military officials on the latest security situation along the LoC. India has in the past asked the OIC to refrain from allowing vested interests to exploit its platform for comments on internal affairs of the country.

COVID-19 pandemic generated 8 million tonnes of plastic waste: Study

Los Angeles, Nov 10: The COVID-19 pandemic has generated more than eight million tonnes of plastic waste globally, with over 25,000 tonnes of it entering the oceans, according to a study. The research, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that a significant portion of this ocean plastic debris is expected to make its way onto either beaches or the seabed within three to four years.

Settlement of Kashmir issue remains prerequisite for durable peace in South Asia: Pak PM Khan

Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said that a just settlement of the Kashmir issue in accordance with the UN resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people remained a prerequisite for durable peace and stability in South Asia.

First Chinese woman walks in space, scripts history

Beijing, Nov 8: Wang Yaping on Monday became the first Chinese woman astronaut to walk in space as she moved out of the under-construction space station and took part in extravehicular activities for over six hours along with her male colleague Zhai Zhigang, official media here reported. The two moved out of the space station core module called Tianhe and spent 6.

US to lift all travel restrictions for fully vaccinated incoming foreign nationals from November 8

Washington/New Delhi, Nov 5 (PTI) The US set to lift all restrictions for fully vaccinated international travellers, including from India, from November 8 but they will have to show proof of a negative coronavirus test before boarding a flight to the country, according to an official statement. The travel guidelines included protocols around testing.

Palestine PM Shtayyeh seeks India's 'well-established' role in the Middle East during meeting with PM Modi

Ramallah (West Bank): Acknowledging India's "growing weight" in international politics, Palestinian Prime Minister Dr. Mohammad Shtayyeh has sought New Delhi's "well-established and distinguished" role in the Middle East during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi where the two leaders also discussed ways to enhance the bilateral ties and political developments in the region.

Ayurveda is a very dynamic science: Consul General Randhir Jaiswal

New York, Nov 3: Ayurveda, an ancient system of Indian traditional medicine, is a very dynamic science and is a system that has a very strong spiritual dimension and is about introspection of the self, India's Consul General in New York Randhir Jaiswal said. The Consulate General of India in New York organized a panel discussion titled 'Ayurveda in Everyday Life' on Tuesday on the occasion of Ayurveda Day 2021.