Philippines: Volcanic smog shrouds areas south of Manila
Manila, Aug 19 (IANS) Volcanic smog from Taal Volcano, south of the Philippine capital, has shrouded parts of the Batangas, Cavite, and Laguna provinces, local governments said on Monday. According to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council of Talisay town in Batangas, there is an “increased presence of volcanic smog in the area.” “This […]
Ram Mandir float joins diaspora celebration of nation’s diversity at New York India Day Parade
New York, Aug 19 (IANS) The Indian diaspora joyously celebrated their homeland’s cultural richness and religious diversity at the 42nd India Day Parade honouring the nation’s Independence. A float depicting the Ayodhya Ram Mandir was featured in the parade on Sunday, along with tableaus of Muslims, Christians, and Sikhs while groups of Indian Jews and […]
Blinken in Tel Aviv to meet top Israeli leadership as ceasefire talks hits roadblock
Tel Aviv, Aug 19 (IANS) The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will meet Israel President Issac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on Monday. He arrived here late Sunday night even as the indirect ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas held in Doha, Qatar on Thursday and Friday at the […]
S. Korea calls for bolstering readiness against N. Korea’s ‘grey zone’ provocations
Seoul, Aug 19 (IANS) As South Korea and the US kick off their annual joint exercise on Monday, President Yoon Suk Yeol called for bolstering readiness against North Korea’s “grey zone” provocations and hybrid warfare. Yoon said during a Cabinet meeting that this year’s Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise will focus on integrating the allies’ capabilities […]
S. Korea, US launch key summertime military exercise
Seoul, Aug 19 (IANS) South Korea and the US kicked off a major combined military exercise for its 11-day run Monday to bolster their joint defence readiness amid advancing North Korean military threats. The annual Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise, which runs through August 29, got underway in the face of growing concerns over Pyongyang’s […]
Sydney opens new driverless metro line
Sydney, Aug 19 (IANS) Sydney’s new multi-billion-dollar driverless metro line officially opened to commuters on Monday. The first passenger service on the Sydney Metro City Line departed Sydenham station in Sydney’s inner western suburbs at 4:54 a.m. on Monday morning, travelling the 15.5 km tunnel under the central business district and Sydney harbour to arrive […]
Efforts underway to coordinate Abbas’ proposed visit to Gaza
Ramallah, Aug 19 (IANS) Preparations are taking place for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ planned visit to the Gaza Strip as the Palestinian officials have reached out to countries worldwide for support, according to a statement. The visit aims to demonstrate solidarity with Gaza’s residents, assert that the State of Palestine and the Palestine Liberation Organization […]
Hamas criticises new Gaza ceasefire proposal as favouring Netanyahu’s conditions
Gaza, Aug 19 (IANS) Hamas has criticised the new ceasefire proposal for Gaza, presented in Doha last week, as catering to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s conditions, particularly his refusal to agree to a permanent ceasefire. The group claimed the proposal aligns with Netanyahu’s demands, including rejecting a permanent ceasefire, maintaining control over the Netzarim […]
EAM Jaishankar interacts with Indian community in Kuwait, commends their role in strengthening ties
Kuwait City, Aug 19 (IANS) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, who paid an official visit to Kuwait on Sunday, met prominent members of the Indian community there as well as representatives of various professional and community associations. “A good interaction with the vibrant Indian community in Kuwait. Commend their achievements and contribution to India-Kuwait […]
Israeli guard killed in hammer attack in West Bank
Jerusalem, Aug 19 (IANS) A Palestinian man has killed an Israeli security guard with a hammer in an industrial zone in the occupied West Bank, in what the Israeli army described as “a terror attack”. The suspect, who worked at a factory in Baron Industrial Park near Kedumim, assaulted and injured the security guard on […]
