UN Secretary-General António Guterres is closely monitoring the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the recent terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir. His spokesperson expressed deep concern over the situation and urged both governments to exercise the utmost restraint to prevent further deterioration of relations. Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the Secretary-General, reiterated the UN’s strong condemnation of the terrorist attack that took place in Pahalgam on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. As per PTI, at a daily press briefing on Thursday, Dujarric stated, “We were very clear in our condemnation of the terror attack that occurred in Jammu and Kashmir, which killed a large number of civilians.” In response to questions about whether Secretary-General Guterres had engaged directly with India or Pakistan, Dujarric confirmed that there had been no direct communication. However, he assured that Guterres is following the situation closely and with “great concern.” The UN chief has urged both India and Pakistan to “exercise maximum restraint and to ensure that the situation does not deteriorate any further," PTI reports Dujarric emphasised that the UN firmly believes any issues between the two nations must be resolved peacefully through dialogue and mutual engagement. “Any issues between Pakistan and India, we believe can be and should be resolved peacefully, through meaningful, mutual engagement,” he added. The deadly attack in Pahalgam, which targeted tourists, is the deadliest in Kashmir since the Pulwama bombing in 2019. On Wednesday, India took significant steps in response to the attack, including downgrading diplomatic ties with Pakistan. In addition, India expelled Pakistani military attaches, suspended the Indus Water Treaty of 1960, and closed the Attari land-transit post, citing cross-border links to the attack. On the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, Dujarric remarked, “I think this would go under the rubric of us appealing for maximum restraint and not taking any actions that would deteriorate the situation further or increase tensions in a tense area.” Earlier this week, Guterres had also condemned the attack, offering his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. “Attacks against civilians are unacceptable under any circumstances,” Dujarric reaffirmed on Thursday. At a separate event hosted by India’s Permanent Mission to the UN, Philemon Yang, President of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, conveyed his condolences to the families of those who died in the attack. He called the targeting of civilians “unacceptable and unjustifiable under any circumstances.” (With inputs from PTI)
25 April,2025 05:12 PM IST | New York | mid-day online correspondentUS President Donald Trump called Prime Minister Narendra Modi to offer condolences for the victims of the "Islamist terror attack" in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. PM Modi thanked Trump for his support and said that India is determined to bring perpetrators and backers of this "cowardly and heinous terrorist attack" to justice Trump condemned the attack in Pahalgam and said that the United States stands with India in its fight against terrorism and offered all possible support. In a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, stated, "President Donald Trump @realDonaldTrump @POTUS called PM @narendramodi and conveyed his deepest condolences at the loss of innocent lives in the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. President Trump strongly condemned the terror attack and expressed full support to India to bring to justice the perpetrators of this heinous attack. India and the United States stand together in the fight against terror." US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also offered support to India. In a post on X, Rubio wrote, "The United States stands with India." He made the statement in response to the post shared by the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs in the US State Department on the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, calling for holding the perpetrators accountable. "The United States strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Kashmir. Nothing can justify such a heinous act, killing tourists and civilians. Our thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. We continue to monitor the situation and call for perpetrators to be held accountable," the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs in the US State Department posted on X. Earlier, US President Donald Trump condemned the terrorist attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, expressing solidarity with India. Sharing a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump wrote, "Deeply disturbing news out of Kashmir. The United States stands strong with India against Terrorism. We pray for the souls of those lost, and for the recovery of the injured." "Prime Minister Modi and the incredible people of India have our full support and deepest sympathies. Our hearts are with you all!" he added. Following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level security meeting with all the agencies on Tuesday. In the evening, the Home Minister reached Srinagar for the security review meeting. Amit Shah also briefed PM Modi about the incident. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also briefed the Union Home Minister over the Pahalgam terrorist attack. LG Manoj Sinha and other high-level officials were also present at the meeting. Meanwhile, the Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police have launched a search operation in the general area of Baisran, Pahalgam, Anantnag, to nab the perpetrators of the attack. Candle marches were organised at several places in Jammu and Kashmir by local people against the terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam. "On 22 April 2025, in a cowardly and heart-wrenching act of violence. The terrorists opened fire on innocent tourists and locals. In the immediate aftermath, Joint Forces will oversee the situation. Medical teams were swiftly mobilised and casualty evacuation commenced," Chinar Corps said in a post on X. "In response to this senseless violence and the anguish caused to local sentiments, a candle march was organised in Sopore, Ganderbal, Handwara, Bandipora and other parts of Kashmir by the local populace. A Joint Search Operation has been launched by the #IndianArmy and @JmuKmrPolice in the general area of Baisran, Pahalgam, Anantnag. The search operation is currently in progress, with all efforts focused on bringing the attackers to justice," it added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
25 April,2025 11:33 AM IST | Jeddah | ANIA large-scale Russian missile and drone attack hit Kyiv overnight, killing nine people and injuring another 70, including six children, Ukrainian authorities said on Thursday. The Kyiv City Military Administration said on its Telegram channel that Russia struck Kyiv with drones and ballistic missiles. At least 45 drones were detected, the administration said. At least 42 people were hospitalised in Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is to cut short an official visit to South Africa due to the attack. Zelensky still held a meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the government’s Union Buildings in Pretoria but said he would return home after that. 70 missiles, 150 drones fired during ceasefire After US President Donald Trump’s criticisism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over his remarks on Crimea, calling them “harmful to peace negotiations” with Russia, Zelensky highlighted that Ukraine has upheld a complete ceasefire for 44 days following a proposal from Washington, while Moscow continued its attacks, launching 70 missiles and 150 attack drones during that time. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
25 April,2025 09:24 AM IST | Kyiv | AgenciesSo many mourners lined up to see Pope Francis lying in state in a simple wooden coffin inside St Peter’s Basilica that the Vatican kept the doors open all night due to higher-than-expected turnout, closing the basilica for just an hour Thursday morning for cleaning. The basilica is bathed in a hushed silence as mourners from across the globe make a slow, shuffling procession up the main aisle to pay their last respects to Francis, who died Monday after a stroke. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
25 April,2025 09:23 AM IST | Vatican City | AgenciesMany Istanbul residents spent the night outdoors, too fearful to return to their homes, following a strong earthquake and over 180 aftershocks. The magnitude 6.2 quake tremor that struck on Wednesday deeply impacted the city of 16 million residents. There were no reports of serious damage but the temblor, the strongest felt in Istanbul in recent years, prompted widespread panic and scores of injuries. At least 236 people were treated for injuries they suffered while trying to jump from buildings or for panic attacks. Most of the injuries were in Istanbul. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
25 April,2025 09:23 AM IST | Istanbul | AgenciesAmid tensions with India after the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan has issued a notification regarding the scheduled test of a surface-to-surface missile off its Karachi coast within its Exclusive Economic Zone, sources told ANI. The notification was issued by Pakistani agencies at around 9.30 pm Indian time, which is around the same time Indian leadership was holding the key Cabinet Committee on Security meeting to take steps against Pakistan for its involvement in the Pahalgam attack. According to the sources, the missile test will take place between April 24 to April 25 and the Indian agencies concerned are closely monitoring the developments and keeping a close watch on the situation. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
25 April,2025 09:23 AM IST | Islamabad | AgenciesUS Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said he expects India to strike the first bilateral trade deal to avoid President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs, according to the New York Post. A 26 per cent ‘reciprocal’ tariff on Indian exports to the US is currently on a pause set to expire on July 8. However, like other countries, India is presently subject to a 10 per cent tariff under the existing policy. Bessent said on Wednesday (local time) that trade talks with India are “very close” to reaching a successful conclusion because the world’s most populous nation doesn’t have “so many high tariffs”. “India also has fewer non-tariff trade barriers, obviously, no currency manipulation, very, very little government subsidies, so that reaching a deal with the Indians is much easier,” Bessent said at the DC event. Earlier on Tuesday, US Vice President J D Vance in Jaipur urged India to drop non-tariff barriers, give greater access to its markets and buy more American energy and military hardware as he laid out a broader roadmap of deeper ties. China denies talks “China and the US are not having consultation or negotiation on tariffs, still less reaching a deal,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said, reacting to reports about talks to reach a deal. “This tariff war was launched by the US. China’s position is consistent and clear. We will fight if it is a must. Our doors are open if the US wants to talk; dialogue and negotiation must be based on equality, respect, and mutual benefit,” Guo said. US’s anti-China bid State lawmakers across the US have introduced at least 240 anti-China proposals this year, aiming to ensure public funds don’t buy Chinese technology or even T-shirts, coffee mugs and key chains for tourists. They’re also targeting sister-city relationships between American and Chinese communities. After years celebrating trade ties with China, states don’t want police to buy Chinese drones, government agencies to use Chinese apps, software or parts, or public pension systems to invest in Chinese companies. Kenya, China to build ties Kenyan President William Ruto pledged to build closer ties with China on Thursday. Ruto is on a five-day visit to China, his third trip to Beijing since taking office in 2022. The visit comes as both Kenya and China are seeking to expand ties amid a tariff fight between Washington and Beijing. ‘Not lifting Russian sanctions’ US Secretary of State Marco Rubio refuted recent reports in US media alleging discussions about lifting sanctions on Russia in connection with a Ukraine deal. “This is journalistic malpractice,” he said. US advises against travel to India The US has issued an advisory after the Pahalgam terror attack asking Americans not to travel to Jammu and Kashmir and also within 10 km of the India-Pakistan border. “Terrorist attacks and violent civil unrest are possible in Jammu and Kashmir. Do not travel (with the exception of visits to the Leh, Ladakh region). Violence happens sporadically in this area and is common along the Line of Control (LOC) between India and Pakistan,” it said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
25 April,2025 09:23 AM IST | New York | AgenciesThe IDF (Israel Defense Forces) released the full details of the sniper and anti-tank missile shooting incident in the buffer zone in the northern Gaza Strip on Thursday, in which an IDF armored reserve soldier was killed and three others were wounded. The fighters, most of whom were reserve armoured fighters, were travelling in a tank in the administrative axis area, in the buffer zone in the northern Gaza Strip, near Beit Hanoun. At some point, they got out of the tank, for the sake of an operational mission, and were thus exposed. Then terrorists fired an anti-tank missile at them, which did not hit, and at the same time carried out sniper fire, which killed one of the fighters and wounded three others, two seriously and the third moderately. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
25 April,2025 09:21 AM IST | Tel Aviv | ANIPeople gathered outside the Indian High Commission in the UK in support of the victims of the terrorist attack that took place in Pahalgam on April 22. People carrying posters and Indian flags chanted slogans, "Bharat Mata Ki Jai." People carried posters which said, "Keep Calm and Crush Jihadist terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir to Jerusalem" and "Hindu Lives Matter." Overseas Friends of BJP in the UK President, Kuldeep Singh Shekhawat, said that people have gathered in front of the Indian High Commission in the UK in support of the victims of the Pahalgam attack. He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take the strongest possible action against terrorists who were behind the attack and who gave them support. Speaking to ANI, Shekhawat said, "We have gathered here in front of the Indian High Commission today just in support of those victims in Pahalgam. Innocent people were enjoying life; they were there as tourists and to enjoy themselves. Suddenly, life was taken away from them by these terrorists. Innocent civilians are being killed is not on. If people are so bad in this world that they would like to kill innocent civilians, it is absolutely unacceptable at any level." "We will not accept this kind of behaviour by Pakistan, and if Pakistan is treating this as their way of life, then India will react in a very powerful way. I request my Prime Minister to take the strongest possible action against those who have committed this crime and against those who have given them shelter and support. There is not a single Indian who likes this, and there's not a single person in this world who will support this kind of act. We are here in support of the Indian community," he added. Another man said that people have gathered here in solidarity with the people of India. He expressed Israel's support for India. He stated that collaboration between India and Israel will defeat jihadism from Jammu and Kashmir to Jerusalem. Speaking to ANI, he said, "We have come here today to stand in solidarity with the people of India, with our Hindu brothers and sisters. We know what jihadist terror looks like. We have suffered it for years in Israel, and we want you to know you are not alone....And we stand with you today and forever. We want you to know that with our collaboration, with our alliance, we will defeat jihadism from Jammu and Kashmir to Jerusalem. We stand with you, and I actually set up a society called the Israel India Friendship Club. Anyone who wants to join us and bring our two people together is more than welcome to do so. I think that if we unite, our enemy stands no chance, and together, we will defeat them. Jai Hind." The High Commission of India in the UK held a solemn commemorative ceremony at the India House to remember the victims of the terrorist attack that took place in Pahalgam on April 22. UK Minister Catherine West, Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs L Murugan, UK Members of Parliament Bob Blackman and Kanishka Narayan, and members of the House of Lords, including Sandy Verma and Lord Raval, joined Maharashtra's Minister of Social Justice Sanjay Shirsat in paying heartfelt tributes. The event brought together members of the Indian diaspora from across the UK, who came to pay their respects and stand in solidarity with the victims and their families. India's High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, addressed the attendees, emphasising the importance of resilience, unity, and justice in the face of such tragedies. Community members and officials observed a moment of silence to honour the memory of those who lost their lives in the cowardly attack. The gathering stood united in their condemnation of terrorism and voiced unwavering support for India's pursuit of justice. Speaking in unison, the dignitaries declared that terrorism must not go unpunished and emphasised that India will relentlessly identify, track down, and bring to justice every terrorist, along with their handlers and backers, according to the official statement. According to the official statement, the ceremony not only highlighted the deepening ties between India and the UK but also reflected the global consensus against terrorism and the collective resolve to combat it in all its forms. As many as 26 people were killed in India, and several others were injured after terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday. It was one of the deadliest attacks in the valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. Following the attack, India has taken strong countermeasures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
25 April,2025 09:21 AM IST | London | ANIPresident Donald Trump has ordered the Justice Department to investigate the Democratic Party's top fundraising platform, the latest example of Trump using the tools of the government to go after his political opponents. Trump, in an executive order signed Thursday, directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate allegations that Republicans have raised that ActBlue allows illegal campaign donations. Democrats, who had anticipated they would be targeted, condemned the move Thursday and ActBlue called it an 'oppressive use of power' by the White House. 'The Trump Administration's and GOP's targeting of ActBlue is part of their brazen attack on democracy in America. Today's escalation by the White House is blatantly unlawful and needs to be seen for what it is: Donald Trump's latest front in his campaign to stamp out all political, electoral and ideological opposition," ActBlue said in a statement. ActBlue said it would pursue 'all legal avenues to protect and defend itself.' "ActBlue will continue its mission and work undeterred and uninterrupted, providing a safe, secure fundraising platform for the millions of grassroots donors who rely on us.' Trump's order directs Bondi, in consultation with the Treasury Department, to investigate allegations that online fundraising platforms, and specifically ActBlue, have been used by some to 'make straw' or dummy' contributions or foreign contributions to political candidates and committees.' The findings of the investigation will be reported back with 180 days, according to the order. Since taking office, Trump has sought to use the powers of the government to retaliate against his opponents, including ordering security clearances to be stripped and punishing law firms linked to prosecutors who have investigated him or who have ties to his adversaries. ActBlue, which Democratic campaigns have used for two decades, had helped power an outpouring of small-dollar donations to candidates and causes. It was so successful that Republicans eventually created a counterpart, WinRed ' which Trump did not target in the order. Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley applauded the investigation, saying in a statement, 'The Democrats' Dark Money scam has gone on long enough." Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chair Suzan DelBene, Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin, Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chair Kirsten Gillibrand and Democratic Governors Association Chair Laura Kelly denounced the executive order in a joint statement. 'Donald Trump's memorandum targeting ActBlue is designed to undermine democratic participation ' and it's no wonder why,' the statement said. 'He knows Americans are already fed up with his chaotic agenda that is driving the economy off a cliff, so he's trying to block lawful grassroots donations from supporters giving just USD 5 or USD 10 to candidates who oppose him while further empowering the corrupt billionaires who already control his administration.' This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
25 April,2025 09:19 AM IST | Washington | APChina has successfully launched three astronauts to its space station on Thursday to replace their colleagues manning the station for the past six months. The Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship carrying the astronauts blasted off at 5:17 pm (Beijing Time) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China. Minutes after the launch, an official in the mission control centre announced that the launch was a "complete success". The launch was telecast live by the state-run CGTN. The spaceship is carrying three astronauts, Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie. It will dock with the space station later tonight. Shenzhou-20 is the 35th flight mission of China's manned space programme, and the fifth crewed mission during the application and development stage of China's space station. The crew is scheduled to return to the Dongfeng landing site in northern China in late October this year. China rotates a three-member crew manning the space station named Tiangong every six months. After the new set of crew members enter the station, the other three are expected to return to Earth on April 29. The crew will conduct new life science experiments involving zebrafish, planarians and streptomyces, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) spokesman Lin Xiqiang told the media on Wednesday. These experiments will mark China's first space-based investigation into the regeneration of planarians, a new organism introduced to China's space station and known for their extraordinary ability to regrow organs, Lin said. This project will enhance our understanding of fundamental mechanisms of regeneration at the individual level and could provide insights into human health issues related to space-induced injuries, Lin said. The CMSA also said on Wednesday that two Pakistani astronauts will be selected to receive spaceflight training in China to take part in a joint mission to the country's space station. One of the two Pakistanis will participate as a payload specialist, state-run Xinhua quoted a CMSA spokesperson as saying. China built its space station after it was reportedly excluded from the International Space Station (ISS) over concerns that China's space programme is manned by its military, the People's Liberation Army (PLA). It is currently the only country to have a space station, while the ISS is a collaborative project of several countries. Observers say China's space station may become the only one of its kind in orbit once the ISS retires in the coming years. The two robotic arms of the station, especially the long one, which can grab objects, including satellites from space, drew international concerns. The launch day coincided with China's 10th Space Day. China had designated April 24 as its Space Day in 2016 to mark the successful launch of its first satellite, Dongfanghong-1, on April 24, 1970. Separately, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) announced on Thursday that scientists from institutions in France, Germany, Japan, Pakistan, the UK and the US have been granted the opportunity to borrow lunar samples collected by the Chang'e-5 mission for scientific research. At a ceremony for China's Space Day in Shanghai, the agency announced that seven institutions from six countries have been authorised to borrow the lunar samples, state-run Xinhua news agency reported. In 2020, China's Chang'e-5 mission retrieved samples from the moon weighing about 1,731 grams. Shan Zhongde, head of the CNSA, said China's lunar exploration programme has always adhered to the principles of equality, mutual benefits, peaceful utilisation and win-win cooperation, sharing achievements with the international community. By the end of December 2023, CNSA had received 24 applications from 11 countries and international organisations, the report said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
24 April,2025 06:28 PM IST | Beijing | PTIADVERTISEMENT
