Guterres Warns of Global Breakdown as Wars, AI Risks and Power Shifts Test UN

By Deepak Arora

UNITED NATIONS: The world is becoming more dangerous by the day, with wars spreading, international institutions losing their ability to act and artificial intelligence advancing faster than governments can control its risks, UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned Wednesday. Opening his final press conference before the high-level week of the 81st UN General Assembly, Guterres delivered a blunt assessment of the global situation and warned that continued deterioration in Ukraine and the Middle East could trigger a catastrophe with consequences far beyond the regions at war....more

India protests after Pak warship collides with vessel

NEW DELHI: A Pakistan Navy vessel collided with a frontline Indian warship in the Arabian Sea after manoeuvring in an “unprofessional and unsafe” manner, prompting New Delhi to summon Pakistan’s most senior diplomat on Wednesday to lodge a strong protest over the incident. The collision was the first reported incident involving the militaries of the two countries since four days of hostilities in May 2025, triggered by India’s attacks on terror infrastructure in Pakistan in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack....more

Trump welcomes Modi's efforts against opium as India among US' list of ‘major illicit drug producing countries’

WASHINGTON: United States President Donald Trump welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts against opium cultivation as India was among the US' list of “major illicit drug producing countries” on Wednesday. “I welcome Prime Minister Modi and the Government of India’s efforts to address illicit opium poppy cultivation and bolster supply chain integrity. I look forward to continued cooperation through the United States-India Drug Policy Framework,” read an official statement by the US....more

US Confirms It Has Deployed First-Ever 'On-Orbit' Weapon In Space

WASHINGTON: The United States has weapons deployed in space, the US Space Force said in the first-ever acknowledgement of possessing such offensive capabilities. US Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said the "on-orbit" weapon was necessary to safeguard American forces against hostile enemies, in a not-so-subtle warning to China and Russia. Meink, who made the announcement at the annual Air, Space, and Cyber Conference at National Harbour in Maryland, did not specify what type of US weapon is in space. But he hinted that it will be used for "space control" against "evolving threats."...more

Antonio Guterres, Modi Discuss BRICS Priorities, Global Conflicts and AI Weapons

By Deepak Arora

NEW DELHI: With wars continuing in the Middle East and Ukraine, global food supplies under pressure and major questions hanging over the future of international cooperation, UN Secretary-General António Guterres met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Friday on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. The meeting brought together several of the most pressing issues facing the world, from reform of global institutions and freedom of navigation to food security, sustainable development, renewable energy and the rapidly growing role of artificial intelligence....more

Modi nudges Putin to end Ukraine War; flags West Asia conflict, seafarer safety

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi again nudged Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday to end the conflict in Ukraine, reiterating that dialogue and diplomacy is the way forward, as the two leaders assessed progress in economic, defence and energy cooperation and mobility of workers....more

‘Differences should not become disputes’: Modi tells Xi peace on border key to India-China ties

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on Saturday, as India and China seek to reset ties. India said the two countries must ensure that “differences should not become disputes.” “Prime Minister emphasized that peace and tranquility in the border areas remains an essential basis for the continued development of bilateral relations,” the ministry of external affairs said in a statement following the meeting....more

Two-state solution for Palestine, concerns over ‘unilateral tariff’: Highlights from BRICS New Delhi declaration

NEW DELHI: The BRICS nations unanimously approved the 45-page New Delhi Declaration on Saturday at the summit led by India, expressing concerns about “the rise of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures” and backing a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict....more

‘Only control AI needs is high IQ President’: Trump after calls for new rules

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has rejected calls for tighter government oversight of artificial intelligence, saying the technology does not need any additional restrictions other than a “high IQ” president, which the country already has. Trump made the remarks on Monday while hitting out at efforts of technology leaders to introduce greater government oversight of AI. He described attempts to limit the technology as part of a “Sick conspiracy” and argued that tighter controls could benefit China....more

US Democrats list India for potential 100% duties over Russian oil

WASHINGTON: India could face a fresh and potentially significant trade threat from Washington as House Democrats move a series of amendments to the sweeping Russia-Iran sanctions legislation that would specifically identify India among countries eligible for duties of up to 100% over purchases of Russian crude oil or natural gas, or for facilitating sanctions evasion....more

US Ambassador Sergio Gor calls Jammu and Kashmir important part of India after meeting Omar Abdullah

SRINAGAR: US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor has described Jammu and Kashmir as an “important part of India” after meeting Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Srinagar. Ambassador Gor, who arrived in Srinagar as part of his first visit to Jammu and Kashmir since assuming office, held discussions with Omar Abdullah on India-US relations and areas where Washington could engage with the Union Territory....more

‘China values Modi’s statements’: Beijing hails India's independent foreign policy after PM-Xi meeting at BRICS

BEIJING: Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Chinese President Xi Jinping during their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi that India follows an independent foreign policy, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Monday, adding that Beijing values PM Modi’s remarks....more

Nepal floods hit vulnerable communities as UNDP estimates 2.2 million tonnes of debris

By Deepak Arora

UNITED NATIONS: Floods and mudflows along Nepal’s BhoteKoshi–Trishuli river system have left at least 2.2 million tonnes of debris within the analysed areas, according to a preliminary estimate by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The flash flood, reportedly triggered by a glacial collapse on 26 August, swept water, mud and rocks through communities in the affected districts. Nepal has reported over 1000 dead, with over 4,000 people reported missing....more

Saudi seeks Israel's help amid attacks by Iran-backed Houthis? Report says Riyadh sought intel aid

TEL AVIV: Saudi Arabia held talks with Israel, mediated by US Central Command, on ways to help Riyadh counter the Houthi military with intelligence support, according to an Israeli media report published on Tuesday....more