Islamabad, June 20 (IANS) The massive agitation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has exposed a widening gap between Pakistan’s Kashmir rhetoric and the realities on the ground, with a report highlighting that Islamabad’s narrative abroad rests on the very principles it tramples at home.It argued that calls for dignity and justice for Kashmiris at the United Nations ring hollow when similar demands in PoK are met with restrictions and crackdowns.“There is a peculiar genius to Pakistan’s rul…

Washington, June 20 (IANS) A once-close political partnership between US President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has erupted into a public feud after Trump claimed the Italian leader repeatedly sought a photograph with him at the G7 summit in France, an allegation Meloni has forcefully rejected.The latest exchange marked a sharp deterioration in ties between the two leaders, who had long been viewed as ideological allies on issues including immigration and national sover…

Tehran, June 20 (IANS) Iran on Saturday announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz once again, citing alleged violations of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by the US and Israel, local media reported.Just days after announcing an agreement lifting naval blockades, Iran’s top joint military command, ​Khatam al-Anbiya Central ‌Headquarters, said the closure comes in response to the “explicit breach” of the first clause of the post-war MoU by the US and Israel and “ongoing violations”…

Dhaka, June 20 (IANS) As many as seven children have died from measles outbreak in Bangladesh on Saturday, raising the total number of confirmed and suspected deaths to 677 since March 15 this year, amid an escalating health crisis in the country, local media reported. According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), the deaths were reported in the 24 hours leading up to Saturday morning.The latest fatalities from the disease were identified as suspected, Bangladeshi media outlet …

Damascus, June 20 (IANS) Two Syrian soldiers were killed on Saturday by unknown people in northern Syria’s Aleppo province, state news agency SANA reported.Citing a defence ministry source, SANA said the two soldiers were targeted near the city of Manbij in the northeastern countryside of Aleppo, Xinhua news agency reported.The incident is the latest in a series of attacks and ambushes targeting military personnel in Syria’s new transitional authorities. On May 11, two soldiers were killed when …

Athens, June 20 (IANS) The proposed India-Germany submarine partnership extends far beyond a conventional defence procurement deal, reflecting a convergence of strategic interests, industrial cooperation and regional security priorities amid a rapidly evolving balance of power across Asia. For India, the deal creates a framework for greater naval self-reliance and enhanced deterrence against regional adversaries. For Germany, it presents an opportunity to expand its strategic footprint beyond Eu…

Athens, June 20 (IANS) The recent visit of Myanmar’s President U Min Aung Hlaing to India carried significance beyond diplomatic protocol. It reflected Myanmar’s search for a balancing strategy, gave India an opportunity to engage with a volatile neighbour whose instability directly impacts the Northeast, and served as a reminder for China that influence does not necessarily translate into trust. “India does not offer Myanmar the same scale of money, infrastructure, or coercive leverage that…

New Delhi, June 20 (IANS) Pakistan has seen several International Monetary Fund (IMF) programmes to improve its economy in the past but reforms have failed and the country stares at a bigger economic crisis. The question isn’t why reform failed but whether it was ever designed to succeed, argues a new report.The report in Dawn laments that each IMF programme reaches the same diagnosis — the tax base is too narrow, distortions are too many, and institutions are too weak. “The IMF prescribes…

La Paz, June 20 (IANS) Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz announced early Saturday the implementation of a state of emergency aimed at restoring road traffic across the country after weeks of nationwide blockades related to protests.Since early May, road blockades in several parts of Bolivia have disrupted the transportation of fuel, food and medical supplies, causing shortages in some cities and dealing a heavy blow to economic activity, Xinhua news agency reported.In a message posted on social med…

Abu Dhabi, June 20 (IANS) A large number of people in Abu Dhabi gathered atop Jebel Hafeet mountain in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Saturday to practice yoga ahead of the 12th International Yoga Day (IDY).“Ambassador Deepak Mittal joined yoga enthusiasts for an energising session top the majestic Jebel Hafeet, organised by Indian Social Centre, Al Ain,” the Indian Embassy in the UAE wrote on X.The Embassy also organised a vibrant yoga session at the India Social and Cultural Centre, Abu…