World News

US Embassy clarifies: No new air-to-air missiles being supplied to Pakistan

US Embassy clarifies: No new air-to-air missiles being supplied to Pakistan

National Times Bureau :- The United States Embassy on Friday dismissed reports suggesting that Washington plans to supply new Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) to Pakistan. The clarification comes amid recent claims that the US was considering such a delivery following improved diplomatic engagements between the two nations. Earlier reports had indicated that Pakistan was among 35 countries listed to receive AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles under a new contract approved by the US Department of War (DoW)—earlier known as the Department of Defense. The reports also stated that the multi-billion-dollar deal involved the Raytheon Company, based in Tucson, Arizona, with a…
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US Plans Sweeping Reforms to H-1B Visa Program, Proposes Steep Filing Fee Hike

US Plans Sweeping Reforms to H-1B Visa Program, Proposes Steep Filing Fee Hike

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): In a move set to reshape the landscape for foreign professionals in the United States, the Biden administration—continuing some policies from the Trump era—is advancing plans to tighten regulations around the H-1B visa system. Among the most striking proposals is the introduction of a $100,000 mandatory filing fee for each H-1B petition, a significant jump from current costs and a potential deterrent for many employers. The proposal, listed in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) regulatory agenda, falls under a broader initiative titled “Reforming the H-1B Nonimmigrant Visa Classification Program.” The rule, expected to be made…
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Massive Earthquake Jolts Mindanao, Tsunami Warnings Issued Across Coastal Areas

Massive Earthquake Jolts Mindanao, Tsunami Warnings Issued Across Coastal Areas

Phillipines (Rajeev Sharma): A powerful earthquake struck the southern Philippines late Friday, shaking parts of Mindanao and prompting urgent tsunami alerts along several coastal provinces. The undersea quake, which registered a magnitude of 7.4, has triggered widespread concern, though no immediate damage or casualties have been confirmed. The tremor was recorded off the coast of Manay, a town in Davao Oriental province, with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reporting it struck at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers beneath the seabed. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), however, placed the quake’s depth at around 62 kilometers. Emergency alerts…
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Pope Leo Revives Francis’ Vision, Confronts Trump-Era Border Politics

Pope Leo Revives Francis’ Vision, Confronts Trump-Era Border Politics

Vatican City, October 9, 2025: In his first major papal document, Pope Leo called for urgent global efforts to help migrants and reduce economic inequality, echoing one of late Pope Francis’ strongest rebukes of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s anti-immigration policies.The 104-page apostolic exhortation, titled “Dilexi te” (“I Have Loved You”), focuses on the plight of the poor and the need for sweeping reforms in the global economic system. It calls for a more compassionate and inclusive approach to governance, urging world leaders to prioritize humanity over profit.Originally drafted by Pope Francis before his death in April after 12 years…
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Hungarian Author László Krasznahorkai Wins 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature for His Visionary Oeuvre

Hungarian Author László Krasznahorkai Wins 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature for His Visionary Oeuvre

Stockholm [Sweden], October 9, 2025: The 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature has been awarded to Hungarian writer László Krasznahorkai for his “compelling and visionary oeuvre that, in the midst of apocalyptic terror, reaffirms the power of art,” the Swedish Academy announced on Thursday.Krasznahorkai’s celebrated work “Herscht 07769” has been hailed as a remarkable modern German novel for its vivid portrayal of social unrest in contemporary Germany. The Academy praised the book for its “credible depiction of a small town in Thuringen afflicted by anarchy, murder, and arson,” while also weaving in the enduring influence of Johann Sebastian Bach’s legacy. Described…
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Israel and Hamas Agree to Initial Peace Framework, Hostage Release and Troop Withdrawal Planned

Israel and Hamas Agree to Initial Peace Framework, Hostage Release and Troop Withdrawal Planned

Washington, D.C. (Rajeev Sharma): In a major diplomatic announcement early Thursday morning, U.S. President Donald Trump revealed that Israel and Hamas have both signed the first phase of a new peace initiative aimed at de-escalating one of the world’s longest-running conflicts. Posting on his social media platform, Trump confirmed that the preliminary agreement includes the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas and a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from specified areas, signaling a move toward establishing long-term stability in the region. “This is a great day,” Trump wrote, celebrating what he described as a “strong, durable, and everlasting…
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Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2025 Awarded to Scientists from Japan, Australia, and the U.S. for Groundbreaking Work on MOFs

Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2025 Awarded to Scientists from Japan, Australia, and the U.S. for Groundbreaking Work on MOFs

Stockholm, October 8: The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences on Wednesday announced that the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry will be shared by Susumu Kitagawa of Kyoto University (Japan), Richard Robson of the University of Melbourne (Australia), and Omar M. Yaghi of the University of California (U.S.). Each of the three laureates will receive one-third of the prestigious award.The scientists have been honored for their pioneering advancements in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)—innovative materials composed of metals and organic compounds that contain microscopic pores. These structures have opened new possibilities in gas storage, carbon dioxide capture, and chemical catalysis, significantly influencing modern…
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Federal Stalemate Drags On as U.S. Government Shutdown Reaches Second Week

Federal Stalemate Drags On as U.S. Government Shutdown Reaches Second Week

Washington, D.C. (Rajeev Sharma): The ongoing federal government shutdown has stretched into its second week, with political tensions rising and no immediate breakthrough in sight. Key operations remain suspended, Capitol Hill visits have been cancelled, and House proceedings continue to be on hold as partisan divisions deepen. The impasse revolves largely around disputes over healthcare funding. While Democrats are pushing for the inclusion of insurance subsidy protections, Republicans — who maintain control of Congress — have stood their ground, refusing to approve any spending package that includes what they call "unconditional concessions." President Trump Signals Conflicting Messages President Donald Trump…
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2025 Nobel Prize in Physics Awarded to John Clarke, Michel Devoret, and John Martinis for Quantum Breakthrough

2025 Nobel Prize in Physics Awarded to John Clarke, Michel Devoret, and John Martinis for Quantum Breakthrough

Stockholm, October 7, 2025: The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded to American scientists John Clarke, Michel Devoret, and John Martinis for their pioneering work on quantum phenomena in electrical circuits, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced on Tuesday.The trio was recognised for their groundbreaking demonstration of large-scale quantum tunneling and quantized energy levels in electrical circuits — effects previously thought impossible in macroscopic systems.In classical physics, objects bounce off barriers, but in the quantum realm, particles can sometimes pass through obstacles, a phenomenon known as quantum tunneling. Clarke, Devoret, and Martinis successfully observed this effect in…
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PM Modi Extends Birthday Greetings to Putin, Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthen India-Russia Ties

PM Modi Extends Birthday Greetings to Putin, Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthen India-Russia Ties

New Delhi, October 7, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin to extend warm greetings on his 73rd birthday and reaffirm the strong ties between the two nations.According to an official statement, both leaders reiterated their resolve to deepen the “India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership,” reviewing progress across key areas of bilateral cooperation. Prime Minister Modi wished President Putin good health, happiness, and continued success in his endeavours.During the discussion, Modi expressed his anticipation of welcoming President Putin to India later this year for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, scheduled…
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