World News

Elon Musk Launches ‘America Party’ to Challenge US Political Establishment: “Time to Take Back Your Freedom”

Elon Musk Launches ‘America Party’ to Challenge US Political Establishment: “Time to Take Back Your Freedom”

Washington (National Times): Billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk has officially launched a new political party in the United States, the America Party, claiming it is a response to what he called the country’s “one-party system” and mounting government overreach. The announcement, made via a post on Musk’s social media platform X, marks a dramatic new chapter in American politics, especially given Musk’s former status as one of Donald Trump’s most prominent political donors during the 2024 election cycle. Fallout with Trump Sparks New Political Movement Musk’s decision to break ranks with Trump comes after a bitter public feud. The Tesla…
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Microsoft Shuts Down Pakistan Office After 25 Years, Sparking Economic Worries

Microsoft Shuts Down Pakistan Office After 25 Years, Sparking Economic Worries

Islamabad, July 5 — Global tech giant Microsoft has shut down its limited operations in Pakistan after 25 years, citing global restructuring and a pivot toward a cloud-based, partner-led business model.The closure, announced Thursday, is part of Microsoft’s broader decision to cut around 9,100 jobs worldwide approximately 4 per cent of its global workforce in the company’s largest round of layoffs since 2023.The move has sparked concerns among Pakistan’s business and political leaders about the country’s economic environment and future prospects in the global tech landscape.Jawwad Rehman, former founding Country Manager of Microsoft Pakistan, called the exit a reflection of…
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India-Pakistan Trade Endures Through Third-Party Channels Despite Conflict

India-Pakistan Trade Endures Through Third-Party Channels Despite Conflict

Islamabad, July 5 – Despite heightened tensions and a brief military standoff in May, trade between India and Pakistan quietly continued largely through third countries underscoring the resilience of economic links even amidst political hostility.According to State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) data cited by Dawn, imports from India reached a three-year high of USD 211.5 million during the first 11 months of fiscal year 2025, outpacing USD 207 million in FY24 and USD 190 million in FY23.In May alone during which a four-day cross-border conflict unfolded Pakistan imported goods worth USD 15 million from India, only a slight dip from…
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Prime Minister Carney and Chilean President Gabriel Boric Discuss Strengthening Bilateral Ties

Prime Minister Carney and Chilean President Gabriel Boric Discuss Strengthening Bilateral Ties

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney held a telephonic conversation today with President of Chile Gabriel Boric, reaffirming the close and collaborative relationship between the two nations. During the call, both leaders underlined their mutual commitment to democratic values and the protection of human rights, laying the groundwork for expanded cooperation in the face of growing global challenges. A key focus of the discussion was the robust trade and investment partnership between Canada and Chile, two long-standing allies in the Americas. Both Prime Minister Carney and President Boric emphasized the importance of strategic collaboration in critical sectors, including…
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Four Killed, 14 Injured in Drive-By Shooting Outside Chicago Restaurant

Four Killed, 14 Injured in Drive-By Shooting Outside Chicago Restaurant

Chicago, July 3: A deadly drive-by shooting in Chicago’s River North neighbourhood has left four people dead and 14 others injured, city police confirmed on Thursday. At least three of the wounded victims remain in critical condition.The shooting occurred late Wednesday night outside a restaurant and lounge reportedly hosting an album release party for a rapper. According to investigators, an unknown assailant opened fire into a crowd gathered outside the venue before fleeing the scene in a vehicle.Authorities have not yet released details about the victims or potential suspects. Police continue to investigate the motive and are reviewing surveillance footage…
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Dalai Lama Excludes China From Successor Decision, Reasserts Gaden Phodrang Trust’s Sole Authority

Dalai Lama Excludes China From Successor Decision, Reasserts Gaden Phodrang Trust’s Sole Authority

Dharamshala (National Times): In a significant move with global religious and political implications, the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama, has reaffirmed that the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the official office of His Holiness, will hold exclusive authority in selecting his reincarnation, effectively shutting out any Chinese role in the process of appointing the 15th Dalai Lama. The declaration came through an official statement released on Wednesday, just days ahead of the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday on July 6, reaffirming his long-standing position that the 600-year-old institution of the Dalai Lama will continue beyond his lifetime, but on his…
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PM Modi Departs on Five-Nation Tour to Strengthen Global South Ties and Multilateral Cooperation

PM Modi Departs on Five-Nation Tour to Strengthen Global South Ties and Multilateral Cooperation

New Delhi (National Times): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a significant five-nation diplomatic tour from July 2 to July 9, covering Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. The visit underscores India’s commitment to deepening ties across the Global South and enhancing cooperation in multilateral forums like BRICS, the African Union, ECOWAS, and CARICOM. In a departure statement, PM Modi said, “I am confident that my visits to the five countries will reinforce our bonds of friendship across the Global South, strengthen our partnerships on both sides of the Atlantic, and deepen engagements in multilateral platforms.” Ghana…
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Trump’s Tax Cuts and Spending Bill Passes Senate in Dramatic Tiebreaker Vote

Trump’s Tax Cuts and Spending Bill Passes Senate in Dramatic Tiebreaker Vote

Washington, July 1: President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax cuts and spending bill cleared a crucial hurdle on Tuesday as Senate Republicans pushed it through by the narrowest of margins, concluding a marathon overnight session marked by political brinkmanship and deep internal divisions.Vice President J.D. Vance cast the decisive vote to break a 50-50 tie in the chamber, allowing the legislation, formally titled the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” to advance. Despite holding majorities in both chambers of Congress, Republican leaders were forced into a last-minute scramble to secure enough support after days of tense negotiations and public disputes.Three Republicans Senators…
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Trump Slams Elon Musk Over New Party Call, EV Subsidies: “He’d Have to Shut Shop Without Government Help”

Trump Slams Elon Musk Over New Party Call, EV Subsidies: “He’d Have to Shut Shop Without Government Help”

Washington, D.C (National Times): In a fiery response to billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk’s criticism of U.S. spending policies and his hint at launching a new political faction, former U.S. President Donald Trump hit back sharply, accusing Musk of profiting heavily from government subsidies and reiterating his opposition to electric vehicle (EV) mandates. Posting on Truth Social, Trump said, “Elon Musk knew, long before he endorsed me for President, that I was strongly against the EV mandate. It is ridiculous and has always been a major part of my campaign. Electric cars are fine, but not everyone should be forced to…
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Senate Republicans Clear Key Hurdle on Trump’s Tax, Spending Bill Amid GOP Divisions and Musk Criticism

Senate Republicans Clear Key Hurdle on Trump’s Tax, Spending Bill Amid GOP Divisions and Musk Criticism

Washington, June 29, 2025 — Senate Republicans narrowly advanced President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax-and-spending package in a dramatic late-night vote Saturday, setting the stage for days of intense debate as GOP leaders race to deliver the legislation by Trump’s self-imposed July Fourth deadline.The procedural motion to move forward passed 51-49 after hours of tense negotiations, with Vice President JD Vance on standby to cast a tie-breaking vote if needed. Two Republican senators, Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Rand Paul of Kentucky broke ranks to join all Democrats in opposing the measure.The $3.8 trillion package would extend Trump-era tax cuts,…
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