Author: Web Desk

Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered to maintain the limits on deployed strategic nuclear weapons under the New START Treaty for one year beyond its February 2026 expiry if the United States agrees to the same. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that Putin’s proposal sounded ‘pretty good,’ adding that US President Donald Trump would address the offer himself. The 2010 New START Treaty caps the size of the world’s two largest nuclear arsenals, restricting deployed strategic warheads to 1,550 and delivery vehicles to 700 on each side. The treaty could originally only be extended once by five…

Karachi: Pakistan floods have battered both agricultural regions and industrial hubs for the first time in decades, inflicting billions of dollars in damage and straining food supplies, exports and economic growth. The disaster has arrived just as the government had projected 4.2 percent growth for 2026, based on a recovery in farming and manufacturing supported by an International Monetary Fund bailout. Record monsoon rains since late June, amplified by dam releases from India, have inundated vast areas of Punjab and Sindh, the country’s two most vital provinces. Officials and analysts have warned that the blow could exceed the devastation of…

Washington: US President Donald Trump has indicated that the TikTok US deal is expected to be approved through an executive order later this week. The announcement has followed months of negotiations between the United States and China, highlighting broader trade discussions and efforts to safeguard national security. The proposed TikTok US deal would require the transfer of TikTok’s American assets from China’s ByteDance to US -based investors. Under the agreement, the app’s algorithm would be secured, retrained, and operated within the United States outside ByteDance’s control, ensuring greater oversight of data and operations. Trump has confirmed that media mogul Lachlan…

Seoul: North Korea has said it is open to talks with the United States if Washington abandons its demand for denuclearisation, though Kim Jong Un has reiterated that nuclear weapons will never be given up in exchange for sanctions relief. Kim addressed the Supreme People’s Assembly, where Kim stated that there was no reason to avoid dialogue with the US if Washington sought peaceful coexistence and accepted reality. North Korea’s leader stressed that nuclear arms remain essential for survival and defence against what he called grave threats from the US and South Korea. Kim has recalled past meetings with former…

London: The United Kingdom recognition of Palestinian state has represented a significant shift in its foreign policy, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expected to outline the move at the UN General Assembly. Starmer had earlier warned that the UK would alter its position if Israel failed to agree to a ceasefire in Gaza and commit to a peace process aimed at a two-state solution. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected the announcement, saying recognition of a Palestinian state rewards terror. Families of hostages taken during Hamas’s  October 7, 2023 attack, in which 1,200 people were killed and 251…

Washington: The United States has introduced a $100,000 (£79,000) fee for H-1B visa petitions, but the White House has clarified that the measure will not affect existing visa holders or renewals. The fee has taken effect from September 21 and will only apply to fresh petitions filed in the upcoming H-1B lottery round. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said that the fee is not an annual charge but a one-time requirement linked to new petitions. Leavitt added that individuals holding valid H-1B visas who are temporarily outside the United States will not be asked to pay the $100,000 (£79,000) fee…

Bali: Bali has faced its most severe flooding in more than a decade, prompting the Indonesian government to restrict the conversion of rice fields and agricultural land for tourism facilities. The new rules have been announced as part of measures to reduce risks linked to overdevelopment and mass tourism on the island. On September 10, flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall killed at least 18 people and damaged thousands of homes, public facilities, and infrastructure across Denpasar and surrounding areas. A state of emergency has been declared as authorities work to restore essential services. Bali governor Wayan Koster has said…

London: Donald Trump has suggested that UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer could deploy the military to strengthen border control and curb illegal migration. The US president made the remarks during a joint press conference at Chequers, concluding his second state visit to the UK. Trump said that migration was a topic he had discussed with Starmer, drawing comparisons between challenges at the US southern border and the growing numbers of migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats. Trump told reporters that strong measures, including military involvement, might be necessary, adding that countries must take decisive steps to protect…

Tokyo: Neeraj Chopra has finished in eighth place in the men’s javelin throw final at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, marking a rare off-day for the two-time Olympic medalist. The Indian star, known for his consistent performances, has failed to defend his world title after producing below-par throws across six attempts. Chopra, who has already achieved an impressive 90.23 meters at the Doha Diamond League earlier this year, has managed a best throw of 84.03 meters in the final. His series also included 83.65 meters and 82.86 meters, while two of his efforts were fouls. Despite entering as a…

Canberra: The Australian National University (ANU) has said that no more forced redundancies will take place as part of its $250 million (£182.5 million) restructure plan, known as Renew ANU. Interim Vice-Chancellor Rebekah Brown has announced during a staff town hall that higher-than-expected voluntary redundancies have preserved around 100 jobs that were previously at risk. Since the process began 12 months ago, 399 staff members have departed through voluntary measures. Brown, who became emotional while addressing staff, has acknowledged the harm caused by the restructure and said that management will focus on improving communication. Brown confirmed that while there will…