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Iran has indicated that it is not yet ready to negotiate a final agreement with the United States, saying key provisions of the recently signed 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) must be implemented before comprehensive talks can begin.&nbsp;Iran's Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, also warned that Tehran would respond to any "violations of the understanding" that ended the recent conflict. Referring to incidents in the Persian Gulf, he said Iran viewed them as breaches of the ceasefire even as diplomatic engagement with Washington continued.&nbsp;According to the ISNA news agency, Ghalibaf said in a televised interview on Tuesday, "We consider the events that are taking place in the Persian Gulf these nights to be a violation of the understanding to end the war, and we will definitely react to it, and naturally, the other side will react as well."&nbsp;He also reaffirmed that diplomacy remains Tehran's preferred approach, while making it clear that Iran is prepared for military action if negotiations collapse. Speaking to state television, he said, "We are pursuing dialogue, but if the dialogue is not implemented, we are also prepared for war and will respond accordingly," AFP reported&nbsp;His remarks came as Iranian and US delegations were due to hold separate discussions in Doha to discuss the implementation of the MoU through mediators.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-slams-sc-order-says-will-bring-legislation-to-end-birthright-citizenship-1782838001426">Trump slams SC order, says will bring legislation to end birthright citizenship</a>&nbsp;<h2>Iran says oil exports plummeted to zero during blockade</h2>The Iranian Parliament Speaker said the country has sharply increased oil exports since the US blockade on its ports was lifted, after a period during which it could not export any crude.&nbsp;"From the day the blockade was lifted until today, we have exported more than 40 million barrels of oil." He added, "By contrast, during the previous 50 to nearly 60 days, we were genuinely unable to export even a single barrel of oil," he said.&nbsp;Describing the lifting of the blockade as a major success, "The most severe type of war is a naval blockade, meaning that people and their bread have been surrounded. This blockade was lifted, and it was one of the great successes of this memorandum that happened after that; the final digital signing was carried out," he added.&nbsp;Although senior US officials, including special envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, travelled to Doha to push forward negotiations, Iranian officials have maintained that there are no plans for direct talks with the US delegation, with discussions continuing through mediators.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Qatar's Prime Minister met Witkoff and Kushner in Doha to discuss the ongoing negotiations between Tehran and Washington.&nbsp;In a statement, Qatar's Foreign Ministry said the Prime Minister reaffirmed the country's mediation efforts and expressed support for all negotiations stemming from the MoU.

Ghalibaf said Iran continues to prioritise diplomacy with the United States but is ready to respond militarily if the talks do not succeed.

Iran has indicated that it is not yet ready to negotiate a final agreement with the United States, saying key provisions of the recently signed 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) must be implemented before comprehensive talks can begin. Iran's Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, also warned that Tehran would respond to any "violations of the understanding" that ended the recent conflict. Referring to incidents in the Persian Gulf, he said Iran viewed them as breaches of the ceasefire even as diplomatic engagement with Washington continued. According to the ISNA news agency, Ghalibaf said in a televised interview on Tuesday, "We consider the events that are taking place in the Persian Gulf these nights to be a violation of the understanding to end the war, and we will definitely react to it, and naturally, the other side will react as well." He also reaffirmed that diplomacy remains Tehran's preferred approach, while making it clear that Iran is prepared for military action if negotiations collapse. Speaking to state television, he said, "We are pursuing dialogue, but if the dialogue is not implemented, we are also prepared for war and will respond accordingly," AFP reported His remarks came as Iranian and US delegations were due to hold separate discussions in Doha to discuss the implementation of the MoU through mediators. Also Read: Trump slams SC order, says will bring legislation to end birthright citizenship Iran says oil exports plummeted to zero during blockade The Iranian Parliament Speaker said the country has sharply increased oil exports since the US blockade on its ports was lifted, after a period during which it could not export any crude. "From the day the blockade was lifted until today, we have exported more than 40 million barrels of oil." He added, "By contrast, during the previous 50 to nearly 60 days, we were genuinely unable to export even a single barrel of oil," he said. Describing the lifting of the blockade as a major success, "The most severe type of war is a naval blockade, meaning that people and their bread have been surrounded. This blockade was lifted, and it was one of the great successes of this memorandum that happened after that; the final digital signing was carried out," he added. Although senior US officials, including special envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, travelled to Doha to push forward negotiations, Iranian officials have maintained that there are no plans for direct talks with the US delegation, with discussions continuing through mediators. Meanwhile, Qatar's Prime Minister met Witkoff and Kushner in Doha to discuss the ongoing negotiations between Tehran and Washington. In a statement, Qatar's Foreign Ministry said the Prime Minister reaffirmed the country's mediation efforts and expressed support for all negotiations stemming from the MoU.

Ghalibaf said Iran continues to prioritise diplomacy with the United States but is ready to respond militarily if the talks do not succeed.

Iran 'prepared for war' if MoU not implemented: Ghalibaf warns US over ceasefire breaches

As India prepares to host Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi from July 1 to 3 for the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit, attention is once again on the Japan-India Joint Vision for the Next Decade, a 10-year roadmap that is expected to shape bilateral cooperation in the coming years. During the summit, Takaichi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are expected to review the implementation of the framework, which was signed in Tokyo in August 2025. The roadmap seeks to deepen economic, industrial and technological cooperation through eight key pillars while supporting a 10 trillion JPY ($8 billion) Japanese private investment target in India.<h2>What is the joint vision for the next decade?</h2>The Japan-India Joint Vision for the Next Decade was adopted during the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit held in Tokyo in August 2025. It was signed by PM Modi and then Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. The roadmap aims to elevate bilateral ties into a deeper economic and high-technology partnership by strengthening cooperation across strategic sectors and linking Japanese investment with India's expanding industrial ecosystem.&nbsp;Here are the eight pillars of the India-Japan Joint Vision adopted by&nbsp;<h2>1. Next-generation economic partnership</h2>The two countries have set a fresh 10 trillion JPY Japanese private investment target after achieving the earlier 5 trillion JPY goal. The roadmap also proposes the India-Japan Industrial Competitiveness Partnership, investment desks in GIFT City, and an India-Japan SME Forum to strengthen links between small and medium enterprises.<h2>2. Economic security and supply chain resilience</h2>India and Japan proposed to deepen cooperation in semiconductors, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, clean energy and advanced telecommunications. The plan also promotes local processing of critical resources in India to strengthen supply chains.<h2>3. Next generation mobility partnership</h2>The mobility aspect focuses on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project, which utilises Japanese Shinkansen technology. It also includes collaboration on Software-Defined Vehicles, next-generation electric mobility and AI-driven predictive maintenance for railway networks.<h2>4. Ecological legacies and energy resilience</h2>The roadmap supports clean energy through the Joint Crediting Mechanism. It includes green ammonia production, biomass-based biogas projects and cooperation between Japanese environmental AI technologies and India's Mission LiFE initiative.<h2>5. High-tech innovation and digital partnership 2.0</h2>The two countries will collaborate on artificial intelligence, Large Language Models, trusted AI governance, quantum computing and 5G and 6G Open RAN technologies. The pillar also advances the joint ISRO-JAXA LUPEX mission to the Moon's South Pole.<h2>6. Healthcare and medtech integration</h2>India and Japan plan to strengthen cooperation in medical device manufacturing, digital healthcare, clinical research, remote healthcare and regional health emergency preparedness.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-economy-vulnerable-to-energy-price-shocks-amid-west-asia-conflict-rbi-report-1782851172578">Indian economy vulnerable to energy price shocks amid West Asia conflict: RBI report</a><h2>7. People-to-people ties and skilled mobility</h2>The roadmap aims to facilitate the movement of more than 500,000 people over five years, including 50,000 highly skilled Indian IT and engineering professionals under Japan's Specified Skilled Worker and Technical Intern Training Program visa schemes.<h2>8. State to prefecture engagement</h2>The final pillar promotes direct partnerships between Indian states and Japanese prefectures to encourage region-specific investment, manufacturing and infrastructure development based on local strengths.&nbsp;During the summit in New Delhi, Modi and Takaichi are expected to review the progress made under the eight pillars and assess the roadmap's implementation.

The Japan-India Joint Vision for the Next Decade, adopted at the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit in Tokyo in August 2025, outlines a roadmap to deepen bilateral ties while targeting 10 trillion JPY ($68 billion) in Japanese private investment in India.

As India prepares to host Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi from July 1 to 3 for the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit, attention is once again on the Japan-India Joint Vision for the Next Decade, a 10-year roadmap that is expected to shape bilateral cooperation in the coming years. During the summit, Takaichi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are expected to review the implementation of the framework, which was signed in Tokyo in August 2025. The roadmap seeks to deepen economic, industrial and technological cooperation through eight key pillars while supporting a 10 trillion JPY ($8 billion) Japanese private investment target in India. What is the joint vision for the next decade? The Japan-India Joint Vision for the Next Decade was adopted during the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit held in Tokyo in August 2025. It was signed by PM Modi and then Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. The roadmap aims to elevate bilateral ties into a deeper economic and high-technology partnership by strengthening cooperation across strategic sectors and linking Japanese investment with India's expanding industrial ecosystem. Here are the eight pillars of the India-Japan Joint Vision adopted by 1. Next-generation economic partnership The two countries have set a fresh 10 trillion JPY Japanese private investment target after achieving the earlier 5 trillion JPY goal. The roadmap also proposes the India-Japan Industrial Competitiveness Partnership, investment desks in GIFT City, and an India-Japan SME Forum to strengthen links between small and medium enterprises. 2. Economic security and supply chain resilience India and Japan proposed to deepen cooperation in semiconductors, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, clean energy and advanced telecommunications. The plan also promotes local processing of critical resources in India to strengthen supply chains. 3. Next generation mobility partnership The mobility aspect focuses on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project, which utilises Japanese Shinkansen technology. It also includes collaboration on Software-Defined Vehicles, next-generation electric mobility and AI-driven predictive maintenance for railway networks. 4. Ecological legacies and energy resilience The roadmap supports clean energy through the Joint Crediting Mechanism. It includes green ammonia production, biomass-based biogas projects and cooperation between Japanese environmental AI technologies and India's Mission LiFE initiative. 5. High-tech innovation and digital partnership 2.0 The two countries will collaborate on artificial intelligence, Large Language Models, trusted AI governance, quantum computing and 5G and 6G Open RAN technologies. The pillar also advances the joint ISRO-JAXA LUPEX mission to the Moon's South Pole. 6. Healthcare and medtech integration India and Japan plan to strengthen cooperation in medical device manufacturing, digital healthcare, clinical research, remote healthcare and regional health emergency preparedness. Also Read: Indian economy vulnerable to energy price shocks amid West Asia conflict: RBI report 7. People-to-people ties and skilled mobility The roadmap aims to facilitate the movement of more than 500,000 people over five years, including 50,000 highly skilled Indian IT and engineering professionals under Japan's Specified Skilled Worker and Technical Intern Training Program visa schemes. 8. State to prefecture engagement The final pillar promotes direct partnerships between Indian states and Japanese prefectures to encourage region-specific investment, manufacturing and infrastructure development based on local strengths. During the summit in New Delhi, Modi and Takaichi are expected to review the progress made under the eight pillars and assess the roadmap's implementation.

The Japan-India Joint Vision for the Next Decade, adopted at the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit in Tokyo in August 2025, outlines a roadmap to deepen bilateral ties while targeting 10 trillion JPY ($68 billion) in Japanese investment in India.

Takaichi's India visit: Decoding India-Japan Joint Vision for Next Decade and its eight pillars

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal witnessed the live demonstration of India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services at Eurobank headquarters in Athens on Tuesday, marking another step in the international expansion of India's digital payment system, according to an official release issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.&nbsp;The launch took place in the presence of Eurobank CEO Fokion Karavias and Fairfax Digital Services CEO Sanjay Tugnait during Goyal's visit to Greece. He is leading a delegation of senior business leaders and government officials to promote economic cooperation and strengthen commercial ties between the two countries.&nbsp;Describing the development as an important achievement, Goyal said, "The launch marks another important milestone in the global expansion of India's digital payment ecosystem."&nbsp;"With UPI now live in Greece, eligible customers can transfer money instantly, securely, and seamlessly, with transaction costs reduced significantly to a fraction of those associated with conventional money transfer methods," he added.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Delighted to witness the live demonstration of the Eurobank-NIPL partnership enabling UPI services at Eurobank headquarters in Athens, alongside its CEO, Mr. Fokion Karavias, and CEO of Fairfax Digital Services, Mr. Sanjay Tugnait, marking another important milestone in the… <a href="https://t.co/whBtb02UdO">pic.twitter.com/whBtb02UdO</a>&mdash; Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) <a href="https://x.com/PiyushGoyal/status/2071822392998162508?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Goyal's visit to the European nation included several high-level engagements aimed at expanding economic cooperation between India and Greece.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-supreme-court-upholds-trump-s-birthright-citizenship-for-order-1782830220327">US Supreme Court strikes down Trump's birthright citizenship order</a>&nbsp;The programme began with a meeting between the Indian delegation and the leadership of Eurobank at Hotel Grande Bretagne in Athens. The discussions focused on strengthening financial cooperation while exploring investment and business opportunities.&nbsp;The delegation later attended the India Greece Business Council Meeting and Business Forum at the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Three sector-specific roundtables were organised covering infrastructure, including energy, ports, logistics, shipbuilding, warehousing, trade, gem and jewellery, digital innovation, defence, and food processing and agriculture.&nbsp;Business leaders from both countries participated in the discussions to identify areas of mutual interest and explore opportunities for collaboration across multiple sectors. The event concluded with an address by Goyal, who highlighted the shared commitment to promoting trade, investment and innovation-driven growth.&nbsp;With Greece joining the network, UPI is now available in 10 countries through services such as QR-based merchant payments for Indian travellers and cross-border remittance facilities.&nbsp;The countries where UPI is currently available are Singapore, United Arab Emirates, France, Mauritius, Nepal, Bhutan, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Greece.

Calling the development a major achievement, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said the launch marked another important milestone in the global expansion of India's digital payment ecosystem.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal witnessed the live demonstration of India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services at Eurobank headquarters in Athens on Tuesday, marking another step in the international expansion of India's digital payment system, according to an official release issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The launch took place in the presence of Eurobank CEO Fokion Karavias and Fairfax Digital Services CEO Sanjay Tugnait during Goyal's visit to Greece. He is leading a delegation of senior business leaders and government officials to promote economic cooperation and strengthen commercial ties between the two countries. Describing the development as an important achievement, Goyal said, "The launch marks another important milestone in the global expansion of India's digital payment ecosystem." "With UPI now live in Greece, eligible customers can transfer money instantly, securely, and seamlessly, with transaction costs reduced significantly to a fraction of those associated with conventional money transfer methods," he added.

Calling the development a major achievement, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said the launch marked another important milestone in the global expansion of India's digital payment ecosystem.

UPI launches in Greece, expands global footprint: Check the countries where it works

India’s maritime defence strategy is taking a practical turn as the Indian Navy revives its long-standing interest in amphibious aircraft. Following a request for information (RFI) issued in January 2026, the defence ministry is looking to wet-lease four fixed-wing seaplanes for a four-year period. This move brings Japan’s formidable ShinMaywa US-2 back into the spotlight. By opting for a wet lease, the Navy aims to quickly plug crucial capability gaps without the delays of a traditional procurement programme.<h3>The wet lease approach</h3>The decision to wet-lease four aircraft marks a pragmatic shift in India’s defence acquisition. Under this arrangement, the chosen operator will provide the aircraft along with the complete operating package. This includes the flight crew, cabin crew, maintenance, and insurance.&nbsp;By avoiding a long-drawn tender process, the Indian Navy gains immediate operational capabilities. This temporary solution allows the armed forces to evaluate the practical utility of amphibious aircraft before making a heavy financial commitment.<h3>Why the ShinMaywa US-2?</h3>New Delhi and Tokyo have discussed the ShinMaywa US-2 for over a decade. While previous attempts stalled primarily due to high costs and pricing disagreements, the aircraft remains a prime candidate to fulfil the current RFI.The US-2 is highly regarded for its short take-off and landing (STOL) capabilities. It can operate in rough seas with wave heights of up to three metres. Powered by four Rolls-Royce engines, plus an additional engine specifically for boundary layer control, it can land on both conventional runways and open water. The seaplane recently demonstrated its versatility during the multinational Balikatan 2026 exercises in the Philippines, highlighting its value in regional maritime security.<h3>Strategic maritime roles</h3>India’s growing maritime responsibilities require a robust presence across a coastline of over 7,500 kilometres. Amphibious aircraft are crucial for monitoring the Indian Ocean and providing logistical support to remote territories such as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Lakshadweep archipelago.&nbsp;The primary duties outlined for the leased seaplanes include long-range search and rescue, operational logistics support, and casualty evacuation. Secondary roles will involve anti-piracy missions, maritime patrols, and anti-narcotics operations in areas lacking conventional airfields.&nbsp;Leasing these aircraft will immediately enhance India’s ability to respond to maritime emergencies and security threats across the Indo-Pacific. If the four-year deployment proves successful, it will likely lay the necessary groundwork for a permanent amphibious aviation wing within the Indian Navy.

The Indian Navy is looking to wet-lease four amphibious aircraft for a four-year period to strengthen its maritime security and search-and-rescue capabilities. This recent requirement brings Japan's ShinMaywa US-2 seaplane back into consideration.

India’s maritime defence strategy is taking a practical turn as the Indian Navy revives its long-standing interest in amphibious aircraft. Following a request for information (RFI) issued in January 2026, the defence ministry is looking to wet-lease four fixed-wing seaplanes for a four-year period. This move brings Japan’s formidable ShinMaywa US-2 back into the spotlight. By opting for a wet lease, the Navy aims to quickly plug crucial capability gaps without the delays of a traditional procurement programme. The wet lease approach The decision to wet-lease four aircraft marks a pragmatic shift in India’s defence acquisition. Under this arrangement, the chosen operator will provide the aircraft along with the complete operating package. This includes the flight crew, cabin crew, maintenance, and insurance. By avoiding a long-drawn tender process, the Indian Navy gains immediate operational capabilities. This temporary solution allows the armed forces to evaluate the practical utility of amphibious aircraft before making a heavy financial commitment. Why the ShinMaywa US-2? New Delhi and Tokyo have discussed the ShinMaywa US-2 for over a decade. While previous attempts stalled primarily due to high costs and pricing disagreements, the aircraft remains a prime candidate to fulfil the current RFI. The US-2 is highly regarded for its short take-off and landing (STOL) capabilities. It can operate in rough seas with wave heights of up to three metres. Powered by four Rolls-Royce engines, plus an additional engine specifically for boundary layer control, it can land on both conventional runways and open water. The seaplane recently demonstrated its versatility during the multinational Balikatan 2026 exercises in the Philippines, highlighting its value in regional maritime security. Strategic maritime roles India’s growing maritime responsibilities require a robust presence across a coastline of over 7,500 kilometres. Amphibious aircraft are crucial for monitoring the Indian Ocean and providing logistical support to remote territories such as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Lakshadweep archipelago. The primary duties outlined for the leased seaplanes include long-range search and rescue, operational logistics support, and casualty evacuation. Secondary roles will involve anti-piracy missions, maritime patrols, and anti-narcotics operations in areas lacking conventional airfields. Leasing these aircraft will immediately enhance India’s ability to respond to maritime emergencies and security threats across the Indo-Pacific. If the four-year deployment proves successful, it will likely lay the necessary groundwork for a permanent amphibious aviation wing within the Indian Navy.

The Indian Navy is looking to wet-lease four amphibious aircraft for a four-year period to strengthen its maritime security and search-and-rescue capabilities. This recent requirement brings Japan's ShinMaywa US-2 seaplane back into consideration.

Seaplane redux: ShinMaywa's US-2 back in contention for the Indian Navy lease

As many as 14 children, aged between five and 16 years, were killed, and several others were injured on Tuesday when the roof of a private tuition centre collapsed in Lahore’s Kahna area, said officials. Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Imran Nazeer and Lahore Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations Faisal Kamran confirmed the casualties while speaking separately to media outlets.&nbsp;After the search and rescue operation, a Rescue 1122 spokesperson said a female teacher and eight children were taken to Lahore General Hospital (LGH) with multiple injuries. Of them, five children were in critical condition, he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ram-temple-trust-prepones-key-meeting-to-july-6-as-champat-rai-s-future-hangs-in-balance-after-donation-theft-row-1782835529217">Ram Temple Trust prepones key meeting to July 6 as Champat Rai’s future hangs in balance after donation theft row</a>&nbsp;Initially, some of the children were taken to the nearby Kahna Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) Hospital and were later shifted to Lahore General Hospital (LGH). According to an earlier list of the deceased provided by LGH, the victims were aged between five and 16 years.&nbsp;The health minister said two minors were discharged after receiving treatment at the THQ Hospital, while the “rest of the four” were out of danger. It is unclear whether the four injured and under treatment at the THQ Hospital were in addition to those taken to LGH.&nbsp;Nazeer said “around 20 people” had been trapped under the debris of the collapsed roof, including the 14 deceased children who were brought dead to the THQ Hospital.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ethanol-blending-is-ongoing-experiment-impact-to-be-known-by-next-year-govt-tells-sc-1782819413430">Ethanol blending is ongoing experiment, impact to be known by next year: Govt tells SC</a>&nbsp;<h2>Two individuals, including house owner, taken into custody&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;In a statement issued at 7 pm, Lahore Police said rescue efforts had concluded and that two individuals, including the house owner, had been taken into custody as part of the initial investigation.Evidence was being collected, and strict action would be taken against those found guilty of negligence, it added.DIG Kamran said the contractor who had constructed the house recently was among the detained. A part of the house was under construction, and labourers were working when the roof collapsed.&nbsp;Lahore District Education Authority Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tariq Mahmood said the building housed a private tuition centre run by a woman resident of the area.Roof and building collapses are common across Pakistan, mainly due to poor safety standards and the use of substandard construction material.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/50-biz-honchos-accompanying-japan-s-pm-to-delhi-eager-to-ride-on-india-s-growth-story-1782768835501">50 biz honchos accompanying Japan’s PM to Delhi, eager to ride on India’s growth story</a>&nbsp;On Monday, two minor sisters died, and their cousin was injured when the boundary wall of their house collapsed in Alipur tehsil of Punjab’s Muzaffargarh district. Earlier this month, a roof of an under-construction room collapsed in Faisalabad’s Jaranwala tehsil, claiming the lives of three members of a family.&nbsp;Last July, 27 people were killed and 10 injured when a five-storey building collapsed in Karachi’s Lyari area.Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed the police and district government authorities to determine the role of those individual(s) found responsible for the roof collapse and, consequently, the deaths, for criminal proceedings.

Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Imran Nazeer said around 20 people had been trapped under the rubble of the collapsed roof, including the 14 deceased children who were brought dead to the THQ Hospital. Two individuals, including the house owner, were taken into custody, said officials.

As many as 14 children, aged between five and 16 years, were killed, and several others were injured on Tuesday when the roof of a private tuition centre collapsed in Lahore’s Kahna area, said officials. Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Imran Nazeer and Lahore Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations Faisal Kamran confirmed the casualties while speaking separately to media outlets. After the search and rescue operation, a Rescue 1122 spokesperson said a female teacher and eight children were taken to Lahore General Hospital (LGH) with multiple injuries. Of them, five children were in critical condition, he said. Also Read: Ram Temple Trust prepones key meeting to July 6 as Champat Rai’s future hangs in balance after donation theft row Initially, some of the children were taken to the nearby Kahna Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) Hospital and were later shifted to Lahore General Hospital (LGH). According to an earlier list of the deceased provided by LGH, the victims were aged between five and 16 years. The health minister said two minors were discharged after receiving treatment at the THQ Hospital, while the “rest of the four” were out of danger. It is unclear whether the four injured and under treatment at the THQ Hospital were in addition to those taken to LGH. Nazeer said “around 20 people” had been trapped under the debris of the collapsed roof, including the 14 deceased children who were brought dead to the THQ Hospital. Also Read: Ethanol blending is ongoing experiment, impact to be known by next year: Govt tells SC Two individuals, including house owner, taken into custody In a statement issued at 7 pm, Lahore Police said rescue efforts had concluded and that two individuals, including the house owner, had been taken into custody as part of the initial investigation. Evidence was being collected, and strict action would be taken against those found guilty of negligence, it added. DIG Kamran said the contractor who had constructed the house recently was among the detained. A part of the house was under construction, and labourers were working when the roof collapsed. Lahore District Education Authority Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tariq Mahmood said the building housed a private tuition centre run by a woman resident of the area. Roof and building collapses are common across Pakistan, mainly due to poor safety standards and the use of substandard construction material. Also Read: 50 biz honchos accompanying Japan’s PM to Delhi, eager to ride on India’s growth story On Monday, two minor sisters died, and their cousin was injured when the boundary wall of their house collapsed in Alipur tehsil of Punjab’s Muzaffargarh district. Earlier this month, a roof of an under-construction room collapsed in Faisalabad’s Jaranwala tehsil, claiming the lives of three members of a family. Last July, 27 people were killed and 10 injured when a five-storey building collapsed in Karachi’s Lyari area. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed the police and district government authorities to determine the role of those individual(s) found responsible for the roof collapse and, consequently, the deaths, for criminal proceedings.

Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Imran Nazeer said around 20 people had been trapped under the rubble of the collapsed roof, including the 14 deceased children who were brought dead to the THQ Hospital. Two individuals, including the house owner, were taken into custody, said officials.

14 children killed as roof of tuition centre collapses in Lahore, Pakistan

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is visiting India from July 1 to July 3 and she is expected to discuss a major Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) modernisation. A CEPA is an expansive free trade deal that goes beyond traditional agreements. India and Japan signed CEPA 15 years ago in &nbsp;February 2011 and implemented in August 2011. With the CEPA completing 15 years this year, both sides are expected to evaluate the pact's flaws to and undertake structural overhaul. Here we look at why it has not worked till now and what an overhaul can achieve:&nbsp;<h2>What is CEPA?</h2>With respect to Japan, CEPA at 15 refers to the 15-year milestone since the India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement officially took effect. While a standard FTA focuses on lowering or eliminating tariffs on goods, a CEPA integrates goods, services, investments, intellectual property rights, and regulatory cooperation to foster deep economic integration. CEPAs are strategic economic and foreign policy tools that help India deepen trade and investment ties with partner countries. CEPAs also expand scope of work for Indian professionals, IT workers and service providers by opening overseas markets.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-japan-pm-sanae-takaichi-s-india-visit-is-strategically-significant-wion-decodes-1782544175393">Why Japan PM Sanae Takaichi's India visit is strategically significant | WION Decodes</a><h2>Why has it not worked?</h2>Analysis of the India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement proves that it is a textbook example of a trade agreement that has heavily underdelivered for India while vastly benefiting Japan. Despite eliminating tariffs on over 94 per cent of traded items, the pact has resulted in a massive trade imbalance. India's imports from Japan nearly doubled from $10.9 billion in FY21 to $21.43 billion, while India's exports increased marginally from $4.43 billion to just $6.04 billion.&nbsp;&nbsp;Even though Japan eliminated import tariffs on paper, it heavily restricted actual market entry using stringent technical and regulatory standards. For example: Indian generic drugs and garments face slow, multi-year approval processes by Japanese regulators and a lot of agricultural Indian goods are blocked. For example, Japan banned premium Indian mango imports following minor procedural lapses. A core promise of the CEPA was the "Movement of Natural Persons"—allowing Indian IT professionals, nurses, and engineers easy visa access to work in Japan. However, strict Japanese language proficiency mandates and complex local certification requirements have blocked Indian service sector professionals from utilising this clause. Compared to this, India dropped its protective manufacturing and industrial tariffs down to zero, opening the floodgates for Japanese machinery, steel, and electronics to outcompete local items.&nbsp;<h2>What has CEPA been able to achieve?</h2>The CEPA led to massive capital inflows in India. Cumulative Japanese Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India reached USD 44.97 billion, making Japan India's 5th largest source of FDI. Top Japanese companies have been a household name in India's automobile, telecom, and chemical sectors. During high-level bilateral summits, Japan committed to a massive new target of 10 trillion JPY (~USD 68 billion) in private investment into India over the next decade.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-decodes-what-could-be-biggest-takeaways-from-japan-pm-sanae-takaichi-s-first-india-visit-1782550355906">WION Decodes | What could be biggest takeaways from Japan PM Sanae Takaichi's first India visit?</a><h2>What a refresh could change?</h2>The meeting between Modi and Takaichi may enlist CEPA transition into a broader "Economic Security Framework." Cepa 2.0 would pivot the agreement from a flawed, goods-centric trade pact into a forward-looking economic security framework, with focus on security at a time when the world is dealing with wars and rise of China is making the scenario in Asia Pacific extremely crucial.&nbsp;&nbsp;While Direct Yen-Rupee trade settlement is on cards, which would mean elimination of US dollar, benefitting both sides because bypassing of the USD would cut down significantly on foreign exchange conversion fees. A refresh would introduce Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) so Indian generic drugs do not face years of bureaucratic delays by Japanese regulators. While the 2011 pact failed to move professionals smoothly, CEPA 2.0 focuses on easing language-proficiency mandates. A refresh would lower the strict local-value-addition percentage thresholds. This allows Indian factories to import specialised sub-components from other regions, assemble them, and still legally export the final product to Japan under duty-free rates.

PM Narendra Modi and Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi are expected to discuss modernising the India-Japan CEPA at the 16th Annual Summit in New Delhi. The proposed CEPA 2.0 aims to reduce India's trade deficit, ease market access, strengthen supply chains

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is visiting India from July 1 to July 3 and she is expected to discuss a major Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) modernisation. A CEPA is an expansive free trade deal that goes beyond traditional agreements. India and Japan signed CEPA 15 years ago in February 2011 and implemented in August 2011. With the CEPA completing 15 years this year, both sides are expected to evaluate the pact's flaws to and undertake structural overhaul. Here we look at why it has not worked till now and what an overhaul can achieve: What is CEPA? With respect to Japan, CEPA at 15 refers to the 15-year milestone since the India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement officially took effect. While a standard FTA focuses on lowering or eliminating tariffs on goods, a CEPA integrates goods, services, investments, intellectual property rights, and regulatory cooperation to foster deep economic integration. CEPAs are strategic economic and foreign policy tools that help India deepen trade and investment ties with partner countries. CEPAs also expand scope of work for Indian professionals, IT workers and service providers by opening overseas markets. Also Read: Why Japan PM Sanae Takaichi's India visit is strategically significant | WION Decodes Why has it not worked? Analysis of the India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement proves that it is a textbook example of a trade agreement that has heavily underdelivered for India while vastly benefiting Japan. Despite eliminating tariffs on over 94 per cent of traded items, the pact has resulted in a massive trade imbalance. India's imports from Japan nearly doubled from $10.9 billion in FY21 to $21.43 billion, while India's exports increased marginally from $4.43 billion to just $6.04 billion. Even though Japan eliminated import tariffs on paper, it heavily restricted actual market entry using stringent technical and regulatory standards. For example: Indian generic drugs and garments face slow, multi-year approval processes by Japanese regulators and a lot of agricultural Indian goods are blocked. For example, Japan banned premium Indian mango imports following minor procedural lapses. A core promise of the CEPA was the "Movement of Natural Persons"—allowing Indian IT professionals, nurses, and engineers easy visa access to work in Japan. However, strict Japanese language proficiency mandates and complex local certification requirements have blocked Indian service sector professionals from utilising this clause. Compared to this, India dropped its protective manufacturing and industrial tariffs down to zero, opening the floodgates for Japanese machinery, steel, and electronics to outcompete local items. What has CEPA been able to achieve? The CEPA led to massive capital inflows in India. Cumulative Japanese Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India reached USD 44.97 billion, making Japan India's 5th largest source of FDI. Top Japanese companies have been a household name in India's automobile, telecom, and chemical sectors. During high-level bilateral summits, Japan committed to a massive new target of 10 trillion JPY (~USD 68 billion) in private investment into India over the next decade. Also Read: WION Decodes | What could be biggest takeaways from Japan PM Sanae Takaichi's first India visit? What a refresh could change? The meeting between Modi and Takaichi may enlist CEPA transition into a broader "Economic Security Framework." Cepa 2.0 would pivot the agreement from a flawed, goods-centric trade pact into a forward-looking economic security framework, with focus on security at a time when the world is dealing with wars and rise of China is making the scenario in Asia Pacific extremely crucial. While Direct Yen-Rupee trade settlement is on cards, which would mean elimination of US dollar, benefitting both sides because bypassing of the USD would cut down significantly on foreign exchange conversion fees. A refresh would introduce Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) so Indian generic drugs do not face years of bureaucratic delays by Japanese regulators. While the 2011 pact failed to move professionals smoothly, CEPA 2.0 focuses on easing language-proficiency mandates. A refresh would lower the strict local-value-addition percentage thresholds. This allows Indian factories to import specialised sub-components from other regions, assemble them, and still legally export the final product to Japan under duty-free rates.

PM Narendra Modi and Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi are expected to discuss modernising the India-Japan CEPA at the 16th Annual Summit in New Delhi. The proposed CEPA 2.0 aims to reduce India's trade deficit, ease market access, strengthen supply chains

CEPA at 15: Why the India-Japan trade pact fell short—and what a refresh could change

The US Supreme Court has struck down an executive order seeking to end automatic birthright citizenship for children born in the country to temporary or undocumented foreign nationals, delivering a major setback to the administration’s immigration policy and preserving the legal framework that has long underpinned the practice commonly referred to as "birth tourism".In a 6-3 ruling in Trump vs Barbara, the court held that the executive order, signed on the first day of President Donald Trump’s second term, violated the Fourteenth Amendment to the US Constitution. The decision ensures that children born on American soil continue to be entitled to birthright citizenship irrespective of their parents’ immigration status.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-going-through-difficult-period-but-will-overcome-challenges-says-putin-details-inside-1782661227896">‘Russia going through difficult period but will overcome challenges,’ says Putin. Details inside</a>&nbsp;The now-invalidated order had directed federal agencies to withhold Social Security numbers and US passports from newborns unless at least one parent was an American citizen or a lawful permanent resident. The administration argued that the framers of the Citizenship Clause in 1868 did not intend to extend automatic citizenship to children of temporary visitors or foreign tourists.Writing for the majority, Chief Justice John Roberts rejected that interpretation, describing it as a “dramatically revisionist view” of established constitutional law.&nbsp;Roberts said the Fourteenth Amendment contains no language limiting citizenship based on whether a parent is in the country lawfully or temporarily. He noted that the constitutional text makes no distinction based on immigration status, making it irrelevant to a child's entitlement to citizenship by birth. The ruling was supported by a majority that included conservative Justice Amy Coney Barrett, who joined the court’s liberal justices in preserving the long-standing interpretation of the Citizenship Clause.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-missing-posters-seen-across-delhi-amid-bjp-s-attack-over-reported-foreign-trip-1782656297659">'Rahul Gandhi missing'? Posters seen across Delhi amid BJP's attack over reported foreign trip</a>&nbsp;The decision is expected to have significant implications for the global "birth tourism" industry, in which foreign nationals travel to the United States to give birth so their children automatically acquire US citizenship.&nbsp;With the court reaffirming the constitutional guarantee of birthright citizenship, the legal basis for obtaining US citizenship through birth on American soil remains unchanged. As a result, newborns born in the United States to foreign visitors remain eligible for US passports and other rights associated with citizenship, provided they meet existing constitutional requirements.

The US Supreme Court struck down a Trump administration executive order in a 6-3 ruling, affirming that the Fourteenth Amendment guarantees birthright citizenship regardless of parents' immigration status.

The US Supreme Court has struck down an executive order seeking to end automatic birthright citizenship for children born in the country to temporary or undocumented foreign nationals, delivering a major setback to the administration’s immigration policy and preserving the legal framework that has long underpinned the practice commonly referred to as "birth tourism". In a 6-3 ruling in Trump vs Barbara, the court held that the executive order, signed on the first day of President Donald Trump’s second term, violated the Fourteenth Amendment to the US Constitution. The decision ensures that children born on American soil continue to be entitled to birthright citizenship irrespective of their parents’ immigration status. Also read: ‘Russia going through difficult period but will overcome challenges,’ says Putin. Details inside The now-invalidated order had directed federal agencies to withhold Social Security numbers and US passports from newborns unless at least one parent was an American citizen or a lawful permanent resident. The administration argued that the framers of the Citizenship Clause in 1868 did not intend to extend automatic citizenship to children of temporary visitors or foreign tourists. Writing for the majority, Chief Justice John Roberts rejected that interpretation, describing it as a “dramatically revisionist view” of established constitutional law. Roberts said the Fourteenth Amendment contains no language limiting citizenship based on whether a parent is in the country lawfully or temporarily. He noted that the constitutional text makes no distinction based on immigration status, making it irrelevant to a child's entitlement to citizenship by birth. The ruling was supported by a majority that included conservative Justice Amy Coney Barrett, who joined the court’s liberal justices in preserving the long-standing interpretation of the Citizenship Clause. Also read: 'Rahul Gandhi missing'? Posters seen across Delhi amid BJP's attack over reported foreign trip The decision is expected to have significant implications for the global "birth tourism" industry, in which foreign nationals travel to the United States to give birth so their children automatically acquire US citizenship. With the court reaffirming the constitutional guarantee of birthright citizenship, the legal basis for obtaining US citizenship through birth on American soil remains unchanged. As a result, newborns born in the United States to foreign visitors remain eligible for US passports and other rights associated with citizenship, provided they meet existing constitutional requirements.

The US Supreme Court struck down a Trump administration executive order in a 6-3 ruling, affirming that the Fourteenth Amendment guarantees birthright citizenship regardless of parents' immigration status.

What US Supreme Court Birthright Citizenship ruling mean for ‘birth tourism’?

Japan's escalating infrastructure investments in India's Northeast represent a strategic alignment between Tokyo and New Delhi. By pouring funds into this vital borderland, Japan is establishing a transparent, sustainable alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative. Interestingly, neither Japanese nor Indian officials explicitly name Beijing as the target. Instead, their diplomatic vocabulary focuses on building a Free and Open Indo-Pacific and securing regional stability.<h2>The strategic importance of the Northeast</h2>India's Northeast shares borders with Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, and Myanmar. For Japan, this region is a vital geographical bridge connecting South Asia to Southeast Asia. It serves as the physical gateway for India's Act East Policy, a framework that aligns seamlessly with Japan's Free and Open Indo-Pacific vision. To facilitate this, India and Japan established the Act East Forum in 2017, a dedicated institutional mechanism aimed at modernising the Northeast. By developing infrastructure here, Tokyo ensures alternative trade routes that bypass Chinese-funded networks.<h2>Key Japanese infrastructure projects</h2>Japan's financial footprint in the region is extensive, primarily channelled through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The agency's stated strategy is to assist Northeast India in becoming a hub for the Bay of Bengal region. The investments focus on practical, high-value developments:&nbsp;Dhubri-Phulbari Bridge: Financed by a JICA loan, this massive project over the Brahmaputra River will connect Assam and Meghalaya, significantly reducing travel time.&nbsp;Road network expansion: JICA is funding major highway corridors, including the Shillong-Dawki road and NH-127B stretches, to facilitate seamless cross-border trade with Bangladesh.&nbsp;Renewable energy and forestry: Beyond roads, Tokyo is backing hydroelectric power modernisation in Meghalaya, water supply systems in Assam, and sustainable forest management across Tripura, Nagaland, and Sikkim.<h2>Countering with capital</h2>While China's Belt and Road Initiative expands rapidly across Asia, Japan and India are responding with substantial financial commitments. During bilateral summits, Japan set a new target of 10 trillion Japanese Yen in private investment to India over the next decade, with a significant portion expected to flow into the Northeast.&nbsp;Japan's targeted investments in Northeast India represent a quiet but significant geopolitical manoeuvre. By building roads, bridges, and energy systems, Tokyo and New Delhi are securing vital supply chains. This partnership proves that high-quality, transparent development can effectively counterbalance expanding global monopolies without firing a single rhetorical shot.

Japan is investing in India's Northeast infrastructure to provide a strategic alternative to China's regional ambitions. By funding projects like the Dhubri-Phulbari bridge, Tokyo and New Delhi are securing vital Indo-Pacific trade routes without explicitly naming Beijing.

Japan's escalating infrastructure investments in India's Northeast represent a strategic alignment between Tokyo and New Delhi. By pouring funds into this vital borderland, Japan is establishing a transparent, sustainable alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative. Interestingly, neither Japanese nor Indian officials explicitly name Beijing as the target. Instead, their diplomatic vocabulary focuses on building a Free and Open Indo-Pacific and securing regional stability. The strategic importance of the Northeast India's Northeast shares borders with Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, and Myanmar. For Japan, this region is a vital geographical bridge connecting South Asia to Southeast Asia. It serves as the physical gateway for India's Act East Policy, a framework that aligns seamlessly with Japan's Free and Open Indo-Pacific vision. To facilitate this, India and Japan established the Act East Forum in 2017, a dedicated institutional mechanism aimed at modernising the Northeast. By developing infrastructure here, Tokyo ensures alternative trade routes that bypass Chinese-funded networks. Key Japanese infrastructure projects Japan's financial footprint in the region is extensive, primarily channelled through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The agency's stated strategy is to assist Northeast India in becoming a hub for the Bay of Bengal region. The investments focus on practical, high-value developments: Dhubri-Phulbari Bridge: Financed by a JICA loan, this massive project over the Brahmaputra River will connect Assam and Meghalaya, significantly reducing travel time. Road network expansion: JICA is funding major highway corridors, including the Shillong-Dawki road and NH-127B stretches, to facilitate seamless cross-border trade with Bangladesh. Renewable energy and forestry: Beyond roads, Tokyo is backing hydroelectric power modernisation in Meghalaya, water supply systems in Assam, and sustainable forest management across Tripura, Nagaland, and Sikkim. Countering with capital While China's Belt and Road Initiative expands rapidly across Asia, Japan and India are responding with substantial financial commitments. During bilateral summits, Japan set a new target of 10 trillion Japanese Yen in private investment to India over the next decade, with a significant portion expected to flow into the Northeast. Japan's targeted investments in Northeast India represent a quiet but significant geopolitical manoeuvre. By building roads, bridges, and energy systems, Tokyo and New Delhi are securing vital supply chains. This partnership proves that high-quality, transparent development can effectively counterbalance expanding global monopolies without firing a single rhetorical shot.

Japan is investing in India's Northeast infrastructure to provide a strategic alternative to China's regional ambitions. By funding projects like the Dhubri-Phulbari bridge, Tokyo and New Delhi are securing vital Indo-Pacific trade routes without explicitly naming Beijing.

Why Japan chose the Northeast to answer China's connectivity push without naming it

Amid fragile situation in West Asia Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday (June 30). During their conversation, Pezeshkian briefed the Indian PM on "recent developments" in the region and the understanding reached on the war with the United States.&nbsp;The Indian Prime Minister welcomed the update and reiterated India's long-standing call for all disputes to be resolved through "dialogue and diplomacy" rather than escalation.&nbsp;He also formally invited Iranian President Pezeshkian to attend BRICS summit in India in September, said Tehran in a statement after the call between both the leaders.<h2>India to attend Khamenei's funeral</h2>&nbsp;India also assured the Iranian president that it will send a special delegation to attend the funeral ceremony of Khamenei.&nbsp;"India would send a special delegation to attend the funeral ceremony" of the fmr Iran Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, PM Modi told Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian over the phone.&nbsp;Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose funeral will begin ‌in ⁠Tehran ⁠on July 4 and conclude with ​his burial in the ​northeastern city of Mashhad ⁠on July ⁠9, will be laid to rest near the shrine of Imam Reza, fulfilling his wish of being buried next to one of Shia Islam's most revered figures.<h2>Significant stake in Strait of Hormuz</h2>&nbsp;PM Modi also stressed the importance of "continued efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability, while safeguarding freedom of navigation and commerce in critical waterways".&nbsp;New Delhi has significant stakes in the region with energy security, trade routes through the Strait of Hormuz, and the safety of its large diaspora in the Gulf and Iran. India imports substantial energy resources and relies on stable shipping lanes for its economy. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

During their conversation, Pezeshkian briefed the Indian PM on "recent developments" in the region and the understanding reached on the war with the United States.

Amid fragile situation in West Asia Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday (June 30). During their conversation, Pezeshkian briefed the Indian PM on "recent developments" in the region and the understanding reached on the war with the United States. The Indian Prime Minister welcomed the update and reiterated India's long-standing call for all disputes to be resolved through "dialogue and diplomacy" rather than escalation. He also formally invited Iranian President Pezeshkian to attend BRICS summit in India in September, said Tehran in a statement after the call between both the leaders. India to attend Khamenei's funeral India also assured the Iranian president that it will send a special delegation to attend the funeral ceremony of Khamenei. "India would send a special delegation to attend the funeral ceremony" of the fmr Iran Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, PM Modi told Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian over the phone. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose funeral will begin ‌in ⁠Tehran ⁠on July 4 and conclude with his burial in the northeastern city of Mashhad ⁠on July ⁠9, will be laid to rest near the shrine of Imam Reza, fulfilling his wish of being buried next to one of Shia Islam's most revered figures. Significant stake in Strait of Hormuz PM Modi also stressed the importance of "continued efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability, while safeguarding freedom of navigation and commerce in critical waterways". New Delhi has significant stakes in the region with energy security, trade routes through the Strait of Hormuz, and the safety of its large diaspora in the Gulf and Iran. India imports substantial energy resources and relies on stable shipping lanes for its economy.

During their conversation, Pezeshkian briefed the Indian PM on "recent developments" in the region and the understanding reached on the war with the United States.

Modi invites Iran's Pezeshkian for BRICS summit in India

Kathmandu: Nepal should avoid interpreting international relations primarily through geopolitical rivalry and instead focus on practical partnerships that advance economic growth, Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said on Monday, setting out what he described as a more development-oriented approach to foreign policy.&nbsp;Speaking at the fifth Professor Yadu Nath Khanal lecture series in Kathmandu, Khanal said Nepal’s diplomacy must increasingly serve national economic priorities, including trade, investment, tourism, technology cooperation and market access.&nbsp;He said the global environment is undergoing rapid change with rising competition among major powers, shifting supply chains and the growing influence of technology and artificial intelligence on international power structures.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ram-temple-trust-prepones-key-meeting-to-july-6-as-champat-rai-s-future-hangs-in-balance-after-donation-theft-row-1782835529217">Ram Temple Trust prepones key meeting to July 6 as Champat Rai’s future hangs in balance after donation theft row</a>&nbsp;“For countries like Nepal, these changes present both challenges and opportunities,” he said, adding that foreign policy must remain anchored in national interest while adapting to evolving realities.&nbsp;Khanal said geography should not be viewed narrowly as a constraint shaped by geopolitical pressure but as a platform for connectivity and economic opportunity.&nbsp;The foreign minister said Nepal’s recent engagements with India and China reflected this approach.&nbsp;During recent visits, he said discussions with India focused on connectivity, infrastructure, digital cooperation, cross-border payment systems, education and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and regional language tools.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ethanol-blending-is-ongoing-experiment-impact-to-be-known-by-next-year-govt-tells-sc-1782819413430">Ethanol blending is ongoing experiment, impact to be known by next year: Govt tells SC</a>&nbsp;With China, he said talks centred on connectivity, energy cooperation, agricultural technology, customs modernisation and infrastructure development.&nbsp;Nepal’s external relations, he said, were “neither a zero-sum exercise nor a matter of choosing between partners.”&nbsp;Khanal said this approach reflected Nepal’s commitment to non-alignment, which he described not as passivity but as active engagement based on independent judgement and national interest.&nbsp;He said Nepal remained committed to the principles of the United Nations Charter, Panchasheel, peaceful coexistence and non-alignment which continue to guide its foreign policy.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/50-biz-honchos-accompanying-japan-s-pm-to-delhi-eager-to-ride-on-india-s-growth-story-1782768835501">50 biz honchos accompanying Japan’s PM to Delhi, eager to ride on India’s growth story</a>&nbsp;The foreign minister said diplomacy was inseparable from domestic credibility, adding that political stability and economic progress at home shaped Nepal’s standing abroad.&nbsp;He said the government had placed good governance and rapid economic growth at the centre of its priorities, and foreign policy was being aligned accordingly through what he called “result-oriented development diplomacy.”&nbsp;“Our people today aspire to greater opportunities, development and prosperity and our foreign policy must increasingly serve these national aspirations. In this context, the government has placed good governance and rapid economic growth at the centre of its priorities. Our citizens, particularly the younger generation, expect results, opportunities and accountable institutions,” Khanal said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/starmer-announces-extra-15bn-for-defence-says-road-and-energy-projects-to-be-scrapped-for-funds-1782827331880">Starmer announces extra £15bn for defence, says road and energy projects to be scrapped for funds</a>&nbsp;Nepal’s diplomatic missions, he said were being reoriented towards economic objectives including investment promotion, tourism, trade facilitation and technology partnerships.&nbsp;Khanal also said the protection of Nepali citizens abroad remained a core responsibility with strengthened crisis response systems, communication channels and consular support mechanisms.&nbsp;Reflecting on the legacy of Professor Yadu Nath Khanal, he said diplomacy required discipline, knowledge and historical understanding and could not be reduced to slogans or reactive analysis.&nbsp;He added that effective diplomacy also required the ability to communicate a country’s identity and aspirations clearly to the world, a function increasingly linked to public diplomacy and international perception.

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said Nepal remains committed to the principles of the United Nations Charter, Panchasheel, peaceful coexistence and non-alignment which continue to guide its foreign policy. He added that diplomacy is inseparable from domestic credibility.

Kathmandu: Nepal should avoid interpreting international relations primarily through geopolitical rivalry and instead focus on practical partnerships that advance economic growth, Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said on Monday, setting out what he described as a more development-oriented approach to foreign policy. Speaking at the fifth Professor Yadu Nath Khanal lecture series in Kathmandu, Khanal said Nepal’s diplomacy must increasingly serve national economic priorities, including trade, investment, tourism, technology cooperation and market access. He said the global environment is undergoing rapid change with rising competition among major powers, shifting supply chains and the growing influence of technology and artificial intelligence on international power structures. Also Read: Ram Temple Trust prepones key meeting to July 6 as Champat Rai’s future hangs in balance after donation theft row “For countries like Nepal, these changes present both challenges and opportunities,” he said, adding that foreign policy must remain anchored in national interest while adapting to evolving realities. Khanal said geography should not be viewed narrowly as a constraint shaped by geopolitical pressure but as a platform for connectivity and economic opportunity. The foreign minister said Nepal’s recent engagements with India and China reflected this approach. During recent visits, he said discussions with India focused on connectivity, infrastructure, digital cooperation, cross-border payment systems, education and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and regional language tools. Also Read: Ethanol blending is ongoing experiment, impact to be known by next year: Govt tells SC With China, he said talks centred on connectivity, energy cooperation, agricultural technology, customs modernisation and infrastructure development. Nepal’s external relations, he said, were “neither a zero-sum exercise nor a matter of choosing between partners.” Khanal said this approach reflected Nepal’s commitment to non-alignment, which he described not as passivity but as active engagement based on independent judgement and national interest. He said Nepal remained committed to the principles of the United Nations Charter, Panchasheel, peaceful coexistence and non-alignment which continue to guide its foreign policy. Also Read: 50 biz honchos accompanying Japan’s PM to Delhi, eager to ride on India’s growth story The foreign minister said diplomacy was inseparable from domestic credibility, adding that political stability and economic progress at home shaped Nepal’s standing abroad. He said the government had placed good governance and rapid economic growth at the centre of its priorities, and foreign policy was being aligned accordingly through what he called “result-oriented development diplomacy.” “Our people today aspire to greater opportunities, development and prosperity and our foreign policy must increasingly serve these national aspirations. In this context, the government has placed good governance and rapid economic growth at the centre of its priorities. Our citizens, particularly the younger generation, expect results, opportunities and accountable institutions,” Khanal said. Also Read: Starmer announces extra £15bn for defence, says road and energy projects to be scrapped for funds Nepal’s diplomatic missions, he said were being reoriented towards economic objectives including investment promotion, tourism, trade facilitation and technology partnerships. Khanal also said the protection of Nepali citizens abroad remained a core responsibility with strengthened crisis response systems, communication channels and consular support mechanisms. Reflecting on the legacy of Professor Yadu Nath Khanal, he said diplomacy required discipline, knowledge and historical understanding and could not be reduced to slogans or reactive analysis. He added that effective diplomacy also required the ability to communicate a country’s identity and aspirations clearly to the world, a function increasingly linked to public diplomacy and international perception.

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said Nepal remains committed to the principles of the United Nations Charter, Panchasheel, peaceful coexistence and non-alignment which continue to guide its foreign policy. He added that diplomacy is inseparable from domestic credibility.

Nepal prioritises economic diplomacy amid major shifts in geopolitics: Foreign Minister

Hours after the US Supreme Court on Tuesday (June 30) struck down President Donald Trump's bid to end birthright citizenship, Trump called the decision "too bad for our Country". He vowed to "make it up in Congress through Legislation, with the support of the President."&nbsp;Taking to Truth Social Trump wrote, "The Supreme Court upheld Birthright Citizenship, which is too bad for our Country, but we can easily make it up in Congress through Legislation, with the support of the President, that has now been determined during this process."&nbsp;He said that the Congress will start to "work on ending expensive and unfair to our Country, Birthright Citizenship," immediately and promised his complete support.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/starmer-announces-extra-15bn-for-defence-says-road-and-energy-projects-to-be-scrapped-for-funds-1782827331880">Starmer announces extra £15bn for defence, says road and energy projects to be scrapped for funds</a>&nbsp;"No long and unwieldy Constitutional Amendment is necessary! Congress should start TODAY to work on ending expensive and unfair to our Country, Birthright Citizenship. They will have my Complete and Total Support!," he further said.&nbsp;The order, a key part of Donald Trump's immigration agenda, had faced legal challenges from the outset over its constitutional validity.<h2>What did the court say?</h2>&nbsp;The Supreme court dismissed one of Trump's central arguments that birthright citizenship should apply only to people who are "domiciled" in the US, meaning they intend to remain in the country permanently. Writing for the majority, Chief Justice John Roberts said there was little historical or legal basis for interpreting the 14th Amendment in that way.&nbsp;"If Congress intended to hinge citizenship on each individual's domicile, a question that 'is sometimes a matter of great difficulty to decide', it is reasonable to expect there would have been at least some discussion of the topic," Roberts said in his order..&nbsp;

Trump said that the Congress will start to work on ending expensive and unfair to our Country, Birthright Citizenship, immediately and promised his complete support.

Hours after the US Supreme Court on Tuesday (June 30) struck down President Donald Trump's bid to end birthright citizenship, Trump called the decision "too bad for our Country". He vowed to "make it up in Congress through Legislation, with the support of the President." Taking to Truth Social Trump wrote, "The Supreme Court upheld Birthright Citizenship, which is too bad for our Country, but we can easily make it up in Congress through Legislation, with the support of the President, that has now been determined during this process." He said that the Congress will start to "work on ending expensive and unfair to our Country, Birthright Citizenship," immediately and promised his complete support. ALSO READ: Starmer announces extra £15bn for defence, says road and energy projects to be scrapped for funds "No long and unwieldy Constitutional Amendment is necessary! Congress should start TODAY to work on ending expensive and unfair to our Country, Birthright Citizenship. They will have my Complete and Total Support!," he further said. The order, a key part of Donald Trump's immigration agenda, had faced legal challenges from the outset over its constitutional validity. What did the court say? The Supreme court dismissed one of Trump's central arguments that birthright citizenship should apply only to people who are "domiciled" in the US, meaning they intend to remain in the country permanently. Writing for the majority, Chief Justice John Roberts said there was little historical or legal basis for interpreting the 14th Amendment in that way. "If Congress intended to hinge citizenship on each individual's domicile, a question that 'is sometimes a matter of great difficulty to decide', it is reasonable to expect there would have been at least some discussion of the topic," Roberts said in his order..

Trump said that the Congress will start to "work on ending expensive and unfair to our Country, Birthright Citizenship," immediately and promised his complete support.

Trump slams SC order, says will bring legislation to end birthright citizenship

A law college student in Bangladesh capital Dhaka was allegedly held captive overnight, tortured, and extorted for money, said his family members and friends, reported a local media site. The 25-year-old, who also works as a priest was admitted to the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Tuesday morning with serious injuries.&nbsp;According to his sister, Jaya, Subhash Deuri, &nbsp;is a student at Dhaka Central Law College and works as an assistant priest at the central temple of Jagannath University, where he performed daily religious rituals and received a monthly honorarium, reported local media site bdnews24.&nbsp;Subhash's sister alleged that he was detained by unidentified individuals and tortured throughout Monday night. He was also robbed off all his money and belongings and was forced to ask his relatives and friends to demand money.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-look-at-the-status-of-bay-of-bengal-northeast-value-chain-concept-proposed-by-former-japan-pm-kishida-1782829462973">A look at the status of Bay of Bengal–Northeast value-chain concept proposed by former Japan PM Kishida</a>&nbsp;Subhash hails from Sreepur Upazila of Magura district and had been living in a rented apartment in Wari’s Narinda with a friend.&nbsp;One of his roommate Durjoy Saha speaking to bdnews24 said, "Subhash and I live in the same apartment. When I returned home around 9:30pm, I didn't find him there. I assumed he had gone out for some work and didn't think much of it. Around 11:30pm, I received a call from his phone asking me to send him some money. I couldn't because I didn't have any. Later, after my friends and I spent the night watching Brazil's football match and walking around, we were returning home around 5:30am when we found Subhash lying injured on the road in front of Agrani Bank on Narinda Road. He had severe injuries to his head, hands, and legs."<h2>Earlier cases of assault on Hindu priests</h2>&nbsp;This is not the first time that a Hindu priest has suffered such a fate in Bangladesh. In the last few months there have been many such cases.&nbsp;In April a Hindu temple caretaker Nayan Sadhu was found hanging from a tree. The 40-year-old resident of Dohazari area under Sthania Upazila of Chhattogram district, was serving as a caretaker-cum-priest at a Shivakali temple in Khurushkul union in Cox's Bazar Sadar Upazila, Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (BHBCUC).&nbsp;Two unidentified men took Nayan with them late on the evening of April 19, and three days later, his body was found hanging from a tree in a hilly area on the outskirts of the village, according to the police and residents in the Cox’s Bazar neighbourhood.&nbsp;In April a spiritual leader was beaten to death by a mob. Identified as Shamim Reza Jahangir, believed to be in his 60s, died from his injuries after hundreds of people stormed his residence in Kushtia district.&nbsp;The mob reportedly was furious after an old video of the man resurfaced online that allegedly showed him claiming that those who wrote the Quran were illiterate and those who read it were worse off, reported AFP.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The 25-year-old, who also works as a priest was admitted to the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital after being throughout Monday night. 

A law college student in Bangladesh capital Dhaka was allegedly held captive overnight, tortured, and extorted for money, said his family members and friends, reported a local media site. The 25-year-old, who also works as a priest was admitted to the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Tuesday morning with serious injuries. According to his sister, Jaya, Subhash Deuri, is a student at Dhaka Central Law College and works as an assistant priest at the central temple of Jagannath University, where he performed daily religious rituals and received a monthly honorarium, reported local media site bdnews24. Subhash's sister alleged that he was detained by unidentified individuals and tortured throughout Monday night. He was also robbed off all his money and belongings and was forced to ask his relatives and friends to demand money. ALSO READ: A look at the status of Bay of Bengal–Northeast value-chain concept proposed by former Japan PM Kishida Subhash hails from Sreepur Upazila of Magura district and had been living in a rented apartment in Wari’s Narinda with a friend. One of his roommate Durjoy Saha speaking to bdnews24 said, "Subhash and I live in the same apartment. When I returned home around 9:30pm, I didn't find him there. I assumed he had gone out for some work and didn't think much of it. Around 11:30pm, I received a call from his phone asking me to send him some money. I couldn't because I didn't have any. Later, after my friends and I spent the night watching Brazil's football match and walking around, we were returning home around 5:30am when we found Subhash lying injured on the road in front of Agrani Bank on Narinda Road. He had severe injuries to his head, hands, and legs." Earlier cases of assault on Hindu priests This is not the first time that a Hindu priest has suffered such a fate in Bangladesh. In the last few months there have been many such cases. In April a Hindu temple caretaker Nayan Sadhu was found hanging from a tree. The 40-year-old resident of Dohazari area under Sthania Upazila of Chhattogram district, was serving as a caretaker-cum-priest at a Shivakali temple in Khurushkul union in Cox's Bazar Sadar Upazila, Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (BHBCUC). Two unidentified men took Nayan with them late on the evening of April 19, and three days later, his body was found hanging from a tree in a hilly area on the outskirts of the village, according to the police and residents in the Cox’s Bazar neighbourhood. In April a spiritual leader was beaten to death by a mob. Identified as Shamim Reza Jahangir, believed to be in his 60s, died from his injuries after hundreds of people stormed his residence in Kushtia district. The mob reportedly was furious after an old video of the man resurfaced online that allegedly showed him claiming that those who wrote the Quran were illiterate and those who read it were worse off, reported AFP.

The 25-year-old, who also works as a priest was admitted to the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital after being throughout Monday night.&nbsp;

Bangladeshi Hindu priest admitted to hospital after alleged torture, claims report, citing victim's sister

Prime Minister Takaichi, Japan's first female PM, has maintained a hawkish stance toward Beijing. The bilateral friction intensified significantly after Takaichi declared in parliament that Tokyo could hypothetically intervene militarily alongside the US in the event of a "Taiwan emergency." The development unfolded on 7 November 2025 after Takaichi gave her remark stating that an attack on Taiwan could represent “a situation threatening Japan’s survival”, a legal term that would enable Tokyo to intervene militarily in a conflict involving Taiwan.&nbsp;Following her comments, a fierce reaction from Beijing followed that included bans on Japanese seafood, prompts for Chinese tourists and directing students not to visit Japan and blocks on the screening of Japanese movies in China. It resulted in military tensions, prompting a Chinese live-fire exercise in the Yellow Sea, patrolling by Beijing’s coast guard near the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu islands and Tokyo’s deployment of missiles on the Japanese island of Yonaguni, near Taiwan.<h3>Why does Taiwan matter to India?</h3>However, in response to the China-Japan spat, India has not made any reaction and also has not made any statement during the brief bilateral meeting between &nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Takaichi on the sidelines of the G20 summit, which was held in Johannesburg. The Institute of South Asian Studies highlighted in its research paper that the China-Japan crisis plays a vital role for India as it puts New Delhi in a sensitive position because it reflects the country’s uncertainty on key questions confronting its foreign policy in the Indo-Pacific. There are three key questions raised by the China-Japan spat to which New Delhi has no answer.&nbsp;First, India faces a delicate balancing act when it comes to Taiwan and the growing rivalry between the United States and China. As tensions in the Taiwan Strait continue to rise, many countries are being pressured to take a clearer stance on Taiwan’s international status. While India has strengthened economic, technological and cultural ties with Taiwan in recent years, it has remained cautious about crossing Beijing’s red lines. New Delhi has also maintained strategic ambiguity regarding Taiwan’s status, avoiding any formal shift in policy.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-supreme-court-upholds-state-bans-on-transgender-women-in-female-sports-1782828356690">US Supreme Court upholds state bans on transgender women in female sports</a>&nbsp;In the event of a military conflict over Taiwan, India is unlikely to directly intervene despite the significant economic and security implications. However, it could still be drawn into the crisis. The United States may seek logistical support or access to strategic locations such as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, placing India in a difficult position. At the same time, China could attempt to pressure India through diplomatic threats or military actions along their disputed border, complicating New Delhi’s response, the report says.&nbsp;Second, India faces a complex challenge in balancing its growing partnership with Japan and its relationship with China. Japan has become one of India’s key economic, technological and strategic partners, making the relationship increasingly important. However, India is unlikely to fully align with Japan on contentious issues such as Taiwan or the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands, which could trigger conflict with China. Supporting Japan on matters tied to Beijing’s core interests risks undoing years of efforts to stabilise India-China relations and could reignite border tensions. Ultimately, New Delhi remains undecided on whether China is a long-term adversary requiring closer strategic alignment with Japan.&nbsp;Third, India’s role in the US strategy to counter China is becoming less certain. While India-US ties have partly been built on balancing Beijing, the Trump administration has adopted a more transactional and less confrontational approach toward China. Washington’s cautious stance on Taiwan and efforts to encourage de-escalation in China-Japan tensions suggest a shift in priorities. This evolving approach raises questions about how central India will remain to US efforts in the Indo-Pacific, the report further added.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Japan's Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, is on a three-day visit for the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit from July 1-3. The External Affairs Ministry stated that the Summit will provide an opportunity for both nations to review and strengthen the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. &nbsp;

Japan's Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, is on a three-day visit for the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit from July 1-3. The Summit will provide an opportunity for both nations to review and strengthen the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation and exchange views on regional and global issues.

Prime Minister Takaichi, Japan's first female PM, has maintained a hawkish stance toward Beijing. The bilateral friction intensified significantly after Takaichi declared in parliament that Tokyo could hypothetically intervene militarily alongside the US in the event of a "Taiwan emergency." The development unfolded on 7 November 2025 after Takaichi gave her remark stating that an attack on Taiwan could represent “a situation threatening Japan’s survival”, a legal term that would enable Tokyo to intervene militarily in a conflict involving Taiwan. Following her comments, a fierce reaction from Beijing followed that included bans on Japanese seafood, prompts for Chinese tourists and directing students not to visit Japan and blocks on the screening of Japanese movies in China. It resulted in military tensions, prompting a Chinese live-fire exercise in the Yellow Sea, patrolling by Beijing’s coast guard near the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu islands and Tokyo’s deployment of missiles on the Japanese island of Yonaguni, near Taiwan. Why does Taiwan matter to India? However, in response to the China-Japan spat, India has not made any reaction and also has not made any statement during the brief bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Takaichi on the sidelines of the G20 summit, which was held in Johannesburg. The Institute of South Asian Studies highlighted in its research paper that the China-Japan crisis plays a vital role for India as it puts New Delhi in a sensitive position because it reflects the country’s uncertainty on key questions confronting its foreign policy in the Indo-Pacific. There are three key questions raised by the China-Japan spat to which New Delhi has no answer. First, India faces a delicate balancing act when it comes to Taiwan and the growing rivalry between the United States and China. As tensions in the Taiwan Strait continue to rise, many countries are being pressured to take a clearer stance on Taiwan’s international status. While India has strengthened economic, technological and cultural ties with Taiwan in recent years, it has remained cautious about crossing Beijing’s red lines. New Delhi has also maintained strategic ambiguity regarding Taiwan’s status, avoiding any formal shift in policy. Also read: US Supreme Court upholds state bans on transgender women in female sports In the event of a military conflict over Taiwan, India is unlikely to directly intervene despite the significant economic and security implications. However, it could still be drawn into the crisis. The United States may seek logistical support or access to strategic locations such as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, placing India in a difficult position. At the same time, China could attempt to pressure India through diplomatic threats or military actions along their disputed border, complicating New Delhi’s response, the report says. Second, India faces a complex challenge in balancing its growing partnership with Japan and its relationship with China. Japan has become one of India’s key economic, technological and strategic partners, making the relationship increasingly important. However, India is unlikely to fully align with Japan on contentious issues such as Taiwan or the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands, which could trigger conflict with China. Supporting Japan on matters tied to Beijing’s core interests risks undoing years of efforts to stabilise India-China relations and could reignite border tensions. Ultimately, New Delhi remains undecided on whether China is a long-term adversary requiring closer strategic alignment with Japan. Third, India’s role in the US strategy to counter China is becoming less certain. While India-US ties have partly been built on balancing Beijing, the Trump administration has adopted a more transactional and less confrontational approach toward China. Washington’s cautious stance on Taiwan and efforts to encourage de-escalation in China-Japan tensions suggest a shift in priorities. This evolving approach raises questions about how central India will remain to US efforts in the Indo-Pacific, the report further added. Meanwhile, Japan's Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, is on a three-day visit for the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit from July 1-3. The External Affairs Ministry stated that the Summit will provide an opportunity for both nations to review and strengthen the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

Japan's Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, is on a three-day visit for the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit from July 1-3. The Summit will provide an opportunity for both nations to review and strengthen the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation and exchange views on regional and global issues.

EXPLAINED: What Japan's Taiwan stance against China means for India ahead of Modi-Takaichi talks?

Gold has emerged as the top hedge for central banks amid ongoing geopolitical risks. According to a recent survey of public investors by the Official Monetary and Financial Institutions Forum (OMFIF), a net 30 per cent of central banks intend to increase their gold holdings over the next one to two years. The report noted that 82 per cent of central banks held physical gold reserves in 2026, compared with 71 per cent in the last year. The survey found that around 61 per cent of central banks expect the gold prices to trade between USD 5,000 and USD 6,000 per ounce by June 2027, while 28 per cent stated that recent prices are discouraging enough to make further purchases. "The motivation behind gold purchases is increasingly strategic rather than purely financial. Protection against geopolitical risk is cited by 51 per cent of respondents, up 11 per cent from 2024," according to the report. The survey found that about 61 per cent of central banks expect gold prices to trade between USD 5,000 and USD 6,000 per ounce by June 2027. However, 28 per cent indicated that current gold prices are already high enough to discourage additional purchases.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-article-5-of-us-iran-deal-and-why-is-it-being-blamed-for-hormuz-unrest-wion-decodes-1782825574565">What is Article 5 of US-Iran deal, and why is it being blamed for Hormuz unrest? WION Decodes</a><h3>Dollar alternatives</h3>The OMFIF study also pointed out that the euro and renminbi are the top alternatives to the dollar among central banks. It also highlighted that emerging market currencies are getting attention. "This year, 29 per cent of respondents plan to increase euro holdings in the long term, up from 22 per cent last year," the survey report stated. However, the report underscored that both currencies have some handicaps. "Neither the euro nor the renminbi fully solves reserve managers' problem: the former lacks a single, deep safe asset market, while the latter remains constrained by market structure and geopolitical concerns," the report said. In addition, adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) among central banks allow to improve efficiency and decision-making. "89% of developed economy central banks report some form of artificial intelligence implementation, compared with 44% of emerging market peers," the report mentioned. The report found that volatility is being seen as something that needs better management rather than just a wait-and-watch approach. "The old assumption that public investors can wait for the environment to normalise looks increasingly unrealistic," the report said.&nbsp;

The survey found that about 61 per cent of central banks expect gold prices to trade between USD 5,000 and USD 6,000 per ounce by June 2027. However, 28 per cent indicated that current gold prices are already high enough to discourage additional purchases.

Gold has emerged as the top hedge for central banks amid ongoing geopolitical risks. According to a recent survey of public investors by the Official Monetary and Financial Institutions Forum (OMFIF), a net 30 per cent of central banks intend to increase their gold holdings over the next one to two years. The report noted that 82 per cent of central banks held physical gold reserves in 2026, compared with 71 per cent in the last year. The survey found that around 61 per cent of central banks expect the gold prices to trade between USD 5,000 and USD 6,000 per ounce by June 2027, while 28 per cent stated that recent prices are discouraging enough to make further purchases. "The motivation behind gold purchases is increasingly strategic rather than purely financial. Protection against geopolitical risk is cited by 51 per cent of respondents, up 11 per cent from 2024," according to the report. The survey found that about 61 per cent of central banks expect gold prices to trade between USD 5,000 and USD 6,000 per ounce by June 2027. However, 28 per cent indicated that current gold prices are already high enough to discourage additional purchases. Also read: What is Article 5 of US-Iran deal, and why is it being blamed for Hormuz unrest? WION Decodes Dollar alternatives The OMFIF study also pointed out that the euro and renminbi are the top alternatives to the dollar among central banks. It also highlighted that emerging market currencies are getting attention. "This year, 29 per cent of respondents plan to increase euro holdings in the long term, up from 22 per cent last year," the survey report stated. However, the report underscored that both currencies have some handicaps. "Neither the euro nor the renminbi fully solves reserve managers' problem: the former lacks a single, deep safe asset market, while the latter remains constrained by market structure and geopolitical concerns," the report said. In addition, adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) among central banks allow to improve efficiency and decision-making. "89% of developed economy central banks report some form of artificial intelligence implementation, compared with 44% of emerging market peers," the report mentioned. The report found that volatility is being seen as something that needs better management rather than just a wait-and-watch approach. "The old assumption that public investors can wait for the environment to normalise looks increasingly unrealistic," the report said.

The survey found that about 61 per cent of central banks expect gold prices to trade between USD 5,000 and USD 6,000 per ounce by June 2027. However, 28 per cent indicated that current gold prices are already high enough to discourage additional purchases.

Gold overtakes dollar emerging top hedge for central banks amid geopolitical risks, says report

The US Supreme Court on Tuesday (June 30) struck down President Donald Trump's bid to end birthright citizenship, blocking an executive order that sought to overturn a constitutional principle recognised for more than a century. The order, a key part of Trump's immigration agenda, had faced legal challenges from the outset over its constitutional validity.<h2>Supreme Court rejects Trump's 'domicile' argument</h2>The court dismissed one of Trump's central arguments that birthright citizenship should apply only to people who are "domiciled" in the US, meaning they intend to remain in the country permanently. Writing for the majority, Chief Justice John Roberts said there was little historical or legal basis for interpreting the 14th Amendment in that way.&nbsp;"If Congress intended to hinge citizenship on each individual's domicile, a question that 'is sometimes a matter of great difficulty to decide', it is reasonable to expect there would have been at least some discussion of the topic," Roberts wrote.&nbsp;He added that the term "domicile" appears only twice in discussions surrounding the relevant provision of the Civil Rights Act and only once during debates over the Citizenship Clause, where it was used to distinguish state citizenship from national citizenship under the Constitution.

US Supreme Court knocked down Donald Trump’s effort to end birthright citizenship on Tuesday (June 30). The SC blocked an executive order that sought to overturn a constitutional principle recognised for more than a century. 



The US Supreme Court on Tuesday (June 30) struck down President Donald Trump's bid to end birthright citizenship, blocking an executive order that sought to overturn a constitutional principle recognised for more than a century. The order, a key part of Trump's immigration agenda, had faced legal challenges from the outset over its constitutional validity. Supreme Court rejects Trump's 'domicile' argument The court dismissed one of Trump's central arguments that birthright citizenship should apply only to people who are "domiciled" in the US, meaning they intend to remain in the country permanently. Writing for the majority, Chief Justice John Roberts said there was little historical or legal basis for interpreting the 14th Amendment in that way. "If Congress intended to hinge citizenship on each individual's domicile, a question that 'is sometimes a matter of great difficulty to decide', it is reasonable to expect there would have been at least some discussion of the topic," Roberts wrote. He added that the term "domicile" appears only twice in discussions surrounding the relevant provision of the Civil Rights Act and only once during debates over the Citizenship Clause, where it was used to distinguish state citizenship from national citizenship under the Constitution.

US Supreme Court knocked down Donald Trump’s effort to end birthright citizenship on Tuesday (June 30). The SC blocked an executive order that sought to overturn a constitutional principle recognised for more than a century.&nbsp;&nbsp;

US Supreme Court strikes down Trump's birthright citizenship order

Former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida proposed the Bay of Bengal–Northeast India Industrial Value Chain Concept during his 2023 visit to India. It was envisioned as a core pillar of Japan's updated Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) vision. Its primary aim was to form a trilateral economic cluster by linking Northeast India with Bangladesh and leveraging deep-water access to the Indian Ocean.&nbsp;Kishida's idea was to treat the landlocked Northeast India, which is rich in resources, and Bangladesh, in need of industrial diversification, as a single interconnected economic zone. It was supposed to be done in three ways. First, by developing the Matarbari Deep-Sea Port in Bangladesh under Japan's "BIG-B" (Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt) initiative. Kishida wanted it to be like a high-capacity gateway equivalent to major global ports. Second, strengthening connectivity through the Northeast.&nbsp;This included constructing robust road, rail, and bridge infrastructure across Indian states like Assam, Mizoram, and Tripura. All of these would hook directly into Bangladesh’s transport networks. Third, Japanese and global private sectors would be encouraged to invest in building manufacturing and supply hubs. Raw materials from Northeast India could flow smoothly to Bangladesh for processing and be exported globally via the Bay of Bengal.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/semiconductors-to-biogas-what-s-really-on-the-table-at-the-modi-takaichi-summit-wion-decodes-1782721446269">Semiconductors to biogas: What’s really on the table at the Modi-Takaichi summit? | WION Decodes</a><h2>Progress and current status</h2> Work on the infrastructural front has made reasonable progress. As part of India’s "Act East" policy, transport corridors have been expanded. This includes national highway coverage in the Northeast under the Bharatmala scheme. Budget allocations for the region's rail connectivity has risen sharply.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has funded critical highways, bridges, and continued with the multi-phase construction of the Matarbari Deep-Sea Port, maintaining its heavy ODA loan commitments in both India and Bangladesh. The project aligns closely with broader regional goals, notably the BIMSTEC Masterplan for Transport Connectivity. It aims to seamlessly integrate waterways, rail, and digital networks across the Bay of Bengal.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-10-trillion-test-can-japan-double-its-india-investment-push-after-early-5-trillion-success-1782811143826">The ¥10 trillion test: Can Japan double its India investment push after early ¥5 trillion success?</a><h2>Challenges</h2> However, the political and strategic landscape is posing significant challenges to the progress of the plan. Japan and India planned to use this value chain to counter Chinese maritime influence in the Bay of Bengal. However, a change in regional dynamics has created a challenging situation. For example, Bangladesh has awarded the development of an economic zone at Mongla Port, its second-largest seaport, to a Chinese state-owned enterprise. While roads and ports are being built, "soft infrastructure" is still moving along slowly.&nbsp;&nbsp;This includes harmonising customs procedures, aligning maritime tariffs, and establishing standard cross-border regulations. A &nbsp;high-efficiency industrial value chain cannot happen with these bureaucratic trade barriers acting as a roadblock.&nbsp;The Bay of Bengal–Northeast value chain has moved from being just a conceptual blueprint into an operational economic corridor. The Northeast is being connected to the sea. However, its ultimate success as a strictly Japan-India-backed manufacturing hub depends on how the two countries navigate the regulatory bottlenecks and growing economic competition in the Bay.&nbsp;

The Bay of Bengal–Northeast India Industrial Value Chain Concept was proposed by former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to form a trilateral economic cluster between Northeast India and Bangladesh. 

Former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida proposed the Bay of Bengal–Northeast India Industrial Value Chain Concept during his 2023 visit to India. It was envisioned as a core pillar of Japan's updated Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) vision. Its primary aim was to form a trilateral economic cluster by linking Northeast India with Bangladesh and leveraging deep-water access to the Indian Ocean. Kishida's idea was to treat the landlocked Northeast India, which is rich in resources, and Bangladesh, in need of industrial diversification, as a single interconnected economic zone. It was supposed to be done in three ways. First, by developing the Matarbari Deep-Sea Port in Bangladesh under Japan's "BIG-B" (Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt) initiative. Kishida wanted it to be like a high-capacity gateway equivalent to major global ports. Second, strengthening connectivity through the Northeast. This included constructing robust road, rail, and bridge infrastructure across Indian states like Assam, Mizoram, and Tripura. All of these would hook directly into Bangladesh’s transport networks. Third, Japanese and global private sectors would be encouraged to invest in building manufacturing and supply hubs. Raw materials from Northeast India could flow smoothly to Bangladesh for processing and be exported globally via the Bay of Bengal. Also Read: Semiconductors to biogas: What’s really on the table at the Modi-Takaichi summit? | WION Decodes Progress and current status Work on the infrastructural front has made reasonable progress. As part of India’s "Act East" policy, transport corridors have been expanded. This includes national highway coverage in the Northeast under the Bharatmala scheme. Budget allocations for the region's rail connectivity has risen sharply. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has funded critical highways, bridges, and continued with the multi-phase construction of the Matarbari Deep-Sea Port, maintaining its heavy ODA loan commitments in both India and Bangladesh. The project aligns closely with broader regional goals, notably the BIMSTEC Masterplan for Transport Connectivity. It aims to seamlessly integrate waterways, rail, and digital networks across the Bay of Bengal. Also Read: The ¥10 trillion test: Can Japan double its India investment push after early ¥5 trillion success? Challenges However, the political and strategic landscape is posing significant challenges to the progress of the plan. Japan and India planned to use this value chain to counter Chinese maritime influence in the Bay of Bengal. However, a change in regional dynamics has created a challenging situation. For example, Bangladesh has awarded the development of an economic zone at Mongla Port, its second-largest seaport, to a Chinese state-owned enterprise. While roads and ports are being built, "soft infrastructure" is still moving along slowly. This includes harmonising customs procedures, aligning maritime tariffs, and establishing standard cross-border regulations. A high-efficiency industrial value chain cannot happen with these bureaucratic trade barriers acting as a roadblock. The Bay of Bengal–Northeast value chain has moved from being just a conceptual blueprint into an operational economic corridor. The Northeast is being connected to the sea. However, its ultimate success as a strictly Japan-India-backed manufacturing hub depends on how the two countries navigate the regulatory bottlenecks and growing economic competition in the Bay.

The Bay of Bengal–Northeast India Industrial Value Chain Concept was proposed by former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to form a trilateral economic cluster between Northeast India and Bangladesh.&nbsp;

A look at the status of Bay of Bengal–Northeast value-chain concept proposed by former Japan PM Kishida

A massive public uprising in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) has escalated into a direct challenge against Islamabad’s control. An indefinite strike and sit-in near the Line of Control (LoC), which began on June 9, has intensified into one of the largest anti-government movements the region has witnessed in recent history.&nbsp;&nbsp;Addressing thousands of demonstrators gathered at Rawalakot's Eidgah Ground, prominent Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) leader Sardar Aman Khan delivered a blistering warning to the Pakistani establishment. Accusing the state of imposing a calculated food blockade to starve out the continuous civilian protests, Khan explicitly warned that Islamabad’s high-handedness could completely backfire.&nbsp;"Our women and children have been sitting in protest at the ceasefire Line," Khan declared. "They say they will stop food supplies to Kashmiris. I say we do not need your rations. You need us."&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-s-security-crisis-deepens-as-ttp-drives-terror-resurgence-1782808272147">Pakistan's security crisis deepens as TTP drives terror resurgence</a> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;As he continued, Khan said, “Kashmir will not accept any dictator. Kashmir is not part of Pakistan.”&nbsp;<h2>Watch video here:&nbsp;</h2>

Khan cautioned that if the blockade continues, residents may look for "alternative roads" for survival, directly signalling a shift toward India. "Don’t let it come to a point where the remaining routes are opened, and then you are forced to plead with us and beg us to stay," he warned.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/desperate-acts-of-violence-india-strongly-condemns-pakistan-air-strikes-on-afghanistan-killing-civilians-1782764622490">'Desperate acts of violence': India strongly condemns Pakistan air strikes on Afghanistan killing civilians</a>&nbsp;The protests, initially sparked by demands for wheat subsidies, fair electricity tariffs, and infrastructural rights, have evolved into a wider movement for autonomy and freedom from Pakistani exploitation. Despite heavy internet blockades, state-sponsored crackdowns, and a declared ban on the JAAC, tens of thousands of residents continue to hold their ground, asserting that PoJK is not the property of Pakistan.&nbsp;<h3>What triggered the protest?</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li>Electoral Quotas: The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) is demanding the abolition of 12 state assembly seats reserved for refugees living outside the region in mainland Pakistan, arguing it allows Islamabad to rig local outcomes ahead of the July 2026 elections.</li><li>The Judicial Flashpoint: On June 7, 2026, the region's Supreme Court ruled these seats constitutionally protected, blocking executive removal and triggering a massive "long march" and shutter-down strikes.</li><li>Economic Undercurrents: Persistent anger over hyperinflation, high electricity tariffs, and flour shortages.</li><li>Terrorism Designation: On June 5, 2026, Islamabad officially banned the JAAC under anti-terror laws, drawing severe criticism from international rights bodies.</li><li>Casualties: Severe clashes in Rawalakot, Kotli, and Mirpur claimed at least 11 lives which included protesters and police. And over 70 people were injured.</li><li>Defying Islamabad: Local leaders are using the region's ambiguous constitutional status to declare they are "not part of Pakistan," stripping Islamabad of legal authority to enforce blockades.</li></ul>

Tensions rise as a local leader in POJK declares the region "not part of Pakistan," warning Islamabad that alternative roads to India may open amid ongoing food blockades and civil unrest.

A massive public uprising in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) has escalated into a direct challenge against Islamabad’s control. An indefinite strike and sit-in near the Line of Control (LoC), which began on June 9, has intensified into one of the largest anti-government movements the region has witnessed in recent history. Addressing thousands of demonstrators gathered at Rawalakot's Eidgah Ground, prominent Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) leader Sardar Aman Khan delivered a blistering warning to the Pakistani establishment. Accusing the state of imposing a calculated food blockade to starve out the continuous civilian protests, Khan explicitly warned that Islamabad’s high-handedness could completely backfire. "Our women and children have been sitting in protest at the ceasefire Line," Khan declared. "They say they will stop food supplies to Kashmiris. I say we do not need your rations. You need us." Also read: Pakistan's security crisis deepens as TTP drives terror resurgence As he continued, Khan said, “Kashmir will not accept any dictator. Kashmir is not part of Pakistan.” Watch video here:

Tensions rise as a local leader in POJK declares the region "not part of Pakistan," warning Islamabad that alternative roads to India may open amid ongoing food blockades and civil unrest.

'POJK not part of Pakistan': Local leader warns Islamabad, hinting at alternative roads to India

Iran on Tuesday (June 30) said there was no need for any foreign country, including France, to intervene in matters concerning the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, while also confirming that no meetings with US officials are planned in the coming days. Speaking at a press briefing, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said issues related to the Strait of Hormuz should be handled by regional countries, dismissing the need for outside involvement.&nbsp;The comments come amid heightened attention on the waterway, one of the world's most important shipping routes, following recent tensions in the Gulf.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-article-5-of-us-iran-deal-and-why-is-it-being-blamed-for-hormuz-unrest-wion-decodes-1782825574565">What is Article 5 of US-Iran deal, and why is it being blamed for Hormuz unrest? WION Decodes</a>&nbsp;Baghaei also announced that Iranian officials are scheduled to meet their Qatari counterparts in Doha on Wednesday. The discussions will focus on clauses of the recently signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) as well as the release of Iranian assets that remain blocked abroad.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-are-the-chances-us-iran-agreement-will-work-out-expert-says-less-than-50-here-s-why-1782571965238">What are the chances US-Iran agreement will work out? Expert says less than 50%. Here's why</a>&nbsp;The spokesperson, however, ruled out any direct engagement with Washington in the immediate future. "Iran has no plan to meet US officials at any level in the coming days," Baghaei said. His remarks come as diplomatic efforts continue in the region following the signing of the Iran-US memorandum of understanding earlier this month, which sought to ease months of tensions in the Middle East.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-exclusive-why-islamabad-mou-doesn-t-hand-hormuz-to-iran-1782235179523">WION Exclusive: Why Islamabad MoU doesn’t hand Hormuz to Iran</a>&nbsp;Separately, Baghaei said that all of Iran's key decision-making centres are involved in matters related to war and peace, underscoring that such decisions are taken collectively within the country's political and security leadership.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rubio-says-iran-can-t-charge-fees-for-hormuz-transit-but-expert-says-tehran-has-other-options-1782311998474">Rubio says Iran can’t charge fees for Hormuz transit, but expert says Tehran has other options</a>

Iran rejected foreign intervention in the Strait of Hormuz, ruled out direct talks with US officials in Doha, and announced upcoming meetings with Qatar regarding the bilateral MoU and frozen assets.

Iran on Tuesday (June 30) said there was no need for any foreign country, including France, to intervene in matters concerning the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, while also confirming that no meetings with US officials are planned in the coming days. Speaking at a press briefing, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said issues related to the Strait of Hormuz should be handled by regional countries, dismissing the need for outside involvement. The comments come amid heightened attention on the waterway, one of the world's most important shipping routes, following recent tensions in the Gulf. Also read: What is Article 5 of US-Iran deal, and why is it being blamed for Hormuz unrest? WION Decodes Baghaei also announced that Iranian officials are scheduled to meet their Qatari counterparts in Doha on Wednesday. The discussions will focus on clauses of the recently signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) as well as the release of Iranian assets that remain blocked abroad. Also read: What are the chances US-Iran agreement will work out? Expert says less than 50%. Here's why The spokesperson, however, ruled out any direct engagement with Washington in the immediate future. "Iran has no plan to meet US officials at any level in the coming days," Baghaei said. His remarks come as diplomatic efforts continue in the region following the signing of the Iran-US memorandum of understanding earlier this month, which sought to ease months of tensions in the Middle East. Also read: WION Exclusive: Why Islamabad MoU doesn’t hand Hormuz to Iran Separately, Baghaei said that all of Iran's key decision-making centres are involved in matters related to war and peace, underscoring that such decisions are taken collectively within the country's political and security leadership. Also read: Rubio says Iran can’t charge fees for Hormuz transit, but expert says Tehran has other options

Iran rejected foreign intervention in the Strait of Hormuz, ruled out direct talks with US officials in Doha, and announced upcoming meetings with Qatar regarding the bilateral MoU and frozen assets.

Iran says no foreign intervention needed in Strait of Hormuz, rules out talks with US in Doha

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Tuesday announced an additional £15 billion in funding for defence while unveiling the long-delayed defence investment plan (DIP) and said the increase in defence spending will help protect Britain from threats in an “increasingly volatile” world. UK defence spending will be £80 billion a year by 2029, he said, adding that some road and energy projects will be scrapped to fund it.&nbsp;Starmer earlier faced criticism for not providing enough funding for the armed forces following which defence secretary, John Healey, resigned in protest earlier this month.&nbsp;“When the world is arming and aggression is rising, the best way to avoid war is to prepare for it,” he said in a speech.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/50-biz-honchos-accompanying-japan-s-pm-to-delhi-eager-to-ride-on-india-s-growth-story-1782768835501">50 biz honchos accompanying Japan’s PM to Delhi, eager to ride on India’s growth story</a><h2>Defence investment plan includes £5 billion for drones, autonomous weapons</h2>&nbsp;The defence investment plan (DIP) will include £5 billion to increase the armed forces’ use of drones and autonomous weapons.It also includes plans for the Royal Navy to become a “hybrid navy”, using self-controlled vessels and AI alongside warships and aircraft and funding for six new warships.Starmer said the defence investment plan will “make the British people safer” and “drive a generational transformation” of the armed forces.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ethanol-blending-is-ongoing-experiment-impact-to-be-known-by-next-year-govt-tells-sc-1782819413430">Ethanol blending is ongoing experiment, impact to be known by next year: Govt tells SC</a>&nbsp;He added that the motto for defence procurement will be “back British” and the plan will create almost 60,000 jobs.Talking about a more “European Nato”, Starmer announced an £8.6 billion investment in building fighter jets with Italy and Japan.&nbsp;<h2>‘We’ve learnt a lot from Ukraine and Iran’</h2>&nbsp;“We’ve learnt a lot from Ukraine, actually, and also from Iran as well, about the capability that is needed in order to confront countries like Russia,” he said.&nbsp;“So I am confident in that. I’m also confident because we’re working more closely with our European allies on this,” said Starmer on being asked if he can say that his investment plan does enough to deter a Russian assault.&nbsp;Starmer previously said that Russia could attack NATO as soon as 2030.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/yasin-malik-faces-trial-in-sarla-bhat-rape-murder-case-35-years-after-brutal-crime-instilled-fear-in-kashmiri-pandits-triggered-exodus-1782752930044">Yasin Malik faces trial in Sarla Bhat rape-murder case 35 years after brutal crime instilled fear in Kashmiri Pandits</a><h2>Demands on UK defence are growing: Chancellor Rachel Reeves</h2>&nbsp;Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the UK’s defence budget is being boosted faster than any other major government department. Reeves said that the demands on UK defence are growing.&nbsp;She repeated comments from Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis that the country is “learning the lessons” of drone warfare from the war in Ukraine, adding that £400 million will be spent on setting up a military defence system with partners.&nbsp;“UK security is our number one priority and this money will ensure that the UK can fight the wars of tomorrow, not the past,” the chancellor said.&nbsp;

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the motto for defence procurement will be “back British", and the plan will create almost 60,000 jobs. Talking about a more “European Nato”, Starmer announced an £8.6 billion investment in building fighter jets with Italy and Japan.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Tuesday announced an additional £15 billion in funding for defence while unveiling the long-delayed defence investment plan (DIP) and said the increase in defence spending will help protect Britain from threats in an “increasingly volatile” world. UK defence spending will be £80 billion a year by 2029, he said, adding that some road and energy projects will be scrapped to fund it. Starmer earlier faced criticism for not providing enough funding for the armed forces following which defence secretary, John Healey, resigned in protest earlier this month. “When the world is arming and aggression is rising, the best way to avoid war is to prepare for it,” he said in a speech. Also Read: 50 biz honchos accompanying Japan’s PM to Delhi, eager to ride on India’s growth story Defence investment plan includes £5 billion for drones, autonomous weapons The defence investment plan (DIP) will include £5 billion to increase the armed forces’ use of drones and autonomous weapons. It also includes plans for the Royal Navy to become a “hybrid navy”, using self-controlled vessels and AI alongside warships and aircraft and funding for six new warships. Starmer said the defence investment plan will “make the British people safer” and “drive a generational transformation” of the armed forces. Also Read: Ethanol blending is ongoing experiment, impact to be known by next year: Govt tells SC He added that the motto for defence procurement will be “back British” and the plan will create almost 60,000 jobs. Talking about a more “European Nato”, Starmer announced an £8.6 billion investment in building fighter jets with Italy and Japan. ‘We’ve learnt a lot from Ukraine and Iran’ “We’ve learnt a lot from Ukraine, actually, and also from Iran as well, about the capability that is needed in order to confront countries like Russia,” he said. “So I am confident in that. I’m also confident because we’re working more closely with our European allies on this,” said Starmer on being asked if he can say that his investment plan does enough to deter a Russian assault. Starmer previously said that Russia could attack NATO as soon as 2030. Also Read: Yasin Malik faces trial in Sarla Bhat rape-murder case 35 years after brutal crime instilled fear in Kashmiri Pandits Demands on UK defence are growing: Chancellor Rachel Reeves Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the UK’s defence budget is being boosted faster than any other major government department. Reeves said that the demands on UK defence are growing. She repeated comments from Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis that the country is “learning the lessons” of drone warfare from the war in Ukraine, adding that £400 million will be spent on setting up a military defence system with partners. “UK security is our number one priority and this money will ensure that the UK can fight the wars of tomorrow, not the past,” the chancellor said.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the motto for defence procurement will be “back British", and the plan will create almost 60,000 jobs. Talking about a more “European Nato”, Starmer announced an £8.6 billion investment in building fighter jets with Italy and Japan.

Starmer announces extra £15bn for defence, says road and energy projects to be scrapped for funds

Just two weeks after the US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at ending months of conflict in West Asia, the agreement is facing its first major test. Tensions flare once again over the Strait of Hormuz. The two sides have exchanged accusations of violating the terms of the June 17 agreement following a fresh round of military strikes linked to the strategic waterway. At the centre of the dispute is Article 5 of the interim MoU, which outlines commitments to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp;The latest escalation began on Friday (June 26) after a commercial ship transiting the strait was struck by a projectile. America responded with military strikes on Iranian targets, although Tehran has not claimed responsibility for the attack. Since then, both governments have accused each other of breaching Article 5 of the agreement.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/everything-we-know-about-the-upcoming-us-iran-talks-in-doha-1782816752424">No direct meeting? Everything we know about the upcoming US-Iran talks in Doha</a><h2>What is Article 5 of the US-Iran MoU?</h2>The interim agreement, signed by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, was designed to create room for broader negotiations on sanctions relief, Iran's nuclear programme and regional security. Its 5th article specifically addresses the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints.&nbsp;The provision commits Iran to facilitating the resumption of commercial shipping after maritime traffic was severely disrupted when Tehran announced a blockade of the waterway following the outbreak of the US-Iran conflict on February 28.&nbsp;Article 5 says, "Iran will make arrangements using its best efforts for the safe passage of commercial vessels with no charge for 60 days only from the Persian Gulf to the Sea of Oman and vice versa." The article also requires the removal of "technical and military obstacles", including Iranian naval mines, within 30 days.&nbsp;In addition, it says Iran will engage in dialogue with the Sultanate of Oman to determine the future administration and maritime services in the Strait of Hormuz, in consultation with other Gulf littoral states and in accordance with international law and the sovereign rights of coastal states.<h2>What do experts say?</h2>Peter Kuznick, professor of history and director of the Nuclear Studies Institute at American University, told WION that the latest incident is unlikely to be the defining event that brings down the agreement. "This incident is only a slight influence in terms of the possibility of breaking it up," Kuznick said.&nbsp;Meanwhile, analyst Elijah Magnier said renewed military confrontation remains unlikely despite warnings from Washington. US President Donald Trump has warned that the US could reimpose a blockade if Iran fails to comply with the roadmap laid out in the MoU.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-are-the-chances-us-iran-agreement-will-work-out-expert-says-less-than-50-here-s-why-1782571965238">What are the chances US-Iran agreement will work out? Expert says less than 50%. Here's why</a>&nbsp;Magnier argued that restarting the conflict would carry high economic and political costs for Washington, particularly given the sensitivity of global oil markets to any disruption in the Gulf. "I don't think the MoU was made for him to resume the blockade or the war," he said, adding that some of Trump's remarks may be intended for domestic political audiences and regional allies dissatisfied with the outcome of the conflict.

A two-week-old US-Iran interim agreement faces its first major test as both nations trade military strikes and accuse each other of violating Article 5 regarding Strait of Hormuz shipping.

Just two weeks after the US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at ending months of conflict in West Asia, the agreement is facing its first major test. Tensions flare once again over the Strait of Hormuz. The two sides have exchanged accusations of violating the terms of the June 17 agreement following a fresh round of military strikes linked to the strategic waterway. At the centre of the dispute is Article 5 of the interim MoU, which outlines commitments to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. The latest escalation began on Friday (June 26) after a commercial ship transiting the strait was struck by a projectile. America responded with military strikes on Iranian targets, although Tehran has not claimed responsibility for the attack. Since then, both governments have accused each other of breaching Article 5 of the agreement. Also read: No direct meeting? Everything we know about the upcoming US-Iran talks in Doha What is Article 5 of the US-Iran MoU? The interim agreement, signed by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, was designed to create room for broader negotiations on sanctions relief, Iran's nuclear programme and regional security. Its 5th article specifically addresses the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints. The provision commits Iran to facilitating the resumption of commercial shipping after maritime traffic was severely disrupted when Tehran announced a blockade of the waterway following the outbreak of the US-Iran conflict on February 28. Article 5 says, "Iran will make arrangements using its best efforts for the safe passage of commercial vessels with no charge for 60 days only from the Persian Gulf to the Sea of Oman and vice versa." The article also requires the removal of "technical and military obstacles", including Iranian naval mines, within 30 days. In addition, it says Iran will engage in dialogue with the Sultanate of Oman to determine the future administration and maritime services in the Strait of Hormuz, in consultation with other Gulf littoral states and in accordance with international law and the sovereign rights of coastal states. What do experts say? Peter Kuznick, professor of history and director of the Nuclear Studies Institute at American University, told WION that the latest incident is unlikely to be the defining event that brings down the agreement. "This incident is only a slight influence in terms of the possibility of breaking it up," Kuznick said. Meanwhile, analyst Elijah Magnier said renewed military confrontation remains unlikely despite warnings from Washington. US President Donald Trump has warned that the US could reimpose a blockade if Iran fails to comply with the roadmap laid out in the MoU. Also read: What are the chances US-Iran agreement will work out? Expert says less than 50%. Here's why Magnier argued that restarting the conflict would carry high economic and political costs for Washington, particularly given the sensitivity of global oil markets to any disruption in the Gulf. "I don't think the MoU was made for him to resume the blockade or the war," he said, adding that some of Trump's remarks may be intended for domestic political audiences and regional allies dissatisfied with the outcome of the conflict.

A two-week-old US-Iran interim agreement faces its first major test as both nations trade military strikes and accuse each other of violating Article 5 regarding Strait of Hormuz shipping.

What is Article 5 of US-Iran deal, and why is it being blamed for Hormuz unrest? WION Decodes

Japan has proposed one of its most ambitious defence partnerships with India by offering local production of the Mogami-class stealth frigate under the Make in India programme. According to multiple reports, Tokyo is prepared to share the warship's design and support construction in Indian shipyards, marking a major shift in Japan's defence export policy. While neither government has formally announced an agreement, the proposal has drawn attention because of its potential impact on India's naval modernisation and regional security.<h2>Why the Mogami-class matters</h2>The Mogami-class is among the newest multi-role frigates operated by the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force. Designed with stealth features, the warship has a reduced radar signature and can carry out anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface operations, mine countermeasures and maritime security missions.&nbsp;One of its biggest strengths is automation. Unlike many modern warships that require large crews, the Mogami-class can operate with around 90 personnel, reducing manpower requirements while maintaining advanced combat capability. Reports also say the vessel can exceed 30 knots and carries modern sensors, missiles and sonar systems.<h2>Why Japan's offer is significant</h2>Japan has traditionally maintained strict controls on defence exports. Although Tokyo relaxed some of those restrictions over the past decade, offering the design and possible local production of an advanced frontline warship represents a major step in defence cooperation.For India, the proposal aligns closely with the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, which aim to increase domestic defence manufacturing and reduce dependence on imports. Building the frigates locally could also strengthen India's shipbuilding industry and create opportunities for technology transfer.&nbsp;With this partnership, the Indian Navy could gain faster access to a modern stealth frigate platform while retaining the flexibility to integrate some indigenous systems and weapons in the future. Defence analysts believe the partnership could also improve interoperability between the Indian Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force during joint exercises and maritime operations in the Indo-Pacific. As both countries continue to deepen security cooperation through the Quad grouping, stronger naval capabilities are becoming increasingly important. The proposal also comes at a time when regional maritime competition is intensifying. A stronger India-Japan defence partnership could therefore have implications beyond shipbuilding alone.&nbsp;The reported offer highlights the growing strategic relationship between India and Japan. If finalised, it could become one of the largest defence-industrial collaborations between the two countries and further strengthen India's efforts to build advanced military platforms at home.

Japan has offered India the chance to co-produce its advanced Mogami-class stealth frigates under Make in India. This will strengthen India's naval capabilities, deepen defence ties with Japan and boost domestic warship manufacturing.

Japan has proposed one of its most ambitious defence partnerships with India by offering local production of the Mogami-class stealth frigate under the Make in India programme. According to multiple reports, Tokyo is prepared to share the warship's design and support construction in Indian shipyards, marking a major shift in Japan's defence export policy. While neither government has formally announced an agreement, the proposal has drawn attention because of its potential impact on India's naval modernisation and regional security. Why the Mogami-class matters The Mogami-class is among the newest multi-role frigates operated by the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force. Designed with stealth features, the warship has a reduced radar signature and can carry out anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface operations, mine countermeasures and maritime security missions. One of its biggest strengths is automation. Unlike many modern warships that require large crews, the Mogami-class can operate with around 90 personnel, reducing manpower requirements while maintaining advanced combat capability. Reports also say the vessel can exceed 30 knots and carries modern sensors, missiles and sonar systems. Why Japan's offer is significant Japan has traditionally maintained strict controls on defence exports. Although Tokyo relaxed some of those restrictions over the past decade, offering the design and possible local production of an advanced frontline warship represents a major step in defence cooperation. For India, the proposal aligns closely with the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, which aim to increase domestic defence manufacturing and reduce dependence on imports. Building the frigates locally could also strengthen India's shipbuilding industry and create opportunities for technology transfer. With this partnership, the Indian Navy could gain faster access to a modern stealth frigate platform while retaining the flexibility to integrate some indigenous systems and weapons in the future. Defence analysts believe the partnership could also improve interoperability between the Indian Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force during joint exercises and maritime operations in the Indo-Pacific. As both countries continue to deepen security cooperation through the Quad grouping, stronger naval capabilities are becoming increasingly important. The proposal also comes at a time when regional maritime competition is intensifying. A stronger India-Japan defence partnership could therefore have implications beyond shipbuilding alone. The reported offer highlights the growing strategic relationship between India and Japan. If finalised, it could become one of the largest defence-industrial collaborations between the two countries and further strengthen India's efforts to build advanced military platforms at home.

Japan has offered India the chance to co-produce its advanced Mogami-class stealth frigates under Make in India. This will strengthen India's naval capabilities, deepen defence ties with Japan and boost domestic warship manufacturing.

The Mogami-class offer: Japan pitches stealth-frigate co-production under Make in India

Iran has explicitly denied reports of upcoming bilateral talks or negotiations with the United States at any level. Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei clarified that Tehran is prioritising the technical implementation of an existing 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) over initiating new political dialogue. Consequently, an expert Iranian delegation is being dispatched to Doha, Qatar, this week solely to follow up on this operational focus.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-qatar-talks-perhaps-important-iran-denies-strategic-negotiations-1782787321514/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-qatar-talks-perhaps-important-iran-denies-strategic-negotiations-1782787321514/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Baghaei confirmed that the US has issued the necessary permits under Article 10 to facilitate Iranian oil sales. He stated that Iran is now pursuing the practical implementation of these permits, with a primary focus on Article 11, which governs the unfreezing of Iran's financial assets. Dismissing speculation about overlapping regional itineraries, Baghaei stated that any concurrent visits by US representatives to Qatar are entirely unrelated to the Iranian delegation's assignment. He underscored that formal processes for a final, comprehensive agreement have not yet been initiated. Under Article 13 of the MoU, entering such negotiations is strictly contingent upon the successful and sustained implementation of several foundational clauses, specifically Articles 1, 4, 5, 10, and 11.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-security-chief-markwayne-mullin-celebrates-iran-early-fifa-world-cup-2026-exit-with-happy-dance-middle-eastern-conflict-israel-1782818158551">US security chief celebrates Iran’s early World Cup exit with ‘happy dance’</a>&nbsp;These remarks follow an announcement by US President Donald Trump that high-stakes diplomatic talks with Iran would take place in Doha. Reports indicate that US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is currently travelling to the Qatari capital, though it remains unclear if he is travelling with Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-expert-delegation-heads-to-qatar-this-week-rejects-trump-s-claim-of-us-talks-1782769086291">Iran says 'expert delegation' heads to Qatar this week, rejects Trump's claim of US talks</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed on X that mutual understanding is a "two-way street", stating that Iran will fulfil its commitments if the American party adheres to the agreement. Without explicitly naming Trump, Pezeshkian noted that Iran’s approach to unreasonable grumbles and baseless threats relies on rationality and human dignity in decision-making, coupled with a decisive and unhesitant defence in action. This diplomatic manoeuvring follows a recent military escalation involving an exchange of fire between the two nations over sensitive maritime incidents in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran explicitly denies upcoming bilateral negotiations with the US, stating its Doha delegation is focused solely on technicalities of the existing 14-point MoU, including oil permits and frozen assets.

Iran has explicitly denied reports of upcoming bilateral talks or negotiations with the United States at any level. Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei clarified that Tehran is prioritising the technical implementation of an existing 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) over initiating new political dialogue. Consequently, an expert Iranian delegation is being dispatched to Doha, Qatar, this week solely to follow up on this operational focus. https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-qatar-talks-perhaps-important-iran-denies-strategic-negotiations-1782787321514/embed Baghaei confirmed that the US has issued the necessary permits under Article 10 to facilitate Iranian oil sales. He stated that Iran is now pursuing the practical implementation of these permits, with a primary focus on Article 11, which governs the unfreezing of Iran's financial assets. Dismissing speculation about overlapping regional itineraries, Baghaei stated that any concurrent visits by US representatives to Qatar are entirely unrelated to the Iranian delegation's assignment. He underscored that formal processes for a final, comprehensive agreement have not yet been initiated. Under Article 13 of the MoU, entering such negotiations is strictly contingent upon the successful and sustained implementation of several foundational clauses, specifically Articles 1, 4, 5, 10, and 11. Also read: US security chief celebrates Iran’s early World Cup exit with ‘happy dance’ These remarks follow an announcement by US President Donald Trump that high-stakes diplomatic talks with Iran would take place in Doha. Reports indicate that US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is currently travelling to the Qatari capital, though it remains unclear if he is travelling with Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Also read: Iran says 'expert delegation' heads to Qatar this week, rejects Trump's claim of US talks Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed on X that mutual understanding is a "two-way street", stating that Iran will fulfil its commitments if the American party adheres to the agreement. Without explicitly naming Trump, Pezeshkian noted that Iran’s approach to unreasonable grumbles and baseless threats relies on rationality and human dignity in decision-making, coupled with a decisive and unhesitant defence in action. This diplomatic manoeuvring follows a recent military escalation involving an exchange of fire between the two nations over sensitive maritime incidents in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran explicitly denies upcoming bilateral negotiations with the US, stating its Doha delegation is focused solely on technicalities of the existing 14-point MoU, including oil permits and frozen assets.

Iran denies new US talks, sends delegation to Doha for MoU technicalities

As the World Cup reaches its halfway stage, security officials have detected more than 1,000 drones operating near stadiums, with authorities neutralising over 300 of them, according to White House World Cup czar Andrew Giuliani. Speaking on Monday at the FBI-organised International Police Cooperation Center (IPCC) near Washington, Giuliani highlighted the scale of drone-related security activity surrounding the tournament.&nbsp;As of Sunday night, "there have been 1,139 drone detections so far at World Cup, World Cup related sites with over 300 mitigations at this point," Andrew Giuliani said. The drones were neutralised without force, Giuliani said, without explaining how. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has also seized over 500 of those drones, to process as evidence in FBI investigations, said Doug Olson, the FBI's special agent responsible for coordination around the 2026 World Cup.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-world-cup-2026-plan-well-executed-says-issa-diop-after-morocco-reach-round-of-16-1782810233054">FIFA World Cup 2026: 'Plan well executed,' says Issa Diop after Morocco reach Round of 16</a>

Mexico vs Ecuador

Counter-drone operations have become a central component of the United States' security strategy for the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup, which is being co-hosted with Canada and Mexico. The US has invested several hundred million dollars in drone detection and mitigation capabilities to protect tournament venues and related events.&nbsp;Authorities have expanded the powers of local law enforcement agencies to jam and intercept unauthorised drones. In addition, dozens of police officers from the 11 US host cities have undergone specialised counter-drone training at an FBI training center.Earlier in June, the FBI announced it had foiled a planned attack targeting the mixed martial arts fight night held at the White House on President Donald Trump's 80th birthday.&nbsp;According to investigators, the alleged plot involved launching drones carrying explosives into the surrounding area. Drone threats have also been a concern at other major sporting events. During the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, French authorities detected more than 350 unauthorized drone incursions, resulting in 81 arrests, according to a report by the National Assembly.

World Cup security officials detected 1,139 drones near stadiums, neutralized over 300, and seized more than 500 as the FBI ramps up counter-drone operations during the 2026 FIFA World Cup

As the World Cup reaches its halfway stage, security officials have detected more than 1,000 drones operating near stadiums, with authorities neutralising over 300 of them, according to White House World Cup czar Andrew Giuliani. Speaking on Monday at the FBI-organised International Police Cooperation Center (IPCC) near Washington, Giuliani highlighted the scale of drone-related security activity surrounding the tournament. As of Sunday night, "there have been 1,139 drone detections so far at World Cup, World Cup related sites with over 300 mitigations at this point," Andrew Giuliani said. The drones were neutralised without force, Giuliani said, without explaining how. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has also seized over 500 of those drones, to process as evidence in FBI investigations, said Doug Olson, the FBI's special agent responsible for coordination around the 2026 World Cup. Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026: 'Plan well executed,' says Issa Diop after Morocco reach Round of 16

World Cup security detected 1,139 drones near venues, neutralised over 300, and seized 500+ as US intensifies counter-drone operations

FBI detects over 1,100 drones near FIFA World Cup venues, 300 neutralised

The US and Iran are both expected to have delegations in Qatar's capital, Doha, this week, raising expectations of renewed diplomatic engagement. This came despite Tehran publicly insisting that no direct negotiations with Washington are planned.&nbsp;US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is travelling to Doha, according to two US officials cited by CNN. Iran has also confirmed that an expert delegation will visit the Qatari capital. Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran's negotiating team, said the Iranian delegation's visit is intended solely to follow up on an earlier agreement regarding the release of Iran's frozen assets.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-has-requested-a-meeting-trump-claims-meeting-in-doha-on-june-30-despite-denial-from-tehran-1782747856814">‘Iran has requested a meeting’: Trump claims meeting in Doha on June 30, despite denial from Tehran</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said on Tuesday (June 30) that there will be no direct meeting between Iran and US in Doha.&nbsp;&nbsp;"The fact that US representatives are travelling to Qatar has nothing to do with the Iranian delegation's visit, which is being conducted to follow up on the agreement," Baghaei told reporters on Monday (June 29).&nbsp;But a source told CNN that delegations from both countries are expected to be in Doha at the same time. And this fuels speculation that diplomatic engagement could take place regardless of Tehran's public stance.<h2>What is the agreement between the US and Iran?</h2>The expected discussions come two weeks after Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding in Islamabad, intended to provide a framework for ending regional hostilities. Under the MOU, the US agreed to unfreeze Iranian assets, lift sanctions, allow Iranian oil exports, end its blockade on Iranian ports and establish a reconstruction fund for Iran.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-defence-companies-sold-military-systems-to-qatar-saudi-arabia-despite-no-diplomatic-ties-report-1782663509488">Israeli defence companies sold military systems to Qatar, Saudi Arabia despite no diplomatic ties: Report</a>&nbsp;In return, Tehran committed to guaranteeing the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz and reaffirmed that it would not develop nuclear weapons. While the agreement outlined broad commitments, many of the practical details were left for future negotiations.<h2>Issues that are still unresolved</h2>Several key issues remain unsettled just two weeks into the 60-day negotiation period outlined in the MOU. One of the main complications is that the agreement requires progress on multiple issues before substantive negotiations can begin. These include the release of Iran's frozen assets, sanctions on Iranian oil exports, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the US blockade of Iranian ports, and ongoing hostilities involving Iran and Lebanon.&nbsp;Iran said on Monday (June 29) that half of its frozen assets held in Qatar would be returned. However, US officials have said no assets have yet been released.&nbsp;Disagreements also persist over navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran maintains that vessels should obtain Iranian permission to use designated shipping routes, while an increasing number of ships have instead opted for an alternative route closer to Oman's coastline.

US and Iranian delegations are visiting Doha simultaneously, fueling speculation of renewed diplomatic engagement despite Iran’s claim that the trip only concerns a recent asset-release agreement signed in Islamabad.

The US and Iran are both expected to have delegations in Qatar's capital, Doha, this week, raising expectations of renewed diplomatic engagement. This came despite Tehran publicly insisting that no direct negotiations with Washington are planned. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is travelling to Doha, according to two US officials cited by CNN. Iran has also confirmed that an expert delegation will visit the Qatari capital. Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran's negotiating team, said the Iranian delegation's visit is intended solely to follow up on an earlier agreement regarding the release of Iran's frozen assets. Also read: ‘Iran has requested a meeting’: Trump claims meeting in Doha on June 30, despite denial from Tehran Meanwhile, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said on Tuesday (June 30) that there will be no direct meeting between Iran and US in Doha. "The fact that US representatives are travelling to Qatar has nothing to do with the Iranian delegation's visit, which is being conducted to follow up on the agreement," Baghaei told reporters on Monday (June 29). But a source told CNN that delegations from both countries are expected to be in Doha at the same time. And this fuels speculation that diplomatic engagement could take place regardless of Tehran's public stance. What is the agreement between the US and Iran? The expected discussions come two weeks after Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding in Islamabad, intended to provide a framework for ending regional hostilities. Under the MOU, the US agreed to unfreeze Iranian assets, lift sanctions, allow Iranian oil exports, end its blockade on Iranian ports and establish a reconstruction fund for Iran. Also read: Israeli defence companies sold military systems to Qatar, Saudi Arabia despite no diplomatic ties: Report In return, Tehran committed to guaranteeing the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz and reaffirmed that it would not develop nuclear weapons. While the agreement outlined broad commitments, many of the practical details were left for future negotiations. Issues that are still unresolved Several key issues remain unsettled just two weeks into the 60-day negotiation period outlined in the MOU. One of the main complications is that the agreement requires progress on multiple issues before substantive negotiations can begin. These include the release of Iran's frozen assets, sanctions on Iranian oil exports, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the US blockade of Iranian ports, and ongoing hostilities involving Iran and Lebanon. Iran said on Monday (June 29) that half of its frozen assets held in Qatar would be returned. However, US officials have said no assets have yet been released. Disagreements also persist over navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran maintains that vessels should obtain Iranian permission to use designated shipping routes, while an increasing number of ships have instead opted for an alternative route closer to Oman's coastline.

US and Iranian delegations are visiting Doha simultaneously, fueling speculation of renewed diplomatic engagement despite Iran’s claim that the trip only concerns a recent asset-release agreement signed in Islamabad.

No direct meeting? Everything we know about the upcoming US-Iran talks in Doha

Ahead of the Japanese Prime Minister's visit to India, attention is once again turning towards defence cooperation between the two countries. While discussions around stealth frigates and maritime security continue to dominate headlines, another project is quietly becoming an important symbol of the relationship: the UNICORN integrated mast being co-developed with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).&nbsp;Unlike a traditional defence purchase, this project is centred on technology sharing and joint development. That makes it significant not only for India's defence industry but also for the growing strategic trust between New Delhi and Tokyo.<h2>What is the UNICORN mast?</h2>The UNICORN mast is an advanced integrated mast system developed for modern naval warships. Instead of installing separate radar, communication and electronic sensors across different parts of a ship, the integrated mast combines many of these systems into a single structure. This design helps reduce a ship's radar signature while improving communication, surveillance and overall operational efficiency. It also reduces maintenance requirements and allows different sensors to work together more effectively. Modern navies increasingly prefer integrated mast technology because it improves both survivability and situational awareness during complex maritime operations.<h2>BEL's role is important</h2>One of the biggest aspects of the project is Bharat Electronics Limited's participation in co-developing the technology. BEL has played a growing role in India's defence electronics sector, supplying radar systems, communication equipment and electronic warfare solutions for the armed forces. Working alongside Japanese partners on an advanced naval system represents more than manufacturing. It reflects India's long-term goal of developing high-end defence technologies under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.&nbsp;Instead of simply importing finished equipment, India is increasingly seeking partnerships that involve technology collaboration and domestic production.&nbsp;Japan has traditionally been cautious about sharing advanced defence technologies. Although Tokyo has gradually relaxed some of its defence export restrictions over the past decade, partnerships involving joint development remain relatively rare.<h2>That is why the UNICORN mast project carries strategic importance</h2>The collaboration suggests Japan sees India as a trusted long-term defence partner capable of handling sophisticated technologies. It also reflects growing convergence between the two countries as they work together to support a free, open and stable Indo-Pacific region. For India, such partnerships provide access to advanced technologies while strengthening its domestic defence industrial base.<h2>What it means for the future</h2>The UNICORN mast project may be only one part of a much broader India-Japan defence relationship. Both countries are expanding cooperation across naval exercises, maritime domain awareness, defence manufacturing and emerging technologies.&nbsp;&nbsp;As both countries navigate an increasingly complex security environment in the Indo-Pacific, projects like the UNICORN mast demonstrate that strategic partnerships today are measured not only by military exercises but also by the willingness to develop advanced technologies together.

The India-Japan UNICORN integrated mast project is more than a defence collaboration. It highlights growing technology sharing, trusted industrial partnerships and deeper strategic cooperation between the two countries.

Ahead of the Japanese Prime Minister's visit to India, attention is once again turning towards defence cooperation between the two countries. While discussions around stealth frigates and maritime security continue to dominate headlines, another project is quietly becoming an important symbol of the relationship: the UNICORN integrated mast being co-developed with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). Unlike a traditional defence purchase, this project is centred on technology sharing and joint development. That makes it significant not only for India's defence industry but also for the growing strategic trust between New Delhi and Tokyo. What is the UNICORN mast? The UNICORN mast is an advanced integrated mast system developed for modern naval warships. Instead of installing separate radar, communication and electronic sensors across different parts of a ship, the integrated mast combines many of these systems into a single structure. This design helps reduce a ship's radar signature while improving communication, surveillance and overall operational efficiency. It also reduces maintenance requirements and allows different sensors to work together more effectively. Modern navies increasingly prefer integrated mast technology because it improves both survivability and situational awareness during complex maritime operations. BEL's role is important One of the biggest aspects of the project is Bharat Electronics Limited's participation in co-developing the technology. BEL has played a growing role in India's defence electronics sector, supplying radar systems, communication equipment and electronic warfare solutions for the armed forces. Working alongside Japanese partners on an advanced naval system represents more than manufacturing. It reflects India's long-term goal of developing high-end defence technologies under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. Instead of simply importing finished equipment, India is increasingly seeking partnerships that involve technology collaboration and domestic production. Japan has traditionally been cautious about sharing advanced defence technologies. Although Tokyo has gradually relaxed some of its defence export restrictions over the past decade, partnerships involving joint development remain relatively rare. That is why the UNICORN mast project carries strategic importance The collaboration suggests Japan sees India as a trusted long-term defence partner capable of handling sophisticated technologies. It also reflects growing convergence between the two countries as they work together to support a free, open and stable Indo-Pacific region. For India, such partnerships provide access to advanced technologies while strengthening its domestic defence industrial base. What it means for the future The UNICORN mast project may be only one part of a much broader India-Japan defence relationship. Both countries are expanding cooperation across naval exercises, maritime domain awareness, defence manufacturing and emerging technologies. As both countries navigate an increasingly complex security environment in the Indo-Pacific, projects like the UNICORN mast demonstrate that strategic partnerships today are measured not only by military exercises but also by the willingness to develop advanced technologies together.

The India-Japan UNICORN integrated mast project is more than a defence collaboration. It highlights growing technology sharing, trusted industrial partnerships and deeper strategic cooperation between the two countries.

Beyond technology: How India and Japan are building a strategic partnership for the future

Satellite imagery released by NASA has revealed the staggering scale of destruction caused by Venezuela's twin earthquakes. Using radar data from the European Space Agency's Sentinel-1 satellite, researchers estimate that approximately 58,870 buildings were damaged or destroyed. Pics below.

Satellite imagery released by NASA has revealed the staggering scale of destruction caused by Venezuela's twin earthquakes. Using radar data from the European Space Agency's Sentinel-1 satellite, researchers estimate that approximately 58,870 buildings were damaged or destroyed. Pics below.

Satellite images reveal scale of Venezuela earthquake devastation; nearly 59,000 buildings damaged - NASA releases data

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No direct meeting? Everything we know about the upcoming US-Iran talks in Doha