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The Cold War period saw the West and the Soviet Union trying to go against each other in almost everything. The two sides are said to have come up with secret programs and missions to gain control over the other. The CIA, the United States' intelligence agency, also has some of them under its belt, according to declassified documents released over the years. One of them was Operation Midnight Climax, which aimed to see how sex and drugs could get a target to reveal sensitive and secret information. Reports suggest that the operation ran from 1954 to 1963 and was a part of MKUltra, the agency's mind-control research program that was flagged as highly controversial. As the description suggests, its aim was to take control of the mind of a foreign adversary so that he would spill secrets of the enemy country. Popular Mechanics, reporting on the program, wrote that under Operation Midnight Climax, an apartment was turned into a brothel where men were lured, drugged with LSD, and their reactions to interrogating questions were filmed. Stephen Kinzer, author of Poisoner in Chief: Sidney Gottlieb and the CIA Search for Mind Control, says the reason the CIA started this was because the Soviet was believed to be making advances in psychological torture and brainwashing. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-not-to-punish-but-us-sanctions-6-indian-companies-over-oil-trade-with-iran-hours-after-25-tariff-1753929084632">US sanctions 6 Indian companies over oil trade with Iran</a><h2>The US suspected minds of American soldiers were seized by the Soviet Union</h2>Kinzer says the CIA was shocked to see American soldiers returning from the Korean War confessing to war crimes and even talking about communist propaganda in a positive light. They were convinced that their "minds had been seized". So MKUltra was launched in 1953 with a similar aim. Nearly 100 projects fell under its umbrella, with most of them centred around drugs and other mind-altering chemicals. A chemist named Sidney Gottlieb helped the CIA gain access to LSD. Operation Midnight Climax, the most notorious of all of them, continues to shock the world even 62 years after it ended. Here's what went down in the brothel. Prostitutes were hired and given $100 for each man they lured into the brothel. They were given cocktails laced with LSD. Then the women threw around different types of questions at different intervals to learn at what stage the men were most likely to be at a point where their minds could be controlled. The experiment revealed that the man talked and revealed the most secrets when they were asked to stay longer, even after the sexual part of the transaction had ended. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/subproject-94-the-secret-cia-program-to-create-army-of-remote-controlled-animal-assassins-1749902696736">Declassified CIA documents reveal plans to create an army of remote-controlled 'animal assassins' during Cold War</a>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/aliens-turned-soldiers-in-siberia-to-stone-after-their-ufo-was-shot-down-8927828">In Siberia, aliens turned 23 soldiers into stone, remains of spacecraft are at a secret research base near Moscow</a><h2>Prostitutes lured unsuspecting men, drugged them with LSD</h2>A CIA staffer once said, it was like a "boost to his ego" if "she wants him to stay for a few more hours." At this stage, what would he talk about? "Not the sex, so he starts talking about his business. It’s at this time she can lead him gently," he said. While those involved pushed the belief that it was a scientific experiment, Kinzer says it was far from one. “Operation Midnight Climax was not scientific at all,” he said. The writer says the men sitting behind the one-sided mirror "were not scientists, sex therapists or psychologists. They were sitting on a portable toilet, drinking cocktails out of a pitcher." The operation had little relevance for national security, Kinzer said. It soon devolved into a personal haunt for the CIA agency which indulged in sex and drugs at the San Francisco apartment. Even Gottleib is reported to have used prostitutes. Some CIA officers volunteered to be a part of the experiment, but only for the psychedelic drugs, Kinzer wrote.&nbsp;In 1963, a member of the CIA Inspector General’s staff learned about the shocking sexual and toxic experiments being carried out by Gottlieb. He was soon forbidden from drugging innocent people without their knowledge, and this way, the project ended, including MKUltra as a whole. The top secret program became public knowledge only in 1975. A Senate hearing later revealed that dozens of universities and institutions had participated in the depraved experiment, testing drugs on unsuspecting people. How many people were affected by the experiment remains unknown because it was a top-secret program, and because Gottlieb destroyed almost all documentation linked to MKUltra.&nbsp;

CIA started Operation Midnight Climax in 1954, having prostitutes lure men into a makeshift brothel and drugging them with LSD. They then talked them into revealing their secrets. It was part of an elaborate mind-control operation started to defeat the Soviet Union. 

The Cold War period saw the West and the Soviet Union trying to go against each other in almost everything. The two sides are said to have come up with secret programs and missions to gain control over the other. The CIA, the United States' intelligence agency, also has some of them under its belt, according to declassified documents released over the years. One of them was Operation Midnight Climax, which aimed to see how sex and drugs could get a target to reveal sensitive and secret information. Reports suggest that the operation ran from 1954 to 1963 and was a part of MKUltra, the agency's mind-control research program that was flagged as highly controversial. As the description suggests, its aim was to take control of the mind of a foreign adversary so that he would spill secrets of the enemy country. Popular Mechanics, reporting on the program, wrote that under Operation Midnight Climax, an apartment was turned into a brothel where men were lured, drugged with LSD, and their reactions to interrogating questions were filmed. Stephen Kinzer, author of Poisoner in Chief: Sidney Gottlieb and the CIA Search for Mind Control, says the reason the CIA started this was because the Soviet was believed to be making advances in psychological torture and brainwashing. Also Read: US sanctions 6 Indian companies over oil trade with Iran The US suspected minds of American soldiers were seized by the Soviet Union Kinzer says the CIA was shocked to see American soldiers returning from the Korean War confessing to war crimes and even talking about communist propaganda in a positive light. They were convinced that their "minds had been seized". So MKUltra was launched in 1953 with a similar aim. Nearly 100 projects fell under its umbrella, with most of them centred around drugs and other mind-altering chemicals. A chemist named Sidney Gottlieb helped the CIA gain access to LSD. Operation Midnight Climax, the most notorious of all of them, continues to shock the world even 62 years after it ended. Here's what went down in the brothel. Prostitutes were hired and given $100 for each man they lured into the brothel. They were given cocktails laced with LSD. Then the women threw around different types of questions at different intervals to learn at what stage the men were most likely to be at a point where their minds could be controlled. The experiment revealed that the man talked and revealed the most secrets when they were asked to stay longer, even after the sexual part of the transaction had ended. Also Read: Declassified CIA documents reveal plans to create an army of remote-controlled 'animal assassins' during Cold War Also Read: In Siberia, aliens turned 23 soldiers into stone, remains of spacecraft are at a secret research base near Moscow Prostitutes lured unsuspecting men, drugged them with LSD A CIA staffer once said, it was like a "boost to his ego" if "she wants him to stay for a few more hours." At this stage, what would he talk about? "Not the sex, so he starts talking about his business. It’s at this time she can lead him gently," he said. While those involved pushed the belief that it was a scientific experiment, Kinzer says it was far from one. “Operation Midnight Climax was not scientific at all,” he said. The writer says the men sitting behind the one-sided mirror "were not scientists, sex therapists or psychologists. They were sitting on a portable toilet, drinking cocktails out of a pitcher." The operation had little relevance for national security, Kinzer said. It soon devolved into a personal haunt for the CIA agency which indulged in sex and drugs at the San Francisco apartment. Even Gottleib is reported to have used prostitutes. Some CIA officers volunteered to be a part of the experiment, but only for the psychedelic drugs, Kinzer wrote. In 1963, a member of the CIA Inspector General’s staff learned about the shocking sexual and toxic experiments being carried out by Gottlieb. He was soon forbidden from drugging innocent people without their knowledge, and this way, the project ended, including MKUltra as a whole. The top secret program became public knowledge only in 1975. A Senate hearing later revealed that dozens of universities and institutions had participated in the depraved experiment, testing drugs on unsuspecting people. How many people were affected by the experiment remains unknown because it was a top-secret program, and because Gottlieb destroyed almost all documentation linked to MKUltra.

CIA started Operation Midnight Climax in 1954, having prostitutes lure men into a makeshift brothel and drugging them with LSD. They then talked them into revealing their secrets. It was part of an elaborate mind-control operation started to defeat the Soviet Union.&nbsp;

CIA wanted to control people's minds. So it had sex workers lure men into a fake brothel and drug them with LSD

United States President Donald Trump took a jab at former Vice President Kamala Harris after news broke about her upcoming memoir, 107 Days, which details her failed 2024 presidential campaign. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday (July 31)—where he also reinstated the Presidential Fitness Test for schoolchildren—Trump responded with sarcasm and criticism when asked about Harris’s book. The memoir, which chronicles the shortest presidential campaign in modern US history, prompted Trump to mock Harris’s abilities as a politician and speaker. His remarks came just hours after Harris publicly announced the book’s release date and shared a promotional video on social media.<h2>“I Would Love to Buy, No” — Trump Responds</h2>Speaking at a press conference held on Thursday—where he also reinstated the Presidential Fitness Test for schoolchildren—Trump didn’t hold back his criticism of Harris. “I would love to buy, no,” he remarked mockingly when the topic of her memoir came up. Continuing in the same tone, Trump questioned Harris’s capabilities, both as a speaker and a politician. “She can't speak. She can't talk. She can't do an interview. I wouldn't call her a skilled politician. Would you? She wasn't a skilled person,” he said. “You know, you have skilled politicians, and you have some that aren't. You know what happened? People said, 'What's wrong with her?' She didn't run a great campaign. I had to beat two. But, where are we? We're in the White House!" he added.<h2>Harris’s Memoir Offers a Behind-the-Scenes Look at Her Campaign</h2>Earlier that day, Kamala Harris announced the release of her memoir, titled 107 Days, which will be published by Simon &amp; Schuster and hit U.S. shelves on September 23. The book promises an inside account of her brief campaign. “Just over a year ago, I launched my campaign for president of the United States, 107 days -- traveling the country, fighting for our future -- the shortest presidential campaign in modern history,” Harris shared in a social media video.&nbsp;Harris stepped into the Democratic presidential race in 2024 after Joe Biden exited with just over 100 days left before the election. Her candidacy drew attention but ultimately ended in defeat. In her statement, Harris said she wrote the book with “candor and reflection” and aimed to provide a “behind-the-scenes account” of her experience on the campaign trail.<h2>No Plans for Governor, but 2028 Still Open</h2>On Wednesday, Harris announced she would not run for governor of California in 2026. However, speculation continues about her political future, with the possibility of a 2028 presidential bid still on the table. “Sometimes, the fight takes a while,” she said, hinting that her political journey might not be over. Harris is scheduled to appear on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert on Thursday night. The CBS show is set to end next year, marking her appearance as part of its final stretch of episodes.

Donald Trump mocked Kamala Harris’ upcoming memoir 107 Days, criticising her speaking skills and campaign performance. The book reflects on her short 2024 presidential run after Biden’s exit. 

United States President Donald Trump took a jab at former Vice President Kamala Harris after news broke about her upcoming memoir, 107 Days, which details her failed 2024 presidential campaign. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday (July 31)—where he also reinstated the Presidential Fitness Test for schoolchildren—Trump responded with sarcasm and criticism when asked about Harris’s book. The memoir, which chronicles the shortest presidential campaign in modern US history, prompted Trump to mock Harris’s abilities as a politician and speaker. His remarks came just hours after Harris publicly announced the book’s release date and shared a promotional video on social media. “I Would Love to Buy, No” — Trump Responds Speaking at a press conference held on Thursday—where he also reinstated the Presidential Fitness Test for schoolchildren—Trump didn’t hold back his criticism of Harris. “I would love to buy, no,” he remarked mockingly when the topic of her memoir came up. Continuing in the same tone, Trump questioned Harris’s capabilities, both as a speaker and a politician. “She can't speak. She can't talk. She can't do an interview. I wouldn't call her a skilled politician. Would you? She wasn't a skilled person,” he said. “You know, you have skilled politicians, and you have some that aren't. You know what happened? People said, 'What's wrong with her?' She didn't run a great campaign. I had to beat two. But, where are we? We're in the White House!" he added. Harris’s Memoir Offers a Behind-the-Scenes Look at Her Campaign Earlier that day, Kamala Harris announced the release of her memoir, titled 107 Days, which will be published by Simon & Schuster and hit U.S. shelves on September 23. The book promises an inside account of her brief campaign. “Just over a year ago, I launched my campaign for president of the United States, 107 days -- traveling the country, fighting for our future -- the shortest presidential campaign in modern history,” Harris shared in a social media video. Harris stepped into the Democratic presidential race in 2024 after Joe Biden exited with just over 100 days left before the election. Her candidacy drew attention but ultimately ended in defeat. In her statement, Harris said she wrote the book with “candor and reflection” and aimed to provide a “behind-the-scenes account” of her experience on the campaign trail. No Plans for Governor, but 2028 Still Open On Wednesday, Harris announced she would not run for governor of California in 2026. However, speculation continues about her political future, with the possibility of a 2028 presidential bid still on the table. “Sometimes, the fight takes a while,” she said, hinting that her political journey might not be over. Harris is scheduled to appear on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert on Thursday night. The CBS show is set to end next year, marking her appearance as part of its final stretch of episodes.

Donald Trump mocked Kamala Harris’ upcoming memoir 107 Days, criticising her speaking skills and campaign performance. The book reflects on her short 2024 presidential run after Biden’s exit.&nbsp;

'What's wrong with her': Trump slams Kamala Harris after she hints at running 2028 presidential election

India’s ongoing purchase of discounted Russian oil is causing growing tension in its relationship with the United States, according to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Speaking to Fox Radio on Thursday, Rubio said India’s actions were “most certainly a point of irritation” for Washington. “Look, global trade – India is an ally. It’s a strategic partner. Like anything in foreign policy, you’re not going to align 100% of the time on everything,” Rubio said.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-slams-russia-s-war-in-ukraine-says-sanctions-are-coming-but-doubts-they-ll-affect-putin-1754002826994">'I think it’s disgusting': Trump slams Russia’s war in Ukraine, says sanctions are coming but doubts they’ll affect Putin</a>He recognised India’s huge energy needs, adding, “India has huge energy needs and that includes the ability to buy oil and coal and gas and things that it needs to power its economy like every country does, and it buys it from Russia, because Russian oil is sanctioned and cheap and, meaning they have to, in many cases, they’re selling it under the global price because of the sanctions.” Rubio admitted that while the oil trade is a major sticking point, the two countries still share “many other points of cooperation”."And that, unfortunately, is helping to sustain the Russian war effort. So it is most certainly a point of irritation in our relationship with India – not the only point of irritation. We also have many other points of cooperation with them. But I think what you’re seeing the President express is the very clear frustration that with so many other oil vendors available, India continues to buy so much from Russia, which in essence is helping to fund the&nbsp;war&nbsp;effort," Rubio added.<h2>Trump warns of steep tariffs, criticises India-Russia ties</h2>President Donald Trump added to the pressure on Wednesday by announcing a 25% tariff on Indian imports, set to take effect on Friday. He said the United States was still in talks with New Delhi, but hinted that negotiations were hanging by a thread. “They have one of the highest tariffs in the world now, they’re willing to cut it very substantially,” Trump told reporters. “We’re talking to India now, we’ll see what happens… You’ll know by the end of this week,” he added.<h2>‘They can take their dead economies down together’</h2>Trump also criticised India’s continued trade with Russia and its participation in the BRICS alliance. In a post on Truth Social, he said,“I don’t care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care. We have done very little business with India, their tariffs are too high, among the highest in the world. Likewise, Russia and the USA do almost no business together.” Trump also accused India of maintaining “obnoxious non-monetary trade barriers”, which he claimed were part of the reason for the penalty.<h2>BRICS ‘hostile’ to the US, says Trump</h2>When asked to clarify the reason for the penalty, Trump said it was linked not only to trade issues but also India’s deeper involvement with the BRICS bloc of nations. He described BRICS as “hostile to the US”. If imposed, the 25% tariff would single out India more harshly than other major US trading partners. It also risks undoing months of trade discussions and could strain the strategic partnership between Washington and New Delhi, a relationship often seen as critical to countering China’s growing influence.

India’s continued purchase of discounted Russian oil is straining US relations, says Secretary of State Marco Rubio, calling it a “point of irritation” despite ongoing strategic cooperation and shared interests.

India’s ongoing purchase of discounted Russian oil is causing growing tension in its relationship with the United States, according to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Speaking to Fox Radio on Thursday, Rubio said India’s actions were “most certainly a point of irritation” for Washington. “Look, global trade – India is an ally. It’s a strategic partner. Like anything in foreign policy, you’re not going to align 100% of the time on everything,” Rubio said. Also read: 'I think it’s disgusting': Trump slams Russia’s war in Ukraine, says sanctions are coming but doubts they’ll affect Putin He recognised India’s huge energy needs, adding, “India has huge energy needs and that includes the ability to buy oil and coal and gas and things that it needs to power its economy like every country does, and it buys it from Russia, because Russian oil is sanctioned and cheap and, meaning they have to, in many cases, they’re selling it under the global price because of the sanctions.” Rubio admitted that while the oil trade is a major sticking point, the two countries still share “many other points of cooperation”. "And that, unfortunately, is helping to sustain the Russian war effort. So it is most certainly a point of irritation in our relationship with India – not the only point of irritation. We also have many other points of cooperation with them. But I think what you’re seeing the President express is the very clear frustration that with so many other oil vendors available, India continues to buy so much from Russia, which in essence is helping to fund the war effort," Rubio added. Trump warns of steep tariffs, criticises India-Russia ties President Donald Trump added to the pressure on Wednesday by announcing a 25% tariff on Indian imports, set to take effect on Friday. He said the United States was still in talks with New Delhi, but hinted that negotiations were hanging by a thread. “They have one of the highest tariffs in the world now, they’re willing to cut it very substantially,” Trump told reporters. “We’re talking to India now, we’ll see what happens… You’ll know by the end of this week,” he added. ‘They can take their dead economies down together’ Trump also criticised India’s continued trade with Russia and its participation in the BRICS alliance. In a post on Truth Social, he said, “I don’t care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care. We have done very little business with India, their tariffs are too high, among the highest in the world. Likewise, Russia and the USA do almost no business together.” Trump also accused India of maintaining “obnoxious non-monetary trade barriers”, which he claimed were part of the reason for the penalty. BRICS ‘hostile’ to the US, says Trump When asked to clarify the reason for the penalty, Trump said it was linked not only to trade issues but also India’s deeper involvement with the BRICS bloc of nations. He described BRICS as “hostile to the US”. If imposed, the 25% tariff would single out India more harshly than other major US trading partners. It also risks undoing months of trade discussions and could strain the strategic partnership between Washington and New Delhi, a relationship often seen as critical to countering China’s growing influence.

India’s continued purchase of discounted Russian oil is straining US relations, says Secretary of State Marco Rubio, calling it a “point of irritation” despite ongoing strategic cooperation and shared interests.

'Point of irritation': US accuses India of helping fund 'Russian war effort'

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (July 31) strongly criticised Russia’s actions in Ukraine, calling them “disgusting” and hinting that more sanctions against Moscow are on the way. “Russia, I think it’s disgusting what they’re doing. I think it’s disgusting,” Trump told reporters on Thursday. “We’re going to put sanctions. I don’t know that sanctions bother him,” he added, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin.Trump made the remarks during an event at the White House where he signed an executive order to bring back the Presidential fitness test for school children. He also mentioned that special envoy Steve Witkoff would head to Russia after his current visit to Israel.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-didn-t-like-that-but-not-a-deal-breaker-trump-criticises-canada-s-plan-to-recognise-palestinian-state-but-says-it-won-t-derail-trade-talks-1754000744188">‘Didn’t like that, but not a deal-breaker’: Trump criticises Canada’s plan to recognise Palestinian state, but says it won’t derail trade talks</a><h2>Zelensky urges allies to push for regime change in Russia</h2>Meanwhile, in a related development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking at a conference marking 50 years of the Helsinki Final Act, urged Western leaders to aim for regime change in Russia. “I believe Russia can be pushed to stop this war. It started it, and it can be made to end it. But if the world doesn’t aim to change the regime in Russia, that means even after the war ends, Moscow will still try to destabilise neighbouring countries,” Zelensky said during his virtual address.His comments followed another large-scale missile attack on Kyiv by Russian forces. He also called on allies to increase economic pressure on Moscow, criticising President Putin for continuing to reject a ceasefire. “We need to fully block Russia’s war machine… put every frozen Russian asset, including the stolen wealth of corruption, to work defending against Russian aggression. It’s time to confiscate Russian assets, not just freeze them,” Zelensky added.<h2>Trump wants Ukraine war deal by August 8, warns of new tariffs</h2>According to senior US diplomat John Kelley, President Trump wants to reach a deal to end the war in Ukraine by 8 August. Speaking at the UN Security Council, Kelley said the administration is losing patience with Russia’s refusal to stand down. Trump had earlier warned that tariffs on Russia would take effect within 10 days unless Moscow halted its full-scale invasion. The proposed measures include sweeping secondary sanctions that would hit countries still trading with Russia, including China and India, by targeting oil, gas and other key exports.<h2>Peace talks stalling as Russia steps up attacks</h2>Despite growing international pressure, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said peace talks with Moscow remain at a standstill. “No progress” has been made, he said on 31 July, as Russia continues to ramp up attacks on Ukrainian cities. Meanwhile, the European Union is increasingly alarmed by Russian sabotage operations across the continent. Officials fear that the Kremlin could be preparing to destabilise other European countries, even if the war in Ukraine eventually winds down.

Trump condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine as “disgusting” and signalled upcoming sanctions. Speaking at a White House event, he also announced envoy Steve Witkoff would visit Russia after his Israel trip.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (July 31) strongly criticised Russia’s actions in Ukraine, calling them “disgusting” and hinting that more sanctions against Moscow are on the way. “Russia, I think it’s disgusting what they’re doing. I think it’s disgusting,” Trump told reporters on Thursday. “We’re going to put sanctions. I don’t know that sanctions bother him,” he added, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump made the remarks during an event at the White House where he signed an executive order to bring back the Presidential fitness test for school children. He also mentioned that special envoy Steve Witkoff would head to Russia after his current visit to Israel. Also read: ‘Didn’t like that, but not a deal-breaker’: Trump criticises Canada’s plan to recognise Palestinian state, but says it won’t derail trade talks Zelensky urges allies to push for regime change in Russia Meanwhile, in a related development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking at a conference marking 50 years of the Helsinki Final Act, urged Western leaders to aim for regime change in Russia. “I believe Russia can be pushed to stop this war. It started it, and it can be made to end it. But if the world doesn’t aim to change the regime in Russia, that means even after the war ends, Moscow will still try to destabilise neighbouring countries,” Zelensky said during his virtual address. His comments followed another large-scale missile attack on Kyiv by Russian forces. He also called on allies to increase economic pressure on Moscow, criticising President Putin for continuing to reject a ceasefire. “We need to fully block Russia’s war machine… put every frozen Russian asset, including the stolen wealth of corruption, to work defending against Russian aggression. It’s time to confiscate Russian assets, not just freeze them,” Zelensky added. Trump wants Ukraine war deal by August 8, warns of new tariffs According to senior US diplomat John Kelley, President Trump wants to reach a deal to end the war in Ukraine by 8 August. Speaking at the UN Security Council, Kelley said the administration is losing patience with Russia’s refusal to stand down. Trump had earlier warned that tariffs on Russia would take effect within 10 days unless Moscow halted its full-scale invasion. The proposed measures include sweeping secondary sanctions that would hit countries still trading with Russia, including China and India, by targeting oil, gas and other key exports. Peace talks stalling as Russia steps up attacks Despite growing international pressure, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said peace talks with Moscow remain at a standstill. “No progress” has been made, he said on 31 July, as Russia continues to ramp up attacks on Ukrainian cities. Meanwhile, the European Union is increasingly alarmed by Russian sabotage operations across the continent. Officials fear that the Kremlin could be preparing to destabilise other European countries, even if the war in Ukraine eventually winds down.

Trump condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine as “disgusting” and signalled upcoming sanctions. Speaking at a White House event, he also announced envoy Steve Witkoff would visit Russia after his Israel trip.

'I think it’s disgusting': Trump slams Russia’s war in Ukraine, says sanctions are coming but doubts they’ll affect Putin

US President Donald Trump has said that Canada’s intention to recognise a Palestinian state is not a “deal-breaker” for a potential trade deal between the two countries, despite expressing clear disapproval of the move. “You know, I didn’t like what they said. But you know, that’s, that’s their opinion. I didn’t like that; not a deal-breaker,” Trump said in response to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s announcement.Carney said on Wednesday that Canada would move to recognise Palestinian statehood in September, citing the “intolerable” level of human suffering in Gaza. However, the decision would depend on Hamas being excluded from the Palestinian Authority’s 2026 elections and a full demilitarisation of the future Palestinian state.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-human-suffering-in-gaza-is-intolerable-after-france-and-uk-canada-to-recognise-palestine-state-says-pm-carney-1753911682887">'Human suffering in Gaza is intolerable': After France and UK, Canada to recognise Palestine state, says PM Carney</a><h2>Canada, UK and France plan symbolic recognition of Palestine</h2>Canada joins France and the United Kingdom in planning to back Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly in September. Though largely symbolic, these moves are seen as part of growing diplomatic pressure on Israel amid worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza. All three countries stressed that Hamas must be excluded from any future Palestinian leadership and that a ceasefire and disarmament are necessary steps.<h2>Trump lashes out but doubles down on Israel support</h2>Despite showing concern about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Trump continues to stand firmly with Israel. On Monday, he acknowledged that there is “real starvation” in the territory but maintains that recognising a Palestinian state at this time would only reward Hamas, the group behind the October 2023 attacks on Israel.“Wow! Canada has just announced that it is backing statehood for Palestine. That will make it very hard for us to make a Trade Deal with them. Oh’ Canada!!!” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Wednesday night. A 35% tariff on Canadian goods is set to come into effect tomorrow, although it is unclear whether this will be enforced or used as leverage in negotiations.<h2>White House: Allies are ‘rewarding Hamas’</h2>The Trump administration has taken a harder stance on the decisions by Canada, France, and the UK, accusing them of undermining efforts to end the war. “The president expressed his displeasure and his disagreement with the leaders of France, the United Kingdom and Canada,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Thursday.“He feels as though that’s rewarding Hamas at a time where Hamas is the true impediment to a ceasefire and to the release of all of the hostages,” she added. Western leaders backing Palestinian statehood have said they are doing so in response to the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Gaza and that Hamas must not be allowed to participate in any future government.<h2>Trump’s long-running jabs at Canada</h2>Since returning to office, Trump has frequently mocked Canada, often referring to it as the “51st state.” He has also called former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau “Governor Trudeau” and threatened to annex the country during past disputes. Despite his latest criticism, Trump appears reluctant to let Canada’s decision block a trade deal outright, though tensions between the two countries remain high.&nbsp;

Trump disagrees with Canada’s plan to recognise Palestinian statehood but says it won’t affect a potential trade deal. Canada’s recognition depends on Hamas' exclusion and full demilitarisation of a future state.

US President Donald Trump has said that Canada’s intention to recognise a Palestinian state is not a “deal-breaker” for a potential trade deal between the two countries, despite expressing clear disapproval of the move. “You know, I didn’t like what they said. But you know, that’s, that’s their opinion. I didn’t like that; not a deal-breaker,” Trump said in response to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s announcement. Carney said on Wednesday that Canada would move to recognise Palestinian statehood in September, citing the “intolerable” level of human suffering in Gaza. However, the decision would depend on Hamas being excluded from the Palestinian Authority’s 2026 elections and a full demilitarisation of the future Palestinian state. Also read: 'Human suffering in Gaza is intolerable': After France and UK, Canada to recognise Palestine state, says PM Carney Canada, UK and France plan symbolic recognition of Palestine Canada joins France and the United Kingdom in planning to back Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly in September. Though largely symbolic, these moves are seen as part of growing diplomatic pressure on Israel amid worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza. All three countries stressed that Hamas must be excluded from any future Palestinian leadership and that a ceasefire and disarmament are necessary steps. Trump lashes out but doubles down on Israel support Despite showing concern about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Trump continues to stand firmly with Israel. On Monday, he acknowledged that there is “real starvation” in the territory but maintains that recognising a Palestinian state at this time would only reward Hamas, the group behind the October 2023 attacks on Israel. “Wow! Canada has just announced that it is backing statehood for Palestine. That will make it very hard for us to make a Trade Deal with them. Oh’ Canada!!!” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Wednesday night. A 35% tariff on Canadian goods is set to come into effect tomorrow, although it is unclear whether this will be enforced or used as leverage in negotiations. White House: Allies are ‘rewarding Hamas’ The Trump administration has taken a harder stance on the decisions by Canada, France, and the UK, accusing them of undermining efforts to end the war. “The president expressed his displeasure and his disagreement with the leaders of France, the United Kingdom and Canada,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Thursday. “He feels as though that’s rewarding Hamas at a time where Hamas is the true impediment to a ceasefire and to the release of all of the hostages,” she added. Western leaders backing Palestinian statehood have said they are doing so in response to the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Gaza and that Hamas must not be allowed to participate in any future government. Trump’s long-running jabs at Canada Since returning to office, Trump has frequently mocked Canada, often referring to it as the “51st state.” He has also called former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau “Governor Trudeau” and threatened to annex the country during past disputes. Despite his latest criticism, Trump appears reluctant to let Canada’s decision block a trade deal outright, though tensions between the two countries remain high.

Trump disagrees with Canada’s plan to recognise Palestinian statehood but says it won’t affect a potential trade deal. Canada’s recognition depends on Hamas' exclusion and full demilitarisation of a future state.

‘Didn’t like that, but not a deal-breaker’: Trump criticises Canada’s plan to recognise Palestinian state, but says it won’t derail trade talks

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee will travel to Gaza on Friday to inspect food distribution centres before the rollout of a new American aid plan, the White House announced on Thursday (July 31). The trip comes amid growing concern over hunger and limited access to humanitarian support in Gaza, and follows a series of meetings between US and Israeli officials on how best to deliver assistance.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-disagreeing-in-a-very-real-way-trump-suspects-netanyahu-is-dragging-gaza-war-for-political-gain-1753995119999">'Disagreeing in a very real way': Trump suspects Netanyahu is dragging Gaza war for political gain</a><h2>What does the US visit aim to achieve?</h2>“Special envoy Witkoff and Ambassador Huckabee will be travelling into Gaza to inspect the current distribution sites and secure a plan to deliver more food and meet with local Gazans to hear firsthand about this dire situation on the ground,” said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. “The special envoy and the ambassador will brief the president immediately after their visit to approve a final plan for food and aid distribution into the region,” she said. She added, “President Trump is a humanitarian with a big heart, and that’s why he sent special envoy Witkoff to the region in an effort to save lives and end this crisis.”<h2>US officials meet Netanyahu ahead of Gaza trip</h2>Witkoff and Huckabee earlier held a “very productive” meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior Israeli officials to discuss the situation, according to Leavitt. The two American envoys are expected to inspect existing food sites and speak directly with Palestinians affected by the crisis. Their report will help finalise the US strategy, which US President Donald Trump is expected to approve shortly after.<h2>Trump proposes new food centres without fences</h2>On Monday, Trump announced that the US would help establish new food centres in Gaza. While details remain limited, he said these sites would not be fenced, ensuring Palestinians can access aid freely. By Tuesday, Trump added that Israel would be in charge of managing the distribution sites. However, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have reportedly been reluctant to take on the task, citing concerns over troop safety.<h2>Gaza Humanitarian Foundation under scrutiny</h2>It remains unclear if the new US plan will involve the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a group already contracted by Israel to distribute food. For the past two months, GHF has been central to aid operations, with the Trump administration approving a $30 million donation to the group. However, the GHF’s centres are located mainly in southern and central Gaza, forcing many Palestinians to travel long and dangerous routes to access basic supplies. Aid groups and the United Nations have raised concerns about Israel’s heavy reliance on GHF.<h2>Trump: Starvation in Gaza must end, but Israel must act too</h2>Trump has recently acknowledged that starvation in Gaza is real and has promised to increase US assistance. Still, he insists that other Western nations and Israel must also step up. While the humanitarian push continues, Trump has not ruled out military escalation. He suggested this week that Israel might need to intensify its operations to pressure Hamas into agreeing to a hostage deal.

US Envoy Steve Witkoff and Ambassador Huckabee will visit Gaza to assess food distribution, meet locals, and finalise an aid plan amid worsening hunger, aiming to improve humanitarian support efforts.

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee will travel to Gaza on Friday to inspect food distribution centres before the rollout of a new American aid plan, the White House announced on Thursday (July 31). The trip comes amid growing concern over hunger and limited access to humanitarian support in Gaza, and follows a series of meetings between US and Israeli officials on how best to deliver assistance. Also read: 'Disagreeing in a very real way': Trump suspects Netanyahu is dragging Gaza war for political gain What does the US visit aim to achieve? “Special envoy Witkoff and Ambassador Huckabee will be travelling into Gaza to inspect the current distribution sites and secure a plan to deliver more food and meet with local Gazans to hear firsthand about this dire situation on the ground,” said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. “The special envoy and the ambassador will brief the president immediately after their visit to approve a final plan for food and aid distribution into the region,” she said. She added, “President Trump is a humanitarian with a big heart, and that’s why he sent special envoy Witkoff to the region in an effort to save lives and end this crisis.” US officials meet Netanyahu ahead of Gaza trip Witkoff and Huckabee earlier held a “very productive” meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior Israeli officials to discuss the situation, according to Leavitt. The two American envoys are expected to inspect existing food sites and speak directly with Palestinians affected by the crisis. Their report will help finalise the US strategy, which US President Donald Trump is expected to approve shortly after. Trump proposes new food centres without fences On Monday, Trump announced that the US would help establish new food centres in Gaza. While details remain limited, he said these sites would not be fenced, ensuring Palestinians can access aid freely. By Tuesday, Trump added that Israel would be in charge of managing the distribution sites. However, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have reportedly been reluctant to take on the task, citing concerns over troop safety. Gaza Humanitarian Foundation under scrutiny It remains unclear if the new US plan will involve the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a group already contracted by Israel to distribute food. For the past two months, GHF has been central to aid operations, with the Trump administration approving a $30 million donation to the group. However, the GHF’s centres are located mainly in southern and central Gaza, forcing many Palestinians to travel long and dangerous routes to access basic supplies. Aid groups and the United Nations have raised concerns about Israel’s heavy reliance on GHF. Trump: Starvation in Gaza must end, but Israel must act too Trump has recently acknowledged that starvation in Gaza is real and has promised to increase US assistance. Still, he insists that other Western nations and Israel must also step up. While the humanitarian push continues, Trump has not ruled out military escalation. He suggested this week that Israel might need to intensify its operations to pressure Hamas into agreeing to a hostage deal.

US Envoy Steve Witkoff and Ambassador Huckabee will visit Gaza to assess food distribution, meet locals, and finalise an aid plan amid worsening hunger, aiming to improve humanitarian support efforts.

'Trump is humanitarian with big heart': US President to approve new Gaza aid plan after Witkoff and Huckabee visit Strip

US President Donald Trump believes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may be prolonging the war in Gaza for political reasons, according to a report by The Atlantic, which cites two unnamed US administration officials.<h2>Trump unhappy with Netanyahu’s war stance</h2>The report says Trump thinks Netanyahu’s approach is standing in the way of reaching a ceasefire and is harming US efforts to stabilise the region and boost economic partnerships. Despite these concerns, Trump is unlikely to take strong action against the Israeli leader. A White House official told The Atlantic that there is “no significant rupture” in the relationship, saying, “Allies can sometimes disagree, even in a very real way.”Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-american-families-deserve-immediate-relief-us-drug-prices-too-high-trump-threatens-crackdown-on-17-major-pharmaceutical-giants-1753991994088">'American families deserve immediate relief': US drug prices too high? Trump threatens crackdown on 17 major pharmaceutical giants</a><h2>Frustration over Gaza aid and hunger crisis</h2>The US President is reportedly frustrated by reports of a hunger crisis in Gaza, which is affecting his push for a peace deal. To assess the situation independently, US envoy Steve Witkoff is currently visiting Israel. According to the officials, part of Witkoff’s trip is to get a clear picture of how Israel is handling humanitarian aid deliveries to the region.<h2>Trump still blames Hamas for failed truce talks</h2>Even with growing concerns about Netanyahu’s intentions, Trump still mainly blames Hamas for the collapse of truce negotiations, the officials told the publication.<h2>US officials to enter Gaza on Friday</h2>White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that Witkoff and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee will enter Gaza on Friday. The visit will focus on inspecting food distribution centres and speaking directly with Palestinians to understand the real situation on the ground. Leavitt described their earlier meeting with Netanyahu and senior Israeli officials as “very productive”, focused on speeding up aid delivery.<h2>Trump set to approve final Gaza aid plan</h2>Following their tour, Witkoff and Huckabee will return to brief Trump and secure his approval on a final aid distribution plan. The White House says more details will be shared after the President signs off. Trump has already announced the creation of new food centres in Gaza, promising no fences or barriers to ensure Palestinians can access&nbsp;aid&nbsp;freely.

Trump suspects Netanyahu is prolonging the Gaza war for political gain, hindering ceasefire efforts and regional stability, but no major fallout is expected between the US and Israel, officials say.

US President Donald Trump believes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may be prolonging the war in Gaza for political reasons, according to a report by The Atlantic, which cites two unnamed US administration officials. Trump unhappy with Netanyahu’s war stance The report says Trump thinks Netanyahu’s approach is standing in the way of reaching a ceasefire and is harming US efforts to stabilise the region and boost economic partnerships. Despite these concerns, Trump is unlikely to take strong action against the Israeli leader. A White House official told The Atlantic that there is “no significant rupture” in the relationship, saying, “Allies can sometimes disagree, even in a very real way.” Also read: 'American families deserve immediate relief': US drug prices too high? Trump threatens crackdown on 17 major pharmaceutical giants Frustration over Gaza aid and hunger crisis The US President is reportedly frustrated by reports of a hunger crisis in Gaza, which is affecting his push for a peace deal. To assess the situation independently, US envoy Steve Witkoff is currently visiting Israel. According to the officials, part of Witkoff’s trip is to get a clear picture of how Israel is handling humanitarian aid deliveries to the region. Trump still blames Hamas for failed truce talks Even with growing concerns about Netanyahu’s intentions, Trump still mainly blames Hamas for the collapse of truce negotiations, the officials told the publication. US officials to enter Gaza on Friday White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that Witkoff and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee will enter Gaza on Friday. The visit will focus on inspecting food distribution centres and speaking directly with Palestinians to understand the real situation on the ground. Leavitt described their earlier meeting with Netanyahu and senior Israeli officials as “very productive”, focused on speeding up aid delivery. Trump set to approve final Gaza aid plan Following their tour, Witkoff and Huckabee will return to brief Trump and secure his approval on a final aid distribution plan. The White House says more details will be shared after the President signs off. Trump has already announced the creation of new food centres in Gaza, promising no fences or barriers to ensure Palestinians can access aid freely.

Trump suspects Netanyahu is prolonging the Gaza war for political gain, hindering ceasefire efforts and regional stability, but no major fallout is expected between the US and Israel, officials say.

'Disagreeing in a very real way': Trump suspects Netanyahu is dragging Gaza war for political gain

US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to top pharmaceutical companies, demanding they lower drug prices in the United States within 60 days.<h2>Trump’s letters to 17 major drug companies</h2>In a series of letters shared on Truth Social on Thursday, Trump revealed he had contacted 17 major drugmakers, including Pfizer, GSK, Eli Lilly, Regeneron, Merck, and Novo Nordisk. The letters came with a clear message. Trump said if the companies fail to act, he would “deploy every tool in our arsenal to protect American families from continued abusive drug pricing practices.”Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-partially-brics-partially-trade-trump-reveals-two-reasons-why-he-slapped-25-tariff-on-india-then-calls-modi-a-friend-1753918294396">‘Partially BRICS, partially trade’: Trump reveals TWO reasons why he slapped 25% tariff on India, then calls Modi a ‘friend’</a><h2>Tying US prices to cheaper international rates</h2>Trump’s message follows his May executive order reviving a controversial plan called the “most favoured nation” policy. Under this plan, the prices of certain prescription medicines in the US would be tied to much lower prices in other developed countries. According to public policy think tank Rand Corp, US drug prices are two to three times higher on average than in other developed nations, and in some cases, up to ten times higher.<h2>Trump accuses drugmakers of ‘shifting blame’</h2>In the letters, Trump criticised the pharmaceutical industry for failing to take responsibility. He said drugmakers had offered proposals to tackle high prices but claimed those “promised more of the same: shifting blame and requesting policy changes that would result in billions of dollars in handouts to the industry.”<h2>What does Trump want now?</h2>Trump made it clear that from now on, he would only consider commitments that deliver immediate relief to American families. He wrote, “American families deserve immediate relief from the vastly inflated drug prices and an end to the free ride of American innovation by European and other developed nations.” Trump added that a joint effort between the government, the pharmaceutical industry, and patients would be the “most effective path” forward.<h2>Pharma industry yet to respond</h2>The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), the industry’s largest lobbying group, has not yet responded to Trump’s letters. Meanwhile, drugmakers are also preparing for the impact of potential new tariffs on pharmaceutical imports into the US, another part of Trump’s wider effort to pressure&nbsp;the&nbsp;industry.

Trump warned 17 major drugmakers, including Pfizer and Merck, to lower US drug prices within 60 days or face strong action, vowing to protect Americans from abusive pricing practices.

US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to top pharmaceutical companies, demanding they lower drug prices in the United States within 60 days. Trump’s letters to 17 major drug companies In a series of letters shared on Truth Social on Thursday, Trump revealed he had contacted 17 major drugmakers, including Pfizer, GSK, Eli Lilly, Regeneron, Merck, and Novo Nordisk. The letters came with a clear message. Trump said if the companies fail to act, he would “deploy every tool in our arsenal to protect American families from continued abusive drug pricing practices.” Also read: ‘Partially BRICS, partially trade’: Trump reveals TWO reasons why he slapped 25% tariff on India, then calls Modi a ‘friend’ Tying US prices to cheaper international rates Trump’s message follows his May executive order reviving a controversial plan called the “most favoured nation” policy. Under this plan, the prices of certain prescription medicines in the US would be tied to much lower prices in other developed countries. According to public policy think tank Rand Corp, US drug prices are two to three times higher on average than in other developed nations, and in some cases, up to ten times higher. Trump accuses drugmakers of ‘shifting blame’ In the letters, Trump criticised the pharmaceutical industry for failing to take responsibility. He said drugmakers had offered proposals to tackle high prices but claimed those “promised more of the same: shifting blame and requesting policy changes that would result in billions of dollars in handouts to the industry.” What does Trump want now? Trump made it clear that from now on, he would only consider commitments that deliver immediate relief to American families. He wrote, “American families deserve immediate relief from the vastly inflated drug prices and an end to the free ride of American innovation by European and other developed nations.” Trump added that a joint effort between the government, the pharmaceutical industry, and patients would be the “most effective path” forward. Pharma industry yet to respond The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), the industry’s largest lobbying group, has not yet responded to Trump’s letters. Meanwhile, drugmakers are also preparing for the impact of potential new tariffs on pharmaceutical imports into the US, another part of Trump’s wider effort to pressure the industry.

Trump warned 17 major drugmakers, including Pfizer and Merck, to lower US drug prices within 60 days or face strong action, vowing to protect Americans from abusive pricing practices.

'American families deserve immediate relief': US drug prices too high? Trump threatens crackdown on 17 major pharmaceutical giants

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he would postpone a planned tariff hike on Mexican products and instead keep duties at existing levels for 90 days. He made the decision after speaking with Claudia Sheinbaum, his Mexican counterpart.&nbsp;"We have agreed to extend, for a 90-day period, the same Deal as we had for the last short period," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. The country currently faces a 25 percent US tariff on goods for not entering under a North American trade pact.&nbsp;Sheinbaum said that Mexico will seek a long-term deal with the United States to avoid tariffs.&nbsp;"We avoided the tariff increase... and secured 90 days to build a long-term agreement through dialogue," Sheinbaum said after speaking with Trump.&nbsp;What did Donald Trump say? Donald Trump said he was getting to know the Mexican President.&nbsp;&nbsp;"I have just concluded a telephone conversation with the President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, which was very successful in that, more and more, we are getting to know and understand each other. The complexities of a Deal with Mexico are somewhat different than other Nations because of both the problems and assets of the Border," he wrote on Truth Social.&nbsp;"We have agreed to extend, for a 90-day period, the exact same Deal as we had for the last short period of time, namely, that Mexico will continue to pay a 25% Fentanyl Tariff, 25% Tariff on Cars, and 50% Tariff on Steel, Aluminum, and Copper. Additionally, Mexico has agreed to immediately terminate its Non Tariff Trade Barriers, of which there were many. We will be talking to Mexico over the next 90 Days with the goal of signing a Trade Deal somewhere within the 90 Day period of time, or longer," he added.&nbsp;Donald Trump on Wednesday announced tariffs against India for buying Russian oil and weapons. Apart from tariffs, he also announced additional penalties on New Delhi over the trade deficit with the United States.

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he would postpone a planned tariff hike on Mexican products and instead keep duties at existing levels for 90 days. He made the decision after speaking with Claudia Sheinbaum, his Mexican counterpart.

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he would postpone a planned tariff hike on Mexican products and instead keep duties at existing levels for 90 days. He made the decision after speaking with Claudia Sheinbaum, his Mexican counterpart. "We have agreed to extend, for a 90-day period, the same Deal as we had for the last short period," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. The country currently faces a 25 percent US tariff on goods for not entering under a North American trade pact. Sheinbaum said that Mexico will seek a long-term deal with the United States to avoid tariffs. "We avoided the tariff increase... and secured 90 days to build a long-term agreement through dialogue," Sheinbaum said after speaking with Trump. What did Donald Trump say? Donald Trump said he was getting to know the Mexican President. "I have just concluded a telephone conversation with the President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, which was very successful in that, more and more, we are getting to know and understand each other. The complexities of a Deal with Mexico are somewhat different than other Nations because of both the problems and assets of the Border," he wrote on Truth Social. "We have agreed to extend, for a 90-day period, the exact same Deal as we had for the last short period of time, namely, that Mexico will continue to pay a 25% Fentanyl Tariff, 25% Tariff on Cars, and 50% Tariff on Steel, Aluminum, and Copper. Additionally, Mexico has agreed to immediately terminate its Non Tariff Trade Barriers, of which there were many. We will be talking to Mexico over the next 90 Days with the goal of signing a Trade Deal somewhere within the 90 Day period of time, or longer," he added. Donald Trump on Wednesday announced tariffs against India for buying Russian oil and weapons. Apart from tariffs, he also announced additional penalties on New Delhi over the trade deficit with the United States.

Sheinbaum said that Mexico will seek a long-term deal with the United States to avoid tariffs.

'Getting to know each other': Donald Trump postpones planned tariff after talks with Mexican President

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz claimed that the IDF targeted a precision missile manufacturing facility of the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon. The facility was located in the eastern Beqaa Valley. The site was the largest weapons production plant of the militant group. It was targeted several times by the IDF earlier as well, including since the November ceasefire. Katz further said that several other sites where Hezbollah was working to restore its capabilities were also targeted.&nbsp;“Any attempt by the terrorist organisation to restore, reestablish itself, or pose a threat will be met with uncompromising force,” &nbsp;the minister said.&nbsp;The attacks come as there is unprecedented pressure on Hezbollah Chief Naim Qassem to give up Hezbollah's arms and status as Lebanon's largest military force, even greater than the Lebanese army.&nbsp;Qassem has resisted disarming the militant group even though Hezbollah is weaker than it has been in decades as a result of the war with Israel and ongoing periodic strikes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz claimed that the IDF targeted a precision missile manufacturing facility of the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon. The facility was located in the eastern Beqaa Valley.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz claimed that the IDF targeted a precision missile manufacturing facility of the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon. The facility was located in the eastern Beqaa Valley. The site was the largest weapons production plant of the militant group. It was targeted several times by the IDF earlier as well, including since the November ceasefire. Katz further said that several other sites where Hezbollah was working to restore its capabilities were also targeted. “Any attempt by the terrorist organisation to restore, reestablish itself, or pose a threat will be met with uncompromising force,” the minister said. The attacks come as there is unprecedented pressure on Hezbollah Chief Naim Qassem to give up Hezbollah's arms and status as Lebanon's largest military force, even greater than the Lebanese army. Qassem has resisted disarming the militant group even though Hezbollah is weaker than it has been in decades as a result of the war with Israel and ongoing periodic strikes.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz claimed that the IDF targeted a precision missile manufacturing facility of the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon. The facility was located in the eastern Beqaa Valley.

IDF trikes Hezbollah's largest missile production plant in Lebanon: Israel Katz

A new study by Microsoft has recently identified 40 jobs that are most likely to be affected by the artificial intelligence (AI). The research is based on the Unites States (US) job market but has the global implications. It shows how AI tools like ChatGPT can be used in jobs and can change many professions. Microsoft’s team used something called an “AI applicability score” to see how easily AI could be used in different roles. While the company admits that the AI won’t fully replace humans but it will definitely change how people work. Kiran Tomlinson, a Microsoft researcher, said that the goal was to understand how AI can help in different roles.&nbsp;"Our research shows that AI supports many tasks, particularly those involving research, writing, and communication,” he explained.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jobs involving writing, editing, customer service and data analysis are among the most affected fields by the AI. These fields includes roles like writers, editors, translators, public relations workers and journalists. Microsoft itself has reportedly let go of thousands of employees earlier this year due to the growing(partially) use of AI.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="Are humans still better than AI at coding? Human coder beats AI in epic 10-hour showdown">Are humans still better than AI at coding? Human coder beats AI in epic 10-hour showdown</a>&nbsp;On the other hand, there are jobs that are least affected by AI and are that jobs which requires physical and a human presence. These jobs includes plumbers, roofers, nursing assistants, massage therapists and phlebotomists. These jobs are considered safe for now because AI can’t do physical tasks or make real-time human decisions.&nbsp;The study also raises important questions about how societies and governments will deal with the changes that artificial intelligence brings.&nbsp;&nbsp;While some experts believes that the AI can help in solving major problems, while others fear that AI could lead to unemployment, inequality and social unrest. &nbsp;Professions most at risk from AI:<ul><li>Interpreters and translators</li><li>Historians</li><li>Passenger attendants</li><li>Sales representatives of services</li><li>Writers and authors</li><li>Customer service representatives</li><li>CNC tool programmers</li><li>Telephone operators</li><li>Ticket agents and travel clerks</li><li>Broadcast announcers and radio DJs</li><li>Brokerage clerks</li><li>Farm and home management educators</li><li>Telemarketers</li><li>Concierges</li><li>Political scientists</li><li>&nbsp;News analysts</li><li>Reporters</li><li>Journalists</li><li>Mathematicians</li><li>Technical writers</li><li>Proofreaders and copy markers</li><li>Hosts and hostesses</li><li>Editors</li><li>Postsecondary business teachers</li><li>Public relations specialists</li><li>Demonstrators and product promoters</li><li>Advertising sales agents</li><li>New accounts clerks</li><li>Statistical assistants</li><li>Counter and rental clerks</li><li>Data scientists</li><li>Personal financial advisors</li><li>Archivists</li><li>Postsecondary economics teachers</li><li>Web developers</li><li>Management analysts</li><li>Geographers</li><li>Models</li><li>Market research analysts</li><li>Public safety telecommunicators</li><li>Switchboard operators</li><li>Postsecondary library science teachers</li></ul>Professions most safe from the risk of AI:<ul><li>Dredge operators</li><li>Bridge and lock tenders</li><li>Water treatment plant and system operators</li><li>Foundry mold and coremakers</li><li>Rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators</li><li>Pile driver operators</li><li>Floor sanders and finishers</li><li>Orderlies, Motorboat operators</li><li>Logging equipment operators</li><li>Paving, surfacing and tamping equipment operators</li><li>Maids and housekeeping cleaners</li><li>Roustabouts (oil and gas)</li><li>Roofers</li><li>Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators</li><li>Helpers–roofers</li><li>Tire builders</li><li>Surgical assistant</li><li>Massage therapists</li><li>Ophthalmic medical technicians</li><li>Industrial truck and tractor operators</li><li>Supervisors of firefighters</li><li>Cement masons and concrete finishers</li><li>Dishwashers</li><li>Machine feeders</li><li>Packaging and filling machine operators</li><li>Medical equipment preparers</li><li>Highway maintenance workers</li><li>Helpers–production workers</li><li>Prosthodontists</li><li>Tire repairers and changers</li><li>Ship engineers</li><li>Automotive glass installers and repairers</li><li>Oral and maxillofacial surgeons</li><li>Plant and system operators</li><li>Embalmers</li><li>Helpers–painters, plasterers, and similar</li><li>Hazardous materials removal workers</li><li>Nursing assistants&nbsp;</li><li>Phlebotomists &nbsp;</li></ul>

The number of entry-level job openings in the UK fell from 315,550 in November 2022(when ChatGpt was launched) to 214,934 last month, according to the job site Adzuna.

A new study by Microsoft has recently identified 40 jobs that are most likely to be affected by the artificial intelligence (AI). The research is based on the Unites States (US) job market but has the global implications. It shows how AI tools like ChatGPT can be used in jobs and can change many professions. Microsoft’s team used something called an “AI applicability score” to see how easily AI could be used in different roles. While the company admits that the AI won’t fully replace humans but it will definitely change how people work. Kiran Tomlinson, a Microsoft researcher, said that the goal was to understand how AI can help in different roles. "Our research shows that AI supports many tasks, particularly those involving research, writing, and communication,” he explained. Jobs involving writing, editing, customer service and data analysis are among the most affected fields by the AI. These fields includes roles like writers, editors, translators, public relations workers and journalists. Microsoft itself has reportedly let go of thousands of employees earlier this year due to the growing(partially) use of AI. Also Read - Are humans still better than AI at coding? Human coder beats AI in epic 10-hour showdown On the other hand, there are jobs that are least affected by AI and are that jobs which requires physical and a human presence. These jobs includes plumbers, roofers, nursing assistants, massage therapists and phlebotomists. These jobs are considered safe for now because AI can’t do physical tasks or make real-time human decisions. The study also raises important questions about how societies and governments will deal with the changes that artificial intelligence brings. While some experts believes that the AI can help in solving major problems, while others fear that AI could lead to unemployment, inequality and social unrest. Professions most at risk from AI: Interpreters and translators Historians Passenger attendants Sales representatives of services Writers and authors Customer service representatives CNC tool programmers Telephone operators Ticket agents and travel clerks Broadcast announcers and radio DJs Brokerage clerks Farm and home management educators Telemarketers Concierges Political scientists News analysts Reporters Journalists Mathematicians Technical writers Proofreaders and copy markers Hosts and hostesses Editors Postsecondary business teachers Public relations specialists Demonstrators and product promoters Advertising sales agents New accounts clerks Statistical assistants Counter and rental clerks Data scientists Personal financial advisors Archivists Postsecondary economics teachers Web developers Management analysts Geographers Models Market research analysts Public safety telecommunicators Switchboard operators Postsecondary library science teachers Professions most safe from the risk of AI: Dredge operators Bridge and lock tenders Water treatment plant and system operators Foundry mold and coremakers Rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators Pile driver operators Floor sanders and finishers Orderlies, Motorboat operators Logging equipment operators Paving, surfacing and tamping equipment operators Maids and housekeeping cleaners Roustabouts (oil and gas) Roofers Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators Helpers–roofers Tire builders Surgical assistant Massage therapists Ophthalmic medical technicians Industrial truck and tractor operators Supervisors of firefighters Cement masons and concrete finishers Dishwashers Machine feeders Packaging and filling machine operators Medical equipment preparers Highway maintenance workers Helpers–production workers Prosthodontists Tire repairers and changers Ship engineers Automotive glass installers and repairers Oral and maxillofacial surgeons Plant and system operators Embalmers Helpers–painters, plasterers, and similar Hazardous materials removal workers Nursing assistants Phlebotomists

The number of entry-level job openings in the UK fell from 315,550 in November 2022(when ChatGpt was launched) to 214,934 last month, according to the job site Adzuna.

Microsoft reveals 40 jobs AI will take over sooner -  Check which jobs are still safe

Indian Navy chief Adm Dinesh K Tripathi is on a 4-day visit to Japan, with a focus on operational and technical Collaboration. During the visit, which started on 30th July, &nbsp;Admiral Tripathi will visit Funakoshi Base, aimed at deeper operational integration. The base is part of the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) or the Japanese Navy's Yokosuka Naval Complex, a centralised command hub that incorporates Fleet Escort, Submarine, Air, Mine Warfare, Intelligence, and Research commands for unified maritime operations. For India, these command-and-control practices could be part of its network-centric naval doctrines.&nbsp;The Indian Navy chief has met Japan's defence minister Gen Nakatani, Japanese counterpart Adm Saito Akira &amp; other top officials. A statement from the Indian side said, "discussions focused on enhancing bilateral defence cooperation, fostering technological &amp; defence industry collaboration and strengthening training and personnel exchange between the two nations and navies."&nbsp;India, Japan have been focusing on maritime security coordination, technological collaboration and innovation and deepening naval interoperability. As part of Naval exchanges, India &amp; Japan have held bilateral JIMEX exercises since 2012. The latest edition of JIMEX 24 in June 2024 saw the participation of India’s INS Shivalik and Japan’s JS Yūgiri. The navies of both countries also exercise as part of the Malabar naval exercises.&nbsp;The visit comes weeks before PM Modi is expected to travel to Japan for the annual summit. &nbsp;India and Japan elevated ties to a “Special Strategic and Global Partnership” in September 2014. Maritime security remains the cornerstone of bilateral engagement. Both countries have also been focusing on the Indo-Pacific, and have similar visions- India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative &amp; Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific Policy. &nbsp;

Indian Navy chief Adm Dinesh K Tripathi is on a 4-day visit to Japan, with a focus on operational and technical Collaboration. During the visit, which started on 30th July,  Admiral Tripathi will visit Funakoshi Base, aimed at deeper operational integration. 

Indian Navy chief Adm Dinesh K Tripathi is on a 4-day visit to Japan, with a focus on operational and technical Collaboration. During the visit, which started on 30th July, Admiral Tripathi will visit Funakoshi Base, aimed at deeper operational integration. The base is part of the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) or the Japanese Navy's Yokosuka Naval Complex, a centralised command hub that incorporates Fleet Escort, Submarine, Air, Mine Warfare, Intelligence, and Research commands for unified maritime operations. For India, these command-and-control practices could be part of its network-centric naval doctrines. The Indian Navy chief has met Japan's defence minister Gen Nakatani, Japanese counterpart Adm Saito Akira & other top officials. A statement from the Indian side said, "discussions focused on enhancing bilateral defence cooperation, fostering technological & defence industry collaboration and strengthening training and personnel exchange between the two nations and navies." India, Japan have been focusing on maritime security coordination, technological collaboration and innovation and deepening naval interoperability. As part of Naval exchanges, India & Japan have held bilateral JIMEX exercises since 2012. The latest edition of JIMEX 24 in June 2024 saw the participation of India’s INS Shivalik and Japan’s JS Yūgiri. The navies of both countries also exercise as part of the Malabar naval exercises. The visit comes weeks before PM Modi is expected to travel to Japan for the annual summit. India and Japan elevated ties to a “Special Strategic and Global Partnership” in September 2014. Maritime security remains the cornerstone of bilateral engagement. Both countries have also been focusing on the Indo-Pacific, and have similar visions- India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative & Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific Policy.

Indian Navy chief Adm Dinesh K Tripathi is on a 4-day visit to Japan, with a focus on operational and technical Collaboration. During the visit, which started on 30th July, &nbsp;Admiral Tripathi will visit Funakoshi Base, aimed at deeper operational integration.&nbsp;

With focus on operational and technical collaboration, Indian Navy Chief Adm Dinesh K Tripathi in Japan

Chinese authorities summoned Nvidia representatives on Thursday to discuss "serious security issues" over some of its artificial intelligence chips, as the US tech giant finds itself entangled in trade tensions between Beijing and Washington.A key issue has been Chinese access to the "H20", a less powerful version of Nvidia's AI processing units that the company developed specifically for export to China.The California-based firm said this month it would resume H20 sales to China after Washington pledged to remove licensing curbs that had halted exports.But the firm still faces obstacles -- US lawmakers have proposed plans to require Nvidia and other manufacturers of advanced AI chips to include built-in location tracking capabilities. And Beijing's top internet regulator said Thursday it had summoned Nvidia representatives to discuss recently discovered "serious security issues" involving the H20.The Cyberspace Administration of China said it had asked Nvidia to "explain the security risks of vulnerabilities and backdoors in its H20 chips sold to China and submit relevant supporting materials".The statement posted on social media noted that, according to US experts, location tracking and remote shutdown technologies for Nvidia chips "are already matured".The announcement marked the latest complication for Nvidia in selling its advanced products in the key Chinese market, where it is in increasingly fierce competition with homegrown technology firms.Nvidia committed CEO Jensen Huang said during a closely watched visit to Beijing this month that his firm remained committed to serving local customers.Huang said he had been assured during talks with top Chinese officials during the trip that the country was "open and stable"."They want to know that Nvidia continues to invest here, that we are still doing our best to serve the market here," he said.Nvidia this month became the first company to hit $4 trillion in market value -- a new milestone in Wall Street's bet that AI will transform the global economy.Jost Wubbeke of the Sinolytics consultancy told AFP the move by China to summon Nvidia was "not surprising in the sense that targeting individual US companies has become a common tool in the context of US-China tensions"."What is surprising, however, is the timing," he noted, after the two countries agreed to further talks to extend their trade truce."China's action may signal a shift toward a more assertive stance," Wubbeke said.Beijing is also aiming to reduce reliance on foreign tech by promoting Huawei's domestically developed 910C chip as an alternative to the H20, he added."From that perspective, the US decision to allow renewed exports of the H20 to China could be seen as counterproductive, as it might tempt Chinese hyperscalers to revert to the H20, potentially undermining momentum behind the 910C and other domestic alternatives."New hurdles to Nvidia's operation in China come as the country's economy wavers, beset by a years-long property sector crisis and heightened trade headwinds under US President Donald Trump.Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for the country to enhance self-reliance in certain areas deemed vital for national security -- including AI and semiconductors -- as tensions with Washington mount.The country's firms have made great strides in recent years, with Huang praising their "super-fast" innovation during his visit to Beijing this month.&nbsp;

Chinese authorities summoned Nvidia representatives on Thursday to discuss serious security issues over some of its artificial intelligence chips, as the US tech giant finds itself entangled in trade tensions between Beijing and Washington.

Chinese authorities summoned Nvidia representatives on Thursday to discuss "serious security issues" over some of its artificial intelligence chips, as the US tech giant finds itself entangled in trade tensions between Beijing and Washington. A key issue has been Chinese access to the "H20", a less powerful version of Nvidia's AI processing units that the company developed specifically for export to China. The California-based firm said this month it would resume H20 sales to China after Washington pledged to remove licensing curbs that had halted exports. But the firm still faces obstacles -- US lawmakers have proposed plans to require Nvidia and other manufacturers of advanced AI chips to include built-in location tracking capabilities. And Beijing's top internet regulator said Thursday it had summoned Nvidia representatives to discuss recently discovered "serious security issues" involving the H20. The Cyberspace Administration of China said it had asked Nvidia to "explain the security risks of vulnerabilities and backdoors in its H20 chips sold to China and submit relevant supporting materials". The statement posted on social media noted that, according to US experts, location tracking and remote shutdown technologies for Nvidia chips "are already matured". The announcement marked the latest complication for Nvidia in selling its advanced products in the key Chinese market, where it is in increasingly fierce competition with homegrown technology firms. Nvidia committed CEO Jensen Huang said during a closely watched visit to Beijing this month that his firm remained committed to serving local customers. Huang said he had been assured during talks with top Chinese officials during the trip that the country was "open and stable". "They want to know that Nvidia continues to invest here, that we are still doing our best to serve the market here," he said. Nvidia this month became the first company to hit $4 trillion in market value -- a new milestone in Wall Street's bet that AI will transform the global economy. Jost Wubbeke of the Sinolytics consultancy told AFP the move by China to summon Nvidia was "not surprising in the sense that targeting individual US companies has become a common tool in the context of US-China tensions". "What is surprising, however, is the timing," he noted, after the two countries agreed to further talks to extend their trade truce. "China's action may signal a shift toward a more assertive stance," Wubbeke said. Beijing is also aiming to reduce reliance on foreign tech by promoting Huawei's domestically developed 910C chip as an alternative to the H20, he added. "From that perspective, the US decision to allow renewed exports of the H20 to China could be seen as counterproductive, as it might tempt Chinese hyperscalers to revert to the H20, potentially undermining momentum behind the 910C and other domestic alternatives." New hurdles to Nvidia's operation in China come as the country's economy wavers, beset by a years-long property sector crisis and heightened trade headwinds under US President Donald Trump. Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for the country to enhance self-reliance in certain areas deemed vital for national security -- including AI and semiconductors -- as tensions with Washington mount. The country's firms have made great strides in recent years, with Huang praising their "super-fast" innovation during his visit to Beijing this month.

Chinese authorities summoned Nvidia representatives on Thursday to discuss "serious security issues" over some of its artificial intelligence chips, as the US tech giant finds itself entangled in trade tensions between Beijing and Washington.

'Serious security issues': China summons chip giant Nvidia over alleged security risks

After US President Donald Trump imposed a 25 per cent tariff on India, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Thursday (July 31) that the Trump administration was a "bit frustrated with India." Talking to CNBC, Bessent said, "Well, I don't know what's going to happen. It'll be up to India. India came to the table early. They've been slow-rolling things. So I think that the president, the whole trade team are a bit frustrated with them. And also, India's been a large buyer of sanctioned Russian oil that they then resell as refined products. So you know they have not been a great global actor."&nbsp;He also said that America and China are on the way to a trade pact as a key tariff deadline nears. “I believe that we have the makings of a deal,” he said.&nbsp;“There are still a few technical details to be worked out on the Chinese side between us. I’m confident that it will be done, but it’s not 100% done," the US Treasury Secretary added. Although he did not throw much light on what the deal would look like.<h2>'INDIAN WILL THEREFORE BE PAYING A TARIFF'</h2>US President Donald Trump announced a 25 per cent tariff on India on Wednesday (July 30). Taking to his social media platform Truth Social, the American president wrote, "Remember, while India is our friend, we have, over the years, done relatively little business with them because their Tariffs are far too high, among the highest in the world, and they have the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary Trade Barriers of any Country."&nbsp;"Also, they have always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia, and are Russia's largest buyer of ENERGY, along with China, at a time when everyone wants Russia to STOP THE killing in UKRAINE - ALL THINGS NOT GOOD! INDIAN WILL THEREFORE BE PAYING A TARIFF OF 25%, PLUS A PENALTY FOR THE ABOVE, STARTING ON AUGUST FIRST. Thank you for your ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. MAGA!" Trump added.&nbsp;In a subsequent post, Trump said, "WE HAVE A MASSIVE TRADE DEFICIT WITH INDIA!!!"&nbsp;

After the US imposed a 25 per cent tariff on India, the US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that the Trump administration was a bit frustrated with India. He made the remarks in an interview with CNBC. 

After US President Donald Trump imposed a 25 per cent tariff on India, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Thursday (July 31) that the Trump administration was a "bit frustrated with India." Talking to CNBC, Bessent said, "Well, I don't know what's going to happen. It'll be up to India. India came to the table early. They've been slow-rolling things. So I think that the president, the whole trade team are a bit frustrated with them. And also, India's been a large buyer of sanctioned Russian oil that they then resell as refined products. So you know they have not been a great global actor." He also said that America and China are on the way to a trade pact as a key tariff deadline nears. “I believe that we have the makings of a deal,” he said. “There are still a few technical details to be worked out on the Chinese side between us. I’m confident that it will be done, but it’s not 100% done," the US Treasury Secretary added. Although he did not throw much light on what the deal would look like. 'INDIAN WILL THEREFORE BE PAYING A TARIFF' US President Donald Trump announced a 25 per cent tariff on India on Wednesday (July 30). Taking to his social media platform Truth Social, the American president wrote, "Remember, while India is our friend, we have, over the years, done relatively little business with them because their Tariffs are far too high, among the highest in the world, and they have the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary Trade Barriers of any Country." "Also, they have always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia, and are Russia's largest buyer of ENERGY, along with China, at a time when everyone wants Russia to STOP THE killing in UKRAINE - ALL THINGS NOT GOOD! INDIAN WILL THEREFORE BE PAYING A TARIFF OF 25%, PLUS A PENALTY FOR THE ABOVE, STARTING ON AUGUST FIRST. Thank you for your ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. MAGA!" Trump added. In a subsequent post, Trump said, "WE HAVE A MASSIVE TRADE DEFICIT WITH INDIA!!!"

After the US imposed a 25 per cent tariff on India, the US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that the Trump administration was a bit frustrated with India. He made the remarks in an interview with CNBC.&nbsp;

'Whole Trump trade team frustrated with India': US treasury secretary calls India 'large buyer of sanctioned Russian oil'

Panama's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carlos Arturo Hoyos, who is in India for key talks, has backed India's right to defend after the Pahalgam terror attack and emphasised the need to act on terrorism. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal in Delhi, he said, "We fully respect India's right to protect itself and protect itself also means to deter other actors from thinking that they can commit such acts and then they will go unpunished". Panama is a non-permanent member of the UNSC and will be the President of the council starting Friday.&nbsp;The minister, terming India a "close friend", hoped that India could establish an IIT in his country and join the Panama Canal Neutrality Treaty, which ensures that the Panama Canal remains neutral, open both in peacetime and wartime. During the Delhi visit, he met with the minister of state in the Ministry of External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita and held key UN talks with Secretary West Tanmaya Lal. Full interview: Sidhant Sibal: How do you characterise the relationship between the two countries? Carlos Arturo Hoyos: I think it's a fantastic relationship, a historical relationship that we are looking to strengthen, and we are looking for more closeness. We received a high-level parliamentary delegation led by His Excellency, Mr. Shashi Tharoor, and we had some Distinguished Members of Parliament with whom we engaged. We had a great conversation on how we can make our relationship more dynamic. In Panama, we have a very important, thriving Indian community. They are Panamanian Indians, in the second, third, and fourth generation, and they are people who create jobs, have big businesses, and as Panamanian citizens, are commercially, culturally, and politically active. So we are hoping to leverage pre-existing friendships to make sure that we take it to the next level. And what is the next level? I would say it is more political cohesiveness, it is more commercial relationship, is a mutual investment. We would certainly like to see more Indian companies come to Panama and invest and benefit from our great logistics hub. We are certainly at the centre of the American continent, and we have a lot to offer to the Indian community in general, but Indian businesses that I'm sure will be very attractive.&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: You also want India to join a certain protocol that is about the neutrality of the Panama Canal. So if you can perhaps explain about this certain protocol and as to how it benefits India as well, and as to how it benefits Panama Carlos Arturo Hoyos: The Panama Canal is the crown jewel, the heart and soul of our country and the Neutrality Treaty, which has been enforced since 1977, when it was signed, is a very important international document that was initially signed between Panama and the United States. Both countries are committed to the treaty. At this period in time, when there are so many changes, &nbsp;we are looking to reiterate the importance and the strength of a neutral Panama Canal. India is certainly a global powerhouse, almost in every aspect, certainly a very important seafaring nation, so being both a big user of the Panama Canal, being a country with a lot of seafarers that go through the Panama Canal, we believe that India's joining the Panama Canal neutrality treaty would certainly strengthen the treaty. We have 40 countries that are members, and adding India, which is about 15% of the global population, would certainly be a good message internationally, obviously for the Panama Canal, but also for India. India is taking a step to perhaps look at an area that is geographically far away, but that is still strategically very important for Indian diplomacy and for Indian commerce.&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: Areas of collaboration, there are several. There's education, you are keen that there's an IIT in Panama, this pharma, and then there is, of course, areas like semiconductors. Perhaps you can sum it up as to how you see the areas of collaboration? Carlos Arturo Hoyos: With IIT, often referred to as the MIT of Asia, what we are looking for is for them to have in the region a hub so that they can use Panama as the place where the international students of Latin America can go to study. Because of our connectivity, we have direct flights to almost every capital city in the Americas, and we would be the ideal place for a regional centre for studies. However, that looks, you need to think about Panama, not in the 4.5 million people that live there, but in the more than 400 people that have direct access to it with one single flight. So in that sense, education is a very strong part of our agenda. We are in the process of raising the level of our industrial ambitions and our industrial capacities. India certainly is one of the global leaders in this sense, and what we'd like to do is create a cycle where we have higher education that is aimed at high-level, industrial capabilities, services and intellectual property, which benefits from our logistics, both air, land and sea. Pharma can benefit from the three items that I mentioned, plus the fact that Panama has the most robust Free Trade Agreement structure in the entire American continent.&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: So, how do you plan to invite Indian businesses, and why should an Indian businessperson invest in your country? Carlos Arturo Hoyos: So our president has been leading a very strong campaign since he took office on July 1, 2024, to reclaim Panama's position of goodwill, high status, and good reputation. That effort has been fruitful in our very recent exclusion from the EU list on the AML list. This is recognition of the strong political and technical work that has been going on with the President's Leadership and the idea or the ambition behind having this summit, which is being called the Davos of Latin America, organised by the Caf. And this year was the first year it was a massive success. Next year, our inaugural speaker will be President Lula da Silva, from Brazil, a fellow BRICS member.&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: How has your country supported India in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack? Carlos Arturo Hoyos: I think we were among the first countries to react. We issued a statement immediately condemning the attack, making sure that our position was very well established and very clear. We continue in this position wholeheartedly. We believe India is a close friend and should not be subject to any type of terrorist activities at all. In this case, it was particularly disturbing that the attacks happened to a group of people who were actually on their way to celebrate life. So our position continues to be one of full support. We commend India for showing such restraint, so as not to elevate the tensions and perhaps escalate the conflict of an already historically complex relationship.&nbsp;&nbsp;In Panama, India is seen as a peace-loving, inclusive society, and it is also important that India shows that it accompanies that with humble strength, which is what we have seen. And I think that is very respectable. We fully support India's position in this sense that the attacks are completely heinous, and we will continue now in our presidency of the United Nations Security Council in the month of August. So this Friday, Panama will officially become president of the Security Council for a full month. And these subjects will obviously be part of the agenda, and we have to make sure that every country understands that it has our responsibility to take care of its territory, and to not foster this type of activity in any way, shape or form because it's unacceptable.&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: How has Panama supported India on Kashmir and supported India's right to defend? Carlos Arturo Hoyos: We fully respect India's right to protect itself, and protecting itself also means to deter other actors from thinking that they can commit such acts and then they will go unpunished. The rule of law and respect for state and international law need to be accompanied by a reciprocal respect that is a basis of international relations.&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: Last question on this subject itself, what's your relationship with Pakistan? Because here in India, Pakistan is seen as an epicentre of terrorism, the country that has been involved in cross-border terrorism in India, Carlos Arturo Hoyos: We have diplomatic relations with Pakistan. They are currently a member of the UN Security Council. We have a respectful relationship with them. We understand that it's a country that has gone through a lot of difficulties in terms of terrorism and groups that have been operating in its territory. So it is a very difficult challenge, and I believe the world should support any government action that Pakistan takes in order to eliminate these groups from operating within its borders. So hopefully they are on the same page as the rest of the world is with that, and that the tensions with its neighbours, and especially with India, don't escalate. &nbsp;We know that the issue is structural; it goes back to the partition. It goes back to why it is two countries where it used to be one. So we know that part, we can somehow empathise being Panamanians and Panama being a department of Colombia for a period of 80 years, how can there be some hard feelings that are lingering in time?&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: What are your key priorities as a UNSC non-permanent member? Your priorities as the president of the UNSC for the month of August? If you can give a general overview. Carlos Arturo Hoyos: Our main subject, especially in the high-level session that will take place on August 11, is going to be on maritime security. So that is going to be the main concern, because of our position, because of the Panama Canal, the reliance of global trade on the Panama Canal, and we also have a big responsibility on other committees that we need to make sure are going. So, for example, Al Shabaab in Somalia, we currently preside over that committee, so we need to make sure that action is being taken. The same with the 1540 Committee, which is the Non-Proliferation Committee. This is a very important one that we're also co-penning, and in this committee, we need to make sure that all members, not just UN Security Council members, are aware of the importance of resolution 1540, and Non-Proliferation, non-financing.&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: And what's your view of the chance of the UNSC reforms? Because India has been very keen on UNSC reforms. It's the fifth-largest economy, the most populated country on the planet, but it's not at the high table. It's not a permanent member. So what's your stance on that?&nbsp; Carlos Arturo Hoyos: I think India welcomed our Foreign Minister's remarks when the high-level parliamentary delegation went to visited, that Panama would support the inclusion of India as a permanent member in the UN Security Council. The United Nations is turning 80 years old now, so it's probably time for honest introspection by all the members, and an important figure, for example, is that the United Nations has 3600 mandates. Now these mandates probably overlap and overstep into each other, so the UN has to be able to evolve like any institution, to make up for or take into account the current global situations. And I believe India's case for being a permanent member is quite clear. Apart from what you mentioned, he is a very well-respected member of the international community. It's a leader in many respects, and not in the least in a political respect. It's a great moment for Indian leadership in the world. You have a prime minister who is widely regarded as a great figure and as a great leader.&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: You have 15,000 people who are of Indian origin, Indian diaspora, which is the largest in the Central American region. So, if you can perhaps give a slight overview, a sense of how the Indians have been part of Panama society. Carlos Arturo Hoyos: So, Panama has been a place of transit for hundreds of years. If you go back even to the colonial times, it was a place of transit between the gold mines in Peru, then to Panama, and then to Spain, and obviously, people from Spain and from the Caribbean and the colonies down to the new colonies in the south. The Indian diaspora, which, as you said, numbers 15,000 and it's quite active, has been successful on all fronts. They are very proactive in the business community. They are very proactive religiously. They are cultural reminders of their ancestral home, so that part, they keep alive, and we enjoy quite a lot. I was joking with the ambassador that the best samosas in the world are not made in India, but in Panama by Panamanian Indians.

Panama Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carlos Arturo Hoyos, who is in India for key talks, has backed right of India to defend after the Pahalgam terror attack and emphasised the need to act on terrorism. He said he fully respects India right to protect itself and protect itself.

Panama's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carlos Arturo Hoyos, who is in India for key talks, has backed India's right to defend after the Pahalgam terror attack and emphasised the need to act on terrorism. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal in Delhi, he said, "We fully respect India's right to protect itself and protect itself also means to deter other actors from thinking that they can commit such acts and then they will go unpunished". Panama is a non-permanent member of the UNSC and will be the President of the council starting Friday. The minister, terming India a "close friend", hoped that India could establish an IIT in his country and join the Panama Canal Neutrality Treaty, which ensures that the Panama Canal remains neutral, open both in peacetime and wartime. During the Delhi visit, he met with the minister of state in the Ministry of External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita and held key UN talks with Secretary West Tanmaya Lal. Full interview: Sidhant Sibal: How do you characterise the relationship between the two countries? Carlos Arturo Hoyos: I think it's a fantastic relationship, a historical relationship that we are looking to strengthen, and we are looking for more closeness. We received a high-level parliamentary delegation led by His Excellency, Mr. Shashi Tharoor, and we had some Distinguished Members of Parliament with whom we engaged. We had a great conversation on how we can make our relationship more dynamic. In Panama, we have a very important, thriving Indian community. They are Panamanian Indians, in the second, third, and fourth generation, and they are people who create jobs, have big businesses, and as Panamanian citizens, are commercially, culturally, and politically active. So we are hoping to leverage pre-existing friendships to make sure that we take it to the next level. And what is the next level? I would say it is more political cohesiveness, it is more commercial relationship, is a mutual investment. We would certainly like to see more Indian companies come to Panama and invest and benefit from our great logistics hub. We are certainly at the centre of the American continent, and we have a lot to offer to the Indian community in general, but Indian businesses that I'm sure will be very attractive. Sidhant Sibal: You also want India to join a certain protocol that is about the neutrality of the Panama Canal. So if you can perhaps explain about this certain protocol and as to how it benefits India as well, and as to how it benefits Panama Carlos Arturo Hoyos: The Panama Canal is the crown jewel, the heart and soul of our country and the Neutrality Treaty, which has been enforced since 1977, when it was signed, is a very important international document that was initially signed between Panama and the United States. Both countries are committed to the treaty. At this period in time, when there are so many changes, we are looking to reiterate the importance and the strength of a neutral Panama Canal. India is certainly a global powerhouse, almost in every aspect, certainly a very important seafaring nation, so being both a big user of the Panama Canal, being a country with a lot of seafarers that go through the Panama Canal, we believe that India's joining the Panama Canal neutrality treaty would certainly strengthen the treaty. We have 40 countries that are members, and adding India, which is about 15% of the global population, would certainly be a good message internationally, obviously for the Panama Canal, but also for India. India is taking a step to perhaps look at an area that is geographically far away, but that is still strategically very important for Indian diplomacy and for Indian commerce. Sidhant Sibal: Areas of collaboration, there are several. There's education, you are keen that there's an IIT in Panama, this pharma, and then there is, of course, areas like semiconductors. Perhaps you can sum it up as to how you see the areas of collaboration? Carlos Arturo Hoyos: With IIT, often referred to as the MIT of Asia, what we are looking for is for them to have in the region a hub so that they can use Panama as the place where the international students of Latin America can go to study. Because of our connectivity, we have direct flights to almost every capital city in the Americas, and we would be the ideal place for a regional centre for studies. However, that looks, you need to think about Panama, not in the 4.5 million people that live there, but in the more than 400 people that have direct access to it with one single flight. So in that sense, education is a very strong part of our agenda. We are in the process of raising the level of our industrial ambitions and our industrial capacities. India certainly is one of the global leaders in this sense, and what we'd like to do is create a cycle where we have higher education that is aimed at high-level, industrial capabilities, services and intellectual property, which benefits from our logistics, both air, land and sea. Pharma can benefit from the three items that I mentioned, plus the fact that Panama has the most robust Free Trade Agreement structure in the entire American continent. Sidhant Sibal: So, how do you plan to invite Indian businesses, and why should an Indian businessperson invest in your country? Carlos Arturo Hoyos: So our president has been leading a very strong campaign since he took office on July 1, 2024, to reclaim Panama's position of goodwill, high status, and good reputation. That effort has been fruitful in our very recent exclusion from the EU list on the AML list. This is recognition of the strong political and technical work that has been going on with the President's Leadership and the idea or the ambition behind having this summit, which is being called the Davos of Latin America, organised by the Caf. And this year was the first year it was a massive success. Next year, our inaugural speaker will be President Lula da Silva, from Brazil, a fellow BRICS member. Sidhant Sibal: How has your country supported India in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack? Carlos Arturo Hoyos: I think we were among the first countries to react. We issued a statement immediately condemning the attack, making sure that our position was very well established and very clear. We continue in this position wholeheartedly. We believe India is a close friend and should not be subject to any type of terrorist activities at all. In this case, it was particularly disturbing that the attacks happened to a group of people who were actually on their way to celebrate life. So our position continues to be one of full support. We commend India for showing such restraint, so as not to elevate the tensions and perhaps escalate the conflict of an already historically complex relationship. In Panama, India is seen as a peace-loving, inclusive society, and it is also important that India shows that it accompanies that with humble strength, which is what we have seen. And I think that is very respectable. We fully support India's position in this sense that the attacks are completely heinous, and we will continue now in our presidency of the United Nations Security Council in the month of August. So this Friday, Panama will officially become president of the Security Council for a full month. And these subjects will obviously be part of the agenda, and we have to make sure that every country understands that it has our responsibility to take care of its territory, and to not foster this type of activity in any way, shape or form because it's unacceptable. Sidhant Sibal: How has Panama supported India on Kashmir and supported India's right to defend? Carlos Arturo Hoyos: We fully respect India's right to protect itself, and protecting itself also means to deter other actors from thinking that they can commit such acts and then they will go unpunished. The rule of law and respect for state and international law need to be accompanied by a reciprocal respect that is a basis of international relations. Sidhant Sibal: Last question on this subject itself, what's your relationship with Pakistan? Because here in India, Pakistan is seen as an epicentre of terrorism, the country that has been involved in cross-border terrorism in India, Carlos Arturo Hoyos: We have diplomatic relations with Pakistan. They are currently a member of the UN Security Council. We have a respectful relationship with them. We understand that it's a country that has gone through a lot of difficulties in terms of terrorism and groups that have been operating in its territory. So it is a very difficult challenge, and I believe the world should support any government action that Pakistan takes in order to eliminate these groups from operating within its borders. So hopefully they are on the same page as the rest of the world is with that, and that the tensions with its neighbours, and especially with India, don't escalate. We know that the issue is structural; it goes back to the partition. It goes back to why it is two countries where it used to be one. So we know that part, we can somehow empathise being Panamanians and Panama being a department of Colombia for a period of 80 years, how can there be some hard feelings that are lingering in time? Sidhant Sibal: What are your key priorities as a UNSC non-permanent member? Your priorities as the president of the UNSC for the month of August? If you can give a general overview. Carlos Arturo Hoyos: Our main subject, especially in the high-level session that will take place on August 11, is going to be on maritime security. So that is going to be the main concern, because of our position, because of the Panama Canal, the reliance of global trade on the Panama Canal, and we also have a big responsibility on other committees that we need to make sure are going. So, for example, Al Shabaab in Somalia, we currently preside over that committee, so we need to make sure that action is being taken. The same with the 1540 Committee, which is the Non-Proliferation Committee. This is a very important one that we're also co-penning, and in this committee, we need to make sure that all members, not just UN Security Council members, are aware of the importance of resolution 1540, and Non-Proliferation, non-financing. Sidhant Sibal: And what's your view of the chance of the UNSC reforms? Because India has been very keen on UNSC reforms. It's the fifth-largest economy, the most populated country on the planet, but it's not at the high table. It's not a permanent member. So what's your stance on that? Carlos Arturo Hoyos: I think India welcomed our Foreign Minister's remarks when the high-level parliamentary delegation went to visited, that Panama would support the inclusion of India as a permanent member in the UN Security Council. The United Nations is turning 80 years old now, so it's probably time for honest introspection by all the members, and an important figure, for example, is that the United Nations has 3600 mandates. Now these mandates probably overlap and overstep into each other, so the UN has to be able to evolve like any institution, to make up for or take into account the current global situations. And I believe India's case for being a permanent member is quite clear. Apart from what you mentioned, he is a very well-respected member of the international community. It's a leader in many respects, and not in the least in a political respect. It's a great moment for Indian leadership in the world. You have a prime minister who is widely regarded as a great figure and as a great leader. Sidhant Sibal: You have 15,000 people who are of Indian origin, Indian diaspora, which is the largest in the Central American region. So, if you can perhaps give a slight overview, a sense of how the Indians have been part of Panama society. Carlos Arturo Hoyos: So, Panama has been a place of transit for hundreds of years. If you go back even to the colonial times, it was a place of transit between the gold mines in Peru, then to Panama, and then to Spain, and obviously, people from Spain and from the Caribbean and the colonies down to the new colonies in the south. The Indian diaspora, which, as you said, numbers 15,000 and it's quite active, has been successful on all fronts. They are very proactive in the business community. They are very proactive religiously. They are cultural reminders of their ancestral home, so that part, they keep alive, and we enjoy quite a lot. I was joking with the ambassador that the best samosas in the world are not made in India, but in Panama by Panamanian Indians.

Panama's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carlos Arturo Hoyos, who is in India for key talks, has backed India's right to defend after the Pahalgam terror attack and emphasised the need to act on terrorism. He said, “We fully respect India's right to protect itself and protect itself.”&nbsp;

We respect India's right to defend, says Panama on Pahalgam terror attack

Indian state refiners have stopped buying Russian oil in the past week, citing discounts narrowed this month, the industry sources told Reuters. This comes amid US President Donald Trump warning India against buying oil from Russia as Moscow intensifies its war with Ukraine.&nbsp;Several state refiners of India, including Indian Oil Corp (IOC.NS), opens new tab, Hindustan Petroleum Corp (HPCL.NS), Bharat Petroleum Corp (BPCL.NS), and Mangalore Refinery Petrochemical Ltd (MRPL.NS), have not sought Russian crude in the past week, four sources familiar with the refiners' purchase told Reuters.&nbsp;Notably, India is the world's third-largest oil importer and the biggest buyer of seaborne Russian crude.&nbsp;However, the refiners have not responded to the request for comment yet.&nbsp;These four refiners regularly buy Russian oil on a delivered basis, but now they have turned to spot markets for replacement supply, including Middle Eastern grades such as Abu Dhabi's Murban crude and West African oil, sources said.&nbsp;State refiners control over 60 per cent of India's overall 5.2 million barrels per day refining capacity.<h2>Trump calls India, Russia's economy 'dead'</h2>Earlier today, Trump hit out at India for purchasing oil from Russia. This came hours after the US president announced 25 per cent tariffs on Indian imports.&nbsp;Trump said that he does not care about India's trade dealings with Russia, saying that the two "can take their dead economies down together".&nbsp;"I don't care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care. We have done very little business with India; their tariffs are too high, among the highest in the world. Likewise, Russia and the USA do almost no business together. Let's keep it that way," Trump said in a post on Truth Social.&nbsp;On July 14, Trump even threatened 100 per cent tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil unless Moscow reaches a ceasefire and peace deal with Ukraine.&nbsp;

These four refiners regularly buy Russian oil on a delivered basis, but now they have turned to spot markets for replacement supply, including Middle Eastern grades such as Abu Dhabi's Murban crude and West African oil. 

Indian state refiners have stopped buying Russian oil in the past week, citing discounts narrowed this month, the industry sources told Reuters. This comes amid US President Donald Trump warning India against buying oil from Russia as Moscow intensifies its war with Ukraine. Several state refiners of India, including Indian Oil Corp (IOC.NS), opens new tab, Hindustan Petroleum Corp (HPCL.NS), Bharat Petroleum Corp (BPCL.NS), and Mangalore Refinery Petrochemical Ltd (MRPL.NS), have not sought Russian crude in the past week, four sources familiar with the refiners' purchase told Reuters. Notably, India is the world's third-largest oil importer and the biggest buyer of seaborne Russian crude. However, the refiners have not responded to the request for comment yet. These four refiners regularly buy Russian oil on a delivered basis, but now they have turned to spot markets for replacement supply, including Middle Eastern grades such as Abu Dhabi's Murban crude and West African oil, sources said. State refiners control over 60 per cent of India's overall 5.2 million barrels per day refining capacity. Trump calls India, Russia's economy 'dead' Earlier today, Trump hit out at India for purchasing oil from Russia. This came hours after the US president announced 25 per cent tariffs on Indian imports. Trump said that he does not care about India's trade dealings with Russia, saying that the two "can take their dead economies down together". "I don't care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care. We have done very little business with India; their tariffs are too high, among the highest in the world. Likewise, Russia and the USA do almost no business together. Let's keep it that way," Trump said in a post on Truth Social. On July 14, Trump even threatened 100 per cent tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil unless Moscow reaches a ceasefire and peace deal with Ukraine.

These four refiners regularly buy Russian oil on a delivered basis, but now they have turned to spot markets for replacement supply, including Middle Eastern grades such as Abu Dhabi's Murban crude and West African oil.&nbsp;

Indian state refiners halt Russian oil imports amid Trump's 25% tariff and penalty threat

The German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Thursday (July 31) that the Palestinian state recognition "must begin now" for his country. He said that it came at the end of the negotiations for a two-state solution, but the process should start now. He also warned that Germany would respond to "unilateral steps." The foreign minister stated flying to Israel and the Palestinian territories on a trip. Germany has termed the trip a fact-finding mission amid heightened alarm over starvation in Gaza.&nbsp;His statement marked the strongest warning from Germany to Israel as Western nations intensify efforts to exert pressure. In recent weeks, Britain, Canada and France have all signalled their readiness to recognise a Palestinian state in Israeli-occupied territory at the United Nations General Assembly this September. "In light of open annexation threats from parts of the Israeli government, a growing number of countries - including many in Europe - are now prepared to recognise a Palestinian state even without a prior negotiation process. The region and the Middle East peace process are therefore at a crossroads," the minister said.&nbsp;"That process must begin now. Should unilateral steps be taken, Germany too will be compelled to respond," he added. &nbsp;<h2>After France and the UK, Canada to recognise the Palestinian state</h2>Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Wednesday (July 30) said that Canada will formally recognise the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September. Carney made the announcement following a Cabinet meeting focused on the crisis in Gaza. The decision came shortly after his discussions with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who declared a similar move earlier this week.&nbsp;“The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable. Canada intends to recognise the State of Palestine at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025,” Carney said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has said that the process of recognising the Palestinian state must begin now for his country. He said the two-state solution is the only way to make people on both sides satisfied. 

The German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Thursday (July 31) that the Palestinian state recognition "must begin now" for his country. He said that it came at the end of the negotiations for a two-state solution, but the process should start now. He also warned that Germany would respond to "unilateral steps." The foreign minister stated flying to Israel and the Palestinian territories on a trip. Germany has termed the trip a fact-finding mission amid heightened alarm over starvation in Gaza. His statement marked the strongest warning from Germany to Israel as Western nations intensify efforts to exert pressure. In recent weeks, Britain, Canada and France have all signalled their readiness to recognise a Palestinian state in Israeli-occupied territory at the United Nations General Assembly this September. "In light of open annexation threats from parts of the Israeli government, a growing number of countries - including many in Europe - are now prepared to recognise a Palestinian state even without a prior negotiation process. The region and the Middle East peace process are therefore at a crossroads," the minister said. "That process must begin now. Should unilateral steps be taken, Germany too will be compelled to respond," he added. After France and the UK, Canada to recognise the Palestinian state Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Wednesday (July 30) said that Canada will formally recognise the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September. Carney made the announcement following a Cabinet meeting focused on the crisis in Gaza. The decision came shortly after his discussions with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who declared a similar move earlier this week. “The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable. Canada intends to recognise the State of Palestine at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025,” Carney said.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has said that the process of recognising the Palestinian state must begin now for his country. He said the two-state solution is the only way to make people on both sides satisfied.&nbsp;

'Must begin NOW': German foreign minister calls for Palestinian state recognition, says it's 'only path that...'

China launched Pakistan's Remote Sensing Satellite (PRSS-01) into its present orbit on Thursday, July 31, aboard a Kuaizhou‑1A (KZ‑1A) rocket from its Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in Sichuan. The satellite successfully reached its planned orbit just minutes after its launch. Pakistan's Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), in collaboration with Indonesia-based Microsat China and state-owned China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC), has achieved this feat. The satellite is supposed to enhance Pakistan's capability to respond to natural disasters. It also marks another milestone in the ever-enhancing cooperation in aerospace technology between China and Pakistan. However, questions will be raised in New Delhi as Pakistan's enhanced imaging capacity with the help of China is a security threat to India.<h2>Possible uses of PRSS-01</h2>It is Pakistan's fourth Earth observational satellite under the URAAN programme. It will be able to produce high-resolution images that will be used in vital tasks like disaster management, such as floods, landslides, and glacier melt; agricultural monitoring, deforestation tracking, and climate resilience planning; urban infrastructure, land-use surveys, and transportation mapping. This satellite is expected to bring the environmental monitoring capacity of Pakistan close to the level of developed nations.&nbsp; Before PRSS-01, Pakistan had other satellites like Badr Satellite Series (Badr-A, Badr-B) for low Earth orbit, PakTES-1A.<h2>Why PRSS-01 should concern India</h2>Even though touted for civilian utility, PRSS-01 has the capability to capture high-resolution images from approximately 1 m or better. Earlier, Pakistan had installed the PakTES-1A, which had very low-resolution images from 2.5-5 meters. This makes PRSS-01 a significant improvement, making it detailed enough for surveillance of military bases, radar installations, troops and vehicle movement. Even though no clear definition of a data sharing agreement between China and Pakistan is reported, but being built and launched using Chinese infrastructure, China might possibly retain the visuals from the satellite. Thus, making sensitive regions like Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Arunachal Pradesh more vulnerable.India does possess better satellite capabilities with a plethora of options like RISAT series, Cartosat Series, EMISAT, GSAT &amp; GSAT-7 Series, and &nbsp;Hyperspectral &amp; Infrared imaging instruments. Some of these are dedicated to strategic and border monitoring. Thus making it capable of day/night, all weather, ultra high resolution monitoring. Pakistan's recent satellite is a step towards bridging the technological divide. However, with improved technology, Pakistan is less reliant on commercial satellites like Maxar to produce images for regions within India. So it indeed is a security concern for India.&nbsp;&nbsp;

With the launch of PRSS-01, Pakistan has increased its imaging capability in South Asia, the Middle East, parts of Africa and China. Even though touted for civilian purposes, it has significant military and strategic capabilities. Does it pose any security threat to India? 

China launched Pakistan's Remote Sensing Satellite (PRSS-01) into its present orbit on Thursday, July 31, aboard a Kuaizhou‑1A (KZ‑1A) rocket from its Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in Sichuan. The satellite successfully reached its planned orbit just minutes after its launch. Pakistan's Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), in collaboration with Indonesia-based Microsat China and state-owned China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC), has achieved this feat. The satellite is supposed to enhance Pakistan's capability to respond to natural disasters. It also marks another milestone in the ever-enhancing cooperation in aerospace technology between China and Pakistan. However, questions will be raised in New Delhi as Pakistan's enhanced imaging capacity with the help of China is a security threat to India. Possible uses of PRSS-01 It is Pakistan's fourth Earth observational satellite under the URAAN programme. It will be able to produce high-resolution images that will be used in vital tasks like disaster management, such as floods, landslides, and glacier melt; agricultural monitoring, deforestation tracking, and climate resilience planning; urban infrastructure, land-use surveys, and transportation mapping. This satellite is expected to bring the environmental monitoring capacity of Pakistan close to the level of developed nations. Before PRSS-01, Pakistan had other satellites like Badr Satellite Series (Badr-A, Badr-B) for low Earth orbit, PakTES-1A. Why PRSS-01 should concern India Even though touted for civilian utility, PRSS-01 has the capability to capture high-resolution images from approximately 1 m or better. Earlier, Pakistan had installed the PakTES-1A, which had very low-resolution images from 2.5-5 meters. This makes PRSS-01 a significant improvement, making it detailed enough for surveillance of military bases, radar installations, troops and vehicle movement. Even though no clear definition of a data sharing agreement between China and Pakistan is reported, but being built and launched using Chinese infrastructure, China might possibly retain the visuals from the satellite. Thus, making sensitive regions like Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Arunachal Pradesh more vulnerable. India does possess better satellite capabilities with a plethora of options like RISAT series, Cartosat Series, EMISAT, GSAT & GSAT-7 Series, and Hyperspectral & Infrared imaging instruments. Some of these are dedicated to strategic and border monitoring. Thus making it capable of day/night, all weather, ultra high resolution monitoring. Pakistan's recent satellite is a step towards bridging the technological divide. However, with improved technology, Pakistan is less reliant on commercial satellites like Maxar to produce images for regions within India. So it indeed is a security concern for India.

With the launch of PRSS-01, Pakistan has increased its imaging capability in South Asia, the Middle East, parts of Africa and China. Even though touted for civilian purposes, it has significant military and strategic capabilities. Does it pose any security threat to India?&nbsp;

China puts Pakistan’s remote sensing satellite-01 into space: Should India be worried about this?

Following a powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake that hit near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday (July 30), tsunami warnings were issued for coastal areas in Japan, the United States West Coast and Hawaii. During the panic situation, a Japanese man named Yuu shared his first experience of evacuating because of a tsunami warning. Yuu is a travel vlogger and a photographer who lives just near the sea side in Japan and he posted a video on Instagram showing how quickly things can change during a disaster.&nbsp;"I live about a 10-minute walk from the ocean, so when an earthquake occurs, I always have to be mindful of the risk of a tsunami," he said in his post.&nbsp;In the viral clip, Yuu calmly packs his cat into a backpack and his bird into a carrier, grabs his camera gear and leaves his home right after receiving the evacuation alert.&nbsp;“My priority was getting my pets, my cat and my bird out safely. I left the pancakes I was making for breakfast still sitting in the frying pan, quickly packed just a little camera gear into my bag, and headed to the designated evacuation site at the local middle school,” he wrote in the caption.

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Yuu went to a middle school, which was the nearby evacuation center but when he arrived, Yuu found out that pets were not allowed inside the school. While other people without pets stayed in air-conditioned classrooms. Whereas Yuu and other pet owners had to wait outside in the heat.&nbsp;About this experience, he wrote in his post's caption, “Through this tsunami warning experience, I realised I need to be much more prepared for disasters.”&nbsp;Also Check - <a href="Earthquake rocks Russia, ripples reach US; will climate change end geopolitical wars?">Earthquake rocks Russia, ripples reach US; will climate change end geopolitical wars?</a>&nbsp;People admire Yuu’s calm behavior&nbsp;Many Instagram users praised Yuu for staying calm and taking care of his pets during the crisis. One person wrote, ‘I’m glad you are safe, that’s so scary!'. While, another person criticised the shelter rule, saying, ‘It’s awful that there’s no safe place for people with animals.’&nbsp;Many people agreed that there should be a better help for pet owners during disaster situations and people also appreciated Yuu’s calm thinking and care for his pets.&nbsp;

The world woke up to chaos on Wednesday (July 30) after a powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake hit Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula. This was the strongest earthquake in the region since 1952.

Following a powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake that hit near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday (July 30), tsunami warnings were issued for coastal areas in Japan, the United States West Coast and Hawaii. During the panic situation, a Japanese man named Yuu shared his first experience of evacuating because of a tsunami warning. Yuu is a travel vlogger and a photographer who lives just near the sea side in Japan and he posted a video on Instagram showing how quickly things can change during a disaster. "I live about a 10-minute walk from the ocean, so when an earthquake occurs, I always have to be mindful of the risk of a tsunami," he said in his post. In the viral clip, Yuu calmly packs his cat into a backpack and his bird into a carrier, grabs his camera gear and leaves his home right after receiving the evacuation alert. “My priority was getting my pets, my cat and my bird out safely. I left the pancakes I was making for breakfast still sitting in the frying pan, quickly packed just a little camera gear into my bag, and headed to the designated evacuation site at the local middle school,” he wrote in the caption.

The world woke up to chaos on Wednesday (July 30) after a powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake hit Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula. This was the strongest earthquake in the region since 1952. &nbsp;

'My priority was getting my pets...': Japanese man grabs pets, flees during mid-breakfast after tsunami warning - WATCH

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (July 31) had a slight change in tone while addressing the Gaza humanitarian crisis, as he said that the fastest way to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is for Hamas to "surrender". This comes amid US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff's visit to Israel to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.&nbsp;Trump took to Truth Social, posting that Hamas has to surrender and release the hostages to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.&nbsp;“The fastest way to end the Humanitarian Crises in Gaza is for Hamas to SURRENDER AND RELEASE THE HOSTAGES!!!," the US president said in a Truth Social post.&nbsp;Although Trump has been a vivid supporter of Netanyahu, earlier this week, he acknowledged that there is a "real starvation in Gaza", while the Israeli PM claims there is no starvation.&nbsp;According to the World Health Organisation, there have been 63 malnutrition-related deaths in Gaza in July, while 24 of them were children under the age of five.<h2>Witkoff meets Netanyahu</h2>Meanwhile, Witkoff is currently meeting with Israeli PM Netanyahu at his office in Jerusalem, according to the Prime Minister's Office. Netanyahu also shared a pair of pictures of the two speaking; however, the details have not been revealed yet.&nbsp;Notably, this is Witkoff's first public visit to Israel since May, which comes amid the Gaza starvation crisis.&nbsp;Moreover, an American doctor has invited Trump's Middle East envoy to visit the Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza, where he is currently working, to show them the starving children. “There are children who are starving. I’ve seen them with my own eyes,” Dr Thomas Adamkiewicz, a paediatrician, told the BBC. “This is barbaric. It’s a crime scene.”<h2>US sanctions Palestinian Authority</h2>The US State Department on Thursday said that it will impose sanctions on the Palestinian Authority and members of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation as it accused them of undermining peace efforts.&nbsp;It further prevents those targeted from receiving visas to travel to the United States, according to the statement. “It is in our national security interests to impose consequences and hold the PLO and PA accountable for not complying with their commitments and undermining the prospects for peace,” the statement reads.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Trump took to Truth Social, posting that Hamas has to surrender and release the hostages to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This comes amid US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff's visit to Israel to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (July 31) had a slight change in tone while addressing the Gaza humanitarian crisis, as he said that the fastest way to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is for Hamas to "surrender". This comes amid US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff's visit to Israel to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump took to Truth Social, posting that Hamas has to surrender and release the hostages to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. “The fastest way to end the Humanitarian Crises in Gaza is for Hamas to SURRENDER AND RELEASE THE HOSTAGES!!!," the US president said in a Truth Social post. Although Trump has been a vivid supporter of Netanyahu, earlier this week, he acknowledged that there is a "real starvation in Gaza", while the Israeli PM claims there is no starvation. According to the World Health Organisation, there have been 63 malnutrition-related deaths in Gaza in July, while 24 of them were children under the age of five. Witkoff meets Netanyahu Meanwhile, Witkoff is currently meeting with Israeli PM Netanyahu at his office in Jerusalem, according to the Prime Minister's Office. Netanyahu also shared a pair of pictures of the two speaking; however, the details have not been revealed yet. Notably, this is Witkoff's first public visit to Israel since May, which comes amid the Gaza starvation crisis. Moreover, an American doctor has invited Trump's Middle East envoy to visit the Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza, where he is currently working, to show them the starving children. “There are children who are starving. I’ve seen them with my own eyes,” Dr Thomas Adamkiewicz, a paediatrician, told the BBC. “This is barbaric. It’s a crime scene.” US sanctions Palestinian Authority The US State Department on Thursday said that it will impose sanctions on the Palestinian Authority and members of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation as it accused them of undermining peace efforts. It further prevents those targeted from receiving visas to travel to the United States, according to the statement. “It is in our national security interests to impose consequences and hold the PLO and PA accountable for not complying with their commitments and undermining the prospects for peace,” the statement reads.

Trump took to Truth Social, posting that Hamas has to surrender and release the hostages to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This comes amid US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff's visit to Israel to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

'RELEASE THE HOSTAGES': Trump says Hamas surrender would end Gaza crisis as envoy Steve Witkoff meets Netanyahu

Pakistan has launched what it called South Asia's first ‘subway on wheels’. Unveiled in Lahore, this rubber-wheeled, solar-powered tram resembles a bus but touts to deliver the efficiency of a metro, that too without a track. It is Pakistan's effort to modernise its urban transport and plans to deploy it in 30 cities. The announcement is indeed a fascinating feat, but experts and transport analysts are divided on whether the transport qualifies as a metro. But what is certain is that China's influence is truly reshaping Pakistan's infrastructure.<h2>What is 'Subway on the Wheels'?</h2>The vehicle, which runs on regular roads guided by virtual tracks using sensors and GPS technology, mimics the form and function of a metro system. It is electric and solar-powered and contributes to Pakistan's renewable energy goals. The system also allows multiple carriages to be connected and resemble a train, and can carry up to 500 passengers.&nbsp;But is it really a metro? Despite the branding, unlike a true metro, it shares roads with other vehicles, raising concerns over traffic and speed reliability. The vehicle's rubber tire makes it closer to a solar-powered bus than a train. It lacks dedicated infrastructure like underground tunnels, stations, or overpasses like those of a conventional metro system.But its cost-effective nature makes it compatible for an economically troubled nation such as Pakistan; moreover, being environmentally friendly public transport, it will potentially reduce the carbon footprint of the nation. For China, this is another strategic infrastructure export and marks a boost in its soft power in South Asia. For the region, it sparks a broader debate about low-cost, scalable transport innovation in mass mobility. So, despite not being a metro in true essence, it serves the purpose and marks a shift toward pragmatic, futuristic, and politically strategic infrastructure with China's tech and funding.&nbsp;

Pakistan has launched South Asia's first solar-powered bus with China's tech. Pakistani media calls a trackless metro or ‘Subway on wheels’, but is it really a trackless metro? What are its potential, and what does it mean for the future of mass mobility in South Asia?

Pakistan has launched what it called South Asia's first ‘subway on wheels’. Unveiled in Lahore, this rubber-wheeled, solar-powered tram resembles a bus but touts to deliver the efficiency of a metro, that too without a track. It is Pakistan's effort to modernise its urban transport and plans to deploy it in 30 cities. The announcement is indeed a fascinating feat, but experts and transport analysts are divided on whether the transport qualifies as a metro. But what is certain is that China's influence is truly reshaping Pakistan's infrastructure. What is 'Subway on the Wheels'? The vehicle, which runs on regular roads guided by virtual tracks using sensors and GPS technology, mimics the form and function of a metro system. It is electric and solar-powered and contributes to Pakistan's renewable energy goals. The system also allows multiple carriages to be connected and resemble a train, and can carry up to 500 passengers. But is it really a metro? Despite the branding, unlike a true metro, it shares roads with other vehicles, raising concerns over traffic and speed reliability. The vehicle's rubber tire makes it closer to a solar-powered bus than a train. It lacks dedicated infrastructure like underground tunnels, stations, or overpasses like those of a conventional metro system. But its cost-effective nature makes it compatible for an economically troubled nation such as Pakistan; moreover, being environmentally friendly public transport, it will potentially reduce the carbon footprint of the nation. For China, this is another strategic infrastructure export and marks a boost in its soft power in South Asia. For the region, it sparks a broader debate about low-cost, scalable transport innovation in mass mobility. So, despite not being a metro in true essence, it serves the purpose and marks a shift toward pragmatic, futuristic, and politically strategic infrastructure with China's tech and funding.

Pakistan has launched South Asia's first solar-powered bus with China's tech. Pakistani media calls a trackless metro or ‘Subway on wheels’, but is it really a trackless metro? What are its potential and what does it mean for the future of mass mobility in South Asia?

Pakistan unveils 'Subway on wheels' in Lahore with help from China: Is it really a trackless metro?

Air India's Boeing flight, bound from Delhi to London, aborted takeoff at the Delhi airport on Thursday (July 31) due to a technical issue. The cockpit crew halted the takeoff and carried out precautionary checks as per the standard protocols.The airline spokesperson issued a statement, saying that the cockpit crew decided to discontinue the takeoff for precautionary checks.“Flight AI2017 operating from Delhi to London on 31 July returned to the bay due to a suspected technical issue. The cockpit crew decided to discontinue the take-off run following standard operating procedures and brought the aircraft back for precautionary checks," an Air India spokesperson said.The spokesperson added that an alternative aircraft is being deployed to fly the passengers to London at the earliest."Our ground staff is extending all support and care to the guests to minimise inconvenience caused due to this unexpected delay. At Air India, the safety and well-being of our passengers remain the top priority," the spokesperson said.However, the details of the passengers could not be ascertained yet.According to reports, India’s aviation regulator has found 51 safety violations at Air India over the past year during its annual inspection of all commercial airlines. Although not linked to last month’s fatal Boeing 787 crash that killed 260 people, the audit findings have renewed scrutiny of the national carrier.According to the audit, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) flagged 263 safety issues across eight Indian airlines. &nbsp;Of these, Air India had the second-highest number of lapses (51), including seven Level 1 findings, the most serious classification, and 44 Level 2 lapses.Later, Air India responded to the safety violations as the spokesperson said the airline was “fully transparent” during the audit process and added that these checks are routine for all airlines.“We acknowledge receipt of the findings and will submit our response to the regulator within the stipulated time frame, along with the details of the corrective actions taken,” the airline said.

The airline spokesperson issued a statement, saying that the cockpit crew decided to discontinue the takeoff for precautionary checks.

Air India's Boeing flight, bound from Delhi to London, aborted takeoff at the Delhi airport on Thursday (July 31) due to a technical issue. The cockpit crew halted the takeoff and carried out precautionary checks as per the standard protocols. The airline spokesperson issued a statement, saying that the cockpit crew decided to discontinue the takeoff for precautionary checks. “Flight AI2017 operating from Delhi to London on 31 July returned to the bay due to a suspected technical issue. The cockpit crew decided to discontinue the take-off run following standard operating procedures and brought the aircraft back for precautionary checks," an Air India spokesperson said. The spokesperson added that an alternative aircraft is being deployed to fly the passengers to London at the earliest. "Our ground staff is extending all support and care to the guests to minimise inconvenience caused due to this unexpected delay. At Air India, the safety and well-being of our passengers remain the top priority," the spokesperson said. However, the details of the passengers could not be ascertained yet. According to reports, India’s aviation regulator has found 51 safety violations at Air India over the past year during its annual inspection of all commercial airlines. Although not linked to last month’s fatal Boeing 787 crash that killed 260 people, the audit findings have renewed scrutiny of the national carrier. According to the audit, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) flagged 263 safety issues across eight Indian airlines. Of these, Air India had the second-highest number of lapses (51), including seven Level 1 findings, the most serious classification, and 44 Level 2 lapses. Later, Air India responded to the safety violations as the spokesperson said the airline was “fully transparent” during the audit process and added that these checks are routine for all airlines. “We acknowledge receipt of the findings and will submit our response to the regulator within the stipulated time frame, along with the details of the corrective actions taken,” the airline said.

The airline spokesperson issued a statement, saying that the cockpit crew decided to discontinue the takeoff for precautionary checks.

Air India flight aborts take off: Delhi-London flight returns to bay - Here's what we know

India has stood firm in its trade negotiations with the US, prioritising its national interests and protecting domestic industries. This is probably what's frustrating President Donald Trump, who announced 25 per cent tariffs and additional penalties on India, citing trade gap, high tariffs as well as non-tariff barriers, and trade in arms and energy with Russia. An Indian team has been negotiating with the US counterparts for a trade deal - reportedy to be worth nearly $118 billion - to avert the tariffs, but the Trump deadline of August 1 is unlikely to be met. There are some crucial sectors of Indian economy on which Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government will not compromise. This is both to protect domestic industries, and to prevent political fallout and possible criticism of selling out to the US.&nbsp;<h2>India won't rush into a trade deal with US</h2>Addressing parliament on Thursday (July 31), Trade Minister Piyush Goyal said the government "will protect the interests of our farmers, small industries and entrepreneurs."He said India will not rush into an agreement just to meet Trump's deadlines and will only accept a deal that aligns with its national interests.<h2>Protecting the Indian farmer: Agricultural sector safeguards are important for both Indian economy and politics</h2>India is keen to safeguard its farming sector, where the US has been seeking greater market access for products like maize, soybean and corn. Another issue of contention is genetically modified (GM) crops, which India has been resisting. More about it later. Allowing such imports in large amounts will hit domestic farmers as well as food security. In trade deals with other countries also, India has consistently avoided tariff concessions on major agricultural products. The thrust has always been on protecting millions of Indian small farmers in order to ensure food security.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-s-tariffs-could-disrupt-118bn-in-india-us-trade-india-braces-for-25-tariff-hit-1753958648484/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-s-tariffs-could-disrupt-118bn-in-india-us-trade-india-braces-for-25-tariff-hit-1753958648484/embed</a>&nbsp;<h2>India has a red line on dairy sector</h2>Diary products are another 'non-negotiable red line' for India. India has refused to allow imports of US dairy products, including so-called 'non-vegetarian milk' (possibly from animals fed with certain kinds of feeds or hormones). India wants to protect its dairy farmers and make the domestic market stable. Not just the US, but India has not given duty concessions for dairy products in any of its free trade agreements.<h2>Genetically Modified (GM) Crops: A controversial territory</h2>GM crops have been a controversial topic in India for decades. India has explicitly rejected American demands to allow imports of GM crops, such as soybean and corn. It could hit Indian agriculture, and affect people's health.<h2>Non-Tariff Barriers and quality control orders</h2>Quality Control Orders are part of the ‘self-reliant India’ initiative, aimed at curbing low-quality imports and promoting domestic manufacturing. The US has raised concerns about QCOs. The other sticking point is NTFs, which block market access to several US products. India, for which both NTBs and QCOs as crucial for protecting its domestic industries, is unlikely to relax them.<h2>Energy Imports are about India's strategic autonomy</h2>In meeting its energy demands, India has been importing from countries the West sees as enemies, particularly Russia and Iran. But India is very clear that national interest will guide its energy purchases. These imports, such as petroleum from Russia, are cheaper for India. India has tied its energy trade with its strategic autonomy. This is not an area India can compromise.&nbsp;These positions align with India’s broader trade policy, which prioritises protecting domestic industries, ensuring food security, and maintaining a favourable trade balance.India, meanwhile, remains open to offering concessions in other areas. This includes cuts in tariffs on automobiles and American whiskey, or duty concessions for textiles, leather, footwear, and auto parts.

The Trump deadline of August 1 for a trade deal with India is unlikely to be met. There are some crucial sectors of Indian economy on which Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government will not compromise. Here is why

India has stood firm in its trade negotiations with the US, prioritising its national interests and protecting domestic industries. This is probably what's frustrating President Donald Trump, who announced 25 per cent tariffs and additional penalties on India, citing trade gap, high tariffs as well as non-tariff barriers, and trade in arms and energy with Russia. An Indian team has been negotiating with the US counterparts for a trade deal - reportedy to be worth nearly $118 billion - to avert the tariffs, but the Trump deadline of August 1 is unlikely to be met. There are some crucial sectors of Indian economy on which Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government will not compromise. This is both to protect domestic industries, and to prevent political fallout and possible criticism of selling out to the US. India won't rush into a trade deal with US Addressing parliament on Thursday (July 31), Trade Minister Piyush Goyal said the government "will protect the interests of our farmers, small industries and entrepreneurs." He said India will not rush into an agreement just to meet Trump's deadlines and will only accept a deal that aligns with its national interests. Protecting the Indian farmer: Agricultural sector safeguards are important for both Indian economy and politics India is keen to safeguard its farming sector, where the US has been seeking greater market access for products like maize, soybean and corn. Another issue of contention is genetically modified (GM) crops, which India has been resisting. More about it later. Allowing such imports in large amounts will hit domestic farmers as well as food security. In trade deals with other countries also, India has consistently avoided tariff concessions on major agricultural products. The thrust has always been on protecting millions of Indian small farmers in order to ensure food security. https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-s-tariffs-could-disrupt-118bn-in-india-us-trade-india-braces-for-25-tariff-hit-1753958648484/embed India has a red line on dairy sector Diary products are another 'non-negotiable red line' for India. India has refused to allow imports of US dairy products, including so-called 'non-vegetarian milk' (possibly from animals fed with certain kinds of feeds or hormones). India wants to protect its dairy farmers and make the domestic market stable. Not just the US, but India has not given duty concessions for dairy products in any of its free trade agreements. Genetically Modified (GM) Crops: A controversial territory GM crops have been a controversial topic in India for decades. India has explicitly rejected American demands to allow imports of GM crops, such as soybean and corn. It could hit Indian agriculture, and affect people's health. Non-Tariff Barriers and quality control orders Quality Control Orders are part of the ‘self-reliant India’ initiative, aimed at curbing low-quality imports and promoting domestic manufacturing. The US has raised concerns about QCOs. The other sticking point is NTFs, which block market access to several US products. India, for which both NTBs and QCOs as crucial for protecting its domestic industries, is unlikely to relax them. Energy Imports are about India's strategic autonomy In meeting its energy demands, India has been importing from countries the West sees as enemies, particularly Russia and Iran. But India is very clear that national interest will guide its energy purchases. These imports, such as petroleum from Russia, are cheaper for India. India has tied its energy trade with its strategic autonomy. This is not an area India can compromise. These positions align with India’s broader trade policy, which prioritises protecting domestic industries, ensuring food security, and maintaining a favourable trade balance. India, meanwhile, remains open to offering concessions in other areas. This includes cuts in tariffs on automobiles and American whiskey, or duty concessions for textiles, leather, footwear, and auto parts.

The Trump deadline of August 1 for a trade deal with India is unlikely to be met. There are some crucial sectors of Indian economy on which Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government will not compromise. Here is why

Why Modi will not compromise on trade deal with Trump. These sectors are crucial for Indian economy (and politics)

As tariffs and trade remain in the headlines, US President Donald Trump on Thursday (July 31) said that the tariffs are making America great and "rich again". He stressed that the US has successfully countered this "onslaught of tariffs" used against it.&nbsp;The US president took to Truth Social, saying that the tariffs were used against the US for decades, coupled with "pathetic and crooked politicians."&nbsp;"Tariffs are making America GREAT &amp; RICH Again. They were successfully used against the USA for decades and, coupled with really dumb, pathetic, and crooked politicians, we’re having a devastating impact on the future, and even the survival, of our country," he wrote in the post.&nbsp;Trump added that it has completely changed now, stressing that America was a dead country a year ago, but now it is the hottest country in the world.&nbsp;"Now the tide has completely turned, and America has successfully countered this onslaught of Tariffs used against it. ONE YEAR AGO, AMERICA WAS A DEAD COUNTRY, NOW IT IS THE “HOTTEST”COUNTRY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!," he added.&nbsp;This comes a day after Trump imposed 25 per cent tariffs on India, along with penalties for several reasons, effective from August 1. He said that the US has a massive trade deficit with India.&nbsp;Trump took to Truth Social on Wednesday, and while noting that India is a "friend", said that relatively, the US has done “little business with them because their tariffs are far too high.” The US president added that India's tariffs are among the “highest in the world, and they have the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary trade barriers of any country.”&nbsp;Trump continued, as he raised concerns over India buying the majority of its military equipment from Russia, at a time when everyone wants Russia to stop the war in Ukraine. Trump announced to put penalties on India, along with the 25 per cent tariffs, starting on August 1.<h2>Here's how India reacted</h2>Hours after Trump imposed tariffs on India, the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry reacted to the US imposing 25 per cent tariffs on India. It stated that the government is studying the implications of tariffs.&nbsp;The ministry said that the government has taken note of a statement by the US President on bilateral trade. "The Government is studying its implications."&nbsp;It further noted that India and the US have been engaged in negotiations on concluding a fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement over the last few months.

Day after Trump imposed tariffs on India, he posted on Truth Social, saying that tariffs has made America hottest country in the world, stressing that one year ago, it was a dead country. 

As tariffs and trade remain in the headlines, US President Donald Trump on Thursday (July 31) said that the tariffs are making America great and "rich again". He stressed that the US has successfully countered this "onslaught of tariffs" used against it. The US president took to Truth Social, saying that the tariffs were used against the US for decades, coupled with "pathetic and crooked politicians." "Tariffs are making America GREAT & RICH Again. They were successfully used against the USA for decades and, coupled with really dumb, pathetic, and crooked politicians, we’re having a devastating impact on the future, and even the survival, of our country," he wrote in the post. Trump added that it has completely changed now, stressing that America was a dead country a year ago, but now it is the hottest country in the world. "Now the tide has completely turned, and America has successfully countered this onslaught of Tariffs used against it. ONE YEAR AGO, AMERICA WAS A DEAD COUNTRY, NOW IT IS THE “HOTTEST”COUNTRY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!," he added. This comes a day after Trump imposed 25 per cent tariffs on India, along with penalties for several reasons, effective from August 1. He said that the US has a massive trade deficit with India. Trump took to Truth Social on Wednesday, and while noting that India is a "friend", said that relatively, the US has done “little business with them because their tariffs are far too high.” The US president added that India's tariffs are among the “highest in the world, and they have the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary trade barriers of any country.” Trump continued, as he raised concerns over India buying the majority of its military equipment from Russia, at a time when everyone wants Russia to stop the war in Ukraine. Trump announced to put penalties on India, along with the 25 per cent tariffs, starting on August 1. Here's how India reacted Hours after Trump imposed tariffs on India, the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry reacted to the US imposing 25 per cent tariffs on India. It stated that the government is studying the implications of tariffs. The ministry said that the government has taken note of a statement by the US President on bilateral trade. "The Government is studying its implications." It further noted that India and the US have been engaged in negotiations on concluding a fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement over the last few months.

Day after Trump imposed tariffs on India, he posted on Truth Social, saying that tariffs has made America hottest country in the world, stressing that one year ago, it was a dead country.&nbsp;

'America HOTTEST country in world': Trump credits tariffs for making US great and rich again

President Donald Trump has recently put in an effort to broker cease fire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia. Both the nation accepted his mediation and agreed to a ceasefire. The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had earlier formally nominated the US President Donald Trump, praising his role in global diplomacy and brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. Now, a number of people are running online and betting on Trump's chances of winning the Nobel Peace Prize. On June 21, Pakistan publicly nominated Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, citing his actions related to mediating tensions between India and Pakistan. Critics quickly condemned the nominations, calling them politically motivated and diplomatically premature.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to the betting aggregator Oddschecker, Trump is the second favourite to win the Nobel Peace Prize 2025, with odds ranging from 17/2 or 10.5 per cent to 6/1 or 14.3 per cent. Earlier in May 2025, Oddschecker had listed Trump as the favourite ahead of Julian Assange and António Guterres. Some sportsbook markets like FanDuel and DraftKings put the odds at 32 per cent probability ahead of Volodymyr Zelenskyy at 17- 18 per cent, with Yulia Navalnaya widow of the Russian opposition leader, late Alexi Navalny, at the top with 34 per cent.US President Donald Trump had not hidden his desire to win the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize. He had also been nominated earlier in the year by various lawmakers, including Claudia Tenney, Darrell Issa, and others, largely due to his role in brokering the Abraham Accords in the Middle East. Oleksandr Merezhko, head of Ukraine’s parliamentary foreign committee, had earlier nominated Trump, but later withdrew due to his inability to broker peace between Kyiv and Moscow.President Donald Trump, with his undeniable influence and being the democratically elected President of the wealthiest nation of the world, has a stake in the prize. But the Nobel committee historically weighs in broader geopolitical implications and controversies surrounding nominees. Other notable candidates are United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres and the Commissioner General of the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, Philippe Lazzarini.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump had made no secret of his desire to win the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize, with several noteworthy nominations from world leaders. How do bookmakers rank him for the Nobel Peace Prize?

President Donald Trump has recently put in an effort to broker cease fire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia. Both the nation accepted his mediation and agreed to a ceasefire. The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had earlier formally nominated the US President Donald Trump, praising his role in global diplomacy and brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. Now, a number of people are running online and betting on Trump's chances of winning the Nobel Peace Prize. On June 21, Pakistan publicly nominated Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, citing his actions related to mediating tensions between India and Pakistan. Critics quickly condemned the nominations, calling them politically motivated and diplomatically premature. According to the betting aggregator Oddschecker, Trump is the second favourite to win the Nobel Peace Prize 2025, with odds ranging from 17/2 or 10.5 per cent to 6/1 or 14.3 per cent. Earlier in May 2025, Oddschecker had listed Trump as the favourite ahead of Julian Assange and António Guterres. Some sportsbook markets like FanDuel and DraftKings put the odds at 32 per cent probability ahead of Volodymyr Zelenskyy at 17- 18 per cent, with Yulia Navalnaya widow of the Russian opposition leader, late Alexi Navalny, at the top with 34 per cent. US President Donald Trump had not hidden his desire to win the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize. He had also been nominated earlier in the year by various lawmakers, including Claudia Tenney, Darrell Issa, and others, largely due to his role in brokering the Abraham Accords in the Middle East. Oleksandr Merezhko, head of Ukraine’s parliamentary foreign committee, had earlier nominated Trump, but later withdrew due to his inability to broker peace between Kyiv and Moscow. President Donald Trump, with his undeniable influence and being the democratically elected President of the wealthiest nation of the world, has a stake in the prize. But the Nobel committee historically weighs in broader geopolitical implications and controversies surrounding nominees. Other notable candidates are United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres and the Commissioner General of the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, Philippe Lazzarini.

US President Donald Trump had made no secret of his desire to win the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize, with several noteworthy nominations from world leaders. How do bookmakers rank him for the Nobel Peace Prize?

Can Donald Trump win the Nobel prize- What do the bookmakers predict?

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Jul 30) announced 25 per cent tariffs on India, starting August 1, 2025. He said that the United States has a massive trade deficit with India, adding that India will also be paying additional penalties due to its trade relations with Russia. The US president’s move has sparked various reactions, including those from netizens, some of whom flooded social media with memes.&nbsp;In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “Remember, while India is our friend, we have, over the years, done relatively little business with them because their Tariffs are far too high, among the highest in the World, and they have the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary Trade Barriers of any Country.”&nbsp;Talking about India buying Russian military equipment and oil, he further said, “Also, they have always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia, and are Russia's largest buyer of ENERGY, along with China, at a time when everyone wants Russia to STOP THE KILLING IN UKRAINE — ALL THINGS NOT GOOD! INDIA WILL THEREFORE BE PAYING A TARIFF OF 25%, PLUS A PENALTY FOR THE ABOVE, STARTING ON AUGUST FIRST. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. MAGA!”&nbsp;Here are some humorous memes posted by social media users:&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Bas dosti bani rahe.. <a href="https://t.co/bcY0k8KkbD">pic.twitter.com/bcY0k8KkbD</a>&mdash; Dhruv Rathee (@dhruv_rathee) <a href="https://twitter.com/dhruv_rathee/status/1950573169363800307?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">What is this matter <a href="https://twitter.com/grok?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@grok</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/elunmuxk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elunmuxk</a> @nadsgottalent <a href="https://twitter.com/WHO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WHO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WhoWhatWear?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WhoWhatWear</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/globaltimesnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@globaltimesnews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/kgs_live?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kgs_live</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WFP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WFP</a> <a href="https://t.co/QNcfn1Rdiz">pic.twitter.com/QNcfn1Rdiz</a>&mdash; Kunwar Bablu Bind (@KunwarBablubind) <a href="https://twitter.com/KunwarBablubind/status/1950869508349890858?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Trump with Pakistan these days..😅 <a href="https://t.co/xECeAYOpap">pic.twitter.com/xECeAYOpap</a>&mdash; Jo Kar (@i_am_gustakh) <a href="https://twitter.com/i_am_gustakh/status/1950784182206001603?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Donald Trump hits India with 25% tariffs 🤡 <a href="https://t.co/NOs1dtOiWm">pic.twitter.com/NOs1dtOiWm</a>&mdash; Homie (@homelander_yyy) <a href="https://twitter.com/homelander_yyy/status/1950592472561721790?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Trump announces 25% tariffs on India. Indian Share Market to Trump: <a href="https://t.co/50SC9qmUW2">pic.twitter.com/50SC9qmUW2</a>&mdash; Shimorekato (@iam_shimorekato) <a href="https://twitter.com/iam_shimorekato/status/1950843351395409989?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Trump puts 25% tarrif on India after calling India as friend😔😔 Modiji:<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Modiji?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Modiji</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TrumpTariffs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TrumpTariffs</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PresidentTrump?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PresidentTrump</a> <a href="https://t.co/GIQFmgnZMX">pic.twitter.com/GIQFmgnZMX</a>&mdash; INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MEMES (IIM) (@ShubhenduMurari) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShubhenduMurari/status/1950552161211048026?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A meme was also posted by Chinese feature a “Make America Great Again” hat with a label reading “made in China”.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🍿 China Goes In On Trump With Meme Potshots Amid Tariff War <a href="https://t.co/Uhq7mX2Mt0">pic.twitter.com/Uhq7mX2Mt0</a>&mdash; RT_India (@RT_India_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/RT_India_news/status/1910339927520190897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

After US President Donald Trump imposed a 25 per cent tariff on India, netizens took to social media to post memes.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Jul 30) announced 25 per cent tariffs on India, starting August 1, 2025. He said that the United States has a massive trade deficit with India, adding that India will also be paying additional penalties due to its trade relations with Russia. The US president’s move has sparked various reactions, including those from netizens, some of whom flooded social media with memes. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “Remember, while India is our friend, we have, over the years, done relatively little business with them because their Tariffs are far too high, among the highest in the World, and they have the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary Trade Barriers of any Country.” Talking about India buying Russian military equipment and oil, he further said, “Also, they have always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia, and are Russia's largest buyer of ENERGY, along with China, at a time when everyone wants Russia to STOP THE KILLING IN UKRAINE — ALL THINGS NOT GOOD! INDIA WILL THEREFORE BE PAYING A TARIFF OF 25%, PLUS A PENALTY FOR THE ABOVE, STARTING ON AUGUST FIRST. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. MAGA!” Here are some humorous memes posted by social media users:

After US President Donald Trump imposed a 25 per cent tariff on India, netizens took to social media to post memes.

Memes take over social media after Trump imposes 25% tariffs on India

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Memes take over social media after Trump imposes 25% tariffs on India