Russia’s war in Ukraine to overshadow G-20 talks in Bali

Jakarta: Foreign ministers from the Group of 20 leading rich and developing nations are gathering in Indonesia’s resort island of Bali for talks bound to be dominated by the conflict in Ukraine despite an agenda focused on global cooperation and food and energy security. The one-day gathering will take place on Friday on the mostly […]

China lashes out at US, British intelligence services

Beijing:  The United States is “the biggest threat to world peace, stability and development,” China said on Thursday, continuing its sharp rhetoric in response to US accusations of Chinese spying and threats to the international order. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian’s comments came a day after the head of the FBI and the leader of […]

 Jaishankar meets Singapore’s deputy PM, defence minister

Discusses bilateral ties & global developments

Singapore:  External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday met two key leaders of Singapore, including Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong, here and exchanged views on the global economic and political situation, and discussed ways to bolster bilateral ties and take it to the next level. Jaishankar made a halt in Singapore en […]

Ahead of G-20 ministers’ meeting, China slams US, NATO

Beijing:  China launched a scathing attack on the US and NATO on Wednesday, days before a meeting between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian’s comments underscore the increasingly fractious relationship, along with China’s increasingly confrontational approach to foreign relations that heatedly rejects criticism. At […]

EAM Jaishankar to visit Indonesia on July 7 to attend G20 foreign ministers’ meet

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will pay a two-day visit to Indonesia beginning Thursday to attend a meeting of foreign ministers of the G20 countries. Foreign ministers of China and Russia are also likely to attend the meeting that is set to discuss pressing global challenges, including the food and energy security arising […]

China opens up to worldwide air travel after 2-year COVID ban, flight services to India still in limbo

By: K J M Varma Beijing: China has started permitting international flights after a two-year ban due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but there is no word yet on the resumption of air services to India even after Beijing lifted a visa ban for Indian professionals and their families last month. China is further streamlining procedures […]

New face mask that can kill Covid virus developed

Washington:  Researchers have developed a new N95 face mask that can not only reduce COVID-19 spread but also kill the SARS-CoV-2 virus upon contact with it. The mask can potentially be worn longer, causing less plastic waste as it does not need to be replaced as frequently, the researchers said. “We think the work is […]

Putin declares victory in embattled Donbas region of Luhansk

Pokrovsk (Ukraine):  Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday declared victory in the eastern Ukrainian region of Luhansk, one day after Ukrainian forces withdrew from their last remaining bulwark of resistance in the province. Russia’s Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported to Putin in a televised meeting Monday that Russian forces had taken control of Luhansk, which […]

Pak military leadership to hold peace talks with TTP: Interior Minister

Islamabad: A parliamentary committee has authorised the military leadership of Pakistan to hold peace talks with the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has said. He said on Saturday that the military leadership would inform the committee about any progress in the talks and the matter would then be debated in Parliament. The […]