作者: admin

  • India rejects allegations of territory being used for anti-Bangladesh activities

    India rejects allegations of territory being used for anti-Bangladesh activities

    In a significant diplomatic development, India has formally rejected allegations from Bangladesh’s interim government regarding the use of Indian territory for activities detrimental to Bangladeshi interests. The sharp exchange occurred on Sunday amid heightened tensions between the neighboring nations.

    The Indian Ministry of External Affairs issued a comprehensive statement minutes after Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry summoned the Indian High Commissioner to express concerns about statements made by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Dhaka authorities accused Hasina of orchestrating violence from abroad and sought her extradition along with former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal.

    Reaffirming its consistent position, India emphasized its commitment to Bangladesh’s democratic processes. “We have consistently reiterated our position in favour of free, fair, inclusive and credible elections being held in Bangladesh in a peaceful atmosphere,” the official statement declared.

    The Indian government categorically denied allegations that its territory was being used for activities against Bangladesh’s interests. “India has never allowed its territory to be used for activities inimical to the interests of the friendly people of Bangladesh,” the ministry asserted, adding that it expects Bangladesh’s interim government to maintain law and order essential for peaceful elections.

    Bangladesh’s foreign ministry had drawn attention to what it described as anti-Bangladesh activities by fugitive Awami League members currently residing in India. These allegations include planning, organizing, and facilitating terrorist acts within Bangladesh to disrupt the electoral process. Additionally, Dhaka requested India’s cooperation in preventing the escape of suspects connected to the recent attempted assassination of Bangladeshi political leader Sharif Osman Hadi.

    The Indian High Commissioner responded by emphasizing India’s anticipation of peaceful elections in Bangladesh and expressed readiness to extend all necessary cooperation in this regard. This diplomatic exchange occurs against the backdrop of ongoing political tensions in Bangladesh and the approaching electoral period.

  • Petro urges Colombians to celebrate Christmas season despite ELN rebels’ forced strike

    Petro urges Colombians to celebrate Christmas season despite ELN rebels’ forced strike

    BOGOTA, Colombia — Colombian President Gustavo Petro has issued a resolute call for citizens to celebrate the Christmas season without intimidation, following the National Liberation Army (ELN) rebel group’s declaration of an armed strike across multiple regions. The left-wing insurgents announced restrictive measures effective from Sunday through Wednesday morning, demanding civilian confinement to homes and suspension of commercial and transportation activities.

    The ELN justified their coercive actions as retaliation against what they termed a ‘counterinsurgency plan’ by the government and ‘imperialist aggression’ in reference to U.S. military operations in the region. The rebel directive specifically warned residents in Bogota, Medellin, Cali, Popayan and Barrancabermeja to avoid proximity to police and military installations.

    President Petro characterized the ELN’s pronouncements as direct threats against Colombian sovereignty rather than merely against U.S. interests. He has authorized security forces to engage the rebel group while encouraging public defiance of their intimidation tactics. ‘Fear paralyzes us, and we will not allow ourselves to be threatened either by foreign powers or by drug traffickers dressed up as revolutionaries,’ Petro asserted.

    The escalating tension occurs against the backdrop of increased U.S. military presence in the region, with American forces reporting over 80 casualties in anti-narcotics operations since September. These strikes initially targeted vessels off Venezuela’s Caribbean coast before expanding to the eastern Pacific Ocean. The Petro administration has condemned these operations as disproportionate use of force, with the president characterizing them as ‘murders.’

    This confrontation represents another deterioration in government-rebel relations since Petro suspended peace negotiations with the ELN in January following rebel attacks that killed approximately 80 people in the Catatumbo region.

  • Geminid meteor shower seen across China

    Geminid meteor shower seen across China

    Stargazers across China were treated to one of nature’s most dazzling celestial displays on Sunday, December 14, 2025, as the annual Geminid meteor shower reached its spectacular peak. The astronomical phenomenon, renowned for its brightness and frequency, painted night skies with streaks of light from the northeastern province of Heilongjiang to various observation points nationwide.

    In Yabuli town of Shangzhi city, Heilongjiang province, photographers captured stunning images of the meteor shower against a crisp winter backdrop. The clear atmospheric conditions in many regions provided optimal viewing opportunities for both amateur astronomers and professional observers alike.

    The Geminids, unique among meteor showers for originating from asteroid 3200 Phaethon rather than a comet, typically produce up to 120 meteors per hour during peak activity. This year’s display maintained its reputation as one of the most reliable and visually impressive meteor showers of the annual astronomical calendar.

    Chinese astronomy enthusiasts and night sky photographers had been anticipating the event for weeks, with many traveling to dark-sky locations away from urban light pollution to witness the phenomenon in its full glory. Social media platforms across China filled with user-shared photographs and videos documenting the celestial spectacle.

    The meteor shower’s visibility across much of China demonstrates the country’s growing public interest in astronomical events and the increasing accessibility of stargazing as a popular recreational activity. Local astronomy clubs and educational institutions had organized viewing events to capitalize on the scientific and educational opportunity presented by the natural light show.

  • UAE condemns attack on US-Syria forces near Palmyra

    UAE condemns attack on US-Syria forces near Palmyra

    The United Arab Emirates has issued a formal condemnation of a deadly terrorist assault targeting a combined US and Syrian security patrol in central Syria. The attack occurred in the vicinity of the historic city of Palmyra, resulting in significant casualties among American military personnel and injuries to members of the Syrian security forces.

    In an official statement released by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), the Emirati government articulated its vehement denunciation of the violent incident, characterizing it as an act of terrorism that fundamentally contradicts international peace and security objectives. The Ministry reaffirmed the nation’s unwavering stance against all manifestations of violence and terrorism that seek to destabilize regional security architectures.

    The UAE government extended profound condolences and expressions of solidarity to the families of those killed in the assault, addressing both the United States and the Syrian Arab Republic. The communication further conveyed the nation’s sincere wishes for the prompt and complete recovery of all injured parties affected by what authorities described as a heinous security breach.

    This diplomatic response occurs against the backdrop of ongoing security challenges in the Syrian region, where various international forces maintain operational presence. The UAE’s condemnation aligns with its broader foreign policy objectives of promoting stability and countering extremist violence in the Middle East.

  • Watch: First peek behind the scenes of  Dubai’s NYE performances reveals dances, massive props

    Watch: First peek behind the scenes of Dubai’s NYE performances reveals dances, massive props

    Dubai is orchestrating what promises to be its most ambitious New Year’s Eve spectacle to date, with newly released behind-the-scenes footage revealing extraordinary preparations underway. Captured and shared by Emaar founder Mohamed Alabbar via social media platform X on December 14, 2025, the exclusive video provides a fascinating glimpse into the intensive rehearsals transforming Downtown Dubai into a global celebration epicenter.

    The footage showcases an array of breathtaking elements: drummers creating powerful rhythmic foundations, contemporary dancers executing sweeping choreography, and performers maneuvering colossal props including an intricate camel and bird structure. One particularly striking moment features a dancer performing advanced acrobatics, spinning effortlessly while inverted on his head. These rehearsals, conducted in casual attire within brightly lit studios, hint at the grandeur awaiting audiences when enhanced by custom costumes, atmospheric lighting, and the iconic Burj Khalifa backdrop.

    This year’s celebrations mark a significant expansion from previous events, spanning an unprecedented eight-day festival from December 31 through January 7. While premium viewing areas requiring tickets offer front-row access to live performances and the renowned fireworks display, Emaar has confirmed that wider Downtown festivities will remain accessible to all visitors free of charge. The scale of preparations evident in the rehearsal footage suggests Dubai is poised to deliver a multicultural performance spectacle that will capture global attention and reinforce its status as a world-leading destination for landmark celebrations.

  • Eleven killed at Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach

    Eleven killed at Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach

    A festive Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach was shattered by violence when two assailants opened fire on attendees, resulting in at least 11 fatalities and multiple injuries. The attack, which Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned as a deliberate act of terrorism and antisemitism, occurred on the first night of the Jewish festival of lights.

    New South Wales police confirmed emergency services transported at least 29 wounded individuals to area hospitals following the shooting. The assailants were confronted at the scene, with one perpetrator killed during the incident and the other sustaining critical injuries. Authorities later discovered improvised explosive devices within a vehicle connected to the deceased attacker near the beachfront location.

    Prime Minister Albanese addressed the nation, emphasizing the symbolic significance of targeting Jewish Australians during what should be a joyous religious observance. “This violent act strikes at the heart of our nation’s values,” Albanese stated. “An attack on Jewish Australians constitutes an attack on all Australians and our multicultural society.”

    The Bondi Beach area, typically crowded with summer tourists and locals during the southern hemisphere’s peak holiday season, was transformed into an active crime scene as police secured the perimeter. Initial emergency responses began at approximately 6:47 PM local time following reports of gunfire at the “Hanukkah by the Sea” community event.

    Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into the motivations behind the attack and potential connections to broader extremist networks. Security has been heightened at Jewish institutions nationwide as the community mourns the tragic loss of life.

  • Australia confirms Bondi Beach shooting a terrorist attack

    Australia confirms Bondi Beach shooting a terrorist attack

    Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has officially designated the deadly shooting at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach as a terrorist attack. The confirmation came during a Sunday evening press conference where the leader characterized the violence as a calculated act targeting Jewish Australians.

    The assault occurred during the ‘Hanukkah by the Sea’ celebration, a festive gathering marking the first night of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. Prime Minister Albanese emphasized the particular cruelty of timing, noting that the attack transformed what should have been “a day of joy, a celebration of faith” into a scene of tragedy.

    Authorities are investigating the incident as a deliberate act of antisemitic terrorism that has profoundly impacted the nation. The Prime Minister’s statement described the event as “an act of evil antisemitism, terrorism, that has struck the heart of our nation,” underscoring the targeted nature of the violence against the Jewish community during their religious observance.

    The confirmation follows an earlier report of a mass shooting at the popular beach destination, with investigations ongoing to determine the full scope of casualties and the specific motivations behind the attack. Security agencies have intensified efforts to address community safety concerns following this declaration of a terrorist incident.

  • ‘Everyone says it’ll never be me’ – Brown University student on surviving two mass shootings

    ‘Everyone says it’ll never be me’ – Brown University student on surviving two mass shootings

    For Mia Tretta, a 21-year-old Brown University student, the chilling alert of an active shooter on campus was a devastating echo of a past nightmare. As she studied for finals in her Rhode Island dorm, the university-wide warning triggered traumatic memories of the 2019 Saugus High School shooting in Santa Clarita, California, where she was critically wounded and her best friend was killed.

    Tretta, now advocating against gun violence, described to the BBC how the recent lockdown shattered her hard-won sense of security. Her journey to an Ivy League school on the opposite coast was a conscious effort to escape the haunting reality of gun violence. ‘Everyone always tells themselves it’ll never be me,’ she stated, a belief she herself held until she became a victim—not once, but twice.

    The physical and psychological scars from Saugus remain profound. Tretta endured over a week of hospitalization, multiple surgeries for nerve damage and a perforated eardrum, and still carries bullet fragments in her stomach. This latest incident has reignited a complex mix of fear, confusion, and anger, solidifying her view that mass shootings are a national epidemic indiscriminate of community or personal history.

    Her experience is tragically not unique among her generation, who have grown up with active shooter drills as a routine part of their education. This point was underscored by Providence Mayor Brett Smiley, who recounted a conversation with a wounded student from the Brown incident. The student expressed that high school drills had, sadly, provided crucial preparation for the real-life event—a statement the mayor found simultaneously hopeful and profoundly tragic.

    Despite the lifted lockdown, a heavy police presence lingered around campus, a stark reminder of the shattered illusion of safety. One departing student summarized the collective sentiment, calling Brown a ‘perfect bubble’ that had now been irrevocably broken. Tretta’s story, including her 2022 White House address on gun reform, stands as a powerful testament to a generation demanding that mass shootings cease being accepted as an unavoidable American reality.

  • 9 African migrants died in freezing temperatures near Morocco-Algeria border

    9 African migrants died in freezing temperatures near Morocco-Algeria border

    In a devastating incident highlighting the perils of irregular migration, nine African migrants perished from extreme cold exposure near Morocco’s mountainous border region with Algeria. The tragic discovery in Ras Asfour—a remote area known for its harsh winter conditions—has triggered significant concern among human rights organizations across North Africa.

    The Moroccan Association of Human Rights confirmed the victims included seven men and two women from various sub-Saharan nations, with one individual identified as Guinean. According to their Saturday statement, “Their exhausted bodies could not withstand the plunging temperatures” that characterize this treacherous transit zone.

    This tragedy occurs within the broader context of ongoing migration patterns where thousands annually attempt dangerous journeys from North Africa to European destinations. Many seek entry via Spain’s North African enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla through fence scaling or swimming, while others undertake the perilous Atlantic route to the Canary Islands.

    The region has increasingly become a focal point for migration control efforts, with EU security agreements enhancing North African authorities’ capabilities to deter irregular movement. Many migrants spend months or years in informal employment sectors—including construction, agriculture, and domestic work—while awaiting crossing opportunities across the Mediterranean or Atlantic.

    Human rights groups have responded forcefully to the incident. The Moroccan Organization of Human Rights has called for border humanization policies, decriminalization of irregular migration and residence, and establishment of mechanisms to track missing migrants. Meanwhile, six victims have been buried locally while two bodies were preserved for family identification purposes.

    Morocco’s Interior Ministry has not yet issued official comments regarding the specific circumstances of these deaths, though the nation’s security forces regularly report intercepting migration attempts through this corridor.

  • Fans go crazy ahead of Lionel Messi’s event in Mumbai

    Fans go crazy ahead of Lionel Messi’s event in Mumbai

    Football icon Lionel Messi’s arrival in Mumbai for his GOAT India Tour 2025 has ignited unprecedented excitement among Indian fans, despite controversy surrounding previous tour stops. The Argentine legend, fresh from leading his country to World Cup glory in 2022, received an overwhelmingly warm reception in Hyderabad before proceeding to Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium.

    Indian supporters expressed extraordinary enthusiasm for the opportunity to witness the global football superstar. Vedansh, a dedicated Messi fan from Pune, revealed his long-standing admiration: ‘I began following football around 2012-13 during the peak Messi-Ronaldo debates. For me, it was always Messi—his playing style captivated me, and the 2022 World Cup victory cemented his legendary status.’

    The emotional connection runs deep among Indian fans. Abhinav, another devoted supporter, shared his profound anticipation: ‘Seeing Messi has always been my dream. I’m so excited I might actually cry if I get to see him in person.’ Many fans undertook significant journeys, including three-hour train rides from Pune, demonstrating their commitment to witnessing the football genius.

    However, the tour’s Kolkata segment concluded disastrously when frustrated fans resorted to vandalism after Messi’s premature departure. Attendees who paid premium prices expressed anger over poor event management and alleged that VIPs and politicians monopolized Messi’s attention, preventing ordinary fans from even glimpsing their hero. The situation escalated to the point where police intervention was required to disperse the crowd.

    In response to the Kolkata incident, promoter Satadru Dutta was arrested and remanded to 14 days police custody by the Bidhannagar Court. Meanwhile, Messi demonstrated his humanitarian side in Hyderabad, engaging in memorable interactions with children at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium as part of his UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador role.

    The GOAT India Tour 2025 will conclude with a final event in Delhi on Monday, marking the end of Messi’s historic visit to the subcontinent.