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India's EAM S Jaishankar Addresses Middle East Crisis, Calls for Balanced Response
- India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed deep concern about the possibility of a regional war in West Asia during his speech at the Carnegie Endowment Centre for International Peace in the United States. He emphasized that India views the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas militants as a "terrorist attack" and considers it the root cause of current tensions in the region.
- Jaishankar acknowledged Israel's need to respond but stressed that any country's response must adhere to international humanitarian law and carefully consider potential civilian casualties. He called for an international humanitarian effort in the Gaza strip, highlighting the importance of balancing security concerns with humanitarian considerations.
- The minister highlighted India's broader concerns about various conflicts in West Asia, including tensions between Israel, Hamas, Lebanon, and Iran, as well as issues involving the Houthis in the Red Sea. This comprehensive view underscores India's commitment to regional stability beyond the immediate Israel-Iran conflict.
- Jaishankar emphasized the importance of maintaining open communication channels between all parties during these challenging times. He indicated that India is willing to play a role in facilitating dialogue and conveying messages between different sides, demonstrating India's potential as a mediator in the region.
- The discussion took place against the backdrop of escalating tensions, with Iran launching at least 180 ballistic missiles towards Tel Aviv in response to Israel's killing of former Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed retaliation, further heightening concerns about a potential wider conflict in the region.
Netanyahu expresses regret over tragic mishap killing journalists in Gaza hospital
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed deep regret over the tragic incident at Nasser Hospital in Gaza that killed 20 people, including five journalists.
- The attack involved a double missile strike hitting the hospital’s fourth floor while rescue teams were attending the injured.
- Among the deceased journalists were members from Reuters, Associated Press, Al Jazeera, and NBC.
- Netanyahu emphasized that Israel values journalists, medical staff, and civilians, and said Israel’s war is against Hamas terrorists, aiming to bring hostages home.
- The incident received global condemnation, with calls for impartial investigation and ceasefire to protect civilians and press freedom.
PM Modi launches Rs 5,400 crore development projects in Gujarat spanning railways, roads, power, housing, and urban infrastructure
- PM Modi launched development projects worth Rs 5,400 crore in Gujarat across railways, roads, power, housing, and urban infrastructure.
- Key railway projects include doubling Mahesana-Palanpur line and gauge conversions to improve connectivity.
- Road projects include widening roads and building overpasses to ease traffic and boost trade.
- Power sector upgrades focus on distribution efficiency and outage reduction in Ahmedabad, Mehsana, and Gandhinagar.
- Social welfare projects include slum rehabilitation with 1,500 homes for urban poor under PMAY (U).
PM Modi stands firm ahead of US tariff hike deadline, pledges unwavering support for Indian farmers and small businesses
- PM Modi stated India will not compromise on the interests of farmers and small businesses, even as the US prepares to impose 50% tariffs on Indian imports.
- The government is ready to face increased pressure and will put the nation’s priorities first.
- Modi urged citizens and businesses to support ‘Made in India’ products, promoting self-reliance.
- Protection of small entrepreneurs, farmers, and cattle rearers will remain top priority for the government.
- Modi condemned the US tariffs as unfair, reaffirming that India stands strong against external pressure.
Human Remains Found in Lancashire Home May Belong to Children, Police Say
- Builders found human remains on August 15 at a site on Cleveland Road, Lytham, Lancashire.
- Police believe the remains may belong to children and are part of a historical burial.
- Authorities do not consider the discovery suspicious and treat it as isolated and historical.
- Investigations are ongoing to identify the remains, including their age and cause of death.
- The remains were removed from the property, and the police thanked homeowners and contractors for cooperation.
India Temporarily Suspends Most Postal Services to the US From August 25 Amid New US Customs Rules
- India halts most postal shipments to the US starting August 25, except letters and small gifts.
- The US revoked duty-free status for imports under $800, effective August 29 under Executive Order 14324.
- Only letters, documents, and gift items up to $100 worth remain exempt from customs duties.
- Indian postal services paused due to unclear processes for collecting and remitting new US tariffs.
- Customers with pre-booked undeliverable parcels can get postage refunds; efforts to resume soon ongoing.