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Gukesh’s Grand Swiss Hopes Dim After Second Straight Loss
- World Chess Champion D Gukesh lost his second consecutive game at the 2025 FIDE Grand Swiss in Samarkand, falling to Greek GM Nikolas Theodorou after a previous loss to 16-year-old Abhimanyu Mishra.
- The defeat dropped Gukesh to 53rd in the standings, severely hurting his chances of winning the title.
- A critical mistake in the rook and pawns endgame against Theodorou cost him the game despite initially promising positions.
- Gukesh needs to win four of his remaining five games to stay in contention for the Grand Swiss title and Candidates qualification.
- Frustrated by the losses, Gukesh left the playing hall visibly upset, signaling a tough phase for the young world champion.
Trump’s Double Game and $400 Million Betrayal Amid Israel’s Strike on Hamas in Qatar
- Israel struck Hamas leaders in Qatar’s capital Doha, surprising the US and Qatar despite limited prior warnings.
- Qatar condemned the strike as a violation of its sovereignty, causing diplomatic outrage and fears of derailing peace talks.
- Trump called the strike “unfortunate,” distancing himself by saying it was Netanyahu’s decision, not his, and expressed unhappiness with the incident.
- The attack complicated US efforts to broker a ceasefire and hostages release between Israel and Hamas.
- The situation revealed tensions in Trump’s ties with Qatar, highlighting a $400 million deal and Qatar’s role as a key US ally and mediator.
Historic moment for Manipur as PM Modi visits after 40 years
- The Kuki-Zo Council warmly welcomed PM Modi’s visit to Manipur, calling it historic as it’s the first by a Prime Minister in nearly 40 years.
- The community has endured severe hardships due to ethnic violence since May 2023, with over 250 deaths, thousands displaced, and widespread destruction of homes and places of worship.
- The Kuki-Zo demand a separate administration as a Union Territory with legislature under Article 239A for peace, security, and survival.
- They expressed faith in PM Modi’s leadership to address their concerns, restore dignity, and safeguard their future.
- During the visit, PM Modi is expected to meet displaced victims, announce rehabilitation plans, and inaugurate development projects.
‘Block Everything’ Protest Rock France: Nearly 200 Arrested, Vehicles Set Ablaze Amid Nationwide Unrest
- Nationwide “Block Everything” protests erupted across France protesting austerity measures, sparking traffic disruptions, fires, and clashes with police.
- Nearly 200 people were arrested within hours by authorities deploying 80,000 police officers to disperse crowds and dismantle blockades.
- Protesters set a bus on fire in Rennes, damaged power lines blocking train services in the southwest, and ignited trash bins including in Paris.
- Demonstrators voiced frustration over political leadership under President Macron following the government’s collapse and budget cuts, demanding reversals.
- The protest movement, emergent on social media, spans left-wing, far-left, and some right-wing factions and continues nationwide with upcoming strikes planned.
Trump and Modi Optimistic as India-U.S. Trade Talks Continue Amid Tariff Challenges
- U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed ongoing trade negotiations with India and expressed optimism about reaching a successful deal soon, calling PM Modi a “very good friend.”
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi called India and the U.S. “close friends and natural partners” and expressed confidence that negotiations will unlock the partnership’s limitless potential.
- The positive tone comes despite recent tensions caused by the U.S. imposing 50% tariffs on Indian goods, including penalties related to India’s purchase of Russian oil.
- Both leaders committed to continuing discussions and working together for a brighter, more prosperous future for their nations.
- The optimistic remarks have eased concerns and positively impacted Indian markets after weeks of diplomatic friction.