World News Archives - Page 69 of 81

15 May

Political Tensions Hit Tourism: Turkey and Azerbaijan Face Backlash from Indian Travellers

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, World NewsAzerbaijan, India, Pakistan, Turkey

New Delhi (National Times): The ongoing diplomatic fallout from the India-Pakistan conflict has spilled into the tourism industry, with Indian travelers cancelling trips to Turkey and Azerbaijan en masse after both nations expressed support for Islamabad. Top Indian travel companies are witnessing a wave of cancellations and reduced interest in these popular holiday destinations. "Since last week, there has been a 60% drop in new bookings and a 250% increase in trip cancellations for Turkey and Azerbaijan," confirmed a spokesperson from MakeMyTrip. EaseMyTrip, another major travel player, reported that Turkey has seen a 22% rise in cancellations, while Azerbaijan's figure…

12 May

Trump Says His Administration Averted Nuclear War Between India and Pakistan

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld Newsnuclear conflict, Trump India Pakistan ceasefire

Washington D.C., May 12, 2025 – U.S. President Donald J. Trump has claimed that his administration successfully prevented a nuclear war between India and Pakistan, following a period of heightened military tension between the two nuclear-armed nations. Speaking at a White House briefing, Trump credited swift U.S. diplomatic efforts with brokering a full and immediate ceasefire.“They were going at it hot and heavy. It was seemingly not going to stop,” Trump said, describing how the situation had escalated rapidly after a major terror attack in Indian-administered Kashmir. In response, India had launched coordinated air and missile strikes on Pakistani military…

12 May

Trump Warns India-Pakistan: No Ceasefire, No Trade

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, World NewsCeasefire Warning, Trump India Pakistan, US Mediation

National Times Bureau, May 12, 2025– U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a strong statement amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, saying that if the two nations do not maintain a ceasefire, there will be no trade.Addressing a program at the White House, Trump said the United States is ready to help both countries in matters of trade and peace. He credited his administration with playing a key role in easing tensions and helping both sides reach a ceasefire agreement. “I’m proud to say the leadership of both India and Pakistan was firm, wise, and patient. They understood the…

08 May

Cardinal Robert Prevost Elected Pope Leo XIV, Becomes First American Pontiff

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsCardinal Robert Prevost, new pope 2025, Pope Leo XIV

Vatican City, May 8, 2025 — In a historic decision, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the new head of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. The announcement followed the appearance of white smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling that the papal conclave had successfully chosen a new pope.Pope Leo XIV succeeds Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025. His election marks a significant moment in Church history, as he becomes the first American-born pope. Born in Chicago in 1955, Leo XIV spent much of his ecclesiastical life as a missionary…

08 May

U.S. Consulate Issues Security Alert for Lahore Following Drone Incidents

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsAirspace Incursion, Lahore drone alert, Shelter-in-place Pakistan, U.S. Consulate Lahore

Lahore | May 8, 2025 — The U.S. Consulate General in Lahore has issued a security alert, directing all consulate personnel to shelter-in-place following reports of drone explosions, downed drones, and potential airspace incursions in and around the city.The alert covers Lahore and the broader Punjab region, where heightened tensions and ongoing regional conflict have raised concerns about airspace security. Initial reports suggest that some areas near Lahore’s main airport may be under evacuation, though this remains unconfirmed by local authorities.U.S. citizens in the area have been advised to seek secure shelter, monitor local developments, and avoid conflict zones. The…

07 May

Pakistan Signals Willingness to De-escalate Tensions with India, Says Defence Minister Khawaja Asif Post-Operation Sindoor

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, World NewsIndia, Khawaja Asif, Operation Sindoor, Pakistan

Islamabad (National Times): Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has expressed Pakistan’s readiness to “wrap up” tensions with India following India’s Operation Sindoor, a military operation that saw the Indian Armed Forces destroy nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). The strikes were conducted in response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 people. Speaking to Bloomberg Television hours after India’s airstrikes on targets in locations including Muzaffarabad, Bahawalpur, and Kotli, Asif emphasized Pakistan’s defensive stance, stating, “Pakistan will only respond if attacked.” He added, “We have been saying all along in the last fortnight that we’ll…

07 May

Masood Azhar’s Family Killed in Indian Airstrike During ‘Operation Sindoor’; 14 Eliminated Including Brother and Son

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, World NewsIndian Air Force, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Masood Azhar, Operation Sindoor

National Times Bureau, May 7, 2025: In a major blow to Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed, 14 members of its chief Masood Azhar’s family were reportedly killed in a precision Indian airstrike under Operation Sindoor. The air raid targeted the group’s main base in Bahawalpur, Pakistan, early on May 7, following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir.Among the dead are Masood Azhar’s wife, son, brother Rauf Azhar (a key conspirator in the 1999 IC-814 hijacking), sister, nieces, nephews, and other close aides. The Indian Air Force struck the Markaz Subhan Allah complex — the main operational hub for Jaish-e-Mohammed…

06 May

Smoke Rises Over Vatican as Conclave Begins to Elect New Pope, Shadows of Antipopes Resurface

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld Newsantipopes, Catholic Church, conclave, Pope election 2025, Vatican

Vatican City, May 7 — The ancient ritual to elect a new pope began today as 133 cardinal-electors gathered inside the Sistine Chapel following the death of Pope Francis on April 21. The conclave, conducted in strict secrecy, will choose the next leader of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics.Each round of voting will continue until a cardinal secures a two-thirds majority. When a new pope is chosen, white smoke will rise above the chapel, signaling the decision to the world. Until then, black smoke will mark inconclusive rounds.While attention focuses on the successor to Pope Francis, the moment also revives…

06 May

UN Demands Clarity from Pakistan on Lashkar-e-Taiba’s Role in Pahalgam Attack

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsLashkar-e-Taiba, Pahalgam attack, Pakistan, UN Security Council

New York, May 6 — The United Nations Security Council has demanded answers from Pakistan over the alleged involvement of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in the deadly Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The Council raised pointed questions during a closed-door session, dismissing Pakistan’s claims that the assault was a "false flag" operation orchestrated by India.UNSC members expressed deep concern about Pakistan-based militant groups, particularly LeT, and emphasized the need for transparency from Islamabad. They called on Pakistan to reveal what it knows about the group’s movements, operations, and potential connection to the recent attack.The Council also voiced unease over Pakistan’s missile…

04 May

Missile Strike Near Tel Aviv Forces Air India Flight Diversion to Abu Dhabi

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, World NewsAir India, Ben Gurion Airport, Houthi rebels, Israel, Tel Aviv

New Delhi, May 4 — An Air India flight from Delhi to Tel Aviv was diverted to Abu Dhabi on Sunday after a missile launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels struck near Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, triggering panic and prompting multiple airlines to halt operations to the country.Flight AI139, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, was about an hour away from Tel Aviv when the missile hit. In response to the escalating security threat, the aircraft was redirected and landed safely at Abu Dhabi. The flight is scheduled to return to Delhi, while Air India has immediately suspended all services to and from…