Marcos Jr.'s Visit Boosts PH-India Diplomatic Ties
7.31.25
President Marcos Jr.'s upcoming State Visit to the Philippines coincides with the country's 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations with India. The visit is seen as a key moment for both nations to enhance collaboration and engage on regional and global issues. Indian naval ships, including INS Mysore, INS Kiltan, and INS Shakti, received a warm welcome from the Philippine Navy during their recent port call in the Philippines. President Marcos Jr. previously stated that he aims to strengthen ties with allies like India, as expressed during his speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore last year.
Russian President Medvedev has mocked US President Trump's ultimatum, dismissing it as "empty words" and warning that any attempt to impose economic sanctions would be met with severe retaliation. In a statement, Medvedev said Russia would not be intimidated by the threat of crippling economic consequences, implying that the US is running out of options in its efforts to pressure Moscow into ending the war in Ukraine.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has made hawkish comments about nuclear threats, referencing a Cold War-era term "Dead Hand," which describes a hypothetical Soviet doomsday device. Medvedev's rhetoric has increased since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, echoing concerns raised by US special envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg that Medvedev is stoking fears of World War III.
Netherlands Offers Expertise to Islamabad's Capital Development Authority
7.31.25
The Netherlands has expressed interest in supporting Islamabad's development through collaboration with the Capital Development Authority (CDA). CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa met with Heijo Provo Kluit, Deputy Head of Mission of the Netherlands Embassy, and discussed areas such as green technology, smart urban planning, and sustainable infrastructure. The Dutch envoy praised CDA's efforts in addressing drainage challenges during heavy monsoon rains and appreciated Randhawa's visit to the embassy. Both sides agreed to increase cooperation in horticulture and landscaping, with the Dutch offering expertise in tulips, roses, and green technologies, while CDA expressed interest in adopting climate-resilient practices.
Three Ukrainian OSCE staff members, Shabanov, Petrov, and another unnamed colleague, were convicted of espionage by a court in Donetsk, Russia, and sentenced to 14 years in prison. The Russian Foreign Ministry had previously accused the OSCE monitors of being biased and illegal, leading to their detention. Human rights activist Maksym Butkevych claims that Shabanov was tortured during interrogation, suffering from back and leg problems due to his captivity. The Finnish OSCE Chairperson, Elina Valtonen, has called for their immediate release, while Ukraine's ambassador to International Organizations in Vienna, Yurii Vitrenko, has urged other countries with influence over Russia to pressure for their release.
Pakistan Secures Major Trade Deal with US: Key Points
Pakistan's Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb reached a breakthrough in trade talks with the US, securing a deal that includes investments in energy, mineral and mining, IT, and the new economy. The agreement aims to reduce reciprocal tariffs on Pakistani exports to the US, boost bilateral trade, improve market access, attract investment, and strengthen cooperation in areas such as energy, minerals, information technology, and cryptocurrency. Pakistan's oil reserves are set to be developed by the US, with a leading oil company expected to be chosen soon. The deal comes after a 90-day tariff suspension on Pakistani exports to the US, initiated by President Donald Trump. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has hailed the agreement as historic, thanking President Trump for his support.
Pakistan Seeks Dialogue with India on Kashmir Dispute
7.31.25
Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister (DPM/FM) Dar reiterated Islamabad's interest in a "composite dialogue" with India to discuss all outstanding issues between the two countries, following a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington. Pakistan made clear that a resolution to the Kashmir dispute is necessary for durable peace in the region. The DPM/FM praised Field Marshal Syed Asif Munir, Pakistan's army chief, during a recent standoff with India. He also invited Secretary Rubio to visit Pakistan and expressed readiness for dialogue on issues including the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and Kashmir.
Pakistan Slams India Over Pahalgam Attack Response
7.31.25
Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan from Pakistan's Foreign Office has criticized India for not accepting a transparent probe into the Pahalgam Attack and instead choosing aggression. He stated that any claims about "Operation Mahadev" are insignificant, and India's statements on establishing a "new normal" in bilateral relations are rejected. Khan emphasized respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity as the only "normal" in relations, and accused India of using nuclear blackmail to shift blame onto Pakistan. He also disapproved of India's decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, calling it a blatant disregard for international treaties.
Punjab CM Vows Zero-Tolerance on Human Trafficking
7.31.25
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has emphasized the importance of raising awareness about human trafficking on World Day Against Human Trafficking. She stated that the government's commitment to combating human trafficking means "Leave no Child Behind" and prioritizes protecting children from exploitation, particularly those seeking employment abroad. The CM urged people to adopt safe travel routes and condemned human traffickers who play with public lives for personal gain, vowing a zero-tolerance policy against trafficking in Punjab.