World Coverage Network

Ahmadinejad Returns: Iran's Former President Registers for June Election Photo : AP On Sunday, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Iran's hard-line former president, officially registered as a candidate for the June 28 presidential election. Ahmadinejad, who previously served from 2005 to 2013, is making a bid to reclaim the presidency following the tragic death of the nation's president in a helicopter crash. Ahmadinejad's decision to run is likely to increase pressure on Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. During his tenure, Ahmadinejad was known for his open challenges to Khamenei, and his candidacy was blocked in 2021. The former president's controversial political style and Holocaust-denying rhetoric come at a time of escalating tensions between Iran and the West over Iran's nuclear program, its support for Russia in the Ukraine conflict, and its harsh crackdowns on dissent. This election is also drawing attention to Iran's regional activities, including its backin...

China’s Defence Minister Vows to ‘Forcefully’ Halt Taiwan Independence at Shangri-La Dialogue Photo : Vincent Thian/AP In a bold and assertive speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun reiterated China’s uncompromising stance on Taiwan, declaring that any efforts towards Taiwanese independence would be crushed. His remarks have heightened tensions in the region and underscored the growing geopolitical rift between China, Taiwan, and the United States. Core of Core Issues Addressing the high-profile security forum on Sunday, Dong Jun emphasized that Taiwan is the “core of core issues” for China. He criticized Taiwan’s governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for pursuing what he termed “separatism” and attempting to erase Chinese identity. “Those separatists recently made fanatical statements that show their betrayal of the Chinese nation and their ancestors,” Dong stated, adding that such actions would be condemned by history. China views Tai...

Pakistan detains 11 militants linked to fatal attack on Chinese engineers Photo : AFP Pakistani officials have announced the arrest of eleven militants linked to the deadly suicide attack in March that targeted Chinese engineers. In response to these arrests, Beijing has urged Islamabad to continue its investigation. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized on Monday the importance China places on Pakistan’s progress in the matter. "China supports Pakistan in fully uncovering the details of the incident and ensuring that all perpetrators are brought to justice," she stated. The suicide attack, which occurred on March 26, claimed the lives of five Chinese engineers and their Pakistani driver. They were traveling to work at the Dasu dam in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province when a suicide bomber drove an explosive-laden vehicle into their convoy. Pakistan has accused Afghanistan of being a base for militants who launch attacks on its soil, an allegation the Taliban ha...

UN issues urgent Warning: nutrition crisis endangers women and children in Sudan Photo : Reuters United Nations aid agencies are raising alarms about a looming malnutrition crisis threatening an entire generation of children in conflict-ridden Sudan. Without immediate intervention, these children face severe risks of malnutrition, disease, and death. According to UNICEF, the World Food Program (WFP), and the World Health Organization (WHO), the situation is dire, exacerbated by limited access to nutritious food, safe drinking water, and adequate sanitation, coupled with an increased risk of disease. These challenges have been intensified by the ongoing 13-month war between the Sudan Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The conflict has displaced an estimated 9 million Sudanese from their homes. However, insecurity and excessive bureaucracy hinder aid agencies from delivering essential supplies. “Mothers and children across Sudan are wasting away from malnutrition. Th...

India Faces Unprecedented Heat Wave with Temperatures Soaring to 52.3°C Dinesh Gupta/AP Photo India has declared a severe heat wave as temperatures in New Delhi soared to an unprecedented 52.3 degrees Celsius (126.3 Fahrenheit) on Wednesday, marking the second consecutive day of record-breaking heat for the country. The India Meteorological Department has warned that "severe heat-wave conditions" are expected to continue in multiple regions. However, they anticipate that temperatures will begin to decline in central and northwest India by Thursday. On Tuesday, three people succumbed to heat stroke in Rajasthan, a state already known for holding the national record for high temperatures. That day, temperatures reached 49.9 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit). In response, local authorities have implemented water usage restrictions, imposing fines equivalent to $24 for activities that consume large amounts of water, such as washing cars. A heat wave in India is officially declared...

Tragic Accident in Balochistan: 28 Dead, 22 Injured as Bus Plunges into Ravine Near Quetta Pakistan - Tragedy struck in Balochistan’s Washuk on Wednesday when a bus plunged into a ravine, resulting in at least 28 fatalities and 22 injuries, officials reported. Basima Assistant Commissioner (AC) Ismail Mengal informed Dawn.com that the accident occurred when a tyre burst, causing the vehicle to crash into a hill before falling into the ravine. Among the deceased were three women and three children. The bus, carrying 45 to 50 passengers from Turbat to Quetta, met with the accident around 5 a.m. Six passengers died on the spot, and the critically injured were quickly transported to medical facilities. The Basima Civil Hospital received the bodies and injured, with 22 more people succumbing to their injuries there. Nine critically injured passengers were transferred to Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Khuzdar. The Pakistan Army was called upon to airlift four other critically injured indi...