humanitarian crisis

The United Nations on Wednesday called on Israel to immediately release two activists taken from a Gaza-bound flotilla, and demanded an investigation into "disturbing accounts" they had been severely mistreated. Kheetan decried the "disturbing accounts of severe mistreatment", calling for an investigation and insisting "those responsible must be brought to justice".

Iran has criticized a US-backed UN Security Council draft resolution as politically motivated, stating it won't resolve the West Asian crisis. Tehran argues the only solution is ending the US naval blockade and restoring normal passage in the Strait of Hormuz, urging member states to reject the proposal.

In a fervent plea, the North East Students’ Organisation (Neso) has expressed deep distress over the ongoing turmoil in Manipur, calling for urgent measures to cease the violence. They emphasize the need for peace restoration and the unbearable pain inflicted on the community.

Congress slammed the Centre, accusing it of giving Pakistan a "clean chit" after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated terrorism lacks nationality or theology. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh called this appeasement of the US and capitulation to China, questioning Pakistan's role in terror attacks. Singh's remarks were made at the SCO meet in Bishkek.

Soaring gold prices are igniting a mining frenzy in Brazil's Amazon, leading to accelerated deforestation in protected zones and hazardous mercury contamination. Illegal mining operations are expanding rapidly, particularly within Indigenous territories, posing a significant threat to the rainforest and its inhabitants. Authorities are struggling to curb these activities, which are often financed by powerful criminal organizations.

Protests erupted in Manipur as thousands demanded peace, clashing with security forces near the chief minister's residence. Demonstrators, organised by COCOMI, sought justice for children killed in a recent bomb blast and support for the displaced. The state grapples with escalating ethnic violence, with recent clashes claiming lives and displacing many.

Pakistan has halted a $1.5 billion weapons and fighter jet deal with Sudan following Saudi Arabia's request to terminate the arrangement and withdraw financing. This development occurs amidst Sudan's ongoing conflict and intensifies regional rivalries, with Saudi Arabia previously brokering the deal.

Mexico, Spain, and Brazil expressed deep concern over Cuba's "dramatic situation" and humanitarian crisis, calling for respectful dialogue and for the Cuban people to decide their future. This comes amid repeated threats from US President Donald Trump to "take Cuba" and increased US economic pressure, including oil shipment blockades, severely impacting the island.

As a two-month conflict with Iran escalates, cracks are appearing in the US-Israel alliance. While both nations initially targeted Tehran, their post-strike objectives diverge, with Washington seeking negotiation and Jerusalem aiming for regime change. This fundamental difference, exacerbated by past events and differing pressures, raises questions about their long-term alignment.

From Vietnam War's collective voice to the disjointed anti-war stance in the following years, artistes' push back against global tension persists.

Post-shooting, Trump will get a ratings bump. Question is whether he will squander it by doubling down on the Iran war, misreading public mood again

New York City hosts the United Nations Headquarters, a globally significant diplomatic hub on the East River. This complex, established in the 1950s, serves as the venue for crucial international discussions on peace, climate, and human rights. While not technically international territory, it possesses exclusive legal status, allowing independent functioning.

India's ambitious military reforms, creating integrated theatre commands, face a critical leadership gap. The nation's vast armed forces are led by a disproportionately small number of four-star generals compared to global peers. This deficit risks undermining the effectiveness of new theatre commands, demanding a strategic increase in senior leadership to match evolving responsibilities and complex security challenges.

Dubai Humanitarian has facilitated the airlift of 96 metric tonnes of critical medical supplies to Afghanistan, supporting over 250,000 people. This coordinated effort, involving leading international agencies, highlights Dubai's role as a global humanitarian hub and a key enabler of rapid relief operations in complex environments.

President Trump announced that Israel and Lebanon are set to hold peace talks, aiming to ease long-standing tensions. This follows a historic trilateral meeting hosted by the US, where both nations expressed willingness for direct negotiations, a ceasefire, and a broader peace framework.

José Andrés founded World Central Kitchen after the 2010 Haiti earthquake, prioritizing dignity and memory through food. WCK has since become a global relief machine, serving over 600 million meals by acting as 'first to the frontlines' and working with local communities.

Renowned filmmaker Majid Majidi, engaged in relief work, shared the devastating impact of ongoing conflict on Iranian cities, highlighting civilian suffering and the loss of innocent lives. He emphasized Iranian resilience and the global public's support, urging international action beyond mere statements to address the humanitarian crisis and prevent regional instability. Aid, particularly medicine, remains critically needed.

India has dispatched humanitarian assistance and disaster relief materials to Afghanistan following recent devastating floods and earthquakes. The aid includes essential items like kitchen sets, hygiene kits, and shelter materials. This gesture underscores India's solidarity with the Afghan people during this challenging period of overlapping natural disasters.

A new controversy has erupted between Washington and the Vatican. Reports suggest Pentagon officials contacted the Pope's envoy after the Pontiff criticized global power politics. Candace Owens is demanding transparency, asking for the names of White House officials involved. The Pope had spoken out against forceful diplomacy and rising global tensions, particularly in the Middle East.

A senior government official urged industry representatives to absorb some of the rising raw material costs instead of passing them entirely to consumers. This statement comes as ministries address supply chain disruptions, particularly concerning packaging materials for essential goods like food and drugs, due to the West Asia conflict.

Trump's Board of Peace has received only a fraction of the $17 billion pledged for rebuilding Gaza, preventing plans for the war-hit region's future, This funding crisis has halted plans for a US-backed Palestinian technocratic body to govern Gaza, leaving its deployment stalled due to a lack of available funds and ongoing security concerns.