Facing the prospect that the US might cut them adrift under President Donald Trump, European Union leaders launched a day of emergency talks on Thursday in a bid to beef up their own security and ensure that Ukraine will still be properly protected. Friedrich Merz, the likely next chancellor of Germany, and summit chairman Antonio Costa discussed over breakfast in Brussels ways to fortify Europe’s defences on a short deadline. Meanwhile, the 27-nation bloc was waking up to news that French President Emmanuel Macron would confer with EU leaders about the possibility of using France’s nuclear deterrent to protect the continent from Russian threats. “Given the profound shifts in US policy, and the existential threat of another war on the continent, Europe must manage its essential defence tasks,” the European Policy Center think tank said in a commentary. Part of any security plan is also to protect the increasingly beleaguered position of Ukraine. However, Thursday’s meeting is unlikely to address Ukraine’s most pressing needs. It is not aimed at urgently drumming up more arms and ammunition to fill any supply vacuum created by the US freeze. Nor will all nations agree to unblock the estimated $196 billion in frozen Russian assets held in a Belgian clearing house, that could be seized for use. Thursday’s summit is unlikely to produce immediate decisions on spending for Ukraine. Another EU summit where the real contours of decisions would be much clearer is set for March 20-21.Agencies France steps in to provide military intel France is providing military intelligence to Ukraine after Washington announced it was freezing the sharing of information with Kyiv. French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu said, “We have intelligence that we will allow Ukraine to benefit from.” Lecornu is “accelerating French aid packages” to make up for the lack US assistance. Russian ballistic missile kills four A Russian ballistic missile killed four people staying at a hotel in President Volodymyr Zelensky’s hometown Kryvyi Rih, central Ukraine, at night. A humanitarian organisation’s volunteers, including Ukrainian, US and British nationals had checked in just before the strike, Zelensky said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
07 March,2025 08:09 AM IST | Brussles | AgenciesUS President Donald Trump on Wednesday issued what he called a “last warning” to Hamas to release all remaining hostages held in Gaza, directing a sharply worded message after the White House confirmed that he had recently dispatched an envoy for unprecedented direct talks with the militant group. In a statement on his Truth Social platform soon after meeting at the White House with eight former hostages, Trump added that he was “sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job”. “Release all of the Hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you,” Trump said. “Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted!” The Hamas militant group, meanwhile, on Thursday brushed off Trump’s latest threat and reiterated that it will only free the remaining Israeli hostages in exchange for a lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Some relief for US automakers importing from Mexico, Canada US President Donald Trump is granting a one-month exemption on his stiff new tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada for US automakers. The pause comes after President Trump spoke with leaders of the ‘Big 3’ automakers—Ford, General Motors and Stellantis—on Wednesday, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. Leavitt said Trump was blunt with the automakers: “He told them to start investing, start moving and shift production to the US where they will pay no tariff.” Shares of the US Big 3, Asian and European automakers jumped as much as 6 per cent after the announcement. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
07 March,2025 08:09 AM IST | Washington | AgenciesTwo South Korean fighter jets accidentally dropped eight bombs on a civilian area during a joint live-fire exercise with the US military on Thursday, injuring eight people, officials said. The MK-82 bombs released by the KF-16 fighter jets fell outside a firing range, causing civilian damage. The air force said the fighter jets were taking part in the one-day firing drill with the US military. According to an official, a pilot of one of the KF-16s put in a wrong coordinate for a bombing site, leading to the mishap. A committee will investigate the incident and examine the scale of the civilian damage. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
07 March,2025 08:09 AM IST | Seoul | AgenciesUS space agency NASA was all set for a landing on the moon’s south pole on Thursday. This mission will join the growing fleet of spacecraft missions, including from India, mapping the lunar surface, searching for water, and conducting scientific experiments. Athena, the moon lander developed by Houston-based private company Intuitive Machines, will attempt to land near the Mons Mouton landing site on the moon’s South Pole. The site is distinct from the ‘Shiv Shakti’ touchdown site of ISRO’s Chandrayaan- 3 spacecraft, which marked a significant milestone as India became, on August 2023, the first country to land on the Moon’s South Pole. Athena had entered the lunar orbit earlier this week after being launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on February 26, 2025. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
07 March,2025 08:09 AM IST | Washington | AgenciesFacing the prospect that the United States might cut them adrift under President Donald Trump, European Union leaders launched a day of emergency talks Thursday in a bid to beef up their own security and ensure that Ukraine will still be properly protected. Friedrich Merz, the likely next chancellor of Germany, and summit chairman Antonio Costa discussed over breakfast in Brussels ways to fortify Europe's defences on a short deadline. Merz pushed plans this week to loosen the nation's rules on running up debt to allow for higher defence spending. Meanwhile, the 27-nation bloc was waking up to news that French President Emmanuel Macron would confer with EU leaders about the possibility of using France's nuclear deterrent to protect the continent from Russian threats. It all underscored the sea change that has taken place in the two months since Trump took office and immediately started questioning the cornerstones of cooperation between the United States and Europe that had been the bedrock of Western security since World War II. "Given these profound shifts in US policy, and the existential threat of another war on the continent, Europe must manage its essential defence tasks," the European Policy Center think tank said in a commentary. The bloc will "take decisive steps forward," Macron told the French nation Wednesday evening. "Member states will be able to increase their military spending" and "massive joint funding will be provided to buy and produce some of the most innovative munitions, tanks, weapons and equipment in Europe," he said. Adding to the ebullient message, he said that "Europe's future does not have to be decided in Washington or Moscow." Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is taking part in the summit. Limited room to increase spending European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed a plan to loosen budget rules so countries that are willing can spend much more on defense. Her proposal is underpinned by 150 billion euros ($162 billion) worth of loans to buy priority military equipment. Most of the increased defense spending would have to come from national budgets at a time when many countries are already overburdened with debt. France is struggling to reduce an excessive annual budget deficit of 5% of GDP, after running up its total debt burden to 112% of GDP with spending on relief for businesses and consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic and the energy crisis that followed Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Five other countries using the euro currency have debt levels over 100% of GDP: Belgium, Greece, Spain, Italy and Portugal. Europe's largest economy, Germany, has more room to borrow, with a debt level of 62% of GDP. Pressing security needs Part of any security plan is also to protect the increasingly beleaguered position of Ukraine. A Russian missile killed four people staying at a hotel in Zelenskyy's hometown overnight. He said that a humanitarian organisation's volunteers had moved into the hotel in Kryvyi Rih, in central Ukraine, just before the strike. The volunteers included Ukrainian, American and British nationals, but it wasn't clear whether those people were among the 31 injured. Early this week, Trump ordered a pause to US military supplies to Ukraine as he sought to press Zelenskyy to engage in negotiations to end the war with Russia, bringing fresh urgency to Thursday's summit. Thursday's meeting is unlikely to address Ukraine's most pressing needs. It is not aimed at urgently drumming up more arms and ammunition to fill any supply vacuum created by the US freeze. Nor will all nations agree to unblock the estimated 183 billion euros ($196 billion) in frozen Russian assets held in a Belgian clearing house, a pot of ready cash that could be seized. Still, the Europeans underlined the importance of the moment. "Europe faces a clear and present danger on a scale that none of us have seen in our adult lifetime. Some of our fundamental assumptions are being undermined to their very core," von der Leyen warned in a letter to the leaders ahead of their meeting. But perhaps the biggest challenge for the EU will be to take a united stance at a moment when it's fractured, since much of what the bloc does requires unanimous support. Hungary is threatening to veto part of the summit statement on Ukraine. Even if the challenges are so daunting, Thursday's summit is unlikely to produce immediate decisions on spending for Ukraine or its own defenses. Another EU summit where the real contours of decisions would be much clearer is set for March 20-21. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
06 March,2025 04:08 PM IST | Brussles | APThe Consulate General of India in Chicago has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic passing of Praveen Kumar Gampa, a postgraduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. According to ANI, the Consulate has assured that it is in contact with Gampa’s family and the university, offering all possible support during this difficult time. In a statement posted on X, the Indian Consulate in Chicago conveyed its condolences, stating, “We are saddened by the untimely death of Praveen Kumar Gampa, a postgraduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. The Consulate is in contact with Praveen's family and the University, helping them with all possible support. Our heartfelt condolences and prayers are with his family and friends of the departed.” As per ANI, no details regarding the cause of Gampa’s death have been officially disclosed. The Consulate is closely coordinating with authorities to ensure necessary assistance is provided to his family. This incident follows a series of unfortunate events involving Indian students in the United States. ANI reports that in November 2024, the Indian Consulate in Chicago had expressed shock and grief over the murder of another Indian student, Nukarapu Sai Teja, from Telangana. Sai Teja, who had been pursuing an MBA at Concordia University in Chicago, was reportedly shot outside a store during a robbery. According to ANI, the Consulate had taken immediate steps to seek justice, calling for swift action against the perpetrators while assuring full support to the victim’s family. The victim’s uncle, Talluri Srujan, revealed that Sai Teja had moved to the US for higher studies and was working part-time. On the day of the incident, while at a store’s cash counter, two armed suspects entered and demanded money. Despite complying, Teja was shot outside the store, ANI reports. Following such tragic incidents, the Indian Consulate continues to monitor the safety and well-being of Indian students in the US. ANI reports that the mission remains committed to providing all necessary support to affected families and working with authorities to address concerns regarding the security of Indian nationals abroad. As the Indian community mourns the loss of Praveen Kumar Gampa, the Consulate’s engagement with his family and university aims to provide them with the required assistance during this distressing time. (With inputs from ANI)
06 March,2025 01:01 PM IST | ChicagoIndia has strongly condemned what it described as "provocative activities" by separatist and extremist elements during External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar’s visit to the United Kingdom. According to ANI, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has taken serious note of the breach of security during the visit and expressed its expectation that the UK government will fulfil its diplomatic obligations in such cases. In a statement, an MEA spokesperson said, “We have seen the footage of a breach of security during the visit of EAM to the UK. We condemn the provocative activities of this small group of separatists and extremists. We deplore the misuse of democratic freedoms by such elements. We expect the host government in such cases to fully live up to their diplomatic obligations.” As per ANI, a group of pro-Khalistan demonstrators gathered outside Chatham House in London, where Jaishankar was participating in a discussion on India’s foreign policy, regional dynamics, and global economic challenges. The protestors, holding flags and using loudspeakers, chanted slogans outside the venue while the minister engaged in dialogue with Bronwen Maddox, Director and Chief Executive of Chatham House. This incident is not the first time such protests have occurred. ANI reports that in January, pro-Khalistan extremists assembled outside the Indian High Commission in London to stage a demonstration. Additionally, they previously stormed a cinema in Harrow in an attempt to halt the screening of Kangana Ranaut’s film Emergency. According to ANI, when asked about acts of vandalism targeting UK theatres screening Emergency, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “We consistently raise concerns with the UK government regarding incidents of violent protest and intimidation by anti-India elements. Freedom of speech and expression cannot be applied selectively, and those obstructing it must be held accountable.” Jaiswal further noted that India expects the UK authorities to take appropriate action against those responsible. “Our High Commission in London remains in regular communication with our community members for their safety and welfare. We expect the UK side to take strong and appropriate action in this matter,” he added. Notably, in 2023, the Indian High Commission in London was the target of a violent attack by Khalistani supporters. ANI reports that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) linked these attacks to retaliation against action taken by Punjab Police against Amritpal Singh, Chief of Waris Punjab De. The NIA alleged that the attacks were aimed at influencing the crackdown on the outfit and its leader. India has consistently called upon the UK government to curb activities of such extremist elements and prevent them from misusing democratic freedoms to promote separatist agendas. As per ANI, the Indian government continues to monitor such incidents closely and engage with British authorities to ensure the safety of its diplomatic missions and community members. (With inputs from ANI)
06 March,2025 12:55 PM IST | MumbaiIn an exclusive event hosted by Chatham House in collaboration with the High Commission of India, UK, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar participated in an insightful discussion with Bronwen Maddox, Director and Chief Executive of Chatham House. The conversation addressed India's evolving foreign policy, regional dynamics, and global economic challenges. During the session, Jaishankar shared updates on the progress of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), emphasizing its potential to strengthen economic ties and promote mutual growth, as per an official statement. Speaking on India's neighbourhood relations, EAM highlighted the complexities of maintaining balance with neighbouring countries, particularly China, stressing the importance of creating stable and respectful relationships amidst shifting regional dynamics. On the issue of global economic stability, EAM Jaishankar clarified that while there is no active policy to replace the US dollar, discussions around economic resilience and diversification are growing, especially among BRICS nations with varying perspectives on the issue. The statement noted that EAM reaffirmed India's approach towards global governance, and he underlined the importance of working closely with the United States, recognizing its key role in the international order while supporting a multipolar world. Addressing concerns around human rights, Jaishankar described such criticisms as largely political, asserting that India's democratic institutions remain robust, fair, and committed to protecting rights, the statement observed. Looking ahead, the External Affairs Minister expressed optimism about India's expanding role in global research, innovation, and enterprise, reinforcing the country's commitment to contributing meaningfully to the global economy and knowledge sectors. As per the statement, the event provided a comprehensive overview of India's strategic vision for diplomacy, economic cooperation, and global leadership in an increasingly complex international landscape. EAM Jaishankar is on an official visit to the United Kingdom and Ireland from March 4 to 9 to provide renewed impetus to India's friendly ties with both the UK and Ireland. A Ministry of External Affairs release said that India and the UK share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which has strengthened across diverse areas, including defence and security, trade and economy, health, education, and people-to-people ties. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
06 March,2025 08:57 AM IST | London | ANIA Chinese PhD student was found guilty Wednesday in a London court of drugging and raping 10 women in England and China, as police warned there could be more than 50 other victims. Zhenhao Zou, 28, was convicted of the attacks between 2019 and 2023 following a monthlong trial at the Inner London Crown Court. He was convicted of 11 counts of rape, with two of the offenses relating to one victim. After more than 19 hours of deliberations, jurors concluded Zou raped three of the women in London and seven in China. Police have only been able to identify two of the victims and said after the verdict that more than 50 other women may have fallen victim to Zou, which would make him one of the worst sex offenders in U.K. history. Using hidden or handheld cameras to record the attacks, Zou filmed nine of the attacks as 'souvenirs' and often kept a trophy box of women's belongings. Zou, a mechanical engineering student who was doing his PhD at University College London, claimed that the sexual interactions were consensual. He will be sentenced on June 19. Jurors, who had to watch footage of the attacks during the trial, were given regular breaks. Judge Rosina Cottage described the defendant as a 'dangerous and predatory sexual offender' and that his sentence will be 'very long.' Zou, who showed no emotion as the verdicts were read out in court, was also convicted of three counts of voyeurism, 10 of possession of an extreme pornographic image, one of false imprisonment and three of possession of a controlled drug with intent to commit a sexual offense, namely butanediol. He was cleared of two further counts of possession of an extreme pornographic image and one of possession of MDMA with intent to commit a sexual offense. Zou, who also used the name Pakho online, befriended fellow students of Chinese heritage on WeChat and dating apps, before inviting them for drinks and drugging them at his apartments in London or an unknown location in China. 'He has done all that he can in these offenses to incapacitate his victims to the point where they could not resist his attack, and in many instances may not even remember what has occurred to them,' said Metropolitan Police Commander Kevin Southworth. He thanked the two women who testified against the 'particularly cowardly and deceitful' Zou and said there is evidence that he "may have potentially attacked as many as 50 other women in the same awful nature.' The Met is appealing to anyone who thinks they may have been targeted by Zou to contact the force. During the trial, a call to police from one of the women led to questions over the quality of the interpreter made available. 'It's a matter of severe regret that the victims didn't necessarily get that best translation at the time," Southworth added. Zou moved to Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 2017 to study mechanical engineering at Queen's University before heading to UCL in 2019 for a master's degree and then a PhD. 'Our thoughts are with the survivors and we wish to pay tribute to the bravery of the women who reported these crimes and gave evidence at the trial,' said UCL's president, Dr. Michael Spence. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
06 March,2025 08:57 AM IST | London | APUS President Donald Trump criticised the high tariffs charged by India and other countries, terming them as “very unfair” and announced reciprocal tariffs from April 2 on nations that impose levies on American goods. Trump made these remarks in an address to the Joint Session of the Congress on Tuesday (local time). It was the first address of his second term in the White House since he was sworn in on January 20 as the 47th President of the US. “Other countries have used tariffs against us for decades and now it’s our turn to start using them against those other countries. On average, the European Union, China, Brazil, India, Mexico and Canada… have you heard of them? And countless other nations charge us tremendously higher tariffs than we charge them,” Trump said. “It’s very unfair. India charges us auto tariffs higher than 100 per cent.” In February, President Trump said that his administration would soon impose reciprocal tariffs on countries such as India and China, reiterating what he had said during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US capital last month. Trump has made it clear to Prime Minister Modi that India will not be spared from Washington’s reciprocal tariffs. “China’s average tariff on our products is twice what we charge them. And South Korea’s average tariff is four times higher.. and we give so much help militarily and in so many other ways. But that’s what happens,” Trump said, adding that reciprocal tariffs will kick in from April 2. Protest during address Democratic Rep. Al Green of Texas was ejected from the hall on Tuesday night by the Speaker of the House for his loud protest during a presidential address to Congress. Green said afterward that he is working on new articles of impeachment against Trump. “This president is unfit. He should not hold the office,” Green said. Trudeau slams Trump Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has called American tariffs “very dumb” and said that Trump is appeasing Russia while launching a trade war against Canada. Trudeau said Canada would plaster retaliatory tariffs on more than $100 billion worth American goods in response to Trump’s 25 per cent tariffs. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
06 March,2025 08:52 AM IST | New York | AgenciesNorth Korea appears close to completing its first airborne early warning aircraft, satellite imagery showed, an asset that experts say will sharply bolster the country’s air force power when it’s deployed. North Korea’s nuclear and missile programmes pose a significant security threat to South Korea, the US and others. But its aerial surveillance capability is far behind those of its rivals, while most of its fighter jets and other military aircraft are aging. 38 North—a website specialising in North Korea studies—reported on Tuesday that recent commercial satellite imagery showed an Ilyushin IL-76 aircraft parked at a Pyongyang airport, with a large radome mounted on top of the fuselage. A radome refers to a structure that encircles a radar system. It called the development “a significant upgrade for an air force that has not seen new airborne capabilities in years”. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
06 March,2025 08:52 AM IST | Seoul | AgenciesADVERTISEMENT
