Sri Lankan president reveals plans to promote competitive, digitalised green economy
Colombo, June 20 - Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has revealed plans to create a new commercial bank, an economic commission and an institute called "Enterprise Sri Lanka" to promote a competitive and digitalised green economy, the President's Media Division (PMD) said.
India calls for universal condemnation of countries providing arms to terrorists
United Nations, June 20 - Warning about the increased sophistication of small arms and the use of drones to get them to terrorists, India has called for universal condemnation of countries providing weapons to terrorists.
Despite China’s criticism, US delegation meets Dalai Lama, pushes for Tibet’s autonomy
Dharamsala, June 19 - In a significant show of diplomatic power politics, a high-level bipartisan delegation from the US, comprising ex-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and others, met Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama at the latter's residence here despite criticism by China.
US restates North Korea-Russia cooperation trend of ‘great concern’ after Kim-Putin summit
Washington, June 19 - The United States reiterated on Wednesday that growing cooperation between Russia and North Korea is a trend of "great concern", after Pyongyang and Moscow signed a pact calling for mutual aid if either side comes under attack.
Open letter to Germany Chancellor Scholz decries outsourcing asylum
Berlin, June 19 - More than 300 advocacy groups and international organisations have written an open letter to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz opposing the possibility of holding asylum seekers in third countries for processing.
Dozens die in extreme Haj heat, toll feared to be in hundreds
Beirut, June 19 - Dozens of Muslims have died during the annual Haj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia this year due to heat-related medical issues amid scorching temperatures, according to figures released by several countries.
Yoga event ahead of IDY-2024 draws huge response in Nepal
Kathmandu, June 19 - Over 450 people joined a yoga demonstration event organised by the Indian Embassy in Nepal on the banks of the picturesque Phewa Lake in Pokhara, the tourism capital of the country, ahead of the 10th International Day of Yoga
Putin gives another luxury Russian limousine to Kim as gift
Seoul, June 19 - Russian President Vladimir Putin gave another Russian luxury vehicle as a gift to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on the occasion of their summit in Pyongyang, according to news reports on Wednesday.
Russia, North Korea ink treaty calling for mutual assistance if either is attacked
Seoul, June 19 - Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty calling for mutual assistance if either is attacked, as they held summit talks in Pyongyang on Wednesday.
Hezbollah claims Israeli strike killed three of its fighters in Lebanon
Beirut/Tel Aviv, June 19 - At least three members from the pro-Iranian Hezbollah movement were killed Wednesday in an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon, Hezbollah and Lebanese security sources said.
Cyril Ramaphosa takes oath of office for 2nd term as South Africa president
Johannesburg, June 19 - Cyril Ramaphosa, leader of South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC), took the oath of office as the nation's president for the next five years Wednesday at a ceremony in Pretoria, the administrative capital.
Xi stresses PLA’s political loyalty at crucial meeting held in old revolutionary base
Yanaan (China), June 19 - Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasised the armed forces' political loyalty at a crucial meeting on the political work in the military held in Yan'an, an old revolutionary base in northwest China's Shaanxi Province.
US reels under sweltering heat wave
Washington, June 19 - White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre paused her daily briefing on Tuesday to check on a reporter who passed out because of severe heat conditions sweeping through Washington and other states in the US.
Indian Embassy celebrates International Yoga Day in Washington
New Delhi, June 20 - The Indian Embassy in the US has organised a Yo
World’s citizens to gather at UN to showcase yoga’s power to unite
United Nations, June 20 - Citizens from around the globe will gather here on Friday to show the uniting power of yoga across boundaries and divisions as the world organisation celebrates the 10th International Day of Yoga.
Israel’s military spokesman says Hamas ‘cannot be eliminated’
Jerusalem, June 20 - Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Spokesman Daniel Hagari has said that Hamas "cannot be eliminated" and suggested that only a swap deal could secure the release of all hostages still held in Gaza.
Mizoram agrees to record biometric details of 34,000 Myanmar refugees, awaits MHA directions
Aizawl/Imphal, June 19 - The Mizoram government has agreed to record biometric details of around 34,000 Myanmar refugees sheltered in the northeastern state for over three years, but is waiting for the necessary instructions from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), officials said
Kim vows ‘full support’ for Russia’s war in Ukraine, strengthening strategic ties
Seoul, June 19 - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Wednesday expressed "full support" for Russia's war in Ukraine and pledged to strengthen strategic cooperation with Moscow as he held summit talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Pyongyang amid deepening concerns about
Israeli drone strike kills military officer in Syria
Damascus, June 19 - The Israeli military killed a Syrian officer in a drone strike in southern Syria on Wednesday morning, the Syrian Ministry of Defence said.
Second Australian state reports confirmed case of bird flu
Sydney, June 19 - Testing results confirmed on Wednesday that the highly contagious bird flu, also known as avian influenza, was detected at a poultry farm in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW).