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DNA Hindi

Jun 17, 2026, 08:34 AM

G-7 Summit Convenes in Evian-les-Bains to Address Middle East Crisis

World leaders have gathered in the French city of Evian-les-Bains for the G-7 summit. The focus of the summit is expected to be on the situation in the Middle East after the Russo-Ukrainian war and the initial US-Iran peace deal. This year, the summit is being attended by the group's member countries, including talks with the leaders of Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt. Several countries, including India, Brazil, Kenya, and South Korea, are participating in select sessions of the conference. The G-7 summit in 2026 is chaired by France and attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. The G-7's full name is the Group of Seven. It includes the world's seven largest developed economies. The G-7 countries include Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In addition to these countries, the European Union also participates in the forum on a permanent basis. The Group of 7 countries, Japan, France, and Italy participated in the first G-7 economic summit in 1975 to deal with the oil crisis.

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The Moscow Times

Jun 17, 2026, 07:11 AM

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut Alleges Attempts to Lure Maharashtra MPs with Offers of Rs 50 Crore

Amid growing speculation of a split in the Shiv Sena (UBT), Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Wednesday alleged that attempts were being made to lure Maharashtra MPs with offers of Rs 50 crore to switch sides and challenged any dissidents to resign before leaving the party. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Raut claimed he had received information late on Tuesday night about efforts to "buy" MPs from Maharashtra. "I was told that the rate is Rs 50 crore and that Rs 15 crore each would be delivered by tonight. They were allegedly unwilling to board the aircraft without receiving the money," the Rajya Sabha claimed. Raut, however, said the party had no official confirmation of any split and was relying on media reports regarding the alleged rebellion. "We have no official information about any split. We are hearing these reports through the media and reacting to them," he said. Of the party's nine Lok Sabha MPs, only Arvind Sawant, Anil Desai and Rajabhau Waje attended the press conference. Questioning the legitimacy of defections, Raut said, "If parties are broken in this manner, there is no meaning left in fighting elections." He stressed that all MPs were elected on the Sena (UBT)'s "mashal" symbol under the leadership of Uddhav Thackeray and had no mandate to switch allegiance. Warning against a repeat of the 2022 Shiv Sena split, Raut said party workers and the people of Maharashtra would not remain silent. "If anybody wants to leave, they should first resign. They have come to Parliament on our party's ticket and because voters elected them," he said.

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Free Press Journal

Jun 17, 2026, 07:10 AM

Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Government on GST for Online Gaming and Betting

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has put an end to a nearly five-year-long dispute over GST on online gaming by ruling that a 28 percent Goods and Services Tax (GST) can be levied on online gaming, betting and gambling transactions. The court also upheld the changes made to GST laws and rules in 2023, giving a major victory to the government. The ruling is significant because tax claims worth nearly Rs 2.5 lakh crore, including tax, interest and penalties, are linked to this dispute. India's online gaming industry has been growing rapidly. Industry estimates suggest the market could reach USD 8.6 billion by FY27. How the Dispute Started The controversy began in 2022 when GST authorities issued a notice to an online rummy platform. The tax department alleged that the company was paying 18 percent GST only on its platform fee. According to the department, the company should have paid 28 percent GST on the full value of the game amount placed by players. The company was alleged to have incorrectly classified its tax liability and evaded tax. In that case alone, the tax demand was around Rs 21,000 crore. From High Court to Supreme Court The Karnataka High Court had earlier ruled in favour of the gaming company. The court said skill-based games could not be treated as gambling or betting. Therefore, such games could not be taxed in the same way. However, the Central Government challenged the decision in the Supreme Court. Similar cases were also pending in different High Courts across the country. GST Council Changed the Rules To address the issue, the GST Council formed a Group of Ministers (GoM). The group recommended that no distinction should be made between skill-based games and games of chance for GST purposes. Based on these recommendations, the government amended GST laws in 2023 and clarified that 28 percent GST would apply to the full amount staked by players, not just the platform fee charged by gaming companies. What the Supreme Court Said? The Supreme Court upheld the government's amendments and restored the GST notices that had earlier been cancelled by the Karnataka High Court. The court also directed authorities to resolve all pending notices within a fixed timeline. In a separate observation, the court said that once betting or wagering becomes part of a skill-based game, it can no longer be viewed purely as a game of skill. Industry Faces Fresh Challenges Experts believe the ruling brings clarity to the tax framework for online gaming. However, it could create serious financial challenges for several gaming companies, as some tax demands are reportedly higher than their market valuations. While the legal dispute has now ended, attention will shift to how much of the massive tax liability can actually be recovered and what impact it will have on the future growth of India's online gaming industry.

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Newsbytes✓

Jun 17, 2026, 07:06 AM

Sanjay Raut Criticizes Rebel MPs, Calls for Resignation

Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut hurled abuses at rebel MPs and asked the media not to cut out his comments.Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi with Arvind Sawant, Anil Desai and Rajabhau Waje, he said those wishing to leave should first resign and face the public again."If anyone wants to go, they can resign and leave," Raut said.He added that Maharashtra's people wouldn't tolerate betrayal from their elected representatives.

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DNA Hindi

Jun 17, 2026, 07:04 AM

G7 Summit 2026: PM Modi Joins Global Leaders in France for Discussions on Security, Trade, and Economy

G7 Summit 2026: The 52nd G7 summit is being held in the French city of Evian-les-Bains, where PM Modi has also joined the summit at the special invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. The leaders of the world's seven most developed economies, USA, France, Germany, Japan, UK, Italy and Canada, are brainstorming on global security, trade, economy and current international challenges here. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited as a special guest to this conference. PM Modi and Trump met face to face after 16 months at the G7 summit. The two leaders warmly shook hands but did not hug. There was a brief exchange of words. But, this time, the famous hug between PM Modi and President Trump did not show up, the two leaders sat next to each other during the proceedings of the summit.

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Free Press Journal

Jun 17, 2026, 07:00 AM

BJP Leader Disputes Money Motive for Party Hopping, Congress Criticizes PM Over 'Operation Tiger'

Mumbai: BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule, speaking to the media on Wednesday, reacted to the statements by Shiv Sena UBT MP Sanjay Raut that MLAs and MPs change parties because of money, saying such an assumption is not right. The statements come amid the ongoing buzz around Operation Tiger, a term given by the media to a mission allegedly being led by the Shiv Sena faction headed by Eknath Shinde to persuade members of Shiv Sena UBT to leave the party amid speculation about dissatisfaction within the organisation. Nagpur, Maharashtra: Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule says, "...Leaders like Sanjay Raut have made statements suggesting that MLAs or MPs are changing parties because of money. However, I feel that it is not right to assume that elected representatives switch sides only for… pic.twitter.com/HAY4BxEahV Bawankule responds to Raut In a video shared by IANS , Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said, “I feel that it is not right to assume that elected representatives switch sides only for money; there could be many reasons behind such decisions." Meanwhile, Operation Tiger, which has generated significant discussion online, continues to attract attention, with reports alleging that nearly seven Shiv Sena (UBT) members may switch parties. However, there has been no official confirmation of these claims. Patole launches attack on BJP Moreover, Congress leader Nana Patole launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning the legitimacy of 'Operation Tiger' in Maharashtra, a term widely used in political discussions and on social media. #WATCH | Nagpur, Maharashtra: On Operation Tiger, Congress leader Nana Patole says, "This isn't Operation Tiger, it's Operation Jackal. PM Modi and his alliance have reached the brink of the hunger for power... Here, the effort is being made to demonstrate one's power by taking… pic.twitter.com/KRCtBs34QE Further speaking to the media, Patole criticised the central government, specifically mentioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, alleging that they are acting beyond the limits of democratic decorum. "This is not Operation Tiger; this is Operation Jackal. Hunger for power has its limits. But Narendra Modi and his alliance have gone beyond that hunger. The time for them to vomit has come. In politics, and especially in our constitutional system, people vote for a party. Here, they are taking control of elected people from other parties to show off their power and the intoxication of authority," Patole said. Political speculation continues However, his remarks come amid intense political speculation in Maharashtra over the future of Shiv Sena (UBT), with reports suggesting that a section of the party's MPs may break away. Meanwhile, the party has denied all such speculation. To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/

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Free Press Journal

Jun 17, 2026, 06:48 AM

Gold and Silver Prices Fall Amid Easing Tensions in West Asia

Mumbai: Gold prices weakened on Wednesday as investors reduced safe-haven positions following signs of easing tensions in West Asia. On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), August gold futures fell by as much as Rs 790, or 0.51 percent, to touch an intraday low of Rs 1,52,301. At around 11.30 am, gold was trading at Rs 1,52,501, down Rs 590 or 0.39 percent from the previous close. During the session, the metal touched a high of Rs 1,53,179. Silver also remains under pressure Silver prices also traded lower, although losses were smaller compared with gold. MCX July silver futures were trading at Rs 2,49,910, down Rs 195 or 0.08 percent. The metal fell to an intraday low of Rs 2,48,777, losing Rs 1,328 or 0.53 percent during the day. However, silver also saw some recovery and touched a high of Rs 2,51,498. Earlier in the session, gold opened at Rs 1,52,800, while silver opened at Rs 2,50,557. Global market signals mixed In international markets, gold prices remained slightly weak. COMEX gold was trading at USD 4,348.70 per ounce, down 0.13 percent. However, COMEX silver moved higher and traded at USD 70.40 per ounce, gaining 0.55 percent. Market participants are waiting for final confirmation of the proposed US-Iran agreement expected later this week, which could influence global commodity prices. Key levels to watch Market experts said MCX gold is currently moving near an important support zone between Rs 1,52,000 and Rs 1,52,500. A strong move above Rs 1,53,500 to Rs 1,54,000 could improve sentiment and push prices towards Rs 1,55,000 to Rs 1,55,500. On the downside, if gold falls below Rs 1,52,000, prices could decline further towards Rs 1,51,000 and even Rs 1,50,000. For silver, analysts said the metal remains relatively stable around the Rs 2,49,000 to Rs 2,50,000 range. A move above Rs 2,51,000 to Rs 2,52,000 may support a rise towards Rs 2,54,000 to Rs 2,55,000. Crude oil prices fall Analysts said easing geopolitical concerns also affected crude oil prices. Brent crude slipped below USD 79 per barrel, while US WTI crude declined nearly 1 percent and traded around $75 per barrel, reflecting lower risk premiums in global markets.

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Newsbytes✓

Jun 17, 2026, 06:43 AM

G7 Leaders Back US-Iran Deal, Multinational Initiative to Secure Strait of Hormuz

The Group of Seven (G7) leaders have pledged their support for the implementation of a United States-Iran deal.The leaders said a multinational initiative led by France and the United Kingdom could help restore maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.This initiative aims to protect merchant ships, reassure ship operators, and verify that all mines are removed from the area.

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Free Press Journal

Jun 17, 2026, 06:37 AM

Shiv Sena MPs Defect to Eknath Shinde's Faction, Weakening Uddhav Thackeray's Leadership

Mumbai: In a major political development that could further weaken the Shiv Sena (UBT), six Lok Sabha Members of Parliament from the Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray-led faction are reportedly set to extend support to the Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Operation Tiger move According to political sources, the move is part of what is being described as Shinde's "Operation Tiger," aimed at consolidating support within the Shiv Sena ranks. The six MPs are currently in New Delhi and are expected to submit a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday, formally informing him about the formation of a separate group and its support to the Shinde-led Shiv Sena. MPs in Delhi plans The MPs reported to be involved in the development are Omraje Nimbalkar, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, Sanjay Deshmukh, Sanjay Jadhav, Sanjay Dina Patil and Bhausaheb Wakchaure. Sources said the MPs have been in touch with Shrikant Shinde and are likely to meet the Speaker soon. Named MPs involved The reported split comes despite efforts by Uddhav Thackeray to keep his parliamentary team united. Political observers believe the defection of six out of the party's nine Lok Sabha MPs could significantly impact the UBT faction's strength in Parliament. Let us know! 👂 What type of content would you like to see from us this year? Impact on UBT strength Meanwhile, senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders Sanjay Raut, Arvind Sawant, Anil Desai and Rajabhau Waje addressed a press conference in New Delhi, strongly attacking the alleged defections. Let us know! 👂 What type of content would you like to see from us this year? UBT press conference Speaking to reporters, Raut claimed that each of the six MPs was offered ₹15 crore to join the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). He alleged that after receiving the money, the MPs boarded a chartered aircraft and flew to Delhi. While refraining from directly naming Eknath Shinde, Raut accused the ruling establishment of using financial inducements and political pressure to engineer the split. Let us know! 👂 What type of content would you like to see from us this year? Allegations of inducements Raut further alleged that "money and muscle power" were being deployed to weaken the UBT faction. In a particularly serious charge, he claimed that Omraje Nimbalkar had been offered favourable legal assistance in connection with the murder case of his father, Pawanraje Nimbalkar. No evidence supporting these allegations was presented during the press conference, and there was no immediate response from the Shinde camp. Ongoing Shiv Sena split The latest development marks another chapter in the ongoing battle for control of the Shiv Sena, which has remained deeply divided since Eknath Shinde's rebellion in 2022. Political analysts say the proposed formation of a separate parliamentary group could further strengthen Shinde's position within the NDA while posing a fresh challenge to Uddhav Thackeray's leadership ahead of future elections. To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/

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Siasat News✓

Jun 17, 2026, 06:31 AM

Modi, UAE President Discuss Regional Stability and Bilateral Ties at G7 Summit

: Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Tuesday discussed the West Asia situation and underscored the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and respect for international law to ensure “enduring peace, security and stability” in the region. The two leaders met on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian-les-Bains in eastern France. In a post on X, Modi described his meeting with the UAE President as “very good” and said they discussed bilateral ties across sectors and ways to further energise the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. “Had a very good meeting with my brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. We discussed India-UAE ties across sectors and ways to further energise our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” the prime minister said. Modi also expressed gratitude to the UAE government and its president for the “care and concern” for the Indian community living in the UAE. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X that the two reviewed measures to “deepen bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and exchanged views on peace, security and stability in the West Asia region.” In a statement, the MEA said that during the meeting, Modi underscored the importance of “dialogue, diplomacy and respect for international law, sovereignty, and territorial integrity in advancing enduring peace, security and stability in the West Asia region.” The two sides also called for “continued free, safe, and unimpeded navigation, trade and commerce through the Strait of Hormuz”. The meeting came two days after President Donald Trump announced that the US and Iran have finalised a deal to end their 107-day war, which triggered a global energy crisis. During the conflict, Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway used to ferry one-fifth of the global oil supplies. Trump, in his announcement, said the deal would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the US naval blockade on Iranian ports. However, in a subsequent post, he said the Strait of Hormuz will open on Friday after the official signing of the agreement. The MEA said Modi and Al Nahyan reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation in areas such as technology, trade, investment, energy and defence following the UAE President’s visit to India in January and Modi’s visit to the UAE in May this year. This was the third meeting between the two leaders in 2026, “reflecting the strong and vibrant India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” the statement said. During the talks, Modi also invited Al Nahyan to attend the BRICS Summit to be hosted by India later this year. Separately, at the sidelines of the G7, Modi also met the leaders of Korea, Egypt, Japan and Kenya. In a post on X, Modi said he a “very good” conversation with the South Korean President Lee Jae-myung. “Just two months ago, had welcomed him to India. Our nations are working together in trade, commerce and many other futuristic sectors,” he said. After meeting Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Modi said on X that India cherishes the “long-standing friendship” with Egypt. He also met President William Ruto of Kenya. “India and Kenya share a longstanding partnership anchored in the aspirations of the Global South. We remain committed to working together for the well-being of our people,” Modi said in a separate X post. After a “great interaction” with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Modi said, “India and Japan will continue to deepen ties in diverse sectors, with a priority on trade and investment.” Modi has travelled to France for the G7 summit as India was invited as a guest country to the G7 summit.

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Free Press Journal

Jun 17, 2026, 06:27 AM

Shiv Sena MP Denies Defection Rumors Amid Party Split Speculation

New Delhi: Amid intensifying speculation over a possible split within Shiv Sena UBT, party MP from Nashik Rajabhau Waje arrived in Delhi on Wednesday and firmly dismissed rumours of defection, declaring his loyalty to Uddhav Thackeray even as the party prepares action against MPs suspected to be in touch with the Eknath Shinde camp. Let us know! 👂 What type of content would you like to see from us this year? Speaking to reporters after reaching the national capital in an express train, Waje said, “I am with Uddhav ji and will remain with him. I have no contacts with anyone else. I have not received any call, no contact has been established with me by Shinde ji. I am not upset, and I am with them (Shiv Sena-UBT). I have come here for a committee meeting.” His statement comes amid a major political storm surrounding the alleged 'Operation Tiger,' the reported attempt by the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena to engineer a split in the Uddhav Thackeray faction’s parliamentary wing. Sena UBT Calls For Parliamentary Meeting Meanwhile, Shiv Sena UBT has now shifted into damage-control and legal-strategy mode as fears of rebellion deepen within the party. The Thackeray camp has called a crucial meeting of its parliamentary party in Delhi at 11 am on June 18 and directed all MPs to remain present. Reports quoting party sources indicated that strict action may be initiated against MPs who fail to attend the meeting, with the leadership viewing absenteeism as a possible sign of rebellion. At the same time, the Uddhav faction is also working on its legal strategy to tackle any potential split. According to an NDTV report quoting sources, the party is exploring options to invoke anti-defection provisions and party discipline rules against any MPs attempting to form a separate bloc or merge with another party. Who All Are Rumoured To Jump Ship? The political crisis escalated after reports claimed that six Shiv Sena UBT MPs are allegedly in contact with the Shinde-led Shiv Sena. The MPs reportedly include Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Deshmukh, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, Omraje Nimbalkar, Bhausaheb Wakchaure and Sanjay Jadhav. According to reports, the so-called rebel MPs may soon meet Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and could submit a letter seeking recognition as a separate parliamentary group before eventually merging with the Shinde faction. Let us know! 👂 What type of content would you like to see from us this year? Sensing the seriousness of the situation, senior Uddhav loyalists including Sanjay Raut, Arvind Sawant and Anil Desai are currently camped in Delhi to coordinate the party’s political and legal response. In a parallel pre-emptive move, Shiv Sena UBT parliamentary leader Arvind Sawant has also sought time from Speaker Om Birla to submit a formal letter on behalf of Uddhav Thackeray, urging that no separate faction be recognised without hearing the party’s position. To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/

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The Moscow Times

Jun 17, 2026, 06:26 AM

Trump Criticizes Netanyahu Over Lebanon Attacks, Claims Credit for Israel's Existence

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told President Donald Trump last year that he was the “greatest friend Israel ever had in the White House." Now, as Trump tries to finalize a deal to end the war with Iran, he's unloading on Netanyahu with rhetoric that no other American leader has dared to use publicly. He claimed credit for Israel's existence — “without me, there would be no Israel” — and cursed his judgment in interviews. He even described him as “crazy.” Netanyahu’s tenure as prime minister spans four U.S. presidents, and he's frustrated all of them at one point or another. But none has voiced that as openly as Trump, who started the conflict in tandem with Netanyahu. The tension comes as Trump criticizes recent Israeli attacks in Lebanon, which threatened to jeopardize negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Trump has been pushing for a deal as he faces political blowback at home, where the war is unpopular and has driven up gasoline prices. “If Netanyahu gets in between something Trump really wants, and that’s out of this war, he’s prepared to use the leverage that he has,” said Aaron David Miller, who served as an adviser on Middle East issues to Democratic and Republican administrations over two decades. An agreement is scheduled to be signed on Friday in the Burgenstock resort near the city of Luzern. Speaking on Tuesday at the annual G7 summit in France, Trump said he told Netanyahu that he's been unhappy with his recent moves. “Without the U.S., there would be no Israel. Without me, there would be no Israel because no other president was willing to do what I did,” Trump said. “I have had a great relationship with Bibi. Now Bibi has to be more responsible with respect to Lebanon.” There has long been a bipartisan consensus around supporting Israel in Washington, but that has frayed in recent years. Liberals have been increasingly outraged by Israel's treatment of Palestinians, especially during the war in Gaza, and conservatives have questioned the importance of longstanding American support for Israel. There are concerns about antisemitism on the left and the right. Trump’s latest comments drew swift criticism from left-leaning groups. “He is framing Israel’s mere existence as contingent on him,” said Halie Soifer, who leads the Jewish Democratic Council of America. “It’s deeply offensive to the vast majority of Jews who care about Israel’s future.”

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Dainik Jagran

Jun 17, 2026, 06:18 AM

Donald Trump Turns 80: A Rarity Among World Leaders

US President Donald Trump recently turned 80 on June 14. With this, he has become the second leader in American history to reach the age of 80 years in office. Before him, former President Joe Biden celebrated his 80th birthday in office in November 2022. By reaching this age, Trump may have joined the ranks of the world's oldest leaders, but he is not the world's oldest ruler. According to a recent report by the Pew Research Center, out of the 186 leaders of the United Nations (UN), 16 heads of state are much older than Trump. Interestingly, this report by the Pew Research Center reveals interesting data, according to which Donald Trump is older than 91% of the world's national leaders, while the average age of heads of state around the world is only 63 years. If we talk about the current record of the world's oldest leader, then this Saudi Paul Biya, President of Saudi Arabia, is the second king of the country after King Salman bin Salman, who is 93 years old.

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Siasat News✓

Jun 17, 2026, 06:16 AM

Australian Government Lowers Travel Warnings for Middle Eastern Countries Following US-Iran Peace Deal

: The Australian government on Wednesday, June 17, lowered travel warnings for several Middle Eastern countries, including Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), after the United States and Iran reached a peace deal. Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong said that the government has lowered travel advice for Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE from the highest level four “do not travel” to a level three “reconsider your need to travel” warning, with some areas of Israel remaining at level four. She said that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has assessed current conditions in those countries as appropriate for the lower-level warning, but said that Australians should continue to postpone non-essential travel, Xinhua news agency reported. “If you need to transit these locations, stay as short a time as possible and eliminate unnecessary activities,” Wong said in a joint statement with Matt Thistlethwaite, assistant minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Yemen remain under level four “do not travel” warnings for Australians, while Jordan, Oman and Saudi Arabia are also subject to level three warnings. US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that a deal with Iran had been completed and warned that Tehran would face severe consequences if it sought to develop or acquire a nuclear weapon, while praising Qatar’s role in helping secure the agreement and signalling confidence that the next phase of negotiations would be easier. Speaking during a bilateral meeting with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Trump said the agreement represented a major breakthrough after weeks of tensions in the Middle East. “We have our deal done with Iran, and it should be successful. It goes to a second stage, which I think will be actually easier. I didn’t want to attack them last week, but we had no choice, and we did it twice, actually, we were doing it a third time, and we were able to not have to do that,” Trump said. The US President dismissed reports that Washington would provide financial assistance to Iran as part of the arrangement. “We are not investing any money in Iran, by the way. That rumour that got out there yesterday, it was ridiculous. We have the right to go in someday and do something… or if somebody wants to do something. But we have no obligation to invest money in Iran,” he said. Trump said the central objective of the agreement was ensuring that Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon.

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Kalinga TV

Jun 17, 2026, 06:15 AM

Kumaraswamy Launches Sharp Attack on Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar Over Land Mafia Allegations

Bengaluru: Union Minister and JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar after posters appeared on the Mysuru-Bengaluru highway accusing Kumaraswamy’s family and BJP leaders BY Vijayendra, R Ashok, and Chalavadi Narayanaswamy of involvement in the land mafia. Responding to the posters allegedly put up by Congress workers, Kumaraswamy said, “Don’t take me wrong, brother. I thought that at least after becoming the CM of this state, he would leave making blue films and posters. That habit hasn’t gone. Is this advertising by putting up posters?” Anitha Kumaraswamy, the Union Minister’s wife, also reacted to the allegations. “They have put up posters saying 100 acres of land belong to Nikhil and me. I earned 46 acres of land forty years ago. Despite that, where do I have land in my name as they mentioned 100 acres? Anitha madam bought 36-37 acres of land, which was purchased. Is it right to put up somebody’s poster and ask for land?” she said. HD Kumaraswamy further alleged that Shivakumar himself was involved in irregularities. “The same person who got land in the name of dead people in Garaganahalli is trying to portray something. Will people believe it? Doesn’t he need to have some standard at least after becoming CM? Doing all this without any standard shows which way the state will go. It’s a creepy mindset. He came up only through this,” Kumaraswamy said. He added, “At least, doesn’t he need to show some respect to the CM chair? Tell officers to take action if any wrong is done. Instead of that, being CM and making allegations through posters against R Ashok, Vijayendra, and Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, what does it show?” “Till now, it’s all only about Congress ministers and MLAs. They shut their mouths when they tried to open, even in the Assembly session. I’m an open book, and there is no question of getting scared. Every party worker and people of the state know about me. My fight is for the people of the state,” he emphasised. He also accused Shivakumar of misusing his name repeatedly. “Time and again, he takes my name. Yes, I wanted to do it, but if I wanted to do it, wouldn’t I have done it when I became CM for the second time? By taking my name they are using it to loot money and grab land. We would have supported their cause if they had good intentions. In which do they have good intentions? In anything he does, he looks for money,” Kumaraswamy alleged. On ‘Operation JDS’, Kumaraswamy questioned the viability of being able to complete a large-scale operation with limited resources as a small party. “What operation can we do as we are a small party? They have manpower, muscle power, money power. They have everything. Can we fight against them? We have fielded a candidate to keep our votes intact, not to win the election by hook or crook. Our candidate asked for a conscience vote. What’s wrong in that? There are surplus votes with BJP, that’s why we have asked for their votes. Just to keep our votes safe we have fielded a candidate. Let’s see if some of their votes come in favour of our candidate. That will help to keep control of the government. That’s my opinion,” he said. (ANI)

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The Moscow Times

Jun 17, 2026, 06:14 AM

Israeli Airstrikes Continue in South Lebanon Despite Peace Deal

BEIRUT: Israeli forces on Wednesday carried out airstrikes on several areas in south Lebanon, state media reported, despite a peace deal in the Middle East war that includes Lebanon. Lebanon's National News Agency said Israeli warplanes launched raids targeting the Nabatieh al-Fawqa area and the eastern outskirts of neighbouring town Kfar Tebnit. The Israelis also launched a drone strike on the town of Ansariyeh in the Zahrani area, NNA reported. While violence has declined in Lebanon since a US-Iran agreement to end the Middle East war was announced on Monday, Israeli strikes on the south have still killed at least five people since the deal, according to NNA. The reduction in violence has allowed some south Lebanon residents to return and inspect their towns and villages, but the Lebanese army has urged locals to delay their return, citing "the risk of Israeli violations and attacks". The Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah drew Lebanon into the Middle East war in early March by firing rockets at Israel to avenge the killing of Iran's supreme leader in US-Israeli strikes. Israel responded with a massive campaign of airstrikes and a ground invasion. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Tuesday that an end to the conflict would be incomplete "without the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territories it occupied in this war". "Any military attack by the Zionist regime on Lebanon from now on and the continued occupation of Lebanese territories from now on will be considered a violation of the memorandum of understanding in our view," he said. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that his country's forces would remain in Lebanon "for as long as necessary". Hezbollah has so far not issued any statements since Tuesday claiming attacks on Israeli targets in south Lebanon. The group's leader Naim Qassem is due to make a televised address on Wednesday. He expressed "profound gratitude" on Tuesday for Iran's efforts "to compel the Israeli entity to an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all fronts including in Lebanon". Lebanon's health ministry on Tuesday raised the death toll in Israeli attacks since the war broke out to 3,826, as rescuers pull more bodies from the rubble.

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India TV

Jun 17, 2026, 06:03 AM

Shiv Sena Leader Accuses BJP of Poaching MPs with 15-15 Crore Offers, Warns of Consequences

This comes at a time when Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has claimed that his party's MPs are being offered 15-15 crores to switch sides. This comes at a time when speculations of a possible split in the Uddhav Thackeray-led party are rife. Sanjay Raut wrote on an X handle: "Apna Sapna Money Money! It is shocking and disgusting that MPs from Maharashtra are being offered 15-15 crores to switch sides tonight." Sanjay Raut's allegation comes at a time when political speculation is rife that some Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs may break away to form a separate faction. Earlier, Sanjay Raut had said that MLAs and MPs come and go, but the party remains. Hitting out at the BJP, Raut accused it of breaking political parties and warned that when "our day comes, we will show how the party goes," according to Thackeray (UBT sources), its first rebel MP will meet the Lok Sabha Speaker after the entire process.

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The Moscow Times

Jun 17, 2026, 06:00 AM

Telegram CEO Accuses Reliance and WhatsApp of Efforts to Ban Messaging Platform in India

Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov has alleged that Reliance Group and WhatsApp may be linked to efforts to ban the messaging platform in India , while also accusing an Indian telecom operator of disrupting Telegram access for users outside the country. In a post on X, Durov claimed that Reliance Communications was responsible for interfering with Telegram's connectivity through a technique known as BGP hijacking. "Indian telecom Reliance is sabotaging access to Telegram for millions of users OUTSIDE India (including the UAE) via a rogue method called BGP hijacking. The sabotage seems intentional, as Reliance has ignored multiple reports. This may be part of a competitive war, as Reliance is partially owned by Meta, the company behind WhatsApp," Durov said.

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Free Press Journal

Jun 17, 2026, 05:59 AM

Oil Prices Ease as Iran's First Oil Tanker Exits Blockaded Gulf Zone

Crude oil prices continued to ease on Wednesday amid reports of Iran’s first oil tanker in two-month to have exited the zone in the Gulf blockaded by the US Navy. Global crude oil benchmark Brent Crude declined almost 1 percent to $78 per barrel from Tuesday’s levels. American crude benchmark WTI Crude also fell 1 percent to $75 per barrel mark during the Asian trade hours. Today’s decline in prices is, however, comparatively moderate than Monday when there was a decline of over 5 percent right after the announcement of the US-Iran peace deal and opening of the Strait of Hormuz. Still the retreat in prices is faster than many experts had projected. The strait, which was closed since the start of the war in late February, used to give way to about 20 percent of the world’s oil supply from the Gulf region. Iran had effectively blocked the waterway soon after the country was attacked by Israel and the US on February 28. Now that the US and Iran have agreed to stop the war and negotiate a final peace agreement during the 60-day window, the Strait of Hormuz is open for commercial vessels to pass through. According to reports, an Iranian oil tanker has managed to exit the zone in the Gulf blockaded by the US Navy. This is Tehran;s first crude oil export in about two months. Earlier it was reported that three Iranian oil tankers and two cargo ships had passed through the Strait of Hormuz after the US lifted its naval blockade. On Monday, the Indian government had said that an LNG vessel, named Disha, entered the Strait. However, traders are cautious of the developments in Lebanon where Isarel has continued its operation against Hezbollah. According to a report by Aljazeera, Iran has accused Israel of violating the truce in Lebanon 84 times since the memorandum of understanding was agreed to between Tehran and the US. Iran has warned of a “harsh response” if attacks continue. Israel has already said that its operation against the Hezbollah in Lebanon will continue despite the peace truce of its war ally the US. Any adverse development in the region may again lead to a surge in oil prices.

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DD News✓

Jun 17, 2026, 05:55 AM

Brazil Convicts Eduardo Bolsonaro of Interfering with Father's Trial

Brazil’s Supreme Court on Tuesday convicted former lawmaker Eduardo Bolsonaro, a son of ex-President Jair Bolsonaro living in the U.S., of courting interference from the Trump administration in his father’s trial last year for a coup plot. A panel ‌of four justices unanimously backed the conviction, issuing a prison sentence of four years and two months to the former lawmaker, who now risks arrest on return to Brazil. Eduardo Bolsonaro, who has argued in Washington that he and his family are the target of unfair persecution by Brazil’s Supreme Court, said he had not been properly notified about the court’s legal process. The office ⁠of Brazil’s Prosecutor General had charged him with courting U.S. authorities to help his father’s case by imposing sanctions on the court’s justices and tariffs on Brazilian goods last year. Both the tariffs and the sanctions were later scaled back. The younger Bolsonaro moved to the U.S. in 2025, months before the trial that ultimately convicted his father of plotting a coup to overthrow the results of the 2022 election he lost. The former lawmaker has said his efforts in Washington were not aimed at getting his father acquitted but at forcing Brazil’s Supreme Court to punish officials who, in his account, were not complying with Brazil’s constitution. More recently, Eduardo Bolsonaro ‌has ⁠thrown his support behind his brother Senator Flavio Bolsonaro’s presidential run. Both met with U.S. President Donald Trump in the White House last month. Polls show that the senator is the strongest challenger to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva ahead of an October election. Jair Bolsonaro, the father of Eduardo and Flavio, was ⁠Brazil’s president from 2019 to 2022. He is serving a 27-year sentence under house arrest due to health issues. Tuesday’s ruling makes Eduardo Bolsonaro ineligible for eight years to run for public office in Brazil. ⁠The lower house of Brazil’s Congress had already removed him from its ranks and stripped his lawmaker’s salary in December after he missed more than a third of the deliberative sessions ⁠in 2025. Eduardo Bolsonaro said in his statement that the real motive of the trial was to bar him from public office. (Reuters)

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The Daily Guardian

Jun 17, 2026, 05:55 AM

Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar Accused of Land Mafia by Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 17 (ANI): Union Minister and JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar after posters appeared on the Mysuru-Bengaluru highway accusing Kumaraswamy’s family and BJP leaders BY Vijayendra, R Ashok, and Chalavadi Narayanaswamy of involvement in the land mafia. Responding to the posters allegedly put up by Congress workers, Kumaraswamy said, “Don’t take me wrong, brother. I thought that at least after becoming the CM of this state, he would leave making blue films and posters. That habit hasn’t gone. Is this advertising by putting up posters?” Anitha Kumaraswamy, the Union Minister’s wife, also reacted to the allegations. “They have put up posters saying 100 acres of land belong to Nikhil and me. I earned 46 acres of land forty years ago. Despite that, where do I have land in my name as they mentioned 100 acres? Anitha madam bought 36-37 acres of land, which was purchased. Is it right to put up somebody’s poster and ask for land?” she said. HD Kumaraswamy further alleged that Shivakumar himself was involved in irregularities. “The same person who got land in the name of dead people in Garaganahalli is trying to portray something. Will people believe it? Doesn’t he need to have some standard at least after becoming CM? Doing all this without any standard shows which way the state will go. It’s a creepy mindset. He came up only through this,” Kumaraswamy said. He added, “At least, doesn’t he need to show some respect to the CM chair? Tell officers to take action if any wrong is done. Instead of that, being CM and making allegations through posters against R Ashok, Vijayendra, and Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, what does it show?” “Till now, it’s all only about Congress ministers and MLAs. They shut their mouths when they tried to open, even in the Assembly session. I’m an open book, and there is no question of getting scared. Every party worker and people of the state know about me. My fight is for the people of the state,” he emphasised. He also accused Shivakumar of misusing his name repeatedly. “Time and again, he takes my name. Yes, I wanted to do it, but if I wanted to do it, wouldn’t I have done it when I became CM for the second time? By taking my name they are using it to loot money and grab land. We would have supported their cause if they had good intentions. In which do they have good intentions? In anything he does, he looks for money,” Kumaraswamy alleged. On ‘Operation JDS’, Kumaraswamy questioned the viability of being able to complete a large-scale operation with limited resources as a small party. “What operation can we do as we are a small party? They have manpower, muscle power, money power. They have everything. Can we fight against them? We have fielded a candidate to keep our votes intact, not to win the election by hook or crook. Our candidate asked for a conscience vote. What’s wrong in that? There are surplus votes with BJP, that’s why we have asked for their votes. Just to keep our votes safe we have fielded a candidate. Let’s see if some of their votes come in favour of our candidate. That will help to keep control of the government. That’s my opinion,” he said. (ANI) Source The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.

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The Moscow Times

Jun 17, 2026, 05:53 AM

US-Iran Nuclear Deal Sparks Skepticism Amid Concerns Over Effectiveness

WASHINGTON: The interim deal between the U.S. and Iran is supposed to usher in a two-month period that would address the most divisive issue between the longtime adversaries — Tehran's nuclear program. Preventing Iran from attaining a nuclear bomb is a key reason that President Donald Trump said he launched the war alongside Israel in February, but the tentative agreement he has trumpeted leaves little runway to negotiate the long-running sticking point. The previous nuclear pact between Iran and world powers, which Trump pulled the U.S. from in his first term, took many months to negotiate. Few details have been publicly released about the initial deal, set to be officially signed Friday in Switzerland, but it generally calls for reopening the Strait of Hormuz to global oil shipments, financial incentives for Iran if it meets certain benchmarks, and a 60-day period for talks on ending the country's nuclear program. There is deep skepticism among both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, pro-Israel advocates and Israel itself that the deal is realistic, workable or would have any effect on nuclear talks. “My skepticism is Iran itself. What would a good deal look like? No enrichment. And we’ll see if we can get there,” Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a close Trump ally and longtime Iran hawk, said Tuesday. “But whether or not we can get phase two, I don’t know.” David Schenker, director of the Arab Politics Program at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said that “this administration has proven that it has a hard time keeping its attention on these issues.” Schenker, who served as assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern Affairs in the first Trump administration, questioned whether the current administration would have the wherewithal to reach a nuclear deal even if the agreement is signed Friday. “This is the kind of thing that requires dogged attention, attention to detail and numerous technical experts involved,” he said. “Trump loses his attention, moves on, and so does the administration. It’s like they don’t understand Iran’s strategy. They didn’t get it the first time, or the second.” The Trump administration has maintained its confidence. Vice President JD Vance said much of the technical detail must be negotiated but that the U.S. must see action for Iran to receive incentives like sanctions relief. “Our plan under this deal is, again, the Iranians are getting a lot of benefits so long as they dismantle that nuclear weapons program," Vance told Megyn Kelly on her podcast Tuesday. “People always ask me, ‘Why do you believe it this time?’ I don’t believe them,” he added. “I don’t trust anything that anybody says. I trust what people do. And the way this deal is structured is that as they do more, they receive more. As they do less, they receive less.” Iran has long maintained its nuclear program is peaceful. The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA, took more than 18 months to negotiate, starting with secret talks between U.S. and Iranian officials in Oman at the end of then-President Barack Obama’s first term. They required dozens of direct high-level interventions from Secretary of State John Kerry and Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz, not to mention a team of dozens of technical experts traveling to Europe and elsewhere before the conclusion of the negotiations in Vienna, Austria. Trump withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018 before most of its more contentious concessions had come into effect, and there is no indication now that Iran is willing to offer much more.

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India TV

Jun 17, 2026, 05:51 AM

G-7 Summit Concludes: PM Modi and Trump Hold Bilateral Meeting

Today is the last day of the G-7 summit in the French city of Evian. Today is also the grand farewell of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump. Today is also the first bilateral meeting between PM Modi and Trump after 16 months. PM Modi and Trump met for about 5 minutes yesterday.

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Amar Ujala

Jun 17, 2026, 05:51 AM

Campaign Counting Forms Filling and Uploading Progress

All the counting forms in the campaign will now be filled and withdrawn and uploaded on the BLO app. It is reported that 12 percent of the work has been done. Nainital is the lowest at 4 percent in uploading. BLOs are contacting door-to-door. 22900 BLAs are cooperating. 11400 BLAs of BJP, 10900 BLAs of Congress are available. Advertisement He said that information regarding change of polling station will have to be sent before July 7. Full information is being shared by meeting with BLAs.

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The Moscow Times

Jun 17, 2026, 05:51 AM

Congress to Shift MLAs to Hotel Ahead of Rajya Sabha Elections in Jharkhand

A day before the Rajya Sabha elections in Jharkhand, the Congress is likely to move its MLAs to a hotel in Ranchi on Wednesday, in a step mirroring the NDA’s earlier move aimed at ensuring smooth coordination for the voting process. The ruling INDIA bloc MLAs, including Congress members, are scheduled to meet at the Chief Minister’s residence on Wednesday evening to finalise their strategy for the elections to two Rajya Sabha seats in the state, Congress MLA Pradip Yadav said. Congress sources indicated that its legislators would be shifted to a hotel in the state capital during the day. However, Congress media in-charge Rakesh Sinha denied any formal plan to relocate the MLAs, saying they would instead visit a hotel where AICC observers are staying. “There is no plan to shift the MLAs to a hotel. We have adequate numbers and are confident of winning the election smoothly,” Sinha said. Each candidate requires at least 28 first-preference votes to win in the June 18 polls. The BJP-led NDA holds 24 MLAs in the 81-member Jharkhand Assembly, while the INDIA bloc has 56 members. Three candidates are in the fray: JMM nominee Baidyanath Ram, Congress candidate Pranav Jha, and BJP-backed Independent Parimal Nathwani.

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The Moscow Times

Jun 17, 2026, 05:46 AM

Congress Accuses Amit Shah of Undermining Democracy through Defection Inducements

The Congress on Wednesday accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of undermining democracy and engineering defections from opposition parties through inducements, alleging that the BJP was targeting leaders elected on an anti-BJP platform. Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh claimed Shah was continuing an assault on the Opposition to make up for a setback in Parliament earlier this year. "His allurements are enticing a number of those who were elected just two years ago on a strong anti-BJP agenda to now join the BJP. The incentives reportedly being extended to them are mind-boggling," Ramesh said in a post on X.

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Indian Express

Jun 17, 2026, 05:41 AM

Israel's Military Tactics in Lebanon Draw Criticism from US President Trump and Iran

Despite a peace deal between the US and Israel to end hostilities at all fronts, multiple Israeli strikes left at least four dead in southern Lebanon, the National News Agency (NNA) reported. The casualties were reported in separate drone attacks on two vehicles in Mayfadoun, while a third attack was launched in Shoukin. The attacks have drawn public criticism from US President Donald Trump and triggered a warning from Iran. Accusing Israel of violating the truce in Lebanon 84 times, since the deal was agreed upon by Tehran and the US, Iran threatened to retaliate with a “harsh response” if attacks go on unabated. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi earlier said the deal would be violated if Israel continued to occupy southern Lebanon. “Without the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territories they occupied during this war, the war has not fully come to an end,” he added. In a phone conversation with Lebanon’s Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Iran’s top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, urged the US to force Israel to stop its war on Lebanon, abstain from demolishing homes, and withdraw from occupied Lebanese territory. Trump on Tuesday slammed Israel publicly for its military tactics in Lebanon , and said its Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should be “more responsible” with Lebanon. “Without us, without the United States, there would be no Israel. Without me, there would be no Israel, because no other president was willing to do what I did,” he said while speaking at the G7 Summit in France. He also said it was not necessary to bomb entire buildings to hunt down Hezbollah, and that it could have derailed his peace deal with Iran. He added that Israel has been fighting the Iran-aligned ⁠Lebanese militia for “too long”. “Too many people have been killed. You don’t have to knock down an apartment house every time you’re looking for somebody, because there are a lot of people in those apartment houses, and they’re not all Hezbollah,” Trump said.

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The Moscow Times

Jun 17, 2026, 05:39 AM

Puducherry Cabinet Expanded with Three New Ministers

PUDUCHERRY: The Puducherry Cabinet was expanded with the swearing-in of P Rajavelu (AINRC), VP Sivakolundhu (AINRC) and GNS Rajasekaran (BJP) as ministers by Lt Governor K. Kailashnathan at Lok Nivas on Wednesday, taking the Council of Ministers to its full strength. They were administered the oath of office and secrecy by the Lt Governor. Chief Minister N Rangasamy, Ministers A Namassivayam and Malladi Krishna Rao, and MLAs of the ruling alliance and Opposition parties, including the DMK, Congress and TVK, along with independent MLAs, were present on the occasion. LJK MLA Jose Charles Martin, however, was not present. While Rajavelu had earlier served as Deputy Speaker and as a minister in previous governments, Sivakolundhu and Rajasekaran have been appointed ministers for the first time.

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Newsbytes✓

Jun 17, 2026, 05:30 AM

Macron and Zelenskyy Discuss Trump's Diplomatic Style at G7 Summit

French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy were caught on a hot mic talking about United States President Donald Trump during the G7 Summit in Evian-les-Bains, France.The conversation was recorded as they walked through the Hotel Royal grounds after Macron greeted his Ukrainian counterpart upon his arrival."Yesterday we had a difficult discussion with President Trump," Macron told Zelenskyy, offering a rare insight into their diplomatic dynamics.

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The Moscow Times

Jun 17, 2026, 05:30 AM

Kejriwal Criticizes Government's Decision to Restrict Telegram Access Ahead of Medical Entrance Exam

AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday criticised the Centre’s decision to temporarily restrict access to the Telegram messaging app ahead of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination, calling the move “absurd” and alleging that the government has no genuine intent to stop paper leaks. The government on Tuesday ordered a temporary restriction on Telegram until June 22, ahead of the June 21 NEET-UG retest, with the National Testing Agency (NTA) stating the step was aimed at preventing cheating networks and the spread of misinformation. NTA Director General Abhishek Singh said the measure formed part of efforts to ensure the re-exam is conducted fairly and without malpractice.

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Siasat News✓

Jun 17, 2026, 05:22 AM

Karnataka MLA H.C. Mahadevappa Embroiled in Fresh Corruption Allegations

: Fresh controversy has surfaced around Congress MLA H.C. Mahadevappa after a Bengaluru resident submitted a complaint to the Governor alleging corruption and irregularities in tender processes undertaken during his tenure as Karnataka’s Social Welfare Minister. According to the complaint, serious violations allegedly took place in tenders floated by the Karnataka Residential Educational Institutions Society (KREIS) and the Ambedkar Development Corporation, both functioning under the Social Welfare Department. The complainant has accused Mahadevappa and officials of facilitating irregularities in the awarding of contracts, misuse of authority and manipulation of records. The petition claims that several tenders under KREIS were awarded in a manner that allegedly favoured specific individuals and organisations instead of following a transparent and competitive bidding process. It further alleges that certain firms secured eligibility by submitting fabricated, altered or forged documents , including fake experience certificates, project completion records and other supporting credentials. The complaint also raises concerns over the role of government officials involved in the tender approval process and questions whether procurement norms and regulations governing the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal were properly followed. Seeking intervention from the Governor, the complainant has requested a comprehensive, independent and time-bound investigation into the allegations. The petition calls for scrutiny of the entire tender process, verification of eligibility documents submitted by participating firms and examination of the role played by departmental officials in granting approvals. The complainant has further urged authorities to determine whether any financial loss was caused to the public exchequer as a result of the alleged irregularities. In the event that the allegations are found to be true, the petition seeks recovery of losses from those responsible and appropriate legal action against all persons involved. Additionally, the complaint has sought the disqualification of H.C. Mahadevappa from the Karnataka Legislative Assembly if the charges are substantiated through investigation. No official response from Mahadevappa regarding the allegations was immediately available. The matter is expected to draw political attention as demands grow for a detailed inquiry into the tender processes carried out during his tenure in the Social Welfare Department.

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Newsbytes✓

Jun 17, 2026, 05:13 AM

RSS Office Attacked with Petrol Bombs in Ranchi, India

Petrol bombs were at the RSS office in Ranchi in Jharkhand early Wednesday morning.BJP leader Sanjay Seth said the attack took place around 1:00am, when two youths threw petrol bombs at the Sangh office."It indicates a big conspiracy. We have spoken to the DC. The senior SP is not returning our calls. We have requested to establish a police picket near the Sangh's office," he told the media.

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India TV

Jun 17, 2026, 05:12 AM

Shiv Sena MPs May Form New Faction, Meet Speaker Om Birla

Uddhav Thackeray's party Shiv Sena (UBT) may have a big break today. Today in Delhi, 7 MPs of Uddhav Thackeray's party may form a new faction and meet Speaker Om Birla. These MPs will meet at Shrikant Shinde's house in Delhi in the morning. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will also be present in this meeting. The name of Uddhav Thackeray's party MPs Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Deshmukh, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar, Bhanusaheb Wakchaure, and Sanjay Jadhav are considered to be confirmed. Along with them, the name of Nashik MP Rajabhau Vaze is also in the list of those who joined the Shinde faction. In view of this stir, the Uddhav camp has also become alert and has written a letter to the Lok Sabha Speaker demanding that the separate faction should not be recognized. Let's know about the seven MPs who have raised concerns about Uddhav Thackeray - Dina Sanjay Patil is currently the MP from Mumbai North-East (Mumbai North-East) Lok Sabha constituency and Uddhav Thackeray (Balasaheb Thackeray) is the Shiv Sena's chief ministerial candidate in the January 16, 2024 elections.

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ABP News✓

Jun 17, 2026, 05:06 AM

Himachal Pradesh Secures Funding for Kishau Dam Project After Years-Long Impasse

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, the state government has achieved another milestone by safeguarding the interests of the state in the Kishau Dam Project. The continuous efforts of the Chief Minister have paved the way for the construction of the Kishau Dam Project of 422 MW capacity to be constructed at an estimated cost of about Rs 15,000 crore. The project is proposed on the border of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh on the Taunus River. The Chief Minister strongly advocated the state's interest in the high-level meeting held in New Delhi today under the chairmanship of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and has achieved great success in ending the impasse related to bearing the financial cost of the project for the last eight years. The Government of India has agreed in principle to bear the estimated cost of about Rs 2,000 crore to be borne by the states of Delhi, Rajasthan and Haryana as the power component of Himachal Pradesh's share of the project. The Chief Minister's determined efforts will result in reducing the financial burden on the state, while the previous government was not successful in doing so.

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ABP News✓

Jun 17, 2026, 05:05 AM

Shiv Sena MPs' Loyalty Tested as Rebellion Rumors Surface

There is a possibility of a rebellion of 6 MPs in Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena UBT. There is a discussion that these MPs who reached Delhi late at night can join Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena. Meanwhile, Shrikant Shinde, the son of Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, came to Delhi in a private jet with many MPs where Eknath Shinde is present. The name of Rajabhau Vaze of Nashik was also in the list of these potential rebel MPs, but now his statement has given a big relief to the Uddhav faction. Speaking to ABP News, Shiv Sena UBT MP from Nashik Rajabhau Vaze has clearly said that he has not come to Delhi to meet Eknath Shinde but has come for a committee meeting. He does not know about the MPs joining Shiv Sena. MP Rajabhau Vaze has bluntly said, "I am with Uddhav Thackeray and will be with him. I have no contact with anyone else. I have not received any call nor has Eknath Shinde contacted me. I am angry with him (Shiv Sena-UBT). I have come here for a meeting with him (Shiv Sena-UBT) through a post. Raut has also said that he has come here for

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DD News✓

Jun 17, 2026, 05:04 AM

Trump Criticizes Israel's Military Tactics in Lebanon, Praises Own Peace Efforts

U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday issued a rare public rebuke of Israel’s military tactics in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah militants, saying it ‌was unnecessary to bomb entire apartment buildings to hunt militants. Trump, who in recent days had expressed his displeasure over Israeli attacks in Beirut that he said could have endangered his peace deal with Iran, said Israel has been fighting Hezbollah, the Iran-aligned Lebanese militia, for “too long”. “Too many people have been killed. You don’t have to knock down an apartment house every time you’re looking for somebody, because there are a lot of people in those apartment houses, and they’re not all Hezbollah,” Trump said at the G7 ⁠summit in France. His complaint comes at a moment of rising tensions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has remained a key political ally despite occasional ups and downs between the two leaders over the years. Recently, tensions have been more prominent. Israeli officials are quietly expressing frustration about the Iran deal that the Republican president struck while Trump is growing impatient with Netanyahu over Israeli strikes of Beirut, which triggered Iranian attacks just when he was working to finalize the peace deal. Trump said he has a “great relationship” with Netanyahu but in the same breath added that he should be “more responsible” with Lebanon. “Without us, without the United States, there would be no Israel. Without me, there would be no Israel, because no other president was willing to do what I did.” The two leaders have repeatedly clashed over Israel’s refusal to constrain its ‌pursuit of ⁠Hezbollah in Lebanon, where a cessation of hostilities is a key Iranian demand. Trump and other U.S. presidents do not often criticize Israel’s military tactics. Shortly after he made his comments, an official White House social media account that typically shares clips of his public comments posted a video of those specific remarks. The White House did not say why the official account chose to post those Trump remarks but said the president has a strong relationship with ⁠Netanyahu and that the Israel Defense Forces were “incredible partners”. “There has been no greater friend to Israel and a fighter for peace than President Trump…Americans and our allies around the world are already safer for the United States and Israel’s bold actions to deny the Iranian regime the ability to develop a ⁠nuclear weapon,” a White House official said. There is no indication that Trump’s comments would translate into meaningful policy that would force Israel to rethink its military tactics in a way to ensure greater protection for civilians. Israel has faced sharp criticism from other countries, particularly during its ⁠assault on Gaza that has killed 73,000 people, most of them civilians, according to the Gaza health ministry. Israel says it never targets non-combatants and says militant groups such as Palestinian Hamas and Hezbollah regularly use civilians as human shields. (Reuters)

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Kalinga TV

Jun 17, 2026, 05:03 AM

Puducherry Cabinet Expands: Three New Ministers Inducted

Puducherry: VP Sivakolundhu, P Rajavelu and GNS Rajasekaran, on Wednesday, were inducted as ministers into the Puducherry Cabinet led by Chief Minister N Rangasamy. Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan administered the oath of office and secrecy to the new ministers. The induction of three ministers with a swearing-in ceremony was held at the Lok Niwas of the Union territory. The cabinet expansion comes after the Chief Minister forwarded the list of names to the Union Home Ministry, which has now given its approval for the reshuffle in the Puducherry government. Earlier on May 20, Puducherry Legislative Assembly Pro-tem Speaker Anbalagan administered the oath of office to the newly elected Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). On May 15, MLA A Anbalagan was appointed as the pro-tem Speaker of the 16th Puducherry Legislative Assembly by the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, K Kailashnathan, on the recommendation of Chief Minister N Rangasamy. Anbalagan is the sole AIADMK MLA in Puducherry. He won the Oupalam seat after defeating Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) candidate S Siva by a margin of 1026 votes. The appointment comes days after N Rangasamy took charge as the Chief Minister of Puducherry following the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) victory in the recently concluded Assembly elections. Rangasamy, founder of the All India NR Congress (AINRC), was sworn in as Chief Minister on May 13. Puducherry Lieutenant Governor K Kailashnathan administered the oath of office and secrecy during a ceremony attended by BJP National President Nitin Nabin and senior leaders of the alliance. The oath-taking ceremony followed the Puducherry Assembly election results declared on May 4, in which the NDA retained power in the Union Territory. In the 30-member Assembly, NR Congress secured 12 of 30 seats, while the BJP won four seats. AIADMK bagged one seat. The DMK won five seats, and Congress secured one seat. Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) also opened its account by winning two seats in its debut election in the UT. (ANI)

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ABP News✓

Jun 17, 2026, 04:59 AM

US Renames Indo-Pacific Command Ahead of Modi-Trump Meeting

Ahead of the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France, the US has given a big jolt to India. The US Department of Defense (Pentagon) has renamed the Indo-Pacific Command.

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The Moscow Times

Jun 17, 2026, 04:57 AM

Germany and Poland Sign Defense Agreement Amid Rising Tensions with Russia

WARSAW: Germany and Poland were set to sign a new defense agreement Wednesday, putting aside their complicated past to strengthen European military cooperation at a time of heightened tension with Russia and growing uncertainty over U.S. engagement in Europe. Relations between the two neighbors in recent years have become more pragmatic in the wake of Russia’s full‑scale war on Ukraine in 2022 and the coming to power of a liberal government in Poland in 2023. As the U.S. weighs a partial drawdown of its military presence in Europe, Poland is keen to ensure that major European allies take a greater role in defending the continent’s eastern flank. Germany is seeking partners as it moves to revitalize its military, the Bundeswehr, after decades of neglect with ambitions to build the strongest conventional army on NATO’s European side — an effort that will make it a central pillar of European defense in the years ahead. Poland’s importance as a logistics hub for Ukraine, alongside its growing economy and heavy defense investment, has made it a compelling partner for Germany and other core European countries. “We Germans need a strong Poland as an equal partner,” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said in Berlin after meeting with liberal Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in December. “This is in our fundamental interest.” The defense agreement is set to include plans for protecting the Baltic Sea region and details about cooperation on military mobility and infrastructure, cyber defense and new technologies. The two countries are irreversibly tied by NATO’s defense plans, which give Germany a key role in the defense of the Baltic region, together with Poland and other countries in the central and eastern European region, said Justyna Gotkowska, deputy director of the Warsaw-based think tank Center for Eastern Studies. “Germany is largely responsible for the defense of the Baltic states and without cooperation with Poland, that will not happen,” Gotkowska said.

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Amar Ujala

Jun 17, 2026, 04:56 AM

Indian Defense Production Reaches New Heights Under PM Modi's Leadership

Under the inspiring leadership of PM Shri @narendramodi, India's defence production is reaching new heights every year.

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ABP News✓

Jun 17, 2026, 04:39 AM

US Considers 'VIP Pass' Plan to Normalize Ship Passage Through Strait of Hormuz

Amid the ongoing peace talks between Iran and the United States, the Trump administration is now considering new measures to normalize the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. According to US media reports, the administration is discussing a plan under which shipowners will be able to safely and quickly pass through Hormuz with the protection of the US Navy by paying a fee. It is being informally called the "VIP Pass" plan. According to the report, President Donald Trump and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles have asked officials to find ways so that shipowners are willing to use the Hormuz route again. The center of the discussion is how to encourage insurance companies to reinsure ships. One official said that most cruises currently passing through Hormuz are considered to be in violation of insurance rules. The question is how to prepare insurance companies to reinsure coverage. According to the Clapper Commodity Company, despite the current presence of about 500 ships in the Gulf of Farsem, owners of Iranian oil are now standing by.

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India TV

Jun 17, 2026, 04:39 AM

Trump Claims Israel's Existence Depends on His Support Amid Tensions with Netanyahu

US President Donald Trump has claimed that Israel would not exist without his support. Without his support, Israel would not exist. Trump's statement shows that he has a growing public rift with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump criticized Netanyahu for the Lebanon attacks amid the peace proposal between Iran and the United States. Trump said that his relationship with Netanyahu is still good, but he warned him to be more restrained. His remarks came after he asked Netanyahu to be more careful about Israel's attacks in Lebanon. He said that these attacks could affect efforts to reach a peace deal with Iran. Trump also accused Netanyahu of making bad decisions. He told Axios, "Why did Bibi need to attack? I was very angry. I told him that. I didn't even tell him to make the right decision." Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Tamini said, "Without the United States, we wouldn't have done it."

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The Moscow Times

Jun 17, 2026, 04:33 AM

Rupee Appreciates 31 Paise Against US Dollar as Brent Crude Prices Decline

: The rupee appreciated 31 paise to 94.29 against the US dollar in early trade on Wednesday as Brent crude oil prices and the US dollar index retreated further from their elevated levels. Forex traders said the rupee opened on a positive note as Brent crude has fallen to near USD 79 per barrel -- a three-month low -- as markets price in the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz following the US-Iran framework. At the interbank foreign exchange market the rupee opened at 94.46, then touched 94.29, registering a gain of 31 paise from its previous close. On Tuesday, the rupee ended 2 paise lower at 94.60 against the US dollar. In the last three sessions the rupee has recovered 130 paise since the US-Iran deal framework emerged. "The rupee's bias has shifted.On the upside, 95.00-95.30 is now a strong resistance zone for USDINR. With expectations of strong foreign capital inflows and USDINR having decisively broken below the 94.80 level, the pair could gradually move towards the 94.93.80 zone in the coming days," CR Forex Advisors MD Amit Pabari said. Pabari further added that the signing of the US-Iran agreement in Geneva on June 19 remains the event to watch. "Until then, the recovery is real but the ground is not yet firm," he said. Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies, was trading at 0.01 per cent down at 99.52. Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, was trading lower by 0.37 per cent at USD 78.67 per barrel in futures trade. On the domestic equity market front, Sensex was up 271.61 points to 77,080.09 in opening trade; Nifty advances 55.35 points to 24,044.50. Foreign institutional investors offloaded equities worth Rs 749.18 crore on a net basis on Tuesday, according to exchange data. In global developments, Vice President JD Vance will lead the US delegation for the in-person signing of the peace deal with Iran in Switzerland on Friday, President Donald Trump said. Both Trump and Vance have electronically signed the framework agreement with Iran's lead negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, according to a senior US official quoted by The New York Times.

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ABP News✓

Jun 17, 2026, 04:27 AM

Ayodhya Ram Temple Embezzlement Probe Intensifies: Political Factions Trade Barbs

The investigation into the alleged embezzlement of offerings at the Ram temple in Ayodhya has intensified. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) set up by the Uttar Pradesh government visited the temple complex on Tuesday. Now in this case, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi has responded by saying that the BJP takes credit for the construction of the temple, so it cannot escape political responsibility for any alleged scam related to the temple. She also targeted the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and said that this party is nothing but the'B'team of the BJP. Priyanka Chaturvedi also targeted the rebel leaders of the Trinamool Congress (TMC). In fact, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has recently appealed to the Muslim society to strengthen its political strength instead of depending on big regional and national parties. When questioned about this, Priyanka said, "AIMIM is nothing, it is Yogi's'B'team of the BJP. The'B'team of the BJP understands the entry of Asaduddin Owaisi into UP and understands why it is a political move.

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ABP News✓

Jun 17, 2026, 04:12 AM

Telangana's Singareni Collieries Company Limited Embroiled in Coal Stock Scam

Allegations of coal stock scam in Singareni Collieries Company Limited have created a political storm in Telangana. In this case, Union Coal Minister and BJP MP from Secunderabad Kishan Reddy has written a letter to CM Revanth Reddy demanding an investigation into the matter. In a letter dated 10 June, Kishan Reddy expressed concern that 4 million tons of coal worth about 1600 crores has gone missing from the stock of SCCL. Coal disappearance and other related news is very serious. It should be investigated immediately. He has said in his letter that I want to draw your attention to the reports of 4 million tons of coal worth 1600 crores missing. It has caused heavy losses to the company. Union Minister has clearly said that if these allegations are true, then the financial condition and future of the company will be affected. Referring to the situation of SCCL, the Union Minister said that the company can be weakened if the Telangana government does not pay the dues. In fact, its equity partner in Singareni Collieries Company Ltd. The Union Minister has said that the Union Government should immediately investigate the matter.

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Kalinga TV

Jun 17, 2026, 04:10 AM

Shiv Sena Party Faces Political Instability Amid Rumors of Rebellion

New Delhi: New political instability seems to have gripped the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) following reports that senior leaders were unable to reach several party MPs. Reportedly, some of the MPs even switched off their mobile phones amidst mounting speculation of internal unrest. Uddhav Thackeray and other top leaders have resorted to calling MPs personally, according to media reports, amid growing concerns about a likely rebellion within the party. The unfolding events have now turned the political spotlight on New Delhi, where there will be significant meetings. This development occurs on the heels of rumors of a supposed “Operation Tiger”. It is a political term that has started circulating, meaning an attempt to woo away MPs belonging to the Uddhav camp. Also, to take the MPs to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction in Maharashtra. Reportedly, many of the MPs may be in touch with leaders belonging to the ruling alliance, although there has been no formal confirmation. What adds more drama to the situation are reports claiming that meetings may take place between Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs and Shinde faction leaders in Delhi. It was further reported that Eknath Shinde also met some MPs in New Delhi, intensifying rumors about potential political realignments. However, the Uddhav faction leaders themselves have vehemently denied all claims of an impending split. Several MPs have refuted the allegations that they are being tempted into switching to a rival camp. With the upcoming parliament session and Maharashtra politics hanging in the balance, all eyes will continue to be fixed on New Delhi, which will reveal whether the talk about the split.

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The Moscow Times

Jun 17, 2026, 04:07 AM

South Korea's President Seeks US Help in Pursuing Peace with North Korea

SEOUL: South Korea's president has urged US President Donald Trump to help him make peace with North Korea, "just as he has resolved the conflict in the Middle East", Lee Jae Myung's office said on Wednesday. The United States and Iran are set to sign a memorandum of understanding on Friday to end their war, and there has been speculation that the Trump administration may then turn its attention to North Korea. Trump fuelled that interest shortly after announcing the Iran deal, posting on social media an uncaptioned photograph of himself with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at their 2018 Singapore summit. Trump asked Lee about developments in inter-Korean relations during an exchange at the G7 summit in France, Seoul's presidential office said in a statement Wednesday.

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ABP News✓

Jun 17, 2026, 04:07 AM

West Bengal Assembly's Leader of Opposition Appointment Controversy Reaches Calcutta High Court

The controversy over the appointment of the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly has reached the Calcutta High Court. The High Court has asked Speaker Rathindra Bose several questions regarding the appointment of Leader of the Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee. Whether the Speaker can ignore the proposal of the majority party and can he appoint the Leader of the Opposition without hearing both sides. Two names were received by the Speaker from the Trinamool Congress (TMC), one was sent by the rebel MLAs of the party, while the other was sent by the party leadership. The Calcutta High Court has questioned what procedure the Speaker should follow if the Leader of the Opposition receives two different proposals from the same political party. This is the first time such a dispute has come before the court in the West Bengal Assembly. Speaker Rathindra Basu accepted the proposal sent by the rebel group Ritabrata Banerjee, which has been challenged in the Calcutta High Court. The name of Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay was sent by the faction of Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee. Now, Shobhan Chattopadhyay has filed a petition in the High Court.

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ABP News✓

Jun 17, 2026, 04:02 AM

Trump-Modi Bilateral Meeting to Discuss Key Global Issues at G7 Summit

US President Donald Trump and PM Modi, who are in France for the G7 Summit, will hold a bilateral meeting today. The two leaders are expected to discuss the Iran war, the India-US trade deal, energy security, and artificial intelligence. Earlier on Tuesday, PM Modi and President Trump met and greeted each other during the outreach session of the G7 Summit. The two leaders shook hands and spoke ahead of the G7 Working Session on'Building New Partnerships and Restoring International Solidarity.'It is being attended by representatives of the G7 countries, partner countries, the World Bank, and the African Development Bank. The White House said on Saturday that the meeting will take place as the two leaders are about to join a working lunch with G7 leaders, outreach partners, and technology leaders. On his arrival in Evian, Prime Minister Modi said that he is excited to meet world leaders and discuss important global issues. He wrote "Looking forward to the G7 Summit and reaching out to French leaders."

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Siasat News✓

Jun 17, 2026, 04:02 AM

Trump and Modi Set to Take India-US Relations to New Heights at G7 Summit

US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are set to take India-US relations to “new highs” the White House said as the two leaders prepared for bilateral talks in France, with trade, technology, investment and global security expected to top the agenda. “President Trump and Prime Minister Modi have a close friendship, and under their leadership, the Trump administration and Indian government are set to take our two countries to new highs,” White House spokesman Kush Desai told IANS. The meeting in Evian, on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, will be the first in-person meeting between the two leaders since their summit meeting last February. It comes amid discussions on a possible trade agreement and as diplomatic efforts continue to address the crisis in West Asia. The White House said Trump and PM Modi will meet on the sideline of the G7 Summit. According to the White House, the two leaders will discuss economic growth, supply chains, artificial intelligence, investment partnerships and a range of global security challenges. “President Trump has consistently underscored his support for America’s strategic partnership with India,” Desai told IANS adding that Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent visit to India built on Trump’s efforts to deepen cooperation between the two countries on trade and national security. “Secretary Rubio’s landmark visit to India built on the President’s push to expand bilateral ties and cooperation on trade and national security, including with the signing of a historic MOU on critical minerals,” he said. Experts say both sides are looking for tangible outcomes as well as strong political messaging. Aparna Pande, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, said expectations are high for the meeting. “PM Modi and President Trump’s in-person meeting will be their first since last February’s summit meeting,” Pande told IANS. “Both sides have high expectations from this meeting, which comes in the backdrop of a possible resolution of the West Asia crisis and amidst discussions over the trade deal.” Pande said symbolism and substance would both matter. “The optics of the meeting will be critical as well as the substantive part,” she said. “Both leaders would like to demonstrate that ties between the two democracies remain strong despite the headwinds and that they would be keen to announce some defense and technology related agreements.” Atman Trivedi, Partner at Albright Stonebridge Group, North America, described the meeting as an opportunity to improve momentum in bilateral ties. “The leaders’ meeting represents the latest best opportunity to reset ties,” Trivedi told IANS. “Their conversation comes after the deaths of Indian sailors in the Gulf of Oman dealt a blow to hopes for reviving bilateral relations.” Trivedi cautioned against expecting major breakthroughs. “Expectations should be modest and centered around Trump and Modi reaffirming the importance of each other to longstanding shared interests in energy, defense, and technology cooperation,” he said. “A positive statement recognizing the significance of an interim trade agreement and urging negotiators to reach a deal in the next month or two should also be achievable.” Earlier on Tuesday, Trump and Modi exchanged greetings on the sidelines of a G7 outreach session on “Forging New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity”. The two leaders shook hands and held a brief conversation before joining discussions attended by G7 countries, partner nations, the World Bank and the African Development Bank. Upon arriving in Evian, Modi said he looked forward to engaging with world leaders on major global issues.

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