Month: May 2025

Fruit traders based in Prayagraj have collectively decided to boycott Turkish apples, following the country’s open support for Pakistan during the recent military conflict with India.

It was not immediately known how much apple quantity are imported to India from Turkey.

Similarly, traders in various Indian cities have unanimously decided to boycott Turkish products, including apples, other fruits and other products like marble stone.

A Prayagraj-based apple trader, Saurabh, told ANI, “…After the conflict, we have stopped selling Apples from Turkey. Customers who used to buy those apples have asked us to provide apples from countries other than Turkey. Neither are customers demanding Turkish apples, nor are we selling them.”

Another apple trader from Prayagraj, Vinod, said, “Three to four varieties of fruits used to be imported from Turkey. Now all traders and customers have completely boycotted them. If the customers get to know that a fruit has come in from Turkey, they are refusing to buy them. The reason is that Turkey supported Pakistan during the conflict. We have always supported Turkey, but they betrayed us.”

Earlier, Himachal Pradesh farmers had also demanded a ban on Turkish apple imports, urging the central government to impose as high as 100 per cent duties on them. Himachal is a key grower of apples.

In a strong retaliatory move against Turkey and Azerbaijan’s open support to Pakistan, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) announced a complete boycott of trade with these two countries this week.

Turkey and Azerbaijan have rallied behind Pakistan despite its support for cross-border terrorism against India and its aggression after the Indian Armed Forces struck nine terror infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.

Azerbaijan, in its statement on India-Pakistan tensions, has echoed the Pakistani line. Turkey expressed its solidarity with Pakistan and supported Islamabad’s proposal for an international investigation into the Pahalgam terror attack. Turkey has also supplied military weapons to Pakistan.

Marble traders based in Udaipur, a key hub for marble in Rajasthan, have urged the central government to ban imports from Turkey, a country whose drones were found to be used by the Pakistani side in the recent conflict.

Travel operators have also urged people to avoid non-essential travel to Azerbaijan and Turkey.

Meawhile, varsities like Jamia Millia Islamia University and Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) have suspended all Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Turkish educational institutions, amid calls across the country to boycott Turkey over its vocal support for Pakistan during the recent conflict.

The central government has revoked the security clearance of Turkish ground-handling company Celebi NAS Airport Services, citing national security concerns. (ANI)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is set to visit Netherlands, Denmark and Germany from May 19-24, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement on Sunday.

It further noted that during his three-country visit, the External Affairs Minister will meet with the leadership of the three countries and hold discussions on the entire range of bilateral relations.

Discussions will also take place on global and regional matters of mutual interest.

EAM Jaishankar’s visit to Germany comes as Friedrich Merz took over the office as the new Federal Chancellor of Germany earlier in May this year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had extended his warm congratulations to Friedrich Merz and expressed his eagerness to work closely with Chancellor Merz for further strengthening the India-Germany Strategic Partnership.

Sharing a post on X, PM Modi wrote, “Heartiest congratulations to @_FriedrichMerz on assuming office as the Federal Chancellor of Germany. I look forward to working together to further cement the India-Germany Strategic Partnership.”

In the wake of the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack, the three countries were a part of the several countries from across the world who had expressed solidarity to India.

The Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, offered support to India and condemned all acts of terrorism. She also extended condolences to the victims of the attack and their families.

“Terrible news from Pahalgam. Denmark stands with India and strongly condemns all acts of terrorism. Our condolences to the victims of the attack and their families and loved ones,” Denmark PM’s office wrote on X.

Former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz had condemned the terrorist attack against tourists in Pahalgam. He had offered condolences to the people of India and wished speedy recovery for all the people injured in the attack.

President of Netherlands, Dick Schoof had said, “The Netherlands stands shoulder to shoulder with India in the fight against terrorism, now and in the future.”

India shares warm and friendly ties with the three countries.

The ties of India and Denmark are based on historical links, common democratic traditions and shared desire for regional, as well as international peace and stability. The current development of renewed India-Denmark relations has been guided by the “Green Strategic Partnership”, MEA noted in a statement.

The diplomatic ties between India and the Netherlands are over 75 years old. As per the MEA, the two countries enjoy strong political, economic & commercial relations. High level mutual exchanges have provided impetus to the multifaceted partnership between the two countries.

According to the MEA, India and Germany have a strategic partnership, with India being one of the first countries to have established diplomatic ties with Germany after World War II over seventy years ago. (ANI)

High levels of food insecurity have persisted in Pakistan from November 2024 to March 2025, Food and Agriculture Organization stated in its latest report, with 11 million people projected to face insecurity, Dawn reported on Sunday.

Referring to the 2025 Global Report on Food Crises’ published by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations on Friday, Dawn reported that 11 million people or 22 per cent of the analysed population are projected to face acute food insecurity in 68 flood-affected rural districts across Balochistan, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

This includes 1.7 million people in emergency. The population coverage increased by 38 per cent between the 2024 peak and 2025 current analysis, from 36.7 million people to 50.8 million people, with 25 additional districts, making the 2024 peak and the projection for 2025 not comparable, Dawn cited the report.

It further added that extreme weather conditions would affect livelihoods of people despite there being a recovery in the situation with respect to last year.

The peak for 2024 in Pakistan remained the same as in 2023, with 11.8 million people facing high levels of acute food insecurity between November 2023 and January 2024, the report mentioned.

Citing the report, it further noted that Pakistan experienced persistently high levels of acute malnutrition between 2018 and early 2024 in analysed areas of Balochistan and Sindh, with global acute malnutrition (GAM) prevalence consistently above 10 per cent and reaching more than 30 per cent in certain districts. Insufficient funds also limited nutrition service coverage.

In 2025, climate shocks and acute food insecurity risk further aggravated already high acute malnutrition levels.

According to the FAO report, 11.8 million people or 32 per cent of the analysed population were projected to face high levels of acute food insecurity in 43 rural districts of Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh during the winter lean season. Of them, 2.2 million were in emergency under the Integrated Food Insecurity Phase Classification (IPC) during November 2023 to January 2024.

The report further said acute malnutrition burden during March 2023 and January 2024 affected 2.1 million children aged 6 to 59 months. Children’s diets were of insufficient quality and quantity, aggravated by acute food insecurity which worsened during the winter months when food prices are higher, livelihood opportunities are restricted and access to markets is reduced.

It was also reported that there was a high prevalence of acute malnutrition among pregnant and breastfeeding women, which was accompanied by a high proportion of children being born with a low birth weight, particularly in Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Levels of diarrhoea, acute respiratory infections and malaria were high, worsening during the winter months. The inadequate coverage of sanitation facilities and safe drinking water was a significant concern, partly following the heavy monsoon floods in 2022, Dawn reported.

Across Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, poor healthcare-seeking behaviours and blocked roads limited access to healthcare. Insufficient funds also limited nutrition service coverage. In 2025, climate shocks and acute food insecurity risk further aggravated already high acute malnutrition, the report noted. (ANI)

A total of 17 people lost their lives in the fire incident that broke out at a building at Hyderabad’s Gulzar House near Charminar on Sunday morning, as per Telangana Fire Disaster Response Emergency and Civil Defence.

The department has released the list of the deceased.

Telangana Disaster Response and Fire Services DG, Y Nagi Reddy said “There was a fire incident in Krishna Pearls shop and the residential complex in Gulzar House area. The Fire department received the call at 6:16 am and dispatched 11 fire engines with sufficient staff by 6:17 am… The fire department used breathing operators and oxygen masks to rescue the people… The information is that 17 people could not survive… The preliminary examination shows that the cause was a short circuit…”

“There was no deficiency in the fire department fighting the fire and rescuing the people… The building had only one entryway of two metres, like a tunnel. There is only one staircase of one metre to access the first and second floors. This made the escape and rescue operation very difficult. By 9 am, the fire was under control… A total of 21 people were inside the building… The cause of death is smoke inhalation; nobody had burn injuries,” the fire official said.

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy expressed deep shock over the mishap and instructed top officials to take all necessary measures to save the families trapped in the fire accident. He issued orders to shift the injured to nearby hospitals and provide better medical treatment.

The CM spoke to Minister Ponnam Prabhakar about the fire incident on the phone and ordered to intensify rescue operations. He also inquired about the steps being taken for rescue and relief operations by the Police and Fire Service wings, as per a statement by the Telangana Chief Minister’s office. .

CM Reddy expressed condolences to the victim’s families on the phone and assured them of all assistance from the government. Director General of Disaster Management and Fire Services Nagi Reddy has been asked to closely monitor relief operations, the statement read.

Minister Prabhakar stated that the fire department had arrived immediately upon receiving information of the blaze.

“The fire broke out around 6 am, and by 6:16 am, the fire department of the Telangana government was present at the spot. They tried to save everyone. But the fire had spread massively… The majority of the people inside the building have died. The Chief Minister has spoken to the family (who were living in the building that caught fire). The state government will fully support the family,” Prabhakar said, speaking to media persons.

He further stated that a thorough review will be conducted to ensure fire safety in future.

“We will conduct a thorough review to ensure fire safety and avoid any such incidents in the future. The public also has to support the fire department in this,” he said.

Congress MP Anil Kumar Yadav said, “… 17 members of a family were stuck in the fire accident. The fire department reached here immediately… The Chief Minister is in touch with the family members. Ponnam Prabhakar and all of us are monitoring the rescue operation here. We are now going to the hospital to check on the injured…” (ANI)

Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, has expressed deep concern over reports of Israel’s intention to expand its ground operations in Gaza, reiterating the UN’s firm opposition to any humanitarian aid mechanism that does not comply with international law and the core humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, independence and neutrality.

In remarks delivered at the Arab Summit in Baghdad today, Guterres firmly rejected any attempts at the “repeated displacement of Gaza’s population–or any notion of forcibly displacing them outside Gaza.”

He issued a strong appeal for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and the guarantee of unrestricted humanitarian aid access, calling for an end to the blockade.

Turning to the West Bank, Guterres urged the international community not to ignore the “dire situation” there, stating, “Let us be clear: annexation is illegal. Settlements are illegal. A two-state solution remains the only path to sustainable peace.” He highlighted the importance of the upcoming high-level conference on the two-state solution, scheduled for June, describing it as “an important opportunity.”

On Lebanon, the Secretary-General reaffirmed the importance of respecting Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and emphasised the need for the Lebanese government to assert full control over all national territory. He welcomed commitments by Lebanese officials to ensure that arms remain solely under the control of the state, and encouraged continued progress on reforms. He also supported the deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces to the south, with the assistance of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

Regarding Syria, Guterres reaffirmed the importance of upholding Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity. He called for strong support for a comprehensive, inclusive Syrian-led political process based on UN Security Council Resolution 2254, aimed at safeguarding the rights and representation of all Syrians, regardless of ethnic or religious background. He stressed that this path offers the best chance for peace, democracy, and economic recovery, alongside the lifting of sanctions.

Guterres also commended Iraq for strengthening its institutions, resolving outstanding disputes through dialogue, and making strides in humanitarian assistance, sustainable development, and human rights. He expressed hope that all outstanding issues would be resolved fairly. He confirmed that the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq, which has accompanied the country through its journey, remains committed to concluding its mandate successfully and to its planned withdrawal later this year. The UN, he affirmed, will continue to support Iraq’s government and people toward a future of peace, democracy and prosperity.

On Yemen, Guterres highlighted the severe damage caused by Houthi attacks in the Red Sea to both regional and global economies, stressing the urgent need to halt this cycle of violence.

Addressing the crisis in Sudan, the Secretary-General underscored the need for renewed, coordinated multilateral cooperation to help end the devastating violence, famine and mass displacement across the country.

Regarding Libya, Guterres noted that the United Nations continues to engage with national and international actors to protect the independence of key oversight institutions, remove obstacles to national elections, and chart a course toward long-term stability and prosperity in line with the needs and aspirations of the Libyan people.

He concluded by stressing the importance of unity in Somalia and the need for an inclusive national dialogue. (ANI/WAM)

Days after his emotional breakdown video went viral, actor Babil on Saturday evening shared an update about his collaboration with Telugu director Sai Rajesh. In an Instagram post, he hinted at his exit from Sai Rajesh’s directorial.

Without dilvulging much information, Babil simply wrote, “With a lot of grit, passion, and mutual respect, Sai Rajesh sir and I both got along on this journey of creating magic together. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, things didn’t go ahead as everyone had planned.”

He also shared that he will be taking some time off from work.

Wishing best to Sai Rajesh and his team, Babil added, “I know there is immense love between us, and we will meet soon in the future and create magic together.”

Sai Rajesh, too, posted an update regarding the project on Instagram. However, it’s not clear whether Babil has actually parted ways with Sai Rajesh professionally or he has just taken a break.

In a heartfelt note, Sai Rajesh conveyed his admiration for the young actor’s talent.

He wrote, “Babil is one of the most talented and hardworking actors I have met in my life. However, I have to accept this unfortunate reality of the situation. After spending time with Babil while prepping, I was very happy to be working with such a talented actor… I will still always cherish the experience of seeing him perform in front of me… I will miss my Hero! “I respect his decision of self-care first, and wish him all the best and send him all the love in the future! I know we both will create that magic together for sure Sai Rajesh.”

When ANI reached out to the director to get some clarity on the matter, he responed, “We both wanted to work together…he wanted to take a break.”

For those unaware, recently, Babil posted and then deleted videos on Instagram where he appeared emotional and voiced concerns about the Bollywood industry and some of its stars. Later, the actor clarified the context of his videos, stating that his comments were misinterpreted.

After Babil’s video went viral, Sai Rajesh reportedly called out the actor’s team. In note that he eventually deleted, he wrote, “To Babil Khan’s team. Do you really think we’re that naive to just walk away silently? What kind of attitude are we being subjected to? It feels like only those whose names were mentioned in his video deserve respect — and the rest of us are just fools for standing by him all this while.”

Sai Rajesh’s comment did not go down well with Babil.

Babil in one of the comment sections said that he endured personal suffering for his role in Sai Rajesh’s film.

He commented, “Not to mention, the pain and the suffering I put in my soul, lived in filth just to make sure sir @sairazesh is happy with the character. It’s okay now. I’ll let my work speak. Goodbye. Man, I had bugs in my beard because he needed that in the character. I gave him my laughter while I held back my tears. I slit my f wrist for him.” (ANI)

Pakistan once again scrambles to salvage its image in the wake of India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’, which has exposed Islamabad’s deep ties to terrorism.

In a move that appears to mimic India’s recent diplomatic manoeuvres, where New Delhi has announced seven multi-party delegations to represent India at world forums and brief world leaders on Operation Sindoor, Pakistan, in hesitancy, has also called for a delegation to present its case for ‘peace’ at the international stage.

This came after Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Saturday stated that Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had tasked him to lead a delegation to present Pakistan’s case on the recent escalations of tensions between the two nations.

“I was contacted earlier today by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who requested that I lead a delegation to present Pakistan’s case for peace on the international stage. I am honoured to accept this responsibility and remain committed to serving Pakistan in these challenging times,” Zardari said in a post on Facebook.

The announcement reflects Pakistan’s desperate attempt to repair its tarnished reputation as it bore its longstanding support for terrorism, drawing widespread international criticism.

Bhutto Zardari’s delegation is likely to face an uphill battle, as Pakistan’s credibility has been severely undermined by its failure to curb terrorism and its retaliatory actions that targeted Indian civilians as its response to Operation Sindoor, which targeted nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Earlier on Saturday, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju announced a seven multi-party delegation who will be visiting key partner countries, including members of the UN Security Council, later this month in the context of Operation Sindoor and India’s continued fight against cross-border terrorism.

The following MPs will lead the seven delegations: Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad, JDU leader Sanjay Kumar Jha, BJP leader Baijayant Panda, DMK leader Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule, and Shiv Sena leader Shrikant Eknath Shinde.

“In moments that matter most, Bharat stands united. Seven All-Party Delegations will soon visit key partner nations, carrying our shared message of zero tolerance to terrorism. A powerful reflection of national unity above politics, beyond differences,” Rijiju said in a post on X.

The All-Party Delegations will project India’s national consensus and resolute approach to combating terrorism in all forms and manifestations. They would carry forth to the world the country’s strong message of zero tolerance against terrorism.

The Members of Parliament from different parties, prominent political personalities, and distinguished diplomats will be part of each delegation.

This came after India’s decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the death of over 100 terrorists affiliated with terror outfits like the Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen.

After the attack, Pakistan retaliated with cross-border shelling across the Line of Control and Jammu and Kashmir as well as attempted drone attacks along the border regions, following which India launched a coordinated attack and damaged radar infrastructure, communication centres and airfields across 11 airbases in Pakistan. (ANI)

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) observed technical problems during the 3rd stage of the launch of the EOS-09 satellite, due to which they could not complete the mission, the ISRO chief V Narayanan said while addressing the scientists after the launch on Sunday.

“During the functioning of the third stage, we are seeing an observation and the mission could not be accomplished. After analysis, we shall come back,” the ISRO chairman said.

The ISRO also posted on X about the development. “Today 101st launch was attempted, PSLV-C61 performance was normal till 2nd stage. Due to an observation in 3rd stage, the mission could not be accomplished.”

The flight sequence of the PSLV-C-61 consists of various stages, starting from Ignition of PS1 and PSOM at the ground, to separation of various sections to finally the separation of the satellite from the rocket.

According to the ISRO chief, the problem was detected at the third stage, which is a solid rocket motor which provides the upper stage with a high thrust after the atmospheric phase the launch. This stage has a maximum thrust of 240 Kilonewtons.

This was ISRO’s 101st launch, in which they launched the Earth Orbiting Satellite, also known as EOS-09, which was supposed to be put in a Sun Synchronous Polar Orbit (SSPO).

The plan was for the EOS-09 satellite to be deployed as Orbit Change Thrusters (OCT) will be used to lower the altitude of the PS4 stage. This will be followed by passivation, a measure aimed at reducing the stage’s orbital life and ensuring responsible space operations.EOS-09 is designed to deliver continuous and reliable remote sensing data for use in various operational sectors.

Notably, this launch was also aligned with promoting sustainability and carrying out responsible space operations, as the EOS-09 is equipped with deorbiting fuel for safely disposing it off after the mission.

EOS-09 is an advanced Earth observation satellite equipped with C-band synthetic aperture radar technology. It can capture high-resolution images of the Earth’s surface under all weather conditions, day or night. This capability enhances India’s surveillance and management systems across multiple sectors. (ANI)

In an another setback for the Aam Aadmi Party months after the assembly poll drubbing, 15 councillors in Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) have resigned from the party’s membership and announced the formation of a new party.

The councillors led by Himani Jain and Mukesh Goel flagged internal conflicts behind their resignation. They formed a new political party named the “Indraprastha Vikas Party.”

Speaking to ANI, Himani Jain and Mukesh Goel stated that no significant work had been completed in the municipal corporation over the past 2.5 years due to internal conflicts.

“We have formed a new party, Indraprastha Vikas Party. We have resigned from AAP. In the last 2.5 years, no work was done in the corporation which should have been done. We were in power, yet we did nothing… We have formed a new party because our ideology is to work for the development of Delhi… We will support the party which will work for the development of Delhi. So far, 15 councillors have resigned. More may join…,” Jain said.

Mukesh Goel said, “About 15 councillors have resigned from the primary membership of Aam Aadmi Party and formed a new party, Indraprastha Vikas Party. Despite being in power, we could not work for the service of the people of Delhi. We could not work due to internal conflicts…”

Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Priyanka Kakkar alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is attempting to lure AAP councillors with financial incentives following the resignation of several councillors from the party.

The AAP leader accused the BJP of resorting to such tactics to bolster its position in the municipal body.

Speaking to ANI, Kakkar claimed, “We had also told during the mayor election how the BJP had offered Rs five crore to our councillors to join their party. This time also they are trying to buy councillors, because the BJP still does not have enough members to form a standing committee or a ward committee, so they are trying these things…” (ANI)