अंतरराष्ट्रीय - महाराष्ट्र सारथी

Candidate for UN’s Top Job Says UN Should Play Role in Ukrainian Peace Process

sandeep patil — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 22:46:55 +0530

Moscow

The United Nations has to try to contribute to the efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine, Rebeca Grynspan, head of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and a candidate to lead the United Nations, told RIA Novosti.

"I think that the UN will have to try. We have to try and convince (the sides) that it has something to bring to the (negotiating) table," Grynspan said when asked how she would contribute to the Ukrainian peace process, if elected.

Grynspan said at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) last week that she was ready to work with Russia and called dialogue with the one of the five UN core nations crucial for the organisation. She also said she would work toward achieving peace in Ukraine, if elected.

The term of the sitting UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, expires on December 31. The process is under way to select and appoint his successor. The next Secretary General will assume the role in January 2027 and will serve

a five-year term, which can be renewed for an additional five years.

Grynspan will compete for the top UN job with four other hopefuls: International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi, former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, former Senegalese President Macky Sall, and former Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Maria Fernanda Espinosa.

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Qatar delegation in Tehran to bridge gaps in talks as Iran signals review of negotiations

sandeep patil — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 22:46:54 +0530

Washington / Tehran

Tensions escalated between Iran and the United States following a fresh exchange of missiles after accusations from President Donald Trump alleging that Tehran was behind the downing of an Apache helicopter.

The growing distrust between Tehran and Washington has deepened further, with Iranian officials saying Tehran is now "reviewing" its approach to ongoing negotiations with the United States as there have been five instances

when the already fragile ceasefire was tested.

To "narrow or bridge the remaining gaps" in the indirect negotiations with the United States, may be the distrust, a Qatari delegation arrived in Tehran on Wednesday morning for high-level talks with Iranian negotiators , as per the CNN reports.

The source said the move followed consultations with Washington and reflects ongoing behind-the-scenes mediation efforts despite the fragile security situation in the region.

Qatar has played a recurring intermediary role in regional diplomacy, particularly in these sensitive negotiations.
The US military confirmed it had carried out strikes against Iranian targets, describing them as a response to the downing of an American Army helicopter. A US official told CNN that Washington does not believe the strikes will derail ongoing diplomatic efforts, though they acknowledged the situation has complicated the environment for talks.

Iran, however, has sharply condemned the attacks and signaled that they are reassessing their participation in negotiations.

Tehran is now "reviewing" its engagement in negotiations with Washington following the latest US strikes, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei was quoted as saying by the Iranian Student News Network (SNN).
Baghaei accused both the United States and Israel of repeatedly undermining the ceasefire through military actions, arguing that diplomacy cannot function under continuous escalation.

"Diplomacy cannot take place in a vacuum," he said, adding that a "minimal environment in which diplomacy can function" is necessary for negotiations to proceed.

He further criticized Washington for sending what he called "contradictory messages," shifting positions, and continuing military operations while talks were still technically ongoing. Israel, he added, had also acted in bad faith through continued strikes in Lebanon.

In response to the latest escalation, Iran said it carried out retaliatory strikes on US-linked targets in the region, while the US military maintained that its own strikes were limited and defensive in nature.

Since the truce was established in April, both sides have repeatedly accused each other of violations, with military operations continuing at a limited but persistent level.

US officials maintain that diplomatic channels remain open and that the strikes are not intended to collapse negotiations. However, Iranian officials argue that continued military pressure undermines the credibility of the US negotiating position.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has also weighed in, arguing that both countries must move beyond what he described as a "neither war nor peace" situation.

He said that Iran's leadership, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, has acknowledged the need to resolve the current stalemate and continue negotiations despite ongoing tensions.

According to semi-official Iranian media, Pezeshkian said, "If we want to move beyond this state of neither war nor

peace, what should we do? If we do not engage in dialogue, then what is the alternative?"

He added that authorization had been given to continue talks in order to reach a resolution, even as trust between the two sides remains fragile.

Despite repeated public statements from US President Donald Trump suggesting that a breakthrough with Iran is near, there has been little visible progress in the negotiations. The continued cycle of limited military strikes and indirect diplomacy highlights the unstable nature of the current phase.

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Germany’s AfD Leader Calls for Ukraine to Compensate Berlin for Nord Stream Pipeline Attack

sandeep patil — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 22:46:53 +0530

Berlin

The co-leader of Germany's right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, Alice Weidel, has called on Ukraine to compensate Germany for the destruction of the Nord Stream gas pipeline, arguing that the country should be held accountable for the economic damage caused by the 2022 sabotage.

Speaking at a party event on Tuesday, Weidel criticised Chancellor Friedrich Merz's proposal to grant Ukraine associate membership of the European Union, describing the country as a "bottomless pit" whose financial requirements see no end.

"Germany has already transferred more than €100bn to Ukraine over the past four years alone," she said.
The Nord Stream pipelines, built to transport Russian natural gas directly to Germany via the Baltic Sea, were severely damaged by a series of explosions in September 2022, cutting off a major energy route between Russia and Europe.

German investigators have linked the operation to a small group of Ukrainian operatives, with authorities alleging that the suspected organiser of the attack was extradited from Italy to Germany last year as part of the ongoing investigation.

Russia has consistently challenged that explanation, arguing that an operation of such complexity could not have been carried out by a handful of individuals in heavily monitored NATO waters without broader state involvement.
Weidel said Ukraine should first provide answers regarding its alleged role in the attack before receiving further political or financial support from Berlin.

"We need to know how this state-terrorist act against the most important infrastructure we had, namely the Nord Stream pipelines, came about and what role Ukraine played in it," she said.

She argued that the financial relationship between Germany and Ukraine should be reversed. "The flow of payments should actually be moving in the opposite direction. Ukraine must pay reparations to the Federal Republic of Germany, because we have suffered enormous damage – and so has Europe as a whole – from the loss of cheap Russian fossil fuels," Weidel said.

The AfD leader also called for an immediate end to German military and financial assistance to Ukraine, urging the government to focus on encouraging negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow and rebuilding diplomatic channels with Russia.

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Eight More Children Die in Bangladesh from Measles and Related Infections, Death Toll Rises to 639

sandeep patil — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 22:46:50 +0530

Dhaka

Eight more children have died with measles-like symptoms over the past 24 hours, taking Bangladesh's combined total of confirmed and suspected measles-related deaths to 639, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

The latest fatalities have all been classified as suspected measles deaths. As a result, the number of suspected deaths has risen to 547, while laboratory-confirmed fatalities remain unchanged at 92.

Health authorities also reported 945 new suspected infections during the same period, pushing the nationwide total of suspected measles cases to 82,029.

An additional 94 cases were confirmed through laboratory testing, bringing the total number of confirmed infections to 9,927.

The outbreak has hammered the country's healthcare system, with 66,999 patients with suspected measles having been admitted to hospitals across the country since March 15. Of those, 63,145 have recovered and been discharged, according to DGHS figures.

Children continue forming the overwhelming majority of infections, with children under the age of five accounting for 79% of all reported cases, while infants younger than nine months face the highest risk of infection and severe complications.

The virus has now spread across almost the entire country, with active transmission reported in 91% of Bangladesh's districts.

Dhaka remains the centre of the outbreak, recording the highest concentration of cases, with other major hotspots including the Rajshahi, Chattogram and Khulna divisions.

Public health officials have repeatedly warned that young children, particularly those who have not yet completed their vaccination schedules, remain the most vulnerable as authorities work to contain the outbreak and prevent further fatalities.

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Iran has “taken too long to negotiate” and will “pay the price”: Trump

sandeep patil — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 22:46:50 +0530

Washington

US President Donald Trump warned Wednesday that Iran will “pay the price” for the delays in negotiations, marking a sharp shift in tone after weeks of expressing optimism about a potential agreement since the ceasefire was announced on April 7.

He even threatened Iran, suggesting that Iran had a chance to sign a deal and "survive.” In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Iran is all talk and no action. The Bully of the Middle East is DEAD!!! They’ve taken too long to negotiate a deal that would have been great for them, now they will have to pay the price!!!

Trump did not specify what actions the United States might take. His comments came after the US launched a new wave of strikes against Iran following the downing of an Army Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking to Fox News on Wednesday, Trump suggested additional military action remained possible. “I may keep going,” Trump said. “They had a chance to sign a deal and survive.”

The president also provided new details about the helicopter incident, saying an Iranian drone struck the AH-64 gunship.According to Trump, the drone was already on fire when it became lodged between the two pilots but did not explode. The pilots were able to bring the helicopter down safely and escape.

Trump’s latest remarks contrast sharply with his recent statements on diplomatic talks. Over the past several weeks, he repeatedly suggested that a deal with Iran was close.

As recently as Monday, he told reporters that an agreement could be reached within “two or three days” and

expressed reluctance about renewed military operations, citing concerns over casualties and the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

“If we do the bombing, you know, a lot of people are going to be killed. Who wants to do that? I don’t,” Trump said Tuesday.

Despite the renewed military pressure, diplomatic efforts continue. A Qatari delegation arrived in Tehran on Wednesday in an attempt to bridge differences between the two sides and revive negotiations.

It remains unclear whether Trump’s warning is intended to increase pressure on Iran during ongoing talks or signals a willingness to escalate military action.

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Chant of Vitthal Echoes All the Way from London

sandeep patil — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 22:46:49 +0530

Pandharpur / Shivaji Halanavar

The Ashadhi Wari — considered the soul of Maharashtra's culture and devotion — has now crossed the seven seas. Chanting the name of Vitthal, the world's first 'Global Dindi' has set off from Windsor, London, heading toward Pandharpur. Notably, this dindi will travel through 11 countries before arriving in Pandharpur on July 26 — the auspicious day of Ashadhi Ekadashi.

Saffron flags, tal-mridung, a palanquin, and the resounding chants of Vitthal devotees transformed the atmosphere in London into a true warkari experience. Hundreds of Marathi devotees from England and across Europe have joined this unique dindi. The route passes through London, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Turkey, and Georgia before entering India.

A highlight of the departure was the simultaneous beat of 100 dhol-tasha drums, leaving a remarkable imprint of Marathi culture on London. The initiative was conceived by Anil Khedkar, a Vitthal devotee originally from Ahmednagar district who is settled in London, and is seen as an effort to connect the global Marathi community with the Wari tradition.

The Pandharpur Wari is not merely a pilgrimage — it is a symbol of Maharashtra's spirituality, culture, and unity. As this tradition now leaps onto the world stage, warkaris and Marathi communities are expressing the sentiment that "the Wari has gone global." Thousands of kilometres separate London from Pandharpur, but the thread of devotion remains firmly tied to the feet of Vitthal.

Meanwhile, the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi Sohala is scheduled to depart from Alandi on July 8. Alongside the traditional Wari, this year's Global Dindi is set to be a special attraction of the Ashadhi Wari, drawing the attention of warkaris and devotees across the state.

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Trump-Netanyahu Rift Exposes Israel PM's Impossible Dilemma — Iran War or Elections

sandeep patil — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 22:46:48 +0530

Washington/Jerusalem, Jun 4

The recent spat between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump over Lebanon has brought to light a particularly delicate reality for the Israeli leader, showing how his military options, and possibly his very political future, remain closely tied to a White House that does not always share his appetite for destruction and escalation.

While Trump and Netanyahu have maintained close coordination through the entirety of their war with Iran and have maintained frequent contact, officials on both sides have come to acknowledge that at some point, Washington and Jerusalem are going to see a divergence in their strategic priorities, with some within Netanyahu's circle believing that moment has arrived, reports Axios.

Netanyahu himself acknowledged this week that it remained "an open question" whether he and Trump were fully aligned on how the war with Tehran should end.

The issue comes at a politically sensitive time for the Israeli premier, amid approaching elections in October, while Netanyahu continues facing mounting pressure at home.

Critics argue he has yet to fulfil his pledge to eliminate Hamas, while his broader ambition of bringing about regime change in Iran remains unrealised. At the same time, continuing Hezbollah drone and missile attacks from Lebanon have fuelled public frustration.

Amidst such a backdrop, Netanyahu vowed to launch major strikes against Hezbollah targets in Beirut. However, the plan was shelved following a tense phone call with Trump, whose sole priority remains securing a diplomatic breakthrough with Iran.

According to sources familiar with the conversation, Trump warned that a major escalation in Beirut could derail ongoing efforts to keep negotiations with Tehran on track.

The fallout from the two leaders' conversation quickly found its way into Israeli politics, with opposition figures and even some right-wing allies accusing Netanyahu of allowing Israel's military decisions to essentially being dictated by Washington.

"It was a terrible phone call. Trump really hammered Bibi. He demanded that he immediately back down from the plan to strike Beirut in order to not blow up the situation in Lebanon — and through that, the negotiations with Iran," an Israeli source said.

Neither leader publicly denied reports of the disagreement. Netanyahu later told CNBC that he and Trump had disagreed before but had always maintained a strong working relationship. Trump, speaking separately, also stressed that he continued to work closely with the Israeli prime minister.

Behind the scenes, however, differences appear far more substantial than just a single dispute over Lebanon.
According to senior US officials, Trump's single biggest focus is on bringing the Iran war to an end, while Netanyahu remains deeply sceptical of any settlement that leaves Tehran's leadership intact.

"Sometimes Bibi doesn't know when to stop," one US official said.
Israeli officials have said that Netanyahu is increasingly concerned that Washington could end up imposing tighter restrictions on Israeli military operations in Lebanon, requiring greater US approval before future strikes are carried out.

Those concerns come as diplomatic efforts continue. Following talks in Washington between Israeli and Lebanese representatives, both sides announced plans for a potential comprehensive ceasefire, dependent on steps by Hezbollah.

Whether Hezbollah accepts those conditions remains uncertain. Israeli officials believe that if attacks continue, Netanyahu could attempt to persuade Trump to support a tougher military response, including strikes in Beirut.

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Kyrgyzstan holds early parliamentary elections

sandeep patil — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 22:46:48 +0530

Bishkek, Agency

Early parliamentary elections began in Kyrgyzstan on Sunday to elect 90 deputies to the country's unicameral legislature.

The Central Election Commission (CEC) of Kyrgyzstan reported that 2,492 polling stations have opened across the country, along with 27 remote voting stations and 100 polling stations abroad. Voting takes place from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm local time (1400 GMT to 0200 GMT).

According to the CEC, 460 candidates are participating in the elections being held in 30 multi-member constituencies, with three deputies elected in each using a majoritarian system. No more than two of the three seats in any constituency may be held by candidates of the same gender.

Additionally, the law requires that representatives of the same gender must hold at least 30 parliamentary seats overall.

On September 25, Kyrgyzstan's parliament voted to dissolve itself, citing concerns over the close timing of the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections.

Lawmakers argued that holding both elections so close together could undermine political stability and suggested earlier parliamentary elections.

On September 30, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov signed a decree to hold the parliamentary elections on November 30.

According to the initial schedule, Kyrgyzstan's new parliamentary elections were to be held in November 2026, while presidential elections are scheduled for just two months later, in January 2027.

Kyrgyzstan's unicameral parliament, Jogorku Kenesh, consists of 90 members elected for five-year terms.

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All 24 abducted Nigerian schoolgirls released, confirms President Tinubu

sandeep patil — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 22:46:47 +0530

Abuja, 26th November 2025

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has confirmed the release of 24 schoolgirls abducted by suspected terrorists in northern Kebbi State more than a week ago.

“I am relieved that all 24 girls have been accounted for,” Tinubu said in a statement late Tuesday, after local authorities reported that the students had been freed unharmed.

The girls were kidnapped on November 17 from their dormitory at the Government Girls’

Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, located in the Wasagu/Danko Local Government Area.
Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris told mediapersons that all girls were “all in good health” and that arrangements were underway for them to reunite with their families.

The abduction had sparked copycat incidents in the central part of the country last week, including the kidnapping of 38 worshippers during service at a local church in Kwara and over 300 students at another school in the state of Niger. All the kidnapped worshippers and 51 of the students were released on Sunday.

"Now, we must put as a matter of urgency more boots on the ground in the vulnerable areas to avert further incidents of kidnapping," the president said.

According to officials, armed assailants stormed the Kebbi school, killing two staff members before abducting 25 students, two of whom escaped shortly after. The circumstances surrounding the release of the remaining girls have not been disclosed, though Tinubu praised security forces for their “swift response.”

Nigeria continues to grapple with a surge in mass kidnappings. More than 1,500 schoolchildren have been abducted since 2014, when 276 girls were taken from Chibok in an attack that shocked the world.

Most recently, at least 300 children and staff were seized on Friday from St. Mary’s Catholic boarding school in Niger State, according to the Christian Association of Nigeria, which reported that more than 250 remain unaccounted for, the BBC reported.

The latest wave of attacks prompted President Tinubu to cancel his trip to the G20 Summit in South Africa to address the crisis. He has ordered security forces to intensify operations, stating, “We must urgently deploy more personnel to vulnerable areas to avert further kidnappings.”

In a separate post on X, the president said the Air Force would maintain continuous surveillance over remote regions, coordinating with ground units to “identify, isolate, disrupt, and neutralise all hostile elements.”

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Taiwanese leader warns of Beijing’s “Psychological” pressure amid rising tensions

sandeep patil — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 22:46:46 +0530

Beijing, 26th November 2025

Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te said on Wednesday that Beijing is increasing "psychological" pressure in an apparent effort to undermine the island’s sovereignty.

“In addition to military force, China is intensifying the legal, psychological, and media war, trying to eliminate Taiwan's sovereignty on a global scale,” Lai said during a security consultation, as reported by the Taiwan Central News Agency.

Beijing is also reportedly attempting to "undermine national identity and weaken Taiwan's unity," Lai added, noting that Taiwan’s administration has developed two action plans to safeguard national security.

Earlier, Lai told the Washington Post that Taiwan plans to propose an additional military budget of USD 40 billion, which will be used to purchase weapons from the United States. In August, Lai stated that Taiwan’s defence budget would exceed 3 per cent of GDP by 2026 and reach 5 per cent by 2030.

Taiwan has been governed independently from mainland China since 1949. Beijing, however, regards the island as a Chinese province, while Taiwan maintains that it is an autonomous country without formally declaring independence. Beijing opposes any official contacts between foreign states and Taipei and considers its sovereignty over Taiwan indisputable.

Tensions around Taiwan escalated in August 2022 when then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the island. Beijing condemned the visit as a symbol of US support for Taiwanese separatism and conducted large-scale military exercises around the island.

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The Best Ways to Naturally Show Off your Gorgeous Worked Body

sandeep patil — Tue, 27 Dec 2022 14:44:43 +0530

People live better in big houses and in big clothes. I try to contrast; life today is full of contrast. We have to change! I am not interested in the past, except as the road to the future. Give me time and I’ll give you a revolution. I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern. I want people to be afraid of the women I dress.

Mass-market fashion is very modern

I think the idea of mixing luxury and, very now no one wears head-to-toe designer anymore. There has to be a balance between your mental satisfaction and the financial needs of your company. A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.

I never look at other people’s work. I can’t get sucked into that celebrity thing, because I think it’s just crass. Give me time and I’ll give you a revolution. I can’t get sucked into that celebrity thing, because I think it’s just crass.

I can design a collection in a day and I always do, cause I’ve always got a load of Italians on my back, moaning that it’s late. Sometimes the simplest things are the most profound.

Luxury will be always around, no matter what happens in the world. There is always the new project, the new opportunity. Attention to detail is of utmost importance when you want to look good. I have a fantastic relationship with money. I use it to buy my freedom.

I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern, very now no one wears head-to-toe designer anymore. I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern, very now no one wears head-to-toe designer anymore.

Confidence. If you have it, you can make anything look good. Abstinence from coffee, tobacco. Adventists has afforded a near-unique opportunity.

Clothes can transform your mood and confidence

I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern, very now no one wears head-to-toe designer anymore. I want people to be afraid of the women I dress. Elegance isn’t solely defined by what you wear. Clothes can transform your mood and confidence.

Fashion moves so quickly that, unless you have a strong point of view, you can lose integrity. I like to be real. I don’t like things to be staged or fussy. I think I’d go mad if I didn’t have a place to escape to. You have to stay true to your heritage, that’s what your brand is about.

The Most Amazing Accessories to Buy Your Girlfriend This Fall

sandeep patil — Sun, 14 Mar 2021 01:58:14 +0530