by admin | Aug 21, 2025 | economics, financial markets, investing market news, news, politics
Asian markets were little changed Tuesday after Wall Street treaded water and US President Donald Trump held what he called “very good” talks with Ukrainian and European leaders on ending the three-year war.
Hopes for a breakthrough rose after Trump said he spoke by phone with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin — whom he met in Alaska last week — after hosting the Europeans and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House.
“At the conclusion of the meetings, I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelensky,” Trump said.
Oil prices, which have been volatile for several days — Russia is a major crude producer — fell back after gains on Monday.
Tokyo, Sydney, and Seoul saw minor declines, whereas Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Singapore experienced gains.
Shares of SoftBank dropped by two percent following an announcement that the company plans to inject $2 billion into Intel, amid reports that the U.S. government may acquire a 10% ownership interest in the struggling American semiconductor firm.
A new boost for investors might arise from a speech this week by U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell at the yearly gathering of international central bank officials in Jackson Hole.
Investors expect Powell to offer further insights into the Federal Reserve’s future decisions on interest rates during their upcoming meeting, following recent data that presented an inconsistent outlook on inflation.
“Even a nod to easing (by Powell) could be enough to trigger profit-taking, and a hint of caution could set off a scramble for the exits,” Stephen Innes at SPI Asset Management said.
Prominent individuals at approximately 0300 GMT
Tokyo – Nikkei 225: DOWN 0.1 percent at 43,652.32
Hong Kong – Hang Seng Index: UP 0.1 percent at 25,195.36
Shanghai – Composite: Up 0.2% to 3,733.74
New York – Dow: UP 0.1 percent at 44,946.12 (close)
London – FTSE 100: UP 0.2 percent at 9,157.74 (close)
Euro/U.S. Dollar: Decreased to $1.1652 from $1.1666 on Monday
Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.3498 from $1.3503
Dollar/Yen: Decreased to 147.78 yen from 147.89 yen
Euro/pound: DOWN at 86.33 pence from 86.40 pence
West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 0.5 percent at $63.12 per barrel
Brent crude oil from the North Sea: Decreased by 0.3% to $66.32 per barrel
by admin | Aug 21, 2025 | international relations, politics, politics and government, ukraine politics, warfare
Posted on, Aug. 19 — August 19, 2025 at 6:58 AM
On Monday, the White House hosted one of the most significant and controversial summits related to the conflict in Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled to Washington hoping for confirmation that American support remains steadfast. He was accompanied by several European leaders—up to seven in total—who made a powerful demonstration of solidarity. Their clear message was simple: Ukraine should neither be nor have to accept a peace agreement that compromises its independence.
Donald Trump seems to have followed an alternative approach. Following his discussion with Vladimir Putin in Alaska, he again proposed that Zelenskyy could “bring the conflict to a close very quickly.” However, what he refrained from stating openly was the implication: disregarding NATO, ignoring Crimea, and acknowledging that certain areas of the Donbas would stay under Russian authority. Essentially, achieving peace through the loss of territorial integrity. For Moscow, this would amount to a triumph in every way except for official recognition.
This was not a minor dispute. It exposed the significant rift between Washington and Europe regarding the way ahead. European officials united behind Kyiv, cautioning that appeasing Russian aggression would merely encourage further actions. To them, an agreement that allows Putin to gain territory is, in short, a clear signal for additional conflicts in regions like Moldova, the Baltic states, or beyond.
In turn, Zelenskyy showed no hesitation. He informed Trump that Ukraine’s constitution prohibits the relinquishment of its territory, emphasizing that hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians have lost their lives protecting it. Surrendering land at this point would amount to a betrayal of both those who perished and the concept of a free Ukraine. While his stance might appear extreme, it highlights a straightforward reality: Russia initiated this conflict, and it must not be permitted to alter boundaries through coercion.
The harsh truth is that Trump’s stance mirrors a shift in America’s approach to international relations. Support for Ukraine within the United States is becoming more divided and influenced by internal political struggles. Observing this instability, Europe has started to take action. Through military supplies and economic aid, the European Union and NATO are preparing a framework for a Europe capable of supporting Ukraine should Washington lose momentum.
The Washington meeting aimed at bridging divides. However, it revealed underlying tensions instead. One perspective leans toward an easy solution: halt the conflict, grant Putin his gains, and label it as peace. The alternative path involves taking a stronger stance, supporting Ukraine financially, and maintaining that the concepts of sovereignty and territorial boundaries must not be compromised.
The decision for the global community should be clear-cut. A peace enforced according to Putin’s terms is not genuine peace. *
by admin | Aug 20, 2025 | environmental pollution, environmentalism, politics, waste collection, waste management
Posted on, Aug. 19 — August 19, 2025 at 6:35 AM
The Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, stated that Japan’s cutting-edge technology and techniques will be employed for managing wastewater and garbage in Punjab.
During her official trip to Japan, the chief minister toured the nation’s biggest sewage treatment plants located in Asahi, Yokohama City, Kanagawa, Washimaku, and Yodogawa, according to a press release published here on Monday.
She received an extensive overview of garbage collection, sewage treatment, and waste management systems in Japan. Authorities mentioned that Yokohama, Japan’s second-biggest city, processes 1.5 million liters of wastewater each day at its Solid Waste and Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The site also manages multiple facilities that produce electricity from garbage, which is subsequently utilized to supply heat to nearby households.
The CM was also informed that Yokohama’s waste disposal system sorts reusable items using state-of-the-art automation, positioning the city as an international example of ecological responsibility even with its manufacturing-based economy.
Praising Japan’s excellent benchmarks, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif stated, “The environmental and city planning approach of Yokohama will be introduced in Punjab. Through the use of Japanese technology, our objective is to upgrade wastewater and garbage management, produce renewable power, and provide a lasting future for our citizens.”
In addition, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif mentioned that Yokohama and Punjab have reached an agreement on “city-to-city” collaboration across various fields such as environmental conservation and contemporary urban planning.
While visiting Yokohama, Japan’s major center for commerce, economy, and culture, the CM along with her team was provided an extensive overview of city planning at Yokohama City Hall, according to a statement released today.
She engaged in talks about improving the standard of road and structure development in Punjab to align with Japanese benchmarks and examined opportunities for collaboration between Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) and Yokohama.
The CM, who is presently visiting Japan on an official five-day trip, also examined possibilities for cooperation in operating a high-speed rail service connecting Lahore and Islamabad, as well as enhancing Punjab’s railway system. She received additional information about Japan’s newest gondola and aerial cable car initiatives.
PM Maryam Nawaz Sharif highlighted that Punjab stands to gain significantly from Japan’s knowledge in eco-friendly city development, waste management, and advanced transportation systems.
by admin | Aug 20, 2025 | arrests, crime, government, police and law enforcement, politics
Published on, Aug. 19 — August 19, 2025 6:25 AM
The leader of Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, disclosed that a major terror plan targeting the Independence Day festivities on August 14 was effectively stopped by intelligence services.
At a press conference on Monday, Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti announced the arrest of Dr Muhammad Usman Qazi, a Grade-18 lecturer at BUITEMS University, accused of being a key facilitator for the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).
“Should a professor turn into a terrorist, you can’t honor him with a garland,” stated Bugti during a press briefing conducted here, accompanied by high-ranking officials such as Additional Chief Secretary for Home Affairs Hamza Shafqaat, Acting Inspector General of Police Saeed Wazir, and spokesperson for the provincial government Shahid Rind.
CM Bugti warned that those aiding terrorist elements, regardless of their social or professional status, would be held accountable.
Bugti acknowledged the intelligence services for preventing the scheduled attack on August 14, describing it as proof of the government’s strong determination to combat groups opposing the state.
The Chief Minister stated that the public announcement of Dr Qazi’s detention aimed to deliver a clear warning against terrorism and those who support it. “The state is facing well-backed groups associated with banned organizations.”
He emphasized that the insurgency is not rooted in deprivation but is driven by a purely anti-state agenda. Expressing concern over the involvement of educated individuals in terrorism, Sarfraz Bugti revealed that Dr Qazi had provided a pistol to a female facilitator for targeted killings and had also played a role in facilitating a suicide attack at Quetta railway station.
The Chief Minister voiced alarm over the increasing use of women in terrorist networks and announced the formation of a special cell within the Home Department to counter extremism in educational institutions. He added that 2,000 public sector employees have been screened, with those under suspicion being placed on the Fourth Schedule.
CM urged parents to monitor their children and report any suspicious activity, and called on parliamentarians to lead efforts against those who misguide youth under the guise of “Balochiyat.”
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to peace but warned that violence and murder will not be tolerated. To promote positive engagement, the government is allocating Rs1 billion in scholarships for Balochistan students at Punjab University.
During the press conference, a video confession by Dr Qazi was shown to the media. In the video, he admitted to knowingly facilitating terrorist activities despite receiving respect and benefits as a government employee.
Having obtained his Ph.D from Peshawar University, Qazi stated that he joined the BLA at the behest of Dr. Haibatan, known as “Kalk,” and worked under the pseudonym “Ameer.” He kept in touch with BLA leader Bashir Zeb through Telegram.
Dr Qazi confessed to three major acts of facilitation including providing medical treatment to a regional commander known as “Sher Dil”, harboring two terrorists in his home, one of whom later carried out the Quetta railway station suicide attack and purchasing and supplying a pistol to a female facilitator for targeted killings
He further confessed to providing refuge to another extremist, Noman known as “Peerak,” for a period of eight days. Peerak intended to carry out a self-destructive assault during an event on August 14 but was apprehended prior to carrying out his scheme.
Dr. Qazi ended his statement by admitting his intentional participation in actions against the state and his position as an enabler for the BLA.
by admin | Aug 20, 2025 | business, news, politics, politics and government, politics and law
Posted on, Aug. 19 — August 19, 2025 at 7:24 AM
Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan on Monday held a meeting with the Ambassador of Sweden to Pakistan, Alexandra Berg von Linde, at his office here on Monday to discuss bilateral trade, investment opportunities, and areas of mutual collaboration.
The Ambassador expressed condolences over the recent loss of lives and property in Pakistan caused by heavy rains and cloudburst incidents.
Minister Jam Kamal Khan expressed his gratitude for the act, referring to it as a natural catastrophe, and emphasized the critical importance of unified actions to tackle the issues posed by climate change, according to a statement released on Monday. In the discussion, both parties examined ways to boost economic collaboration, particularly concentrating on improving trade relations.
The minister highlighted Pakistan’s potential in textiles, ready-made garments, IT and technical education, mining, surgical goods, and sports equipment, noting that Swedish companies could greatly benefit from investing in these sectors. The Ambassador acknowledged Pakistan’s reputation in textile exports, noting that Swedish buyers consider Pakistani products among the best in the world. She added that many Swedish small and medium-sized enterprises are eager to explore opportunities in Pakistan, particularly in the garment sector. A Swedish business delegation is expected to visit Karachi soon to interact with local manufacturers and explore export opportunities.
The Minister, Jam Kamal Khan, told the Ambassador that, for the first time ever in Pakistan’s history, the government—under the guidance of the Prime Minister—is slowly lowering import duties, with plans to reduce them to between 15 and 20 percent over the next five years. He mentioned that this strategy is designed to boost exports and facilitate access to high-quality goods not produced locally, thereby promoting value enhancement prior to resale. Additionally, he pointed out Pakistan’s advancements in regulatory improvements, including setting up the National Compliance Center (NCC), aimed at assisting domestic enterprises comply with both local and global requirements. He suggested holding workshops via the NCC to inform foreign firms and embassies about the procedures related to adherence to regulations in Pakistan.
Both sides identified mining, renewable energy, green technologies, vocational training, and skill development as areas for future collaboration.
Minister Jam Kamal Khan highlighted Pakistan’s significant number of trained young people, particularly in the health sector, where Pakistani experts can assist in addressing gaps in Europe, such as nurse vacancies.
He further underscored that more than 40 Swedish companies, including global brands such as H&M and IKEA, are already sourcing from Pakistan, reflecting the strength of bilateral economic ties. He invited greater Swedish investment in renewable energy, sustainable manufacturing, IT, and infrastructure, while also encouraging Sweden’s participation in upcoming trade events in Pakistan, such as FoodAg 2025.
The Minister appreciated Sweden’s consistent support for Pakistan’s GSP+ status in the European Union and urged continued advocacy during the next review process. He also called for enhanced engagement between Pakistan’s central bank and Swedish financial regulators to address compliance-related banking issues faced by exporters.
Stressing Pakistan’s dedication to strengthening political, economic, and grassroots connections with Sweden, Jam Kamal Khan highlighted that both nations possess significant unexplored opportunities for collaboration.
by admin | Aug 19, 2025 | health, illness, medical conditions and diseases, news, politics
Nepal, August 18 – Rabi Lamichhane, leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), is facing medical challenges.
Related story
We have confidence in journalist Rabi Lamichhane, yet we do not trust the Home Minister named Rabi…
RSP spokesperson Manish Jha stated that once Lamichhane exhibited symptoms related to health issues, doctors from the Trauma Center were summoned to the jail for examinations. “He suffers from a dermatological condition. During his time at Bhairahawa Prison, he wasn’t permitted to leave the premises. This could have led to a lack of essential vitamins. The medical team from the Trauma Center has collected his blood samples for analysis, with findings anticipated shortly,” he mentioned.
Produced by HT Digital Content Services with authorization from Republica.
Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
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