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Balochistan Sees Surge in Army Abductions and Disappearances

In a troubling escalation of human rights violations, reports indicate a significant rise in abductions and enforced disappearances in Balochistan, allegedly perpetrated by the Pakistani military and its intelligence agency, the ISI. Local human rights group, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, has identified 11 individuals, including three minors, who were forcibly taken by security forces near SBK University in Nushki on March 16. The group, comprising local labourers, drivers, and students, reflects a broader trend of fear among families in the region, as many more remain unaccounted for. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee has condemned these actions and called for urgent intervention from international human rights organizations. The ongoing crisis is rooted in Balochistan's contentious history, where residents have long resisted what they perceive as Pakistan's forceful occupation since the region's annexation in 1948, leading to continued unrest and conflict. sources

Published:
Mar 19 2025, 7 pm

Pope Francis' Condition Improves; Oxygen Mask No Longer Needed

Pope Francis has seen an improvement in his health, prompting the Vatican to announce the suspension of his oxygen mask usage after over a month in hospital due to pneumonia in both lungs. The 88-year-old pontiff has been receiving treatment at Rome's Gemelli hospital since February 14. While the Vatican confirmed that his clinical condition is improving, it cautioned that the suspension of the oxygen mask does not preclude its future reintroduction and that his discharge is not imminent. Though the pneumonia remains "under control," therapies are still being administered from the hospital. In recent days, the pope has shown progress by spending short periods breathing independently, with doctors reducing his reliance on high-flow oxygen delivered via a cannula. As Easter approaches, concerns persist regarding his ability to lead upcoming religious events, with no decisions yet made on his schedule. sources

Published:
Mar 20 2025, 10 am

US Reacts to Bangladesh Spy Chief's "Caliphate" Remark

The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting minority communities in Bangladesh amid rising diplomatic tensions following comments by US Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard. In an interview with NDTV, Gabbard linked Bangladesh to aspirations of an "Islamist caliphate," prompting backlash from the interim government, which described her remarks as "misleading" and damaging to the country's reputation. US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce condemned violence against minorities in Bangladesh and acknowledged the interim government's efforts to ensure safety for all citizens. She emphasized the US’s expectation for continued progress in this area. The interim government, led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, has faced scrutiny for not adequately addressing increasing violence against minorities since the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last year, despite Bangladesh's historical commitment to an inclusive and peaceful practice of Islam. sources

Published:
Mar 20 2025, 10 am

Trump Claims Judges Are "Usurping" Presidential Authority

The White House has accused judges of "usurping" executive power following a series of rulings against Donald Trump's administration, including a recent decision that halted the deportation of Venezuelan migrants. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt claimed there is a "concerted effort by the far left" to appoint judges acting as "partisan activists" against the administration. She specifically criticized District Judge James Boasberg, who blocked deportation flights under a wartime law, calling him an "activist judge." Trump echoed these sentiments, labeling Boasberg a "Radical Left Lunatic" and calling for his impeachment, a move rebuked by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, who emphasized that impeachment is not a remedy for judicial disagreements. As Trump faces judicial setbacks, including rulings on military transgender bans and the shutdown of a federal agency, tensions between the executive branch and the judiciary continue to escalate. sources

Published:
Mar 20 2025, 11 am

US Reacts to Bangladesh Spy Chief's "Caliphate" Comment Controversy

The US Department of State has condemned violence against minorities in Bangladesh, with spokesperson Tammy Bruce affirming the US's support for the interim government's efforts to enhance safety and security for all citizens. Bruce's comments followed remarks by US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who alleged persecution and violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh, linking the situation to an "Islamist caliphate." The Bangladeshi interim government responded sharply, describing Gabbard's statements as "misleading and damaging" to the country's reputation, emphasizing its tradition of inclusive Islam and its commitment to combating extremism. They criticized her comments as lacking evidence and unfairly generalizing about a nation that has made significant strides in countering terrorism. The government reiterated its collaboration with the international community, including the US, in addressing challenges related to extremism through various reforms and law enforcement initiatives. sources

Published:
Mar 20 2025, 9 am

Israel's New Ground Operations in Gaza Post-Ceasefire

In a devastating escalation of violence, hundreds have been killed in Gaza following intense airstrikes and ground operations by Israeli forces, which resumed after the October 2023 attack that ignited a regional crisis. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have targeted key Hamas leaders and infrastructure, claiming to have eliminated several high-ranking officials, including those responsible for security and military operations. The airstrikes have resulted in significant civilian casualties, with reports of families being wiped out during bombings. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that the military campaign is only beginning, as Israel seeks to dismantle Hamas while facing pressure to negotiate the release of hostages. The U.S. has shown support for Israel's military actions, complicating efforts for a ceasefire. Despite ongoing negotiations for a second ceasefire to secure hostages, Israel has refused to halt its bombardments, raising concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza. sources

Published:
Mar 20 2025, 9 am

Indian Researcher in US Risks Deportation Over Hamas Allegations

Badar Khan Suri, an Indian researcher and post-doctoral fellow at Georgetown University, has been arrested by immigration officers in Virginia and is facing deportation, according to his lawyer. The arrest occurred on Monday night when "masked agents" from the Department of Homeland Security informed Suri that his visa had been revoked. He is accused of disseminating Hamas propaganda and promoting antisemitism on social media, with officials alleging he has close ties to a known or suspected terrorist associated with Hamas. The Secretary of State determined on March 15, 2025, that Suri's activities rendered him deportable under U.S. immigration law. Suri, who holds a PhD in Peace and Conflict Studies, has focused his research on the complexities of democracy and state-building in ethnically diverse societies. His case has raised concerns regarding academic freedom and immigration enforcement in the U.S. sources

Published:
Mar 20 2025, 9 am

Trump and Zelensky's Post-Showdown Discussion Highlights

US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky engaged in a "very good" hour-long call, following a tense exchange at the White House that dampened hopes for US mediation in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Zelensky emphasized the necessity of American leadership in achieving lasting peace and called for an end to strikes on civilian infrastructure, while expressing gratitude for US military aid, particularly Javelin missiles, and requesting additional air defense resources. Trump proposed US ownership of Ukrainian energy assets, including the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, as a means to safeguard against attacks. Discussions also touched on a US-Ukraine minerals deal, with the White House indicating a shift towards peace negotiations. Trump raised concerns about missing children in Ukraine and reiterated his commitment to facilitating their return. The conversation followed Trump's call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who agreed to a temporary halt on energy infrastructure attacks, despite ongoing strikes. sources

Published:
Mar 20 2025, 8 am

Trump Administration Removes Minorities from Websites and Policies

President Donald Trump's administration is facing criticism for its sweeping actions against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within the federal government, marking a significant rollback of decades of racial justice initiatives. One of Trump's first acts in office was the termination of all federal DEI programs, which he claimed fostered "illegal and immoral discrimination." The Pentagon's crackdown has included the erasure of historical references to notable figures, such as the Navajo "code talkers" and the Tuskegee Airmen, from its website. Critics, including descendants of these veterans, argue that this amounts to an attempt to "erase the history of people of color." The repercussions of this policy extend beyond government, as major corporations like Google and Amazon have also scaled back their DEI efforts. The American Civil Liberties Union has condemned Trump's approach as a radical departure from bipartisan efforts to promote equality and justice. sources

Published:
Mar 20 2025, 5 am

Zelensky: No Pressure in Positive Trump Call

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced on Wednesday that a rapid establishment of a ceasefire regarding energy strikes in the ongoing conflict with Russia could be feasible, asserting that Ukraine would retaliate if Moscow breached the agreement. Following a constructive phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, Zelenskiy indicated that Ukraine would compile a list of facilities, including energy, rail, and port infrastructure, for a potential partial ceasefire facilitated by Washington. He emphasized the need for a formal agreement before any cessation of hostilities, warning that military actions would continue in the absence of such a document. Zelenskiy described his conversation with Trump as the most positive yet, expressing hope for a visit from the U.S. president to aid in peace efforts. He also confirmed that Ukraine had received new supplies of F-16 fighter jets, although details on the quantity and timing were not disclosed. sources

Published:
Mar 20 2025, 5 am

Zelensky Discusses US Ownership of Occupied Nuclear Plant with Trump

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed on Wednesday that he and US President Donald Trump discussed the potential for US ownership of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant during a briefing in Finland. The plant, Europe's largest, has been under Russian control since early 2022 and is a focal point of nuclear safety concerns. Zelensky emphasized the need for its operational capacity for both Ukraine and Europe, suggesting it could take over two years to restore. Despite fears that Trump's administration might pressure Ukraine into concessions, Zelensky stated he felt no such pressure from Trump. He also reiterated his support for a US-led ceasefire proposal, though he expressed skepticism regarding Russia's willingness to agree while Ukrainian forces remain engaged in the Kursk region. Additionally, Zelensky confirmed ongoing communication with French President Emmanuel Macron and announced the recent acquisition of more F-16 fighter jets for Ukraine. sources

Published:
Mar 20 2025, 4 am

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