THE UNITED NATIONS
Pakistan hikes electricity price, base tariff for domestic consumers goes up to PKR 48.84 per unit
Pakistan's government, led by Shehbaz Sharif, has raised the electricity base tariff for domestic consumers to PKR 48.84. The increase, approved by NEPRA, excludes those using up to 200 units per month for three months. Additionally, tariffs for commercial, agricultural, and general services consumers have also been raised.
Trump calls for country to 'stand united' after surviving assassination attempt
Former president Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania. The shooter, a 20-year-old, was killed by the Secret Service. Trump sustained injuries to his right ear but is reported to be fine. President Biden and other leaders have condemned the violence. The incident took place ahead of the Republican National Convention.
World population will peak at 10.3 billion in the 2080s, says UN
The current population of 8.2 billion people will rise to that maximum over the next 60 years, then dip to 10.2 billion by the end of the century, says a report released Thursday entitled "World Population Prospects 2024."
After United Kingdom, America too can have an Indian-origin leader
Kamala Harris, born to an Indian mother, who had migrated to the US, and Jamaican father, tops the list of the probables if Biden pulls out of the race. Amid the swirling uncertainties, discussions among top Democratic circles are already shifting towards the prospect of Vice President Kamala Harris potentially leading the party in the upcoming election.
In a diplomatic quirk, Russia chairs a UN meeting decrying its strike on a Ukraine kids' hospital
The UN Security Council discussed a strike on Kyiv's Okhmatdyt hospital, critiquing Russia, which denies involvement. US Ambassador and Msuya condemned the attack amidst systematic health facility assaults. Ukraine presented evidence of a Russian Kh-101 missile. Kyslytsya displayed evidence. China's envoy urged peace. Russia alleges a Ukrainian rocket hit, killing two staffers.
SCO fosters regional stability & multilateral coop: Kazakhstan
The SCO Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, represents a significant event for over 3 billion people. Kazakhstan, as a founding member, prioritizes the SCO's development within its balanced foreign policy. Deputy Foreign Minister Roman Vassilenko emphasized the summit's role in mutual respect and consensus-building. Under Kazakhstan's presidency, over 150 events focused on energy, digitalization, and environmental protection. President Tokayev's "World Unity for Just Peace and Harmony" initiative highlights Kazakhstan's influence. Kazakhstan's strategic location, rich resources, and strong economic growth make it a key player in global diplomacy and trade.
Singapore prepared to recognise Palestine in principle at appropriate time, says foreign minister
"Both sides have legitimate rights, and both peoples have a right to live in peace and dignity within secure borders," The Straits Times quoted the Singapore minister as saying. He was responding to questions from parliamentarians on Singapore's May 10 decision to vote for a United Nations resolution backing the admission of Palestine as a member of the world body, which it said was made after "serious and careful consideration".
A Taliban delegation attends a UN-led meeting in Qatar on Afghanistan, with women excluded
The Taliban were not invited to the first meeting, and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said they set unacceptable conditions for attending the second one in February, including demands that Afghan civil society members be excluded from the talks and that the Taliban be treated as the country's legitimate rulers. The Taliban seized power in August 2021 as U.S. and NATO forces were in the final weeks of their pullout from the country following two decades of war.
Five IS bombs found hidden in iconic Iraq mosque: UN agency
General Tahseen al-Khafaji confirmed ISIS explosives at Al-Nuri mosque. The Joint Operations Command secured the area. IS ruled brutally in Iraq and Syria before coalition forces drove them out.
China's Xi calls for 'bridges' amid trade, diplomatic frictions
Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for the building of "bridges" in the global economy as Beijing grapples with economic, trade, and territorial disputes with neighbours and trading partners. He emphasized that the world's second-largest economy will never leave the road of peaceful development and will not become a "strong" state seeking to dominate others.
UN welcomes release of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange from UK detention
The United Nation praised Britain over WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange's release form detention. The UN termed it as a "significant step" to settle the case.
SCO Summit: Kazakhstan advocates UN role in addressing global challenges
Kazakhstan's First Deputy Foreign Minister highlighted the crucial role of the United Nations in addressing global challenges ahead of the SCO Summit, emphasizing President Tokayev's focus on sustainable development and alignment with the SDGs and 2030 Agenda.
Israel may have violated laws of war in Gaza campaign, UN rights office says
In a report assessing six Israeli attacks that caused a high number of casualties and destruction of civilian infrastructure, the U.N. human rights office said Israeli forces "may have systematically violated the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precautions in attack."
Sudan one of world's 'worst crises' in decades: medical charity
Doctors Without Borders chief Christos Christou describes Sudan's civil war as one of the worst humanitarian crises in decades, with extreme suffering and inadequate humanitarian response.
Russia President Vladimir Putin makes a rare visit to North Korea, an old ally
Putin was met at Pyongyang's airport by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. They shook hands and embraced, and Kim later joined Putin in his car to personally guide him to Pyongyang's Kumsusan State Guest House, North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency said.
Tens of millions in the US are under dangerous heat warnings
Extreme heat alerts have continued for millions of people in the United States, with cities like Chicago breaking records at the start of a week of sweltering weather. The Midwest and Northeast were under heat warnings or watches, with officials announcing the opening of cooling centers and urging people to limit outdoor activities when possible. Phoenix has experienced the most heat waves since 1936, with temperatures reaching 112 F (44.4 C) on Saturday.
At Swiss Peace Summit, Ukraine prez Volodymyr Zelenskyy says 'history being made'
In a brief statement to reporters alongside Swiss President Viola Amherd at the outset of the summit, Zelenskyy cast the gathering as a success, saying: "We have succeeded in bringing back to the world the idea that joint efforts can stop war and establish a just peace."
World leaders to meet at Swiss resort on possible Ukraine peace roadmap, Russia is notably absent
Leaders from Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Kenya, and Somalia, alongside numerous Western heads of state and government, are set to convene at a conference this weekend to discuss the initial steps toward peace in Ukraine, with Russia notably absent. Hosted by Swiss officials, the conference will see over 50 heads of state and government, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as well as 100 delegations from European bodies and the United Nations.
90 countries to attend Swiss-hosted Ukraine peace summit that Russia is snubbing
Switzerland is hosting a Ukraine peace summit with nearly 90 countries and organizations attending, despite Russia's absence. The summit aims to pave the way for peace in Ukraine, 28 months after Russia's invasion. Leaders like Macron, Scholz, and Harris will attend. However, key countries like Turkey, South Africa, and Brazil have not confirmed participation. China and Brazil cited Russia's absence as a reason for their non-participation. Ukraine's President Zelenskyy will be there, and security measures, including deploying 4,000 military personnel, are in place.
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