Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for Oman from Ethiopia, concluding his maiden visit to the East African nation where India and Ethiopia elevated ties to a Strategic Partnership.

PM Modi departs for Oman on last leg of three-nation visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for Oman from Ethiopia, concluding his maiden visit to the East African nation where India and Ethiopia elevated ties to a Strategic Partnership.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday left for Oman from Ethiopia on the last leg of his four-day, three-nation visit.&nbsp;
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali drove Modi to the airport and personally bid farewell to him as he departed for Oman.
In a social media post, Abiy said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, I hope we will get an opportunity to meet again. Our nations will always be connected by historical, cultural and diplomatic ties."
During Modi's maiden visit to the East African nation, the two countries elevated their historical ties to the level of 'Strategic Partnership'. He also held wide-ranging talks with Abiy, following which, the two leaders witnessed the exchange of various MoUs in various fields.
The Memoranda of Understanding were signed in the fields of UN Peacekeeping Operations Training, Mutual Administrative Assistance in the Customs Matters, and the establishment of Data Centre at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia.
The two sides also announced debt restructuring under G20, more Indian Council for Cultural Relations scholarships and AI short courses for Ethiopians, and support for maternal and neonatal healthcare.
Modi also addressed a joint session of the Ethiopian parliament, during which he hailed the two countries as "natural partners" in regional peace, security and connectivity. This was the 18th parliament in the world that Prime Minister Modi has addressed.
"Delighted to have interacted with Ministers and MPs of Ethiopia after my address to the Ethiopian Parliament," he said in a post on X.
The prime minister was conferred Ethiopia's highest award - The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia. He is the first global head of state to receive this award.
He also planted a sapling at the Ethiopian House of People&rsquo;s Representatives, as part of Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative and Ethiopia&rsquo;s Green Legacy initiative, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in an X post.
"Two nations, two traditions, one shared promise to honour our Mother Earth and build a greener future," he said.
Modi on Wednesday underscored the outcomes of his visit to Ethiopia, calling the signing of multiple agreements a &ldquo;significant&rdquo; step in strengthening a bilateral partnership focused on "growth and people-centric development".
Modi is visiting Oman at the invitation of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, with whom he will hold discussions on strengthening the Strategic Partnership as well as a strong commercial and economic relationship.
The visit will mark 70 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and follows the state visit of Sultan Tarik to India in December 2023.
Modi is also scheduled to address a gathering of the Indian diaspora in Oman. It will be his second visit to Oman.
"This visit will be an opportunity for both sides to comprehensively review the bilateral partnership, including in the areas of trade, investment, energy, defence, security, technology, agriculture and culture as well as exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest," the Ministry of External Affairs had said in an earlier statement.

The Indian Visa Application Centre in Dhaka closed early on Wednesday citing the prevailing security situation, a day after India raised concerns with Bangladesh over threats to its mission.

India closes visa application centre in Bangladesh capital due to security situation

The Indian Visa Application Centre in Dhaka closed early on Wednesday citing the prevailing security situation, a day after India raised concerns with Bangladesh over threats to its mission.

The Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka on Wednesday closed its office in view of the current security situation.
The IVAC at Jamuna Future Park in Dhaka is the main, integrated centre for all Indian visa services in the capital.
"In view of the ongoing security situation, we wish to bring to your kind notice that IVAC JFP Dhaka will be closed at 2 pm today," the IVAC said in a statement.
The IVAC said all applicants with appointment slots scheduled for submission on Wednesday would be rescheduled for a later date.
Earlier in New Delhi, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned Bangladesh envoy Riaz Hamidullah and conveyed its strong concern over certain extremist elements announcing plans to create a security situation around the Indian mission in Dhaka.
"We expect the interim government to ensure the safety of Missions and Posts in Bangladesh in keeping with its diplomatic obligations," it said.
It said the envoy was apprised of India's strong concerns about the deteriorating security environment in Bangladesh.&nbsp;

Pakistan has decided to sell 100% stake in loss-making Pakistan International Airlines after bidders demanded complete managerial control with no government role post-privatisation.

Pakistan to sell 100 pc stake in PIA after bidders demand complete control post-privatisation

Pakistan has decided to sell 100% stake in loss-making Pakistan International Airlines after bidders demanded complete managerial control with no government role post-privatisation.

Pakistan has decided to sell its entire 100 per cent stake in Pakistan International Airlines after bidders sought complete managerial control with no government role post-privatisation, local media reported on Wednesday.
Bidding is scheduled for December 23 and will initially be for 75 per cent shares of the loss-making national flag-carrier, with the winning bidder given an option to acquire the remaining 25 per cent within a month after bidding at a 12 per cent premium. The extra 12 per cent price is charged as the buyer is allowed to delay payment for one year instead of instant payment.
The government will receive only 7.5 per cent of the bid amount in cash, while 92.5 per cent will be reinvested directly into PIA to support revival, officials told The Express Tribune newspaper.
The federal government is selling 100 per cent shares because all four bidders wanted the government to have no role in PIA after the deal, privatisation commission officials said.
Major business groups like Lucky Cement Consortium, Arif Habib Consortium, Fauji Foundation-owned Fauji Fertiliser and Air Blue are bidding for PIA.
Advisor to the Prime Minister on privatisation Muhammad Ali confirmed the decision, saying all bidders wanted at least 75 per cent shareholding for ease of decision-making, while some demanded 100 per cent ownership.
The government&rsquo;s larger objective is to revive PIA and take it back to its past glory, Ali said, adding, "This requires heavy investment for fleet revamping, acquisition of planes."
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had indicated plans to sell only a 60 per cent stake, but the move failed to attract serious buyers in 2024.
To improve attractiveness, the government parked PkR 654 billion of PIA&rsquo;s debt in a holding company, while PIA now has positive equity of PkR 30 billion, privatisation officials said.
This year, PIA will get PkR 34.7 billion from the budget to pay debt, pensions and medical expenses. Even after removing major debt, the new owners will still have to pay PkR 26 billion in taxes and airport charges.
PIA owns 34 aircraft, of which only 18 are airworthy, but holds valuable landing slots and air service agreements with 97 countries, making it a key asset for bidders.
The government has promised support, legal protection, and indemnity against some liabilities to attract buyers.

India and Oman will ink a CEPA free trade agreement in Muscat on Thursday during PM Modi’s visit, aiming to boost bilateral trade and investment.

India, Oman to sign free trade agreement in Muscat on Thursday

India and Oman will ink a CEPA free trade agreement in Muscat on Thursday during PM Modi&rsquo;s visit, aiming to boost bilateral trade and investment.

India and Oman will sign a free trade agreement on Thursday in Muscat with an aim to boost economic ties between the two countries, an official said.&nbsp;
It will be signed in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a four-day, three-nation visit. He arrived in Ethiopia on Tuesday from Jordan and will depart for Oman from Addis Ababa.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has reached Muscat for the FTA signing. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal too will reach Oman, the official said. Talks for the free trade agreement, officially termed as CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement), formally began in November 2023 and the negotiations concluded this year.
In free trade agreements, the two trading partners either significantly reduce or eliminate customs duties on a maximum number of goods traded between them. They also ease norms to promote trade in services and attract investments.
Oman is the third-largest export destination for India among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. India already has a similar agreement with another GCC member, the UAE, which came into effect in May 2022. The other members of the council are Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. India and Qatar too will soon start talks for a trade pact.
India-Oman bilateral trade was about USD 10.5 billion (exports USD 4 billion and imports USD 6.54 billion) in 2024-25. India's key imports are petroleum products and urea. These account for over 70 per cent of imports. Other key products are propylene and ethylene polymers, pet coke, gypsum, chemicals, iron and steel, and unwrought aluminium.
The main items of India's exports to Oman include mineral fuels, chemicals, precious metals, iron and steel, cereals, ships, boats and floating structures, electrical machinery, boilers, tea, coffee, spices, apparel, and food items.

PM Narendra Modi, on his maiden visit to Ethiopia, addressed the Ethiopian Parliament, highlighting India-Ethiopia partnership in peace, security, and connectivity.

PM Modi Addresses Ethiopian Parliament, Fostering India-Ethiopia Ties

PM Narendra Modi, on his maiden visit to Ethiopia, addressed the Ethiopian Parliament, highlighting India-Ethiopia partnership in peace, security, and connectivity.

India and Ethiopia are "natural partners" in regional peace, security and connectivity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday in his address to the Ethiopian Parliament.&nbsp;
Modi, who arrived in Ethiopia on Tuesday on his maiden bilateral visit, addressed a joint session of the Ethiopian Parliament. This was the 18th parliament in the world that Prime Minister Modi has addressed.&nbsp;
"Ethiopia sits at a crossroads of Africa. India stands at the heart of the Indian Ocean. We are natural partners in regional peace, security and connectivity," the prime minister said. As developing countries, India and Ethiopia have a lot to learn from and offer to each other, he said.&nbsp;
Modi added that the two countries also share warmth in climate and in spirit. At the conclusion of his speech, he got a standing ovation from the members of the Parliament.&nbsp;
Modi is on a four-day, three-nation visit. He arrived here on Tuesday from Jordan and will depart for Oman from here.

President Donald Trump urges nations to unite against radical Islamic terrorism following a deadly shooting at a Jewish Hanukkah festival in Sydney.

After Sydney attack, Trump urges global fight against 'radical Islamic terrorism'

President Donald Trump urges nations to unite against radical Islamic terrorism following a deadly shooting at a Jewish Hanukkah festival in Sydney.

US President Donald Trump opened the White House Hanukkah celebrations by extending &ldquo;love and prayers&rdquo; to Australians following a deadly antisemitic terrorist attack at Sydney&rsquo;s Bondi Beach.&nbsp;
The attack, inspired by the Islamic State (IS), claimed 15 lives and left 25 people injured.
Addressing the gathering, Trump said, &ldquo;Let me take a moment to send the love and prayers to our entire nation, to the people of Australia, and especially all those affected by the horrific and antisemitic terrorist attack. We're joined in mourning all of those who were killed, and we're praying for the swift recovery of the wounded; some are very horrifically wounded.&rdquo;
The former Republican president emphasized global unity against radical Islamic terrorism, stating, &ldquo;All nations must stand together against the evil forces of radical Islamic terrorism, and we're doing that,&rdquo; while reaffirming his commitment to supporting the Jewish community.
Details of the Sydney Shooting
Australian authorities confirmed that the attack was carried out by a father and son, aged 50 and 24. The father, identified as Sajid Akram, was shot dead during the incident.&nbsp;
His son, reported by media as Naveed Akram, was hospitalized and emerged from a coma on Tuesday. Mal Lanyon, New South Wales Police Commissioner, said investigators expected to question and charge him on Wednesday.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that the attack had an IS link, citing evidence such as the presence of Islamic State flags in the vehicle involved.&nbsp;
In response to the incident, Albanese and state leaders pledged to strengthen Australia&rsquo;s strict gun laws, marking the most extensive reforms since the Port Arthur massacre in 1996, after which mass shootings have been rare in the country.

India and Ethiopia upgraded relations to a strategic partnership as PM Narendra Modi and PM Abiy Ahmed held wide-ranging talks covering trade, defence, technology and Global South cooperation.

India, Ethiopia elevate ties to strategic partnership as PM Modi holds talks with his counterpart

India and Ethiopia upgraded relations to a strategic partnership as PM Narendra Modi and PM Abiy Ahmed held wide-ranging talks covering trade, defence, technology and Global South cooperation.

India and Ethiopia on Tuesday elevated their historical ties to the level of 'Strategic Partnership', as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali during which they discussed issues of bilateral and mutual interest.
Modi, who arrived here from Jordan on his maiden bilateral visit, was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the National Palace ahead of the bilateral talks, reflecting the vibrant India-Ethiopia relations rooted in shared history and a promising future.
The two leaders met one-on-one before the delegation-level talks.
"We are elevating India and Ethiopia relations to a strategic partnership. This step will provide new energy, new momentum and new depth to our ties," Prime Minister Modi said during the delegation-level talks.
PM Modi thanked Ethiopia for its solidarity in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and for strengthening the global fight against terrorism. "The support of friendly countries in this struggle against terrorism holds great significance," he said.
The two leaders noted that as Global South partners, the two countries must continue to contribute towards building an inclusive world.
Both leaders assessed the progress in the multifaceted partnership between India and Ethiopia, encompassing areas such as trade and investment, innovation and technology, education and capacity building, and defence cooperation.
They also discussed cooperation in the fields of Digital Public Infrastructure, mining, critical minerals and clean energy.
"Today, we got the opportunity to deliberate on the key aspects of our cooperation, such as economy, innovation, technology, defence, health, capacity-building and multilateral cooperation. I am pleased that today, we have decided to double the student scholarship for Ethiopia in India," Modi said.
Modi said that India and Ethiopia have shared contact, dialogue, and exchange for thousands of years. The two countries, which are rich in languages and traditions, are symbols of unity in diversity, he added.
"Both countries are democratic powers committed to peace and the welfare of humanity. We are co-travellers and partners of the Global South. On international platforms, we have stood shoulder-to-shoulder," he said.
Modi said the African Union's headquarters in Ethiopia makes the country a meeting point of African diplomacy. "Inspired by the common vision of an inclusive world, in 2023, India ensured that the African Union became a G20 member," he said.
In 2023, during India&rsquo;s G20 Presidency, the African Union was admitted as a permanent member of the G20.
Modi said that though this is his first visit, he felt a deep sense of belonging and warmth, reflecting the thousands of years of connection between the two countries. Modi invited Abiy to visit India, which he accepted.
The two leaders called for greater cooperation on issues such as climate change, renewable energy and disaster risk reduction and in this context welcomed the role of international organisations such as the International Big Cat Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Global Biofuel Alliance and International Solar Alliance.
Modi noted that India looked forward to working with Ethiopia as BRICS partners under its presidency and for the proposed India-Africa Forum Summit.
On his part, Prime Minister Abiy said the two countries share over thousands of years of connection through trade, diplomacy, education, culture and even in our food and traditions. "These ties continue to shape a deep friendship, collaboration and mutual respect between our people," he said.
"We also appreciate your consistent message that Africa's priorities must lead the partnership. These kinds of dignified, respectful messages for Africa are very important. Mr Prime Minister, keep pushing. That is the type of message we are expecting from all our trusted friends," Abiy said.
He said this aligned fully with Ethiopia's development plan - African-owned, African-led, and African-defined.
"Today, we meet with a clear focus to shape a modern partnership, grounded in sovereignty, self-reliance and practical cooperation. Our cooperation is rooted in equality and South-South solidarity," he said.
"Our economy is performing strongly. Last year, we grew by 9.2%, and this year, we are expecting 10.3% GDP growth. Besides GDP growth, our FDI inflow is also rising big time. India is the leading source for our FDI," he said.
"We have more than 615 Indian companies which are investing in Ethiopia. This all gives our cooperation a strong foundation of trust. I think our decision today that we elevate our historic relationship to a strategic relationship is the right decision," he added.
Ethiopia also conferred its highest award - The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia - on PM Modi. He is the first global head of state to receive this award.
Following the talks, the two leaders witnessed exchange of three MoUs in the fields of: UN Peacekeeping Operations Training; Mutual Administrative Assistance in the Customs Matters; and establishment of Data Centre at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia.
The two sides also announced upgrading ties to 'Strategic Partnership', debt restructuring under G20, more ICCR scholarships and AI short courses for Ethiopians, and support for maternal and neonatal healthcare.
Later, in a post on X, Modi said he gave three key suggestions to enhance bilateral ties: deepen relations in food security and health security; Boost capacity building and Work extensively on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).
Modi also went to the Friendship Park and Friendship Square in Addis Ababa with PM Abiy. Prime Minister Abiy also hosted a banquet in honour of PM Modi.
In a warm and special gesture, PM Modi was earlier received by his Ethiopian counterpart at the airport and accorded a warm and colourful welcome.
"Ethiopia is a nation with great history and vibrant culture," Modi said.
PM Abiy informed his Indian counterpart about the varieties of Ethiopian coffee during informal talks.
"At Addis Ababa airport, took part in a traditional Coffee Ceremony with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. The ceremony beautifully highlights Ethiopia&rsquo;s rich heritage," Modi said.
In a unique gesture, the Ethiopian Prime Minister drove Modi to the hotel.
On the way, he took a special initiative of taking PM Modi to the Science Museum and Friendship Park, which was not in the itinerary.
"Gratitude to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali for showing me glimpses of Ethiopian history and culture at the National Palace Museum in Addis Ababa. It was a powerful reminder of Ethiopia&rsquo;s rich traditions," Modi said in a post on X.
The Nobel Peace Prize-winning Ethiopian PM&rsquo;s special gestures show remarkable respect for Modi, sources said.
"Thank you Ethiopia for a welcome that was unforgettable. The Indian community showed remarkable warmth and affection. India-Ethiopia friendship is going to get even more robust in the times to come," Modi said.
When Modi arrived at the hotel, he was warmly welcomed by the members of the Indian community. Local artists performed dances. Some of them danced on the theme of the popular Hindi song 'Aisa Des Hai Mera' to welcome him.
On Wednesday, Modi will address the Joint Session of Parliament and share his thoughts on India's journey as the "Mother of Democracy" and the value that the India-Ethiopia partnership can bring to the Global South.
PM Modi arrived in Ethiopia from Jordan, where he held a one-on-one meeting with King Abdullah II at the Husseiniya Palace on Monday before the delegation-level talks.
India and Jordan also inked MoUs in the fields of culture, renewable energy, water management, digital public infrastructure and twinning arrangement between Petra and Ellora, aimed at giving a major boost to bilateral ties and friendship.
From Ethiopia, Modi will visit Oman on the final leg of this three-nation tour.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded Ethiopia’s highest honour, the Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia, for strengthening bilateral ties and global leadership.

PM Modi conferred Ethiopia’s highest civilian honour in Addis Ababa

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded Ethiopia&rsquo;s highest honour, the Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia, for strengthening bilateral ties and global leadership.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday was conferred with Ethiopia's highest award 'The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia' by his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali.
The award was conferred upon Prime Minister Modi in a special ceremony hosted at the Addis International Convention Centre on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Modi was conferred with the award for his exceptional contribution towards strengthening India-Ethiopia partnership and for his visionary leadership as a global statesman, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement in New Delhi.
Prime Minister Modi is the first global head of state/head of government to receive this award.
"I&rsquo;m honoured to be conferred with the &lsquo;Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia.&rsquo; I dedicate it to the 140 crore people of India," Modi posted on X.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I&rsquo;m honoured to be conferred with the &lsquo;Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia.&rsquo; I dedicate it to the 140 crore people of India. <a href="https://t.co/qVFdWQgU9r">https://t.co/qVFdWQgU9r</a>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/2000982817283686400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Modi noted that it was an honour for him to accept the award from one of most ancient civilisations of the world, and he did so with a deep sense of humility and gratitude, the statement said.
"...I also express heartfelt gratitude to my friend PM Abiy Ahmed Ali. Last month, when we met during the G20 Summit in South Africa, with great love and right, you had urged me to visit Ethiopia. How could I have turned down this invitation from my friend, my brother? So, at the first chance, I decided to come to Ethiopia," Modi said after receiving the award.
Prime Minister Modi also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Abiy and the people of Ethiopia for this honour.
He also expressed appreciation for the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy and his initiatives to promote national unity, sustainability, and inclusive development, the statement said.
Underlining the salience of knowledge for nation building, Prime Minister Modi stated that it was a privilege for Indian teachers for over a century now to contribute towards Ethiopia&rsquo;s progress and development, it said.
"We, in India, have always believed... Education is the foundation stone of any country. I am proud that in Ethiopia and India relations, the most significant contribution has been from our teachers," he said.
"...Together with Ethiopia, we are committed to furthering such partnerships which can bring forth a solution to evolving global challenges and build new opportunities."
Modi dedicated the award to all those &ndash; Indians and Ethiopians - who have nurtured the bilateral ties for ages and conveyed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the 1.4 billion Indians for being bestowed with this honour, the statement said.
The conferment of the award marks a milestone in the close partnership between India and Ethiopia and in furthering the positive agenda of the Global South.

US President Donald Trump expands the travel ban to nearly 40 countries, including Syria and Palestinian Authority passport holders, citing security and cultural concerns amid a tougher anti-immigration stance.

Trump imposes full travel bans on seven more countries, Palestinians

US President Donald Trump expands the travel ban to nearly 40 countries, including Syria and Palestinian Authority passport holders, citing security and cultural concerns amid a tougher anti-immigration stance.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday sharply expanded a travel ban by barring people from seven more countries including Syria, as well as Palestinian Authority passport holders, from entering the United States.
The latest move brings to nearly 40 the number of countries whose citizens face restrictions in coming to the United States solely by virtue of nationality, with Trump also tightening rules for routine travel from Western nations.
It comes as Trump, who has long made hostility to immigration a signature issue, orders mass deportations and takes an increasingly strident tone against non-white new Americans.
The White House in a proclamation said it was banning foreigners who "intend to threaten" Americans.
Trump also wants to prevent foreigners in the United States who would "undermine or destabilize its culture, government, institutions or founding principles," the proclamation said.
Syrians were banned days after two US troops and a civilian were killed in the war-torn country, which Trump has moved to rehabilitate internationally since the fall of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad.
Syrian authorities said the perpetrator was a member of the security forces who was due to be dismissed for "extremist Islamist ideas."
The Trump administration had already informally barred travel for Palestinian Authority passport holders as it acts in solidarity with Israel against the recognition of a Palestinian state by other leading Western countries including France and Britain.
Other countries newly subjected to the full travel ban came from some of Africa's poorest countries -- Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone and South Sudan -- as well as Laos in southeast Asia.
In a series of new actions, Trump also imposed partial travel restrictions on citizens of other African countries including the most populous, Nigeria, as well as Ivory Coast and Senegal, which qualified for the World Cup set to be played next year in the United States as well as Canada and Mexico.
The Trump administration has promised to let in athletes for football's signature competition, but has made no such promises for fans of blacklisted countries.
Other countries slapped with partial restrictions were from Africa or largely Black nations in the Caribbean -- Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe -- plus the Polynesian country of Tonga.
Angola, Senegal and Zambia have all been prominent US partners in Africa, with former president Joe Biden hailing the three for commitment to democracy.
&nbsp;
- Ramping up anti-immigrant tone -
Global Refuge, a Christian-based group that supports refugees, warned that the travel ban would push vulnerable people further into harm's way.
"The administration is once again using the language of security to justify blanket exclusions that punish entire populations, rather than utilizing individualized, evidence-based screening," said the group's president and CEO, Krish O'Mara Vignarajah.
Trump has used increasingly loaded language, complaining at a rally last week that the United States was only taking people from "shithole countries" and instead should seek immigrants from Norway and Sweden.
He also recently described Somalis as "garbage" following a scandal in which Somali Americans allegedly bilked the government out of money for fictitious contracts in Minnesota.
Trump had already banned the entry of Somalis. Other countries remaining on the full travel ban are Afghanistan, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Sudan, and Yemen.
Trump last month made the ban even more sweeping against Afghans, severing a program that brought in Afghans who had fought alongside the United States against the Taliban, after an Afghan veteran who appeared to have post-traumatic stress shot two National Guards troops deployed by Trump in Washington.
The White House acknowledged "significant progress" by one initially targeted country, Turkmenistan.
The Central Asian country's nationals will once again be able to secure US visas, but only as non-immigrants.
Trump has also all but ended refugee admissions, with the United States now only accepting South Africans from the white Afrikaner minority.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Israel for a two-day visit to hold talks with top Israeli leaders on bilateral and regional issues as preparations continue for PM Netanyahu’s proposed India visit.

S. Jaishankar's Strategic Visit to Israel for Bilateral Talks

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Israel for a two-day visit to hold talks with top Israeli leaders on bilateral and regional issues as preparations continue for PM Netanyahu&rsquo;s proposed India visit.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Israel on Tuesday on a two-day visit during which he will hold talks with the country's senior leadership on bilateral and regional issues.
The visit comes as preparations are underway for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's proposed visit to India. Netanyahu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke recently over the phone, after which the Israeli leader said the two would be &ldquo;meeting very soon&rdquo;.
During his stay, Jaishankar is scheduled to meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa&rsquo;ar.
"The discussions will revolve around bilateral and regional issues with a view to further deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries,&rdquo; sources told PTI.
Jaishankar arrived in Tel Aviv from Abu Dhabi, where he participated in the high-profile Sir Bani Yas Forum.
He also attended the 16th India&ndash;UAE Joint Commission Meeting and the 5th round of the India&ndash;UAE Strategic Dialogue held on December 15.
Netanyahu's much-anticipated visit to India is expected to follow a series of high-level exchanges between the two sides.
Israeli Minister of Tourism Haim Katz, Minister of Economy and Industry Nir Barkat, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Avi Dichter and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich visited India earlier this year as the two countries build momentum towards a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
India and Israel inked a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) during Smotrich's visit to New Delhi in September, followed by the signing of the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the proposed FTA during the visit of Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal to Israel last month.
In the defence sector, the two countries last month inked a landmark agreement to enhance defence, industrial, and technological cooperation, enabling sharing of advanced technology to promote co-development and co-production.
India and Israel have also expanded cooperation in the cultural and academic spheres, with film festivals, dance performances and filmmaker exchanges aimed at strengthening people-to-people ties.
On Monday, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and Tel Aviv University signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish an India Chair at the university to boost academic cooperation.

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Book on Kamala Harris has clinched Amazon bestseller status.  Bestseller called 'The Achievements of Kamala Harris' a smash hit, but there's a catch.  

Book Detailing Kamala Harris' Achievements Is Amazon Bestseller, But There’s A Catch

Book on Kamala Harris has clinched Amazon bestseller status. &nbsp;Bestseller called 'The Achievements of Kamala Harris' a smash hit, but there's a catch. &nbsp;

Book on Kamala Harris has clinched Amazon bestseller status. &nbsp;Bestseller called 'The Achievements of Kamala Harris' a smash hit, but there's a catch. &nbsp;The book comes with a catch- its pages are completely blank. Meme fest as the book left Kamala&rsquo;s followers &amp; netizens in splits. &nbsp;This video from Walmart featuring the book on its shelves has now gone viral. &nbsp;The book is actually a political satire, authored by Jason Dudash.&nbsp;

During his annual Moscow press conference, Vladimir Putin praised Russian troop progress in Ukraine, warned of further military action if diplomacy fails, and downplayed economic concerns under Western sanctions.

Putin hails Ukraine gains, threatens more, in annual press conference

During his annual Moscow press conference, Vladimir Putin praised Russian troop progress in Ukraine, warned of further military action if diplomacy fails, and downplayed economic concerns under Western sanctions.

Vladimir Putin on Friday hailed his troops' progress in Ukraine during an annual press conference in Moscow -- a staple of his 25-year rule -- with the Russian president emboldened by battlefield gains in Ukraine during a US diplomatic push to end the almost four-year war.
As Russia's offensive enters another winter, Putin has spent days telling Russians that Moscow will seize the rest of eastern Ukraine by force if diplomacy fails.
Lanched in February 2022, the Russian leader's assault on Ukraine has become Europe's worst conflict since World War II, killing thousands on both sides.
Russia has since then lived under massive Western sanctions, along with a domestic crackdown on dissent unseen since the Soviet era.
"Our troops are advancing along the entire line of contact... the enemy is retreating in all directions," Putin said at the set-piece event, shown on big screens across Russian cities.
"I'm sure that before the end of this year we will still witness new successes," he added, reeling off a list of Ukrainian cities in the crosshairs of his army.
Reinforced security measures were in place around Moscow's Kremlin and Red Square with some areas closed for pedestrians. Dozens of police cars and special services could be seen in the streets, AFP reporters witnessed.
Putin was speaking as the EU scrambled to help Kyiv avoid a deal pushed by the United States, seen as imposing an effective capitulation on Ukraine, and as the Kremlin seeks to keep Europe out of the settlement talks.
Escalating rhetoric, Putin earlier this week called EU leaders "piglets" and vowed to seize the rest of Ukrainian land he has proclaimed as Russian "by military means" if talks fail.
In Friday's speech, he warned of "severe" consequences if EU powers followed through on proposals to use Russian assets frozen in Europe to fund Ukraine's defence.
In a tightly-controlled TV show, he takes questions from the press and call-ins from people around Russia's 12 time zones.
 - No 'surrender' -
The Kremlin said almost three million questions had been filed by citizens ahead of the event.
In the capital, locals voiced hope for an end to the dragging conflict -- but on Moscow's terms.
"I have loved ones fighting in (east Ukraine's) Donbas and I would not want us to surrender positions there," Lilya Reshetnyak, a 55-year-old accountant, told AFP.
"It's the only thing that worries me."
But she also wanted to ask the Russian leader about uncomfortable issues in occupied Ukraine, such as a water shortage.
Moscow has seized swathes of eastern Ukraine and is demanding that Kyiv surrender even more territory for fighting to end, which is unacceptable to Ukraine.
Russia has since summer advanced rapidly on the battlefield, especially in the southern Zaporizhzhia region.
Intense fighting has continued in Ukraine, even as the United States intensifies its separate talks with both sides -- with Moscow, whose troops have the upper hand, insisting it wants a deal before a ceasefire.
US President Donald Trump said recently that Russia has a more favourable negotiating position, hinting that Kyiv should give up land.
The Europeans are worried Trump will force a rushed deal that will cede too much to Moscow.
 - Economy, repression -
Putin also downplayed concerns over Russia's slowing economy, which has been on a war footing for almost four years and has prioritised defence over all other sectors.
He said the Russian economy was stable and compared it favourably to sluggish growth across Europe.
Russia has also been living under huge sanctions and persistent inflation. The economy is teetering on the edge of a recession, with growth hovering just above zero.
Criticism of the Ukraine offensive is banned in Russia, and Moscow has punished thousands of its citizens for speaking out against it -- either with fines or prison sentences.
All of Putin's political opponents are in exile, prison or dead.
Putin, a former KGB agent, became the president of Russia after Boris Yeltsin stepped down in December 1999.

Pakistan’s Deputy PM Ishaq Dar alleges India is violating the Indus Waters Treaty, claiming water flow manipulation threatens livelihoods and regional stability.

Pakistan accuses India of attempting to undermine Indus treaty

Pakistan&rsquo;s Deputy PM Ishaq Dar alleges India is violating the Indus Waters Treaty, claiming water flow manipulation threatens livelihoods and regional stability.

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday accused India of consistently attempting to undermine the Indus Waters Treaty, claiming the current material breaches strike at the heart of the pact.
Dar, who is also the Foreign Minister, was addressing the media a day after Pakistan sought clarification from India regarding variations in the flow of the Chenab river.
&ldquo;We witnessed in April this year India&rsquo;s unilateral abeyance of the Indus Waters Treaty&hellip; But what we are witnessing now is material breaches by India that strike at the heart of the Indus Waters Treaty with escalating consequences both for regional stability and the sanctity of international law,&rdquo; he said.
A day after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, India took a series of punitive measures against Pakistan that included putting the 1960 vintage Indus Water Treaty (IWT) in &ldquo;abeyance.&rdquo;
The IWT, brokered by the World Bank, has governed the distribution and use of the Indus river and its tributaries between India and Pakistan since 1960.
Dar also mentioned that &ldquo;India&rsquo;s manipulation of water&rdquo; has prompted Pakistan's Indus Commissioner to write a letter to his Indian counterpart seeking clarification on the matter.
He also alleged manipulation of Indus basin waters at a critical time of agricultural cycle directly threatens the life and livelihood in Pakistan.
The minister said India had halted sharing information, hydrological data, and joint oversight required by the treaty, which had exposed Pakistan to floods and droughts.
He warned that suspension of water will be considered as an act of war.

Interim government led by Muhammad Yunus condemns violence and attacks on journalists following Sharif Osman Hadi’s death, calling for restraint ahead of upcoming elections.

Bangladesh interim government condemns violence amid nationwide unrest

Interim government led by Muhammad Yunus condemns violence and attacks on journalists following Sharif Osman Hadi&rsquo;s death, calling for restraint ahead of upcoming elections.

The interim government of Bangladesh, led by Muhammad Yunus, on Friday issued its first statement in response to the ongoing unrest across the country, urging citizens to resist acts of mob violence.
In a statement, the government said it &ldquo;strongly and unequivocally condemn[s] all acts of violence, intimidation, arson, and destruction of properties.&rdquo; It warned that such actions, carried out by a few fringe elements, could derail the nation&rsquo;s democratic process.
&ldquo;This is a critical moment in our country's history. We cannot and must not allow it to be derailed by those few who thrive on chaos and reject peace,&rdquo; the statement added, highlighting the significance of Bangladesh&rsquo;s ongoing democratic transition.
The interim government also emphasized the importance of upcoming elections and the national referendum, describing them as &ldquo;not merely political exercises, but a solemn national commitment.&rdquo; It further noted, &ldquo;This promise is inseparable from the dream for which Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi gave his life. Honouring his sacrifice demands restraint, responsibility, and a firm commitment to reject hatred.&rdquo;
Addressing recent attacks on journalists, the government expressed support for reporters from The Daily Star, Prothom Alo, and New Age. &ldquo;We stand with you. We are deeply sorry for the terror and violence you have endured. The nation has witnessed your courage and tolerance in the face of terror. Attacks on journalists are attacks on truth itself. We promise you full justice,&rdquo; the statement said.
The statement also condemned the recent lynching of a Hindu man in Mymensingh: &ldquo;We wholeheartedly condemn the lynching of a Hindu man in Mymensingh. There is no space for such violence in the new Bangladesh. The perpetrators of this heinous crime will not be spared.&rdquo;
The government concluded with an appeal to citizens: &ldquo;At this critical hour, we call upon every citizen to honour Shaheed Hadi by rejecting and resisting violence, incitement and hatred.&rdquo;
Meanwhile, protests following the death of Inqilab Moncho leader Sharif Osman bin Hadi have continued to escalate. Reports indicate that offices of media outlets, including Daily Star and Prothom Alo, were targeted during a night of violent unrest. Protestors also directed anger at the partially demolished home of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
In response, Inqilab Moncho urged the public to refrain from violence, vandalism, and arson. In a late-night Facebook post on Thursday, the organisation stated: &ldquo;Through destruction and fire, certain groups aim to render Bangladesh an ineffective state. They seek to undermine the independence and sovereignty of our country. You must understand -- 32 and 36 are not the same.&rdquo;
The post continued: &ldquo;As the February elections approach, consider who truly benefits if unrest is created in the country. To maintain stability in Bangladesh, fully cooperate with the government and refrain from violence.&rdquo;

Firefighters rescued staff from burning newsrooms in Dhaka after protests erupted over the death of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, raising concerns over press freedom and public safety.

Tension in Bangladesh After Key Figure's Death Sparks Protests

Firefighters rescued staff from burning newsrooms in Dhaka after protests erupted over the death of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, raising concerns over press freedom and public safety.

Firefighters pulled journalists from their burning newsroom on Friday after the building was set ablaze during violent demonstrations in Bangladesh's capital.
Thousands of protesters were brought to the streets by the assassination of a youth leader running for parliament in upcoming national elections.
A key figure in last year's uprising, Sharif Osman Hadi, 32, was shot by masked gunmen while leaving a mosque in Dhaka last week.
After he died in hospital on Thursday, his supporters gathered in Dhaka demanding the killers be brought to justice.
Several buildings, including those housing leading newspapers Prothom Alo and the Daily Star, were set on fire and vandalised, according to authorities.
Staff trapped in the Daily Star newsroom described being unable to escape as the building filled with smoke.
"I can't breathe anymore. There's too much smoke. I am inside. You are killing me," reporter Zyma Islam wrote on her Facebook page.
Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control at 1:40 am (1940 GMT on Thursday), with 27 employees rescued from the smouldering building.
"For the first time in the newspaper's history, the publication had to be halted," consulting editor Kamal Ahmed told AFP.
At the Prothom Alo, executive editor Sajjad Sharif said he was "deeply saddened" that the newspaper could not be published due to vandalism and arson.
"This attack is not merely an attack on Prothom Alo and the Daily Star, it's an attack on freedom of the press, expression, dissent and diversity of opinion," he said.
Critics of the papers, the largest in the South Asian country, accuse them of favouring neighbouring India, where Bangladesh's ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina has taken refuge since quitting in 2024.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said it was alarmed by the violence against the press.
"CPJ is monitoring the situation and urges Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety of news outlets and journalists, and to hold those responsible accountable," it said in a statement.
Hadi, a leader of the student protest group Inqilab Mancha, was also an outspoken critic of India.
After he was shot in Dhaka on December 12, he was airlifted to Singapore, where authorities later announced he had succumbed to his wounds.
Inqilab Mancha distanced itself from the violence that erupted at the Dhaka protests, blaming opportunists for trying to derail the demonstrations.
"They essentially want to turn Bangladesh into a dysfunctional state through vandalism and arson," the group said in a statement posted to social media.
"They want to endanger the independence and sovereignty of this country."
Bangladeshi police have launched a manhunt for Hadi's shooters, releasing photographs of two key suspects and offering a reward of five million taka (about $42,000) for information leading to their arrest.

US House Democrats released a fresh set of photos from Jeffrey Epstein’s estate, intensifying pressure on the Trump administration to disclose federal files before the DOJ deadline.

US Democrats release Epstein photos showing Bill Gates, Noam Chomsky

US House Democrats released a fresh set of photos from Jeffrey Epstein&rsquo;s estate, intensifying pressure on the Trump administration to disclose federal files before the DOJ deadline.

US House Democrats on Thursday published a fresh batch of photographs from Jeffrey Epstein's estate, stepping up pressure on Donald Trump's administration on the eve of its deadline to release federal files on the late financier and convicted sex offender.
The 68 images -- shared without added context -- are part of a much larger cache that Congress obtained from Epstein's estate and has been drip-feeding to the public in recent days, stoking political drama in Washington.
Among the newly released photos are shots of passports and identity documents from multiple countries, most of the personal details redacted.
Several documents are marked "female," including passports from places such as Ukraine and Russia, and a number of faces in the images are obscured to protect identities.
Other photographs include two images showing public intellectual Noam Chomsky seated with Epstein on what appears to be an aircraft, and pictures of Bill Gates posing beside a woman whose face is blurred.
The cache also includes images of filmmaker Woody Allen and former Trump strategist Steve Bannon -- both of whom featured in an earlier photo release.
The latest batch of photographs do not appear to depict any unlawful conduct by any of the subjects.
But one screenshot shows a snippet of a text exchange in which an unknown sender appears to discuss recruiting young women.
"I have a friend scout she sent me some girls today. But she asks 1000$ per girl. I will send u girls now. Maybe someone will be good for J?" the post says.
The screenshot includes a partially redacted physical description and the line "18 y old," but provides no names or clear indication of who is speaking.
A separate image shows a woman's foot bearing a handwritten quote from Vladimir Nabokov's "Lolita," a novel about a man's sexual obsession with a child -- another detail released without explanation.
Democrats say they are publishing material as it arrives while redacting identifying information for victims and anyone who could be a victim. Republicans, who control the Oversight Committee that is tasked with ensuring government transparency and accountability, have accused Democrats of "cherry-picking" to shape a narrative.
The Justice Department (DOJ) has remained silent on whether it will meet Friday's deadline, set by the Epstein Files Transparency Act, passed last month with bipartisan support.
The law requires the DOJ to publish the most comprehensive set of Epstein-related materials yet, while safeguarding victims' identities.
Epstein, a convicted sex offender with ties to global elites, died in his New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. His death -- ruled a suicide -- fueled conspiracy theories and demands for accountability.
"Oversight Democrats will continue to release photographs and documents from the Epstein estate to provide transparency for the American people," the committee&rsquo;s top Democrat, Robert Garcia, said, calling for the Justice Department to "release the Epstein files now."

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