Rishi Sunak calls India visit for G20 “important”

As the G20 Summit culminates, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak calls the visit to India “important” and shared some glimpses of his two-day visit on social media.

Published Date – 05:18 PM, Mon – 11 September 23


Rishi Sunak calls India visit for G20 “important”



London: As the G20 Summit culminates, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak calls the visit to India “important” and shared some glimpses of his two-day visit on social media.

Sharing the video on his social media ‘X’, he stated, “An important trip to India for the G20, delivering for the UK on the world stage.” In the video message, he highlighted Russian President Putin’s absence in the G20 Summit, and said that “Isolation is the policy that Vladimir Putin has chosen.”

“Global issues matter. They impact all of us. We saw that during Covid and we have seen the devastating consequences of Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, both on the Ukrainian people and the rise in global energy prices. But we are under no illusion these issues can’t be solved in isolation. Isolation is the policy that Vladimir Putin has chosen, ripping up the Black Sea Grain Deal, which has provided a lifeline for millions,” the message said.

Along with the videos of his meeting PM Modi, he added that although Putin was not there at the G20 to face the world but we were there to address some of the biggest issues in the world.

“Putin wasn’t at the G20 to face the world. But we were, working with our allies, our partners from around the world to address some of the biggest challenges that we face. Stabilising the global economy, isolating Putin and strengthening our international relationships. And by doing that, delivering the jobs, growth and security that the British public rightly expect from their Prime Minister,” he added in the video.

The video shared on his social media also showed the moments of joy he shared with other world leaders. He further shared a glimpse of his meetings held with global leaders.

Sunak departed on Sunday after attending a successful G20 Leaders Summit in New Delhi.

Sunak who arrived in the national capital on Friday, accompanied by wife Akshata Murty also offered prayers at the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham temple before paying his respects to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

Earlier on Friday, Sunak had in an interaction with ANI called himself ‘a proud Hindu’ and said he wished to visit the Mandir during his stay in the capital.

During the G20 Summit, the UK PM has called on leaders to work together ahead of the COP28 Summit this December to both reduce their countries own carbon emissions and support vulnerable economies to deal with the consequences of climate change.

The UK has led international efforts to help developing countries tackle climate change, including by pledging to spend 11.6 billion pounds on international climate finance between 2021 and 2026.

In a significant announcement, the UK PM also announced a USD 2 billion to the UN-backed Green Climate Fund the biggest single funding commitment the UK has made to help the world tackle climate change.

Iran very serious in confronting hostility of enemies: Leader

Addressing a group of people from Sistan and Baluchestan, and South Khorasan provinces on Monday, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said that the world is on the verge of an evolution.

This transformation includes several issues, including the weakening of the world’s arrogant powers, he said, adding that arrogant powers such as the US and some European countries have weakened and will become weaker.

The emergence of new regional and global powers is another part of this global transformation, he added.

The Leader went on to say that based on the received information, the American government has created a group, the mission of which is to create a crisis in countries, including Iran.

The American government has found out that there are several sensitive issues in Iran that can be turned into crises through provocation, Ayatollah Khamenei highlighted, referring to the diversity of ethnic groups, religions, and the issue of gender and women.

According to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, such dreams will never come true.

“The enemies are serious in their enmity and plotting, and we are also very serious in confronting them,” the Leader noted.

“America interfered in various governments, but the condition is now declining. Today, America has to create a combined war in order to hit the governments that it wants to hit, which is very costly for it, and will not work out in the end.”

As for the decline of Europe, the situation is no better.

“You hear these days how the African countries that were under the influence of France are rising against France one after another,” the Leader said.

“The Western powers, which are headed by America and then Europe, do not have the former power today, they are weakening and this weakness is increasing. Day by day, new powers are rising; this is a great global change.”

Nevertheless, “When we say the enemy is becoming weak, it doesn’t mean that it cannot plot, be hostile, and strike, it can,” Ayatollah Khamenei said.

“They are busy planning, we should not sleep, we should not be negligent.”

Elsewhere in his remarks, Ayatollah Khamenei said, “We must be careful not to go astray, not to make mistakes, not to exchange right for wrong.”

“The Qur’an has given us a standard. The Qur’an says that ‘Muhammad is the Messenger of God and those who are with him.’ Are we with the Prophet or not? This is the way, it has a sign.

“’And those who are with Him are bitter against the infidels.’ If you see that the way we are going is a path that makes the infidels happy, know that you are not bitter against the infidels. So you are not with the Messenger of God, you are not with the Prophet.”

Ayatollah Khamenei said, “We must be focused. We must know what we are doing and saying. The words we utter should not play into the enemy’s plan and complete its puzzle. This is dangerous.”

“Care must be taken that this does not happen. If we are careful, the enemy cannot do a damn thing.”

RHM/FNA14020620000225/Press TV

Hawaii's Kilauea volcano erupts for the third time this year

Webcam images show fissures at the base of the volcano’s crater that are generating lava flows on the surface of the crater floor.

The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency wrote on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, that the eruption “does not pose a lava threat to communities” though volcanic particles and gases may create breathing problems for people exposed.

The eruption was preceded by a period of strong seismicity and “rapid uplift” of the summit, according to USGS. The agency elevated Kilauea’s aviation color code from orange to red as it evaluates the eruption and its volcano alert from watch to warning, Reuters reported.

Located in a closed area of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kilauea is one of the world’s most active volcanoes. In 2019, a string of earthquakes and major eruption at Kilauea led to the destructions of hundreds of homes and businesses.

The volcano erupted in January and June of this year.

MP/PR

India, UK for early conclusion of free trade pact

India and the UK on Monday expressed their commitment to an early conclusion of the free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries.

Published Date – 05:30 PM, Mon – 11 September 23


India, UK for early conclusion of free trade pact

India and the UK on Monday expressed their commitment to an early conclusion of the free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries.

New Delhi: India and the UK on Monday expressed their commitment to an early conclusion of the free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries.

Addressing a joint press conference with UK Chancellor of Exchequer Jeremy Hunt, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said both sides intend to expedite the free trade agreement.

“There is definitely some discussion on the FTA…the key on both the sides is to conclude it as soon as possible,” she said at the conclusion of the 12th India-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue.

Hunt appreciated the efforts being made for the direct listing of Indian companies on the London Stock Exchange (LSE).

“We are particularly pleased to have made a big step forward with the first confirmation by India that it will explore the LSE as an international destination for the direct listing of Indian companies.

“Alongside that, there is a new Pensions and Insurance Partnership, the establishment of knowledge and expertise-sharing and the new UK Infrastructure Financing Bridge and a deepened partnership on the developmental GIFT City. So, we can really support each other’s plans to strengthen the relationship and the way the next step of this is a comprehensive FTA and Bilateral Investment Treaty,” Hunt said.

Sitharaman said emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and India’s new Digital Personal Data Protection Act offer ample opportunities for both nations to collaborate on frameworks for secure and inclusive financial intermediation.

“Success of the India-UK Green Growth Equity Fund is a testament to the efficacy of public-private partnerships in channelling large-scale sustainable finance,” she added.

German FM Berbock makes unannounced visit to Kyiv

“With enormous courage and determination, Ukraine is also defending the freedom of all of us,” Baerbock said in a statement released by the foreign ministry upon her arrival.

And Ukraine can “count on us” in return, Baerbock added, Barrons reported.

Germany will not let up in its efforts to support Ukraine in its defence against Russia economically, militarily, and in the humanitarian sphere, Baerbock said.

It was Baerbock’s fourth visit to Ukraine since the start of the war in February 2022.

Ukraine’s bid for European Union membership is expected to be among the topics of discussion with Ukrainian officials during this trip.

Ukraine received EU candidacy status a year ago and is hoping to begin formal negotiations this year on what it needs to do to firm up its membership bid.

MNA/PR

The Sea nominated for best low-budget film at Wales festival

Experiencing its 24th international presence, ‘The Sea’ had previously participated in the Madrid International Independent Film Festival, the 2022 Twin Rivers Multimedia Festival in the United States, as well as the London Short Film Festival in the UK.

It narrates the story of some guys who are planning to go on a trip to the north of Iran. 

The seventh edition of the annual Wales International Film Festival (WalesIFF) will be held online on 14-15 September 2023 on the SparqFest platform. 

SKH/5883664

Imran Khan seeks contempt of court proceedings against Attock jail superintendent after denied permission to talk to his sons

Imran Khan is in judicial custody till September 13 in the cipher case for allegedly disclosing state secrets

Published Date – 06:03 PM, Mon – 11 September 23


Imran Khan seeks contempt of court proceedings against Attock jail superintendent after denied permission to talk to his sons

FIle Photo

Islamabad: Pakistan’s jailed former prime minister Imran Khan on Monday filed a petition in a special court seeking contempt of court proceedings against the Attock jail superintendent for allegedly denying him permission to speak to his sons over the phone, according to a media report.

Khan, 70, is in judicial custody till September 13 in the cipher case for allegedly disclosing state secrets. He has been incarcerated in the Attock prison since his arrest on August 5 after a trial convicted him in the Toshakhana corruption case.

Last month, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief was granted permission by the special court, formed to hear cases registered under the Official Secrets Act, to speak to his sons – Qasim and Sulaiman.

However, Khan in the petition sought contempt of court proceedings against the Attock jail superintendent for violating the court’s order, Geo News reported.

In the petition, Khan claimed that jail officials denied him permission to have telephonic conversations with his sons on the pretext that he was held under the Secrets Act.

Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain issued notice to Superintendent Attock Jail Arif Shehzad and sought a report on the implementation of the court’s order on September 15.

The purported cipher (secret diplomatic cable) contained an account of a meeting between US State Department officials, including Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu, and Pakistani envoy Asad Majeed Khan last year.

Of late, Khan has come under increased scrutiny following the publication of a purported copy of the secret cable by the US media outlet The Intercept, with many in the previous government led by Shehbaz Sharif pointing fingers at the PTI chief for being the source of the leak.

A division bench comprising Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Aamir Farooq and Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri on Wednesday suspended Khan’s three-year sentence in Toshakhana corruption and ordered his release from the jail in Punjab province. But he remained in jail after a special court last month extended till September 13 the judicial remand of Imran Khan in the cipher case.

Earlier, Khan, through his lawyers had filed a petition before Judge Zulqarnain seeking permission to talk to his sons Qasim and Sulaiman — living in London with their mother — on the telephone.

The judge had directed the Attock Jail officials to make arrangements for the father to speak to the sons over the phone.

Geo News mentioned how the government of Imran Khan in 2018 did not allow former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to speak to his ailing wife who was then battling cancer in a London hospital. Begum Kulsoom Nawaz passed away in September 2018 in the UK capital.

South Korea sees possibility of DPRK’s Kim visiting Russia

“The defense ministry assesses that there is a possibility of Kim Jong Un visiting Russia,” Jeon said.

“If the visit takes place, [we] assess that a summit with Russian President [Vladimir] Putin is being pursued,” TASS quoted him as citing.

The New York Times reported earlier, citing sources among US officials and their allies, that the North Korean leader is planning to visit Russia in September. According to the newspaper, North Korea’s Kim may meet with Putin in Vladivostok in Russia’s Far East in mid-September. NYT sources also said that Kim may visit Moscow and the Vostochny spaceport.

Asked if he can confirm that arrangements are underway for such a summit, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in September, “I have nothing to tell you.” Putin and Kim met in Vladivostok in April 2019.

MP/PR

Iranian athlete shine in Moscow rowing competitions

Shirzad Ghaderi and Hamidreza Rezvani grabbed gold and silver medals respectively in the final of the 500-m heavyweight single sculls on Monday in Moscow, Russia.

The rowers from Russia and China came third and fourth, respectively.

Ghaderi and Rezvani will compete with opponents in the 2000-m rowing ergometer competition tomorrow.

For the second year in a row, high-level competitions are held in Novik Bay. In 2022, the main event of the tournament was the participation of the Chinese team, led by Tokyo 2020 medalist Zhang Liang. This year, prominent rowers from eight countries, including Serbia and Cuba, came to compete in Vladivostok.

AMK/IRIB3973264

Libyan city of Derna declared disaster zone after devastating flooding

At least seven people were reported dead Monday in an initial tally in the coastal town of Susa in northeastern Libya

Published Date – 06:34 PM, Mon – 11 September 23


Libyan city of Derna declared disaster zone after devastating flooding

At least seven people were reported dead Monday in an initial tally in the coastal town of Susa in northeastern Libya

Cairo: Authorities in eastern Libya declared the city of Derna a disaster zone Monday after the Mediterranean storm Daniel caused devastating floods over the weekend in different parts of the North African nation.

At least seven people were reported dead Monday in an initial tally in the coastal town of Susa in northeastern Libya, according to the Ambulance and Emergency Authority, and one other person was confirmed dead Sunday.

The man was stuck in his car and surrounded by floods in the eastern town of Marj, according to Walid al-Arfi, spokesperson for the government-run emergency response agency in eastern Libya.

The Libyan Red Crescent said it lost contact with one of its workers as he attempted to help a stuck family in the town of Bayda.

Dozens of others were reported missing, and authorities fear they could have died in the floods that destroyed homes and other properties in several towns in eastern Libya, according to local media.

Over the weekend, Libyans shared footage on social media showing flooded housed and roads in many areas across eastern Libya. They pleaded for help as floods besieged people inside their homes and in their vehicles.

Ossama Hamad, the prime minister of the east Libya government, has declared Derna a disaster zone after heavy rainfall and floods destroyed much of the city.

Hamad’s government declared a state of emergency Saturday and suspended classes as a precaution ahead of the storm, which made landfall overnight.

Controlling eastern and western Libya, Cmdr. Khalifa Hifter deployed troops to help residents in Benghazi and other eastern towns.

Ahmed al-Mosmari, a spokesperson for Hifter’s forces, said they lost contact with five troops who were helping besieged families in Bayda.

The storm is expected to arrive in parts of west Egypt on Monday, and the country’s meteorological authorities warned about possible rain and bad weather.