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Wednesday, March 25, 2026

16 dead after bus plunges into river in Bangladesh, search on for missing

Dhaka, Mar 26 (PTI): At least 16 people have died and several others remain missing after a bus plunged into a river in Bangladesh while attempting to get onto a transport ferry, officials said.The accident happened in the southwestern district of Rajbari at the Dauladia terminal when the bus fell into the Padma River at about 5.15 pm on Wednesday, they said. “(Salvage vessel) Hamza retrieved the bus with its cranes and 14 bodies were found inside,” fire service official Sohel Rana told reporters at the scene.He added that the divers earlier recovered bodies of two women in their late 50s or early 60s and found the 14 others as the bus was salvaged at around Wednesday midnight after six hours of efforts amid rough weather.Fire service and coastguard divers continued their search for the missing people with military and police assistance, according to Rana.Officials said they estimated that the Dhaka-bound bus was carrying some 40 passengers including several children, and most were returning to the capital after ending their Eid holidays.According to the Rajbari district administration officials, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman called them to know salvage campaign updates and ordered investigation into the accident.Police and witnesses earlier said about 11 passengers managed to swim ashore or were rescued but most others remained missing.“When the bus was heading towards the ferry from the pontoon, another smaller utility ferry hit the pontoon. It plunged into the river as the bus driver lost control of the steering,” the terminal’s supervisor Monir Hossain said.“Right before our eyes, the bus fell into the river, but we could do nothing,” he added.Doctors at Dauladia health complex said two women were brought dead while another woman, herself a doctor, received treatment.According to witnesses and officials, many of the passengers were members of the same family. While several of them survived as they stood outside, their relatives were in the bus as it drowned. PTI AR PRK(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/16-dead-after-bus-plunges-into-river-in-bangladesh-search-on-for-missing-1832974

US President Trump to visit China in May after rescheduling trip due to Iran war

Washington, Mar 25 (PTI): US President Donald Trump will travel to China on May 14 and 15 for a rescheduled summit with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, the White House announced on Wednesday. Trump, who was earlier scheduled to travel to Beijing by the end of this month, postponed his trip due to the war in Iran. Announcing Trump’s “long-awaited” trip to China, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the US president and First Lady Melania will also host President Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, for a reciprocal visit to Washington DC at a later date this year. Responding to a question if the two leaders spoke about the conclusion of the war as a precondition to reschedule this meeting, she answered there was no discussion about the rescheduling of the meeting between the president and Xi. “President Xi understood that it's very important for the president to be here throughout the region right now. He understood, obviously, the request to postpone and accept it, which is why we have a meeting,” Leavitt said. Asked if the war would conclude by the time of the meeting in May, Leavitt said, “Again, as I've said, we've always estimated approximately four to six weeks.” Trump and Xi last met in person in October on the sidelines of the APEC summit in Busan, South Korea. Trump said last week while meeting with Irish Prime Minister Michel Martin in the Oval Office that he would be going to China in five or six weeks' time instead of at the end of the month. He said he would be rescheduling his trip to China. “We're working with China, they were fine with it,” Trump said. “I look forward to seeing President Xi. He looks forward to seeing me, I think,” he added. The US-Israel launched a joint attack on Iran on February 28 and the retaliation by the Islamic nation extended the war to the entire Gulf region. The US and Israel attack killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The joint strikes came after days of build-up, with Trump ramping up the pressure on Tehran to agree to a new deal on its nuclear programme. The conflict has also taken a major toll on energy supply chains, especially across the Strait of Hormuz. PTI SKU GSP GSP(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-president-trump-to-visit-china-in-may-after-rescheduling-trip-due-to-iran-war-1832969

Balen Shah Set To Take Oath As Nepal PM On Friday

Kathmandu, Mar 25 (PTI) Balendra Shah 'Balen,' a senior leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, is likely to be sworn-in as Nepal's youngest prime minister on Friday, an RSP leader said Wednesday. Shah, popular as 'Balen,' who was projected by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) as the prime ministerial candidate during the campaign ahead of the March 5 general election, will also be the first person from the Madhes region to hold the top executive post in the country. Balen, 35, will be sworn-in as a member of the House of Representatives (HoR) on Thursday by 78-year-old Arjun Narsing KC, the eldest among the newly elected members of the HoR and then on Friday, he will be given oath as the prime minister by President Ramchandra Paudel. On Thursday, the RSP will hold its central committee meeting, which will form the Parliamentary Party. The Parliamentary Party meeting will then elect Balen as its leader, formally qualifying him for the top executive post of the country, according to Shanker Shrestha, secretary of the RSP's central organisation committee. The central secretariat will then finalise the names of the ministers to be inducted in the new council of ministers on Thursday itself, he added. Earlier on Wednesday, as per the tradition, President Paudel administered oath of office and secrecy to KC, elected to the Lower House under the proportionate voting system representing Nepali Congress party. On Thursday, KC will administer oaths to all the newly elected members of the HoR, including Balen, as the Parliament is yet to elect its Speaker, sources said. The president will then initiate the process of formation of the government by making a formal call by Thursday evening, according to sources at the President's office. As the RSP secured 182 seats out of a total 275 seats in the HoR, it is eligible to form a majority government under Article 76 (1) of the Constitution. According to sources at the President's Office, Balen, 35, will be sworn-in as the prime minister during a special ceremony at the President's Office, Sheetal Niwas on Friday, March 27. Sources close to Balen's secretariat said he is likely to form a small cabinet with the number ranging between 15 to 18. Earlier in the month, Nepal chose fresher Balen and his RSP to form the next government decimating the traditional parties in the first general elections since last year's violent Gen Z protests that sought generational change and corruption-free regime. Rapper-turned-politician Balen defeated four-time prime minister K P Sharma Oli, the chair of Nepal's legacy party, the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) by a huge margin in Jhapa-5 constituency, the latter's stronghold for decades.  (Disclaimer: This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/balen-shah-set-to-take-oath-as-nepal-pm-on-friday-1832957

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

Fire Erupts At Kuwait International Airport After Drone Hits Fuel Tank

A drone strike triggered a fire at Kuwait International Airport on Wednesday, marking another escalation in the widening West Asia conflict. Authorities said the attack struck a fuel storage tank, setting off a blaze that was later brought under control with no reported casualties. Officials described the damage as limited, though the incident prompted swift emergency action and renewed concerns about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure. <h3>Firefighters Contain Blaze After Fuel Tank Hit</h3> According to Kuwait’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation, emergency teams responded immediately after the strike ignited flames at the airport. Fire crews worked to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to other facilities, as reported by AFP. Agency spokesman Abdullah Al-Rajhi said the impact was “limited,” confirming that firefighters were continuing operations to fully extinguish the blaze. Preliminary assessments indicated that the attack caused only material damage. <h3>Air Defences Activated Across Kuwait</h3> The Kuwait National Guard reported intercepting six drones earlier in the day, while the Kuwaiti military said its air defence systems were actively engaging incoming threats. In an official statement, authorities reassured residents that loud explosions heard in the capital were the result of defensive interceptions targeting missiles and drones, rather than direct hits on populated areas. <h3>Iran Claims Responsibility For Regional Strikes</h3> Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for launching missiles and drones targeting Israel as well as U.S. military bases in Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain. Iranian state media said “precision-guided” weapons were used in the attacks. Kuwait confirmed its air defence systems were responding to the strikes, though so far the damage reported within the country has been confined to infrastructure. <h3>Repeated Attacks Disrupt Aviation In Gulf</h3> Wednesday’s strike is the latest in a string of attacks targeting Kuwait’s main airport since the conflict intensified on February 28. Earlier incidents include a March 14 drone strike on radar systems and a March 8 attack that damaged fuel storage facilities. A separate strike on a passenger terminal had left several people with minor injuries. The ongoing hostilities have significantly disrupted air travel across the Gulf region. Airlines have either suspended or reduced operations due to security risks and logistical challenges, including fuel supply concerns. In neighbouring Saudi Arabia, authorities reported intercepting four drones in eastern provinces, underscoring the broader regional spread of the conflict. <h3>Security Tightened As Investigations Begin</h3> Kuwaiti authorities have launched investigations into the latest attack while stepping up security at key infrastructure sites, including airports and energy facilities. The repeated targeting of Kuwait International Airport highlights growing risks to civilian infrastructure as the conflict intensifies, raising fears of further disruptions and potential escalation in the days ahead.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/kuwait-international-airport-status-fire-erupts-after-drone-hits-fuel-tank-iran-israel-conflict-1832797

‘Talking Sense’: Trump Says Iran Accepts No-Nuclear Condition Amid Ongoing Talks

In a striking assertion during a volatile phase of the West Asia conflict, Donald Trump said Iran has committed to abandoning any pursuit of nuclear weapons despite continued fighting and firm denials from Tehran that negotiations are even taking place. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump projected confidence that diplomatic engagement was gaining traction after weeks of hostilities. He said that the parties were talking to the United States and making sense, and emphasised that it all began with the fact that they could not have a nuclear weapon. He explained that he had told them that was number one, two, and three, and added that they had agreed. <h3>Strait Of Hormuz Offer Signals Possible Opening</h3> The U.S. President also pointed to what he described as a significant concession from Iran tied to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil transit chokepoint that has been disrupted during the conflict. Trump referred to a “very big present” from Tehran, suggesting it could be linked to restoring stability in the shipping corridor. However, he stopped short of detailing the nature of the offer, leaving analysts uncertain about its scope or credibility. Trump nevertheless emphasised Washington’s leverage in the situation, stating: “We will have control of anything we want”, as reported by Tiimes of India.  <h3>Nuclear Demands Remain Central To US Position</h3> Trump reiterated that dismantling Iran’s nuclear capabilities remains a non-negotiable condition for peace. He underscored the administration’s hardline stance by insisting on the complete surrender of nuclear material. The comments come amid lingering concerns over Iran’s nuclear activities. Although Tehran had previously indicated it would not pursue nuclear weapons in earlier engagements with Western nations, it has continued enriching uranium to levels approaching weapons-grade. Trump also referenced last year’s “Operation Midnight Hammer,” claiming it had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. More recent strikes, he suggested, are aimed at preventing any rebuilding efforts while also targeting missile systems seen as threats to Israel and U.S. allies. <h3>Troop Deployment Signals Continued Military Pressure</h3> Even as talk of diplomacy surfaces, the United States is preparing for further military escalation. Reports indicate that a brigade combat team from the 82nd Airborne Division—around 3,000 troops—will be deployed to the Middle East. Based in North Carolina, the division is regarded as one of the U.S. military’s most rapid-response forces, capable of mobilising quickly for overseas operations. The deployment is expected to bolster ongoing U.S. and Israeli actions against Iranian targets. <h3>Iran Denies Talks As Mediation Efforts Emerge</h3> Despite Trump’s optimistic tone, Iranian officials have rejected claims that negotiations are underway, maintaining a stance of resistance. Leaders in Tehran have vowed to continue fighting “until complete victory,” signaling little immediate appetite for compromise. Meanwhile, Shehbaz Sharif has emerged as a potential intermediary, offering to facilitate dialogue between the two sides. Trump acknowledged that senior members of his administration—including J.D. Vance, Marco Rubio, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner—are actively involved in outreach efforts.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/trump-announcement-today-us-president-says-iran-accepts-no-nuclear-condition-amid-talks-iran-israel-conflict-1832789

US Sends 15-Point War Exit Plan To Iran Via Pakistan Amid Escalating Conflict: Report

Amid intensifying hostilities in West Asia, fresh reports indicate that Washington may be exploring a quiet diplomatic channel with Tehran even as military operations continue at full throttle. According to multiple U.S. and Israeli media outlets, a detailed proposal has allegedly been conveyed to Iran in a bid to de-escalate the ongoing conflict. While the development has drawn global attention, independent confirmation remains elusive, and key stakeholders appear divided over whether talks are truly underway. <h3>Proposal Routed Through Pakistan Raises Questions</h3> Citing unnamed sources, The New York Times reported that the United States has transmitted a 15-point proposal to Iran through Pakistan. The plan is said to address critical flashpoints, including Tehran’s nuclear and missile programmes, as well as maritime security concerns in the region. Separately, ABC News corroborated that the proposal was relayed via Islamabad, quoting two individuals familiar with the matter. However, the sources declined to reveal specifics—such as the intended recipients within Iran’s leadership or the finer details of the plan. It also remains unclear whether Israel is formally on board with the initiative. Despite these reports, Iranian officials have dismissed claims of any ongoing negotiations, maintaining that no such diplomatic engagement is taking place. <h3>White House Signals Dual Strategy</h3> Even as speculation grows around a potential diplomatic opening, the White House has reiterated that military objectives remain firmly in focus. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt underscored this approach, stating: “As President Trump and his team explore this new diplomatic opening, Operation Epic Fury continues in full force.” <h3>Conflict Deepens Across Region</h3> The reported proposal comes against the backdrop of a rapidly escalating conflict. On February 28, President Donald Trump announced the launch of “major combat operations” targeting Iran, marking a significant escalation involving coordinated U.S.–Israeli strikes on key military and government sites. In a dramatic development early in the campaign, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in Tehran. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, has since assumed leadership, signaling a major shift in Iran’s political landscape. Tehran has responded with a series of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel, U.S. military installations, and Gulf nations. Additionally, Iran has attempted to disrupt maritime traffic through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Israel has widened its military campaign in Lebanon, stepping up operations against Hezbollah and pushing further into southern parts of the country.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/latest-iran-war-news-us-reportedly-sends-15-point-plan-to-iran-via-pakistan-amid-escalating-war-1832786

Iran agreed not to have nuclear weapon, sent big present to US: Trump

Washington, Mar 25 (PTI): US President Donald Trump said Iran agreed never to have a nuclear weapon and sent a “significant prize” related to the Strait of Hormuz even as he declared victory in the three-week war.Speaking to reporters at the Oval Office on Tuesday, Trump claimed Iran was keen to “make a deal” and indicated that Vice President J D Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special envoy on Middle East Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were leading the negotiations.The President said that the current Iranian leadership had already undergone significant changes.“It’s what we really have, regime change. You know, this is a change in the regime because the leaders are all very different from the ones that we started off with that created all those problems,” he said.Earlier, Trump endorsed a social media post by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on facilitating the talks between Iran and the US. Sharif also offered to host the talks for a comprehensive settlement of the ongoing conflict.“I don't want to say in advance, but they've agreed they will never have a nuclear weapon,” Trump told reporters after the swearing in ceremony of Markwayne Mullin as the new secretary for Department of Homeland Security.Trump said the Iranian leadership gave the US a "significant prize" related to the Strait of Hormuz and the flow of oil.“They are going to make a deal. They did something yesterday that was amazing, actually. They gave us a present. And the present arrived today. It was a very big present worth a tremendous amount of money,” the US President said.“I am not going to tell you what that present is, but it was a very significant prize. And they gave it to us,” he said.“So that meant one thing to me, we're dealing with the right people. No, it wasn't nuclear weapons. It was oil and gas related,” Trump said.The US President asserted that the war against Iran has been won.“I don't like to say this. We've won this. This war has been won... It's like we're not winning a war where they have no Navy and they have no Air Force and they have no nothing. And we literally have planes flying over Tehran and other parts of their country. They can't do a thing about it,” Trump said.He said the US obliterated Iran’s nuclear potential, which could have been used against American allies in the Middle East.“We obliterated it. Just obliterated their nuclear potential. You would have had them having two weeks after that attack, had we not made the attack (using B-2 bombers). They would have had a nuclear weapon. They would have absolutely used it. And they would have used it on the entire Middle East, including Israel,” Trump said.Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said never in history has a modern military been so rapidly and historically obliterated, defeated from day one.“Never in history has a modern military, Iran had a modern military, a modern Navy, a modern Air Force, modern air defences, leadership, massive bunker. Never has a modern military been so rapidly and historically obliterated, defeated from day one with overwhelming firepower,” Hegseth said. PTI SKU PRK(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/iran-agreed-not-to-have-nuclear-weapon-sent-big-present-to-us-trump-1832785