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Friday, February 6, 2026

US Imposes Fresh Sanctions On Iran Oil Hours After Talks In Oman

The United States has imposed fresh sanctions on Iran’s oil trade, targeting 15 entities and 14 vessels linked to what Washington described as illicit exports of petroleum and petrochemical products. The move came just hours after indirect nuclear talks between the US and Iran concluded in Oman. American officials said the measures are part of a renewed “maximum pressure” campaign, even as both sides signalled cautious engagement following the latest round of diplomacy. <h2>14 Vessels & 15 Firms Targeted</h2> Announcing the action on Friday, the US State Department said it would block transactions involving 14 vessels allegedly used to transport Iranian oil, including ships flagged in Turkiye and India. Sanctions were also imposed on 15 entities and two individuals accused of facilitating Iran’s petroleum, petroleum products and petrochemical exports. State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said Iran uses oil revenues to “fund destabilising activities around the world and step up repression at home”. He added that President Donald Trump remains committed to driving down Iran’s exports under Washington’s maximum pressure strategy. <h2>Sanctions Follow Talks In Oman</h2> The announcement came shortly after indirect discussions in Muscat between Iranian officials and senior US envoys on Tehran’s nuclear programme. Iran’s foreign minister said the talks were held in a “positive atmosphere”, though no breakthrough was announced. The diplomatic engagement follows months of heightened tension, including US threats of force and a build-up of American military assets near Iran’s coastline. Washington said the new sanctions are intended to disrupt what it calls Iran’s “shadow fleet”, a network of vessels and front companies used to evade restrictions on oil shipments. Despite the parallel tracks of diplomacy and pressure, US officials made clear that economic coercion would continue alongside talks. Analysts say the timing of the measures underscores the Biden-era playbook’s successor: engaging Tehran at the negotiating table while tightening enforcement on energy exports.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-imposes-fresh-sanctions-on-iran-oil-hours-after-talks-in-oman-1825845

Thursday, February 5, 2026

'Pride Of Muslim Women': Zohran Mamdani Faces Backlash Over World Hijab Day Post

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s office has ignited controversy after marking World Hijab Day with a celebratory message, drawing sharp criticism from activists and commentators who say the gesture ignores the harsh reality faced by women in Iran, where wearing the hijab is enforced by law. The message, shared by the city’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, framed the hijab as a symbol of empowerment and faith. However, its timing has prompted intense debate, as Iranian women continue to protest compulsory hijab laws, often at great personal risk. <h3>New York City Mayor Mamdani’s Office Message & Its Intent</h3> In a post published on February 1, the Office of Immigrant Affairs stated: “February 1st is #WorldHijabDay! Today, we honor the faith, identity, and pride of Muslim women and girls worldwide who choose to wear the hijab — a powerful symbol of devotion and heritage.” <iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://ift.tt/rFSG86s" width="500" height="756" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Supporters of the message argued that it was meant to affirm the rights of Muslim women in the United States to practice their faith freely, particularly amid ongoing concerns about Islamophobia. Mamdani himself has previously highlighted discrimination faced by Muslim New Yorkers, especially in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. He has recounted how his aunt stopped taking the subway because she felt unsafe wearing a hijab, and how he was advised to downplay his faith while entering public life. “These are lessons so many Muslim New Yorkers have been taught,” he said on an earlier occasion. <h3>Critics Point To Iran’s Brutal Reality</h3> Opponents of the post, however, said the celebratory tone overlooked the suffering of women in Iran, where the hijab is not a choice but a legal obligation. Iranian-American journalist Masih Alinejad denounced the message, saying it was deeply hurtful to see New York’s leadership praise the hijab while women in Iran are “jailed, shot, and killed” for refusing to wear it, as per NDTV. French philosopher Bernard-Henri Lévy also criticized the timing, observing that while Mayor Mamdani praised the hijab as a symbol of pride, Iranian women were being “tortured and murdered” for rejecting it. Lévy reflected on his personal history, recalling how his own mother once felt “alive, free, and happy” when she stepped outside without wearing one. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Mr. <a href="https://twitter.com/ZohranKMamdani?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZohranKMamdani</a>, really? Right now? To be honest, I feel tortured in my own beautiful city of New York, watching you celebrate “World Hijab Day” while women in my wounded country, Iran, are being jailed, shot, and killed for refusing the hijab and the Islamic ideology behind… <a href="https://t.co/EW0GLq9I5n">https://t.co/EW0GLq9I5n</a> — Masih Alinejad 🏳️ (@AlinejadMasih) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlinejadMasih/status/2019044271043588296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" async="" charset="utf-8"></script> <h3>A Symbol At Center Of Protest</h3> The hijab has become a focal point of resistance in Iran, particularly since the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini while in the custody of the country’s morality police. Although enforcement of hijab laws has since been uneven, many women continue to face arrest, violence, and severe punishment for appearing in public without the head covering. As protests persist, critics say global leaders and institutions must distinguish between defending religious freedom and overlooking state-imposed coercion. The debate surrounding New York City’s World Hijab Day message highlights how a single symbol can carry vastly different meanings across borders—empowerment for some, oppression for others.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/zohran-mamdani-world-hijab-day-post-backlash-identity-pride-of-muslim-women-new-york-city-iran-1825684

Eight Killed As Wedding Bus Meets With Accident In Western Nepal

Kathmandu, Feb 5 (IANS) At least eight persons were killed after a bus carrying a wedding procession met with an accident in Baitadi district of far-western Nepal on Thursday evening, a senior police officer said. “The bus, which was returning with the wedding procession, crashed in Purchaudi Municipality of the district at around 8 pm on Thursday,” Deputy Superintendent of Police Deepak Kumar Rae told IANS. He said as many as 45 people were injured, with 16 receiving treatment at local health posts, while others were referred to hospitals with better facilities. “The bride and groom remained safe as they were travelling in another vehicle,” Rae said. According to the police, the exact cause of the accident could not be identified immediately. Chief District Officer Krishna Thapa said nearly 60 people were travelling on the bus when the accident occurred on Thursday night. He said a rescue operation was carried out involving the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and local residents. With the rise in the number of vehicles plying on the roads and improved road connectivity across the country, Nepal has also been witnessing an increase in road accidents in recent years. A decade ago, 4,999 road accidents were reported, according to the Traffic Police Office. In the fiscal year 2024–25, the country recorded 7,669 road accidents and 190 deaths, the office said. Of the total accidents, 278 were classified as serious. Apart from the enormous human toll, road safety has a major economic impact. A World Bank study in Nepal showed that the economic cost of road traffic injuries has increased threefold since 2007 and is equivalent to 1.5 per cent of the gross national product. Road crashes also have a devastating and disproportionate impact on the poor. More than 70 per cent of all road fatality victims in Nepal are vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists, the World Bank said. The loss of income and medical expenses from a crash can push families into deep poverty.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/8-killed-in-nepal-bus-accident-carrying-wedding-party-1825680

ABP Live Deep Dive | After Washington Post Cuts, Media Fraternity Rallies To Support Colleagues

The media world is reeling after the Washington Post announced a major round of layoffs this week, affecting hundreds of editorial, production, and support staff. The move, reportedly part of broader cost-cutting measures amid declining ad revenues and shifting subscription dynamics, has left many journalists and industry professionals scrambling for stability. In the wake of the layoffs, other major media organisations, including Financial Times, Bloomberg, Reuters, and Axios, have stepped forward to support affected employees. <iframe title="Embedded post" src="https://ift.tt/29XF4OP" width="504" height="410" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Across LinkedIn and social media, these companies have posted a wave of vacancies, fellowship opportunities, and temporary roles, signalling a coordinated effort to absorb talent and prevent a massive drain on journalism expertise. Industry experts note that while layoffs are unfortunately common in legacy media, the response from peer organisations highlights a growing culture of mutual support.<iframe title="Embedded post" src="https://ift.tt/vzfoN5K" width="504" height="494" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Beyond formal hiring, industry peers who aren’t in recruitment positions have stepped up in less formal but equally impactful ways. Many have used their networks to connect affected colleagues with potential opportunities, shared posts about available roles, and facilitated introductions across professional circles. This grassroots support reflects a growing culture of solidarity and mutual aid within the journalism community, where professional reputation and trust often drive new opportunities. <iframe title="Embedded post" src="https://ift.tt/CnoubHV" width="504" height="263" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> HR leaders and career coaches are also emphasising strategies for professionals to navigate the sudden career disruption: updating LinkedIn profiles, leveraging professional networks, pursuing freelance and contract work, and reskilling in digital media, data journalism, and multimedia reporting. Analysts say this scenario also reflects broader industry trends. Traditional print and even digital-first publications are consolidating, automating, or pivoting towards subscription-based revenue models, while talent demand is rising in new media startups, newsletters, podcasting, and fintech-related journalism. For many, the disruption may open new pathways, even as it underscores the fragility of employment in high-profile newsrooms.  

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/abp-live-deep-dive-washington-post-journalism-fraternity-layoffs-support-new-york-times-bloomberg-financial-times-network-support-1825676

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

‘Respect Can’t Be Bought’: India-US Trade Deal Sends Pakistan Into Political Frenzy

India’s US trade deal has sparked backlash in Pakistan, where critics say months of outreach failed as New Delhi secured lower tariffs. India’s newly concluded trade agreement with the United States has triggered a wave of criticism and soul-searching in Pakistan, where commentators and opposition leaders say Islamabad’s months-long diplomatic push toward Washington failed to deliver meaningful economic gains. The sharp contrast between the tariff outcomes for the two South Asian neighbours has become the focal point of a heated public debate. <h3>India’s Hard Bargain Pays Off</h3> According to the announced terms, US tariffs on Indian exports have been set at 18 percent. The figure is notable not only for its economic implications but also for the optics surrounding the deal. India held its ground through prolonged negotiations, resisting pressure from US President Donald Trump, yet emerged with more favourable terms, as per a report on NDTV. Trump himself underscored the moment on social media, sharing images of India Gate and a magazine cover featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi alongside him before confirming the reduced tariff rate. The announcement reinforced the perception that New Delhi’s firm, interest-driven negotiating strategy yielded results, even without public gestures of alignment or praise. <h3>Pakistan’s Outreach Under Fire</h3> In Pakistan, the response has been markedly different. The country faces a 19 percent tariff on its exports to the US—one percentage point higher than India—despite what critics describe as extraordinary efforts to court the Trump administration. These included nominating Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize and backing his role in global peace initiatives, steps that were once defended as pragmatic diplomacy, reported Times of India. Instead, those gestures have now become symbols of frustration. Analysts argue that Pakistan’s emphasis on personal diplomacy and goodwill failed to translate into economic leverage. The disappointment deepened as India also went on to secure notable trade concessions from the European Union, further widening the perceived gap in outcomes. <h3>Political Fallout & Public Reaction</h3> Public sentiment in Pakistan quickly spilled onto social media, where memes and satirical posts likened the tariff difference to a scoreline between rival teams. Opposition figures seized on the issue to question the government’s broader foreign policy approach. Former PTI minister Hammad Azhar was among the most vocal critics, writing on X: “Foreign policy today isn’t about optics or personal ties—it’s about economic leverage, tariffs, and market access. India’s recent deals with both the EU and the US prove this point. Flattery and photo opportunities achieve nothing.” The trade deal, announced on February 2, has since become a political flashpoint. Opposition leaders argue that India negotiated from a position of strategic autonomy, while Pakistan relied too heavily on symbolic gestures and personal outreach, ultimately settling for a less favourable result. As the debate continues, the tariff gap has come to represent larger questions about economic strategy, diplomacy, and Pakistan’s place in an increasingly transactional global order.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/india-us-trade-deal-sends-pakistan-into-political-frenzy-respect-can-t-be-bought-1825529

'Bad Day': Shashi Tharoor's Son Ishaan Loses Job As Washington Post Lays Off One-Third Staff

Washington Post Layoffs: Ishaan Tharoor, son of Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, was among the journalists laid off by The Washington Post on Wednesday as the US newspaper cut nearly one-third of its workforce in a sweeping restructuring drive. The job losses form part of a broader shake-up at the Jeff Bezos-owned publication, which has also shut down its sports desk, closed several overseas bureaus, and discontinued its long-running books coverage, according to reports. <h2>Ishaan Tharoor Confirms Layoff</h2> Tharoor, a senior international affairs columnist at the paper, confirmed his layoff in a series of posts on X. The New York Times reported that more than 300 of the roughly 800 journalists in the newsroom were let go. Sharing what appeared to be an image from the newsroom, featuring the paper’s iconic slogan “Democracy Dies in Darkness”, Tharoor captioned the post simply: “A bad day.” The message was reshared by his father on X. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"> A bad day <a href="https://t.co/cIX8rIjJPu">pic.twitter.com/cIX8rIjJPu</a> — Ishaan Tharoor (@ishaantharoor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ishaantharoor/status/2019054556097691661?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" async="" charset="utf-8"></script> In a subsequent post, he described the decision as devastating. “I have been laid off today from The Washington Post, along with most of the International staff and so many other wonderful colleagues,” he wrote. “I’m heartbroken for our newsroom and especially for the peerless journalists who served the Post internationally — editors and correspondents who have been my friends and collaborators for almost 12 years.” Reflecting on his work, Tharoor said he launched the WorldView column in January 2017 to help readers better understand global affairs and America’s role in the world. He thanked the column’s “half a million loyal subscribers” who followed it over the years. <h2>Deep Cuts Across Desks And Bureaus</h2> The scale of the layoffs has sent shockwaves through the newsroom of the 148-year-old paper. Executive Editor Matt Murray called the decision painful but unavoidable, saying the organisation needed to adapt to changing technology and reader habits. “We can’t be everything to everyone,” Murray said in a note to staff, according to the Associated Press. The cuts affect the international, editing, metro, and sports desks. Several journalists took to social media to confirm their departures. Cairo bureau chief Claire Parker said she and all Middle East correspondents and editors had been laid off, calling the decision difficult to comprehend. The layoffs come days after The Washington Post reduced its coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics as it continues to grapple with financial losses, Reuters reported. Founded in 1877, the newspaper was acquired by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos in 2013, when he bought it from the Graham family for $250 million.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/washington-post-layoffs-shashi-tharoor-son-ishaan-tharoor-loses-job-one-third-staff-slashed-1825504

Bangladesh’s Jamaat-e-Islami announces polls manifesto pledging inclusion of women in cabinet

Dhaka, Feb 4 (PTI): Bangladesh’s main Islamic party Jamaat-e-Islami on Wednesday announced a 41-point manifesto ahead of planned February 12 elections, pledging inclusion of women in the cabinet alongside reforms in the justice and economic sectors.Jamaat’s chief Shafiqur Rahman announced the manifesto, which pledged to include a "significant number of women in the cabinet" if the party was voted to power, though it did not field any female candidates. “The cabinet will reflect the diversity of the nation by ensuring representation of religious and ethnic communities and other historically under-represented sections of society,” the manifesto read. It also promised a safe working environment for women while upholding their dignity.It pledged that working hours for women during maternity would be reduced to five per day with the mother's consent. The Jamaat chief’s pledge came days after a screenshot of a post involving women was circulated from his verified X account on social media, but it was deleted immediately with the party claiming the account had been hacked. The party pledged to transform Bangladesh into a USD 2 trillion economy by 2040 and raise per capita income to USD 10,000.As of early 2026, the volume of the Bangladesh economy is approximately USD 475 billion in nominal terms, but if the Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) is estimated, the total volume is estimated at USD 1.78 trillion.According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics of early 2026, the per capita income in the country in 2026 is approximately USD 2,820. Former prime minister late Khaleda Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), now led by her son Tarique Rahman since her death in December, emerged as the forerunner in the changed political landscape after a violent uprising toppled then prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League. BNP’s once ally, Jamaat-e-Islami, appeared as its main rival in the absence of Awami League, which was disbanded by Muhammad Yunus’ interim government.BNP is yet to announce its manifesto for the election, which is expected to end the unscheduled tenure of Yunus’ government. PTI AR RD RD RD(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/bangladesh-s-jamaat-e-islami-announces-polls-manifesto-pledging-inclusion-of-women-in-cabinet-1825500