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Saturday, July 4, 2026

EXCLUSIVE | PoK Protesters Seek India's Help Amid Food Blockade, Back Reunification

On the 26th day of continuous protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), prominent protest organiser Sardar Aman Khan highlighted that the Pakistani administration has cut off essential food supplies to PoK for the last three weeks, causing a severe humanitarian and food shortage. Seeking immediate help from India, Aman Khan made a desperate appeal to the people of Jammu’s Poonch, Mendhar, Rajouri, and Doda regions for assistance. Apart from seeking help to address the food shortage, Sardar Aman Khan also dropped a major hint regarding reunification. <img src="https://ift.tt/n3J2C9R" width="720" /> <h2>The Historic Call For Reunification With India</h2> When he asked the massive gathering whether they should move towards the Line of Control (LoC), the crowd of nearly 80,000 people assembled at the Rawalakot Eidgah ground erupted with a resounding "Yes." This massive, unified public stance marks an unprecedented, overt call by the people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to dismantle the existing borders and seek a future reunited with Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of India. Khan further warned the Pakistani establishment that if it responds to the public's basic demands with bullets, the people of PoK have plenty of alternative paths forward. <h2>Pre-Dawn Crackdown: Security Forces Open Fire On Demonstrators</h2> On Saturday, Pakistani security forces opened fire on demonstrators during Fajr (dawn) prayers in an attempt to dismantle the sit-in. Visuals emerging from the Rawalakot Eidgah ground clearly show Pakistani Rangers and PoK police firing at protesters at around 4:30 AM. This crackdown comes just a day before a mega protest called across PoK to mark one month of state repression and violence. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/eam-jaishankar-to-begin-six-nation-diplomatic-tour-starting-july-5-1854517">Germany's AfD Re-Elects Alice Weidel, Tino Chrupalla As Party Co-Leaders</a> <h2>Defiance Grows Despite Injuries And Official Denials</h2> While at least 11 people were injured in the firing, the Rawalakot Eidgah ground remains jam-packed on its 26th day. Defiant protesters continue to beat drums, chant slogans, and issue stern warnings to Islamabad ahead of tomorrow's region-wide agitation. Another key organiser, Khwaja Mehran, urged the PoK diaspora living abroad to take to the streets tomorrow to protest against the atrocities allegedly committed by the Pakistan Army. Meanwhile, despite the photo and video evidence of the crackdown, the local PoK police issued a statement denying any firing in the morning, claiming that such rumours are being spread to destabilise the region. Additionally, massive rallies led by women were held today to protest against the alleged wrongful arrest of activist Shaukat Nawaz Mir. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/shehbaz-sharif-calls-us-iran-mediation-difficult-praises-pakistan-s-role-1854518">Shehbaz Sharif Calls US-Iran Mediation 'Difficult', Praises Pakistan's Role</a>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/exclusive-pok-protesters-seek-india-s-help-amid-food-blockade-back-reunification-1854519

PM Modi Calls India-US Friendship A 'Force For Global Good', Wishes Trump On Independence Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated US President Donald Trump and the people of the United States on the 250th anniversary of American Independence. In a post on X, Modi wrote, "On behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, I extend my warmest congratulations to President Trump and the people of the United States on the historic 250th anniversary of your Independence." <h2>'Friendship A Force For Global Good'</h2> Highlighting the strength of India-US relations, the Prime Minister said the two countries share more than a strategic partnership. "Our shared belief in democracy, rule of law and the limitless potential of our people make our friendship a force for global good," he said. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> On behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, I extend my warmest congratulations to President Trump and the people of the United States on the historic 250th anniversary of your Independence. India and the United States share more than a strategic partnership. Our shared belief in… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://ift.tt/XS3v0iT 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script src="https://ift.tt/fKiC2Y8" async="" charset="utf-8"></script> Looking ahead, Modi expressed hope for even stronger ties between the two nations. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/dutch-woman-s-explosive-testimony-against-ishaq-dar-s-grandson-1854511">Exclusive | 'He Used Family's Political Clout': Dutch Woman's Explosive Testimony Against Ishaq Dar's Grandson</a> "May the next 250 years bring even greater prosperity, peace and progress for America and take the India-US partnership to new heights." <h2>US Marks Historic Milestone</h2> The United States celebrated the landmark anniversary with parades, fireworks and commemorative events across the country, marking 250 years since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The year-long celebrations, organised under the America250 initiative, culminated in Independence Day events honouring the country's founding, history and democratic values. <h2>India-US Partnership Continues To Deepen</h2> India and the United States have significantly expanded their bilateral relationship over the past two decades, with cooperation spanning defence, trade, technology, energy, and critical and emerging technologies. The two countries also work closely with Japan and Australia under the Quad framework to promote regional security and support a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/why-bhutan-isn-t-switching-to-e20-petrol-here-s-what-we-know-1854489">Why Bhutan Rejected E20 Petrol Despite India's Nationwide Rollout</a>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/pm-modi-calls-india-us-friendship-a-force-for-global-good-wishes-trump-on-independence-day-1854515

Friday, July 3, 2026

Trump, Netanyahu Agree To Meet In US 'Soon' After Phone Call Amid Strained Ties

US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have agreed to meet in the United States "soon" following a phone conversation on Friday, according to the Israeli Prime Minister's Office (PMO). While no date or venue has been announced, the planned meeting comes amid continuing tensions in West Asia and follows recent military cooperation between Washington and Israel during their campaign against Iran, AFP reported. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XIwcVW7n6Sk?si=t4vVHEulcbTvb_xV" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <h2 data-section-id="q8f6gq" data-start="1257" data-end="1287">Leaders Agree To Meet In US</h2> According to a statement issued by Netanyahu's office, the Israeli leader congratulated Trump on the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and praised the close relationship between the two countries. "The US is what ensures the freedom of the world, and Israel greatly appreciates the tight bond between the nations," Netanyahu said during the conversation, according to the PMO. The statement added that "Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump agreed to meet soon in the US." No additional details regarding the timing or location of the meeting were disclosed. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/pm-modi-takaichi-condemn-pakistan-backed-terror-call-for-action-against-let-and-jem-1854144">PM Modi, Takaichi Condemn Pakistan-Backed Terror, Call For Action Against LeT And JeM</a> <h2 data-section-id="1cwyjx8" data-start="1880" data-end="1923">Call Comes Amid Reports Of Strained Ties</h2> The announcement follows reports of growing differences between the two leaders in recent weeks. Trump has publicly criticised Netanyahu after Israel's military campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon complicated ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at advancing negotiations with Iran. Despite the reported disagreements, Friday's phone call signalled continued engagement between Washington and Jerusalem on regional security issues. <h2 data-section-id="hyzic4" data-start="2358" data-end="2388">Iran Talks Continue In Doha</h2> The planned meeting also comes as indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran continue through mediators. Earlier this week, Qatar confirmed that separate meetings with American and Iranian negotiators in Doha had resulted in "positive progress" on issues related to a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). According to Qatar's Foreign Ministry, discussions will resume after the funeral processions of Iran's former Supreme Leader. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/khamenei-funeral-ceremony-updates-where-was-his-body-kept-until-now-why-was-burial-delayed-1854332">Khamenei Funeral: Where Was His Body Kept Until Now And Why Was Burial Delayed? Here's What We Know</a> <h2 data-section-id="1fyg3r1" data-start="2845" data-end="2886">Israel Reaffirms Position On Hezbollah</h2> Israel has also indicated that it will continue military operations against Hezbollah despite the existing ceasefire framework with Lebanon. Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel recently said operations would continue as long as the Iran-backed group posed a threat to Israeli security. "If Hezbollah continues to attack Israel, we will continue to defend our people, our communities and our forces," Haskel said. She added that lasting stability in Lebanon would require Hezbollah to be disarmed, arguing that both Israel and the Lebanese government shared that objective. <h2 data-section-id="jtq8kv" data-start="3476" data-end="3519">Netanyahu Pushes To End US Financial Aid</h2> The announcement of the upcoming meeting also follows Netanyahu's recent remarks expressing a desire to phase out American financial assistance to Israel. Speaking earlier this week, the Israeli prime minister said Israel's economy had become strong enough to sustain itself without US aid. "I want to stop American aid. It's like welfare; I don't want it," Netanyahu said, adding that the process should begin this year. The meeting between Trump and Netanyahu is expected to focus on regional security, Iran's nuclear programme, and the evolving situation involving Hezbollah and broader Middle East diplomacy.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/trump-netanyahu-hold-phone-call-agree-to-meet-in-us-soon-strained-us-israel-ties-iran-war-1854367

India’s P-8i maritime patrol aircraft in Hawaii for RIMPAC exercise

Washington, Jul 4 (PTI): Indian Navy’s P-8i maritime patrol aircraft is in Hawaii to participate in the Rim of the Pacific Exercise – the world’s largest naval exercise hosted by the US Pacific Fleet. “Indian Navy’s participation reaffirms its commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific by enhancing interoperability, Maritime Domain Awareness and cooperation with partner navies,” the Indian embassy in the US said in a post on X. The theme of the 30th Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC 2026) is ‘Partners: Integrated and Prepared’. The series of exercises began in 1971. Thirty nations, over 30 surface ships, five submarines, 15 national land forces, more than 206 aircraft and 30,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC in and around the Hawaiian Islands from June 24 to July 31. RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. “By training together in complex, realistic scenarios, participating nations improve readiness, sharpen warfighting skills, and strengthen the interoperability required to operate effectively alongside one another whenever and wherever needed,” Vice Adm. Jeff Jablon, RIMPAC 2026 Commander, Combined Task Forces (CCTF), said in a statement issued by the US Navy. RIMPAC 2026 builds on the success of previous exercises by bringing together a coalition of allies and partners to demonstrate the flexibility and capability of maritime forces. The exercise includes a wide range of training events, including amphibious operations, gunnery and missile exercises, anti-submarine warfare, air defence operations, military medicine, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, counter-piracy operations, mine countermeasures, explosive ordnance disposal, and diving and salvage operations, the US Navy statement said. PTI SKU GRS GRS(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/india-s-p-8i-maritime-patrol-aircraft-in-hawaii-for-rimpac-exercise-1854363

Heat wave in US delays 250th I-Day celebrations

Washington, Jul 3 (PTI): A blistering heat wave gripping several states across the East Coast of the US prompted the closure of the Great American State Fair here Friday and forced cancellations of the Independence Day celebrations across the region. The heat index -- what temperature it feels like with humidity -- is forecast to reach a scorching 113 degrees Fahrenheit (45 deg C) in Washington, DC on Friday. Early Friday afternoon, Freedom 250 announced that the Great American State Fair on the National Mall would temporarily close until 5 pm due to the heat. “The safety and well-being of our guests, volunteers, performers, vendors, and staff is our highest priority,” the Trump Administration-supported group said in a statement on X. Due to the heat, Independence Day parades have been cancelled in Leesburg, Virginia, as well as in Laurel and Takoma Park, Maryland. Despite the scorching heat, the annual Capitol Fourth Concert will still be held on Friday evening, the US Capitol Police said. The concert will still begin at 8 pm, Capitol Police said, but the public gates will now open at 7 pm due to the heat. “To ensure a safe concert, all guests are strongly encouraged to bring an ample supply of water to stay hydrated,” Capitol Police said in the statement. Non-glass water bottles and coolers are allowed, they said. The concert, which takes place on the West Lawn of the US Capitol, is set to feature performers including Patti LaBelle, Alan Jackson, Chicago, Kool & the Gang, as well as the National Symphony Orchestra, the US Army Band “Pershing’s Own”, the Choral Arts Society of Washington and the Joint Armed Forces Chorus. The Capitol Police had banned the public from attending the concert’s rehearsal on Thursday evening due to the intense heat. The concert is usually held on Independence Day, but it was moved to July 3 because of the Freedom 250 fireworks and programming scheduled for the National Mall on the Fourth. President Donald Trump is travelling to South Dakota on Friday evening to deliver a speech and watch fireworks at Mount Rushmore. Trump will deliver another speech at the National Mall in Washington on Saturday evening before what is being billed as a historically massive fireworks show. From Boston to Norristown, Pennsylvania and Gettysburg National Military Park, plans were shifting to accommodate the soaring temperatures. Amtrak cancelled some trains in the Northeast due to excessive heat that could affect the tracks. New York City's heat index reached 106 degrees on Thursday, prompting Mayor Zohran Mamdani to urge New Yorkers to conserve power "due to the increase in energy demand and unexpected load challenges". The heat conditions did not stop political barbs as Mamdani’s appeal to New Yorkers to set their ACs to 78 degrees F (25.5 deg C) and turn off lights/electronics not in use drew ridicule for the Republicans. “This is Communism at work,” Senator Rick Scott, a Republican from Florida, said. “The Socialist Democrats are coming for your AC,” Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, said. PTI SKU SCY SCY(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/heat-wave-in-us-delays-250th-i-day-celebrations-1854362

Thursday, July 2, 2026

Iran Projects Power At Khamenei's Funeral Amid Global Scrutiny

Edited by: Ole Tangen Jr Acting Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani said the ceremonies for the former supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would be "the largest assembly in the history of the capital," according to Iranian media. Khamenei, who for 37 years held ultimate authority in all key state matters, was killed at the age of 86 in missile strikes on his residential and working compound in central Tehran. The attacks occurred on February 28, the first day of the war, when the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran. Several members of his family, including his daughter and two grandchildren, were also reportedly killed. Satellite images show significant destruction at the site, but it remains unclear whether bodies have been recovered and in what condition. The funeral, originally planned for early March, was delayed due to the conflict. It is now scheduled to start on July 4. Iranian authorities only announced the ceremonies after a fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran came into effect. According to the head of the organizing committee, Ali-Akbar Purdjamschidian, the six-day event is intended to "strengthen national cohesion and unity" across political, social and religious groups. Whether this aim can be achieved remains uncertain. <h2>Nationwide mobilization</h2> In the country of around 93 million people, authorities are now mobilizing supporters for the ceremonies. Starting on Saturday, three official days of mourning are scheduled in Tehran. During that time, the capital will be effectively shut down, with businesses closed and work suspended. Extensive preparations have been made to accommodate visitors from across the country. Khamenei is to be buried on July 9 in the northeastern city of Mashhad, his birthplace. A day earlier, a funeral procession is expected to pass through Iraq, including the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala — a move widely seen as a signal of Iran's regional influence. <h2>Legacy under scrutiny</h2> "Unlike Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who ruled for a decade after the 1979 revolution, Khamenei led the country for 37 years with pronounced micromanagement, intervening in almost all areas of governance," said Mehrzad Boroujerdi, a professor of political science at the Missouri University of Science and Technology. During his tenure, tensions with the outside world intensified, while corruption, economic mismanagement and sanctions linked to the nuclear dispute increased pressure on the country. Public dissatisfaction grew steadily, culminating in repeated waves of unrest. These included the 2009 Green Movement, the "Woman, Life, Freedom" protests in 2022, and nationwide demonstrations in late 2025 and early 2026 — all of which were suppressed by force. "Khamenei's approach was to make no concessions to his opponents, whether to regime critics or reformists within the system," Boroujerdi said. This has contributed to a widening gap between society and the political system. "Many people have grown tired of the current order," he added. A women's rights activist in Tehran, who asked for her name not to be used, said many protesters still struggle to accept that the Islamic Republic has ultimately prevailed. "At the same time, its supporters have gained new momentum," she said. The war has also reinforced a sense among many Iranians that they cannot rely on outside help. Heavy bombardment of densely populated cities and the destruction of key industries, including petrochemical plants and steelworks, have cost thousands of jobs, further deepening disillusionment — particularly among younger people. <h2>Khamenei's foreign policy continuity</h2> The inclusion of the so-called Lebanon front as the first point in Iran's recent negotiations memorandum with the United States underlines continuity in Khamenei's foreign policy approach. . "Hezbollah has drawn closer to Iran, particularly to the Quds Force, and is relying more heavily on Tehran both politically and militarily," said Hamidreza Azizi of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs. The author of the recently published book "The Axis of Resistance: Iran, Israel and the Struggle for the Middle East," Azizi added that divisions, however, remain within Iran's leadership, especially within the Revolutionary Guards, over potential talks with Washington. The outcome of the negotiations remains uncertain. For many supporters, participation in the funeral is not only about mourning. "Two major military powers attacked Iran, and yet the Islamic Republic still stands," Boroujerdi said. "For many, that is proof of resilience." He added that even partial implementation of the 14-point framework discussed with the US would represent a significant achievement. Comparable concessions were not secured after the Iran-Iraq war or under the 2015 nuclear deal. Among Iran's key demands is a US commitment not to interfere in its internal affairs, something Washington had never agreed to before but which it has now accepted as part of the agreed memorandum. Disclaimer: This report first appeared on Deutsche Welle, and has been republished on ABP Live as part of a special arrangement. Apart from the headline, no changes have been made in the report by ABP Live.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/iran-turns-khamenei-funeral-into-show-of-power-1854142

UK Minister Lisa Nandy Quits X, Says Platform 'Favours Abuse And Misinformation'

Britain's Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has announced that she is leaving X, the social media platform owned by Elon Musk, saying it has evolved into a space that prioritises abuse and misinformation over meaningful public discussion. In a post on the platform on Thursday, Nandy confirmed that she would no longer use X and said her department would also withdraw from it. "I've decided to leave this platform and my department will too," Nandy said. <h2>'Not Healthy For Democracy'</h2> Explaining her decision, Nandy criticised the direction the platform has taken. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> I've decided to leave this platform and my Department will too. A platform originally designed for free speech and expression now favours abuse and misinformation over meaningful debate. It isn't healthy for our democracy or our communities and I don’t want to support it. — Lisa Nandy MP (@lisanandy) <a href="https://ift.tt/V9Ewp6t 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script src="https://ift.tt/uiQzn5X" async="" charset="utf-8"></script> "A platform originally designed for free speech and expression now favours abuse and misinformation over meaningful debate. It isn't healthy for our democracy or our communities and I don't want to support it," she stated. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/japan-plans-updated-free-and-open-indo-pacific-with-india-to-address-china-concern-1854131">Japan Plans 'Updated' Free And Open Indo-Pacific With India To Address China Concern</a> <h2>Department Also Exits Platform</h2> Nandy said users who wish to follow her updates can do so on other social media platforms. "You can follow me on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn @LisaNandyMP". She also confirmed that the Department for Culture, Media and Sport will no longer use X. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/ayatollah-ali-khamenei-s-funeral-live-updates-son-mojtaba-likely-to-skip-ceremony-here-s-why-1854136">Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's Funeral: Son Mojtaba Likely to Skip Ceremony. Here's Why</a>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/uk-minister-lisa-nandy-quits-x-says-platform-favours-abuse-and-misinformation-1854137