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Monday, October 19, 2026

Two Indian nationals among 28 charged with election fraud in California

Washington, Oct 19 (PTI): Two Indian nationals are among 28 green card holders charged with election fraud in California, the US Department of Justice said in a statement on Monday. According to the Justice Department, Amandeep Kaur (30) and Kamlesh Shah (67) have been charged with fraudulently registering as voters and casting their ballots in the November 2024 US elections. It said of the 28 persons charged with election fraud, 11 have been arrested in early morning raids across the state under ‘Operation Protect the Vote’ to combat and root out fraud in US elections and uphold electoral integrity. It was not immediately clear whether the two Indian nationals were among those arrested. Shah is a resident of Sacramento and fraudulently registered to vote on the day of the November 2024 general election and voted that day, the Justice Department said. Kaur, a resident of Rancho Palos Verdes, who is seeking to become a US citizen, fraudulently registered to vote in December 2022 and voted in the November 2024 US election, it said. “All 28 foreign nationals charged are lawful permanent residents (LPRs), or 'green card' holders. Although LPRs have legal immigration status in the United States, they are not US citizens and are not permitted to vote in US elections,” the Justice Department said. The criminal charges include making false statements in a naturalisation application and some of the defendants also are charged with fraudulent voter registration. Both charges are felonies that carry a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. “Each of the 28 defendants charged today appears on the list of more than 20,000 likely noncitizen registrants we provided to California election officials last week,” Acting Deputy Attorney General Trent McCotter told reporters in Los Angeles. Before Monday, the Justice Department had charged about 90 people for various types of election misconduct so far this year, including 50 who are alleged to have voted as noncitizens. There were more than 227 million registered voters in the United States during the 2024 presidential election. 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/two-indian-nationals-among-28-charged-with-election-fraud-in-california-1872256

Ethiopia-Eritrea Conflict Fears Grow As Tigray Violence Revives Risk Of Regional War

Edited by: Keith Walker Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Friday announced an interim government in the country's northern Tigray region and gave it six months to prepare for regional elections and restore stability. Abiy's announcement followed a military offensive launched in September by the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and six other armed groups. They were ultimately forced to retreat and lost control of the region. "To attain the peace that has long eluded them, to secure their right to self-administration, and to finally enjoy the fruits of development — which have been out of reach for many years — the people of Tigray must break free from this cycle ⁠of conflict," Abiy said in a statement posted on X. Shishay Amare, the new mayor of the regional capital Mekelle, said: "Our role is to create the right conditions for elections by ensuring peace and stability across Tigray," reported French news agency Agence France-Presse (AFP). "I am confident that this will be done within six months, according to our plan," Amare said, adding that their priorities included restoring peace, helping displaced residents return home, reopening markets and ensuring humanitarian assistance reached those in need. <h2>Why relations with Eritrea matter</h2> The fighting has revived concerns about a return to the devastating 2020–2022 Tigray war. Around 1 million people remain displaced from that conflict. The African Union has estimated that the war resulted in around 600,000 deaths from combat, famine and the collapse of healthcare. The new administration faces unresolved disputes over political authority and territory, including western Tigray, which is claimed by both Tigray and neighboring Amhara state. Ethiopia and Eritrea were once bitter enemies but signed a peace agreement in 2018. Eritrean forces later fought alongside Ethiopian federal troops during the Tigray war. The countries' relationship has since deteriorated. Addis Ababa accuses Asmara of supporting Tigrayan forces and violating Ethiopian territory. Eritrea has denied the accusations. Reports of Eritrean troop movements near the border have heightened concern, although the extent of any current deployment remains disputed. Tsedale Lemma, journalist and publisher of the prominent Addis Standard magazine, told DW earlier this month that the danger reflects years of unresolved tensions and failures to implement the November 2022 Pretoria Agreement, which ended the previous Tigray war. Asked whether the international community was underestimating the threat, Lemma said: "It is absolutely underestimating it." She argued that international actors had failed to ensure effective monitoring of the agreement and respond adequately as the peace process weakened. <h2>A wider regional risk</h2> The confrontation comes amid instability across the Horn of Africa, including Sudan's war and tensions between Ethiopia and Egypt over the Nile mega-dam project. Last year, Ethiopia inaugurated the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a move that was not well received by neighboring Egypt and Sudan, both downstream countries. Competition over access to the Red Sea adds another strategic dimension: Ethiopia became landlocked when Eritrea gained independence in 1993. Journalist Martin Plaut, who specializes in the Horn of Africa, has warned that the region faces a crossroads. He has raised the possibility of Ethiopian forces entering Eritrea, but an invasion remains a scenario, not a confirmed decision by the Ethiopian government. Any wider conflict could threaten regional trade and maritime security. The Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait connect shipping routes between Europe and Asia, making the region strategically important well beyond Africa. <h2>Can diplomacy avert war between Ethiopia and Eritrea?</h2> The United States and the United Kingdom have called on Ethiopia and Eritrea to exercise restraint and return to dialogue under their 2018 peace framework. Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews on Saturday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that the military buildup on the Ethiopia-Eritrea border could escalate into a wider conflict. Rubio said Washington hoped lifting some sanctions would improve communication with both sides and stressed the need for a "wise and measured" response to avoid a broader regional war. A UK government spokesperson said in an October 15 statement that: "We urgently call for de-escalation and a return to dialogue. We reiterate our support for the African Union's role in facilitating this." For now, the recapture of towns in Tigray has changed the military balance but has not resolved the tensions surrounding the region. Whether international pressure can prevent a wider war will depend on whether the governments involved choose dialogue over further escalation. Negash Mohammed, Tamirat Geleta and Christine Mhundwa contributed to this report. 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/ethiopia-eritrea-conflict-fears-grow-as-tigray-violence-revives-risk-of-regional-war-1872251

Sunday, October 18, 2026

Putin Proposes Trilateral Summit With Trump, Xi To Discuss Ukraine War: Report

Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed holding a trilateral summit with US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping next month to discuss the Ukraine war, with Moscow seeking a peace agreement favourable to its interests, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported. The proposal is aimed at capitalising on improving ties between Moscow and Washington under Trump, but has raised concerns in Ukraine and among US allies in Europe over the possibility of negotiations taking place without Kyiv’s participation, according to the report. Citing a former Russian intelligence official briefed on the matter, the WSJ reported that Putin first floated the idea during a telephone conversation with Trump on October 9. The call also resulted in an agreement allowing the United States to purchase Russian diesel fuel for distribution in global markets. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed to the newspaper that discussions about a possible meeting were underway, although no concrete arrangements had been finalised. “There is no clear understanding yet regarding the meeting itself or its potential agenda, although all three parties acknowledge the hypothetical possibility of such a meeting taking place,” Peskov told the WSJ. A senior US official told the newspaper that Trump had not formally agreed to the proposed summit. However, the official indicated that the US president could be receptive to the idea given his efforts to broker an end to the conflict. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-india-sanctions-trump-admin-pauses-russia-sanctions-for-60-days-rubio-says-india-in-focus-1872095">Trump Admin Pauses Russia Sanctions For 60 Days, Rubio Says India In Focus</a> <h3>Russia Proposes Talks Alongside APEC Summit</h3> According to the WSJ, sources familiar with the negotiations said the Kremlin had suggested holding the trilateral talks alongside the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, scheduled for November 18 and 19 in Shenzhen, a major technology hub in southern China. Russian diplomats have reportedly presented the proposal to Chinese officials, sources close to recent discussions between Moscow and Beijing told the newspaper. Beijing signalled that it would not object to the meeting, provided Trump agreed to participate. The possibility of a meeting between Putin and Trump had also been raised earlier by Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Ushakov said the two leaders could meet on the sidelines of the APEC summit if both attended, although they had not discussed specific dates. Ushakov described their recent telephone conversation as “very substantive” and friendly, saying it lasted an hour and a half. The leaders discussed economic initiatives, energy supplies and international issues, he said, according to Russian state news agency TASS. “Putin and Trump had a "very substantive", even friendly conversation that lasted an hour and a half,” Ushakov said, according to TASS. Ushakov added that both leaders were satisfied with the communication channels between their countries and discussed preparations for major economic initiatives, including potential Russian petroleum product supplies to the United States and international markets. “An important international event is coming up in China - the APEC summit. At least for now, both the Russian and US leaders are interested in attending. Accordingly, if both leaders are at the same international venue, I assume they will find an opportunity to meet, shake hands and talk,” Ushakov said, as quoted by TASS. The Russian presidential aide also said Putin valued the attention Washington was giving to dialogue with Moscow despite Trump's domestic agenda and the US administration's involvement in Middle Eastern affairs. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-war-abbas-araghchi-puts-forward-7-day-plan-to-end-war-says-strait-of-hormuz-could-reopen-1872089">Iran Puts Forward 7-Day Plan To End US Conflict, Says Hormuz Could Reopen On Day 6</a> <h3>Trump Says Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks Making ‘Great Progress’</h3> The reported summit proposal comes as Trump continues to defend his diplomatic approach towards Moscow, claiming that negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war are advancing. In a post on Truth Social on Sunday, Trump said the negotiations were making “great progress”. He also criticised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, accusing him of failing to secure a better deal two years ago. Trump described his approach as one that seeks to prevent Russia from being pushed away from negotiations, arguing that maintaining Moscow's participation was necessary to reach an agreement. “My decision on Russia is a very simple one. I am in the process of negotiating Peace in the war between Russia and Ukraine, and don’t want to do anything that will drive, foolishly, Russia away from the bargaining table. Great progress is being made, and that includes current hostage negotiations! Signing that document at this time will do that, and I can sign it later, or any time that I want!” Trump wrote. The US president also said he could sign a document related to ongoing hostage negotiations whenever he chose, while suggesting that doing so at that moment could undermine the broader diplomatic process. <h3>Energy Cooperation Featured In Putin-Trump Call</h3> Energy supplies were another major subject of the October 9 conversation between Putin and Trump, according to Ushakov. Following the call, Trump announced on Truth Social that Russia would immediately supply more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel fuel to the United States and global markets, with further shipments expected in the coming months. The discussions also covered potential Russian petroleum product supplies and wider economic initiatives, signalling an effort by the two countries to explore areas of cooperation alongside diplomatic engagement over Ukraine. Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited the United States on a state visit from September 23 to 25. During the visit, he held talks with Trump on bilateral relations and the broader international situation. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi described the meeting as a “candid and in-depth exchange of views with US President Donald Trump in a friendly atmosphere of mutual respect” on strategic and overarching issues concerning China-US relations and the wider global landscape. While Moscow has reportedly approached Beijing about a three-way summit, the proposal remains contingent on Trump's participation, and the three leaders have yet to establish a confirmed meeting date or agenda.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/putin-proposes-trilateral-summit-with-trump-xi-to-discuss-ukraine-war-peace-deal-next-month-china-1872100

Trump Admin Pauses Russia Sanctions For 60 Days, Rubio Says India In Focus

The Donald Trump administration will take 60 days to assess the potential global economic impact of imposing sweeping new sanctions on Russia and its trading partners, including India, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Saturday. Explaining Washington's decision to waive sanctions under the Lindsey Graham Act this week, Rubio pointed to mounting pressure on global energy prices amid the war in Ukraine, the conflict involving Iran and Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. Rubio made the remarks while speaking to reporters ahead of his visit to Uzbekistan and India, highlighting the need to weigh the economic consequences of fresh restrictions against the broader geopolitical situation. <h2>Why Trump Is Reviewing Russia Sanctions</h2> Rubio said the legislation included provisions for waivers to give the administration time to assess the implications of its measures, particularly amid disruptions to global energy supplies. He noted that the pressure on energy markets was not limited to the conflict involving Iran or disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. Attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on Saudi Arabia and strikes on energy infrastructure amid the Russia-Ukraine war were also affecting global prices, he said. The US secretary of state said Washington needed to consider these factors together before determining the appropriate combination of measures against Russia and countries buying its energy. <h2>How The Lindsey Graham Act Could Affect India</h2> Rubio also highlighted the potential implications of the legislation for India, which continues to purchase Russian energy despite diversifying its sources of supply. The law authorises the US president to impose tariffs of up to 100% on the five largest purchasers of Russian energy. Rubio acknowledged that India remained an important US partner and said shifting away from Russian supplies could not happen overnight. " So we need that period of time to sort of study all this and figure out what the right combination is," Rubio said, explaining why the administration needed time to evaluate the consequences of the measures. <h2>Trump Invokes Waiver To Hold Off Tariffs</h2> Just a month after signing the Lindsey Graham Act into law, Trump invoked its waiver provision on Friday to defer tariffs of up to 100% that could otherwise have been imposed on India and four other countries for purchasing Russian oil and gas. The order also waived several sanctions targeting Russia and its economic partners on national interest grounds, with the exemptions remaining in place until further notice. Beyond tariffs on major buyers of Russian energy, the legislation gives the president the authority to raise tariffs on Russian exports to the US to as much as 500%. It also permits tariffs of up to 100% on the five largest countries helping Russia circumvent oil sanctions. The law further provides for additional sanctions targeting Russian financial institutions and their international partners, with the broader objective of pressuring Moscow to end the war in Ukraine. <h2>US Energy Prices Add To Pressure On Trump</h2> The decision to grant the waivers also comes as the Trump administration seeks to bring down domestic energy prices ahead of the US midterm elections scheduled for November 3. Last week, the administration announced a controversial diesel supply arrangement with Russia that could see Moscow provide 5 million tonnes of diesel to the US and the global market in the coming months. Trump explicitly linked the arrangement to his efforts to lower energy costs for American consumers, underscoring the role of fuel prices in the administration's economic calculations. The 60-day review will give Washington time to weigh its efforts to pressure Russia over the Ukraine war against the potential consequences of further restrictions for global energy markets and partners such as India.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-india-sanctions-trump-admin-pauses-russia-sanctions-for-60-days-rubio-says-india-in-focus-1872095

Iran Puts Forward 7-Day Plan To End US Conflict, Says Hormuz Could Reopen On Day 6

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has announced a seven-day roadmap to end the ongoing conflict with the United States, saying the Strait of Hormuz could reopen on the sixth day and negotiations could resume the following day if Washington meets Tehran's conditions. Araghchi said Iran had presented its position to the US as a seven-day plan, while Washington had also put forward its views, which Tehran is currently reviewing. His announcement comes amid continuing tensions between the two sides, with both trading accusations over the conflict and the prospects for a diplomatic resolution. <h2>Iran Sets Conditions For Strait Of Hormuz Reopening</h2> According to Iran's state broadcaster Press TV, Araghchi said the next steps would depend on the US meeting Tehran's demands. He suggested that a lack of sincerity on Washington's part was preventing progress towards an agreement. "If the US side were truly sincere, which it is not, the way forward would be clear," Araghchi said, according to Press TV. He added that the Strait of Hormuz could reopen on the sixth day under the proposed roadmap if the US fulfilled Iran's conditions. Negotiations between the two sides could then restart on the seventh day. <h2>'US Prioritising Aggression Over Diplomacy' </h2> Earlier, addressing a meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Baghdad, Iraq, Araghchi accused the US of pursuing aggression, threats and economic warfare instead of diplomatic engagement. According to Al Jazeera, the Iranian foreign minister alleged that Washington had also resorted to killings, actions he described as clear violations of international law and the United Nations Charter. Araghchi said Iran would not accept intimidation or pressure, nor would it surrender its sovereign rights under coercion. However, he maintained that Tehran remained willing to negotiate, provided the process was based on mutual respect and guaranteed trust.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-war-abbas-araghchi-puts-forward-7-day-plan-to-end-war-says-strait-of-hormuz-could-reopen-1872089

Lashkar-e-Taiba Founding Member Abu Hashim Dies After Falling Down Stairs In Lahore

Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar alias Abu Hashim, deputy chief of Lashkar-e-Taiba's finance wing, Khidmat-e-Khalq, a US-designated terrorist and a founding member of LeT, died this afternoon after falling down the stairs at Markaz Qadsia in Lahore. The site currently serves as the headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba and is under the custodianship of Talha Saeed, son of terrorist Hafiz Saeed.  <h2>Terror Role And Recruitment</h2> Along with serving as the deputy chief of Lashkar-e-Taiba's finance wing, Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar alias Abu Hashim was also the LeT Punjab province chief. In this capacity, he actively handled terrorist recruitment for the group and spearheaded fundraising and donation collections across Punjab province. Also Read: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/protests-hit-france-italy-belgium-albania-what-is-fueling-unrest-across-europe-1872052">Protests Hit France, Italy, Belgium, Albania: What Is Fueling Unrest Across Europe?</a> <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Dfc1bxZdWMA?si=cijI8D5m0FHHBmxL" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <h2>Circumstances Of Death</h2> According to an audio recording released by LeT Deputy Chief Saifullah Kasuri, Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar alias Abu Hashim had left his home to offer the Asr prayer at Markaz Qadsia. However, he slipped and fell while climbing the mosque's stairs. Due to severe head injuries sustained in the fall, he died on the spot. Authorities within the terror network have confirmed that his funeral prayers (Namaz-e-Janaza) will be held tonight at 10:30 pm at Markaz Qadsia itself. Also Read: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/liberals-importing-third-world-jd-vance-blames-immigration-for-violent-france-protests-warns-us-1872019">'Liberals Importing Third World': JD Vance Blames Immigration For Violent France Protests</a>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/lashkar-e-taiba-founding-member-abu-hashim-dies-after-falling-down-stairs-in-lahore-1872083

Europe Protests: France and Italy Erupt in Violence as Inflation Anger Sparks Clashes and Arson

Violent protests against rising living costs and the impact of war have gripped parts of Europe, with France and Italy witnessing clashes between demonstrators and security forces. In France, large crowds have taken to the streets of Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Lille and Toulouse, intensifying pressure on President Emmanuel Macron's government. What reportedly began with student protests has expanded as trade unions and other organisations joined demonstrations against the government's policies and the rising cost of living. Masked protesters have clashed with police, prompting authorities to deploy tear gas and water cannons to control the unrest. Reports cited in the coverage indicate that more than 1,200 people have been arrested and over 150 police personnel injured in France. One of the most shocking incidents involved a fire at the historic city hall in Limoges, where the clock tower reportedly collapsed after the building caught fire. The landmark, inaugurated in 1883, suffered extensive damage, raising concerns about the destruction of historic heritage during violent demonstrations. The unrest has also spread to Italy, where Milan witnessed clashes during a rally against inflation and war. The city's famous Piazza del Duomo and luxury shopping arcade became scenes of disorder as masked individuals allegedly set fires, damaged property and looted shops. Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds. According to the reports, two police officers were seriously injured and more than 50 demonstrators were detained, including several minors. Although the demonstration reportedly began peacefully, violence escalated after groups of masked individuals allegedly removed paving stones and used restaurant furniture to create barricades that were subsequently set on fire. 

source https://news.abplive.com/videos/news/world-europe-protests-france-and-italy-erupt-in-violence-as-inflation-anger-sparks-clashes-and-arson-1872010