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Thursday, April 2, 2026

Who Is Randy George? US Army Chief Of Staff Fired By Pete Hegseth Amid Iran War

United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has asked the Army Chief of Staff General Randy George to step down and requested his immediate retirement in a major development amid the ongoing Iran war, CBS News reported, citing sources. The move signals a significant transition at the top of the Army as the administration looks to install leadership aligned with President Donald Trump and Hegseth’s strategic vision. <h3>Immediate Exit Confirmed By Pentagon</h3> Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed the development, stating that General George “will be retiring from his position as the 41st Chief of Staff of the Army, effective immediately.” He added that the Department of War is grateful for George’s “decades of service to our nation” and extended best wishes for his future. A senior Defence Department official also indicated that the decision was part of a broader need for change, saying, “We are grateful for his service, but it was time for a leadership change in the Army.” <h3>Christopher LaNeve Named Successor</h3> General Christopher LaNeve, currently the Vice Chief of Staff, has taken over as the acting Army chief. LaNeve, a former military aide to Hegseth, previously commanded the 82nd Airborne Division. Parnell described him as “a battle-tested leader with decades of operational experience” who is “completely trusted” to execute the administration’s vision. <h3>Who Is Randy George?</h3> A West Point graduate and career infantry officer, General George had been serving as Army Chief since his Senate confirmation in 2023. His tenure was originally expected to run until 2027. He previously served as senior military assistant to former Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and held key roles during deployments in the Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Just days before his retirement, George visited West Point, where he shared “experience-driven guidance” with cadets preparing for leadership roles. General George’s removal comes amid a sweeping restructuring of the US military leadership under Hegseth. More than a dozen senior officers have reportedly been dismissed, including Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General C. Q. Brown and Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Lisa Franchetti. It is thus unclear what prompted the decision. But the CBS report said that there were some concerns around George's ability to carry out Trump's plans for the US Army. The changes also follow a controversial intervention by Hegseth in an Army disciplinary case, where he overruled the suspension of an aircrew involved in a flyby near a celebrity’s residence, posting on social media: “No punishment. No investigation. Carry on, patriots.” However, sources clarified that George’s removal is not linked to that incident.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/who-is-randy-george-us-army-chief-of-staff-fired-by-pete-hegseth-amid-iran-war-1834318

Donald Trump Removes Attorney General Pam Bondi, Todd Blanche Takes Over

US President Donald Trump has dismissed Attorney General Pam Bondi, announcing the decision on his social media platform Truth Social. The move comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tension and growing domestic pressure over legal and political controversies. Trump praised Bondi’s tenure, calling her a “great American patriot”, but signalled a transition as she moves to a new role in the private sector. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche will serve as acting Attorney General. <h2>Sudden Exit</h2> In his statement, Trump credited Bondi with cracking down on crime and claimed murder rates had fallen to their lowest levels in over a century during her tenure. He described her as a loyal ally and said she would soon take up an “important” new position outside government. Todd Blanche, whom Trump described as a highly respected legal expert, will take charge in an acting capacity. The abrupt change at the top of the Justice Department signals a potential shift in legal strategy at a critical juncture. <h2>Growing Frictions</h2> Despite the public praise, reports suggest Trump had grown frustrated with Bondi over what he viewed as a lack of urgency in pursuing legal action against his political opponents and critics. Tensions were further exacerbated by the handling of files linked to Jeffrey Epstein. Bondi faced criticism over alleged delays and inconsistencies in releasing documents tied to the Justice Department’s sex trafficking investigation. The controversy drew scrutiny from across the political spectrum, including some of Trump’s allies, and added to mounting pressure on the administration. <h2>Political Fallout</h2> Bondi had been seen as a staunch supporter of Trump’s agenda, and her tenure was marked by a departure from the traditional independence of the Justice Department from the White House. Her removal could pave the way for a more aggressive legal approach aligned with Trump’s priorities. She is the second senior official to be dismissed recently, following the removal of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The reshuffle underscores the administration’s willingness to recalibrate its legal and political strategy amid intensifying scrutiny.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/donald-trump-removes-attorney-general-pam-bondi-todd-blanche-takes-over-iran-us-conflict-1834302

Is Iran Charging India Toll In Strait Of Hormuz? MEA Clarifies

India on Thursday clarified that there have been “no such discussions with Iran” on any toll for Indian vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, even as concerns grow over disruptions in the key global shipping route amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the government remains in close touch with developments around the strategic chokepoint, while simultaneously stepping up evacuation efforts to bring back Indian nationals from Iran through coordinated transit operations via neighbouring countries. <h2>No Toll talks</h2> The Centre dismissed speculation over Iran imposing charges on Indian-flagged or operated vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global energy shipments. Speaking at a briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said there has been “no such discussion with Iran” on any toll mechanism. The clarification comes amid heightened concerns over maritime security and supply disruptions as tensions escalate in the region. Officials indicated that India is closely monitoring the situation around the strait, given its critical importance for oil and trade flows. <h2>Evacuation Underway</h2> The MEA confirmed that over 1,200 Indian nationals have been evacuated from Iran so far, including 845 students. According to the ministry, 996 individuals have been moved to Armenia, while 204 have been taken to Azerbaijan, from where arrangements are being made for their return to India. Authorities are working closely with Indian missions and local administrations in both countries to ensure safe transit, with logistical support provided at multiple stages of the journey. The Centre continues to oversee operations on the ground, ensuring evacuees receive assistance until they safely return. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has held discussions with global leaders on the evolving West Asia crisis, focusing on security and stability as the situation remains fluid.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/is-iran-charging-india-toll-in-strait-of-hormuz-mea-clarifies-iran-us-conflict-1834262

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Probe into singer Zubeen Garg's death has concluded: Singapore police

Singapore, Apr 2 (PTI): The Singapore Police Force (SPF) has confirmed that investigations into the death of singer Zubeen Garg in Singapore on September 19, 2025, have concluded and there is no evidence of foul play.In accordance with the Singapore Coroners Act 2010, the SPF investigated the case thoroughly, and examined available evidence and recorded statements from all relevant witnesses, a statement issued Wednesday read.The statement was issued in response to media queries, said SPF, reminding members of the public to refrain from comments that impugn the integrity of the court’s judgment or the judicial process.SPF’s investigation has established that Garg was on a yacht trip in the waters off Lazarus Island. He had initially worn a life jacket while swimming but later removed it and returned to the yacht without the life jacket on him, the statement said.When he entered the water the second time, he swam alone and away from the yacht without a life jacket, despite being offered one before entering the water. Subsequently, while swimming back towards the yacht, he was observed to have become unresponsive.According to the statement, Garg was promptly rescued by the captain of the yacht and members of his group and brought back to the vessel, where cardiopulmonary resuscitation was immediately administered.A Police Coast Guard boat was dispatched shortly after the emergency call, and officers arrived promptly to render assistance, it said, adding that Garg was attended to by paramedics upon reaching shore and was conveyed promptly by ambulance to Singapore General Hospital, where he subsequently passed away.Post-mortem findings, including toxicology analysis and autopsy results, were consistent with a case of death by drowning.The toxicology analysis revealed a high concentration of ethanol (333μg/100ml) in his blood sample, which would have caused severe intoxication, impaired coordination and reflexes in an individual not habituated to ethanol, the statement said, adding that other substances detected were within therapeutic ranges and consistent with his existing medical conditions of epilepsy and hypertension.The findings were submitted to the state coroner for the Coroner’s Inquiry (CI), which is a fact-finding process led to establish the cause and circumstances of death. The state coroner considered all evidence, including the SPF’s investigation findings, and ruled the death of Garg as an accidental drowning on March 25, 2026, with no evidence of foul play, consistent with what SPF had found through our investigations, according to the statement.The coroner also found no evidence to suggest that Garg’s death was caused by an anaphylactic reaction to medications, substances, food, or drinks, SPF said.The police also extended deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the Indian singer. PTI GS ARB ARB(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/probe-into-singer-zubeen-garg-s-death-has-concluded-singapore-police-1834120

Is Pakistan Creating A Buffer Zone Inside Afghanistan? Key Questions Emerge

With reporting by Shakila Ibrahimkhel and Haroon Janjua in Islamabad While Pakistan works on positioning itself as potential mediator in the war between the US, Israel and Iran, its forces continue to wage war on the Afghan Taliban along Pakistan's western border. Pakistani forces are increasingly bombing border regions in Afghanistan. Reports have emerged that the government in Islamabad is working on creating a sphere of influence along the border, also known by its colonial-era name, the Durand Line. At the same time, a "Pakistan-Afghanistan Peace Jirga" convened on March 31 in Peshawar, Pakistan, near the Afghanistan border. Jirgas are traditional gatherings of leaders in the Pashtun tribal areas to resolve conflicts. The assembly issued a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire and urged that the conflict be resolved through dialogue. Whether this resolution has any effect beyond political signaling remains to be seen. <h2>Why is Pakistan fighting the Taliban regime?</h2> In late February, Pakistan's defense minister said Islamabad was in a state of "open war" with Afghanistan, and began a bombing campaign. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan's Taliban-ruled government of supporting militant groups like the Tehreek-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which is blamed for a series of bloody attacks in Pakistan. The Taliban leadership in Afghanistan denies providing any support. The initial clashes took place in the fall of 2025. The fighting also saw Pakistani forces targeting the Afghan capital, Kabul. Despite peace negotiations brokered by Turkey and Qatar, the two sides failed to achieve a permanent resolution of the conflict. <h2>Reports of a Pakistani security zone</h2> Now, reports are emerging from Afghanistan's eastern provinces bordering Pakistan — including Paktia, Kunar and Nuristan — of artillery fire, drone strikes and blocked roads. According to the Taliban, a civilian was killed and 17 others, including women and children, were injured in Kunar Province. Strikes were also reported in Kabul. In Nuristan Province, in the remote districts of Kamdesh and Barg-e-Matal, residents have been reporting shortages of food, fuel and medicine for days. They say they have been cut off from the outside world. Several Pakistani media outlets are also reporting on a security zone stretching up to 32 kilometers (20 miles) inside Afghan territory, allegedly to prevent cross-border attacks by the TTP. Official sources in Islamabad have not yet confirmed any territorial expansion. Meanwhile, the Taliban in Afghanistan have rejected reports of Pakistani forces on Afghan soil. They say their forces remain stationed in Kamdesh and Barg-e-Matal, among other locations, and are defending "every inch" of Afghan territory. The Taliban said reports of Pakistani units taking over districts are unfounded. <h2>Border zone 'temporary measure,' analyst tells DW</h2> Tahir Khan, a Pakistani foreign affairs analyst, told DW that Pakistan considers the frontier with Afghanistan to be an international border. "Any attempt to take control of Afghan territory would be considered a violation of international law," Khan said. Ali K. Chishti, a Riyadh-based security analyst, confirmed to DW that a buffer zone has been established. However, he emphasized that Pakistan is not seeking formal territorial expansion. "This is exclusively a temporary measure until a solution is sought and some kind of joint mechanism is agreed upon," Chishti said. Meanwhile, Afghan journalist Sami Yousafzai told DW that obtaining reliable information from the ground is very difficult. "I cannot confirm that part of Afghanistan has fallen to Pakistan," he said. <h2>What is the Durand line?</h2> The 2,640-kilometer border runs right through a Pashto-speaking settlement area. In Afghanistan, this border demarcation is controversial today, as it was agreed upon with the British but not with Pakistan, which was founded in 1947. In practice, however, it forms the international border between the two countries. The Durand Line was named after Henry Mortimer Durand, the Foreign Secretary of the Indian administration of the British Empire, and was formally drawn in 1893. <h2>Civilians suffer in border regions</h2> As the violence persists, the former governor of Nuristan Province, Jamaluddin Badr, told DW that the situation for the civilian population is dire and highly alarming. He said the region is "not a TTP stronghold," so there is no reason to target it. "If this situation continues and the bombings do not subside, it will have long-term consequences," he said, adding that if military units were to occupy these districts, it would simultaneously open the way to northern Afghanistan, Badr said. Officially, Pakistan claims to be bombing only TTP bases. But human rights organizations see it differently. Human Rights Watch, for instance, described a Pakistani airstrike on the Omid Drug Rehabilitation Center in Kabul on March 16 as an "unlawful attack" and a possible war crime. According to international reports, at least 143 people were killed in the strike, most of them patients. Islamabad, however, has spoken of "precise airstrikes" against military infrastructure and rejects the allegations. <h2>Is there a resolution on the horizon?</h2> Pakistani diplomat Asif Durrani told DW that Pakistan has "made it clear to the Afghan Taliban that they must choose between Pakistan and the TTP." "As long as the Taliban regime does not take concrete measures, the current policy of cracking down on the TTP is likely to continue," he said. It therefore remains to be seen whether the Taliban leadership will move closer to Pakistan on security policy or distance itself. Kabul has signaled a willingness to engage in talks. It also remains to be seen whether the current escalation will lead to a political agreement or usher in a new phase of ongoing border instability. This article was translated from German <div class="clearfix"> <div class="article-text"> 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. </div> </div>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/is-pakistan-creating-a-buffer-zone-inside-afghanistan-key-questions-emerge-1834099

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

NYC Mayor Mamdani meets UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres during first visit to UNHQ

United Nations, Apr 1 (PTI): New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani met UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres during his first-ever visit to the United Nations headquarters here.Guterres welcomed Mamdani Tuesday morning at the UN headquarters and thanked the mayor “for the outstanding relationship and support received from the host city”, a readout of the meeting issued by the secretary general’s spokesperson said.“Noting the critical role that cities play in today's world, the Secretary-General discussed with the Mayor how to deepen the cooperation with the city of New York. The Secretary-General looks forward to continuing the dialogue between the United Nations and New York City,” the readout said.In comments to UN News, Mamdani said "We are so proud to be the host city of the United Nations, and we're proud at what it represents, which is the fact that we are part of something larger than just ourselves.“This is a city where more than three million New Yorkers were born outside of this country, myself included, and the United Nations is something that we are proud to welcome each and every day, and we're excited to continue that partnership,” he said.Mamdani said it was his first visit to the UN Headquarters, adding that “It's beautiful.” Mamdani was sworn-in as New York City Mayor by Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders at his formal inauguration at City Hall on January 1, just hours after he was administered oath of office by New York Attorney General Letitia James at a private ceremony in an old subway station here, making him the first South Asian and Muslim elected to helm the largest city in the US.Mamdani’s official residence Gracie Mansion is about 5 km from the UN Headquarters in Manhattan.Indian-descent Mamdani is the son of filmmaker Mira Nair and Columbia University professor Mahmood Mamdani. He was born and raised in Kampala, Uganda and moved to New York City with his family when he was seven. Mamdani became a naturalised US citizen only recently in 2018. PTI YAS ARB ARB ARB(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/nyc-mayor-mamdani-meets-un-secretary-general-antonio-guterres-during-first-visit-to-unhq-1833921

Systematically crushing Iran, forging alliances with important countries in West Asia: Netanyahu

Jerusalem, Apr 1 (PTI): Lauding "enormous accomplishments" in the war against Iran, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday evening that the joint Israel-US campaign was "systematically crushing" the Islamic regime while removing existential threats to the Jewish state.Addressing the nation in Hebrew ahead of the Jewish festival of Pesach (Passover), Netanyahu stressed that “sooner or later” the Iranian regime will fall, while Israel creates “new alliances with important countries in the region” against the shared threat emanating from Tehran.The Israel prime minister did not mention any country but in the passing simply said he hopes that “soon, I will be able to tell you more about these vital alliances”."On the eve of this Festival of Freedom, Israel is stronger than ever. The entire world hears our lion’s roar in our struggle against the evil regime in Iran, a struggle in which we have achieved immense, enormous accomplishments", Netanyahu said.The address came at a time when the nation is mourning the deaths of four soldiers in the ground operation in Lebanon. He expressed condolences saying that these achievements also come with "painful costs"."Marking one month of our joint campaign with the US, we are systematically crushing the terrorist regime that for decades cried: 'Death to America, Death to Israel.'....the regime of the Ayatollahs made a massive effort to annihilate us, to take over the Middle East, and to threaten the entire world", the Israel prime minister claimed."It tried to promote these murderous ambitions through the development of nuclear programmes and ballistic missiles, the funding and arming of terror proxies around us, and by weathering the heavy sanctions imposed upon it", Netanyahu said."Now, I want to tell you: Over the years, all of this has cost Iran nearly a trillion dollars. And now it can be said: That trillion has gone down the drain", he asserted.Drawing parallels with the legend of Passover, the Israel premier stressed that "we have dealt ten plagues upon the axis of evil" - the blow to Hamas in Gaza, the blow to Hezbollah in Lebanon, the blow to (Bashar) Assad in Syria, the blow to terrorist organisations in Judea and Samaria, the blow to the Houthis in Yemen, and five more blows to Iran.Among the blows to Iran, Netanyahu counted the hit on "their nuclear programme, their missiles, the regime's infrastructure, its forces of oppression, and the 'Plague of the Firstborn', or in our case, the blow to the senior leadership"."From the tyrant Khamenei, to the nuclear scientists, and onto the master-murderers of the Revolutionary Guard and the Basij, not to mention Nasrallah, Haniyeh, Deif, Sinwar, and many, many more", Netanyahu said naming leaders of Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas assassinated by Israel since October 7, 2023.Contending that Iran is "weaker than ever" and Israel "stronger than ever", the Netanyahu vowed that the campaign against the Islamic republic "is not yet over".He also claimed that Israel had awakened the world to the dangers posed by Iran with most of the leaders quietly acknowledging but some also acting against it."I spoke with leaders in the Middle East in secret and in public meetings. I spoke with leaders in Europe. I also spoke with leaders in the US, with US presidents. They did not internalise the danger. Today, there is no one who does not understand the magnitude of the threat. There are those who tell me in private conversations: 'Prime minister, we understand. We are afraid to say it, but we understand'. And there are those who say: 'We understand', and, thank God, they are also acting", he said.Touting the strong alliance with the US, the Israel leader said the combined forces had dealt "crushing blows" to the Iranian regime which is 'shaken' and "sooner or later, it is destined to fall".Re-iterating the existential threat posed by Iran's nuclear and missile programme, Netanyahu claimed through the twin operations -- 'Rising Lion' in June last year and the current 'Roaring Lion" -- Israel had dealt a severe blow and removed them "from over our heads".Following the address, some Israeli analysts interpreted it as Netanyahu laying the groundwork for the possibility that US President Donald Trump will decide to halt the war with Iran without an agreement.Trump has recently hinted that the campaign has achieved its stated goals and he may simply decide to stop it.Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticised Netanyahu's speech as "arrogant", accusing him of having accomplished just one thing -- "dismantling us from within".Lapid made the comments in relation to the controversial budget passed by the government, which appeases large segments of the Jewish communities that do not serve in the army, and also on the passing of death penalty bill. PTI HM ARB ARB(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/systematically-crushing-iran-forging-alliances-with-important-countries-in-west-asia-netanyahu-1833919