Gurudwara in South Africa lauded for vehicle donation to school for indigent local children

<p>Johannesburg, Jun 2 (PTI): The Gurudwara Sahib of Johannesburg (GSJ) has been lauded by South African and African continental leaders after its members donated a mini-bus to safely transport indigent local children to and from school.</p><p>“A vehicle may seem like a small donation, but for the children it represents access to opportunity and independence,” said GSJ trustee Harbinder Singh Sethi at the handover ceremony at the Gurudwara on Sunday.</p><p>“The GSG management and sangat purchased this mini-bus as a gift to the Look Forward Creativity Centre, which has been running this school for almost two decades now, with many of the children finding a better life there than where they had been living on the streets. It has been our privilege to support the activities at the Centre for the past 15 years now,” Sethi added.</p><p>“The true owners of this bus are these beautiful children. May Wahe Guruji protect every child who rides in this bus and bless it to carry them to brighter and safe futures,” Sethi said.</p><p>Some of the traditional leaders and Kings from across Africa who had gathered in Johannesburg to discuss the future of their nations took time out to attend the handover.</p><p>Zolani Mkiva, Secretary General of the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa, said Sethi has been leading a team that represents true values of humanity that are always there to touch the lives of the people in a way that contributes to their betterment.</p><p>“We coexist as a diverse community of South Africans and every time I come here, I am so humbled not just with the gestures that you do but with the tangible contributions that you are making into the development of our country. This is an investment in the future of our country- the education of the children who are the future of our country,” Mkiva said.</p><p>Ketia Bikouta, board secretary for the Look Forward Creativity Centre, presented a special citation to GSJ chairperson Pamela Kaur Sethi.</p><p>“The (Sikh) community has been a longtime donor, one of our most consistent donors that give every single month. This is something that we cannot say thank you enough for,” Bikouta said. PTI SH MNK MNK</p><p><i>(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.)</i></p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/gurudwara-in-south-africa-lauded-for-vehicle-donation-to-school-for-indigent-local-children-1847531

Nepal Parliament Disrupted Over PM Shah’s Border Remarks, Opposition Demands Apology

<p><strong>Kathmandu:</strong> Proceedings in both houses of Nepal's Parliament were disrupted on Monday as lawmakers protested against Prime Minister Balendra Shah's recent remarks on the border-related issue.</p> <p>Members of the House of Representatives and the National Assembly of Nepal staged demonstrations, demanding an apology from Shah and the removal of his remarks from the parliamentary records.</p> <p>Opposition parties, who had obstructed the session in the House of Representatives, continued their protest on Monday, insisting that the Prime Minister retract his statement.</p> <p>Gyan Bahadur Shahi, a lawmaker from the Rastriya Prajatantra Party in the House of Representatives, said any remarks made by the Prime Minister should be based on facts.</p> <p>"When a Prime Minister makes any statement or claim, then it becomes the official announcement; the international community perceives it as the official view; the public accepts it as the ultimate truth. Any statement given by the Prime Minister should be based on the facts, evidence and reality. A nation can never moves ahead based on projections but on the facts and figures; emotions might draw applause, but it is the facts that win the trust."</p> <p>Shahi said the House Speaker should remove the Prime Minister's remarks.</p> <p>The protest extended to the National Assembly, where lawmakers also objected to the statement. Ranjit Karna, member of the National Assembly, said if the Prime Minister cannot give the evidence about his remarks, he should apologise to people.</p> <p>"I want to send a request to the government via the Chairman of the (upper) house about the places where Nepal has encroached on the land of our neighbour India within 24 hours. If he (the Prime Minister) cannot give the evidence about it, then he should apologise to the public, and I also demand the formation of the investigation committee to look into the scenario where the Prime Minister got to make such a statement from the National Assembly."</p> <p>Other MPs, including Rajendra Lakshmi Gaire, Ram Kumari Jhakri, and Tula Prasad Bishwakarma, demanded an official clarification from the government.</p> <p>Lawmakers stood in protest, effectively halting the assembly's proceedings.</p> <p>The controversy stems from Prime Minister Shah's statement on Sunday which drew immediate protests from opposition lawmakers, who called the claims baseless and demanded evidence.</p> <p>In response, Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a clarification.</p> <p>Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lok Bahadur Paudel Kshetri said the Prime Minister's comments refer to issues "related to boundary pillars, no-man's land (dashgaja), and cross-border land usage".</p> <p>He explained that, based on technical studies, there are areas where land currently used by Nepal may fall on the Indian side, and vice versa.</p> <p>Reaffirming Nepal's position, the ministry said the government remains committed to resolving boundary issues through diplomatic dialogue based on historical treaties, maps and agreements.</p> <p>India's Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal last month responded to media queries regarding comments made by the Foreign Ministry of Nepal on the border issue in the context of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and said India's position in this regard had been consistent and clear.</p> <p>"Lipulekh Pass has been a long-standing route for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra since 1954, and the Yatra through this route has been going on for decades. This is not a new development," he said.</p> <p>Jaiswal further said that with regard to territorial claims, India has consistently maintained that such claims are neither justified nor based on historical facts and evidence.</p> <p>"Such unilateral artificial enlargement of territorial claims is untenable," he added.</p> <p>Jasiwal stated that India remains open to constructive interaction with Nepal on all issues of the bilateral ties.</p> <p>"India remains open to a constructive interaction with Nepal on all issues in the bilateral relationship, including on resolving agreed outstanding boundary issues through dialogue and diplomacy," it added.&nbsp;</p> <p><em><strong>(This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)</strong></em></p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/nepal-parliament-disrupted-over-pm-shah-s-border-remarks-opposition-demands-apology-1847520

Breaking: Iran Denies President's Resignation Reports

<p data-start="0" data-end="360">Amid heightened tensions following the conflict between the United States and Iran, attention has shifted to political developments within Iran. Reports circulating in some Iranian media outlets claimed that Iranian President <span class="hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline"><span class="whitespace-normal">Masoud Pezeshkian</span></span> had resigned from his position. However, the Iranian government has firmly denied these reports. Elias Hazrati, head of Iran&rsquo;s Information Council, rejected the resignation claims and described them as misinformation spread by individuals seeking to undermine national unity. According to him, certain groups are attempting to create confusion and instability by circulating false rumors. To counter the speculation, the Iranian President&rsquo;s Office released a video message featuring President Pezeshkian. In the video, he reaffirmed his commitment to serving the country and stated that he would continue on the current path with determination and strength for as long as he is able. He also expressed support for Iran&rsquo;s Supreme Leader, <span class="hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline"><span class="whitespace-normal">Ali Khamenei</span></span>, emphasizing loyalty to the nation&rsquo;s leadership and honoring those who have sacrificed for the country.</p>

source https://news.abplive.com/videos/news/world-breaking-iran-denies-president-s-resignation-reports-1847345

Trump Pushes For Revisions To Proposed Iran Deal Amid Ongoing Nuclear Dispute: Report

<p>US President Donald Trump has requested further revisions to a proposed agreement with Iran aimed at extending a fragile ceasefire and advancing negotiations over Tehran's nuclear programme, CBS News reported.</p> <p>The latest development indicates that key differences remain unresolved despite months of diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran.</p> <p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BcHqz4gtoYU?si=bTTJcL6NMe5J7gC9" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <h3>Trump Seeks Stronger Terms</h3> <p>According to US media reports, the latest draft agreement includes a 60-day cessation of hostilities, provisions related to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a framework for renewed discussions on Iran's nuclear activities.</p> <p>However, no formal agreement has been announced.</p> <p>A high-level meeting chaired by Trump in the White House Situation Room on Friday ended without a final decision, despite earlier indications that a breakthrough could be imminent.</p> <p>Speaking to Fox News, Trump reiterated that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remained a non-negotiable condition.</p> <p>"The one guarantee that I have to have is that there will be no nuclear weapons," he said.</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/myanmar-ammo-depot-blast-kills-50-over-100-houses-damaged-1847316">Myanmar Ammo Depot Blast Kills 50; Over 100 Houses Damaged</a></strong></p> <p>Trump also indicated that he was not rushing to conclude negotiations, while reports suggested he had sought multiple changes to the draft agreement during and after Friday's discussions.</p> <p>A White House official echoed that position, saying, "President Trump will only make a deal that is good for America and satisfies his red lines."</p> <h3>Key Issues Under Negotiation</h3> <p>According to CBS News, the proposed framework addresses several contentious issues, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the future of Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium.</p> <p>If finalised, the agreement could potentially lead to the release of billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets through sanctions relief.</p> <p>The framework has previously been described as a memorandum of understanding pending formal approval by both governments.</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-florida-judge-scrutinise-trump-10-billion-irs-lawsuit-settlement-amid-allegations-of-fraud-and-collusion-1847180/amp">US Judge To Scrutinise Trump&rsquo;s $10 Billion IRS Settlement Amid Allegations Of Fraud And Collusion</a></strong></p> <h3>Iran Remains Cautious</h3> <p>Iranian officials have continued to stress that any agreement must safeguard the country's interests and sovereign rights.</p> <p>Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf reportedly said Tehran would reject any arrangement lacking adequate guarantees.</p> <p>Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also urged caution regarding reports of an imminent breakthrough.</p> <p>"Until a conclusion is reached... everything that is being said now is speculation," he said.</p> <p>Iranian media reported that negotiations remain active, with both sides continuing to exchange proposed amendments to the draft text.</p> <p>Tehran has also reportedly demanded the unfreezing of financial assets before broader nuclear discussions move forward.</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-deal-trump-says-close-to-very-good-deal-warns-of-military-action-if-talks-fail-nuclear-programme-hormuz-1847186">Trump Says US-Iran Close To 'Very Good Deal', Warns Of Military Action If Talks Fail</a></strong></p> <h3>Military Warning Amid Diplomatic Efforts</h3> <p>The negotiations come after months of conflict followed by a tentative ceasefire that began on April 8.</p> <p>Although Trump has repeatedly suggested that an agreement could be close, a final settlement has yet to emerge.</p> <p>Adding pressure to the talks, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth warned that military operations could resume if negotiations fail to meet Washington's objectives.</p> <p>"Our stockpiles are more than suited for that," Hegseth said during remarks in Singapore.</p> <p>The latest round of revisions underscores the continuing disagreements between Washington and Tehran over critical elements of the proposed framework, leaving the future of the agreement uncertain despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.</p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/trump-pushes-for-revisions-to-proposed-iran-deal-amid-ongoing-nuclear-dispute-report-1847331

Myanmar Ammo Depot Blast Kills 50; Over 100 Houses Damaged

<p class="isSelectedEnd">An explosion at an ammunition storage facility in Namkham, located in Myanmar&rsquo;s Shan State, has reportedly killed around 50 people and injured more than 60 others. Shan State is one of the regions heavily affected by the country's ongoing civil conflict.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The incident came to light while Myanmar President and former military ruler Min Aung Hlaing is on a visit to India from May 30 to June 3. The Myanmar President met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in New Delhi on Sunday and is scheduled to receive a ceremonial welcome on Monday. The visit has drawn quiet international attention, as it is uncommon for the head of what many describe as a pseudo-democratic regime to receive such a reception.</p> <h2>Blast Occurred 3 km From China Border</h2> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The explosion took place in an area located around 3 kilometres south of the China-Myanmar border. The region is under the control of the Ta&rsquo;ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), an ethnic armed group that has been engaged in a guerrilla conflict against Myanmar&rsquo;s government.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">A member of a rescue team at the site said that 46 bodies had been recovered by Sunday evening, including six children. The bodies were sent for cremation.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The rescuer also said that 74 injured people had been taken to a township hospital. Rescue operations are still underway. More than 100 houses in the surrounding area have reportedly been damaged.</p> <h2>Extensive Damage In Residential Areas</h2> <p class="isSelectedEnd">According to Myanmar news agency Shwe Phee Myay, the death toll is estimated to be between 50 and 55. Photographs and videos related to the incident have also been shared. Several residential buildings suffered damage, while local authorities continue to oversee rescue operations at the site.</p> <p>In a statement, the Ta&rsquo;ang National Liberation Army said that the economic department had stored gelignite, which is used in mining and stone quarrying operations. The material is commonly used for excavation and breaking rocks, but can become explosive if stored for an extended period.</p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/myanmar-ammo-depot-blast-kills-50-over-100-houses-damaged-1847316

US Judge To Scrutinise Trump’s $10 Billion IRS Settlement Amid Allegations Of Fraud And Collusion

<p>A federal judge in Florida has signalled that she will examine a controversial settlement between the US Justice Department and President Donald Trump that resolved his $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), intensifying legal scrutiny of an agreement that has already drawn criticism from former judges and lawmakers.</p> <p>US District Judge Kathleen Williams ordered Trump's legal team to respond by June 12 to a motion filed by 35 retired federal judges who contend that the settlement was tainted by collusion and deception, Reuters reported.</p> <p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/26_4PidQXD4?si=SH6Q0Hm_QMLJbuwr" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <h3>Judge Raises Questions After Case Dismissal</h3> <p>Trump had sued the federal government over the alleged mishandling of his tax records, claiming their disclosure led to media leaks. The dispute was resolved through a settlement that proposed the creation of a nearly $1.8 billion compensation fund for individuals who claim to have been victims of political "weaponisation."</p> <p>Following the agreement, Trump sought to dismiss the lawsuit, a request that Williams granted on May 18.</p> <p>However, in a new order issued Friday, the judge indicated that the court retained authority to examine potential misconduct connected to the settlement.</p> <p>Williams directed Trump's attorneys to address allegations that the case resulted from "deception" and explain why the court should not revisit the matter, the report said.</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-can-t-stop-praising-pakistan-congress-slams-hegseth-over-asim-munir-remarks-1847149/amp">&lsquo;US Can&rsquo;t Stop Praising Pakistan&rsquo;: Congress Slams Hegseth Over Asim Munir Remarks</a></strong></p> <h3>Retired Judges Challenge Settlement</h3> <p>The motion filed by the retired federal judges argues that the settlement was never formally presented to the court and raises serious concerns about the conduct of both Trump and government officials.</p> <p>According to the filing, the agreement "is a product of collusion and is itself a fraud on the court."</p> <p>The group further argued that the circumstances surrounding the settlement raise broader questions about the integrity of the judicial process and public confidence in the administration of justice.</p> <p>Legal observers noted that it is uncommon for a judge to seek responses to such motions after a case has already been dismissed. If Williams decides to reopen the case, she could schedule hearings or pursue additional judicial review.</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/pete-hegseth-warns-us-ready-to-strike-iran-again-if-talks-collapse-1847161">Pete Hegseth Warns US Ready To Strike Iran Again If Talks Collapse</a></strong></p> <h3>Separate Court Blocks Compensation Fund</h3> <p>In a related development, US District Judge Leonie Brinkema in Virginia temporarily blocked the Trump administration from establishing the proposed "Anti-Weaponisation Fund," Reuters reported.</p> <p>The injunction will remain in place at least until June 12 while legal challenges continue.</p> <p>The proposed fund has generated criticism from across the political spectrum, including some members of Trump's Republican Party, amid concerns that taxpayer money could ultimately benefit individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol.</p> <p>Critics have characterised the proposed fund as a political "slush fund."</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-fires-hellfire-missile-to-stop-vessel-bound-for-iran-in-gulf-of-oman-1847168">US Fires Hellfire Missile To Stop Vessel Bound For Iran In Gulf Of Oman</a></strong></p> <h3>Settlement Terms Draw Legal Questions</h3> <p>The agreement contains provisions that have attracted additional scrutiny from legal experts.</p> <p>Among its terms is a restriction preventing the IRS from pursuing audits of Trump, his relatives and his companies concerning tax returns filed before May 18, as well as matters that were previously raised or could have been raised.</p> <p>Legal scholars have described the arrangement as highly unusual, noting that funds of such magnitude are typically established through congressional legislation or administered under court supervision.</p> <p>The combination of a multibillion-dollar settlement, restrictions on future IRS actions and the creation of a large compensation fund has placed the agreement at the centre of a growing legal and political debate.</p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-florida-judge-scrutinise-trump-10-billion-irs-lawsuit-settlement-amid-allegations-of-fraud-and-collusion-1847180

Karachi Chokes On Toxic Stench As 1.4 Lakh Tonnes Of Waste Piles Up After Eid; Oppn Blames Civic Failure

<p>A sanitation crisis gripped Karachi after Eid-ul-Adha as large quantities of decomposing animal waste and garbage littered streets across the city left residents battling toxic stench, raising concerns over public health and municipal management.</p> <p>The situation exposed persistent shortcomings in the city's waste management system, with many residential neighbourhoods reporting uncleared animal remains days after the conclusion of Eid celebrations.</p> <h3>Residents Complain Of Foul Odours, Unhygienic Conditions</h3> <p>While the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB) conducted waste collection operations on major roads and in prominent localities during the three-day festival period, several residential areas continued to struggle with piles of rotting waste.</p> <p>According to reports cited by Dawn, many neighbourhoods remained covered with decomposing animal offal and garbage from Wednesday through Friday, filling the air with an unbearable stench.</p> <p>The combination of extreme heat and high humidity accelerated the decomposition process, causing animal fat and organic waste to spread across roads and public spaces, creating difficult living conditions for residents.</p> <p>Residents complained that the foul smell had become so intense that it was difficult to remain indoors, while concerns grew over the potential health risks associated with the prolonged accumulation of waste.</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-can-t-stop-praising-pakistan-congress-slams-hegseth-over-asim-munir-remarks-1847149/amp">&lsquo;US Can&rsquo;t Stop Praising Pakistan&rsquo;: Congress Slams Hegseth Over Asim Munir Remarks</a></strong></p> <h3>Opposition Parties Target Provincial Administration</h3> <p>The worsening sanitation crisis sparked sharp criticism from opposition parties, which accused the provincial administration of failing to effectively manage post-Eid clean-up operations.</p> <p>Jamaat-e-Islami chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman criticised the Pakistan Peoples Party-led Sindh government, describing the situation as a result of "a dangerous combination of corruption and incompetence."</p> <p>He questioned why residents were allegedly forced to arrange private waste collection despite the SSWMB operating with a budget of PKR 43 billion.</p> <p>Rehman said local administrations run by his party had been compelled to organise independent sanitation campaigns and waste disposal drives to assist residents during the festival period.</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/pete-hegseth-warns-us-ready-to-strike-iran-again-if-talks-collapse-1847161">Pete Hegseth Warns US Ready To Strike Iran Again If Talks Collapse</a></strong></p> <h3>MQM-P Alleges Collapse Of Sanitation System</h3> <p>The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) also launched a strong attack on the authorities, alleging that civic agencies had failed to execute an effective strategy for collecting sacrificial remains.</p> <p>The party claimed that animal waste remained unattended in several areas, including Landhi, Korangi, Malir, Shah Faisal Colony, Baldia, Keamari, Orangi, Liaquatabad, Federal B Area, North Nazimabad, North Karachi and Surjani Town.</p> <p>According to MQM-P, residents across the city were left struggling with pollution, foul odours and deteriorating sanitary conditions as the sanitation system in many parts of the city had become ineffective.</p> <h3>Karachi Mayor Defends Clean-Up Effort</h3> <p>Despite criticism from residents and opposition leaders, Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab defended the municipal response and expressed satisfaction with the clean-up operation.</p> <p>According to an official statement, the mayor said elected representatives and municipal officials remained actively involved throughout the Eid period and supervised waste removal efforts across different parts of the city.</p> <p>He maintained that the overall situation remained under control and praised the performance of sanitation workers involved in the operation.</p> <p>The mayor also said he personally monitored the removal of sacrificial waste alongside SSWMB teams until the collection process was completed.</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/india/aimim-chief-owaisi-sparks-fresh-row-with-close-liquor-shops-during-ramadan-remark-1847144">AIMIM Chief Owaisi Sparks Fresh Row With &lsquo;Close Liquor Shops During Ramadan&rsquo; Remark</a></strong></p> <h3>Authorities Claim Over 1.4 Lakh Tonnes Of Waste Processed</h3> <p>Municipal authorities said extensive arrangements had been made to manage waste generated during Eid-ul-Adha.</p> <p>According to figures released by the SSWMB, more than 142,816 tonnes of animal remains and household waste were processed during the post-Eid operation.</p> <p>The total included 64,122 tonnes of animal offal and 78,694 tonnes of carcass remains and general garbage.</p> <p>Officials said nine disposal trenches and 99 collection points had been established across Karachi to facilitate waste removal. The agency also carried out disinfectant spraying, lime application and fumigation drives in an effort to control odours and maintain hygiene.</p> <p>Despite these measures, complaints continued to emerge from several neighbourhoods, underscoring the challenges facing Karachi's sanitation infrastructure and the growing public frustration over recurring waste management failures during major religious festivals.</p> <p><em>(With inputs from ANI report)</em></p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/pakistan-chokes-toxic-stench-1-40-000-tonnes-animal-waste-piles-up-eid-al-adha-in-karachi-1847176