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Saturday, June 20, 2026

Delaware governor issues proclamation on International Day of Yoga

Washington, Jun 21 (PTI): Delaware Governor Matthew Meyer has issued a proclamation in recognition of the International Day of Yoga in the state and urged residents to explore the practice for a healthier lifestyle.In a proclamation, Meyer said yoga is a 5,000-year-old ancient practice from India that integrates the mind, body, and spirit to enhance overall health and well-being.He said the practice of yoga fosters physical strength, flexibility, mental clarity, and emotional balance, offering valuable tools for managing stress and improving community health.“Now, Therefore, I, Matthew Meyer, Governor, do hereby proclaim June 21, 2026, as INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA in the State of Delaware, and encourage all residents to explore this practice for a healthier lifestyle,” the proclamation read.Meyer noted that the United Nations officially designated June 21st as International Day of Yoga to raise global awareness of the many benefits of practising yoga.He noted that the Indian American Community Delaware, in association with the Consulate General of India-New York, is organising local celebrations to bring citizens together, encouraging wellness, peace and unity through health-conscious living.Prime Minister Narendra Modi's yoga guru, H R Nagendra, is leading the International Day of Yoga celebrations at the iconic Times Square in New York on Sunday, organised by the Consulate General of India.Recognising its universal appeal, the United Nations in December 2014 proclaimed June 21 as the International Day of Yoga.The draft UNGA resolution establishing the International Day of Yoga was proposed by India and endorsed by a record 175 member states.The proposal was first introduced by Modi in his address during the opening of the 69th session of the General Assembly, in which he said: "Yoga is an invaluable gift from our ancient tradition." The International Day of Yoga has been observed on June 21 every year since 2015. PTI SKU ARI ARI(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/delaware-governor-issues-proclamation-on-international-day-of-yoga-1851601

Ukraine Returns Polish Honours As Diplomatic Row Escalates

Edited by: Louis Oelofse Top Ukrainian officials said on Saturday that they were returning Polish state honors after Polish President Karol Nawrocki stripped Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Poland's highest award. The move could further strain ties between the two close strategic partners as Kyiv seeks to rally international support to pressure Russia to end its war in Ukraine. "This is a gift to the Moscow aggressor, who will certainly use it against both of our countries," Zelenskyy's chief of staff, Kyrylo Budanov, wrote on social media, saying that he was returning the Gold Officer's Cross of the Polish Order of Merit. On Friday, Nawrocki announced that Zelenskyy would be stripped of the Order of the White Eagle — Poland's highest state honor, which had been awarded by former President Andrzej Duda in 2023. The decision followed Zelenskyy's move to name a military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), a World War II militia that Warsaw accuses of participating in massacres of Poles. Poland has been one of Ukraine's key allies since Russia's full-scale invasion, hosting hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian refugees. Nawrocki said the move would not affect Poland's support for Ukraine's defense against Russia. <h2>Ukrainian officials renounce Polish honors in protest</h2> Ukrainian officials, however, argued that Nawrocki's decision was beneficial to Russia. Ukraine's ambassador to Warsaw, Vasyl Bodnar, described the move "as a gesture towards all the Ukrainian people" and announced that he was relinquishing his Knight's Cross of the Polish Order of Merit. Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga also said that he would return a Polish award he received in 2022, calling the decision "a strategic mistake … that benefits only Moscow." Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, a political rival of Nawrocki, urged both countries to preserve their solidarity, warning that a dispute between Poland and Ukraine "delights Putin and shocks our allies." <h2>Russian strike on Kharkiv kills 1</h2> Meanwhile, a Russian airstrike on the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv killed at least one person and injured nine others on Saturday, according to Governor Oleh Synyehubov. Russia's Defense Ministry said on Saturday morning that its air-defense systems had intercepted and destroyed 187 Ukrainian drones across the country overnight. In recent weeks, Moscow and Kyiv have intensified attacks on each other as US-led efforts to end the war, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, remain stalled.Don't let the algorithm hide the news. If you rely on our team for trusted reporting, please take a moment to select us as your Preferred Source on Google by clicking here and hitting the "star" or "preferred" button, so you'll always see our verified news first. 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/ukraine-s-top-officials-return-polish-awards-as-row-deepens-1851597

Iran Claims Hormuz Closure, But Three Indian Tankers Carrying 8.6 Lakh Tonnes of Crude Sail Through Safely

Amid escalating tensions in West Asia, global attention has once again turned to the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, which oversees wartime operations, announced that the strategic waterway would be "closed" to vessel traffic. The United States, however, rejected the claim, stating that shipping movements through the strait remain uninterrupted and that the situation is being closely monitored. Iran said the decision was prompted by what it described as violations of the ceasefire understanding with the United States. It also cited continued Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon, alleged ceasefire violations, and the displacement of civilians as reasons behind the move. <h2 class="isSelectedEnd">Three Indian Oil Tankers Crossed Strait of Hormuz</h2> Amid the uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, India received a major boost as three Indian-flagged crude oil tankers safely crossed the vital maritime route and are now heading towards the country. The vessels are carrying more than 860,000 tonnes of crude oil, a cargo considered crucial for India's energy security. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday confirmed that the three tankers — Desh Vaibhav, Desh Vibhor and Sanmar Herald — successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz with 94 Indian crew members on board and are en route to India. In a post on X, Sonowal said the vessels had safely navigated the strait carrying more than 860,000 tonnes of crude oil and were now proceeding towards Indian ports. <h2 class="isSelectedEnd">When Tankers Expected To Arrive India</h2> According to available information, Desh Vaibhav is expected to reach Vadinar port in Gujarat on June 24, while Desh Vibhor is likely to arrive at Sikka port on the same day. Sanmar Herald is expected to reach Paradip port in Odisha by July 1. At a time when uncertainty persists over the status of the Strait of Hormuz amid conflicting claims from Iran and the United States, the safe passage of the three Indian oil tankers is being seen as a significant relief for India and a reassuring development for the country's energy supplies.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/us-iran-war-live-updates-strait-of-hormuz-crisis-but-three-indian-tankers-carrying-8-6-lakh-tonnes-of-crude-sail-through-safely-1851593

Friday, June 19, 2026

Trump Unveils New Air Force One Gifted By Qatar, Calls It 'Flying White House': WATCH

US President Donald Trump on Friday unveiled a replacement Air Force One aircraft gifted by Qatar, describing it as a "flying White House" and hailing it as one of the most luxurious aircraft ever built. Speaking during a ceremony inside the aircraft's hangar at Joint Base Andrews outside Washington, Trump praised the work that went into modifying the jet and thanked Qatar for providing the aircraft, AFP reported. Trump said the aircraft had been extensively redesigned to serve as a presidential platform. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E2woJ60fMIQ?si=RUEVrvBS6RhIlI1y" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> "With the extraordinary devotion of many of you here today, this plane was transformed into a flying White House at a level of luxury that nobody's ever seen before," he said. The US president also described the aircraft as "the world's most luxurious plane" and thanked Qatar's leadership for the gift. "This is considered the world's most luxurious plane," Trump said, adding that Qatar had been "so nice and providing" it. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/trump-says-meloni-begged-for-photo-italian-pm-hits-back-says-neither-i-nor-italy-ever-beg-1851394">Trump Says Meloni 'Begged' For Photo; Italian PM Hits Back, Says 'Neither I Nor Italy Ever Beg'</a> <h3>Luxury Interiors Revealed</h3> According to journalists who toured the aircraft, the jet features leather seating, plush carpeting, wooden panelling and interiors decorated in tan, light brown and gold shades, AFP reported. The aircraft also contains framed artwork and patriotic-themed decorations, including a print depicting a duck swimming in Washington's Reflecting Pool. Trump highlighted the quality of the aircraft's design and construction. "When you see it, you won't believe it, actually, the quality of woods, the quality of the materials, the quality of the engines," he said. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"> .<a href="https://ift.tt/IBbtS6A> makes the inaugural exit from the BRAND NEW AIR FORCE ONE! 🔥🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/jBciB2atAV">pic.twitter.com/jBciB2atAV</a> — Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://ift.tt/nsPqNdz 19, 2026</a></blockquote> <script src="https://ift.tt/2KhCwx1" async="" charset="utf-8"></script> <h3>Trump Praises Aircraft's Capabilities</h3> The president repeatedly drew attention to the aircraft's size and performance, claiming it offers greater range and speed than existing presidential aircraft. "It flies further and faster than any Air Force One," Trump said. He added that the aircraft could take part in a flyover during celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of US Independence on July 4. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-peace-deal-live-updates-iran-gets-no-money-not-ten-cents-trump-s-new-post-as-peace-deal-signing-delays-1851404">'Iran Gets No Money, Not Ten Cents!': Trump's New Post As US-Iran Peace Deal Is Scrapped</a> <h3>Gift Draws Scrutiny</h3> The aircraft, reportedly valued at hundreds of millions of dollars, has attracted scrutiny from critics who have raised ethical, constitutional and security concerns over Qatar's gift to the US government, the report said. Trump has previously defended accepting the aircraft, arguing that rejecting it would be "stupid." His remarks that the jet could eventually be donated to his presidential library have also sparked debate among critics. <h3>Replacing A Long-Serving Fleet</h3> The unveiling comes as the White House moves to modernise the presidential air fleet. One of the two heavily modified Boeing 747 aircraft that have transported US presidents since the 1990s was formally retired on Thursday, fuelling speculation that a replacement would soon be introduced. The new aircraft features a navy-blue underside, a red stripe and a white upper fuselage, replacing the traditional blue-and-white colour scheme of the outgoing jet. Under US protocol, any aircraft carrying the president adopts the call sign "Air Force One." The US government has separately contracted Boeing to deliver two new 747-8 aircraft for presidential use, although the programme has faced repeated delays and cost overruns.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/trump-unveils-new-air-force-one-gifted-by-qatar-calls-it-flying-white-house-video-1851435

German Journalist Detained In Syria Returns Home, Says Lawyer

Edited by: Rana Taha German journalist Eva Maria Michelmann, who went missing early this year in Syria while reporting on the remnants of more than a decade of civil war, returned to Germany on Friday, her lawyer said. "It can be confirmed that Eva M. Michelmann was released this morning and returned to Germany this afternoon," her lawyer Roland Meister told the AFP news agency, also making similar comments to other outlets. <h2>What else do we know about Michelmann's return?</h2> Her brother Antonius Michelmann later told the German dpa news agency that "We went to collect her," as she returned to Germany via Jordan. He said that she was doing well, given the circumstances. He said she had been held in solitary confinement for an extended period but did not provide further details. <h2>What had happened to Michelmann?</h2> Michelmann had gone missing during an offensive by Syrian government forces against Kurdish fighters in the northeast in January this year. Her colleague Turkish-Kurdish journalist Ahmed Polad disappeared at the same time. Antonius Michelmann said that Polad's whereabout were still not known. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), they both worked for the Istanbul-based socialist Etkin News Agency (ETHA) and the Ozgur TV channel. For months it was not entirely clear what had become of them. The German Foreign Ministry last week said it was working at a high level to secure Michelmann's release. It wasn't clear why the reporter from the western city of Cologne was detained or if she was charged with any crime. <h2>Who's running Syria since the fall of Bashar Assad?</h2> The West has broadly welcomed the new Syrian government, led by former Islamist militant group leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has pledged to turn over a new, inclusive leaf now he's in power in Damascus. But religious and ethnic minorities including the Kurds in Syria have voiced concern about the new Sunni regime that toppled longstanding dictator Bashar Assad in December 2024. As well as the military clashes with Kurdish forces and reports of violence against Alawites and Druze, more mundane changes like curbs on alcohol sales in Damascus have also prompted criticism and protests. Don't let the algorithm hide the news. If you rely on our team for trusted reporting, please take a moment to select us as a preferred source on Google, so you'll always see our verified news first. 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/german-journalist-detained-in-syria-back-home-lawyer-says-1851427

PoJK Protest Crackdown: 2 Killed, 8 Injured As Rangers Open Fire Near LoC

Pakistan’s Army and Rangers again opened fire on unarmed protesters in Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK) on Friday, killing two people and injuring at least eight others in what protesters described as another attempt to suppress the growing anti-Pakistan movement in the region. <img src="https://ift.tt/4f0HqC2" width="720" /> Exclusive videos accessed by ABP News show that around 70-80 protesters had gathered in Battal village of Poonch district in PoJK, located just a few metres from the Line of Control (LoC), at approximately 7:30 am. As the protesters assembled to travel towards Rawalakot, Pakistani Army and Rangers personnel deployed nearby allegedly opened fire on the crowd and launched tear-gas shells. <h2>Videos Show Chaos After Firing</h2> Visuals from the scene show smoke engulfing the area following the firing and shelling. Protesters can be seen scrambling towards nearby hilltops to save themselves as Pakistani forces continued their operation. <img src="https://ift.tt/Z2O3Nu1" width="720" /> According to exclusive information received from the ground, Rangers fired more than 50 rounds during the incident. <h2>Two Protesters Die Of Gunshot Injuries</h2> Two protesters were reportedly shot directly in the chest. Videos received by ABP News show local residents carrying the critically wounded men on traditional cots towards a hospital. Both men died from their injuries before reaching medical treatment. The deceased have been identified as Anja and Ghulam Sarwar. With the latest killings, the death toll linked to Pakistan’s crackdown on the protest movement has risen to 58. <h2>Concerns Grow Over Eidgah Ground Protest Site</h2> The latest bloodshed comes amid growing fears of a wider operation against demonstrators gathered at Eidgah Ground, where more than 60,000 protesters are currently assembled. <h2>150 Protesters Declared 'Terrorists'</h2> Tensions escalated further after the PoJK administration issued a notification declaring 150 protesters, organisers and supporters as terrorists under Schedule-4 provisions. Among those designated are prominent protest leaders Shaukat Nawaz Mir, Umar Nazir, Khawaja Mehran and Aman Khan. <h2>UK-Based Activist Also Named In List</h2> One of the most notable names on the list is Chaudhry Tariq Mahmood of Mirpur, a UK-based activist who spent more than two decades promoting Pakistan’s position on Jammu and Kashmir and organising over 1,200 anti-India demonstrations outside the Indian High Commission in London. Despite years of advocating Islamabad’s position, he has also been declared a terrorist after speaking out against Pakistan’s actions in PoJK.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/pojk-protest-crackdown-2-killed-8-injured-as-rangers-open-fire-near-loc-1851421

Thursday, June 18, 2026

Indian Consulate in New York condoles death of 18-year-old tourist from India

New York, Jun 18 (PTI): The Consulate General of India in New York has expressed condolences over the tragic death of an 18-year old tourist from India who died after sustaining injuries in a horse carriage incident in Central Park here. Romanch Mahajan was on his first trip to New York with his family when the incident took place on Wednesday, The New York Times reported. In a post on X, the Consulate General of India in New York said that “we are deeply saddened” by Mahajan’s "untimely demise”. Mahajan, an Indian national, "tragically lost his life following a fall from a horse carriage in Central Park, New York. “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family during this difficult time. The Consulate is in touch with the family and is extending all possible assistance and support,” it said. Following Mahajan’s death from injuries suffered in the horse carriage incident in Central Park, a spokesperson for the Central Park Conservancy said in a statement that it is “absolutely devastated” to learn of the young man’s death. “On behalf of everyone at the Central Park Conservancy, our deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this unimaginable time,” it said. The Central Park Conservancy, which has been entrusted by the City of New York with the complete day-to-day care of the iconic public space, added that “this is the tragedy we feared when we first called last year for horse carriages to be banned from Central Park due to the risks they pose to public safety and public health". “A young man came to enjoy our park and lost his life. That is not an acceptable cost of an antiquated industry operating in the middle of one of the most heavily used public spaces in America,” the Conservancy said. The Conservancy renewed its call for New York City to pass Ryder’s Law, which would ban horse carriages and provide transitional job placement services for drivers. “Every day horse carriages are in the park is a day the safety of New Yorkers and visitors is in jeopardy,” it said. There have now been eight horse-related incidents in Central Park over the past thirteen months. The New York Times report said that the driver of the carriage had stopped to take a family picture, and in an instant, the horse bolted. It tore up onto the sidewalk and bumped onto the grass, accelerating crazily, the driver racing behind, the report added. "We were yelling, 'Help me, help me!" Deepak Mahajan, Romanch's father, said. The family clung desperately to one another, but when Deepak's wife, Priya, fell out of the carriage, Romanch jumped down to try to help her, he said. "My son, just to save his mother, he fell off," said Deepak. "He was screaming, 'Mom!'" "The horse got scared and ran superfast," Tatianna Bresler, who works at the Tavern on the Green, told The New York Post. Bresler, who called 911 as soon as she saw the crash and heard screaming, said a witness was able to slow down the runaway horse before the carriage flipped. Romanch hit his head on the ground and lay still. He died on Wednesday night at New York-Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Centre, The New York Times report added. The rest of the family, father, mother and Romanch’s younger brother, escaped with minor injuries, though their carriage clipped another carriage and toppled over, shattering into pieces, it said. The accident is the latest in a series of mishaps involving carriage horses. The union that represents carriage drivers said it never should have happened. "It appears the driver was at least at arm's length from his horse," Alexander Kemp, a vice president of the union, Transport Workers Union Local 100, said in a statement. "This is unacceptable. A driver is not supposed to leave the carriage to take photos - ever. We support a full investigation." The driver, whose name was not immediately released, has been suspended indefinitely by the carriage's owner, Kemp added. The accident immediately led to renewed calls to ban the carriages from the park. There are more than 100 carriage horses in Manhattan. "We cannot allow this to be treated as another isolated incident," City Councilman Christopher Marte, who has introduced a bill to ban carriages at the end of next year, said in a statement. "The Council must act with the urgency this tragedy demands," Marte was quoted as saying by the report. PTI YAS 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/indian-consulate-in-new-york-condoles-death-of-18-year-old-tourist-from-india-1851184