shot-button
Home > News > World News > Articles

Read World News

Border violence between Thailand and Cambodia continues for third day

Thailand and Cambodia exchanged fresh accusations on Saturday as the ongoing deadly clashes between the two borders spilled into a third consecutive day, claiming at least 33 lives and displacing more than 1.68 lakh people, news agency AP reported. The escalating violence has triggered mounting international calls for a ceasefire, with pressure intensifying on both the countries to reach a peaceful resolution. Artillery fire and gunshots were reported near several villages along the border, widening the conflict that reignited on Thursday after a land mine explosion injured five Thai soldiers. Officials from both countries have claimed they were acting in retaliation for attacks initiated by the other side. As tensions soared, both the two neighbours recalled their ambassadors, and Thailand announced the closure of its northeastern border crossings with Cambodia, AP reported. On Saturday, Cambodia reported 12 more deaths, taking the toll to 13, while Thai officials confirmed the death of one soldier, following which the country's casualties in border clashes went up to 20. Most of those killed in Thailand were civilians. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is under growing scrutiny, with pressure mounting on the regional bloc to step in. During an emergency session on Friday, members of the UN Security Council called for immediate de-escalation and urged ASEAN to mediate a peaceful settlement, reported AP. The 800-kilometre (500-mile) border between Thailand and Cambodia has long been contested, though previous incidents have typically been limited and short-lived. The latest flare-up dates back to May, when a Cambodian soldier was killed during a confrontation that sparked diplomatic tensions and stirred unrest in Thai domestic politics. Fresh attacks and rising tensions Cambodia’s Ministry of Defence accused Thailand of expanding its offensive early on Saturday, alleging that five heavy artillery shells had struck various locations in Pursat province. The Ministry condemned the strikes as “an unprovoked and premeditated act of aggression.” Ministry spokesperson Lieutenant General Maly Socheata said tensions had also flared in Koh Kong province, where four Thai naval vessels were reportedly stationed offshore, with four more en route. She described the naval presence as “an act of aggression” and warned it risked further escalation. According to Socheata, seven civilians and five Cambodian soldiers had been killed in two days of violence. Earlier reports stated that a man sheltering under a pagoda was killed when it was struck by Thai rockets. Thailand’s military denied deliberately targeting civilian areas, accusing Cambodian forces of placing weapons in residential zones and using “human shields”. Meanwhile, the Royal Thai Navy, in a statement on Saturday, alleged that Cambodian troops had initiated a new assault in Trat province. “Thai forces responded swiftly and successfully pushed back the Cambodian incursion at three key points,” it said, warning that “aggression will not be tolerated.” Thai authorities also claimed that several Cambodian artillery shells had landed across the border in Laos, causing damage to homes and property. Lao officials have not yet commented publicly. The ongoing conflict has led to large-scale displacement. Cambodia’s Information Minister, Neth Pheaktra, reported that 10,865 Cambodian families — approximately 37,635 people — had fled their homes in three provinces. Thai officials said more than 131,000 people had been displaced from their border villages. Calls to protect civilians amid cluster bomb allegations Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged the UN Security Council and the governments concerned to demand that both Thailand and Cambodia comply with international humanitarian law and prioritise civilian safety. The rights group said children had been injured in the violence and noted that at least 852 schools and seven hospitals had been shut by Thai authorities for safety reasons. Both the countries have employed rocket and artillery fire. Although Thai officials initially denied Cambodian claims that cluster munitions — banned under international law — were being used, a military spokesperson on Friday said such weapons could be deployed “when necessary” against military targets. HRW condemned their use in populated areas. Neither Thailand nor Cambodia is a signatory to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which prohibits the use of such weaponry. Thailand has previously employed them in a 2011 border conflict with Cambodia that resulted in 20 deaths. “Neither Thailand nor Cambodia appears to be paying attention to international humanitarian law, at great expense to civilians,” said John Sifton, Asia Advocacy Director at Human Rights Watch. “Diplomatic efforts underway need to prioritise protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure.” Thai authorities have also acknowledged deploying F-16 fighter jets and drones in air strikes. UN urges ASEAN to step in Although the UN Security Council did not adopt a formal resolution during Friday’s emergency session, Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa stated that all 15 member nations called on both parties to show restraint, halt further attacks, and pursue a peaceful settlement. The Council also backed ASEAN’s involvement as mediator. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, whose country currently chairs ASEAN, earlier announced that both Thailand and Cambodia were “open in principle” to his ceasefire proposal. Malaysian media reported that Anwar had tasked the foreign minister with mediating peace talks to halt the hostilities. On Saturday, Foreign Minister Maris said Thailand agreed in principle to the proposal, but insisted that Cambodia “must first demonstrate sincerity and stop the attacks.” He added that Thailand would continue to engage constructively with Malaysia. “Thailand reaffirms its commitment to resolving the conflict peacefully and in accordance with international law,” Maris said, urging Cambodia to “return to the negotiating table with sincerity and in good faith.” (With AP inputs)

26 July,2025 04:46 PM IST | Surin | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/AFP

Indian Embassy issues travel advisory amid clashes between Thailand-Cambodia

The Embassy of India in Cambodia issued a travel advisory on Saturday for Indian nationals, advising them to avoid travelling to border areas due to the ongoing clashes on the Thailand-Cambodia border. In an official advisory message, it said, "In view of the ongoing clashes at the Cambodia-Thailand border, Indian nationals are advised to avoid travelling to the border areas." The Embassy also said that in case of any emergency, Indian nationals may approach the Embassy of India, Phnom Penh at +855 92881676 or email cons.phnompenh@mea.gov.in. pic.twitter.com/zU1oNMcLvM — India in Cambodia (@indembcam) July 26, 2025 Earlier, the Indian Embassy in Thailand issued an advisory on Friday, following clashes near the Thailand-Cambodia border, urging Indian nationals to avoid travel to seven provinces in Thailand. The Mission advised travellers to check for updates from Thai official sources such as TAT Newsroom, the official online newsroom of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. In view of the situation near Thailand-Cambodia border, all Indian travelers to Thailand are advised to check updates from Thai official sources, including TAT Newsroom.As per Tourism Authority of Thailand places mentioned in the following link are not recommended for… https://t.co/ToeHLSQUYi — India in Thailand (@IndiainThailand) July 25, 2025 The developments on the border of Cambodia and Thailand come after clashes erupted on the border areas of Thailand and Cambodia, triggering a massive humanitarian crisis, with over one lakh people forced to flee their homes in just two days of conflict, ANI reported. The long-running border disputes between Thailand and Cambodia date back over a century, when France, which occupied Cambodia until 1953, first mapped the land border. Cambodia has cited that map to support its territorial claims, while Thailand rejects it as inaccurate. Both Cambodia and Thailand have written to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) following two days of cross-border fighting, local media in both Southeast Asian countries reported on Saturday. The 15-member UN body has scheduled an emergency meeting for Saturday to discuss the issue. While Thailand says the clashes began on Thursday with Cambodia's military deploying drones to conduct surveillance of Thai troops near the border, Cambodia says Thai soldiers initiated the conflict when they violated a prior agreement. On Friday, India issued a similar advisory to its citizens in Thailand, asking them to exercise caution and avoid travelling to seven provinces of the country.  Both Cambodia and Thailand have written to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) following two days of cross-border fighting, local media in both the Southeast Asian countries reported on Saturday. The 15-member UN body has scheduled an emergency meeting for Saturday to discuss the issue. (With inputs from ANI)

26 July,2025 01:54 PM IST | Phnom Penh | mid-day online correspondent
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldives Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed. Pic/X

PM Modi reaffirms India’s commitment to Maldives ties, capacity building support

India looks forward to deepening its partnership with the Maldives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday, as he met prominent Maldivian leaders, including Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed. PM Modi is in the Maldives on a two-day visit. His discussions with Latheef touched upon key pillars of the India-Maldives ties. "Our nations continue to work closely in sectors like infrastructure, technology, climate change, energy and more. This is greatly beneficial to our people. We look forward to deepening this partnership in the years to come," PM Modi posted on X. He also met Abdul Raheem Abdulla, Speaker of the People's Majlis (the Maldivian Parliament). "Talked about the deep-rooted India-Maldives friendship, including the close relationship between our respective Parliaments," PM Modi said. He also welcomed the formation of the India-Maldives Parliamentary Friendship Group in the 20th Majlis. "India remains committed to supporting capacity building in the Maldives," the prime minister said. He also met former Maldivian president Mohamed Nasheed. "He (Nasheed) has always been a strong advocate of a deeper India-Maldives friendship. Spoke about how the Maldives will always be a valued pillar of our 'Neighbourhood First' policy and Mahasagar vision," he said. Nasheed served as president of the Maldives from November 11, 2008 to February 7, 2012. India will keep supporting the Maldives through capacity building and developmental cooperation, the prime minister said. On Friday, PM Modi held wide-ranging talks with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu and announced a Rs 4,850 crore line of credit to the island nation. India and the Maldives on Friday exchanged eight key agreements covering a wide range of sectors, including Line of Credit, debt repayment, fisheries, digital transformation, and Unified Payments Interface (UPI), in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu. "Delighted to exchange eight Agreements related to Line of Credit, debt repayment, FTA, fisheries & aquaculture, digital transformation, pharmacopoeia and UPI in the presence of PM @narendramodi and President @MMuizzu today in Male," External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar posted on X. Confirming the development, the President's Office of the Maldives stated, "President witnesses exchange of key MoUs and agreements between the Maldives and India."

26 July,2025 01:46 PM IST | Male | mid-day online correspondent
Benjamin Netanyahu. Pic/AFP

Israel explores alternatives to ceasefire talks with Hamas

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday his government was considering 'alternative options' to ceasefire talks with Hamas after Israel and the US recalled their negotiating teams, throwing the future of the negotiations into further uncertainty. Netanyahu's statement came as a Hamas official said negotiations were expected to resume next week and portrayed the recall of the Israeli and American delegations as a pressure tactic. Egypt and Qatar, which are mediating the talks alongside the United States, said the pause was only temporary and that talks would resume, though they did not say when. The teams left Qatar on Thursday as President Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, said Hamas' latest response to proposals for a deal showed a 'lack of desire' to reach a truce. Witkoff said the US will look at 'alternative options,' without elaborating. In a statement released by his office, Netanyahu echoed Witkoff, saying, 'Hamas is the obstacle to a hostage release deal.' 'Together with our US allies, we are now considering alternative options to bring our hostages home, end Hamas's terror rule, and secure lasting peace for Israel and our region,' he said. He did not elaborate. Israel's government didn't immediately respond to whether negotiations would resume next week. Stall in talks comes as hunger worsens A breakthrough on a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas has eluded the Trump administration as experts warn Gaza is being pushed closer to famine, after months of Israel entirely blocking food or letting in only limited amounts. This month, deaths related to malnutrition have accelerated. More then two dozen Western-aligned countries and more than 100 charity and human rights groups have called for an end to the war, harshly criticising Israel's blockade and a new aid delivery model it has rolled out. The charities and rights groups said even their own staff were struggling to get enough food. On Thursday, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would recognise Palestine as a state. 'The urgent thing today is that the war in Gaza stops and the civilian population is saved," he said. Desperate Palestinians gathered at a charity kitchen in Gaza City on Friday, clutching empty pots waiting for a share of watery lentil soup. Such kitchens distributing cooked meals have been a main source of food for many Palestinians, but the number of meals they produce every day has plummeted to 1,60,000 from more than a million in April, according to the UN. 'We've been living three months without bread,' said one woman in line, Riham Dwas. 'We're relying on charity kitchens, surviving on a pot of lentils and there are many times when we don't even have that.' When she can't find food, she takes her children to a hospital to be put on saline IV drips for sustenance. Mourners carry the bodies of strike victims An Israeli airstrike hit a school-turned-shelter for displaced people in Gaza City, killing at least five people, including an 11-year-old boy, according to hospital officials. Afterwards, dozens of mourners marched carrying the bodies from Shifa Hospital as women nearby screamed and wept. 'Enough!' screamed Taraji Adwan, whose son and grandson were among the dead. She said the strike hit as she was filling up water jugs. 'Stop the war! Our children are dying from starvation, malnutrition, dehydration, lack of food, strikes, and dying from fear and destruction. Enough, Hamas! Enough, Israel! Enough, world!' she said. The Gaza Health Ministry said around 80 people were killed since Thursday night, mostly in strikes but including nine killed while seeking aid. Talks have struggled over issue of ending the war Hamas official Bassem Naim said Friday that the group was told that the Israeli delegation returned home for consultations and would return early next week to resume ceasefire negotiations. Hamas said that Witkoff's remarks were meant to pressure the group for Netanyahu's benefit during the next round of talks and that in recent days negotiations had made progress. Naim said several gaps had been nearly solved, such as the agenda of the ceasefire, guarantees to continue negotiating to reach a permanent agreement and how humanitarian aid would be delivered. In a joint statement, Egypt and Qatar also said progress had been made. 'It is a natural to pause talks to hold consultations before the resumption of the dialogue once more,' they said. The sides have held weeks of talks in Qatar, reporting small signs of progress but no major breakthroughs. Officials have said a main sticking point is the redeployment of Israeli troops from positions in Gaza after any ceasefire takes place. The deal under discussion is expected to include an initial 60-day ceasefire in which Hamas would release 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 others in phases in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Aid supplies would be ramped up, and the two sides would hold negotiations on a lasting ceasefire. The talks have been bogged down over competing demands for ending the war. Hamas says it will only release all hostages in exchange for a full Israeli withdrawal and end to the war. Israel says it will not agree to end the conflict until Hamas gives up power and disarms. The militant group says it is prepared to leave power but not surrender its weapons. Hamas is believed to be holding the hostages in different locations, including tunnels, and says it has ordered its guards to kill them if Israeli forces approach. Some 50 hostages remain in Gaza but fewer than half are believed to be alive. Their families say the start-stop talks are excruciating. 'I thought that maybe something will come from the time that the negotiation, Israeli team were in Doha,' said Yehuda Cohen, whose son Nimrod is being held hostage. 'And when I heard that they're coming back, I ask myself: When will this nightmare end?' This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

26 July,2025 10:20 AM IST | Cairo | AP
President witnesses exchange of Key MoUs and agreements between the Maldives and India. Pic/X

India, Maldives sign 8 major pacts across finance, digital, fisheries sectors

India and the Maldives on Friday exchanged eight key agreements covering a wide range of sectors, including Line of Credit, debt repayment, fisheries, digital transformation, and Unified Payments Interface (UPI), in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu. "Delighted to exchange eight Agreements related to Line of Credit, debt repayment, FTA, fisheries & aquaculture, digital transformation, pharmacopoeia and UPI in the presence of PM @narendramodi and President @MMuizzu today in Male," External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar posted on X. Confirming the development, the President's Office of the Maldives stated, "President witnesses exchange of key MoUs and agreements between the Maldives and India." Delighted to exchange eight Agreements related to Line of Credit, debt repayment, FTA, fisheries & aquaculture, digital transformation, pharmacopoeia and UPI in the presence of PM @narendramodi and President @MMuizzu today in Male. 🇮🇳 🇲🇻 https://t.co/u2aMwyXeAv pic.twitter.com/WO10Aal4IH — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 25, 2025 The exchange of agreements set the tone for high-level discussions that followed, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Mohamed Muizzu took stock of the implementation of the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a 'Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership', with the Prime Minister reiterating India's commitment to deepening bilateral ties under its "Neighbourhood First" and Vision MAHASAGAR policies. PM Modi, who is on a two-day visit to Maldives, met President Muizzu at the President's Office in Male. President Muizzu appreciated India's commitment of being the First Responder for Maldives when it came to dealing with any crises. The two leaders discussed cooperation in the fields of development partnership, infrastructure support, capacity building, climate action and health. They also called for further strengthening defence and maritime security cooperation and, in this regard, noted the collaboration between the two countries under the Colombo Security Conclave. The two leaders also reviewed the economic partnership between the two countries. Prime Minister underscored that the proposed Free Trade Agreement and the Bilateral Investment Treaty would open new opportunities for both sides. President witnesses exchange of Key MoUs and agreements between the Maldives and Indiahttps://t.co/ODqtMYU6WV#MaldivesIndia pic.twitter.com/ooREX1n1c1 — The President's Office (@presidencymv) July 25, 2025 Noting that the two countries must take advantage of the digital economy, especially to promote tourism, he welcomed the recent understandings on UPI adoption, acceptance of RUPAY card and trade in local currencies. The two leaders highlighted that the close development partnership between the countries was adding new value to the already strong people-to-people ties. The two leaders noted that, as Global South partners, they would continue to work on issues such as climate change, promotion of renewable energy, disaster risk reduction and weather science in the interests of the planet and its people. Prime Minister thanked President Muizzu for his strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack, and the solidarity extended to India in the fight against terrorism. The two leaders witnessed exchange of six MOUs in the fields of fisheries and aquaculture, meteorology, digital public infrastructure, UPI, Indian pharmacopoeia and concessional Line of Credit. The new Line of Credit offers Rupees 4850 crores [ approx USD 550 million] in support of infrastructure development and other activities in Maldives. An Amendatory Agreement for the existing LoCs was also exchanged. It reduces Maldives's annual debt repayment obligations by 40% [from USD 51 million to 29 million]. Both sides also exchanged Terms of Reference of the proposed Free Trade Agreement. The two leaders also virtually inaugurated a roads and drainage system project in Addu city and six High Impact Community Development Projects in other cities. Prime Minister handed over 3,300 social housing units and 72 vehicles for Maldives National Defence Force and Immigration authorities. Prime Minister also handed over two units of Aarogya Maitri Health Cube [BHISHM] sets to the Government of Maldives. With state-of-the-art medical equipment as part of the cube, it can provide medical aid to 200 casualties with in-built support to sustain a crew of six medical personnel for up to 72 hours. In keeping with their deep commitment to conserving nature, the two leaders planted mango saplings as part of India's "Ek Pedh Maa Ke Naam" [Plant for Mother] and Maldives's "Pledge of 5 million Tree Plantation" campaigns. Prime Minister reiterated India's commitment to support Maldives and its people, as per its requirements and priorities, and for the peace, progress and prosperity of the Indian Ocean region. Ahead of the meeting, Prime Minister was received by President Muizzu and accorded a ceremonial welcome at Republic Square. The meeting was marked by warmth and a reaffirmation of the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations. Prime Minister expressed heartfelt appreciation for the gracious hospitality extended to him and his delegation and conveyed his best wishes on the historic occasion of the 60th anniversary of the independence of Maldives as also on the special occasion of the 60th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations. The two leaders reflected on the deep bonds of friendship and trust that have been built over centuries, strengthened by strong people-to-people ties. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

26 July,2025 10:17 AM IST | Male | ANI
US President Donald Trump.Pic/ File Pic

Judge issues temporary injunction against Trump administration

A district court judge in New York issued a preliminary injunction Friday night stopping the mass cancellation of National Endowment for the Humanities grants to members of the Authors Guild on the grounds that their First Amendment rights were violated. Judge Colleen McMahon of the US District Court in the Southern District of New York stayed the mass cancellations of grants previously awarded to guild members and ordered that any funds associated with the grants not be reobligated until a trial on the merits of the case is held. In reaching her decision, the judge said the ¿defendants terminated the grants based on the recipients' perceived viewpoint, in an effort to drive such views out of the marketplace of ideas. This is most evident by the citation in the Termination Notices to executive orders purporting to combat Radical Indoctrination' and Radical " DEI Programs,' and to further Biological Truth.'" One of the grants was to a professor writing a book on the reemergence of the Ku Klux Klan in the 1970s and 1980s. On a spreadsheet entitled "Copy of NEH Active Grants," the government flagged the work as being connected to diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, McMahon wrote. The judge said several other history projects on the spreadsheet were also canceled in part because of their connection to DEI-related subjects. "Far be it from this Court to deny the right of the Administration to focus NEH priorities on American history and exceptionalism as the year of our semiquincentennial approaches," McMahon said.  "Such refocusing is ordinarily a matter of agency discretion. But agency discretion does not include discretion to violate the First Amendment. Nor does not give the Government the right to edit history." McMahon said some of the grantees lost grants simply because they had received them during the Biden administration. The Guild filed a class action lawsuit in May against the NEH and the Department of Government Efficiency for terminating grants that had already been appropriated by Congress. The humanities groups' lawsuit said DOGE brought the core work of the humanities councils ¿to a screeching halt¿ this spring when it terminated its grant program. The lawsuit was among several filed by humanities groups and historical, research and library associations to try to stop funding cuts and the dissolution of federal agencies and organizations. McMahon noted her injunction is narrowly tailored "to maintain the status quo until we can decide whether Plaintiffs are entitled to ultimate relief. It does nothing more." The judge denied a temporary injunction request from the American Council of Learned Societies, as well as several of their claims in the lawsuit. Their case included the American Historical Association and the Modern Language Association.  This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.

26 July,2025 10:15 AM IST | Washington | AP
Donald Trump. Pic/AFP

Judge blocks Trump’s birthright bitizenship limits in third post-SC ruling

A federal judge on Friday blocked the Trump administration from ending birthright citizenship for the children of parents who are in the U.S. illegally, issuing the third court ruling blocking the birthright order nationwide since a key Supreme Court decision in June. U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin, joining another district court as well as an appellate panel of judges, found that a nationwide injunction granted to more than a dozen states remains in force under an exception to the Supreme Court ruling. That decision restricted the power of lower-court judges to issue nationwide injunctions. The states have argued Trump's birthright citizenship order is blatantly unconstitutional and threatens millions of dollars for health insurance services that are contingent on citizenship status. The issue is expected to move quickly back to the nation's highest court. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said in a statement the administration looked forward to "being vindicated on appeal.' New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin, who helped lead the lawsuit before Sorokin, said in a statement he was 'thrilled the district court again barred President Trump's flagrantly unconstitutional birthright citizenship order from taking effect anywhere.' "American-born babies are American, just as they have been at every other time in our Nation's history,' he added. "The President cannot change that legal rule with the stroke of a pen.' Lawyers for the government had argued Sorokin should narrow the reach of his earlier ruling granting a preliminary injunction, saying it should be 'tailored to the States' purported financial injuries.' Sorokin said a patchwork approach to the birthright order would not protect the states in part because a substantial number of people move between states. He also blasted the Trump administration, saying it had failed to explain how a narrower injunction would work. 'That is, they have never addressed what renders a proposal feasible or workable, how the defendant agencies might implement it without imposing material administrative or financial burdens on the plaintiffs, or how it squares with other relevant federal statutes,' the judge wrote. 'In fact, they have characterized such questions as irrelevant to the task the Court is now undertaking. The defendants' position in this regard defies both law and logic.' Sorokin acknowledged his order would not be the last word on birthright citizenship. Trump and his administration 'are entitled to pursue their interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment, and no doubt the Supreme Court will ultimately settle the question,' Sorokin wrote. 'But in the meantime, for purposes of this lawsuit at this juncture, the Executive Order is unconstitutional.' The administration has not yet appealed any of the recent court rulings. Trump's efforts to deny citizenship to children born to parents who are in the country illegally or temporarily will remain blocked unless and until the Supreme Court says otherwise. A federal judge in New Hampshire issued a ruling earlier this month prohibiting Trump's executive order from taking effect nationwide in a new class-action lawsuit. U.S. District Judge Joseph LaPlante in New Hampshire had paused his own decision to allow for the Trump administration to appeal, but with no appeal filed, his order went into effect. On Wednesday, a San Francisco-based appeals court found the president's executive order unconstitutional and affirmed a lower court's nationwide block. A Maryland-based judge said last week that she would do the same if an appeals court signed off. The justices ruled last month that lower courts generally can't issue nationwide injunctions, but it didn't rule out other court orders that could have nationwide effects, including in class-action lawsuits and those brought by states. The Supreme Court did not decide whether the underlying citizenship order is constitutional. Plaintiffs in the Boston case earlier argued that the principle of birthright citizenship is 'enshrined in the Constitution,' and that Trump does not have the authority to issue the order, which they called a 'flagrantly unlawful attempt to strip hundreds of thousands of American-born children of their citizenship based on their parentage.' They also argue that Trump's order halting automatic citizenship for babies born to people in the U.S. illegally or temporarily would cost states funding they rely on to 'provide essential services' ' from foster care to health care for low-income children, to 'early interventions for infants, toddlers, and students with disabilities.' At the heart of the lawsuits is the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, which was ratified in 1868 after the Civil War and the Dred Scott Supreme Court decision. That decision found that Scott, an enslaved man, wasn't a citizen despite having lived in a state where slavery was outlawed. The Trump administration has asserted that children of noncitizens are not 'subject to the jurisdiction' of the United States and therefore not entitled to citizenship. 'These courts are misinterpreting the purpose and the text of the 14th Amendment,' Jackson, the White House spokeswoman, said in her statement. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

26 July,2025 10:14 AM IST | Boston | AP
Donald Trump. Pic/AFP

Donald Trump calls Jeffrey Epstein file scrutiny a "con job", blames Democrats

US President Donald Trump has termed as "con job" the controversy surrounding his administration's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files and sharply criticised Democrats over what he called a politically motivated distraction, The Hill reported. "The Radical Left Democrats are doing everything in their power to distract and obfuscate from our GREAT six months of service to America, results of which many are saying is the BEST six months in Presidential history," Trump wrote on Truth Social. He added, "They have gone absolutely CRAZY, and are playing another Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax but, this time, under the guise of what we will call the Jeffrey Epstein SCAM." Calling the scrutiny a "Democrat CON JOB," Trump further wrote, "Hopefully, the Grand Jury Files will put an end to this HOAX." As per The Hill, the president had recently instructed Attorney General Pam Bondi to seek the release of grand jury testimonies from Epstein and his alleged accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell. The decision followed mounting pressure for transparency from both Democrats and conservatives, including members of Trump's own MAGA base. However, on Wednesday, US District Judge Robin Rosenberg declined the Department of Justice's request, saying, "The Court's hands are tied." Trump, responding to the legal setback, questioned why Democrats did not unseal the documents during former President Biden's tenure, when they held a Senate majority. According to The Hill, a newly released Trump administration memo concluded that Epstein did not maintain a "client list" and reaffirmed that the financier's 2019 death in jail remains officially ruled a suicide -- findings that have only intensified calls for clarity from the Department of Justice. A recent Emerson College Polling survey cited by The Hill showed that over 50 percent of voters disapprove of the administration's handling of the Epstein probe. A separate Fox News poll found that 60 percent of GOP voters believe the government is not being transparent about the case files. The fallout has led to divisions within the Republican Party. As The Hill reported, House Speaker Mike Johnson told CBS News that the case is "not a hoax," a marked departure from Trump's "witch hunt" framing. Rep. Thomas Massie, a frequent critic of Trump, announced plans to introduce a bipartisan resolution -- co-sponsored by Democrat Ro Khanna -- to compel the administration to release all Epstein-related documents. Meanwhile, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche met with Ghislaine Maxwell on Thursday and is expected to continue questioning her Friday. House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer also issued a subpoena for Maxwell, with plans to depose her on August 11, The Hill said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

26 July,2025 10:06 AM IST | Washington | AP
Representational Image. File Pic

Muslim bodies urge government to act against Israeli aggression in Gaza

Prominent Muslim bodies and Islamic scholars on Friday appealed to the government to stand against injustice and take swift action to ensure that the "continued Israeli aggression" in Gaza ends, asserting that India has historically aligned itself with the oppressed and it is time to reaffirm that legacy. In a joint statement, prominent Muslim organisations and Islamic scholars called on both the Indian government and global powers to intervene and stop the "continuing atrocities" in Gaza. "We, the undersigned leaders of Muslim organisations in India, Islamic scholars and peace-loving citizens strongly condemn the deepening genocide and humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza. On behalf of over 200 million Indian Muslims and all peace-loving citizens of our beloved country, we express our unwavering support and solidarity with the people of Palestine," the statement said. "We appeal to the government of India, international leaders, and people of conscience worldwide to stand against the injustice and take swift action to end the continued Israeli aggression," it said. "The relentless assault on the Palestinian people has taken the form of a brutal genocide, characterised by systematic destruction of homes, hospitals, schools, and refugee camps. Since October 2023, nearly 100,000 innocent Palestinians, including a significant number of women and children, have lost their lives," the statement claimed. The international community cannot afford to remain silent, it said. "We call upon all states to sever military and economic ties with Israel and back the UN General Assembly's call to end the illegal occupation. We urge all Muslim-majority nations to put strong pressure on Israel and the US to halt this catastrophe," the statement said. "India has historically aligned itself with the oppressed; this is the moment to reaffirm that legacy," it asserted. "We call on the Government of India to honour its long-standing moral and diplomatic tradition by standing firmly with the Palestinian people in their struggle. India must denounce Israel's brutal actions, halt all military and strategic cooperation with it, and actively back global efforts to ensure peace and stability in the region," the statement said. The statement was signed by Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind president Maulana Arshad Madani, All India Muslim Personal Law Board president Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind chief Syed Sadatullah Husaini, Markazi Jamiat Ahl-e-Hadees Maulana Ali Asghar Imam Mehdi, Fatehpuri Mosque Imam Mufti Mukarram Ahmad, and former Rajya Sabha MP Maulana Obaidullah Khan Azmi, among others. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.

26 July,2025 10:04 AM IST | New Delhi | PTI
REPRESENTATION PIC

One dead in University of New Mexico dorm shooting; suspect arrested

One person is dead and another wounded following a shooting early Friday at a University of New Mexico dormitory that prompted the evacuation of hundreds of students and a campuswide search for the suspect, who has since been taken into custody. University officials lifted a shelter in place order late Friday afternoon, saying there was still an active investigation and that the main campus in Albuquerque would remain closed. They said students were allowed to eat at the dining hall and return to their dorms but otherwise should avoid the crime scene. Mayor Tim Keller announced the arrest Friday evening, saying 'we are deeply grateful that the offender is now in custody.' The mayor did not release any information about the suspect or where and when the arrest took place. For much of the day, authorities had the area around the student housing complex cordoned off with yellow tape as police vehicles blocked roadways and investigators gathered. The two people shot were inside a dorm building where they had been visiting a student, but they were not students themselves, said Lt. Tim Delgado with the University of New Mexico Police Department. Authorities have yet to release any other details about who was shot. Police had evacuated parts of the campus earlier in the day. 'We had a student orientation going so there were like 400 kids in dorms, so we wanted to make sure they were safe,' Delgado said. Officials issued an initial alert just before 3:30 a.m. that a shooting had taken place. Campus police arrived at the Casas del Rio housing center to find two people with gunshot wounds ' one dead and the other with non-life-threatening injuries. Another alert asking people to shelter in place was sent out just after 6 a.m. Mikey Beck, who was staying in student housing this week as part of new student orientation, said he heard gunshots overnight and saw what appeared to be an injured person hiding in some bushes. Two other people jumped out of a dorm window and ran, he said. Beck said he was excited to start his freshman year but the incident was disconcerting. 'It's really sketchy out here. Just being in Albuquerque is really scary,' he said. Not far from the dorms, a line of university buses waited for students to board, many of them carrying backpacks and pulling small luggage carts with their belongings. The university was conducting a 'staged, tactical evacuation,' spokesperson Cinnamon Blair said in an emailed statement. People were told not to move without direction from campus police. The university in central Albuquerque has about 23,000 students during the school year. New students like Beck have been visiting as part of scheduled orientations ahead of the fall semester, which begins in about three weeks. An increased law enforcement presence on and around the campus was planned for coming days, university President Garnett Stokes said in a letter to the campus community. 'We understand this incident may be especially distressing for new students and their families who are here this week for orientation,' Garnett wrote. New Mexico's largest city has struggled with violent crime in recent years, particularly among juveniles. District Attorney Sam Bregman, who is running for the Democratic nomination for governor, has called for state lawmakers to do more to address what he describes as a crisis. The plea for legislative action comes amid violence in New Mexico involving young suspects, including a fatal hit-and-run in Albuquerque and a shooting in Las Cruces in March that killed three and wounded 15 others. Prosecutors, law enforcement and Republican lawmakers have pressed Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to convene a special legislative session to address the state's crime problem. Despite voicing her disappointment with the Democratic-controlled Legislature at the end of the last session, the governor has not given recent indications that she will be calling lawmakers back to Santa Fe. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

26 July,2025 10:02 AM IST | Albuquerque | AP
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump. Pic/AFP

"With Trump, we agreed that the US will buy drones from us," says Zelenskyy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday announced that the United States has agreed to purchase combat drones from Ukraine, in a deal potentially worth up to $30 billion, RT reported. Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv, Zelensky said he had reached an understanding with US President Donald Trump regarding the sale. "With Trump, we agreed that the US will buy drones from us," he told reporters, adding that a contract worth "$10-30 billion is now being drafted," according to RT. Earlier this month, Zelenskyy had revealed ongoing talks with Trump over a "mega deal" on drone procurement. As per RT citing the New York Post, American defense officials have warned that US drone technology lags behind that of Russia and China, prompting efforts to accelerate purchase and development. During the conference in Kyiv, Zelenskyy underlined Ukraine's urgent financial needs, noting the country requires substantial funding to manage its defense and budgetary requirements. "Forty billion [is needed] for the deficit, 25 for drones, missiles, electronic warfare. That's already 65 billion," he said. RT reported that Zelensky has made multiple requests for these funds from European leaders and international institutions. The Ukrainian president also stressed that Western countries should help cover the salaries of Ukrainian servicemen. "So far, they don't pay for the salaries. They pay for the weapons. And we say - salaries too, because [our troops] are weapons," he argued, as quoted by RT. The announcement comes as the US scales back direct financial aid to Ukraine. Trump has emphasized that future support to Ukraine "will be a business for us," pointing out that the US will no longer cover the cost of Patriot air defense systems, which will instead be paid for by the European Union and NATO members, RT reported. Meanwhile, Russia continues to criticize the West's financial and military backing of Kyiv. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has stated that funding Ukraine's weaponry is equivalent to financing the "death" of the country. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

26 July,2025 09:57 AM IST | Kyiv | ANI
This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK