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N.Korea set for party meeting amid deadlock in nuke talks

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North Korea is expected to convene a key party meeting within the coming week amid expectations it could unveil the country’s policy directions for the new year in the face of a prolonged stalemate in its nuclear negotiations with the US.

The North’s official Korean Central News Agency said earlier this month the ruling Workers’ Party will hold a plenary meeting of its central committee “in the last third of December” to “discuss and decide on work plans for the new year”.

Experts say the upcoming party event could replace North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s annual New Year’s Day address, which is closely watched by the outside world for clues on the country’s stance on nuclear talks and inter-Korean relations, reports Yonhap News Agency.

Kim skipped such speeches in the past two years, opting instead to unveil key messages via major party sessions around the turn of the calendar.

At the end of 2019, Kim presided over a four-day party plenary session and accused Washington of “hostile acts” against Pyongyang. This year, he convened a rare party congress in January and called the U.S. the North’s “principal enemy”.

The upcoming session draws keen attention, as it may offer a clue to the unpredictable regime’s next step, with nuclear talks with the US having stalled since the collapse of the 2019 Hanoi summit.

At the North’s last party plenary held in June, Kim ordered its officials to stay ready for both dialogue and confrontation.

The US has urged North Korea to return to the negotiating table, but Pyongyang is demanding Washington first retract what it calls “double standards” and “hostile policy” against its regime.

Earlier this month, Washington imposed fresh sanctions on North Korea’s Defence Minister Ri Yong-gil and other entities for their alleged ties to human rights abuses in a move feared to dampen Seoul’s hope for the resumption of dialogue.

The country’s economy is also expected to be high on the agenda at the upcoming meeting as North Korea is struggling from crippling sanctions and a protracted border closure due to Covid-19.

At the January party congress, Kim called for achieving economic development under a new five-year scheme after admitting to a failure in his previous development plan.

The party session also comes as the North is set to mark the 10th anniversary of Kim’s rise to power.

Kim officially took the helm of the North on December 30, 2011, with the “supreme commandership of the Korean People’s Army”, 13 days after his father and former leader Kim Jong-il died.

International News

Mumbai Police Reach Kapil Sharma’s House After Kap’s Cafe Firing In Canada

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Hours after shots were fired at comedian Kapil Sharma’s eatery, Kap’s Cafe, in Canada, the Mumbai Police on Friday reached his house in Mumbai to question him about the incident. Around 1 am on July 9 (Canada time), several rounds were fired at the cafe, located in Surrey.

Khalistani terrorist Harjeet Singh Laddi claimed the responsibility for the attack, and demanded an apology from Kapil for his alleged objectionable remarks.

the attackers felt that Nihang Sikhs were insulted on Kapil’s show. The report also mentioned that the attackers said the comedian ignored their calls seeking an apology, and that shots were fired at his eatery to warn him.

Kap’s Cafe team issues statement

Kapil is yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

The management of the eatery, however, took to their social media handles and wrote, “We opened Kap’s Cafe with hopes of bringing warmth, community, and joy through delicious coffee and friendly conversation. To have violence intersect with that dream is heartbreaking. We are processing this shock but we are not giving up (sic).”

It further stated, “Your kind words, prayers, and memories shared via DM mean more than you know. This cafe exists because of your belief in what we’re building together. Let’s stand firm against violence and ensure Kap’s Cafe remains a place of warmth and community. From all of us at Kap’s Cafe, thank you and see you soon, under better skies (sic).”

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International News

Iran warns it will target Israel’s ‘secret nuclear sites’ if attacked

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Tehran, June 10: Iran’s top security body warned that its armed forces would immediately target Israel’s “secret nuclear facilities” if the Islamic Republic comes under military attack, following claims it has obtained “sensitive Israeli intelligence.”

The Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) issued the statement days after Intelligence Minister Esmaeil Khatib said Iran had acquired a “significant cache” of Israeli documents through intelligence operations, Xinhua news agency reported.

According to the council, months of intelligence gathering had enabled Iran’s armed forces to identify high-value Israeli targets for potential retaliatory strikes, should Israel initiate military action against Iranian interests.

“This forms part of a broader strategic initiative aimed at countering disinformation by hostile actors and reinforcing Iran’s deterrent capabilities,” the SNSC said.

Tehran’s access to Israeli intelligence would allow it to swiftly target “concealed nuclear sites” in the event of an Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear infrastructure, the council said, adding that the information also supports proportionate retaliation against attacks on Iran’s economic or military assets.

Israel is believed by many to possess nuclear weapons, though it has never officially confirmed or denied this, maintaining a longstanding policy of strategic ambiguity.

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International News

‘True spirit of friendship’ between India and Iran hailed after rescue of kidnapped citizens

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Tehran, June 4: India on Wednesday thanked the Iranian government for its swift and effective efforts in securing the release of three kidnapped Indian citizens, emphasising that the timely support reflects “true spirit of friendship” that exists between the two nations.

“The three kidnapped Indian citizens have been safely rescued and are now under the care of the Embassy of India, which is facilitating their early repatriation. We sincerely thank the Government of Iran for their swift and effective efforts in securing their release,” the Embassy of India in Iran posted on X.

“Your support reflects the true spirit of friendship between two nations,” it added.

Late Tuesday, the Embassy of Iran in India confirmed that Tehran police had freed the missing individuals, citing a report from Media.

“Three missing Indian citizens freed by Tehran police. Local media in Iran say police have found and released three Indian men who had gone missing in Iran,” the Iranian Embassy stated.

The trio was reportedly rescued following a police operation targetting the hostage-takers in Varamin in south Tehran, Media reported.

According to reports, the three Indian men – all hailing from Punjab and identified as Jaspal Singh, Hushanpreet Singh, and Amritpal Singh – had disappeared shortly after landing in Tehran on May 1.

They were reportedly on their way to Australia after being promised lucrative jobs by a local travel company.

The Indian Embassy in Tehran had issued a statement on May 28, following an approach by the family members of the missing men, who expressed serious concern over their relatives’ sudden disappearance.

The statement read, “Family members of three Indian citizens have informed the Embassy of India that their relatives are missing after having travelled to Iran. The Embassy has strongly taken up this matter with the Iranian authorities and requested that the missing Indians should be urgently traced and their safety should be ensured. We are also keeping the family members regularly updated on the efforts being made by the Embassy.”

Reports also suggested that the families received ransom demands of Rs one crore from unknown individuals, with the threatening calls originating from Pakistani phone numbers.

The details raised serious alarm, prompting swift diplomatic engagement from both sides.

The Iranian Embassy in India, responding to the developments, stated that the case was being closely followed by the Consular Affairs Department of Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Embassy also issued a warning to Indian citizens, advising them “not to be deceived by the promises of unauthorised individuals or illegal Indian agencies offering travel to other countries.”

India has also previously issued travel advisories for its nationals travelling to Iran, urging them to exercise caution, remain in contact with the Indian Embassy in Tehran and consulates, and avoid engagement with unverified travel agents or intermediaries.

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