International Archives - Page 19 of 38

Trump Secures Major Win as Congress Passes Sweeping Tax and Spending Bill Amid Backlash

In a razor-thin vote, U.S. President Donald Trump clinched one of the most consequential legislative victories of his second term as Congress passed his flagship tax and spending bill on Thursday. Touted by Trump as the foundation of a “new Golden Age” for America, the bill passed the House of Representatives by a narrow 218-214 margin, overcoming fierce opposition and internal GOP divisions. The bill—dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill”—delivers on key Trump campaign promises, including mass deportations, significant tax cuts, and a boost in military spending, while slashing programs such as Medicaid and food assistance. The legislation is expected to add $3.4 trillion to the national debt over the next decade. GOP Cohesion Secured After All-Night Talks House Speaker Mike Johnson played a pivotal role in pushing the bill across the finish line, working overnight to bring skeptical Republicans on board. Trump also worked behind the scenes, personally lobbying lawmakers through calls and White House meetings, aiming to minimize defections among more than two dozen GOP members who had voiced concerns about the bill’s impact on vulnerable communities and rural hospitals. Despite Republican unease over steep social program cuts, party leadership held the line—ensuring Trump’s 869-page proposal reached his desk in time for a July 4th signing ceremony. “One of the most consequential Bills ever. The USA is the ‘HOTTEST’ Country in the World, by far!!!” Trump posted on social media shortly after the vote. What’s in the Bill? SEVERAL estimates suggest up to 17 million low-income Americans could lose Medicaid coverage, with dozens of rural hospitals at risk of shutting down due to reduced funding. Democrats Slam “Abomination” of a Bill House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries mounted a lengthy filibuster-style speech, holding the floor for nearly nine hours in a bid to delay the final vote. He condemned the legislation as a “disgusting abomination” and a “reckless Republican budget” that favors the ultra-rich at the expense of ordinary Americans. “This bill is not about improving the quality of life of the American people,” Jeffries said, telling personal stories of constituents who may suffer under the bill’s provisions. Fallout: Elon Musk, Clean Energy Sector Clash with Trump The bill also triggered an open feud between Trump and Elon Musk, as it scraps federal subsidies for clean energy and electric vehicles, threatening Musk’s business empire and signaling a broader rollback of climate-related initiatives. What’s Next? The bill marks a defining moment in Trump’s second term and a high-stakes gamble ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. While it cements his grip on the Republican Party, it may provide Democrats with ammunition to regain the House, especially in swing districts where Medicaid cuts and rural hospital closures could be politically costly. As Trump prepares to sign the bill into law on Independence Day, the nation remains deeply divided over a sweeping piece of legislation that supporters hail as transformative—and critics condemn as catastrophic.

Editor05 mins

Trump Secures Major Win as Congress Passes Sweeping Tax and Spending Bill Amid Backlash

2 months ago2 months ago

Carlsen Fires Verbal Salvo at Gukesh Ahead of SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz 2025

As the SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz Croatia 2025 kicks off in Zagreb, the stage is set for a compelling rematch between world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen and reigning classical world champion D. Gukesh—and Carlsen has wasted no time in stoking the fire. Speaking at the pre-tournament press conference, Carlsen made blunt and pointed remarks, questioning Gukesh’s credentials in faster time formats like rapid and blitz. “Gukesh played quite well here last time,” Carlsen acknowledged. “But it remains to be proven that he’s one of the best players in this format… I will approach it as if I’m playing one of the presumably weaker players.” A Rivalry Rekindled The comments follow their high-voltage encounter at Norway Chess 2025, where Gukesh stunned Carlsen in a classical game, overturning a worse position to claim victory. Carlsen’s visibly emotional reaction—thumping the table and scattering pieces—went viral, marking one of his rare public outbursts and underscoring how deeply the loss stung. But as the Grand Chess Tour shifts to rapid and blitz formats—domains where Carlsen has reigned supreme—he seems intent on reclaiming control of the narrative. He even dismissed Gukesh’s chances with a calculated confidence: “We have a very, very strong field. Gukesh hasn’t done anything to indicate that he’s going to do well in such a tournament.” A New Test for the World Champion D. Gukesh, at just 18, is the youngest classical world champion in history, but he faces a different challenge in Zagreb. Rapid and blitz demand quick instinct, sharp nerves, and experience—qualities Carlsen believes Gukesh has yet to fully prove in these formats. The two are scheduled to face each other three times between July 3 and July 6—once in rapid, twice in blitz. Their first clash on July 3 will be their first meeting since that unforgettable moment in Stavanger. Alongside Gukesh will be Praggnanandhaa R, the Bucharest leg winner and one of the circuit’s most in-form players. The Indian contingent arrives in Zagreb with momentum but under pressure to carry it into shorter formats. Carlsen Still the Standard While Gukesh holds the classical crown, Carlsen remains the benchmark—especially in rapid and blitz, where he has long been regarded as near-invincible. When asked about the top contenders, he placed Alireza Firouzja second—notably omitting Gukesh from his shortlist. “If I’m in good shape, it will take something special to beat me,” Carlsen asserted with typical assurance. A Reminder from Kasparov On the eve of the event, chess legend Garry Kasparov added a note of wisdom—one that seemed aimed at Gukesh and the younger generation navigating new-found fame and expectations. “The moment you stop thinking about improving, it’s over… The main opponent is your own excellence.” The Bigger Battle The SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz isn’t just about points on the Grand Chess Tour—it’s a test of ego, evolution, and legacy. For Carlsen, it’s about reaffirming dominance. For Gukesh, it’s about proving he belongs at the very top—even in formats where he’s still finding his footing. As the pieces begin to move in Zagreb, all eyes will be on whether Carlsen’s confidence or Gukesh’s quiet determination wins the day.

Editor05 mins

Carlsen Fires Verbal Salvo at Gukesh Ahead of SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz 2025

2 months ago2 months ago

Apple’s India Dream Faces Setback as China Pulls Engineers from Foxconn Factories

Just as Apple gears up to scale production of its next-gen iPhone 17 in India, a silent yet strategic move from China may threaten to derail the tech giant’s ambitious shift. Over 300 Chinese engineers and technicians working at Foxconn’s iPhone assembly plants in southern India have been abruptly recalled—marking a significant disruption in Apple’s global supply chain diversification strategy. While neither Apple nor Foxconn has issued an official statement, the timing—and silence—is telling. The exits come amid escalating geopolitical friction between India and China, and growing concerns in Beijing over the West’s accelerating “China+1” manufacturing strategy. Why the Exit Matters Foxconn’s Chinese engineers weren’t just performing routine tasks—they were the bridge between decades of assembly expertise in China’s Shenzhen and Apple’s new manufacturing hub in India. These engineers were instrumental in: Without them, India’s largely young and unseasoned workforce will face a steep learning curve, especially when assembling devices composed of over 1,000 intricate parts. A Calculated Move by Beijing According to Bloomberg, China has been quietly tightening the flow of: From rare earth magnets for EVs to APIs in pharma, and now to tech manpower, China is subtly applying pressure on companies that seek to move operations out of its territory. It’s not just trade resistance—it’s supply chain control. This latest act—limiting the movement of Foxconn’s Chinese personnel to India—might be China’s most targeted response yet to the shifting manufacturing base. India’s $10 Billion iPhone Milestone at Risk Foxconn has significantly ramped up its Indian operations. In 2024 alone: India now contributes to 20% of Apple’s global iPhone output. The iPhone 17 was expected to be the biggest step yet in that journey. But now, efficiency and training standards may take a hit—even if quality doesn’t visibly drop, as Bloomberg cautiously noted. Beyond App Bans: A Strategic Disruption India’s post-2020 retaliation to the Galwan Valley clash was largely symbolic—banning Chinese apps like TikTok and limiting investments. But China’s current tactic strikes deeper—at the factory floor, where knowledge transfer and real-time mentoring are irreplaceable. As of now, there’s no official disruption in production, and Indian authorities have been quietly informed of the exits. But industry insiders believe delays and inefficiencies could emerge, particularly during the ramp-up phase for iPhone 17. Global Stakes in a Shifting Tech Order Apple’s pivot to India is part of a broader decoupling trend driven by US-China trade tensions. With America incentivising companies to diversify supply chains to countries like India and Vietnam, China is clearly playing defence—with brains, not bullets. Donald Trump, back on the campaign trail, has once again called for Apple to “make in America.” But with high US labour costs and lack of assembly-line scale, India remains Apple’s best bet. And that’s exactly where the current friction bites. By subtly pulling back engineers, China isn’t just reacting—it’s recalibrating, trying to remind the world that it still holds the intellectual infrastructure of tech manufacturing. What Lies Ahead For India, this isn’t just a tech hiccup—it’s a stress test for its global manufacturing ambitions. Can India plug the talent gap? Will Apple re-strategize? Can this withdrawal be reversed through diplomacy or incentives? In the months leading to the iPhone 17 launch, these questions will shape more than Apple’s production line. They may redefine the balance of power in global tech supply chains, and determine how quickly India can become the next factory of the world. The departure of a few hundred engineers may seem minor—but their absence marks a tipping point in a geopolitical contest playing out through chips, cables, and corporate boardrooms.

Editor07 mins

Apple’s India Dream Faces Setback as China Pulls Engineers from Foxconn Factories

2 months ago2 months ago

Ferry Tragedy En Route to Bali: 4 Dead, 38 Missing as Rescue Efforts Continue Amid Rough Seas

At least four people have died and 38 remain missing after a ferry carrying 65 passengers and crew sank late Wednesday night while en route from East Java to the resort island of Bali, Indonesian authorities confirmed on Thursday. So far, 23 survivors have been rescued from the sea. The ferry, identified as KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya, sank roughly 25 minutes after departing from Ketapang port in Banyuwangi, East Java. The vessel was bound for Gilimanuk port in Bali, a short but busy one-hour crossing that spans approximately 5 kilometres (3 miles). Bad Weather Blamed for Sinking According to police chief Rama Samtama Putra, initial investigations suggest severe weather conditions caused the vessel to go down. The Indonesian government has confirmed waves of up to 2.5 metres (8 feet) and strong winds and currents were hampering early rescue efforts. President Prabowo Subianto, who is currently visiting Saudi Arabia, has ordered an immediate emergency response, according to a statement by cabinet secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya. Rescue Operation Underway More than 54 rescue personnel, including members of the navy, police, and local SAR agencies, are participating in the search-and-rescue mission. They were initially deployed using inflatable boats, and larger support vessels have since been dispatched from Surabaya to assist. Of the known survivors, four reportedly escaped using the ferry’s lifeboat, and were found adrift early Thursday morning. The ferry was also carrying 22 vehicles, including 14 trucks. It remains unclear if foreign nationals were among the passengers. Authorities are still verifying whether the actual number of people on board exceeded the official manifest, which listed 53 passengers and 12 crew. In Indonesia, undercounting on manifests is a known issue, especially on inter-island ferries. Marine Accidents a Common Concern Indonesia, a vast archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, frequently witnesses maritime accidents, often due to a combination of poor enforcement of safety regulations, overcrowding, and bad weather. As the search continues in the choppy waters off Bali, authorities remain hopeful that more survivors may be located. However, with dozens still unaccounted for and rough seas hampering operations, the incident marks another sobering reminder of the challenges facing Indonesia’s maritime infrastructure.

Editor04 mins

Ferry Tragedy En Route to Bali: 4 Dead, 38 Missing as Rescue Efforts Continue Amid Rough Seas

2 months ago2 months ago

भारत-अमेरिका के बीच नया 10 वर्षीय रक्षा समझौता जल्द, राजनाथ सिंह और अमेरिकी रक्षा मंत्री पीट हेगसेथ की बैठक में होगा हस्ताक्षर

भारत और अमेरिका के बीच रक्षा सहयोग को एक नई दिशा देने की तैयारी जोरों पर है। दोनों देशों ने एक नया 10 वर्षीय रक्षा साझेदारी समझौता करने पर सहमति जताई है, जिसकी घोषणा अमेरिकी रक्षा विभाग (पेंटागन) के एक वरिष्ठ अधिकारी ने की है। इस समझौते पर रक्षा मंत्री राजनाथ सिंह और अमेरिका के रक्षा मंत्री पीट हेगसेथ की इस वर्ष होने वाली आगामी बैठक में हस्ताक्षर किए जाएंगे। फोन कॉल में बनी सहमति पेंटागन के प्रवक्ता कर्नल क्रिस डिवाइन के अनुसार, यह निर्णय 1 जुलाई को दोनों रक्षा मंत्रियों के बीच हुई टेलीफोनिक बातचीत के दौरान लिया गया। कर्नल डिवाइन ने बताया, “रक्षा मंत्री हेगसेथ ने भारत को दक्षिण एशिया में अमेरिका का एक महत्वपूर्ण रक्षा साझेदार बताया और आगामी सहयोग की नींव रखी।” उसी दिन हेगसेथ ने भारतीय विदेश मंत्री डॉ. एस. जयशंकर से भी मुलाकात की, जिसमें एशिया-प्रशांत क्षेत्र की सुरक्षा, रक्षा तकनीक नीति में प्रगति और आगामी INDUS-X समिट जैसे अहम मुद्दों पर चर्चा हुई। ट्रंप-मोदी की नींव पर आगे बढ़ेगा सहयोग दोनों रक्षा मंत्रियों ने फरवरी 2025 में राष्ट्रपति डोनाल्ड ट्रंप और प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी द्वारा जारी साझा बयान में निर्धारित रक्षा लक्ष्यों की समीक्षा की। साथ ही भारत को अमेरिकी हथियारों की प्रमुख बिक्री और रक्षा औद्योगिक सहयोग को और सशक्त बनाने की दिशा में चर्चा हुई। कर्नल डिवाइन के अनुसार, “मंत्री सिंह और सचिव हेगसेथ ने इस वर्ष के अंत में मिलने पर 10 वर्षीय रक्षा ढांचे पर हस्ताक्षर करने पर सहमति जताई है।” जयशंकर की रणनीतिक टिप्पणी विदेश मंत्री एस. जयशंकर ने कहा कि भारत-अमेरिका संबंध सिर्फ साझा हितों पर आधारित नहीं हैं, बल्कि क्षमताओं और जिम्मेदारियों के बीच गहराते मेल पर टिके हैं। उन्होंने कहा: “रक्षा साझेदारी इस रिश्ते के सबसे प्रभावशाली स्तंभों में से एक है। इंडो-पैसिफिक क्षेत्र में सहयोग रणनीतिक स्थिरता के लिए आवश्यक है।” तकनीकी नवाचार और औद्योगिक सहयोग भारत और अमेरिका अब ‘India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem’ के अगले शिखर सम्मेलन में भी भाग लेंगे, जिसका उद्देश्य रक्षा क्षेत्र में तकनीकी नवाचार और उद्योग सहयोग को बढ़ावा देना है। इस सम्मेलन के अंतर्गत Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA) की भी औपचारिक शुरुआत होगी। अमेरिका ने इस बात पर संतोष जताया कि उसका रक्षा उपकरण भारत की सेनाओं में अच्छी तरह एकीकृत हो चुका है और वह को-प्रोडक्शन, औद्योगिक सहयोग और बलों की आपसी कार्यक्षमता को और मजबूत करने के लिए तैयार है। यह आगामी समझौता भारत-अमेरिका रक्षा संबंधों में एक नया अध्याय जोड़ने जा रहा है, जो न केवल दोनों देशों के सामरिक हितों को सुदृढ़ करेगा, बल्कि वैश्विक मंच पर भी एक मजबूत संदेश देगा।

Editor01 mins

भारत-अमेरिका के बीच नया 10 वर्षीय रक्षा समझौता जल्द, राजनाथ सिंह और अमेरिकी रक्षा मंत्री पीट हेगसेथ की बैठक में होगा हस्ताक्षर

2 months ago2 months ago

त्रिनिडाड और टोबैगो यात्रा: भारत की कैरेबियाई कूटनीति में नया अध्याय

ऐतिहासिक संबंध और प्रवासी समुदाय की शक्तिप्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी की ऐतिहासिक त्रिनिडाड और टोबैगो यात्रा भारत की कैरेबियाई कूटनीति का एक महत्वपूर्ण पड़ाव बनकर उभर रही है। भारत और त्रिनिडाड एवं टोबैगो के संबंधों की नींव 30 मई 1845 को पड़ी थी, जब ‘फतेह अल-रज़ाक’ जहाज 225 भारतीय अनुबंधित मज़दूरों को लेकर वहां पहुँचा था। 1917 तक यह प्रवास जारी रहा, जिससे पश्चिमी गोलार्ध में सबसे बड़े भारतीय प्रवासी समुदायों में से एक की स्थापना हुई। आज इन प्रवासियों की पांचवी और छठी पीढ़ी देश की कुल आबादी का लगभग 40-45% हिस्सा है, जो उन्हें त्रिनिडाड और टोबैगो का सबसे बड़ा जातीय समूह बनाता है। यह जनसांख्यिकीय स्थिति भारत के लिए क्षेत्रीय प्रभाव के दृष्टिकोण से अत्यंत महत्वपूर्ण है। जहां कई अन्य कैरेबियाई देशों में भारतीय समुदाय अल्पसंख्यक हैं, वहीं त्रिनिडाड और टोबैगो में भारतीय मूल की महिलाएं—राष्ट्रपति क्रिस्टीन कार्ला कंगालू और प्रधानमंत्री कमला पर्साड-बेसेसर—देश की सत्ता के शीर्ष पदों पर विराजमान रही हैं, जो भारतवंशी समुदाय की राजनीतिक भागीदारी और उनके भारत से जुड़े भावनात्मक संबंधों को दर्शाता है। कैरेबियाई क्षेत्र का रणनीतिक प्रवेशद्वारत्रिनिडाड और टोबैगो की भौगोलिक स्थिति और ऊर्जा संसाधनों से समृद्ध अर्थव्यवस्था इसे भारत की कैरेबियाई आकांक्षाओं का स्वाभाविक प्रवेशद्वार बनाते हैं। कैरेबियन द्वीपसमूह के दक्षिणी सिरे पर स्थित यह राष्ट्र, भारत के व्यापार और निवेश विस्तार के लिए एक आदर्श केंद्र है। हालांकि भारत-त्रिनिडाड आर्थिक संबंध अभी विकासशील अवस्था में हैं, लेकिन इनमें भारी संभावनाएं मौजूद हैं। जनवरी 1997 में दोनों देशों के बीच हुए व्यापार समझौते के तहत परस्पर ‘मोस्ट फेवर्ड नेशन’ (MFN) का दर्जा दिया गया है। भारत से निर्यातित वस्तुओं में वाहन, इस्पात, दवाएं और प्लास्टिक उत्पाद शामिल हैं, जबकि आयात मुख्यतः खनिज ईंधन और पेट्रोलियम उत्पादों पर केंद्रित हैं। विकास साझेदारी और क्षमतावर्धनभारत की त्रिनिडाड एवं टोबैगो के साथ विकास साझेदारी ‘दक्षिण-दक्षिण सहयोग’ की उसकी प्रतिबद्धता को दर्शाती है। ‘हाई एंड लो टेक्नोलॉजी (HALT)’ परियोजना, जो भारत-UNDP फंड के माध्यम से चलाई गई थी, कोविड-19 महामारी के दौरान मोबाइल हेल्थकेयर रोबोट, टेलीमेडिसिन और स्वच्छता केंद्र प्रदान कर प्रभावी सहयोग का उदाहरण बनी। इसके अलावा, राष्ट्रीय कृषि विपणन एवं विकास निगम के लिए US$1 मिलियन की कृषि यंत्र परियोजना और ITEC कार्यक्रम के तहत हर वर्ष 85 प्रशिक्षु स्थान प्रदान करना, भारत की दीर्घकालिक मानव संसाधन विकास रणनीति का हिस्सा है। संस्कृतिक कूटनीति और सॉफ्ट पावरत्रिनिडाड और टोबैगो के भारतीय समुदाय में भारतीय संस्कृति का संरक्षण भारत की ‘सॉफ्ट पावर’ का मजबूत आधार है। दिवाली, होली, दशहरा जैसे त्यौहार यहां सरकारी मान्यता के साथ मनाए जाते हैं, और भोजपुरी जैसी भाषाएं आज भी कई घरों में बोली जाती हैं। यह सांस्कृतिक निरंतरता शिक्षा, कला और अध्यात्म के माध्यम से भारत को भावनात्मक और सामाजिक रूप से इस क्षेत्र से जोड़ती है। प्रधानमंत्री मोदी द्वारा कूवा के नेशनल साइकलिंग वेलोड्रोम में आयोजित होने वाला प्रवासी सम्मेलन, जिसमें 4,000 से अधिक लोगों के जुटने की उम्मीद है, भारत की सांस्कृतिक कूटनीति की गहराई और प्रभाव को दर्शाता है। ऊर्जा क्षेत्र और आर्थिक सहयोगत्रिनिडाड और टोबैगो के ऊर्जा संसाधन भारत की ऊर्जा सुरक्षा रणनीति के लिए एक उपयुक्त भागीदारी अवसर प्रदान करते हैं। यह देश लिक्विफाइड नैचुरल गैस और पेट्रोलियम उत्पादों का प्रमुख उत्पादक है, जो भारत की ऊर्जा विविधीकरण नीति के अनुरूप है। इसके साथ ही, यहां की सरकार सौर और पवन ऊर्जा जैसे नवीकरणीय ऊर्जा स्रोतों में रुचि रखती है, जिसमें भारतीय कंपनियों की विशेषज्ञता सहयोग का मार्ग खोल सकती है। सूचना प्रौद्योगिकी, दवा और जैव प्रौद्योगिकी जैसे उभरते क्षेत्रों में भी सहयोग की बड़ी संभावनाएं हैं। त्रिनिडाड और टोबैगो की विकसित अवसंरचना और कैरिबियन समुदाय (CARICOM) में व्यापारिक सुविधा भारत के लिए इस क्षेत्र में एक आधार केंद्र के रूप में इसे आकर्षक बनाती है।

Editor01 mins

त्रिनिडाड और टोबैगो यात्रा: भारत की कैरेबियाई कूटनीति में नया अध्याय

2 months ago2 months ago

‘Heads of State’ Review: A Wild, Star-Powered Ride That Deserves the Big Screen

If you were hoping Heads of State would be a high-octane, no-nonsense action flick packed with chaos, charm, and camaraderie, rest easy — it absolutely delivers. Directed by Ilya Naishuller (Nobody), this Prime Video original leans into the absurdity of the genre with surprising flair, bolstered by a magnetic cast and the kind of unapologetic fun that makes it an instant crowd-pleaser. Plot & Premise John Cena plays the President of the United States. Idris Elba? He’s the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. And yes, they’re forced into an unlikely alliance to save the world. Think espionage, double-crossing bureaucrats, political misdirection, and over-the-top stunts — a textbook genre setup, but executed with so much energy and wit, you don’t mind the familiar beats. Cast Highlights Chemistry & Comedy The film’s strongest asset is the chemistry between Cena and Elba. Their bickering bromance provides both the emotional core and the comic relief. Their verbal sparring is snappy and organic, never overstaying its welcome. Together, they’re the buddy-comedy duo you didn’t know you needed. Direction & Action Naishuller injects the film with the same kinetic energy that made Nobody a cult hit. The action is stylish but clear, especially in the hand-to-hand combat sequences. Yes, it’s loud and ridiculous — but in the best way possible. Minor Flaws The second act sags a bit, with a few overlong sequences that could’ve used a tighter edit. But the charm of the leads and the slick visual storytelling more than make up for the lull. Final Verdict Heads of State doesn’t try to be profound — and that’s its strength. In an era where action movies often overexplain or overbuild, this one chooses to entertain first. It’s fast, funny, and gloriously self-aware. 🎬 Rating: 3.5/5 Stream it on Prime Video starting July 2, 2025, but be warned — with its cast and spectacle, it deserved the big-screen treatment. Ask ChatGPT

Editor04 mins

‘Heads of State’ Review: A Wild, Star-Powered Ride That Deserves the Big Screen

2 months ago2 months ago

‘28 Years Later’ Crosses $100 Million Globally, Becomes Biggest Hit in the Franchise

28 Years Later, the long-awaited sequel to Danny Boyle’s acclaimed zombie saga, is proving to be a box office juggernaut. In just its second week, the film has officially crossed the $100 million milestone globally, making it the most successful entry in the 28 Days Later franchise to date. According to Box Office Mojo, the film has earned $52 million internationally and $50 million in the US, for a total of $103 million worldwide. The movie’s success comes despite stiff competition from major titles like Brad Pitt’s F1 and M3GAN 2.0. Over the recent weekend, the film posted steady numbers in its domestic market, with $2.9 million on Friday, $3.8 million on Saturday, and another $2.9 million on Sunday. Internationally, 28 Years Later saw strong box office pull in countries like the UK, Mexico, Australia, and South Korea, helping to solidify its global success. When compared to its predecessors, the film is clearly ahead: Despite this impressive run, the film currently ranks 16th on the 2025 Worldwide Box Office chart. Topping the list are titles like: However, 28 Years Later has still outperformed other high-profile releases such as Karate Kid: Legends and The Accountant 2. Directed by Danny Boyle, the film stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, Jack O’Connell, Alfie Williams, and Ralph Fiennes. Its official synopsis reveals a post-apocalyptic world still trapped in a brutal quarantine decades after the rage virus outbreak. A group of survivors isolated on an island face grim revelations when one of them ventures into the infected mainland — discovering that both the infected and uninfected have changed in horrifying ways. With its strong critical reception, intense storytelling, and now a record-breaking box office haul, 28 Years Later firmly re-establishes the franchise as one of the most impactful in modern horror cinema.

Editor03 mins

‘28 Years Later’ Crosses $100 Million Globally, Becomes Biggest Hit in the Franchise

2 months ago2 months ago

Iran Looks to China’s J-10C Jets After Russian Su-35 Deal Falters Amid Security Pressures

In the wake of a delayed fighter jet deal with Russia and rising regional tensions, Iran is ramping up negotiations with China to acquire Chengdu J-10C multirole fighter jets in a bid to urgently modernise its ageing air force. The move reflects Tehran’s strategic pivot towards more affordable and quickly deliverable options as it grapples with the fallout from recent aerial offensives and long-standing military constraints. 🔻 What’s Behind the Shift? ✈️ Russian Su-35 Deal Stalled Iran had previously signed a deal with Russia for 50 Su-35 fighter jets in 2023. However, only four aircraft have reportedly been delivered so far. Delays, likely worsened by sanctions, logistical bottlenecks, and the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war, have prompted Iran to seek alternatives. 🇨🇳 Why the Chinese J-10C? 💥 Security Tensions Push Urgency The recent joint Israeli-American airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites exposed the inadequacy of Iran’s air defence and fighter response, according to a report in Khorasan. Iran’s air force was unable to react effectively, intensifying pressure on Tehran to rapidly upgrade its aerial capabilities. 📜 Decades-Old Interest Renewed Iran’s interest in the J-10 dates back to 2005, when talks reportedly began for 150 aircraft. However, payment disagreements (with Iran offering oil and gas instead of foreign currency) and a then-active UN arms embargo derailed the deal. Those barriers have since eased, and talks have reportedly resumed in earnest, with Iran now eyeing 36 J-10C jets. 🌍 Geopolitical Implications If finalised, this would mark a significant milestone in China–Iran defence cooperation and could tilt regional power balances, especially as Iran’s rivals — including Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE — continue to modernise their own air forces. The J-10C acquisition could also bolster Iran’s military-industrial partnerships with China, as both nations seek to counterbalance Western influence in the Middle East and beyond. ✅ In Summary This acquisition could mark a turning point for Iran’s struggling air force — and a new chapter in Asian defence dynamics.

Editor05 mins

Iran Looks to China’s J-10C Jets After Russian Su-35 Deal Falters Amid Security Pressures

2 months ago2 months ago

Trump’s Foreign Aid Cuts Could Lead to 14 Million Deaths by 2030, Warns The Lancet

A new study published in The Lancet medical journal has issued a stark warning: U.S. President Donald Trump’s sweeping cuts to foreign humanitarian aid could result in over 14 million additional deaths by 2030, including 4.5 million children under five. The findings come amid global concern over the Trump administration’s decision to cancel more than 80% of programmes run by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the move in March, part of a broader cost-cutting initiative supported by billionaire Elon Musk, aimed at reducing the federal workforce. A Reversal of Two Decades of Progress Lead researcher Dr. Davide Rasella, from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health, said the funding cuts threaten to “abruptly halt — and even reverse — two decades of progress in health among vulnerable populations.” “For many low- and middle-income countries, the resulting shock would be comparable in scale to a global pandemic or a major armed conflict,” Rasella added. Using historical data from 133 nations, the research team found that USAID programmes had prevented approximately 91 million deaths between 2001 and 2021. Their model now forecasts 14 million avoidable deaths by 2030 if the 83% funding cut remains in place, with around 700,000 children under five expected to die every year as a result. Global Alarm and Humanitarian Crisis The report was released just as dozens of world leaders convened in Seville, Spain for the largest United Nations-led aid conference in a decade. The urgency of the moment was underscored by recent developments: USAID’s Legacy and Political Shift The United States remains the world’s largest humanitarian aid provider, operating in more than 60 countries, primarily through contractors. However, the Trump administration has redirected many USAID functions to the State Department, with Rubio stating that 1,000 remaining programmes will now be managed “more effectively” in consultation with Congress. The White House has also accused USAID of supporting liberal-leaning projects, a rationale that has drawn criticism from international observers and humanitarian organizations. The Road Ahead Experts warn that without urgent course correction or global cooperation to fill the funding gap, millions of lives are at risk, particularly in fragile regions already suffering from food insecurity, lack of healthcare access, and climate-related crises. As debates continue in Seville, the Lancet report stands as a sobering call for action, urging nations to step up their commitments before the consequences become irreversible.

Editor04 mins