Putin SHOCKS U.S.-led West; Russia REJECTS EU's Snapback Sanctions Threat Against Iran
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First Post
an hour ago
- First Post
Amid rising outrage over starvation in Gaza, Netanyahu discusses annexation & blockade
Even as Israel's condemnation over the starvation in the Gaza Strip is rising by the day in the international community, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has discussed annexing the Palestinian enclave and blockading the area yet again, according to reports in the Israeli media. read more Even as Israel's condemnation is rising by the day over the starvation in the Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has held discussions about the annexation of the Palestinian enclave and blockading it yet again, according to Israeli media reports. Such discussions go in sharp contrast to the public statement by Netanyahu's office that admitted that the 'situation in Gaza is difficult' and said the government was working to ensure the flow of large quantities of aid into Gaza. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Netanyahu held a Cabinet meeting on Monday on Gaza in which the military presented a new plan for the 'siege' of Gaza, according to the Kan broadcaster. Separately, other Hebrew-language outlets reported that Netanyahu and his Cabinet discussed the complete occupation or annexation of Gaza. Unlike occupation, which is temporary control of an area, annexation means the permanent absorption of a territory by another country and asserting sovereignty over it, such as the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014. Despite decades of Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories of West Bank and Gaza (until 2005), Israel has not annexed these territories. Annexation would amount to the most extreme step that Israel did not take even during decades of Gaza's occupation. Netanyahu discusses annexation & blockade of Gaza Under the new plan presented by the military, Israel would again cut off all humanitarian aid to Gaza, according to the Kan broadcaster. Other outlets reported that, if Hamas would continue to reject Israel's terms to end the war, Israel could completely occupy or annex entire Gaza. However, these reports said that Israel would give negotiations a chance before considering these actions. The Kan broadcaster reported that, under the plan presented by the military, Israel would dramatically 'expand' its ground operations in Gaza, including to areas where it has not yet operated, to 'tighten' pressure on Hamas. So far, Israel has expanded the control to around 75 per cent of Gaza. Separately, Maariv reported that Israel would start annexing parts of Gaza if Hamas would reject efforts for deal for a ceasefire and the release of hostages. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In another report, Haaretz newspaper reported that Israel would first annex areas in the 'buffer zone' along the Israel-Gaza border and then annex areas in northern Gaza near the Israeli cities of Sderot and Ashkelon and gradually continue the annexation until the annexation of the most or all of the strip. The newspaper further reported that the annexation of Gaza was part of Netanyahu's attempt to keep extremist ministers Bezalel Smotrich and his party in his ruling coalition. Netanyahu's Likud party does not have a majority of its own in the party and relies on support from far-right parties of the likes of Financial Minister Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
Mint
an hour ago
- Mint
India-US trade deal: American delegates to visit New Delhi for sixth round of talks in August. Details here
Representatives from the United States are set to visit India on 25 August 2025 for the next round of negotiations for the proposed India-US trade deal, news agency PTI reported on Tuesday, 29 July 2025, citing officials aware of the development. 'The US team is visiting for the sixth round of talks,' the official told the news agency. He also mentioned that the two nations will continue to negotiate an interim trade deal as US President Donald Trump's 1 August tariff deadline nears. Trump's tariffs on world nations will be imposed on 1 August 2025 after the end of the suspension period, which means exports from India to the United States will witness the effect of a 26 per cent tariff rate on top of the existing 10 per cent baseline duty. Indian and US delegations finished their fifth round of trade talks last week in Washington. India's chief negotiator and special secretary of the Department of Commerce, Rajesh Agrawal, and Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia, Brendan Lynch, discussed the trade deal ahead of the tariff deadline. According to the report, both nations are looking to finalise an interim trade deal before the August tariff deadline. The reciprocal tariffs were imposed on 2 April 2025 and were supposed to take effect from 9 July 2025. However, the deadline for the imposition of the import duties was later extended to 1 August 2025. India, in its trade negotiations with the US, has hardened its position on the US's demand for import duty cuts on agriculture and dairy products. However, the country has not given any import duty cuts on these products to any of its trading partners, as per the agency report. Farmer associations across India have also requested the government not to include any issues related to agriculture in the trade deal. India aims to remove the additional 26 per cent tariffs, along with the 50 per cent rates on steel and aluminium and 25 per cent tariffs on automobiles. The nation has also reserved its rights under the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to impose retaliatory tariffs on the Western nation. India also wants tariff cuts on textiles, gems and jewellery, leather goods, garments, plastics, chemicals, shrimp, oil seeds, grapes, and bananas. In exchange, the United States is seeking tariff cuts on industrial goods, automobiles, especially electric vehicles, wines, petrochemical products, agri goods, dairy products, apples, tree nuts, and genetically modified crops. The report also cited export data, which showed that the total merchandise export to the United States jumped 22.8 per cent to $25.51 billion in the April-June quarter of the 2025-26 fiscal year, while the imports were at $12.86 billion, marking a 11.68 per cent rise.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Ramzan Kadyrov nearly drowns at 5-star Turkish hotel amid Putin rift and health crisis - has he fled Russia?
Ramzan Kadyrov's near-drowning incident in Turkey sparks new health and political concerns- Chechen strongman Ramzan Kadyrov, known for his loyalty to Russian President Vladimir Putin, is back in the headlines—this time not for political statements or military actions, but for a serious health scare. Kadyrov reportedly nearly drowned while swimming at a luxury Turkish hotel, triggering fresh speculation about his declining health and strained ties with the Kremlin. The shocking event has fueled intense interest, as observers track his condition and the broader implications for Russian-Chechen relations. Kadyrov's near-drowning in Bodrum adds fuel to health rumors While vacationing in Bodrum, a popular coastal resort town in southwestern Turkey, 48-year-old Kadyrov experienced a frightening episode in the sea. According to reports, he lost consciousness shortly after entering the water, prompting an emergency rescue operation by hotel staff and local responders. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Eyewitness accounts suggest that Kadyrov was pulled from the Aegean Sea in a semi-conscious state and administered first aid immediately. He was then rushed to a nearby private clinic in Bodrum for further treatment. Though officials haven't released an official medical report, sources say Kadyrov is in stable condition and recovering. Turkey rescue triggers questions about security and secrecy The incident occurred at a five-star hotel in the Kaynar district of Bodrum, a location frequented by high-profile tourists and political elites. Given the level of surveillance typically surrounding Kadyrov, questions are being raised about how the near-drowning could have occurred—and how it was leaked to the media so swiftly. Some analysts suggest this could be a sign of internal cracks within Kadyrov's entourage or a deliberate leak tied to wider power plays involving Russia's elite. Either way, the episode has lifted the veil on just how fragile Kadyrov's situation might be—both physically and politically. Live Events Trending health concerns surrounding Kadyrov deepen This isn't the first time Kadyrov's health has made headlines. For months, there have been persistent rumors that the Chechen leader suffers from pancreatic necrosis, kidney problems, and other undisclosed medical conditions. His public appearances have become noticeably less frequent, and when he is seen, he often appears visibly swollen or fatigued. Observers have noted that this latest scare only strengthens speculation that Kadyrov may be seriously ill—and possibly unfit to continue governing Chechnya without major assistance. Despite appearances and denials from his camp, mounting evidence suggests his health is rapidly deteriorating, making him increasingly vulnerable both medically and politically. Fallout with Putin adds more pressure behind the scenes More intriguing are reports that Kadyrov's relationship with President Putin has cooled significantly in recent months. In May 2025, Kadyrov allegedly attempted to resign from his post as the head of the Chechen Republic—only to be reportedly rebuffed by Putin. Since then, whispers within diplomatic and intelligence circles have suggested Kadyrov is preparing a succession plan and possibly seeking assurances for his family's safety and legacy. His 17-year-old son, Adam Kadyrov, is rumored to be the likely heir to his political throne, but questions remain about whether the younger Kadyrov has the support of Moscow—or Chechnya's powerful clans. Middle east meetings signal possible escape plan In a twist that has further stirred speculation, Kadyrov is said to have held secret talks with unnamed Middle Eastern officials. These alleged discussions reportedly revolved around securing assets abroad and possibly establishing a safe haven for his family and allies in the event that he steps down or is forced out. This diplomatic activity comes amid increasing internal unrest in Chechnya, fueled by economic pressure and dissent over Kadyrov's controversial policies. His potential exit could create a power vacuum in a highly volatile region and raise security concerns for both Russia and its allies. Political instability looms if Kadyrov steps aside Kadyrov has ruled Chechnya with an iron grip for nearly two decades, often using fear, loyalty, and Kremlin backing to maintain control. His departure—especially under murky medical circumstances—could trigger serious instability in the Caucasus, where separatist tensions and religious extremism remain potent threats. Moreover, his sudden illness or death would leave Moscow with a major political headache. Kadyrov has long served as Putin's enforcer in the south, and finding a replacement with the same level of control and brutality could prove difficult. Without Kadyrov, the Kremlin risks losing one of its key power brokers in the region. Kremlin remains silent as speculation spreads online As of now, the Russian government has not issued any official comment on Kadyrov's near-drowning or overall condition. Kremlin spokespeople have either declined to respond or directed questions to regional authorities, who have also remained tight-lipped. That silence has only intensified public interest. On social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Telegram, hashtags like #KadyrovHealth, #BodrumIncident, and #PutinKadyrovTensions are trending across Russia and neighboring countries. Analysts believe the Kremlin's silence might be part of a broader strategy to buy time while internal decisions are made about Chechnya's future. The longer the Kremlin remains quiet, the louder speculation grows—potentially undermining the narrative of control that Putin seeks to project. Global interest in Kadyrov's future grows after Bodrum incident The world is watching closely. Western intelligence agencies, independent Russian journalists, and Chechen exiles alike are scrutinizing every new detail that emerges about Kadyrov's condition. Many believe that his fate will have ripple effects not just in Chechnya or Russia, but across Eurasia. Given Kadyrov's unique role as both a feared enforcer and symbolic bridge between Russian nationalism and Islamic identity politics, his departure could reshape regional dynamics in unexpected ways. Whether due to illness or political maneuvering, a transition in Chechnya could prove as disruptive as any front-line military development. Is Chechnya entering a post-Kadyrov era? Kadyrov's brush with death in Bodrum may mark more than just a personal health scare—it could be a turning point in Chechen political history. With his health in question, his alliances under stress, and his future uncertain, the era of Ramzan Kadyrov may be nearing its end. FAQs: Q1: What happened to Ramzan Kadyrov in Turkey? He nearly drowned while swimming at a Bodrum hotel and was later hospitalized. Q2: Is Ramzan Kadyrov's health getting worse? Yes, reports suggest his health is declining due to serious medical issues.
