Iran threatens to go nuclear and produce weapon-grade uranium; warns US and Europe
uranium enrichment
to weapon-grade level. This threat implies that Tehran is moving forward with exiting the
Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
(NPT) if Western countries move ahead and reimpose the United Nations sanctions, Iranian state media reported.
The latest uranium enrichment warning from Tehran came as Iranian lawmakers approved the general outlines of a bill aimed at expanding military readiness and increasing defense funding in response to threats from Israel, according to a Newsweek report.
Explore courses from Top Institutes in
Select a Course Category
Product Management
MBA
Project Management
Degree
CXO
Cybersecurity
Leadership
Data Science
others
Healthcare
MCA
Artificial Intelligence
Data Science
Public Policy
Data Analytics
Operations Management
Digital Marketing
Others
Management
healthcare
Finance
Technology
Design Thinking
PGDM
Skills you'll gain:
Creating Effective Product Roadmap
User Research & Translating it to Product Design
Key Metrics via Product Analytics
Hand-On Projects Using Cutting Edge Tools
Duration:
12 Weeks
Indian School of Business
ISB Product Management
Starts on
May 14, 2024
Get Details
Skills you'll gain:
Product Strategy & Roadmapping
User-Centric Product Design
Agile Product Development
Market Analysis & Product Launch
Duration:
24 Weeks
Indian School of Business
Professional Certificate in Product Management
Starts on
Jun 26, 2024
Get Details
Skills you'll gain:
Product Strategy & Competitive Advantage Tactics
Product Development Processes & Market Orientations
Product Analytics & Data-Driven Decision Making
Agile Development, Design Thinking, & Product Leadership
Duration:
40 Weeks
IIM Kozhikode
Professional Certificate in Product Management
Starts on
Jun 26, 2024
Get Details
The threat from Tehran is followed by rising pressure from the US and its European allies to bring back the
UN snapback sanctions
, which allow for the quick reimposition of previously lifted UN sanctions, mainly on Iran, if the country violates its nuclear deal commitments (the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (the JCPOA)).
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Start Your Intraday Trading Journey for Consistent Returns.
thefutureuniversity
Learn More
Undo
According to Axios, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the foreign ministers of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom spoke over a phone call on Monday (July 14, 2025) and agreed to set an August deadline for a nuclear agreement.
If things don't fall in place and no deal is finalized by August 2025, the three European powers plan to enforce the UN "snapback" mechanism. If that happens, it will automatically reinstate global sanctions on Iran's arms trade, banking sector, and nuclear program.
Live Events
How have the US and France reacted
US President Donald Trump said, "They [Iran] would like to talk. I'm in no rush to talk because we obliterated their site," as quoted by Newsweek. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said, "Without a firm, tangible, and verifiable commitment from Iran, we will [trigger snapback] by the end of August at the latest."
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned, "This move would mark the end of Europe's role in Iran's peaceful nuclear file."
Why is this a reason to worry
If the UN snapback sanctions are brought back into play, it could be a step towards dismantling the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). It could prompt Tehran toward enriching uranium to weapons-grade levels of 90 percent.
The root of this crisis lies in the U.S. pulling out of the deal in 2018 under President Donald Trump, which prompted Iran to decrease its compliance and accelerate its nuclear activities.
The Israeli and U.S. strikes directly on Iran's nuclear facilities in June 2025, along with diplomatic actions in the Middle East, have further heightened tensions, and if Iran does exit the NPT, it could end international oversight of its nuclear activities.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
14 minutes ago
- Time of India
From Jan Dhan accounts to mutual fund SIPs, here is how you can empower your domestic staff financially
For 48-year-old Kakoli Chowdhury, charity literally began at home. Watching her mother help their domestic staffers and sponsor their kids' education imbibed in her an innate need to do the same. Little wonder then that Chowdhury is currently paying Rs.16,000 a month as coaching fee for her helper, Uma Maitri's son, who is in Class 12. This is only one of the many initiatives she has undertaken over the years to empower her household staffers, contributing and encouraging them to start savings and investments . Many others like Chowdhury have been stewarding a silent, overt crusade to support this economically vulnerable segment—maids, cooks, drivers, nannies—who help in the smooth running of households, but remain bereft of financial safety nets. The National Sample Survey Office (2011-12) has pegged the number of domestic workers in India at 3.9 million, with 2.6 million women, while the International Labour Organisation estimates this number to be much higher at around 20-80 million. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Project Management Artificial Intelligence Data Science Leadership CXO Degree Others Public Policy Digital Marketing MBA Product Management Cybersecurity Technology PGDM Data Science Finance Healthcare Operations Management Design Thinking Management others healthcare Data Analytics MCA Skills you'll gain: Project Planning & Governance Agile Software Development Practices Project Management Tools & Software Techniques Scrum Framework Duration: 12 Weeks Indian School of Business Certificate Programme in IT Project Management Starts on Jun 20, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Portfolio Management Project Planning & Risk Analysis Strategic Project/Portfolio Selection Adaptive & Agile Project Management Duration: 6 Months IIT Delhi Certificate Programme in Project Management Starts on May 30, 2024 Get Details This unorganised and marginalised sector has had few financial rights or economic security, with little or no long-term savings and funds to educate their children or retire in old age, no health insurance for medical needs or life insurance, and meagre knowledge about investing avenues. Women helpers are in a worse situation, many of them working as single mothers and sole bread winners. Best MF to invest Looking for the best mutual funds to invest? Here are our recommendations. View Details » While several government schemes, including those for life and health insurance, pension , affordable housing, etc., have been launched in the past few years to improve the financial security for this segment, not many domestic workers are aware of or know how to benefit from these (see table). 'There are thousands of welfare schemes that they don't know about. This is why, be it schemes or investing, it's important to first educate the households and employers, who can then help their domestic helpers,' says Roopa Venkatkrishnan, Director, Sapient Wealth, a Mumbai-based financial advisory and distribution firm. Venkatkrishnan has been walking the talk since 2004 by holding financial literacy sessions for both the households and domestic staffers. Going a step further is Bengaluru-based Haqdarshak ( a for-profit social enterprise, which helps low-income segments access government welfare schemes. It claims a digital database of over 7,500 state and central welfare programs—health and life insurance, disability pension, education subsidies, housing subsidies, among others—and offers a 'Yojana Card' that can tell the worker about the schemes he is eligible for. It could help your helpers if you can inform them about it. Apprising them of the government welfare schemes is not the only way you can help your domestic staffers. They need assistance on every front: identifying saving and investing options for their kids' education and medical needs, tech-enablement, budgeting advice, career guidance, and saving up for their old age. 'You don't necessarily need to become their financial adviser, but guidance in navigating the formal financial systems, hand-holding and helping them with forms or digital onboarding, explaining terms, or demonstrating digital tools can also lead to a tremendous improvement in their financial stability and well-being,' says Atul Shinghal, Founder and CEO, Scripbox. Mumbai-based Namrata Vishal Lodaya knows about hand-holding, having helped all her three maids and two cooks with financial advice on career, investment, entrepreneurship, savings and much more. 'I taught business skills to Varsha tai to help open her beauty parlour and offered Pushpa tai's daughter career guidance in fashion designing,' says the 40-year-old. Here are some areas you can also help the people who make a critical contribution in ensuring that your lives run smoothly. Savings & investments As a first step, if your helpers don't have a bank account yet, help them open one under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana. There is no minimum balance to be maintained and account holders get a RuPay debit card. They also get a Rs.2 lakh accident insurance with RuPay card, an overdraft facility up to Rs.10,000, and eligibility for various government schemes with the account. Rashida, 40 Chawla pays an annual premium of Rs.12,617 for a Rs.4 lakh family floater health plan for Rashida and her two children. Shikha Chawla (right) 42, Noida Next, prompt them into investing their money instead of keeping it in bank. You could start them on simple instruments that are easy to understand, such as a recurring deposit, fixed deposit, Post Office term deposit or even the Public Provident Fund (PPF) (see table). For women, a good option is the Mahila Samman Savings Certificate, and for their girl children, the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, both of which offer high interest rates. While Lodaya helped her maid, Priya, 39, open a bank account and fixed deposit, Chowdhury went a step ahead. She started a recurring deposit and Sukanya Samriddhi account by contributing Rs.10,000 for each account for her maid, Ram Dulari, and her daughter, in 2012. She also took other helpers to the post office to invest in Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) and National Savings Certificates (NSC). 'I always felt they should save more by investing in instruments that offer a higher interest rate, instead of keeping the money in bank,' says the Delhibased IT professional. Investment options for your domestic helpers Venkatkrishnan even advocates mutual fund SIPs for long-term savings and high returns. 'I tell them that they can invest in mutual funds with as low a sum as Rs.100 or Rs.500 and get high returns over the long term,' she says. 'Another important thing is to tell them to keep away from chit funds and move to formal investing options like FDs. Insurance companies have also made deep inroads and sell plans pitching high returns, but they need to move to better forms of investing,' says Mrin Agarwal, Founder, Finsafe India. Agrees Venkatkrishnan: 'People lose money through Ponzi schemes, insurance plans and chit funds and should know about it.' Buying insurance Another financial pitfall for this segment is medical and hospitalisation expenses . 'Most families with limited means try to secure food, shelter and education, but forget about emergency health fund. During an illness, they are forced to look around, desperate for help from employers, friends, anyone,' says Noida-based Communication Consultant Shikha Chawla. She bought a family floater health insurance plan worth Rs.4 lakh for Rashida and her two children in 2018. She continues to pay the annual premium of Rs.12,617 even though Rashida no longer works for them. A good option is the government scheme, Ayushman Bharat or the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, which offers a Rs.5 lakh cover per family for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation. 'I also tell them and their employers to register with hospitals with their ration cards so that they can get free treatment,' says Venkatkrishnan. For life insurance, you can help them buy the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana as it can secure their children in case of the helpers' untimely death. For 18-50 age group with a bank account, it offers a life cover of Rs.2 lakh and the annual premium is `436, which is auto-debited from the bank account. The scheme is offered by the Life Insurance Corporation and other life insurers that provide it on similar terms. Financial & tech literacy One of the most important contributions you can make in your helpers' lives is by teaching them the basics of finance and making them tech-literate. 'Guide them in using UPI apps like Google Pay or PhonePe. This drastically simplifies transactions, bill payments and transfers, reducing reliance on cash,' says Shinghal. Also teach them about basic concepts like household budgeting, long-term investments, covering risk through insurance, taking loans, or even starting their own small businesses. Help them with documen-tation and online access to welfare schemes. Lodaya has mastered the art of leading by example when it comes to upskilling her helpers. 'I talk to them about how I manage my finances or use technology and then they follow suit. For instance, when I needed to raise funds for my husband's medical expenses, I used Ketto, and when Priya ben's husband fell ill later, she managed to raise Rs.55,000-60,000 by doing the same,' says Lodaya. Pension & loans While saving for retirement may seem difficult for helpers trying to survive from month to month , the government Atal Pension Yojana is a good vehicle that is open to all savings bank/post office savings bank account holders in the 18-40 age group. It offers a guaranteed minimum monthly pension of Rs.1,000-5,000 to the subscriber after 60 years, and after him to his spouse. When it comes to taking loans, try and desist your helpers from taking informal, unsecured loans with high interest rates. Steer them towards formal bank loans. 'I tell the employers to give their helpers salaries via cheques, so that they can show income and file their tax returns. This is because with three years of returns they can avail of home loans easily,' says Venkatkrishnan. If loans are not feasible for them, help them out with personal contributions, say, for their children's education, weddings, etc.
Time of India
17 minutes ago
- Time of India
As US education system falters, Hong Kong is quietly becoming a global student magnet: Here's why
Amid US education system crackdown, students are looking towards Hong Kong as a better academic option. Amid growing concerns over the reliability of the US higher education system, from shifting immigration policies to political interference on elite campuses, Hong Kong is stepping up to redefine its place on the global academic map. With a sharp increase in international applications, expanded student quotas, and strategic outreach efforts, the city is attracting students and scholars who are reconsidering their traditional study destinations. A recent Times Higher Education (THE) report highlighted the dramatic shift, noting that Hong Kong universities are not only seeing more applications from the US but also from Europe, Africa, Australia, and Latin America. This diversification marks a notable departure from their earlier dependence on mainland Chinese applicants, signaling a new global ambition. Hong Kong's growing appeal Behind the surge is a series of deliberate policy moves. In 2023, the Hong Kong government raised the cap on non-local students from 20% to 40%, a significant leap that immediately expanded the intake potential for international talent. Simplified visa rules for research and teaching staff, along with a more coordinated recruitment push, have further eased the pathway for global students and faculty. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Live Comfortably: 60m2 prefabricated bungalow for the elderly in Sungai Raya Pre Fabricated Homes | Search Ads Search Now Undo According to the THE report, The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong reported a 50–60% increase in international applications over the past two to three years. And it's not just student interest that's growing. Universities across the city have also seen a spike in academic applications from regions such as North America, the UK, Africa, and Europe, an indicator that faculty mobility is responding to Hong Kong's renewed academic promise. HKUST and the global push The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), one of the city's top institutions, is a clear example of this trend. As per the same THE report, HKUST is hosting students from over 80 countries this academic year, with nearly half of its international intake now coming from outside mainland China. These students are drawn by Hong Kong's strong performance in global university rankings and its proximity to cutting-edge research hubs in the Greater Bay Area. In a move reflecting its responsiveness to global shifts, HKUST extended admission offers to high-performing students from elite US universities like Harvard, following growing unrest and uncertainty in the American education space. The university reportedly received hundreds of inquiries and responded with dozens of offers, an indication of how quickly students are reevaluating their options. Beyond the rankings: A strategy to retain talent Hong Kong's academic resurgence isn't just about attracting students, retention is the next big test. While streamlined policies have made entry easier, long-term success depends on the city's ability to support international graduates through work opportunities, collaborative research, and broader social integration. Experts cited in the Times Higher Education report argue that universities alone cannot create the full ecosystem needed to keep talent. Support from government bodies, industry partners, and civil society will be essential in ensuring Hong Kong doesn't just draw global minds, but also gives them reasons to stay. A turning point in global education? Just a few years ago, concerns around academic freedom, particularly in the wake of the 2019 protests, cast doubt over Hong Kong's future as an education hub. But today, it appears those fears are giving way to a more pragmatic global reassessment. With US institutions facing policy volatility and increasing scrutiny, Hong Kong's clear, research-driven strategy and regional connectivity are winning over a new generation of students and academics. In this shifting landscape, the global classroom may indeed be tilting eastward, and Hong Kong is quietly but firmly staking its claim. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Time of India
18 minutes ago
- Time of India
26th batch of 1635 pilgrims leaves Jammu for Amarnath Yatra
Braving heavy rains, more than 1600 pilgrims left Jammu on Monday for the twin base camps of the cave shrine of Amarnath in the south Kashmir Himalayas amid tight security arrangements. The 38-day pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high shrine, which commenced on July 3 from the valley, has recorded darshan of the ice lingam of Lord Shiva by more than 3.77 lakh pilgrims. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Leadership others Public Policy Degree Data Science Cybersecurity MCA Technology Design Thinking Digital Marketing Healthcare Operations Management CXO Data Analytics Finance Project Management Others Product Management Artificial Intelligence PGDM MBA healthcare Data Science Management Skills you'll gain: Duration: 12 Months IIM Kozhikode SEPO - IIMK CEO Programme India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 12 Weeks IIM Kozhikode CERT-IIMK EPIS Async India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Opportunities & Outlining Plans to use AI & ML Applying Data-Driven Business Innovation Best Practices Changing Culture to Integrate AI-Enabled Technologies Ethics, Privacy and Regulations in AI & ML Duration: 20 Weeks Indian School of Business ISB Leadership in AI Starts on May 14, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months IIM Indore Executive Programme in Business Management Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 22 Weeks Indian School of Business SEPO - ISB Venture Capital & Private Equity India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 12 Months IIM Kozhikode Senior Management Programme Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Strategic Thinking & Planning Competitive Advantage & Market Positioning Strategic Leadership & Decision-Making Change Management & Organizational Transformation Duration: 1 Year IIM Kozhikode IIMK Advanced Strategic Management Programme Starts on Mar 30, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 18 Weeks 109820388 Strategic Marketing for Leaders: Leveraging AI for Growth Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 12 Months IIM Kozhikode Advanced Strategic Management Programme Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months IIM Kozhikode CERT-IIMK-Women Leadership Programme INDIA Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Critical Thinking & Decision-Making Skills Power of Emerging Technologies Innovation and Drive Organizational Change Fostering a Culture of Innovation Duration: 9 Months MIT xPRO MIT Technology Leadership and Innovation Starts on May 14, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months IIM Lucknow CERT-IIML SLP India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Financial Accounting & Analysis Financial Instruments & Markets Corporate Finance & Valuation Investment Management & Banking Duration: 12 Months IIM Kozhikode IIMK Professional Certificate in Financial Analysis and Financial Management Starts on Mar 30, 2024 Get Details Escorted by CRPF and police personnel, the 23rd batch of 1,635 pilgrims, which included 1,303 men, 286 women, four children, and 42 sadhus and sadhvis, left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp here in 59 vehicles for the twin base camps in Kashmir between 3:25 am and 4:00 am, the officials said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas Prices In Dubai Might Be More Affordable Than You Think Villas In Dubai | Search Ads Get Quote Undo The first convoy, carrying 374 pilgrims in 17 vehicles, left for the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route in the Ganderbal district, followed by the second convoy of 1,262 pilgrims in 62 vehicles, who are undertaking the yatra via the 48-km traditional Pahalgam route in the Anantnag district, they said. Chanting "Bum Bum Bhole" and ''Har Har Mahdev'' with enthusiasm, pilgrims braved heavy rains while leaving for the cave shrine. Live Events With this, a total of 14,12,95 pilgrims have departed from the Jammu base camp for the valley since July 2, when Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch. Last year, more than 5.10 lakh pilgrims paid obeisance at the cave shrine, which houses a naturally formed ice lingam. The pilgrimage is scheduled to end on August 9, coinciding with the Raksha Bandhan festival .
