World

United Nations, July 15 (IANS) India has warned that people’s view of the UN is sinking as it fails to reform the Security Council to make it capable of ending conflicts end human suffering.

“Public perception about the UN has changed adversely in the recent past primarily due to the Security Council’s inability to meaningfully intervene in raging conflicts across different parts of the globe”, India’s Permanent Representative P Harish said on Tuesday.

“The Security Council has been ineffective in putting an end to human suffering among the affected populations”, he said, and this calls into question its ability to uphold the foundational principle of maintaining international peace and security.

He was speaking at a ministerial roundtable on “Making Multilateralism Fit for the Future”, one of the goals of Pact for the Future at the 2024 world leaders’ summit.

The 80-year-old UN architecture created after World War II is inadequate for contemporary global challenges, but “as a collective, the UN has not been able to move the needle on reforming the Security Council”, Harish said.

The Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) for Council reform “have been limited to an endless cycle of prepared statements”, he lamented.

Therefore, the Pact’s Action Points on 39 to 42 (that include a call for ending violence, racism and xenophobia; promoting gender equality, and having the Council create effective peacekeeping strategies) “have largely remained on paper”, he said.

“This is untenable and must change”, he declared.

Harish noted that “India had significant reservations with regard to these action points".

"However”, he added, “it was India’s constructive spirit that encouraged us to go along broadly with the Pact”.

Besides reforming the Council, “the revitalisation of the General Assembly, and the stronger role for ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council of the UN) in advancing sustainable development in its three dimensions – economic, social and environmental” were essential, he said.

On fostering economic development of the Global South, he said, “Our commitment is unwavering to leave no one behind, to mobilise resources where they matter most, and to lead by example”.

Turning to the international financial institutions, Harish said they “too must also evolve” and “become more representative, responsive and development-oriented, while preserving their mandates”.

“Adequate, affordable and predictable financing remains indispensable for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals”, he pointed out.

“India carries this paradigm forward grounded in our civilizational ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, or the whole world is a family”, he said.

--IANS

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Boston, July 15 (IANS) The Consulate General of India in Boston has issued a public advisory warning members of the Indian diaspora and other residents about a rise in fraudulent calls from scammers impersonating officials of Indian diplomatic missions and law enforcement agencies.

Sharing the advisory on X, the Consulate said: “Scam Alert! India in Boston has seen reports of fraudsters impersonating Indian Embassy/Consulate officials/ spoofing official telephone numbers! Please see the advisory below. ”

The advisory cautioned that fraudsters are using fear and intimidation to deceive victims into sharing sensitive information or making payments.

According to the Consulate, scammers may falsely claim that a person’s SIM card has been used for illegal activities in India, allege problems with passport, visa or immigration documents, or accuse individuals of involvement in hawala or money laundering cases while threatening arrest or legal action.

The advisory further warned that fraudsters often “use fear tactics by demanding immediate action, insisting you remain isolated, or asking you to join video calls.” Victims may also be asked to share personal, financial or identity information, including copies of official identity documents, which can later be misused for fraud, identity theft or blackmail.

The Consulate stressed that its officials never seek payments or sensitive personal information over the phone.

It stated: “The Consulate General Of India, Boston Will Never: Demand payment or financial information over the phone. Threaten arrest, legal action, deportation, or other adverse consequences. Ask you to join a video call or share identity documents for verification. Ask you to visit the Consulate to resolve an alleged legal matter in India.”

The advisory also clarified that “All official communications from the Consulate are made through official email only.”

Highlighting the modus operandi of fraudsters, the Consulate noted that genuine Indian law enforcement agencies do not conduct investigations through phone or video calls.

It emphasised: “Indian Law Enforcement Officials [CBI/ED/Police/Customs] Do NOT: Make a telephone/Video call for purported crimes in India. Conduct a digital arrest. Seek a money transfer via Digital or Crypto means.”

The mission urged anyone receiving such calls not to panic or comply with the callers’ demands. Instead, recipients were advised not to share any personal, financial or identity information, not to join video calls, and not to make any payment.

The Consulate advised the public to “Hang up immediately” if they receive a suspected fraudulent call and report the incident to local law enforcement as well as the Consulate at cons.boston@mea.gov.in.

The advisory comes amid increasing reports of sophisticated impersonation scams targeting members of the Indian community overseas, with fraudsters using spoofed official telephone numbers and fabricated legal threats to coerce victims into revealing confidential information or transferring money. The Consulate urged the public to remain vigilant and rely only on official channels for any communication concerning consular or legal matters.

--IANS

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Washington, July 15 (IANS) US Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh has pledged to protect the central bank's independence as Democratic lawmakers pressed him on whether he would resist political pressure from President Donald Trump over interest rates.

Warsh faced repeated questions about the relationship between the White House and the Federal Reserve during his first appearance before the House Financial Services Committee on Tuesday (local time) since becoming chairman.

"Do you work for Donald Trump? Yes or no?" Democratic Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez asked him.

"We're an independent central bank; we're honoured to be independent," Warsh replied. "Our independence came from you."

Velazquez then asked what he would do if Trump or other administration officials targeted him or fellow Federal Reserve governors because of their votes on interest-rate policy.

Warsh initially declined to engage with the hypothetical situation. He noted that the Supreme Court had recognised the Federal Reserve's independence in conducting monetary policy.

Pressed again on how he would respond, Warsh said: "I would continue to do my job."

The exchange came amid broader concern among Democrats about political influence over the central bank. The Federal Reserve's decisions affect borrowing costs, employment, inflation, financial markets and the wider US economy.

Warsh acknowledged that the environment outside the central bank was intensely political but said he wanted to keep partisan considerations out of its decisions.

"Outside the four walls of the Federal Reserve there's no doubt a lot of politics," he said. "But my goal inside the central bank is for there to be no politics. The extent there's politics there, we're going to get rid of them."

Velazquez reminded Warsh that he had promised during his confirmation hearing to ensure monetary policy remained "strictly independent". Asked whether he remained committed to that position, Warsh answered: "Absolutely."

Democratic Congresswoman Maxine Waters also raised the issue of presidential pressure on the Fed. She said Trump had repeatedly attacked Warsh's predecessor, Jerome Powell, over interest rates and asked how the new chairman intended to defend his colleagues and the institution.

Warsh said he had demonstrated "a commitment to independence and a commitment to reform" during his first six or seven weeks in office.

"Those two are of common importance, and I'm going to deliver on both of them," he said.

The chairman also told lawmakers that the Fed would remain within its legal mandate and avoid becoming involved in political disputes outside its responsibilities.

The US Congress created the Federal Reserve as an independent central bank, although its chairman and governors are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate. The Fed is accountable to Congress, and its chair presents a monetary policy report to lawmakers twice a year.

The Fed's independence is closely watched internationally because US interest-rate decisions influence the dollar, global borrowing costs and capital flows.

--IANS

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Washington, July 15 (IANS) US Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett has described taking a bulletproof vest home amid intense threats and having to explain it to her 12-year-old son, as the court sought more money to protect its members and their families.

"When I took this job, I didn't really anticipate being in the position of having to explain to one of my children what a bulletproof vest was and why his mom had it," Barrett told a Senate appropriations subcommittee on Tuesday (local time).

Barrett appeared alongside Justice Elena Kagan at a hearing on the Supreme Court's fiscal year 2027 budget request. The court is seeking an additional $14 million, or a 7 per cent rise, for salaries and operational expenses. Much of its recent budget growth has been driven by security costs.

Barrett said threats against her became particularly intense after the 2022 leak of the court's draft opinion in the Dobbs abortion case. Her security detail then advised her to obtain a bulletproof vest.

"So I took it home from the house, went into my bedroom, threw it down and turned around, and my 12-year-old son was in the doorway, and he said, 'What's that?'" she said.

Barrett also recounted a swatting incident at her home about six weeks ago. Police responded to a false report claiming that gunshots had been fired inside the house.

One of her teenage sons opened the front door to find the street filled with police officers, she said. Her residential security team coordinated with local police before they entered the home.

Barrett said judges and their relatives had also received anonymous deliveries, including pizzas, sometimes sent in the name of the murdered son of a federal district judge.

"They're meant to intimidate, and they're meant to harass," she said. "But it is a very threatening environment."

Kagan told senators that Supreme Court police expect threats against the justices to increase by 38 per cent this year, following a 25 per cent rise last year. Each justice now has a security detail of between four and eight people.

"Life has changed a great deal for all of us," Kagan said. She recalled that when she joined the court in 2010, she walked outside and drove to work without personal protection.

The justices also warned that leaks of confidential court documents could increase security risks and undermine trust within the institution. Barrett said the court had introduced new document-tracking protocols and required employees to sign non-disclosure agreements.

--IANS

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Washington, July 15 (IANS) US President Donald Trump said the United States was closely monitoring activity at Iran’s Pickaxe Mountain nuclear site and warned that even limited movement there would trigger a new American strike.

Trump told Fox News that US Space Force surveillance systems were watching the facility after reports of possible activity.

“We’re looking at Pickaxe because somebody said there’s a little activity,” he said.

Trump said the surveillance cameras were powerful enough to read a person’s name badge from space. He added that other Iranian nuclear sites previously struck by the United States remained under observation.

“If they make any move, they make any move, we immediately go and do whatever we have to do,” Trump said.

Fox News interviewer Trey Yingst noted that some weapons experts questioned whether US bunker-buster bombs could penetrate deeply enough to destroy the Pickaxe Mountain site.

“They can go deep. We have good, good stuff,” Trump replied.

The president acknowledged that it was not clear whether Iran was conducting nuclear-related work at the location.

“Nobody knows about Pickaxe. By the way, nobody knows if they even are doing anything in Pickaxe,” he said. “It’s just something that comes up.”

Trump said surveillance had detected little activity but warned that the United States was prepared to respond.

“We have cameras on it. There’s very little activity there,” he said. “But, if there’s even just a small amount, we’ll hit it and we’ll hit it hard.”

Trump also addressed activity at the Taleghan facility outside Tehran, which had been targeted in earlier US strikes.

During the interview, Yingst showed Trump satellite images taken on June 22 and July 7. The later image showed movement, trucks, cranes and what appeared to be freshly poured concrete.

Trump said he had been told that Iran poured concrete to seal the entrances and prevent access to the facility.

“That they poured concrete to close up the entrances so we couldn’t get into it,” he said. “So that’s what they’re saying.”

Trump said the United States could quickly attack the Taleghan facility again.

“But we can hit that one very easily,” he said. “You know, it only takes a matter of minutes for us to do it and do major damage, major damage.”

Trump said Iran had been close to obtaining a nuclear weapon before he ordered Operation Epic Fury on February 28. He cited US strikes by B-2 bombers against three nuclear sites.

“They were going to have a nuclear weapon within two weeks,” Trump said. “Had we not done the B2 bombers, had we not bombed their nuclear sites, their three nuclear sites.”

Iran has long maintained that its nuclear programme is intended for peaceful purposes. Its uranium enrichment activities and limits on international monitoring have, however, remained at the centre of its dispute with the United States and other Western countries.

--IANS

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Washington, July 15 (IANS) BAPS temples across the United States were illuminated in red, white and blue as the Hindu organisation marked America’s 250th anniversary with veterans, elected leaders and community members.

BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha joined the America250 commemoration through flag-hoisting ceremonies, interfaith gatherings, open houses and service initiatives across the country.

The Hindu organisation partnered with America250.org, the national, non-partisan initiative leading events for the semiquincentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The celebrations highlighted the freedoms and opportunities that have allowed generations of South Asian Americans to preserve their heritage while contributing to the wider American story.

South Asian Americans now serve across medicine, education, business, public service, technology, the arts and civic life. BAPS said their journey reflected a broader American experience shaped by resilience, service, opportunity and belonging.

At BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey, veterans and community members attended a flag-hoisting ceremony, a media release said. Devotees and families waved American flags in a display of gratitude and unity.

In Los Angeles, the BAPS temple held a flag-raising ceremony with local veterans. It also opened its doors to the wider community to share its culture, values and commitment to service.

“This celebration provides a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the founding ideals and lasting values which shaped the United States of America,” State Representative Brian Lorenz said in Los Angeles.

In Houston, the mayors of Sugar Land, Missouri City, Pearland and Stafford joined the celebration. The temple was illuminated in red, white and blue, and the US national anthem was played.

Several events focused on religious freedom, pluralism and community service. Participants joined interfaith discussions, volunteer efforts and family activities.

They reflected on how America’s founding ideals have enabled diverse communities to practise their faith, raise families, serve their neighbours and contribute to society.

A letter from BAPS spiritual leader Mahant Swami Maharaj offered prayers for America on its 250th anniversary. It said the country’s freedoms and opportunities had allowed the community to become part of the American story and brought a shared responsibility to serve, strengthen and uplift the nation.

The events brought together local leaders, veterans, faith representatives, non-profit partners and residents. For many families, the anniversary was also a moment to express gratitude for the opportunity to pursue education, build careers and maintain their cultural heritage.

BAPS Charities incorporated America250 themes into its annual Walk-Run events. Tens of thousands of people across North America participated in support of local charitable causes. The events have assisted hundreds of organisations working in health, education, humanitarian relief, environmental protection and social well-being.

--IANS

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Washington, July 15 (IANS) The United States carried out a seven-hour wave of strikes against dozens of Iranian military targets near the Strait of Hormuz and along Iran’s coast hours after resuming a naval blockade of vessels travelling to and from Iranian ports, the US Central Command said.

CENTCOM said the operation ended at 10 p.m. ET. US fighter aircraft, drones and naval vessels fired precision munitions at Iranian missile and drone sites, naval capabilities and coastal defence systems.

The strikes were intended to further weaken Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping and civilian crews, according to the command.

The operation marked another escalation in US military action against Iran around the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important waterway for international shipping and global energy supplies.

The strikes took place on the same day that US forces resumed the naval blockade against vessels travelling to or from Iranian ports and coastal areas. The blockade went into effect at 4 p.m. ET, six hours before CENTCOM announced the completion of the latest attacks.

“U.S. forces resumed the naval blockade against vessels transiting to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas today at 4 p.m. ET,” CENTCOM said in a separate statement.

The command said more than 20 US Navy warships and hundreds of military aircraft were operating across the Middle East.

“American forces remain vigilant, lethal, and ready,” it said.

CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper said the latest US military action followed a series of Iranian attacks on commercial vessels and neighbouring Gulf countries.

“Over the past seven days, Iran has intentionally targeted civilians across the region by attacking seven commercial ships resulting in nearly a dozen civilian crew members killed, missing, or injured,” Cooper said in a statement released by the command.

“Iranian forces have also launched dozens of missiles and drones toward neighboring Gulf countries,” he said.

“U.S. forces are holding Iran accountable for unwarranted aggression that continues to endanger innocent lives,” Cooper added.

CENTCOM did not identify the precise locations struck during the operation. It also did not provide an assessment of damage or say whether there were casualties.

The command did not identify the commercial ships mentioned by Cooper, give the nationalities of their crew members or name the Gulf countries targeted by Iranian missiles and drones.

CENTCOM said US forces remained prepared to conduct further operations ordered by the commander in chief.

--IANS

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Washington, July 15 (IANS) Iranian representatives contacted the United States about an hour before President Donald Trump’s Fox News interview and indicated that Tehran wanted an agreement, Trump said, as American strikes continued for a third consecutive night.

Trump said his representatives had communicated with Iranian officials shortly before the interview at the White House.

“Well, not me, but let’s say my representatives,” Trump said when asked when he had last spoken with an Iranian official. “I have spoken to them, but my representatives over the course of, well, actually, an hour ago.”

Asked what message Iran had conveyed, Trump said: “They wanna make a deal.”

But he accused Tehran of repeatedly abandoning agreements and said he was not certain whether the latest contact would produce a breakthrough.

“But every time they make a deal, they break it,” Trump said. “They don’t wanna die. People don’t wanna die.”

Trump said the United States had delivered a blunt warning in response.

“You better make a deal. You’re not gonna have any, you’re not gonna have anybody left,” he said.

“We’re being very careful with the civilian population as you know, but I said, ‘You better make a deal, you’re not gonna have anything left,’” Trump added.

Asked whether he believed Iran would accept an agreement, Trump replied: “They should. I don’t know if they will or not.”

Trump said the two sides had reached an agreement shortly before the latest escalation, but Iran withdrew at the last moment.

“Literally two days ago, we had a deal and then they broke it at the last moment,” he said. “They broke it.”

Later in the interview, Trump said he was no longer interested in immediate negotiations.

“Well, now we, I don’t wanna negotiate now,” he said. “I said, ‘Let’s not negotiate.’ Three days ago, we had a deal.”

Trump said Iran had no alternative but to return to the negotiating table as US military pressure intensified.

“I think they have no choice,” he said when asked whether Iranian leaders were serious about reaching an agreement.

The president said preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon remained his most important objective.

“There will be no nuclear weapon,” Trump said. “And when you listed the three things, by far, the most important is they will not have a nuclear weapon.”

Trump argued that military pressure was the only effective way to secure an agreement with Tehran.

“The only way you can negotiate with these people is through strength,” he said. “And the only strength is military strength.”

--IANS

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Washington, July 15 (IANS) US President Donald Trump said he ordered American forces to spare oil installations on Iran’s Kharg Island because of their importance to the global economy, while refusing to rule out a ground campaign or the eventual seizure of the strategic export hub.

Trump told Fox News that the United States had attacked Kharg Island two or three times. But he said the strikes deliberately avoided its oil facilities.

“Hit everything but the oil. Just leave that little area from 25 yards out. Leave that little area. Don’t touch the oil,” Trump said, recounting his instructions to the military.

“Because I don’t want that in terms of the world economy. It’s a, you know, it’s a chunk of the world economy,” he said.

Trump said the United States could still attack the oil facilities but indicated that such a step was unlikely.

“So we haven’t hit that. At some point we could, but I think it’s unlikely,” he said.

The president also declined to say whether he intended to take control of Kharg Island. Fox News interviewer Trey Yingst cited comments Trump made in 1988, when he said he would seize the island if an American serviceman or vessel came under fire.

“So I, I can’t say that to you because if I did, it would be foolish, right?” Trump said when asked whether he still intended to take the island.

Trump, however, left open the possibility of seizing it if Iran’s military capabilities were weakened further.

“As far as taking it is concerned, if we degrade them far enough and deep enough back, uh, I would do that,” he said.

Asked whether he was ruling out a ground campaign in a limited capacity, Trump said he was not prepared to do so.

“Well, I don’t, I, I don’t wanna say that either, but I would say no,” he said. “I’d say sometimes you need a ground campaign, but we have other people that will do the ground campaign for us.”

Trump did not identify the other forces to which he was referring. He said the US military campaign had already inflicted damage that would take Iran two decades to repair.

“If we left right now, it would take them 20 years to rebuild what they have,” he said. “The only way you can negotiate with these people is through strength. And the only strength is military strength.”

Trump said the strikes would continue at his discretion, adding that Iran still retained some capacity to fight.

“They’ll continue until I say, uh, it’s enough,” he said. “They have some fight left, but they don’t have much.”

Kharg Island lies in the Persian Gulf off Iran’s coast and has long served as the main terminal for the country’s crude oil exports. Disruption at the island could affect international energy supplies and prices, including the cost of crude purchased by major Asian importers such as India.

--IANS

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Washington, July 15 (IANS) The US House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation that would make daylight saving time permanent, moving the country closer to ending the twice-yearly ritual of changing clocks.

The Sunshine Protection Act now goes to the Senate for consideration. If approved there, it would be sent to President Donald Trump for his signature.

The legislation would establish permanent daylight saving time across the United States. States that have already exempted themselves from observing daylight saving time, including Arizona and Hawaii, could remain on permanent standard time.

“Millions of Americans across the country have asked Congress to reevaluate the current system of changing our clocks twice a year,” House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie said.

“Today's bipartisan vote to 'lock the clock' is a response to the advocacy of our constituents and the evidence that year-round daylight saving time boosts economic activity and improves public safety,” he said.

The proposal had earlier been included in the Motor Vehicle Modernization Act. It cleared the House Energy and Commerce Committee by a vote of 48-1.

Supporters said permanent daylight saving time would provide more usable sunlight in the evening. They argued that it could improve road safety, encourage outdoor exercise and help local businesses and the tourism industry.

“The Sunshine Protection Act shifts one hour of sunlight from the beginning to the end of the day in the winter,” Guthrie said during the House debate.

“In practice, that means more time for people to exercise outside, visit family, attend concerts and sporting events, attract customers to their retail businesses, and more,” he said.

Republican Congressman Gus Bilirakis of Florida said the practice of changing clocks twice a year was outdated and disruptive.

“Establishing permanent daylight saving time will provide Americans with greater consistency, more usable daylight in the evening, and the certainty that comes with ending the twice-yearly clock changes,” Bilirakis said. “Americans are ready to ditch the switch.”

The measure also drew Democratic support. Frank Pallone Jr., the ranking Democrat on the Energy and Commerce Committee, said only 12 per cent of Americans preferred changing their clocks twice a year.

He said the time change disrupted sleep, particularly among young children, and was associated with higher rates of heart attacks and strokes in the days immediately after clocks were changed.

“Stopping the twice-yearly time change benefits the health and well-being of all Americans,” Pallone said.

He also cited research from the Brookings Institution showing that criminal incidents decreased during the additional hour of evening sunlight following the springtime change. Pallone said 19 states had already voted to adopt permanent daylight saving time if federal law was changed.

Under current US law, daylight saving time begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November. Clocks are moved forward by one hour in spring and turned back by one hour in autumn.

States may choose to remain on standard time throughout the year, as Arizona and Hawaii do. They cannot independently adopt permanent daylight saving time without a change in federal law.

--IANS

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