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New Delhi, June 19 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted Kalamkari Mahabharata painting to French President Emmanuel Macron and a Pochampally silk stole to French First Lady Brigitte Macron, during his visit to France this week as part of a two-nation tour.

The hand-crafted Kalamkari painting from Andhra Pradesh showcases India’s rich artistic heritage and took nearly six months to complete. The painting was creating using traditional pen-drawing techniques and depicts scenes from the Mahabharata, the ancient Indian epic that explores themes of duty, justice, courage, and moral choice.

Central to the artwork is the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, where Lord Krishna guides Arjuna toward responsibility, self-discipline, and inner strength. Furthermore, the painting highlights timeless values like ethical leadership, peace, wisdom, and human dignity-principles that remain relevant in today’s world and resonate across cultures.

The Pochampally silk stole gifted to Brigitte Macron is a handwoven textile from Telangana made using the traditional Ikat resist-dyeing technique. Known for its intricate geometric and floral patterns, fine craftsmanship, and elegant design, the stole showcases India's rich textile heritage. Its blend of tradition, creativity, and high-quality artistry resonates strongly with France’s appreciation for fashion, art, and skilled craftsmanship.

PM Modi was on an official visit to France, where he attended the Group of Seven (G7) Summit, held talks with President Macron, attended Bharat Innovates Programme and VivaTech 2026 on Thursday.

After arriving in Nice on June 13, PM Modi and Macron had inaugurated 'Bharat Innovates' event and also held bilateral talks. Following the talks, PM Modi in a post on X wrote, "Today’s talks with my friend, President Macron, were exceptionally productive. Considering the longstanding friendship between our nations, we have decided to elevate our ties to a Special Global Strategic Partnership."

“Our talks covered ways to deepen cooperation in key sectors like defence, technology, space, security, counter terrorism, innovation and more,” he added.

After concluding his engagements in Nice, PM Modi visited Slovakia for a two-day State Visit, where he held talks with Slovakian counterpart Robert Fico and President Peter Pellegrini.

On Tuesday, PM Modi travelled to France's Evian to attend the G7 Summit. On the sidelines of the summit, PM Modi met several world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, UK PM Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

After attending G7 Summit in Evian, PM Modi travelled to Paris on Wednesday, where he and Macron participated in VivaTech 2026 programme on Thursday. In Paris, PM Modi also met several top CEOs and business leaders, including Alstom CEO Martin Sion, Saint Gobain CEO Benoit Bazin and Mistral AI CEO Arthur Mensch. PM Modi also addressed members of Indian community in France.

Macron on Thursday recorded a special farewell video message in Hindi for the Indian leader as he wrapped up another fruitful trip to France.

"Dear friend Narendra, I am very happy that you are in Nice, Evian, or Paris. I am very happy to welcome you here. The friendship between India and France is immortal," Macron said in Hindi.

He then switched to English and reflected on his friendship with PM Modi.

"I hope it was correct, but my dear Narendra, dear Prime Minister, I wanted to thank you so much for your friendship... France loves you... I am so happy you are here with so many friends before going back to Delhi. I will come to visit you next February, but you are my true friend... We love you. Take care," the French President concluded.

--IANS

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Taipei, June 19 (IANS) Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has called on China to stop its military expansion in the South and East China Seas, the Taiwan Strait, and any use of force against the island, local media reported on Friday.

During a reception for foreign correspondents in Taipei on Thursday, Lai Ching-te expressed Taiwan's willingness to engage in exchanges and cooperation based on equality and dignity, in pursuit of peaceful and mutually beneficial development. He noted that 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of Taiwan's first direct presidential election, Taiwan-based Taipei Times reported.

Lai Ching-te said Taiwan held its elections 30 years back despite missile threats from China, sending a message to the international community that sovereignty rests with the people and that only 23 million people of Taiwan can decide its future. He stated that China and Taiwan are subordinate to each other and Taiwan is not part of China, Taipei Times reported.

He also expressed gratitude to the G7 leaders, at their summit in France's Evian, for reiterating their opposition to any unilateral attempt to change the status quo across the Taiwan Strait by force or coercion.

In a post on X, Lai Ching-te wrote: "With the Taiwan Foreign Correspondents’ Club today, I marked 30 years of direct presidential elections in Taiwan, highlighting our democracy & thriving economy. Echoing the G7 leaders' statement, I stressed our commitment to upholding the status quo; I urge China to choose peace over the use of force."

In the statement on geopolitical issues, the G7 leaders reaffirmed opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo, especially by force or coercion, in the East and South China Seas and across the Taiwan Strait.

"We highlight the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law. We reaffirm our opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo, in particular by force or coercion, in the East and South China Seas and across the Taiwan Strait, which should only be resolved peacefully through dialogue."

The statement came as China has increased the frequency and scale of its military exercises around Taiwan in recent years. China maintains that Taiwan is a part of its territory and needs to be reunified with the mainland, by force if necessary.

Despite China's efforts, Taiwan, backed by strong public support, continues to assert its sovereignty and responds to China's incursions.

--IANS

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Kabul, June 19 (IANS) Afghanistan's Ministry of Defence on Friday claimed that that it conducted airstrikes against alleged ISIS-linked targets in Pakistan, local media reported.

In a statement issued on Friday, Afghanistan's Ministry of Defence said that its forces carried out overnight airstrikes against what it said were ISIS-linked facilities in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces of Pakistan, Afghanistan-based news agency Khaama Press reported.

The ministry said that the places that were targeted were allegedly being used to plan and coordinate attacks against Afghanistan. According to Afghan officials, some of the deadliest attacks that occurred in Afghanistan in recent years were connected to networks operating in these areas.

The ministry said "important and designated targets" were successfully hit during these airstrikes, Khaama Press reported. It warned that Afghanistan would act decisively against groups that it considers a danger to the country.

"They have been successfully targeted. t is worth remembering that Afghanistan, henceforth, will not tolerate any threat against its security and stability, and by utilizing all its capabilities and capacities, will neutralize and eliminate any threat in its infancy," Afghanistan's Ministry of Defence posted on X.

This latest incident comes amid escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan over the past few months, with repeated exchanges of fire and growing concerns over civilian casualties.

Earlier, on June 11, Afghanistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Pakistan's Charge d'affaires in Kabul to lodge a strong protest over the violation of Afghanistan's airspace and Pakistani airstrikes on residential homes that killed 13 civilians.

This move came after Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said that an attack in Afghanistan's Kunar, Khost, and Paktika provinces on the night of June 9 killed 11 children, one woman and an elderly man, while 14 other women and children were injured.

In a statement shared on the social media platform X, the Afghan Ministry said, "The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan summoned the Charge d'Affaires of the Pakistani Embassy in Kabul and presented him with its strong and resolute protest regarding the violation of Afghanistan's airspace and the bombing of the homes of innocent civilians."

The Afghan Ministry condemned the attack, describing it as a violation of international principles and laws, while emphasising that defending its territory and ensuring the security of its people are its legitimate responsibilities.

It warned that instead of implementing proxy policies, Pakistanis must find solutions to their internal problems, questioning, "How is it possible that the killing of children and women in one region means the establishment of security in another region?"

"We once again explicitly remind you that the responsibility for all the consequences of these repeated violations and crimes will lie with the Pakistan Army," the Afghan Ministry stated.

--IANS

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Dhaka, June 19 (IANS) Bangladesh’s Awami League expressed grave concern over the arrest of former lawmaker and party leader Laila Parveen Sejuti after reportedly securing bail from the High Court, stating that the development has sparked renewed debate over the state of the rule of law in the country.

The statement came after former Member of Parliament Sejuti was shown to be arrested in a murder case filed with Satkhira Sadar Police Station, despite having obtained bail from the High Court in three separate cases.

The order was passed on June 14 by the court of Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Bilash Mondal following an application by the investigating officer. Sejuti was earlier arrested from her residence in Satkhira town on May 20, 2025, and was later implicated in multiple criminal cases before being sent to prison, Bangladeshi daily Dhaka Tribune reported.

Citing critics, the Awami League said that showing Sejuti arrested despite receiving judicial relief raises serious questions about the independence and effectiveness of the country’s legal system.

“The incident has also intensified political tensions, with opponents alleging that the case was driven by political motives. They point to the filing of a case against dozens of individuals, including Sejuti, as evidence of what they describe as the selective use of legal processes against political rivals,” the party stated.

The Awami League also referred to concerns raised by observers who warned that the implications of the case extend beyond a single political figure.

“Concerns have been raised that if court-granted protections can be undermined, ordinary citizens may also face uncertainty regarding their legal rights and access to justice. The case has therefore become a focal point in broader discussions about democratic governance, political accountability, and the protection of civil liberties in Bangladesh,” the party noted.

As political divisions deepen, the Awami League said that the “controversy surrounding Sejuti’s arrest is likely to remain a significant issue in national debate, with calls for greater transparency and adherence to due process.”

Expressing grave concern over the persistent crackdown on Awami League leaders and activists, former Bangladesh Minister and party leader Mohammad Ali Arafat alleged that over 100 former lawmakers, ministers, and central leaders of the party have remained behind bars over the past two years without facing trial.

Taking to his social media platform X, Arafat said, “More than 100 former Awami League MPs, ministers, and central leaders have been detained in prison for the past two years without trial. It is being claimed that they committed numerous wrongdoings. If that is truly the case, then why is there a need to keep them detained through false cases?’

"If Awami League MPs, ministers, and central leaders have actually committed crimes, then they can be prosecuted for those specific crimes, can they not? There should be no need to file false cases against them,” he added.

--IANS

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Islamabad, June 19 (IANS) As many as 8.6 million children are engaged in child labour in Pakistan, with more than 6.6 million involved in hazardous labour that poses a threat to their health, safety and future, according to a national report launched by the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) in collaboration with United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), local media reported on Friday.

The report “Pakistan: Child Labour Surveys, Evidence for Action” was the first nationally representative child labour dataset in nearly 30 years and provided details regarding child labour in the country like distribution, sectors, risks and drivers of child labour, Pakistan's daily Dawn reported.

At the launch of the report, NCHR Chairperson Rabiya Javeri Agha stated that hazardous child labour impacted children in every region of Pakistan. According to the report, Punjab had the most number of children involved in child labour, with more than six million in Punjab, followed by 1.6 million in Sindh, 745,155 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 201,352 in Balochistan and 15,180 in Islamabad Capital Territory.

According to the report, poverty was the main cause of child labour, with the highest prevalence among the poorest households and families where parents were less educated. Boys were significantly more likely than girls to have been involved in labour, including hazardous work.

The report revealed the severe impact of child labour on well-being of children. Children engaged in labour were more likely to remain out of school, work for longer hours, suffer injuries, illness and poor mental health. According to the report, 32 per cent-58 per cent of working children reported work-related injuries or illness across provinces of Pakistan while up to one third of older children engaged in labour had symptoms of depression.

Last week, Executive Director of the Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (Sparc), Asiya Arif, stated that every fourth household in Pakistan's Islamabad has a child as domestic worker as the implementation of the legislation on child domestic labour remains far from satisfactory.

Asiya Arif made these remarks during an event organised by Sparc in collaboration with the National Commission on the Rights of the Child (NCRC) to mark the World Day Against Child Labour 2026, Dawn reported. She underscored the need to have collective red card against child labour and called for addressing the issue across several sectors like supply chains, hotels, automobile workshops and the brick kiln industry.

She called for making coordinated and sustained efforts through strong implementation mechanisms, increased social protection, and access to quality education as per the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Article 16 of the Constitution. She said that Pakistan's Education Ministry has recently revealed that 26.2 million children are out of school.

--IANS

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Abuja, June 19 (IANS) In a significant move towards enhancing defence partnership, Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria Abhishek Singh met Nigerian Defence Minister, Christopher Gwabin Musa, and discussed the ongoing progress in bilateral defence cooperation.

In a statement shared on X on Friday, the Indian High Commission in Abuja posted: “HC Abhishek Singh met H.E. General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd.), Honourable Minister of Defence of Nigeria, on the sidelines of a diplomatic event today and briefed him on the ongoing developments in India–Nigeria defence cooperation."

According to the Indian High Commission, the Nigerian Defence Minister welcomed the momentum in the bilateral collaboration between India and Nigeria, reiterating his commitment to deepen defence ties.

“The Defence Minister expressed satisfaction with the progress of the ongoing collaboration and reaffirmed his commitment to further strengthening bilateral defence ties and appreciated the recent visit of the National Defence College delegation from India to Nigeria, underscoring the growing strategic partnership between the two countries,” it added.

Earlier this month, a delegation from the National Defence College, New Delhi, commenced a geostrategic tour of Nigeria.

“The National Defence College, New Delhi delegation, led by Anvita Sinha, IRPS, Senior Directing Staff and comprising 14 senior officers, including international participants from Egypt, Morocco, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Uzbekistan, commenced its geo-strategic tour of Nigeria (1–5 June 2026) with a courtesy visit to the High Commission,” the Indian High Commission in Abuja posted on X.

“The High Commissioner Abhishek Singh provided a comprehensive briefing on the growing India–Nigeria partnership and discussed key regional and global developments,” it added.

The delegation visited the Nigerian Ministry of Defence and was received by Olaniyi B.O., Director, Joint Services Department, alongside other directors of the ministry. They were comprehensively briefed on Nigeria’s defence policy, its evolution, implementation challenges, and future direction.

The delegation also paid a courtesy call on Richard P. Pheelangwa, Permanent Secretary, Nigeria’s Ministry of Defence, to discuss emerging areas of collaboration and deepen defence cooperation between the armed forces of India and Nigeria.

Furthermore, the Indian delegates also visited Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters (DHQ) and Service Headquarters. Following briefings on Nigeria’s defence and security policy at DHQ and the organisation and roles of the services at the respective service headquarters, the delegation interacted with senior Nigerian military leaders.

According to the Indian High Commission, the discussions focused on strengthening India-Nigeria defence cooperation and exploring collaborative approaches to emerging security challenges.

--IANS

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Islamabad, June 19 (IANS) As many as seven people were killed and eight others were injured after heavy rains and windstorm lashed several parts of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, local media reported on Friday.

Roofs and walls of several houses and shops collapsed after windstorm and torrential rain lashed Paharpur city and surrounding villages of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Dera Ismail Khan on Thursday. Rescue teams and local conducted relief operation to find victims from rubble and took the injured people to hospitals, Pakistan's daily Dawn reported.

The deceased included a man from Paharpur, a man from Chah Dyal Bagwani and two women from Zandar village. An injured man was identified as Ahmed Ali while identities of the remaining people were yet to be confirmed.

Several trees in the tehsil were uprooted due to powerful winds while solar panels on houses and commercial buildings were blown away. Several animals were killed after a boundary wall and the livestock shelter collapsed in one suburban locality.

Electricity distribution network also suffered damage due to windstorm, disrupting supply of electricity in several parts of Paharpur and its nearby areas. Restoration work could not start immediately due to hazardous conditions and damage to infrastructure.

A total of three people were killed and four others were injured due to lightning in Orakzai tribal district on Thursday. A Rescue 1122 official said that three people were killed and four others were injured in an incident that took place in Sam Ferozkhel area of lower Orakzai, Dawn reported.

Power supply was disrupted and boundary wall of a government school in War Mamund tehsil of Bajaur tribal district collapsed due to the windstorm.

Earlier this month, a report detailed that the latest spell of storms in Pakistan, despite being predicted in advance have once again exposed the gap between preparedness and response. The recurrence of disruption under predictable conditions showcases a cycle that will continue to occur without meaningful intervention.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) had predicted the latest spell of rains and thunderstorms in advance and placed several regions on alert. Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan were all classified as vulnerable zones between April 12 and 17. The warnings were issued timely and were district specific, yet the disruptions that followed showcases that only the presence of information cannot translate it into preparedness, according to the report.

Vulnerable areas, including areas like Chitral and Swat and densely populated regions like Lahore and Rawalpindi, were identified well in advance. These predictions provide information about expected rainfall intensity, wind patterns, and potential hazards and allow authorities to mobilise resources, coordinate responses, and mitigate risks before they materialise. However, the recurring disruption in Pakistan caused by seasonal storms suggests that these opportunities are not being fully used. The agencies issue warning, but there is absence of timely and effective action, as per the report.

"Pakistan’s experience with seasonal storms illustrates a broader challenge in governance: the ability to translate information into action. The forecasts are increasingly precise, the risks are well understood, and the institutional frameworks are in place. Yet the outcomes remain largely unchanged," the report in ETruth MV stated.

"The latest spell of storms, despite being clearly anticipated, has once again exposed the gap between preparedness and response. The recurrence of disruption under predictable conditions highlights a cycle that continues without meaningful interruption. As the country moves through another season of weather-related challenges, the pattern remains consistent. Warnings are issued, impacts follow, and the underlying issues persist—unchanged, unaddressed, and increasingly difficult to ignore," it added.

--IANS

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Bern, June 19 (IANS) The planned talks between the US, Iran, Qatar and Pakistan have been postponed, Switzerland's Federal Department of Foreign Affairs announced on Friday, while expressing readiness to facilitate these talks.

In a statement, Switzerland's Federal Department of Foreign Affairs stated, "The Planned talks between the US, Iran, Qatar and Pakistan have been postponed. Switzerland remains ready to facilitate these talks. The relevant preparatory work at Burgenstock is continuing. No further information can be provided at present."

The talks between he US and Iran were planned to move from a political framework agreement to detailed negotiations on implementation, verification and compliance.

On Thursday night, the White House announced that US Vice President JD Vance's planned departure for technical negotiations with Iran has been postponed. However, it said preparations for the talks continue and both sides remain focused on launching the next phase of discussions aimed at implementing the recently signed memorandum of understanding.

"As the Vice President said at his press conference, the plans for the upcoming technical talks have not been finalised, and the US delegation has been prepared to depart at the first available opportunity," a White House spokesperson said late Thursday night.

"But the logistics of these negotiations have never been simple or predictable."

The spokesperson added: "As of now the Vice President is not departing tonight."

The White House did not announce a new departure schedule, but said officials remained committed to beginning negotiations soon.

"We will let you know as soon as we have a concrete update about next steps," the spokesperson said. "We look forward to beginning technical talks as soon as possible."

Earlier on Thursday, Vance said technical discussions were still expected to begin within days and would likely be held in Switzerland.

"We think these technical negotiations are going to start sometime this weekend," he told reporters during a White House briefing.

The vice president acknowledged that coordinating the talks has proved challenging.

"Our plan is to go to Switzerland, I don't know exactly when," Vance said adding, "That could change because it's not an easy country, Iran, to get out of and so we're trying to figure out exactly when that's going to happen."

Asked whether he would travel immediately, Vance said: "I may, it just depends on exactly when the Iranians can get there."

"We're trying to figure that out as we speak."

Vance said he expects to lead the American delegation during the negotiations.

"I'm certainly planning to lead the US negotiating team," he said.

The Trump administration has repeatedly argued that implementation will be the true test of the agreement.

"We don't trust words. We trust action and we trust conduct," Vance said, describing the approach Washington intends to take during the next phase of negotiations.

--IANS

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Geneva, June 19 (IANS) India firmly rejected “baseless and malicious allegations” by Pakistan, while dismissing references to the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir made by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), reiterating that the region remains an “integral and inalienable” part of the country.

Speaking at the 62nd session of the Human Rights Council, First Secretary at the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, Anupama Singh said, “India is compelled to exercise its right of reply in response to the references made to it by Pakistan and the OIC. We categorically reject the baseless and malicious allegations made by Pakistan. We also categorically reject the references to J&K made by the OIC. Pakistan's propaganda is designed to mask its domestic failures and support for terrorism. Its misuse of the OIC coordinator's role only reinforces deception. We have no desire to dignify such propaganda. “

“However, we would like to make a few points. For the record, Jammu and Kashmir was, is, and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India. The only unresolved issue is Pakistan's illegal occupation of Indian territories and their return. Pakistan's propaganda cannot obscure the reality of repression in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir,” she added.

Singh said that the prevailing unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) was the inevitable consequence of decades of repression, military control, and the denial of fundamental rights, asserting that an "illegal and illegitimate occupation" could only be sustained through force.

“The ongoing tragedy in Rawalakot, the killing of hundreds of civilians, and the brutal crackdown across Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir are the predictable outcome of a system built on forcible occupation and sustained through repression. Decades of military land grabs, demographic engineering, and the denial of basic freedoms have brought matters to a point where even demand for bread, electricity, rights, and dignity are met with bullets and brutality. This should surprise no one. An illegal and illegitimate occupation can be sustained only through force,” she noted.

Singh also accused Pakistan of pursuing terrorism as state policy while simultaneously portraying itself as a victim of terrorism.

“This is the country where the sitting Defence Minister boasts of hosting, training, and deploying terrorists as state policy, and yet Pakistan calls itself a victim of terrorism. Indeed, a paradox which only Pakistan could sustain. It is a living example of a Frankenstein state which is shocked when its own monster bites back,” she stated,

Commenting on the Indus Waters Treaty,Singh said that it was unreasonable for Pakistan to seek the benefits of cooperation and goodwill while continuing to use terrorism as an instrument of state policy, adding that the treaty had become outdated.

“Our position on Indus Water Treaty is well known. It defies logic that a state which exports terror as an instrument of policy continues to demand the privileges of cooperation predicated on goodwill and friendship. It is equally undeniable that the treaty is now outdated. No technical arrangement can remain frozen in time while the world around it is transformed. A treaty negotiated in 1960 cannot be treated as a perpetual entitlement, which is insulated from accountability, detached from present-day realities, and untouched by the profound changes of the past six decades,” she stressed.

--IANS

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Paris, June 19 (IANS) A leading international human rights organisation strongly condemned the incident in which more than one hundred workers reportedly fell ill after consuming water supplied by a garment factory in Bangladesh’s Gazipur district, warning that such an incident reflects serious failures in workplace health and safety measures.

The remarks came after over 100 workers at the Dressman Limited garment factory in the Chandra area of Kaliakoir upazila in Gazipur fell ill on Thursday after drinking water supplied at the factory. The affected workers were rushed to Kaliakoir Upazila Health Complex and other nearby hospitals and clinics for treatment.

According to factory workers, the employees fell ill shortly after consuming water supplied by the factory, experiencing symptoms such as vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, weakness, and breathing difficulties. As the number of affected workers steadily rose, panic spread across the workplace, Bangladeshi leading daily Dhaka Tribune reported.

Expressing grave concern over the incident, Justice Makers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) said that ensuring a safe working environment and access to clean drinking water is a constitutional, legal, and moral obligation of both the government and employers.

"The incident in which more than one hundred workers fell ill at Dressman Limited in Gazipur is deeply alarming and tragic. If contaminated water supplied by the factory is found to be the cause of this mass illness, it would constitute not merely negligence but a serious violation of the workers' rights to life, health, and human dignity. Providing safe and clean drinking water in the workplace is a fundamental legal and ethical responsibility of every employer. Any negligence that endangers workers' lives and health is wholly unacceptable,” said Shahanur Islam, Founder President of JMBF.

The JMBF called on the government of Bangladesh to establish an independent, impartial, and transparent investigation committee to determine the actual cause of the incident without delay. The human rights organisation also demanded prompt, impartial, and exemplary legal action against any individual or institution found responsible for negligence or criminal liability.

It further urged the authorities to strengthen the monitoring and enforcement of occupational health and safety standards, including access to safe drinking water, across all industrial establishments in Bangladesh in accordance with international labor standards.

--IANS

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