World

Tehran, Nov 11 (IANS) Iran's Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday that the country has designated the Argentine Navy and Air Force as terrorist organisations.

The move came in response to the Argentine government's decision in late March to designate Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist entity, the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry described Argentina's decision as "hostile and being in contradiction with the fundamental principles of international law," saying Iran's move was based on the principle of reciprocity and a domestic law on reciprocal action against the US designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organisation.

The law calls for equivalent countermeasures against countries that comply with or support Washington's actions against Tehran, the statement said, Xinhua news agency reported. The ministry held the Argentine government responsible for all consequences arising from the decision, stressing that the IRGC is an integral part of Iran's armed forces.

The office of Argentine President Javier Milei announced on March 31 that Argentina had designated the IRGC as a terrorist organisation.

The decision followed calls by US President Donald Trump's administration for its allies to designate the IRGC and Hezbollah as terrorist organisations.

The Argentine government said the measure had been adopted in response to the IRGC's support for Hezbollah, a Lebanese armed group, which Buenos Aires blames for a deadly 1994 bombing attack on the AMIA Jewish community centre in the capital city. The attack killed 85 people and injured over 300 others.

Earlier this month, the Iranian Foreign Ministry announced that Tehran had designated Britain's Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Secret Intelligence Service as "terrorist and hostile" entities over the British government's anti-Iran actions.

Meanwhile, Qatar said Tuesday that progress had been made in negotiations between the United States and Iran, describing recent White House talks involving Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani as positive, while cautioning that it was too early to predict when an agreement could be reached.

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New Delhi, Nov 11 (IANS) India is seen as a credible country that can help in the peace talks between Russia and Ukraine because it is one of few major powers with working relationships with both countries, according to a report in Al Jazeera.

It cited a foreign affairs expert as saying that India’s strategic autonomy puts it in a position to push for peace because New Delhi is “friends with both” sides.

India has also been even-handed. In July, it summoned Moscow’s charge d’affaires to condemn a Russian strike on a merchant vessel that killed 10 people, including four Indian crew members. Days later, it summoned Ukraine’s ambassador over an Indian seafarer killed in a Ukrainian drone strike on the MV Omorfi, the report observes.

It highlights that India is also an importer of goods from both Russia and Ukraine. In the 2025-26, India imported 1.46 million tonnes of sunflower oil from Russia and 443,000 tonnes from Ukraine, according to the Indian Solvent Extractors’ Association (SEA), alongside large volumes of Russian crude.

The article cites Maximilian Hess, a fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, as saying that Zelenskyy approached India “because they have leverage over Moscow, and they are still one of the few major buyers of its oil.”

He added that a large amount of Russian money sits in the Indian financial system, which Moscow wants to keep access to.

Before Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, about a third of the world’s grain exports passed through the Black Sea, with Ukraine supplying a tenth of global wheat exports and 15 percent of maize. Disruption hits food-importing countries hardest, particularly in Africa and parts of Asia, the report states.

Indian officials point out that India as a leading voice of the Global South is keen that food exports to these developing nations resume to prevent adequate supplies and controlling rising inflation.

Both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have discussed the issue of opening the food corridor over a phone call.

“India is ready to mediate in establishing food corridors, and we are counting on these efforts to continue,” Zelenskyy posted on X after call. The leaders discussed Russia’s blocking of grain exports in the Black Sea, he said.

PM Modi said India was ready to contribute “in every possible way” towards a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, during a visit to Kyiv in September, spoke of a potential pause on strikes against Black Sea shipping and energy infrastructure. On October 4, he said India was talking to both Russia and Ukraine about shipping safety, grain and energy exports and “non-attack possibilities”.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha earlier called India’s proposal “the broadest”, because it covers both the Black Sea and energy infrastructure. The US plan offers only a halt to strikes on energy facilities.

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Canberra, Nov 11 (IANS) The National Gallery of Australia has handed over three ancient Indian artefacts to the Indian High Commission in Canberra, fulfilling a commitment made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese during the 3rd Annual Leaders' Summit in July 2026.

The artefacts include a bronze trident of Goddess Bhadrakali, a granite idol of Nandi and a basalt sculpture of the six-headed Karthikeya, all of which are being transferred from the National Gallery of Australia in a major boost to India's efforts to restore its cultural heritage.

"Following through on the high-level commitment made by our Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Anthony Albanese during the 3rd Annual Leaders' Summit in July 2026, through its sustained efforts, the High Commission of India in Australia has formally taken over and is transferring the three precious Indian artefacts to India - a bronze trident of Goddess Bhadrakali, a granite idol of Nandi, and a basalt sculpture of the six-headed Karthikeya, from the National Gallery of Australia," the Indian mission posted on X.

"We appreciate the cooperation extended by the National Gallery of Australia in effecting this transfer. The valuable artefacts will soon be arriving in India, bringing our treasured heritage home!" it added.

Earlier in July, Prime Minister Albanese announced that items of cultural significance to India, currently displayed in museums across the Oceania nation, would be returned, while hailing the progress made in repatriating an Australian First Nations ancestor from the Government Museum of Chennai.

He said that India's decision to repatriate the First Nations ancestor reflects the strong cultural relationship and mutual respect between the two countries.

Addressing a joint press conference with Prime Minister Modi following their delegation-level talks in Melbourne, Albanese said, "I welcome progress to repatriate the remains of an Australian First Nations ancestor held in the Government Museum of Chennai. The ancestor will be voluntarily and unconditionally repatriated by India to their traditional custodians."

"In the spirit of friendship, Australia will voluntarily return several items of cultural significance to India, previously held in the collections of the National Gallery of Australia and the Art Gallery of New South Wales," he added.

Lauding Prime Minister Modi's decision to repatriate an Australian First Nations ancestor, Albanese said that the initiative would promote healing, justice, and reconciliation while underscoring the deep historical bonds and expanding people-to-people ties between Australia and India.

"Australia and India share a deep history, and we are building strong people-to-people links between our two countries. The repatriation of First Nations ancestor promotes healing, justice, and reconciliation. I commend Prime Minister Modi for the decision to repatriate Australian First Nations ancestors to their Traditional Custodians," said Albanese.

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Seoul, Nov 11 (IANS) South Korea's National Assembly Speaker Cho Jeong-sik on Wednesday reaffirmed his commitment to pushing for a constitutional revision, rejecting opposition claims that the revision would be aimed at allowing President Lee Jae Myung to seek a second term.

Cho's remarks came as opposition lawmakers have questioned whether he had left open the possibility of Lee seeking another term after he told a press conference in July that an incumbent president's eligibility to seek another term would be up to the people to decide.

"As stipulated in Article 128 of the Constitution, the extension of a sitting president's term is not a subject of discussions for a constitutional revision," Cho said during a discussion hosted by the Kwanhun Club, a senior journalists' association. "This should no longer be used for political conflict," Yonhap News Agency reported.

Cho said the National Assembly should take the lead in pursuing constitutional reform, adding that he plans to launch an advisory committee under his office soon to set the direction and key priorities for the revision.

"As no nationwide elections are scheduled for next year, it would be the right time to calmly hold discussions on constitutional reform," he said.

The speaker apologized for the controversy sparked by his earlier remarks, saying, "As a politician, I would like to once again extend my sincere apologies to the public for inadvertently causing such misunderstanding and controversy."

Cho also pledged efforts to further advance South Korea's national interests, saying he plans to visit major countries, including the United States and China, next year.

Currently, the Constitution limits presidents to a single, five-year term and stipulates that an amendment to extend the term will not be effective for the president in office at the time the amendment is proposed.

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Phnom Penh, Nov 11 (IANS) Cambodia has launched a nationwide human papillomavirus (HPV) Multi-Age Cohort and catch-up vaccination campaign to expand cervical cancer protection for adolescent girls, according to a joint press release issued on Wednesday.

Cervical cancer remains a major public health challenge in Cambodia, ranking as the second leading cancer among women of all ages. Because nearly all cervical cancer cases are linked to persistent infection with high-risk strains of HPV, vaccination stands as one of the most effective preventive measures available.

Building on the successful integration of the HPV vaccine into Cambodia's National Immunisation Programme in 2023, the new campaign will run alongside routine vaccinations for nine-year-old girls. The initiative provides free HPV vaccines to all girls aged 13 to 14, while offering catch-up doses for girls aged 10 to 12 who may have missed their routine vaccinations between 2023 and 2025, Xinhua News Agency reported.

To maximise coverage, the nationwide campaign will be rolled out in two phases from November to December 2026.

At the campaign launch on Tuesday, Cambodian Minister of Health Chheang Ra reaffirmed the country's commitment to protecting future generations.

"Every girl deserves protection from cervical cancer," he said. "By expanding HPV vaccination opportunities across the country, we are ensuring that girls who missed previous opportunities can still benefit from this safe, effective, and life-saving vaccine."

The campaign will utilise a coordinated approach, delivering vaccines through schools, community centers, and local health facilities.

Marianna Trias, the World Health Organisation representative to Cambodia, said HPV vaccination is one of the most effective tools for preventing cervical cancer.

"By expanding vaccination opportunities for girls up to age 14, Cambodia is accelerating progress towards eliminating cervical cancer while safeguarding the health and well-being of future generations," she said.

HPV vaccination is among the most impactful interventions, averting an estimated 13 deaths for every 1,000 children vaccinated, according to the joint press release.

Supporting these efforts, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has committed substantial financial resources to ensure the initiative's success.

"With more than three million US dollars in funding for this campaign, which aims to protect more than 700,000 girls in schools and communities, Gavi reaffirms our commitment to support Cambodia in its efforts to build stronger links between adolescent girls and essential health services," said Priya Gajraj, Gavi's director of core countries.

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New Delhi, Nov 11 (IANS) Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Wednesday said that a Liberia-flagged very large crude carrier (VLCC) MT FUJAIRAH ENERGY was struck by a projectile while transiting the Persian Gulf, leaving four crew members injured, including one Indian national.

In a post on X, Sonowal said that the vessel was carrying six Indian seafarers when it came under attack on Tuesday.

He added that the injured Indian seafarer had suffered minor injuries and was safely taken ashore for further medical examination, while the remaining 18 crew members, including the other five Indian seafarers, were safe.

"On Nov 10, Liberia-flagged VLCC MT FUJAIRAH ENERGY, carrying 6 Indian seafarers, was hit by a projectile while transiting the Persian Gulf from Al Ruwais to Dubai. Four crew members sustained injuries in the attack, including one Indian national, who suffered minor injuries and has been safely taken ashore for further medical examination. The remaining 18 crew members, including the other 5 Indian seafarers, are safe and accounted for," the Union Minister stated.

"We are continuously monitoring the situation and remain in close contact with the ship management company to ensure the ongoing security, medical care and wellbeing of our seafarers," he added.

Last week, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that as many as 23 Indian nationals, including 15 Indian seafarers, lost their lives in the ongoing conflict in West Asia, while five Indian nationals died in attacks on commercial shipping in the Black Sea region.

Addressing a bi-weekly media briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that one Indian national died after a ship that carried 14 Indian crew members came under attack. He thanked Omani authorities for rescuing 13 Indian nationals when the ship was attacked on November 2.

On the number of Indian nationals who lost their lives in the West Asia conflict, Jaiswal said, "In so far as the number of people who have died, Indian nationals who have died, last time I told you there were 22 Indian nationals whom we have lost in the conflict in West Asia. Out of those 22 Indian nationals, we have 14 Indian seafarers, and today we have lost one more, yesterday, that is, which means there are 23 Indian nationals which we have lost in the conflict in West Asia. Out of these, 15 of them are Indian seafarers."

--IANS

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Washington, Nov 11 (IANS) President Donald Trump has nominated career diplomat Natalie Baker as the next US ambassador to Pakistan, moving to fill a diplomatic post that has remained without a Senate-confirmed ambassador for nearly two years.

Baker, who has headed the American Embassy in Islamabad as charge d'affaires since January 2025, was among several diplomatic nominees whose names the White House sent to the Senate on Monday.

The White House identified Baker, of Texas, as "a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor" and nominated her to serve as ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to Pakistan.

Her nomination has been referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. She will need Senate confirmation before formally assuming the ambassadorial position.

Baker arrived in Islamabad in August 2024 as deputy chief of mission. She assumed charge of the embassy in January 2025 following the departure of Ambassador Donald Blome, who had served in Pakistan since 2022.

Blome left the post on January 10, 2025.

A career diplomat with extensive experience in the Middle East and North Africa, Baker previously served as deputy chief of mission at the US Embassy in Doha, Qatar, from August 2021 to July 2024.

Before that assignment, she headed the State Department's Office of North African Affairs in its Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs.

She has also served as deputy chief of mission and charge d'affaires at the US Mission to Libya, deputy director of the Iran Regional Presence Office at the American Consulate in Dubai and economic counsellor at the US Embassy in Kuwait.

During her posting in Kuwait, she worked with the US Defence Department to support the withdrawal of American forces from Iraq.

From 2009 to 2011, Baker served as political and economic counsellor in Libya as Washington and Tripoli sought to normalise relations following nearly three decades of strained ties.

She remained in Libya until the uprising against Muammar Gaddafi forced the American Embassy to evacuate in February 2011.

Her earlier assignments included a previous posting in Islamabad as a consular officer, a cultural affairs position in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, and service as a special assistant in the State Department's Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs.

As charge d'affaires in Pakistan, Baker has emphasised commercial diplomacy and cooperation in emerging technologies.

During an August 11-12 visit to Lahore, she met Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and provincial adviser Ali Dar to discuss opportunities in artificial intelligence, higher education, innovation and investment.

A graduate of Princeton University, Baker holds a master's degree in public policy from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. She was a distinguished graduate of the National War College in 2017 and speaks Arabic, Spanish, Farsi and Russian.

The White House also nominated Jeffrey Colyer of Kansas as ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Cynthia Kierscht to Senegal and Guinea-Bissau, and Ian McCary to Mali, among other diplomatic appointments.

--IANS

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Seoul, Nov 11 (IANS) When Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang visited South Korea in June and shared soju and grilled pork belly with the heads of the country's technology giants, the high-profile gathering symbolised their deepening ties in artificial intelligence (AI), spanning semiconductors, robotics and autonomous driving.

Huang has met Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won and Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung on several occasions this year, forging partnerships across critical cutting-edge sectors, reports Yonhap news agency.

In July, Huang also met President Lee Jae Myung on the sidelines of the San Francisco AI Summit, along with the three conglomerate chiefs and other industry leaders, to discuss ways to deepen AI cooperation.

But a scandal involving Huang, a central figure in the global AI boom, and a woman suspected of ties with Chinese intelligence has raised questions about potential regulatory scrutiny, uncertainty over Nvidia's leadership and possible repercussions for South Korea's AI supply chain.

The controversy has coincided with the cancellation of at least one high-profile engagement in Seoul.

Huang's daughter and Nvidia executive Madison Huang abruptly canceled her planned attendance at Nvidia AI Day on Monday, citing family reasons. She had been scheduled to meet Korean technology executives and government officials.

Asked whether the U.S. congressional investigation into Huang could affect the delivery of 260,000 graphic processing units (GPUs) pledged to South Korea or partnerships with Korean chipmakers, Nvidia officials declined to comment.

So far, there is no indication that the controversy has disrupted Nvidia's chip supplies or major AI projects in South Korea.

Ryu Je-myung, South Korea's second vice minister of Science and ICT, said Monday that Nvidia's GPU shipments to South Korea were expected to proceed as scheduled.

"We will have to wait and see how the controversy affects Nvidia, but we expect the contracted shipments to proceed without disruption," Ryu said during a parliamentary budget committee session.

The uncertainty comes at a time when Nvidia is expanding its presence in South Korea. The U.S. chipmaker has emerged as a key partner in Seoul's push to strengthen AI capabilities and build advanced computing infrastructure.

For Samsung Electronics Co. and SK hynix Inc., major suppliers of high bandwidth memory (HBM) chips used in Nvidia's AI accelerators, one potential concern is whether the controversy could prompt heightened U.S. regulatory scrutiny, particularly over semiconductor supply chains linked to China.

Although existing supply agreements appear unaffected, any regulatory changes or disruptions to Nvidia's product road map could complicate the Korean chipmakers' production and investment plans.

The potential implications extend beyond semiconductors. At Nvidia AI Day, mobile carrier SK Telecom Co. and AI chip startup Rebellions announced plans to integrate Nvidia's GPUs with Rebellions' neural processing units (NPUs) in SK Telecom's AI data centres.

Ride-hailing service Kakao Mobility also unveiled plans to collaborate with Nvidia on Level 4 autonomous driving technology, initially focusing on Kia Corp.'s purpose-built vehicles.

Last week, Nvidia completed a US$1 billion investment in Naver Corp., acquiring a 4.13 percent stake in the South Korean portal operator to speed up a joint AI venture announced in June.

These deals highlight Nvidia's growing influence across South Korea's AI ecosystem, from telecommunications and mobility to software.

But the deepening ties also expose potential risks associated with South Korea's growing dependence on Nvidia for advanced computing technology, AI chip supplies and strategic tie-ups.

Industry observers say the potential fallout from the U.S. investigation will depend on whether it leads to regulatory action, leadership changes at Nvidia or shifts in its business strategy.

Despite the uncertainty, Seoul officials have stressed the importance of maintaining ties with Nvidia, viewing the partnership as a way to help domestic companies expand into global markets and advance the country's AI ambitions.

"The competitiveness of the AI industry can be further enhanced when diverse capabilities are interconnected and integrated, beyond advances in individual technologies," Lee Do-kyu, a senior official at the Ministry of Science and ICT, said during the Nvidia event.

"We hope South Korean companies will identify opportunities for technological and business cooperation with Nvidia and ultimately expand into global markets together."

—IANS

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New Delhi, Nov 11 (IANS) Chip major NVIDIA’s independent directors have appointed Joon H. Kim, former acting US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, to probe if its founder and CEO Jensen Huang was targeted by a Chinese intelligence effort.

Kim's law firm, called Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, will assist with the inquiry, according to a statement issued by the independent directors.

The company's board earlier described US national and economic security as paramount to the company's interests and those of its shareholders. It also said it would provide further updates as appropriate.

NVIDIA also said it had no reason to believe that US national security or company secrets had been compromised but would examine all available information.

Huang has backed the investigation in an email to employees, saying he would cooperate fully and was committed to protecting NVIDIA and US national security.

"I love our country and our company. I am committed to protecting NVIDIA and supporting America's national security," he wrote. "I take full responsibility for what I did and the hurt I caused, and I accept the criticism that comes with it," Huang said.

Huang also asked for privacy for his family, saying they bore no responsibility for his actions.

Meanwhile, Nvidia shares closed at $168.8 on Tuesday (US time), down $9.8744, or 5.53 per cent, from the previous close of $178.67. Its latest market capitalisation stood at approximately $4.07 trillion.

The stock has also witnessed sustained selling pressure, falling 14 per cent over the past week and 22 per cent over the last 30 days.

It has declined 18 per cent over three months and 17 per cent over six months.

The latest sell-off has also pushed Nvidia below Microsoft in the global market-capitalisation rankings, with the software giant reclaiming the position of the world's second-most valuable company.

Nvidia's quarterly results, scheduled for November 17, will provide another reading of demand for AI chips and the outlook for its business.

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Berlin, Nov 11 (IANS) German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said that the European Union (EU) must fully integrate its Ukraine policy into the bloc's budget, and that future financial support for Ukraine should be part of the negotiations on the EU's next long-term budget.

Merz made the remarks at a joint press conference with visiting Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar on Tuesday (local time). He said negotiations on the EU's next long-term budget were entering a critical stage.

Merz stressed that the EU must not reduce its financial support for Ukraine, as it was a matter of collective European security.

He said a key condition for reaching a budget agreement was a common understanding among EU members on how to support Ukraine in the coming years. Supporting Ukraine was a shared responsibility of the EU, rather than that of individual member states, he added.

Merz said Ukraine policy must be fully included in the EU budget, while acknowledging that at least four member states held different views, according to Xinhua news agency.

Magyar said reaching an agreement on a common budget among the 27 EU members would not be easy, as each country had its own national interests.

He said Hungary believed that funding for traditional areas, including agricultural and cohesion policies, should not be reduced, and that changes were also needed to member states' contributions.

Magyar added that the current budget proposal still needed changes. Hungary would remain a constructive partner in the negotiations but would not compromise on its national interests, he said.

--IANS

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