UN condemns Delhi blast
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep sorrow over the deadly car explosion near New Delhi’s Red Fort, which killed 13 and injured several, and called for a thorough investigation. His Deputy Spokesperson, Farhan Haq, conveyed condolences to India’s Government and people, emphasising the need for accountability. On the same day, a suicide bombing in Islamabad outside a court claimed at least 12 lives and injured 36. Guterres condemned both attacks, reiterating that all perpetrators of terrorism must be held accountable and urging full investigations. Following the Islamabad blast, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif accused groups allegedly operating with Indian support, a claim India dismissed as “baseless and absurd.” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal criticised Pakistan’s attempt to link India, calling it a diversion from internal issues. Both incidents have drawn widespread global condemnation, with the UN reaffirming its stance against terrorism and calling for justice for all victims.
DRI seizes `15 Crore gold
In a major crackdown dubbed Operation Bullion Blaze, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) busted a gold smuggling and melting syndicate in Mumbai, arresting 11 people and seizing 11.88kg of gold worth `15.05 crore and 8.72kg of silver valued at `13.17 lakh. Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers raided four locations, including two illegal melting units and two unregistered shops. The furnaces at the units were fully operational, converting smuggled gold into bars, and 6.35kg of gold was recovered on-site. Subsequent searches at the shops yielded an additional 5.53kg of gold bars.
G7 Ministers Meet Amid Tensions
G7 foreign ministers are meeting in southern Ontario amid tensions between the US and allies over defence spending, trade and global conflicts. Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, hosting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and counterparts from Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Japan, stressed the need to maintain cooperation across multiple issues despite trade pressures. Discussions will focus on peace and stability in the Middle East, including upholding the Gaza ceasefire, as well as ongoing support for Ukraine. Britain announced £13 million ($17 million) in aid to repair Ukraine’s energy infrastructure before winter. Relations between Canada and the US remain strained over tariffs and trade disputes.
