Australia denies asylum to Indian man who converted from Hinduism to Christianity; Tribunal says there is no risk of loss on return

Australia denies asylum to Indian man who converted from Hinduism to Christianity; Tribunal says there is no risk of loss on return

An Indian man who converted from Hinduism to Christianity has failed in his bid to gain asylum in Australia, with a tribunal ruling that he faces no real risk of harm if he returns home.The decision was issued after Australia’s Immigration and Protection Tribunal rejected the claim last month. It said the applicant’s fear of harassment was “manifestly unfounded”. The tribunal stated that the evidence presented did not meet the threshold required for refugee protection.“The evidence does not establish a risk of harm that is more than mere speculation or a remote or random possibility,” the tribunal said, Australia Today reported. The applicant is a 23-year-old man from Uttarakhand and had entered Australia on a visitor visa in October 2023. He soon began attending church and formally converted to Christianity in June 2024, around the same time he applied for asylum.In his claim he alleged that his family members in India were not happy with his religious conversion. He spoke of a physical assault by an uncle and an attack on his family home in March 2025.However, the tribunal identified inconsistencies and shortcomings in his account. It said the man had not contacted Indian authorities for protection or assistance.“He did not make any complaint to the police… nor did he seek the assistance of the courts,” the tribunal said. He said there was no evidence that he had attempted to gain state protection.The Tribunal acknowledged that the applicant may have experienced violence, but ruled that these incidents did not amount to persecution under refugee law. There was also no indication that the risk of harm would increase upon their return to India.The decision further stated that the individual can move safely within the country. Major cities like Delhi and Mumbai were cited as viable options where they would not face any threat.“There is no possibility of this [those involved] Knowing that the Appellant has returned… or is staying in that city,” the tribunal said.The Tribunal ultimately ruled that the applicant did not qualify for refugee or protected person status under international conventions, including the Refugee Convention and the Convention against Torture. “The appellant is not a refugee… the appeal is dismissed,” the ruling said.

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Indian-origin Karishma Vijay wins UK reality show The Apprentice, secures Lord Sugar’s £250,000 investment. world News

Indian-origin Karishma Vijay wins UK reality show The Apprentice, secures Lord Sugar's £250,000 investment

Indian-origin entrepreneur Karishma Vijay has won the 2026 edition of the UK reality show learnerReceived an investment of £250,000 after being chosen the winner by Lord Alan Sugar.learner is a BBC business reality show where contestants compete through difficult business tasks over several weeks for an investment from British business tycoon Lord Sugar, who has been the chief judge since 2005.UK-based Karishma Vijay, 28, defeated fellow finalist Pascha Myhill in the women’s final. The final task saw both contestants develop a brand and advertising campaign for their business ideas before pitching directly to Lord Sugar and a panel of industry experts.Reacting to his win, Vijay said, “I really can’t believe my life right now. Things keep happening. My week is going really well.”She described the moment she found out about her win, saying, “I was very stunned, very shocked – but I kept it very quiet. Then, I was sitting in my car and screaming. It was absolutely crazy.”Vijay revealed that contestants have to wait months to know the results after filming. He said, “After waiting so long, it was a matter of great concern. I am happy with the result… My life has literally changed.”She has reportedly decided to use this investment to further grow her beauty brand, Kishkin, and has plans to expand it even further. “This is going to be a brand that has really made it, with young girls lining up to buy it,” she said.His achievement means a lot to his family. Speaking about his background, Vijay revealed that he was raised by a single father in a traditional Indian household, where expectations were often low.“They told my father that you would not be able to raise these two girls as a single parent,” he said. “My elder sister is a doctor, and I am the winner of learner. What more can a father ask for?”Vijay also praised his fellow finalists and said, “I love Paska so much. I think she’s incredibly inspiring and the most deserving.”Her win marks a major milestone in her journey as she now steps into a business partnership with Lord Sugar, backed by a £250,000 investment.

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UK Man Tattoo Masterpieces: UK man’s Marvel obsession stuns the world with over 60 tattoo comic masterpieces, earns Guinness World Records title world News

A UK man's Marvel obsession has stunned the world with over 60 tattoo comic masterpieces earning him a Guinness World Records title.
PC: Guinness World Records

A UK man recently gained worldwide recognition when he took his lifelong passion for comic book heroes to the next level by breaking a world record through an extensive collection of tattoos. This is Tom Radford, who was recently recognized as the owner of the world record of 63 Marvel-based tattoos. As his interest in tattoos grew, so did the number of superheroes on his body, each of whom had tattoos at different times in their lives. It all started with a simple passion for tattoos and evolved into a specific theme based on his love for superhero stories.

UK man breaks world record for Marvel tattoos with 63 character designs

According to Guinness World Records, Tom Radford’s record is based on the total number of Marvel comic book character tattoos on his body, which is 63. This figure puts him ahead of previous record holders, including Ryan Logsdon of the United States and Rick Scolamiro of Canada, who each had 34 Marvel-themed tattoos.Recognition from Guinness World Records confirms the scale of his collection and the continuity of its theme. Instead of random designs, the tattoos collectively focus on an imaginary universe, which makes the record category unique.

From Beginner’s Ink to Marvel Focus: The Beginning of Tom Radford’s Tattoo Journey

Radford’s interest in tattoos has a history much older than that of Marvel characters. He began his tattooing adventure in 2007, when he got a tattoo on his chest depicting the famous saying: “With great power comes great responsibility”, which is widely recognized as Spider-Man’s catchphrase and became his first step into comic-inspired tattoos.At the time, Radford’s tattoos were not created with any particular concept in mind. Like other people who decided to get themselves tattoos, he picked random images that were popular at the time, like tribal symbols or some random artwork from tattoo shops. One of the most important moments for him happened in 2016 when he decided to get a tattoo with a portrait of Thanos on his thigh.

How the Marvel Tattoo Collection Grew to 63 Designs

As more tattoos were added, the collection became a structured visual theme rather than a mix of different ideas. Each new design contributed to the overall Marvel narrative throughout his body. This process developed gradually over years rather than occurring over a short period. With each season, additional characters were added, gradually increasing the total number to 63. The focus was not only on volume, but also on maintaining a consistent humor-inspired style across different body parts.An important part of this process has been Radford’s long-term work with tattoo artist Andy Walker. Their collaboration has continued for nearly a decade, with the majority of Marvel-themed designs being created in the same studio. Working with the same artist for such a long period of time helped maintain a consistent style across all the tattoos. This continuity is important in larger themed collections, where differences in technique or design style can affect how unified the overall artwork appears.

Amazing influence beyond tattoos: a personal tribute to Stan Lee through his dog Stanley

Beyond tattoos, Radford’s interest in Marvel appears to extend to his personal life. He also named his dog Stanley, a tribute to Stan Lee, co-creator of many Marvel characters.This description shows how the subject matter became part of their everyday identity rather than just being limited to body art.

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John F. Today’s Quote by Kennedy: “If we can’t get over our differences now, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity. In the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all live on this little planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish the future of our children. And we are all mortal.” | world News

John F. Today's Quote by Kennedy:
Today’s Quote by John F. Kennedy (Image Source: Wikipedia)

In a world where political differences, cultural diversity and global problems are ever-changing, some words will always remain important. One of these messages is from John F. Kennedy, 35th President of the United States. In his speeches he often talked about peace, working together and being responsible towards others. People still use his quote when talking about unity and coexistence, “If we can’t eliminate our differences now, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity…”. This statement was given at a time when there was a lot of political tension around the world. It’s a simple but strong point: people and countries can still work together to make the world a safer and more respectful place, even if they don’t agree on everything. People still talk about world peace, respect for each other, and a future for all people. This message is important even today.

Quote of the Day by John F. Kennedy

“If we can’t get over our differences now, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity. In the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all live on this little planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish the future of our children. And we are all mortal.”

Historical context behind the quote

This quote from John F. Kennedy’s famous 1963 commencement speech at American University came at a time of high tensions between the US and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. The Cuban Missile Crisis had scared people a lot and the world was still recovering from that scare.At the time, the world was very divided politically, and differences in ideology affected the way countries interacted with each other. Kennedy’s speech was meant to reduce tensions between the countries and promote peaceful dialogue. He didn’t want to fight; Instead, he talked about how important it is for countries with different beliefs to live together.The quote shows the kind of peace he wants, where differences are recognized but not allowed to cause destruction or division. It was a call for people to work together in a world where war is a real threat.

Breaking down the meaning of a quote into simple words

The quote may seem long, but if you read it step by step, it is easy to understand.Kennedy begins by saying something that is true: differences between people and countries cannot always be avoided. These differences may be in politics, culture or ideas. But he says that instead of trying to get rid of them completely, we should work on making the world safe for diversity.This means creating a space where people can have different beliefs and identities without fear. It’s more about accepting than agreeing.Then he points to a deeper truth: All people share some basic truths. No matter where people live or what they believe, they share the same planet, depend on the same air, care about the future of their children and face the same human limitations.The quote simply says that even though people are different, we all have some things in common that connect us.

Why does this quote still matter today?

This quote was said over sixty years ago, but it is still important. In fact, in today’s times it has become even more important.Technology, travel and communication have made societies more connected than ever. However, people often talk about their differences in public and at global events.In this case, Kennedy’s message calls for a balanced approach. It doesn’t ask people to ignore their differences; Instead, it asks them to deal with them in a responsible manner. The idea of ​​making the world “safe for diversity” is very similar to what people are talking about now when they talk about acceptance, tolerance, and living together in peace.This idea is seen in policies and discussions of multiculturalism, human rights, and working together with other countries. This quote reminds us that progress is possible even when not everyone agrees.

A message rooted in shared humanity

The quote is great because it talks about things that everyone can relate to. Kennedy says that all people on Earth need the same resources from nature.Due to problems such as climate change, public health emergencies, and the need to sustain the environment, this idea is even more important now than ever. These problems affect not just one group or country but people all over the world.Kennedy talks about problems that affect everyone, no matter their political or cultural beliefs. For example, he says things like “We all breathe the same air” and “We all care about the future of our children.”This method shifts the focus away from fighting and onto working together, helping people think about what is best for the group in the long run.

Role of leadership in promoting unity

John F. Kennedy’s quote also shows how leaders can change the way people think. As President, he often gave speeches not only about current political issues but also about larger human values.He made sure that his communication was clear and easy to understand. He often used simple ideas rather than complex words that most people could understand.This quote is an example of that thinking. It sends a strong message that is easy to understand, so people from all walks of life can get it.Leaders around the world still use these types of messages when talking about issues like peace, working together, and being responsible for the world.

Other famous quotes from John F. Kennedy

  • “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”
  • “Effort and courage are not enough without purpose and direction.”
  • “Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never be afraid to negotiate.”
  • “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.”

Understanding diversity in practical terms

As the quote states, diversity is more than just cultural or national differences. This includes differences in ways of life, languages, ideas and beliefs.We don’t need to get rid of disagreements to make the world safe for diversity. Instead, it means making sure these differences don’t hurt anyone or leave anyone out.You can see it in everyday life in places like schools, workplaces, and communities where people from different backgrounds work together. To respect diversity, you need to listen to different viewpoints and make sure everyone feels safe sharing their perspective.Kennedy’s message supports this way of thinking on both a personal and global level.

Global relevance in modern times

International cooperation is now necessary to deal with big problems. Countries need to work together to solve problems like climate change, technology regulation, and global health.Kennedy’s focus on our shared humanity fits with the need to work together. Countries can work better together if they focus on what they have in common rather than what makes them different.The quote also shows how important it is to think long term. It encourages people to make decisions that take into account not only short-term impacts but also long-term impacts by talking about future generations.This approach is often seen in international efforts focused on sustainable development and peacebuilding.

final conclusion from the quote

John F. Kennedy’s quote, “If we cannot end our differences now, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity…” is still very important today. It gives a practical and balanced way of dealing with differences, focusing on living together rather than fighting. This message promotes cooperation and respect for each other by emphasizing the things that all people have in common and the things they all care about.As society evolves and becomes more interconnected, the importance of these concepts is expected to increase. The quote reminds us that differences are normal, but how we handle them will shape the future of communities and countries. Kennedy’s words are still an important reference point in conversations about global harmony and shared responsibility because they emphasize unity in diversity.

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UAE introduces weight loss pill Foundaio for the first time, here’s how much it might cost and where to get it world News

UAE introduces weight loss pill Foundaio for the first time, here's how much it might cost and where to get it
UAE approves Foundayo obesity pill offering needle-free weight loss / Image: File

In a major health care shift, the United Arab Emirates has approved Foundayo (orfoglypron), a daily oral obesity pill developed by Eli Lilly. The decision by Emirates Drug Establishment places the country among the first countries in the world to introduce needle-free alternatives to injectable weight loss treatments.The approval comes as obesity is increasingly linked to serious long-term conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. The convenience of Foundaio is what makes it different. Unlike injectable GLP-1 medications, it is taken as a simple daily pill and does not require a strict schedule for food or water intake, making it easier for patients to adhere to.

UAE offers needle-free obesity pill weight loss

Despite the growing buzz, Foundation is not for casual or cosmetic use. It will be available only through prescription and under strict medical supervision. Doctors in the UAE are expected to follow clear eligibility guidelines before prescribing a medicine.Patients are typically eligible if they have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, which falls under clinical obesity, or a BMI above 27 with associated health conditions. These include metabolic and lifestyle diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and joint stress conditions.Before starting treatment, patients must undergo a detailed medical evaluation. These include blood tests, metabolic checks, and a thorough review of the medical history. Specialists such as endocrinologists and internal medicine specialists will play a central role in determining whether a medication is appropriate, ensuring that its use is targeted and medically appropriate.

How does Foundayo Weight Loss Pill work?

Foundaio belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which mimic natural hormones in the body that regulate appetite and blood sugar levels. Practically, the drug helps patients feel full earlier, reduce hunger signals, and reduce overall calorie intake without drastic dietary restrictions.Clinical trials have shown strong and consistent results. Patients taking the higher doses experienced an average weight loss of 12.4 percent, with some studies reporting a loss of nearly 12 kilograms over a 72-week period. In addition to weight loss, early findings also suggest improvements in cholesterol levels, blood pressure and markers associated with heart disease risk, pointing to broader metabolic benefits.Also, doctors warn that side effects are possible, especially during the early stages of treatment. Some patients reported nausea, mild digestive discomfort, and gastrointestinal problems, especially when dosage levels were increased. These effects were generally manageable but highlight the importance of medical supervision during the treatment process.

When will it be available in UAE?

The pill is expected to be available in UAE pharmacies from May 2026, but access will be controlled through prescription channels. Health experts are clear that Foundaio is not a shortcut or a one-time solution. Instead, it is designed as part of a long-term treatment plan.In many cases, patients may need to remain on medication for a long time, sometimes lifelong, depending on their condition. Doctors emphasize that stopping the medication without lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet and regular exercise can lead to weight gain again. Medications work best when combined with sustained behavioral changes rather than replacing them.There are also explicit medical exclusions. The medication is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and it may not be suitable for individuals with certain thyroid cancers, endocrine disorders, or severe gastrointestinal and kidney conditions. These restrictions reinforce the need for careful investigation before starting treatment.

Expected price of Foundaio in UAE

Although the official price of Foundaio in the UAE has not yet been confirmed, early estimates suggest it could be placed within the same range as existing GLP-1 treatments. The injectable options currently available in the UAE often cost between Dh800 and Dh1,500 per month, depending on the dose and brand.Industry experts expect Foundaio to be priced competitively within this bracket, although its oral format could impact final pricing depending on demand and insurance coverage. Another important factor will be whether UAE insurers classify the drug under essential obesity treatment or alternative medicine, which could significantly impact patients’ out-of-pocket costs.Affordability is likely to play an important role in adoption. While the convenience of a daily pill is expected to attract strong demand, long-term use means that pricing and insurance support will ultimately determine access to the treatment.

UAE officials insist on security checks

UAE regulators have made it clear that the approval of Foundaio is a controlled medical step, not a mass weight loss solution. The Emirates Drug Establishment said the drug was approved only after a detailed scientific review of its safety, effectiveness and clinical trial performance, adding it was introduced as part of the country’s broader strategy to tackle rising obesity rates.In its official statement, the authority stressed that the move reflects the UAE’s commitment to bringing advanced treatments to patients while maintaining high regulatory standards. Dr Fatima Al Kaabi, Director General of the Authority, said tackling obesity remains a national priority as it is linked to more than 200 diseases, including diabetes, hypertension and cancer. He said the approval marks a shift toward more patient-friendly treatments.Medical experts have also highlighted safety considerations associated with drugs in the GLP-1 receptor agonist class. Clinical data suggests that treatment may cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and vomiting, especially in the early stages or at higher doses.Regulators also emphasize that the pill is not a stand-alone treatment. It is designed for long-term use as part of a structured obesity management plan that includes lifestyle changes such as diet and physical activity. By combining strict prescription controls with ongoing monitoring, UAE authorities aim to ensure that innovation in treatment does not come at the expense of patient safety while expanding access to effective weight management solutions.[Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment and before changing your diet or supplement regimen.]

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WATCH: How the US Navy is enforcing the blockade amid the Hormuz standoff

WATCH: How the US Navy is enforcing the blockade amid the Hormuz standoff
Screengrab from video released by US CENTCOM

US Central Command (CENTCOM) released fresh footage showing their navy diverting a merchant vessel in the Gulf of Oman as part of enforcement of sanctions related to Iran’s sea routes.Video shared on Twitter shows a sailor aboard the USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) communicating with the motor ship Molly, informing her crew that she will be towed to her next port of call. The sailor can also be heard thanking the ship for its cooperation.“Audio from a sailor aboard the USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112), accompanied by video from a guided missile destroyer helicopter flying over the Gulf of Oman, as the U.S. Navy diverts a merchant ship while enforcing a blockade on ships entering or departing Iranian ports. The US military is prepared to maintain the blockade as long as necessary, it said in a video shared on social media.CENTCOM said US forces would remain prepared to continue the operation “as long as necessary”. It said the deployment involved more than 10,000 personnel, along with multiple naval ships and aircraft, as part of broader maritime enforcement activity in territorial waters.The command also clarified that despite ongoing tensions in the region and claims of a broader blockade effort, US forces are not blocking the Strait of Hormuz.The release comes amid ongoing geopolitical friction in the Gulf, with shipping activity and naval deployments being closely monitored.

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Balen Shah: Nepal government starts historic investigation into assets of former leaders and officials. world News

Balen will investigate the assets of 7 Prime Ministers, former King, hundreds of ministers and bureaucrats

In an unprecedented move, the newly formed Balendra Shah government in Nepal has constituted a five-member judicial panel to probe the assets of people holding public office from 2006 to the current financial year 2025-26, launching the most comprehensive probe yet into the country’s post-monarchy political and bureaucratic elite.The move will bring under its ambit former King Gyanendra Shah, three presidents, all heads of government since 2005-06, including two interim arrangements, and a wide group of ministers, constitutional functionaries and senior bureaucrats.Those expected to come under its ambit include former Presidents Ram Baran Yadav and Bidya Devi Bhandari and current President Ram Chandra Paudel; Former Prime Ministers Girija Prasad Koirala, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Madhav Kumar Nepal, Jhala Nath Khanal, Baburam Bhattarai, KP Sharma Oli and Sher Bahadur Deuba; and two interim heads of government – ​​Khilraj Regmi and Sushila Karki.

Nepal's former PM Oli was arrested on March 28 for his involvement in suppressing the September 25 Gen Z movement.

There has also been a broader focus on figures from Shah’s own political ecosystem, which expectedly includes current president Dol Prasad Aryal, ministers Birajbhakt Shrestha and Shishir Khanal and Rashtriya Swatantra Party chief Rabi Lamichhane, who held public office in earlier governments. The investigation is also expected to extend to the properties of deceased leaders, bringing the families and political heirs of personalities like Girija Prasad Koirala and Sushil Koirala under the scanner.The five-member commission, headed by retired Supreme Court judge Rajendra Kumar Bhandari, was formed weeks after Shah’s Rashtriya Swatantra Party won the March 5 election in the wake of last year’s youth-led anti-corruption protests.Cabinet spokesperson Sasmit Pokharel said the panel will investigate the assets of political functionaries and senior officials on the basis of law and evidence. “An impartial investigation will be conducted based on evidence as per legal standards… Its report and recommendations will be implemented by concerned agencies of the government,” he said.Under Shah’s 100-point governance reform plan, the first phase will examine those who served from 2006 to the current financial year, while the second phase will look at the period from 1991 to 2005.The Nepali Congress, the main opposition party in parliament, said such a commission was appropriate, but argued that the mechanism should be enshrined in permanent law and should not be politicized. Spokesman Devraj Chalisa said, “We are clear that the assets of those holding executive positions since 1990 should be investigated. Instead of constituting such a commission, legal provisions should be established. The investigation should be impartial and evidence-based.” Oli’s CPN-UML also supported the investigation in principle, while stressing that the commission should work on facts and truth. Rakshya Bam, a 26-year-old Gen Z activist who was at the forefront of the September 2025 revolt that toppled the Oli government, told TOI, “We welcome the verdict – our protest, among other issues, was against corruption in the upper echelons of the political system. However, the real test is political will. It is well known that an asset investigation panel was constituted by the Deuba government in 2002, and submitted a report in 2003 Had gone. However, its findings were never made public.

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UK: Church in Wales approves bill for gay marriage blessing with majority support world News

UK: Church in Wales approves bill for gay marriage blessing with majority support
Church in Wales approves bill for gay marriage blessing/Image: Getty Images

The Church in Wales approved a bill on Wednesday (April 15) to make gay marriage blessings a permanent part of its services, with the move supported by an overwhelming majority.This means that same-sex couples can continue to have their marriage or civil partnership blessed in the Church. The words used for these ceremonies will now be officially included in the Book of Common Prayer, which guides how services are conducted.The decision was taken by the church’s 143-member governing body. To pass, the motion required a two-thirds majority among three groups, bishops, clergy, and lay members. Common members voted 48 in favor against eight, while two abstained. The clergy supported it by 32 votes to seven, with five abstentions. The bishops approved this measure without any objection.The Ashirwad service was first launched in 2021 as a temporary move, with a trial period set to run until the end of 2026. Church officials said the move to make it permanent came after several years of discussion and feedback from across the church.Even with the change, individual priests will still be allowed to opt out if they do not wish to perform such blessings.Those in favor said the decision was about making the church more inclusive. The Bishop of St. Asaph, Gregory Cameron, spoke about the harm that LGBT people face when they are rejected. He shared the example of a young man who avoided talking to his parents for years because he feared how they would react to his sexuality. He said, “Please can’t we be a church that causes this kind of pain.”The Bishop of Llandaff, Mary Stallard, also supported the move. He said someone close to him had struggled deeply because of attitudes toward his sexuality within the church, describing it as a “culture of shame.” He said allowing the blessings in 2021 had been “something good and beautiful.”However, not everyone agreed with this change. Some members warned that this could lead to division. Andy Grimwood, a pastor, said he feared the decision would lead to unity and could lead to people leaving the church.The Rev. Melanie Prince said she had spoken to members of the Anglican Church in Nigeria, who urged the church not to move away from traditional teachings. Another member, Julia Schultz, said the blessing resembles a wedding service and raises concerns about staying true to long-held beliefs.The move also highlights the difference between the Church of Wales and the Church of England, which does not currently confer such blessings. Some see this as a possible sign that more changes may be coming in the future.The decision comes after Cherie Vaughn became Archbishop of Wales in July 2025, the first woman and first openly LGBT+ person to hold the position. She has said that she wants the church to better reflect the diversity of modern society.

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Israel, Lebanon agree on 10-day ceasefire: Donald Trump

Israel, Lebanon agree on 10-day ceasefire: Donald Trump
US President Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to begin a 10-day ceasefire at 5 p.m. EST (2100 GMT), signaling a pause in Israel’s conflict with Iran-backed Hezbollah, which is running parallel to the war with Iran.A US official said the ceasefire would begin on Thursday. Israel’s campaign in Lebanon has emerged as a major obstacle to achieving the peace deal that Trump sought to end the war Israel launched with Iran in late February. US and Iranian officials are considering a second round of in-person talks in Islamabad in the coming days and an end to the fighting in Lebanon could pave the way for an agreement on other thorny issues, including Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry had earlier said that peace in Lebanon was necessary for the talks it was brokering.Trump said he had excellent conversations with both Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu said in a video statement that he had agreed to a 10-day pause and an opportunity to reach a historic agreement with Lebanon. But there was uncertainty over whether a ceasefire would be reached between archenemies Israel and Hezbollah.Netanyahu said in his video message that he did not agree with Hezbollah’s demand to withdraw forces deployed in southern Lebanon to the international border between the two countries and would maintain a broad “security zone” up to the border with Syria. He said, Israel’s main demand was that Hezbollah should be destroyed.In its first comments after Trump’s announcement, Hezbollah said any ceasefire should not give Israel freedom of movement within Lebanon. In a statement issued by its media office, the group said the presence of Israeli troops on Lebanese territory gave Lebanon and its people “the right to protest”.Trump said he has directed US Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Kaine to work with the two countries to achieve lasting peace. “Both sides want to see peace, and I believe it will happen soon!” he said in a post on Truth Social. He also said that the leaders of both the countries can meet at the White House. Trump said, “It’s very exciting. I think we’re going to have an agreement where we’re going to have a meeting for the first time in 44 years, and Lebanon will have a meeting with Israel, and they’re probably going to do it in the next week or two at the White House.”This is a Reuters story

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Russia attacks Ukraine with missiles and drones, 17 dead

Russia attacks Ukraine with missiles and drones, 17 dead

Russia carried out one of the largest attacks on Ukraine so far this year, killing at least 17 people and wounding dozens in an attack with missiles and drones that targeted Kiev and other major cities overnight.Ukraine’s air defense said Russia launched more than 40 ballistic and cruise missiles as well as more than 650 drones of various types, calling it one of the worst attacks of the year so far. Along with the capital, Dnipro, Odessa, Kharkiv and Zaporizhia were also affected.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told reporters during a visit to the Netherlands on Thursday that 17 people had been killed in the attacks. Ukraine and the Netherlands are discussing anti-ballistic air defense systems, he said, without elaborating. Children were among those killed in the barrage, which mostly damaged residential areas, according to the State Emergency Service and local officials. In Kiev, police and doctors who came to help the injured were also injured in follow-up attacks, Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office said on Telegram. Russia regularly uses so-called doubletap attacks that target defense personnel responding to initial attacks.This is Bloomberg’s story

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