Latest world news

N-Weapons: 120 nations want elimination, Bigwigs reluctant

Published

9 years ago

July 8, 2017

N-Weapons: 120 nations want elimination, Bigwigs reluctant

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Can not eliminate single nuclear weapon, say three powers

At a time when nuclear-armed nations remain reluctant of giving up their power of destruction, more than 120 countries approved the first ever treaty to ban nuclear weapons at United Nations on Friday.

According to reports from New York based UN headquarters, Elayne Whyte Gomez, President of the UN conference, that has been negotiating the legally binding treaty, announced the result of the “historic” vote — 122 nations in favor. Singapore abstained, while Netherlands opposed it.

All NATO members boycotted the treaty negotiations except for the Netherlands, which has US nuclear weapons on its territory and was urged by its parliament to send a delegation. The Netherlands deputy UN ambassador Lise Gregoire-Van-Haaren told delegates her country couldn’t vote for a treaty that went against its NATO obligations, had inadequate verification provisions or that undermined the NPT — and “this draft does not meet our criteria.”

Gomez said 129 nations signed up to help draft the treaty, which represents two-thirds of the 193 member states. The treaty will be opened for signatures in September and come into force when 50 countries have ratified it, she said, and its language leaves the door open for nuclear weapon states to become parties to the agreement.

Gomez was quoted saying, “We have managed to sow the first seeds of a world free of nuclear weapons. We are saying to our children that yes it is possible to inherit a world free from nuclear weapons.” She further said “the world has been waiting for this legal norm for 70 years,” since atomic bombs were dropped in Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945 at of the World War II.

On expected lines, all nuclear armed nations and some of their allies remained away from the treaty. US, Russia, Britain, India, China, Pakistan, North Korea and Israel have not supported the treaty. India’s stand has been that it would support such a ban only if all the countries, including other nuclear powers, also become signatory to it and it was not “discriminatory”. Additionally, it is also because India’s principal adversaries are also nuclear weapon states.

Other nations had a slightly different take. In a joint statement, the UN ambassadors from US, Britain and France said their countries don’t intend to ever become party to the treaty. They said, “It clearly disregards the realities of the international security environment and is incompatible with the policy of nuclear deterrence, which has essential to keeping the peace in Europe and North Asia for over 70 years.”

The three nation joint statement further says that they believe the treaty offers no solution to “the grave threat posed by North Korea’s nuclear program, not does it address other security challenges that make nuclear deterrence necessary.”

They said that ban that doesn’t address these concerns “cannot result in elimination of a single nuclear weapon and will not enhance any country’s security. It will do the exact opposite by creating even more divisions at a time when the world needs to remain united in the face of growing threats.”

The treaty requires of all ratifying countries “never under any circumstances to develop, test, produce, manufacture, otherwise acquire, possess or stockpile nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices.”

It also bans any transfer or use of nuclear weapons or nuclear explosive devices — and the threat to use such weapons.

Iran, which signed an agreement with six major powers in 2015 to rein in its nuclear program, was among the countries that voted for the treaty. Other countries that voted in favour include Sweden, Switzerland, Austria, Brazil, South Africa, Egypt, Iraq, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and the Philippines.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Cristiano Ronaldo announces retirement from international football

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to his 23-year career with Portugal after 234 appearances and 146 goals.

Published

2 days ago

November 5, 2026

APNLive Desk

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing his 23-year career with Portugal towards an end.

The 41-year-old Portugal captain said he would hand back the No. 7 shirt of the national team after the November international break. Ronaldo made the announcement in a video message shared on social media.

The decision marks the end of one of the most decorated international careers in men’s football. Ronaldo has made 234 appearances for Portugal and scored 146 goals, both records at international level.

Ronaldo’s Portugal career comes to an end

Ronaldo made his Portugal debut in 2003 and went on to represent the country across more than two decades.

He helped Portugal win their first major international trophy at Euro 2016. He was also part of the teams that won the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.

Ronaldo’s international career also included six World Cup appearances. His final World Cup came in 2026, when Portugal were eliminated by eventual champions Spain in the last 16.

Ronaldo reflects on 23 years with Portugal

Announcing his decision, Ronaldo said it was not an easy choice and described his time representing Portugal as a privilege and responsibility.

He thanked his family, the Portuguese people, as well as the teammates, coaches and staff who were part of his international journey.

Ronaldo also said that Portugal would always remain a part of him.

Record-breaking international career

Ronaldo leaves the Portugal setup as the men’s all-time leading international goalscorer and the player with the most international appearances.

His 146 goals came across 234 appearances for Portugal. He also became one of only two players, alongside Lionel Messi, to feature at six World Cups.

His international career included major individual records as well as team honours, making his departure one of the biggest moments in modern international football.

What happens next

Ronaldo’s announcement comes after he said he would hand back Portugal’s No. 7 shirt following the November international break.

Portugal have Nations League fixtures during the November window, but Ronaldo’s announcement means his international career is now set to conclude after that break.

Latest world news

US sanctions Indian couple over alleged support for Iran’s shadow fleet

The US has sanctioned an India-based couple and associated entities over allegations that they helped Iranian vessels evade international restrictions through fraudulent maritime registrations.

Published

3 days ago

November 5, 2026

APNLive Desk

The United States has imposed sanctions on an India-based couple and several associated entities, accusing them of helping Iran’s shadow fleet transport petroleum while evading international restrictions.

The US Treasury identified the individuals as Suniel Kumar Sharma and his wife, Jaspreet Preeti Shahid. According to the department, the couple operated a network that provided false maritime flags and certifications to vessels involved in transporting Iranian petroleum, including ships linked to Iran’s military and its proxies.

The sanctions were announced as part of the Trump administration’s Operation Economic Outcast, a campaign aimed at disrupting Iran’s economic networks and oil revenues.

US alleges fraudulent maritime registrations

According to the US Treasury, Sharma and Shahid allegedly established fraudulent maritime registries and classification societies by creating websites that claimed to provide services on behalf of countries that had not authorised them.

The department said the couple’s activities went back to at least 2014, when they allegedly attempted to impersonate the maritime flagging authority of Dominica.

The Treasury further alleged that their network provided registration and certification services to vessels transporting Iranian petroleum, helping them circumvent international restrictions.

False ship flags and maritime certifications can allow vessels to operate while avoiding regulatory and sanctions-related scrutiny, according to the US authorities.

India-based firms also face sanctions

The US action also covers several India-based companies and entities associated with the alleged network.

Among those designated are Oceaniek Technologies India and Aryavart Ship Management Private Limited. Other entities named by the Treasury include Precept Trends Private Limited, Polynesia Maritime Private Limited, Alexarya Finserv Private Limited, Alexarya Media and Entertainment Private Limited, Viharaboating Private Limited and Aryavart Maritime and Educational Trust.

The Treasury imposed the measures under Executive Order 13902, which targets key sectors of Iran’s economy, including petroleum, petrochemicals and aviation.

US Treasury issues warning

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that Washington would continue targeting people and organisations it believes are supporting Iran.

“Under Operation Economic Outcast, you are either with us or against us,” Bessent said, adding that the US would sanction those it believes continue supporting the Iranian regime, whether by land, sea or air.

Separately, the US also sanctioned Turkey-based Fugo Ground Services Inc, accusing it of providing ground-handling and other services to US-sanctioned Iranian airlines.

The latest action therefore extends Washington’s sanctions campaign beyond Iranian entities to foreign individuals and companies that the US alleges are helping Tehran’s sanctioned oil and aviation networks.

Latest world news

Mojtaba Khamenei warns against expecting US policy shift after midterms

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has warned against expecting a change in US policy towards Tehran following the Democratic Party’s victory in the US midterm elections. He also cautioned that any renewed American attacks on Iran would widen the ongoing Middle East war.

Published

3 days ago

November 4, 2026

APNLive Desk

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has warned against expecting a change in US policy towards Tehran following the Democratic Party’s victory in the US midterm elections. He said those hoping that political changes in Washington would lead to a shift in America’s approach towards Iran were seriously mistaken.

His remarks came after Democrats secured control of both the US House of Representatives and the Senate, dealing a major electoral setback to President Donald Trump and his Republican Party.

In a message posted on the social media platform X on Wednesday, November 4, Khamenei said Iranians understood their position towards the United States more clearly than ever. He also said that examining the reasons behind what he described as US hostility and Iran’s resistance would provide guidance for the country’s future course.

Khamenei cautioned against viewing changes in the political balance in Washington as an indication that American policy towards Iran would become less hostile.

Khamenei Warns Of Wider Middle East War

The Iranian Supreme Leader also warned that the ongoing Middle East war could expand further if the United States resumed its attacks on Iran.

“Should such aggressions be repeated, its (the war) scope will become much wider,” he said.

His warning comes amid continuing tensions between Washington and Tehran, with the conflict involving the two countries remaining a major issue in US politics.

Democrats Take Control Of Both Houses Of Congress

The Democratic Party secured control of both chambers of the US Congress in the midterm elections, marking a significant setback for Trump’s Republicans.

The party benefited from public dissatisfaction with Trump and gained greater power to scrutinise and challenge his administration during the final two years of his presidency.

Trump, meanwhile, struck a conciliatory tone in an interview with The New York Times, saying he was “absolutely willing to accept those results” and was prepared to work with Democrats.

Iran War Emerged As A Key Election Issue

The war involving Iran was among the major issues during the US midterm election campaign.

Democratic candidates criticised Trump over the conflict and linked it to economic difficulties that had contributed to frustration among voters across the country.

Khamenei’s remarks, however, indicated that Tehran does not expect the change in congressional control to result in a fundamental shift in Washington’s approach towards Iran.