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West meets the East in historic summit in Singapore

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West meets the East in historic summit in Singapore

Trump and Kim sign “important and comprehensive” document

US President Donlad Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un  have signed a document described by American leader as “important and comprehensive” following a historic meeting between the two in Singapore.

The document said the two countries “commit to establish [sic] new… relations in accordance with the desire of the peoples of the two countries for peace and prosperity.

North Korea also reaffirmed its commitment to working “towards complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula,” broad wording that could mean phased denuclearization in return for a number of potential American commitments along the way.

However, there was no word on any US commitments, including on the removal of harsh sanctions on North Korea and security guarantees that Pyongyang had previously demanded as a condition to denuclearize.

The US president said he had formed a “very special bond” with Kim and that the US’s relationship with Pyongyang would be very different.

“People are going to be very impressed and people are going to be very happy and we are going to take care of a very dangerous problem for the world,” he added.

The US and the North Korea have also agreed to work for peace on the peninsula and address prisoners of war (POWs) and missing in action (MIA) cases from the 1950s Korean war, in which the US was on South Korea’s side.

West meets the East in historic summit in SingaporeThe first ever meeting between the most unpredictable leaders, was held at the Capella Hotel on Singapore’s Sentosa Island on Tuesday.  The two leaders walked up to each other and exchanged a handshake set to go down in history.

The meeting began at 9 a.m. with a handshake, producing images that were carried live on television across the United States and beyond. They met one-on-one, accompanied by translators, for about an hour.

The two leaders arrived in Singapore on Sunday and met for the very first time on Tuesday morning. Kim Jong Un arrived at the venue in his limousine, at roughly 8:55 a.m. local time whileTrump arrived five minutes later.

Read More: Trump receive Kim’s letter from North Korean envoy

According to reports, the two leaders addressed media persons before walking into their one-on-one discussion. Trump said he is confident the talks will be a “tremendous success” and that “we will have a tremendous relationship, I have no doubt”.

The North Korean Times reports that the 33-year-old Kim Jong un was heard telling Trump, “Nice to meet you, Mr. President,” to which, Trump, who is twice Kim’s age, gave him a thumbs up.

Read More: Singapore may host Trump-Kim-Moon tripartite Summit?

Kim Jong Un said, “It was not an easy path here. There’s a history of holding onto our ankles (a phrase which means that someone is trying to hold someone else back) and it appeared there were times that there were unfortunate practices where they were trying to block our eyes and our ears, but we’ve overcome everything and come to this place. Many people in the world will think of this as a form of fantasy from a science fiction movie.”

Trump responded, “That’s true.”

West meets the East in historic summit in SingaporeThe U.S. President told reporters, “I feel really great. We’re going to have a great discussion and I think tremendous success. It will be tremendously successful. And it’s my honour and we will have a terrific relationship I have no doubt.”

After the brief exchange, Trump and Kim Jong Un made their way to the library at the Capella for their one-on-one private conversation, along with translators.

South Korea’s Yonhap news said that like the rest of the world, the South Korean President, Moon Jae In too watched the two leaders exchange their first historic handshake. He has been one of the key architects behind making the historic summit between Trump and Kim Jong Un possible.

Read More: Trump-Kim Summit not happening on June 12

Earlier in the day, Jae In said in a series of tweets that he was hopeful that the summit will to be recognised as a “historic milestone from war to peace.”

The South Korean leader also said, “The nuclear issue could not be completely solved by one summit but could take one year, two years or even longer for a complete resolution.”

Further, the South Korean media broadcast various gatherings across the country, which showed people cheering as they watch the historic moment on television sets.

Speaking moments after the two leaders signed the unspecified document, President Trump said that he had developed a “very special bond” with Kim Jong Un. “It’s been an honor to be with you.”When asked if he would invite Kim to the White House, Trump responded that he would: “Absolutely, I will.”

Standing again in front of their respective flags, where they began the historic day, Trump and Kim shook hands one final time.

Trump praised Kim Jon un saying, “(He’s) a worthy negotiator,He’s negotiating on behalf of his people.I learned he’s a very talented man. I also learned he loves his country very much.”  He said they would meet again.

Asked if North Korean leader Kim Jong Un agreed to denuclearize, Trump said, “We’re starting that process very quickly, very, very quickly. Absolutely.”

Earlier, the White House said Trump will leave Singapore on Tuesday night, adding that nuclear talks with North Korea are moving “more quickly than expected.”

Trump was scheduled to return to the United States on Wednesday, but will now leave immediately after meeting with North Korean leader Kim on Tuesday, the White House said in a statement on Monday.

Read More: Trump-Kim Summit in jeopardy after US-South Korea drill

“The discussions between the United States and North Korea are ongoing and have moved more quickly than expected,” the statement said.

Trump will depart at 8 p.m. Singapore time, which is 8 a.m. in Washington, D.C. according to the statement. This is despite the fact that last week Trump said the summit could last “two [or] three” days “depending on what happens” in the meetings.

The US president reportedly re-scheduled his departure time from Singapore after Kim set the deadline for their historic summit. An American news organization reported on Monday that Kim will leave Singapore at 4 p.m. Tuesday local time after his meeting with Trump. Accordingly, Trump will leave Singapore four hours after Kim’s departure.

Read More: Trump welcomes Kim’s gesture of dismantling nuclear-test site

The details of the document signed between the two leaders will be made public later in the day. The two leaders may come in front of mediapersons before they depart from Singapore.

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Mark Carney’s win sparks hope for India-Canada relations reset

Mark Carney’s rise as Canada’s Prime Minister brings a renewed focus on repairing ties with India, as both countries seek cooperation in trade, education, and diplomacy.

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Mark Carney’s ascension to the role of Canada’s Prime Minister has brought renewed optimism for a diplomatic thaw between New Delhi and Ottawa, a relationship that faced serious setbacks under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Carney, a former central banker and political novice, made it clear during his campaign that rebuilding bilateral ties with India would be among his foreign policy priorities.

Carney signals intent to revive ties

In his pre-election statements, Carney emphasised Canada’s need to diversify trade partnerships with nations that share democratic values—explicitly naming India. He said, “There are opportunities to rebuild the relationship with India. If I am Prime Minister, I look forward to the opportunity to build that.”

This approach marks a significant departure from the Trudeau administration’s strained relations with India, especially following the high-profile controversy in 2023 involving the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The diplomatic crisis escalated with the expulsion of six Indian diplomats and reciprocal steps from India, effectively freezing high-level exchanges and trade talks.

The road to reconciliation

Under Trudeau, India frequently accused Canada of harbouring extremist elements within its Sikh diaspora. The Indian government viewed this as a threat to its sovereignty, particularly amid rising incidents of pro-Khalistan demonstrations abroad.

Mark Carney, however, has taken a more pragmatic view, underlining the importance of restoring diplomatic balance and mutual respect. His vision of Canadian sovereignty also extends to redefining international alliances, with a push toward reducing dependency on its largest neighbour—the United States—and strengthening partnerships like the one with India.

Economic and educational prospects

The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two nations, stalled due to the diplomatic fallout, may see a revival under Carney’s leadership. In 2023, services trade between India and Canada was valued at CAD 13.49 billion. Both countries had been exploring collaboration in emerging sectors like AI, green energy, and education.

India continues to be one of the largest contributors to Canada’s immigrant population, with nearly 2.8 million people of Indian origin living in the country. Carney is likely to continue the liberal immigration policies, particularly benefiting Indian students and professionals. Over 427,000 Indian students currently study in Canada, playing a crucial role in its economy and labour force.

A cautious but hopeful turn

Carney’s victory offers both countries a diplomatic opportunity to reset a troubled chapter. With mutual interests in economic growth, technological advancement, and geopolitical balance, the groundwork is being laid for a more collaborative future.

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Several killed after car drives into street festival in Canada’s Vancouver

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A horrific incident unfolded at the Lapu Lapu ’25 Block Party in Vancouver, Canada, on Saturday, April 26, when a black SUV plowed into a crowd, leaving multiple people dead and several others injured, according to the Vancouver Police Department (VPD). The attack occurred just after 8 p.m. local time at the intersection of East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street, where hundreds had gathered to celebrate Filipino culture and honor Datu Lapu-Lapu, the Philippines’ first national hero, who famously defeated Spanish explorer Ferdinand Magellan in the 1521 Battle of Mactan.

The VPD confirmed the driver, a 30-year-old Vancouver man, was taken into custody at the scene, though the exact number of casualties remains undisclosed as emergency services continue to respond. “A number of people have been killed and multiple others are injured,” the VPD stated on X, adding, “We will provide more information as the investigation unfolds.” Social media footage captured the chaotic aftermath, showing a black SUV with a crumpled hood and deployed airbags, surrounded by motionless victims and frantic bystanders. Some videos depicted first responders and civilians tending to the injured, while others showed bloodied individuals lying on the street, underscoring the scale of the tragedy.

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim expressed profound grief, calling the incident “horrific.” “We are shocked and saddened by what happened at the Lapu Lapu Day event. Police have confirmed multiple fatalities and injuries, and our thoughts are with Vancouver’s Filipino community during this devastating time,” Sim said in a statement. New Democratic Party MP Don Davies, describing the event as a “horrendous attack,” took to X to offer prayers for the victims and their families, reflecting the community’s anguish.

The Lapu Lapu Day Block Party, in its second year, is a vibrant celebration of Filipino heritage, recognized by British Columbia since 2023 as a day to honor Lapu-Lapu’s legacy of resistance against colonial oppression. The festival, featuring food trucks, performers, and cultural displays, drew a large crowd to Vancouver’s Sunset neighborhood, making the sudden violence all the more shocking.

As the investigation continues, authorities have not disclosed a motive or confirmed whether the act was intentional. The VPD’s major crime unit is leading the probe, and police are urging witnesses to come forward with information. The incident has cast a pall over Vancouver, prompting an outpouring of condolences from leaders like Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and British Columbia Premier David Eby, who vowed support for the affected community. For now, the Filipino community and the city at large mourn, grappling with the senseless loss at what was meant to be a joyous celebration.

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At least 115 injured after explosion at Iran’s Bandar Abbas port

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A massive explosion rocked the Rajaei port near Bandar Abbas in southern Iran on Saturday, April 26, injuring 406 people, according to the state-run IRNA news agency. The agency had earlier reported 281 injuries, citing Mojtaba Khaledi, spokesperson for Iran’s National Emergency Organization, before the toll surged as more victims were identified.

The blast occurred at the Rajaei port, a critical hub for container shipments handling approximately 80 million tons of goods annually. Videos circulating on social media captured thick black smoke rising from the site, while others showed shattered windows in buildings several kilometers away, underscoring the explosion’s intensity.

Authorities have yet to disclose the cause of the blast. While Iran frequently experiences industrial accidents, particularly at its aging oil facilities strained by international sanctions, state television explicitly ruled out any involvement of energy infrastructure in this incident. Mehrdad Hasanzadeh, a provincial disaster management official, told state TV that first responders were working to access the affected area, while efforts were underway to evacuate the site. He noted that the explosion originated from containers at the port but provided no further details. State TV also reported a building collapse triggered by the blast, though specifics remain scarce.

Located 1,050 kilometers southeast of Tehran on the Strait of Hormuz—a vital chokepoint for 20% of global oil trade—the Rajaei port’s strategic importance amplifies concerns about the incident. The explosion coincided with ongoing diplomatic talks in Oman between Iran and the United States, marking their third round of negotiations over Tehran’s accelerating nuclear program, adding a layer of complexity to the unfolding situation.

As rescue operations continue, the rising injury toll and lack of clarity about the blast’s cause have heightened anxiety in Iran, with authorities under pressure to provide answers and ensure the safety of those affected. The incident underscores the challenges faced by Iran’s critical infrastructure and the broader implications for regional stability amid delicate international discussions.

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