Washington, Jan 21: Sharpening his rhetoric on Greenland, US President Donald Trump raised questions about NATO's reliability, signalling that security commitments to Europe could increasingly be tied to economic and strategic leverage.
At a White House news conference marking one year since his return to office, Trump declined to say how far Washington might go to secure US interests related to Greenland. Asked directly, he replied: “You’ll find out.”
Pressed on whether force was an option, Trump avoided specifics. He pointed instead to economic tools. He said tariffs, licensing and “other alternatives” were available and described them as “the best, the strongest, the fastest.”
Trump said he had meetings planned on Greenland during his trip to Davos. “We have a lot of meetings scheduled on Greenland,” he said. He added that he believed “things are going to work out pretty well.”
The president paired those comments with renewed criticism of NATO.
He repeated claims that he strengthened the alliance by pushing members to raise defence spending.
He said allies agreed to lift spending to 5 per cent of GDP from the long-standing 2 per cent target. “Getting them to go up to five per cent of GDP was something that nobody thought was possible,” he said.
At the same time, Trump questioned whether the alliance would stand with the United States in a crisis.
"NATO is only as good as we are,” he said. Without the US, he added, the alliance would not be very strong.
He said he had concerns about whether allies would come to Washington’s aid.
Trump said he had improved NATO’s position but remained sceptical of its structure. He argued that the US bears a disproportionate share of the burden.
He said his approach forced allies to pay more and buy more from the United States.
He dismissed the idea of attending a proposed G-7 emergency meeting in Paris.
Asked if he would go at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, Trump said: “No, I wouldn’t do that.”
He questioned Macron’s political longevity and said he preferred meetings with leaders “that are directly involved.”
Trump said he got along personally with Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
He added that both countries faced serious problems. He pointed to immigration and energy as Europe’s main challenges.
He urged leaders to rethink wind power and use domestic energy resources.
The remarks fit Trump’s broader approach to foreign policy. He often links security guarantees to economic pressure.
He argues that tariffs and trade leverage force allies and rivals to negotiate.
Trump said the strategy made the United States richer and more secure.
“We’re the richest we ever were,” he said, crediting pressure tactics for the gains.
Greenland and NATO have taken on added importance as competition grows in the Arctic and Europe. Trump’s comments suggest US policy will continue to tie alliances, territory and trade more closely together. (IANS)
Suhail Khan Baramulla, Jan 6: A young aerospace engineer from Sopore in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district is proving that dedication and ambition can propel one to global heights. Munaf-ul-Raquib who holds a B.Tech in Aerospace Engineering, has gained international recognition for his research on black holes and cosmology. Munaf-ul-Raquib revealed that his paper on the thermodynamics of black holes was recently published in the International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR). “About a year ago, I conducted research on the gravity of black holes and cosmology, which has now been published in IJSR,” he said. He said that since his research was published in the international journal, he has been receiving opportunities from various countries to participate in research dialogues. Raquib added that in the coming months he is scheduled to participate in international conferences in Paris on April 16 and later in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The Sopore aerospace engineer noted that he is also participating in various conferences across different countries. Speaking about his research, Munaf-ul-Raquib addressed a fundamental paradox in astrophysics: how black holes can appear to violate thermodynamic laws, particularly concerning entropy.“If we observe a black hole, it seems to contradict thermodynamic principles,” he said. Using the frameworks of Anti-de Sitter space (AdS) and Conformal Field Theory (CFT), Raqeeb’s research proposes a theoretical model that reconciles black hole mechanics with thermodynamics. “In this paper, I have explained how a black hole can function without violating thermodynamic laws,” he said. He described the achievement as both personal and symbolic. “It is a proud moment for me to represent my state, especially Sopore, on an international platform,” he said. Raqeeb shared that Astrophysics was his childhood dream, and his grandfather encouraged me immensely. "After my grandfather passed away during the Covid-19 pandemic, my parents continued to champion my aspirations. My parents left no stone unturned in helping me pursue my dreams,” he said. He said that his academic path included taking the JEE and later the AME CET entrance exams, through which he secured a seat in aerospace engineering at the Nasik Research Centre. “My parents not only supported me morally but also created an environment where I could pursue my dreams freely,” he said. He emphasized the role of family in nurturing talent. “Just as my parents supported me, it is the responsibility of all parents to help their children follow their dreams.” “Young people should avoid wrong practices. They must dream of a beautiful tomorrow but work hard today to make their parents proud,” he further added.
Srinagar, Jan 12: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) will declare the result of class 10th and 12th examination on January 14 of, 2026 (Wednesday), minister for education Sakina Itoo said on Monday. Minister for education Sakina Itoo said the government has decided to declare the result of both the classes-10th and 12th on the same day. "We understand that students have been waiting for the results. So we decided that result of both the classes will be declared on Wednesday (January 16 of 2926)," Sakina Itoo said. She said the meeting of the Result Declaration Committee (RDC) will be convened by the Secretary JKBOE along with the members-Director School Education (DSE) Kashmir and Jammu division besides the joint secretaries as well. "We will give the administrative approval to the result instead of getting approved by the chairman," she said. The announcement comes amid the delay in appointment of chairman JKBOSE as the position is lying vacant for the last one year. "After declaration of the results, we will also appoint the permanent chairman for JKBOSE as well," education minister said. An official from JKBOSE said the class 1oth result will be declared on Wednesday morning followed by the declaration of result of class 12th students in late afternoon on the same day. As per the official figures, 94783 students- 68804 from Kashmir and 25,224 students from winter zone areas of Jammu division besides 660 students from Kargil and 95 from Leh district registered for the class 10th JKBOSE examination this year. Also, the examination for class 11th and 12th students was scheduled from November 19 and November 8 of 2025 respectively. Approximately, 81622 students – 64001 from Jammu and 17621 from winter zone areas of Jammu have registered for class 11th examination while 70117 students—56423 from Kashmir and 13694 from winter zone areas of Jammu have registered for class 12th examination.
'Results likely to get delayed in absence of Chairman' Jammu, Jan 7: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) on Wednesday said the result of the class 10th examinations will be declared soon after the appointment of the Chairman of the Board. The statement comes amid the uncertainty about the declaration of the results by JKBOSE. In an official handout issued here, JKBOSE has advised students not to pay heed to fake links and websites announcing declaration of class 10 results. "Result of class 10th will be declared within few days soon after the appointment of new Chairman," the statement reads. The JKBOSE has stated that the results of annual examination of class 10 of Kashmir valley and winter zone areas of Jammu Division are almost ready. "But its approval by Result Declaration Committee headed by BOSE Chairman is a pre- requisite before its declaration. In absence of the Chairman the results are likely to get a little delayed," it reads. The JKBOSE officials have advised the students to wait for the formal declaration on the official website of the Board- www.jkbose.nic.in. "Students should not get misled by scamesters and fake narratives circulated by some mischievous elements, whose sole aim is to create confusion in the innocent student community," the statement reads.
Srinagar, Jan 8: Contractual faculty members working in government degree colleges of Jammu and Kashmir Higher Education Department (HED) have expressed strong resentment over what they term as a glaring disparity in salaries, demanding revision of their pay in line with University Grants Commission (UGC) norms and regularisation of their services. The faculty, many of whom hold PhDs and are qualified through NET, SET and JRF, said they have been denied UGC-recommended pay scales despite discharging academic responsibilities equivalent to their regular counterparts. “Hundreds of highly qualified scholars have been pushed into silent suffering. For years, we have been assured that our pay revision is under consideration, but nothing has materialised so far,” said Dr Ishfaq Gowhar, a contractual faculty member. Earlier, Director Colleges J&K had acknowledged the legitimacy of the faculty’s demand, stating that while the issue was genuine, its implementation involved significant financial implications due to the large number of contractual appointments. “We are aware that they deserve salary enhancement, but the number of contractual faculty is huge and it has financial implications,” he earlier said. Dr Gowhar pointed out that contractual lecturers, who form the backbone of the higher education system, continue to work on a fixed monthly honorarium of Rs 28,000, which has remained unchanged for nearly a decade. “The irony is that a Class IV employee with a Class 10 qualification draws a salary exceeding Rs 50,000, while doctorate-holding teachers engaged in teaching, mentoring and academic research are paid a fraction of that,” he said. He added that institutions such as SKUAST-K, University of Kashmir and Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) have implemented revised UGC pay scales, but the Higher Education Department has failed to extend similar treatment to its contractual faculty. Dr Gowhar said the demand for “equal work, equal pay” gets prominently featured in election campaigns, raising hopes among contractual teachers. “Promises were made and slogans echoed during elections, but once the process ended, our voices were reduced to silence. Even meeting officials now feels impossible,” he said. He said contractual faculty were not seeking privileges but dignity, fairness and recognition for their service. The faculty appealed to the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the Education Minister to intervene and take concrete steps towards addressing their long-pending demands. “This issue is not merely about salaries. It is about survival, justice and dignity in the classrooms of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Calls for strong academic ecosystem Srinagar, March 6: President of the Private Schools Association Jammu & Kashmir (PSAJK), Dr. Baba Nazrul Islam Friday extended his heartfelt congratulations to the 17 candidates from J&K and Ladakh who successfully cleared the prestigious Indian Administrative Service (IAS) examination. He termed the achievement as a moment of immense pride for the region and a powerful inspiration for the youth. He said that success of these candidates reflect the immense talent, determination, and intellectual potential present among the students of the region. Nazrul Islam Baba emphasised that educational institutions must work collectively to create a robust academic ecosystem that encourages students to aspire for and excel in national-level competitive examinations like the IAS. He stressed that schools should nurture curiosity, discipline, analytical thinking, and leadership qualities from the early stages of education. “Such remarkable achievements demonstrate that our youth possess the capability to compete at the highest national platforms," he said. He said a supportive academic environment, mentorship, and access to quality resources need to be kept available so that more students from J&K and Ladakh can prepare for and succeed in prestigious examinations. PSAJK President further highlighted the need to develop benchmark institutions and academic support systems in the region that can guide and mentor students aspiring for civil services and other competitive examinations. "Creating a culture of excellence and competition within educational institutions will help channelize the talent of the youth towards nation-building roles," he said. He urged educators, parents, and policymakers to work in synergy to foster an environment where students feel motivated to pursue ambitious goals and contribute meaningfully to society. “Every success story from our region becomes a beacon of hope for thousands of young minds. These achievers have shown that with perseverance, dedication, and proper guidance, no dream is beyond reach. Their journey should inspire our students to believe in their abilities and strive for excellence,” he added. PSAJK expressed hope that this achievement will ignite a new wave of aspiration among students across schools in J&K and Ladakh, motivating them to prepare for the country’s most competitive examinations and play a vital role in shaping the future of the nation.
New Delhi, Mar 8: Indian airlines cancelled 279 international flights on Sunday due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East. The escalating conflict in the region involving the US, Israel and Iran has significantly disrupted flight operations due to airspace closures and restrictions. The civil aviation ministry on Sunday said that due to the ongoing situation in the Gulf, flight operations have been impacted across several sectors. "A total of 49 flight operations were scheduled today by Indian domestic carriers from West Asia to India. As on 8 March, 279 flights scheduled to be operated today by Indian domestic carriers have been cancelled," the ministry said in a post on X. An official said that a total of 66 flights, including 34 departures and 32 arrivals, were cancelled at the Mumbai airport on Sunday. Delhi airport operator DIAL said that due to the current geopolitical developments in the Middle East, some west-bound international flights may experience delays or schedule changes. Meanwhile, Air India will operate 78 additional flights on nine international routes from March 10 to 18 to provide more travel options for passengers amid the disruptions due to the Middle East conflict. (PTI)
London, Mar 3: With oil prices soaring and stocks tanking, the fast-evolving Iran war has cast a pall over the economic forecasts that British Treasury chief Rachel Reeves is set to unveil on Tuesday. Reeves had hoped her statement to the House of Commons would be a relatively low-key affair, with the forecasts showing the key economic numbers broadly heading in the right direction. However, economists are warning that the Iran war could upend the forecasts within her Spring Statement, depressing growth, stoking inflation and increasing debt. Perhaps most significantly, the price of Brent international oil standard has spiked by more than 15 per cent this week to over USD 80 a barrel, which if sustained would certainly lead to higher energy bills and inflation and keep a lid on growth. “With the world plunged into fresh uncertainty, she is likely to strike a highly cautious tone, focusing on maintaining stability and sticking to fiscal rules amid heightened tensions,” said Susannah Streeter, chief investment strategist at Wealth Club, an investment service. Ahead of her statement, the Treasury said Reeves will stress the importance of economic stability in an increasingly uncertain world. Reflecting on the decisions the government has taken, Reeves is expected to point to already falling inflation and interest rate cuts, which are easing the cost of living pressures on family finances. “This government has the right economic plan for our country, in a world that has become yet more uncertain," she is expected to tell lawmakers. Britain's Labour government, which has lost significant support since it won the general election in 2024 , has been hoping that 2026 would be the year that it was clear the British economy was on a sounder footing than it has been for years. Some recent economic indicators have pointed to a pickup in growth in the early part of 2026. Inflation is also set to fall sharply in the coming months, prompting the Bank of England to cut interest rates further. Last month, the bank kept its main rate unchanged at 3.75 per cent. (PTI)
Toronto, Jan 21: The Consulate General of India in Canada’s Toronto hosted the “India-Canada AI Dialogue 2026”, emphasising the significance of bilateral cooperation for shared economic and societal benefits. The event underscored India’s significant role in inclusive, responsible, and impact-driven artificial intelligence (AI). The high-level dialogue was organised in partnership with the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada India Tech Council, and Zoho Inc. According to the Indian Consulate General in Toronto, this dialogue is one of the few pre-summit events organised globally as a precursor to one of the biggest AI Summits in the Global South — the ‘India AI Impact Summit 2026’ in New Delhi from February 19–20, designed to gather diverse perspectives and build momentum. The AI Dialogue was attended by over 600 senior leaders, including C-suite executives, policymakers, and researchers from government, industry, academia, and the innovation ecosystem across Canada, who gathered to advance bilateral collaboration in artificial intelligence. Speaking on the significance of the dialogue, Dinesh K. Patnaik, High Commissioner of India to Canada, said, “The India-Canada AI Dialogue 2026 reflects our shared vision for shaping the future of artificial intelligence responsibly," he said. "As we build momentum toward the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, this engagement highlights how trusted partners like Canada can collaborate with India to drive innovation that is inclusive, ethical, and globally relevant.” Addressing the “India-Canada AI Dialogue 2026”, Evan Solomon, Canadian Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, said, “AI is no longer an abstract or future-facing conversation — it’s shaping how we work, govern, and relate to one another." He said what makes the India-Canada AI Dialogue so important was that it puts impact, accountability, and human outcomes at the center of the discussion. "India and Canada bring different strengths, but a shared responsibility: to make sure this technology serves people, strengthens societies, and delivers real economic value," he said. Additionally, Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, shared his views on the importance of India-Canada AI Dialogue 2026, stating, “India and Canada share a deep and long-standing partnership, one built on robust trade and investment, people-to-people ties, and research partnerships in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.” He also appreciated the Indian Consulate General in Toronto for convening the important gathering and for its continued leadership in fostering collaboration between the two nations. The event also underscored Toronto’s role as a global AI hub and its growing importance as a bridge between North American and Indian AI ecosystems. Highlighting the local ecosystem, Kapidhwaja Pratap Singh, Acting Consul General of India in Toronto, noted, “Toronto is one of the world’s most dynamic AI ecosystems." He said hosting this Dialogue here enabled meaningful connections between India’s rapidly expanding AI landscape and Canadian innovators, creating a strong foundation for continued engagement ahead of the India AI Impact Summit 2026. (IANS)
