theTamilGlobal

  A sudden mini storm accompanied by strong winds and heavy rainfall swept through Colombo;Sri Lanka and several neighboring districts today, leaving a trail of destruction and disruption across the region. The violent weather event resulted in multiple injuries, property damage, and significant interruptions to daily life. At a garment factory in Dematagoda, the collapse of a boundary wall injured three individuals, including two women, highlighting the storm’s severity. In the Grandpass area, a large tree toppled near the police station, damaging six residential houses. Similar incidents of fallen trees and debris were reported in Maligawatta, where several vehicles sustained damage. Railway services faced major setbacks as fallen trees and downed power lines obstructed all principal lines, including the Coastal, Main, Chilaw, and Kelani Valley routes. Railway authorities have deployed teams to clear the tracks and restore services as quickly as possible. The Ceylon Electricity B...

In a significant anti-corruption ruling, two former Sri Lankan cabinet ministers were sentenced to lengthy prison terms by the Colombo High Court for misappropriating state funds linked to the 2015 presidential election. Mahindananda Aluthgamage, who served as Sports Minister from 2010 to 2015, was sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment, while Nalin Fernando, former Trade Minister from 2022 to 2024, received a 25-year sentence. Both were found guilty of causing a loss of 53 million Sri Lankan rupees (approximately $177,000) to the government by purchasing and distributing thousands of carrom and draughts boards through a state agency. The court ruled these purchases were intended to influence voters and support the re-election bid of Mahinda Rajapaksa, the elder brother of then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The case, brought forward by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), marks one of the most high-profile convictions of political figures...

Eight years after the US dropped the Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB), known as the “mother of all bombs,” on a remote village in Afghanistan’s Achin district, residents continue to grapple with the devastating aftermath. The 10,000 kg bomb, the largest non-nuclear weapon ever used by American forces, was aimed at ISIL militants hiding in cave networks but leveled the entire village and surrounding farmland. Villagers report widespread destruction of homes—many made of mud and deeply valued—and farmland that no longer yields crops as it once did. Many families rebuilt by selling livestock or jewelry, yet many remain unable to restart their lives fully. The blast’s shockwave was so powerful it was heard in neighboring provinces, leaving lasting physical and psychological scars. Health issues persist, with locals suffering from skin diseases, respiratory problems, and mental health conditions they attribute to the bomb’s effects. Some residents accuse the US government of using their vi...

Pakistan has announced plans to formally brief the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on the escalating situation in South Asia, reflecting ongoing diplomatic efforts to address heightened tensions with India following recent cross-border incidents. The decision follows a series of developments that have sharply increased hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, notably the April 22 attack in Indian-administered Kashmir’s Pahalgam region, which killed 26 people. India has accused Pakistan of involvement in the attack, a charge Islamabad denies, instead calling for a neutral investigation with third-party oversight. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has instructed the country’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, to urgently initiate efforts to convene a Security Council meeting. Islamabad intends to highlight what it describes as India’s “aggressive actions, provocations, and inflammatory statements” that are endangering peace and s...

In a significant anti-narcotics operation, the Sri Lanka Navy, in collaboration with the State Intelligence Service and the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB), intercepted two multi-day fishing trawlers off the southern coast, seizing an estimated 778 kilograms of illegal drugs, including 275 kg of heroin and 503 kg of crystal methamphetamine (ICE). Eleven suspects, all residents of Dondra, were arrested during the operation. The trawlers, commonly used in maritime trafficking routes, were brought to the Dikovita Fisheries Harbour early Wednesday for further inspection by narcotics experts. The haul marks one of the largest drug seizures in recent months, contributing to over 1,760 kg of narcotics confiscated in Sri Lanka so far this year. Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), who inspected the seized drugs alongside the Navy Commander and the Acting Inspector General of Police, emphasized the government's firm commitment to eradicating drug trafficking. He a...

More than 50,000 development professionals in Bangladesh have lost their jobs due to the abrupt shutdown of USAID funded projects across the country, a crisis triggered by a "stop-work" order issued by the U.S. government in January 2025. According to Zinat Ara Afroze, convener of the Association of Unemployed Development Professionals (AUDP), 55 out of 59 USAID funded projects in Bangladesh were halted following the directive, resulting in the loss of employment for thousands of skilled professionals engaged in various sectors including health, agriculture, governance, and social development. The country has also faced a loss of development assistance amounting to approximately $700 million. The sudden suspension of funding has left many professionals without warning or transition support, forcing them into financial uncertainty. Afroze highlighted the urgent need for formal recognition of this unemployment crisis and called for a comprehensive assessment of its broader econ...

In a significant diplomatic development, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China held an informal trilateral meeting in Beijing on May 21, 2025, marking renewed efforts to strengthen regional cooperation and restore formal diplomatic relations between Islamabad and Kabul after nearly four years of strained ties. The foreign ministers of the three countries—Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi—convened under a forum originally established in 2017, which aims to promote peace, stability, and development in the region. A key outcome of the meeting was the mutual agreement between Pakistan and Afghanistan to upgrade their diplomatic relations by exchanging ambassadors, a step welcomed and supported by China. Wang Yi emphasized China’s commitment to assisting both countries in improving bilateral ties and fostering regional cooperation. The meeting also focused on exp...

In a significant development aimed at easing military tensions, Pakistan and India have reportedly reached an agreement to withdraw troops from forward positions along their shared border to peacetime deployments by May 30, 2025. The decision, confirmed by senior officials on both sides, follows weeks of heightened hostilities that raised global concerns over a potential escalation between the nuclear-armed neighbors. Terms of the Agreement Under the phased plan, military leadership from both countries—particularly the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs)—are coordinating the repositioning of forces along the Line of Control (LoC) and international border. The move builds on a ceasefire brokered by U.S. diplomatic efforts on May 10, which temporarily halted four days of intense artillery exchanges and drone strikes. A senior Pakistani security official described the pullback as a “continuation of confidence building measures,” emphasizing that additional troop...

India has reported a noticeable rise in COVID-19 cases, with over 750 new infections recorded in the past week, bringing the country’s active caseload to more than 1,000 as of May 26, 2025. This marks a significant increase from the previous week’s 257 active cases, according to the country's health ministry data. Indian state of Kerala remains the state most affected by the recent surge, accounting for 335 of the new cases and pushing its active caseload to 430. Maharashtra and Delhi follow with 153 and 99 new cases respectively, raising their active cases to 209 and 104. Other states reporting increases include Gujarat (83), Karnataka (47), Uttar Pradesh (15), and West Bengal (12). The rise in cases coincides with the detection of two new COVID-19 sub-variants, NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, confirmed through genome sequencing by the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG). These variants are currently classified by the World Health Organization as Variants Under Monitoring but not a...

In the wake of military clashes with Pakistan, India has initiated an unprecedented global diplomatic campaign to rally international support for its foreign policies. The multi-pronged effort, which includes dispatching parliamentary delegations to 33 countries, seeks to isolate Pakistan diplomatically by highlighting alleged links between Islamabad and cross-border militant groups. However, the initiative unfolds against a complex backdrop of historical tensions and contested narratives in South Asia. The Pahalgam Attack and Immediate Aftermath On April 23, 2025, gunmen ambushed tourists at Baisaran Valley, a scenic destination in Pahalgam, marking the deadliest assault on civilians in Kashmir since 2000. Eyewitnesses described militants emerging from nearby forests and firing indiscriminately into crowds, killing 26 individuals—including a recently married Indian Navy officer, an Intelligence Bureau official, and two foreign nationals from Nepal and the UAE. Prime Minister Narendra ...

Lieutenant Colonel J.A.L. Lalith Jayasinghe, PWV, WWV, RWP, RSP, remains one of the most distinguished officers in the history of the Sri Lanka Army. Born on April 29, 1976, in Ukwatta, Avissawella, he grew up in a humble environment and was educated at Avissawella President’s College and Lumbini College Colombo, where he was an enthusiastic rugby player. His early life laid the foundation for a determined and courageous military career. Jayasinghe enlisted in the Sri Lanka Army on January 22, 1997, as a cadet officer and received his initial training at the Bangladesh Military Academy. Upon commissioning, he joined the 6th Regiment of the Gemunu Watch before being selected for the elite Special Forces training. After completing the Special Forces Training Course-24, he was assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Regiment, specializing in long-range reconnaissance patrol (LRRP) operations. Throughout his military career, Jayasinghe demonstrated exceptional leadership and bravery. He rose ra...

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) of Bangladesh has officially commenced the formal trial in the high-profile Chankharpul murder case, which involves the killing of six people, including students, during the mass protests in July-August 2023. This case marks a significant milestone as it is the first to reach the formal charge stage since the tribunal’s restructuring following the nationwide uprising. Background of the Case The Chankharpul incident occurred amid widespread demonstrations against political and social issues, where protesters gathered in Dhaka’s Chankharpul area demanding justice and reforms. During these protests, security forces allegedly opened fire on unarmed civilians, resulting in the deaths of six individuals: Shahriar Khan Anas, Sheikh Mahdi Hasan Junayed, Md Yakub, Md Rakib Hawlader, Md Ismamul Haque, and Manik Mia. The victims included several university students who were actively participating in the protests. The incident sparked national outrage and ca...

A Liberian-flagged Swiss container ship, MSC ELSA 3, sank early Sunday morning about 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi, Kerala India. The vessel was carrying 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous materials and 12 containing calcium carbide, a chemical that can be dangerous if it comes into contact with water. The ship developed a severe tilt on Saturday afternoon and eventually capsized due to flooding in one of its holds. The Indian authorities launched a swift rescue operation. All 24 crew members, from countries including Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, and the Philippines, were safely rescued—24 military personnel involved. The ship was also carrying 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil, raising concerns about potential marine pollution in the ecologically sensitive Kerala coast. The Indian Coast Guard has activated full pollution response measures. Its ship Saksham, equipped with pollution control equipment, remains on site to monitor the situati...

Sri Lanka Police have successfully uncovered a major drug trafficking network that was reportedly operated from Dubai. During the investigation, police seized Rs. 18 million in cash, believed to be payment for individuals involved in transporting a drug shipment by sea. Eight suspects, including both men and women, have been arrested in connection with this case. Police investigations are ongoing to dismantle the entire network and identify all those involved. Authorities say the cash found was intended to pay the people responsible for moving the drugs into Sri Lanka. The arrests mark a significant step in tackling international drug trafficking linked to Sri Lanka. This case highlights the growing concern over drug smuggling routes that connect Sri Lanka with other countries, including the UAE. Law enforcement agencies continue to work closely to prevent such illegal activities and protect the community. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif will undertake a six-day diplomatic tour from May 25 to 30, visiting Türkiye, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan, aiming to boost regional cooperation and express gratitude for their support during Pakistan’s recent conflict with India. During the visits, PM Shehbaz will hold wide-ranging discussions with the leadership of these countries on bilateral relations, regional peace, trade, connectivity, and other international issues. He will also thank them for their diplomatic backing amid the recent military escalation with India, which ended with a US-brokered ceasefire earlier this month. The tour begins in Tehran, where Shehbaz will meet Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, focusing on border security, trade, and Iran–US nuclear negotiations. The Prime Minister will then visit Türkiye and Azerbaijan for high-level talks to explore strategic and economic cooperation. The final stop is Dushanbe, Tajikistan, w...

A deepening rift between Bangladesh’s interim government leader Muhammad Yunus and Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman over the timeline for national elections has exposed simmering tensions between the caretaker administration and the military. The dispute, centered on whether to hold polls by December 2025 or delay them until mid-2026, threatens to destabilize the fragile political transition that began after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ouster in August 2024. The Contested Timelines The conflict crystallized on May 21, 2025, when General Zaman publicly insisted that elections must be held by December 2025 to ensure a democratically elected government assumes power by early 2026. This stance aligns with demands from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which has warned of a “black shadow” over democracy if voting is postponed. However, Yunus and his advisers have repeatedly emphasized that their mandate extends beyond elections to include systemic reforms and justice init...

Indian state of Uttarakhand’s decision to incorporate “Operation Sindoor”—India’s controversial 2025 military strikes in Pakistan-administered Kashmir—into madrasa syllabi has ignited debates over historical revisionism and the politicization of education. While the Indian state government frames this move as fostering patriotism and countering terrorism, critics argue it whitewashes a strategically flawed operation and imposes a state-sanctioned narrative on vulnerable students. The initiative, part of a broader push to align madrasas with nationalist ideals, risks distorting historical accountability and deepening communal divides. Curriculum Changes and Political Symbolism The Uttarakhand Madrasa Board announced in May 2025 that “Operation Sindoor” would be added to its curriculum to “instill national pride” in students. Madrasa Board Chairman Mufti Shamoon Qasmi claimed the chapter would highlight the military’s “strength, bravery, and courage” during the operation, which targeted ...

In a landmark policy shift, India has agreed to open approximately $50 billion of its annual government procurement market to US firms, marking a significant step in bilateral trade relations and economic liberalization. The decision, announced amid ongoing trade negotiations between New Delhi and Washington, signals India’s willingness to recalibrate its historically protectionist procurement policies in favor of reciprocal global partnerships. This move follows a similar agreement with the United Kingdom earlier this month and reflects India’s broader strategy to integrate into international supply chains while safeguarding domestic industries. Phased Access and Reciprocal Benefits Under the proposed terms, US companies will gain access to central government contracts valued at over $50 billion annually, covering goods, services, and construction projects. The agreement excludes state and local government procurements, ensuring that smaller domestic firms, particularly micro...

Today marks the 16th anniversary of Operation Rah-e-Rast, a landmark military offensive launched by the Pakistan Army in May 2009 to reclaim the Swat Valley from Taliban militants. This operation was a critical part of the broader Operation Black Thunderstorm, aimed at restoring government control over the insurgency-plagued regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Swat Valley had become a stronghold for the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and allied groups like Al-Qaeda’s Lashkar-e-Islam, who imposed harsh militant rule and challenged the writ of the state. Following a failed peace agreement in early 2009, the Pakistani military initiated Operation Rah-e-Rast to decisively flush out militants and restore peace to the area. Over the course of three intense months, the Pakistan Army, supported by Frontier Corps and local tribal militias, conducted a comprehensive campaign involving infantry, airborne forces, and heavy artillery. The operation successfully dismantled the militant comm...