Thursday, June 12th, 2025
UK PM Starmer calls Air India crash ‘devastating’
London, June 12 (AFP/APP/DNA):UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday called the scenes of the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad “devastating”, adding “my thoughts are with the passengers and their families”. “The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating,” Starmer said in a statement issued by his Downing Street office. “My thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time.” Air India said the 242 passengers and crew on board the Boeing 787-8Read More
Pakistan budget 2025–26: Propagandists claim of 80pc allocation to defense sector as unrealistic
PESHAWAR, Jun 12 (APP/DNA):There is a common perception in Pakistan that most of the national budget was spent on defense sector that was termed ‘unrealistic’ and incorrect by the security experts. “This claim is frequently echoed on social media and in public discourse, suggesting that 70 to 80 percent of Pakistan’s total national budget is allocated to the military which is totally false and unrealistic” said Brigadier (Retd) Mahmood Shah while talking to APP. He said these claims were not only baseless but also seems to be part of aRead More
Trump’s China flip-flop raises questions
In yet another dramatic turn of events, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that a trade deal with China has been finalized and will soon be signed. He also stated that he is planning to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the near future, adding that China is “a good country” and “a great friend.” These remarks mark a significant shift from Trump’s earlier rhetoric, which often painted China as an economic adversary and strategic threat. This sudden pivot raises important questions about the consistency and reliability of the President’sRead More
A budget for the few
On June 10, 2025, the federal government unveiled the much-anticipated annual budget, only to be met with widespread rejection from the country’s business community. Business chambers across Pakistan have strongly criticized the budget, calling it regressive, unjust, and riddled with hidden taxes. Their concerns highlight a growing disconnect between policymakers and the realities faced by taxpayers and common citizens alike. At the heart of the criticism lies the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) approach to taxation. Instead of expanding the tax net and bringing non-filers into the system, the governmentRead More
Breaking: London-bound Air India flight crashes at Ahmedabad airport
AHMEDABAD, JUNE 12 (DNA): An Air India Ahmedabad-London flight was crashed at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad during take-off on Thursday evening. As per preliminary information, the incident occurred during routine operations on the tarmac, prompting an immediate emergency response. The Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Services Department deployed more than five fire-fighting vehicles to the site. Officials confirmed that fire tenders were swiftly mobilised following the alert, and emergency teams are currently engaged in response and assessment operations. “A team of over five fire vehicles from variousRead More
Trump announces finalised trade deal with China
WASHINGTON, JUN 12 (WAM/APP/DNA):President Donald Trump announced that the United States will get magnets and rare earth minerals from China under a new trade deal and that tariffs on Chinese goods will go to 55%. In return, Trump said the US will provide China “what was agreed to,” including allowing Chinese students to attend American colleges and universities. He wrote on social media that a trade deal with China is “done.” This comes after the US and China announced after two days of high-level talks in London this week thatRead More