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12 minutes agoHenry MooreNurPhoto via Getty ImagesZelensky was presented with the Order of the White Eagle by then-President Andrzej Duda in 2023Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky has been stripped of Poland's highest state honour, the Order of the White Eagle, over Kyiv's decision to name a military unit after controversial World War Two fighters.Polish President Karol Nawrocki branded Ukraine's decision late last month to name the unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) "outrageous", "incomprehensible" and "deeply disappointing".Nawrocki stressed the diplomatic row would not impact Poland's support for Ukraine against Russia.Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha denounced Warsaw's move, calling it a "strategic mistake" and "disrespectful".Many in Ukraine regard the UPA, which existed in the 1940s and 1950s, as heroes who fought for Ukrainian independence against the Soviet Red Army as well as Nazi Germany and Polish authorities. So for Ukrainians the title "Heroes of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army" is a major honour.Poland, however, accuses the UPA of carrying out a genocide of ethnic Poles in Volhynia (now Volyn in Ukraine) in 1943-45."For the overwhelming majority of Polish society, the UPA remains, above all, a formation responsible for the brutal crimes committed against citizens of the Republic of Poland during World War II," Nawrocki said in a video released on the president's official website."That is why the Ukrainian authorities' decision to glorify the UPA is not only outrageous, it is also incomprehensible and deeply disappointing," he said."It hurts not only our historical memory. It also undermines the trust built up over the years and in recent months," he added.The Polish president pointed to the hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian refugees welcomed into the country following the launch of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022."Poles opened their borders, their homes, and their hearts to millions of Ukrainians," he said.ReutersPoland's President Karol Nawrocki (left) said the decision to strip Volodymyr Zelensky's Order of the White Eagle would not impact Warsaw's support for Kyiv against RussiaHe went on to say: "Ukraine's path toward European structures also requires a willingness to honestly confront the difficult chapters of its own history. "A united Europe was built on the rejection of totalitarianism and the cult of violence. These principles must apply to everyone. For those who do not understand this, there can be no place in the European Union, and Poland will certainly not allow it."Ukraine has ambitions to become an EU member state and attended the first phase of membership negotiations this week in Luxembourg.For Ukraine, the UPA is a symbol of resistance and struggle for independence, even though Warsaw says about 100,000 ethnic Poles were killed in the Volhynia massacres.The group's red and black flag is often used by Ukrainian troops on the front line today. That's why Zelensky said he would use the UPA's name for a military unit, "with the aim of restoring the historical traditions of the national army".The Polish Order of the White Eagle was bestowed on Zelensky in 2023 by then-President Andrzej Duda.Zelensky himself has not directly commented on the row. But Sybiha called it "a strategic mistake by the President of Poland, from which only Moscow benefits".He said as a result of the announcement, he would be returning an award he received from Poland in 2022."No president of another country will dictate our history to us," he said.
4 min readUpdated: Jun 15, 2026 10:28 AM IST A small motorboat passes anchored vessels in the Strait of Hormuz off Bandar Abbas, Iran. (Source: AP)The United States and Iran have announced a breakthrough agreement aimed at ending months of hostilities, with both sides saying the deal will come into force on Friday. As part of the arrangement, US President Donald Trump said Washington will lift its naval blockade of Iranian ports and reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz once the agreement is formally signed. “The deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations to all!” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.“I hereby fully authorise the toll-free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorise the immediate removal of the US Naval blockade. Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!” Trump added to the post. While the announcement has raised hopes of easing tensions in the region and restoring global shipping flows, details of the agreement remain unclear. Disagreement over next step Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that US and Iran had agreed to an immediate and permanent ceasefire across all fronts, including Lebanon. In a post on X, Sharif said the agreement would be formally signed in Switzerland on June 19. He thanked both the United States and Iran for their commitment to ending hostilities, and expressed appreciation to Qatar for its role in facilitating the breakthrough. However, signs of disagreement have already emerged ahead of the signing ceremony. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said further negotiations would proceed only after the United States releases billions of dollars in Iranian assets frozen abroad, according to CNN reports.Story continues below this ad Israel yet to respond Israel has not officially commented on the agreement, adding another layer of uncertainty to the fragile diplomatic breakthrough. Hours before news of the deal emerged, Israeli forces carried out airstrikes in Beirut, citing the continued volatility of the broader regional conflict. The strikes have raised concerns that tensions involving Israel and Iran-backed groups could complicate efforts to stabilise the region. Trump also appeared to distance himself from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing him as “a very difficult guy” while speaking about efforts to secure a broader peace arrangement, according to the CNN reported. Strait of Hormuz Markets and the shipping industry are closely watching developments surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, an energy corridor through which a substantial share of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas exports pass. Around 2,000 vessels are still stuck in the Gulf, awaiting clearance to pass through.Story continues below this ad Trump said the waterway would reopen following the signing of the agreement, potentially bringing relief to global energy markets after months of disruption, as per Al Jazeera reports. However, questions remain over how quickly commercial shipping can resume normal operations amid ongoing security concerns and the presence of suspected naval mines in the region. Uncertain road ahead The agreement represents the most diplomatic development in months, but analysts caution that its success will depend on how both sides resolve outstanding disputes and implement their commitments. Even if the Strait reopens, vessels passing through are expected to face elevated risks, potentially driving insurance premiums from around 0.25% of a ship’s hull value before the conflict to as high as 5%, shipping insurers told Al Jazeera this week. With disagreements already surfacing over sanctions relief and future negotiations and with Israel yet to publicly endorse the arrangement, the coming days are expected to test whether the breakthrough can evolve into a lasting peace.
Four-time winners Germany thrash World Cup debutants Curacao 7-1 in their first group game on Sunday.Germany won their first opening match at a World Cup since lifting the trophy in 2014 as they eased to a 7-1 win against debutants Curacao in their opening Group E match in Houston.The Germans will face stiffer tests against group rivals Ecuador and Ivory Coast but Sunday’s win against the tiny Caribbean nation puts them in a good position to progress to the knockout stages for the first time since 2014.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Giants Spain take on tiny Cape Verde to begin World Cup 2026 title bidlist 2 of 4Top five takeaways from Brazil’s blockbuster World Cup clash with Moroccolist 3 of 4World Cup Day 4: Netherlands take on Japan, Curacao set to make historylist 4 of 4The World Cup cicada: India’s rare insect on a four-year clockend of listAn early German goal by Felix Nmecha was cancelled out by a deflected strike from Livano Comenencia which had the Curacao fans, known as the Blue Wave, out of their seats in Houston.However, Nico Schlotterbeck, Kai Havertz with a double, Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown and Deniz Undav scored to put to bed any possibility of one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history.Germany settled early, Nmecha scoring a beauty in the sixth minute, receiving the ball from Florian Wirtz and curling the ball round a Curacao defender and past goalkeeper Eloy Room.The goal had coach Julian Nagelsmann letting out a huge roar.Nmecha, who like Musiala played for England at junior level before choosing Germany, went close minutes later with a rasping effort from outside the box.German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who at 40 is the oldest German player ever to appear at a World Cup and is playing in his fifth global tournament, had had little to do until Comenencia struck with a shot which took a deflection.While Germany’s senior citizen shook his head ruefully, the oldest coach to ever appear at the finals, 78-year-old Dick Advocaat, was up out of his seat arms raised.The drinks break allowed the Germans to regroup.Soon after the restart Schlotterbeck’s header was brilliantly turned over the bar by Room.The four-time world champions huffed and puffed round the Curacao goal, but time and again desperate defending frustrated their Germans.However, the Curacao defence cracked in the 38th minute when an unmarked Schlotterbeck headed home from a corner for his first goal for his country.The Germans went into the break with a two-goal advantage as Havertz stroked home a penalty after Nmecha had been brought down by Riechedly Bazoer.Germany struck 69 seconds into the second half, Musiala running on to Joshua Kimmich’s pass and scoring from a tight angle.It should have been 5-1 just after the hour mark but Leroy Sane sent his effort wide with only Room to beat.Where Sane came up short Brown did not as the fullback fired home just before the second hydration break.Substitute Undav made it six with his seventh goal in his last seven international appearances.Havertz rounded it off with his 24th goal for Germany to replicate the same scoreline as they famously recorded against hosts Brazil in the 2014 semi-finals.
Government schools across Telangana will reopen today after an extended summer vacation, with lakhs of students returning to classrooms with sumptuous breakfast and milk awaiting them.This year’s reopening was delayed by a few days due to intense heatwave conditions across the State, but adding to the excitement is the government’s ambitious breakfast programme, under which nutritious morning meals and milk will be provided.All arrangements for the breakfast scheme have been completed, with the first phase covering 1,302 educational institutions, including 1,269 schools and 33 government junior colleges.Under the scheme, a total of 1.44 lakh students will be provided with a nutritious breakfast six days a week. It will be extended to all government schools and junior colleges in a phased manner during the current academic year through a network of centralised kitchens.Two voluntary organisations, the Hare Krishna Movement Charitable Trust and Manna Trust, will implement the breakfast programme in the first phase across eight districts.The Hare Krishna Movement Charitable Trust will provide breakfast to 1.03 lakh students studying in 1,162 government schools in six districts. Additionally, 10,000 students enrolled in 21 government junior colleges in four districts will also receive breakfast under the programme.The Manna Trust will serve breakfast to over 26,000 students studying in 107 government schools in Hyderabad and Medchal-Malkajgiri districts. The programme will also benefit 4,000 odd students in 12 government junior colleges in these two districts.Junior colleges have been brought into meals system for the first time. It will be launched in 33 government junior colleges from Monday. Telangana has 430 government junior colleges with nearly 1.7 lakh students enrolled.The breakfast programme will ultimately benefit nearly 22 lakh students. The government has earmarked ₹720 crore annually for the scheme, including ₹540 crore for breakfast and ₹180 crore for milk distribution. An additional ₹56 crore has been allocated specifically for Intermediate students.As part of the nutrition plan, students will be served milk on three days each week and ragi java on the remaining three days. The menu will change throughout the week, consisting of dosas, millet idlis, puris, bondas and upma along with chutney or sambar. Published - June 14, 2026 09:57 pm IST
NewsFeedAuthorities cracked down on a protest in western Afghanistan against the arrest and detention of more than a dozen women over dress code violations. Eyewitnesses say police opened fire, leaving at least three people injured.Published On 9 Jun 2026
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PHOTOS IN DCX IN KAKINADAMinister for Tourism and Culture of Andhra Pradesh Kandula Durgesh on Wednesday warned of stringent actions against the Andhra Paper Limited (APL) if it continues to release effluents into the Godavari river.Speaking to the media, Mr. Durgesh said that the APL management would no longer be allowed to release the effluents even if it threatens to declare a “lock out” for the firm and directed the Rajamahendravaram Municipal Corporation to ensure the collection of ₹13 crore in taxes to be paid by the APL.On the proposed Vijjeswaram-Siddhantham road, Mr. Durgesh has claimed; “[Deputy Chief Minister] Pawan Kalyan has consented to the 33-kilometre-long road that connects 21 ghats for the Godavari pushkarams. The road connects the East and West Godavari districts.” Published - May 27, 2026 07:57 pm IST
To be honest, I was half-expecting a formidable, leather-clad, tattooed figure to emerge from behind one of the bikes on show. After all, I am at Storm Troopers, the newly-opened, bike-themed café in Utorda, Goa.This restored, 250-year-old Indo-Portuguese house in South Goa is now a new destination; equal parts café, bar and a community space. As I clamber up the red stairway, past the wraparound verandah, and step inside, I am greeted by a woman dressed in black, all smiles. Neha Bhola is a biker and mountaineer, whose passion project, Storm Troopers took shape, not as a fad, but as a leap of faith. “I knew I wanted a place like this and started the search last year. Standing at this crossroad in Utorda one day, I was eyeing this beautiful old mansion, wishing for a place like this, and the next thing I knew, it was up for sale, and I was the next owner.” An Army kid, Neha was the typical rolling stone, but always had a penchant for Goa. She dreamt of having her own café like space, where she could showcase the bikes that she so dearly loves. .Vintage spiritedThe setting is central to the experience. This Goan-Portuguese home in Utorda has been restored with restraint; heritage tiles, weathered wood and generous courtyards have been preserved.There is a garden space in front, and the cheery yellow and white façade is welcoming. From the ceiling of the portico, there hangs a model of a motorbike, harkening back to 1913 from the famed James Cycle Company in the UK, with a front that seems more like a bicycle, with its lightweight handlebars and pedals. “This is not just a showpiece. It still is very much functional, and it took me eight-and-a-half years to restore,” points out Neha as she takes me around, stopping next at her late father’s old Bajaj Chetak scooter-front, which she has wall-mounted, like one would, a prized taxidermy mount. Anchoring the space is a curated display of six to eight vintage motorcycles, each celebrating the romance of the open road, that Neha collected at various stages of life. Storm Troopers in Goa Smoky grills and hearty fareFood here draws inspiration from global journeys and roadside discoveries. Think comfort-forward, flavour-led and ‘unfussy’. The menu is the brainchild of Chef Aditya Raghavan, better known as Big Addie. Aditya has a PhD in Physics from Los Angeles and is a certified cheesemaker having worked in Canada for several years, before settling in South Goa. I start with the Mediterranean prawns, dense with flavour. The yakitori chicken skewers do not disappoint either. The pan-seared barramundi with the ratatouille base comes next and is a story of high-contrast texture. The pork shoulder chops in gochujang sauce pack in a definitive punch. And, though I give the burgers a miss, I have heard many a good thing about the patties.Through the day, anytime from breakfast onwards, expect the most delicious Turkish eggs, perfectly grilled burgers, BBQ-style beef, brunch boards, smoked meats and world bowls, which stand up as meals in themselves. If you are a dessert lover like me, you may find the choices a tad limited, but I was told that this was being worked upon. And, if you have to choose one, try their carrot cake French toast; an ingenious creation. Beef tenderloin au poivre From matcha lattes to craft cocktailsThe cocktails are well balanced and crafted from locally sourced ingredients like bimli (star fruit) and kokum. The kokum highball-style cocktail has been the crowd-pleaser ever since the opening. The beverage menu has been created by Dev Narvekar, an ace mixologist from Goa known for his creative charm behind the bar.The reigning beverage and current Gen Z favourite, matcha gains pride of place on the menu as a deliciously, satiny latte. Regular rider meet-ups, heritage bike displays, travel talks and creative popups is something Neha has in mind for this friendly, community-led space.₹2,000 for two. Open for lunch and dinner. Closed on Tuesdays. At Antonio Pereira W
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US President Donald Trump's administration on Friday announced a new policy requiring most foreign nationals applying for green cards to complete the process from outside the country instead of adjusting status within the US.US President Donald Trump's administration announced new rules for immigrants seeking green cards(AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)Continuing its crackdown on immigrants in the US, President Donald Trump's administration on Friday (local time) announced a new policy for foreigners applying for permanent residency in the country.According to a Bloomberg report, those seeking permanent residency in Washington will be required to return to their home countries to seek green cards.Trump administration ramps up crackdown on immigrantsIn a statement, Zach Kahler, a spokesman for US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), said, "From now on, an alien who is in the US temporarily and wants a green card must return to their home country to apply, except in extraordinary circumstances." Kahler added, "This policy allows our immigration system to function as the law intended instead of incentivizing loopholes."CBS News, citing officials, said they plan to end the option for many immigrants seeking a green card to complete the process without leaving the country. Under the new approach, most of these immigrants would instead have to return to their home countries and apply for an immigrant visa abroad at a US consulate.What does the document say?The memo, which was issued by USCIS on Friday, aims to strictly limit when the agency can allow immigrants to receive a green card via the "adjustment of status" process. According to reports, this route allows eligible immigrants already in the US to apply for permanent residency without having to leave the country and apply at a US consulate abroad.In a memo outlining the change, USCIS employees who decide applications for permanent residency were told that some exceptions could be made. The memo directed them to “consider and weigh all the relevant evidence in the record, taking into account the totality of the circumstances to determine whether the alien is suitable for permanent residence.”Additionally, it also directs federal agency officers to view adjustment of status as an "extraordinary" form of relief and an act of "administrative grace," citing federal law to argue that most green card applicants should complete the process overseas. Further, officers have now been told to see adjustment of status as a rare and special benefit, not a normal option. Officers are now instructed to view choosing adjustment of status over applying at a US consulate abroad as a negative factor in a person’s case.While the policy does not clearly state all the exceptions, the memo says that some groups, such as those on "dual intent" visas like H-1Bs for high-skilled workers, as well as refugees and asylees, will likely be allowed to apply for a green card in the country via adjustment of status.Trump's policy change could impact thousandsAccording to immigration law experts, the announcement of a new policy could impact hundreds of thousands of people a year and potentially reduce legal immigration further amid a sweeping government crackdown.The Trump administration has introduced a series of restrictions affecting everyone from asylum seekers to students and highly skilled workers.The new rules broadly affect foreigners who entered the US on temporary non-immigrant visas, such as students, H-1B or L visa workers, and visitors. Washington grants about one million green cards annually, but nearly half are for foreign relatives sponsored by US citizens, and those cases are typically already handled outside the country.Trump administration's stance on immigrantsThe developments come at a time when citizens of at least 39 countries, mostly in Africa and Asia, are barred or restricted from entering Washington under a proclamation signed by the US President on national security grounds, commo
