Adjudication cloud over West Bengal election candidatesThe ruling TMC has already announced the names of 291 candidates for the 294 assembly seats in the state. Published on: Mar 21, 2026 7:35 AM IST By Joydeep Thakur Share via Copy link Kalita Majhi, 38
Air India flies ‘wrong’ Boeing 777 jet to Vancouver, plane makes U-turn after 4 hoursAccording to Flightradar24, the flight turned back while flying over Chinese airspace after being airborne for roughly four hours. Published on: Mar 21, 2026 7:35 AM IST By HT Correspondent Share via Copy link
The probability of a US recession by the end of 2026 has surged to 36%, according to the prediction platform Polymarket, which tracks real-world events through crowd-sourced betting markets. Polymarket, the world’s largest prediction market, allows traders to buy and sell shares on real-world
I have been asked this, in one form or another, more times than I can count. Sometimes it arrives wrapped in curiosity – a raised eyebrow from a guest who has just noticed my accent, my name, the fact that I come from somewhere else entirely. Sometimes it arrives as a pointed observation
The ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region due to escalations by Iran, Israel, US could send a ripple effect in the Indian property market. New Delhi: The ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region due to escalations by Iran, Israel
US sharply criticised by foes and friends over Maduro seizure
US sharply criticised by foes and friends over Maduro seizure
The US seizing of Venezuela's leader has faced strong criticism from both America's friends and foes at an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
Many member states agreed with the US that Nicolás Maduro had been an illegitimate and repressive leader.
But many also condemned the US military action as a breach of international law and the UN Charter, and they demanded a democratic transition that reflected the will of the Venezuelan people.
Among US allies, France was by far the most outspoken. The deputy ambassador, Jay Dharmadhikari, said Maduro's taking by the US runs "counter to the principle of peaceful dispute resolution and runs counter to the principle of the non-use of force".
He told the Council: "The proliferation of violations of the Charter of the UN and the violations of international law by states vested with responsibility as permanent members of Security Council chips away at the very foundation of the international order, contravening the principles of the charter, including the principle of respect for independence and territorial integrity of states, undermines the foundation of the UN and weakens international peace and security."
The deputy UN ambassador for Denmark, Sandra Jensen Landi, voiced her country's "deep concern" at the evolving situation and said: "These developments constitute a dangerous precedent. International law and the UN Charter… must be respected."
Both these statements – by France and Denmark - represent a significant stiffening of European criticism of the seizing of Maduro after some initial equivocation by many EU members. In contrast, both UK and Greek diplomats at the UN did not condemn the US military operation.
The ambassador for Panama, Eloy Alfaro de Alba, expressed concern about US plans to work with the existing regime, without involving the opposition or holding fresh elections.
He told the Council: "Any attempt to establish a permanent government headed by a figure from the repressive apparatus such as Delcy Rodriguez would constitute continuity of the system and not a genuine transition."
Colombia's ambassador Leonor Zalabata Torres said there is no justification for the unilateral use of force to commit an act of aggression: "Such actions constitute a serious violation of international law and the UN Charter."
Russia's ambassador, Vassili Nebenzia, accused the US of "international banditry" and "neo-colonialism and imperialism".
He said there was no justification for "US domination by force" and accused US allies of hypocrisy and double standards for failing to criticise Trump.
China's Chargé d'Affaires, Sun Lei, said Beijing was "deeply shocked and strongly condemned" what he called the "unilateral, illegal and bullying acts of the US".
In a statement read out on his behalf, Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary General, said he remained "deeply concerned that rules of international law have not been respected" during the US action: "The power of the law must prevail."
By contrast, the acting UK ambassador, James Kariuki, gave a very brief statement, saying merely the UK wanted to see a "safe and peaceful transition to a legitimate government that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people".
He added, without being specific, that the UK "reaffirms its commitment to international law and the principles enshrined in the charter of the UN". Greece's deputy ambassador, Ioannis Stamatekos, also failed to condemn Trump's seizure of Maduro, calling instead for "dialogue and diplomacy" to resolve the crisis.
For the US, UN ambassador Mike Waltz said the capture of Maduro was a law-enforcement operation against an illegitimate leader responsible for both drug trafficking and terrorism.
You can't turn Venezuela into the operating hub for Iran, for Hezbollah, for gangs, for the Cuban intelligence agents and other malign actors that control that country," Waltz told the Council. "You cannot continue to have the largest energy reserves in the world under the control of adversaries of the US.
For many European countries, the seizing of Maduro has posed a difficult diplomatic dilemma.
Some have been torn between defending fundamental principles of the UN charter that countries should not breach each other's sovereignty, or making a pragmatic, real politik decision not to anger the US on whose support and security they rely, especially for Ukraine
Hence UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's refusal to say if the US attack on Venezuela was a breach of international law. He said merely that "international law is the framework, is the anchor or the benchmark against which we judge the actions of all other governments. And it is, of course, for the US to justify the action that it has taken".
Likewise, the EU issued its own statement, saying that "under all circumstances, the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be upheld" without saying whether that applied in this case.
The EU considered Maduro illegitimate and his drug trafficking a "significant security threat worldwide" but the bloc said nothing about Trump's declaration that the US will now "run" the country.
The French and Danish criticism now places them alongside Spain, which had been the only European country to voice concerns, with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez saying his government would "not recognise an intervention that violates international law and pushes the region toward a horizon of uncertainty and belligerence".
The difficulty for other European leaders, fearful of upsetting Trump, is that they risk accusations of hypocrisy from other countries.
For years, European powers have argued Russia's invasion of Ukraine should be opposed in part because it broke international rules about territorial integrity.
Many developing countries rejected that argument, citing western military adventurism from Vietnam to Iraq. They will now add Venezuela to that list.
The question is how Europe may respond in the longer term to America's military operation in Venezuela. Will it provide a catalyst for the continent to take greater responsibility for its own security in the face of so much instability from what many see as an unreliable ally?
Donald Tusk, the prime minister of Poland, certainly hopes so, saying on social media: "No-one will take seriously a weak and divided Europe: neither enemy nor ally. It is already clear now.
We must finally believe in our own strength, we must continue to arm ourselves, we must stay united like never before. One for all, and all for one. Otherwise, we are finished.
Source: BBC
Related Posts: PCMC to begin seizing assets of property tax defaulters from July 1 Calcutta High Court disposes of TMC’s plea after ED denies seizing documents Faced criticism from my own community for advocating creamy layer principle MAGA leader receives criticism over his racist remark on Lord Hanuman DIIs continue to provide strong support to markets driven by strong domestic Tilak Varma Supports Gautam Gambhir Amid Batting Order Criticism After SA Loss Stokes defends England criticism from Duffer Brothers Open Up On Will's Coming Out Scene Criticism In Stranger Things 5 Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ passes key Senate hurdle amid criticism After Criticism Over Credit Rights
Love Horoscope Today for March 21, 2026: Today's cosmic shift's impact on your love lifeLove Horoscope Today, March 21, 2026: Find daily astrological predictions for all sun signs. Published on: Mar 21, 2026 6:11 AM IST By Neeraj Dhankher Share via Copy link Our astrologer, Neeraj Dhankher
1 hours ago
A Patiala-based photography and cinematography service has won hearts online with a beautifully crafted pre-wedding video that blends vintage storytelling with modern filmmaking. Shubhdeep Films, a Patiala-based photography and cinematography firm
1 hours ago
With energy prices still high due to the conflict in the Gulf, governments around the world are being urged to reduce driving speed limits and encourage more working from home. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has suggested ten measures to reduce the amount of energy being consumed across the
1 hours ago
Ronnie O'Sullivan has set a new record for the highest break in professional snooker history, achieving an astonishing 153 at the World Open in China. This remarkable feat surpasses the previous record of 148 and further solidifies O'Sullivan's status as a legendary figure in the sport
1 hours ago
TMC releases manifesto for West Bengal elections, promises to widen its social sector schemesOne of the 10 pledges of the manifesto focuses on empowerment of women, with the party promising to enhance financial assistance under the Lakshmir Bhandar Published on: Mar 21
1 hours ago
Think your iPhone is secure? This new iOS 18 hack may change thatA new iOS exploit can steal users' private information from their iPhones simply by users visiting an infected website on Safari web browser. Updated on: Mar 20, 2026 7:37 PM IST By Shweta Ganjoo Share via Copy link If you haven’t
1 hours ago
On social media a heartwarming video is making people smile for all the right reasons. Amid the viral trend of recreating a popular scene from Falguni Pathak’s Sawan Mein, one woman has stood out in the most unexpected and beautiful way. While many have been recreating the scene with props like
1 hours ago
Cristiano Ronaldo set to recover in time for FIFA World Cup as Portugal head coach gives major injury update Updated on: Mar 21, 2026 6:11 AM IST Written by Neelav Chakravarti Share via Copy link Cristiano Ronaldo is currently recovering from an injury
1 hours ago
A jury in the federal court in San Francisco has found Elon Musk liable for misleading investors during the period leading up to his $44 billion acquisition of Twitter in 2022. According to the jury, Musk deliberately pushed down the company’s stock price in the months before completing the deal
1 hours ago
Joshua Jefferson injury update: Iowa State star could play vs Kentucky, X-ray results revealed Updated on: Mar 21, 2026 4:31 AM IST By Yash Nitish Bajaj Share via Copy link Iowa State Cyclones forward Joshua Jefferson (5) shoots a layup against Tennessee State Tigers forwards Antoine Lorick III
1 hours ago
Tributes have been pouring in from around the world to US martial artist and Hollywood action star Chuck Norris, who died aged 86. "He may have a warrior exterior, but his heart was so full of love," his daughter Danilee Norris said. Swedish actor and martial artist Dolph Lundgren - who starred
1 hours ago
Monday's air strike on Kabul resulted in the highest number of casualties seen since hostilities began again in February. Within hours of explosions ringing across the capital, both sides were posting on social media - a war of words as people searched for answers
1 hours ago
Raymond Group Chairman Gautam Hari Singhania has been injured in a speedboat accident in the Maldives. He was among tourists when the boat capsized. Singhania has been rescued and is recovering in Mumbai. Search operations are underway for two other Indian men who are missing
1 hours ago
In 2022, as the number of Covid-19 cases began falling and travel opened up again, 30-year-old Irshit Ali’s life changed. There was a sudden surge of tourists in his hometown of Ladakh, where he worked ferrying tourists in his van. This was good for business.In 2022
1 hours ago
Another twist in Formula 1’s ever-shifting management landscape, and this one comes with immediate impact. Jonathan Wheatley has stepped down from his role with Audi with immediate effect, just a year after joining the project. And the timing? Hardly coincidental
1 hours ago
Two Congress leaders, B.S. Anoop and R.S. Arun Raj, joined the BJP in Thiruvananthapuram, expressing dissatisfaction with the Congress leadership. Both leaders, denied tickets for the upcoming Assembly elections, are expected to contest from Chirayinkeezhu and Chadayamangalam respectively
1 hours ago
Tarot Horoscope Today for March 21, 2026: Here's your tarot message based on your zodiac signThis article will dive into the daily tarot reading for each zodiac sign for March 21, 2026, with our expert's predictions. Published on: Mar 21, 2026 7:03 AM IST By Neeraj Dhankher Share via Copy link The
1 hours ago
Washington, Mar 21 (PTI) The United States has announced the temporary lifting of sanctions on the sale of Iranian oil stranded at sea in an effort to cool down soaring global crude prices. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the temporary measure will make available 140 million barrels of
1 hours ago
The Supreme Court has permitted the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to cut more than 45,000 mangroves. This is for the proposed Versova-Bhayandar coastal road project in north Mumbai. The project aims to significantly reduce travel time and distance
1 hours ago
Prakash Raj reacts to tweet talking about Allu Arjun, Vijay Deverakonda, Jr NTR, and Mahesh Babu praising Dhurandhar 2Prakash Raj also shared a video of the song Abhi Na Jaao Chhod Kar and wrote that he is very far from Dhurandhar 2. Check his posts here. Mar 21, 2026
1 hours ago
Techie earning $85,000 in Canada considers moving to India for ₹26 LPA FAANG job, internet reactsIn a Reddit post, the techie shared that though the Canadian salary looks good on paper, the reality is very different. Published on: Mar 21, 2026 7:45 AM IST By Trisha Sengupta Share via Copy link A
1 hours ago
Trent Alexander-Arnold's omission from Thomas Tuchel's largest England squad is the latest blow to his stop-start international career and casts huge doubt on his hopes of playing at the World Cup. Head coach Tuchel said on Friday he had "not yet" spoken to the 27-year-old about his exclusion
1 hours ago
Congress leadership has brought peace to Kerala's party affairs. K Sudhakaran will lead the campaign in Kannur. Adoor Prakash has withdrawn his assembly seat claim. The party is optimistic about the upcoming April 9 election. Rahul Gandhi expressed commitment to Kerala's future
1 hours ago
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi on Friday pushed back strongly against US President Donald Trump’s claim that Tehran was preparing to attack American forces, warning of a forceful response if Iran’s infrastructure is hit. “We are men and women of principles
1 hours ago
Fans are pouring into the historic heart of South Korea's capital for what may well be the year's biggest event: the return of the world's most successful band in recent years, BTS. Some 260,000 people are expected to turn up on Saturday at Gwanghwamun Square, where the seven K-pop stars - RM, Jin
1 hours ago
Elon Musk was misleading in his public statements during a crucial period of his 2022 Twitter takeover, a jury has found. After two days of deliberations, a jury in San Francisco federal court decided in a unanimous verdict against the tech titan
1 hours ago
Rishi Kapoor, Ratna Pathak Shah instantly agreed to Kapoor & Sons, says film's director: After being rejected by actors…Shakun Batra was asked about taking creative risks with Kapoor & Sons. He said that at that time, honestly, he didn't care. Mar 21, 2026
1 hours ago
