FOOTBALL DIPLOMACY
With war now football by others means, be prepared for new World Cup champs
The World Cup faces political challenges. Visiting teams, especially Iran, encounter travel restrictions and potential discrimination. The tournament's integrity is questioned amidst these controversies.
FIFA 2026: Iran World Cup players get US visas, official says, some staff waiting
Iran's national football team has been granted visas to enter the United States for the World Cup, confirmed by US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack. This decision allows Iran to compete despite ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The team will travel from Turkey to Mexico for their base camp before heading to the US for group stage matches.
North Korean women's soccer team arrives in South Korea for regional tournament
A total of 39 players and staff with North Korea’s Naegohyang Women’s FC arrived at Incheon International Airport, just west of Seoul, aboard a plane from China. They didn't make any comments, though some activists shouted “Welcome! Welcome!" and citizens used their mobile phones to film their arrival.
Israel-US vs Iran war Day 11: Trump hints conflict could end ‘very soon’, global oil markets stay on edge & Tehran shows defiance
US-Israel vs Iran War News Day 11: The Iran-Israel war continues for its 11th day. Heavy military strikes are reported in Tehran and across the Gulf. Regional leaders are engaged in urgent diplomatic calls. US President Donald Trump indicated the conflict could end very soon. Energy facilities have been targeted, threatening shipping security in the Strait of Hormuz. Casualties are mounting in Lebanon.
Iran responsible power, Strait of Hormuz not shut: Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh
Iran's deputy foreign minister Saeed Khatibzadeh stated Iran is a responsible power in the Persian Gulf. He denied claims that Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz. Khatibzadeh emphasized Iran's role as a stabilising force. He clarified there is no immediate intention to block the waterway. Iran remains committed to international law and freedom of navigation.
When Samba meets strategy: What's behind the visit of Brazil's Lula?
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's upcoming visit to India is set to boost bilateral trade to $20 bn. Agreements are expected in pharmaceuticals, critical minerals and aviation manufacturing. Visa liberalisation will enhance people-to-people ties. This collaboration strengthens both nations' roles in global affairs and their push for greater autonomy.
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World bids farewell to 2025, a year of Trump, truces and turmoil
The year 2025 saw trade wars, a Gaza truce and ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Looking ahead, 2026 promises space missions, the Winter Olympics and an expanded football World Cup.
AI is taking over, Trump's tariffs are still there and the moon awaits: What's coming in 2026
As 2026 unfolds, record temperatures and climate negotiations will set a global urgency. The FIFA World Cup expands, while the Gaza conflict and US midterm elections present significant political challenges. The race to the Moon intensifies, and Artificial Intelligence continues its rapid integration into global economies and security.
Keir Starmer shakes a leg in Mumbai: DDLJ fun, Diwali celebrations, and £25.5 billion trade talks in one epic India trip
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is in Mumbai for a historic visit. He leads a large trade delegation to strengthen ties with India. The visit focuses on the new Free Trade Agreement and future collaboration. Starmer will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss a ten-year roadmap. Cultural exchanges and business opportunities are key highlights of this significant partnership.
Solid gold, royal missives and Nobel noms: How to win Trump over
World leaders and industry titans are vying for Donald Trump's favor through lavish gifts and gestures. Tim Cook presented a custom-engraved glass piece, while Cambodia and others nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. Some leaders, like the Swiss President, faced tariffs and struggled to gain Trump's attention, highlighting the varying success of these attempts to court the former president.
'A slow-motion catastrophe': Trump is setting fire to decades of US-India diplomacy
Evan A. Feigenbaum warns that Donald Trump's policies are jeopardising the US-India relationship, built over 25 years through bipartisan efforts. Trump's transactional approach, including tariffs and pressure on India's foreign policy, risks turning a strategic partner into a political target. This politicisation threatens the trust and shared interests that have underpinned the alliance, potentially leading to a significant geopolitical rupture.
Want India-Brazil relations to be as colourful as carnival, as passionate as football: PM Modi
India and Brazil aim to nearly double bilateral trade to USD 20 billion in five years, signing six agreements to boost cooperation in energy, agriculture, and counter-terrorism. Prime Minister Modi emphasized a zero-tolerance stance on terrorism and advocated for resolving disputes through dialogue.
India not a football to be kicked around, but an ally to be embraced, says Ex-Pentagon official
Michael Rubin says Mark Carney is better for India-Canada ties than Justin Trudeau. Rubin believes Canada needs to act maturely with India. He criticizes Trudeau's approach as political and not principled. Rubin accuses Trudeau of exaggerating claims about Hardeep Singh Nijjar and Khalistan. He urges Canada to address Khalistani extremism firmly.
PNG, a Nifty way to say, 'it's you, not me'
In diplomacy, declaring someone 'persona non grata' (PNG) is a refined yet passive-aggressive way to express disapproval and sever ties. It avoids messy conflicts, offering plausible deniability while conveying a firm rejection of unacceptable behavior. PNG is the ultimate diplomatic 'it's not me, it's you' statement.
Trump's transactional approach to diplomacy is a driving force on the world stage
Donald Trump's approach to diplomacy mirrors his business style, emphasizing leverage and financial gains. His decisions, such as prioritizing Saudi Arabia for its economic investment and adopting a transactional stance with Ukraine while easing tensions with Russia, signify a shift from traditional US foreign policy. Trump's actions with Canada and Mexico further underscore his focus on economic advantage.
Is it okay to lie in an interview?
Maintaining transparency and honesty during job interviews is crucial to preserving your reputation and career prospects. Candidates should acknowledge skills they lack but are willing to learn, admit genuine weaknesses that don’t jeopardize the role, speak diplomatically about former bosses, and authentically discuss hobbies and interests.
Shah Rukh Khan played a role in release of Indian Navy officers from Qatar? 'Pathan' star's office gives clarification
Speculation that Shah Rukh, who enjoys massive popularity in Qatar and recently met the country's prime minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani in Doha during an event, played a role in the release of the jailed Indians was rife on Tuesday.
Italy's scandal-hit Berlusconi dies at 86
Silvio Berlusconi, the billionaire media mogul, businessman and former prime minister of Italy, passed away at the age of 86. Berlusconi was known for his controversial career in politics, including his involvement in corruption scandals and his ownership of AC Milan football club. Despite being diagnosed with leukemia, Berlusconi continued to be an active senator and partner in Giorgia Meloni's right-wing government.
Suits & Sayings: Kolkata power couple's lavish party brings A-listers under one roof; Arijit Singh croons at this young scion's b'day bash
This is ET’s weekly roundup of the wackiest whispers and murmurs in corporate corridors & policy parlours.
US ‘sacks’ London diplomat as a joke ahead of crucial World Cup match with England
Before tonight's game versus England, the US embassy in London joked about firing a London ambassador for supporting the Three Lions.
VTC format used by Ukrainian President in UNSC is not far from controversy
This practice evolved from the UK’s Presidency of the UNSC in April, and was carried forward by Albania’s UNSC Presidency in June 2022. Each of these meetings were held in "Briefing" format. The meeting on Ukraine in the UNSC Wednesday was also under a “Briefing” format.
Podcast: What will sway your market today?
Tune in now for market news, views and cues.
Trump and Japan's Abe take a swing at golf diplomacy
USA-TRUMP/JAPAN (PIX, TV):Trump and Japan's Abe take a swing at golf diplomacy
BRICS U-17 Cup will promote CSR initiatives in India: Joao Gilberto Vaz
The BRICS under-17 Football Cup will strengthen relations, promote a safe and protective environment along with corporate social responsibility (CSR), said Joao Gilberto Vaz, Project Leader and Tournament Organiser.
Why German Ambassador to India Michael Steiner is an envoy with difference
Steiner’s almost showman approach to diplomacy has not only made him an envoy with a difference but also perhaps the most visible expatriate in Lutyens Delhi.
Prior commitment forces Sachin Tendulkar out of PM Narendra Modi's tour to Australia
PM Modi will be in Australia for G-20 summit & will also visit the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground, which will host the 2015 World Cup final.
FIFA World cup 2014: PM Narendra Modi invited by Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff to watch finals
If Modi attends the finals, he will be in the company of Russian President Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and South African President Jacob Zuma.
Meghwal rape charge, VK Singh tweets & Goa ministers' junket embarrass Narendra Modi government
Rape charge against Meghwal dented the image of the Modi government as Modi & other NDA ministers have been speaking against rape
Poke me: Cricket - it is time to change the game
Cricket’s (read Test cricket) charm lies in its open-ended approach even though it has a time frame of five days, and 90 overs each a day.
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