Russia Declares It Is No Longer Bound by New START Nuclear Treaty with US
In a significant development that marks a major escalation in global nuclear tensions, Russia announced on Wednesday that it is no longer bound by the New START treaty with the United States. This crucial nuclear arms control agreement, which was set to expire on February 5, has been a cornerstone of strategic stability between the two superpowers for years.
The Russian foreign ministry issued a formal statement declaring, "We assume that the parties to the New START treaty are no longer bound by any obligations or symmetrical declarations within the context of the treaty." This move comes amid already strained relations between Moscow and Washington, raising concerns about a potential new arms race and the future of nuclear disarmament efforts worldwide.
Oil Prices Jump 3% Following Reports of Collapsed US-Iran Talks
Global oil markets experienced significant volatility as prices surged by 3 percent following reports that talks between the United States and Iran have collapsed. According to media reports, negotiations planned for Friday were described as "collapsing" after US officials declined to change the location or format of the discussions.
The market reaction was immediate and substantial:
- Brent crude futures jumped to $69.35 per barrel
- US benchmark West Texas Intermediate climbed to $65.12 per barrel
This sharp increase reflects growing market concerns about potential American military action against Iran. President Donald Trump has not ruled out new military measures following previous US attacks on Iranian nuclear sites during Israel's conflict with the Islamic republic in June.
The tensions between Washington and Tehran have intensified recently, particularly in the wake of Iran's crackdown on protests that human rights groups say has resulted in thousands of casualties. The two nations have maintained no formal diplomatic relations for decades.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Calls for Strengthening District Hospitals
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasized the urgent need to decentralize healthcare services across the union territory. Speaking after inaugurating a state-of-the-art 243-bed maternity block at SMGS Hospital, built at a cost of Rs 31.59 crore, Abdullah stressed that improving hospitals in Jammu and Srinagar alone would not solve the problem of overcrowding.
"As I have always said, no matter how much we improve the hospitals in Jammu and Srinagar, until the patient rush remains like this, their condition cannot be fully improved," Abdullah told reporters.
The Chief Minister outlined several key points for healthcare reform:
- District-level hospitals must be upgraded with adequate infrastructure
- Medical manpower needs to be increased through expanded MBBS and specialist seats
- Better facilities closer to people's homes will reduce pressure on urban hospitals
Abdullah acknowledged that while constructing hospital buildings is relatively easier, creating sufficient medical manpower remains the biggest challenge. He expressed optimism that increased educational seats would gradually improve doctor availability in coming years.
Other Significant Developments
Peacock Poaching Case in Rajasthan: Forest department officials in Pali district arrested four men on charges of peacock poaching. During night patrol in the Kumbhalgarh range, authorities intercepted a vehicle containing a peacock carcass, gunpowder, lead pellets, and knives. The accused have been remanded to judicial custody.
Life Sentence for Trump Assassination Plot: A 59-year-old man received a life prison sentence for plotting to assassinate President Donald Trump at his Florida golf course in September 2024, just two months before the US presidential election. Ryan Routh was found guilty on five charges including attempted assassination of a presidential candidate.
