Trump expresses desire to meet North Korea’s Kim Jong Un

News Network
August 26, 2025

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Washington/Seoul, Aug 25: U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday said he is open to meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un later this year, even as he pressed South Korea on trade and defense issues during a White House visit by President Lee Jae Myung.

“I’d like to meet him this year,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. “I look forward to meeting Kim Jong Un at the appropriate time.”

The remarks came as Trump hosted Lee for their first summit. Despite a trade deal in July that shielded South Korean exports from tougher U.S. tariffs, the two leaders remain divided over nuclear energy, defense spending, and implementation of Seoul’s pledge to invest $350 billion in the United States.

Following the talks, Lee attended a business forum with senior U.S. officials and corporate leaders. To coincide with his visit, South Korea’s flag carrier Korean Air announced its largest-ever aircraft order — 103 planes from Boeing.

Kim Unresponsive to Outreach

North Korea has so far ignored Trump’s calls to resume the direct diplomacy pursued during his 2017–2021 term, which ended without a nuclear deal. Its state media on Monday criticized ongoing U.S.–South Korea military exercises, calling them proof of Washington’s intent to “occupy” the peninsula.

In contrast to past high-profile visits by leaders of Ukraine and South Africa, Lee adopted a conciliatory tone, praising Trump’s leadership and even his office décor. He told reporters he had read Trump’s 1987 memoir The Art of the Deal to prepare for the meeting.

“I hope you can bring peace to the Korean Peninsula, the only divided nation in the world,” Lee said, adding that he wished Trump could one day build a real estate project in North Korea where the two could play golf together.

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News Network
November 21,2025

Bantwal: A domestic dispute appears to have led to a violent confrontation in BC Road area, where the owner of a textile shop was allegedly attacked with a knife by his wife on Wednesday evening.

Krishna Kumar Somayaji, the owner of Somayaji Textiles, sustained serious injuries in the incident and was immediately taken to a hospital for treatment. He is currently receiving care in the intensive care unit and is reported to have survived the assault, according to police.

The Bantwal Town police have registered a case against Somayaji's wife, Jyothi KT, who has since been taken into custody.

Police stated that the complainant, Namita, an employee at the shop, reported the sequence of events. She stated that around 7 p.m. on Wednesday, the suspect entered the shop, wearing a burqa and disguised as a customer, before attacking Somayaji with a knife. The employee then transported the injured owner to a local hospital via an autorickshaw.

Superintendent of Police Arun K confirmed that an ongoing domestic dispute between Somayaji and his wife reportedly preceded the attack. Police noted that Jyothi KT had previously visited the shop and issued threats.

Based on the complaint, Bantwal Town police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Indian Arms Act-1959. An investigation into the incident is currently underway.

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News Network
December 3,2025

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Mangaluru, Dec 3: A group of Congress workers gathered at the Mangaluru International Airport on Wednesday to welcome AICC general secretary K C Venugopal, but the reception quickly turned into a display of support for Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.

Venugopal arrived in the city to participate in the centenary commemoration of the historic dialogue between Mahatma Gandhi and Narayana Guru. The event, organised by the Sivagiri Mutt, Varkala, in association with the Mangalore University Sri Narayana Guru Study Chair, is being held on the university’s Konaje campus.

KPCC general secretary Mithun Rai and several party workers had assembled at the airport to receive Venugopal. However, the moment he stepped out, workers began raising slogans backing Shivakumar.

The university programme will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

This show of support comes just a day after Siddaramaiah remarked that Shivakumar would lead the government “when the high command decides.” The chief minister made the comment after a breakfast meeting at Shivakumar’s residence—another public display of camaraderie between the two leaders amid ongoing attempts by the party high command to downplay their leadership rivalry.

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News Network
November 27,2025

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Bengaluru: The Vokkaligara Sangha on Thursday issued a stern warning to the Congress, saying the party could face serious electoral repercussions if Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is not appointed as Chief Minister.

The warning follows the public backing of Shivakumar’s chief ministerial ambition by top Vokkaliga pontiff Nirmalanandanatha Swami, who urged the Congress high command to honor his claim.

“The community supported Congress in the 2023 Assembly elections only because Shivakumar had a real chance to become CM. If he is cheated, we’ll teach the party a big lesson,” said newly elected Sangha president L. Srinivas. He added that Vokkaligas would organize protests under the guidance of community leaders.

General Secretary C.G. Gangadhar pointed out that Congress won more seats in the Vokkaliga-dominated Old Mysuru region due to Shivakumar’s influence, adding, “If Congress wants to retain power, Shivakumar should be made the CM.”

Outgoing president Kenchappa Gowda emphasized Shivakumar’s contribution to Congress’ victory. “Our community voted for Congress thinking he would become CM. Siddaramaiah has also served the party well, but Shivakumar should now be given a chance,” he said.

Former general-secretary Konappa Reddy appealed to Sonia and Rahul Gandhi to recognize Shivakumar’s loyalty and service, saying, “Congress is known to keep its promises. We hope it won’t break the promise made to him.”

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