Le Journal

Leopard Menace in Pokhara: Villagers Gripped by Fear Following a spate of leopard attacks in Uttarakhand's Pauri district, forest officials have intensified efforts to ensure villagers' safety. The attacks, spread over five days, prompted the installation of three cages and the deployment of tranquillising machines and hunters, according to officials on Sunday.After the deadly leopard attack on 65-year-old Rani Devi in Bagdi village on November 13, another assault left 41-year-old Prabha Devi seriously injured. The recent incidents have sparked panic, leading to the closure of nine schools in the region over the weekend.Divisional Forest Officer Abhimanyu revealed that capturing the leopard is a top priority, with measures in place to safeguard the community. Meanwhile, locals, including Narendra Singh Bhandari, suspect multiple leopards are prowling the area, complicating efforts to restore calm.

Pentagon Pulls Back Troops from U.S. Cities The Pentagon is reportedly withdrawing some National Guard troops from Chicago and Portland. This decision comes weeks after President Donald Trump's deployment aimed at addressing what he labeled as increased crime in these cities, according to the New York Times, which cited two U.S. officials.The move signals a change in the administration's approach to handling urban crime, though specific reasons for the withdrawal remain undisclosed.Despite repeated inquiries, the Pentagon has yet to provide an official comment regarding this strategic shift in troop deployment.

U.S. Eyes Thanksgiving Deadline for Rare Earths Deal with China The U.S. is moving closer to striking a critical deal with China over rare earth elements, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicating a possible agreement by Thanksgiving.Speaking on Fox News, Bessent revealed his optimism, backed by confidence that China will comply with the terms agreed upon for these strategically significant resources.The potential deal could stabilize the supply chain for rare earth materials crucial for various industries, fostering better bilateral trade relations between the two economic giants.

Reviving Heritage: Uttar Pradesh's Call for Cultural Pride Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath criticized foreign historians at the Uttarakhand Mahotsav-2025 for leaving out significant moments from India's history, which persist through folk arts. He emphasized the importance of festivals in preserving India's vibrant cultural heritage.Addressing attendees, Adityanath praised folk music and arts as true historians, keeping alive tales forgotten by recorded history. He urged citizens to embrace their heritage and maintain pride in the culture found in India's diverse regions.The chief minister noted the Uttarakhand Mahotsav's representation of both Awadhi and Uttarakhandi cultures, highlighting contributions from regional leaders and military figures. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also attended the event.

Greece and Ukraine Seal US LNG Gas Deal Amidst Energy Diplomacy Amid escalating energy dynamics in Europe, Ukraine has reached a pivotal agreement with Greece for the supply of US liquefied natural gas (LNG). The landmark deal was signed in Athens during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's diplomatic visit to Greece.The signing ceremony was attended by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, alongside representatives from Greece's DEPA and Ukraine's Naftogas. US Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle was also present, marking a strategic partnership crafted to deliver US LNG from Alexandroupolis to Odesa, commencing January.Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis emphasized the significance of the November energy summit in Athens, which featured prominent figures like US Energy Secretary Chris Wright. The event underscored US ambitions to replace Russian gas supplies in Europe and strengthen trade ties amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.