follow us:
China is asserting itself as a global peace broker, proposing a five-point Gulf and Middle East initiative amid rising US-Pakistan ties. Beijing is wary of Islamabad’s outreach to Washington, fearing it may undermine China’s influence in South Asia. Analysts note Pakistan faces a delicate diplomatic balancing act between the US and China.
In a national address, Donald Trump criticized former President Obama’s Iran deal, calling it a mistake he was “honoured to correct.” He claimed Iran “was laughing at us” while pursuing nuclear weapons, highlighted his 2018 JCPOA withdrawal, vowed to prevent Iran from obtaining nukes, and cited Qasem Soleimani’s 2020 assassination as a major achievement.
A 7.4-magnitude offshore earthquake struck Indonesia’s Molucca Sea early today at 35 km depth, USGS reported. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center warned of possible hazardous waves within 1,000 km, affecting Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia. Residents in Manado, North Sulawesi, evacuated as shaking lasted long, but no major damage was reported.
Iran called US demands “maximalist and irrational” and denied ceasefire talks ahead of Trump’s national address, insisting the Strait of Hormuz remain closed. Recent Iranian missile and drone strikes targeted Israel and US bases, wounding civilians. Trump demanded the strait reopen before considering a ceasefire amid global energy and economic turmoil.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian asked Americans if the Middle East war truly puts “America First,” accusing the US of war crimes and acting under Israeli influence. In an open letter, he condemned attacks on Iran’s infrastructure, highlighted global economic fallout, and questioned the war’s justification, ahead of Trump’s prime-time address on the conflict.
JD Vance warned Iran of “increased pressure” on infrastructure, reflecting Trump’s impatience to end hostilities and demand reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied formal negotiations, defended wartime control of the waterway, and asserted readiness to resist any US escalation while emphasizing diplomacy.
Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi said 20+ merchant vessels were attacked and 1,900 stranded since the US-Israel-Iran conflict, with Hormuz traffic sharply down. He highlighted the Indian Navy’s readiness through Operations Sindoor, Brahma, and Sagar Bandhu, commissioning 12 ships, showcasing strategic agility, operational excellence, and national maritime strength.
Indian Navy Chief Admiral D K Tripathi warned that Strait of Hormuz traffic has dropped to 6-7 daily transits from 130 pre-conflict, with nearly 1,900 ships stranded. He recalled Operation Sindoor’s near-strike on Pakistan. Trump claimed Iran sought ceasefire, but Tehran insists it’s prepared for prolonged conflict amid rising tensions.
LoP Rahul Gandhi shared a video of his bus ride in Balussery, Kerala, where he met a man dressed as ‘Yamaraj.’ The interaction, linked to UDF’s promised Health Insurance Scheme of ₹25 lakh per household, showed Yama not particularly happy to see Gandhi or other UDF leaders, highlighting the campaign’s creative outreach.
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi accused TMC and other parties of exploiting West Bengal Muslims for votes without ensuring development. Speaking at a Naoda rally supporting AJUP, he said Muslims had backed Congress, the Left, and TMC for decades with no progress. He vowed that joining Kabir’s party would deliver true representation and a jolt to […]
Kavitha Kalvakuntla criticized mass layoffs at Oracle India, affecting 12K employees, warning AI adoption shouldn’t threaten workers. She called TG’s response inadequate, urging a roadmap for IT. Oracle offers enhanced severance for voluntary resignations, including 15 days’ salary per year, notice pay, leave encashment, and a two-month top-up.
India’s Railways transported a record 1,670 million tonnes of freight, marking 3.25% growth over last year. The Railway Ministry said improved efficiency and capacity drove this rise. Wagon handling also increased by 4.56%, reflecting higher demand from key sectors and stronger reliance on rail-based cargo movement across the country.
Diageo India, with the Institute of Road Traffic Education and Bengaluru Traffic Police, conducted a road safety study at key city junctions. Covering three intersections, the initiative used data-driven analysis, behavioral observations, and audits to improve traffic efficiency, enhance commuter safety, and support better urban mobility planning.
Sounds of an explosion were heard outside the Punjab BJP office in the evening, confirmed state BJP leader Vineet Joshi. Senior police, including SSP Kanwardip Kaur, promptly reached the site. Authorities cordoned off the area, and a thorough investigation is ongoing to determine the cause and ensure the safety of the public.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah asked Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh to accelerate the peace process amid ethnic tensions and ongoing unrest. During a meeting in New Delhi, Shah reviewed the law and order situation, directing the CM to strengthen harmony among communities and ensure lasting peace in the strife-affected state.