Iran's foreign influence bill has moved forward in parliament, potentially expanding criminal penalties for contacts with foreign media, universities, embassies and organisations. The proposal comes amid heightened security concerns in Tehran and could significantly affect journalists, academics and civil society. Foreign media law could expand criminal penal

US President Donald Trump has ordered a substantial reduction in US participation in joint military exercises with South Korea, citing their cost and his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Seoul, however, says the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise has begun as scheduled. US-South Korea drills face Trump-ordered reduction Trump

Four Renaissance artworks attributed to Antonello da Messina have been stolen in a daring Sicily museum theft during Ferragosto. The Antonello art heist targeted works of enormous cultural importance, including three surviving panels from the celebrated San Gregorio Polyptych. Sicily museum theft targets Renaissance treasures Thieves enter

The India-Mauritius DTAA Protocol has moved closer to implementation after Mauritius approved its ratification, offering investors greater clarity on the PPT rule and legacy investments. The move also seeks to reinforce Mauritius FDI links with India while tightening safeguards against treaty abuse. PPT rule brings greater clarity to the tax treaty Mauritius' Cabinet on July 17 approved ratific

A new Pew Research Center survey shows the India-Pakistan threat perception remains deeply rooted. Rivalry, China’s role, Russia ties, mistrust and public opinion reveal how decades of tension continue to shape South Asia despite major changes in the global order. Rivalry India and Pakistan continue to see each other as their biggest geopolitical threat nearly eight decades after Partition. A

The total solar eclipse 2026 delivered a dramatic celestial spectacle on August 12 as the Moon's shadow crossed Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. Millions across Europe watched varying phases of the eclipse, while India missed the event because it occurred after sunset there. Spain witnesses total solar eclipse 2026 Spain became one o

Spain has firmly rejected Morocco's renewed sovereignty claims over Ceuta and Melilla, declaring that the status of its two North African enclaves is not open to negotiation. The dispute has resurfaced only weeks after a massive migrant crossing into Ceuta intensified tensions along the Spain-Morocco border. Spain sovereignty stance rules out negotiations

Panama Canal shipping costs have surged as global maritime disruption and tighter water conditions squeeze one of the world's most important trade routes. The Seaspan Benefactor reportedly paid about $4 million for priority transit as some vessels faced waits of roughly 10 days. Canal congestion pushes auction prices sharply higher The Seaspan Benefactor, a container ship with capacity of roughly 10,000 TEU, reportedly paid about $4 mill

White House trade adviser Peter Navarro has again put US-India trade tensions in the spotlight after saying he was “firebombed” online by Indians over his criticism of New Delhi's tariff policies and purchases of Russian oil. His latest comments revive a controversy that began last year but come as Washington and New Delhi continue trying to manage their broader strategic and economic relationship. India backlash follows Navarro's trade criticism

US President Donald Trump has confirmed that security officials directed him to secretly change aircraft while leaving Turkey after authorities detected a potential threat. Trump said he followed instructions from the Secret Service and military, shedding new light on an unusual presidential security operation involving Air Force One and a smaller military aircraft. Trump plane switch followed security warning Speaking to reporters on Tu

Baloch separatist leader Mir Yar Baloch has renewed his call for Balochistan independence recognition, asking governments and international organisations to treat the region as an independent country rather than a Pakistani province. His appeal came as supporters marked August 11 as “Balochistan Independence Day.” Balochistan recognition campaign seeks international backi

Peter Navarro says Donald Trump and Narendra Modi can manage the Russian oil tariff dispute as Congress advances a sanctions package targeting major Russian energy buyers. The Senate passed the bill 86-11, while an identical House companion was introduced on August 11, 2026. A bipartisan U.S. sanctions push targeting major buyers of Russian energy is putting renewed pressure on India-U.S. trade ties, but White House Senior

The Syria Russia bases deal will return key facilities at Hmeimim and Tartous to Syrian management while former Russian military sites become joint training centers. The agreement marks a major restructuring of Moscow’s strategic presence on Syria’s Mediterranean coast. Syria Russia Bases Deal Reshapes Coastal Presence Syria and Russia have signed a memorandum of understanding redefining th

Pezeshkian met Mojtaba Khamenei to discuss Iran’s military situation, economic pressures, currency, energy and public needs. The meeting drew added attention amid continuing speculation over the Supreme Leader’s health and limited public visibility. Pezeshkian Meets Mojtaba Khamenei Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has met Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei for detailed dis

Typhoon Dolphin China landfall brought destructive winds and torrential rain to Zhejiang, forcing more than one million evacuations. Shanghai flights faced major disruption as authorities warned of flooding, landslides and prolonged heavy rain while the cyclone moved inland. Typhoon Dolphin China Landfall Hits Zhejiang Typhoon Dolphin made landfall near Yuhuan in Zhejiang province at about 5:30

Colombia's new President Abelardo de la Espriella has launched an ambitious security agenda, promising to confront armed groups and drug trafficking with tougher military action. In his first address after taking office, he ruled out further peace talks, outlined closer cooperation with the United States and introduced plans that signal a major change in Colombia's national security strategy.

Spain’s temporary checks on arrivals from Italy have intensified the Spain Italy border row triggered by the Ceuta migration crisis. The dispute now touches Schengen rules, EU migration policy and relations between Madrid and Rome as both governments defend their border measures. Ceuta The confrontation began after tens of thousands of people crossed from Morocco into Spain’s North African

Russia has merged several irregular combat units into a new Ukrainian Volunteer Spetsnaz Brigade, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). The move has renewed concerns over the alleged use of Ukrainian prisoners of war in frontline combat, raising questions about compliance with international humanitarian law. Russia Forms Brigade Using Ukraini

The proposed Trump-class battleship fleet could cost the United States about $275 billion and place severe pressure on an already strained shipbuilding industry, according to a new Congressional Budget Office estimate. The first nuclear-powered vessel alone could cost $23.4 billion. President Donald Trump announced the new battleship programme on December 22, 2025, as part of what his administration calls the Navy?

Sri Lanka cybercrime networks are facing greater scrutiny after the suspected murder of a Chinese national exposed possible links to transnational scam operations. Police raids, foreign arrests and concerns over tourist visa abuse suggest fraud groups may be shifting into the country. Sri Lanka Cybercrime Networks Expand Sri Lanka is confronting an increase in suspected online scam operations as international criminal groups search for n