Summit Postponed Due to Ebola Outbreak The Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit, originally scheduled to take place in New Delhi from May 28, 2026, has been postponed due to an escalating Ebola outbreak in several African countries. The Democratic Republic of Congo’s South Kivu province has reported the latest cases, contributing to concerns about regional health security. India and the African Union, followin

WASHINGTON, May 20 – Former President Donald Trump expressed approval of the US indictment against former Cuban leader Raul Castro, describing it as a significant moment for accountability. While acknowledging the seriousness of the charges, Trump emphasized that the United States should avoid any additional escalation with Cuba. Background of the Indictment The indict

The United Arab Emirates has achieved a major milestone with 50% completion of the West-East Pipeline, a strategic crude oil project designed to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. Managed by ADNOC and accelerated under Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed, the pipeline aims to increase crude export capacity via the port of Fujairah by 2027. ADNOC CEO Sultan Al Jaber highlighted that even after the resolution of regional conflicts, global oil flows could take several months to

Amid growing regional tensions, Iran has initiated a public training program teaching citizens how to safely handle AK-47 and Kalashnikov rifles. The initiative, named “National Defense Preparedness”, is designed to enhance civilian readiness while educating citizens about firearm safety. Public Drills Across Major Cities In Tehran and other key cities, men, women, and teenagers are particip

U.S. regulators are examining an unexpected spike in oil futures trading that occurred just before President Donald Trump announced a postponement of planned strikes on Iran’s energy sector. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is reviewing unusual off-hours trading activity that reportedly generated millions in profits for several trading firms. Trading Activity Details

A Pakistan Air Force training jet crashed near Mianwali, Punjab on Wednesday, with both pilots escaping unharmed. The aircraft, a Hongdu JL-8, was on a routine flight when it went down in a rural area. Authorities have secured the crash site, while locals shared photos and videos showing scattered wreckage across fields. Pilot Ejection and Safety The Hongdu JL-8 is widely used for training and is

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Beijing to reaffirm the growing strategic partnership between their nations. The summit emphasized energy cooperation, trade expansion, and technological collaboration. Xi described the bilateral relationship as a “source of stability,” underscoring the importance of maintaining a strong alliance amid shifting global dynamics. Key Agreemen

Strong Tremors Shake Kagoshima A 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck Japan’s Kagoshima region on Wednesday, May 20, sending tremors across multiple areas. While some reports suggested a magnitude of 6.2, authorities continue to assess the situation. No immediate tsunami warnings were issued, and early reports indicate no major injuries or structural damage. Japan’s location on the Pacific Ring of Fire makes it highly suscep

UK Loosens Russian Oil Restrictions On May 19, the United Kingdom announced it is easing restrictions on importing diesel and jet fuel refined from Russian crude in third countries. The move comes after the G7 reaffirmed commitment to imposing severe costs on Russia for its war in Ukraine. The UK government cited concerns about fuel supply disruptions caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz since the US-Israel operations against Iran in late February.

US Military Investigation Nears Completion The US military investigation into the Minab school strike in Iran is nearing its final stages, officials said. The February 28 strike targeted a girls’ school in southern Minab, which Iranian authorities claim resulted in over 175 deaths among students and teachers. Admiral Brad Cooper told the US House committee that the investigation has been complex due to t

PM Modi Arrives In Rome For Final Leg Of Tour Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Rome on May 19 to conclude his five-nation tour. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomed him on X with a photo captioned, “Welcome to Rome, my friend!” As part of the ceremonial welcome, PM Modi was presented with a painting depicting the ghats of Varanasi. Traditional musical performances accompanied the greeting, highlighting India’s cultural heritage in It

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, that the World Health Organization was “a little late” in detecting the Ebola outbreak spreading in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as deaths continued to rise and Washington prepared support for the response. The outbreak has intensified concern among global health officials because of its speed, suspected death toll and spread in difficult field conditions. Reuters reported at least 131 fatalities linked to t

The United States has extended its sanctions waiver on Russian seaborne oil by 30 days, allowing continued imports to key global partners like India. This temporary extension reverses previous plans to let the waiver lapse, aiming to provide flexibility for nations managing critical energy needs. Treasury officials stated the extension ensures that stranded Russian crude and petroleum products can reach markets without violating US sanctions on major Russian oil firms. This marks th

Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin to Beijing this week, shortly after a visit from US President Donald Trump. The summit emphasizes China’s role as a central global power, balancing relations with both Washington and Moscow while advancing its strategic interests. Amid energy crises, trade disputes, and geopolitical conflicts, China aims to project stability and strengthen its influence on the global stage. Strengthening China-Russia S

MEA Responds To Trust Question In Oslo India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded strongly during a press briefing in Oslo after a Norwegian journalist questioned why India should be trusted and why Prime Minister Narendra Modi does not take questions from the press. MEA Secretary West Sibi George answered by defending India’s democratic institutions, constitutional protections, media environment and record on human

The Trump 007 meme went viral after the White House shared a James Bond-style image of Donald Trump on its official X account, drawing attention from political observers, entertainment fans and social media users. The post, shared over the weekend of Saturday, May 16, 2026, and Sunday, May 17, 2026, showed Trump in a tuxedo-style spy pose with 007-inspired branding and the slogan “Make America Great Again.” The caption included only an eye emoji

India has strongly rejected reported comments made by Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten on press freedom and minority rights, saying such remarks do not reflect a proper understanding of India’s democratic system, social diversity and constitutional values. The response came during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Netherlands. Speaking in The Hague, MEA Secretary West Sibi George defended India’s record on democracy, elections, minority rights and development, making

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Oslo on Monday, May 18, for an official visit to Norway aimed at strengthening India-Norway relations and deepening India’s engagement with Nordic countries. The visit is significant because it marks PM Modi’s first trip to Norway and the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in 43 years. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre received PM Modi on his arrival, reflecting the importance both countries are giving to this

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump on Sunday, May 17, as tensions involving Iran remained high and questions continued over the durability of the ceasefire. The discussion reportedly focused on the war with Iran, regional security conditions and the future of diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing another round of escalation. The call came amid reports that Washington and Jerusalem are weighing their next steps after the ceasefir

Midair Collision at Mountain Home Air Force Base During the Gunfighter Skies Air Show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho, two US Navy EA-18G Growler jets collided midair, resulting in a fiery crash. All four crew members successfully ejected and were evaluated by medical personnel. The incident occurred around 12:10 p.m. local time on Sunday, May 17, prompting the immediate cancellation of the air show. Emergency respo