In a significant move amid the ongoing Middle East crisis, Japan has become the first G7 nation to announce the release of its strategic oil reserves. This decision comes in response to the geopolitical tensions affecting the global oil market and concerns over potential disruptions in the supply of crude oil. Japan's action is aimed at maintaining energy security and stabilizing oil prices, which have been fluctuating due to the crisis in the Middle East. As one of the world's larg

India has approved changes to its foreign direct investment policy to allow Chinese companies to invest in selected sectors, marking a cautious step toward improving economic ties between the two countries after years of strained relations. The decision was cleared by the Union Cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and is aimed at easing investment constraints faced by certain industries while strengthening domestic manufacturing capacity. Under the revised policy framework, C

War brings immense suffering, and some weapons cause such devastation that their use has been heavily restricted or banned under international law. One such weapon, white phosphorus, recently drew international condemnation when Israel was accused of using it in civilian areas of Lebanon. Like white phosphorus, several other weapons have been banned for their harmful impact on both combatants and civilians. Here are 10 weapons that are either restricted or outright banned due to the

India has granted emergency docking permission to an Iranian naval vessel at Kochi and arranged accommodation for its crew after the ship reported technical difficulties, according to government sources. The Iranian vessel, identified as IRIS Lavan, arrived at Kochi on 4 March after receiving approval from Indian authorities earlier this month. Government officials said the request from Iran was received on 28 February 2026, stating that the ship required urgent docking due to technical issu

In a tragic incident, two Indian Air Force pilots were killed after their Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter jet crashed in the Karbi Anglong district of Assam. The aircraft, which was on a routine training mission, went missing shortly after taking off from the Jorhat airbase, located about 60 km away from the crash site. The missing jet was reported to have lost contact with the control tower at approximately 7:42 pm, and it was later discovered to have crashed in a remote, hilly region. Residents of

For decades, a recurring argument during periods of American involvement in the Middle East has been that such conflicts are driven by access to oil. However, the United States’ position in the global energy landscape has shifted dramatically over the past decade. Once heavily dependent on foreign imports, the country has transformed into one of the world’s largest producers of oil and natural gas, reshaping both global energy markets and geopolitical calculations. Recent figures from th

In response to the escalating crisis in the Middle East, Russia is preparing to ship 9.5 million barrels of crude oil to India. This move comes as India faces severe supply disruptions, particularly after Iranian attacks targeted vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil route that handles 40% of India's crude imports. The current geopolitical tensions have left India vulnerable, as its crude stocks cover only about 25 days of demand, and inventories of refined products like gasoline, g

India is preparing to buy five additional squadrons of the Russian‑made S‑400 Triumf long‑range air defence missile system, a plan driven by the system’s highly effective performance during last year’s Operation Sindoor. The move aims to significantly bolster the Indian Air Force’s layered air defence network across both eastern and western fronts against evolving aerial threats. Defence ministry sources say the proposal from the Indian Air Force will soon be taken up fo

Bolivian authorities are working urgently to recover and destroy millions of banknotes that were scattered across the city of El Alto after a deadly cargo plane crash near El Alto International Airport on Friday afternoon. The accident killed at least 22 people and left around 37 others injured, with many victims struck as the aircraft went down in a densely populated area close to the airport. The military cargo plane was transporting newly printed currency intended for the country’s cent

India on Saturday, February 28, called on all parties involved in the escalating military confrontation across West Asia to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation, stressing that the safety of civilians must remain the highest priority. The Ministry of External Affairs said dialogue and diplomacy were essential to reduce tensions following the rapid spread of hostilities involving the United States, Israel and Iran. The ministry stated that sovereignty and territorial integrity of al

India remains steadfast in its fight against terrorism in all its forms, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said while addressing the High-Level Segment of the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council virtually on Wednesday. He asserted that attacks on innocent civilians can never be justified under any circumstances and called for a unified global response rooted in a zero tolerance approach to terrorism. Speaking at the UNHRC session, Jaishankar urged the Unite

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Israel, has strongly reiterated India's stance on the Gaza issue, emphasizing that humanity must never fall victim to conflict. Speaking at a joint press briefing with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, PM Modi expressed India's unwavering support for the Gaza Peace Plan, which was endorsed by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). He stated that the plan creates a pathway toward peace in the region and reinforced India's commitme

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a significant gesture during his private dinner with Prime Minister Narendra Modi by wearing a traditional Indian jacket, warmly greeting the Indian leader. This thoughtful attire choice was widely seen as a symbol of the growing strategic partnership between India and Israel. The move not only emphasized the strengthening diplomatic and defense ties but also highlighted the personal rapport shared by both leaders, underscoring the deepening coop

In a surprising turn of events, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has launched a sharp attack on President Mohammed Shahabuddin, following his public criticism of the Muhammad Yunus-led interim regime. Rahman’s comments, which came shortly after Shahabuddin revealed his experiences under the Yunus administration, inadvertently exposed a deeper connection between Bangladesh’s Islamist groups and the interim regime, hinting at a tacit alliance that has shaped the country's po

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has concluded a rare party congress with a pointed message to the United States, stating that Pyongyang could improve relations with Washington if it is recognised as a nuclear power. At the same time, he hardened his stance toward South Korea, describing it as the country’s “most hostile” enemy and ruling out further engagement. According to state media reports released on February 26, Kim said there was “no reason” North Korea and the Unit

Canada’s immigration authorities have declined to comment on the specific citizenship case of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a Pakistani-born Canadian citizen accused of involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, citing privacy laws and respect for ongoing legal proceedings. However, officials have reiterated that fraud and misrepresentation remain valid grounds for citizenship revocation under Canadian law. In a statement, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said it c

The United States Treasury Department announced on Wednesday that it has imposed sanctions on more than 30 individuals, entities, and vessels accused of facilitating illicit Iran oil sales and supporting Tehran’s weapons programs. The action, carried out through the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), forms part of Washington’s continuing maximum pressure campaign aimed at curbing Iran’s military capabilities and financial networks. According to the Treasury, the measures

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Wednesday conferred with the prestigious Speaker of the Knesset Medal, marking a significant milestone in India-Israel relations. The honour, considered the highest award of Israel’s Parliament, was presented in recognition of Modi’s exceptional contribution to strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations. Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana presented the medal to the Indian prime minister following his address to the Israeli Parliam

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a standing ovation in Israel’s parliament on Wednesday as he delivered a historic address to the Knesset, becoming the first Indian prime minister to speak before the Israeli legislature. Lawmakers rose to their feet and chanted his name as Modi began his remarks by conveying greetings from 1.4 billion Indians. In his speech, the prime minister strongly condemned terrorism and reiterated India’s firm policy of zero tolerance toward ex