India has strongly raised concerns over the safety of its merchant seafarers after four Indian crew members were killed in a Russian missile strike on a cargo vessel in the Black Sea. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar discussed the issue with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Manila. The discussion highlighted India's demand for better protection of civilian merchant mar

The Trump administration's handling of the Iran conflict came under intense scrutiny during a Senate hearing after a heated confrontation between Senator Gary Peters and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. The exchange quickly became the hearing's defining moment as lawmakers debated military strategy, troop support and billions of dollars in additional defence spending. The hearing also examined whether the administration has a clear long-term plan for the

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed India-US trade, tariff concerns, defence ties, energy cooperation, critical minerals and artificial intelligence during talks in Manila. Their meeting reflected continued diplomatic engagement as both countries work through commercial differences while expanding their strategic partnership. India-US Trade and Tariff Talks

Amnesty International has called for an independent investigation into the Pakistan Kabul rehab strike that killed at least 269 people at a drug treatment centre in Afghanistan. The rights group says evidence gathered from the site does not support Pakistan’s claim that its forces attacked a military facility. Pakistan Kabul Rehab Strike Under Scrutiny The March 16 airstrike hit the Omid Reha

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has renewed his call for the ICC arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to be enforced, following President Donald Trump's statement that Netanyahu would not be arrested if he visits the United States. The remarks have intensified debate over international law and US policy. Mamdani Urges ICC Warrant Against Netanyahu Be Enforced   Mamdani Calls for ICC Arrest Wa

The most liveable cities 2026 rankings place Copenhagen at the top for the second consecutive year, followed by Vienna and Melbourne. Australia, Switzerland and Japan dominate the top 10, while no Indian city makes the top 100 and Karachi ranks among the world's least liveable cities. World's Most Liveable Cities 2026: Copenhagen Tops Global List  

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed Mykhailo Drapatyi as Ukraine’s new army chief, replacing Oleksandr Syrskyi amid nationwide protests. The leadership change places military reform, technology, mobilisation and long-range strikes at the centre of Ukraine’s war strategy. Zelensky Appoints Mykhailo Drapatyi as Ukraine Army Chief   Mykhailo Drapatyi Becomes Ukraine Army Chief

Trump's generic drug tariff plan introduces a phased import duty that could reach 200% within three years, encouraging pharmaceutical companies to manufacture in the United States. The proposal could significantly affect India's pharmaceutical industry, which supplies nearly 40% of generic medicines used in the US. Trump Generic Drug Tariffs Target India Pharma Export

The US military campaign against Iran now carries an estimated cost of $37.5 billion, according to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. The updated figure includes projected expenses through September as the Pentagon seeks additional funding while defending the effectiveness of operations against Iran before Congress. US Military Campaign Against Iran Costs $37.5 Billion

The UK approves US military bases for Iran operations under Prime Minister Andy Burnham, continuing Britain's defense cooperation with Washington. The decision allows US aircraft to operate from Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford for defensive missions linked to Iran missile threats and Strait of Hormuz security, while raising political and legal debate within the UK. UK

Indian-origin Labour politician Kanishka Narayan has been appointed the United Kingdom’s Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence in Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s new government. The promotion expands Narayan’s UK AI role and places him at the centre of Britain’s plans for artificial intelligence, online safety, technology investment and economic growth. Kanishka Narayan UK AI role

The reported US strike on a surveillance tower at Iran’s Chabahar port complex has renewed questions about India’s long-term strategy in the region. However, the incident must be described accurately. US Central Command said its forces destroyed a surveillance tower at Shahid Kalantari Port that it linked to an Iranian maritime monitoring network. Iranian port authorities disputed that characterisation, describing the installation as a civilian maritime traffic and r

Wes Streeting appointed UK defence secretary marks one of the biggest changes in Prime Minister Andy Burnham's first cabinet. The appointment follows a major Labour reshuffle that moved John Healey to the Treasury while placing Streeting in charge of Britain's defence strategy, armed forces and support for international allies. Wes Streeting Appointed UK Defence Secretary by Andy Burnham   Andy Burnham Cabinet Reshuff

Mark Carney responds to US 50% tariffs by reaffirming Canada's commitment to free and fair trade while expressing readiness for negotiations with Washington. The Canadian prime minister says Ottawa will continue supporting workers, businesses and families as trade tensions escalate over dairy, automobiles and alcoholic beverages. Mark Carney Responds to US 50% Tariff

Andy Burnham Cabinet Reshuffle Removes Starmer Allies Andy Burnham’s cabinet reshuffle has placed trusted allies and experienced Labour figures in senior government roles while removing several ministers associated with Keir Starmer. The appointments signal a change in political direction as the new prime minister begins shaping his economic and domestic agenda. Andy Burnham Cabinet Takes Shape

US imposes 50% tariff on Canadian goods as the Trump administration escalates trade tensions with its northern neighbour. The new duties target products including hockey sticks, wine and cement, while Washington cites unfair trade practices and retaliatory Canadian policies as the reason for the move. US Imposes 50% Tariff on Canadian Goods Amid Trade Dispute &n

Pakistan poverty rate rises to 28.9% as years of economic instability, inflation and weak growth continue to strain households. The latest national survey shows rural communities suffering the most, while declining incomes and rising living costs have pushed millions more people below the poverty line across the country. Pakistan Poverty Rate Rises to 28.9% Amid Econ

The Baramulla Saudi jail release has brought relief to Amjad Ali Bhat’s family after the 29-year-old nurse returned from Saudi Arabia. His detention in Dammam, questions about a Facebook post and his family’s appeals for information had caused months of anxiety. Amjad Amjad Ali Bhat, a resident of Gund Ibrahim in Baramulla district’s

The Indian Embassy in Tehran has advised citizens to postpone travel to Iran and urged those already in the country to consider leaving temporarily as the regional security situation deteriorates. The updated advisory follows renewed military escalation and asks Indians to remain vigilant, register with the embassy and avoid high-risk areas. Indian Embassy Ir