Date: May 02, 2026 | Time: 11:06 AM IST | Place: West Bengal, India  

President Donald Trump has signaled his intention to maintain a naval blockade on Iranian shipping until Tehran meets U.S. demands, a move that is expected to keep the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed ahead of his planned visit to China. The decision introduces new complications for upcoming diplomatic

A Chinese national accused of hacking U.S. COVID-19 research systems was extradited from Italy on Friday, April 25, 2026, to face federal charges. The FBI links the case to China’s intelligence services and the global HAFNIUM cyber campaign. Chinese hacker extradited from Italy to face U.S. charges in COVID-19 cyber case as federal authorities confirmed that a previously scrutinized trip to Italy in early 2026 helped facilitate the arrest of a Chinese national ac

Global death penalty data shows executions remain concentrated in a few countries, while India issues far more death sentences than the U.S. The global death penalty remains in force in a limited number of countries, but recent figures show that its use is still concentrated in a small group of states. In 2024, Amnesty International recorded 2,087 new death sentences across 46 countries and 1,518 executions in 15 countries, the highest execution total since 2015. The

China has expressed strong disapproval over the United States' blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a “dangerous and irresponsible act” that could escalate tensions in an already volatile region. In a statement issued on April 14, 2026, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that the blockade, which began at 10:00 a.m. ET on Monday, along with increased U.S. military deployment in the area, risks undermining the fragile ceasefire that had

U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday, April 12, 2026, warned that the United States could impose steep new tariffs on China if Beijing is found to be providing military assistance to Iran during the ongoing West As

The ongoing review of the Sabarimala case has attracted significant attention as the Indian government presented its stance to the Supreme Court, urging caution in defining the terms “denomination” and “essential religious practices.” The Centre has argued that any narrow interpretation of these terms would compress the plural and diverse nature of Hinduism, potentially stifling the flexibility and variety of religious practices within the faith. At the heart of the review is the cont

In the midst of the ongoing war, Iran has continued to export millions of barrels of oil, with about 90 ships, including oil tankers, crossing the critical Strait of Hormuz between March 1 and 15, 2026. Despite the waterway being effectively "closed" to most traffic due to the conflict, Iran has managed to keep its oil exports flowing, benefitting from its control over this vital chokepoint. According to maritime traffic data from Lloyd's List Intelligence, Iran has relied on a mix

China on Tuesday announced that it will extend humanitarian assistance to several West Asia countries, including Iran and Lebanon, as the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel enters its third week and continues to escalate. The move reflects Beijing’s growing concern over the worsening humanitarian situation across the region, where sustained military operations have disrupted civilian life and critical infrastructure. Speaking at a regular press briefing, Chinese Foreig

Pop sensation Britney Spears was arrested on March 4, 2026, on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and drugs in Ventura County, California. The singer was detained at 9:30 pm local time and released in the early hours of March 5, according to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department. Following her release, Spears' representative addressed the incident, issuing a statement that emphasized the seriousness of the situation. The representative described the arrest as an "un

The Arctic, once considered remote and largely inaccessible, is emerging as a key area of global strategic interest. China has formally included its “Polar Silk Road” initiative within its broader Belt and Road strategy, signaling an expansion of influence in a region historically dominated by Arctic nations. By calling itself a “near-Arctic state,” Beijing is asserting that its economic and strategic interests extend well beyond its geographical borders, prompting concern from other glo

Gwadar, a port in Pakistan's Balochistan province, has become a focal point for geopolitical tensions, local unrest, and external influence, especially from China. Originally a fishing settlement on the Arabian Sea, it is now home to Pakistan's third-largest port, which plays a crucial role in the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The strategic location of Gwadar, near the Strait of Hormuz, has made it a highly coveted asset for various powers. What is most remarkable about

​Warships from China, Russia and Iran arrived in South African waters on Friday to participate in a week-long multinational naval exercise off the coast of Cape Town, drawing attention amid heightened global tensions and renewed scrutiny of South Africa’s foreign policy positioning. The exercise, titled “Will for Peace 2026,” is being conducted under the framework of the BRICS group of emerging economies and is scheduled to continue until next Friday. South Africa’s armed forces sa

China on Wednesday strongly criticized reported United States demands aimed at reshaping Venezuela’s oil partnerships, calling the move an act of coercion that violates both national sovereignty and international law. Beijing’s response follows media reports that Washington has sought exclusive control over Venezuela’s oil sector as part of its political and economic engagement with the South American nation. Speaking at a regular press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spoke

China has set a new global benchmark in rail transportation technology after successfully accelerating a superconducting magnetic levitation train to a speed of 700 kilometres per hour in just two seconds. The achievement marks the fastest acceleration ever recorded for a maglev system and positions China as the first country to demonstrate this capability using superconducting electric maglev technology. The experiment was conducted by researchers at the National University of Defe

China has strongly criticised a recent Pentagon report, calling it irresponsible, misleading, and an attempt to create divisions between Beijing and New Delhi while exaggerating the so-called China threat narrative. Responding sharply, Chinese officials accused the United States of distorting China’s defence policy and interfering in its internal affairs to justify Washington’s continued military dominance. Speaking at a media briefing in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokes

A woman from Arunachal Pradesh has alleged severe harassment and illegal detention by Chinese immigration authorities at Shanghai Pudong Airport after they refused to recognise her Indian passport during a transit halt. In detailed posts shared on X, Pema Wang Thongdok described an ordeal that lasted nearly eighteen hours on November 21, when officials insisted her passport was invalid simply because her birthplace was listed as Arunachal Pradesh, which Beijing claims as its territory.

Amid heightened tensions in the Indo-Pacific, two separate US Navy aircraft — a helicopter and a fighter jet — crashed into the South China Sea on Sunday during routine operations. The incidents have reignited regional security concerns as the United States continues its strategic presence in the disputed waters, where China maintains sweeping territorial claims. According to a statement from the US Pacific Fleet, the first incident involved an MH-60R Seahawk helicopter assigned