F-35 Parts in Hong Kong Trigger Pentagon Security Probe Sensitive F-35 parts in Hong Kong have triggered a US security investigation after components traveling from Australia to the United States for repair were unexpectedly diverted. The Pentagon probe involves an F-35 canopy and raises questions about the supply chain, spare parts security and aircraft readiness. F-35 canopy raises sec

US President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping Russia sanctions law that gives Washington new authority to impose targeted tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil and natural gas, placing India under renewed trade scrutiny. The White House confirmed that Trump signed H.R. 5334, the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, on September 18. The administration said the law expands statutory sanctions, tariffs a

WASHINGTON – Trump global views are under renewed scrutiny as international polling, US policy debates, Trump poll findings, midterms and the coming UN debate put Washington’s international standing in focus. Global opinion President Donald Trump has repeatedly argued that the United States commands greater respect abroad under his leadership. However, Pew Research Center’s 2026 internati

Ukraine plans record defence and security spending of 4.885 trillion hryvnias, about $110 billion, in its draft 2027 budget. The allocation equals 43.8% of projected GDP, while Kyiv says it will need $52.6 billion in international support to keep its wartime finances stable. Ukraine defence budget reaches wartime record Ukraine’s government has proposed 4.885 trillion hryvnias for defence and security in 2027, an increase of 517.9 bill

The US is investigating a possible Iran link to cyberattacks on two Texas-bound energy tankers after Coast Guard and FBI teams found evidence of malicious cyber activity. Officials have not attributed the attacks to Tehran, but the incidents are raising concerns about maritime cyber threats and critical infrastructure. Tanker cyberattack triggers US investigation US Coast Guard personnel and FBI cyber specialists boarded two foreign-flag

West Town Chicago has been ranked No. 18 on Time Out’s 2026 list of the world’s coolest neighborhoods. The West Side district was recognized for its restaurants, nightlife, cultural spaces, independent businesses and community character, joining Los Angeles and New York on the list. West Town ranks No. 18 worldwide Chicago’s West Town has been ranked No. 18 on Time Out’s 2026 list of th

Canada EU associate membership has emerged as a new flashpoint in transatlantic relations after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed a deeper partnership with Ottawa and US President Donald Trump threatened tougher tariffs if Washington viewed the arrangement as hostile. Canada EU associate membership proposal takes shape Von der Leyen proposed making Canada the European Union’s first “associate member” durin

India remains on the US list of major drug transit or illicit drug-producing countries for fiscal year 2027, but President Donald Trump has also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s anti-opium efforts and called for continued cooperation under the US-India Drug Policy Framework. Trump praises Modi’s anti-opium drive US President Donald Trump welcomed India’s efforts to curb illicit opium poppy cultivation while issuing his admini

A new Israel settler poll has exposed a sharp divide over violence in the West Bank as the October 27 election approaches. The JPPI survey on Qusra, growing diplomatic pressure over settlements and Gaza’s humanitarian strain are all shaping a tense campaign. Qusra poll shows split over settler violence The Jewish People Policy Institute surveyed Israelis from September 1 to 3 after violence in Qusra, where dozens of masked Israeli civi

The Mecca drone row has intensified Saudi-Houthi tensions after Riyadh said its air defenses intercepted a drone approaching the holy city. The Houthis denied targeting Mecca and separately claimed they shot down a Saudi F-15 over Yemen’s Marib province. Mecca drone row raises security concerns Saudi Arabia condemned what it described as an attempt by Yemen’s Houthis to target Mecca after t

Russia and Ukraine intensified attacks on industrial, transport and energy infrastructure in mid-September, with Moscow saying it struck Ukrainian steel facilities and cargo vessels while Kyiv reported drone attacks on Russian industrial sites. The exchanges underline how both sides are increasingly targeting economic assets beyond the front line. Russia Ukraine industrial strikes hit major steel facilities

Israel is facing widening diplomatic pressure over Gaza, settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank and its relations with traditional allies. The debate intensified after Jared Kushner said the Trump administration used Israel's isolation following the Doha strike to help advance a Gaza deal.    Doha strike Gaza deal increased diplomatic pressure Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump's son-in-law and s

A Stockport husband has admitted 60 offences against his wife after pleading guilty to the remaining charges in a case involving more than two decades of sexual abuse. The man, who cannot legally be identified because doing so could reveal his wife's identity, remains in custody while related proceedings continue. Stockport husband guilty plea reaches 60 offences The man, who is in his 60s and

A new UK breakup independence push has brought Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland into an unusually coordinated constitutional debate, with nationalist leaders arguing that decisions over their political futures should rest with voters in their respective nations. The development places fresh pressure on Westminster while raising difficult questions over how any future referendums would legally proceed. Scotland independence bid gain

Indian-origin woman shot dead after stalking in California has raised concerns over repeated harassment and restraining order violations. Shalini Thakur was killed in a Sacramento shooting, while police later found the suspect dead after a Highway 50 operation.  Indian-origin woman shot dead after stalking in California A 38-year-old Indian-origin woman, identified as Shalini Thakur, was shot d

India BRICS joint statement consensus was achieved after intense negotiations involving Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The breakthrough highlights India BRICS diplomacy as New Delhi hosts the BRICS Summit 2026 amid West Asia tensions.  Iran Saudi Arabia UAE talks pave way for consensus India managed to secure agreement on the BRICS joint statement after negotiations continued into the early hours, rep

A major Hezbollah tunnel blast in southern Lebanon sent shockwaves across Nabatieh after Israeli forces detonated explosives beneath the Ali al-Taher ridge. The operation destroyed underground infrastructure that Israel said had been used by Hezbollah for command, weapons storage and attacks near the border. Ali Taher blast shakes southern Lebanon The Ali Taher blast took place on September 10

The 18th BRICS Summit in Delhi 2026 brings leaders together for BRICS bilateral meetings, the BRICS Business Forum, trade cooperation and Global South diplomacy under India’s BRICS chairship.  

Vice President JD Vance’s speech at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas was briefly disrupted when a protester stood on the convention floor and waved a Mexican flag. The JD Vance Dallas protest interrupted remarks focused on immigration, national identity and the Republican Party’s midterm message. Mexican flag The protester rose during Vance’s speech, held the Mexican flag above

New Delhi is preparing a carefully planned cultural programme for the spouses and family members accompanying BRICS leaders, combining India’s political heritage, traditional crafts, modern art and hospitality. The BRICS Delhi cultural tour will run alongside summit-related engagements as India hosts the BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, 2026. The programme is expected to take visiting family members beyond the