The White House Counsel’s Office is holding private briefings for political appointees to prepare them for potential congressional oversight, amid growing anticipation of Democratic gains in the upcoming November midterm elections. These sessions, which last around 30 minutes, focus on how congressional oversight works and best practices for responding to inquiries, according to sources familiar with the matter. The briefings include a PowerPoint presentation and advice on how to handle written communications, urging appointees to respond quickly to any congressional requests. As the administration prepares for a potential shift in power, some officials believe that it is increasingly likely that Republicans could lose control of one or both chambers of Congress. One participant described the tone of the discussions as "sober-eyed," reflecting the serious nature of the preparations. A White House official defended the briefings, stating that they are part of ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with regulations, adding that such sessions are not new, but have gained greater emphasis in the context of the upcoming elections. The focus on the midterm elections reflects growing concerns within the administration, particularly as President Donald Trump’s approval ratings have faced pressure amid economic challenges and international issues, such as the ongoing Iran conflict. Recent polling from a Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos survey shows Democrats holding a five-point advantage in congressional preference. During Trump’s first term, his administration faced numerous congressional investigations, many of which were perceived by some as politically motivated. With the potential for a Democratic-controlled Congress, there are fears of renewed impeachment discussions, especially following recent remarks by Trump about the Iran situation. “You’ve got to win the midterms, because if we don’t win the midterms, they’ll find a reason to impeach me,” Trump warned earlier this year.

Date: May 2, 2026 | Time: 04:30 PM IST | Place: Southern Lebanon, Lebanon   At least 13 people have been killed in Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. The airstrikes targeted multiple areas, with the most significant fatalities reported in Haboush, located in the Nabatieh district, where two women and a child were among the eight killed. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had issued an evacuation order for residents in these areas, but th

Violent Attack on French Nun in Jerusalem A shocking attack on a French Catholic nun in Jerusalem has sparked widespread outrage, drawing condemnation from both Israel's foreign ministry and France's consulate. This incident, which took place on a Jerusalem street, has raised significant concerns about the rising hostility toward the Christian community and its symbols in the region. Authorities h

The United States is accelerating efforts to form a global coalition to secure the Strait of Hormuz, as the ongoing US-Iran conflict continues to disrupt critical shipping routes and drive volatility in global oil trade. The initiative, known as the Maritime Freedom Construct, aims to coordinate international maritime security, sanctions policy, and intelligence sharing to ensure safe navigation through one of the world’s most strategic waterways. The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow pa

India condemns Mali terror attacks after minister killed, highlights global security risks and support for Sahel stability. The Government of India issued a strong condemnation on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 (IST), following a series of coordinated terrorist attacks across Mali that resulted in significant casualties and heightened regional instability. In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs expressed condolences to victims’ families and affirmed solidarity with Mali’s government and citizens. Coordinated assaults escalate violence across Mali The wave of violence began on Saturday, April 25, 2026, when militant group Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin joined forces with Tuareg separatists from the Front de libération de l'Azawad. Together, they launched synchronized attacks targeting key locations from the capital Bamako to northern regions. The coordinated nature of the assaults marked one of the most significant escalations of violence in the country in recent years. Death of defense minister shocks leadership Among those killed was Sadio Camara, Mali’s Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, who died in a targeted strike during the offensive. His death has sent shockwaves through Mali’s political and military leadership, raising concerns about the capacity of state institutions to counter increasingly sophisticated insurgent operations. India reiterates zero tolerance on terrorism In its statement, New Delhi emphasized its longstanding policy of zero tolerance toward terrorism. The government reaffirmed its commitment to combating extremist violence in all forms and voiced support for international efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the Sahel region. Officials in New Delhi indicated that the scale and coordination of the attacks reflect evolving threats posed by transnational militant networks. Broader implications for Sahel stability The attacks have intensified concerns within India’s strategic community that Mali could become a more entrenched base for global terror groups. While India has historically maintained a measured relationship with Bamako focused on development and capacity building, the latest violence underscores growing instability across the Sahel. Analysts warn that continued unrest may have wider implications for international security and counterterrorism efforts.

US missile stockpile concerns during Iran war

Debate over rhetoric intensifies after Washington shooting White House shooting sparks political blame and media backlash as a weekend incident tied to threats against President Donald Trump fueled a sharp exchange between media figures and administration officials. The shooting occurred Saturday night, though authorities have not publicly released a precise time.

FBI Director Kash Patel faces growing exit speculation amid Trump administration reshuffle talks, controversy, and a $250 million defamation lawsuit over media allegations. FBI Director Kash Patel may exit amid Trump administration reshuffle talks as speculation intensifies within Washington over potential leadership changes, according to a report that cites unnamed senior officials familiar with internal discussions. The report did not specify a date or time for t

Jay Shah has been named to the Young Global Leaders Class of 2026 by the World Economic Forum, marking a significant milestone in his rising influence within global cricket governance. The annual list highlights individuals under the age of 40 who are shaping industries worldwide, with this year’s cohort re

Bihar is witnessing a significant political shift as Samrat Choudhary prepares to take the oath of office as the state's 24th chief minister. This move marks a historic moment, with Samrat Choudhary becoming the first BJP leader to hold the chief minister's post in Bihar. The swearing-in ceremony will be held at Lok Bhavan on Wednesday at 10:50 AM, where Governor Syed Ata Hasnain will administer the oath. The event will be attended by key NDA leaders, including BJP national president Nitin Nabin, Union minister J.P. Nadda, and Union ministers Chirag Paswan and Jitan Ram Manjhi. The political transition follows the resignation of JD(U) president Nitish Kumar, who stepped down as CM on Tuesday after being sworn in as a Rajya Sabha member. The NDA legislators unanimously elected Samrat Choudhary as their leader in a meeting, signaling the new government's formation. After meeting with the Governor, Choudhary staked his claim to form the government. The induction of only three leaders initially hints at a "small cabinet," with future expansions expected next month. As of now, 33 ministerial posts will remain vacant following the ceremony. The political shift also includes the induction of two deputy chief ministers from JD(U): Vijay Kumar Choudhary and Bijendra Prasad Yadav. This move signifies the continuing cooperation between BJP and JD(U), even as Nitish Kumar exits the stage after serving as Bihar’s longest-serving CM. His departure marks the end of an era, as he had been in office for 10 terms since 2005. Samrat Choudhary's ascent to the top position within the NDA is viewed as a result of his steady political career, having originally started with RJD before joining the BJP in 2017. His election as CM is seen as a strategic choice after Nitish Kumar's exit and reflects the changing dynamics within Bihar’s political landscape. This transition also came with emotional farewells, as Nitish Kumar paid tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on his final day as CM and assured full cooperation to the incoming government. In contrast, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav mocked Choudhary, labeling him a “product of Lalu ji’s school” and questioning the legitimacy of the NDA's mandate, considering it contested elections under Nitish Kumar’s leadership. However, BJP leaders and workers expressed their enthusiasm, calling this a monumental moment for the party in Bihar's political scene. As Bihar’s political future unfolds, Samrat Choudhary's leadership and the ongoing NDA alliance will play a pivotal role in the state’s development and governance in the coming years.

NEW YORK — The Trump administration has agreed to continue flying a rainbow Pride flag at the Stonewall National Monument, reversing a February decision that had sparked legal challenges and public criticism. The agreement was disclosed in court filings on Monday, February 2026, as part of an effort to resolve a lawsuit brought by LGBTQ+ advocacy and historic preservation groups. The settlement remains subject to approval by a federal judge. According to the filing, the Department o

A former member of Australia’s armed forces, widely recognized for his military honors, has been arrested and is expected to face multiple war crime charges tied to alleged killings in Afghanistan. Authorities confirmed the arrest took place at Sydney Airport on Tuesday, though an exact date and time were not disclosed. The individual, identified by police as a 47-year-old former Australian Defence Force member and publicly named as Ben Roberts-Smith, is set to be charged with fiv

President Droupadi Murmu is likely to visit Rourkela, Odisha, on April 21, 2026, for a series of programmes in the steel city, according to Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram. Oram, who is also the Lok Sabha MP for Sundergarh (which includes Rourkela), confirmed the visit after meeting with Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar. Although the final schedule has not yet been confirmed, the visit is expected to focus on key issues in the region.

On April 5, 2026, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar held crucial telephonic discussions with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani and

The United States has lifted sanctions on Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez, signaling a significant shift in diplomatic relations between the two countries. The decision follows a series of developments after US forces removed former leader Nicolás Maduro from power in a military operation in Caracas and brought him to New York to face drug trafficking charges. Rodríguez, a longtime ally of Maduro and former vice president, had been under US sanctions since 2018 ov

The White House has stirred up fresh controversy amidst the ongoing conflict with Iran by linking the deaths of senior Iranian leaders to failed negotiations with the United States. During a recent briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt claimed that these leaders were eliminated due to misleading the US government during talks aimed at ending the war. Leavitt’s explosive remarks suggested that these leaders had "strung" the US along in negotiations under the previous Trump a

WASHINGTON — Thousands of soldiers from the United States Army’s elite 82nd Airborne Division have begun arriving in the Middle East as of Monday, March 30, 2026, according to U.S. officials, marking a significant escalation in military positioning as President Donald Trump considers next steps in the ongoing conflict with Iran. The deployment adds to a growing U.S. presence in the region, following the recent arrival of approximately 2,500 Marines over the weekend. The paratroope

On March 25, 2026, Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman marked Genocide Day with a powerful message that signaled a clear shift from the softer approach to Pakistan observed during the previous interim government under Muhammad Yunus. Rahman’s remarks were made on social media, describing March 25, 1971, as "one of the most disgraceful and brutal days" in the country's history, highlighting the atrocities carried out by Pakistani forces during Operation Searchlight. Rahman recounted how

A Colombian military aircraft carrying 110 soldiers crashed shortly after take-off in the country’s remote southern Amazon region on Monday, prompting an urgent emergency response and raising concerns over potential casualties. The aircraft, identified as a Lockheed Martin Hercules C-130, went down near Puerto Leguzamo, a town located close to the border with Peru, according to officials from the defence ministry. Preliminary reports indicate that the aircraft had just departed when the in

The Trump administration has filed a major lawsuit against Harvard University, alleging violations of civil rights protections for Jewish and Israeli students and faculty. The case, submitted by the Department of Justice in a federal district court in Boston on March 20, 2026, accuses the university of failing to address what officials describe as widespread antisemitism and discriminatory practices on campus. According to the complaint, Harvard is alleged to have ignored repeated incidents