China has announced a 7.2% increase in its defence budget for 2024, raising military spending to $249 billion as the country continues its aggressive modernization efforts amid escalating regional tensions. The budget, which was revealed in a draft report submitted to the National People's Congress (NPC) by Premier Li Qiang, underscores China’s strategic focus on military expansion in the Taiwan Strait, South China Sea, and its border with India. This increase follows China’s

Tensions between Israel and Hamas have escalated once again as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced a complete halt to aid and supplies into Gaza. This decision follows a deadlock in ceasefire negotiations, with Israel demanding a new hostage release deal and Hamas rejecting the revised proposal.The fragile six-week ceasefire, brokered with the help of Egypt and Qatar, now hangs in the balance as both sides refuse to compromise on key demands. While Israel insist

The Trump administration has announced a new measure requiring undocumented immigrants in the U.S. to register with the federal government. The mandatory registry, enforced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), applies to all individuals aged 14 and older who do not have legal status in the country. Those who fail to comply could face fines, imprisonment, or deportation.This move is part of the administration’s broader crackd

For many young people in Punjab, the United States represents the ultimate dream destination, offering the promise of higher earnings and better living standards. However, the increasing trend of illegal migration has exposed many individuals to significant risks, including financial ruin, life-threatening journeys, and legal consequences. The desire for a better future drives thousands to seek unlawful entry into the US, often facilitated by unscrupulous agents who exploit their desperation.

On Friday, a motion to suspend opposition members from the parliamentary panel discussing the Waqf Amendment Bill was passed after protests and allegations of hasty proceedings. BJP's Nishikant Dubey moved the motion, which was supported by the committee, resulting in the suspension of several opposition members, including Kalyan Banerjee, Mohammad Jawed, A Raja, Asaduddin Owaisi, Naseer Hussain, Mohibullah, Mohamed Abdullah, Arvind Sawant, Nadeem-ul Haque, and Imran Masood. The

In a significant operation, 14 Maoists were killed in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Gariaband district. The operation, which took place late Monday night into Tuesday morning, resulted in the death of Chalpati, a senior Maoist leader with a Rs 1 crore bounty on his head. The encounter occurred in the Kularighat reserve forest, located along the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border, just 5 km from Odisha's Nuapada district. A joint team of security forces, includi

Team India's crushing 3-1 defeat to Australia in the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy has triggered intense debate over the future of star players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Their poor performances have left their places in the Test team uncertain, with increasing criticism over their lack of commitment to domestic cricket. A former BCCI official has called for a "strict message" to be sent to underperforming players, urging the selection committee to take stronger action.

Xi Jinping's Recent Speech and Military Drills Chinese President Xi Jinping's New Year's speech included a stern message about Taiwan, emphasizing that China's reunification with the island is inevitable and unstoppable. To underline this position, China’s military, specifically the People's Liberation Army Navy, conducted a series of military drills near Taiwan's Kinmen and Matsu islands. These islands, which are closer to mainland China than to Taiwan, a

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh expressed regret for the ethnic violence that has plagued the northeastern state since May 2023. In a heartfelt apology, Singh acknowledged the lives lost and the displacement of many people due to the ongoing clashes. He emphasized the need for reconciliation and healing among the state's diverse communities, particularly between the Meitei and Kuki tribes. Despite the challenges, he expressed optimism for the future, stating that peace and normalcy c

Pakistan, a country grappling with terrorism, political instability, and economic challenges, has once again found itself in a precarious diplomatic situation with its long-time ally, China. The latest controversy centers around Pakistan's attempt to negotiate over the use of Gwadar port in Balochistan, which is part of the ambitious China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). During a high-level meeting, Pakistan reportedly demanded that China provide a second-strike nuclear capability in e

India and China have reached a significant agreement on six points to resolve their long-standing border issues. This agreement was made during a meeting between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, marking the first Special Representative-level discussions since the 2020 border clashes. Key points of the agreement include maintaining peace at the border, cross-border tourism in Tibet, resuming Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, and boosting Nathu La border trade.

A shocking revelation from the Financial Times has disclosed that ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime airlifted around $250 million to Moscow between 2018 and 2019. The cash, including nearly two tonnes of $100 bills and €500 notes, was flown to Moscow’s Vnukovo airport and deposited in Russian banks under sanctions. This move was part of Assad's efforts to bypass Western sanctions that isolated Syria from the global financial system. During this time,

The fall of Bashar al-Assad’s 50-year regime has ushered in a new chapter for Syria, marked by jubilation and uncertainty. In Damascus, crowds celebrated the regime's collapse, while other groups, including rebel factions, engaged in efforts to stabilize the country and fill the power vacuum left behind. Syrian journalist Abdo Fayyad attributes this shift to the 2016 opposition victories in Idlib, which laid the groundwork for today’s rebel advances. While the future

The potential fall of Syria’s Assad regime poses a serious challenge for Russia’s foreign policy and military strategy. One of Moscow's most prized assets from its involvement in Syria has been its naval base at Tartus, located on the Mediterranean coast. However, recent developments, including the departure of Russian warships from Tartus, signal that Moscow's long-term access to this crucial facility is at risk. This would be a major blow to Russia, which has historicall

In a significant development, at least 75 Indian nationals have been evacuated from war-torn Syria, where rebel forces have overthrown President Bashar al-Assad’s government. The evacuees, including 44 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir stranded at Saida Zainab, have safely crossed into Lebanon and will return to India by commercial flights, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. The evacuation follows multiple requests from Indian nationals and an assessment of the evolv

Israeli warplanes carried out airstrikes on military targets in Syria after Israeli troops seized a buffer zone, previously established after the 1973 Middle East war. The military said it would deploy forces in additional locations essential for Israel’s defense, though it denied advancing toward Damascus. On the same day, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu testified in his long-running corruption trial, denying charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. Netanyahu called the charge

Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, a key Syrian rebel leader, has pledged that Syria's new government will pursue accountability for senior officials who were responsible for the brutal tactics of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, including widespread torture and abuse. After leading a successful offensive that toppled Assad, al-Jolani met with outgoing Prime Minister Mohammed al-Jalali to discuss power transfer and services for the Syrian people. The rebel statement emphasized that the new administra

In recent developments, Israeli airstrikes have killed at least six people in the Gaza Strip, further intensifying the ongoing conflict. Simultaneously, Russia has granted asylum to Syrian President Bashar Assad as his regime faces an uncertain future following a series of upheavals. The U.N. Security Council has scheduled emergency consultations to address the Syrian crisis, with calls for war crimes accountability and a smooth political transition. The U.N. human rights chief, Volker Tü

Rebel forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) have launched a major offensive against the Syrian government, pushing closer to Homs after capturing Aleppo and Hama in a swift military campaign. The rebels, aiming to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, are now just five kilometers from Homs, Syria’s third-largest city, which would sever the crucial connection between the capital, Damascus, and the Assad regime’s stronghold on the Mediterranean coast. This would rep

India's practice sessions for the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test series against Australia have been closed to fans after a disruptive event during the team’s training in Adelaide. Fans, who were initially allowed to watch the training, became a source of distraction with rude comments directed at the players. The situation worsened during India’s session, where over 3000 fans gathered, overwhelming the practice facility. This caused a chaotic environment with players like