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Despite repeated offers from Russia, India has so far refrained from committing to the acquisition of the Sukhoi Su‑57, Moscow’s fifth‑generation stealth fighter aircraft. While Russian officials claim they have offered India unprecedented concessions—including full technology transfer, access to source codes, and assistance in India’s indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme—the proposed deal continues to face significant hurdles. Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has stated that technical‑level discussions with India are at an advanced stage. UAC CEO Vadim Badekha recently said that the Su‑57 could be manufactured in India under the “Make in India” initiative, potentially using existing facilities that currently produce the Su‑30MKI. Russian officials have ...

Washington: Former US President Donald Trump is reportedly preparing for a major but targeted military operation against Iran, focusing on secret strikes on nuclear facilities, missile production sites, and high‑risk special forces missions aimed at destabilising Tehran’s ruling system—without launching a full‑scale war. According to reports, the Trump administration is considering a strategy that avoids a conventional invasion while seeking to cripple Iran’s nuclear ambitions and potentially trigger a leadership change. The plan involves rapid airstrikes on key nuclear and ballistic missile installations, combined with covert ground operations by elite US special forces deployed briefly on Iranian soil before withdrawing. US Planning Targeted Military Operations The New York Time...

Washington/Ottawa: Independence demands from Canada’s western province of Alberta have intensified, drawing international attention and sparking tensions in Ottawa. Separatist groups in Alberta are reportedly seeking support from former US President Donald Trump to push for a referendum on breaking away from Canada, a move that has angered Canadian authorities. Alberta, often called Canada’s energy province, produces 84% of the country’s oil and is home to about five million people. The province’s landscape includes the Rocky Mountains and tourist destinations such as Banff and Lake Louise. Politically, Alberta is considered a conservative stronghold, although urban areas lean more progressive. Premier Danielle Smith, a close ally of Trump and other Republican leaders, visited Trump at ...

Tehran: Rising tensions between the United States and Iran have sparked global concern, as the US dispatches additional warships to the Middle East while the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln remains on station. Countries like Qatar and Turkey are reportedly attempting to mediate and prevent escalation. Speculation continues over whether former US President Donald Trump will order a military strike on Iran. Reports suggest that US plans target Iran’s nuclear facilities, missile stockpiles, and the Islamic government itself, with potential ground operations inside Iran also under consideration. Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth stated that the US military is ready to implement any orders issued by the president. Iran’s Retaliation Options Iranian authorities have warned of an immediat...

Jakarta: In a stark enforcement of Sharia law, a woman in Indonesia’s Aceh province was publicly lashed 140 times for allegedly consuming alcohol and having a relationship outside marriage. Aceh, Indonesia’s only province with special autonomy under a 2001 law, implements Islamic Sharia alongside the national legal system. According to reports by AFP, both a man and a woman were punished in a public park before dozens of onlookers. The woman reportedly fainted after the punishment and was rushed to a hospital by ambulance. Muhammad Rizal, head of Aceh’s Sharia police, confirmed that the pair received 140 lashes in total—100 for having extramarital relations and 40 for alcohol consumption. Aceh province is known for imposing some of the harshest Sharia punishments in Indonesia. The co...

Dhaka: Ahead of the upcoming elections in Bangladesh, the chief of the hardline Islamic party Jamaat-e-Islami, Shafiqur Rahman, has given a reassuring message to India, signaling a potential thaw in strained bilateral ties. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Rahman stated that if his party comes to power, it would not cause any harm to India. Responding to a question about the possibility of India refusing to hand over Sheikh Hasina, Rahman said, “We will engage in meaningful dialogue with India. Our party’s position is clear: we will not cause any trouble to our neighbors, and in return, we expect mutual respect and trust.” Rahman also addressed allegations regarding Jamaat-e-Islami’s involvement in the atrocities against Bengali people during the 1971 Liberation War. He denied the pa...

Tehran: Tensions between the United States and Iran continue to escalate. The U.S. has deployed another warship to the Middle East, joining the already stationed aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. Meanwhile, countries like Qatar and Turkey are trying to mediate to prevent a full-scale conflict. The pressing question remains: will President Donald Trump order a military strike on Iran, and how might Tehran respond? Reports indicate that the U.S. military is prepared to execute any directive from the President. According to The New York Times, U.S. plans include strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, missile stockpiles, and key elements of the Islamic government, with the potential for covert operations inside Iran. Iran’s Potential Responses:Experts note that while Iran may be milit...

Ankara/Tehran: Turkey has stepped in as a mediator between the U.S. and Iran in an attempt to avert escalating tensions in the Middle East. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has offered to host a teleconference between U.S. President Donald Trump and Iran’s leadership to promote diplomacy and prevent a potential conflict. According to officials cited by Middle East Eye, Ankara has proposed that Iran offer its vast oil reserves to the U.S. as a confidence-building measure. While Trump has reportedly shown interest in Turkey’s proposal, Tehran has not yet responded. Iranian President Masoud Pageshkian has also refrained from commenting on the offer. Turkish authorities hope that a visit by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to Istanbul later this week may provide an opportunity ...

Washington: Soft power—the ability of a nation to influence others through culture, values, and diplomacy rather than military might—remains a key measure of global influence. In the 2026 Global Soft Power Index, the United States continues to hold the top spot, although the gap with China has narrowed significantly. Compiled by Brand Finance, the index scores 193 UN member states across 55 indicators, ranging from cultural influence to governance, digital engagement, and international reputation. Top 10 Countries in Soft Power 2026: United States – 74.9 (score down 4.6 points from last year) China – 73.5 (up 0.7 points; improved rankings in 19 of 35 national brand attributes) Japan – 70.6 United Kingdom – 69.2 (its lowest rank since the index began) Germany – 67.7 ...

Washington/Tehran: The U.S. has reportedly encircled Iran with a massive military presence in the Middle East, heightening fears of an imminent conflict. According to reports, the U.S. has deployed: 12 fighter jets in Jordan A guided missile destroyer in the Red Sea Three warships in the Persian Gulf Two destroyers in the Gulf of Oman, near the Strait of Hormuz USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea, accompanied by three separate destroyers Additionally, a U.S. Navy destroyer, USS Delbert D. Black, recently joined the fleet, bringing the total number of destroyers in the region to six, alongside the aircraft carrier and three other littoral combat ships. U.S. Conditions for IranAccording to geopolitical analyst Stanley Johnny, the Trump administratio...