world

Tehran: Tensions between the United States and Iran are escalating as a substantial U.S. military presence has been observed in the Middle East, signaling the possibility of imminent conflict. Recent reports indicate that multiple fighter jets, along with aerial refueling tankers, have been deployed toward the region, fueling speculation of a major operation. The U.S. has also positioned aircraft carriers, cruisers, and submarines in the Gulf. Strategic Importance of the Strait of Hormuz Iran is simultaneously balancing diplomacy with military preparedness. While engaging in talks with the U.S., Tehran has conducted naval exercises in the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian and Oman Gulfs. Though Iran frames these exercises as routine, temporary closures of sections of the strait convey...

Dhaka: Bangladesh’s President Mohammad Shahabuddin has raised serious concerns over a trade deal finalized with the United States just days before the February general elections, alleging that even the President’s office was kept in the dark. The revelation has triggered questions about transparency and constitutional compliance during the interim government led by Nobel laureate Mohammad Yunus. According to President Shahabuddin, Yunus’s interim government, which lasted 18 months following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s administration in August 2024, failed to follow constitutional protocols regarding foreign engagements. “The Constitution requires that the President be informed of all foreign trips, both before departure and after return. I was never briefed on Yunus’s 14–15 internationa...

Dhaka: China’s involvement in Bangladesh’s Teesta River project is raising strategic concerns for India, particularly due to the project’s proximity to the Siliguri Corridor, also known as the “Chicken’s Neck,” which connects India’s northeastern states to the rest of the country. Following the formation of the new government in Dhaka, China has intensified its engagement. Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen met with Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman to express Beijing’s support for Prime Minister Tariq Rahman and his “Bangladesh First” policy. During the discussions, both sides addressed ways to strengthen bilateral relations, with the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project emerging as a key topic. Ambassador Yao stated that talks on the Teesta project, whi...

Tel Aviv / New Delhi: During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Israel (February 25–26), India and Israel may finalize a landmark agreement to jointly develop anti-ballistic missile (ABM) defense systems. These systems are designed to intercept incoming ballistic missiles, marking a major step in India’s indigenous air-defense capabilities, including its ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ program. Sources indicate that the deal may also cover the joint development of other high-tech weaponry, including laser-based defense systems, long-range stand-off missiles, and drones. While no formal defense contract is expected to be signed during Modi’s visit, a security cooperation MoU could pave the way for a multi-year program worth over $10 billion. Laser Air-Defense: A Game-Changer One o...

Islamabad: Amid an ongoing energy crisis, Pakistan has discovered new oil and gas reserves in its northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). The discovery offers a potential relief for a country heavily reliant on expensive energy imports to meet rising demand. According to Pakistan’s state media, the newly discovered reserves are located in the Lumshiwal Formation of the Baragazai X-01 well. Current estimates indicate the well can produce 225 barrels of oil per day and 1.01 million standard cubic feet of natural gas daily. While not considered a massive find, it is seen as an important step toward alleviating Pakistan’s energy shortfall. Discovery Details The Baragazai X-01 well was drilled as an exploratory well on December 30, 2024. Its purpose was to assess hydrocarbon ...

Paris/New Delhi: India and France are in advanced negotiations over the Rafale fighter jet deal, covering pricing, technology transfer, and other key issues. The Indian Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the purchase of 114 Rafale jets at an estimated cost of ₹3.6 lakh crore under a comprehensive capital acquisition proposal. The deal also includes six P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft for the Indian Navy. Deal Structure: Ready-Built and ‘Make in India’ Jets Under the proposed deal, 18 jets will be directly procured from France, fully built and ready for operations. The remaining 96 jets will be manufactured in India under the Make in India program. French media outlet L’Essentiel de l’Éco reported that “Make in India” ...

Washington/New Delhi: Former U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that India significantly reduced its Russian oil imports at his urging. Speaking during a White House press briefing, Trump highlighted the strong relationship between the U.S. and India, saying: “India pulled back its trade with Russia. They were taking oil from Russia, and they backed off significantly at my request because we want to end a terrible war in which 25,000 people are dying every month.” Trump also emphasized his positive rapport with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. U.S. Ambassador Confirms Reduced Russian Oil Imports U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gore echoed similar claims, stating that India has pledged to reduce Russian oil purchases. Speaking at an AI conference in New Delhi, Gore said: ...

Washington: The U.S. Supreme Court recently struck down former President Donald Trump’s global tariffs, ruling that he had overstepped his authority by imposing them without congressional approval. At the center of this historic legal victory is Neal Katyal, an Indian-American lawyer whose arguments convinced the Court that Trump’s tariffs were unconstitutional. Legal Arguments That Won the Day Katyal challenged Trump’s use of the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), arguing that the law does not authorize the President to impose tariffs. He highlighted that Trump had effectively applied an “unconstitutional tax” on nearly every trading partner of the United States. After the Court’s decision, Katyal said: “Today, the U.S. Supreme Court stood for the rule of l...

Washington: Former U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that he is considering a limited military strike on Iran to pressure Tehran into agreeing to a nuclear deal. Speaking to reporters, Trump said he was weighing potential military options alongside ongoing negotiations. When asked whether the U.S. might take limited military action during talks, Trump replied, “I think I’m considering that.” His comments come just hours after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran is very close to finalizing a draft nuclear agreement with Washington. Iran Nears Draft Deal In a television interview on Friday, Araghchi said that Iran plans to finalize a draft deal within two to three days and send it to Washington. “I don’t think it will take long,” he said, adding that f...

Washington: Following a setback from the U.S. Supreme Court, former President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order imposing a 10% global tariff on all goods imported into the United States. The order came just hours after the Supreme Court declared Trump’s previous global tariffs illegal. The new tariffs are effective immediately and apply to imports from every country. Trump announced the move on his social media platform, Truth Social, writing: “I am proud to have signed the global 10% tariff from the Oval Office. It will take effect almost immediately.” The White House also shared a screenshot highlighting the implementation of the tariff. Supreme Court Ruling Sparks Strong Reaction Earlier, the U.S. Supreme Court, in a 6-3 decision, ruled that Trump had misused his pr...