President Donald Trump has announced a new construction project connecting the National Mall to the Potomac River, adding to a growing list of changes reshaping Washington, D.C. The announcement comes as new polling analysis shows Trump's approval rating at a historic low, while his prolific activity on Truth Social continues to draw attention. Here's a closer look at the project, the polls and the politics surrounding the president.


Trump Plans Promenade Named After Himself Amid Net Approval Rating Hitting All-Time Low

#Gravitas Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev says Moscow and Washington are moving ahead with plans to continue designing a proposed underwater tunnel connecting Russia's far east with Alaska.  A move that could not just connect the U.S. and Russia but also Asia and North America by land.


Russia-US Could Bring Asia-North America Closer Than Ever Through Bering Strait Deal 

Thousands of Hindu devotees in Indonesia have undertaken a challenging climb up Mount Bromo, an active volcano rising more than 7,600 feet, to worship a 700-year-old idol of Lord Ganesh. The centuries-old ritual is part of the annual Yadnya Kasada festival, during which worshippers offer rice, fruits, livestock and other items into the volcano's crater as a gesture of gratitude and devotion.

For local communities, Lord Ganesh is believed to offer protection and blessings, including safeguarding the region from volcanic disasters. The unique tradition highlights the enduring blend of faith, culture and nature on the slopes of one of Indonesia's most iconic volcanoes.

Hindus Scale Active Volcano in Indonesia to Pray to 700-year-old Ganesh Idol

Cuba has marked the 95th birthday of former leader Raul Castro at a time of mounting economic and geopolitical challenges. Castro, who led the country until 2018, was last seen publicly during the May Day rally in Havana.

The island nation is currently grappling with severe diesel and fuel oil shortages, worsening economic hardships and growing pressure from the United States. As concerns mount over Cuba's future, the country finds itself navigating one of the most difficult periods in recent years.

Cuba Under Pressure As Raul Castro Turns 95 Amid Fuel Crisis & U.S. Tensions

Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used in policing across the world, from crime hotspot mapping in Colombia to predictive risk systems being explored in the UK. While supporters say AI can help prevent crime and improve response times, critics warn it could reinforce bias, increase surveillance, and raise serious ethical concerns about profiling and privacy in law enforcement.

From Colombia to the UK: How AI is Shaping the Future of Policing

#Gravitas A controversy is brewing around the Miss Israel pageant, with the reigning titleholder alleging that the competition has drifted away from its national identity and may even be operating with a predetermined outcome.

The Next Miss Israel May Not Be Israeli, Warns 2025 Winner

In a remarkable survival story from the world's highest mountain, a climber who had been missing on Mount Everest for six days and was feared dead has been found alive after making a dramatic descent through treacherous ice and extreme conditions.

The extraordinary ordeal has stunned rescuers and the mountaineering community, highlighting both the dangers of Everest and the resilience required to survive in one of the harshest environments on Earth.

Miracle on Everest: Climber Missing for Six Days, Believed Dead, Crawls Down Ice

A unique competition in Beijing is taking nostalgia to a whole new level. Hundreds of participants, ranging from schoolchildren to adults in their 50s, are competing in a viral "sneak-eating" contest inspired by childhood classroom memories.

Using textbooks to hide snacks from a watchful "teacher," contestants must finish their treats within 10 minutes without getting caught. The lighthearted challenge has become a social media sensation, blending humor, nostalgia and a playful return to school-day mischief.

China's Viral 'Sneak-Eating' Contest Lets Adults Relive School Days

#Gravitas Japan has moved to criminalise the desecration of its national flag. The bill, backed by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, is now advancing through Japan’s parliament but has also sparked concerns over freedom of expression. 


Japan Plans to Jail People Who Desecrate National Flag

The Enforcement Directorate conducted raids at 20 locations across Maharashtra and Gujarat in connection with the Salim Dola drug case. Dola is considered as a close aide of India's most wanted fugitive Dawood Ibrahim. As per investigators, the raids were aimed at uncovering his narcotics network stretching multiple countries.


Dawood Drug Syndicate Probe Intensifies as ED Raids 20 Locations Across 2 States

A UK Sikh MP has defended the right of Sikhs to carry the kirpan, a ceremonial sacred dagger, in public spaces, citing religious freedom and cultural rights. The remarks come amid ongoing debates in the United Kingdom over security laws and religious exemptions. The issue has sparked wider discussions on balancing public safety with the protection of faith-based practices in multicultural societies. Watch the latest updates, political reactions, and analysis.


UK Sikh MP Defends Right to Carry Sacred Dagger

From AI-enabled gadgets to wearable tech like smart glasses, hidden earpieces, and internet-connected devices, students are using increasingly sophisticated methods to cheat in exams. Social media platforms are also spreading step-by-step guides on how to avoid detection, raising serious concerns for exam authorities about fairness, security, and the future of assessments.


From Smart Glasses to Invisible Earpieces: The New Era of Exam Cheating

Russia has issued a stark warning to Europe over the possibility of nuclear escalation, while reports suggest Russian nuclear submarines have sent a strategic signal from the Arctic region. The developments have raised global concerns amid heightened tensions between Russia and Western nations.


Russia Warns Europe of Nuclear War; Submarines Send Arctic Signal

#Gravitas A fresh warning from the Five Eyes intelligence alliance claims Chinese operatives are using fake online recruitment drives to target government officials, military personnel, academics and policy experts across the Western world.   


From London to Washington, Security Chiefs Sound Alarm Over China's Spy Recruitment

Iran is reportedly demanding the release of billions of dollars in frozen assets as part of the first phase of ongoing negotiations with the United States, according to diplomatic sources. The issue has become a major sticking point in talks aimed at de-escalating tensions and shaping a potential agreement. The request highlights Iran’s push for immediate economic relief alongside broader geopolitical negotiations amid rising US-Iran tensions.


US-Iran War: Iran Wants Billions in Frozen Assets Released During First Phase

Google-backed researchers are seeking approval to release up to 32 million sterile mosquitoes as part of an ambitious effort to combat disease-carrying mosquito populations. The project aims to curb the spread of illnesses such as dengue by reducing the number of mosquitoes capable of reproducing.

But how does the technology work, and could releasing millions of insects create unintended consequences for the environment? As regulators review the proposal, the debate over science, public health and human intervention in nature is intensifying.

Google Plans to Release 32 Million Mosquito Army | Tiny Killers, Giant Experiment

Artificial intelligence is fueling one of the biggest investment waves in modern history, with AI-focused companies attracting staggering valuations and reshaping global markets.

But as billions pour into the sector and investors chase the next AI giant, questions are growing over whether the industry is witnessing a genuine technological revolution—or the formation of a massive financial bubble. Is the AI boom sustainable, or are markets getting ahead of reality?

Trillion-dollar AI Boom: Bubble or Breakthrough?

A major dispute has reportedly erupted inside the U.S. intelligence community, with the CIA and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence at odds over intelligence-sharing, access to classified information and control of key national security assessments. Reports suggest the CIA has reduced participation in some intelligence reports, including assessments related to the Iran conflict

CIA Limits Iran Intel Amid Turf War Among U.s. Spy Agencies

A promising new drug is raising hopes for bladder cancer patients by potentially reducing the need for life-changing surgery. Researchers say the treatment could mark a significant step forward in cancer care, offering patients an alternative approach while improving quality of life.

Could this breakthrough transform the future of bladder cancer treatment? Here's what the latest findings reveal.

:ngame-changer for Bladder Cancer Patients?

Donald Trump is increasingly taking sides in elections far beyond America's borders. From endorsing Colombia's Abelardo de la Espriella to backing Armenia's Nikol Pashinyan and supporting Hungary's Viktor Orban, Trump's interventions are raising questions about foreign influence in democratic processes. Is this simply political solidarity among ideological allies or does it cross into foreign interference? This explainer examines Trump's growing global endorsement playbook and its impact on elections worldwide.


From South America To Europe: Trump's Growing Habit Of Backing Foreign Leaders Before Elections

Israel has continued carrying out strikes in Lebanon despite a US-brokered understanding aimed at reducing hostilities, according to reports. The renewed attacks have further escalated tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border, raising concerns over a broader regional spillover. Diplomatic efforts to stabilize the situation appear strained as both sides remain locked in ongoing conflict dynamics.


Israel-Lebanon War: Israel Continues Lebanon Strikes Despite US-Brokered Understanding

Japan is facing growing concerns over discrimination against its Muslim community. According to reports, mosques are receiving abusive calls and threatening emails, while misinformation on social media is fueling fear and hostility. With Japan's Muslim population nearly doubling in recent years and more than 160 mosques now operating nationwide, incidents involving harassment, protests against mosque construction, and suspicious attacks have sparked debate over immigration, diversity, and religious tolerance. Here's a detailed look at the issue and why community leaders are sounding the alarm.


Why Japan's Muslim Community Says It Is Facing Rising Harassment And Discrimination |

Israel recorded its highest-ever annual defence exports in 2025, marking a fifth straight year of record-breaking sales.  According to reports, Israel's defence exports surged nearly 30%, reaching almost 19.2 billion dollars in 2025, up from the previous record of 14.8 billion dollars in 2024.


Israel Sets Defence Exports Record Despite War & Its Own Needs 

Ukrainian drones have reportedly struck one of Russia’s largest oil terminals, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The attack targeted critical energy infrastructure, raising concerns over supply disruptions and further intensification of hostilities. Authorities are assessing the damage as both sides continue to exchange strikes in a conflict that has increasingly focused on strategic economic assets.


Russia-Ukraine War: Ukrainian Drones Hit One of the Russia's Largest Oil Terminal 

Reports suggest a secret US plan may be underway to expand NATO’s nuclear reach across Europe, raising concerns over a possible increase in nuclear deployments and military presence near Russia’s borders. The alleged move comes amid escalating tensions between NATO and Moscow, with analysts warning it could further intensify global security risks and deepen divisions within the already strained geopolitical landscape.


Secret US Plan To Expand NATO Nuclear Borders | US Eyes Bigger Nuclear Footprint in Europe 

The pink ball revolutionized Test cricket by making day-night matches possible under floodlights. First introduced to improve visibility during evening sessions, the pink ball has become a key feature of modern Test cricket, creating a unique playing experience for both players and fans.

Now, the ICC has approved trials to explore the use of pink balls in standard day Tests to reduce interruptions caused by bad light. Here's how the pink ball changed the longest format of the game and why cricket's governing body is considering expanding its use.

Why Cricket Uses A Pink Ball: The Story Behind Day-Night Test Matches 

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